{Audio Book Review} Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires #1

Publication date: December 23, 2010

Publisher: Tantor Audio

ISBN-13: 978140014936000

Synopsis

Merit was a 27 year old grad student in the University of Chicago, happy with her life and 100% human. But one night it all changed... after being attacked and ends up being transformed into a vampire against her will, the explication she got was... "it's the only way we could have saved your life" but Merit isn't sure it was for the best when she is forced to make her academic life come to a sudden end while all her dreams and plans jump out the window.

She is put to the test right away as the only "survivor" of a series of murders and she feels its her responsibility to help put an end to them, the only problem is she has to play nice with her Lord, the extremely attractive and charming Ethan Sullivan who isn't afraid to accept the attraction between them nor is he afraid to say he isn't the least pleased with it.

Merits to do list is a little extreme for a newly turned vamp, she has to accept the fact that she is now a vampire, drink blood, remember to stay away from the sun, stay alive, find out who was the person that attacked her and not to kill or succumb to the charm of her Lord.

Review

If you are thinking of starting the Chicagoland Vampires series in its audio book version you may want to listen to the sampler, Cynthia Holloway the narrator of this audio book, isn’t the best person to give a voice to this story and believe you want to know what you are getting yourself into.

I read this story and suddenly I wanted to try another version of this book hoping that it would feel like I was reading this book for the first time, get to hear the phrases I love and get to see the first interactions between Merit and Ethan Sullivan.

All those expectations of dynamism and the narrator’s voice inviting the listener to get lost in this book where lost at the first chapter, there weren’t really any inflections on her voice, any intentions while this book was being read or any life as she walked us around the Some Girls Bite.

I dared review this DNF book because I have a base, I read the book then tried the audio book and between us guys I am sticking with the books, I prefer to listen to the characters in this series interact in my head then the work that Cynthia Holloway voiced them.

In case that your first try on the Chicagoland Vampires series was the audio book I would strongly recommend blacking out that experience and giving the physical or e-book version of this book a try.

Rating:

If you didn't like Twilight, then read Chicagoland Vampires or The Iron Druid Chronicles

I want something more adult

Maybe Twilight was too juvenile for you? If so then I have two books that might be of interest for you guys.

How about Chicagoland Vampires, in this series we accompany Merit a graduate student finds herself one unlucky night at the wrong side of campus where her existence if forever change.

Series: Chicagoland Vampires #1

Publication Date: April 7th, 2009

Publisher: NAL Trade

ISBN-13: 9780345522481

Now reborn as a vampire she has to put books aside when someone is still out to get her. In this series we find not only Chloe Neill’s version of what if vampires came out of the closet in Chicago but we also get to explore other the what would be of other paranormal creatures.

This series is a mix of action, politics, attraction and relationships.
Links to the reviews of Chicagoland Vampires Series:
Some Girls Bite
Friday Night Bites
Twice Bitten
Hard Bitten
Drink Deep
Bitting Cold
House Rules

If you still wish to start slow with vampires and want an adult paranormal book then I suggest The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne, this guy knows how to mix paranormal, mythology and fantasy into one great series while giving it all a modern twist.

Series: Iron Druid Chronicles

Publication date: May 3, 2011

Publisher: Del Rey 

ISBN-13: 9780345522474
This was the book that made me fall in love with Urban Fantasy (other than Harry Potter of course), this is a book that makes you have fun with all the creatures, myths and stories you thought you knew, it give a fresh hair to vampires, werewolves, witches, gods and other creatures that we might stumble upon on this fund ride that Kevin Hearne has prepared for us.

If you are going to read this book then prepare yourself for some good laughs.
Links to The Iron Druid Chronicles:
Hounded
Hexed
Hammered

{Blog Tour Review + Giveaway} House Rules by Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires #7

Publication Date: February 05, 2013

Publisher: New American Library (Penguin)

ISBN-13: 9780451237101

Synopsis

Cadogan house has taken a risky decision; they are now going through a divorce of sorts. Now turning every rock and legal contract they have in hopes they don’t get screwed over. They will find allies and foes in people they may have never expected.

While some bridges burn others are being mended, some of the relationships have turned shaky they are now finding their balance in this post-“hard bitten” edition of Chicagoland Vampires.

If the separation stress wasn’t enough there is a new sort of terror in town, two rouge vampires have gone missing, the city isn’t going to help find them and vampires wouldn’t trust them with the job. So it is up to our favorite fanged duo to check things up before this spreads like wild fire.

Review

“House Rules” is a book in equal parts full of political shenanigans, mystery and action. After the Cadogan vampires decided to take a stand and fight for what they think is the right move for the house they are preparing to face the consequences of their actions trying to get away with it with alive and take in as little damage as possible.

I gotta tell you guys I really enjoyed this book, especially all the Jeff parts in it, why? Well let’s say that our favorite and extremely alpha vamp is taken and I have no intentions of messing that relationship even if its fictional and all I have to do is leave my imagination run wild, I like that relationship so much I wouldn’t dare mess with it not even a little. Also Jeff seems to be getting a bigger role on this series, I love that nerdy shifter he is as entertaining and he is charismatic, and has proven himself time and time again.

I gotta tell you guys I really enjoyed this book, especially all the Jeff parts in it, why? Well let’s say that our favorite and extremely alpha vamp is taken and I have no intentions of messing that relationship even if its fictional and all I have to do is leave my imagination run wild, I like that relationship so much I wouldn’t dare mess with it not even a little.  It is both his confidence and arrogance part of what makes us love him for who he is.

Going back to Jeff, he seems to be getting a bigger role on this series, I love that nerdy shifter he is as entertaining and he is charismatic, and has proven himself time and time again, I can't wait to see how his character and story evolves.

Chicagoland hotties aside (and if you are wondering those are just two of that long list) this books is playing more with the mystery, this time I was 100% hooked I wanted to know the person behind the horrible crimes that are now hunting Chicago, I wanted to know how this person did it and what kind of motives she/he might have.

I can never ever ever fault this series or any of its character about being one dimensional, nor can I say it lacks on the entertainment department Chloe Neill’s characters have a life of their own, you see them grow before your eyes, learn from their mistakes and face the dangers upon them the best way they can.

This was a great book that is part of an exceptional series, if by any chance you want to find redemption on vampires because a book or movie rubbed you the wrong way and you want a story with some romance, tons of action, engaging characters that learn and evolve then give Chicagoland vampires a chance I doubt you will regret it.

Rating:

*4.5 Broken TV's

As part of the blog tour the wonderful Chloe Neill gave some swag to share with her wonderful fans!!! I am giving away two packages one for US ONLY, the other open Internationally a.k.a. the second giveaway is for some lucky winner outside of the use.

So sweety please just enter one of the two giveaways, if I find you in both I will delete all of your entries.

Now lets take a look at what is up for grabs shall we?

U.S. ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

INTERNATIONAL ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Review} Biting Cold by Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires #6

Publication Date: August 7, 2012

Publisher: New American Library (Penguin)

ISBN-13: 9780451237019

Synopsis

So much has happened since Lake Michigan turned dark both politically and supernaturally, now with a quest pending and a promise in the air our favorite Cadogan vampires are out on a hunt in hopes of getting an extremely dangerous artifact back before supernaturals with much more destructive plans in mind get it.

Review

Where to start… Chicagoland Vampires is a series that in my opinion has found a great balance between action, attraction, romance, urban fantasy and a wonderful and quirky sense of humor. This is the Chloe Neill style I fell in love with.

Biting Cold puts all the before mentioned elements in action and makes the characters shine. This book will have you smirking before you read that, that is exactly the reaction the character gave, laughing, shacking with anticipation of what is to come, getting frustrated with the characters about the mystery’s and obstacles they face, blushing and don’t be surprised if you find yourself unable to leave this book until you finish it.

This book takes more twist and turns and is much more active than the previous to books have been. I wouldn’t call this book a fast read, it is more of an action packed read, and even if there is enough movement in the story to go around the supernatural world keeps expanding with the meeting of new characters and new sides to ones with think we knew.

If you haven’t jumped the Chicagoland Vampires I strongly suggest you hop on this vampires and other sups are great characters to read (they feel without a doubt real) adventures that put our beloved character to the test (both in strength and their relationships) and urban fantasy in continuous expansion just when you thought you knew everything about Chicago and the supernaturals that live in this world you find that there is more to learn.

Rating:

  

{Review} Drink Deep by Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires #5

Publication Date: November 1st , 2011

Publisher: New American Library (Penguin)

ISBN-13: 9780451234865

Synopsis

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?

Review

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.

Rating:

 

{Review} Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires #4

Publication Date: April 19, 2011

Publisher: Story Machine Studio

ISBN-13: 2940014205108

Synopsis

They knew that humans could turn on them since their outing and after all the supernatural drama that has been happening in Chicago since the attacks of the vampire rouge humans are starting to divide into two groups, pro vampires and anti vampires.

If the prospect of humans turning on them wasn't enough Chicago's mayor pushes Ethan and Merit to dig into a claim that insinuates that vampire raves are getting bigger and nastier while a representative of the GP comes for a surprise inspection on Cadogan. 

Review

The characters in the Chicagoland series have never been a problem when it comes to this series and this book is no exception, the story changes its pace compared to the others, but it doesn't mean that the shock effect is out of the equation.

The time frames are expanding giving the characters real time to grow, to change and see where the alliances, relationship, friendships and dangers are going, even if that time off screen, it gives everyone the time to change, think about what happened in the book and doesn't make some of the  decisions they make so rushed or passionate.

We all knew a day would come when humans would start to see vampires as a threat instead of stars, the signs where all there and well... history does have a way to repeat itself and in this book we start to see how this new form of witch hunt affects our favorite Chicago vampires.

In this book alliances and relationships are put to the test, trusts will be broken and people betrayed, unexpected twists and turns will befall us and sadly as spectators we won’t be able to do much well other then run to the library or book shop in order to find the next installment of this exciting series.

Sorry if this isn't saying much but it is really hard to talk about this book without giving you guys any spoilers, expect a spoiler review in Goodreads in a few days, that is all I can promise.

Rating 

{Review} Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires #3

Publication Date: April 19, 2012

Publisher: Story Machine Studio

ISBN-13: 2940014205108

Synopsis

After all the mess Celina left and all the bridges she started to burn it is time to rebuild and hopefully create new alliances for the Vampires of Chicago. With an opportunity to make amends at least to one group Cadogan House jumps to the opportunity to help keep the alpha Gabriel Keene safe while the Shifters Meeting takes place in Chicago.

This time Merit our favorite almost three month old Sentinel must tag team with Ethan Sullivan the master of the Cadogan House and infuriatingly handsome vampire to keep Gabriel Keene safe.

It seemed like a simple job until someone decides to attack Gabriel and Merit finds herself in the line of fire. Keeping Gabriel safe will soon be the lightest of her problems for tensions between Shifters and Vampires start to flare once again, and soon name calling can turn into a war between them, specially now that Shifters are in Chicago to decide if they stay and fight or retreat to a safe place.

Review

Here's the deal I love the Chicagoland Vampires series and so I hold it up to high standards, if it was any other book it would be getting 5 broken TV's meaning get your butt of the couch turn of the TV and start reading this awesome book. Which this book deserves, but I am giving it 4 stars because of the series it's part of. 

As part of the series this book moves more slowly then the others, which is not a bad thing, I feel this book is one of this transitions, a collection of things you need to know so that when the bomb of epicness is released we can look back and it will all make sense.

This book is more about the relationships around Merit and the feud that shifters and vampires have had. We learn about the prejudice they both hold against each other. We get to see Merit mend relationships, take risks and grow as a vampire/person? 

As I said this book alone deserves 5 starts, but as part of the series it's from it gets 4 stars. I wouldn't change a thing because Chloe Neill knows how to deliver and I wouldn't dare to change anything for it might spoil some great stuff she will have installed for us.

Silver eyes, fights, shifters and an expansion of the of the Chicago supernatural is some of the things you can expect from this thrilling third installment of the Chicagoland vampire series.

Rating:

My entry to Roof Beam Reader 2013 TBR Pile Challenge

Organizer:  Roof Beam Reader
The Goal: To finally read 12 books from your “to be read” pile (within 12 months).

Specifics: 
1. Each of these 12 books must have been on your bookshelf or “To Be Read” list for AT LEAST one full year. This means the book cannot have a publication date of 1/1/2012 or later (any book published in the year 2011 or earlier qualifies, as long as it has been on your TBR pile – I WILL be checking publication dates). Caveat: Two (2) alternates are allowed, just in case one or two of the books end up in the “can’t get through” pile.

2.  To be eligible, you must sign-up with Mr. Linky below – link to your list (so create it ahead of time!) and add updated links to each book’s review.  Books must be read and must be reviewed (doesn’t have to be too fancy) in order to count as completed.

3.  The link you post in the Mr. Linky below must be to your “master list” (see mine below).  This is where you will keep track of your books completed, crossing them out and/or dating them as you go along, and updating the list with the links to each review (so there’s one easy, convenient way to find your list and all your reviews for the challenge).  See THIS LINK for an idea of what I mean.  Your complete and final list must be posted by January 15th, 2013.

4. Leave comments on this post as you go along, to update us on your status. Come back here if/when you complete this challenge and leave a comment indicating that you CONQUERED YOUR 2013 TBR LIST!  Every person who successfully reads his/her 12 books and/or alternates (and who provides a working link to their list, which has links to the review locations) will be entered to win a $50 gift card from Amazon.com or The Book Depository!

5. Crossovers from other challenges are totally acceptable, as long as you have never read the book before and it was published pre-2012!

*Note – You can read the books on your list in any order; they do not need to be read in the order you have them listed. As you complete a book – review it, and go back to your original list and turn that title into a link to the review - that will keep the comments section here from getting ridiculously cluttered.  For an example of what I mean, Click Here.

UPDATE:  I’ve decided to make a small change/addition to this year’s challenge.  On the 15th of each month, I’m going to post a “TBR Pile Check-In.”  This will allow participants to link-up their reviews from the past month and get some recognition for their progress.  There will also be small mini-challenges and giveaways to go along with these posts (Such As: Read 6 books by the June Check-in and be entered to win a book of your choice!).  I’m hoping this will help to keep us all on track and make the challenge a bit more engaging/interactive. If it goes well, maybe I’ll keep this format for future years.

P.S. Some of this books may not have been in my TBR Pile in Goodreads but they have been in my shelfs for a while now and deserve to be read.

---

My 2013 TBR Pile Challenge List:

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins  (2009)

2. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl (2009)

3. Feed by Mira Grant (2010)

4.  Pandemonium by Daryl Gregory (2008)

5. The Maze Runner by James Dashner (2009)

6. The Zombie Autopsies by Steven C. Schlozman (2011)

7. Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill (2010) Completed 01/18/2013

8. Invincible  by Sherrilyn Kenyon (2011)

9. Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill (2011) Completed 01/25/2013

10. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (2010)

11. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (2007)

12. Blood Warrior by H.D. Gordon (2011)

Alternates:

1. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (2003)

2. Drink Deep by Chloe Neill (2011) Completed 02/05/2013

{Review} Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

Series:Chicagoland Vampires #2

Publication Date: October 6th, 2009

Publisher: NAL Trade
ISBN-13: 9780451227935


Synopsis
After two months passed since the supernatural drama, that started when Merit was unwillfully turned into a vampire, things start to shake up again as vampires are elevated to star quality and paparazzi start to find their way to the houses, specially Cadogan.
But all this attention can turn bad at any time, specially when a threat to expose the Raves-mass feeding parties, a big no no for all of the houses, would make the lovely citizens of Chicago want to stop sending paparazzi and go more for a vampire hunting type of approach.
To stop this horrible thing from happening Merit must go back to the life she turned her back all her life, she must suck it up and make nice with her upper class family. Being forced to reunite with her father feels like punishment enough, but its a necessary evil to establish good relationships between humans and vampires. 
Coming back to her old life wasn't supposed to be easy, but Merit never expected to find some extra problems on her way, but, are they part of an old grudge or maybe part of a more recent one?

{Review} Firespell by Chloe Neill

Series: Dark Elite #1

Publication Date: January 5th, 2010

Publisher: Signet
ISBN-13: 9780451228864


Synopsis
Lily Parker must pack up and forget about  her life in Sagamore, New York and move to the elite boarding school of St. Sophia's in Chicago, feeling ditched by her parents and not looking up to the task of  becoming a St. Sophia's girl. Lily thanks her lucky stars for her friend Scout who is the only one keeping her sane.
But Lily's sanity will be put to the test for her curiosity takes her to play Nancy Drew and solve the mystery of "where does Scout leave at night?" which could be more then she bargained for, specially when she finds her new BFF being chased by something she can't quiet make scene of with out doubting everything we are told to believe.

{Review} Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

Series:Chicagoland Vampires #1

Publication Date: April 7th, 2009

Publisher: NAL Trade
ISBN-13: 9780345522481


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