I'm completely convinced that the story arc of his book is essential to the series.

 

Went a little soap opera-y, introduced a few too many new characters, too much bullying by the bad guys, took too long to connect that person X was always doing y during the z events ... but, overall an enjoyable read with Merit still Merit.

 

Looking forward to rest of series.  A bit leery  since the way this one ended might portend an upcoming road trip (I have a low tolerance for too much road trip in most stories).

 

 

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can’t tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city iself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven’t been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.

That’s when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago’s mayor insists it’s nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She’ll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who’s behind this, and stop them before it’s too late for vampires and humans alike.

 

 

After the last book I was really eager to get to this book and was happy that I didn’t have to wait a year or so since most of the books already are released.

Though, I was a little confused and conflicted about this book. It just seemed a little off, not sure what but there was just something that was not in place. Also I was not really sure what to think about the ending of this one. Once I got to the end of this book, I was confused, happy, sad and yet I felt kind of cheated.

We get a lot of them doing research in this book.

Merit, in this book just not really felt like herself, I can understand after last book that she is a little off. She is still dealing with the effects of that and has a hard time coming to turns with what happened.  Plus The GP has sent Frank to put the house back in order. He is really the biggest asshole. He is pushing them to their limits. I really wish Malik or anyone else would have punched him.

We get to see a lot more if Jonah and get to know more about and him and the RG. I really like Jonah and hope he stay a major player in this book. Though and that note, I also so say that I got kind of tired of everyone pushing and asking about Merit and Jonah. It just seemed weirdly rushed or so that everyone really wanted to get into their business.

Luc and Lindsey are also much more in the book, I love them both but like them ever better as a couple.

Malory is still doing her exams and that is really stressing her out. Something is not right with her either, while she is pushing everyone away including Catcher. I think this book I could like and relate with Catcher the most. He was really great in this book.

I did miss Jeff a little, we don’t get as much if him as in other books.

Also we learn more about the nymphs, faries, and sirens in this book. I really enjoyed that part.

Tate, is also a still in the picture and I have a feeling we get to see a lot more off him and what he is. Speaking of who he is, I really want to find out who the secrete vampire is that is working for Chuck Merit.

Overall, this book was really not as good and I must say I was feeling like the end either was a bit of a copout. If not I really don’t understand the ending of the last book.

Like I said, I really have mixed feeling about this book and still not really sure what to think of it. Maybe more will be explained or revealed in future books.

I rate this book at 3 ★

 

 

Some of my favorite quotes:

 

“And that’s why we’re sending Boobs McGee.”

I slowly swiveled my head to glare at Catcher. “Seriously. You’re, what, twelve now?”

***

“Then I guess that settles that,” I agreed. “My boobs and I will go.”

***

“You’re thinking about him naked, aren’t you?”

“Unfortunately.”

She patted my arm. “And to think—I was actually hesitant about dating him. Oh, and speaking of which. Chaps. Enough said.”

***

“I'm working from the assumption it's going to go horribly wrong. If we get out of here with limbs intact and no aspen slivers in uncomfortable places, we're calling it a win."

***

“I walked inside and paused for a moment to breathe in the scent of paper and dust—the perfumes of knowledge.”

***

 

 

 

 

 

Available NOW 

 

I didn't realize how much I missed Ethan while I was reading.

Okay, could someone please tell me who goes over to someone's house and steals ashes? Who does that?
I was about done with that person after that happened. Then again, that person never held my interest in the first place.
Where did Simon go at the end of the book and why did Catcher act like a brat throughout the book? I guess the movies on the Lifetime Movies channel were enough of a distraction because he clearly wasn't paying attention to what was going on.
I like Jonah! He has no chance in hell with Merit, but I like him! I kind of wish it would have made sense for him and Merit to deck Morgan and his girlfriend in the bar.
Tate, Tate, Tate! I thought he might be a shifter in disguise. Like a Were-Worm because he's so slimey, but he's not. I think he may be a sorcerer of some kind. For my own curiosity, it will be worth it to keep reading this series to find out what he is.

While the solution to all the problems happening in the book was predictable, I still enjoyed what happened to the point of talking to the book. Once I start talking to a book, you know it has my attention.

I am going to give everyone a heads up right now: This review is going to have spoilers from previous books. If you haven't read them and hate spoilers, Stop Reading Now. You have been warned.

After the conclusion of Hard Bitten, book 4 in the Chicagoland Vampire Series by Chloe Neill, I was in a bit of a state of shock. I mean how often does an author kill of the main love interest in a series? It takes a serious leap of faith to emotionally rip our hearts from our chests like she did and trust that we will come back for more.

And yet we did. Because Merit must continue on, because the House must continue on. Especially with the feared Receiver showing up and taking over the house, implementing outrageous rules. (Think Dolores Umbridge in HP 6) Plus there is yet another supernatural problem going on that puts vampires in general and Cadogan House in particular in the spotlight. One that increases the rioters outside Cadogan House.

Luckily, for Merit, Jonah is willing to partner up with her while she tries to figure out who is up to what. Jonah is Head of the House Guard at Grey House and her prospective partner if she decides to join the Red Guard. Which with the way the Presidium and the GP are handling the events that have transpired in Chicago, is starting to look better and better to Merit.

This book takes Merit deeper in the supernatural community as she questions everyone trying to figure out who is to blame for the elemental imbalances shaking the city, all while disturbing dreams of Ethan haunt her during her day sleep. This is the book where everything that has come before gets mixed up, shaken up and dumped on its head. But the ending is what had me gasping and trying to come to terms with what just happened. Because, damn, just damn. This was an incredible story and well earned its 4 stars.

Most any urban fantasy series set in Chicago is going to catch my attention.  A large part of why The Dresden Files is way up there with me, in spite of the recent depressing storylines, is the setting. 

 

This series not only caught my attention, it's holding it very well.  There are a lot of series, even in my beloved Cozy mysteries, that I won't read the e-novellas.  Not this one.  I devoured Howling For You in one sitting and was ready for more - good thing the next book comes out soon! 

 

I'm not one of those readers that waits until a series is complete to start reading - I actually enjoy (for the most part, see above Dresden Files for an exception - endless delays make me cranky) the anticipation of wondering what the characters will get themselves into next time. 

 

Even though this series does seem to be heading down the path of, "Don't these people EVER catch a break?"  which seems to be prevalent in ongoing urban fantasy series these days (and which I'm not really happy about as a trend),  there's enough humor and good stuff to keep me reading.