Review: Chloe Neill – Biting Cold

Chicagoland Vampires Series:
 
Book 6:
 
Biting Cold: Merit and Ethan
 

 
Click here to Order on Amazon: Chloe Neill - Biting Cold: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel
Summary:
We pick this book up right where we left off with Drink Deep. Ethan is now alive due to Mallory’s magic but we don’t know exactly what that will mean for him. Ethan has proclaimed himself to Merit and things appear that they will finally work out for these two, if they can surivive the coming fight. They have to beat Mallory and now Mayor Tate to the book, or all of the world’s evil may escape. On top of that the Cadogan House has a coming review and it is not looking good for them.
 
Review:
Ok, I’ll start this review by saying that it was missing something, that something extra that the past couple of books have had. There were no real surprises and the outcome was pretty clear from the get-go. It was still a fun story but it was lacking something.
 
As for Ethan and Merit I thought finally, finally they were going to get their ish together and be roses and daisy’s from here on out, but no…. Ethan, again went all cave man on Merit, why? Because he put a bruise on her, as if she isn’t almost dying every other day anyway, like a bruise is anything to her. I guess I could see that he had a bit extra going on in his head but it was a lame excuse at best. I was actually hoping for a bit that Merit would give up on him and move on. He is so hot and cold and I kind of liked Jonah for her. But never fear they worked it out by the end so we do have a happyish ending.
 
In this book we have two Mayor Tates to worry about, yes, that’s right, two. How can there be two Mayor Tates you ask, when in previous books there was only one? Um, I’m not going to tell you, you’ve got t read the book. But I can tell you this; one of the Mayor Tates has a serious attitude problem and needs to die ASAP!
 
So what happens with Mallory? I thought this whole book would be about battling Mallory, but really, that was wrapped up pretty neatly in the beginning of the book. Most of Mallory’s role in this book was being contrite and occasionally consulting. She knows how big she went crazy and is now in the position of not knowing what to do to make it right. Both Catcher and Merit are at a loss as what to do with Mallory, thankfully the shifters step in. Can I say how much I love them? I wish they had bigger parts and I totally wish Gabriel was single, because I’d totally scoop him up in a heartbeat. Too bad he’s married when we first meet him that could have had interesting hook up potentials.
 
At the end we have to deal with the GP and what that means to the house. We aren’t really left with a cliffhanger per say but more of big changes coming in the future. There is a very important vote that occurs and depending on the outcome it could mean that everything changes for the Cadogan House. I’m kind of excited to see how that all work out.
 
Rating:

 

Review: Chloe Neill - Drink Deep

Chicagoland Vampires:

Book 5:

Drink Deep: Merit

Summary:

I am afraid of giving anything away, so I am not going to write the summary this time.

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 iself 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.

Review:

So after I was left in a cliff hanger from Hard Bitten I was eagerly awaiting this installment of the Chicagoland Vampires. I would have to say I was not disappointed with this book at all, there was plenty going on to keep me entertained for the duration. I’m sure the first and foremost on your mind is, Ethan. Is he brought back? Does he stay dead? And the answer is…. No way am I telling you that! You have to read to find that out, I’m not going to be the one to spoil it. Lol I can say that Ethan is very much felt in this book, Merit keeps Ethan’s presence throughout the book through her memories and deep sense of loss. She is definitely feeling the loss of her partner; however, we are not left without any man candy. For this book, we have the sexy Jonah; he is definitely making his flesh and blood presence felt. I personally like Jonah; he is sexy and funny and picks up where Ethan left off as a potential partner, lover and friend. In previous books I have always adored Mallory and Catcher, in this book both are stressed to the max with Mallory’s testing, so my quirky, funny Mallory isn’t the same. Catcher is still sexy in all of his glory. I definitely would not kick him out of bed. I was also missing out on Gabriel, I like the shifters but they were mostly missing in this book. We do however get some intriguing newbies in the Elves, Siren and Nymphs (well they aren’t new but are always entertaining). A lot goes on in this book to keep it moving along, Lake Michigan turns black along with the river; the sky looks as though it is on fire, mountains rise in the middle of the city and magick runs amuck… Regardless of what you want the outcome to be, you won’t be bored with this book.

Rating:

4.5

Summary provided by chloeneill.com

My Top 10 List

My Top Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Series Picks:

I picked these series based on three things: consistency, re-readability and how memorable the characters and plot lines are. These rankings are flexible and can change over time as I read new series or as new books come out. What do you think of this list, do you agree, disagree? What are your favorites?

#1:

My All Time Favorite:

Kresley Cole – Immortals After Dark

From the imagination we have the Immortals After Dark, a series of 11 books so far. She has a fantastic sense of humor and characters that will stick out in your mind for years to come. The characters are from the mythical work “The Lore”. The Lore is home to Lykae, Valkerie, Witches, Demons, Vampires, and various other mythical creatures.  Each book can be read as a standalone as well as part of the series. I read these books completely out of order and did not feel like I missed anything. Usually every series has at least one “miss”, but for me this is not the case with this series. Even Ms. Coles “miss” is still a solid four moons ranking for me.  Currently, fans of this series are waiting on pins and needles for the next installment “Lothaire” due out in Jan 2012.

#2:

Jeaniene Frost – Night Huntress Series

From the imagination of Jeaniene Frost we have the Night Huntress series which follows Cat and Bones. This is a high octane action Urban Fantasy series, made up primarily of vampires. From the first book you are ensnared in the fast paced action and sarcastic wit of the main characters. The primary characters are Cat and Bones, but there is a recurring supporting cast that is just as memorable as the main characters. This series is also very consistant, I don’t think I ranked any book of this series lower then a 4. J. frost keeps me coming back for more.  We are currently 6 books deep on this series.

#3:

Larissa Ione – Demonica/Lords of Deliverance

From the imagination of Larissa Ione you have the Demonica Series and now the spinoff of the Lords of Deliverance.  Now technically this is two different series but they are set in the same world. The Demonica series is only 5 books long which is not nearly enough, but thankfully we now have the Lords of Deliverance. This world is a part of the underworld that contains Demons, Angels and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Ione creates an in depth world that you will have no problems envisioning. Her reads are incredibly steamy and funny. She has had me laughing so hard that I was crying, but there is still a harder edge to these books that make them darker and grittier. Ione is also very consistent. I have loved every book written and the Demonica series is home of one of my favorite book boyfriends Lore.

Gena Showalter – Lords of the Underworld

From the imagination of Gena Showalter we have the beloved Lords of the Underworld.  The Lords as they are referred to by fans have quite the following. Made up of seriously Alpha immortal males who were punished by the gods to host demons (ex: Wrath, Violence, Death and Pain). The Lords will take up residency in your mind for a long time to come and everyone that reads this series has their favorite male.  Mine is Aeron who hosts Wrath. What is so great about these books besides the yummy Lords is Gena Showalters sense of humor; you can’t help but laugh throughout the books.  This series could almost tie for third place, the only thing that makes this series number four instead of three is I like some of the books more than others, there are a couple of books that are not necessarily “misses” but are not as memorable as the other books.

#5

Nalini Singh – Psy-Changling

From the imagination of Nalini Singh we have the Psy-Changling series which follows the races of the Changlings (animal shape shifting humans) and the Psy (Human Physics) the two groups are naturally at odds. The Psy have conditioned all emotion out of themselves, but some are staring to crack. The Changlings revere emotion and being physical basically everything the Psy have shunned.  This series has quite a bit of tension between the two groups and action. Some things I love about this series is Nalini Singh is one of the few authors that mix up her races. She features characters from every race. Her books are also altra steamy, and the world and characters are very memorable. What has this series is at number five instead of higher up is consistency is the same reason as J.R. Wards BDB, some of the books in this series are not as good as others, but the better books in the series are really good!

#6

J.R. Ward – Black Dagger Brotherhood

From the imagination of J.R. Ward we have the Black Dagger Brotherhood, which is the warrior class of the vampire race. Where vampires are born not made. This series has some serious fanatics for fans, it’s almost scary sometime. LOL. The Brotherhood consists of some of the most memorable characters you will ever come across. The Brothers are much beloved and unique they have their own lingo that you will find yourself trying to mimic, true… Every fan of this series has their favorite and it is not uncommon for fan to fight over their book boyfriend.  The best books of this series you can read over and over again and never tire of it. What ranks this series lower instead of higher is constancy, some of the books of this series really are just not great, but you have to read each book and in order otherwise you will be lost. I am actually still mad about the last release Lover Unleashed which bordered on boring.  I am waiting to see what direction Ward is going to take us with this series.

#7

Stephanie Rowe – SoulFire

From the imagination of Stephanie Rowe we have the SoulFire series which is a whole new wacky world.  This series has such a unique world and characters. At first you are kind of like huh, this is so strange and bizarre but as you continue reading because you can’t stop you utterly fall in love; at least I did. The supernatural character is not your typical species, or at least they have a unique twist. Stephanie Rowe is super funny and is not afraid to write outside the box. For example her warriors were all tortured for 150 years, so they have the tortured thing going for them but they each have a “girly” hobby that they were forced to undertake as part of their training.  Which I guess sounds stupid when I write it but when Stephanie Rowe does it becomes humorous and just a loveable part of the character.  I really want to rank this series higher, but it only has two published books so far, so that’s not really enough to rank higher. As the series moves along I have a feeling it will move up along the list because already I can’t wait for more. The third book in the series is out Jan 2012.

#8

Gena Showalter – Alien Huntress

From the imagination of Gena Showlater we have the Alien Huntress series. It is the future and aliens are now residing alongside humans on earth. There is an elite force that keeps the Alien population in check, the A.I.R., the females agents are especially vicious! This series features Gena Showalters typical humor and will have you laughing throughout.  This series started out a bit rocky, the first few books were ok, but as the series went on the books got better and better. The last two in this series counted among my favorite books of the PNR/UF genre. If this series continues getting better and better it will no doubt climb higher in the ranks, but for now since the first few books were just ok its sticking at number 8. The most recent book came out I believe early September and I’ve already read it three times.  Gena Showalter certainly knows how to write an alpha male and a vicious yet vulnerable female that needs no man to take care of her.

#9

Molly Harper – Jane Jameson

From the imagination of Molly Harper we have the Jane Jameson series.  Jane is a local librarian, or was until she got canned. She was minding her own business getting drunk when she met a very handsome stranger, really he was too good to be true. On her way home her car breaks down and she is mistake as a deer by one of the town rednecks and shot. She wakes up in the handsome stranger’s house with a thirst for blood.  I mean really could her day get any worse? This series is on this list because it is freak’n hilarious! OMG it is so funny. I adore laughing and this series had me rolling. Molly Harper has snarky down to a science, sometimes it can be too much (read a Betsy Queen of the Vampires – MaryJanice Davidson novel and you’ll understand that statement), but Molly Harper never over uses it and it is properly placed. The series follows Jane Jameson as she navigates the world of vampires, but she has a great supporting cast. Each character has a well developed personality unique to that person.  The concept itself is not unique, it’s definitely another vampire series, but it is unique in its humor.  I could re-read any of the books so far and laugh all over again. As far as being memorable, the plot lines themselves aren’t necessarily memorable but the laughing is. If you love to laugh, and enjoy a snark, this is a series for you.

#10

Anya Bast – Dark Magick

From the imagination of Anya Bast we have the Dark Magick series, the Fae were ousted to human and they responded by rounding them all up and putting them in a containment area. The Fae are ready to get out and are rounding up artifacts one by one that will bust down their magickal wall.  These are tales of a darker magick with an edgier feel.  Anya Bast knows how to weave a tale of magick and Fae.  The magick held by the characters are unique and interesting.  You will find youself pulled into this series from the beginning.  The men are powerful and super sexy, I wouldn’t kick any of them out of my bed and the women are usually as powerful as the men, which I always enjoy. I certainly don’t like a whimpering female that counts on the man to always save her, by the end of the book she should be saving herself or at least be able to. I am highly looking forward to the next book out in Feb 2012, there are only three books out so far and one novella, so it’s still a pretty new series. Although I really enjoy this series when the books are out I have not yet re-read any of the books in this series and it’s not as memorable of some of the others on the list.

Honorable Mentions:

Nalini Singh - Guild Hunter

This series has the potential to move up along the ranks and quick as more books come out. There are a few vampires, angels and hunters that I can't wait to see matched up.

Chloe Niell - Chicagoland Vampires

I enjoy this series, but I'm a bit mad at Chloe Niell right now, if you read the series you know why. So I am waiting to see if she is going to make it up to me on the newest release in Novemebr.

June Reading List

So in attempt to bring down my TBR mountain I have committed to not purchase any new books for the entire month of June and let me tell you I’m halfway through the month and it is HARD! So here is my reading list for the month. With a couple of weeks left in the month I think I can pull it off!

Patricia Briggs:

Mercy Thompson Series:

Moon Called – Complete and Reviewed

Blood Bound - Complete and Reviewed

Iron Kissed - Complete and Reviewed

Bone Crossed - Complete and Reviewed

Silver Borne – Complete and Reviewed

River marked - Complete

Chloe Neill:

Chicagoland Vampires Series:

Some Girls Bite – Complete and Reviewed

Friday Night Bites – Complete and Reviewed

Twice Bitten - Complete and Reviewed

Hard Bitten - Complete and Reviewed

Susan Donovan:

Burning Up – Complete

Lydia Dare:

Coig Series:

ARC In the Heat of the Bite – Complete and Reviewed

Lynsay Sands:

Argenau Vampires:

The Reluctant Vampire - Complete

Alexis Morgan:

Paladins Series:

Bound By Darkness - Complete and Reviewed

Olivia Cunning:

Sinners on Tours Series:

Backstage Pass - Complete

Rock Hard - Complete

Review: Chloe Neill - Hard Bitten

Chicagoland Vampires:

Book 4:

Hard Bitten: Merit

Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals--and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are ... tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else…. From chloeneill.com

Summary:

Vampire violence is escalating throughout the city of Chicago, and the mayor has Ethan’s a$$ in a sling. As the longest standing Master vampire in the city the responsibility of cleaning up this newest vampire mess falls on Ethans shoulders but with the GP looking over his shoulder and demanding he not do anything about this newest issue Ethan’s hands are tied or he could lose his house. Good things he has the rebellious Merit who doesn’t much care if she pisses off the GP, her top priorities are her house, her Master and her City. With humans and vampires alike in danger Merit is determined to get to the bottom of this violence even if she has to put herself on the line.

Review:

Merit is really finding her stride as a vampire., She has realized that she is good as a vampire, she can do things she never could as a human. Where as she may not like the violence she can deal with it and usually come out on top. For this mission she will have to tap into all of her old resources and some new ones. She has powerful friends and she is not afraid to use them when she needs. There are a couple of unexpected twists at the end that may have your jaw dropping and tears coming to your eyes. So the best piece of advice that I can give you in regards to this book, which I wish someone had told me… Wait until late October to read this installment, you are left on a massive cliffhanger and you are going to want the next installment in your hands as soon as this book is done. If you are like me and the countless others that are left sitting here waiting until November you are going to be pissed you have to wait. LOL Ok maybe not pissed but antsy for the next one.

Rating:

Review: Chloe Neill - Twice Bitten

Chicagoland Vampires:

Book 3:

Twice Bitten: Merit

Merit, Chicago’s newest vampire, is learning how to play well with others. Other supernaturals, that is. Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene—and to spy for the vamps while she’s at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan’s offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission. From chloeneill.com

Summary:

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

Review:

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

Rating:

Review: Chloe Neill - Friday Night Bites

Chicagoland Vampires:

Book 2:

Friday Night Bites: Merit

Summary:

Merit is finally settling a little into her new role as Sentinel of the Cadogan House, until Ethan throws her to the wolves or should I say to her father. In order to find out if her childhood friend is reporting on some very potentially damaging news to the vampire community, Merit has to reenter the world she left years ago. The world of high society the world in which her father reigns supreme. Tensions run high throughout this novel on all fronts.

Review:

This is not my favorite of this series; quite frankly Merit is a pretty big brat throughout this book. She feels pulled in many different directions and doesn’t handle it very well. She is *itchy to Ethan, Morgan, Catcher and most especially Mallory which is the most heartbreaking. Mallory is also having a hard time with all of her changes and Merit just does not support her the way Mallory supported Merit through her change. **Boo** We get to learn more about shifters which I did really enjoy. I do enjoy the shifters! Despite Merit being a brat this is still a good read, it moves quickly and has plenty of action to keep your attention. All of your favorites all still appear in this installment so if you had a favorite from the first book, never fear you’ll get to see them again!

Rating:

Review: Chloe Neill - Some Girls Bite

Chicagoland Vampires Series:

Book 1:

Some Girls Bite: Merit

They killed me. They healed me. They changed me.

Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was mine. I was doing fine until Chicago's vampires announced their existence to the world-and then a rogue vampire attacked me. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker... and this one decided the best way to save my life was to make me the walking undead. From: chloeneill.com

Summary:

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

Review:

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

Rating: