A Book Obsession..

Review: Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

, by KT

Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires #3

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.

Merit must accept the assignment, even though she knows that she’ll probably regret it. And she’s not wrong. Someone is gunning for Gabriel Keene, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She’ll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals—not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries old master vampire.

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

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

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

The book ends on a high note, but definitely left me desperate for more. As Merit grows more into her strengths and powers as a vampire she becomes a even more amazing character. This book more than lived up to the previous two, and I eagerly await the next installment.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:

Twice Bitten: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Review: Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

, by KT

Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires #2

Vamps in Chicago!

You'd think headlines like that would have provoked the fine citizens of the Windy City to take up arms against us bloodsucking fiends. Instead, ten months later, we're enjoying a celebrity status reserved for the Hollywood elite—fending off paparazzi only slightly less dangerous than cross and stake-wielding slayers. Don't get me wrong, Joe Public isn't exactly thrilled to be living side-by-side with the undead, but at least they haven't stormed the castle yet.

But all that will change once they learn about the Raves—mass feeding parties where vampires round up humans like cattle and drink themselves silly. Most civilized vampires frown on this behavior, putting mere mortals at ease with their policy of asking a person's consent before taking a big gulp of the red stuff. However, that doesn't make good copy for a first time reporter looking to impress his high society family.

So now my "master," the centuries old, yet gorgeously well-preserved Ethan Sullivan, wants me to reconnect with my own upper class family and act as liaison between humans and vampires—and keep the more unsavory aspects of our existence out of the media. But someone doesn't want people and vamps to play nicey-nice—someone with an ancient grudge.

Merit has been a vampire for two months now and is still trying to come to terms with this idea. To protect her house she begrudgingly agrees to reenter her families high society. Through this, she learns some interesting things about some people from her path, and stumbles upon yet another plot against her from the one responsible for her attack. These machinations keep bringing war closer and closer and it will take everything Merit has to prepare to protect her house.

As if the constant plots against her and her house were not enough, her vampire side keeps trying to take over, something she senses is not normal for her kind. For fear of banishment she keeps this inner turmoil to herself which ultimately risks her safety as well as the others around her. This fear "humanizes" her and makes her all the more endearing. For all her strengths she has just as many weaknesses making her a very realistic character.

Morgan, the newly appointed master of the rival house whose ex-master was responsible for Merit's attack, continues to try and woo Merit. Try as she might, she cannot make herself feel that spark she feels for Ethan. Even though she knows that path can only lead to destruction she continues to find herself inexplicably drawn to him. He of course tries to continue his stubborn refusal of their chemistry but as the book progresses it seems he is loosing his will to fight more and more. The two are wrong for each other, yet so completely right. Only time will tell if the two have a chance at the potential I see between them.

Merit's character goes through some major changes in this book and as she sinks further into the vampire world her personality starts to change as well. Even though this is a natural progression as she is no longer human, it is still sad to see the inevitable distancing between her and her friends. It will take a lot of work and understanding for all parties to come to an acceptance about her new identity, and I just hope she does get left alone without any support.

This book was every bit as good as the first one and once I picked it up I just could not put it down. I highly recommend this both this book and the first installment if you haven't read it. Merit's story will be sure to impress.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Friday Night Bites: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Follow Friday & Book Blogger Hop

, by KT

On fridays I participate in both Follow Friday and the Book Blogger Hop.

Follow Fridays is hosted by Parajunkee's View, and is just Fridays.

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books, and runs Friday to Monday. There are new rules for the hop, so make sure to check out Crazy for Books for the details.

This week's hop question is:

Who is your favorite new-to-you author this year?

Wow, this is a really tough question since I've found so many different authors this year. I think I'm going to have to pick Jeaniene Frost. I found her books in January, so she just made the cut off of this year, but definitely warrants the title of "favorite." Her books are amazing and the characters just suck you in. I don't think I've ever cared for characters more than the ones in her books. Jeaniene's latest book, Eternal Kiss of Darkness was just released and you can find my review here. Her books are a must read for any paranormal/urban fantasy fan.

Some Girls Bite

, by KT

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires #1

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. Someone'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.

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

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

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

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

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Some Girls Bite: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Wait for Dusk

, by KT

Wait for Dust by Jocelynn Drake

Dark Days Series #5

After being summoned by the Coven to claim her seat as an Elder, Mira learns of a growing Naturi threat in Budapest. When her rival Macaire, another Elder, suggests she travel there to dispatch the Naturi, she knows she is stepping into a trap but must go anyway for the good of her people. While two other nightwalkers set out with her, she knows she can only truly count on Danaus, her hunter companion. With her own kind afraid of her, her past coming to haunt her and the threat from Macaire, Mira is yet again in for the fight of her life. She needs Danaus now more than ever and his betrayal ultimately risks her fragile hold onto her sanity.

While the slow progression of Mira and Danaus' relationship has been frustrating as a reader, it has been realistic considering they started out as mortal enemies trying to kill each other. The two make major progress in their relationship in this novel. Avid fans, myself included, have been begging to see "angry wall sex" between Mira and Danaus and this book will not disappoint. Drake sure knows how to make the heat between the two of them almost reach the boiling point. However, after seeing into Danaus's head in the previous book, Pray for Dawn, and his deep feelings for Mira, his betrayal came at a complete shock. Even though he is conflicted over her since he believes nightwalkers are evil, I would have never believed he could ultimately betray her. In the end, it makes sense since the only thing that could bring him down would be his greatest weakness, humans. As if the betrayal wasn't enough, she has no choice but fall into Macaire's trap, and must come to terms with the dark secrets from her past. Poor Mira never gets a break and everything seems to be thrown at her at once. While her hold on sanity may be tenuous at times, any other character would have long crumbled under the pressure. Her fortitude and determination to protect her people makes Mira such an admirable character and this book will leave you desperate for more.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Wait for Dusk (Dark Days, Book 5)

My First Award!

, by KT

Yesterday, Missy's Reads & Reviews gave me my first award. I am so excited and want to send HUGE thanks to her! Here it is:

Here's how this award works:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason! (In no particular order...)
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

Here are my 7 things:
1. I'm really short, as in only 5 foot even short
2. I love frogs and the color green
3. I really really want one of the new synergy green Cameros
4. I've been married for 5 years
5. My kids are 2 and 3 1/2
6. I have 263 books and counting on my kindle
7. I'm 12 credits from finally getting my degree (part-time takes forever!)

Here are the 15 bloggers:
1. A Journey of Books
2. A Life Bound by Books
3. Amberkatze's Book Blog
4. Bewitched Bookworms
5. Book Addict's Book Reviews
6. Candace's Book Blog
7. Confessions of a Bookaholic
8. Erika Breathes Books
9. Escape Between the Pages
10. I's So Rather Be Reading
11. My Neurotic Book Affair
12. Reading the Best of the Best
13. Tattooed Books
14. The Bookologist
15. The Ramblings of a Book Addict

Waiting on Wednesday

, by KT

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights an upcoming release we are greatly anticipating.

My pick this week:

Alpha - Shifters #6

by Rachel Vincent

Publication Date: October 1, 2010

Amazon Pre-Order: Alpha (Shifters Book 6)

From Rachel's website:

YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE FAYTHE…

The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc, and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder, and treason. Yeah, we’ve been busy. But now it’s time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother’s death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.

It’s not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I’m heading for a final showdown that can—that will—change everything forever.

I love the shifter series, and cannot wait for this last book in the series. I will be sad to see it end, but hopefully we will be left with some satisfaction.

Host

, by KT

Host by Faith Hunter

Rogue Mage Series #3

As a result of her new Seraphic visa and station her birth Enclave sends a metal mage emissary named Cheran to train Thorn. However, she immediately realizes there is more than meets the eye to the pompous Cheran, and she senses a underlying current of danger from him. While she is trying to juggle the demands from the different organizations due to her new position, and trying to figure out how to rescue her twin, the Succubus Queen makes a reappearance threatening the ones she loves. When the attack turns deadly, the trapped uses that death power to escape his prison, and he has his sights set on Thorn.

Once again the evil darkness led by the Dragon does all it can to get a hold of Thorn and her power. Its up to Thorn to stop him as she cannot call for Seraphic help without risking the town as humans always die whenever a Seraph draws their sword. While she may not always handle diplomatic situations well, she never once flinches when it comes to duty and honor in protecting others. She would rather allow herself to be gravely injured than risk the human's deaths. A character with less strength and determination could not have survived her perils. Through the battles she learns some distressing truths about her past and who she really is, as well as what her birth prophecy really means. These revelations are bittersweet and many came as a shock to Thorn as well as myself. I knew many things were hidden to her in her past, but some of them just completely floored me. The book ended with most things tied up, but still left open the possibility for more books. The series had a slow start but did not disappoint me as it went on. Thorn is really admirable character and her "voice" makes for a good read.

Buy now at Amazon:
Host: A Rogue Mage Novel

Eternal Kiss of Darkness

, by KT

Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost

Night Huntress World #2

An Ancient Egyptian vampire named Mencheres has grown weary of life. After losing his visions of the future, he has been convinced his time on this earth must be coming to an end, as all he can see is darkness in store for him. The last thing he expects however is Kira, a private detective, who at risk to her own life tries to save him from an assault. What she didn't know was the vampire didn't really need her help; or does he? Kira may be the one thing that could truly save him, but at what cost? Another ancient covets Mencheres' powers and will do anything to see his ultimate destruction. Mencheres must tread carefully to prevent the ancient from gaining his powers even if it means giving up his heart's desire.

Contrary to Cat's (from The Night Huntress series) view of Mencheres being only a methodical manipulator, in this book he is shown in a whole new light. We see real emotion and regret for the things he has done. Regardless of the good intentions and reasons for his actions in the past he still feels tremendous guilt and that guilt is crippling him. In all the times we have seen him in previous novels he is very careful to hide his feelings behind a impenetrable emotional mask. I really enjoyed seeing behind the mask and the real emotions proving there is more to him than meets the eye.

Kira, unlike Mencheres, proves to be very strong without hiding her emotions away. Her moral fiber is amazing as is her devotion to uphold her mentor's motto to "save one life." Even with everything that is thrown at her in such a short time she holds steady. I do not think any other character could be more perfect for Mencheres. The heat between the two is smoldering and will not disappoint.

While Kira and Mencheres are the main focus of the book some of my favorite characters from The Night huntress series make appearances. Many unanswered questions from prior books are also revealed. This book will only suck you further into The Night Huntress World and its characters. Eternal Kiss of Darkness is truly a must read.

Buy now at Amazon:
Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World, Book 2)

Teaser Tuesday

, by KT

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser is from Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost. It was just released today and this quote is 12% of the way in according to my kindle. (Sorry, no page number, that's one of the very few downsides to the kindle)

" So much of what had happened in the past thirty-some hours had a dreamlike quality to it. All she needed to make this scenario more unbelievable would be for leprechauns to come somersaulting out of the nearby garden."