Review: Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

Posted July 28, 2011 by Carmel in Carmel, Reviews, Urban Fantasy / 5 Comments

Title: Twice Bitten
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #3
Author: Chloe Neill
Publisher: NAL Trade
Published: July 2010
My Copy: Romancing the Darkside

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, Chicago’s newest vampire. 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.

Unfortunately, someone is gunning for Gabriel, 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.

Twice Bitten was everything that I was hoping for, that is, up until Ethan screwed it all up! This book wrecked havoc on my emotions at every turn. I went from cheering, to swearing to feeling hopeful again about what the future might hold for one of my favorite fictional duos. I found the second installment in this series to be a little slow going but this one blew my socks off! The ending also left me itching for book 4.

Gabriel and his shiters play an important role in this novel. Not only that but these supernaturals are the complete opposite of vampires which definitely helped to spice things up. They’re warm-blooded, quick tempered and passionate which is the polar opposite of the cold, calculating, ever practical vamps. Fire and ice don’t usually mix but in this case it makes for a great story! I enjoyed comparing the leadership styles of Gabriel and Ethan. They both have their subordinates best interests at heart (well Ethan’s motives are still questionable at times) but that’s where the similarities between these two end. Add to that the fact that they’re trying to be diplomatic in an effort to accomplish a common goal that’s never been attempted before: form an alliance between shifters and vampires. Needless to say that misunderstandings abound!

Sexy, computer-geek Jeff really comes into his own in this installment. I was sad to see him reduced to a few mere mentions in Friday Night Bites but this book more than makes up for that. This drool-worthy shifter finally gets to show what he’s made of! And let me tell you, it’s delicious! Jeff shows readers that he’s more than just a pretty face. His badassedness really shines through in this story. Mind you, I STILL don’t know what sort of animal he shifts into and my curiosity is killing me!

Sparks fly between Merit and Ethan, FINALLY! I might have actually cheered out loud when it happened. It took three books but the wait was well-worth it! That is, up until Ethan decided to be a dummy (Men! I’m being nice here, I could use many “other words” to describe what I really think of him but I like to keep my reviews G rated). It might not be all bad though, I could see a light at the end of the tunnel in the final chapters. I hope that in the next book or maybe even the next two that Merit makes him really work for her forgiveness.

Twice Bitten went above and beyond in exceeding my expectations. There’s action, there’s drama and there’s plenty of fireworks between Merit and Ethan both in and out of the bedroom. Hard Bitten is lost in the mail somewhere thanks to the Canada Post strike. I hope it’s found soon because I’m currently resisting buying another copy but I can only hold out so long! This third installment catapults the Chicagoland Vampires series onto my must-read list.

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Carmel

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!