Charmfall: A Novel of The Dark Elite

As reviewed on KayFrayBooks

It would have been easy for Merit to slip into the role of whiny heroine. I’ve found that a lot of books lean towards the complainer, mistaking complaints as angst or even conflict to keep the plot interesting,

I am happy to report that it was not the case with Some Girls Bite. Sure, Merit feels some growing pains. Who wouldn’t? But what does she do? She gets up, dusts herself off, and does what needs to be done… with her own Merit flair of course.

I loved the world building. Mostly because it was our world, with one difference. Less than a year ago, vampires stopped hiding. And magic is known as a real thing. Ok, so it is very different, but only because of that. The world hasn’t adapted yet to the existence of these myths.

We get to see society evolve, see how they handle seeing what they have always believed turn false. I really like that the vampires don’t act surprised about the human aggression and distaste toward them. They seem to understand that acceptance on this scale has a steep learning curve.

The editing is flawless or close enough that it makes no nevermind. The characters are deep and well developed. They feel real, which is saying something since they are vampires.

Merit follows the rules, mostly, and gives respect to Ethan, mostly, but she just has this witty way about her where she can rag on him without actually disrespecting him. Tricky business that.

Started this book on vacation and didn’t have a real chance to get into it until I got home. So the first 100 pages took forever. I’m thinking it was mainly due to being busy and not a reflection on the story, although I did go back and forth on that in the beginning too. This story reminds me of several other author’s writing that I adore: Kim Harrison, Jeaniene Frost, D.B. Reynolds, Patricia Briggs to name a few. If you enjoyed books by any of these authors I think you will like this series too.

So like I said in the beginning I wasn’t so sure what to think. I’m mentioned in blog posts before that one of my biggest pet peeves is a lead character that doesn’t like themselves. Merit had a little of that going for her, but it wasn’t so much that she didn’t like herself, she did’t like what had been done to her. She didn’t want to be a vampire and the choice had not been granted to her over her change. She spent much of the book struggling to come to terms with this new life. I appreciated the approach this author took to the situation and actually enjoyed the struggle that Merit was working through. In this case I found it interesting and was glad I stuck with it.

Like Merit, I am unsure of what to make of the two love interests that have been set up for the love triangle in this series. I kinda like and hate both men and am going to need another book or two before I can pick a team to root for. They are both so deliciously complex that I wish we could have gotten to know both of them better in this book.

I also liked how Merit was pretty much as in the dark to this new supernatural world and its rules as we were. I enjoy when a story plays out this way because we get to learn the ropes along with the lead character.

So what didn’t work for me. Some of the dialog and some cases of showing not telling. Other typical first book stuff as the author works out a new series, its world and struggles to find their voice. By the end of the book though most of the rough edges had been smoothed over and I was so into the story that I went ahead and added the complete series to my to-read list. Now I’m ruing all the Galley books I need to get through and review before I can continue this series. Damn you over active request impulse for free books… Anyway, great start to this series and I really can’t wait to read more!

Perhaps I am over the age for reading this series?

I keep having a strong impression this series is intended for the very young adult 12-14 year olds, readers who have only a vague idea of the real world and real interaction between people in the grown up world.

The female protagonist Merit appears to be a likeable enough person and Ethan Sullivan master vampire of Cadogan House has some appeal. There is a fair amount of action too. However the personalities of Merit, Ethan and other supporting characters kept falling flat for me. There is a sense of characters not fleshed out. The interaction and dialogue between characters appear to something out of a hip college TV series. One may argue that as Merit is a grad student and her world may be fairly insulated. That same excuse cannot be applied to Ethan Sullivan or the other vampires who have lived for hundreds of years. The vampire houses were reminiscent of college frat houses not populated by drunken jocks but by responsible hip young adults who happened to be vampires.

Ultimately the book seem plastic and pretty superficial ... like I said it could have been a posh vampire TV series with college setting subsequently transcribed into a book. Usually books tend to be much richer in content, which is then lost during the filming process. This book was written as if it was filmed....

I finished the first book and struggled through the second book, to give this series a fair chance. The second book is written in the same vein.

*Do not read this review if you haven't read the previous book.*

Things between Merit and Mallory are still up in the air and it's obvious neither of them is really liking the situation. One of them just needs to make the first move. Meanwhile things between Merit and Ethan have seemed to settle down a bit as in they are not constantly getting on each other's nerves. Ethan is even helping her become a better fighter, in his own kind of obnoxious way of course, but still it's better. Until Ethan is once again up to do a little strategizing and planning, which involves Merit and shifters.

The shifters are definitely fun. Vampires are a bit uptight, while shifters are very down to earth and it's all about family. Especially the connection between Merit and alpha Gabriel was fun to read, they are always bantering with each other. It seems that being alpha comes with it's own set of powers, because Gabriel says something about Merit being linked to his family in the future. All very mysterious and I definitely want to know more about that.

Shifter in Chicago of course means there is going to be trouble. They just don't get along with vampires at all and the feeling is mutual. So it's strange that Gabriel asks them for help, but Ethan gladly takes the chance in the hopes of maybe forming an alliance with the shifters. Though it's clear there are some people who are not board with that idea and are after Gabriel. That's why he hired Merit.

By now Merit is pretty much used to Ethan's way of thinking and pretty much using her as a pawn. Finally though things might heat up between them and it looks like it's going to be great, but then Ethan just had to be himself. It seems he has some trouble with being Cadogan master and the side that Merit brings out of him. If he doesn't find a way for those two sides to work together, thing aren't looking great for them.

So the shifters thing is definitely a plus to me, adding more characters, more intrigue, more fun, more love, more drama, more action. All very good. The romance between Ethan and Merit was pushed to the front and I really liked that we got to know Ethan better. It slowly becomes obvious how complicated things are, though sometimes even though he's 400-years-old, he's still a dude. Hopefully we get even more of that in the next book.

Vampires came out of the closet or rather the dark about eight months ago and people have surprisingly been very accepting about it. It's a time of Harry Potter and the fact that they are not out to destroy the world and kill people, certainly helps. Merit never really cared for them, but that all changed when she was attacked on campus and was involuntarily changed into a vampire.

To say she's not happy with this sudden change in her life, is putting it mildly. One of her first acts as a vampire is to challenge her 'master' Ethan Sullivan. Definitely not the smartest move, but it shows she's still her own person and not afraid to go against the rules at times. She takes the consequences as they come and deals with it if necessary.

Coming to grip with this sudden change in her life isn't easy. When it seems she wasn't the only one attacked, but the only one who survived, things turn really interesting. Someone is trying to frame the houses and give them a bad rep. Since Merit seems to be drawn to drama and danger, she is of course smack dab in the middle of all this.

Some Girls Bite is very much an introduction book, but therefor not less entertaining. We get to know all the major players and an entry into the vampire world. Chloe Neill has created some very interesting characters. Merit is simply the bomb. Even turned into a vampire doesn't stop her mouth from running wild. That girl has sarcasm down to a T. Her best friend and roomy Mallory is simply crazy and very protective over her friends. These two together is a blast.

I am not sure what to think about Ethan Sullivan. The guy is over four hundred years old, is very much about the rules and respect, clearly has some secret agenda and you just can not get a clear vibe from him. There is the obvious attraction between Ethan and Merit, they do not deny it, but Merit refuses to give in to someone like him. This will definitely provide lots of drama in the upcoming books, I hope.

A great start of a new series. I am definitely intrigued and want to know more about the Chicagoland Vampires. If I didn't need to eat and sleep, and stuff like that, I could easily read one right after another.

I'm always curious to see how the new writers take a hold of the myth that are vampires and makes it their own. I'll say this much, some of what this book offers is the usual politics, back stabbing, infighting, etc, that one comes to expect from the eternally undead. Other bits, add more fun.

I find it disappointing when the writer can't do just one supernatural in books like this and they HAVE to work all the others into it. Ah well.

It was a bit frustrating listening to this book, in that the narrator didn't really change her voice much for the various characters. It all came out pretty much the same. So unless I was following closely, I missed who was speaking at times. This may also have to do with the text itself.

And maybe it's me, but the whole romance thing... overdone in vampire novels. At least in this instance, the scene of passion was a part of moving the plot forward.

It was an interesting text and I'm curious to check out the second book, if only to see where she goes with the series. But I don't hold high hopes for the series as a whole.

Some Girls Bite is another interesting rendition of vampire urban fantasy. I liked the characters and the overall storyline. Some parts were a little underdeveloped; mainly the murder mystery. I found most of the book dealt with how the main character, Merit, came to accept her new life as a vampire.

I really enjoyed listening to Merit's transition to vampire life. Her struggles and rebellion were very entertaining. I liked that being vampire brought some edge to Merit. She basically turned from the geeky grad student to a powerful vampire. However, there was some sadness to her transition. I really felt her pain when she had to give up her graduate work. She had to make some really hard decisions. Ms. Neill expressed really well all the conflicting emotions that Merit felt.

The twisted relationship between Merit and Ethan was very interesting. It is definitely love/hate. I'm not sure I really liked it. I know their relationship will develop in the later books but I'm not sure I want it to. So far, Ethan is not very likeable. But that was probably Ms. Neill's intent in this first book of the series.

My favorite part of the book dealt with Merit finally finding a family connection. Her biological family was superficial and never appreciated her. Now, Merit has found a true family that she can protect and feel protected. She has found new friends that will have her back. It gave her new mental strength and helped tremendously with her transition. I, also, liked that she is a loyal friend. Mallory was not left behind just because Merit became a vampire.

Overall, Some Girls Bite was very enjoyable and a good first book in the Chicagoland Series. I will definitely read, not listen, to the second book. I have found that I don't like listening to urban fantasy; I would much rather read.

My sister has been a big fan of this series for years. So when I was looking for things to listen to on my commute, and I saw the series, I figured I would give it a try.

We first meet Merit when she is waking up in the back of a limo. She is wearing a black cocktail dress and Jimmy Choos. She feels groggy and tries hard to remember why she is in the limo wearing clothes that aren't hers. The last clear memory she has was of walking across campus one night and being attacked by a rogue vampire. Then someone cradling her and another bite at her neck. When she feels her neck, it is smooth and shred free.

Merit is taken home to the brownstone she lives in with her best friend and roommate Mallory. Merit has been gone for three days, during which she has been "changed". Mallory was so worried that she ended up calling Merit's parents to let them know. Merit and her father, Joshua Merit, rarely see eye to eye and Merit plays the black sheep of the family. She is however, extremely close to her grandfather, Chuck Merit. He was a cop with the Chicago Police Department for over 30 years before retiring. While she isn't worried overly what her parents will think of the change, Merit is very worried about telling her grandfather. With sarcastic Mallory at her side, Merit will have to learn the ropes of being a Vampire and come to turns with being turned without her consent, even it it saved her life.

I really enjoyed this book. Cynthia Holloway did a fantastic job of narrating this and bring the voices of Merit, Mallory, Ethan, and assorted others to life. Merit has to learn to accept the changes that have taken place in her life and accept that sometimes your life doesn't always follow the path you thought it would. The by play between Merit and Mallory was fun to listen to. We should all have a best friend like Mallory in our life. I think this was a great start to a series and gave it 4 stars.

First off, let me start by saying that I really enjoyed this book, despite my mistrust of just about anything urban fantasy related, written past the 90s. (They all look the same to me, these days.) Too often, when I pick up a new book, the main female character is too...everything...in an attempt at portraying a sassy, gorgeous, angsty, perfectly flawed, special snowflake. Inevitably, I'll hate her guts (as adamantly as her supporting characters fawn all over her) and stop reading before the first chapter is over.

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Although, we all know Merit is basically another sassy heroine, she was written in a way that was more likable than eye-roll inducing. The supporting characters were also believable and held my interest. I really liked Catcher, in particular. Ethan was very enticing as well. The dialogue was snappy and amusing. I like quick-witted dialogue when done right, and for the most part Ms. Neill did not disappoint. The banter, I felt, was not over-the-top or forced.

Now for the reasons why a couple of those stars are missing from my rating:
1.) I got tired of Merit repeating her age a million times throughout the book. We all get it--she's 27, going on 28. When I was 28, I wasn't trying to advertise the ever-loving crap out it, m'kay... She seems to remind us every couple of chapters.
2.) There were a couple of proofreading screw-ups. For example, a few paragraphs after stating that Luc is the only person in the room wearing jeans, she goes on to describe Peter's outfit--sweater, jeans, and boots. That takes me right out of a story and plunges me into critique-mode. I don't like involuntary critique-mode.
3.) The Mallory's-a-witch thing. I'm cool with Mallory being a witch. I didn't like that someone who's supposed to be so enthusiastic about everything paranormal would be upset--without ANY explanation as to why. None! It was angst for the sake of angst.
4.) The fakey, unexplained "argument" between Catcher and Mallory. They were fighting over...what exactly? Catcher says: "Here's a book. Learn some stuff." Mallory: "Grrr! No! Not gonna!" *sparks fly, glass shatters, hot kiss==>leading into another proofreading SNAFU, as Catcher leaves for work without putting his clothes back on.*

Sorry, had to be said.

Will I read the next book? Yup, absolutely. I really hope that some of these kinks were ironed out in the sequels, because overall I enjoyed it and would love to keep reading about these characters and really enjoyed Ms. Neill's writing style. My fingers are crossed. If you haven't read this book--give it a shot.

Twice Bitten is the third book in the Chicagoland Vampire series and picks up almost immediately following the events at the end of book 2. Merit has been receiving these red envelopes with hinting at an invitation to some thing special. I admit that I had this crazy thought that they were some kind of invitation to the Raves that they had been investigating. Turns out I was way wrong. Turns out, Merit has been invited to join the historic Red Guard, the secret police of the Vampire Masters. She is flabbergasted by the invitation, especially with how new she is and with her loyalties still forming in her mind, she requests some time to think about the offer.

When Gabriel, the Apex of the North American Shifters requests Ethan and especially Merit to be part of the security for the up coming pack meetings and massive event called the Convocation. This put Merit and Ethan neck deep in shifter politics. All the while dealing with a break up with her semi-kinda boyfriend Morgan, a fight with her best friend Mallory and the confusing feeling growing between herself and Ethan.

This book took us deeper into the Vampire world, gave us more insight into the Shifter world, let Merit start using all that training she has been getting, thrilled those rooting from a Ethan/Merit pairing then broke our hearts and ended with a bang. I was so much happier with where this book versus book 2. I felt like Merit is really starting to get her head on and grow into the position of Sentinel for her house as well as a bad ass chick. I am really enjoying the direction this book is headed and can't wait to start the next book. I had to give this book 4 stars.

Well, I think I've found my next vampire series! Yay! Some Girls Bite is the first book in the Chicagoland Vampires series by Chloe Neill. Some Girls Bite has been on my "to read" list since May and frankly I would have been content to leave it on my "to read" list but the first three books came available on my library's audiobook list. Why not? OMG, I'm so glad I read this (listened to this, whatever)! First of all, I love the female lead Merit. She's witty, sarcastic, smart, sexy, and strong, with tons of butt-kicking potential...just what I love in my heroines! There is some serious sexual tension between her and master vampire Ethan Sullivan, which I looked forward to reading throughout the book. I love Merit's best friend Mallory. The story building creates a long-term space (I hope) for all of my favorite characters from this first book in the Chicagoland Vampires series. I'm digging into this series for sure and with eight books published (as of 2013), more yet to be published, and novellas, this series will definately keep me busy for a while. There appears to be a variety of supernaturals in this series: vampires, shifters, sorcerers, psychics, fae, angels, demons, but the world building was not overwhelming. I can see that this may be the type of series that introduces the reader to each supernatural's world little by little as the series progresses. This first book introduces the reader to the vampire world mostly with tons of main characters. It follows Merit and how she and Mallory entered this paranormal world. I love that the rules for vampires in this series do not follow the standard, cookie-cutter vampire protocal used in most paranormal books. Regarding plot, there is a murder mystery that is causing stress among the humans and various vampire houses that is solved in this story and I enjoyed watching Merit's role in this. She's a very new vampire who is growing in power and vampire politics quickly but she is having to prove herself to her vampire peers and elders. Although she did not choose this vampire life, I love her outlook as she is making a name for herself as loyal and committed, and she's making an attempt to cherish her experience in this new family, all the while trying not to cause too much trouble for the head of her house Ethan...not that he really minds :)

My favorite quotes:
“Hi, Dad. It’s the daughter you barely tolerate. Yeah, I know you’re disappointed I’m the walking undead, but vampire guys are seriously hot.”

“I'm just warning you, I'm probably going to be a total hard-ass vamp." Mallory snorted and walked out of the kitchen, calling out, "Yeah, well, you've got a purple marshmallow on your chin, hard-ass vamp.”

“FYI, your eyes are silver. I’ll just add ‘horny’ to the list of reasons that happens.”

Admittedly, when I first decided to start reading the Chicagoland Vampires series I had my doubts. However, my misgivings were quickly put to rest as I was engulfed by Chloe Neill's amazing universe. I loved Merit from the very beginning and my high opinion of her skyrocketed the further along in the story I got. Add to that the delicious, swoon-worthy master vamp, Ethan and you're left with a book packed full of star quality characters. I immediately dove into the next installment after I finished Some Girls Bite. I just couldn't get enough!

Merit! Where do I begin!? I can't possibly do her character justice in this review but I'll try. She gets turned into a vampire against her will. Merit's not happy about the situation even after she learns that the alternative was death. Her whole life is turned upside down and inside out; the transition from student to fledgling is bumpy to say the least. I really appreciated Neill's portrayal of Merit's transformation. Too many authors ignore the growing pains that any normal human would experience if faced with a similar situation. This newly undead vamp's comebacks to people's prejudices towards supernaturals make it clear that this new life was forced upon her and not chosen. I enjoyed experiencing the change through Merit's eyes. From the first time she drinks blood to an incident where she forgets about her vulnerability to sunlight and pays the price. Merit's a victim but she sure doesn't act like one. I loved her sarcasm, her spunk and her backbone.

The delicious master vampire, Ethan, added a sexual element but also a power-loaded one to the plot line. He's pushing 400, the head of Cardogan House and is just as set in his ways as Merit. These two protagonists clashed from the get-go. The tension and back-and-forth snark between these two characters pushes this book over the top. A part of me was hoping that sparks would fly in the bedroom as well but I wasn't disappointed when it didn't happen. There's obviously sexual tension between master and fledgling but the confrontations between them wouldn't have been as explosive had they jumped each others bones right away. I hope it does happen eventually but I'm quite happy to wait and see how their relationship plays out.

The side characters in this novel are equally incredible. I'd be hard pressed to pick my least favorite because they're all just so lovable. Mallory is arguably the best friend any girl could ever have. The way she helps Merit through her transition is remarkable. If Ethan isn't your dream guy, don't worry because there are plenty of other delicious males to choose from. Between Catcher, Morgan and Jeff the hunks are in no short supply! I'm sure at least one of them will suit your tastes!

Some Girls Bite is an addictive read that'll have you bailing on your commitments because you won't be able to put it down. So be warned, you should probably save this one for the weekend. Merit might just be the best female heroine ever and I say this after having only read the first installment in this series. The plethora of man candy definitely helps as well. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Twice Bitten was everything that I was hoping for, that is, up until Ethan screwed it all up! This book wrecked havoc on my emotions at every turn. I went from cheering, to swearing to feeling hopeful again about what the future might hold for one of my favorite fictional duos. I found the second installment in this series to be a little slow going but this one blew my socks off! The ending also left me itching for book 4.

Gabriel and his s***ers play an important role in this novel. Not only that but these supernaturals are the complete opposite of vampires which definitely helped to spice things up. They're warm-blooded, quick tempered and passionate which is the polar opposite of the cold, calculating, ever practical vamps. Fire and ice don't usually mix but in this case it makes for a great story! I enjoyed comparing the leadership styles of Gabriel and Ethan. They both have their subordinates best interests at heart (well Ethan's motives are still questionable at times) but that's where the similarities between these two end. Add to that the fact that they're trying to be diplomatic in an effort to accomplish a common goal that's never been attempted before: form an alliance between shifters and vampires. Needless to say that misunderstandings abound!

Sexy, computer-geek Jeff really comes into his own in this installment. I was sad to see him reduced to a few mere mentions in Friday Night Bites but this book more than makes up for that. This drool-worthy shifter finally gets to show what he's made of! And let me tell you, it's delicious! Jeff shows readers that he's more than just a pretty face. His badassedness really shines through in this story. Mind you, I STILL don't know what sort of animal he shifts into and my curiosity is killing me!

Sparks fly between Merit and Ethan, FINALLY! I might have actually cheered out loud when it happened. It took three books but the wait was well-worth it! That is, up until Ethan decided to be a dummy (Men! I'm being nice here, I could use many "other words" to describe what I really think of him but I like to keep my reviews G rated). It might not be all bad though, I could see a light at the end of the tunnel in the final chapters. I hope that in the next book or maybe even the next two that Merit makes him really work for her forgiveness.

Twice Bitten went above and beyond in exceeding my expectations. There's action, there's drama and there's plenty of fireworks between Merit and Ethan both in and out of the bedroom. Hard Bitten is lost in the mail somewhere thanks to the Canada Post strike. I hope it's found soon because I'm currently resisting buying another copy but I can only hold out so long! This third installment catapults the Chicagoland Vampires series onto my must-read list.

Picking up where Friday Night Bites left off, Merit is being recruited by the Red Guard to keep an eye on her Master to ensure that he doesn't abuse his power or authority. She considers this spying and is reluctant to sign up, but this plotline is more foreshadowing of what's to come in later books. Meanwhile, Ethan has volunteered Merit to help Gabriel Keene with security during the shifter meetings in Chicago but Gabe additionally requests the presence and assistance of Ethan, extending the possibility of an alliance between Cadogan House and the shifters. This allows for extra time being shared between Ethan and Merit and they give in to mutual feelings and spend a night together after which Ethan has a reaction to an incident and protects Merit, putting her welfare above the politics of his position. He decides to break off the physical relationship with Merit as a result and being hurt, Merit realizes what she's given up for the possibility of Ethan and remedies that by making up with Mallory. Ethan reunites with a past lover, shifter drama continues and there is an almost to-be-continued vibe as none of the story lines have any real resolution.

The pace of this book was slow and the shifter storyline boring - forgettable. The dialog between Merit and Ethan in the first half of the book was incongruous with that in SGB and FNB. In the second half, it was back to their normal banter but this seemed wrong also after what happened between them. Ethan sleeps with Merit, dumps her and invites to town a past lover yet she is talking to him as if none of that happened, making jokes, snarky comments - comfortable conversation. It seemed wrong and so unlike the Merit we've come to know. But there were so many things about this book that seemed out of character with the Ethan and Merit we have come to know. Ethan speaks differently, has an expressive face, and shows a great deal of emotion in front of others and the character shift happened at the snap of fingers with no preface or basis.

There were serious inconsistencies in this book such as when Ethan welcomed Lacey and said `thanks for coming on such short notice' yet later tells Merit that the trip was planned 6 months ago. And speaking of Lacey, after Ethan dumps Merit, humiliates her and Lacey insults her AND Merit believes he's called Lacey back to resume being lovers - after all of that - Merit would still attend the party in Lacey's honor? Yet another inconsistency with Merit's character. In fact, why would Merit go back to the house at all after he dumped her, why would she not avoid him save for her sentinel duties as she's done in the past? She also doesn't call Ethan on this: he tells her during his seduction that she's worth any cost but when he breaks up with her he says that a girl is not worth giving up his house, and although Merit realizes she is disposable to him, she says nary a word. She asks if she is not tempting enough (what an odd, discomfiting choice), not classy enough - this is Merit? She also didn't question the Red Guard about where they were when Celina was causing trouble. An obvious question and a glaring omission.

The chemistry between Merit and Ethan was off; it was awkward and uneasy, something I can't put a finger on exactly was missing. Also, the love scene utterly lacked emotion; it lacked passion; it lacked playfulness. The author tried for all three and failed - it was a total mess. It was also awkward as if the author were embarrassed and ill at ease, uncomfortable writing it.

The first two books in this series were five stars. The flare those books had is missing here. TB is a sad disappointment and I would like to see if the author can recover in the next book - or were the first two just a fluke. But the real question is, will I care a year from now after such a poor showing?

Merit is back in the third installment of the Chicagoland Vampires. It’s been three months since she was turned into a vampire. Her friendship with Mallory is on the outs so she’s been living at Cadogan House working as the Sentinel she’s even picked up a second job as house social chair. Ethan has taken over her training as Sentinel teaching her the ways to use her vampire gifts to their advantages. As Merit learns more about using her vampire skill the tension between her and Ethan grows she even gives over to the attraction only to have Ethan later reject her after.

As if dealing with Ethan isn’t enough to keep her hands full she’s also going to be protecting the Alpha Gabriel who will be heading up the Pack Convening. The Convening will be anything but easy because the shapeshifters will be tasked with the choice of returning to Aurora Alaska withdrawing from the humans or stay with them and fight. When the leader Gabriel is attacked by a drive by Merit and Ethan will have their hands full. Add in an invite to join the Red Guard it’s sure to be an interesting week.

I love Merit she’s a kick ass heroin who still has her soft spots even if those are for her master. I like the way the vampires have to eat as well as drink blood and Merit is a total foodie she reminds me of me. Plus she loves a good library with books it makes her so easy to connect with. I however don’t love Ethan he’s one of those characters I just love to hate. I do love Mallory and Catcher though they are so sweet and cute together.

I've been a fan of Merit for a long time I just had so many books to read she kind of got forgotten which I hate to say has happened but I’ve got plans to catch up. I love the action packed story with the mix of romance and touches of humor. The author has put her own unique spin on the vampire concept creating a captivating story that sparks the imagination. The author has done an amazing job mixing humans as well as the supernatural live together. Twice Bitten is a fast paced story that keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very end leaving you wanting more. I can’t wait to start the next book in Merit’s journey and see what happens next. I honestly think Merit has to be my favorite vampire characters. She also has sparked my craving for cabbage rolls in this book.

I thought I'd take a chance on this one and I'm glad I finally did. After seeing it for months I wanted to see what the hype was about. There's no real love story yet, jut a connection, a feeling. I honestly like someone else for Merit right now, lol. But knowing the books have been out for a long while and the reviews that giveaway way too much, i see how this will go. But alas, I love the storyline. Not a typical big breast blonde that has admirers falling at her feet, no, this is a story, of struggle, finding oneself, and what beyond the horizon...I'm intrigued and starting book two now.

4.5 Stars

It has been a little while since I have read a good Vampire novel, so I began this series hoping that I would find something that I would enjoy. Not only did I enjoy it, but it looks like I have found another series to add to my list of fav's!! Some Girls Bite has suspense, action and plenty of twists to keep you flicking the pages for more.

Merit was unfortunate enough to be turned without her consent and was thrust into the world of Vampires. The thing about Merit is that she has a mind of her own and doesn't like to be given orders; she likes her independence and has never had any interest in the Vampire world. So now that she is a vampire, she is finding it difficult to adjust to her new life and resents Ethan for changing her. It was amusing to watch her rebel and push Ethan's buttons. She has a bit of a temper but she is very good at reining it in. She has plenty of quick witted remarks but in the end she has to decide whether or not to step up and become a member of the Cadogan House. She is a character that I really like and I am looking forward to see how she develops in future books.

Ethan is head of his house and I found him quite entertaining. He is almost 400 years old and you can see that in him. He is very prim and proper and commands a lot of respect from his family. There are other characters who give great depth to the story too, most of whom I liked!! Mallory, Merit's best friend is the kind of friend I'd like to have, she sets you on the right path and will call you out on any crap you try to pull. Catcher and Jeff are good people and great allies for Merit, they help her to adjust a lot. There are some Vamps I like too, they all gel together to build a great story.

The way Chloe writes is simply fantastic!! I loved how she weaved Merit's POV and I could just imagine how she would react to everything that is going on. I had only one book to wrap my mind around the world that she has created, and I think we have only just touched on the fantasy, magic and supernatural elements that are in this world. I am looking forward to diving into the next book, Friday Night Bites!!

Every time I pick up a Chicagoland Vampire book, I get excited!! I love the world, the characters and the great storyline that comes with each book. Even before I begin the book I get little butterflies, because it has been a long time since a vampire series has swept me away like this and I'm excited to dive into it!! Twice Bitten is the 3rd book in the series and it didn't let me down either!!

A lot of things occurred in Friday Night Bites (book 2), so now things are different for Merit, both in her personal life and with her being a vampire. She needs to mend some bridges and cement herself in the Cadogan House. She is treated as a novelty and a bit of an outsider, but is trying to change and be accepted by the rest of the house. There is still A LOT of sexual tension between Merit and Ethan. I am definitely cheering for her, but Ethan is almost 400 years old and can be a complete ass when it comes to his feelings for Merit. There were heaps of times I wanted to give him a piece of my mind or a tap up the side of his head!! For someone so smart, he is certainly dumb when it comes to his heart!!

The plot in Twice Bitten was awesome as well!! We are learning a lot more about the shifters in the area. The Pack is assembling in Chicago for a meeting and it's putting pressure on all the supernatural creatures in Chicago. Gabriel, the Pack leader, has an interest in Merit, and this little connection could mean big things for the Vampires. But no matter how well things are planned, the crap always hits the fan!!

Chloe is able to sweep me away into the Chicagoland Vampire world every time!! I love immersing myself into each book; there is plenty of action, mystery and witty lines that have me cracking up!! There are lots of characters that I love and give great supporting roles to Merit and make this series as awesome as it is!! I want more of it now, so let's see what Hard Bitten has in store for me next!!

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.

CHARMFALL was my first taste of the Dark Elite world, and though the book itself only rated three bats, this is a series that I know I am going to keep an eye on in the future. Neill's mythology is unique in the "magical prep-school" niche and her characters were both interesting and age appropriate. While Neill employs the familiar hook of a young protagonist developing magical powers, she takes things a very interesting step further by giving those abilities an expiration date. Not only does this make it more plausible that teenagers are on the front lines of a magical conflict, but it also gives the Reapers an enticing depth that is so much more intriguing that just being "bad".

Though I had missed much of the backstory, there were some relationships I had no problems picking up. Lily's new relationship with Jason was sweet, and I loved that dating doesn't make Lily blind (or him perfect). This was my first introduction to the Dark Elite's werewolf culture, and I found Jason's family situation to be an interesting and realistic allegory for a teen coming from a traditional and conservative family. Though Sebastian isn't held up as too obvious of a third wheel in this particular book, I enjoyed how Neill subtly kept possibilities in the air.

Despite getting excited about the series, CHARMFALL itself didn't accomplish much by way of character growth or plot movement. Jason and Sebastian both revealed a little bit about what makes them tick, but Lily didn't seem to change much at all. Also, though the conflict between Lily and the brat pack may have been important in books past, all of the page time it received in CHARMFALL seemed petty and one-sided on Lily's part. It is obvious throughout the story that Neill is laying the foundation for some big changes in future books, but all of those hints dwarfed the mystery in CHARMFALL for a rather anticlimactic finish. Still, I'll keep my eyes peeled for the Dark Elite book where all those hints finally come out to play.

Sexual Content: References to sex, kissing.

Ahhhhh, finally a satisfying mystery! It was great thinking that I had solved the mystery before the big reveal time and than wham! Neill finally pulls the wool over my eyes. It was glorious! Love books that surprise me and it was soooooo great.

Of course my first complaint is about Ethan. Never really liked him (yes I mentioned how I'd like him to get killed off). Neill expands a bit and tries to show a softer side of Ethan. However, it didn't do much for me. The change in Ethan's tactics is so drastic from the last book that it was unbelievable for me. Then when he finally gets to taste the forbidden fruit he turns out to be what I had originally thought he was: an absolute jerk. Right now I'm just praying that Neill can crank out some great character development so that I can like Ethan--cause he's the man candy that poor Merit is stuck with.

Other things took away from my sheer enjoyment of a mystery well done. The other characters such as Mallory and Catcher just annoy me to death, Morgan's fall to total man-child-of-rudeness-and-stupidity just tics me off (he seemed so great in book 1 and than boom true colors.) The vampire magic and GP is still fuzzy, underdeveloped. The saving grace were the shifters and my beloved Jeff. His developing romance is wonderful. Plus the question of what kind of shifter he is tantalizes readers!

Merit is invited to join the Red Guard by Noah, head of the rogue vampires and apparently a secret society working against GP to maintain balance. The idea behind it is really exciting, but I was disappointed by the reasons she for her choice.

In the end my like and dislike of this series makes for a fun and frustrating read. Love the author's writing style and humor, not fond of her characters. However, I'm addicted despite it all. The big shock in the next book, if what it is what I think it is, is keeping me on board for sure.

Sexual Content: There is a sex scene (no I won't say who with) and plenty of sexual humor.

4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

Started this book on vacation and didn’t have a real chance to get into it until I got home. So the first 100 pages took forever. I’m thinking it was mainly due to being busy and not a reflection on the story, although I did go back and forth on that in the beginning too. This story reminds me of several other author’s writing that I adore: Kim Harrison, Jeaniene Frost, D.B. Reynolds, Patricia Briggs to name a few. If you enjoyed books by any of these authors I think you will like this series too.

So like I said in the beginning I wasn’t so sure what to think. I’m mentioned in blog posts before that one of my biggest pet peeves is a lead character that doesn’t like themselves. Merit had a little of that going for her, but it wasn’t so much that she didn’t like herself, she did’t like what had been done to her. She didn’t want to be a vampire and the choice had not been granted to her over her change. She spent much of the book struggling to come to terms with this new life. I appreciated the approach this author took to the situation and actually enjoyed the struggle that Merit was working through. In this case I found it interesting and was glad I stuck with it.

Like Merit, I am unsure of what to make of the two love interests that have been set up for the love triangle in this series. I kinda like and hate both men and am going to need another book or two before I can pick a team to root for. They are both so deliciously complex that I wish we could have gotten to know both of them better in this book.

I also liked how Merit was pretty much as in the dark to this new supernatural world and its rules as we were. I enjoy when a story plays out this way because we get to learn the ropes along with the lead character.

So what didn’t work for me. Some of the dialog and some cases of showing not telling. Other typical first book stuff as the author works out a new series, its world and struggles to find their voice. By the end of the book though most of the rough edges had been smoothed over and I was so into the story that I went ahead and added the complete series to my to-read list. Now I’m ruing all the Galley books I need to get through and review before I can continue this series. Damn you over active request impulse for free books… Anyway, great start to this series and I really can’t wait to read more!

Perhaps I am over the age for reading this series?

I keep having a strong impression this series is intended for the very young adult 12-14 year olds, readers who have only a vague idea of the real world and real interaction between people in the grown up world.

The female protagonist Merit appears to be a likeable enough person and Ethan Sullivan master vampire of Cadogan House has some appeal. There is a fair amount of action too. However the personalities of Merit, Ethan and other supporting characters kept falling flat for me. There is a sense of characters not fleshed out. The interaction and dialogue between characters appear to something out of a hip college TV series. One may argue that as Merit is a grad student and her world may be fairly insulated. That same excuse cannot be applied to Ethan Sullivan or the other vampires who have lived for hundreds of years. The vampire houses were reminiscent of college frat houses not populated by drunken jocks but by responsible hip young adults who happened to be vampires.

Ultimately the book seem plastic and pretty superficial ... like I said it could have been a posh vampire TV series with college setting subsequently transcribed into a book. Usually books tend to be much richer in content, which is then lost during the filming process. This book was written as if it was filmed....

I finished the first book and struggled through the second book, to give this series a fair chance. The second book is written in the same vein.

*Do not read this review if you haven't read the previous book.*

Things between Merit and Mallory are still up in the air and it's obvious neither of them is really liking the situation. One of them just needs to make the first move. Meanwhile things between Merit and Ethan have seemed to settle down a bit as in they are not constantly getting on each other's nerves. Ethan is even helping her become a better fighter, in his own kind of obnoxious way of course, but still it's better. Until Ethan is once again up to do a little strategizing and planning, which involves Merit and shifters.

The shifters are definitely fun. Vampires are a bit uptight, while shifters are very down to earth and it's all about family. Especially the connection between Merit and alpha Gabriel was fun to read, they are always bantering with each other. It seems that being alpha comes with it's own set of powers, because Gabriel says something about Merit being linked to his family in the future. All very mysterious and I definitely want to know more about that.

Shifter in Chicago of course means there is going to be trouble. They just don't get along with vampires at all and the feeling is mutual. So it's strange that Gabriel asks them for help, but Ethan gladly takes the chance in the hopes of maybe forming an alliance with the shifters. Though it's clear there are some people who are not board with that idea and are after Gabriel. That's why he hired Merit.

By now Merit is pretty much used to Ethan's way of thinking and pretty much using her as a pawn. Finally though things might heat up between them and it looks like it's going to be great, but then Ethan just had to be himself. It seems he has some trouble with being Cadogan master and the side that Merit brings out of him. If he doesn't find a way for those two sides to work together, thing aren't looking great for them.

So the shifters thing is definitely a plus to me, adding more characters, more intrigue, more fun, more love, more drama, more action. All very good. The romance between Ethan and Merit was pushed to the front and I really liked that we got to know Ethan better. It slowly becomes obvious how complicated things are, though sometimes even though he's 400-years-old, he's still a dude. Hopefully we get even more of that in the next book.

Vampires came out of the closet or rather the dark about eight months ago and people have surprisingly been very accepting about it. It's a time of Harry Potter and the fact that they are not out to destroy the world and kill people, certainly helps. Merit never really cared for them, but that all changed when she was attacked on campus and was involuntarily changed into a vampire.

To say she's not happy with this sudden change in her life, is putting it mildly. One of her first acts as a vampire is to challenge her 'master' Ethan Sullivan. Definitely not the smartest move, but it shows she's still her own person and not afraid to go against the rules at times. She takes the consequences as they come and deals with it if necessary.

Coming to grip with this sudden change in her life isn't easy. When it seems she wasn't the only one attacked, but the only one who survived, things turn really interesting. Someone is trying to frame the houses and give them a bad rep. Since Merit seems to be drawn to drama and danger, she is of course smack dab in the middle of all this.

Some Girls Bite is very much an introduction book, but therefor not less entertaining. We get to know all the major players and an entry into the vampire world. Chloe Neill has created some very interesting characters. Merit is simply the bomb. Even turned into a vampire doesn't stop her mouth from running wild. That girl has sarcasm down to a T. Her best friend and roomy Mallory is simply crazy and very protective over her friends. These two together is a blast.

I am not sure what to think about Ethan Sullivan. The guy is over four hundred years old, is very much about the rules and respect, clearly has some secret agenda and you just can not get a clear vibe from him. There is the obvious attraction between Ethan and Merit, they do not deny it, but Merit refuses to give in to someone like him. This will definitely provide lots of drama in the upcoming books, I hope.

A great start of a new series. I am definitely intrigued and want to know more about the Chicagoland Vampires. If I didn't need to eat and sleep, and stuff like that, I could easily read one right after another.

I'm always curious to see how the new writers take a hold of the myth that are vampires and makes it their own. I'll say this much, some of what this book offers is the usual politics, back stabbing, infighting, etc, that one comes to expect from the eternally undead. Other bits, add more fun.

I find it disappointing when the writer can't do just one supernatural in books like this and they HAVE to work all the others into it. Ah well.

It was a bit frustrating listening to this book, in that the narrator didn't really change her voice much for the various characters. It all came out pretty much the same. So unless I was following closely, I missed who was speaking at times. This may also have to do with the text itself.

And maybe it's me, but the whole romance thing... overdone in vampire novels. At least in this instance, the scene of passion was a part of moving the plot forward.

It was an interesting text and I'm curious to check out the second book, if only to see where she goes with the series. But I don't hold high hopes for the series as a whole.

Some Girls Bite is another interesting rendition of vampire urban fantasy. I liked the characters and the overall storyline. Some parts were a little underdeveloped; mainly the murder mystery. I found most of the book dealt with how the main character, Merit, came to accept her new life as a vampire.

I really enjoyed listening to Merit's transition to vampire life. Her struggles and rebellion were very entertaining. I liked that being vampire brought some edge to Merit. She basically turned from the geeky grad student to a powerful vampire. However, there was some sadness to her transition. I really felt her pain when she had to give up her graduate work. She had to make some really hard decisions. Ms. Neill expressed really well all the conflicting emotions that Merit felt.

The twisted relationship between Merit and Ethan was very interesting. It is definitely love/hate. I'm not sure I really liked it. I know their relationship will develop in the later books but I'm not sure I want it to. So far, Ethan is not very likeable. But that was probably Ms. Neill's intent in this first book of the series.

My favorite part of the book dealt with Merit finally finding a family connection. Her biological family was superficial and never appreciated her. Now, Merit has found a true family that she can protect and feel protected. She has found new friends that will have her back. It gave her new mental strength and helped tremendously with her transition. I, also, liked that she is a loyal friend. Mallory was not left behind just because Merit became a vampire.

Overall, Some Girls Bite was very enjoyable and a good first book in the Chicagoland Series. I will definitely read, not listen, to the second book. I have found that I don't like listening to urban fantasy; I would much rather read.

My sister has been a big fan of this series for years. So when I was looking for things to listen to on my commute, and I saw the series, I figured I would give it a try.

We first meet Merit when she is waking up in the back of a limo. She is wearing a black cocktail dress and Jimmy Choos. She feels groggy and tries hard to remember why she is in the limo wearing clothes that aren't hers. The last clear memory she has was of walking across campus one night and being attacked by a rogue vampire. Then someone cradling her and another bite at her neck. When she feels her neck, it is smooth and shred free.

Merit is taken home to the brownstone she lives in with her best friend and roommate Mallory. Merit has been gone for three days, during which she has been "changed". Mallory was so worried that she ended up calling Merit's parents to let them know. Merit and her father, Joshua Merit, rarely see eye to eye and Merit plays the black sheep of the family. She is however, extremely close to her grandfather, Chuck Merit. He was a cop with the Chicago Police Department for over 30 years before retiring. While she isn't worried overly what her parents will think of the change, Merit is very worried about telling her grandfather. With sarcastic Mallory at her side, Merit will have to learn the ropes of being a Vampire and come to turns with being turned without her consent, even it it saved her life.

I really enjoyed this book. Cynthia Holloway did a fantastic job of narrating this and bring the voices of Merit, Mallory, Ethan, and assorted others to life. Merit has to learn to accept the changes that have taken place in her life and accept that sometimes your life doesn't always follow the path you thought it would. The by play between Merit and Mallory was fun to listen to. We should all have a best friend like Mallory in our life. I think this was a great start to a series and gave it 4 stars.

First off, let me start by saying that I really enjoyed this book, despite my mistrust of just about anything urban fantasy related, written past the 90s. (They all look the same to me, these days.) Too often, when I pick up a new book, the main female character is too...everything...in an attempt at portraying a sassy, gorgeous, angsty, perfectly flawed, special snowflake. Inevitably, I'll hate her guts (as adamantly as her supporting characters fawn all over her) and stop reading before the first chapter is over.

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Although, we all know Merit is basically another sassy heroine, she was written in a way that was more likable than eye-roll inducing. The supporting characters were also believable and held my interest. I really liked Catcher, in particular. Ethan was very enticing as well. The dialogue was snappy and amusing. I like quick-witted dialogue when done right, and for the most part Ms. Neill did not disappoint. The banter, I felt, was not over-the-top or forced.

Now for the reasons why a couple of those stars are missing from my rating:
1.) I got tired of Merit repeating her age a million times throughout the book. We all get it--she's 27, going on 28. When I was 28, I wasn't trying to advertise the ever-loving crap out it, m'kay... She seems to remind us every couple of chapters.
2.) There were a couple of proofreading screw-ups. For example, a few paragraphs after stating that Luc is the only person in the room wearing jeans, she goes on to describe Peter's outfit--sweater, jeans, and boots. That takes me right out of a story and plunges me into critique-mode. I don't like involuntary critique-mode.
3.) The Mallory's-a-witch thing. I'm cool with Mallory being a witch. I didn't like that someone who's supposed to be so enthusiastic about everything paranormal would be upset--without ANY explanation as to why. None! It was angst for the sake of angst.
4.) The fakey, unexplained "argument" between Catcher and Mallory. They were fighting over...what exactly? Catcher says: "Here's a book. Learn some stuff." Mallory: "Grrr! No! Not gonna!" *sparks fly, glass shatters, hot kiss==>leading into another proofreading SNAFU, as Catcher leaves for work without putting his clothes back on.*

Sorry, had to be said.

Will I read the next book? Yup, absolutely. I really hope that some of these kinks were ironed out in the sequels, because overall I enjoyed it and would love to keep reading about these characters and really enjoyed Ms. Neill's writing style. My fingers are crossed. If you haven't read this book--give it a shot.

Twice Bitten is the third book in the Chicagoland Vampire series and picks up almost immediately following the events at the end of book 2. Merit has been receiving these red envelopes with hinting at an invitation to some thing special. I admit that I had this crazy thought that they were some kind of invitation to the Raves that they had been investigating. Turns out I was way wrong. Turns out, Merit has been invited to join the historic Red Guard, the secret police of the Vampire Masters. She is flabbergasted by the invitation, especially with how new she is and with her loyalties still forming in her mind, she requests some time to think about the offer.

When Gabriel, the Apex of the North American Shifters requests Ethan and especially Merit to be part of the security for the up coming pack meetings and massive event called the Convocation. This put Merit and Ethan neck deep in shifter politics. All the while dealing with a break up with her semi-kinda boyfriend Morgan, a fight with her best friend Mallory and the confusing feeling growing between herself and Ethan.

This book took us deeper into the Vampire world, gave us more insight into the Shifter world, let Merit start using all that training she has been getting, thrilled those rooting from a Ethan/Merit pairing then broke our hearts and ended with a bang. I was so much happier with where this book versus book 2. I felt like Merit is really starting to get her head on and grow into the position of Sentinel for her house as well as a bad ass chick. I am really enjoying the direction this book is headed and can't wait to start the next book. I had to give this book 4 stars.

Well, I think I've found my next vampire series! Yay! Some Girls Bite is the first book in the Chicagoland Vampires series by Chloe Neill. Some Girls Bite has been on my "to read" list since May and frankly I would have been content to leave it on my "to read" list but the first three books came available on my library's audiobook list. Why not? OMG, I'm so glad I read this (listened to this, whatever)! First of all, I love the female lead Merit. She's witty, sarcastic, smart, sexy, and strong, with tons of butt-kicking potential...just what I love in my heroines! There is some serious sexual tension between her and master vampire Ethan Sullivan, which I looked forward to reading throughout the book. I love Merit's best friend Mallory. The story building creates a long-term space (I hope) for all of my favorite characters from this first book in the Chicagoland Vampires series. I'm digging into this series for sure and with eight books published (as of 2013), more yet to be published, and novellas, this series will definately keep me busy for a while. There appears to be a variety of supernaturals in this series: vampires, shifters, sorcerers, psychics, fae, angels, demons, but the world building was not overwhelming. I can see that this may be the type of series that introduces the reader to each supernatural's world little by little as the series progresses. This first book introduces the reader to the vampire world mostly with tons of main characters. It follows Merit and how she and Mallory entered this paranormal world. I love that the rules for vampires in this series do not follow the standard, cookie-cutter vampire protocal used in most paranormal books. Regarding plot, there is a murder mystery that is causing stress among the humans and various vampire houses that is solved in this story and I enjoyed watching Merit's role in this. She's a very new vampire who is growing in power and vampire politics quickly but she is having to prove herself to her vampire peers and elders. Although she did not choose this vampire life, I love her outlook as she is making a name for herself as loyal and committed, and she's making an attempt to cherish her experience in this new family, all the while trying not to cause too much trouble for the head of her house Ethan...not that he really minds :)

My favorite quotes:
“Hi, Dad. It’s the daughter you barely tolerate. Yeah, I know you’re disappointed I’m the walking undead, but vampire guys are seriously hot.”

“I'm just warning you, I'm probably going to be a total hard-ass vamp." Mallory snorted and walked out of the kitchen, calling out, "Yeah, well, you've got a purple marshmallow on your chin, hard-ass vamp.”

“FYI, your eyes are silver. I’ll just add ‘horny’ to the list of reasons that happens.”

Admittedly, when I first decided to start reading the Chicagoland Vampires series I had my doubts. However, my misgivings were quickly put to rest as I was engulfed by Chloe Neill's amazing universe. I loved Merit from the very beginning and my high opinion of her skyrocketed the further along in the story I got. Add to that the delicious, swoon-worthy master vamp, Ethan and you're left with a book packed full of star quality characters. I immediately dove into the next installment after I finished Some Girls Bite. I just couldn't get enough!

Merit! Where do I begin!? I can't possibly do her character justice in this review but I'll try. She gets turned into a vampire against her will. Merit's not happy about the situation even after she learns that the alternative was death. Her whole life is turned upside down and inside out; the transition from student to fledgling is bumpy to say the least. I really appreciated Neill's portrayal of Merit's transformation. Too many authors ignore the growing pains that any normal human would experience if faced with a similar situation. This newly undead vamp's comebacks to people's prejudices towards supernaturals make it clear that this new life was forced upon her and not chosen. I enjoyed experiencing the change through Merit's eyes. From the first time she drinks blood to an incident where she forgets about her vulnerability to sunlight and pays the price. Merit's a victim but she sure doesn't act like one. I loved her sarcasm, her spunk and her backbone.

The delicious master vampire, Ethan, added a sexual element but also a power-loaded one to the plot line. He's pushing 400, the head of Cardogan House and is just as set in his ways as Merit. These two protagonists clashed from the get-go. The tension and back-and-forth snark between these two characters pushes this book over the top. A part of me was hoping that sparks would fly in the bedroom as well but I wasn't disappointed when it didn't happen. There's obviously sexual tension between master and fledgling but the confrontations between them wouldn't have been as explosive had they jumped each others bones right away. I hope it does happen eventually but I'm quite happy to wait and see how their relationship plays out.

The side characters in this novel are equally incredible. I'd be hard pressed to pick my least favorite because they're all just so lovable. Mallory is arguably the best friend any girl could ever have. The way she helps Merit through her transition is remarkable. If Ethan isn't your dream guy, don't worry because there are plenty of other delicious males to choose from. Between Catcher, Morgan and Jeff the hunks are in no short supply! I'm sure at least one of them will suit your tastes!

Some Girls Bite is an addictive read that'll have you bailing on your commitments because you won't be able to put it down. So be warned, you should probably save this one for the weekend. Merit might just be the best female heroine ever and I say this after having only read the first installment in this series. The plethora of man candy definitely helps as well. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Twice Bitten was everything that I was hoping for, that is, up until Ethan screwed it all up! This book wrecked havoc on my emotions at every turn. I went from cheering, to swearing to feeling hopeful again about what the future might hold for one of my favorite fictional duos. I found the second installment in this series to be a little slow going but this one blew my socks off! The ending also left me itching for book 4.

Gabriel and his s***ers play an important role in this novel. Not only that but these supernaturals are the complete opposite of vampires which definitely helped to spice things up. They're warm-blooded, quick tempered and passionate which is the polar opposite of the cold, calculating, ever practical vamps. Fire and ice don't usually mix but in this case it makes for a great story! I enjoyed comparing the leadership styles of Gabriel and Ethan. They both have their subordinates best interests at heart (well Ethan's motives are still questionable at times) but that's where the similarities between these two end. Add to that the fact that they're trying to be diplomatic in an effort to accomplish a common goal that's never been attempted before: form an alliance between shifters and vampires. Needless to say that misunderstandings abound!

Sexy, computer-geek Jeff really comes into his own in this installment. I was sad to see him reduced to a few mere mentions in Friday Night Bites but this book more than makes up for that. This drool-worthy shifter finally gets to show what he's made of! And let me tell you, it's delicious! Jeff shows readers that he's more than just a pretty face. His badassedness really shines through in this story. Mind you, I STILL don't know what sort of animal he shifts into and my curiosity is killing me!

Sparks fly between Merit and Ethan, FINALLY! I might have actually cheered out loud when it happened. It took three books but the wait was well-worth it! That is, up until Ethan decided to be a dummy (Men! I'm being nice here, I could use many "other words" to describe what I really think of him but I like to keep my reviews G rated). It might not be all bad though, I could see a light at the end of the tunnel in the final chapters. I hope that in the next book or maybe even the next two that Merit makes him really work for her forgiveness.

Twice Bitten went above and beyond in exceeding my expectations. There's action, there's drama and there's plenty of fireworks between Merit and Ethan both in and out of the bedroom. Hard Bitten is lost in the mail somewhere thanks to the Canada Post strike. I hope it's found soon because I'm currently resisting buying another copy but I can only hold out so long! This third installment catapults the Chicagoland Vampires series onto my must-read list.

Picking up where Friday Night Bites left off, Merit is being recruited by the Red Guard to keep an eye on her Master to ensure that he doesn't abuse his power or authority. She considers this spying and is reluctant to sign up, but this plotline is more foreshadowing of what's to come in later books. Meanwhile, Ethan has volunteered Merit to help Gabriel Keene with security during the shifter meetings in Chicago but Gabe additionally requests the presence and assistance of Ethan, extending the possibility of an alliance between Cadogan House and the shifters. This allows for extra time being shared between Ethan and Merit and they give in to mutual feelings and spend a night together after which Ethan has a reaction to an incident and protects Merit, putting her welfare above the politics of his position. He decides to break off the physical relationship with Merit as a result and being hurt, Merit realizes what she's given up for the possibility of Ethan and remedies that by making up with Mallory. Ethan reunites with a past lover, shifter drama continues and there is an almost to-be-continued vibe as none of the story lines have any real resolution.

The pace of this book was slow and the shifter storyline boring - forgettable. The dialog between Merit and Ethan in the first half of the book was incongruous with that in SGB and FNB. In the second half, it was back to their normal banter but this seemed wrong also after what happened between them. Ethan sleeps with Merit, dumps her and invites to town a past lover yet she is talking to him as if none of that happened, making jokes, snarky comments - comfortable conversation. It seemed wrong and so unlike the Merit we've come to know. But there were so many things about this book that seemed out of character with the Ethan and Merit we have come to know. Ethan speaks differently, has an expressive face, and shows a great deal of emotion in front of others and the character shift happened at the snap of fingers with no preface or basis.

There were serious inconsistencies in this book such as when Ethan welcomed Lacey and said `thanks for coming on such short notice' yet later tells Merit that the trip was planned 6 months ago. And speaking of Lacey, after Ethan dumps Merit, humiliates her and Lacey insults her AND Merit believes he's called Lacey back to resume being lovers - after all of that - Merit would still attend the party in Lacey's honor? Yet another inconsistency with Merit's character. In fact, why would Merit go back to the house at all after he dumped her, why would she not avoid him save for her sentinel duties as she's done in the past? She also doesn't call Ethan on this: he tells her during his seduction that she's worth any cost but when he breaks up with her he says that a girl is not worth giving up his house, and although Merit realizes she is disposable to him, she says nary a word. She asks if she is not tempting enough (what an odd, discomfiting choice), not classy enough - this is Merit? She also didn't question the Red Guard about where they were when Celina was causing trouble. An obvious question and a glaring omission.

The chemistry between Merit and Ethan was off; it was awkward and uneasy, something I can't put a finger on exactly was missing. Also, the love scene utterly lacked emotion; it lacked passion; it lacked playfulness. The author tried for all three and failed - it was a total mess. It was also awkward as if the author were embarrassed and ill at ease, uncomfortable writing it.

The first two books in this series were five stars. The flare those books had is missing here. TB is a sad disappointment and I would like to see if the author can recover in the next book - or were the first two just a fluke. But the real question is, will I care a year from now after such a poor showing?

Merit is back in the third installment of the Chicagoland Vampires. It’s been three months since she was turned into a vampire. Her friendship with Mallory is on the outs so she’s been living at Cadogan House working as the Sentinel she’s even picked up a second job as house social chair. Ethan has taken over her training as Sentinel teaching her the ways to use her vampire gifts to their advantages. As Merit learns more about using her vampire skill the tension between her and Ethan grows she even gives over to the attraction only to have Ethan later reject her after.

As if dealing with Ethan isn’t enough to keep her hands full she’s also going to be protecting the Alpha Gabriel who will be heading up the Pack Convening. The Convening will be anything but easy because the shapeshifters will be tasked with the choice of returning to Aurora Alaska withdrawing from the humans or stay with them and fight. When the leader Gabriel is attacked by a drive by Merit and Ethan will have their hands full. Add in an invite to join the Red Guard it’s sure to be an interesting week.

I love Merit she’s a kick ass heroin who still has her soft spots even if those are for her master. I like the way the vampires have to eat as well as drink blood and Merit is a total foodie she reminds me of me. Plus she loves a good library with books it makes her so easy to connect with. I however don’t love Ethan he’s one of those characters I just love to hate. I do love Mallory and Catcher though they are so sweet and cute together.

I've been a fan of Merit for a long time I just had so many books to read she kind of got forgotten which I hate to say has happened but I’ve got plans to catch up. I love the action packed story with the mix of romance and touches of humor. The author has put her own unique spin on the vampire concept creating a captivating story that sparks the imagination. The author has done an amazing job mixing humans as well as the supernatural live together. Twice Bitten is a fast paced story that keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very end leaving you wanting more. I can’t wait to start the next book in Merit’s journey and see what happens next. I honestly think Merit has to be my favorite vampire characters. She also has sparked my craving for cabbage rolls in this book.

I thought I'd take a chance on this one and I'm glad I finally did. After seeing it for months I wanted to see what the hype was about. There's no real love story yet, jut a connection, a feeling. I honestly like someone else for Merit right now, lol. But knowing the books have been out for a long while and the reviews that giveaway way too much, i see how this will go. But alas, I love the storyline. Not a typical big breast blonde that has admirers falling at her feet, no, this is a story, of struggle, finding oneself, and what beyond the horizon...I'm intrigued and starting book two now.

4.5 Stars

It has been a little while since I have read a good Vampire novel, so I began this series hoping that I would find something that I would enjoy. Not only did I enjoy it, but it looks like I have found another series to add to my list of fav's!! Some Girls Bite has suspense, action and plenty of twists to keep you flicking the pages for more.

Merit was unfortunate enough to be turned without her consent and was thrust into the world of Vampires. The thing about Merit is that she has a mind of her own and doesn't like to be given orders; she likes her independence and has never had any interest in the Vampire world. So now that she is a vampire, she is finding it difficult to adjust to her new life and resents Ethan for changing her. It was amusing to watch her rebel and push Ethan's buttons. She has a bit of a temper but she is very good at reining it in. She has plenty of quick witted remarks but in the end she has to decide whether or not to step up and become a member of the Cadogan House. She is a character that I really like and I am looking forward to see how she develops in future books.

Ethan is head of his house and I found him quite entertaining. He is almost 400 years old and you can see that in him. He is very prim and proper and commands a lot of respect from his family. There are other characters who give great depth to the story too, most of whom I liked!! Mallory, Merit's best friend is the kind of friend I'd like to have, she sets you on the right path and will call you out on any crap you try to pull. Catcher and Jeff are good people and great allies for Merit, they help her to adjust a lot. There are some Vamps I like too, they all gel together to build a great story.

The way Chloe writes is simply fantastic!! I loved how she weaved Merit's POV and I could just imagine how she would react to everything that is going on. I had only one book to wrap my mind around the world that she has created, and I think we have only just touched on the fantasy, magic and supernatural elements that are in this world. I am looking forward to diving into the next book, Friday Night Bites!!

Every time I pick up a Chicagoland Vampire book, I get excited!! I love the world, the characters and the great storyline that comes with each book. Even before I begin the book I get little butterflies, because it has been a long time since a vampire series has swept me away like this and I'm excited to dive into it!! Twice Bitten is the 3rd book in the series and it didn't let me down either!!

A lot of things occurred in Friday Night Bites (book 2), so now things are different for Merit, both in her personal life and with her being a vampire. She needs to mend some bridges and cement herself in the Cadogan House. She is treated as a novelty and a bit of an outsider, but is trying to change and be accepted by the rest of the house. There is still A LOT of sexual tension between Merit and Ethan. I am definitely cheering for her, but Ethan is almost 400 years old and can be a complete ass when it comes to his feelings for Merit. There were heaps of times I wanted to give him a piece of my mind or a tap up the side of his head!! For someone so smart, he is certainly dumb when it comes to his heart!!

The plot in Twice Bitten was awesome as well!! We are learning a lot more about the shifters in the area. The Pack is assembling in Chicago for a meeting and it's putting pressure on all the supernatural creatures in Chicago. Gabriel, the Pack leader, has an interest in Merit, and this little connection could mean big things for the Vampires. But no matter how well things are planned, the crap always hits the fan!!

Chloe is able to sweep me away into the Chicagoland Vampire world every time!! I love immersing myself into each book; there is plenty of action, mystery and witty lines that have me cracking up!! There are lots of characters that I love and give great supporting roles to Merit and make this series as awesome as it is!! I want more of it now, so let's see what Hard Bitten has in store for me next!!

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.

CHARMFALL was my first taste of the Dark Elite world, and though the book itself only rated three bats, this is a series that I know I am going to keep an eye on in the future. Neill's mythology is unique in the "magical prep-school" niche and her characters were both interesting and age appropriate. While Neill employs the familiar hook of a young protagonist developing magical powers, she takes things a very interesting step further by giving those abilities an expiration date. Not only does this make it more plausible that teenagers are on the front lines of a magical conflict, but it also gives the Reapers an enticing depth that is so much more intriguing that just being "bad".

Though I had missed much of the backstory, there were some relationships I had no problems picking up. Lily's new relationship with Jason was sweet, and I loved that dating doesn't make Lily blind (or him perfect). This was my first introduction to the Dark Elite's werewolf culture, and I found Jason's family situation to be an interesting and realistic allegory for a teen coming from a traditional and conservative family. Though Sebastian isn't held up as too obvious of a third wheel in this particular book, I enjoyed how Neill subtly kept possibilities in the air.

Despite getting excited about the series, CHARMFALL itself didn't accomplish much by way of character growth or plot movement. Jason and Sebastian both revealed a little bit about what makes them tick, but Lily didn't seem to change much at all. Also, though the conflict between Lily and the brat pack may have been important in books past, all of the page time it received in CHARMFALL seemed petty and one-sided on Lily's part. It is obvious throughout the story that Neill is laying the foundation for some big changes in future books, but all of those hints dwarfed the mystery in CHARMFALL for a rather anticlimactic finish. Still, I'll keep my eyes peeled for the Dark Elite book where all those hints finally come out to play.

Sexual Content: References to sex, kissing.

Ahhhhh, finally a satisfying mystery! It was great thinking that I had solved the mystery before the big reveal time and than wham! Neill finally pulls the wool over my eyes. It was glorious! Love books that surprise me and it was soooooo great.

Of course my first complaint is about Ethan. Never really liked him (yes I mentioned how I'd like him to get killed off). Neill expands a bit and tries to show a softer side of Ethan. However, it didn't do much for me. The change in Ethan's tactics is so drastic from the last book that it was unbelievable for me. Then when he finally gets to taste the forbidden fruit he turns out to be what I had originally thought he was: an absolute jerk. Right now I'm just praying that Neill can crank out some great character development so that I can like Ethan--cause he's the man candy that poor Merit is stuck with.

Other things took away from my sheer enjoyment of a mystery well done. The other characters such as Mallory and Catcher just annoy me to death, Morgan's fall to total man-child-of-rudeness-and-stupidity just tics me off (he seemed so great in book 1 and than boom true colors.) The vampire magic and GP is still fuzzy, underdeveloped. The saving grace were the shifters and my beloved Jeff. His developing romance is wonderful. Plus the question of what kind of shifter he is tantalizes readers!

Merit is invited to join the Red Guard by Noah, head of the rogue vampires and apparently a secret society working against GP to maintain balance. The idea behind it is really exciting, but I was disappointed by the reasons she for her choice.

In the end my like and dislike of this series makes for a fun and frustrating read. Love the author's writing style and humor, not fond of her characters. However, I'm addicted despite it all. The big shock in the next book, if what it is what I think it is, is keeping me on board for sure.

Sexual Content: There is a sex scene (no I won't say who with) and plenty of sexual humor.

4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

Okay, I have mixed thoughts on this one.

To begin, I struggled with the opening because I found the tone of the narration almost immature and it grated a little (sorry). Then when she looked to be getting (hungrily) into some snogging action with the HAWT Ethan, I thought, ayup, what's going on here? But then all sorts of other bits were thrown into the mix.

Merit seems like the kind of girl who rarely got noticed by the opposite sex when put beside her buxom buddy, Mal, yet the minute she turns vamp she has almost every male supe she comes into contact with lusting after her?????? Hmmmmmm! First there's (HAWT) Ethan. Then there's the adorable shifter from her gramps `office'. Then there's sexaaaaey vamp from a different house.

Sorry, but other than firmer musculature, I must have missed the explanation about how folk suddenly become more appealing or attractive the instant they turn vamp. I think the attraction of all the males was a little too much. I think whatever was going on between Merit and Ethan either `should have' or `shouldn't have'-and adding in the other vamp merely complicated the issue because the reader doesn't know whether they're coming or going any more than Merit does to the point I had whiplash about which one I thought might be right for her (though HAWT Ethan continuing his shagfest with Biatch when he knew she was there somewhat pissed me off at him and he lost a damn good ounce of my respect, so I'm glad no boinking occurred between he and Merit).

As it happened, the issue of Merit's `love life' was unresolved in this episode-though I have no doubt it will continue in successive book(s) in the series.

Then there was the ending. I am a hater of trying to guess the ending. I ALWAYS let the author/character/narrator tell me the story. But even I could not help but feel as though my strongest suspicions had been confirmed when the bad vamp(s) was unveiled.

However, that said, let me end on a good note so I don't put everyone off, which isn't my intent at all: This is an easy read, the pace is fast, and I did care about the MC by the time I'd reached the end. The lack of `adult' scenes was a little disappointing, especially after the reader was so badly teased alongside the MC, but that didn't deflect from what I considered a fun and light-hearted read. I'd be quite happy to read book #2.

My good friend kept recommending this series to me. When she finally put all TEN released books in my hands and said "START!", I had no choice...
Now I can say I'm obsessed and addicted! Merit and Mallory are hilarious to me. Any book that gets me to laugh out loud is a winner because not every "funny" book can do that. This book does that.
There is danger lurking all around. Merit is light hearted but not stupid. But she's only been a vampire for a few days so she has a lot of learning to do - including who her friends are.
The author writes very well and the style is easy. I was pulled into the story instantly. There is a lot of mystery and of course there are special qualities about Merit that she's becoming aware of. If you like the Charley Davidson series or Cat & Bones and those types of Urban Fantasy, I think you will love Chicagoland. It's not the same and is unique in its own way but will appeal to those readers I believe.

After all the mess Celina left and all the bridges she started to burn it is time to rebuild and hopefully create new alliances for the Vampires of Chicago. With an opportunity to make amends at least to one group Cadogan House jumps to the opportunity to help keep the alpha Gabriel Keene safe while the Shifters Meeting takes place in Chicago.
This time Merit our favorite almost three month old Sentinel must tag team with Ethan Sullivan the master of the Cadogan House and infuriatingly handsome vampire to keep Gabriel Keene safe.
It seemed like a simple job until someone decides to attack Gabriel and Merit finds herself in the line of fire. Keeping Gabriel safe will soon be the lightest of her problems for tensions between Shifters and Vampires start to flare once again, and soon name calling can turn into a war between them, specially now that Shifters are in Chicago to decide if they stay and fight or retreat to a safe place.

Here's the deal I love the Chicagoland Vampires series and so I hold it up to high standards, if it was any other book it would be getting 5 broken TV's meaning get your butt of the couch turn off the TV and start reading this awesome book. Which this book deserves, but I am giving it 4 stars because of the series it's part of.
As part of the series this book moves more slowly then the others, which is not a bad thing, I feel this book is one of this transitions, a collection of things you need to know so that when the bomb of epicness is released we can look back and it will all make sense.
This book is more about the relationships around Merit and the feud that shifters and vampires have had. We learn about the prejudice they both hold against each other. We get to see Merit mend relationships, take risks and grow as a vampire/person?
As I said this book alone deserves 5 starts, but as part of the series it's from it gets 4 stars. I wouldn't change a thing because Chloe Neill knows how to deliver and I wouldn't dare to change anything for it might spoil some great stuff she will have installed for us.
Silver eyes, fights, shifters and an expansion of the of the Chicago supernatural is some of the things you can expect from this thrilling third installment of the Chicagoland vampire series.

Merit was a pretty contented graduate student whose life changed after one bite. She was attacked by a vampire one evening on her college campus. The vampire was interrupted before he could finish her off, chased away by none other than Ethan Sullivan, the Master vampire of Cadogan House. His only way to save her was to turn her and that decision changed her life forever.

This was an interesting story and good start to what promises to be an intriguing series. Merit's relationships expand and change significantly as a result of her now being a vampire. The first significant change is that she can no longer continue her graduate studies (turns out the colleges have a rule) so Merit has to come to terms with what will be her new identity. Her roommate Mallory, already obsessed with matters of the occult, is her salvation as she helps Merit adapt to her new circumstances. She also figures more prominently into the story when it's discovered she has some special gifts of her own and it leads to an unplanned romance.

Merit is deeply resentful of Ethan and she cannot fall in step with the requirement that new initiates pretty much grovel at his feet and swear undying allegiance. Her attitude gets her into all sorts of dilemmas and doesn't endear her much with her new found brethren. The relationship between these two is complex as both seem to have an unnatural attraction to each other, one that they both seem to want to deny but can't ignore the reality of their feelings. Ethan has some archaic views (he's almost 400 years old so I guess it's to be expected) and isn't used to being challenged. Jury is still out on him as he's not showing up so good as a hero but Merit shows promise if she watches her tongue.

There were quite a few extraordinary events that occurred, including Merit's initiation ceremony and her designated role at Cadogan House. The circumstances surrounding her attack pointed to a much larger plot and set up some conflicts going forward.

I liked a lot about this story, even with its mystique and unanswered issues. I'm looking forward to the next book as there were many other interesting characters that will make this series compelling.

Chloe Neill's Charmfall picks up around the time we left off, same school year and since it's still fall it can't have been real long. We open up to seeing Lily and her pals practicing using their magic in defensive situations, and then jumps to Lily, the ordinary teen helping make decorations for Sneak. Not much time passes in the book since by the end they go to the dance, but it's still a pretty fun read!

When Lily attempts to rescue a classmate from a Reaper, she finds she has no power. None. Then she and Scout soon realize that all the Adepts have lost their power, except Jason, who is cursed and doesn't just have power for a borrowed time. The next day she sees Sebastian and learns that Reapers too are without power, so they are not behind the blackout. So who is, that's the mystery!

One thing that was not necessarily annoying, just puzzling, was why the Adepts wanted their powers back. They are the ones who acknowledge that they will one day give it up, so why can't today be that day? Why must they get their powers back? It didn't really bug me all that much, just something that kept spiraling through my mind every now and then.

Tension is brewing even thicker between the Reapers and Adepts as they each think the other is behind it, but Lily knows that that is not the case and she's determined to find out what the problem really is. No matter what. Even if it means talking to Sebastian more and more--which becomes a noticeable problem to the Adepts when she comes back with info. Causing a rift between her and Jason.

The tension was done really well. I love how Lily is conflicted with the rules and ways of Reapers and Adepts, despite being an Adept herself. She is a wonderful character. She sees the world as it is, in greys instead of black and white like the rest of her friends.

Scout is still an amazing friend to her. Together they are there for one another as they each have their downfalls. They pick each other up and work together to try to solve the mystery.

I can't say that I truly saw it coming in all the gory details, but I did have my suspicions! The ending was good too. It doesn't necessarily give a concrete happy ending, those are only set in the finale of course, but it still leaves you satisfied and craving for more!

Charmfall was a spellbinding read! It captures you into a world that is ours, but here magic is real! I love this series and so can't wait for my next trip to Chicago!

Overall rating 4/5 stars

Twice Bitten is the third book in Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series. I just love this series; each book I have read so far is so good but this one is my favorite so far. We see a new side of Ethan and get a glimpse of what "more" could mean between the Merit and Ethan. Twice Bitten also incorporates much of the shifter world in this story. Again, Merit is essentual in developing aliances and peace between the two supernatural species. I love how each book in this series has it's own mystery element that has to be solved. It keeps each book in the series fresh while still following the main characters.

My favorite quotes:
"Some days it didn’t pay to be a grown-up."

"A friend once told me the hurt that came with the end of a relationship was painful because it was the death of a dream—the future you’d imagined with a lover, a loved one, a child, or a friend. That loss was its own painful, nearly tangible thing. You had to reimagine your future, perhaps in a different place, with different people, doing different things than you might have first imagined."

"Humiliation is like a fine wine. It should be shared between friends.”

“The best revenge is a life well lived.”

This book starts with a bang. Seriously. There isn't much of a lead up to the main character, Merit's, being turned into a vampire. Bam! She has been turned and has to face her new reality. Now she can no longer be the graduate student she once was; she now has to give it all up to choose a vampire "house" to belong to and how she'll fit into this whole new world that lives by night and sleeps by day.

Although we all have a general idea of the vampire world and genre, this series still grabs you. Merit is a sassy character who's not interested in being a vampire and yet has to be. Not only that, but she is somehow gifted with more talent than normal. Yes, that feels familiar to a lot of fantasy stories, but it just fits here and I found myself pretty okay with it. Also we find Merit quickly at odds against the head of the house that turned her, Ethan (I won't lie, the "E" name quickly put me in mind of Eric from another vampire series...). Their chemistry is pretty immediate, but it is filled with animosity that I expect continues over many books to come. In this first novel, their conflict is just getting started and paints Ethan as the jerk who pushes for too much, too soon.

All in all, I really enjoyed Some Girls Bite. I did feel that although the book starts with Merit's evolution into a vampire, the actual story doesn't really build up and unfold until the last 1/4 of the book. It was all right, but did take some time to pick up steam. Once it did though, it was exciting and tense. Needless to say, that also meant that the book ended with a lot left unsaid or done. I'm now eager to see what happens to Merit and to find out if Ethan is as big of a turkey as he starts off or if it's all a "front." I'm ready to keep reading to find out!

Merit was a 27 year old grad student in the University of Chicago, happy with her life and 100% human. But one night it all changed... after being attacked and ends up being transformed into a vampire against her will, the explination she got was... "it's the only way we could have saved your life" but Merit isn't sure it was for the best when she is forced to make her academic life come to a sudden end while all her dreams and plans jump out the window.
She is put to the test right away as the only "survivor" of a series of murders and she feels its her responsibility to help put an end to them, the only problem is she has to play nice with her Lord, the extremely attractive and charming Ethan Sullivan who isn't afraid to accept the attraction between them nor is he afraid to say he isn't the least pleased with it.
Merits to do list is a little extreme for a newly turned vamp, she has to accept the fact that she is now a vampire, drink blood, remember to stay away from the sun, stay alive, find out who was the person that attacked her and not to kill or succumb to the charm of her Lord.

Merit and Mallory are really fun to read, and the promise of new paranormal creators appearing and an expansion on the Chicago paranormal inhabitants in the future excites me even more (and no I haven't read the other book). The fun thing about reading throw Merit's eyes is that she fights for what she believes is right and isn't afraid to speak her mind specially to her hot Lord Ethan Sullivan, that mixes in a bomb of attraction that not Sullivan nor Merit are too happy about but that just makes it even more fun and interesting to read.
A little more action would have made this one of those book that has it all, a kick ass heroine that is outspoken and smart, villains to receive the ass kicking and some romance, all surrounded into this supernatural world that feels rich, fresh and I can't wait for Merit and the gang to keep exploring it.
This series has five books out and there are more to come, and I can't wait to sink my teeth in to all of them.

Why did it take me so long to start this series?? I honestly have no idea. I get so caught up in reading new release books, that sometimes I forget about the older gems that I have sitting on my bookshelf unread. I am going to make an effort this year, to shop my bookshelf more and not just my review shelf.

Some Girls Bite is a really great read, and the way it describes all the characters and sets up the groundwork for an intense storyline, I just know that this series is going to be one of my favorites. I participated in a read-a-long for this book, and I LOVED it. (please do another one soon!) So I read the book in 4 sections over the course of the month. This is much longer than I normally take, but it was nice to drag a book out. I got to savor it more, there were like built in cliff-hangers.

Merit is kick butt and awesome! And maybe a little stubborn and whiny at the beginning. But she went through so much, so I think we should cut her a little slack on the whining. She seemed to grow out of it about halfway through the book anyways.

The guy situation in this book is more complicated. There are a few guys- Jeff, Ethan, Morgan and Catcher. Ethan is hard to figure out. There is just something about him that I am still not sure about. I can't wait to see where it goes in the next book, especially now that Morgan is in the picture too. I look forward to many moments of jealously all around! Morgan is nice too and I so want to believe that he is genuine in liking Merit, but I just don't know about him either! I don't like not knowing! Truth be told, I like Catcher most of all! It's a shame that Mallory gets him all for herself.

Overall, The Chicagoland Vampires looks like it is going to be an amazing series, and I love that there are already lots of books out for me to read. I just need to go out and buy them, and get reading! I need to know what happens next!

more at bookbriefs.blogspot.com

Merit is a Chicago grad student with a wealthy family she tries her hardest to ignore. One night she's attacked by a vampire and left for dead, then saved when another vampire, Ethan Sullivan, finds her and brings her over. Now Merit is a vampire whether she likes it or not -- and embroiled in vampire politics, again whether she likes it or not. Chloe Neill's vampires are divided into Houses, which are sort of a cross between corporations, mob families, and frats. Ethan is the head of Cadogan House, and now Merit belongs to it as well.

Merit's attack is part of a larger pattern of murders, giving Some Girls Bite a mystery plotline, but that aspect of the story is not very prominent. The major focus here is Merit's adjustment to life as a vampire. Her journey throughout the book is compelling; she starts out feeling sorry for herself and then decides to make the best of her new existence while retaining her autonomy as much as she can. Running alongside this is the adjustment of Merit's best friend and roommate, Mallory, to the discovery that she is a witch. The friendship between Merit and Mallory is terrific, really fun to read. Neill's portrayal of female friendship is one of the greatest strengths of her young adult Dark Elite series, and that strength is evident here as well. There should be more urban fantasy heroines with interesting female friends!

While I enjoyed Merit's character arc, other aspects of her characterization are a little annoying. She's one of those too-good-to-be-true characters who arrives on the scene and suddenly has more power than almost anyone else and the story's alpha male instantly obsessed with her. And as for that alpha male, Ethan, he's hard to like despite his good looks. He's overbearing in the Jericho Barrons vein, but less mysterious and with his own personal brand of sleaze added. (Seriously, who asks someone to become his new mistress while his current mistress -- the one he'll dump if Merit says yes -- is in earshot?) I'm much more fond of Morgan, Merit's other possible love interest. In a world of angsty, brooding vampires, it's nice to see one who eats Dagwood sandwiches and razzes Merit about her favorite football team. I've read enough urban fantasy, though, to be wary of getting too attached to Morgan. The beta male seldom wins, and often turns out to be a jerk in the bargain. So, since I suspect this is heading in the direction of an Ethan/Merit pairing, I hope Neill does more to make Ethan sympathetic as the series continues.

But though I'm not sold on the male lead yet, and though Some Girls Bite doesn't reinvent vampires or urban fantasy, this is a fun book as a whole. Despite the violence, the overall feel is that of a light read, with chick-lit overtones and cute dialogue. If you're looking for a beach read in the urban fantasy genre, Chicagoland Vampires may be just the thing.

Why I Read this Book: I saw all kinds of conflicting reactions to the 4th book in this series (Hard Bitten) that I decided to start reading this series myself to see what all the hoopla was about.

What I Liked: As the first book in the series, Some Girls Bite sets the foundation for the series. I was pulled into the world of these Chicago vampires.

The secondary characters were fun to read. Carter's smart, good looking but then became unavailable. Ethan seemed likeable at first but now I'm not so sure anymore. I think he's hiding something. But I love the romantic tension between him and Merit. Morgan seems like a good guy but he too seems like he could be hiding something. Not exactly trustworthy prospects but they both have my attention. Jeff is hot and I definitely want to get to know more of his character. I love how he flirts with Merit so blatantly. We don't learn much about him in this book but I hope he gets more page time in upcoming books. And I loved Mallory, Merit's BFF. She's a loyal and fun friend.

What I Didn't Like: I discovered I have a new reading pet peeve: I absolutely hate it when a character agrees to a favor without setting any stipulations in place. It's like walking into a snake pit blind folded. It's stupid and you know there's going to be one helluva price to pay for that agreement. And Merit did just that.

I like strong, kick-ass heroines and unfortunately Merit doesn't fit the bill for me. She's training and learning but I'm not getting the `tough chick' vibe from her. It weakened the story for me a bit. She's tough vocally but I need a little more. Maybe she'll toughen up in the next book.

Why don't we know Merit's first name? Why does she go by her last name, a name that she doesn't like being affiliated with because she despises her father? It made no sense and I wasn't given a reason to it. Ms. Neill, you have some s'plaining to do (says me in my Ricky Ricardo voice).

Overall Impression: Even with its faults, Some Girls Bite was a good read. It set the stage for the series and got me interested in Ethan and Merit. And although Merit isn't my favorite heroine, it was still a fun read.

Book blurb: They killed me. They healed me. They changed me. Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was mine. I was doing fine until Chicago's vampires announced their existence to the world-and then a rogue vampire attacked me. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker... and this one decided the best way to save my life was to make me the walking undead. Turns out, my savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now I've traded sweating over my 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 my gratitude-and servitude. Right... But my burgeoning powers (all of a sudden, I'm surprisingly handy with some serious weaponry), an inconvenient sunlight allergy, and Ethan's attitude are the least of my concerns. Someone's still out to get me. Is it the rogue vampire who bit me? A vamp from a rival House? An angry mob bearing torches? My initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war-and there will be blood...

I'll admit - I'm very late to the party for this series. Okay, okay, I'm late for A LOT of series, but give a girl a break!! :-)

Merit's an ordinary grad-student at Chicago University and is attacked on her way home from campus.She doesn't die, but is saved by another vampire, who finds her in the neck (hee hee) of time - but with a price - she's been turned into one.
It's not that she's ungrateful, she IS alive, but they sure did rip everything away from her. Because she's been made a vampire, most of her life is gone - her school and everything that goes with it - she was writing her thesis. The vampires didn't even ASK her before they changed her (granted, there really wasn't time to be polite). They dis-enrolled her from her school, and proceeded to enroll her in a very different school of learning.

She's now an initiative of the Cadogan House - a baby-vamp. She has to take an oath of fealty and allegiance to the House of Cadogan and to their Master, Ethan Sullivan. After she's done that, she will of course receive a job and a paycheck from the House. Merit's not good with bullies or taking orders without good reason. Personally, I don't blame her - there's a scene in the book where's she's going home to visit her parents to tell them what happened... her father's icy demeanor gave me frostbite (and a sudden urge to wring his neck).

Her grandfather, on the other hand, him, I adore (so does Merit, by the way). Sure he's been keeping some things under wrap - like him being the ombudsman for all supernaturals in Chicago (vampires are just the tip of the iceberg). Her Grandfather has kept his own involvement in the Supernatural world a surprise, knowing his son (Merit's father), would use it to his advantage political or financially. Of the men in Merit's life, by far the most intriguing is Mr. Ethan Sullivan, the Master vamp himself!! Merit and Ethan share a very complex bond. It reminds me of the relationship that Mr. Darcy and Ms. Eliza Bennet share in Pride & Prejudice. They just keep butting heads, but are having a hard time staying away from each other! A really interesting hate/love relationship, where none of the parties want anything to do with these very inconvenient feelings or with each other , but they can't seem to ignore either one.

What's a girl to do?

Slowly Merit realizes that she doesn't have that many choices. She's different and can never go back to her old life - no matter how much she would want it. Either she can embrace her new one, be a part of the Cadogan House, or she can be a rogue - living on the edge of Vampire society, see her loved ones grow old and die, be alone and shunned by humans and vampires alike.

Merit chooses to become a part of the House of Cadogan, to start to accept who and what she is and make a place for herself in her new life by adapting. In a very touching scene we see Merit go back to campus where's she was attacked and kind of say goodbye to her old life. She cries her heart out, gets it out of her system. And then she rises and moves on. She's such a strong girl. During the ceremony where the new vampires are being introduced to their new brothers and sisters, something happens. Merit's got a strong mind and will and because of that she's named Sentinel - the first in the Cadogan House for over two centuries. But will she learn everything she needs to know quickly enough, while she's being introduced to a new home, family, and way of life.... before a war descends upon them all? Like all families, there is quite a bit of dysfunction in Cadogen house, and with war on the horizon, it looks like Merit is going to stay focused on everything she has to learn before it is too late.

This book is full of surprises, and I loved every page of it! (By the way, Ms. Neill, you owe me a good night sleep!) One good thing about coming late to a series is I can roll right into the next book, and I can't wait.

This book was such an emotional rollercoaster to read for me. I love the world Chloe Neill has created and the fact I don't have to wait to read the next book as they were published awhile ago. The fact that I can roll into the next book is such a relief for me - I can't even tell you. I H A T E waiting. Hate it.

The shifters have arrived into Chicago, now the vamps are out and a war is brewing (because of Celina, the former master of the Narvarre House) the shifters are going to discuss the wisdom of tucking their tail between their leg - eerh, I mean returning home to Aurora, and to stay and fight - perhaps even build a friendship of sorts with the vampires. But it's not going to be easy. There are problems on both sides. Vampires are immortal and they don't forget slights done to them, or their families. The shifters really don't care about the politics (which is right up at vamps alley), but they care much about their family, about pack.

In the last book things ended badly between Merit and Morgan. They're still not good friends, probably never will be, but maybe some kind of mutual respect can be build with time.

Mallory and Merit also came to odds with each other in Friday Night Bites, which isn't easy to resolve. When best friends get mad at each other - and I do mean REALLY mad, things come up that should've been left alone. The best and worst part of having a best friend is that you tell her EVERYTHING. It also means that when she's pissed at you, she will sometimes hurl it right back at you, and she will always tell you the truth. Even if you don't want to know it.

You can see where I'm going with the rollercoaster, right? Well, this isn't the only thing. The relationship between Ethan and Merit is... well it's difficult, straining on both of them and utterly impossible to ignore. They both want each other, and it pisses them both off insanely. Well, ladies and gentlemen.. It happens in this book! They are FINALLY having sex!! YAY! :-) Everything is bliss... for 24 hours. Then Ethan changes his mind and they're back to square one. Again. (Can I just say I think he's a chickenshit?!) Only this time there are other complications Merit needs to take into considerations. The invitation to the Red Guard (a secret guard that spy on the masters and take action if necessary), her possible make-up with Mallory, protecting Gabriel (the Alpha of the North American Central Pack) who's got a price on his head, the returning of one of Ethans old ex-girlfriend... Yep, Merit is a busy girl.

I love this series, the characters in it, their development, everything that keeps getting thrown at Merit and how she handles it. I'm already reading the next book in the series; Hard Bitten, and I CAN NOT wait to see where Chloe Neill takes me next!

This writer's choice of style and atmosphere is right up my alley. I'm a big fan of the Rachel Morgan series, mainly because it's a bit more of an upbeat urban fantasy series, not overly dark. The central character is overall likable and relatable; she's able to kick ass but she has her imperfections too. This series is similar. I found it pretty funny actually how the roles are switched and, this time, it is the vampire that is the central character while the best friend is the witch. That's obviously the opposite with Rachel Morgan. But getting back to this series. It's paranormal romance, but not the overly sappy type. I have a hard time connecting to those. I think this could also easily be considered Urban Fantasy. I instantly took to both Morgan AND Ethan's characters in this book. Usually I side with one. There are funny moments and good one liners. Either way, I cannot wait to read book 2 and 3! This has the potential to easily become one of my favorites. It's definitely one of the favorites from the new crop of books I've started reading. To its credit, I can say that with the Rachel Morgan books, while it is my favorite now, I originally put it down and I had to force myself to finish the first book. Not the case with this one. If I didn't need sleep I'd have read it the whole way through. Definitely recommending this one!

*****Minor Spoiler*****The subject of the Bears vs. Packers came up, and a character said "Green Bay's a better team, especially this year" I laughed out loud because, if you look at the date of this review, just this past weekend the Bears faced the Packers with the winners going to to Super Bowl...and the Packers won. This author has a pretty good premonition.*****Minor Spoiler******

Merit, now as one with her vampire self, is becoming more formidable. After her last showdown with Celine she knows she's got her work cut out for her but Merit's brain is still her strongest asset. Nick Breckenridge's debacle has led to his Alpha leader, Gabriel Keene, asking for her help and protection as he prepares for the shifters convening in Chicago. Ethan's helping with her combat training sessions, which are starting to look like foreplay.

This book was the most exciting, and frustrating, so far. There's mistrust between the vampires, the shifters are at odds with each other about whether to stay and support the brewing unrest between the humans and the vampires and someone's trying to kill Gabriel. Merit's relationship with Morgan deteriorated and she's still on the outs with her best friend, Mallory. Throw in Ethan's mixed messages and you've got the makings of a very strange brew. Merit is really coming into her own, in spite of the chaos around her. Actions taken by Ethan have the unintended consequence of helping Merit to bond with her fellow vamps at Cadogan House and she becomes that much closer to becoming one with her vampire nature. There was so much going on this story it was hard to put down.

I'm so itching to start the next book because of circumstances that happened at the end of this one. There are still more mysteries to uncover and new ones that will develop. You've been forewarned that you should be prepared to read this and the next book back to back.

I actually heard about this book from my mom. She mentioned it to me before anyone else had and then I realize that it already had a pretty well-established following so I added it to my TBR and the store wishlist. Then one day, lo and behold, it appears in my mailbox :) Woohoo! At the end of last year, I was looking for a fun read to finish off 2011 and finally picked it up. It was exactly what I was in the mood for!

I liked Merit, but can't say that I loved her. I found her frustration and anger slightly misdirected. She was a 27-year-old grad student working on her English Lit degree when she was attacked on campus and left for dead. She was "saved" by Ethan Sullivan, Big Daddy Vampire of Chicago's Cadogan House. The only way to save her was to turn her, but in doing so she had to kiss her old life good-bye. We learn that vampires typically consult people before turning them, but given Merit's circumstances there was no time for that. She was pretty pissed about not being asked permission before turning her and decided that it was all Ethan's fault.

Her attack and introduction to the world as a baby vampire comes right after vampires announce their existence to the world. While I understand her frustration at "dying" and not being able to complete her academic career, I think becoming a super-hot, ass-kicking vampire who doesn't have to hide and who works for a hottie like Ethan is not a bad alternative. Death or vampirism? One vampire coming right up!

I loved the palpable sexual tension between Merit and Ethan. They have this serious "I-want-you-but-I-shouldn't" thing going. With the exception of one kiss, not much happens between them but it's only a matter of time! Ethan, while he has some major bonehead moments, is not without charms. He's a 400+ year old vampire with MANY other vampires under his wing so he's got his plate pretty full. Some of the things he said to Merit were hurtful and frustrating but considering his scope of responsibility, I can't entirely blame him.

The rest of the supporting cast was great, particularly Mallory and Catcher. Mallory, Merit's best friend, is full of snarky awesomeness; I loved her no-nonsense attitude and her quickness to defend her BFF when necessary. Catcher is a giant piece of hunky, grouchy man-meat and Jeff is an over-sexed shifter of unknown origins. Morgan, a vampire from another house is lovable in his own way and I hope that he gives Ethan some competition for Merit's affections.

The most interesting aspect of the story was the vampire politics. They are divided into houses, four of them being located in Chicago and each house is governed by a hierarchy. Vampires are assigned jobs by their master and they get an income for services performed in protection of the house & its members. It's really quite interesting and logical!

One of the things that I did not like, and this might seem a bit silly, was the fact that vampire-Merit, like all other vamps, crave and eat regular [human] food. In my mind, a vampire eating a hot dog is like a human eating dirt: not particularly tasty and has zero nutritional value. With the exception of Merit's sudden allergy to sunlight, there was little else to actually distinguish her as vampire and not a human.

Overall, there is definitely room for growth with both the characters and the storyline but I enjoyed and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Some Girls Bite is about a young graduate student named Merit. One night when she made the silly mistake of walking on campus alone she was attacked by a vampire. But that vampire was scared off by another vampire who has different plans for Merit. Starting by making sure she doesn't die. Now she has to pledge allegiance to the Cadogan House. All vampires have different houses and she is now attached to one due to its sexy and somewhat overbearing leader, Ethan, who saved her life. For better or worse, Merit isn't sure yet. So having the vampire life thrust on her and a new job, it is up to her to also find out who is draining women and leaving them for the Houses to find. Or else it will be war.

Yes, this is the same book I read back in January apart of the Some Girls Bite Book Discussion. I told you my life is really out of whack. Nonetheless, I remember this book vividly. What a blast this was. The characters were incredible. I really loved Merit. She was strong and even though her life has been stripped from her, she didn't let that weigh her down. I think that was partially due to the people she surrounded herself with. Her best friend Mallory was the greatest best friend ever. Instead of being scared and leaving Merit alone, she had her back at every step.

We also had Catcher, Jeff, Ethan, and Morgan. All sexy and intriguing men in their own right. Ethan is the Master of Cadogan House. Him and Merit definitely have chemistry. But both of them are incredibly stubborn and were fighting their feelings for each other. It did get annoying at times and I wanted to slap them both. But I liked the tension. Jeff was the geek and probably my favorite. He was adorable as hell and a shapeshifter. Catcher is a sorcerer and was super sexy. Him and Mallory definitely had a huge thing in this book and I hope to see more of it in he future. Morgan was a vampire but he belongs to the Navarre House, the Cadogan's rival. I am still on the fence about him, but him and Merit had chemistry and didn't fight each other...as much.

I loved the plot. It was a really good mystery. Someone is trying to blame one or all the houses for the deaths of these girls who all have striking similarities to Merit. It definitely kept me guessing. Even after we find out the who is behind it all, it is things are more complex than they seem specifically with one character in particular. I hope to find out more in book 2.

A couple of complaints though. The mystery is great, but does go on the backburner a little in the middle. I love the tension between Merit and Ethan, but it does get annoying at times as I have said. I don't think I have liked two people so much, but still have the urge to slap some sense into them. But I like that this also puts us in the amazing world Neill has created for us. Not only are vampires known, but they have lives and careers. They even eat food which makes for some pretty entertaining scenes in this book. I still can't get over that mega sandwich. I think Scooby and Shaggy will have a run for their money.

Definitely start this series now if you haven't. The characters are so lovable and have so much energy. Merit's world is definitely worth diving into especially given her new job. If you are looking for a sexy, action packed, mysterious ride, grab a copy of Some Girls Bite right now.

I am so happy that I finally got the chance to buy this book. I've been wanting to read it for a while now and I've heard some amazing things about this series. With that being said, I really enjoyed the story. It was action packed, wasn't focused mainly on the romance, awesome characters and etc. :) I was entertained throughout the entire book!

I guess I shall start off with Merit. Merit was your average girl, not too average though. Her family was well-known but she wanted know part of the lifestyle, but then everything changes once she was bitten. I actually really liked Merit. She had attitude and didn't let anyone boss her around if she wasn't feeling the situation. Throughout the entire book, Merit kept me entertained. In some aspects, she would be considered a 'sweetheart', but the girl could flip from the nice friend to girl with attitude in seconds, especially when she's passionate about something. And I also liked Merit's friends, Mallory, Catcher, and Jeff. Those three had me laughing so hard throughout the book also. They were some awesome side characters to get to know.

Now when it came to the hot Vampire Master, Eric, I don't know how I feel about him. There is definite attraction and chemistry between him and Merit. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what progresses, or if anything, between the two. I have recently started reading more vampire books, even though I've gotten really tired of the genre. I swear until recently, the past month or so, I hadn't read a pure 'vampire' book in about a year or so.

But this one really kept me entertained and I can't wait to read book 2 :) Overall, awesome book! And I do recommend to those vamp lovers out there!

I was just going to read a bit of this one. My first paper book in almost 4 years after reading nothing but Kindle books :). I was just going to sneak a little peek and then continue with the book I was reading already.
I couldn't stop and finished all the way through. Wow, I loved it. I haven't been quite this hooked since I read the Fever series.

I am always a bit weary of books and series with hard ass, kick ass looking heroines on the cover. They can get annoying for me very fast.

But I just fell in love with Merit. The way she deals with this situation, she didn't want or asked for, is very classy. She manages with courage, heart and a lot of humor. I just find her so likable.
Every character that already is in her life, or then comes into her life brings a little something to the story as it builds. I think I fell in love with all of them.

The wit though is what really got to me. Just loved all the banter. Its a very "grown up" world with vampires and other sups. And there are water nymphs. :).

Can't wait to read the next one.

** read September 2012

This is the third book in the Chicagoland Vampires series and my favorite so far. This book had a more solid plot than previous books and things escalate both between Ethan and Merit and between the shapeshifters and the vampires. Definitely a must read if you enjoyed the first couple books of this series.

I listed to this on audiobook and the audiobooks for this series are incredibly well done. This is one of those series that I think sounds even better than it would read; the narrator just does such a wonderful job.

Shapeshifters are meeting in the Windy City and they meet to decide if they will return to their homeland or stay for the oncoming supernatural war. Ethan lends out Merit's services as a bodyguard to the shapeshifter's leader Gabriel-Keene. As the time to the Shapeshifter Convocation draws closer it becomes clear that someone has put a hit out on Gabriel. Merit continually finds herself in the line of fire. Not only that but she is trying to navigate treacherous politics between the shapeshifters and vamps while also doing one on one training sessions with Ethan to try to improve her lackluster sparring skills.

This was the best book in this series so far. Things are really building to a climax in multiple ways. The shapeshifters are on the edge of either staying of fleeing as war approaches the supernatural community and the way they choose will tip the balance one way or the other. The tension between Merit and Ethan is constantly building and it was absolutely killing me to know what would happen between them. Merit is starting to understand her own powers and finally figuring out way to break down the wall she keeps hitting when she tries to spar.

Romance is a huge driver in this story. The tension between Merit and Ethan is absolutely sizzling. This is one of those books where I loved Ethan and then I hated him. Seriously he jerks Merit around so much; yet he does it in a strangely understandable way. The only other series I can think of that has had me as emotionally involved as this one is the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost. I swear there were parts of this book where I was holding my breath to see what would happen.

Beyond that a lot of other neat stuff happens in this book. Lots of action in this one, Merit finds herself in a number of combat situations and performs admirably. The addition of the shapeshifters raised the stakes and ratcheted up the tension in this book, really driving the plot forward. So much depending on their decision to stay or leave. I continue to love the fun and witty banter between all of these wonderful characters.

The story wraps up well, but will have people a bit frustrated I am sure. I am very eager to see where both the building-war and the Merit-Ethan thing ends up going. I am dying to read Hard Bitten now. I was a little disappointed that Mallory wasn't in the story more, she always adds a lot of fun. Hopefully we will see her more in future installments.

Overall the best book in this series, absolutely stellar. If you liked the first few books in this series you'll love this one. Tons of action, building tension between the shifters and vamps, and lots of Ethan-Merit moments. This was a super engaging and fun read. Highly recommended to fans of urban fantasy. Reminds a bit of the Night Huntress series; so if you like that series I think you will love this one as well.

Twice Bitten is the third book in the Chicagoland Vampire series.
So far I've loved all three books. Merit is such a cool heroine; she is unpredictable in a good way. Unlike many of the urban fantasy heroines who have a tough, ballsy and don't need anyone attitude. Merit is skilled and smart yet she doesn't pretend that her feelings don't get hurt or that she doesn't want to be loved. Her vulnerability makes her a much more well-rounded character, as do her faults.

The action in this book is intense. Merit gets to show off her physical strength and speed as a vampire and definitely shows that girls can kick ass and take names. She continues to grow as a vampire, learning to merge her humanity with the vampire inside her that she has been trying so hard to push down. She unleashes her vampire side in a fight with Ethan that I guarantee will leave you panting.

The secondary characters in this series continue to shine. We get to know some of the other vampires in Cadogan house better, as Merit ingrates herself into house and tries to get to know her fellow Noviates. Mallory is coming into her own as a sorceress, and we get to witness her using her new found powers. We also meet new characters, in the form of the Keene family of shifters. Gabriel Keene is a well formed character who provides another dose of supernatural magic to the series.

The thick tension between Ethan and Merit! Things progress a bit and then there are some complications. I just love it, all of it. I can't wait to see where the next book picks up.

It was slow at first, and the flow of the story varied. It had slow parts all over. Some Girls Bite included scenes of normalcy that for some may find charming, but for me found my self skipping it, more interested in the mystery and action. I did enjoy the funny quips. It was a way more funnier paranormal mystery that the Night Huntress series, with less romance and action . However, the Charley Davidson series still remains supreme as the funniest romance paranormal mystery series.

This is the first book in the Chicagoland Vampires series. From what I can tell, this seems to be a hit or miss for readers. I can see why some like and dislike the series. I was fortunate enough to enjoy this first book but there were some things that I disliked or felt could be improved.

The first thing I noticed about this story was the humor. The humor is not one for everyone. There was some of the humorous dialogue that I found funny and some that seemed a little too corny for me. What seemed a little off to me was that while some of the main character's snarky comments are intellectual, some are kind of immature. Merit is, after all, a almost twenty eight year old graduate student.

For some reason this book felt like a young adult book to me even though it is obviously intended for adults.

What I did not connect with in this story was the love interest. Merit is so drawn to Ethan when Morgan is the one that she gets along with. I guess it is that whole opposites attract thing. The characters in general are not my favorite but I can see how they might grow on me. Guess I will have to keep reading the series to find out.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and will continue the series to see how it plays out. Although I did not care for some elements of the story, there was still plenty that I did like for me to enjoy the book. I recommend that if you are a fan of urban fantasy that you give it a shot to see if you like it.

Recommend for fans of Urban Fantasy

(This review was originally posted at VampireBookClub.net)

Chloe Neill knows how to get me all riled up. The woman writes ridiculously tense scenes. She crafts realistic drama. And sometimes you just want to injure her characters for the stupid things they say and do.

And I love it.

With Twice Bitten I was emotionally invested to the point I keep muttering about how I want to slap Ethan, kiss Ethan, then slap his egotistical Master vampire cheek again. And, don't worry, there were plenty of times I wanted to shake Merit, too. Vampires or not, Neill's characters continue to feel like real people and the chemistry between them reels you in so swiftly there's no chance of you finding a stopping point while reading.

At the end of Friday Night Bites, Ethan had managed to snag one searing kiss with Merit. She ended things with Morgan. Got her ass handed to her by Celina. And post-battle with Ethan went through the vampire transition again. So, to say she had a lot on her plate at the beginning of Twice Bitten is putting it mildly.

But much of it has to take a backseat to politics. The shifters are all coming to Chicago to meet, and Ethan wants to play nice. He agrees that he and Merit will act as security for the big leader of the packs. Ethan's goal is to have some sort of alliance. Celina is planning something, eventually war will come to their doorstep, and they need the shifters around as backup. Few are pleased about vampires being a part of Pack dealings, and before long assassination attempts are underway. Merit works to figure out the source, keep Cadogan House safe and tries to deal with her changing relationship with Ethan.

While we won't spoil the big story (that'd be mean), we will tell you the one thing we know you're dying to know: Merit and Ethan will have it out. Things will change. Also, their chemistry may ignite a few pages of the novel.

Twice Bitten is volatile, tense, a bit heartbreaking and brings two Chloe Neill musts: humor and some kick ass action scenes. When it's over, the power dynamic may have shifted and you'll be ready for more. The fourth Chicagoland Vampires novel, Hard Bitten, was released May 3.

Sexual content: Kissing and an adult sex scene.

I finally got around to finishing book 3 in this series. I'm finding I'm liking the characters more and more and getting attached to them.

In this book, Merit is offered up by Ethan to help protect the shapeshifters while they make the decision on whether or not to stay in the Chicago area or move on to seclusion before they are revealed publically. There was a lot of action and some romance in this book, it was well-balanced.

If you read my review of book 2, you will see that I mentioned that this author seems to love mentioning something to do with eyebrows on about every page, "he raised an eyebrow at me", "she perched an imperious eyebrow", "I raised my brows" etc. Even the characters at one point have a conversation about Ethan's eyebrows. This book has even more of it - over 50 mentions, actually. If you don't notice it (but I don't see how you could miss it), it's not a big deal I guess, but truly, the editor should have chopped at least half out. Seriously.

Anyway, not important, really - and the love scene between Ethan and her was done very, very well. I believe writing sex/love scenes is a true art form and not everyone succeeds, but I believe Neill did it very well -, tasteful and sexy!

4 Stars for this book!

I just discovered this vampire urban fantasy series and thought I'd give it a try. The world created by the author was interesting enough. But I did have a few complaints as well.

The story revolves around Merit, who is attacked, and in order to save her life, the leader of one of the vampire houses makes the decision to turn her into a vampire. Merit isn't very happy about this, so the relationship between Merit and Ethan is contentious at first. Merit is also unwillingly attracted to her master, Ethan. And they both fight against this during the entire book. Merit also meets the second in command of a rival house (his name escapes me at the moment). But they also start up a flirtation that will likely be continued into the next book. The most interesting aspect of the book for me, though, involved the rivalry between vampire houses that drink directly from humans and those that don't. I'd like to see how this develops.

For the most part, this was a very light read. Merit's telling of the story is flip and sometimes lightly humorous. One of my complaints is that I felt like the author threw me into the story too quickly, without enough back story. So I never felt like I really knew enough about Merit. Actually, most of her characters aren't developed all that well. Another complaint was that the relationship between Merit and Ethan came off a bit immature at times. I'm pretty much on the fence about this book. It was an okay beginning and I will read the next book to see if it does get better. A solid 3 star read in my opinion.

** Despite what the title suggests, this is actually book three in the Chicagoland Vampires series.
Book one is titled 'Some Girls Bite' and book two is 'Friday Night Bites' **

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Basic background information
(The vampire versus shape-shifters edition)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In sixteenth century Europe humans discovered the existence of vampires and [in similar style to the witch trials] began a mass slaughter. During the mass panic and blood bath vampires sold each other out and by the end of 'The Clearing' hundreds of thousands of vampires were dead.

Then in the seventeenth century the same thing happened again. This time the vampires asked the shape-shifters for help, however the shape-sifters turned their back and carried on pretending to be humans as most of the remaining vampire population died horrible deaths.

Of cause since vampires can live forever there are still many around who have first-hand knowledge
of the torture and had friends who died in the Clearings, so most vampires hate the shifters. The shifters themselves blame the vampires for allowing themselves to be discovered and don't think they didn't have any right to ask them to expose themselves and place themselves in danger too.

Fast forward to today and the third outing of the vampires; There are fractions of humans who are afraid of vampires and want them eradicated. Do to these growing human prejudice and the fact that the episodes in the previous books have suggested that a supernatural war is coming most of the leading vampires are once again attempting to gain the shifters support, however many shifters don't want to risk their families and themselves because the vampires have yet again been exposed.

- - - - - - - - - -
In a nutshell
- - - - - - - - - -

Gabriel Keene, head of the North American Central Pack - which basically means that he's the Alpha's Alpha - has come to Chicago for a convocation, where the shape-shifters will get to vote on whether to stay in their homes and face the fast approaching war or if they should all decamp to Alaska and not get involved in the vampires latest problems.

As Ethan is the oldest and strongest out of the Chicago vampire Masters he meets with Gabriel - attempting to ally himself with him - and in a good will gesture lends him a special bodyguard for his pre-convocation meeting with his fellow Alphas; Yup, you've guessed it, he loans him Merit. And himself.

Naturally things don't go smoothly for anyone. It quickly becomes apparent that someone is plotting to assassinate Gabriel, so Merit and Ethan have to stick close to him and Merit will get to witness the old prejudice the vampires and shifters harbour for each other first hand...

When she's not working Merit is getting to do twice as much work with her new trainer - Ethan. He has taken over from Catcher as we wants her to continue her training with a fellow vampire to help her to control her powerful inner vamp and utilise her enhanced senses and since he's the strongest around he's stepped up to the plate.

- - - - - - - - -
My opinion
- - - - - - - - -

Admittedly, the whole issue of vampires and shape-shifters not liking each other has been done to death in books, films and TV, but author Chloe Neill has come up with a somewhat reasonable explanation for this as well as giving numerous hints at various future plot twists, so I didn't mind this tired cliche coming up. I'm able to see both sides views on past events and also understand how both sides feel about the uncertain future [although the vampires win in my view as they're the ones who were tortured and killed].

Throughout the series we've known that one of the minor supporting character's [Jeff] is a shape-shifter, so I'm pleased that the packs have finally been introduced - widening the species pool - rather then just being spoken about and referred to. We also get to see some of the laws and politics that happen in the shifters world, which promises conflicts with the vampire politics... God; I'm actually saying that I find politics interesting.

Merit also spends a lot more time with her colleagues in Cadogan House [compared to the earlier books] which fascinated me, I especially liked learning more about Ethan the person, rather then just getting more of Ethan the leader. Guards Luc and Lindsay are more fleshed out in this book as well and I'm really keen on getting to learn more about the relationship and past that they share in future books. The author has now found the perfect balance between Merit's home and work life and most of the secondary characters share a large amount of page space with her, as well as a new [vampire] character being introduced to keep things new.

I also want to mention that when you re-read the books in the series you always pick up on something new; Neill really knows how to toss in little tid-bits and teasers.

I don't have any real issues with the plot or writing, my only tiny niggle is that I'm not sure if the author means shape-shifters in the traditional sense of the terms [they're able to take the form of any animal they want] or if she views them as weres [they can only change into one animal] and they're meant to be the basis for human myths and legends. I can appreciate that there is really no opportunity to clarify it here without adding one of those really fake we-all-know-this-but-we're-discussing-it-anyway-to -fill-in-gaps-for-the-reader character conversations, but it did niggle away at me. But it doesn't distract from the story, so I decided not to remove a star.

** Book four in the series is titled 'Hard Bitten' [released in May 2011] and book five is titled 'Drink Deep' [released in November 2011] **

After reading Some Girls Bite and it's follow-up Friday Night Bites, I've come to adore Chloe Neill's new urban fantasy series. Not only does Twice Bitten continue the Chicagoland Vampires series's winning streak, it ups the ante.

Picking up directly where the second book left off, it's two months after Merit made the change from human to vampire and became the Sentinel of her new house, Cadogan. Although she still struggles - with lust as well as the fighting - during her physical training sessions with House Master Ethan Sullivan, we she her beginning to come into her own. Merit's learning to balance her duties, adjusting to her new life and forming solid relationships with her fellow novitiate (initiated) vampires. She's put her angst over her new-found vampirism aside and seems to be accepting her lot. Her growing level of comfort and her increasing loyalty to her house makes her even more likable - not only for us readers, but also for those novitiates other than her guard co-workers with whom her relations were formerly distant. Despite all of this, Merit still harbors some doubts - doubts that lead to a huge decision that she faces in this installment.

Neill does a great job of showing growth in Merit here. Her overall development as a character lends a dose of realism to this paranormal tale, particularly when it comes to her efforts at learning to fight. Urban fantasy series often provide us with heroines that come ready-made to kick butt. It's refreshing to see a heroine make the transition from normal post-grad student to vampire protector. Seeing her succeed is all the more of a reward because of this. In addition, we also witness a wealth of personal growth within Merit. She's more open and honest with herself and others about her feelings, especially those pertaining to Ethan and her unresolved issues with her best friend, Mallory.

Ethan too shows some significant growth. It appears as if Merit has tempered his ego and helped him be more forthright emotionally. I came to like Ethan a lot more this time around. Neill managed to make him more sympathetic without straying to far from what we've known of him as a character. I didn't always agree with his decisions or behavior in this book, but I gained a great deal more respect for him. The sexual tension that has simmered between him and Merit since the start jumps off the charts here. Neill takes their relationship in a new direction and I, for one, was surprised at where it went. It provides some lovely conflicts along the way too, and not just between Ethan and Merit. Their relationship issues inevitably spill over into business and are only compounded upon when certain new and returning characters are present in a scene.

Not only are the characters growing, but the series as a whole is also. There is plenty of info to be learned here regarding the shifters, which were introduced (but not delved into) in the previous novel. Merit and Ethan become entangled in shifter politics and glean plenty of heretofore secret knowledge about the workings of the pack. This is thanks to Gabriel Keene, the alpha of the shifter packs, who has reached out to them due to rumblings of tensions and war. I have to say, I found Keene to be a very admirable and sexy character. I enjoyed the fact that Neill made him a dedicated husband and father as opposed to a possible love-interest for Merit. The addition of Keene, his family and fellow shifters add a new dynamic to the story. Aside from the obvious difference - their supernatural heritage - the shifters are unique in their pack structure, which is superficially similar to the vampire house set-up but is based on family rather than a club-like inclusion. The shifter element is a fascinating addition to the series and I'm looking forward to its further inclusion - which is all but guaranteed due to their large involvement in the plot and plenty of allusions to future events.

If it all sounds overly serious, don't worry - Neill's signature snark-filled humor is ever-present throughout the book. We're also treated to some high quality action and fight scenes where our heroine steps up to the plate. And the end? It's in keeping with the sense of drama and the unexpected that permeates Twice Bitten and makes it an excellent continuation of an already above-par story.

I really liked the idea behind the series. Although not particularly blown away by the first two books, I was still looking forward to the continuation of the story.

Lily seems to be the only developed character of the series. All the other characters fall short. There were many possibilities to expand more on the other characters, but for some reason the author chose to make a short book rather than a developed story. Both love story lines are equally underdeveloped, but maybe that should be expected from teenagers who actually never really get to hang out for the fun of it, but meet to work more and more. Why is there no advances in Scout/Michael ship? Lily and Jason don't seem to be able to come to terms with their disagreement by discussion, but rather again it is a solitary process. There is definetly too many characters for the length of the book.

In addition to the lack of development of the characters (background, relationships, personalities), too many loose ends on the flourishes of the storyline break the pace. So this dance is the center of attention for most of the book, but in the end, barely enough pages are devoted to it, and more than that, the timeframe seems very fishy (how long was this dance exactly?). I understand it is not central to the ACTION, but if it is so, then do not make such a big deal all along the book.

I feel like the characters could be much more 3D than they are, and the inconsistency of focus on the school part of Lily's life versus her "power" part is decidedly making this a very mitigated read. I might just read the next installement very fast, because I'm interested in Lily, but I think that is going to be the extent of it.

I am now hooked on this series! I blame it all on Rachel at Fiktshun. It's all her fault. :P I kept hearing so many things about Chloe Neill's books, and I had to check it out for myself.

This story is fast paced, and there is a ton of sarcastic humor. I know, I'm a sucker for sarcasm. But it is part of my daily conversation. ;) There was never a dull moment. I was actually surprised at who caused all the trouble. That doesn't happen often anymore.

The characters were awesome! I love Mallory. She is every girl's dram BFF. Jeff is the pervy guy friend in the bunch, but he seriously has me laughing throughout the book. Merit, our MC, is strong and determined. When she decides to do something, it's whole-hearted. I love when the main character is a kick-ass chick. I can't wait to see what she's up against in the sequel. And Ethan..... I'm not sure how I feel about him. He has serious trust issues, and he's a little too arrogant for my taste, but we'll see how things go.

I didn't care for the narrator much. Her parts for Merit were fine, but the male voices were a bit off, and started to sound the same.

If you are a fan of The Hollows by Kim Harrison, you'll enjoy this series. There are many of the same elements.

***May Contain Spoilers***

This book is frustrating to say the least- I don't know if I have ever so mentally and emotionally strained while reading a book I did while reading this. Whenever I became truly elated with what was happening between them Chloe would rip my heart out and stomp on it, leading me to throw my book across the room out of frustration and heartbreak.

And I am further frustrated because while I would love to see Merit and Ethan together mainly because they would be a super powerful couple, I am still not exactly sure how I feel about Ethan. I understand that his house has to be a big concern to him, but exactly how big? Can he not be selfish every once and a while and go after what he truly wants? Does he always have to make sacrifices? Also, I am somewhat wary of their relationship because what would stop ot from ending like Ethan and Lacey's did (especially taking into consideration that it does seem like Merit is going to be made into a Master, like Lacey was, which will eventually separate her and Ethan as their have to look after their respective houses)? Despite my frustrations I do believe that this book is exceptionally better than the second book in the series, "Friday Night Bites", however not as good as the first book in the series, "Some Girl's Bite".

I was really glad to see Jeff play a larger role in this book than in the previous ones- I find him to hands down be the most intriguing character (I wanna know what he shifts into!). I think that in this book he became so much more than the quirky/ nerdy boy that we saw in the earlier books- he really pulls out his kick-butt, and dare I say, almost dangerous-bad-boy side. I also think that Fallon is a pretty kick-butt (I suppose that being in the female child in a family of boys would force her to become pretty kick-butt) and intriguing character, I can't wait to see how her and Jeff's relationship develops.

After trying many time to get into her young adult Firespell series, and epically failing, I decided to give her adult series a shot. Man, oh man, oh man.

Some Girls Bite is the story of Merit who is turned a vampire against her will when attacked at night on her university campus.

Firstly, I loved the characters introduced. You have Mallory, Merit's witchy roommate who is just a ball of fun. Then there's Catcher--he's also a witch (but don't call him that). He's sexy, funny, and totally in love with Mallory. You have the shifter Jeff, who acts as your residential nerd and hacking geek but everything about him is so dang cute. Then there's Ethan. I'm not sure what to say about him other than the fact that when Merit and Ethan are on the page together: whoa. Look out, I think my book just went up in smokes.

Neill knows how to write sexual tension, I'll just tell you that.

One of the things that stood out most to me about our protagonist is her thinking. I seriously applause this girl for not just jumping right into Ethan's lap (even if I was silently encouraging her). She saw the good and bad in it and thought about how being his mistress would make sure. She stood up for what she wanted (a committed relationship) and I respect her for that.

Some Girls Bite does have a murder mystery, which seems to be the M.O for the first book in any adult PNR or UF series out there. The villain in the end was slightly expected (I'm getting much better at picking up author patterns), but did make plausible sense. I don't like it when the villain seems to be a random name pulled out of a hat.

The last thing I really enjoyed about this book was its flow. It flowed so easily, her voice was developed fully, which made this a nice morning read.

I really do recommend this book, even if you are a tad bit over vampires. It's fresh, it's light, and it's immensely enjoyable!

After two installments packed with delicious, shiver-inducing sexual tension, we've all been waiting for Merit and Ethan to do the deed, so to speak. Is it too much of a spoiler to say that IT finally happens? I hope not, because I can't think of a way to review this story without discussing this penultimate event. Despite anticipating it for such a long time now, it still took me by surprise, and even after they both got both naked and started appreciating each other's hotness, I figured someone would run into the room and stop them, but no, it really happens.

If you're like me, watching a slow simmer romance finally reach that boiling point is both deeply satisfying and deeply disappointing at the same time. I mean, I'm always happy to finally get that release, so to speak, but I'm also bummed because the sexual tension is gone, zapped, fried. I always worry that the series will lose the very thing that kept me riveted, but I think Chloe Neill knows that all too well, because she threw in a chink that derailed their romance almost as soon as it had begun. I won't say what happens, but all you Ethan haters (and I know you're out there) will really hate him now.

I've devoted two paragraphs to an event that takes up only a small part of the book, so I should move on now. Merit is coming into her own, and she's turning into a ninja-slayer, Matrix-moving badass. This worries me a bit, even as it delights me. On the one hand, I think any urban fantasy heroine who is brazen enough to be armed with a bright red katana should be the toughest thing on two legs. However, one of the things I liked best about Merit is how hard she struggles to fit into her vampire-ness. Most books gloss over the transition from human to vampire like it's an amusement park ride, but Ms. Neill let's Merit go through a real grieving process for her lost humanity, and it's an aspect of Merit's character that I truly admire.

I have seriously enjoyed the first three books in the Chicagoland Vampires series, but now I wonder if this series has already passed its glory phase. I will definitely read book four, Hard Bitten, in May 2011, but it will be a big test to see if Merit and Ethan will be as compelling as ever.

Judging by the reviews and high ratings for this book, I expected to really like this series.
I also read the first chapter for free, and was intrigued enough to keep reading.
However, there are some fundamental character flaws that just can't be overlooked.
Merit, a few-day-old vampire, is assigned to guard and protect a Master Vampire named Ethan (who also turned Merit into a vampire).
Ethan is several hundred years old, head of several hundred vampires, but is portrayed as this wuss who wouldn't know how to defend himself against a child. This was really frustrating to me.
Merit "saves" him from another vampire wielding a bobby-pin as a weapon, and he then confesses that he owes her his life. I'm not making this up. It's ridiculous.
Also, her roommate Mallory starts this relationship with one of the side characters.
She sleeps with him the first day, on day two he practically moves in, and by the end of the week, Merit decides to move out to give them space. The timeline here is pretty ridiculous.
Also, the dialogue is very immature. Merit turns 28 in this book, but her dialogue mirrors that of a 17 year-old.
It was hard to relate to her. One minute she cries, the next minute she talks like a seasoned assassin.
Overall, not much happens in this book. I think it covers maybe a two-week period. It was boring in some parts as the author tends to describe too many actions (i.e. she enters the house, locks the door, turns on the light, sets her purse on the floor, etc...), and the story is filled with a lot of vampire politics and strategy talk.

Wow. Just wow. This book completely knocked my socks off. It took my emotions on a crazy ride... from excitement to passion to joy to despair and back around to hope. Twice Bitten has it all: a great plot, fantastic action, love, betrayal, angst... and sex (did I mention sex?) Again, I say, wow.

The book picks up in the moment where the last one left off. Merit is answering the call of that mysterious note she got at the end of the last installment, inviting her to meet someone. And at first, it seems like this book is going to be about the secret organization of vampires she is asked to join. But the main story really follows Merit and Ethan as they provide security for Gabriel, the Alpha of the shifters, as he gathers his people to vote on the future of the pack. Someone is trying to kill Gabriel, so it's a struggle not only to keep him safe, but to find out who is behind the hit.

Merit is making great strides as a vampire. It's gratifying to see her grow and shine. But the big, big payoff in the book is road she travels with Ethan. These two put me through the wringer here, but in a completely amazing way. I cheered; I cursed; I considered making little Ethan voodoo dolls and sticking them with pins. It was amazing. All of it.

The ending opened so many doors to future storylines, not just in Merit's personal life, but in what will happen with the vampires, the shifters, and the Red Guard. And let's not forget, Celina is still out there somewhere. 5 stars.

Wow. I have really enjoyed this series so far. I think about the stories and the characters when I'm not reading and for me that's the mark of a really good book. I am fully invested in Merit's world and I think this series is getting even better as it goes.

Twice Bitten really had it all for me. The twists and turns in relationships had me all over the place emotionally. One minute smiling and then the next having a "don't make me throw my e-reader" moment. To say that I experienced some strong reactions while reading this story is an understatement.

Merit and Ethan's relationship is as complicated as ever. Just when I think we're getting somewhere, crash-bang-boom. Then, aw[...] I really don't even know what to think about these two and I am so reluctant to count on this relationship because of all the turbulence. I love both Ethan and Merit but wow do they know how to wear a reader out!

With each book I continue like Merit more and more. But I felt like this was the `get to know Ethan better' book. We see a great deal of vulnerability creep through his very controlled, Master of the House personality especially when it comes to Merit. We get a glimpse of Ethan's heart as he shows Merit a side of him he keeps well hidden.

The shifters are at the heart of the conflict in Twice Bitten and I really liked their integration into this series. Their world is every bit as dangerous and violent as the vampire world and combining the two made for some heart stopping, DON'T TRUST THAT GUY, action.

Final Verdict: Loved this book, get out of my way...don't bother me, I'm busy reading Hard Bitten.

I picked up this review as a recommendation from a friend. I enjoyed the premise of this story; shy, nerdy girl gets turned into a vampire to save her life while walking across campus on a dark night. I liked the character of Merit and the sexual tension between her and her "Leige" Ethan. I enjoyed her grandfather's secret role and the underworld characters that came out of the woodwork to reveal more about Chicago than most people know exist.

I will say I found the story to move a bit slow, and her roommate Mallory is a bit annoying. There were some inconsistencies in the story that kind of irked me too. Like one moment they're watching TV about another dead girl found on campus, and it says that Mallory switches the TV off with the remote. Then the very next sentence, she points to the TV to show Merit the photo of the dead girl. Didn't she just turn the TV off? Also I was a bit shocked to find out Mallory was some paranormal expert on vampires, when she seemed so shocked and clueless about vampires when Merit originally came home.

Anyway, I hear the author has improved upon the series so I'll get the next book and see how it works itself out.
3.5 stars but I'll bump it up to 4 for the awesome book cover :)

Why I Read this Book: I just can't get enough of the romantic tension and banter between Ethan and Merit! But I would like it to progress into something and that's what I was hoping for with Twice Bitten. Thank goodness Ms. Neill threw me a bone.

What I Liked: Love the thick tension between Ethan and Merit! Things progress a bit and then there's some complications. I just love it, all of it. I can't wait to see where the next book picks up.

We finally learn Merit's first name (yay!), but not the story behind it (boo). When I say `the story behind it' I mean that I want to know why she doesn't go by her first name. There has to be some sort of animosity going on and I want to know the cause behind it. It's kind of weird that she's not fond of her father yet she has taken his surname as her first. It's a bit confusing.

I love this cover the best, so far. Merit loses the innocent look and looks fierce! I love her fighting outfit.

What I Didn't Like: Still not loving Merit as a heroine but I have to admit, the girl is growing on me. She still has time to completely win me over.

Overall Impression: Twice Bitten is my favorite book of the series so far. I was really happy with this one. I'm really anxious to read the next book, Hard Bitten, especially with the conflicting emotions from fellow book lovers. That bitterness and tang regarding the 4th book in the series is what got me to read this series to begin with. It's a good Urban Fantasy series. One I recommend you read if you like the genre.

** spoiler alert **

I'm so glad I decided to stick with this series even after the first two didn't suck me in quite as deep as the Kate Daniels or Mercy Thompson series. To be fair, the other series are further along (more books) than Chicagoland, and I do realize that the first few books is any series should more or less set the stage. You build the world and, more importantly, the characters. I read another reviewer comment that the author did an amazing job setting up extreme amounts of tension between Ethan and Merit. She was right on point with that comment. I love her writing style, her wit and comedic relief. Chloe Neill is now definitely on my favorite authors list!

I'm always hesitant to dip into new series, especially ones that are not that far along yet because sometimes the authors ruin the characters for me. Things like love triangles, quadrangles, etc., or when the heroine hops from one bed to another. I'm an old-fashioned type of girl. Chloe Neill said she will give Merit her happily ever after, but she won't give us any spoilers. I just hope the ride to "The End" will be satisfying and gives Merit what she deserves.

Now the half star that I docked was because I was bummed about the turn of events for Merit and Ethan's relationship. I understand it, I get it, but I was still bummed. I just don't want to have to wait for 2-5 more books before we find out if they'll get together, stay together and start new adventures as a couple.

Hands down, this is one of the best urban fantasy/paranormal romance novels that I've ever read. What makes this even more remarkable is that this is not only the first in a series, and therefore has to spend more time on laying the groundwork, but it's also a debut novel for author Neill. As far as heroines go, Merit is very well-flushed out. She's intelligent, down-to-earth, emotionally and physically strong, as well as driven. Unlike too many females who befall similar circumstances in other novels, she realistically struggles with her new vampiric lifestyle without wasting too much time moaning about it. Instead she faces the decision that she must make between braving it alone or joining with her new vamp brothers and sisters by learning as much as she can and making the most of her new abilities.

Merit isn't the only draw, however. The plot is very nicely paced and well thought out. Neill has obviously put a lot of effort into world-building and the pacing of the story over the next few novels. She's created a unique vampire tale in a genre that's flush with look-a-likes. The house system and inclusion of other supernatural races promises future intrigue.

The secondary characters are, without a doubt, what pushes this novel to the top of the heap. Merit's best friend Mallory is everything that a best friend should be without being a caricature. Best of all, Mallory finds herself also thrust into this new supernatural world right alongside Merit. Other peripheral characters include Catcher, Mallory's love interest and Merit's personal Yoda, Merit's ever-disapproving father and her supportive Grandpa, who holds the key to a few revelations for Merit. Combine these with two complex and sexy love interests, one of whom is Ethan, Merit's new Master and primary antagonist. There's also a great villain, who shall remain nameless here.

Altogether, I found this novel to be consuming - I tried putting off sleep to finish it. The next installment, Friday Night Bites, is due for release October 6th. Check out Chloe's wonderful website for more info on the books and Merit. You can also read the first chapter there.

I was kind of apprehensive about reading this book. I had seen several reviews of the Chicagoland Vampire series, all positive, but that makes me nervous. I have pretty high standards for my urban fantasy and I was afraid this series wouldn't live up. I was wrong.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a little more romance laden than I would normally like, and I would classify this book (and series) as one of the more "fluffy" urban fiction series. Neither of those statements equal anything bad, though. I really enjoyed this book. Merit is a cool, awesome character.I liked her immediately. I liked Mallory, Merit's roommate to a lesser extent. I am not entirely sure what it is about Mallory that keeps me from totally liking her.

I found the house system of vampires that Neill has created very interesting. I've not encounter another system of governance for vampires quite like this. Even outside of a system of governance, I've never encounter such an extended vampire social framework. Usually, vampires are disparate souls who journey through the world alone. Neill's vampire have this vast network to rely on, and I really liked that feature of the novel.

What didn't I like? Well, I found some of the character interactions to be a little forced. I think this is the reason I dislike Mallory (although, I wouldn't swear to it). It felt like Neill was trying to hard, at some points in the novel, to make conversations be light and semi-flip. This came across as awkward. This awkwardness was my only real problem with the book, and it is definitely not such a problem that it kept me from enjoying it.

I absolutely recommend this book (and series), particularly if you are looking for a light, quick read.

LynnMarie's Review

Some Girls Bite is the first book in the Chicagoland Vampire series. This is one paranormal/urban fantasy series that you don't want to miss out on! It's written in the first person POV of our heroine.

Merit, and her roommate, Mallory, were such great female characters. Strong, real, and flawed; they were easy to relate to. They both had me laughing out loud like a nut while I read this book. Too many classic one-liners to name. If you love humor in your books, then you'll love Some Girls Bite.

Merit is bitten by a vampire against her will, and is thrust into a whole new world that she knows nothing about. She's sent to the Cadogen House to learn about her new role in life, and what's expected of her. Drinking blood is something she detests, but now needs.

The sexual tension in this book was off the charts. Throw in a healthy dose of jealousy, and a couple love triangles, and you are guaranteed to be glued to the pages. Ethan is the leader of the Cadogan House vampires, and yes, there are rival factions. They play a role later in the book when the suspense and danger begin to climb. Merit is attracted to Ethan, and knows he feels the same way about her. The fact he's taken, makes her one very unhappy vampiress. She concentrates on her powers, and new role as a guard to Ethan. Merit is one kick-ass heroine!

For a fun, sexy read, with a full plot and great cast of characters, start reading the Chicagoland Vampire series right away!

5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!

***May contain spoilers***

Typically I rate book boys based on their swoon-worthiness (ie. wholesome boys with their Abercrombie and Fitch model looks, sweet/ caring personalities and awesome senses of humor). But the boys in this book? Well they are in a league of their own, they surpass the swoon-worthy category and land smack-dab in the centre of the smoldering category. Seriously between Catcher, Ethan, and Morgan, a girl has nothing to complain about!

Merit (a name that I now love) may seriously be the most kick-butt girl I have ever come across. Seriously (move aside Faythe, Ellie and Isabella). She is so dynamic- from her wit, to her obvious intelligence, to her aforementioned kick-buttnedd.

As for the secondary characters in this book? Well usually I loathe the secondary characters, I just feel like they are unnecessary or get in the way (or both at the same time *shudder*), but the secondary characters in this book? Well I don't think that there was one that I didn't like (though I will admit that there are a couple I like more than others *cough, cough, 21 year old Jeff who is a video-game addict/ mysterious shifter* or Mallory. Oh Mallory, or who I like to call seriously-the-best-friend-any-one-could-ever-ask-for-because-she-doesn't-let-anything-faze-her).

All in all? This book reminds me of what I am missing out on by skipping over adult PNR and almost exclusively focusing on YA paranormal. From this moment on I vow to seek out other adult PNR like this to read and I vow to read all of Chloe Neill's remaining books.

In this first book by Chloe Neill, we meet Merit, a literary graduate student, who is changed into a vampire against her will. Merit is full of sarcasm and rebellion against the yummy master named Ethan who changed her and now expects her unquestioning loyalty. Of course that sarcasm gets herself into plenty of hot water, but I was glad to not see her just roll over. I have to say that I absolutely LOVE Merit, her attitude and sarcasm, as well as her determination and willpower. Her rebellion against being turned are very realistic. I found it refreshing that she didn't immediately accept this new lot in life, as most people would have to take time as well.

I found the friction and sexual tension between Ethan and Merit to be frustrating, but not in a bad way, ultimately making this book an even better read. Neill has created two characters with such strong wills there is no chance for an easy progression in a relationship between them. As much as I may have wanted to see them together, their love-hate relationship makes better sense. I think there is great potential for those two if either learns to give a little.

The most admirable thing about Merit was that she knew when to put the rebelliousness behind her and step up to do what is right. As her acceptance grows, she quickly learns she is stronger than most and takes steps to use this power to protect. Her transformation from mild student to a kick ass, katana wielding, heroine is nothing short of amazing. Merit has the potential for greatness and I cannot wait to see how she develops in future books.

This is not a book to start late at night as you will not be able to put it down. I made this mistake and paid for it dearly the next day due to my lack of sleep. Neill has surely delivered an amazing read and will be sure not to disappoint.

I stumbled across this book on a blog and the blogger was so enthusiastic about it, I thought I'd give it a try. I really liked this book. If you are a fan of Twilight, and secretly worry that you are far too old to think that teenage vampires and werewolves are hot (and you think that Bella is just a bit too whiny and helpless for all the devotion), then this book is a nice grown-up transition. You get to have the interesting monster/human relationships, but with a female heroine who does more than cling to her undead boyfriend. Don't get me wrong, I really like Twilight, but I could never shut off the grown up voice in my head trying to tell Bella that you don't really know what you want for eternity at 17, but I digress.

I love that Merit has a personality and sarcasam and she is smart. I like that this isn't just a romance novel where you know from page 1 exactly how things are going to wrap up. Going back to the Twilight comparisons, I'd say that Merit is like a much cooler version of Rosalie...a character who hadn't intended on being a vampire and would have prefered not to join their ranks, but since she is, she's going to face those challenges--but Merit is less petty and snobby than Rosalie's character.

There's a great cast of supporting characters which keeps things moving right along (and since this is the first in a series of books, lots of potential to see more of those characters). Lucky for me the first 3 books are out...sadly, the 4th book doesn't come out for a YEAR (wish I'd found this book next year, then I wouldn't have to wait). Ah well. Just don't start this book at 10:00 at night when you have to get up for work the next day...its a hard book to put down.

The author does use the F-word and other language frequently and there is one sex scene.

Merit was a graduate student, happily living her life, when she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. A vampire attacks her on campus and rips out her throat. Before he can snuff out her life, he is interrupted. Luckily for her, it is by the Master of the Cadogan House vampires as masters are the only ones who can bestow the gift of immortality. Several nights later, dazed and confused, Merit is delivered back to her roommate Mallory with a guidebook on being a vamp. Now, instead of completing her dissertation Merit will be taking an oath to her House and to her Master, Ethan Sullivan, which doesn't sit too well with this very modern and independent woman. Then there is the slight problem of discovering that she was not the first to die by the hand of a vamp ripping out young women's throats. How will she adjust to her new unlife, her unwanted attraction to her Master and his to her, and stop the humans from turning against all the vampires?

I was really pleased that I was sent this debut by Ms. Neill. More authors are doing first person and it doesn't always work for me. In this instance, however, Ms. Neill gives you the opportunity to experience everything from Merit's viewpoint smoothly and effortlessly. You learn everything as Merit learns it which gives you a lot of empathy for her situation. I was worried that Merit would be another character where we are told how smart she is but she doesn't act it. I was also concerned that we were going to have another character where she is attracted to the Master and he to her and that they would then start a relationship. I was wrong on both counts. Merit is smart, smart-mouthed, sarcastic, and insulted when Ethan isn't thrilled with their mutual attraction but offers her the position of his mistress! I loved the fact that you know that Merit isn't big on her parents because they are so focused on their standing in the community, their money, and their reputation. The only family member that she is really close to is her grandfather who used to be a cop. Their relationship is very sweet as is her friendship with Mallory. The vampires and the way they are organized into houses as well as the political climate between the houses and with the city of Chicago was unique and showed attention to detail. I was also on the edge of my seat wondering if we would find out what Merit's first name is! I can't wait for Friday Night Lights!
Originally reviewed at Night Owl Romance

I may have dragged my feet a bit on getting started on this series because it's an urban fantasy featuring vampires. As much as I like reading about vamps, I need to mix it up a bit or I just get burnt out on the same old thing so I had this series shelved for a rainy day. When the time came to get started I found myself completely taken in by the fresh writing style, and protagonists that are interesting and smart, with a cast great secondary characters that held as much appeal for me as the main characters.

Merit is a reluctant vampire, turned without her consent. The refreshing thing about her is she doesn't spend the entire book brooding, pouting or acting like a baby. She's not entirely thrilled with the recent turn of events in her life but she is a survivor. Not only that, she thrives by making the most of her situation. Merit's quick wit, laced with a bit of snark and no-nonsense outlook make for a very likeable heroine.

Ethan. Oh Ethan. I really love an arrogant hero and Ethan is certainly that. I suspect he is going to be the hero I love to hate because although he appeals to me on many levels, he refuses to do the things I think he should. He just won't let me boss him around and therefore I will most likely be panting after him like a love-sick puppy. Sad I know. Based on this book I suspect Merit and Ethan will have a very complicated relationship throughout the series.

Final verdict: A very solid start to this fresh urban fantasy series.

Similar with Harris' vampire world, the book takes place not too long after vampires have officially announced their existence to us mere mortals. The big reveal was done by the elite Chicago vampire houses. Because much like the feudal lord system and a lot like pack/pride structures in shifter/were novels, all vampires are divided into houses and those that refuse or are kicked out of a house are called Rogues. Our heroine, Merit, is attacked by a rogue and her life is "saved" by McDreamy vampire Master of the Cadogan, Ethan Sullivan. By saved I mean she joined the ranks of the long-of-tooth, and not too willingly.

Now, just as Merit has been told that her life as a English grad-student (yet another main character who is a book nerd. Gotta say, loving the trend) is over, she has precious little time to come to terms that she has to swear allegiance to Ethan as her Lord and Master. Which I think puts any woman raised after...say...1900 go: "Yeah...right. When monkeys fly outta my [...]!" To top it all off, the Rogue who nearly ripped her throat out seems to have a taste for the slim brunettes as other girls turn up dead via vamp. Then direct threats are made against her life. Oh...and by the way, all these vampire houses are on the verge of war.

The great thing is that I can tell this is yet another great set up for what could be a multi-directional series. Because Merit's room mate is discovered out to be a budding sorceress, her grandfather works in a special police branch that deals with all things that go bump in the night (and employs a sorcerer and shifter), and we are introduced to many different characters that could eventually end up having their own story. I can definitely see that Chloe Neill, intentionally or not, gave herself plenty of room to grow.

Summary:
Merit is a rich girl turned graduate student. Instead of trading in on her last name she went in the other direction and became an academic. One late night she is on campus working when she is attacked by a vampire with her throat torn open. The vampire is scared away by other vampires and the new vampire decides to save her by turning her into a vampire. Vampires came out of the coffin approximately 8 months ago, so Merit knows what she has been turned into, but she's not exactly grateful for the change. Her whole life has been turned upside down, by one Ethan Sullivan, her new "Master". Now Merit needs to decide if she is going to "submit" to Ethan or go rogue.

Review:
This is a great intro into this new world. Merit is not one to easy just accept and go with it, she can think for herself and is not afraid to speak her mind. Her and Ethan clash immediately, it's a battle of wills and a battle against lust. Isn't that the best way? It's certainly more explosive and these two certainly are combustible in their attraction to each other. This book is primarily about Merit navigating this new world and learning how to be a vampire. I really like how she maintains who she even after her transition, she refuses to change who she is just because what she is changed.

Merit and her Master vampire have a love-hate relationship. Merit isn't sure how to evolve apart from the relationship, and she's not sure she wants to try. However, something more important catches the attention of the vampire community - the arrival of the werewolves for a meeting about their future.

The Alpha werewolf extends the hand of interest to Ethan Sullivan and Merit. They attend a meeting of the werewolf clan heads, only to find tempers raging and the night ending with disaster.

Now, Ethan and Merit must act as guards for the Alpha while trying to untangle an attempted murder, as well as figuring out the future for the werewolves and thus the entire paranormal community. In a previous war, the werewolves let the vampires take on the humans. Now that the world might be on the brink of war once again, will the werewolves stay and fight, or will they disappear like they did before?

With tensions at a boiling point, Merit's having issues finding an outlet from work. Work is crazy. Her love life is a disaster. She's in a fight with her best friend. Will all these issues add up to Merit doing something reckless and endangering herself?

An adult novel from a crossover author (Ms. Neill's YA debut was FIRESPELL) and the third in the CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES series that's hard to put down. There are so many things I love about this series, but mostly it's the relationships: Merit and her relationship with Sullivan - the snark and verbal sparring and their tension, Merit and Mallory's relationship, and Merit vs. the world.

I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

Vampire troubles have been all over the news in the last few months. Now the shapeshifters, still in the closet, are debating whether to stay where they currently are and help defend the vamps against possible persecution, or retreat to their lands in Alaska. Gabriel, their leader, doesn't expect this to be a battle of words alone, and so Merit and Ethan are working as his bodyguards.

Violence does erupt, and Merit learns of a planned hit on Gabriel. Now she must ferret out who is plotting against him and stop the assassination. Along the way, she has to deal with shifters' prejudice against vamps and vice versa.

Meanwhile, Merit's relationship with Ethan takes a few steps forward... and a few steps backward. The "downs" are made extra poignant by the fact that Merit is so *normal*. Her heartache is something almost all of us can relate to, and I love the way she held her head up anyway. As for Ethan, I have to admit that, after an inauspicious beginning, he has grown on me -- though there were moments in _Twice Bitten_ when I wanted to shout at him for being an idiot!

Other plot threads include friendship developments (with Mallory and with Merit's fellow Cadogan vamps) and an invitation that tests Merit's loyalty to her House.

I enjoyed Twice Bitten, absolutely loved the ending, and admired Merit for her strength in the face of all kinds of challenges.

This story is modern and hip. The main character "Merit" is highly likable, funny, and logical. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and consider it one of the best new series out there for this genre. There is no real erotica though, its comparable to the Mercy series in that area.

Merit is an English Lit major who is about to turn 28 and receive her doctorate. She lives and goes to school in Chicago. She is on her way home one night from college when a "Rouge" vampire attacks her on campus. Not surprising though two other vamps come across the attack in progress and save her, subsequently turning her into one of them.

The Vamp who saved her just happens to be the head vampire of one of the oldest and most powerful Vamp houses in Chicago (Ethan). It turns out there are 4 separate houses; of which each has its own set of leaders (this reminded me a lot of Harry Potter in a more grown up way). The one thing that the houses do agree upon is the "Cannon", a Vamp bible and rule book so to speak.

Since Merit was turned by the head of the 2nd oldest Vamp House she is of course pledged to that house. Regretfully though Merit isn't much into the idea of being a Vampire or following rules. Until she meets the man that turned her (Ethan), of course he is outrageously good looking and powerful. She's smart mouthed and a bit of a tomboy so she challenges him repeatedly which seems to turn him on. Merit also happens to have a few tricks up her sleeve, it seems she is stronger than most new fledglings (physically) and everyone takes notice. Ethan eventually propositions her to be his mistress, but won`t offer more. She is insulted at the idea and plays the hard to get role. She also bumps into another Vamp named Morgan (is the second in command at another house), he is a lot more attentive to her needs then Ethan, yet she still wants what she can't have, which is a committed relationship with Ethan.

Meanwhile, the Vamp that almost killed her is still on the loose and killing young women. This leads Merit to investigate a whole new underworld where Vamps, Nymphs, Shape Shifters, and Witches exist.

The story line is pretty in-depth. There is tons of chemistry and tension between characters and the author is great at directing you through it. Very well written. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes Vampire books.

This book has me officially hooked on this series. I did like the first two books, but this one, I don't know it just was better some how. I love the chemistry of Ethan and Merit and just when we think they are going to move forward in their relationship, something happens and you're thrown a couple of feet backwards. I really like the shifters in this story as well and the slightly differing story line, the first two books were so similar so it was nice to stop talking about Celina so much. I do wish we knew more about Gabriel and his family because they seem so full of life and like they have so much going on, but we don't really know them or the dynamic of the shifter world. I would actually be interested in a spin off that tells the tale of the Keenes. This book does show Merit coming more into her own, it has only been a week since the last book so there isn't a dramatic change, but you can see that she's changing, becoming more confident, and becoming something stronger and better than what anyone expects of a baby vamp. This book does have that "FINALLY" moment; it also has betrayal, action, lots of snarkyness and a fairly fun story.

Just thinking about this book....I want to pick it up and reread it. That slow build up between Merit and Ethan that I talked about in my first two reviews?

Yeah. All I'm going to say is...WORTH. THE. WAIT. All kinds of hot. By the time some (I repeat: some) of the walls come down - I was so emotionally invested in their relationship that I about melted into a puddle of joy when progress was finally made. (Don't expect a totally happy ending though...just saying.)

Anyway, besides the hotness...this was also the best so far as far as the action goes. Instead of a ton of vampire drama (although there is still that, of course)...we add in shifter drama. Merit and Ethan get in way over their heads and it is both exhilarating and hilarious to see them fight their way through the novel.

This is far and away my favorite of the series thus far, and if Neill keeps getting better and better, this is going to be one of the best paranormal series out there! (Well, it already is actually - but I needed to make a dramatic statement to get my point across.)

Do yourself a favor and check this series out. If you like paranormal novels, have ever considered liking paranormal novels, or heck...if you know how to read - you will fall in love with these characters.

Why read: Heard good things about the series

What impressed me: I loved Merit, her internal struggle with her new vampirism as well as her relationships with the other characters. I loved the way Neill shaped the world for this series, sort of forcing vampires to belong to covens that puts them in constant contact with each other, yet have to do it while the humans know about them. And I loved the dialogue. It felt almost like Buffy, which I couldn't help but be impressed by as many authors have tried and failed while attempting to reach that tone.

What disappointed me: I feel a love triangle coming on. Blah. And there were some way too conveniently placed powerful people in Merit's life. All of which she didn't know about (except the father she dislikes) until she was made into a vampire. How is that even possible?

Recommended: Yes. A witty vampire series starter that never feels like it's trying too hard.

Continue series: Absolutely. I definitely got the feel this is going to be a great series.

Summary: 4 stars. A fun urban fantasy story with interesting characters. There are some typos.

The fantasy world of Some Girls Bite is very detailed and well-planned. Chloe Neill took an existing city (Chicago) and breathed new supernatural life into it. I found the characters to be believable and enjoyed the humorous interactions between them.

I'm torn on the book's writing. There are nice descriptions, and she does a good job of getting you into Merit's head. However, there are a few too many typos. There are also some sentences that stretch the rules of English grammar.

All in all, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more about the characters.

If you're hoping for some biting action, this is not where you'll find it, although the title implies the opposite. The heroine is bitten in the very beginning when she's attacked, and the only other bite in the entire book takes place when her romantic interest (the "hero") bites someone else during sex. It should be called "Some Girls Don't Bite," or "Some Girls Fight Fang," because that's really what the book is about- the heroine's righteous and snobby nature that tends to antagonize everyone. She doesn't bite anyone throughout the entire book; she gets her blood from bags or glasses. Maybe it's just me, but I didn't find it very romantic that the only sexual interlude in the entire book involved the hero, but not the heroine, other than her accidental interruption. I don't have much hope that the 2nd book holds more promise, so I'm moving on.

I'm on the 2nd book in this series and I feel I'm kind of invested in it at this point, so I'll try to keep reading, but it's kind of boring. There's a good storyline here, but it lacks any type of grip to keep the reader hooked. The first book was so anti-climatic that at the end I thought to myself, 'oh, ok, that was the big finish I guess.' I keep waiting for it to get interesting only to have the direction fizzle and fade. It never ramps up and has the feeling of an unfinished thought. The parts of the book that are supposed to be exciting are just not and most of the writing revolves around mundane day to day activities. There is very little action and what little there is leaves me wanting for bigger and better things. If you're looking for a vampire story that's full of intrigue, romance, danger and excitement, this is not the series for you.

This book isn't quite as good as the first two. As I've said before, there's not a lot to set this book apart from many others in the YA genre, but it has a refreshing lack of love triangle and actually has realistic relationship development. So kudos for that!

I did find this book very slow in the middle. See, when you have a book about teenage kids with magic and then take away the magic...you get a book about girls in boarding school. Not entirely, but still. Things just got a bit slow in the middle for me.

The resolution felt a bit lackluster, too. I can't put a finger on exactly why, but the 'big final reveal' wasn't very impressive or interesting, or even surprising. This book seemed a lot more relationship-oriented than action oriented, and I suppose I just got bored.

The plot of Some Girls Bite is well driven, with colorful and captivating characters all caught in the middle of a dangerous situation, one in which it seems they have no way out of. Tone is both suspenseful and sexy but what puts this book a cut above the rest is that there is also a lot of humor. It’s scary, sad, and funny, all at the same time, quite a feat. Bravo.

I was surfing the pages of the store for a new vampire series to read, while for my other favorites to release. I have to admit, I'm a bit of a vampire fan. So when I read that this was set in Chicago(I was raised on the South Side!), it piqued my interest. Some Girls Bite was amazingly good. I don't really know why either. It's pretty standard when it comes to vampire stories.

We have the female protagonists, Merit, who didn't really want to become a vampire. She's a pretty normal character before being vamped. She's doesn't get along with her family, lives with her best friend(who learns she's closer to the supernatural world than she thought), and is working on her Masters. Merit doesn't have any crazy fighting skills as a human and has to train as a vampire.

The vampire world in this series, is not all that different from other series. But it has a few of its own original points. In the book, the vampires recently just outed themselves. They follow the usual groupings of vampire "Houses", each one with their own master. With this series though, the politics and houses seems more business-like than other books. Which is refreshing,and makes it more believable and...well ironically, normal.

One thing, I do want to add is that I very much enjoyed the dynamic and relationship between Merit and Ethan, her sire and master. He runs Cadogan house and thinks highly of himself and the house. There's a bit of angst between them, which comes more towards the end of the novel. There's also this reluctance between them, which is a favorite theme for me with story couples.

I can keep going, there's many characters to love and rave about. But I'm afraid it'll start to spoil your reading. So I'll leave it here. Highly recommended series!

Some Girls Bite is the kick off novel in the Chicagoland Vampires Series. Chloe Neill makes her delicious debut penning this fantastic new urban fantasy series situated around the adventures misadventures of the delightful Merit. Oh, did I mention that she happens to be a reluctant initiate for the Windy City's Vampire denizens?

Narrated in the first person (which I am not always thrilled to read) Neill does a fantastic job weaving this engrossing novel through Merit's eyes.

Neill definitely goes beyond the new breed of vampire chick-lit territory that has staked (couldn't resist ; p) its claim on this increasingly popular sub genre.

The story line is peppered w/ juicy plot twists that can rival the best Hollywood blockbuster.

Some Girls Bite is a fast paced read bursting @ the seams w/ a medley of mystery, romance, hilarity & adventure!

Neill's characters are alluring & each well thought out player can carry their own in this charming debut.

Applause to Neill for doing a terrific job sprinkling in supernatural creatures to spice it up even more!

Vampire --fanpire-- fiction fans will definitely place Some Girls Bite on their keeper shelves!

I'll warn potential readers- the heroine of this book will remind you of a Mary Sue type heroine. Why? Because she's instantly a great vamp with tons of control, takes to sword fighting like a fish to water, & is lusted after by a great many men. (Almost all of which are of course powerful.)

Yet despite these things, this was an incredibly entertaining read that I found really hard to put down. Neill might technically have written Merit as a Gritty Sue, but her writing style is so great that most readers really won't notice and if they do, they won't care. Merit's love interests are pretty interesting, although of course there's one that obviously stands out more & will doubtlessly be "the one" for her.

I can only hope that as the series progresses we begin to see more obstacles for Merit and her friend Mallory (who also gets much of the same treatment in this book). Otherwise this will turn an otherwise highly promising series into one that just isn't as entertaining. (I.E., if you already know the lead heroine is going to succeed, then where's the thrill of reading?)

Sentinel for House Cadogan, Merit has her work cut out for her. Not only is she obliged to protect her liege lord, Ethan Sullivan, but she also has a responsibility to the rest of the members.

When Ethan requires her aid in protecting the pack Apex, Gabriel, she is there, ready to fight. And she is there to try to determine where the attacks are coming from, though deception makes that a challenge.

I am enjoying reading this series, save for one thing and that is that occasionally I find words that are either a poor choice, or flat out misused which is one of my biggest pet peeves. It makes me want to channel Inigo Montoya and say, "Stop using that word! I do not think it means what you think it means."

Regardless, I will continue with the series to see how things develop.

I think the author may have hit her stride with this one. Yes, I was as irritated as heck at Ethan (though, darn, he somewhat redeemed himself before it was too late, no?). But this story was pretty well woven, I thought. I didn't guess who was behind the shifter dodginess, which is good because I like to be surprised. Though, as bizarrely as it might sound because I know the cutie from gramps office can never have Merit, I almost feel a little mad about him getting a potential girlie shofter to settle down with.

To be honest, I think that's pretty much all I have to say on the matter. I really liked the story line. I thought the emotions in this were handled really well. And the writing was way cleaner than the first two books and hence dragged me into the story far faster and with a whole lot more vigour. I'll certainly be reading on to book 4.

Set in a world where vampires living in Chicago have recently announced their presence to the human population. Merit, a 27 year old grad student, is attacked by a mystery vampire on campus and then changed by another passing by in order save her life. Merit, not being a fan of vamps, has to adjust to this new reality and decide to join the vampire hierarchy or become a rogue and have an eternal life without a community or support system.

This book was well written, with smooth flowing dialog, and coherent situations. Yet over all nothing felt very original. I did enjoy the read though and will continue on with the series.

Charm fall by Chloe Niell is the third book in the Dark Elite series. In this fast paced novel Lilly and the rest of the Dark Elite most come to terms with losing their magical powers. Lilly must also decide if she will be able to work with the enemy. If she worked with the enemy she must also decide if it is worth hurting and losing someone that she loves.

Charm fall has a set of wonderful characters that will warm your heart. With a fast paced storyline that does not seemed rushed an any way. With a great plot and lots of action and adventure I do not know what else you could ask for in a book. There is also some romance thrown in along the way, which adds the perfect finishing touch.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. But I would also say that you need to read the books in order so that you are not confused.

Merit the main character is a 27-year old college student is attacked by a vampire, but saved and turned by the head of Cadogan House. When she awakens she joins the world of vampires who have just made themselves known to the public -and gets involved in the drama that is their hierarchy.

Merit inevitably starts to have feelings for Ethan the vampire who saved her. Pity he doesn't exactly reciprocate those feelings in the way she wants.

Merit is a kick-ass heroine in my opinion. She stands up for herself, in situations most would back down from and has a perfect combination of sarcasm, wit and vulnerability.

Some Girls Bite is well written and had me hooked in the first few pages.

This is a great start to a new series and I really can't wait for the next instalment. I absolutely recommend it!

Some Girls Bite By Chloe Neill is the first book in the Chicagoland Vampires book series. I found that I loved reading "Some Girls Bite". It was a fabulous fun read getting to know Merit and her new world among vampires. I really liked Chloe Neill's way of writing and how she told such a compelling and addictive story. But I must say that while I was reading "Some Girls Bite" I found myself being bored with Merit's and Ethan's relationship at times. I much rather read about the secondary characters like, Morgan (Vampire with the hots for Merit)and Mallory (Merits best friend). Even though I found Merit's and Ethan's relationship boring at times, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading "Some Girls Bite". It's a wonderful start to a new book series, which in my opinion gets better with the more books Chloe Neill brings out in this series. I give Some Girls Bite By Chloe Neill 4 Stars = I really liked it and I'm willing to read more.

I'm only in the first book, but I daresay is comparable to Kate Daniel series. Although I think Curran is still more awesome than Ethan Sullivan.

I love reading about Merit and Ethan conversation. Honestly, I doubt Morgan serves as a love triangle, because there is totally no competition there, which I can see. I'm now anxious to start on book 2.

Some minor problem near the ending that annoy me though, is why did Ethan needs to be save by Merit. He is a Master Vampire and almost three century old and needs to be save by a 1 week old Merit? That doesn't make sense to me. I hope Ethan get to some serious damage in the next installment.

I'm so glad I stuck around for book 3. After Friday Night Bites I was not at all impressed, but Twice Bitten is great. The character development picks up and starts moving in a good direction for a change. Finally Merit has stopped being whiny, angsty, and just generally in denial about things (particularly Ethan). I like Merit so much better when she's not 1. Playing the victim and 2. Pretending she doesn't love Ethan.

As for Ethan, yeah - he has some seriously d-baggy moments, but I found his character much more relatable and sympathetic. Chloe Neil did a fantastic job writing up his actions and reactions in this book. I do wish she would flesh out the side characters a bit; Mallory and Lindsay both just seem like token best friend characters at this stage.

I loved the addition of the shifter plotline in this book. The shifter characters were very interesting and I enjoyed the vampire-shifter drama! I definitely didn't see the villain in this book coming so that was a nice surprise. Ultimately, I just loved the book - it's probably one of my top 4 favorite Urban Fantasy books I've read thus far :D

Spoiler warning: I cannot discuss this book without including some serious spoilers. My apologies to anyone who is offended by this type of review.

I found this book on sale from Audible and, with the death of the Women of Otherworld series, took a chance on a new urban horror genre novel.

I have fallen in love. I have not reacted so strongly to a first novel in a series since Guilty Pleasures.

The story of vampire attack victim Merit is intriguing. The direction of the novel is somewhat predictable although it could have gone in an entirely different direction instead. Merit's initial reaction to being turned had me expecting a Sonia Blue/Blade resolution to her problem. This is one of the actual weaknesses of the novel. After her initial resistance to the strictures of vampire society including challenging her house's master to a fight, her surrender to and ultimate acceptance of vampire society is a little facile. Additionally, the sudden and abrupt expansion of the presence of other supernaturals would have best been spread over several novels instead of a single chapter. This is especially true by coincidentally having her roommate turn out to be a mage of major power.

It is unfortunate that the weakest portion of the book is the 15th and final chapter. The car crash revelation of who is responsible for Merit's attack as well as the two murders was abrupt and accomplished with little skill. This resolution, although it sets the path for future books, was unworthy of an otherwise fascinating book. Hopefully this is not the road map of future novels.

Do not think the above criticism is an attempt to dissuade new readers of this series. This novel stands head and shoulders above the average omnipresent entries in this genre. It is my wish that the few weaknesses in this novel had been somehow addressed before publication. If this had happened, this novel might well stand with Sunglasses After Dark as one of the better vampire books ever published.

It was an added pleasure to find Cynthia Holloway reading the audiobook. She has been greatly missed since Kim Alexis has taken over reading Anita Blake.

This series has a fun mix of action, politics, and a hit of romance, sometimes it nice to get a good story without the chapters of steamy sex. I was a bit frustrated that that the relationship between Merit and Ethan didn't develop more but now that I am more than half way through the second book, I can see the author is really developing the characters and showing the growth of their personalities or in some cases how things that occur make them close up even more.

However, there are a few things that bother me about the book. Some personal conversations at parties or when Merit is home with her roommate drag on and don't seem to have any relevance to the the story. Another thing, which I don't know if this just occurs in the Kindle edition or the print also, but there are a lot of one or two sentence paragraphs, which really chops up the reading. I understanding doing it sometime to make a point but it feels way overdone in this book.

Overall, I love the world that is being setup and the depth of characters and hope this is the start of an exciting new series with 10+ books! But the next one (book 3) doesn't come out until next summer! The horror!

Procurement
Chloe found my blog and contacted me about reviewing this title. I looked it up on the store.com and wondered why the hell I hadn't read it already! The premise, title, and cover all looked wonderful. I was excited to receive her book for review.

My Grade
Plot: 5

Setting: 5

Writing: 5

Originality: 5

Characters: 5

Passion: 4

Overall: 29/30 96% A

Cover/Title Bonus: 4

I've awarded this book a Ballsy Award! I've been meaning to make up this award but I've finally done it! Congrats Some Girls Bite!

Plot
Merit is a graduate student, walking through the campus very late at night. She's attacked by a vampire who was intent on draining her dry only to be interrupted by two other vampires. The saviors knew she would die if she wasn't changed, so one of them changed her, saving her "life".

Merit is returned home to her best friend Mallory, who is a vampire geek. Vampires are public in this story and they are gorgeous and have a following, so to say. Therefore Mallory is thrilled that her BFF is not only alive and well but a true vampire.

Merit is the daughter of a high political figure and she hates it. Merit is her last name, she does not go by her first name. She gets a crash course on the rules of being turned vampire. She is now part of a "house" of vampires and her house vampire master is who turned her, only master vamps are allowed to change people, and his name is Ethan Sullivan.

She must report to Ethan for her induction into the house. Things get super interesting after she meets Ethan.

Setting
Chicago, duh. :) It's very well set out. I felt apart of this town. I wasn't confused by any street names or structures. Chloe depicted Chicago in a very familiar way by not making us feel like we were thrown in. Does that make sense? It's not like Blue Bloods, where there's an abundance of NYC street names. It flows very nicely.

The Cadogan House is a super huge estate that I want to live in. The cover image has a big house shown and it's a good example of how I envisioned it.

There are a few outside scenes as well.

This book was written so well that it was envisioned perfectly, just like a movie film rolling through my head.

Writing
Chloe did an awesome job with this book. It flowed super well. There weren't any gaps or misunderstanding. It's written from Merit's POV, which was perfect.

There was a certain amount of mystery to the story that gave it a purpose other than just introducing Merit to the Cadogan House vampires. I can't wait to see what else happens in the next book!

Originality
I've read a ton of vampire books. I specifically enjoy strong female lead characters and Merit is anything if not strong. Therefore, it's not the most original book on vampires that I've read' however, it was so good with incorporating vampires, society, romance, setting, and dialogue that I'm not in the least experiencing a lack of originality.

The beginning of this book shows how strong I know this series is going to be. When Merit meets Ethan it's pure shocking. You can feel the electricity and I want (need) to see how it all unfolds.

Characters
Merit is awesome. She has one wicked self esteem and her ultimate purpose is to be what and who she wants to be, damned if any one should get in her way. (Vampire master? No problem.) She didn't take it well that her life was turned up side down in one, well two bites. She handles herself very well. She has balls. And I mean balls. This book is ballsy.

Mallory is a perfect best friend. She's super nice and is there to help Merit no matter what. She and Catcher develop a very eager relationship. ;)

Ethan Sullivan is one hot master vampire. He's pretty funny and I would love to get inside his head! He has an ego and he's a little appalled that Merit is who she is. She's quite shocking at first. Again with the balls. ;)

We also meet Merit's grandfather who was supposedly retired from the police department only to find out he's the leader of the paranormal special forces.

Jeff works for Merit's Grandfather. He's a shifter of unknown animal origin, a computer geek, and a cutie. He's super funny too.

Catcher also works for Merit's Gpa and is a disowned wizard of super awesome skill level. He and Mallory, once they meet, quickly fall for each other....hard. :)

There are plenty more minor/major characters as well.

Passion
I took one point off for this. I'm just a little upset that Merit is chasing tale and not chasing tale. I dunno. I wanted her to, you know, get some but she doesn't seem to know what she wants and that sucks.

Catcher and Mallory's relationship is red hot.

Overall
An awesome read. If you love vampires and strong female lead characters and egotistical men you'll love this! I can not wait to read Friday Night Bites. I'm supposed to be getting a review copy and it will be devoured upon receipt.

Cover/Title Bonus
I don't love the title but it's catchy and cool. The cover is very good. The model is a good representation of Merit. The house in the back is a good pick for Cadogan House.

Series

Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 1) by Chloe Neill

Friday Night Bites (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 2) by Chloe Neill

Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 3) by Chloe Neill (July 6, 2010)

Connect with Chloe Neill

So if you haven't read this one yet, get a copy! I have great faith that this series is going to rock!

I loved the main character Merit. She's strong willed, stubborn and feisty. I related well to the character Chloe created and that could very easily be what grabbed me right from the start. Although I admit the story started off catchy too, it was the actual character that grabbed me. The supporting characters are all well written and unique in each of their own ways. Gives the world she created more depth. I look forward to getting to know the other characters and Merit more in books to come.

The story was easy to follow and kept me wanting to read longer than I had time too, always a plus in my book, and by the end of the book I was wishing there was more for me to read.
Needless to say I am anxiously awaiting book 2 to come out now.

All in all I give the book a big two thumbs up and would recommend it to anyone who has a soft spot for vampires and the other creatures of the night.

When author Chloe Neill is not bringing Merit's adventures to life, she can be found watching too much television, rooting for her favorite college football team. She lives in the Midwest, just close enough to keep an eye on the vampires at Cadogan House. Her debut novel, Some Girls Bite has received an outstanding amount of praise. If you're longing for a great plot with paranormal characters you'll have to check out this promising new series.

Merit, a twenty-seven-year old graduate student from Chicago's richest family, is attacked while walking across the University of Chicago campus. The predator...a rogue vampire.

Ethan Sullivan, a four-hundred-year old vampire, the master of Cadogan House, saves her from destruction, but against her will she becomes something she doesn't want to be. A vampire.

She wakes up three days later after the attack in the back of a limousine, shocked and thrilled to be alive. After discovering her new immortal life, equipped with unexpected powers, she instantly has a difficult time accepting Ethan as her master, but at the same time she is drawn to him in some profound way. She later becomes a special interest to another vampire, but does Merit share the same sentiments?

She now is a vampire, a Cadogan Initiate and her green-eyed rescuer is expecting loyalty and honor. Merit's one tough vamp and puts up a good fight. Not your typical vampire heroine. Packed with fighting scenes, special swords, and unanswered questions, Chloe's debut novel takes you on an exciting adventure through Merit's own two eyes.

Her roommate, Mallory Carmichael, comes along for the ride and adds some spice to the story.

Who's to blame for the vampire attacks? Who's out to get Merit? Wouldn't you like to know. You'll have to read till the very end to find out.

Discover how Merit adapts to her new undead life. Learn what it is like to be turned into a vampire against your will.

Debut author Chloe Neill gives readers a fresh new voice with a touch of sensuality and humor. A perfect combination of a fast-paced mysterious urban fantasy filled with twists and entertainment. An appealing read fit for both genders and for all ages. Fans will savor each page until the next installment becomes available. If you like Charlene Harris, you'll LOVE Chloe's new release Some Girls Bite . This is just the beginning for the Chicagoland Vampires series. Enjoy!

Reviewed by Martha Ramirez

[...]

As my title indicates, the name and cover could have been better (a lot better), but if you pass on this book only based on the cheesy title, you will miss out on a fantastic story. That's exactly what I did, `cause there are just so many pseudo-entertaining paranormal chick-flicks I can take, but a friend of mine handed me her copy of this book with "You Must Read It" instructions, which I am glad I followed.

For those of you who regularly read Urban Fantasy, the main heroine is Anita, Mercy, Kate, Mac, < _insert your favorite kick-butt heroine here_ >, all wrapped into one fantastic package. Merit is a 27 years old English literature and history geek, working on her dissertation at University of Chicago. She comes from serious money, but having failed in her role as a perfect youngest daughter to Joshua Merit's Empire, her relationship with her immediate family is nonexistent. So she gets a stipend for TA-ing at the University, drives a crappy old car and lives with a roommate (and best friend). What makes Merit so real and endearing is the fact that she is comfortable in her own skin. She is not pretentious and arrogant, as her upbringing should have made her, but instead she is loyal and stays true to herself throughout the book. Unfortunately her monotonous and calm life comes to a halt on a fateful night when she is attacked and inadvertently changed into a vampire.

This brings me to my second point. The storyline Chloe Neill created is both similar to many Urban Fantasy books out there, but at the same time completely different. This world is filled with many different supernatural creatures, and vampires being the ultimate predators have the position at the top of the food chain. Eight months before Merit's attack, the Navarre House, which is the oldest of the twelve vampire houses in North America, came out to the unsuspecting human public. Celina Desaulniers, a drop dead gorgeous (literally) and powerful Master of that House, charismatically brought vampirism into the limelight, while pacifying the public fear with the fact that today's vampires were civilized and almost harmless. The mayor and the rest of Chicago's elite bought into the new power and the rest of the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings era world accepted the existence of the supernatural with fascination reserved for movie stars.

And what's not to love? Almost every vampire in the book is stunning, since only a Master vampire can convert new recruits and nowadays the membership is only extended to the rich, young and beautiful (better to maintain the A-list allure). Merit, who unintentionally meets all those criterion, never saw the appeal of an eternity of being undead and now has to reconcile her life to not only being a vampire but oath-bound to a man who both saved her and destroyed her - Ethan Sullivan, the four hundred years old Master of the Cadogan House Vampires. But Merit is not just a pliable victim. There is undiscovered strength and power to her that only just becomes apparent as she starts accepting and consequently exploring her new life and the supernatural world to which she now belongs.

If you are still not sold on this book after reading all that, here comes the best part: supporting characters. Chloe Neill didn't just create an extraordinary world, she populated it with fantastic individuals full of charm, wit and sarcasm. Here we have Mallory, the blue-haired eccentric best friend with sorcerer potential; Grandpa Chuck, the only real family Merit has ever known; Jeff, the computer-genius were-something; Catcher, the grouchy but dependable ex-sorcerer; and Lindsay, the fellow Cadogan vampire. And last, but definitely not least, we have Ethan. Merit has a love-hate relationship with him throughout the book and he is such a fascinating character that I can't wait to learn more about him in future books. There are so many layers to this David Beckham lookalike God and his interactions with Merit are beyond entertaining.

This is getting exceedingly long, but I really wanted to illustrate the pure brilliance of this excellent book. There is a mystery that is directly related to Merit's attack, and the resolution is both well realized and gives a good preview of the future direction of the series. This book is not a romance, although it has a lot of adult content and potential for relationship. Read it, you won't be disappointed.

Hallelujah. She’s strong and she isn’t whiny about being turned. She learns. She accepts where she is now and makes the best of it. The romance is — eh. Very well cliff-hangered. I would read the next in series.

There were many times throughout this book where I wanted to reach through the pages and smack Ethan silly. He takes one step forward towards Merit, and then two steps back. He makes some poor choices out of fear. Considering how emotionally closed off he usually is, those decisions, although terrible they may be, actually show some development in his character. Due to a certain stubborn sentinel, he is slowly progressing and becoming more "human." This is ironic of course, since Merit seems to be slowly losing her humanity. However, this does not detract from her personality because she hasn't changed at the core, just gained more confidence and a more flexible nature. It will be interesting to see whether Ethan can ever see her for who she truly is not what benefit she can be to the house.

One good thing does come as a result of the issues with Ethan. Merit and her best friend Mallory mend their fences and once again become the best friend the other one so desperately need. Both their worlds were torn apart when Merit was changed and as a result, Mallory found out she was a sorcerer. I was really glad to see their relationship fixed as I missed the comfort and banter between the two.

Even through dealing with the repercussions of Ethan's poor decisions, Merit never once flinches in her loyalty to her house and her oaths. When issues brew with the shifters, she risks herself to protect the leader of the pack, the Apex. Her loyalty could be the very key to securing the shifters' help in the looming war. Without them, the vampires are vulnerable since the shifters are pure magic, the very magic the vampires depend on for strength. Through the Apex's visions of the future, she learns some interesting things about her possible and finally understands why he asked for her help when the animosity between vampires and shifters usually runs very high.

The book ends on a high note, but definitely left me desperate for more. As Merit grows more into her strengths and powers as a vampire she becomes a even more amazing character. If you enjoyed the first two books this one will not disappoint, and I eagerly await the next installment.

The Good: Twice Bitten is the best Chicagoland novel so far. There were so many things going on in this book. Lots of plot and lots of action, but two huge things stood out as extraordinary - Merit and Ethan's relationship and the final showdown at Cadogan House. Happiness and shock. Disbelief and emotional overload. I could not get enough of this book. Everything was absolutely perfect and my need to continue on with the series is extreme.

The Bad: Not a thing.

I am a still loving he non stop, kick butt action for Merit and her clan. Great writing that will pull you in and keep you wanting for more. I really love this author and this series. If you like kick butt heroines this one is for you. Happy reading .

At a time when vampires have come out of the closet to announce they are real and twelve vampire houses in the States exist, a rogue attacked University of Chicago graduate student Merit ripping her throat. She knows she is fortunate to be alive (no pun intended); her life is saved by the Cadogan House master vampire Ethan.

Four centuries as the "Lord o' the Manor" has Ethan expecting the fledgling to grovel in gratitude. However, the feisty Merit is not only upset she had no choice and still irate over the assault, bowing goes against her personality especially since she can no longer sunbathe. As she adjusts to her new nocturnal existence, Merit finds she loves the nightlife until she realizes her undead life is threatened by an evil vampire who is killing girls and has unfinished business with the one who got away.

With a sardonic light chick lit first person narration that ironically contrasts the true danger facing Merit, Chloe Neill provides her readers with an enjoyable urban fantasy. Loyalty and respect are big issues between Ethan who expects total reverence without regard and Merit who claims you earn both with deeds and not just a birthright passage. Fans will relish this strong opening entry as Chloe continually surprises her "sire" with her behavior even as danger stalks her.

Harriet Klausner

Chloe Neill has certainly set herself up for the Grand Slam with Twice Bitten; book three of the Chicagoland Vampire Series! Readers will travel on a roller coaster of adventures and emotions that will have us all eagerly anticipating the 4th book of the series, set to release in July 2011!

Merit continues to mature as a vampire and to build upon her latent abilities in an effort to become a valuable member of Cadogan House, as its Sentinel. Neill's ability to clearly convey Merit's experiences, both emotionally and physically, entice readers to cheer Merit to success and to adore her as a wonderfully strong, yet sassy, heroine.

Ever present is the battle of wills between Merit and Ethan Sullivan (Master of Cadogan House). She may be stubborn in her fight to protect her emotions, to keep her focus on becoming a talented and effective house Sentinel; but, even stubbornness and unfailing determination won't be enough to hold Ethan at arms length forever. Now, if they can both just get past Ethan's deep-seated (although somewhat misguided) sense of duty to the house, maybe they will finally be able to deal with what has been right in front of them the whole time!

In Twice Bitten, readers are further introduced to a myriad of supernatural characters whose politics and very way of life seems to have collided with that of the Vampire community. Once again, Merit, Ethan, and crew team up for a nail biting adventure that will keep readers on their toes, flipping pages, and most certainly ruing the chimes of the late night hours. Personally, the very thought of having to close the cover and place the story aside in an effort to catch a few Z's was almost depressing. It was like when you've become totally captivated by a great movie and the power suddenly goes out! Ugh! Counting the minutes until I could once again "crawl between the covers" of Twice Bitten made for a very fitful slumber!

Three cheers for Chloe Neill and the Chicagoland Vampire Series!

Lastly, I have one more thing to mention...I simply can not resist..."Nanner, nanner, nannerrrrrrr! I know what Merit's name is!...Nope! Can't say! Run out and grab your copy of Twice Bitten today and you'll find out!

Link to the review on YzhaBella's BookShelf:[...]

Reviews are written on a volunteer basis and are only the opinions of the individual review author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and/or views of the author, publisher, or public readers in general Copyright © YzhaBella's BookShelf 2010

Some Girls Bite: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Friday Night Bites: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Ok, I'm finally half way through the series. Morgan is out of the picture. Yeah! Though he is an okay guy, but come on, he is no match for our enigmatic Ethan. In this 3rd book, we finally got the Ethan/Merit sexy moment. And the thing Ethan said was so swoon-worthy. 'I need you', make me crumble into a pile of goo. Then Ethan did something heroic (during the shifter party) and then something stupid (after the shifter party), thus make me wanna smack his thick head senseless. During the epilogue, he make some cute moves and then I feels like wanna kiss him senseless.

I have never heard of Chloe Neill. Chicagoland sounds funny to me. Not my regular fare if u will. That said after reading the reviews i decided to give it a go round. I was after all in search of a new series to sink my fangs into.
I am so happy I did. This is book one of a series of 3 i believe. Merit is the newly fanged vamp we follow. Her new life as a vampire was not by choice. We learn early in the book the circumstances around this new change are not to her liking. Meritt is a strong whitty individual. Her run in with her master vampier/ liege Ethan are entertaining. This book is well worth the price. looking forward to book 2. Thank d gods 4 my kindle. I would hate having to wait for business hrs to buy book 2. Lucky me i can continue reading about Merit's adventures almost immediately.

First I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Vampires are an exhausted area for fantasy writers but Ms. Neill still managed to build a fresh and interesting story out of the over-exposed supernatural entities. Perhaps it was the dynamic of Merit and her new master, Ethan Sullivan that I find interesting, or maybe it's the fact that she is strong enough as a new vampire to be named Sentinel for her particular house. Either way, I thought the story and cast of characters were both interesting enough to get me to buy the next two books in the series. Ms. Neill's writing has an easy readability to it and her books will make fabulous Spring time reads for me. I am definitely looking forward to more.

Chloe Neill knows how to tell a good story. The Chicagoland Vampires has become my favorite Urban Fantasy Series. Each book has sucked me in and has been impossible to put down. The depth of character in these books are phenomenal. The author knows how to build a scene so well you can imagine yourself watching it as it all plays out. The author paces everything very well, and the series is a definite auto-buy for me.

Twice Bitten deals with shapeshifters. The world building here is great, I loved learning more about the shifters and their politics. One thing I love about this series is that the mystery in each book is important to the series as a whole; it's never something that can just be thrown away. Each time Merit solves a puzzle, we learn something important for the series and seem to be getting closer and closer to something much larger. There appears to be a lot going on behind the scenes and each book seems to be preparing us and building towards something bigger. I love this, because so often in this genre, the mystery plot of one book has nothing to do with the next, and only the characters and romance develops and carries on through all the books. With each Chicagoland Vampires book, you see the chess pieces falling into place. It is refreshing how smartly these books are written.

Merit is a character I simply love. She truly is a strong female character. She's relatable, funny, intelligent, respects herself, and can kick major butt. In Twice Bitten, we learn much more about that sexy Master Vampire that plagues her, Ethan Sullivan, and what makes him tick. The romantic tension in this novel is sizzling, as always. Ethan and Merit have a major breakthrough, but, as the pattern has gone before, Ethan moves one step forward then two steps back. While it is incredibly infuriating, it isn't out of character and he never does anything to intentionally hurt Merit. As before, he just hasn't been able to rectify his human feelings with being a Master vampire. He is scared that what he feels for Merit will compromise his role as Master of Cadogan house and endanger it's vampires. Infuriating, but understandable, and he'll need to do a lot of growing (and groveling) before Merit will let him back into her life. Merit shows real backbone through all this and won't let Ethan use her as a doormat, which makes me respect her so much more.

I highly recommend the entire series, including the next novel, Hard Bitten.

this series just gets better and better... so much more keeps happening and the story builds and the characters keep becoming more and more real... most series i read a book and then need a break but this one has me grabbing for me... and the relationship between Merit and Ethan goes hot and crazy and you finally begin to see more of who he really is and a little about his past... and the best part is the shifters that are a riled up bunch... i hate saying too much about plot point and if you're on the 3rd book then you already know the basics... all there really is to say by now is that if you've read the first 2 then you need to keep going cause it'll make you love 'em even more

I was quite astonished to like this debut series so thoroughly.
Despite the circumstances of her change, our heroine, Merit, tries to make the best of it in a weird about way.
She challenges her maker multiple times in front of her "sisters, brothers" forcing him to accept the challenge. She lusts after him but swears he is her mortal (hum, immortal) enemy.
At the same time, she learns that her grandfather who was more her father than her own father has been lying for the past 4 years and is in charge of the supernatural problems in the police department. She thus gets new friends and has to decide whether she'll live outside of her new world or inside. And she gains new friends while she must bury her old life, her university just sacks her from her position because of her new undead status.

Her emotions feel real and she doesn't spend her entire time always arguing with everyone. I love Caitlin Kittredge and her nocturne city series, but boy her heroine whines so much, it's quite annoying.
I read it in two sittings and now I have to wait until October for the second book (and there's already a 3rd and 4th scheduled). I'm really not happy about myself, I would have loved to be able to put it down and savor it longer.

It also reminded me a lot of The Succubus Series by Richelle Mead and this is a high compliment. It's a must read and a must keep.

I love vampire books. I devour with pleasure great quantities of words that portray all those vampy worlds. But I'm particularly interested in the paranormal romance side of vampire tales. In this quest for 'all-things-vampire', I've encountered a big selection of titles that can be separated by their quality. I usually don't expect much of some of the vampy books I read, as I do it just for the pleasure of visiting fantastic worlds where fangs and smoking hot scenes are frequent.

But once every few books I find myself enthralled with an amazing story. This is the case with Chloe Neill's Some Girls Bite. It is told from the POV of Merit, a 28 year old Chicago grad student who is attacked and changed into a vampire without her consent. She lives in a world where vampires recently revealed their existence to the general public.
The book has impeccable grammar and a vocabulary worth of a thousand English tests. I have to admit that I was just drooling like crazy over these beautiful new words (for me) and its colourful uses.

Some examples are:

“I’d prefer to see both knees on the ground. I mean, if you’re going to grovel, be the best groveler you can, right?”

"Immortality does pose its own set of quandaries.”

He just stared at me. “Are you always this obstreperous?”
“I’m not obstreperous. Stubborn, arguably. And don’t start in that I was causing trouble. I was only asking a question.”

"The vitriol and sarcasm he dished out on a daily basis—and there was a lot of it—was clearly a plea for her attention. A dismally unsuccessful plea."

*smiles*---ahhhhhh don't you love reading these lovely words? I do! Specially because I'm always looking for new words to learn.

Anyways... Going back to the book, besides praising the beauty of its words, I was happily impressed with the plot. It follows urban fantasies structures, where our MC wants to unveil a mystery, but in the meantime learns a whole lot about herself. Best part: there are vampires, the steamy hot kind, and many... So yes, this book made me happy. It was a bit predictable, but thanks to its style, pace, language, characters and choices, this book makes up for any flaws.

I'm sooooooo looking forward to read the next titles in the Chicagoland Vampires series!

I was very eager to read Charmfall - book #3 in the Dark Elite series because I found the first two, Firespell and Hexbound witty and suspenseful. Since I'm reviewing the 3rd in the series I'll start with a little catch up...

Lily Parker the main character, has had it rough to say the least. In book one her parents uprooted her from her New York home and planted her at St. Sophia's boarding school in Chicago. Before she knows it, Lily is thrust into the middle of a feud between Adepts (magical teens) and other underworld-like creatures. It's important to note that the "underworld" is actually the slimy sewer tunnels (literally, there's slime...) buried beneath Chicago.

In this world various people develop gifts (magic) in most cases, when they are younger. Some powers include the ability to control elements, cast spells, and even manipulate technology. A drawback happens later in life when one's gift begins to dissipate into nothing. However, there is a way to maintain it... some choose to become what is known as reapers who are able to maintain their power by "reaping" the energy out of others and then leaving their victims in a sort of "empty-shell" state. It is therefore the adept's mission to fight the reapers and protect them from being reaped.

I won't go into too much detail as to ruin the first two book's plots, but due to some extraordinary circumstances Lily learns that she really belongs at St. Sophia's. Along the way she picks up some great friends including her ever witty and totally-lovable suite-mate, Scout, a dozen or so enemies, and 2 note-worthy crushes.

One thing that I think Chloe Neill does particularly well is portraying teenagers, especially when it comes to writing dialogue. Here's a small excerpt from Charmfall.

"If you wake up," I said, "I'll let you wear my fuzzy boots-those ones you really like? And I won't complain when you take my chocolate muffin anymore at breakfast. You can have it every day from now on. I swear-just wake up, okay?"

Lily, pg. 18

Another aspect of this book series that I love so much is the deep and intriguing characters Ms. Neill has created. Lily is very strong, emotionally. Again and again she witnesses and participates in dangerous situations (sometimes life or death) and yet still manages to get out of bed each morning. She is extraordinary in the sense that she is able to see the world in shades of grey versus the black & white the reapers and adepts believe in.

Another great character of course is, Scout. Although in the beginning of the books she couldn't see the "big picture" with help from Lily however, she is quickly evolving into an even more complex character. She's now realizing that there's more to the magical power struggle they battle, the "white" way isn't always the right way.

Like the first two, Charmfall picks up close to where the previous left off and then undergoes a decent pacing. However, unlike the books before, you see a different dynamic between the adepts and the reapers. There's a new enemy in town and this time it's affecting both factions of the underworld. This forces and creates a surprising alliance in order to achieve a similar goal.

There's a couple questions answered, and like always, a half-dozen more created. Sometimes book sequels can take a dip but this isn't true for Charmfall. It's full of twists and adventures and leaves you guessing like the two before.

I only have one real quip with this book. As a TEAM SEBASTIAN fan, I was sad to only see him in a few parts. Hopefully in the next installment he'll get some more line-time.

A couple questions I hope get answered in the next book or at least begin to:

What the heck is Lily's parents really doing in Europe?
Will Jason have the ability to fight the customs that are threatening him from leading a life of his own choosing?
How is Veronica going to react when she discovers or possibly (remembers) who/what her new dream man is?

Oh, I have found a new favorite to add to a very long list of favorites.

So glad I finally broke down a read this, and oh wait, loved it so much read the second one back-to-back with it, and if it wasn't for a reading challenge I am participating in, I would most likely read the third one next.

Love Merit, and Mallory, and Jeff, and Catcher Bell, and of course love to lust after, Oh, wait, I mean love to hate Ethan “Lord o’ the Manor” Sullivan.

Chicago: land of mobsters, green rivers, baseball, & the coming out of vampires. Eight months after Merit and her best friend goggled at the TV, along with everyone else, as vampires revealed themselves to mankind she's left realing from a different shock. Attacked one night on the Uni. of Chicago campus where she's working on her post graduate studies, she wakes three days later to learn that she is now a vampire and soon to be an unwilling member of Cadogan House, one of the most esteemed vampire houses.

Life's not easy when you have to learn who you are all over again, especailly when your diet's different, you're nocturnal, your grandpa shares a whole secret underworld of supernaturals with you, you're roomy starts dating a hot, excommunicated sorcerer, and your new boss happens to be a vampire who wants to bang you but doesn't really like you.

I have to say I'm surprised this book hasn't received more attention because it definitely is series quality. I really enjoyed it although the end seemed oddly abrupt, the epilogue disjointed from the rest of the book. That said I'm still craving more. Here's hoping a sequel comes along quickly!

Humans have recently learned that vampires live among mortals. Shapeshifters fear they will be next and debate how to handle what they anticipate will occur shortly.

In that regard to plan on the inevitable, Gabriel Keene, Apex of the North American Central shifters, has convened a conference of the packs to determine their best course of action. He also invites Cadogan House Sentinel Merit and master vampire Ethan Sullivan to attend as security as evidence is strong that an assassin is coming for him and terrorists plan on disrupting the convention. Though only a couple months since she was turned involuntarily, Merit takes her security work seriously, but has trouble focusing with arrogant Ethan nearby.

The third Chicagoland Vampires romantic urban fantasy is an action-packed thriller that never slows down from its opening quick synopsis of the previous two biters (see Friday Night Bites and Some Girls Bite) until the biting climax. The rookie vampire and her mentor (she would say tormentor) try to protect a leader of the other prominent paranormal species as many want to prevent an outing. Fans of the saga will fully relish Merit's actions as she continues to adjust to her new life as an undead.

Harriet Klausner

So I had bought a new SONY digital reader and wanted to try taking a book out of the virtual library online. There were not many titles available, but this was so I decided to check it out. I loved the Twilight series and thought maybe this would be interesting - I also live in Chicago so that intrigued me as well.

Although this is not a perfect novel, it definitely is much better than expected. I appreciate the characters are older, although sometimes they act rather juvenile. The dynamics of the various supernaturals are interesting and make me want to read more. I definitely plan to continue to following the series.

Vampires have really become "the next big thing" thanks to Stephenie Meyer, but this book takes a different spin on the topic and does a nice job.

Chicago's having a crisis of epic power proportions. There seems to be an epidemic of blackouts within the city limits. Unfortunately the shortages aren't of the electrical variety. Chi-Town's Dark Elite, Reapers and Adepts alike are amidst a magical misfortune, losing their abilities like a flip of a switch. Lilly and her crew are going to have to make some unlikely alliances to solve the mystery of missing magic and get their powers back.

Third time is not a charm for Neill's current installment in her Dark Elite series. While the story line was good, it just didn't have that WOW factor. Charmfall is yet another lost opportunity to really develop this series and the wonderful ideas presented in it. Neill's solid story line was smothered by the surrounding filler and useless banter that kept the main characters meandering about slowly, focusing more on dance decorations, verbal bestie bonding, and the detailed travels of subterranean Chicago. Much of which has been adequately covered in the past two books. The new larger format paperback didn't help matters either. It seems more of a waste for a book barely 240 pages deep and ridiculously includes the first two chapters of book one, Firespell, for the only reason I can decipher, to bulk up the book.

I would have preferred the extra possible capacity be used toward a little more action or development of the secondary story lines. Increasingly I am finding that the supporting characters are more interesting as well, and think an alternate perspective could breathe some much needed depth to the books. Sebastian Born for example is an under utilized character. He has differing ideas about magic not inline with either faction and I think his POV could be riveting. I really liked what was happening with Nicu's thread, which was touched upon when convenient, but barely explored. I was also hoping for the real complication of Jason's background to come about, maybe a betrothed to spice things up, but he's just stressed out by the family problems vaguely mentioned. Even the author's weak attempt at painting Parker as a different thinking Adept just didn't hold. Plus she didn't touch on Parker's parents and past threads involving them at all. Neill also is becoming the timid love triangle queen. Much like her Chicagoland Vamp books, any possible angst between Jason, Lilly, and Sebastian seem null at this point, regardless of the groundwork thats there.

What this book is really lacking is that OMG factor that leaves you pining for the next installment. Charmfall is a watered down version of what the series could be, with good ideas, characters, and story lines that are never really explored. Neill's YA books feel like an afterthought and are clearly becoming a backseat series to her adult work. I really wish she would put as much effort and passion into the series as she does when describing her hometown eats. If not maybe she should forego fiction and focus on an epicurious guide to chi-town's great culinary offerings.

Normal is a little too much to ask for when you're Lily Parker. Forget being on the planning committee for the Sneak, St. Sophia's fall formal--Lily's version of normal is prowling the tunnels under her school after dark. But even that illusion of normalcy is about to be shattered. When Lily finds a Reaper on school grounds, she tries to use firespell, only to find out that she can't--because her magic is gone. And she's not the only one. It soon becomes clear that every Adept throughout Chicago is without magic, and that the Reapers are in the same position. There's some kind of unnatural magical blackout going on in Chicago, and Lily won't stop until she finds the person responsible and restores the balance of magic to as it should be.

I've been consistently impressed with everything that Neill has thrown at readers in her first two installments of the Dark Elite series, and Charmfall, the third book in the series, continues to be full of action, magic, and surprising twists. The plot, as always, has a good mixture of magical complications and more personal drama for Lily, her best friend Scout, and the rest of the Adepts. This makes for an undoubtedly exciting story and allows for some character growth. Where Charmfall really stands out from the rest of the series, though, is in its more serious discussion of the philosophical differences in beliefs between the Adepts and the Reapers; the black and white of good and evil has now become muddied to a gray, and this gives Lily, Scout, and the reader a lot to think about. In all, I found Charmfall a quite enjoyable read, and I'm thrilled that Neill has not yet lost her momentum in the Dark Elite series.

The Dark Elite series will be enjoyed by fans of Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, Almost to Die For by Tate Hallaway, and Revealers by Amanda Marrone.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm extremely impressed. The store telling, the details (down to what everyone looked like, and what they were wearing what, the house looked like and everything), the emotions, the fighting and sexual reference were amazing. This is one amazing book it had me wanting more chapter after chapter and I can't wait to read the next ones. I can't wait to see how Marit handles being a new vampire next. I can't wait to see the bond but hatred she has for Ethan Sullivan grow. I have so many questions that I wanted answered as to whats going to happen next.
Big shout out to the author absolutely amazing book and it started off amazing. You didn't have to read half the book to get into it, it started right off the bat and just kept getting better.
Now on to the next one I go. Can't wait to see what happens next.

*SPOILERS*

3.5 stars

I'm enjoying the series, it's kept me entertained. But there's something about it I'm not liking. Maybe it's that I find the drama and the situations they're in a little too contrived, and a little too conveniently resolved.

There were a couple inconsistencies in this book. Ethan tells Lacey when she first arrives “thank you for coming on such short notice.” Then he tells Merit that it was planned six months before. Either he's a liar or one of those statements is incorrect. Also Gabriel tells Adam that you don't choose to be Apex, the Pack chooses you. Yet there's an order of succession. Fallon would've been Apex if Gabriel died. Adam was last in line for Apex since he's the youngest born. So how can the Pack choose the Apex? It doesn't make much sense.

I'm not liking Ethan. I get that he's scared about his feelings for Merit. But he's not coming off as a good character. Merit hates her father for not valuing her for who she is, just what he can get from her, yet she's fallen in love with a man that does the same thing. He's used her for his own polical goals and it wasn't until she showed her power and strength as Sentinel that he's really shown an interest.

I liked that he gave her the baseball at the end. But that he gave it to her as an apology for being an a** diminishes the grand gesture. Like Mallory said "do you want to be with a man who has to be convinced to be with you?”

I sure don't want Merit to be with someone like that. And it will take a lot of grand gestures, hopefully not made as an apology, from Ethan to change my mind about him.

Read from March 01 to 02, 2013

I just finished the first 4 books in this series, and as a fan of UF, I am a little underwhelmed considering all of the positive reviews. I really enjoyed the snarky banter between Merit, Mallory, Catcher and Ethan. The banter reminds me of kate daniels, just not quite as good. The tension between Ethan and Merit is pretty good in the first book. However, it seems that in we get very little sense of who Ethan is as a person, alot of his character development stems from frustrating human gestures such as running his hands through his hair.
Unfortunately, the 'mystery plot' in the books is very thin. Since the mystery cannot keep the average reader in, the romance needs to. I feel like this writer was inspired by Karen Marie Moning in her plot and romance choices, but KMM is the only one who can drag out a romance over 4 or more books and still keep us interested.
anyway, read them all together with the large print and you have one decent sized book, but you paid way too much for each of them. Read the first 3 books in this series, but go to the library. Forget the rest.

The Good: Twice Bitten is the best Chicagoland novel so far. There were so many things going on in this book. Lots of plot and lots of action, but two huge things stood out as extraordinary - Merit and Ethan's relationship and the final showdown at Cadogan House. Happiness and shock. Disbelief and emotional overload. I could not get enough of this book. Everything was absolutely perfect and my need to continue on with the series is extreme.

The Bad: Not a thing.

I am a still loving he non stop, kick butt action for Merit and her clan. Great writing that will pull you in and keep you wanting for more. I really love this author and this series. If you like kick butt heroines this one is for you. Happy reading .

At a time when vampires have come out of the closet to announce they are real and twelve vampire houses in the States exist, a rogue attacked University of Chicago graduate student Merit ripping her throat. She knows she is fortunate to be alive (no pun intended); her life is saved by the Cadogan House master vampire Ethan.

Four centuries as the "Lord o' the Manor" has Ethan expecting the fledgling to grovel in gratitude. However, the feisty Merit is not only upset she had no choice and still irate over the assault, bowing goes against her personality especially since she can no longer sunbathe. As she adjusts to her new nocturnal existence, Merit finds she loves the nightlife until she realizes her undead life is threatened by an evil vampire who is killing girls and has unfinished business with the one who got away.

With a sardonic light chick lit first person narration that ironically contrasts the true danger facing Merit, Chloe Neill provides her readers with an enjoyable urban fantasy. Loyalty and respect are big issues between Ethan who expects total reverence without regard and Merit who claims you earn both with deeds and not just a birthright passage. Fans will relish this strong opening entry as Chloe continually surprises her "sire" with her behavior even as danger stalks her.

Harriet Klausner

Chloe Neill has certainly set herself up for the Grand Slam with Twice Bitten; book three of the Chicagoland Vampire Series! Readers will travel on a roller coaster of adventures and emotions that will have us all eagerly anticipating the 4th book of the series, set to release in July 2011!

Merit continues to mature as a vampire and to build upon her latent abilities in an effort to become a valuable member of Cadogan House, as its Sentinel. Neill's ability to clearly convey Merit's experiences, both emotionally and physically, entice readers to cheer Merit to success and to adore her as a wonderfully strong, yet sassy, heroine.

Ever present is the battle of wills between Merit and Ethan Sullivan (Master of Cadogan House). She may be stubborn in her fight to protect her emotions, to keep her focus on becoming a talented and effective house Sentinel; but, even stubbornness and unfailing determination won't be enough to hold Ethan at arms length forever. Now, if they can both just get past Ethan's deep-seated (although somewhat misguided) sense of duty to the house, maybe they will finally be able to deal with what has been right in front of them the whole time!

In Twice Bitten, readers are further introduced to a myriad of supernatural characters whose politics and very way of life seems to have collided with that of the Vampire community. Once again, Merit, Ethan, and crew team up for a nail biting adventure that will keep readers on their toes, flipping pages, and most certainly ruing the chimes of the late night hours. Personally, the very thought of having to close the cover and place the story aside in an effort to catch a few Z's was almost depressing. It was like when you've become totally captivated by a great movie and the power suddenly goes out! Ugh! Counting the minutes until I could once again "crawl between the covers" of Twice Bitten made for a very fitful slumber!

Three cheers for Chloe Neill and the Chicagoland Vampire Series!

Lastly, I have one more thing to mention...I simply can not resist..."Nanner, nanner, nannerrrrrrr! I know what Merit's name is!...Nope! Can't say! Run out and grab your copy of Twice Bitten today and you'll find out!

Link to the review on YzhaBella's BookShelf:[...]

Reviews are written on a volunteer basis and are only the opinions of the individual review author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and/or views of the author, publisher, or public readers in general Copyright © YzhaBella's BookShelf 2010

Some Girls Bite: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Friday Night Bites: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Ok, I'm finally half way through the series. Morgan is out of the picture. Yeah! Though he is an okay guy, but come on, he is no match for our enigmatic Ethan. In this 3rd book, we finally got the Ethan/Merit sexy moment. And the thing Ethan said was so swoon-worthy. 'I need you', make me crumble into a pile of goo. Then Ethan did something heroic (during the shifter party) and then something stupid (after the shifter party), thus make me wanna smack his thick head senseless. During the epilogue, he make some cute moves and then I feels like wanna kiss him senseless.

I have never heard of Chloe Neill. Chicagoland sounds funny to me. Not my regular fare if u will. That said after reading the reviews i decided to give it a go round. I was after all in search of a new series to sink my fangs into.
I am so happy I did. This is book one of a series of 3 i believe. Merit is the newly fanged vamp we follow. Her new life as a vampire was not by choice. We learn early in the book the circumstances around this new change are not to her liking. Meritt is a strong whitty individual. Her run in with her master vampier/ liege Ethan are entertaining. This book is well worth the price. looking forward to book 2. Thank d gods 4 my kindle. I would hate having to wait for business hrs to buy book 2. Lucky me i can continue reading about Merit's adventures almost immediately.

First I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Vampires are an exhausted area for fantasy writers but Ms. Neill still managed to build a fresh and interesting story out of the over-exposed supernatural entities. Perhaps it was the dynamic of Merit and her new master, Ethan Sullivan that I find interesting, or maybe it's the fact that she is strong enough as a new vampire to be named Sentinel for her particular house. Either way, I thought the story and cast of characters were both interesting enough to get me to buy the next two books in the series. Ms. Neill's writing has an easy readability to it and her books will make fabulous Spring time reads for me. I am definitely looking forward to more.

Chloe Neill knows how to tell a good story. The Chicagoland Vampires has become my favorite Urban Fantasy Series. Each book has sucked me in and has been impossible to put down. The depth of character in these books are phenomenal. The author knows how to build a scene so well you can imagine yourself watching it as it all plays out. The author paces everything very well, and the series is a definite auto-buy for me.

Twice Bitten deals with shapeshifters. The world building here is great, I loved learning more about the shifters and their politics. One thing I love about this series is that the mystery in each book is important to the series as a whole; it's never something that can just be thrown away. Each time Merit solves a puzzle, we learn something important for the series and seem to be getting closer and closer to something much larger. There appears to be a lot going on behind the scenes and each book seems to be preparing us and building towards something bigger. I love this, because so often in this genre, the mystery plot of one book has nothing to do with the next, and only the characters and romance develops and carries on through all the books. With each Chicagoland Vampires book, you see the chess pieces falling into place. It is refreshing how smartly these books are written.

Merit is a character I simply love. She truly is a strong female character. She's relatable, funny, intelligent, respects herself, and can kick major butt. In Twice Bitten, we learn much more about that sexy Master Vampire that plagues her, Ethan Sullivan, and what makes him tick. The romantic tension in this novel is sizzling, as always. Ethan and Merit have a major breakthrough, but, as the pattern has gone before, Ethan moves one step forward then two steps back. While it is incredibly infuriating, it isn't out of character and he never does anything to intentionally hurt Merit. As before, he just hasn't been able to rectify his human feelings with being a Master vampire. He is scared that what he feels for Merit will compromise his role as Master of Cadogan house and endanger it's vampires. Infuriating, but understandable, and he'll need to do a lot of growing (and groveling) before Merit will let him back into her life. Merit shows real backbone through all this and won't let Ethan use her as a doormat, which makes me respect her so much more.

I highly recommend the entire series, including the next novel, Hard Bitten.

this series just gets better and better... so much more keeps happening and the story builds and the characters keep becoming more and more real... most series i read a book and then need a break but this one has me grabbing for me... and the relationship between Merit and Ethan goes hot and crazy and you finally begin to see more of who he really is and a little about his past... and the best part is the shifters that are a riled up bunch... i hate saying too much about plot point and if you're on the 3rd book then you already know the basics... all there really is to say by now is that if you've read the first 2 then you need to keep going cause it'll make you love 'em even more

I was quite astonished to like this debut series so thoroughly.
Despite the circumstances of her change, our heroine, Merit, tries to make the best of it in a weird about way.
She challenges her maker multiple times in front of her "sisters, brothers" forcing him to accept the challenge. She lusts after him but swears he is her mortal (hum, immortal) enemy.
At the same time, she learns that her grandfather who was more her father than her own father has been lying for the past 4 years and is in charge of the supernatural problems in the police department. She thus gets new friends and has to decide whether she'll live outside of her new world or inside. And she gains new friends while she must bury her old life, her university just sacks her from her position because of her new undead status.

Her emotions feel real and she doesn't spend her entire time always arguing with everyone. I love Caitlin Kittredge and her nocturne city series, but boy her heroine whines so much, it's quite annoying.
I read it in two sittings and now I have to wait until October for the second book (and there's already a 3rd and 4th scheduled). I'm really not happy about myself, I would have loved to be able to put it down and savor it longer.

It also reminded me a lot of The Succubus Series by Richelle Mead and this is a high compliment. It's a must read and a must keep.

I love vampire books. I devour with pleasure great quantities of words that portray all those vampy worlds. But I'm particularly interested in the paranormal romance side of vampire tales. In this quest for 'all-things-vampire', I've encountered a big selection of titles that can be separated by their quality. I usually don't expect much of some of the vampy books I read, as I do it just for the pleasure of visiting fantastic worlds where fangs and smoking hot scenes are frequent.

But once every few books I find myself enthralled with an amazing story. This is the case with Chloe Neill's Some Girls Bite. It is told from the POV of Merit, a 28 year old Chicago grad student who is attacked and changed into a vampire without her consent. She lives in a world where vampires recently revealed their existence to the general public.
The book has impeccable grammar and a vocabulary worth of a thousand English tests. I have to admit that I was just drooling like crazy over these beautiful new words (for me) and its colourful uses.

Some examples are:

“I’d prefer to see both knees on the ground. I mean, if you’re going to grovel, be the best groveler you can, right?”

"Immortality does pose its own set of quandaries.”

He just stared at me. “Are you always this obstreperous?”
“I’m not obstreperous. Stubborn, arguably. And don’t start in that I was causing trouble. I was only asking a question.”

"The vitriol and sarcasm he dished out on a daily basis—and there was a lot of it—was clearly a plea for her attention. A dismally unsuccessful plea."

*smiles*---ahhhhhh don't you love reading these lovely words? I do! Specially because I'm always looking for new words to learn.

Anyways... Going back to the book, besides praising the beauty of its words, I was happily impressed with the plot. It follows urban fantasies structures, where our MC wants to unveil a mystery, but in the meantime learns a whole lot about herself. Best part: there are vampires, the steamy hot kind, and many... So yes, this book made me happy. It was a bit predictable, but thanks to its style, pace, language, characters and choices, this book makes up for any flaws.

I'm sooooooo looking forward to read the next titles in the Chicagoland Vampires series!

I was very eager to read Charmfall - book #3 in the Dark Elite series because I found the first two, Firespell and Hexbound witty and suspenseful. Since I'm reviewing the 3rd in the series I'll start with a little catch up...

Lily Parker the main character, has had it rough to say the least. In book one her parents uprooted her from her New York home and planted her at St. Sophia's boarding school in Chicago. Before she knows it, Lily is thrust into the middle of a feud between Adepts (magical teens) and other underworld-like creatures. It's important to note that the "underworld" is actually the slimy sewer tunnels (literally, there's slime...) buried beneath Chicago.

In this world various people develop gifts (magic) in most cases, when they are younger. Some powers include the ability to control elements, cast spells, and even manipulate technology. A drawback happens later in life when one's gift begins to dissipate into nothing. However, there is a way to maintain it... some choose to become what is known as reapers who are able to maintain their power by "reaping" the energy out of others and then leaving their victims in a sort of "empty-shell" state. It is therefore the adept's mission to fight the reapers and protect them from being reaped.

I won't go into too much detail as to ruin the first two book's plots, but due to some extraordinary circumstances Lily learns that she really belongs at St. Sophia's. Along the way she picks up some great friends including her ever witty and totally-lovable suite-mate, Scout, a dozen or so enemies, and 2 note-worthy crushes.

One thing that I think Chloe Neill does particularly well is portraying teenagers, especially when it comes to writing dialogue. Here's a small excerpt from Charmfall.

"If you wake up," I said, "I'll let you wear my fuzzy boots-those ones you really like? And I won't complain when you take my chocolate muffin anymore at breakfast. You can have it every day from now on. I swear-just wake up, okay?"

Lily, pg. 18

Another aspect of this book series that I love so much is the deep and intriguing characters Ms. Neill has created. Lily is very strong, emotionally. Again and again she witnesses and participates in dangerous situations (sometimes life or death) and yet still manages to get out of bed each morning. She is extraordinary in the sense that she is able to see the world in shades of grey versus the black & white the reapers and adepts believe in.

Another great character of course is, Scout. Although in the beginning of the books she couldn't see the "big picture" with help from Lily however, she is quickly evolving into an even more complex character. She's now realizing that there's more to the magical power struggle they battle, the "white" way isn't always the right way.

Like the first two, Charmfall picks up close to where the previous left off and then undergoes a decent pacing. However, unlike the books before, you see a different dynamic between the adepts and the reapers. There's a new enemy in town and this time it's affecting both factions of the underworld. This forces and creates a surprising alliance in order to achieve a similar goal.

There's a couple questions answered, and like always, a half-dozen more created. Sometimes book sequels can take a dip but this isn't true for Charmfall. It's full of twists and adventures and leaves you guessing like the two before.

I only have one real quip with this book. As a TEAM SEBASTIAN fan, I was sad to only see him in a few parts. Hopefully in the next installment he'll get some more line-time.

A couple questions I hope get answered in the next book or at least begin to:

What the heck is Lily's parents really doing in Europe?
Will Jason have the ability to fight the customs that are threatening him from leading a life of his own choosing?
How is Veronica going to react when she discovers or possibly (remembers) who/what her new dream man is?

Oh, I have found a new favorite to add to a very long list of favorites.

So glad I finally broke down a read this, and oh wait, loved it so much read the second one back-to-back with it, and if it wasn't for a reading challenge I am participating in, I would most likely read the third one next.

Love Merit, and Mallory, and Jeff, and Catcher Bell, and of course love to lust after, Oh, wait, I mean love to hate Ethan “Lord o’ the Manor” Sullivan.

Chicago: land of mobsters, green rivers, baseball, & the coming out of vampires. Eight months after Merit and her best friend goggled at the TV, along with everyone else, as vampires revealed themselves to mankind she's left realing from a different shock. Attacked one night on the Uni. of Chicago campus where she's working on her post graduate studies, she wakes three days later to learn that she is now a vampire and soon to be an unwilling member of Cadogan House, one of the most esteemed vampire houses.

Life's not easy when you have to learn who you are all over again, especailly when your diet's different, you're nocturnal, your grandpa shares a whole secret underworld of supernaturals with you, you're roomy starts dating a hot, excommunicated sorcerer, and your new boss happens to be a vampire who wants to bang you but doesn't really like you.

I have to say I'm surprised this book hasn't received more attention because it definitely is series quality. I really enjoyed it although the end seemed oddly abrupt, the epilogue disjointed from the rest of the book. That said I'm still craving more. Here's hoping a sequel comes along quickly!

Humans have recently learned that vampires live among mortals. Shapeshifters fear they will be next and debate how to handle what they anticipate will occur shortly.

In that regard to plan on the inevitable, Gabriel Keene, Apex of the North American Central shifters, has convened a conference of the packs to determine their best course of action. He also invites Cadogan House Sentinel Merit and master vampire Ethan Sullivan to attend as security as evidence is strong that an assassin is coming for him and terrorists plan on disrupting the convention. Though only a couple months since she was turned involuntarily, Merit takes her security work seriously, but has trouble focusing with arrogant Ethan nearby.

The third Chicagoland Vampires romantic urban fantasy is an action-packed thriller that never slows down from its opening quick synopsis of the previous two biters (see Friday Night Bites and Some Girls Bite) until the biting climax. The rookie vampire and her mentor (she would say tormentor) try to protect a leader of the other prominent paranormal species as many want to prevent an outing. Fans of the saga will fully relish Merit's actions as she continues to adjust to her new life as an undead.

Harriet Klausner

So I had bought a new SONY digital reader and wanted to try taking a book out of the virtual library online. There were not many titles available, but this was so I decided to check it out. I loved the Twilight series and thought maybe this would be interesting - I also live in Chicago so that intrigued me as well.

Although this is not a perfect novel, it definitely is much better than expected. I appreciate the characters are older, although sometimes they act rather juvenile. The dynamics of the various supernaturals are interesting and make me want to read more. I definitely plan to continue to following the series.

Vampires have really become "the next big thing" thanks to Stephenie Meyer, but this book takes a different spin on the topic and does a nice job.

Chicago's having a crisis of epic power proportions. There seems to be an epidemic of blackouts within the city limits. Unfortunately the shortages aren't of the electrical variety. Chi-Town's Dark Elite, Reapers and Adepts alike are amidst a magical misfortune, losing their abilities like a flip of a switch. Lilly and her crew are going to have to make some unlikely alliances to solve the mystery of missing magic and get their powers back.

Third time is not a charm for Neill's current installment in her Dark Elite series. While the story line was good, it just didn't have that WOW factor. Charmfall is yet another lost opportunity to really develop this series and the wonderful ideas presented in it. Neill's solid story line was smothered by the surrounding filler and useless banter that kept the main characters meandering about slowly, focusing more on dance decorations, verbal bestie bonding, and the detailed travels of subterranean Chicago. Much of which has been adequately covered in the past two books. The new larger format paperback didn't help matters either. It seems more of a waste for a book barely 240 pages deep and ridiculously includes the first two chapters of book one, Firespell, for the only reason I can decipher, to bulk up the book.

I would have preferred the extra possible capacity be used toward a little more action or development of the secondary story lines. Increasingly I am finding that the supporting characters are more interesting as well, and think an alternate perspective could breathe some much needed depth to the books. Sebastian Born for example is an under utilized character. He has differing ideas about magic not inline with either faction and I think his POV could be riveting. I really liked what was happening with Nicu's thread, which was touched upon when convenient, but barely explored. I was also hoping for the real complication of Jason's background to come about, maybe a betrothed to spice things up, but he's just stressed out by the family problems vaguely mentioned. Even the author's weak attempt at painting Parker as a different thinking Adept just didn't hold. Plus she didn't touch on Parker's parents and past threads involving them at all. Neill also is becoming the timid love triangle queen. Much like her Chicagoland Vamp books, any possible angst between Jason, Lilly, and Sebastian seem null at this point, regardless of the groundwork thats there.

What this book is really lacking is that OMG factor that leaves you pining for the next installment. Charmfall is a watered down version of what the series could be, with good ideas, characters, and story lines that are never really explored. Neill's YA books feel like an afterthought and are clearly becoming a backseat series to her adult work. I really wish she would put as much effort and passion into the series as she does when describing her hometown eats. If not maybe she should forego fiction and focus on an epicurious guide to chi-town's great culinary offerings.

Normal is a little too much to ask for when you're Lily Parker. Forget being on the planning committee for the Sneak, St. Sophia's fall formal--Lily's version of normal is prowling the tunnels under her school after dark. But even that illusion of normalcy is about to be shattered. When Lily finds a Reaper on school grounds, she tries to use firespell, only to find out that she can't--because her magic is gone. And she's not the only one. It soon becomes clear that every Adept throughout Chicago is without magic, and that the Reapers are in the same position. There's some kind of unnatural magical blackout going on in Chicago, and Lily won't stop until she finds the person responsible and restores the balance of magic to as it should be.

I've been consistently impressed with everything that Neill has thrown at readers in her first two installments of the Dark Elite series, and Charmfall, the third book in the series, continues to be full of action, magic, and surprising twists. The plot, as always, has a good mixture of magical complications and more personal drama for Lily, her best friend Scout, and the rest of the Adepts. This makes for an undoubtedly exciting story and allows for some character growth. Where Charmfall really stands out from the rest of the series, though, is in its more serious discussion of the philosophical differences in beliefs between the Adepts and the Reapers; the black and white of good and evil has now become muddied to a gray, and this gives Lily, Scout, and the reader a lot to think about. In all, I found Charmfall a quite enjoyable read, and I'm thrilled that Neill has not yet lost her momentum in the Dark Elite series.

The Dark Elite series will be enjoyed by fans of Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, Almost to Die For by Tate Hallaway, and Revealers by Amanda Marrone.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm extremely impressed. The store telling, the details (down to what everyone looked like, and what they were wearing what, the house looked like and everything), the emotions, the fighting and sexual reference were amazing. This is one amazing book it had me wanting more chapter after chapter and I can't wait to read the next ones. I can't wait to see how Marit handles being a new vampire next. I can't wait to see the bond but hatred she has for Ethan Sullivan grow. I have so many questions that I wanted answered as to whats going to happen next.
Big shout out to the author absolutely amazing book and it started off amazing. You didn't have to read half the book to get into it, it started right off the bat and just kept getting better.
Now on to the next one I go. Can't wait to see what happens next.

*SPOILERS*

3.5 stars

I'm enjoying the series, it's kept me entertained. But there's something about it I'm not liking. Maybe it's that I find the drama and the situations they're in a little too contrived, and a little too conveniently resolved.

There were a couple inconsistencies in this book. Ethan tells Lacey when she first arrives “thank you for coming on such short notice.” Then he tells Merit that it was planned six months before. Either he's a liar or one of those statements is incorrect. Also Gabriel tells Adam that you don't choose to be Apex, the Pack chooses you. Yet there's an order of succession. Fallon would've been Apex if Gabriel died. Adam was last in line for Apex since he's the youngest born. So how can the Pack choose the Apex? It doesn't make much sense.

I'm not liking Ethan. I get that he's scared about his feelings for Merit. But he's not coming off as a good character. Merit hates her father for not valuing her for who she is, just what he can get from her, yet she's fallen in love with a man that does the same thing. He's used her for his own polical goals and it wasn't until she showed her power and strength as Sentinel that he's really shown an interest.

I liked that he gave her the baseball at the end. But that he gave it to her as an apology for being an a** diminishes the grand gesture. Like Mallory said "do you want to be with a man who has to be convinced to be with you?”

I sure don't want Merit to be with someone like that. And it will take a lot of grand gestures, hopefully not made as an apology, from Ethan to change my mind about him.

Read from March 01 to 02, 2013

I just finished the first 4 books in this series, and as a fan of UF, I am a little underwhelmed considering all of the positive reviews. I really enjoyed the snarky banter between Merit, Mallory, Catcher and Ethan. The banter reminds me of kate daniels, just not quite as good. The tension between Ethan and Merit is pretty good in the first book. However, it seems that in we get very little sense of who Ethan is as a person, alot of his character development stems from frustrating human gestures such as running his hands through his hair.
Unfortunately, the 'mystery plot' in the books is very thin. Since the mystery cannot keep the average reader in, the romance needs to. I feel like this writer was inspired by Karen Marie Moning in her plot and romance choices, but KMM is the only one who can drag out a romance over 4 or more books and still keep us interested.
anyway, read them all together with the large print and you have one decent sized book, but you paid way too much for each of them. Read the first 3 books in this series, but go to the library. Forget the rest.

Review: 5x5
Girl in the middle of her doctorate almost murdered then saved/turned Vamp.... Yes please! Highly enticing, fun and hot Vampires make for this enthralling read. I love the world that the author has created here in this story and it's all based in Chicago. The main girl, Merit.... oh how I adore her! She is smart, snarky, beautiful, and just an all around badass. Ethan, our main man, is all business....or is he? He is hot and that is really spelled H-A-W-T, but man he gets under your skin and you want more of him.

Read this for a great adventure into Chicagoland where nothing is as it seems :) GET IT NOW!! This series is going to be a must read!!

Another great installment. More shifter stuff and more Ethan drama lama :).

This is one of those series where I just fall more and more in love with many of the other characters. I think its partly this interaction of Merit with so many others, that I like her so much. It brings out the main characters personality more if they aren't just loners. I also like that she isn't this one track kick butt heroine that can do it all.
This is a highly addicting series for me and I am just flying through the books.

** read October 2012

In Chicago, Lily Parker attends St. Sophia School for Girls. The sophomore, the rest of her high school group and her BFF Scout protect the residents of the city from the Reapers; adepts who refused to give up the magic once they use their allotment so they absorb the soul from people to give them more time as practitioners.

One day Lily applies her firespell, but it fails to work. She soon learns that all the adepts in the city no longer possess magic. The adepts blame the reapers, but Lily finds out that the rogue practitioners have lost their talent too. Although the two groups distrust one another, Lily needs a reaper to help her regain what has vanished. Sebastian the reaper who does not follow the party line agrees to team up with Lily while the Enclave chief decides to take a chance on the rogue loner. Lily takes the biggest risk when she attempts to break the spell in order to bring back the magic; while the caster's plans sneak up on the teen.

Wiser than her age, Lily is the bridge between the two rival magical using groups as she rejects the black and white assertions of each side. This concept is critical for her and Sebastian to team up. She is a true heroine who takes dangerous chances to keep her Enclave safe. The third Dark Elite urban fantasy (see Firespell and Hexbound) is spellbound twisting winner.

Harriet Klausner

Loved it I plan to read the whole series. The vamps were not presented in the usual way. Yes there was the always present super bad vamps and the average ones and the surprising ones. I loved the fact that there were 2 heroines (ok one is more physical but then she's the vamp) and their reactions to the initial turning was very human but rather funny. They actually had back stories and there is conflict of interest, discrimination, star crossed would be lovers, and family drama. read and enjoy if you are a vamp fan!

This is a nice escape from Twilight want a be fiction. While our heroin is trying to adjust to newly becoming a vampire, and the terrible weight of supernatural bigotry she is now subjected to, I found it to be something pleasant to discover. I hope the author will figure out that there is such a thing as online courses our new vampire can now attend without the worry from staff about lawsuits.

With an impossible to put down book from beginning to end, Chloe Neill brings us a world easily brought to life. Filled with relatable characters and political intrigue easily imagined in a real life situation, this is urban fantasy at its finest.

I discovered this series by searching for books similar to Charlainne Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series. I read the blurb and the sample and was hooked immediately. I bought the entire series and read them within a few days ( nine books at the time released, book ten was out a few months later.) I absolutely loved Merit and her character as well as the whole gang at Cadagan house. Ethan is so awesome and I love the banter between them. I found myself constantly laughing out loud and even cried through one of the later books. Absolutely connected with the characters and fell in love with the story. Was well written and read very smoothly. This has become one of my favorite series and I have always loved this genre which is one of my favorites. This is definitely in my top favorite series of all time.

I have read many books, vampire and otherwise: watched many movies also vampire and otherwise. This is the first book I have ever read that meade me want to jump into the book and be part of it. The plot is great. The characters are fascinating. Have to say it is the best vampire book I have ever read. I have been reading for over 65 years.

This book was promising when I picked it up. The writing brought down the quality of the book. I'm so sad to see badly written vampire novels because I love vampires a lot. This one has weak writing. It even made me laugh sometimes. It was so bad that I started skimming the last few chapters. I hope Ms. Neill has grown as a writer throughout the series. I don't know because I have no plans to read beyond the first book in the series. This book's writing is just too weak for my taste. Also, the conclusion of the plot was borderline cliche.

I really liked this book. I'm a BIG fan of urban paranormal/fantasy books and this fit right in w/what I like. Merit was a blast. Sarcastic to the end, but I thought the love interest should have been someone else. Why do they always fall for the biggest boss? How about a love story between two average, run of the mill vampires, following the bosses orders and complaining about their jobs? It could happen! Anyhoo, give this book a read and see for yourself. It's very, very good. Despite the scenes between Mallory and Catcher. I'm already tired of them.

btw, I get my books from the library so I can't complain about the cost! lol.

Was hooked from the very beginning! Right away I was impressed to find a new vision of vampire hierarchy. Finally something different that still held on to tradition. Everything, the plot, characters, etc, are all very well developed. You can't help but find yourself in, if not, Merit then one of her friends. I was surprised at the route the story took but pleased it ended well. Its great to have another strong female character to read. So often, especially with vampires, the female character turns out to be the victim waiting to be rescued. But Merit can hold her own. I cant wait to finish out the series!!

I finally started this series, but was not thrilled with the story. The heroine seemed more like a teenager than a 28 year old woman, the hero, acted like he had a stick up his butt. He may have been sexy, but he was a real pain. I almost gave up, but decided to keep going. It got better because of the other characters.

Some Girls Bite is one of my birthday presents (yay me!). I ran through it once, and really liked it, but couldn't really put my finger on why. I mean, when you think about it, here's another vampire novel, out of the plethora of vampire novels out there. So I read it again. Good thing I read fast, eh? =)

Merit--she goes by her last name only, and there's no reference to why, other than "it's better than the alternative"--is a newly turned, former graduate student, who lives in the Windy City. In this world, the US vampires are organized into twelve Houses, each with its own Master, each with its own identity. Three of the twelve houses are in Chicago, and Merit now belongs to one of 'em. As far as heroines go, she's not whiny, which is a huge plus in my book. She has strong physical abilities--I'm not sure I like how she's "special" right away, but if it's just one aspect out of the whole Merit picture, I can deal--and gets training in weaponry. From a sorceror who happens to work for her grandfather. Yeah, there are some surprises here.

She's sassy, too, and if you know me, you know I like my heroines sassy. There's nothing better than a healthy dose of sarcasm when confronted with centuries-old vamps who think they know everything, lol! And she has a healthy dose of fear to go along with all this too.

In any case, I like Merit, I want to know what the "alternative" is, and I like the story and characters so far. I want more. =)

Finally, Merit is starting to grow up, still clueless on somethings but getting better. She is still mooning over Ethan and hiding things, like the strange invitations. The problems they have been having kept me wondering why she would keep quiet about them, they might have been important to the safety of the House. The shifters bring a new and interesting set of problems to the mix.

These books are superb! I really enjoy reading Chloe's writing she is a great author! the Chicagoland Vampire series is great from beginning to end and I would defiantly recommend these books! There are 5 books in the series so far with the new book Biting Cold coming out August 2012. the first book started off a little slow and was a little hard to get into as well as in the last book drink deep but once the story started I couldn't put them down!..lol...The life of a Chicago Vampire is never easy

First let me say I am burned out on Vampires... they are everywhere these days and so much of what is out there is BAD. But this is NOT the case with this series. If you are a fan of Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden novels... this has a similar feel, very similar. Great characters, great story, and a 'can't put it down' vibrancy. Plus the herione just rocks. I love Merit, she's a fabulous character and I can't wait to see her evolve.

And I want to thank the store's review policy for this purchase. Some other sites for books edit their reviews so that everything is sunshine and roses. I know that when a book as a 4-5 star review and that review is based on a large number of reviews that I should think about giving it a chance. I trust the store not to censor reviews in that way. I would NEVER have tried this series otherwise. So thank you the store, and thank you to the other reviewers.

Give it a shot... you'll like it!

Like many of the reviewers, I picked this book up at my local bookstore. It was in the 35% off bin and figured why not. Turns out it was a really good book and I look forward to the next one in the series.

Others have discribed the book, you can read their reviews. For me I just finished reading two of the Twilight books and was looking for a lighter, fun vamp book. This was it. I like everything from the teen books with no sex scenes to a couple authors that really have the detail in it. I'm fine either way, but I know there's readers out there that prefer the 'cleaner' books. This is one of them. The one sex scene isn't too bad and takes up maybe one page of the book. The rest is alluded to, or just kissing scenes. Pretty clean.

But if you like the heavier detailed scenes, don't let that steer you from the book. It was fun, light and characters were pretty likable.

I don't usually post many book reviews, but when something comes along that catches my interest and I can't wait to get started on the next book, then I feel compelled to comment. I read a lot of books, the last few years I've stuck mostly to paranormal romance. I feel like I'm constantly on a quest to find the "next big thing" that will hold my interest. Lately, I've been picking up books and then not even being able to finish them because they are so predictable or boring. Can I just say that I am so OVER the books that have the hero and heroine as predestined mates, with the hero yelling "mine" as soon as he sets eyes on the heroine. Anyway, this book was fabulous. I was engaged with the characters, the story, and I love that everything doesn't neatly fall into place. I love that I don't know exactly what's going to happen. I've read the first two books in the series and and am on the library's waiting list for the third.

Emphasis on people growing in self and relationships, not gratuitous sex, violence, and blood-sucking. Main character is refreshingly easy to relate to. Vampire politics definitely take backseat to the people--which is appropriate, anyone who chooses politics over family and friends is very short-sighted. (Vampires, particularly, can't afford to be short-sighted!)

Looking forward to reading next book.

Interesting concept with a silly female who could not deal with the fact that is better to be alive than dead. I guess this book is setting the background for the series. Will check out the next book to see where the author is going with the story. Enjoyed the story of Mallory much more than the main character...however, will see what happens next.

I got this book from the library and read it in just over a day - which is saying something because I have a very busy life. I just couldn't put it down. The heroine is funny, smart, sassy and believable! I find that a lot of writers who try to make the heroine sassy take it a step too far, but this one was spot on! And the sexual tension was palpable.

I loved it so much that I couldn't wait for the library to find me the next one. I had to order it two day shipping from the store and even that felt too long! It is waiting for me at home right now and I probably won't sleep much tonight.

I've really begun to LOVE this series. I thought the first book was great, the second was a solid sequel, and this book is fantastic! Merit & Mallory have the best (and funniest) lines! I love the pop culture scifi/fantasy nerd references... I love the Vampire Merit is becoming. When the other UF series are becoming stale (I'm looking at you Mrs. Harris), Neill brings back my love of the genre. This is an auto-buy series.

These books are such an easy, fun read that will still have you emotionally engaged and eagerly awaiting the next page - pick them up!!!

Book in wonderful condition even with all the rain we had!
One of my favorite series I previously read on kindle years ago!
I am now reading the whole series again as I receive the books in the mail! Even better the second time! There are many different kinds of supernatural creatures in these books and sooo much action. Really fun!!
I highly recommend the Chicagoland Vampires series!

You know how when you're reading a book and you're totally engrossed in the "world" written by the author? That's how much of this book was for me, with a few exceptions. I thought the characters and plot were pretty well developed; however, there were a few things that jarred me out of the book's world and back into my own head. That's the reason I've given this review only three stars. It was stuff like having vampires come out 8 months ago, and Merit's sidekick Mallory (who followed the coming out avidly) state in one scene that they didn't know anything about vampires a month ago. Or in another scene, Merit is describing the vampires in the room and she states that Luc is the only one wearing jeans, only to state one page later that Peter was wearing jeans. I know this may seem like trivial stuff, but it was enough to pull me back into my own reality when I've really been enjoying someone else's "reality".

I'm very hopeful for this series, as I enjoyed the dialogue and writing style. I think the author did a good job of putting me in the thick of the action, and she wrote the primary character very well, so that I could empathize with the changes she was going through. I liked Merit's pragmatic take on the hand she's been dealt. Sure, she had a few uncertain moments, but in the end she did the equivalent of shrug her shoulders, buckle up, and move on to be the best Vampire she can be. I truly appreciate that, and I hope she doesn't go back to wallowing / waffling in the second book.

Anyhow, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one. I just hope that the flaws that slipped through in this book are caught in the next one.

I absolutely love this series. Merit is such a real character she has flaws, but we love her anyway. This book is all about the SHIFTERS! I was excited at the end of the last book when we found out the shifters were coming town. This book brought up a whole new set of betrayal, and politics and for once none of it was vampires. Merit and Ethan are now body guards to head of the Shifters Gabriel. Gabriel was such a love-able guy he was always joking with Merit, and really see that he doesn't look down on vampires.

This book was all about the shifters debate on whether to stay with the vampires and stand with them if things went bad with the humans, or to leave and go into seclusion and leave the vampires to fend for themselves again. There are many who want to leave and Gabriel says if that is the majority decision than that's what they'll do but you get the sense that he would rather stick it out, which is definitely what Ethan wants.

What I love about this book:
1) More Jeff! I absolutely love, love, love him he is goofy and cute. I get excited everytime he's around because he's just so darn adorable especially when he talks about his and Merits love.

2) Mallory and Merit's fight comes to a resolution one way or the other. I really didn't like the last book when it left their relationship up in the air saying we might not be friends when this is over. I was like be friends or don't i hate wishy washy!

3) More Ethan and Merit! I love these two..no matter how many times Ethan denies he actually does has feelings for Merit he always comes back. I love the build up for these two and hope if/when they get a relationship it will live up to it.

This book was amazing and the next book can't come soon enough!

In looking at the first book in the Chicagoland Vampires series, Some Girls Bite, I find that the paperback is $9.14 while the kindle version is $12.99. I thought that one of the benefits of kindle ownership was that kindle editions were supposed to cost less due to the fact that fewer supplies were required to produce it (ie- paper, ink, etc) and it costs less to deliver it to the consumer via the airwaves rather than the postal service. This is not the first time I have found Kindle versions to be more expensive than the paperbacks...and I am beginning to feel a bit taken advantage of. Anyone have a good explanation for why the Kindle version is higher priced?

Okay, so this isn't a great book. It's cliche and predictable, and the somewhat forced romance is silly.

That said... I REALLY liked it a lot. It was fun! Snarky without being obnoxious, a new vampire who's really good but not so over-the-top-awesome that I could call her a Mary Sue, and it's hilariously set in my new neighborhood, which delights me in a very shallow way (yes, it's calculated to appeal to the readers in Chicago- I don't care).

I am honestly looking forward to reading more of these books, and I'd like to have my own copies!

I was disappointed with the first book in this series, but I am really glad I decided to keep reading it. I really enjoyed this book. I LOVE the shifters and their storyline. I hope to see more of them in the rest of the series, especially Jeff. It appears that the main character and her main squeeze have things settled out which I hope they do because that's my main reason for giving this book a 4 instead of a 5. I love a little romance but sometimes I feel like there is just to much focus on it in this series.

Summary:
This book is all about vampire and shifter relations. The shifters are convening in Chicago to determine their fates for the coming supernatural war. Over 200 years ago, during the second clearing the shifters retreated to Alaska to let the vampires suffer their own fate and since then there have been many hard feelings between the shifters and the vampires. Merit has no such prejudices, having not been around during the second clearing and having befriended Jeff a shifter that works for her grandfather. So Merit is the perfect person to offer up as a bodyguard during the shifter meetings. Tension run high and betrayals are discovered.

Review:
So Merit totally makes up for her douchy behavior from the last book. She acknowledges that she was not acting the best before and wasn't supportive towards Mallory especially. Merit seems much more balanced in general and has seemed to figure some stuff out and what is important. There are some great scenes with Ethan and Merit, which you are going to LOVE! We see a lot of Gabriel and other shifters and get a lot of insight into the shifter culture; I can get down with the shifter lifestyle: Family, food, friends, and Harleys... This book is highly entertaining with lots of action and love connections! This is my favorite book of the series so far!

Wow wow wow....absolutely Great Book!!! I just read books 1-3 over the last few days and LOVE everything about them - especially this book. A real page turner with great characters...and talk about emotional! As mad as Ethan's character made me (especially one particular part), I was equally blown away at some of the feelings he expressed - so well written. I'm very glad the ending left me hopeful....and thrilled to know book 4 is in the works and 5, 6 & 7 have been contracted. YAY!!!! Just wish I could give this more than 5 stars!!!!

It seems that for the last two years there has been a paranormal literary drought. I seem to have been disappointed by even my favorite authors - Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris, and I have long since buried Laurell Hamilton. But thankfully Chloe Neill has brought the rain. I loved 'Some Girls Bite'. I won't repeat the plot, it has already been done, but I will say that this is a well rounded book. The characters are flushed out and are a various shade of grey (I hate it when authors only see black and white.) 'Some Girls Bite', while obvious being part of a series, is a complete book - another pet peeve, authors who use the series format to tell just one story, and the books by themselves are not satisfying. I can't wait to visit Merit and Chicagoland's cast of characters again. Thank you Ms. Neill.

I really thought I this was going to be an enjoyable read for me, but that was not the case. The plot bored me on numerous occasions. The romance sucked, it has a lame/tiring plot, and it's overpriced. It just left me frustrated upon completion. Definitely not a series I will continue or recommend.

My new fave vamp series! I love Merit and her kick-ass attitude, not whiny at all. It's got action, romance, drama and comedy! I love the writing style of the author. This 3rd book was better than the other 2, and I loved the other 2. I read this one in only a few hours and now I can't wait until the next book comes out on May 3rd. These books just keep getting better. I got so engrossed in this one that I was still reeling from some of the events that next day, stupid Ethan! Pick this series up, you won't regret it!

This is a great beginning to this series, the story of a girl who involuntary becomes a part of the vampire world and has to adjust to be a creature of the night.

Chloe Neill creates a fantastic universe and some very likeable characters.
I really like the way Chloe has written this book, it's very funny but it still deals with some serious trouble for the main character Merit but at the same time there's also space for the romance...

Merit is a "fresh" character who has to fit in, in the supernatural world, the world of vampires and learn about their hierarchy and rules but she manage to keep her values too even though she has to come to terms with being a vampire she still don't compromise on her believes. She follows her intuition and does what se feel is right but she's not below admitting when she's wrong.

I'm very interested in seeing how her relationship with both Morgan and her master Ethan develops in the next books. I like both of the guys a lot but I will say that I'm a little bit more to team Ethan, he's gorgeous.

Merit also has a best friend Mallory and I like how they are very close and can talk about almost everything. They help each other through a lot of trouble and it's nice to see how they accept each other even though they both go through a big change.

Very good book and a great beginning to a series I'm sure will be memorable.