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 theirexistence 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.
Turns out my savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now I've traded sweating over my 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 my gratitude-and servitude. Right...
But my burgeoning powers (all of a sudden, I'm surprisingly handy with some serious weaponry), an inconvenient sunlight allergy, and Ethan's attitude are the least of my concerns. Someone's still out to get me. Is it the rogue vampire who bit me? A vamp from a rival House? An angry mob bearing torches?
My initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war-and there will be blood...
Of course I have to give a shout-out to Mandi from Smexy Books for bringing this one to my attention. I admit I was feeling rather vamped out, but I'm ever so glad I decided to listen to her and read "Some Girls Bite". The girl knows what she's talking about.
10. The Setting. I love reading books set in Chicago, so check, this one fits the bill. Makes me want to visit each and every spot, even if it is all made up in Chloe Neill's head.
9. The Heroine. I love strong, funny heroines who don't take themselves too seriously, and Merit is all that and more. It's interesting getting her perspective on becoming a vampire against her will, and adjusting to all the changes and rules.
8. The Best friend. Mallory is not just Merit's roommate, they are also the best of best friends, as close as sisters, and she always has Merit's back. She's not just a sidekick; she's got a life and gig of her own. She's sassy, uber smart, and dealing with her own revelations.
7. The Mythology. Being somewhat of a purist, I like it when the history stays close to the original (i.e. Bram Stoker's Dracula is my reference guide here). So there are some elements of the vamp world that are very much in line with the granddaddy of all fangbangers. But that doesn't mean I don't allow for some variety. Chloe mixes it up here and makes it interesting, moreso than those damn BDB chaps. Chloe doesn't have designer everything, and she's got issues that make her interesting. Totally dig that.
6. The Mentor. OMG from the minute Catcher Bell came on the scene, wearing that Public Enemy Number 1 t-shirt, I was in lust. Damn, that boy is fine, and I want me some of that. He's my kinda bad boy, wearing jeans, oozing sex appeal. His woman is a LUCKY woman, and if I didn't like her, I'd seriously hate her. Plus, there's that whole mysterious thing going on. Just WHO is Catcher Bell???
5. The Family. Between the heartless Richies that are mortified by Merit's new situation yet have no compunction trying to use it to their advantage, and the blue-collar grandpa who thinks of Merit as the apple of his eye, Merit's got her hands full with familial responsibilities. At least her grandfather loves her unconditionally and offers a safe haven from her parents.
4. The Weapons. Okay so I tend to be fascinated by the gratuitious violence in vamp novels, and nothing says I want to chop your head off quite like a shiny, sharp sword. But Merit has to learn how to use it first. And that's when Catcher comes in. It's all about honor....
3. Shapshifters and Witches and Nymphs, oh my. In addition to the vamps who have recently come out of the coffins, Chicago is beset with a whole lot of additional otherworldly characters who each have their own individual personalities and unique quirks, and Merit's head is spinning with all this new-found knowledge.
2. The Wealth. Okay, despite Merit wanting to live life on her own terms, she can't possibly deny the perks of being a part of Cadogan House and the idea of living in such luxurious accommodations. Rich, lush, tasteful, the massive and classy pile of bricks is tempting to even the most resistant of principles, so even Merit's impressed it doesn't resemble a Vegas brothel with heavy goth overtones. The Liege has got taste.
1. The Hero. Yum. Granted, Ethan Sullivan isn't exactly hitting all my hot buttons, but the guy is mega rich, incredibly experienced, and sexy in a lithe, panther-like manner, so I figure it's only a matter of time before I succumb to his predator-like chamrs. With the need for a Mr. Darcy-like personality adjustment, and a sensuality that lights Merit's fire, she's got her hands full trying to keep her hands off of her Liege. Yet despite all of Merit's good points, he isn't too happy about the fact he is massively attracted to her against his will, and this could present a big problem for their future. Still, Ethan is the top dog, and his appeal cannot be denied. Like I said, yum.
**Honorable mention**: Morgan. Vamp from a competing house who has the hots for Merit and she most likely also has the hots for him. Didn't like him none too much by the end of the book, but I hear that change is a'comin'. Can't wait for Morgan to persuade me otherwise....
So???? What are you waiting for? Grab your copy today and find out what all the fuss is about.
Rating: ****1/2 out of *****
Labels: Chloe Neill, vampires
posted by Stacy~ at 10/20/2009 07:45:00 AM
Stacy!!!! You're so not making my what-to-read-next decisions any easier you know *wink* There isn't one @%$&%(*&^$# reason o your list that makes me say "bleh...not for me."
byMe pimp out a book? Did I really;)LOL.
byLove your list!! Totally agree with all of them. Especially Catcher - seriously there is something about that guy...and Mallory. I always tell people while Merit and Ethan are great, her supporting characters are fabulous. Luc and Lindsey..can't wait for them to get closer. And Jeff..sigh. I could keep going and going.
Thanks so much, Trelaina! I've posted a teaser sample over at my blog. :)
byBest,
Chloe
What about Jeff?! He's soo awesome! But yup, I agree with your list. I just read both books two days in a row and now I want more Merit!
byAnd Jeff. ;)
Great review - I agree with everything! Love this series, can't wait for book 3!
byStacy - You picked a winner. I read it, and I read the sequel - Friday Night Bites. Loved them both. You won't be disappointed with the continuing story line. Chole continues the mythology and leaves you wanting more. Yes, leaves you wanting more.
byThe author has a unique ability to keep me guessing about the romance aspect, and I'm totally fine with it because she has gotten me invested in the characters and I want to see them grow. There are no easy fixes in these books, and I'm enjoying that aspect. Merit, the heroine has all the qualities I enjoy in a heroine and she's 'real'. I'm certainly in for all the sequels to this one.
You might just have sold me on this one. It sounds really good! Thanks, I think. :)
bySuper List! I love how you did this review. You hit every key point about Some Girls Bite. Just super!
byAnother book to add to my TBR pile. Thanks to both you and Mandi for pimping out books.
byWow! That's SOME endorsement. I was passing over this one, but you're making me think twice!
byI have it in my TBR pile. Some day....
by