A Review for Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires #5) by Chloe Neill

Posted by Donna
Published Date: November 10th, 2011
Finished Date: March 14th, 2012
Publishers: Gollancz
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback 
Pages: 321
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down. That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly. Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike.
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The Review: “I have been given a third chance at life, even if the circumstances are somewhat disconcerting. You are mine, and we both know it.”

Drink Deep starts two months after the shocking and emotional ending of Hard Bitten. Merit is trying to move on with her life, she’s started training with Jonah to become a better fighter, she’s also joined the RG and now Cadogan House is under investigation where everyone is being put though tests. Could things get any worse? Actually they could. Merit starts having dreams of Ethan; dreams were he’s calling her name – but what do the dreams mean? She doesn’t know, so she seeks out Mallory’s help but unknown to Merit, dark forces are at work and suddenly she is betrayed by someone she loves.

Wow, Chloe Neill has a lot of balls doing what she did through-out this book. With Ethan dead, I was wondering if she could pull it off and create the same magic as the last few books, and while I think she did a great job, I missed Ethan too much. I still really enjoyed it but I missed the interaction between him and Merit, I missed the intense scenes and the banter between them. I do see how much hard work has gone into Drink Deep and yes, the ending is just amazing but I wished it had of been sooner. I’m totally Team Ethan and this series just wouldn’t be the same without him.   

Despite the above, I still enjoyed this book. It had so many exciting twists and turns and the story itself took a major turn involving one of our beloved characters. I have to say well done to Chloe Neill for it because it wasn’t something I was expecting, so to say the least, it was a huge shock. My heart went out to those who were affected by the decisions of this one person (which I won’t name because I don’t want to spoil it for you) but while I was shocked by the events I can’t hate this person. Deep down they have gone off the deep end BUT they also created a lot of good too; i.e. Ethan! And I believe they had the best intentions at heart. They’ve lost their way and I’m sure with the strength and help of Merit, they will find their way again.

Now after finishing this book, I’m left with so many unanswered and I’m just dying to find out what happens next. So, roll on August 2012 when Biting Cold is released!

A huge thank you Gollancz for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

 

A Review for Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires #4) by Chloe Neill

Posted by Donna
Published Date: May 3rd, 2011
Finished Date: March 14th, 2012
Publishers: Gollancz
Source: Bought - TBR Reading Challenge 2012
Format: Kindle
Pages: 350
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals-and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are...tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else.

Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in the heady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society-a world full of vampires who seem ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands...
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The Review: After finishing Twice Bitten, I dived straight into this book; Hard Bitten and honestly it was just as good! so 3.5 out of 5.

This time around we see Merit take on Chicago on her own. With Ethan busy with a visit from a Master vampire, it’s down to Merit to put a stop to the raves where vampires feed of off willing humans. The raves have been gotten out of hand and there are three girls dead. Soon Merit finds herself on a race against time trying to solve who is behind it.  

Ms Neill is definitely packing some punches in over these last few novels and I really hope she keeps it up. I’ve heard people say this book wasn’t the best but I really liked it and it’s a high improvement on Some Girls Bite and Friday Night Bites.

I loved Merit even more in this book. She really shines through because she’s battling things on her own. She’s really head-strong and works hard at trying to find out who is behind the trouble. Now the scenes between Merit and Ethan have more chemistry then ever, if that’s even possible. Ethan is determined to win Merit back and he’s even more swoon-worthy. His love for her really shows but Merit is really stubborn and she doesn’t want to trust him again with her heart – well not yet.

All the while I was reading this book, I was screaming at her to just be with him and then that shocking ending!!! Noooooooo!!!! Even though I knew what was coming I still wasn’t prepared enough for the emotions that would pass through me – I cried like a baby and my heart was seriously heart-broken for Merit. I’m so glad I have Drink Deep ready and waiting for me. 

Favourite Quote:

 “You can run. You can keep running to the ends of the earth. But I won’t be far behind you.”

“Ethan—”

“No. I will never be far behind you.” He tipped up my chin so that I could do nothing else but look back into his eyes. “Do the things you need to do. Learn to be a vampire, to be a warrior, to be the soldier you are capable of being. But consider the possibility that I made a mistake I regret—and that I’ll continue to regret that mistake and try to convince you to give me another chance until the earth stops turning.” - Ethan & Merit

 

A Review for Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires #3) by Chloe Neill

Posted by Donna
Published Date: October 14th, 2010
Finished Date: March 12th, 2012
Publishers: Gollancz
Source: Bought - TBR Reading Challenge 2012
Format: Kindle
Pages: 355
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit, Chicago's newest vampire. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene-and to spy for the vamps while she's at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan's offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission.

Unfortunately, someone is gunning for Gabriel, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She'll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals-not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries-old master vampire.

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The Review: Wow, why can’t all of the Chicagoland Vampire books be like this one? This was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster and this was definitely my favourite book so far. I want more!

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Twice Bitten sees Merit and Ethan take on a whole new adventure, one that involves Shape shifters.They are recruited by the Alpha – Gabriel Keene, to provide protection for him while he is in town. Merit and Ethan jump at the chance - although it can be messy work they would like to work together with the shifters, so they can help defeat the big bad when it’s comes. But how can they all work together in peace when someone is threatening to ruin everything they’ve work so hard to build?

As I said before this is definitely my favourite book so far in the series, it is full of action packed, hot and intense scenes and the chemistry between the characters is scorching hot! It still lacks in certain places and the political roles still play a key factor into the story so….it get’s 3.5 out of 5 from me.

If you’ve already read this book you will probably know why this way my favourite and if you haven’t – well, I’ll give you a hint - there is a little scene between Merit and Ethan that will not not leave you disappointed! Ethan Sullivan is just amazing in this book and although he does have a few low lights when he upset Merit, you can still see deep down he’s doing what he believes is right the right thing.   

Here are some of my favourite quotes to convince you Ethan is amazing;

“You undo me, Merit. Wholly and completely. You don't take me at my word. You challenge me at every opportunity. And that means when I'm with you, I am less than the head of this House...and I am more than the head of this House. I am a man." He stroked my cheeks with his thumbs. "In my very, very long life, I need you more than I have ever needed anything.” – Ethan

“Always remember," he whispered to me, "that you are an uncommon soldier, whatever they say. And you are quite a thing to behold.”  - Ethan

See what I mean? *sigh* I adore him even with his faults!

Overall, Twice Bitten was a great read and I’m eager to see where Ms Neill now takes the rest of the series.

 

A Review for Friday Night Bites (The Chicagoland Vampires #2) by Chloe Neill

Posted by Donna
Published Date: April 8th, 2012
Finished Date: March 11th, 2012 
Publishers: Gollancz
Source: Bought - TBR Reading Challenge 2012 
Format: Kindle 
Pages: 357
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The Blurb from Goodreads: The story of a young heiress's initiation into the dark society of the Chicagoland Vampires continues...Ten months after vampires revealed their existence to the mortals of Chicago, they're enjoying a celebrity status usually reserved for the Hollywood elite. But should people learn about the Raves-mass feeding parties where vampires round up humans like cattle-the citizens will start sharpening their stakes.So now it's up to the new vampire Merit to reconnect with her upper class family and act as liaison between humans and bloodsuckers, and keep the more unsavory aspects of the vampire lifestyle out of the media. But someone doesn't want peace between them-someone with an ancient grudge...
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The Review: I know what you’re thinking. I only posted my review for the first book in this series a few days ago where I made it clear I would not be continuing with this series BUT, after being made feel guilty by my friend Melanie (bless her).........and she clearly pointed out to me, I must continue with this series because of the following:

1) The series gets better with each book.

2) I need to read book three.

3) I need to find out where the relationship goes between Merit and Ethan.

4) Ethan….wow…..need she say more?

So despite my better judgement, I continued and even though there were times I really wanted to give up, I carried on, mainly because of Ethan…and I did ended up liking it a little better than book one…just slightly so it gets 2.5 out of 5 from me.

This time around we see Merit and Ethan trying to climb the social ladder to find some information about a person who is trying to publish a story about vampires. Some vampires like to hold raves where people are feed from by vampires, but if this were ever to go public it would do more damage to the vampire community. So that leaves Merit seeking help from the one person she despises – her father. He can help her being welcomed back into the fold of the rich, popular and upper class society but someone among them doesn’t want peace and are they are determined to get what they want.

As I said previously, Friday Night Bites is a slightly better book but I only rated it a 2.5 because it wasn’t by much. I still really enjoyed the characters, I love them all and I really love the banter between them. The relationship between Merit and Ethan is still as tense as ever, but at times, it’s so hot. There is chemistry between them and I’m practically shouting at them to get their acts together, even with Morgan in the way, but they need to hurry up…seriously it’s torture waiting.

The story this time around was a bit better than the first; I like how more Merit gets involved more and the mystery surrounding the journalist. It was also nice to see Merit and Ethan step away from their house. I do still feel there is quite a bit of poticial talk and I’m still not overly keen on it, but I understand the need for it to be in the story.

Overall, I’m glad Melanie pushed me to continue with this series and I’m heading for book three as we speak.

 

A Review for Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires #1) by Chloe Neill

Posted by Donna
Published Date: April 7th, 2009
Finished Date: March 8th, 2012
Publishers: Gollancz
Source: Swapped - TBR Reading challenge 2012
Format: Paperback
Pages: 341 
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The Blurb from Goodreads: First in a brand new series about a Chicago graduate student’s introduction into a society of vampires.

 Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn’t exactly glamorous, but it was Merit’s. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker—and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead. Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she’s traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o’ the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred- year-old vampire, he has centuries’ worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects her gratitude—and servitude. But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan’s attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone’s still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago’s nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war—and there will be blood.

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The Review: The Chicagoland Vampire series is a series I had wanted to start for a while, mainly because I needed a new vampire series to sink my teeth into and I have book 5 for review. But now after reading it – I’m one of those people that definitely has mixed feeling about this book – and here’s why;

Some Girls Bite follows the life of Merit – a 27-year-old girl who is studying at university. One night she is attacked by a vampire and left for dead, until someone comes to her rescue – however Merit was to far gone and the only way to keep her alive is to turn her into a vampire. As Merit tries to come to terms with her new vampire life, she thrown into a world where vampires are separated by houses and she’s recruited by the person who saved her life; a Master vampire named Ethan Sullivan. As she fights her undeniable attraction for Ethan, bigger things are being played out and that leaves Merit in even more danger than she thought.

This is a hard one to review because there were so many things I liked but also so many things I didn’t like. 

I’ll start with what I did like; 

-  I loved Merit! She was snarky, funny and witty. She’s not one to hold her tongue and even if that means putting herself in even more trouble she’s willing to do it for what she believes. She’s such a lovable character that you really feel the connection with her and one of her best traits is how loyal is she. Kickass heroine! 

      - Ethan – wow, a hot blonde vampire – one that could give Bones a run for his money. He's everything you want from a master vampire; strong, broody and he definitely means business. I was told that the author pictured David Beckham as Ethan….I like Beckham but I kind of picture Ethan as Eric from True Blood…but either way both of them are pretty hot. So an epic win all round! 

       - I loved the secondary characters like Mallory and Catcher etc…. They all bought some level of excitement to the book, along with loads of laughs. I also loved the relationship between Mallory and Merit….they were more like sisters than friends. 

         

      - The relationship between Merit and Ethan was just full of intense, hot and sexy scenes. Although we don’t get much of there relationship in this book, it will still great addition to the story fired up.

What I didn’t like; 

-  The vampire politics – I felt as though the politics over took the story too much. I found myself getting bored in parts that I assumed were key moments. I did like finding out how the different houses worked but other than that…it bored me. 

- Merit and her Grandfather’s relationship….bored me! I really only skimmed these parts because half of it I felt was irrelevant. 

- I felt everything was over told. There were huge paragraphs describing things and some repetitive thoughts that were not needed. I felt if they weren't included in the story, it would have been chopped down a lot more and maybe at a faster pace.

Overall, I really loved the characters and relationships in this book but that was about it. I actually picked up the second book straight away and ended up reading about 27% and I put it down. I was more interested in knowing what happens between Merit and Ethan and honestly, if you’ve read the book you know that there scenes are few and far between. So….maybe I’ll try again with book two but for now…this series isn’t for me.