Title: Friday Night Bites
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #2
Author: Chloe Neill
Publisher: NAL Trade
Published: October, 2009
My Copy: Romancing the Darkside
The story of a young heiress’s initiation into the dark society of the Chicagoland Vampires continues…
Ten months after vampires revealed their existence to the mortals of Chicago, they’re enjoying a celebrity status usually reserved for the Hollywood elite. But should people learn about the Raves-mass feeding parties where vampires round up humans like cattle-the citizens will start sharpening their stakes.
So now it’s up to the new vampire Merit to reconnect with her upper class family and act as liaison between humans and bloodsuckers, and keep the more unsavory aspects of the vampire lifestyle out of the media. But someone doesn’t want peace between them-someone with an ancient grudge.
I didn’t waste any time between installments in the Chicagoland Vampires series. Some Girls Bite impressed me so much that I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on book #2 and Friday Night Bites did not disappoint! In fact, I’m already reading the third installment as I write this review. Addicted much? You could say that! Fortunately for me, I’ll only have to read one more book to be caught up in this series. *phew* My newest addiction was getting a bit out of hand there!
Merit’s been a vampire for 10 months now and is starting to get the swing of her new lifestyle. Her character grows and changes quite a bit in this book which is both a good thing and a bad thing. I say this because she’s coming into her own and accepting her new role but Merit’s also losing part of her humanity in the process. Which isn’t surprising seeing how she is a vampire now and all but I can’t help but worry that she’ll eventually become cold like Ethan. Her friendship with Mallory takes a serious hit in this book. I just hope that Merit doesn’t end up all alone in her corner when the dust finally settles. There’s also something a little wonky going on with her supernatural powers that she’s too ashamed to admit. This fear really humanizes her and makes her character feel all the more real. On the outside, Merit exudes confidence but on the inside she’s vulnerable and uncertain. I’m a huge Merit fan, can you tell?
Much to my disappointment, the side-characters didn’t play as large of a role in this novel. They brought so much life and humor to the first installment that their absence this time around was very noticeable. The drama between Merit and Ethan helped fill the void but not entirely. I found this book to be a lot more serious than Some Girls Bite. The villain-ess and her evil scheme obviously attributed to the heavier mood in this novel so overall I think Neill handled things well. I like the direction that this series is taking.
My opinion of Morgan took a beating in book 2. In Some Girls Bite he comes across as being very human for a vampire and that was part of his appeal. However, in this novel he has an adult version of a two year old’s temper tantrum that forced me to knock him off my yummy men list. Morgan wasn’t able to get what he wanted vis-à-vis Merit so he acted like a big cry baby. Bad game plan. That little slip cost him the girl. Way to go Morgan. Ethan, on the other hand, is as delicious as ever. For the most part he’s cold and detached but it’s those few rare tender moments that make me hope that he and Merit will eventually hook-up. I’ve had my hopes up for two books now, make the third will be the charm?
Friday Night Bites is a great addition to this series and I can’t wait to see what happens next for the Chicagoland Vampires!
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
Much to my disappointment, the side-characters didn’t play as large of a role in this novel. They brought so much life and humor to the first installment that their absence this time around was very noticeable.
My thoughts exactly! Solely because of that I didn’t like this book as much. Thankfully the third was a bit better and I just finished reading the fourth yesterday… FLIPPING AMAZING! Can’t wait to see what you think of it Carmel!
Thank you for sharing today. I have this series on my wishlist and so want to read it 🙂
@Avery – I finished the 3rd not too long ago and I agree, it’s way better than this one. And I just received the 4th in the mail this week!
@Denise Z – Stop delaying!! It’s well worth your time!