Title: Some Girls Bite
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #1
Author: Chloe Neill
Publisher: NAL Trade
Published: April 2009
My Copy: Won from Romancing The Darkside
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.
Admittedly, when I first decided to start reading the Chicagoland Vampires series I had my doubts. However, my misgivings were quickly put to rest as I was engulfed by Chloe Neill’s amazing universe. I loved Merit from the very beginning and my high opinion of her skyrocketed the further along in the story I got. Add to that the delicious, swoon-worthy master vamp, Ethan and you’re left with a book packed full of star quality characters. I immediately dove into the next installment after I finished Some Girls Bite. I just couldn’t get enough!
Merit! Where do I begin!? I can’t possibly do her character justice in this review but I’ll try. She gets turned into a vampire against her will. Merit’s not happy about the situation even after she learns that the alternative was death. Her whole life is turned upside down and inside out; the transition from student to fledgling is bumpy to say the least. I really appreciated Neill’s portrayal of Merit’s transformation. Too many authors ignore the growing pains that any normal human would experience if faced with a similar situation. This newly undead vamp’s comebacks to people’s prejudices towards supernaturals make it clear that this new life was forced upon her and not chosen. I enjoyed experiencing the change through Merit’s eyes. From the first time she drinks blood to an incident where she forgets about her vulnerability to sunlight and pays the price. Merit’s a victim but she sure doesn’t act like one. I loved her sarcasm, her spunk and her backbone.
The delicious master vampire, Ethan, added a sexual element but also a power-loaded one to the plot line. He’s pushing 400, the head of Cardogan House and is just as set in his ways as Merit. These two protagonists clashed from the get-go. The tension and back-and-forth snark between these two characters pushes this book over the top. A part of me was hoping that sparks would fly in the bedroom as well but I wasn’t disappointed when it didn’t happen. There’s obviously sexual tension between master and fledgling but the confrontations between them wouldn’t have been as explosive had they jumped each others bones right away. I hope it does happen eventually but I’m quite happy to wait and see how their relationship plays out.
The side characters in this novel are equally incredible. I’d be hard pressed to pick my least favorite because they’re all just so lovable. Mallory is arguably the best friend any girl could ever have. The way she helps Merit through her transition is remarkable. If Ethan isn’t your dream guy, don’t worry because there are plenty of other delicious males to choose from. Between Catcher, Morgan and Jeff the hunks are in no short supply! I’m sure at least one of them will suit your tastes!
Some Girls Bite is an addictive read that’ll have you bailing on your commitments because you won’t be able to put it down. So be warned, you should probably save this one for the weekend. Merit might just be the best female heroine ever and I say this after having only read the first installment in this series. The plethora of man candy definitely helps as well. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
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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!
OH makes me want to read this book even more, I have been putting off reading this one too and not sure why. Thanks for the great review!