Review: Wild Things By Chloe Neill

Wild Things
By: Chloe Neill
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #9

Description:
Since Merit was turned into a vampire, and the protector of Chicago’s Cadogan House, it’s been a wild ride. She and Master vampire Ethan Sullivan have helped make Cadogan’s vampires the strongest in North America, and forged ties with paranormal folk of all breeds and creeds, living or dead…or both.

But now those alliances are about to be tested. A strange and twisted magic has ripped through the North American Central Pack, and Merit’s closest friends are caught in the crosshairs. Gabriel Keene, the Pack Apex, looks to Merit and Ethan for help. But who—or what—could possibly be powerful enough to out-magic a shifter?

Merit is about to go toe to toe, and cold steel to cold heart, to find out.

Review:

I've missed Merit and Ethan, the two of them is hypnotizing or is it glamorizing?  Either way, I have missed them and their adventures because let's face it there always seems to be trouble following them and Wild Things is no exception.  Chloe Neill has yet again sucked me into this Chicago world of Sups and Magic and has left me wanting more. 

Too much has gone on in this book with a new mystery, old characters resurfacing and great characters still being their funny selves and let us not forget all the new characters that have been introduced in this book.  While trying to escape a lunatic mayor who is out to get Ethan, they run to the Shifters and there a new magic has been brought to light.  This new mysterious magic is only the tip of the iceberg as there are so many things going on that this experience brings them to new knowledge that this may have been going on for longer than they realized.  It’s all very interesting, and hey carnies are involved, are they sups too?  Only reading the book will help you to find out.

In other news though, the friendships of all the characters are stronger than ever, alliances are stronger than ever and the relationship between Merit and Ethan is just unbreakable.  She finally comes clean about her prophecies (if you’ve read the other books you know what I’m talking about) and just the interaction between the two when this happens is just amazing and heartwarming.  I love seeing characters in love and when they experience joy I feel joy for them, and there was something there that made me feel extra special joy.  That was a really great scene in the book that’s for sure.

So the carnival and the mayor are the major issues in this book and the whole carnival aspect was super intriguing so it’s definitely a must read.  And another mayor with a hard on for destroying sups, enough is enough already can’t we all just get along.  This was another great addition to the series and keeps it continuously going on with an additional mystery thrown in.  Chloe has a way with keeping us at the edge of our seat wondering what is going to happen next, which is going to creep around the corner and try and attack you.  This would be a great series on television. 

The cover is wonderful, although I wouldn’t have minded a carnie cover that might have been fun as that was the focus in this book amongst other things.  This was another great addition to the book and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Review: Biting Bad by Chloe Neil

Biting Bad
By: Chloe Neil
Release Date: August 8, 2013
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #8

Description:
Merit has been a vampire for only a short while, but she’s already seen a lifetime’s worth of trouble. She and her Master, centuries-old Ethan Sullivan, have risked their lives time and again to save the city they love. But not all of Chicago is loving them back.

Anti-vampire riots are erupting all over town, striking vampires where it hurts the most. A splinter group armed with Molotov cocktails and deep-seated hate is intent on clearing the fanged from the Windy City come hell or high water.

Merit and her allies rush to figure out who’s behind the attacks, who will be targeted next, and whether there’s any way to stop the wanton destruction. The battle for Chicago is just beginning, and Merit is running out of time.

Review:
Oh how I wish I lived in Chicago with all the vampire houses and these amazing characters that Chloe Neil has bought into my world.  They are so funny, interesting, good looking (described that way) and just an eclectic bunch that I would love to fit right in there, probably with the wolf pack though lol. 

Quick recap - we are back in the Cadogan House, who have separated themselves from the GP, Mallory is still with the wolf pack trying to learn to harness her magic, the Omnibuds are still working on their own since the new mayor is very anti super naturals, and McKentrick is now working for the government as well.  Other than this everything is peachy keen, at least that's what they think. You know how things just always seem to happen here in Chicago with all these vampires and sups running around. 

Bring in the riots! Yes, you heard me riots, but what could people possibly be rioting about, you've guessed it the getting rid of our lovely friends the Vampires.  Or is that what it's really about.  Merit and her friends are on a mission to find out what is going on, they always seem to be the center of everything.  I think Ethan and Merit might need a little vacation, just for a little bit at least.  Throughout this book of course their relationship is stronger, Mallory is starting to come into her own I think.  Even though she definitely has a lot to make up for.  The Cadogan house is blacklisted by the GP and anyone who associates with them will pay the consequences.  More bureaucratic bull poo poo from the people who think they rule all vampires.

There is so much tension and drama in this book that you just have to read it.  It keeps you guessing throughout the whole thing who could be against vampires and infighting this riots?  Who is it that's doing this to them and why aren't they trying to take out the most obvious of targets?  It's a fun adventure that I love taking every time one of these books comes out.  Mallory is present in this book a little more than usual and her abilities are starting to be understood by herself and maybe, just maybe someone will give her a chance and she can leave the pack behind to become one with her magic in a good way though.  No more taking over the world for her, at least we hope not!

There's also the bit of romance that is always thrown in for good measure and seeing the relationship between Merit and her Liege is always such a beautiful thing, but there's a bit of Jonah thrown in here.  I know I can't really root for him because Merit belongs with Ethan but I still like Jonah and I hope he finds someone worthwhile that will make him happy.  Rooting for him all the way!

With regards to the riots there are some dire revelations and some incidents that occur, let's just say it bought tears to my eyes.  Chloe Neil's writing is amazing and I'm so invested in these characters.  Amazing continuation to the story and the series.  I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Last note - Can I just say how much I love these covers and Merit is one bad ass female role model!

Disclaimer:
I received this book from Berkley/NAL, Penguin Group USA, so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Review: Biting Cold

Biting Cold
By: Chloe Neill
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Series: Chicagoland Vampires

Description:
Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans.

Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed. No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.

Review:
If you haven't read the rest of the series, please note there will be spoilers/

We are back in Chicago again, back into the world of the Chicagoland Vampires and Chloe Neill has yet again kept me at the edge of my seat with another brilliant continuation of Merit's story. Last we left off Ethan was reincarnated by Mallory to be her familiar but was interrupted and the spell not complete, but still Ethan came alive again. Merit and Ethan are finally reunited but things aren't the same as they were before. There is apprehension on Ethan's part due to the fact that he is now somehow connected to Mallory even if the spell wasn't completed.

I don't really want to give too much away because really you have to experience everything on your own and it's just an amazing ride. I can give you bits and pieces. The dynamics of Ethan and Merit's relationship are heart wrenching, because one minute they are there the next they aren't and it keeps going back and forth and you just want them to be together in the end, they deserve their happily ever after. Merit's relationship with Mallory is on the mends, but still and probably will never be the way it used to be. Because of Mallory Ethan is not the same, although he is reincarnated and the world is in turmoil because the Maleficium has been destroyed and evil and good are out there now with dire consequences. Tate comes back into the picture and works with Mallory to get this accomplished.

After the destruction of the Maleficium Mallory is put under house arrest by the pack and new sups are introduced to Chicago humans and non humans alike. We finally discover what Tate really is and man it is a doozy definitely not what I was expecting. With this brand new discoveries there are new things that need to be handled out there in Chicago and Merit is in the middle of it. Seems that everyone she comes into contact with is in the middle of something and she needs to solve it. She bears way too much weight on her shoulders, but still she soldiers on as the Sentinel of the house.

We finally find out the outcome of the Cadogan house and if they are to stay in the GP or if they will learn to survive on their own. It's all very exciting and around the corner there is always something new happening. You're heart goes out to Merit because she's literally stuck in the middle. She definitely needs a very long vacation after all this is over, but will it ever be over.

Chloe Neill continues this amazing story with more twists and turns than you can imagine and it's a journey I'm willing to take over and over again. 

Giveaway: Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

With Chloe Neill's new book coming out August 7, Biting Cold, the sixth book in the Chicagoland Vampires series, I got a great giveaway from the publishers, a copy of the first book Some Girls Bite.  Once you read this book you will be absolutely addicted and hooked on the main character Merit.  It's a really amazing series with witty conversation and a great vampire story.  You need to read it!  Here's the book you will win in this giveaway:

Some Girls Bite
By Chloe Neill

First in a brand new series about a Chicago graduate student's introduction into a society of vampires.

Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was Merit's. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker-and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.

Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she's traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o' the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred- year-old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects her gratitude- and servitude. But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan's attitude are the least of her concerns. Some one's still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war-and there will be blood.

Remember the new book comes out next month.  I'm hoping to get it real soon because I know I can't wait for it to come out.  Oh Merit and Ethan! Love them!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Drink Deep

Drink Deep
By: Chloe Neill
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Series: Chicagoland Vampires

Description:
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.

Review:
This is the fifth installment to the Chicagoland Vampires series, and it did not disappoint.  Last we left off our beloved Master of Cadogan House was killed.  That in itself was a shocker to all fans, because really how can you have Merit without Ethan?  Which brings us to Drink Deep.  In this book Merit is trying her hardest to get over Ethan and move on, but it's not as easy as it sounds.  Especially when weird things start happening around Chicago.  First the lake turned black - could it be the nymps?  Then the Sky turned blood red - could it be the fairies?  Then the earth shook and mountains erupted through the street - who could be doing this?

Throughout the whole book you see Jonah's admiration for Merit grow to where they even shared a kiss, but alas it's too soon for Merit but that's not to say the kiss wasn't amazing.  I almost feel bad for Jonah because really how could he compare to a Master.  He likes Merit so much but there is no reciprocation and they agree to keep things platonic.  But they still have to work together, with Ethan gone he is now Merit's partner for all intents and purposes.  She rolls the idea in her mind of joining the Red Guard now that she has no ties to anything (I will not spoil how that happened because you just have to read it).  I think something more will happen between the two, I almost hope for it, just to cause a little more drama.

I don't want to give too much away because I know sometimes when I read reviews it gives some aspects of the books I wish I discovered on my own.  Let's just say it gets very hectic before it gets quite in the end.  There were some parts I knew were going to happen and others I was pleasantly surprised.  The reunion at the end wasn't enough for me though.  I needed, no, I wanted to have more.  I needed it to be taken slowly and not rushed to finish the book off.  But all in all I'm happy and I can't wait to see what happens next! Watch out, cause they are going to find you wherever you are!!

Drink Deep Blog Tour - Interview with Chloe Neill

Drink Deep

by Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires

Release Date: November 1, 2011

Product Description:

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.

That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

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

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I have the great opportunity to be part of the Drink Deep Blog Tour and was fortunate enough to be able to ask author Chloe Neill several questions.  Check our the interview below and make sure to check the book when it comes out in November.

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What inspired you to write about the Chicagoland Vampires?

There were a number of inspirations. I was interested in the idea of vampires having been in hiding for a really long
time--and what their lives would be like after being hidden for so long. I was interested in the idea of vampires living in
Houses, and I wanted to explore what happened when a geeky grad student became a warrior.

Which character came to you first when writing this series?

Merit came first, although she was a little different in the initial chapters of the book personality-wise. Ethan was always
Ethan, and as soon as I knew who he was, I knew who Merit was.

What part did you enjoy writing the most out of the previous books in the series?

The scene in SOME GIRLS BITE in which Merit threatens Morgan at the point of her sword was pretty fun!

If you belonged to one of the vampire houses which one would it be and why?

CADOGAN HOUSE FOREVER! I even have a Cadogan T-Shirt and my own House medal. :) To me, it's the most honorable of the Houses.

What books are you reading now?

Right now, I am reading a lot of nonfiction, including those about American history.

If you could write with another author and do a crossover from one series to the next as a special who would it be and what series? Why?

I actually don't think I'd want to write a crossover. I'm perfectly happy to read my favorite authors' series just the way
they are. :)

Thanks for having me today!

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About the Author


Chloe Neill was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest–just close enough to Cadogan House and St. Sophia’s to keep an eye on things. When not transcribing Merit’s and Lily’s adventures, she bakes, works, and scours the Internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Chloe also maintains her sanity by spending time with her boys–her favorite landscape photographer/husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout. (Both she and the photographer understand the dogs are in charge.) Chloe is represented by Lucienne Diver of The Knight Agency. Chloe is a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

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If you want a sneak peek at the new book go HERE

Buy the Book at: Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ The Book Depository

Make sure to check out the other books in the series - Chicagoland Vampires

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm "Waiting on":

Drink Deep
By Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires
Release Date: November 1, 2011

Product Description:
Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.



That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike.
 
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Anyone who has ever read this series (if you haven't you definitely need to check it out) knows that something really BIG happened at the end of the last book. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!! Can't wait to see where this series goes next.

What are you waiting on?