Twice Bitten

This is the third book in the Chicagoland Vampires series and my favorite so far. This book had a more solid plot than previous books and things escalate both between Ethan and Merit and between the shapeshifters and the vampires. Definitely a must read if you enjoyed the first couple books of this series.

I listed to this on audiobook and the audiobooks for this series are incredibly well done. This is one of those series that I think sounds even better than it would read; the narrator just does such a wonderful job.

Shapeshifters are meeting in the Windy City and they meet to decide if they will return to their homeland or stay for the oncoming supernatural war. Ethan lends out Merit's services as a bodyguard to the shapeshifter's show more leader Gabriel-Keene. As the time to the Shapeshifter Convocation draws closer it becomes clear that someone has put a hit out on Gabriel. Merit continually finds herself in the line of fire. Not only that but she is trying to navigate treacherous politics between the shapeshifters and vamps while also doing one on one training sessions with Ethan to try to improve her lackluster sparring skills.

This was the best book in this series so far. Things are really building to a climax in multiple ways. The shapeshifters are on the edge of either staying of fleeing as war approaches the supernatural community and the way they choose will tip the balance one way or the other. The tension between Merit and Ethan is constantly building and it was absolutely killing me to know what would happen between them. Merit is starting to understand her own powers and finally figuring out way to break down the wall she keeps hitting when she tries to spar.

Romance is a huge driver in this story. The tension between Merit and Ethan is absolutely sizzling. This is one of those books where I loved Ethan and then I hated him. Seriously he jerks Merit around so much; yet he does it in a strangely understandable way. The only other series I can think of that has had me as emotionally involved as this one is the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost. I swear there were parts of this book where I was holding my breath to see what would happen.

Beyond that a lot of other neat stuff happens in this book. Lots of action in this one, Merit finds herself in a number of combat situations and performs admirably. The addition of the shapeshifters raised the stakes and ratcheted up the tension in this book, really driving the plot forward. So much depending on their decision to stay or leave. I continue to love the fun and witty banter between all of these wonderful characters.

The story wraps up well, but will have people a bit frustrated I am sure. I am very eager to see where both the building-war and the Merit-Ethan thing ends up going. I am dying to read Hard Bitten now. I was a little disappointed that Mallory wasn't in the story more, she always adds a lot of fun. Hopefully we will see her more in future installments.

Overall the best book in this series, absolutely stellar. If you liked the first few books in this series you'll love this one. Tons of action, building tension between the shifters and vamps, and lots of Ethan-Merit moments. This was a super engaging and fun read. Highly recommended to fans of urban fantasy. Reminds a bit of the Night Huntress series; so if you like that series I think you will love this one as well. show less

I can't believe I am continuing to listen to this series. It's hooked me. Brainless stuff to listen to while driving.

Narrator still has the sibilant S that bugs me.
Oh and at the beginning of the book, she seemed to have forgotten how to pronounce a few things. Corrected by disc two.

Good things I love: The sarcasm, the wit, the smart alecness of Merit. The play in the books, even if it is a tense situation.
And my dear author, you had a wonderful, tension filled book and then... you did what you shouldn't have done. Can't say more without giving away a detail.

Also, Why did you make Ethan a Yankee's fan?!?!? UGH!

More of the other supernaturals in this book. Jeff comes more to the forefront now, giving the magic users a back seat for a show more few. Revelations abound regarding super's activities.

Okay, so where's book 4? show less

Merit is still learning, but finding that maybe, just maybe, she's not wrong for the job of Sentinel and that there's a hope for herself and Ethan. She's also drawn into shifter politics. Things are not going well for a lot of people and she seems to be a focus for a lot of what's going on. Partially because people underestimate her and assume as a new vampire she wouldn't understand, but she's powerful and is begining to realise it.

I liked it, maybe not as much as book 1, but still I want to keep reading. Merit in my minds eye doesn't look like the cover, she looks better. (also, dear cover photographer, Cavalry Sabre=/= Katana) I can't wait to see what happens next. Things are complicated in her life but she's managing to get places show more and come to terms with her present life. show less

Just thinking about this book....I want to pick it up and reread it. That slow build up between Merit and Ethan that I talked about in my first two reviews? (Check them out here and here.)

Yeah. All I'm going to say is...WORTH. THE. WAIT. All kinds of hot. By the time some (I repeat: some) of the walls come down - I was so emotionally invested in their relationship that I about melted into a puddle of joy when progress was finally made. (Don't expect a totally happy ending though...just saying.)

Anyway, besides the hotness...this was also the best so far as far as the action goes. Instead of a ton of vampire drama (although there is still that, of course)...we add in shifter drama. Merit and Ethan get in way over their heads and it is show more both exhilarating and hilarious to see them fight their way through the novel.

This is far and away my favorite of the series thus far, and if Neill keeps getting better and better, this is going to be one of the best paranormal series out there! (Well, it already is actually - but I needed to make a dramatic statement to get my point across.)

Do yourself a favor and check this series out. If you like paranormal novels, have ever considered liking paranormal novels, or heck...if you know how to read - you will fall in love with these characters. show less

This third book in the Chicagoland Vampires is just as fresh as the first two. Merit, a vampire for less than three months, was made Sentinel of Cadogan House due to her strength and speed, as well as her ability to feel magic and resist glamour.

We deal with shifters in this book as Merit and Ethan are requested by Gabriel, the Apex of the North American Central Pack, to act as security at a meeting of four packs. The meeting will determine if the shifters stay where they are and risk being pulled into a war, or retreat to their home base in Alaska. Most aren’t happy to have vampires included in their business. To the vampires, an alliance with the shifters would be a big deal for what they fear is coming.

The relationship also heats show more up between Merit and Ethan, with some surprising results.

The author tells a very good story with a good blend of characters, politics, actions, emotion, prejudice and alliances. Merit is an easy character to befriend, and while powerful for such a young vampire who is still learning, it's her humanity, stubbornness, loyalty and dislike of the status quo that make a huge difference in the relationships she has with others. show less

This book was a lot of fun and probably the best one in the series so far. It’s heavy on the romance and there’s more relationship progression, making Twice Bitten just as emotionally intense as Friday Night Bites. What makes this series stand out is its emotional honesty and its truly sympathetic protagonist. The inner conflict and heartache Merit faces make up for the fact that she becomes a little Mary Sue-ish. (Her transformation into a badass warrior chick is fun if cliche and somewhat unrealistic.) There’s more action this time around, which I enjoyed, but the choreography of the fight sequences could have been better written. The plot was predictable and the culprit is obvious very early on, yet it was fast paced and the show more introduction of new, interesting characters made it enjoyable. Some questions are answered - we finally find out Merit’s first name as well as more about Ethan’s past - while other mysteries rise to the surface - for example, the unclear meaning of Merit’s glimpse into the future. Despite its flaws, this is a surprisingly compelling novel and it’s a great series if you’re in the mood for light, romancy summer reading. I loved the hopeful ending and I’ll definitely read the next book when it comes out. show less

3rd installment in the Chicagoland Vampires. The author did a good job at balancing rehash - to catch the reader up on what happened last time - and not boring the reader with too many details that we surely remembered from the last book. This is not an easy task, so she gets an extra half star in my estimation!

The story centers on Merit and Ethan protecting the Apex of the Shifters, who are in town for a major meeting which will ultimately impact the vamps. Good romance, pacing and humor. I had a pretty good inkling who the bad guy was, but the reasons and execution were pretty well done.