****I don’t state what the big spoiler is in this book, but I do talk about my reaction to it, which is spoilerish. Please don’t read further if you want a clean slate going into this book****
Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill (Chicaogland Vampire #4)
May 3, 2011
Urban Fantasy
Trade Paperback
NAL Trade
Reviewed by Mandi
I have become quite invested in the Chicagoland Vampire series. From the early pages of book one, I fell in love with Merit’s snark, her strength and her on and off again relationship with the Master of Cadogan House, Ethan Sullivan. Combined with wonderful supporting characters (Mallory, Catcher and Jeff are three of my favorites!) I greatly anticipate these books.
Hard Bitten focuses on the fallout of the attack on Cadogan house in the previous book. Although vampires have been known to the public for some time, their novelty is wearing off and many have taken to protesting in front of the houses, no longer thrilled with the idea of vampires living side by side with them. The houses are on lock down, and the mayor is putting pressure on the Masters to keep their vampires under control. To make matters worse, violent vampire raves are breaking out. As Merit investigates further, she discovers these raves are not just a blood party –but something or someone is causing vampires to turn aggressive. With both the mayor and the head of the council breathing down Ethan’s neck, everything around Cadogan and Chicago become very tense.
This review is really, really hard for me to write. I have said that in the past but I really mean it this time! I say that because something happens at the end – the very, very end that is big. Huge. Enormous. I read it, and then I rubbed my eyes, and read it again. And then I called a friend and said, what in the world just happened. Until this point I would give this book a solid B. I like the conflict with the rave parties and the political pressure Ethan has to put up with brings nice tension to the story. Being a romance fan, I have been frustrated with Ethan and Merit’s relationship through all the books. They had a very “up” moment in book three, only to be down in love in this book. There is something fishy going on with Mallory. We get little hints throughout the book about her progress to becoming a sorceress and I think there is definitely more than meets the eye. I’m intrigued. But none the less, this is an enjoyable book.
Until the end. Honestly, I’m upset. I’m not happy. I am angry.
I feel like what happened does not fit this series at all. It feels out of place. I get that it will be resolved in a future book somehow, but even then I don’t know if I like it. Chloe Neill has stated to “trust her”.” I’m trying! But I am having a hard time coming up with a resolution that will make me happy. Hopefully something happens in Drink Deep that blows my mind and I will come back to this review and say – why was I so upset? I’ve read some reviews that love the ending – so I’m interested to read reviews as more read this book.
I actually don’t think I can rate this book. I gave it a three on Goodreads just to give it something. I almost can’t rate this book, until I read Drink Deep out this fall. Once I get my question answered, I can come back and rate this one. Because my rating depends on one very, very big thing. And I’m scared of what the answer will be.
Rating: No rating at this time.
Recent Reviews:
Fiction Vixen – 3/5
Fiction Vixen (part 2) – 3/5
Book Addict – 5/5
Rex Robot Reviews – 3.75/5
Goodreads
Author’s Website l Series Listing
Amazon l Kindle l Nook l Book Depository
Today I have one copy of Hard Bitten up for grabs. To enter, just leave a comment. Open to US/Canada through May 3rd.
This book looks really good. I definitely will be putting it on my wishlist. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I am intrigued by your review and now I have to read this series. I would love to win a copy.
The more reviews I read, the more I’m considering putting this one off until I get Drink Deep in November. I’ve said it somewhere else, after the Richele Meade crap in Iron Crowned I can’t take another WTF in a good series unless it’s going to be cleared up. I get and stay angry about it for days. Kinda like I’ve invested emotionally and monetarily in the characters and I in the end I expect to be happy I read the book not angry.
Yeah I agree- I usually love cliffhangers..but in this case I am desperate for the next book. I HOPE HOPE HOPE it exceeds my expectations.
This is a new author for me. The book sounds great and I can’t wait to read it.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I really really really don’t want to be spoiled, so I did not read the review. I’ll definitely come back to read it once I’ve read Hard Bitten, to see if I agree. Thanks for the giveaway. :)
I’ve been hearing that this book has something big happen, and I want to know what happens of course. I understand to trust her Chloe but everyone says that this book is WOW in a good/bad way too. I love Ethan too.
Thanks for the giveaway
*Don’t enter me for the giveaway*
I completely agree that the end seemed out of place. It seemed to come out of left field and didn’t fit with what we have seen so far. I’ve heard the author said to trust her, but that’s not really working well with me. I’ll still read Drink Deep because I want to see where this is going. I want to be convinced that I’m still happy with this series. We’ll see. :(
*nods*
I know a certain something will be resolved, I’m just not sure I will like HOW it is resolved. But I’ll definitely read Drink Deep.
Yikes.
I really really want to read this and find out what happens next! But this is the 4th (maybe 5th) review I’ve read now, and they all say the same thing – ‘loved it, got to the end, don’t believe it’. I am getting very nervous about reading! I almost feel like I want to hold off reading it a bit until Drink Deep is closer. I guess we’ll see what happens. I’m so excited to read, but not looking forward to this end bit!
~Ailsa
Chloe Neill has said to “trust her”
Like I said, I’m trying! LOL. I’m just nervous. We’ll see
I have been dying to talk to someone about this book. I need answers so badly. I don’t want to say to much but………… I’m bursting. I gave it a 5stars on goodreads because I do love the series and it was hard not to judge on my emotions of WTH just happened. And of course this was my first early read I ever receieved though goodreads or anybody for that matter. Of course after this one not sure I want another..lol
If you need to chat email me! mandischreiner (at) gmail.com
I don’t have answers though!! But theories ;)
I’m with you Alisa, I’m not going to to read it until the next one comes out. I don’t like cliff hangers at all!
I agree with you Mandi. I’m pretty torn up over the way the series could be headed. I’m really hoping Drink Deep brings it.
I don’t like spoilers when I want to read a book so I did not read the review! LOL
I would love to win a copy of this book to read. Thank you for the opportunity.
GFC: June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
You have the best contest Smexy! Cannot wait to read this one!
I cannot wait for this book to come out…I wanna know what happens!!
Thanks for the giveaway :)
varuca25(at)gmail(dot)com
I’ve wanted to read this author since I heard about her here. And now, even after this review where you are clearly shaken…I’m thinking I NEED to read these. But, maybe I’ll wait till we get closer to Drink Deep’s release…that way I’ll have less time to suffer. :)
Yes…wait a little closer to Drink Deep!
You’re not the only one to hint that there is a shocker ending, but this definitely makes me consider holding off on reading this until closer to the next book in the series so I don’t get annoyed.
I’m more a fan of romance, so that has been another frustrating point in the “will they/won’t they” tug and pull the series has had between Ethan and Merit.
I think that there is something up with Mallory and her magic, as well. Even in the last book, she is clearly trying to hide what is going on during her visits and training.
I was disappointed in the last book when they ended up not together at the end….
Don’t want to say much about this book..but yeah.
I need Drink Deep!!!
Gah! I hate it when a book takes a WTF turn – for example Iron Crowned (grr!) – so I totally understand your feelings. I would love to win this book because I love this series! Thank you for the contest. :)
Ok…I have to admit I skipped to the end because I didn’t want to “spoil” it…but I would still love the chance to win it. I am one of those that have to read books in order and I haven’t read this book yet. If I were to win it…it would be moved right up to the top of my list!
GAH this book was hard. I agree with you that this was hard to not only review but rate. I liked what you said and can understand how you felt. Great job and here’s to waiting for Drink Deep!!
Don’t enter me I haz the book! ;)
I haven’t read the series yet but reading the reviews that talk about the killer ending has my interest piqued! I must be in the know! Please enter me. :D
I don’t like spoilers, so didn’t read this review. I am looking forward to this book!
Had I known then what I know now… I still would have devoured the book in 2 hrs. LOL . Ms. Neill took a HUGE chance on this and I’m going to trust her.
Oh man, I can’t wait to read this! I want to know what happens so bad!
Thanks for the giveaway :)
Oooh…no rating. Sounds intriguing. Count me in, and thanks for the giveaway.
This series holds a special place for me since Some Girls Bite was my first ever review, but I am extremely anxious about reading this book. Predicting what will happen in a Chloe Neill book is impossible and the suspense is killing me:) We should get together and have a full-on spoilerish blog day to talk about hard Bitten and all our theories for Drink Deep…after I’ve had a chance to read the book.
I won’t read your review yet. I’ve bookmarked it so I can read it after I read this book. (I still need to read the 1st 3 books, as soon as I can get them from my library.)
Please enter me :)
I’ve been wanting to read this one! tWarner419@aol.com
Didn’t read your review, but will read after I read Hard Bitten. Would love to win a copy! I love this series so much!
I’m scared to read the review since you gave the spoiler disclaimer because I do want to start this series….but I tots will. Love your reviews!! Thanks for another contest!!!
Ive read so many reviews that say the same thing. I’m asacred to read it.
Haven’t read this series yet but I for sure what to pick it up.
The ending problem freaks me out, but I still want to read this series. Thanks for the giveaway.
I’d love to win a copy of Hard Bitten. I didn’t read your whole review because I want to be surprised, but I did read the last bit, and I understand why you didn’t rate it. Let’s hope you get your answer in Drink Deep.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
I loved the first 3 books, but after you’re reading your review, I’m really nervous about the ending. I’d love to win a copy though! Then I just need to decide whether to read it right away or wait until Drink Deep comes out.
Mandi –
I totally got into this series based on your Smexy recommendation and have loved it. Now I am freaking out.
I got my copy of Hard Bitten today and will be done by tomorrow. I’m wondering how messed up this must be for you to be angry about it. I thought Ethan was such a chump last time (you know when) that I’m intrigued to find out what else is coming down the line.
I had a really hard time trying to rate this one as well, but I’m putting all my trust in Chloe Neill and am trying to believe that she loves her characters as much as we all do and things will not stay as they were left in this one. I need Drink Deep immediately:)
Would love to read this. Thanks for the giveaway!
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
Ok, you have really got my interest peaked. Love the series, but you have me worried. Count me in on the contest please.
After I re-read the last few pages *cough*afewtimes*cough* I’m left with some hope. Aaauuuggghhh – I want to talk about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can’t wait to read this book! I just LOVE Merit! Now I am really nervous… :-( I did read on Chloe’s website that she did say to trust her on the ending and I was thinking well how bad can it really be but this is the first review I have read for the book and now aI am on the verge of freaking out…OMG!!!
OMG! A Chloe Neill Giveaway! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this series! Can’t wait to read it. Go Team Ethan!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway
fchien16@gmail.com
I’ve heard so much about this book!! I’ve got to have it!! Please :)
I haven’t read any of this series, but I’d like to. I keep hearing good things about it. Hope I win! Thanks for the giveaway.
I haven’t read the series and am still not in a PNR/UF mood so probably will not pick it up, but wanted to give you a big hug and let you know that I am crossing my fingers that the next book answers your questions in a good way. There’s nothing worse than a book you love taking a completely unexpected (in a bad way) turn.
*hugs*
Gah! I hate it when a book/series takes a WTF turn. I completely understand your feelings. I had that feeling after Iron Crowned (Grrr!).
However, I would still LOVE to win this book ! Thank you for the contest!
Nooooooooooooooo! Not a crazy ending that will leave me furiously waiting for the next book. Say it isn’t so!
Melodrama aside, I’m still excited to read the next installment in this series. Chloe Neill hasn’t let me down yet.
Thanks for your frank review and contest!
I LOVE this series, but I’m starting to feel a little scared to read this book!
Hi – found your blog recently and love it! I haven’t read this book yet and all the reviews are making me nervous. I love this series so much that I don’t want to ruin it! Maybe I’ll just wait till the next one comes out so I can read them together. If only I wasn’t so impatient.
Ok, I managed to not read any spoilers. I want to be completely shocked by this book. Although I have been warned to not read it at work. LOL. Please enter me in the contest, I’m dying for this book. Thanks, @KaMcRaven
Would love to read Hard Bitten! I’ve read the first three CV books and loved them, really looking forward to seeing more of Ethan and Merit.
I can’t wait to read this, but I really hate cliffhangers.
dying to read this, thanks for the giveaway!
This is one series I need to get caught up on. Sounds like a great read.
scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
Mandi –
I finished the book and can see why you are angry. It was unexpected and I was not pleased either. I’ll give the next book a chance, but I think I will stew for a while in the meantime. Grrrrr.
Didn’t read the review because I’d like a clean slate. Will have to come back some time to read it though. :) Thanks so much for the giveaway!
I can’t wait to read this one I love her books one of my favorites! Been looking forward to hard bitten for awhile I can’t believe May is here Yay! Great giveaway thank you so much will read your review after I read it :) Thanks for another great giveaway!
tishajean@ charter.net
I love this series!
Great review! Can’t wait to read it myself!
Leilani
Leilani @ leilanilovesbooks . Com
I cant wait to read this book. Been reading since the beginning but Im so worried from all the reviews it seems that ending it some crazy shocker! But Im super excited! Thanks for the giveaway!!
seeingnightreviews@gmail.com
I just about died at the end-but we did have a small warning: the book that Merit was working on for her Phd. Chloe has said in interviews that it would come into play at some point, but she couldn’t say when as it’d be spollerish, but it still didn’t prepare me for the ending.
Forgot to add that I’m not entering the giveaway.
I am so upset by the ending. I couldn’t sleep last night. I have been so gung ho Chloe Neill, since I found her books. I don’t even know if I want to read the next one. I just loved the quick witted banter. I can’t see how Chloe will be able to reproduce that without it not ringing true. I would explain more but then I would give it all away. I think I’ll just skip to the end of the next book to see if I want to read it!
In a way, this reminds me of some of KMM’s cliff hangers but this one seemed so ….. out of the blue and you’re exactly right, out of character for this series. KMM is a very dramatic writer where I’ve felt Neill is more of a light hearted, snarky writer – honestly this will have to be resolved in the next book or I prolly won’t be hanging on to find out. I think it was very smart of her to release the next book this year so she doesn’t lose too many readers. I’m disappointed but hopeful – but not like I was with KMM’s books (where I was DEVASTATED but HAD TO keep reading). I’m just not invested enough in her series yet for her to do something like this and me to want to read through it.