Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires)

It's better than the last book. However, I was a little disappointed towards the end when Merit and "E" were together finally. I thought the love scene would have been more dramatic based on the last book left such a negative impact when Ethan died, and how Merit was grieving and couldn't get on with her life. It was like here they found each other, kiss and make up and let's move on to the next adventure. Overall, I like Merit's story. The author made sure Merit's character is consistent. I hope Ms. Neill will give Merit and Ethan's relationship a chance to grow and conquer any challenges in the next book. I agree with some of the reviews, I hope Ms. Neill is not going to have Jonah come between Merit and Ethan. I wish Ms. Neill will concentrate on some of the upcoming battle both of them will face together rather than a love triangle problem. Can't wait for the next book...another year of waiting...:(

Another interesting read, with lots of rug pulling.

Every time I try to get a grasp at how the story will precede, or understand merit's choices, we get a rug pulled out from under us. And we have to find a way back to our feet, and get a new grasp.

To me, this is one of those stories where I'll be tuning into the next one, and have another love/hate relationship with. But I'm always wanting more of the great writing, and story line. I just wish I could make the author write the romantic aspects I want to see happen.

I really am loving this series. I had some issues with Merit and Ethan in the first two in the series but I have grown to love all the character both bad and good. Though I'm not a fan of the cliff hanger endings where things aren't nicely wrapped up. It makes it harder to carry on after its been a year since you read the last book and the sense of anticipation is no longer there.

At first I was apprehensive to read the last book of the series, especially when you see the reviews that are listed. But to be honest - the author did an awesome job with ending the series. So disregard the reviews listed... They're usually inaccurate any way. And to the fellow reviewers who scored this one negatively "there wasn't a whole lot of options to conclude it... Geezee - You want Ethan and Merit to end up together, her best friend was a brat most of the time any way and though the hunky new partner seemed like an added mix - there's always got to be a third wheel involved to keep the plot moving along. So quit being so darn critical."

All that aside - for anyone interested in this series the book is well done! It also leaves a bit of a cliff hanger for another book. So we'll see if the author's up for it! In my personal opinion - I'd like to see where it leads.

How to describe this book? Cathartic? Brilliant? So many people have said negative things about this book, but I sincerely enjoyed it. It's exactly the kind of book I needed to read after the emotional roller coaster of Hard Bitten.

I know the first question you all have in your minds. It's what was in mine before I read this book, and I poured through pre-release reviews trying to find an answer, a hint to the most important question of Drink Deep. Will we get some kind of hope in the whole Ethan situation? I won't spoil with specifics, but I will tell you that yes, Drink Deep will give you the answers you yearn for and the peace you crave. It will start heal the wounds Hard Bitten inflicted on your heart. And it won't insult your intelligence with half baked solutions, or promises for the future. Nope you'll get all the peace you need from this one glorious book.

The journey in Drink Deep is not an easy one. Merit and everyone she cares for are surrounded by judgmental idiots and fools with the power to make their lives miserable. You'll want to scream, and rail, and smack the Receivership, the new mayor, and of course McKetrick. The city is going to hell in a hand basket with some kind of elemental apocalypse (think rivers darkened, skies turned red, mountains erupting in the middle of the city), and the vampires are the only ones trying to fix it. The rest of the aforementioned fools just throw roadblocks and petty judgments that will make you twitchy.

But Merit is lovely, heroic, honorable, and loyal throughout the story. She's every bit the heroine we've come to love, and in Drink Deep we see her loyalties tested even more keenly then we have in the past. Which also means she has a chance to shine even more. Our girl is a rock, and she and Cadogan house are the only things standing between Chicago and destruction.

I have to give a shout out to Cadogan here. I've always loved Merit, but this book made me fall in love with Cadogan house. There are some truly rousing moments of house solidarity that will make you want to cheer.

So my advice? Pick up this book as soon a possible. Bear through the hard parts, resist the urge to smack the evil baddies, and just keep reading. The plot is great, and this book's ending will blow your mind. It was everything I hoped for after reading Hard Bitten, and so much more. I literally cried just as much at the end of this book, but this time the tears weren't tears of sadness, but of joy, accompanied by a lot of laughter and rousing "YEAHS!" Drink Deep gives us victory from the ashes of defeats suffered in it's predecessor. I loved it and I know you will to.

******THERE WILL BE SPOILERS FOR HARD BITTEN, HOWEVER I WILL TRY TO KEEP SPOILERS FOR DRINK DEEP TO A MINIMUM********

I have to start out by saying that I love this series. I too was emotionally crushed after the events in Hard Bitten, but I read Chloe Neill's website and she continually asked readers to "trust her", so I did. I knew that the events in Hard Bitten could not be the end all of a certain character we had all grown to love. I just wasn't sure how Neill would write events to make everything plausible. Thus the speculation begins. Many, many people felt the same way at the end of Hard Bitten, but like me they trusted Neill and decided to start speculating about how events would be made right. I think this is where the many negative reviews are coming from, from people who expected more or different or what have you (please note: I'm talking about review in general, I haven't read every single review written about this book). I think when people start to speculate then no matter what the author writes there are going to be people who aren't happy with how the book turned out. I personally loved it.

Drink Deep opens about two months after the events of Hard Bitten and everyone is still mourning over the loss of Ethan. This sadness kind of masks the entire book really. I found that while there were still moments of levity it was a very somber book overall. I think this is only fitting because Merit is still grieving even though she's trying to get on with her life.

Events have started to occur in Chicago that requires Merit to talk to other factions of sups that we haven't seen in the foreground, just heard spoken about. We get to see more of the River Nymphs and we also get to see a Siren and deal with the Fairies. Througout all this Cadogan House is going through a receivorship from the GP in the form of Frank. Frank, on a power trip of his own, decides to make life extremely difficult for our Cadogan Vampires to the point where failure will be the only option. Merit also has more to deal with concerning previous Mayor Tate. I really liked the way his scenes were written. Leaves one wondering what else he has up his sleeve. On top of all of this Merit has been having nightmares with Ethan at the center.

What I really liked was that were given the opportunity to see Merit grieving. I don't know if I've read any other books where grief is given a chance. Usually authors will acknowledge the sadness and have the characters quickly move on because let's face it, grief can really bring down a book. But Neill does it so well here. Merit misses Ethan and for Neill to give Merit the time to grieve I guess it gives the fans a time to grieve. I almost feel it as Neill's way of scknowledging our love and loss for this character.

I liked that we also saw Merit working through her grief to hopefully one day be able to not miss Ethan anymore and one day move on. It was nice also that we didn't see anyone saying "just get over it already, move on he's gone". Merit acknowledges that she will eventually have to move on, but for right now she's content with the memories no matter how painful they may be right now.

I'll admit some of the things that happen in this book seem too good to be true or seem to happen to quickly. Mainly I'm referring to the end of the book (nope not going to outright say it either!). I know some people will have issue with the way things played out, but I'm willing to go along for the ride. Maybe things ended up a bit too happy for Merit but she deserves some happy for once. She's been put through a lot in the previous books and I will go out on a limb and say (based on events in Drink Deep) she will be put through a lot in the next book as well, so I'm willing to give her (or Neill) one.

I'll also admit that this book did feel like a bridge book, tying up loose ends from Hard Bitten then setting up events for Biting Cold (out August '12) and I'm ok with that. We learned about a few of the "secrets" started in Some Girls Bite and we were given more things to think about and ponder in the books to come. I will continue to buy and read this series as long as Neill writes them.

To anyone who has doubts about continuing the series after Hard Bitten I would say to not worry and stick with it. I think when everything is said and done this will be an exeption series overall.

I guess I'll start by saying that I had told myself I would not be pre-ordering Drink Deep and that I would only buy it once I made sure Ethan came back after the horrible events of Hard Bitten. But after reading in Ms. Neill's website that she wanted her readers to trust her. I decided to give Drink Deep a chance. I finished the book yesterday and I'm still debating on how I feel about it. It was a little of a roller coaster of emotions for me...and not exactly in a good way.

Spoilers*******

I admit to being devastated beyond what should probably be normal after Ethan's death, and I admit to wanting Ethan back by whatever means necessary regarless of what the author had to do to bring him back; magic, resurrection, reincarnation ect....now I'm not so sure. I won't go into the book's summary but I have to say I feel a little like Merit right now; afraid that he'll only be taken away again, so I'm scared to be happy about it.

I do have to say that I was so happy when he did come back and the rest of the book after the park scene had be sobbing like a tween at a Justin Beiber concert. Their reunion was so freaking awesome! I liked Ethan's new attitude; he isn't taking this 3rd chance at life for granted and I love that he's letting Merit know it. I was giggling and crying all at the same time during all their scenes together when suddently I thought "what if he's killed of again in the next book?" then my happiness was replaced with apprehension. Like Merit; I don't think I can take Ethan's death again...it would just be too much for me.

Long story short, the book was good. I gave it 3 stars because I found myself skipping pages just so I could get to the stuff about Ethan. I was annoyed because after waiting anxiously to find out where Ms. Neill decided to take Ethan's story, she puts it at the end. Sadly, that only made my attention span for the story line very short. Once I finished the book and felt somewhat relieved, I went back and read some of the parts I skipped.

Ack. Spoilers below

I was really looking forward to this book. I have really liked the other books in this series. The deus ex machina went way too far here. It was sloppy and just wrong to suddenly bring someone back from the dead. Without any believable background, Mallory is now evil ? I liked the Frank sub-story, but again it's resolution was sudden and "magic". In spite of all the crap he pulled, the author made it clear Cadogan House had no choice but to obey him. Suddenly they didn"t ? It feels like the author wrote herself into a corner she could not get out of. Then she asked us to close our eyes while she got herself out of it.

I rarely write reviews and am a voracious UF fan. I care enough about this series to worry that this author may have jumped the proverbial shark. ALA LKH. Lets hope the next book is thought out a little better.

I have got to say, I did not quite see that coming!

I am not going to tell you anything about Ethan - you'll have to read the book yourself for any hints as to the cliffhanger from the previous book.

Though a good chunk of Drink Deep felt, (dare I say?) like so much filler, it gets remarkably good at the final quarter. I had thought I was figuring things out, but it took some exciting turns.

Our favorite kick ass vampire newbie is, yet again, off to investigate some new 'big bad' threatening the entire city of Chicago and it's fanged population is being blamed. Humans think the world is coming to an end, the new mayor is out to track all supes at all times, the Cadagon house is being investigated by the GP, and Merit has a new admirer. While still mourning the loss of her Master, Merit must find what threatens the city and stop the demise of the house she has sworn to protect. Enter the vamps, sorcerers, nymphs and sirens....

Great addition to the Chicagoland series and I am already looking forward to the next installment.

I almost didn't get this because of all the negative reviews but I am sure glad I did. I read all the books this weekend and I have to say Drink Deep took me somewhere unique. I won't spoil anything but I will say the book is not as fast paced as the others but what it lacks in pace it makes up for in details. Now I am interested in the other books and how the puzzle pieces will fit together. Another great book series to add to my list.

*******Spoilers--Don't read if you haven't read Book 4********

Can't say this series grabbed me from the beginning, but I thought the second and third books were solid and it really started to grow on me. I wanted to see how things turned out between Merit and Ethan and I liked the supporting cast of characters.

Then, of course, came book 4 with it's "ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?" ending. I literally couldn't believe she did that and, if I hadn't been reading on Kindle, I would have tossed it across the room. I knew she couldn't leave it that way--we're too invested. But there didn't seem to be ANY way to come back from that.

And guess what--there wasn't. The crux of this story, supernatural things happening to the city, is pretty good. There's a series of grandly-impacting events that occur that make a great frame. And the closer to home stuff, like a receiver coming in to survey the House and make a bunch of completely bad decisions, helps to hike up the tension. But then we get to resurrection time and you just can't buy it. Even in this world, with all its craziness, the way this was done was just not on the up-and-up.

The treatment of another main character is also highly suspect. There's no real basis for what was done to this character and, again, I'm not really buying it in the context of everything that's come before.

There may be good possibilities for how this stuff plays out in the next book, but it's always going to bug me and it diminishes everything after it. Sad, but true.

I love this character, but I felt like this story was a filler into the next book. I know that sounds weird, but it reminds me of a TV episode that is right before the cliffhanger season finale. I think that the author is great! I love Merit slowly maturing as a character, but I felt like this one is just about selling books not the whole storyline.

This was a good read! I am a fan of the series and after the last installment, I had to follow up to see what would happen with Merit. I must say, that this one moved a little slow for me. This book didn't have its usual upbeat pace, but when it finally did pick up, it was worth the ride. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Like many others, I loved the previous books in this series. After reading Hard Bitten, and its difficult ending, I couldn't wait for Drink Deep to come out. The plot doesn't seem as developed as in previous books and honestly, there just isn't enough interesting action going on. There isn't enough written about the characters' feelings and motivations in relation to the plot. It's disappointing to get your hands on a book you've been waiting to come out and after reading it think this is it?

After Hard Bitten I was a very angry person and the only reason that I read Drink Deep was to see how MRS. Neill went with the rest of the story lines and if I wanted to see those story lines with out Ethan. That being said I was very surprised that I liked the book, but liked it so much better after the ending. I will not go into much detail, I do not want to give to much away, but I thought that overall it was a middle book. And by that I mean it is a book bridging to bigger problems in the future, but you had to write this book to get there. Just a couple of things that I would like to see/talk about:

1. I was disappointed in the scenes in the ending. I wanted to see more. I felt that they did not get the reunion that was building throughout the entire book, that being said I am just glad what happened, happened.
2. I hope that there can be some happily ever after and that she will not create a love triangle. I think that would just be overkill with the story lines from previous books to the future.
3. I liked that Merit decided to join the RG (sorry could not say this any other way) and I hope with Ethan's new 'tude he is okay with this. Cause after this book the GP needs a remodeling!

Overall, solid installment. I think anyone hesitant about reading this book because of the last should give it a chance.

It has been a few months since I read hard bitten and I waited, anxiously, for drink deep every single day. This book did not disappoint and only extended my obsession with the series.

The story begins two months after the death of the one and only, Ethan Sullivan and that for me was the hardest part of the book. I hated not having Ethan in every other chapter but he is mentioned enough throughout the book that you don't feel his loss too much. Merit has found herself a new partner in this series, Jonah, and you truly get to like this character by the end of the book. I'd find myself having a debate with myself that pretty much reflected as follows:

Me: Oh Jonah's so sweet, maybe Merit can be with him for a while.

Other me: Are you effing crazy!!! that's total betrayal, Ethan died like yesterday!

Me: I know but I get lonely without Ethan, I mean... Merit gets lonely without Ethan.

Other me: And? Ethan Sullivan is the snarky, bad boy vampire... Jonah is just another knockoff.

Me: You're right. I'm team Ethan all the way!

Other me: And don't you forget it!!!

Ultimately, I cannot say anything bad about this book because it was really a great installment. I gave this installment of the series four stars because it did lack a bit of the usual physical aspect of being a guard and mainly focused on the investigative work rather than actual rough housing. All in all, this was an amazing book and the ending left me wanting MORE!!!

For those of you who haven't read the book yet, I wont spoil it, but you seriously have to get on it!!! This book was witty, fun, heart-warming, sad, infuriating and an all out good read.

I liked this book, I really like this series and will be sticking with it. Chloe has a great writing style that just sucks you into the story. Everyone obviously has a right to their own opinion, but I would recommend this series to my friends :)

I view this book as a bridge between two story arcs. Bridge stories are never quite as good as the books before or after them but they serve a purpose. While I loved the first 3 books and even the 4th until the end, I think Merit's story of becoming a vampire had run its course. The story of Merit and Ethan needed to go somewhere new. Drink Deep opens the door to new adventures. I'm looking forward to where Ms. Neill will take us next.

**SPOILERS**

I think I'm still upset over Ethan dying in the first place. Jonah and Merit. Throwing her romantically, even as brief as it was, with someone else after Ethan so soon was shockingly unpleasant. Mallory going over to the dark side. I understand she is in over her head, but its seems to be pointing down a bad path for her. Frank... yeah, not much to be said on that. He was a constant irritant with little to no purpose, IMO. There was so little real Ethan action at the end. He barely even reacted to her "taking a moment" when Jonah showed up? Is he a puppet or not? I had sworn, when I chunked the book across the room after Ethan got staked, that I wouldn't read this series anymore (who kills off the important characters?). But there was the "trust me" thing thrown out there. So I did. DD was not the redemption I had really, really hoped it was going to be. Yes, Ethan is back. But it was almost anticlimactic. Chicagoland Vampires IS Ethan and Merit to me. With some seriously important supporting characters, Mal, Catcher, etc. I'm afraid this series isn't going to redeem itself for me.

Thank you Chloe Neill! What a terrific and mostly unpredictable read. You'll be guessing the whole time who the true villain is, but it's highly doubtful that you'll actually guess correctly. : Let's just say that I believed the villain to be a good one... only because you wouldn't ever guess. I have no qualms with the choose Miss Neill made in choosing this character as a villain.
I was truly excited while reading this book ... I even fist pumped in the air in a certain part of this book. Great twists and turns had me gripping my kindle and on the edge of my seat.
BRAVO Chloe!

I loooove the Chicagoland Vampire Series. I am so loyal to these books and to Chloe. I read this entire book in one day and was happy with the ending but I have a funny feeling that all isn't going to be as easy as it seems. Drink Deep really felt like it is a "bridge book" to Biting Cold. As soon as I was done reading it, I had to read the last chapters over. I am so disapponted that I was already done with it, and now I have to wait a year for Biting Cold!!! Ahhhhh!! I don't want to spoil it for the readers, but I truly do recommend the Chicagoland Vampire Series to those that love vampires and the supernatural:) I will be waiting for the Book 6 with dread!!! Please hurry!!!!

Merit is back and the world is turn upside down. Her BFF is working with some bad magic, and can't be counted on for help. Merit has a new partner in more ways than one. Can she open her heart or will allow the past to hold her back? The 5th book in this series will have you second guesses everyone. Great read and even better ending!

Great installment for the fifth book. I just completed the book for the second time....It's still just as intriguing as ever. ***Spoiler alert*** I just loved how Ethan's entrance back into the book surrounded Mallory's trip to the dark side of magic. I hope the next book will include a love triangle around Jonah, Merit, and Ethan. I couldn't help it, I found myself sadden by Merit giving Jonah the brush off. Ms. Neil did it again....I am totally loving Deep Drink. Thank You.

This was a slow book, in fact I stopped reading the book after Chapter 11 and just skimmed the book through to the end. Ethan did not make it back to the living until the final chapter. It was almost like the author got cold feet about killing off one of her main characters and bought him back with an unbelievable resurrection and not much of a big to do. Ok he's back, end of book. But oh yeah another cliff hanger, will Ethan be under the control of the now evil Mallory? I guess that is the hook to buy the next book. Where was this authors support team? The whole time I was reading this book all I could think of was she has gone off the deep end just like LKH. Why do authors think they can kill off a main character and then bring them back from the dead? JR Ward tried it with a secondary character, it didn't work for her, and she is a far better writer than this author. This author asked us to trust her after the previous book, I did and now I find that trust was misplaced.

I just finished Drink Deep and I have to say it was the best book of the Chicagoland series. I was invested in the characters before I started this next installment and I am even more so after finishing. Great job Chloe Neill!

This was a completely satisfying contiunation to the series. Merit is a rich and complex character in a thoroughly absorbing world. If you are looking to start this series I reccommended that you start with the first book Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 1) I hope that you become as engaged in the series as I have. Can't wait for the next book. August isn't soon enough for me.

Neill has a spinoff series, Wild Hunger, from her Chicogoland Vampires releasing next week and I thought maybe I should go back and try to finish the series. I last left off with Hard Bitten and it ended there because I was too devastated to continue. Ethan, the Master of Cadogen House died! But I took the plunge and started reading Drink Deep long after the series ended. It was surprisingly easy to re-immerse myself in the series as if I read Hard Bitten yesterday and not 6-7 years ago. However, the spark I found in the first three books were totally lost in Drink Deep; which made it difficult to get through the book.

Drink Deep read like a whodunit novel with very little action. The natural elements in Chicago was going haywire because the balance of good and evil were being mixed and Merit and Jonah were running all over the city, going from one supernatural group to the next asking if they done it or knew who did it. That pretty much summed up 80% of the book and the other 20% involved turmoil in-house thanks to the GP rep Frank. Drink Deep left me so bored. And the characters weren’t making anything better. Yes, I understand everyone is still grieving two months after Ethan’s death but it made for very emo characters (those within the Cadogen House). All the other characters were bland, two-dimensional or irritable/angry. No one likes reading those type of characters. Thus making the entire reading experience unpleasant.

Like many others, I don’t plan on continuing with this series. I don’t have the desire or care to see Merit’s journey through. Not anymore. Ironically, I still plan on checking out the spin-off, hoping that the spark that I originally loved about this series can be found again.

I found this one reminded me a bit of the pain I felt when I read Harry Potter 5 when Umbridge took over Hogwarts. Constant frustration and yelling at the book, “That’s not fair!!!” I so wanted someone to do something dramatic to that pompous arse like punch him in the nose or something! They’re immortal adult vampires, not little children in an evil boarding school. Where is their predator instinct?
Then I was frustrated that no one guessed who the bad guy was until the end. That person was my first suspect in the beginning... but I did think there would be some hypnotizing or brain-washing involved.
I felt like the end was written in fast-forward. There was so much detail throughout the book, but then when we finally get to the end, it’s just skimmed over actions and a bit of talk? It was the best part! I wanted more detail, more feelings, and for it not to take a few minutes to read and then the book is over. Way too sudden. It was like they ran out of room in the book so they cut out all the meat at the end and printed it. Use a few more pages. Don’t rush the ending. It was an awesome book except for the rushed feeling I got at the end.

Thankfully I didn't have to wait too long to read this after Hard Bitten or I would have been a wreck. And if you haven't read the previous book then this review is definitely not for you. Though I try to keep spoilers out, it's harder this late in the series.

I think the biggest problem with this book, for me, was that there was no Ethan. His dynamic in the House, his relationship with Merit, they didn't necessarily make the books what they are so far but they definitely played a large role in this story and the absence was felt. This series just isn't the same without him.

But at the same time, I think Neill did a really good job at showing Merit's progression through it all and the changes she had to undergo in moving forward. Despite the change, life continues to move forward and Chicago has plenty in store for it that requires the investigative mind of one Cadogan Sentinel. Drink Deep really brought Merit's strength forward and she had to see a life without Ethan. After the last four books, I think it brought a lot of her past conflicts to light.

I wasn't quite sure how this book was going to go because I knew there would be another book after Hard Bitten but in terms of the plot and the world, where could it go from there? The big bad was finally done for. And then Neill does it again and throws out the biggest twist of them all.

Okay, that's not COMPLETELY true. I had a guess. It took over half the book to make that guess, but it was there. Yet seeing it on the page proved true was tough because no matter my thoughts I was not prepared for that. It felt like a betrayal but at the same time made total sense.

What do you do with a story like that?

The issue is that it took a while leading up to this point before anything really happened. The characters are grieving and I get that but it meant for slow moving. There's a lot of emotional trauma that Merit and her friends have to work through before facing the issues plaguing Chicago.

But despite the slower pace, I think this book had a lot more depth than those in the past. The entire cast was forced to face situations that they had not before and challenges that pushed them, whether in a good way or bad.

I won't spoil the ending but I look forward to the next book. I have a very strong interest in making sure these characters achieve happiness because many of them certainly deserve it after all that's happened. Another great series installment!

Drink Deep is book five in the Chicagoland Vampires series. This series revolves around Merit, a recently turned vampire trying to find her new place in life at Cadogan House. The previous book left us with Merit grieving over the loss of another vampire in her house. I wasn't sure where this one would go and hoped I wouldn't see a crying leading lady the entire time.

After the events in the previous book, humans are not very pleased with the vampires and are protesting outside the House more so than before. Add to it that something is causing the lake to turn dark and the sky to turn red and you have some confused and pissed off people that think the vampires are to blame somehow. Merit and the others decide to investigate in an attempt to find the culprit before everyone turns against the vampires for something they had no part in. With no leads in sight, Merit winds up chasing her tail and issues just continue to escalate.

Drink Deep left me needing the next book asap mainly because I need to know where the series is going to go now. I don't like when characters that die manage to come back to life so it pissed me off somewhat. I didn't see a lot of things in this novel coming so at least it kept me on my toes. I'll have to see how the next book plays out, hopefully amazing. If you're a fan of vampires in Urban Fantasy I think you'd enjoy this series.

SPOILERS! SPOILERS!!! SPOILERS!!! SPOILERS!!! I've never read a vampire series where the vampires were so... vanilla. I mean my god, how uninteresting are these guys who sit around like some squabbling, ineffectual UN and do absolutely nothing, whatsoever. Why are the Masters of the Houses even called MASTERS if some group of vamps from thousands of miles away can send in an overseer to rubber stamp everything. What a moronic concept. Even the heroine is beyond insipid and just vaguely flounces around, accepting starvation, torture and all kinds of stuff from some prancing, mincing pencil pusher instead of tossing his butt in the nearest patch of sunlight. This is kind of a review of the series as a whole, which just entirely went off the rails with this book. Now in the last book, the main squeeze shows up (for some completely idiotic and unexplained reason) and gets staked. He turns to ash, ASH, and we are supposed to believe that he can be resurrected? Riiiiiight. And in the last book, there's finally an actual doing of the death deed by the heroine when she actually stakes a bad gad (which actually never happens, because this book is so action light that even the action is vanilla, g-rated. I was actually shocked that the heroine actually killed a bad guy in the last book, since the bad guys are just re-used and recycled from book to book and nothing is ever actually done about them (exactly like in this book, oh look for the fourth time a bad guy goes to jail, gets out and will wreak havoc. I am betting Tate will be out by the next book and will be wreaking havoc, ten bucks, anyone?) In any case, the heroine basically spends the entire book going on field trips and acting insipid and doing nothing because she fails to realize who the bad guy is, even though everyone else realized it in like, chapter 2, the book is that predictable. Honestly, this series has the weakest "heroine" and the most insipid vampires of any series I've ever read. They might as well not even be vampires for all the use they get. Yawn.

I love the first three novels of the Chicagoland Vampires. Then Hard bitten happens, and now, Drink Deep.

There are spoilers in this review. I'm sorry ahead of time. But look away if you don't want to know what happens.

This will be my shortest review on the store. I posted longer rants on Goodreads and my Book Blog about this novel. Suffice it to say that Drink Deep was an utter disappointment. At the end of Hard Bitten, Ethan get's a stake to the heart, and turns to dust. Dead. Gone.

Talk about a kick to the head. So then we are told to trust Ms. Neill. At this point in my life, trust has to be earned from authors. The yo yo back and forth from Merit and Ethan, doesn't lend itself to trust.

At any rate, I find myself still bitter apparently. Sorry about that.

Drink Deep had an interesting premise. One of the things I enjoy about Ms. Neill is her writing style. I like how she describes people and places. Drink Deep however was lacking in the emotional department.

After you kill a character, there needs to be GRIEF. We need to FEEL. The opening of the book starts TWO MONTHS AFTER Ethan dies. We are not Privy to one IOTA of Grief or sadness.

The end of Drink Deep, when you know Ethan is going to come back, should have been an emotional reunion between Ethan and Merit. We were robbed of this. It should have been emotional between Ethan and the Cadogan House Vampires. We were robbed of this. It should have been emotional between Malik and Ethan, as they were best friends. We were robbed of this. This was the most unemotional come back EVER.

I feel completely cheated.

I also hated how Mallory has taken the dark path. For four books she was Merits best friend, then quick as a wink she is a different person all together? I don't believe it. I wasn't sold on the idea. You can't just say it is so, and expect us to believe it. There needed to be hints here and there. There needs to be more explanation.

I'm sorry, Drink Deep was disappointing,and I won't be buying anymore Chicagoland novels. I may get them from the library, but you know what? I just don't care about Ethan or Merit anymore.

THAT is the biggest travesty here.

So, I thought this would be short. Guess I'm long winded >.<

The Apocalypse is coming.... no just kidding but it seems Chicago is in a world of mess. The water is dying, the sky is on fire and before you know it there are mountains popping up in the middle of the street. Talk about a city under construction. Sheesh.

Every supernatural Merit and her (now) partner in all things crazy, Jonah of Grey House and the Red Guard, go to visit they come up empty. The river nymphs, the lake siren and the Fairy Queen are all a bust. It's becoming a real race to stop what's happening and not only save their city but the supernatural and humans alike.

The new Mayor and her goons are causing troubles, and unlike what they've handled before now the mercenaries have bullets made of wood and metal. Flying Aspen is not the weapon they want to face down.

Not that she has enough to deal with now, but Merit starts to see a real change in Mallory. Her testing for the Order are taking a mental and physical toll on her. Merit tries to be there for her but when the tables turn and the tide rises it's Merit who is left to face down the threat to the city.

The fires of hell are upon them and it's a now or never deal. Can she stop the rolling fires or will the city burn, again?

There may be spoilers from previous books in the series if you have not read them. I've tried not to reveal anything that happens in Drink Deep but it's very difficult to express my opinion about this book without going into some detail. So, read no further if you want to remain 100% spoiler free. Comments are open and un-moderated for spoilers so keep that in mind if you decide to read the comments as well.

I was disappointed in the way that the previous book in this series, Hard Bitten ended. There was a major cliff hanger at the end that basically left the reader with no hope that things could be set right, outside of the author reaching out to her fans saying, "Trust me". Usually in a cliffhanger we are left with possibilities and room for speculation but the way that Hard Bitten ended, there seemed to be no hope. It was a downer, and I just did not like it. However, because I have come to love this series I really hoped that somehow, it would all make sense in Drink Deep.

I'll start by saying that I was once again disappointed. I opened this book really wanting to be blown away and have all the pieces fit into place. But unfortunately, the big cliffhanger from the previous book was not addressed until the very end of this book. I found it very frustrating and even distracting waiting to finally find out the what and the why of it all. And then when it finally came, I was confused. Not by the explanation and resolution but by what seemed like an almost apathetic atmosphere in which it all takes place.

Although Ethan and Merit didn't rush to romance in the past, the romantic arc was certainly significant in this series. But what I found frustrating in Drink Deep is the way the reader is steered away from that romance and what it meant to Merit. If had not read the previous books in the series and started here, I think I would understand that Merit and Ethan had a relationship but I'm not sure if I would actually pick up romance or just assume it was a significant friendship.

As I said, I felt distracted when reading this book because I was eager to get some resolution to the cliffhanger. I'm almost certain that is why I feel like this book dragged on so slowly. Because after reading the entire book and then taking a look back, the overall story was good. It's just that there was this great big question mark hanging over my head getting in the way. There were some very unexpected twists and turns in this book and while I like that I was caught by surprise, I was left with a dark feeling by a huge betrayal at the end.

I describe my feelings about this book as dark because I was left wondering where this series is going and why. And again, Merit's reaction to what happens in the end seemed muted and didn't make sense to me. She reacts to the betrayal by a character that is very close to her, but doesn't acknowledge any sense of loss where it would seem appropriate.

All I can say is I find myself feeling cautious about any further investment in the characters in this series because no one is safe. Will I quit reading this series at this point? No, because the stories are good I do enjoy this world and it's characters. But in Drink Deep I wanted a return to the feel and atmosphere of the previous books in the series but it's clear that this isn't going to happen.

I almost copped out and didn't rate this book because I was all over the place with it. If I were to rate this book on a purely emotional reaction, it'd be pretty low. But as I said, after taking a step back and thinking about the overall story, then the rating would have to be a bit higher. I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed in Drink Deep but it's not a fail for me either.

** spoiler alert ** A little calmer after reading this addition to this very addictive series. I’m not sure if I love or hate this author. She has this power over my emotions and seems to love to play with her characters and thus keeps me in limbo. Just when you think you know where the series is going she shakes things us and up is down, left is right and suddenly the best friend is the harbinger of evil.

Yes you heard me right. Best friend Mallory has being turned to the dark side and become addicted to black magic and turned against Merit. I must say this one didn’t surprise me all that much. Merit and Mallory have had kinda an up and down relationship since Merit was turned and Mallory discovered she was a sorceress. Still though, I am surprised at how far Neill took the character over to the dark side. Much of this story line is going to be continued in the next book, which thankfully is sitting right here next to my computer as I type this.

Other shocking news in this book, Ethan is back. I was so upset over his loose in the last book, and after reading another’s review and the synopsis of future books, I did know he was coming back. I’m not sure if I’m glad he was brought back so soon, or if I would have rather Merit have to learn to stand on her own for a couple of book. I almost think it diminishes the pain we went through in the last book to bring him back at all. As if Neill did so to appease her fans. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to see him, and I still want Merit and him to have a future together, I just think Merit could have grown more as a character without Ethan around for a couple of books. You could really see in this book how much she depended on him, he was her crutch, she needs to learn to stand without him. But he is back now and I hope the teasing of a relationship is over and the author just puts them together now.

Other major plot line through this book was this nonsense with the GP. What a messed up organization. I seriously hope they tell them to go to hell and Merit ends up taking them down one member at a time. There is also a new bad guy introduced in this book. The new mayor is practically a right-wing poster child and is being manipulated by the psychopath McKetrick who was introduced in the last book. His character is a little over the top with cliques, but manages to serve his purpose. Quite frankly I hope he ends up getting his ass turned. Would serve him right to become what he is trying to destroy.

This is the 5th book in the Chicagoland Vampires series. I do strongly suggest you read them in order, especially book 4, before this one. This is my 2nd read through of this series. It's been so long since I first read them, it's like starting new for me.

I don't want to say too much, just incase the previous book hasn't been read. But there is a lot going on. Between magic, Tate, Mallory, Ethan, Jonah, the GP, and Merit.

This read will keep you on your toes and you won't be able to put it down.

This will teach me to put so much weight on others reviews… ironic considering I hope people pay attention to my own… but I read so many reviews talking about how horrible this book was I went in with 1 star expectations… especially knowing that Ethan was dead… this book did start out slow and Merit seemed a bit juvenile at first… but then the action picked up and the weird occurrences she’s always getting sucked into were getting weirder… and the whole time she was grieving Ethan but she was trying to figure out how to go on with her life… but she wasn’t just jumping into another relationship like some led me to believe… she just needed a partner and Jonah is there for her and is a good friend… this book does well in tying so much from other stories together and really building up to an epic ending… by about half way through I went from just thinking this wasn’t that bad of a book to thinking this was a really great story… it may not be as wonderful as some of the others but don’t do like me and go in thinking you’ll just have to force yourself through it to get to the rest… definitely a great and interesting installment to the series…

With a pall of grief still cast over Cadogan House from the events of the previous installment, this is no time for a potential apocalypse. Unfortunately for Merit and the rest of the House, crime and mayhem don't take breaks. With a heavy heart, Merit knows she has to step in and figure out what's making both Lake Michigan and the Chicago river a still, black, magical vacuum. Luckily, she has Jonah by her side but despite their blossoming friendship with hints at something more, this just adds another layer of sadness to her situation.

Along with the shocking realization that Cadogan House is now forced to change, the House is still under scrutiny from the GP; The Greenwich Presidium looks upon Cadogan as the problem child because it runs a bit differently than the other 11 Houses, even with the heavy hand that's given to politics. The GP has installed a watchdog in the form of Frank Cabot, whose job is to take notes, interview, test the novitiates, and make changes where he sees fit. Unfortunately for the House, his methods are a bit rogue and bordering on cruel and certainly not in line with GP standards. Positions are shifted, roles are changed amongst the members. All of this upheaval while the House as a whole is still mourning their loss.

In this installment, Merit proves that she can be independent and she is strong. She is placed in several dangerous, precarious positions, the least of which is a face-to-face meeting with Claudia, the fairy queen. Because of the humans newfound intense dislike towards the vampire race, everything that goes wrong is placed on the shoulders of the vamps. The gawkers and picketers have turned riotous, McKetrick is still sniffing around, Tate, despite his incarceration, is still a major threat. Add to that madness, there's a new mayor is town. And she's very anti-sup, enough so that she's enacted a registration list that every supernatural must be on. Things are also shaken up with the Ombudsman's Office and with Mallory and Catcher acting quite off these days, Merit only has a select few people this time around to rely on.

Out of all the Chicagoland Vampire books I've read so far, this has been by far the most emotionally draining. I was wondering how Neill was going to redeem herself after the catastrophic ending of the last book and I have to say, she kind of did. Although there is a bit of foreboding that follows said redemption, so I have yet to sing to the choir about the choice she made. If you haven't started this series yet, please do. It's a fantastic addition to the world of UF and I have to say, you're sorely missing out if you take a polite pass :)

Here's hoping all ends well with Cadogan House, I'm on to the next book.

** spoiler alert ** A little calmer after reading this addition to this very addictive series. I’m not sure if I love or hate this author. She has this power over my emotions and seems to love to play with her characters and thus keeps me in limbo. Just when you think you know where the series is going she shakes things us and up is down, left is right and suddenly the best friend is the harbinger of evil.

Yes you heard me right. Best friend Mallory has being turned to the dark side and become addicted to black magic and turned against Merit. I must say this one didn’t surprise me all that much. Merit and Mallory have had kinda an up and down relationship since Merit was turned and Mallory discovered she was a sorceress. Still though, I am surprised at how far Neill took the character over to the dark side. Much of this story line is going to be continued in the next book, which thankfully is sitting right here next to my computer as I type this.

Other shocking news in this book, Ethan is back. I was so upset over his loose in the last book, and after reading another’s review and the synopsis of future books, I did know he was coming back. I’m not sure if I’m glad he was brought back so soon, or if I would have rather Merit have to learn to stand on her own for a couple of book. I almost think it diminishes the pain we went through in the last book to bring him back at all. As if Neill did so to appease her fans. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to see him, and I still want Merit and him to have a future together, I just think Merit could have grown more as a character without Ethan around for a couple of books. You could really see in this book how much she depended on him, he was her crutch, she needs to learn to stand without him. But he is back now and I hope the teasing of a relationship is over and the author just puts them together now.

Other major plot line through this book was this nonsense with the GP. What a messed up organization. I seriously hope they tell them to go to hell and Merit ends up taking them down one member at a time. There is also a new bad guy introduced in this book. The new mayor is practically a right-wing poster child and is being manipulated by the psychopath McKetrick who was introduced in the last book. His character is a little over the top with cliques, but manages to serve his purpose. Quite frankly I hope he ends up getting his ass turned. Would serve him right to become what he is trying to destroy.

This is the 5th book in the Chicagoland Vampires series. I do strongly suggest you read them in order, especially book 4, before this one. This is my 2nd read through of this series. It's been so long since I first read them, it's like starting new for me.

I don't want to say too much, just incase the previous book hasn't been read. But there is a lot going on. Between magic, Tate, Mallory, Ethan, Jonah, the GP, and Merit.

This read will keep you on your toes and you won't be able to put it down.

This will teach me to put so much weight on others reviews… ironic considering I hope people pay attention to my own… but I read so many reviews talking about how horrible this book was I went in with 1 star expectations… especially knowing that Ethan was dead… this book did start out slow and Merit seemed a bit juvenile at first… but then the action picked up and the weird occurrences she’s always getting sucked into were getting weirder… and the whole time she was grieving Ethan but she was trying to figure out how to go on with her life… but she wasn’t just jumping into another relationship like some led me to believe… she just needed a partner and Jonah is there for her and is a good friend… this book does well in tying so much from other stories together and really building up to an epic ending… by about half way through I went from just thinking this wasn’t that bad of a book to thinking this was a really great story… it may not be as wonderful as some of the others but don’t do like me and go in thinking you’ll just have to force yourself through it to get to the rest… definitely a great and interesting installment to the series…

With a pall of grief still cast over Cadogan House from the events of the previous installment, this is no time for a potential apocalypse. Unfortunately for Merit and the rest of the House, crime and mayhem don't take breaks. With a heavy heart, Merit knows she has to step in and figure out what's making both Lake Michigan and the Chicago river a still, black, magical vacuum. Luckily, she has Jonah by her side but despite their blossoming friendship with hints at something more, this just adds another layer of sadness to her situation.

Along with the shocking realization that Cadogan House is now forced to change, the House is still under scrutiny from the GP; The Greenwich Presidium looks upon Cadogan as the problem child because it runs a bit differently than the other 11 Houses, even with the heavy hand that's given to politics. The GP has installed a watchdog in the form of Frank Cabot, whose job is to take notes, interview, test the novitiates, and make changes where he sees fit. Unfortunately for the House, his methods are a bit rogue and bordering on cruel and certainly not in line with GP standards. Positions are shifted, roles are changed amongst the members. All of this upheaval while the House as a whole is still mourning their loss.

In this installment, Merit proves that she can be independent and she is strong. She is placed in several dangerous, precarious positions, the least of which is a face-to-face meeting with Claudia, the fairy queen. Because of the humans newfound intense dislike towards the vampire race, everything that goes wrong is placed on the shoulders of the vamps. The gawkers and picketers have turned riotous, McKetrick is still sniffing around, Tate, despite his incarceration, is still a major threat. Add to that madness, there's a new mayor is town. And she's very anti-sup, enough so that she's enacted a registration list that every supernatural must be on. Things are also shaken up with the Ombudsman's Office and with Mallory and Catcher acting quite off these days, Merit only has a select few people this time around to rely on.

Out of all the Chicagoland Vampire books I've read so far, this has been by far the most emotionally draining. I was wondering how Neill was going to redeem herself after the catastrophic ending of the last book and I have to say, she kind of did. Although there is a bit of foreboding that follows said redemption, so I have yet to sing to the choir about the choice she made. If you haven't started this series yet, please do. It's a fantastic addition to the world of UF and I have to say, you're sorely missing out if you take a polite pass :)

Here's hoping all ends well with Cadogan House, I'm on to the next book.

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

I waited almost a week before reading this one. After that ending I wasn't immediately ready to read more about Merit without Ethan.

It wasn't easy for her. After two months Merit's again ready take on her Sentinel duties, though this time her new partner is Jonah. While it seems he might want more from her than she could currently give.

The GP has send Franklin to Cadogan House. He's pretty much auditing the house and nobody is liking it. With rules like blood rationing he's not gaining any fans. Honestly his character reminded me of Umbridge from Harry Potter. Nothing but hate for him, the guy just isn't reasonable and is bringing the house down instead of improving it.

Meanwhile it seemed Chicago gave Merit some time to grieve, but now things are almost worse than before. Some weird natural events introduce us to some new paranormal characters, though it seems the threat is coming from a more unexpected angle. I didn't see this one coming until it was right in front of me and even now I'm not exactly sure how this could have happened.

This book felt like another transition to me. With the death of Ethan, that felt like an end. Now Merit has to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart and try to glue them back together. Her role as Sentinel is something she can hold onto, but that might also be threatened by Franklin.The GP is no fan of Merit. Though she can lean on Jonah, it's just not the same.

The ending is another big surprise and leaves things very open. Things are clearly not over for Merit when it comes to Ethan and everything is a lot more complicated than expected.

Like I said, this felt like a transition and things will only get more serious from here on out. The world is not black and white, grey is definitely the new color. With a new mayor and new threats, Merit has her work cut out for her.

I am going to give everyone a heads up right now: This review is going to have spoilers from previous books. If you haven't read them and hate spoilers, Stop Reading Now. You have been warned.

After the conclusion of Hard Bitten, book 4 in the Chicagoland Vampire Series by Chloe Neill, I was in a bit of a state of shock. I mean how often does an author kill of the main love interest in a series? It takes a serious leap of faith to emotionally rip our hearts from our chests like she did and trust that we will come back for more.

And yet we did. Because Merit must continue on, because the House must continue on. Especially with the feared Receiver showing up and taking over the house, implementing outrageous rules. (Think Dolores Umbridge in HP 6) Plus there is yet another supernatural problem going on that puts vampires in general and Cadogan House in particular in the spotlight. One that increases the rioters outside Cadogan House.

Luckily, for Merit, Jonah is willing to partner up with her while she tries to figure out who is up to what. Jonah is Head of the House Guard at Grey House and her prospective partner if she decides to join the Red Guard. Which with the way the Presidium and the GP are handling the events that have transpired in Chicago, is starting to look better and better to Merit.

This book takes Merit deeper in the supernatural community as she questions everyone trying to figure out who is to blame for the elemental imbalances shaking the city, all while disturbing dreams of Ethan haunt her during her day sleep. This is the book where everything that has come before gets mixed up, shaken up and dumped on its head. But the ending is what had me gasping and trying to come to terms with what just happened. Because, damn, just damn. This was an incredible story and well earned its 4 stars.

Drink Deep definitely ranks up there on my list of most difficult books to review. Not in a "words can't describe how amazing it is" way (although I did give it 5 stars) nor thankfully, in a "too horrible for words" way. It's challenging because it's damn near impossible not to give away spoilers! I will try my best but be forewarned; if you're new to the series or not entirely caught up, you might want to skim a bit. Just be sure to come back and re-read my review once you're in the know (wishful thinking on my part). I will say this though, Chloe Neill does make amends for the heart attack worthy cliffhanger that she subjected us to in Hard Bitten. As to what the outcome is and whether you'll like it or not... well, pick up a copy and judge for yourself!

Something's gone horribly wrong in the natural world in this installment. Each supe is quick to point the finger at their enemies but it's up to Merit to get to the bottom of it all. I like playing devil's advocate so I guessed early on who the perpetrator was but unless you're like me, the plot will probably keep you guessing up until the very end. At which point you'll most likely be feeling a little dumbstruck and maybe even betrayed. After Hard Bitten I refuse to put anything past Chloe. This girl knows no limits! While righting one wrong she commits another. I guess that's part of the appeal of the Chicagoland Vampires series and why I keep coming back for more. At least the ending is a little more manageable. I'm happy to report that my copy of Drink Deep is still in pristine condition. I wish I could say the same for Hard Bitten. I might have taken some of my frustration out on the book... I vaguely remember it being airborne...

I definitely did miss Ethan's presence in the story but not as much as I was expecting. Neill does a nice job of sending countless vivid dreams Merit's way that make it feel as though he was part of the tale. Besides, Chloe was also kind enough to substitute one slice of man pie for another so there was an uninterrupted stream of hunks. Jonah's sexy in his own right and I felt an attraction but try as he might, he's no Ethan. He's probably better for Merit than the infamous master of Cadogan House is but the heart wants what the heart wants!

The story progressed at a slower pace than what I've come to expect from this series. The ending was by far the best part but at times it felt like I had to wade through 300 pages before getting to the "good stuff". I had to resist the urge to peek at the final chapter several times. The suspense of not knowing was killing me! The finale was a little too neat in my opinion. The plot line allowed Neill to tie up all of the loose ends left over from Hard Bitten with a nice big bow. Although I did enjoy this book and the ending puts Chloe back in my good graces; I can't ignore the fact that this story felt like filler in some ways. A whole book dedicated to working in the perfect conclusion to the previous novel. I'm not finding fault with it but it needed to be said.

Drink Deep puts the Chigacoland Vampires series back on track in a big way. The pace is slower than what we're accustomed to but the strong finish will catapult Chloe Neill back into being one your favorite authors. Stay tuned for Biting Cold expected out in August 2012.

This series tricked me, it really did. I wasn't in love after the first book, but it was definitely compelling. It had enough draw to make me buy the second book, and by the third, I was hooked. I think I read and re-read Twice Bitten (book 3) at least a dozen times. I loved it. But then those who follow the author's website heard news that we would be treated with TWO books in one year. Hmmm, I was excited, but nervous. When I got my hands on Hard Bitten, it made sense. It's not a whole book, and it had an effing cliffhanger. When this book came out and I first read reviews, it was even more clear. I didn't want to spend a cent on Drink Deep so I borrowed it and realized it was true, it WAS a filler book. They released it on the heels of HB to appease Ethan fans, and to squeeze out some extra cash from us. Nothing happened. It bored many (including me) to death, and what the heck WAS Jonas' role in all this? Endear him to fans for what purpose? To be set up as a potential 2nd (or 3rd if we're still counting Morgan) love interest for Merit? We're in book 5 of a series folks, and it feels stagnant right now. By book 5, you would think relationships would be -- for the most part -- solidified, world building set, new adventures pursued. But nope, we are still enduring the annoying potential set up of a relationship between Ethan and Merit. Now that she has a big secret from him, I smell yet another potential conflict in the future so don't get your hopes up for a HEA with them...at least anytime soon.

What I had hoped for in this series was a solid decision on the relationship by book 4, and then continue onto new adventures as the single Merit or as a unit. I can't say I'm done with this series, but I may put it on my backburner for awhile. I'm just so disappointed b/c I loved the author's writing style as well as ALL the characters she created (Merit, Ethan, Mallory, Catcher, etc.).

Drink Deep was a bit of a different book from the others in the series. The Cadogan house has had to adjust to a major tragedy and are trying to find their way again. And with the arrival of a receiver, who is shaking things up a bit, is definitely not helping. Throw in to the mix the mysterious things that occurring in Chicago and chaos is erupting all over the place!!

Merit is finding her way again slowly, and with the help of Jonah, the Grey House Head Guard, it is making it a little more bearable. She has always shown strength, and she is determined to move on from the tragedies from the previous book. Having her mind occupied with the job does make it easier, however. Jonah, I like!! He is great support and backup for Merit. There is a spark between them, but Merit is not willing to act on it.

Merits relationship with Mallory becomes a bit strained in this book as Mallory is under a lot of pressure for her final exams. She is concentrating so hard on passing that she is very offensive and mean to Merit. It is also putting Catcher off his game too. The three of them usually work well together, but you can see the tension between them all.

I had my suspicions about the culprit early on in the book. It seemed to be too coincidental, but we were able to meet new supernaturals while on the case. The receiver, Frank, does some things that in the end strengthens the Cadogan Vampires. I loved that about them, that in new and difficult times they are able to band together. The ending was ok, it seemed a little too easy for me, but I don’t want to give you the details why, because it is a big spoiler. The epilogue set it up perfectly for the next book and I’m excited about Merit’s new journey!

***This review is written for readers who have read the previous titles***

Ethan is dead. Even though this is exactly what I wanted from book one, it feels like a scape goat. Now Merit can finally grow as a character and the readers can truly get to know her. Sure there's a lot of Ethan moaning and groaning. It also infuriates me that Merit couldn't be a character because she was so far up Ethan's butt that she couldn't be strong enough on her own.

Jonah and Merit's relationship is amazing! Jonah is the male candy that I have wanted for Merit to have from book 1. He's smart, funny, he is THERE for Merit, and it's clear that he genuinely cares for her. (Plus, so far he doesn't have the totally wacked up vampire baggage that seems to come with the fangs.) In Jonah's hands Merit is growing and I love it, he's not over powering her.

The apocalypse is happening and the reason behind it was one of the worst apocalypses ever. Certain Cadagon vampires should have known what it was that was causing all of it. They were protecting the freaking item for goodness sake! Also, I wanted to know how the person who stole the item even knew it was there to be taken. It never fell together.

The apocalypse was fun. It allowed the books to explore sorcerers, fae, water sirens/nymphs, and some alternative myths. The GP vampire in charge of the house was a great plot show and tell for readers to see how corrupt the GP really is. It was great feeling the rage and rallying over the injustice of it all. The build up for a real adversary in Mayor Tate is awesome, as well as the development of the office of the Chicago supernatural Ombudsman.

Character development . . . er, I don't think Neill knows how to do it. Mallory changes so much and it never feels real. It's so sudden that the big plot bomb (yeah, another one!) was so obvious that I was annoyed the series was even going there. Oh, and the major plot bomb of the last book is simply taken back. Oh, and the whole Catcher thing in this book was awful. There were some tender moments and than some mood swings so big that I just couldn't believe it.

This series both thrills and teases me, and drives me bonkers! Even though I want to give up on it I just can't stop. Neill's writing is too addictive! I keep crawling back for certain reasons, and now that Jonah is going to be a recurring character I have to know what happens to him. Merit's latest relationship may annoy me with the dramatic short cut it took, but I am there.

Sexual Content: Plenty of sexual humor and some bedroom time.

3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back

Originally reveiewd at Book Whispers.

** The order for the series is Some Girls Bite, Friday Nights Bites, Twice Bitten, Hard Bitten and Drink Deep **

I have to be honest and admit that I was a bit disappointed by DRINK DEEP. The series up until this point has been pretty solid, the previous book in particular was extremely enjoyable and had a surprising ending. So I was consequently expecting this Chicagoland Vampires entry to hit the ground running and keep on throwing twists at me.

Once again Merit partners up with Jonah [the Guard Captain of Gray House] as she goes undercover for the main plotline. In the last book I thought that this partnering up and cross House cooperation was a exciting glimpse of the future directions in the series, but in all honesty I find Jonah's character dull now we've got to 'meet' him and know him a bit more fully. And the fact that the author has pushed the other secondary characters to the sidelines in order to feature him more prominently, has lead to me coming to suspect that he's going to serve the author in another round of 'all these hot men want me, but I just can't make up my mind' fun and games. In short; I began to dread seeing his name pop up in the book, as he could derail the way all of the plotlines so far are running and building, which could make me lose interest in the series.

For the first third of DRINK DEEP the plot doesn't really seem to be going anywhere as the vampires have nothing to do with the problem of the blackened lake and, since they aren't magical, they don't know the answers to the who, how and/or why; Oh look, the lake is black. Oh, yeah, did group A do it? No, how about group B? No? Shrug, what should we do? There has to be a group C somewhere to pin the blame on. Sure, I suppose that it shows a realistic investigation, but it just brings to mind a group of kids trying to assign blame for a broken vase on each other.

Another problem I had is that I don't think that the receivership on Cadogan House is such a big shock. In fact, in some places, I can see things from the Greenwich Presidium's view, so I don't actually disagree with them on all of their grievances; as well as the issue of the new mayor [and her proposed supernatural register] there are other consequences to Merit's and Ethan's actions - which I won't go into here - that have spectacularly backfired and made life for all vampires harder. I don't think that the GP can honestly be made out to be the Big Bads - they're cleaning up and protecting ALL of the vampires, rather then just looking out for Cadogan House. So I do think Merit comes off as a bit whiny and self-absorbed in places. Sure, the person left in the house to check everything out doesn't like Merit and is trying to find a way to get rid of her, but she has shown no regard for the Greenwich Presidium's rules and is once again actively breaking them by disobeying a direct order.

But the biggest letdown, for me, in DRINK DEEP is that almost immediately I could tell who the culprit was and once I realised err, who the who is, the question of why they did it was easy to guess at. So I was impatient [and a bit bored] whilst I waited for the characters to catch up to what was pretty obvious to me.

Once I finally fully got into the story, I realized that there are still good bits to be found in DRINK DEEP, I just had to look a bit harder to see them...

We meet other supernatural races. Up until now we have only really seen the vampires interacting with shape-shifters and met a few sorcerers, so it is refreshing to get to see more interaction with some of the other supernaturals that share this series' version of Chicago. The humans only know about the existence of the vampires and shapeshifters, so we haven't really had the opportunity to explore the other species of supernatural beings before and I hope that the author finds a way to do it again. To be honest the whole vampires and werewolf mix is old and tired - every other fantasy book seems to d the same old thing.

Speaking of other species; the questions surrounding mayor Tate are very intriguing to me. I had thought his character was just a secondary one, who just served to stir up trouble, but now we see that he is the Big Bad. I can't wait to learn what exactly he is - I'll have to go back and read the earlier books, to try to spot any clues.

There are fur full-time guards working in Cadogan House alongside Merit, but up until now we have only gotten to know Luc and Lindsay. But now that Guard Captain Luc has now moved up in position and isn't involved in this book as much, we have more space and time to get to know Juliet and Lindsay as characters, not just as names tossed into the occasional conversation. Both characters have several scenes, when before they'd have one scene per book at most, which would add up to little more then "hi".

This is still an important entry into the series, but it is also the only book in the series where I found the pacing to be uneven, it's only after the first third of the book that I felt drawn into the story and from there everything speeds up madly - it reads as though the author realised she had almost reached her word-count limit, so threw everything together in a mad rush. Unfortunately the final few scenes are the most emotional and are meant to be shocking, but due to the sped-up pace and the fact that I already figured out the reveal, means that I failed to be saddened, overjoyed and/or shocked by the events.

For now I'm going to class DRINK DEEP as a one-off bump in the road and I still plan on getting the next book in the Chicagoland Vampires series, but I won't expect the same highs the earlier books delivered.

** Book six in the Chicagoland Vampires is titled Biting Cold [released in August 2012] **

Drink Deep is Chloe Neill's fifth installment in her Chicagoland Vampires series. I am enjoying this series so much! After a tragedy in the fourth book brought me to tears, this one deals with the emotional aftermath that follows the tragedy along with changes that occur in the Vampire House as a result of the incident. The mystery element in Drink Deep was very interesting...like armageddon interesting! Oh, and I was so surprised to learn who was behind this mystery!! OMG, I was thinking, "No way...that has to be wrong!" But even though this end-of-the-world type of mystery brought it's share of turmoil, it also brought fans of this series happiness at the end...YAY!!! I am NOT going to spoil this for anyone by saying anything more.

My favorite quotes:
“And that’s why we’re sending Boobs McGee.”
I slowly swiveled my head to glare at Catcher. “Seriously. You’re, what, twelve now?”...“Then I guess that settles that,” I agreed. “My boobs and I will go.”

"Humans have an irritating desire to group their fellow men and women into categories. To give them a type, and to give the type a name, so that by definition 'they' are otherwise. 'They' are not who 'we' are. Frankly, I find the endeavor exhausting. I am what I am, just as you are what you are."

"But we do not survive on hope. We survive on facing our problems square on."

**WARNING: CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS**

Well ...

Um ...

I'm almost at a loss for words. Which is most unusual.

Okay, let me try again.

The entire first 3/4 of this novel just felt ... wrong. It had nothing to do with the plot. Nothing to do with the writing. It did, however, have absolutely everything to do with the fact that Ethan was not present.

Every dream she had? I wondered where they were leading. In my head, I thought: she's never going to bring him back? How the hell can she do that? The dude was nothing but a pile of ashes, for goodness sake. How can she plausibly bring back something like that? And whilst I spent the entire novel wishing he was still around, I also spent the entire novel arguing the point that it would never work if the author did something that bizarre and extreme. And then she did exactly that-which left me in a WTHeck! moment. I still don't `get' how I'm supposed to accept this as plausible. How I'm expected to grasp the physics of this. I'm almost at a loss. I can only say that Ethan Sullivan had so better rock my world with his presence in the next book-and there had so better be some glitches to his new existence because for it to be otherwise would just be ridiculous-because if he doesn't, then this move will turn into an epic fail as opposed to total appeasement for the reader.

Oh ... and I 100% figured out that Mallory had something to do with all the magical happenings way early on in the book. The only thing I got wrong on that account was who was controlling her. I hadn't expected it to be herself. Perhaps I wanted it to be Simon. Because I was once again struggling with believability on her sudden power hungriness. Something else that will need a little more depth adding in the next book, I think.

So I'll finish by saying: Do I jump for joy that he's back and just be ecstatic compared to the sadness I felt at the end of book 4? Or do I reserve judgement until I'm assured the author can truly pull this turn of events off? I'm currently undecided. What's your thoughts?

The Storyline
As if Merit doesn't have enough to deal with emotionally after the loss of her lover, partner, and Master, strange things are happening in Chicago and the vampires are automatically blamed. Lake Michigan has turned pitch black magical vacuum and is affecting all supernaturals in the area. As the book progresses more events are occurring around the Windy City but there are zero leads as to who could possibly be responsible and who could even be magically strong enough to be able to cause these incidents.

The Characters
I appreciated how the author didn't shuffle Merit's feelings under the rug regarding the loss of Ethan. I think it was vitally important to the story overall to show how affected she was by his absence in order to show how much he truly meant to her (as if we had any doubts). Thankfully, she didn't turn into a super wimp and she still maintained the bad a**-ness that we all know and love.

Mallory turned into more of a minor character in Drink Deep and didn't play as central of a role as she has in the past. Mallory is in the middle of taking her exams to become a sorceress and is naturally a bit stressed but it's putting major strain on her and Merit's relationship. I always found Mallory to be a major part of this series and I quite liked her. Oddly enough, I had a hard time even liking Mallory in this book.

Jonah has become a partner to Merit and is still trying to convince her of the reasons to join the Red Guard (RG). Jonah was a pretty awesome addition to an already great cast of characters if I do say so myself. Jonah is naturally a seemingly potential love interest for Merit and honestly, I was okay with that possibility. I liked him quite a lot.

Frank Cabot is a representative of Greenwich Presidium (GP) sent to evaluate Cadogan House. Naturally, he's a huge pain in the a** and he's a ringer for Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter.
'He was an outsider sent to label us as nonconforming and pound us, square pegs, back into round holes.'

What I Felt Was Missing
There were a few key things that I missed in this book. Naturally I missed Ethan as he was such a huge character in the previous books. Also, the whole storyline was extremely tense but nothing was really going on, it was kind of stagnant until the last 1/4 of the book when the action finally started happening. I would have loved to see more action throughout the book. But what I missed the most was the humor. I think the banter between Mallory and Merit made for a witty and funny addition to the series and it was sorely missed in this installment.

Final Thoughts
So regardless of the fact that I was ecstatic to finally be reading this, I went into this with some existing irritation after the loss of Ethan. By the time the ending rolled around I was appeased and of course still plan on continuing the series because I love me some Chloe Neill. Seriously. This is one of the most enjoyable series still running and I'm glad these stories are still as enjoyable as the first. But I'm still looking for one to top Number 3, also known as the current best in the series. :D

Blackbird singing in the dead of night,
Take these broken wings and learn to fly........

I love the Chicagoland Vampires series, it is a great Urban Fantasy read. I did miss Ethan in this book. I think anybody who loves this series will tell you that a gaping hole was left behind. Even the characters in this book are feeling it, big time.

This brings me to Jonah. He is no Ethan, but he is gorgeous and you can see how much he would like a relationship more than partnership with Merit. He is a tempting morsel.

I was having a little trouble totally feeling this instalment until we got past the half way mark, maybe because of that gaping hole that Ethan left behind, maybe something else?

Oh the GP dude, Frank. (looks around for my smelliest stinky dead fish, so I can slap that boy upside of silly) Chloe REALLY makes you loathe the guy.

I would have loved to have seen Gabriel and his pack in this instalment. Obviously they weren't necessary. I think with Ethan making it into dreams, I needed big Gabriel to call Merit, `kitten'. I think I was just lost without Ethan. Jonah was like this putty filler, who filled in the cracks for me. Interesting to see where Chloe takes Jonah and Merit now she has signed on the dotted line.

Chloe has given us some wonderful twists in the latter part of the book, these got me back to feeling in the zone with this series. I'm hoping more Faerie influence may become a part of this series.

Jeff is still so adorable I could pack him up and take him home. He has such a way with the little ladies..hehe!

Oh Catcher, what are we going to do with you..........?

There is a scene in this book , hence my little Blackbird lyric intro, it was quite touching. Made me swallow a lump.

I enjoyed this instalment, and am looking forward to reading `Biting Cold', there are some things left in the air at the end of this book and maybe some new beginnings?

I have a pet peeve, I am not digging the UK covers at all. The girl is so not Merit. No offence, just blagh! I don't like the poses. These books have some grit and the covers aren't Urban Fantasy....did I just say all that out aloud...oops!

FAVE QUOTES:

"You ever think about coaching baseball, that kinda thing, when you and Mallory have kids? You know , doing the whole soccer dad routine?"

Catcher threw a pistachio in the air and caught it in his mouth. "While hoping they don't fry the universe from day one? Yeah, that thought has occurred to me." He sat up straight and looked at Jeff. "can you imagine some little girl with Mallory's hair? The blond, I mean."

"Heart. Breaker," Jeff said. "You'll have to keep a shotgun by the front door just to ward off the players. Or I guess , you could have Mallory do it for you."

"I could,' Catcher allowed, then --------- realizing I was in the room -----looked up and glared right at me. " I'll do that right after I have her kick Merit's ass for spying."

I grinned and stepped inside , offering each a wave. "Hello, proud papas of children not yet conceived."

"You're still alive."

"Last time I checked. And here's a fact to add to your database----fairy blood turns vampires bats**t crazy."

While I was ecstatic with the outcome of this book (specifically the last ten pages or so- if you have read my reviews of the first four books in this series I think that you know what I am referring to), I must admit that I was a bit disappointed with the book overall.

The first thing about the book that irked me was the paranormal element that was introduced in this book that, in my opinion, came out of the left field. While it is always nice for a book to be unique and all, I just felt that this new paranormal element doesn't mesh all that well with the paranormal elements found in the earlier books and was almost too "out there" (I mean- remember the good ol'days when Merit's biggest concern was ensuring that the vamps/ shifters didn't rip one another's heads off?) and frankly, I found the paranormal element in this book to not have been very well-explained/ was delivered to us in an "information dump" sort of way (with it being explained in a rush, in a few pages at most).

I was also somewhat disappointed by this book because I found the plot to be too formulaic- when Plan A didn't work for Merit she would then turn to Plan B, when that, too, failed, she would then turn to Plan C- while never getting dismayed by her number of failures/ lack of progress. And I was disappointed with Jonah- he didn't make an impact upon me whatsoever in the earlier books (frankly, I am surprised that I didn't have to pick up my copy of the book to remind myself of his name while writing this review) and as such, I didn't enjoy how much of this book was devoted to him (Then again, I am a diehard Ethan fan, so that might explain my dislike of him).

That being said, while I was disappointed by the paranormal elements of this story- I was not disappointed by how a character, a character that we have come to know and love over the last four years, became intertwined with that element- I thought that that aspect of this book was totally unexpected and quite thrilling (I must admit that sometimes I get sick of the "good guy" always winning, sometimes its nice to see the good guy loose or turn to the dark side).

All in all, while I was a bit disappointed by this book I am still extremely excited to read the next book in the series, "Biting Cold"- I hope that it will have the same sort of feel as the earlier books (that I LOVE) did.

Alright, let me issue a spoiler warning right now. Not about this book, but about Hard Bitten. I can't talk about Drink Deep without spoiling Hard Bitten. So if you haven't read Hard Bitten and read this review, be warned. Because it is a BIG Spoiler. If you've read any reviews at the store however, you know what we're talking about here, so at least you've been warned! Don't come complaining to me afterward (:

Book blurb: Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down. That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike.
---------------------------------------------------------

Havoc is coming to Chicago, and Merit must have her wits about her if she's going to make sure everyone gets out of this alive. Merit has a problem that screams magic. But there are only three people in Chicago who could have done such thing. Well, four actually, but the old mayor, Tate is locked in a prison where he can do no harm. Physical harm that is. So who's she going to accuse? Catcher, her BFF's live-in boyfriend? Simon, her BFF's magical teacher? Or her best friend herself; Mallory? Or is the blame to lie with someone else?

Two months passed since Ethan was killed right in front of Merit's eyes by Celina. True, Merit staked Celina straight afterwards, but still... It doesn't bring Ethan back to life. Merit exists, she doesn't live. She feels like her soul has been ripped out. Slowly Merit is making her way back into life, but it takes time, and when Jonah starts to show he's interested in her in a different way than just as a work-partner, she kind of panics. Merit's not ready to get out there yet, she's barely put herself together after Ethan's death. She dreams of him, often. It's not nice dreams and usually ends with Merit waking up when Ethan screams her name.

To put more salt into the wound, the Cadogan House is being investigated by The Greenwich Presidium (GP), by Frank Cabot and new rules handed down from on high are causing vampires to rebel. Emotions are running high.

There's so much happening in this book, I can't even begin to tell you half of it! It was very emotional, to see Merit fight so hard to move on after Ethan's death. To see her (and the rest of Cadogan ) fight against the GP and Cabot. To have Merit chasing answers to magical problems, to have her betrayed by one of those that means the world to her.

Drink Deep was just as much an emotional roller coaster to read as Twice Bitten and Hard Bitten, but I'll admit it; I still love this series. The book left me feeling ridiculous happy, gave me joy and a touch of fear. Chloe Neill makes Merit, Ethan, Malik, Mallory, Catcher, Merit's grandfather; Chuck, Lindsey and everybody else so complex, so vivid, it's hard to tear yourself away. It's an amazing world she has created and I can't wait to start reading her latest book; Biting Cold that was released August 7.

Drink Deep by Chloe Neill is entertaining and full of little twists and surprises that will keep veterans of the series flipping the pages. Though I really enjoyed this novel, it felt a little bit like... filler? Transition? It isn't integral to the series- except for the last few chapters-which are completely enthralling. I don't recommend this be read as a standalone, but I think you could without being lost. Neill is excellent at keeping you up to speed without seeming redundant.

Even though this isn't my favorite in the series, the plot is thrilling and it is loads of fun watching Merit run around trying to uncover mysterious magical happenings with Jonah. Just so everyone knows, I absolutely love Jonah. He's so cute and endearing. Don't worry, Merit is still mourning Ethan and does not date Jonah. Which I'm a wee bit upset about, though I'm probably the only one. I will say though that I adore that Merit does not just move on to the next guy- she is still grieving throughout the entire book. Ethan is always in her thoughts and dreams. Sigh, true love.

Drink Deep is really hard for me to review because there are major events, surprises, that everyone will love and will spoil the book. Trying to stay spoiler free over here! Especially because I know that after the last book and its killer ending, people are going to be dieing to find out what happens to the gang in this novel. All in all, I highly recommend this book to those that are already fans of the Chicagoland Vampires. It is a satisfying addition to the series. I think that Neill is setting us up for one amazing adventure in BITING COLD- out next year. Can't WAIT to read it!

Two months have passed since both Chicago and Cadogan's house have been shocked to their cores, with no more time to assimilate their loss and the changes that have befallen them our favorite vampire must get back into action.
The waters of Lake Michigan have turned dark, the supernaturals linked to it are feeling their effects, something wrong is happening in Chicago and with too many suspects and not enough information can our pony tailed Avenger find the cause to what humans are calling the End of the World?

In Drink Deep we get to see more of the initial movement that captured us in "Some Girls Bite" Merit has to solve the mystery of the lake while she is trying to not hurt the house by causing any more vampires drama while the appointed of the GP checks the house out and decides what is wrong with it, heads up you might see a glance of what Dolores Umbridge might have been if she was male, immortal and fanged.
This book isn't fast passed per say but it keeps you on your toes while you are presented with all the supernatural and magical story moved the world of Chicagoland but we ignored. Not only are our views of the supernatural world expanded and our knowledge of magic augmented but we also get to see the other side of characters we already loved.
The way this book leaves you will have you jumping off to "Biting Cold" with no idea of what to expect but knowing that Chloe Neill knows how to put on a hell of a show.

"Drink Deep" is the fifth book in Chicagoland Vampires series written by Chloe Neill. And Merit is as cool as usual ;)

After the cliffhanger at the end of "Hard Bitten" (book 4) I couldn't sleep and waited with dread and anticipation what will happen in the next book. And I wasn't let down! I read quite a few reviews before I was able to get my hands on the book itself so I wasn't that worried about how Merit-Ethan situation will resolve in the end.

So, the book kicks off with the description of Merit, who's still trying to deal with the consequences of what had transpired in previous book and her friends, who're trying to help her (not without hidden agenda, as it turns out). Though, the GP receiver and new reality finally manage to take her out of her grief-shell and she has to face the world and it's problems.

Since the Cadogan House is short for stuff, Merit finds a partner in Grey House - Jonah, who obviously has a crush on her ;) But she is definitely not ready for this kind of drama. Having to deal with lake turning black and some other natural disasters (which are of course blamed on vampires) and having strange nightmares about Ethan, Merit has to muster her strength and find out who's responsible for everything that's happening in the city.

And she finally makes a long awaited decision about joining the Red Guard...

Well, what I wasn't thrilled about the book - there was not a lot of Catcher/Mallory involvement in Merit's life and I missed their conversations :( But there's a reason for that so it's understandable. On the other hand there is a lot of Merit/Jonah action, which is very interesting in it's own right :)

So, overall I loved the book very much (even though it took me quite a while to finish it, but it's not the author's fault) and I look forward to the next one - Biting Cold!

My Review:
A
*big sigh* And the series is back on track...at least on a track that I can handle emotionally. I know that we haven't seen all the repercussions yet from what's happened in this book and the last, but I have hope. Hope is a good thing. I count it as a positive that I ended this book smiling rather than bawling.

I think I set a reading record on this one, since I'm about to start reading the 3rd book from this series today....yes, you heard that correctly. I'm going to read three of these books from this series TODAY. That says TONS about how good these books are. How riveting the characters are. I'm only sad about the fact that the next book I have to read is book #6, the last one that is out and then I will be like everyone else...waiting on pins and needles waiting for the next installment to be released.

So what can I say about this book that won't contain spoilers...really nothing, but some incredibly vague statements. I do like where this series is going. What Merit is doing. The House and Chicago faced some incredible challenges in this book and that turmoil is definitely not over yet, but it's interesting where it's going. So some more vague statements here...*gah* I love Jonah and it's a possibility that I could be convinced to join his camp...in a big way. I found it interesting the way that the magic flows between him and Merit....interesting and intriguing. I want to know/explore that more. I like and approve of the decision that Merit made in this book.

I don't think that there were many questions/problems fixed in this book. It definitely set up for TONS more in the coming books though. It was really an excellent book and the speed in which I devoured it speaks more to that than anything. Off to go read book #6....

So much darkness is covering not only the city but Cadogan House. Merit is worried about sups of all kinds. Meeting new ones that are only bringing her deeper in the politics, the new mayor doesn't seem to worry about anything except passing the registration act. Merit is facing other enemies that hide in the shadows. A new war is brewing and Merit is right in the middle of it. Changes are coming to Cadogan House. Love this book, Merit gets stronger as a vampire and seems to start coming into her own.

Drink Deep is one of those books that I just couldn't wait to get my hands on. After the events that happened in the last book of the series, Twice Bitten, I had to know what would happen next. Heck everyone wants to know. For most of the book Merit partners with Jonah the House Guard of the Grey House to figure out what is happening in the city of Chicago. The rivers and lakes surrounding the city have turned black, the sky turns red, and humans are freaking out. They feel as if the vampires are the cause of it and Merit wants to get to the bottom of it. She misses having a partner and since she has worked with Jonah in the past it was easier to work with him. I like Jonah's character a lot. He's easy to get along with and obviously cares about Merit. He was also able to get Merit out of her funk and it was nice to see her feel like herself again due to the changes in her life. She's been feeling alone lately since her bestie Mallory has been busy with her exams. This causes lots of tension in their relationship and Mallory just doesn't seem to be the same person she was before. Merit is worried about her and does what she can to stay in touch with her, but she's just too busy trying to deal with everything else that is happening around her. I've always liked Merit's character but in this book she really impressed me with taking on the responsibility of figuring out what is really happening. Not only does she care about how humans view the vampire community, but she cares for the humans as well. She is always on the go in this book and I think that was a good thing so she could try to keep her mind off of the love that she has lost. Her dreams are still haunted and she feels that there is a connection to them and what is going on in the city.

I did have a few issues with the book and one of them was that the storyline at times didn't excite me. I wanted those scenes to move along a little faster and it gave the book an overall slow feeling. The last quarter of the book did seem to pick up and it was at this point that I began to hold my breath. The reading became electric as and let me tell you that if you are a fan of this series, you are going to want to read this book to see what happens! I'm very curious to see what will happen in the next book Biting Cold because that book will be uncharted territory for this series. I feel that it is going to be very different from the others in the series and I think that it will add new life to the series.

After Hard Bitten's cliffhanger I was reluctant to begin Drink Deep. I was curious which direction Ms Neill would take with it, but at the same time apprehensive that what I had loved about the Chicagoland Vampires Series; the cast of characters and action packed storylines, would be ruined by that ending. But I was wrong and I am so happy that I was.

First of all, let me say that writing a review for Drink Deep is really hard. There are so many twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, that to putting them in a review would spoil the reading experience, and I really hate that. I can say that I continue to enjoy Merit as the main character. She is one of my favorite female characters. Not to say she is without faults, but her loyalty and devotion to her friends is refreshing to see. Her character development as a vampire has been a roller coaster but in Drink Deep I feel that she enters her stride. In the previous books she has relied on her friends and her master to affect her decisions, whereas in Drink Deep, she begins to take the lead and is confident enough to stand up for her beliefs.

The cast of secondary characters continues to add to the story and the introduction of Jonah just enriched the cast. If Merit is my favorite female character, Jonah may be my favorite male one. I love his personality and his personality is a perfect foil for Merit's.

The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning as Merit struggles to deal with the fallout from Hard Bitten. There isn't much action in the first part of the book, but once the apocalyptic events begin the story becomes flies. I think the problems I had in the book's beginning were more related to Frank Cabot. I really didn't like him and wanted anyone to kill him, but he does serve the purpose of moving the story in an interesting direction and sets up the storyline for Biting Cold, the next in the series. Drink Deep does exhibit some of those storyline transitions that often happen when one plot is wrapped up and the next phase needs to be introduced but overall it is a great read and handled with a deft hand.

The major problem I have with this series is the use of "boy" these are grown men and the women characters refer to thier men as "boys" and women as "girls". I can't for the life of me figure out why. Also the archaic use of words from characters that aren't that old. Using niegh instead of near....really?! I do feel there is too much explaining of something that the reader should know already if they began at book 1.
The books so far haven't been repeated plots. The plot is complex and fast. The characters well developed. You won't be bored. If the author would start referring to her characters as men and women instead of boys and girls and stop using archaic words that make sentences sound stupid, I would give another star.

I won't give any details away, but I will say this whole series is pretty repetitive. It reads like a tv show; there's a problem the protagonist has to solve, protagonist gets a lot of useless clues, protagonist has a really random and out of nowhere thought or someone says something with a key word in it and BAM!, protagonist has it all figured out. (kind of a lot like House, really)

Everyone has the same catch phrases (if I read "cop a squat", "hoss", and "merit, no pun intended" one more time I'm going to blow up my nook with my mind).

And from the beginning, I have not believed Merit and Ethans relationship one bit. Or any other relationship in this book. Not Catcher and Mallory, and not Lindsey and Luc. I don't know what it is, I'm just not buying it. I was actually glad what happened to Ethan, because I thought "Good, now maybe she'll stop obsessing about this awkward thing and get with someone better." But no...no that doesn't happen even though her and Jonah obviously have a good genuine connection without all the lusty drama.

And another thing, I find it kinda hard to believe that ALL of the vamps were in the very late 20's to early 40's range when they got changed. I dunno. The story isn't very selling. I think you should have vamps that got changed at all ages, you know?

Other than all that, it's a good time filler. The writing itself is good, just repetitive, and the plot is fairly interesting. I've certainly read worse.

This story revolves around strange elemental occurrences that are taking place. Merit and Jonah have teamed up to try to figure out what is causing all of these phenomenons in hopes to stop what they are viewing as an apocalypse. Meanwhile, Ethan appears in Merit's dreams warning her about something that she must stop.

For some reason, I just wasn't into this story. The entire time Merit's running around trying to solve the puzzle of what's going on. The funny dialogue was missing and of course the sexual tension was non existent. There wasn't any fighting in this to make up for the lack of everything else. It was a book consisting of a wild goose chase. The last 20 pages is all you really need to read in order to continue with the storyline. Everything else is just filler.

The Chicagoland Vampire series is one of my very favorite urban fantasy series out there right now and this fifth installment is no exception to that! The setting naturally appeals to me, but Neill does a great job in creating not only a "real" Chicago, but also in offering realistic and likable characters and including humourous banter between these great characters. Neill handles and describes the relationships between all of her characters very well. This is such a pleasure to read - fast paced, thrilling plot, a sense of growing mystery and prose that really brings each character and setting to a vivid reality.

This book picks up right after the explosively shocking ending of the fourth book, and I had a lot of curiosity going in to reading it. And this one also ends with quite the twist - leaving me anxious for the sixth book! Some really surprising things happened with the characters here, and it's going to be difficult to wait until August 2012 to find out more!

I’m slightly disappointed. I’d even call this a reset button for the series. But perhaps the books will get better again, soon? That’s the hope. It wasn’t as good as the first few but was certainly better than a lot of paranormal fiction I’ve read.

I'm finding it impossible to review this book without spoilers so if you haven't read it and hate spoilers back out now.

Opinion:I'm a waffler on this series. This one was on the side of good. There ones that make me want to kill Merit for being so whiny and others where she is a kick-ass girl full of fire. I attribute 90% of this to Ethan's character.

If the romance within these novels does not get resolved soon, I may simply stop reading this series. When Merit has Ethan she is like a lost puppy dog, when he's gone she acts like an adult ready to face the world. This is annoys me to no end. Johan I thought would be a good match for her as a partner. He is steadfast, caring, and respects whatever boundaries she sets. They are equals and it shows.

Merit went through hell in this book and she showed her strength at every obstacle. First she had to confront the nymphs, then a siren, a fairy queen, a sadistically powerful mayor all the while being low on blood due to an egotistical GP man.

I had the plot figured out by about half way in, but I didn't care because I was enjoying watching Merit figure it out. And the only reason she didn't see it from page one is because she was simply blinded by love. Not romantic love, but love all the same.

The ending was a cliffhanger (which annoyed me), but sets the next one up to be one of the best within the series if Neill can deliver on that promise.

Read more of my reviews @ Mission to Read!

Fifth in the Chicagoland Vampire urban fantasy series based in Chicago and revolving around Merit, a newly-made vampire of Cadogan House.

Drink Deep is an exploration of good and evil; a later categorization of magic. Previously magic simply was being neither good nor evil. Now evil threatens the city of Chicago as magic seeks a re-balance.

That said, it's a disappointing installment in this series. Its resolution was much too simplistic and the potential for a great deal of tension was ignored. The only real tension was Frank Cabot's harassment and Neill ignored the romantic tension between Merit and Jonah; the interactions with Claudia, Tate, humans, McKetrick, and the mayor; and, between Malik and Cabot. Admittedly, I do love the newest character, but...c'mon...let's put a little effort into this!

This is the fifth book in the Chicagoland Vampires series. It did a good job of mending some of the disappointment (gut wrenching sadness and anger) that I felt at the end of Hard Bitten. This review is spoiler free for Drink Deep but does contain some spoilers for Hard Bitten...so if you haven't read Hard Bitten yet...well you've been warned. The sixth book in this series, Biting Cold: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel, is scheduled for an August 2012 release.

I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook (like all the previous ones) was incredibly well done. I highly recommend this series on audiobook.

---Spoilers for Hard Bitten Ahead!!!----

Merit and Cadogan House are still reeling from Ethan's death in Hard Bitten. Cadogan House has a Greenwich Presidium representative mucking around in House business and generally making everyone's lives miserable. Then things really start getting crazy; the lake turns black and starts sucking in magic and then the skies over Chicago turn red. With public opinion about vampires at an all time low Merit has to figure out the mystery behind the strange happenings if she is both going to save her race and Chicago.

This book was a lot darker in tone, the characters obviously haven't recovered from the events in Hard Bitten, and there is a huge hole where Ethan should be. Everyone is more than a little glum and this book didn't have the fun of previous books. Things also move a bit slower in this book and there isn't as much action as in previous installments.

Jonah really comes to the forefront of this story. Him and Merit end up partnering on a number of investigations because Cadogan House is short on guards. I really enjoyed him as a character; he was the one character who did have some fun banter back and forth with Merit. Merit grows some as a character and is forced to decide what Cadogan House means to her minus Ethan. We also see more of Tate off and on in this book.

As I said this is a dark book and most of the characters are going through some emotional turmoil. Mallory was in the story some and I usually love her character; but her character was devoid of any humor and took some very dark turns in this book.

The book ends well, with some big surprises that should please fans of the series. If you were going to give up on the series after Hard Bitten I recommend reading this book. It is kind of a transition book, but the continuing storyline looks very intriguing.

Overall a decent addition to the series. Much darker than previous books and slower moving. Jonah plays a much bigger role in the story and Merit does show some growth as a character as well. Recommended to fans of vampire urban fantasy. I can't wait to see what happens in Biting Cold: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel.

Hands up those who lost the will to read, sobbed uncontrollably, and wandered around feeling lost and depressed after the Drink Deep's ending? If you did, you weren't alone because I seriously fell apart. My poor hubby had no idea what was happening as I came out crying over Ethan. Broke my heart and I vowed to hunt done the author to make it right, if she didn't fix it in Hard Bitten.

What a book! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, with the constant thought of "Please tell me it's going to be okay!" I loved the storyline of this book, showing Merit to be a take charge person, inside of hiding away from her duty, depressed. I know that's what I would be tempted to do because losing love is never an easy thing. I really enjoyed seeing her defending the House again, even though there were definitely moments of vulnerability I LOVED! I teared up when she came home and crawled into Ethan's bed.
This book left me guessing. I wondered who was behind it all, and I HATED that I was right. I had the niggly feeling for most of the book, and I kept telling myself, "Surely the author wouldn't." I loved seeing different mythical creatures, their involvement in the craziness that was happening, and yes ... I found myself being intrigued by Jonah. He'd definitely treat Merit right, but he was no Ethan. I'm 100% Team Ethan and he's the reason why I RACED through the book.

I was completely satisfied with this book. There was NOTHING I didn't like - yep, even the ending. Even though it was bittersweet when everything was revealed, it made for an amazing read. Even though a lot of Hard Bitten was action - Merit trying to uncover the truth, the SWOON it did have was WELL WORTH THE WAIT. Just saying ... Gosh, I could've read those parts over and over and over again!

This is definitely one of my favorite series, one I've continue to reread. I'm impatient now for the next book because .... EVERYTHING IS RIGHT IN MY WORLD!! Hahaha how's that for being spoilerish in code! Thanks for a great read, Chloe. Highly recommend this series!! I HEART ETHAN!!

First I love this series and the characters. But, I have to say it was not my favorite in the series. It read like one big tease for me. There was so much build up between two characters and then fizzle to nothing ? Oh, and Tate ??? Why was he even in it, all the whohaw over how dangerous oh scary then, his bit just faded away. Mallory, she just kind of roared then again fizzled, and disappeared. And what she did, well she has the tie to him but not even a hint of it ? The ending was just, over.
On final thoughts, I loved seeing all the characters, I love them. The book, the plot, the build up all faded and fizzled. Nothing was really resolved.

2.5 Stars

It's so difficult for me to review this book. The first half was a 2. I was bored and skimming through a lot of it. Even then my attention went elsewhere and I would put the book down. The second half I'd rate a 3. Although I'm still frustrated at the contrived drama, the second half moved faster and was more entertaining.

I'm not a fan of Ethan so I was hoping Merit would give Jonah a real chance. I like Jonah and wish he'd be the hero instead. But I guess that's not happening since Ethan is back. What a shame.

Read from March 04 to 14, 2013

It is clear Chloe Neill is a "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fan. Evil Mayor? Check. Best friend-cum-witch going pure evil? Check. Heck, even Catcher/Oz is a shifter/werewolf dating Mallory/Willow!
That aside, I thought it was ballsy of her to kill off Ethan. I applauded Neill's hutzpah. And then to bring him back from ashes only to make him a ... what? Witch's cat? UGH.
I hope this doesn't interfere with Merit joining the RG, which I thought was really cool. She needs to do something on her own, anyways.
Also, how about a chapter or two of just going to a night time Cubs game and eating some Giordano's or Lou Malnati's? Just normal hanging out with friends stuff.... it doesn't have to be action action action all the time.
But I still have hope for her next book.

We've all been waiting for this moment, the author asked us to trust her and did not deliver! It has nothing to do with the anticipation/the wait of "the moment". Merit personality/kick ass/smart was missing in action, no actions, no fights, she didn't even get to use her Katana though she put it on so many times. She did learn how to jump, it took Merit a long time to figure "it" out when...really? The plot was there but somehow it was not well executed, a big miss!
After over 300 pages of nonsense you would think we'll be rewarded for the wait and when "The moment we've all been waiting for" happen! it was done that fast...Poof! as if: "Oh jeez I took too long now I've got to catch up fast" I still didn't understand the reasons why, the how, the cause because it was not explained. And then it was peachy again! Really Mrs. Chloe Neil????

**Spoiler Alert**DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU DID NOT READ D.D.
I did not buy into the whole...and he appear thing! I'm very happy Ethan is back and the way/how he comes back is a VERY IMPORTANT aspect of this whole story. To make the pain of his death worth it the author needed to give us a believable explanation, yet the author spend very little time on something sooo important(and asked us to trust her) I was not satisfied after 300+ pages it could have been done better than this.
Merit missed Ethan yet their reunion was lacking deep emotions, for me it needed more...feelings and drama. At the end, Malik just kicked out Frank?!

Come on! Mrs. Neil wake up and give us the real stuff!!! give us what you promised!

As with my review for Hard Bitten some of my thoughts are spoilerish, but hopefully only mildly.

The story starts out with Merit emotionally reeling from the events at the end of Hard Bitten, when something magically weird happens to lake Michigan and the Chicagoans who are not too thrilled with their supernatural brethren are casting the blame on the vamps. And to add insult to injury, Umbrage is out to get Harry and all of the rest of the Hogwarts folks - uh, I mean Frank the vampire high council bean-counter/representative assigned to assess Cadogan House has it in for Merit. This whole thread of the story was exceedingly frustrating to me.

What I liked:
-- I liked seeing more of Chicago's supernaturals.
-- I liked possibilities that the Red Guard opened for the future of the series.
-- I really liked Jonah. With Ethan gone, Jonah has Merit's back and once they get past Jonah's initial issues with Merit and I kept thinking what a great partner he would be to Merit - there isn't the huge imbalance of power and status (and the baggage) that Merit had with Ethan.

What I didn't like as much:
-- The ending here makes it clear that my ideas of where Neill is taking the series are not to be
-- when all was said and done I ended up feeling like this story was heavily rewritten after the fan backlash to the ending of the previous book.

Still the ending wasn't a fluffy bunnies and rainbow one, so there's hope for something amazing to happen in Biting Cold.

I don't usually write reviews, but I felt like I needed to fit this one in...

I started the series and read books one through five in about a week and a half and was completely addicted. I had a little more trouble getting through this last one. It was fairly slow-moving, and I had guessed, from well before midway through the book, that it was Mallory causing all the magical end of the worldish drama... and yet it took the smartest vampire until the end of the book to figure it out. Every single sign pointed to Mallory and her newest magical teachings, and in the previous books I had given Merit a lot of credit for catching on to things pretty quick. I was disappointed that it took until the very end of the book for the Mallory battle to engage, and ended rather abruptly.

I have to say, I was upset after book four when Ethan was killed off and almost didn't want to continue with the series, but I did anyway. He was brought back to life... and it was as though nothing changed except to teach Merit a lesson that immortality isn't forever... or is it. Or maybe it isn't. But it could be. Whatever.

Jonah had a good character and found myself thinking "well if Ethan has to be dead, I could dig some romance with sexy Jonah", and yet that was short lived and ended quickly. Did nothing but make me feel bad for Jonah. Which is a shame, Jonah wasn't a jerk at the beginning, like most of the other possible romances Merit could have had.

As far as content, I already mentioned the book was slow moving, and all the visits to other sups just seemed like filler and nothing spectacular to remember. The book can really be summed up by a few simple sentences: "The water is black, the sky is red, mountains are appearing in Chicago streets, Jonah isn't good enough for Merit, Mallory is a badass evil sorcerer and oh, by the way, Ethan is alive again". Although, I have to say, the GP drama was probably the most interesting part of this book, and I think that was really meant as the background drama to give a break between visiting water nymphs and fairy queens.

I'm giving three stars, but mostly because A) Although silly at this point, I'm glad Ethan is back. B) I think it will be interesting to see how the GP reacts to Malik kicking out the receiver and C) Because even though I knew the cause of the elemental magic long before Merit did, I still read it just as quickly as the other books in this series.

I'm looking forward to August 12th for the 6th book in the series, and I really hope it was better then this last one.

I haven't finished it, but I knew what would happen within 2 chapters. I'm 3/4's done and must review now. The author has continually showed a Scooby Doo sort of story telling when it comes to telling a mystery. What she IS good at, is creating a romance bw 2 characters and having lots of chemistry, angst, etc...bw them. That has been lost since book 4. I actually got this book from the library bc I was 99% sure this book would fall flat. I'm an avid reader, esp paranormal romance, and what many people don't realize is that authors are bound by their future book slots. I believe the Chicago Vamp series is at least 6 books. So I knew bf getting this book that this book would probably be a filler and it is. Some fillers are worth buying and reading bc they are essential to the overall story and worldbuiding. This is not the case w/the Chicagoland series. Please Chloe, get over it and just do what you do best- romance. That's what the readers WANT, please give it to them since it's your talent!!! WHY do some authors feel it's not good enough is beyond me. It's like the 4th book in the Twilight series. Stephanie Meyers goes from paranormal romance to almost purely sci fi in book 4. This isn't what the readers want. And believe me, you can make a great story, and series, doing romance. Look at Kresley Cole, Ilona Andrews, Karin Marie Moning, Larissa Ione, etc....

I stopped 3/4 of the way through it bc of the boredom factor. Came online to find the ending. And what do you know? I was right.

*spoiler*

Mallory's the bad guy and Ethan isn't truely dead.

Now, bc I'm an avid reader, I already had a feeling the author was going to make Mallory into a diff character based on the 4th book. Mallory was almost nonexistant in that book and their relationship was changing for the worse. Drinks Deep starts telling us over and over that the lake is black from magical forces. Rohkray Shraggy, cran you gruess who it ris?

And look, it's fine if Mallory is the bad guy. Heck, Chloe even tries, tries, tries to make a relationship w/Merit and the other vamps in her house. That falls flat. I mean, SuperFlat. All I kept reading about is her devotion to her "House". Barf and Snorezville.

I digress. It's just.plain.boring. Please Chloe, stop writing mystery and do what you're good at- romance.

I want to start by saying that this has been my favorite series since book 1 and I've read almost everything in the UF/PNR genre. I'm also very hesitant to leave anything negative in a review for such an amazing author, but this book didn't even come close to the high standard Neill previously set for this series.
**SPOILER ALERT**

Ethan & Merit: Relationship
This series has been an emotional roller coaster since the first book. I'm sure other fans of this series will agree that we are most invested in Ethan and Merit, and their relationship at times has been gut wrenching for us. They are who bring us back to this series every time. In the last book when Ethan died, I was heart broken. Neill said to trust her, I/we did, faithfully awaiting Drink Deep, and what do we get? No Ethan, despite a few short dreams, where there is no mention of their relationship at all. Finally, around 90% Ethan is back alive and himself.

Intimacy: After he comes back at 90% the house is out of blood and Ethan must drink from Merit. There is NO details on this at all. He kisses her wrist and then at the beginning of the next scene it's implied that he drank from her. In previous books where Merit drank from him, it was a huge deal and we got all the details. Not so in Drink Deep.
There are 3 or three scenes where they kiss. Again NO details. They just kiss and Merit says she can feel their love in the magic swirling around them.
There's also a scene where they wake up together, tangled in Ethan bed sheets. Again No details. Not even an assumption of what, if anything happened.

Upside: Being the author Neill is, I'm not giving up on this series by a long shot. I'm hoping that the next book with be full of lots of Ethan and Merit, and the flip-flopping of their relationship in the past will be over, but with Jonah and Merit now closer than ever, it could be interesting to see a bit of a love triangle? But, if your only interest in this series/book is what will happen between Ethan and Merit, you could start this book at around 90% and not really miss anything, except your $9.99 of course :)

The Chicagoland Vampire Series is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy Series. The characters have become dear friends and I love returning to them with each book. As much as I love this series though, I have mixed feelings about it.

At the beginning of the book I could not shake the feeling that it was reading more like a Young Adult book. I've seen others state this about this series before, but never understood how they could think this until now. I think that this feeling came from how things that happened previously in the series were explained. I didn't feel like I was being talked down to, but at the same time felt like some felt some explanations were unnecessary. This feeling gradually went away, but it took awhile.

I enjoyed the mystery of what was turning Lake Michigan Black and the new paranormal creatures like the river nymphs that were in the story. I also really liked that Merit's best friend Mallory showed a different side to her...and I shouldn't admit this but I really liked Jonah. It thought he was really good for Merit and made her do things for her instead of doing things just out of loyalty. I liked seeing Jeff and Catcher in different roles and those two always bring a smile to my face.

What I missed in this book though was characters from the last books that just seemed to disappear into thin air. One little paragraph for Morgan? Seriously? He was such a big part of the first two books that it saddens me not to see him more. (It makes me hesitant to like Jonah as much as I do. The shape shifters that played apart of the last two books were non existent in this book. I wanted to see more of Gabriel and learn more about his prophecy for Merit's that wasn't mentioned once, but in Hard Bitten was talked about a lot. Another thing I didn't understand is why Merit isn't hanging around the vampires in her house more now that she's been a vampire awhile now. I could understand in the beginning why she hung out with Mallory and then did missions with Ethan, but it would have been nice to have Merit bond more then just one or two of the girls in the house.

All series have what I call the fail book. The one book that kind of takes a hit so the series can grow and move on. I think Drink Deep was that for this series. The storyline has changed so much from the beginning that it had to be done for new arcs to begin. That a new story arc was beginning was obvious by the ending of this book that was a cliffhanger that almost made me forget all the problems I had with this book. I think I'm still in shock over the events that happened. I still don't know if I like them or not. Everything was so rushed that it's going to take me awhile to process what happened.

Even though this book left me with feelings all over the place I'm not going to stop reading it because the characters have become dear to me and I can't wait to see what happens to them next. After processing what happened in this book and the next I realized that Chloe Neill is one heck of a writer. If she can make me so upset over a couple of books then she must be doing some right, right?!

Merit has been having dreams about Ethan and still grieving the loss of him. Merit has a new partner of Jonah and works with him in trying to solve the mysterious happenings around the city of Chicago. Merit is the Nancy Drew in the town it seems. Merit while working with Jonah meets Fey , and Siren who are also wondering what is happening to the city water and air.

Merit and the gang is back . Mallory is almost done with her testing , and we finally get more information on Catcher . Merit has some issues at the house to deal with , and trying to figure out what is happening with the city. There was also some meetings with Tate , who might know who is causing all the trouble to the city.

I don't want to mention any more about this book because it was good to see the characters again. I hoped that placing my trust in Ms. Neill that I would be rewarded and to some degree I was . I right about this book topic's theme . But as a reader of this series I missing something , and I correct in thinking about something that happens to her friends. There was action, talking , and some romance. But someone mentioned that this book was a filler, and right now I am inclined to go along with them.

Spoiler: I wanted more smex between some characters and it didn't happen. This book was missing something .

I loved the lines mentioning Bruce Campbell , and Lindsey and Merit talking about whether the relationship is worth it. I have been with the series since it began and questioning whether to continue with the series. Why is Merit the only one concerned about the city and trying to solve the mysteries ?? I do think that Merit and her choice for Red Guard might cause some friction later in the story , but time will tell.

I have to say that I LOVE this series! It just keeps getting better and better. It's full of action and romance, without being cliché. I can hardly wait till the next one comes out, but now I must. I love how Mallory came around, and hopefully she will get better and be stronger for it. These books make you care about the characters in it. KUDOS to the writer for keeping me interested, and wanting to read more of her stuff!

There are not that many books that are as massively and agonizingly awaited as Drink Deep. The only other one I can think of that kept me squirming and checking in my mail box this year was Shadowfever: A MacKayla Lane Novel.

I had been left very underwhelmed by Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 4) - well, final jaw-dropper aside obviously - and I was therefore suspicious of this new book, wondering how Neill would extricate herself from a potentially disastrous plot situation that could come out cheap, contrived and eye-rolling.

But Drink Deep was both underwhelming and rewarding at the same time.
Underwhelming because, as for Hard Bitten, I am not a big fan of the Clue plot. In this case, after the mess we were left in in the previous book, we follow Merit trying to solve a mystery that is turning Chicago in the set for next apocalypse, and all fingers seem to be pointed towards the vampires.
With the help of her newfound working partner, Jonah from Grey House, Merit will try to discover the true origin of the ancient power that is menacing the disruption of the supernatural community in Chicago and the very existence of Cadogan House.
Unfortunately, I found Merit to be a bit slow in her investigation and had guessed the culprit of the mystery by mid-book. EVERYBODY seemed to be turning their eyes the other way while there was a huge flashing sign saying PICK ME! right on the perpetrator's head.
Aside from that it was a bit slow in general and my favorite characters, Ethan and Mallory, both had a secondary role in this book. I definitely missed their usual banter with Merit.

On the other hand, I still decided to award this book with close to 5 stars for mainly two reasons.
The first is Merit. I loved how she managed to cope with her "problem", how she grew in the book, how she didn't get stuck in the past but managed to keep her head high and turn the page, without coming out as whiny, cheap or slutty. This might all sound very quizzical for those who haven't read Hard Bitten probably 2 people on the whole wide world, but I'm trying to avoid spoilers here. So, great MC.

The second is my awe at how the author dealt with that tricky situation we all had our eyes fixed on. I was SURE she wouldn't pull it, but she did! and masterfully so. The last 1/4 of the book is emotional, action-packed and definitely deserving 5 stars. I wish the rest of the book had been as good but hey, I am happy enough anyway. Good job, Chloe!
There is NO doubt I will pick up the next book next year, I really can't wait to read it and see how she will deal with the rest of the many threads left hanging.

Because I try really hard not to reveal spoilers this is a very hard review to write. I have loved this series from the first chapter of the first book SOME GIRLS BITE. I love that Chloe has added in all these little hints that tell you of things to come and things to look forward to. This is definitely not a series that you can pick up at any book but book 1 so if you have not started the Chicagoland Vampires series yet I would highly recommend starting from the beginning.

As all you fans know there was a HUGE devastating cliff hanger at the end of HARD BITTEN. Hopefully you didn't hold that against the series because DRINK DEEP totally makes up for the absence of Ethan. Will you miss him? Of Course. But the story still rocks. I found the pacing to be slower then previous installments but there is a lot of action and detective work mixed in to everything. We see a lot of Jonah and don't worry all you loyal Ethan fans it isn't bad as you might be thinking. I actually really enjoyed seeing Merit become closer friends with someone outside the house or someone in her normal circle. There were so many surprises and major things that happened in DRINK DEEP that I will end this review with, you really have to read it. All you people that said you were going to stop reading after HARD BITTEN will be extremely disappointing if you don't snag a copy.

It took me weeks and weeks to finish DD, it just didn't hold my attention. Also did anyone else notice the whole Mallory plot seemed to have been ripped off of a Buffy season (5 maybe)? I just didn't feel the depth of Merit's pain, or her joy when Ethan comes back. The Jonah parts were boring. So I think I'm going to stop reading this series..

Wow, what to say without ruining the journey to get there? At the end of the last book I had absolute faith in Neil. I mean how could I not? I've loved the darker direction of the books, I love Merit's character... but Ethan?? I'm still lost, still unsure and still sad. I'm so happy there will be more in the series, but how is everything going to be fixed?!?

I feel like Hard Bitten b**** slapped us and then Drink Deep continued to poke. Merit is trying to get over Ethan, and the readers (I'm actually in the minority on this) are spared from having to be in her head during the first two months of mourning. We see Merit again when she is sad but whole, she's picked herself back up and is trying to be what the Cadogan house needs her to be. I honestly felt like she grieved perfectly and tried to move on as well too. I don't think two months after watching your love get staked you should date... but start hanging out and understanding it's ok to live is good. The majority of this book I feel is a filler book. And not in a bad way so don't get me wrong. We are being introduced to Merit in her leadership role, we are sensing new bad guys on the horizon and both Merit and the readers are learning how to cope without Ethan there to guide, smirk and love.

What is going to happen in the next book? No idea. I can honestly say I want Ethan back and I want them all happily ever after... however sometimes that's not the best for the story or the heroine. So again I'm going out there and saying, I'm trusting Neil and will continue to be a fan of the series, even though she's jerking my heart back and forth.

Oh and yea the ending will piss you off...

I understand some of the less than flattering reviews of this book, but I did enjoy the process that Merit goes through to make the decision to join or not join the RG. I also enjoyed the writer bringing in other supernatural creatures. Of course, there are two surprises in the book which take you on a ride. Looking forward to the next one!

Those chest pains I have been experiencing since finishing Hard Bitten have finally subsided after reading Drink Deep.

Drink Deep picks up a couple of months after Hard Bitten. We see Merit's coping with the events in Hard Bitten and her determination to move forward. Merit and Friends must deal with a new conflict and we are introduced to a few new characters. Chloe Neill does an excellent job of weaving in a surprising storyline that definitely took this reader by surprise.

Although Merit is navigating her emotions, she is still able to throw out a few hilarious remarks. Chloe sure does an excellent job of transmuting humor into words.

Chloe Neill has one again written a story that keeps her audience hooked. Although I found some parts slow moving, I am pleased with the story and eager to read the next installment.

Recently, an episode of Grey's Anatomy aired in which an author felt that she needed to finish her book so that her readers could have closure. Her readers have been with her for years and followed her characters happily, so she felt obligated to finish the story before having surgery. After watching the episode, I started having nightmares that something bad happened to Chloe Neill and that we would never know what happened with Merit and the gang. It is morbid, right?

The Chicagoland Vampire series is really good. The story is well-written, funny, and interesting. You should read it.

I really wanted to like this book but I had to put it down half-way through since it was just SO BORING! Feels like a filler through and through and the characters just acted so dumb. SPOILER! Really like Merit and Catcher could not guess at all that Mallory was up to no good? And why did the author make her bad? Was a very clunky, stunt move unfortunately.

This is (by far) the best book of the Chicagoland Vampires series. Chloe Neill, really packed some punch with this book. There are so many layers to the story that you just can't seem to absorb the content fast enough. Just when you think you've figured out what is going on (and who's behind it), then the rug gets yanked out from underneath you, and another layer gets added to the story.

I can't really do a full review on this book because there would be way too many spoilers. All I can say is that I can hardly wait for Book 6, Biting Cold to come out in August 2012!!!!

I loved this book. Or I didn't hate it. Or I got VERY emotional about it and still can't decide what I think about it. Take your pick - I've felt alternately all over the spectrum about this book, and I'm not usually wishy-washy. For that matter, I don't usually review books. But when I saw some very low ratings for it and read them, I felt compelled to.

No, it's not my favorite book ever. But I *do* love it. It comes down to two things: one, an author has to be incredibly strong to kill off a beloved main character, risk alienating readers, and somehow resolve it in the next book. Two, I don't have to LIKE the killing off or the resolution, but I do have to think and feel about it. Since I find myself thinking and feeling about it so strongly after several months that I find myself compelled to write a review, I'd say this book not only didn't miss the mark, but excelled at making me think and feel - which is what I read books for.

No, I wasn't fond of the pacing initially. No, I wasn't fond of this book going in a different direction with little understanding of why we were going there. But I think I read a lot more mourning between the lines than most, and this book moved me in ways I'm still trying to figure out. I am very impatient for the next book, so I can (hopefully) resolve my thinking and feeling. I think the writing parallels my own confusion and frustration quite nicely, which just tells me I'm identifying VERY strongly with Merit and her thoughts and feelings - immersing myself, if you will. I think this book is incredibly well written, to be able to communicate and have me identify with her on that level.

I am left wondering if I read the same book the naysayers did. Pretty sure I did, as the plot killers they posted match loosely with what I read. But pretty sure not too, if all they got out of it was slow pacing and being done with the series. Can't wait for the next book!!

I have been a big fan of the Chicagoland Vampires series since it came out. Unfortunately, this book fell a little short for me.

*SPOILER ALERT*
The story seems to be, more or less, a repeat of what was previously done and the main character does not seem to be developing much. She is continuously making the same decisions and has the same inner turmoils, just with different men. It felt to me, like the possibility of Jonah as a lover came from left field and was just used to offset the previous attempts by another lover to win her affections from Ethan and create some drama and fodder for Merit's love life.

The book circles around what appeared to be quite obvious to me at the beginning and a lot of the interactions with other sups seemed to be page filler. It doesn't make sense why the water nyphs would destroy the water and it seemed to take a long time for the heroine to come to this conclusion. Repeatedly throughout the book, there are references made to sorcerers being the only ones who could have initiated the magic that caused the sky to bleed and the water to die, yet Merit takes the entire book to end with this, ultimately discovering it was Mallory.

I would have liked to have seen, at least SOME build up, to indicate Mallory had a dark side. From the beginning of the series, Mallory was always level-headed and kind. Out of the blue, she is embracing evil and nearly destroying the city? Merit claims repeatedly Mallory is like a close sister to her but doesn't put two and two together and see that there is something seriously wrong with her "best friend."

In the end, Ethan rises from the ashes, literally. Honestly, I have read a lot of paranormal type books with varying magical abilities but this one seemed to be a bit too much. I can see where Ethan may be a ghost or some other type of entity but to be back, fully vampire from a pile of dust. That rings just a little too far fetched, even in this genre. I can see there will be more to this story in the coming books however, this one left too many loose ends. The spell that resurrected him was interrupted, yet he is here, fully formed with no apparent issues and has rematerialized from ashes.

I believe Chloe Neill is an excellent author and has a gift for spinning stories. Unfortunately, this book missed the mark. To me it felt like Ms. Neill had a deadline to meet and a book from this series required. Perhaps I am wrong and the next in the series will tie up some of those loose ends. Unfortunately for me, this one fell flat in what appeared to be a very promising series.

I had very very high expectations of this book but was disappointed. Merit is not developing as a herion at all. I mean I understand she's dealling with Ethans death and all but come on. Her single development in the entire novel is that she can fall gracefully? Seriously. I really love this series but come on. Even the supports are off in this novel I mean if this situation with Mallory came up in any of the other books it would have been awesome. A total surprise and the relationship could survive it, but as is in order for Merit to still be Merit at the end of the day she has to write her off as a friend and send the "2 months" between books just thinking about if she could be her friend again. But we all know that wont happen. Needless to say read the book as een if I tell you exactly what happens you wont belive it and will have to read it to full understand, but just know that "I told you so". LOL. I will read the next book just to see where this goes.

WARNING: SPOILERS

When Ethan was killed in the last book, I was shocked! Angry and heartbroken, although impressed that the author had been able to bring so much emotion out of me. I mean, if an author is going to kill off one of the main characters, they better have an excellent recovery. Unfortunately, Chloe Neill blew it. I was trusting her to make up for the lack of Ethan and the shock of suddenly killing him off. Stringing us along for a whole book, waiting to see when some resolution would come, and then throwing in a LAME "back from the dead" story line?? I knew this book would make or break the series, and I'd have to say it broke it, without a doubt.

(Originally published at VampireBookClub.net)

Note: This review will give away the ending to Hard Bitten. No spoilers for DRINK DEEP, however.

Chloe Neill said to trust her about the ending of Hard Bitten. Every fan was floored (and many justly pissed off) when Ethan died. And she promised it would be OK. Within the first couple chapters of Drink Deep, Merit is having dreams with Ethan in them. They feel real. They also happen to be nightmares where he's torn away from her in some cataclysmic event. This happens a few times in the book. Not often enough to ever feel like Ethan is actually present.

Merit feels plenty of guilt about his death and ruminates on that, particularly as she grows closer to Jonah. In lieu of a partner inside Cadogan House to solve supernatural crises with she turns to the Grey House guard captain and Red Guard member. And he totally wants her to be over Ethan so they can get their smoochies on. The idea damn near gives her stress hives. He's a hot guy and smart blah blah blah, but he's not Ethan. No one is Ethan. And this, my friends, frustrates me. I expected to get some Ethan-related satisfaction at least by halfway through the novel, based on Neill's word, and that wasn't the case.

The GP has essentially taken over Cadogan House. Their representative goes so far as to ration blood (to vampires, yeah, I know), limit gatherings and put its guards in impossible situations. It's painful to see the House beat down. They've lost Ethan and now they're losing their identity one rule at a time. Mayor Tate is locked up, but his replacement is very anti-vampire. She's calling for a registration act (which totally made me think of the first X-Men movie). And when supernatural badness descends on the Windy City yet again, she tells the public it's all the vampires' fault.

There's magic at play, but with more bad press and protesters on the way, Merit has to try and solve someone else's problem again. She works with Jonah, and gets alternately blamed and praised for the magical goings on that she has no control over. Mallory refuses to help her at all. Catcher is irritated but gives answers. Mostly, her sorcerer resources are damn limited.

I flew through this book, dying for answers. It kept me gripped to the pages, and engaged with the characters. I waited for this big reveal. Things had to be messy right? There was no way this could tie up neatly. And a few hundred pages in and we'd only had a handful of Ethan dreams. Where is Mr. Green Eyes?

I'm doing my best not to give this away for you guys, but Neill employed a deus ex machina. Suddenly it came together, and we get answers, but they just feel sudden and too easy. The resolution wasn't worthy of the build up. Usually Neill tortures us and Merit. The resolution this time didn't leave me sated.

Was it worth my Sunday afternoon to read Drink Deep? Totally, but the book left me conflicted. It's heavy on politics, and was more a foray outside the tone and format of earlier Chicagoland Vampires novels. Additionally, the book just didn't meet my expectations in terms of the Ethan part of the equation. Merit's emotions were dead-on throughout the novel, but plot-wise we were still missing some key steps.

Sexual content: Kissing, references to sex

This review contains a big spoiler for the previous book, Hard Bitten. If you haven't read Hard Bitten yet, run away now -- and then get caught up on the CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES as soon as possible, because these books are fun!

There's a more somber tone this time around, though. It's been a few months since Ethan Sullivan's death. Merit and Cadogan House are recovering, but both heroine and house are still keenly aware of the Ethan-sized hole left behind. Merit is feeling a tentative attraction toward her friend and partner Jonah, but she's not sure she's ready to date again and is still haunted by disturbing dreams of Ethan. Malik has taken over Cadogan House, but a supercilious Greenwich Presidium bureaucrat is making everyone's life miserable. Public opinion of vampires is at an all-time low. And that's before Lake Michigan turns black and the sky turns blood-red...

Now, all the supernatural groups are blaming each other, the humans are blaming the vampires, and Merit has to figure out what's really going on before it gets worse. Because Chicago has seen phenomena like this before. The year was 1871.

Chloe Neill gives us another entertaining urban fantasy in Drink Deep. We get to meet new supernatural characters and groups, and the escalating disasters in Chicago are appropriately creepy. Merit's emotional struggle is compelling and realistic, as is her interaction with the rest of Cadogan. As the series has progressed, Merit has gone from being rather isolated among the other vampires because of her unusually strong powers and odd relationship with Ethan, to being truly part of the organization and forging strong friendships. In Drink Deep, these friendships are one of the best and most touching aspects, and inspire a great act of heroism by Merit. The humor that has peppered this series is still here too, despite the thread of sadness that runs through the book.

It was clear to me pretty early -- maybe too early -- who was really behind the ominous events. One great twist I didn't see coming, though, was the way Merit's dreams tied in with the rest of the plot.

Drink Deep, whose title could apply to several characters and plotlines in this novel, is another enjoyable installment of CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES. The ending sets up some interesting conflicts for the next book, and I'm looking forward to it.

I didn't love this particular book but I do love the series. Now that things are back on track with Ethan I think I'll be happier with the next book..... I do highly highly recommend the series overall though!

This review contains spoilers for bk 4, Hard Bitten.
---

Two months have passed since the events of Drink Deep. Cadogan House is still grieving its Master's loss, and no one feels that loss more keenly than Merit. She's haunted by ominous dreams of disaster and Ethan. As threatened, the house has gone into receivership, and is being overseen by vile GP (the vampire lord high council) beaurocrat, Frank Cabot. Intent on destroying the house from the inside out, he has placed it on blood rations. The new mayor is pushing for mandatory vampire registration, and the feel in the city isn't good. Merit's BFF, Mallory, is cracking under the stress of her sorcering exams. And if all that's not enough, the lake suddenly turns black. Now Merit has to handle protesting humans, BFF drama, and make sure elemental forces don't tear the city apart, if the politicians don't do it first.

After the shocking ending of Hard Bitten, I found it hard not to read Drink Deep with one goal in mind: read until I find out exactly how Neill's going to deal with The Ethan Issue. Ethan's absence noted, I still enjoyed the book. I was expecting a kind of 'filler' book. The book where Neill undoes what she did in the last one. But it's more than a filler book: this is a pivotal point in what's been building for a while now. Drink Deep is the culmination of 4 books worth of planning and prophecy. This is a turning point.

Things have been wrong, and getting wronger for a while. Merit's been a little oblivious to what has been going on in the lives of the people around her. After reading these books back to back, I can see the hints and threads coming together, to form the pattern starting to reveal itself here.

Merit:
Political and social tensions mounting, dealing with the loss of a loved one, and fighting to maintain equilibrium between Greenwich Presidium's expectations, as well as the community within which she lives, we join Merit in a darker place than we have in the past four Chicagoland Vampire books. With Ethan's absence, Merit has lost a partner, a teacher, and someone much more important to her on a personal level. I guess we could say this is the book that had to happen for Merit.

She needed to find out who she was without Ethan's influence. While I'm not sure she grows a great deal, she does come to know herself better, and what she wants, and she learns to trust her own judgement to a greater degree. We have missed a large part of her initial grieving for Ethan, but her grief is still very real, palpable, and present in every choice she makes, thought she has, and sight she sees.

I was really upset on Merit's behalf in this book. Why on earth the universe seems to be against her beats me, but from day one, every key player in Chicagoland has been using her as a pawn. Including those she loves.

The Gang:
Mallory spends most of this book being an awful friend, and stressing about her exams, but she's there. Big Things are happening in Camp Mallory. You've been warned. I'm really pissed at Mallory. The two keep having the "you gave up our friendship for Darth Sullivan," thing. Uhhh... how? This would be after Mallory was parading her naked boyfriend around the place they shared, forcing Merit out. The two have had it tough: both came into very scary changes at the same time. Mallory feels Merit wasn't there for her. Geez, I wonder why? Surprise vampirism, maybe? She's being a bitch. I understand why, but you can only take so much. I'm particularly upset as she was a favourite character, and it sad watching the path she's taking. At the same time, I'm angry at Mallory, not Chloe Neill. I don't think this is a fault with the book, but a crucial part of the character's growth.

Catcher is as snarky as ever, but he bothers me. Does he, or does he not, think if Merit as a friend? I've never been able to tell. He expects her to be a concerned friend to Mallory, but bites her head off when she attempts to be in this instalment. He's obviously under strain at the time, but c'mon. Immediately after he has the nerve to ask Merit if she's respecting Ethan's memory. Huh?

Lindsay and Luc are back as a couple, and there's an adorable scene between Jeff and Catcher to look forward to, too.

Yep, all our favourites are back, but you see less of them than you may expect, with page time dominated by new addition to the cast, Jonah: Grey House guard captain, member of the Red Guard, and all round gorgeous hunk of manpire.

Which Brings Us To... Jonah:
He's clearly a new romantic interest for Merit, but I'm not sure where this is going. Was he to fill the Ethan shaped hole in this book, or is Neill planning love triangulation for the futures? I tells you, people: I HATE love triangles. Personally, despite being firmly camp Ethan, I LIKE Jonah. A lot. He's funny and charming. He's thoughtful. He's gorgeous. Dream guy, right? But Merit's dreams are haunted by Ethan.

Politics:
The Chicagoland series is politically driven, we all know this, and Drink Deep takes it further. There's a new Mayor in town, and fan of vampires she is not. Which is a nice way of saying she's a raging bitch. It's her who's pushing the vampire registration law, and COME ON. Isn't this some kind of constitutional violation?

In cohorts with Mayor McBitchy, McKettrick rears his ugly head again, but don't expect resolution, as you won't get it. I truly wonder where this is going, and if he has ties to Tate. Because, sorry folks, Tate's not out of the picture, and don't expect any resolution there, either.

Human politics aren't all that's going on. The GP is still manoeuvring, and involving themselves in Cadogan affairs. The house IS in receivership, as threatened, and despicable Frank Cabot, is deliberately stepping on toes and creating drama. I worry over how his part in this story is resolved. Satisfying and amusing though it is, I'm sure we haven't heard the last of this, and in fact, the issue may now be worse.

Ethan:
I really don't feel like I can say anything without spoilering, which I don't feel is appropriate on the store. Short story is: Ethan's in this book. On every page. In every move Merit makes, and everything she sees. Merit misses Ethan, and, in her own way, is still grieving deepy. As an Ethan fan, I was happy with how Neill handled the issue of Ethan in this book.

I'm Winding It Up Now, I Promise:
Ultimately, Drink Deep creates more questions than it answers. It leaves us at climax point, then leaves us hanging. I enjoyed every page, but I finished it feeling unsatisfied, and despite that enjoyment, I didn't love it quite as much as prior instalments. You know the feeling you have after you've eaten a fantastic dinner, and you're full and sated, but dying for dessert? That little sweet something extra, that finishes the meal. Drink Deep left me feeling like that. Don't expect to be satisfied, but do expect to be thrilled.

When I reviewed the Chicagoland Vampires series, I was waiting oh-so-impatiently for this book to come out. I told you I was probably "on my couch, tea at my side, Nook in my hand, praying for... well, read the series and you'll know what I'm praying for." And believe me, when I saw Drink Deep download onto my Nook in the late-night hours, I was totally ready to dive in... but I didn't. I was afraid of being disappointed, afraid of not getting what I needed from the author, and, ultimately, afraid this next book would be nowhere near as good as the first four.

I'm still conflicted as I write this review.

Chloe brought back our Cadogan vamps but the sense of fun from the previous books was gone. These vamps were grieving the loss of Ethan, they were dealing with an overbearing arse from the GP with plans to disband their house, and of course there's this whole 'the world may be ending and the citizens of Chicago are blaming the vamps' thing. Total downer. And yet, there's still Merit... strong, snarky, and kicking major supernatural butt just like through the first four books.

The bad: I can't say too much because I really don't want to spoil a single second, but the ending for me was a bit too 'snap my fingers and we're happy' for my taste. I totally loved the who-did-it-and-why aspect, but the rest left me a little unimpressed.

Drink Deep has Chloe's typical pacing - slow through three-quarters of the book and building to a late crescendo. Her characterizations stay strong and true leaving no doubt as to who is speaking or acting at any moment. The plot is great, the tension is intense, and the ending left me wishing the next book in the series was coming out tomorrow so I could read more. Truly an excellent read, even with the parts I didn't like.

Like almost everyone else I was very upset with the end of Hard Botten and was not so sure about reading the next. But then I saw on the website the authors request to just trust her and I started to think maybe we will get Ethan back. So I got Drink Deep and had it read in about 8.5 hours.
I actually really liked this book. I had a sneaking suspicion who our villian was and can honestly say that while yes I am sad about who it is it does not ruin the series for me. I trust Chloe...
No the book wasnt wuite as emotional as some of the others but I did tear up hear and there.
I like the way Merrit comes to her many realizations in this book. I also like the way Cadagon house rises and its vampire circle to support eachother and heal in the face of the adversity that is cast their way in this book.

No for ******Spoilers******
I love that Ethan is back, I dont actually have a problem with the way it happens. Yes I am unhappy that Mallory has gone down the road she is but I kinda started to suspect that maybe she would last book. I am however extremely worried about what will happen to Ethan in this next book and dont want Mallory controlling him and messing everything up. I am kinda sorta worried about Jonah to a point. While I hope that after everything Ethan and Merrit have gone through they dont lose eachotehr again I also realize that for the series to move along things cant be perfect between them but I do not want someone else coming between them. I like Jonah's character and I like that Merrit in now a Red Guard and I simply couldnt stop smiling when Cabot got kicked out! I cant wait for the next book after all the forshadowing we had in this book! There are so many directions the series can go and I am anxious to what happens!

The latest book in the Chicagoland Vampires delivers! It begins with the transition the House and Merit go through in the aftermath of the last book. Merit is caught in the middle of vampire politics, Mal is in the middle of her wizard exams and the other main character (the city of Chicago) has some serious problems (understatement of the year there)! The ending was VERY unexpected and you will be waiting for the next installment from the moment you finish the book.

I really loved this series until now. This book was such a let down. I don't think I'll get the next one. With the Harry Potter like story line, easy to figure out "who done it", then... Well I won't spoil it for those who want to buy it, but the end was just annoying to me. So sad.

This book is way better than the credit you guys give it. You people should not be saying that this book is bad, show, or anything like that. This book is chalk full of action and adventure. And if any of thou loved Ethan like I did, you should love this book. Chloe, you deserve better reviews than this

First off this review will contain some spoilers.

This was among my favorites of the Chicaoland Vampires stories. The way Merit's witch friend Mallory gets consumed with black magic remind me a lot of Willow in season six of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. The way the GP took over Cadogan House remind me of how the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and Order of Pheonix took over Hogswart's with their new rules and demands.

The city is in magic turmoil with both the skies, rivers and lakes around Chicago becoming sick with magic and the Chicago vampires getting the blame by the new Mayor who would like nothing more than rid her city of all supernatural creatures. Cause problems for the government group run by Merit's grandpa that handle problems between supernatural and the human race. Merit is the only once in the house who is willing to go all cowboy by doing something about the problems while most of the vampires don't want to make things worst between them and the government by making waves. Merit meets with water Nymphs, sirens and fairies to try to figure out what kind of magic is behind things. She also notice that her magical friend Mallory is suffering from the strain of exams and not acting at all like herself. Merit is too business fighting the chaos in the city to figure out that her friend is the cause of her problems.

Are you trying to kill me Chloe Neill? Really...just tell me now cuz I think you are! I could not put this book down. You said to trust you and I did...unlike some people! Anyway, I found myself reading at work and at red lights on the way home form work...reading when I was making dinner & reading when I was trying to put laundry away. Really it was quite pathetic. I choked up every time Merit thought of Ethan yet I could not figure out how he could ever come back from ash. Well I was really surprised at how it happened and I am even more obsessed with what will happen next. What a twist!!! I can see so many possibilities coming in the next books and I can't wait! Great job Chloe!

I love the characters and the series until this one. I thought it was inconsistent in one of its main character developments and it drag too much getting to the obvious "bad guy." I am still looking forward to the next installment.

I have been a big fan of this series and have been waiting for this to come out forever! But, the sudden twists and turns in the story left me and my mouth hanging open. I know I can't and won't spoil things for you guys, but that character does not have to die! I don't get why he just suddenly vanished and turned into a memory. Very disappointed.

Let me start off with noting how excited I was that there was a package at my doorstep.....and after I was done I tossed the book across my coffee table and thought to myself "glad that's over with". Lets face it after the last book you have to read what happens next.... a lot is going on in this book and while Merit tries her best to figure out the puzzle the pieces are just a crazy mess... Neill expands on the world she's created and the "keys" finally take a place in the story line that isn't a friendly side plot. While I was shocked that Ethan was sacrificed in the last book, we can't deny that Merit is a hot, smart, loyal driven girl and that's why we love her... of course others will be attracted to her as well- I really like Jonah too, I feel bad for him. I have to agree with others that I found myself skimming through parts of the book and I will eventually go back an reread it. I just feel "blah" about the whole thing all this drama and then in a matter of pages everything is miraculously fixed and there he is again.... it was kind of weird. I'm waiting for the shoe to drop again, the carpet to be pulled from under our feet... She gains one love only to loose another in the end... will there be a balance for Merit? I just hope that now that the series has been extended that the story doesn't feel drawn out. Neill has been great thus far in not wasting word count on rehashing past events, She's so clever in the way she does it, PLEASE lets hope it doesn't change. Don't worry I'll probably pre-order the next book AND so will you!

As Drink Deep opens, Vampire Merit is trying to get over the events that took place in the previous book, Hard Bitten. She's made the decision to soldier on and be the vampire she needs to be in order to do her job of protecting Cadogan House and its inhabitants. To that effect, she's been working with Jonah, from Grey House, who's been teaching her a few new things and is still trying to recruit her for the Red Guard.

When Lake Michigan suddenly turns black and stops moving, Chicago immediately blames it on their favorite supernatural scapegoat - the vampires. Merit's job is to find out what's happening and make it stop, but in the absence of any clues she doesn't know how to fix it. Adding to Merit's problems is Frank, the receiver appointed by the Greenwich Presidium to review Cadogan House; he's instituted a new policy of blood-rationing and is trying to edge Merit out of her position at the House.

While trying to solve the city's problem and dealing with Frank's machinations at the house, Merit is also trying to salvage her fractured friendship with Mallory, and that's not going so well either. Has Merit finally taken on too much to handle? Are the vampires going to finally be ousted from Chicago, or will it only be Cadogan House that suffers....

My Thoughts:
Ms. Neill's world-building is so well crafted it's like going back home after vacation each time I pick up the newest installment - as soon as I open the book I fall right in and immerse myself in this fictional, vampire-infused Chicago. Merit continues to be one of my favorite UF heroines - she's tough, smart, loyal, and persistent, but not obnoxiously so. She's definitely the kind of chick I'd love to have as a friend, if she wasn't a vampire ; The cast and crew of secondary characters are well-rounded and consistent - they stress me out right along with Merit!

I've got a little confession to make: I liked Jonah in Hard Bitten and like him even more in Drink Deep. *points to self* I'm definitely a Jonah fan; he's a stand-up guy and I think he and Merit work well together. Is there some attraction there? Sure, but Merit handles it nicely and I like the underlying tension between them; I"m a sucker for a love-triangle and usually try to see one whether it's there or not.

After the last book, I didn't want to see Tate ever again. He's back in Drink Deep and creeps me the *f* out. He talked Merit out of something that I hope won't come back to haunt her.

As far as the mystery of the lake, I enjoyed it - I kept flip-flopping between two theories but was wrong on both counts. I did figure out the problem before Merit did though...

There are some changes that take place in Drink Deep, including two shockers near the end of the book. I think most people will be happy with the surprise and not so happy with the twist (I'm sorry I can't be any less cryptic without giving away spoilers). I surprised myself by being not so happy about the surprise, but can't wait to find out what's going on with the twist - this one's going to be good, I can feel it!!

So, again, I've got to trust Ms. Neil that she knows what's best for Merit and that she'll get her HEA by the end of the series. Biting Cold is going to kill me, I can tell already!

If you're a fan of the Chicagoland Vampires series and you haven't read this book yet, there's only one reason you are reading this review. You want to know if somehow... some way... Ethan comes back. But I'm not going to answer that.

Without spoiling anything, I can tell you that I did alot of crying. Again. It's been two month since the events of Hard Bitten, and Merit is grieving. But she is also Sentinal to the Cadogen House and it's a responsibility that she still holds dear. So slowly, she is trying to pull herself together enough to do her job. Jonah, the Captain of the Guards from Grey House, is there to help her. He's serving as makeshift partner, but there are hints he would like to be more.

Cadogen is in disarray. The big vampire council has sent someone to reorganize the House and it's clear the guy's not there to help, but to undermine everything Ethan has built. Still, Cadogen doesn't have much choice but to take it.

Merit is served up a distraction from her personal problems, when yet another supernatural problem begins brewing in the Windy City. It starts with the lake turning into a magic-sucking abyss and escalates from there. The vampires aren't to blame, but hostility is growing among humans toward the supes so Merit hopes to fix the problem before her people are blamed by the public.

I'm not going to tell you anything else, plotwise, although it's tempting. I am, however, going to try to address a couple of things in broad strokes. Very early on, I had a pretty strong feeling about who was causing the problems. But despite the fact that it felt a little predictable, I might have been ok with it, until the why of it was introduced. The why-part seemed wrong... a little contrived, even. And I hate to say that, because there were alot of things I really loved in this book.

We got the chance to learn more about the other supernatural races in the context of this world: from the nymphs and sirens to the Fae and, well, whatever the heck Tate is. I loved Luc and Lindsay. I loved Malik. And Jonah. But even in his abscense, Ethan's prescence is deeply felt... both by Merit and by me, as a reader. There a great deal of emotional resonance in this book and the big theme is loyalty: what it means to the different characters and whether they manage to hold on to it.

I'm going to give it a little more than 4 stars. I would have given it more, truly, if it weren't for the problems I had with the villain reveal. But definitely a must-read for any fan of the series.

After skimming the reviews on here I was very apprehensive about reading Drink Deep. Now I'm just confused at all the scorching bad reviews. I thought Chloe did a good job of recovering the storyline after the events of the last book.

I think Mallory's character changes are completely believable. She's an addict. Addiction is a disease that turns a person inside out, that makes them into something they are not normally, that blinds them to everything but whatever truth that addiction has created for them. And they can justify just about anything. I actually think the decision to explain Mallory's crimes as part of her addiction to black magic was inspired by Chloe.

As for Ethan... well we all KNEW he had to come back. Is it perfectly explained-- no not yet, but that's life. You don't always have the perfect answer for everything up front. The circumstances surrounding it certainly didn't jump the shark for me. And having linked it to the dreams Merit was having, plus with the twist that he might be bound to Mallory in an unpleasant way, I didn't feel it was unexpected or too neat at all. Quite good in fact. For the record, I do NOT want a love triangle with Jonah, but want him to become a good friend and to find someone else for himself.

So why four stars instead of five? Frank, for one. He, frankly (hehe) was not believable. I read about what his motives were-- but none of those sufficiently explained why Merit was the one he chose to persecute. Worse still, it was an unsatisfying and lazy way to make Merit join the Red Guard. Additionally, given all the other challenges the House was facing they could have easily united and gotten stronger without a caricature like Frank.

Also I was completely unimpressed by Malik and didn't get why anyone thought he was strong enough to be Second to a House, let alone be Master. He sucked and his only purpose seemed to be to allow Frank to do whatever he wanted, until the one scene at the end-- and that was attributable to Ethan anyway. I think Chloe missed an opportunity to develop a strong character out of Malik and that was disappointing.

But I only deducted one point for the Frank/Malik thing because I thought that the biggest challenges that Chloe faced: resurrecting Ethan and creating a villain out of Mallory were handled as believably as they could be.

HOWEVER, I still don't understand WHY Ethan had to die at all. Merit didn't grow as a person in this book at all, unless you count her joining the Red Guard (which considering she couldn't do anything ELSE given such obvious provocation with Frank, I don't) -- her crowning achievement was learning to jump off a building. Maybe Ethan did grow as a result though and we just haven't seen it yet. SO the only way I'll know the answer to that question is to tune in to Book 6. BUT-- CHLOE, you still got some explaining to do!! This was a stay of execution for killing Ethan. You don't get a pardon yet. So make the number 6 good!

*******NOTE: There are spoilers for previous books in this series, as well as spoilers for Drink Deep*********

The first three books of this series I loved and adored. I recommended them to many based on their snark and action appeal. But then Hard Bitten came along, and at the end, the vampire hero Ethan dies. Stake in the heart, turns to ashes. The end.

I did the whole - wait, what? Let me read that again. Seriously? I may have thrown the book across the room. I'm all for cliff hangers - I enjoy being miserable along with my friends. But this just didn't feel right. After 3 books, and most of 4, I didn't want the hero of the series to be dead. I actually thought by the end of book four Merit and Ethan would finally trust each other enough to be together. I wasn't only angry that the hero dies, but I was angry that we were still being dragged along in this series without some good solid romance. I was bitter and angry, and I remained bitter and angry as I started Drink Deep - did it skew my opinion of this book - maybe. Just putting that out there.

Now I assumed all along that Ethan would eventually come back. He has to, right? Right. I was more worried with the "how." HOW will Chloe Neill bring him back, and will it be plausible? I'll answer that in a minute. First let me set up this book.

Drink Deep starts two months after Hard Bitten ends. Right here is a problem for me because we miss all of Merit's mourning. Although sad, she is basically ready to get back to work. I think we needed to be a part of her intense mourning instead of just telling us she mourned.

Malik is now in charge of Cadogen House and has problems. The water in Lake Michigan has turned a dark, inky black and has stopped moving altogether. The public is quick to blame the vampires, but they have had nothing to do with it. Not wanting anymore riots, Merit knows they must get to the bottom of this before the public acts against the vampires even more than they do now. Now that she doesn't have Ethan to work with anymore, she turns to Jonah. Jonah is captain of the guards for Grey House, but he is also secretly a member of the Red Guard, "a secret organization dedicated to providing oversight to the American vampire Houses and the Greenwich Presidium (GP), the European council that ruled them from across the pond." Jonah has been pressuring Merit to join the Red Guard for quite some time. With the offer still open, he agrees to help Merit investigate this weird disturbance.

Meanwhile back at Cadogen House, Franklin Cabot has been appointed receiver of Cadogen House. The GP has decided they didn't like the way Cadogen House was run, so Frank was sent in to evaluate the house. He has also changed many rules and has become a complete pain in the ass for everyone that lives at Cadogen. Merit is also have vivid dreams of Ethan, usually involving some crisis, but waking up right before anything devastating happens. When the sky suddenly turns red, they realize they must get to the bottom of this before action is taken against the supernaturals.

I'll start by saying I think this book is on the slow side. Maybe that is because I was waiting, and waiting for the Ethan situation to be addressed. But while there is some action with the water turning black, and the sky turning red, there really isn't a lot going on. While Mallory is still working with Simon to pass her sorceress tests - Lindsey fills in with the snarkiness, which drew me to this series to begin with.

I was worried that Jonah would become a new love interest for Merit, and while I'm happy to say there really isn't a love triangle that develops, I don't understand Jonah's role in this book. He felt more as just a place marker in the book until Ethan could come back. There is a secret that develops between Merit and Jonah (nothing romance related) and I can see in the future this might cause tension for Merit's relationship with Ethan....and this worries me. Maybe it won't happen - but Jonah definitely has a thing for Merit, even if she doesn't necessarily return those feelings. And keeping secrets from Ethan regarding Jonah- I can see this as a set up for drama and I really hope in the next book we get a more smooth road for these two.

I've reflected as to why this series is turning me off so much and this is what I've come up with. In most UF series we read, the good guys (heroine, hero, supporting characters) are usually fighting an evil outside force. They work together to defeat this evil. What I don't like about the direction this series is going is that traumatic things keep happening to main characters.(At the end of Drink Deep another favorite character has something bad happen) They are becoming different people than how they were presented at the beginning of the series. And I don't mean they are growing and changing in a good way. I don't want to read about awful things happening to the characters I love. I want to read about the characters I love helping each other to face down the villains I love to hate.

Ethan dying wore me out and I'm really unhappy with "the how" as I mentioned above. Really unhappy. Very lackluster scene at the end. And I fear when we find out how the new predicament is to be resolved with another favorite character (the way it is set up I can't imagine it with a positive result) I will also be disappointed.

Maybe I'm just bitter over the end of the previous book, but I don't like the end of this one either. The big scene at the end lacked emotion, which is my biggest disappointment. And then another cliffhanger. Not what I was expecting.

Let me start off with noting how excited I was that there was a package at my doorstep.....and after I was done I tossed the book across my coffee table and thought to myself "glad that's over with". Lets face it after the last book you have to read what happens next.... a lot is going on in this book and while Merit tries her best to figure out the puzzle the pieces are just a crazy mess... Neill expands on the world she's created and the "keys" finally take a place in the story line that isn't a friendly side plot. While I was shocked that Ethan was sacrificed in the last book, we can't deny that Merit is a hot, smart, loyal driven girl and that's why we love her... of course others will be attracted to her as well- I really like Jonah too, I feel bad for him. I have to agree with others that I found myself skimming through parts of the book and I will eventually go back an reread it. I just feel "blah" about the whole thing all this drama and then in a matter of pages everything is miraculously fixed and there he is again.... it was kind of weird. I'm waiting for the shoe to drop again, the carpet to be pulled from under our feet... She gains one love only to loose another in the end... will there be a balance for Merit? I just hope that now that the series has been extended that the story doesn't feel drawn out. Neill has been great thus far in not wasting word count on rehashing past events, She's so clever in the way she does it, PLEASE lets hope it doesn't change. Don't worry I'll probably pre-order the next book AND so will you!

As Drink Deep opens, Vampire Merit is trying to get over the events that took place in the previous book, Hard Bitten. She's made the decision to soldier on and be the vampire she needs to be in order to do her job of protecting Cadogan House and its inhabitants. To that effect, she's been working with Jonah, from Grey House, who's been teaching her a few new things and is still trying to recruit her for the Red Guard.

When Lake Michigan suddenly turns black and stops moving, Chicago immediately blames it on their favorite supernatural scapegoat - the vampires. Merit's job is to find out what's happening and make it stop, but in the absence of any clues she doesn't know how to fix it. Adding to Merit's problems is Frank, the receiver appointed by the Greenwich Presidium to review Cadogan House; he's instituted a new policy of blood-rationing and is trying to edge Merit out of her position at the House.

While trying to solve the city's problem and dealing with Frank's machinations at the house, Merit is also trying to salvage her fractured friendship with Mallory, and that's not going so well either. Has Merit finally taken on too much to handle? Are the vampires going to finally be ousted from Chicago, or will it only be Cadogan House that suffers....

My Thoughts:
Ms. Neill's world-building is so well crafted it's like going back home after vacation each time I pick up the newest installment - as soon as I open the book I fall right in and immerse myself in this fictional, vampire-infused Chicago. Merit continues to be one of my favorite UF heroines - she's tough, smart, loyal, and persistent, but not obnoxiously so. She's definitely the kind of chick I'd love to have as a friend, if she wasn't a vampire ; The cast and crew of secondary characters are well-rounded and consistent - they stress me out right along with Merit!

I've got a little confession to make: I liked Jonah in Hard Bitten and like him even more in Drink Deep. *points to self* I'm definitely a Jonah fan; he's a stand-up guy and I think he and Merit work well together. Is there some attraction there? Sure, but Merit handles it nicely and I like the underlying tension between them; I"m a sucker for a love-triangle and usually try to see one whether it's there or not.

After the last book, I didn't want to see Tate ever again. He's back in Drink Deep and creeps me the *f* out. He talked Merit out of something that I hope won't come back to haunt her.

As far as the mystery of the lake, I enjoyed it - I kept flip-flopping between two theories but was wrong on both counts. I did figure out the problem before Merit did though...

There are some changes that take place in Drink Deep, including two shockers near the end of the book. I think most people will be happy with the surprise and not so happy with the twist (I'm sorry I can't be any less cryptic without giving away spoilers). I surprised myself by being not so happy about the surprise, but can't wait to find out what's going on with the twist - this one's going to be good, I can feel it!!

So, again, I've got to trust Ms. Neil that she knows what's best for Merit and that she'll get her HEA by the end of the series. Biting Cold is going to kill me, I can tell already!

If you're a fan of the Chicagoland Vampires series and you haven't read this book yet, there's only one reason you are reading this review. You want to know if somehow... some way... Ethan comes back. But I'm not going to answer that.

Without spoiling anything, I can tell you that I did alot of crying. Again. It's been two month since the events of Hard Bitten, and Merit is grieving. But she is also Sentinal to the Cadogen House and it's a responsibility that she still holds dear. So slowly, she is trying to pull herself together enough to do her job. Jonah, the Captain of the Guards from Grey House, is there to help her. He's serving as makeshift partner, but there are hints he would like to be more.

Cadogen is in disarray. The big vampire council has sent someone to reorganize the House and it's clear the guy's not there to help, but to undermine everything Ethan has built. Still, Cadogen doesn't have much choice but to take it.

Merit is served up a distraction from her personal problems, when yet another supernatural problem begins brewing in the Windy City. It starts with the lake turning into a magic-sucking abyss and escalates from there. The vampires aren't to blame, but hostility is growing among humans toward the supes so Merit hopes to fix the problem before her people are blamed by the public.

I'm not going to tell you anything else, plotwise, although it's tempting. I am, however, going to try to address a couple of things in broad strokes. Very early on, I had a pretty strong feeling about who was causing the problems. But despite the fact that it felt a little predictable, I might have been ok with it, until the why of it was introduced. The why-part seemed wrong... a little contrived, even. And I hate to say that, because there were alot of things I really loved in this book.

We got the chance to learn more about the other supernatural races in the context of this world: from the nymphs and sirens to the Fae and, well, whatever the heck Tate is. I loved Luc and Lindsay. I loved Malik. And Jonah. But even in his abscense, Ethan's prescence is deeply felt... both by Merit and by me, as a reader. There a great deal of emotional resonance in this book and the big theme is loyalty: what it means to the different characters and whether they manage to hold on to it.

I'm going to give it a little more than 4 stars. I would have given it more, truly, if it weren't for the problems I had with the villain reveal. But definitely a must-read for any fan of the series.

After skimming the reviews on here I was very apprehensive about reading Drink Deep. Now I'm just confused at all the scorching bad reviews. I thought Chloe did a good job of recovering the storyline after the events of the last book.

I think Mallory's character changes are completely believable. She's an addict. Addiction is a disease that turns a person inside out, that makes them into something they are not normally, that blinds them to everything but whatever truth that addiction has created for them. And they can justify just about anything. I actually think the decision to explain Mallory's crimes as part of her addiction to black magic was inspired by Chloe.

As for Ethan... well we all KNEW he had to come back. Is it perfectly explained-- no not yet, but that's life. You don't always have the perfect answer for everything up front. The circumstances surrounding it certainly didn't jump the shark for me. And having linked it to the dreams Merit was having, plus with the twist that he might be bound to Mallory in an unpleasant way, I didn't feel it was unexpected or too neat at all. Quite good in fact. For the record, I do NOT want a love triangle with Jonah, but want him to become a good friend and to find someone else for himself.

So why four stars instead of five? Frank, for one. He, frankly (hehe) was not believable. I read about what his motives were-- but none of those sufficiently explained why Merit was the one he chose to persecute. Worse still, it was an unsatisfying and lazy way to make Merit join the Red Guard. Additionally, given all the other challenges the House was facing they could have easily united and gotten stronger without a caricature like Frank.

Also I was completely unimpressed by Malik and didn't get why anyone thought he was strong enough to be Second to a House, let alone be Master. He sucked and his only purpose seemed to be to allow Frank to do whatever he wanted, until the one scene at the end-- and that was attributable to Ethan anyway. I think Chloe missed an opportunity to develop a strong character out of Malik and that was disappointing.

But I only deducted one point for the Frank/Malik thing because I thought that the biggest challenges that Chloe faced: resurrecting Ethan and creating a villain out of Mallory were handled as believably as they could be.

HOWEVER, I still don't understand WHY Ethan had to die at all. Merit didn't grow as a person in this book at all, unless you count her joining the Red Guard (which considering she couldn't do anything ELSE given such obvious provocation with Frank, I don't) -- her crowning achievement was learning to jump off a building. Maybe Ethan did grow as a result though and we just haven't seen it yet. SO the only way I'll know the answer to that question is to tune in to Book 6. BUT-- CHLOE, you still got some explaining to do!! This was a stay of execution for killing Ethan. You don't get a pardon yet. So make the number 6 good!

*******NOTE: There are spoilers for previous books in this series, as well as spoilers for Drink Deep*********

The first three books of this series I loved and adored. I recommended them to many based on their snark and action appeal. But then Hard Bitten came along, and at the end, the vampire hero Ethan dies. Stake in the heart, turns to ashes. The end.

I did the whole - wait, what? Let me read that again. Seriously? I may have thrown the book across the room. I'm all for cliff hangers - I enjoy being miserable along with my friends. But this just didn't feel right. After 3 books, and most of 4, I didn't want the hero of the series to be dead. I actually thought by the end of book four Merit and Ethan would finally trust each other enough to be together. I wasn't only angry that the hero dies, but I was angry that we were still being dragged along in this series without some good solid romance. I was bitter and angry, and I remained bitter and angry as I started Drink Deep - did it skew my opinion of this book - maybe. Just putting that out there.

Now I assumed all along that Ethan would eventually come back. He has to, right? Right. I was more worried with the "how." HOW will Chloe Neill bring him back, and will it be plausible? I'll answer that in a minute. First let me set up this book.

Drink Deep starts two months after Hard Bitten ends. Right here is a problem for me because we miss all of Merit's mourning. Although sad, she is basically ready to get back to work. I think we needed to be a part of her intense mourning instead of just telling us she mourned.

Malik is now in charge of Cadogen House and has problems. The water in Lake Michigan has turned a dark, inky black and has stopped moving altogether. The public is quick to blame the vampires, but they have had nothing to do with it. Not wanting anymore riots, Merit knows they must get to the bottom of this before the public acts against the vampires even more than they do now. Now that she doesn't have Ethan to work with anymore, she turns to Jonah. Jonah is captain of the guards for Grey House, but he is also secretly a member of the Red Guard, "a secret organization dedicated to providing oversight to the American vampire Houses and the Greenwich Presidium (GP), the European council that ruled them from across the pond." Jonah has been pressuring Merit to join the Red Guard for quite some time. With the offer still open, he agrees to help Merit investigate this weird disturbance.

Meanwhile back at Cadogen House, Franklin Cabot has been appointed receiver of Cadogen House. The GP has decided they didn't like the way Cadogen House was run, so Frank was sent in to evaluate the house. He has also changed many rules and has become a complete pain in the ass for everyone that lives at Cadogen. Merit is also have vivid dreams of Ethan, usually involving some crisis, but waking up right before anything devastating happens. When the sky suddenly turns red, they realize they must get to the bottom of this before action is taken against the supernaturals.

I'll start by saying I think this book is on the slow side. Maybe that is because I was waiting, and waiting for the Ethan situation to be addressed. But while there is some action with the water turning black, and the sky turning red, there really isn't a lot going on. While Mallory is still working with Simon to pass her sorceress tests - Lindsey fills in with the snarkiness, which drew me to this series to begin with.

I was worried that Jonah would become a new love interest for Merit, and while I'm happy to say there really isn't a love triangle that develops, I don't understand Jonah's role in this book. He felt more as just a place marker in the book until Ethan could come back. There is a secret that develops between Merit and Jonah (nothing romance related) and I can see in the future this might cause tension for Merit's relationship with Ethan....and this worries me. Maybe it won't happen - but Jonah definitely has a thing for Merit, even if she doesn't necessarily return those feelings. And keeping secrets from Ethan regarding Jonah- I can see this as a set up for drama and I really hope in the next book we get a more smooth road for these two.

I've reflected as to why this series is turning me off so much and this is what I've come up with. In most UF series we read, the good guys (heroine, hero, supporting characters) are usually fighting an evil outside force. They work together to defeat this evil. What I don't like about the direction this series is going is that traumatic things keep happening to main characters.(At the end of Drink Deep another favorite character has something bad happen) They are becoming different people than how they were presented at the beginning of the series. And I don't mean they are growing and changing in a good way. I don't want to read about awful things happening to the characters I love. I want to read about the characters I love helping each other to face down the villains I love to hate.

Ethan dying wore me out and I'm really unhappy with "the how" as I mentioned above. Really unhappy. Very lackluster scene at the end. And I fear when we find out how the new predicament is to be resolved with another favorite character (the way it is set up I can't imagine it with a positive result) I will also be disappointed.

Maybe I'm just bitter over the end of the previous book, but I don't like the end of this one either. The big scene at the end lacked emotion, which is my biggest disappointment. And then another cliffhanger. Not what I was expecting.

This is book #5 in the Chicagoland Vampire series. I would not read it unless you've read the other books first. I liked it, but I was a little let down. You spend most of the story with Merit tryng to figure out what is turning the lake black. Then at the end of the book, you get the answers and a whole lot more questions in just a couple pages. The ending seemed very rushed. That said, I'm looking forward to Biting Cold. Hopefully, the story will be spread out evenly again, instead of all at the end!

I thuroughly enjoyed this book, and like some of the character developments. I would like to see Merit get mad enough to really push back sometime. I like the impossibility of some situations, as they are true to life. Glad to see some characters back, will this minute check to see when the next book will be out. Can't wait!

Yes this story was slightly predictable for the first 3/4ths of the book and was a bit slow to start, but it was completely worth it. The build up was for a reason and once you get to the end you fully understand why Niell wrote the novel the way she did. The wait to reach the climax is one-hundred percent worth it, especially when you get to it. To summarize it the best I can, it was jaw-droppingly amazing!

Other reviewers have been less than kind to the latest installment in Merit's adventures. I even read a few people complaining that they wasted "90 percent" of the book waiting for a certain event to happen. Oh come on, people. I really thought this was a good one and it was nice to see that Merit could carry a story without Ethan being in the forefront of the action (though he was in her thoughts). There was a lot of drama, particularly with the strange events in Chicago and the House receivership, and the ending was, in my opinion, pretty unexpected. Maybe I'm too easily amused or something, but I didn't find half the faults with this book that other reviewers did, and I look forward to the next one.

So I got the book from the library just to read the Ethan/Merit scenes. SO GLAD I did not put out any money for it. BLECH for the whole story. Isnt there a 0 star rating we can use?

The unsatisfying outster of Frank, the disappointing crash and burn of Mallory, the shabby treatment of Jonah, the anticlimatic/inexplicable way of Ethan's return, the frustrating jump over the aftermath/grief of Ethans's death in the house....the list can go on and on and on and on.....

Ms Neill said "trust me?"...fool me once shame on you.....and dont worry, there wont be a fool me twice...my momma didnt raise no fool.

Okay so let me say that I was shocked, dismayed and very distressed with Ethan's demise in Hard Bitten. I mean really what author takes out one of her main characters in the series? Well, Chloe Neill took a huge chance and took Ethan from Merit ..............not to mention all of the rest of us! But that didn't stop me from picking up Drink Deep as soon as it hit the stores. I love this series, which I happened upon at my local library.

I liked the story in Drink Deep. I found it to be very plausible in regards to Merit's reaction to life after Ethan, without getting way too depressing. I read this book in one day and was very happy with the ending. I can't wait till this summer, when book #6 comes out!

Count me in - I'm still a Chicagoland fan!!

This is my favorite series - but not my favorite book in the series. I really did enjoy some of the twists and turns but I felt like everything happened in the last chapters of the book and like other readers - I felt like it was really rushed. The pace throughout the book was pretty good otherwise, but I felt cheated at the end, like a kid at Christmas with the anticipation growing for a few months - then it comes and you open socks and underwear, kind of anti-climatic. I still really enjoyed the book and I can see how it opens up multiple options for the writer. I am really looking to the next one...

I thought this would be a difficult review to write but in fact it is one of the easiest I have ever written because I am so passionate about this series. So where shall I start. First I suppose I should say a little bit about the Chicagoland Vampire series. It is as you can probably guess set in Chicago and is primarily about the vampires that live there. The stories are written in the first person from Merit's point of view. Merit was an English student who was turned vampire against her will by the Master vampire Ethan in order to save her life. Now if you haven't read the previous 4 Chicagoland books then why not they are awesome in my opinion and if you want to read them you may want to turn away now because there will be spoilers on those books.

I was so excited when I received my copy of Drink Deep that I started reading straightaway. I had waited 6 tortuous months for this moment and nothing was going to stop me from reading it, in fact I didn't stop until I finished it late last night. I was apprehensive when I started with how Ms Neill was going to deal with Ethan's death in the previous book Hard Bitten. I had read that some people were giving up on the series because of how the last book ended. But I applauded Ms Neill for the brave decision she made with killing Ethan. No I didn't want Ethan dead but like in real life bad unpleasant things happen and we just have to accept it and move on. Plus it got everyone talking about Hard Bitten and craving Drink Deep, well played Ms Neill. So before I turned the first page I thought to myself. Did I want Ethan to be brought back to life? Yes of course I did I absolutely love and adore Ethan and I was heart broken when he died. Did I want Ethan to stay dead? Yes I also wanted this too. I didn't want a cheesy way in which he could be resurrected like the whole waking up from a dream thing with Bobby Ewing in Dallas. I also wanted to see how the series would be taken forward without Ethan.

Right so lets get down to the nitty gritty of Drink Deep. You probably have read the blurb but basically strange things are happening in Chicago. Lake Michigan has turned black and is sucking all the magic from the city. The GP has put Franklin Cabot a GP representative into Cadogan House to try and get it in order and Merit is trying to get her life as Sentinel back on track without Ethan. Merit is ordered to get to the bottom of Lake Michigan turning black and to assist her she enlists the help of Grey House guard Jonah.

I have mixed feelings about this book. It is quite a slow story with all the action taking place in the last quarter of the book. In fact I got a little bored at times with the first three quarters of the book. I don't know if this is because I just wanted to get the Ethan issue resolved or not. There are the usual characters in this installment but they tend to take a back seat and Jonah is very much a main character. I really liked Jonah I haven't been too keen on him in the previous books but he really started to shine for me in this. He isn't an Ethan replacement, no one ever could be, but I did like him. There is a main theme running through the book in that Merit and her vampires are getting unfairly treated. The humans are blaming them for everything and Franklin is giving them orders and setting tests that they will inevitably fail. This really got to me in the end I was fed up with everyone picking on the vampires and nobody doing anything about it. I wanted Merit to stand up and do something instead of just taking it on the chin every time. I also felt that the last quarter of the book was rushed. I did like the pace of it because it fitted with the events that happen but some of the scenes could have been longer for me. We are left with an exciting ending that once again has me begging for more but thankfully it is not on the scale of Hard Bitten. I really don't know what rating to give this book, I want to give the first bit 3 stars and the last bit 5 stars. Well that's all isn't it? Oh right you want to know if Ethan comes back, well let me tell you......you will just have to read and find out for yourself.

You all will have to forgive me - I don't usually write reviews, I just read and review aloud. However, after finishing this book this morning, I was compelled to share my thoughts regarding.

I have to say, I was absolutely surprised at how so very, absolutely and terribly...boring I found this book. Prior to reading, I was a really big Merit fan, loved her, loved the action, intrigue, the love/hate/like/lust relationship she had with Ethan, and just about everything about the story. I read Ms. Neill's website, took a deep breath, and "trusted her." I regret that now (and I don't believe in regretting anything I do). While I realize the author has to be true to the story, and there was some attempt to redeem it (the story) in the fans eyes - for more than 3/4's of the book, that "wow" that "it" that "x factor" that made the story so great, was missing. Without giving it away for those who have not read it, I will simply say - I am going to B&N and doing something so totally out of character for a woman that at one point owned more than 5,000 books - I am returning the book for a refund.

Despite what some of the other reviews have said, I liked this book. I believe Merit's reaction to Ethan's death was very realistic. Her actions and behaviors reflect one who is still grieving but also wants to carry on. I also believe that Mallory hoped to bring Ethan back for Merit's benefit, or at least she could say that's why she did it. I was so upset at Ethan's death that I, for one, am so glad he's back. I look forward to the next book, when Merit and Ethan are out seeking Mallory. Will she have any control other Ethan? August is a long time to wait.

Merit should have known she wouldn't get a chance to fully come to terms with her loss before being thrust into the middle of another crisis. The humans in general are becoming more of a problem as they try to pass a registration act for all paranormals. Fuel is only added to the fire as Lake Michigan and the rivers turn completely black and stop flowing. Of course, the vampires are the first to be blamed as protesters come out in leagues. Merit will have to step up to get to the bottom of things before the tensions boil over, or her grief will be the least of her worries.

Drink Deep picked up two months after the ending events of Hard Bitten, and Merit is still in a staggering state of grief. Yet she is slowly trying to pick up the pieces and move forward the best that she can. She seemed to be making progress, but every so often the loss would overcome her and she breaks completely down. It is the fact that she continues to pick up the pieces and muster on that shows her true strength in character. Everyone of course has their own opinion about how she should be dealing, with some wanting to hurry her on, and others trying to hold her back. One character in particular incredibly infuriated me when they questioned whether or not Merit was respecting Ethan's memory. I just don't think it is anyone's right to tell her when it is time to fully move on, and Merit definitely felt the same way. Even so, Merit was able to see outside her own hurt to keep her duty to the others of her house as they are in that same state of grieving. It would have been so easy for her to forget that she wasn't the only one who lost something, but she never once did, making her truly admirable. They always say "A person's true character is defined in their darkest hour," and there can be no fault found with Merit.

The actual danger and plot of Drink Deep was a pretty much a giant wild goose chase. It was a massive case of pointing fingers, and Merit was generally led in circles as she tried to get to the bottom of things. The end result left me more than a little shocked, even though looking back I realize that I should have seen things coming. However, what made the actual build up the most interesting was the whole new depth to the supernatural world that we are introduced to in this book. Things were so much simpler back when there were only vampires, but then again simple is rarely interesting. I am eager to see where these new developments lead, and what new dangers they may possess.

The events of this book will have many political ramifications in the future, but in Drink Deep, they were merely set up. With the absurdity of the receiver placed upon Cadogan house, as well as the relations with humans, the political side of things will more than likely play a larger role than ever before in future installments, something I am both eager, yet nervous to see. While there was much grieving in Drink Deep, the overall theme of the book seemed to be hope. This honestly surprised me as I couldn't imagine how there could really be any other emotion than devastation and other negative feelings. Yet trust, hope, compassion, and even the potential for love all play their parts. This proves Chloe Neill knows how to write a well rounded book full of emotional depth that will easily suck the reader into Merit's world. While there wasn't really a cliffhanger ending, if you are anything like me, you will already be looking forward to the next installment and what the future may hold. All I can say is bravo to Chloe Neill for once again making my presumptions of what was to come be thrown out the window, making for a completely unpredictable read that left me more than satisfied.

Spoilers..... YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!!
READ AT OWN RISK!!!!!!!!!!!!

To start out with the ending for Hard Bitten left really upset, when Ethan died I cried for like months so when this book came out I didn't want to read it. I waited a month till I felt like I was ready then bought it. I think because of that choice I enjoyed the book a lot. I grieved with Merit all through this book but I was also happy when she started to work with Jonah I think Chloe did a really good job of making me feel what Merit was feeling. Also I liked the relationship Merit had with Jonah I don't think that will be the last time we readers see them together, and although I love Merit with Ethan I also liked Jonah with Merit I thought they made a good team.

Some things I did not like about the book was that it was really really slow and took awhile for me to get into to. Also i thought when Ethan came back it moved to quickly I would have liked more Ethan and Merit time. But I guess I'll have to wait till the next book. also I don't think the whole fairy scene had to be in it, it was a drag to read don't really know what Chloe was trying to get at there. my favorite part however of the whole book was, shocking not when Ethan came back, but when Malik told Frank to get out of the house. I was so happy I got up and danced. Yeah I know I'm a dork. And finely the one thin that really pissed me off was Tate. He was just sooooooooooo annoying throughout the whole BOOK. I just wanted to slap the guy, and that says something cause I'm not violently, really I'm not. To start off I don't like the guy which I guess makes sense because Merit does not but I felt like his part did not have to be in the book, they did not move the story along at all. But all in all it was a slow but good read, I would recommend it to anyone who already loves the series, it was not the best but you'll like it anyway.

Two months after being devastated by the death of Ethan, Merit is attempting to move on. She feels like a huge piece of her life is missing, but as Sentinal for Cadogan House, she must protect her house and it's inhabitants from the human still protesting vampires existence and the receiver (one Franklin Cabot) the GP has sent to watch over them.

So while fighting with the edicts and rules that Frankfuter, as Lindsay calls him, put into place (things like no junk food, rationing bagged blood, no feeding from fellow vampires, no concerning yourself with human interests and participating in ridiculous physical endurance challenges), Merit soon finds herself investigating what is causing Lake Michigan and the Chicago River to seemingly become lifeless, why the sky appears to be burning and why mounds of earth are suddenly thrusting upwards into the middle of Wrigley Field. If that weren't enough, we have ex-Mayor Tate still trying to wreak havoc from behind bars, the new mayor (with presidential aspirations) deciding it's time to crackdown on all the supernaturals in the city and force them to register all while McKetrick pulls the mayor's strings in hopes of some in sighting vampire genocide.

What Merit discovers is an ancient magic is being used to create the anomalies attacking the city. It's now up to Merit, along with Jonah, Catcher and her grandfather, to try and figure out who on their list of possible suspects is responsible and stop them before vampires are wrongfully accused of creating the issue. But as they get closer to finding the person (or persons) responsible, Merit finds herself looking a little to close to home and learning the devastating effects of addiction.

Merit has to deal with a lot in this installment of the Chicagoland Vampire series. There's the receiver, who seems out to get her and pretty much destroy the house, her decision on whether or not to join the RG based on what the GP is allowing to be done to Cadogan House and then there is the after effects of Ethan's death and the nightmares keep Ethan in the forefront of Merit's mind. She has a pretty full plate before you add any of the other supernatural business.

Merit inner circle is changing too in this installment, which also piles onto her already overflowing plate.

Jonah, Guard Captain for Grey House (and he would be RG partner), becomes a huge ally for Merit. He wants more than friendship from her, but he knows she's still dealing with the fallout from Ethan's death. For now, he'll settle for partners. And he's a good partner, helping Merit when she needs it and knowing when to back off.

Mallory is beginning her sorceress testing with Simon. While Mallory seems "off" and extremely stressed, Merit chalks everything up to the testing. But certain events happen that has Merit questioning what Mallory is doing. Mallory is in a really bad place (I won't say more...you must read the book).

If Mallory is in a really bad place, than you probably don't want to be where poor Catcher is. Considering his job and the things that are going on in Chicago, you figure he's probably already stressed because of work. But then you add the insecurity of his relationship with Mallory and him being convinced that Simon is poisoning Mallory's mind against him and you have a very, very, very unhappy Catcher. It's no wonder he snapped at Mallory every time she called.

The ending is a bit "cliffhangerish" but nothing like Hard Bitten. I think what transpires in the last chapter will negate the cliffhanger. It does leave questions, of which I have many but can't post because then I will give away the last chapter, but I will pose this one. If the trip to Omaha doesn't go as planned, what kind of ripple effect with that have for Merit and everyone else in Chicago?

After Hard Bitten, I was admittedly worried with how the series would continue but Drink Deep manages a smooth and realistic continuation of events. I also appreciate the continued world building with the reader discovering new complexities in the supernatural community throughout the novel in a very natural seeming way, which is something a lot of fantasy novels seem to struggle with. New aspects seem to be smoothly integrated without seemingly appearing only as plot devices or to further the story.

Merit is facing an apparently apocalyptic scenario in Chicago, and deteriorating relations with humans, without her normal support system with Ethan dead and Mallory distracted by her exams. She also has to deal with issues within Cadogan house, which was placed into receivership at the end of Hard Bitten, as the receiver, a man named Frank Cabot, makes life exceedingly difficult for the members of the house.

The author does a good job at showing how Merit is still dealing with her grief, while being determined to combat the new threats to her city, her house, and her friends. I appreciate the strength she shows in the face of the challenges facing her, and dealing with the reality of her loss.

The conclusion of this book manages to wrap up the events of the novel in a satisfying, and fairly unpredictable, manner while setting the stage for the next novel. This was another great book in the Chicagoland Vampire series.

Ok so I bought the book even though I really wasn't going to after the last one. Let me just say if I wanted to read YA then that's what I would buy, I'm glad Eathan is back but I didn't think it was necessary to kill him off to begin with they are a really great couple and work well as a team. That said enough of the kiddie drama with Eathan and Merit either it's love or it's not 2 months after he dies she's contemplating having another relationship how shallow can she be she is supposed to be an adult. I loved the first 3 books I thought the plot lines were great but now it's just like YA vampire diaries type of thing. I think they could have been
One of the great couples like bones and cat but it seems like they are to immature to pull it off. I do think the aurthor is exreamly
Talented and this series can be great but she needs to remember people are buying this book listed under paranormal romance
So they don't want to be annoyed while reading, there is enough stuff going on in world to depress people.

Do you like realistic action? Then don't bother reading this.
Do you like plot driven books? Then don't bother reading Drink Deep.
Do you like smart writing that makes you think? Then don't bother.
Do you like to waste your life reading works that could have been put together by talented high school students... Then read this book!
I enjoyed the first book but the second was just ok and numbers three & four were kind of Blah... My advice is don't waste your time, money, effort or storage space on this book. I am really disappointed at having a promising first work turn into such mediocrity. Good luck finding good literature.

It's been two months since the nail-biting events of Hard Bitten, and Merit is still dealing with the fall-out from what occurred. As Cadogan House is investigated for mismanagement and blood rations keep everyone on edge, there's also trouble when Lake Michigan suddenly turns black and fingers are pointed at the vamps. Merit must work together with Jonah, the attractive captain of the guards at Grey House, to find out who's really responsible, even as she's haunted by dreams that she doesn't understand.

Merit has always been a strong, smart, and funny heroine, but her loyalty and her honor really come through in this particular book. We also get more kickass fight scenes, interesting political developments as a pending paranormal registration act causes tempers to flare, complicated problems with Merit's best friend Mallory, skies that turn ruby red, and tense run-ins with faeries and lake sirens. I also liked that Malik has stepped up in a stronger role at Cadogan, and how respect and trust and allegiance are, as always, big themes in this series.

But never mind all that--you want to know about Ethan! The sexy, green-eyed Master is never far from Merit's mind, and he casts a long shadow over all of the turmoil at Cadogan House. After the sucker punch dealt to fans in the last book, many of us worried about the direction that the series was taking. But most readers are going to be very, very satisfied with the way Merit deals with her feelings for Ethan as well as her reluctant attraction to Jonah. I am really happy that she finds the strength to come to terms with this very tricky situation, and every development in this story arc feels completely right and emotionally true.

It's impressive how Chloe Neill continues to juggle a sizable cast of characters and all kinds of interesting subplots while moving Merit's personal story forward. There's no doubt at all that this series will continue to deliver the great stories and quality entertainment we've come to expect. AChicagoland has always been the cream of the crop for this genre, and Drink Deep is by far the best book in the series to date.

*An advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.*

Oh My Goodness does not even cover this book!!! If you love the previous books then you will no doubt love this book too. I found it very hard to put this book down! Things get soooo interesting and very deep(pun intended)! She asked all of us after the last book Hard Bitten to trust her and I do trust her very much! I look forward to reading the books that will follow this one! Love it so much!

The vampires residing in Cadogan House are going through a rough time from without and within. Externally the mayor believes vampires are an abomination that should be ethically and ethnically cleansed from the planet. Internally, the Order has dispatched Frank Cabot of Cabot House to judge them based on whether the Cadogan clan is changing the rules.

Merit knows her performance as the Cadogan Sentinel is poor as she cannot focus on her duties since she lost the love of her life Ethan the Master of the house. One night the lakes and rivers turn black. The politicians led by the mayor blame the vampires which angers the suspicious humans. Merit discusses the crisis with the Dryads and the Siren; each insists they had nothing to do with the mess. When Lake Michigan and the other waters turn black again, the night sky turns red. The Queen of the Fairies informs Merit that an elemental magic practitioner is causing the environmental crisis. Merit knows time is running out on her investigation as the state wants the paranormal registered as documented aliens with no inalienable rights at the same time humans demand vigilante mob justice.

Urban fantasy fans will enjoy the latest fascinating Chicagoland Vampires thriller (see Twice Bitten). Using recent immigration furor as a theme, Chloe Neil provides an insightful exciting look at de facto and de jure prejudice even though most of the paranormal want either to be left alone in peace or to help mankind who despises them. Keeping the entertaining story line focused, Merit proves her fortitude as she still reels over Ethan, but pulls herself together accepting the threat to the existence of vampires and humans is tangible and she need to fix it.

Harriet Klausner

Urgent request to the author...please stop writing this series. Try to end it on a good note...like going all or nothing. This installment really dissapointed me...specially the end, which is surprisingly close to the same ending in another vampire series. The resurection of the principal character from the dead is kind of used already don't you think. And while in the other book I read, the resurrection of the male protagonist did work...it did not in this series.

At the end of Hard Bitten we were all in tears, but Drink Deep packed a powerhouse of awesomesauce.

When the going gets tough, Merit takes it and keeps going. She fights for what is right in the world, while all the wrongs are piling up. While still grieving for the loss of Master, Partner, and love Ethan, Merit has to rise above her immediate grief as all hell breaks apart in the natural world. As the rivers turn black, the skies burn, and the earth turns the supernatural community is blamed and Cadogan House is the main target of the human, and media clash.

Merit has to save her community, her house, her life, and her friends all in Drink Deep and while it all hurts, Merit keeps kicking arse.

I loved Drink Deep. I could not put it down. DD tied all of the elements from the series and revealed new things about these so well loved characters. Through every twist and every turn we all wanted to be there for Merit, and as it wall was falling apart we can only hope that it gets better.

Will Ethan be a memory, or something more to Merit. Now that the world is in turmoil, what will happen with Jonah and the Red Guard, plus what will the repercussions be from the GP towards Merit and Cadogan house?

How will Merit rise above all that she has lost and will loose in the future?

Drink Deep will astound readers with its rich story line and the perseverance and compassion of the characters within this series.
The Chicagoland Vampire series will keep readers on the edge of their seats and awaiting the next book in hand, it is just that good!

I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! I can not say enough about this series, I just love it. Merit has that kick butt "I will take you down" attitude. This book has some great twists in it that was not expecting at all. It is a series that I would recommed to everyone I know who likes vampires with attitide.

This book was extremly well written and brings back all the epicness of the other books......BUT I MISS ETHAN SOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH! i cried when he died, and i cried in this book too for reasons that i will not say but im telling you: the drama for Merit only continues as she gets over what happens in book 4