Phantom Kiss

Chicagoland Vampires #12.5

by Chloe Neill

InMidnight Marked, Merit, Ethan, and the rest of Cadogan House crew discover that not all undead creatures are kindred spirits...

Vampires generally aren't afraid of things that go bump in the night, but Merit and Ethan are extra jumpy after a recent attack by a dark sorcerer. So when they learn that someone is messing with graves in Chicago's cemeteries, stealing skulls and snatching souls, they fear that their powerful foe might be back for even more magical vengeance.

But after a specter begins haunting Cadogan House—and targeting vampires—they realize that their being taunted by an altogether different sort of monster. A ghoulish villain straight out of the Windy City's urban legends is on the prowl—and he won't stop until he's killed again...

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Magic

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2017

About the author

Chloe Neill is the New York Times bestselling author of the Heirs of Chicagoland, Chicagoland Vampires Novels, Devil's Isle Novels, and Dark Elite novels. Chloe was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest. When she's not writing, she bakes, works, and scours the Internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Chloe also maintains her sanity by spending time with her boys--her husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout.

Connect with Chloe at www.chloeneill.com.

Reviews

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Merit and Ethan,

one of my favorite vampire characters from Chloe Neill's fabulous Chicagoland Vampires Series, are back in a short novella and book #12,5 in the series.

Despite being a quick read, we do get to see the romantic side of their romance...their upcoming wedding plans......such fun to see her family trying to take over!!!!!

We meet up with most of the series characters - which was a total bonus for me. The plot revolves around a ghost and the two embark on solving the mystery with the help Annabelle, the necromancer and the CPAN (Chicago Paranormal Action Network), which is run by Merit's grandfather.

I am not that crazy about the short stories that the author's throw in between full length books......why they do this I have no clue!!! But I did enjoy this one.

Can't wait for the next instalment.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merit and Ethan are in wedding planning mode, meanwhile someone is trying to raise a ghost in the cemetery. What horror have they called and how will Merit and the gang stop it? She can’t use her katana against a ghost! 👻

[Carmel (Rabid Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.

*** CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS ***

This was a great little side tangent to the regular series, and offered a more intimate glimpse into Merit & Ethan's romantic life than what we tend to get in the full-length books. PHANTOM KISS opens with Meredith throwing the happy couple a bridal shower which was a hoot because 1- We all know how much the Sentinel loves shindigs—one of the reasons why Sullivan appointed her as the House's social chair—haha! And, 2- Some of her uppity family is still peeved about her being a vampire. So, naturally, drama-drama-drama!

The story then takes on a heavier tone with its ghost plot line, and the potential for the final big bad to make an appearance. I enjoyed the historical aspects of this short; Chloe Neill is a pro at incorporating all things Chicago into her novels, and in this one we get some of Capone & O'Banion's henchmen engaged in a ghostly turf war. Ok, kinda, not really, but if I told you who's at the heart of this mystery I'd be giving away the punchline. Annabelle, the necromancer, was also in attendance, so I was happy to see her again, and the CPAN (Chicago Paranormal Action Network) folks were stereotypical however, they did force Cadogan House's Master to give Luc permission to add some new gadgets to his arsenal which was cute.

PHANTOM KISS was one of the better novellas that I've read in recent months. It included most of the characters that CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES fans just can't get enough of, didn't contain anything vital to make it a one-click must, but it was a value add that few will want to miss, and of course, the sneak peek at the last installment will ensure that you are counting down the days until April 25th if you haven't started doing so already. ~4.5 Stars

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would've been happy with just the steamy scene between Ethan and Merit but I guess their "adventure" with a serial killer ghost was a little interesting too.

This is just one step closer to the end of one of my all time favorite paranormal couples and I don't want it to end! :'(

[Ferdy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't think Merit and Ethan could get any more insufferable, judgy, irritating and up themselves. But they did. Can't forget to mention them being total martyrs and snowflakes. Also, trite dialogue and generic story.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm torn about the ending of the Chicagoland Vampire Series. PHANTOM KISS added a fantastic adventure to this series that will be ending with the release of BLADE BOUND on April 25, 2017.. When you love a series you never want it to end; I truly love Chicagoland Vampires.

That being said, how did Neill pack so much into PHANTOM KISS? Neill did skimp, it has all the characters we've come to love, just the right of steam between Ethan and Merit and a fun and exciting plot with a twist. A Ghostly adventure to devour.

I received this ARC copy of Phantom Kiss from Berkley Publishing Group - InterMix. This is my honest and voluntary review. This book is set for publication Jan. 17, 2017.

My Rating: 5 stars

Written by: Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires
Print Length: 82 pages
Publisher: InterMix
Publication Date: January 17, 2017
Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
ASIN: B01LZM8426
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/phant...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Phantom-Chicag...
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/phan...

Reviewed for:

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge fan of the Chicagoland Vampires series I love it when Chloe Neill writes these novellas to help tide us over until the next full length book releases. Phantom Kiss was a great way to slip back into this world and it definitely left me more eager than ever for the April release of Blade Bound.

Merit and Ethan's evening starts with a wedding shower organised by Merit's mother and sister and ends with a trip to a cemetery to investigate a freshly disturbed grave. Frankly I'm not sure which of the two events is more terrifying but the fallout for the open grave has far more serious consequences. I don't think we've seen much ghostly action throughout the series so that was a nice change of pace and I thought it was hilarious to see how the Cadogan vampires reacted to the idea that the house may be haunted.

As always I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Merit and Ethan working together and we get to see all our favourite familiar faces like Mallory, Catcher, Jeff and Merit's Grandfather. We also get to spend more time with local necromancer Annabelle which was great, I really like her character and hope we'll see more of her in the final book.

I'm so sad that this series is coming to an end but I have very high hopes for Blade Bound and can't wait to see Merit and Ethan get their happily ever after.

Source: Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Who doesn’t love a good ghost story?”

Phantom Kiss is a great novella that perfectly compliments the near closure of Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series. It has sexy romance, humor, mystery, action, suspense, history, magic, ghosts, vampires (of course), and preparations for a certain couple's upcoming nuptials...Ms. Neill fit a whole lot into 90 pages of fast-paced entertainment. If you follow this series, don't miss this gem!

My favorite quote:
“Most of us rarely rise to our full potential.”

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

PHANTOM KISS is the last novella set in the Chicagoland Vampires world. Because of this, I was really expecting something soft and sweet, a beginning to the end so to speak. However, Chloe Neill doesn’t just take the sweet route with this story. She actually gives readers a mystery that is unique and highly interesting. I have a lot of respect for authors who provide a solid storyline in novellas like Chloe Neill does, and this one is a great one.

It looks like something is stirring the cemetery and Merit and Ethan suspect that a specter might be on the loose. Although this story is less than a 100 pages, it still packed everything I love about this series into the tight word count. There’s great banter between all of the characters. There’s a good amount of romance between Merit and Ethan, and the mystery subplot stands alone very well, making for a very well-thought-out story.

I really enjoyed this novella but am sad to know that the next one out will be the very last. Until then, I will savoring the experience before we have to say goodbye to our fave Sentinel and her Master.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story was awesome! Having the wedding shower party (I think) and then dealing with ghosts, this was so fantastic! Can't wait for Blade Bound!

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

PHANTOM KISS is the last novella set in the Chicagoland Vampires world. Because of this, I was really expecting something soft and sweet, a beginning to the end so to speak. However, Chloe Neill doesn’t just take the sweet route with this story. She actually gives readers a mystery that is unique and highly interesting. I have a lot of respect for authors who provide a solid storyline in novellas like Chloe Neill does, and this one is a great one.

It looks like something is stirring the cemetery and Merit and Ethan suspect that a specter might be on the loose. Although this story is less than a 100 pages, it still packed everything I love about this series into the tight word count. There’s great banter between all of the characters. There’s a good amount of romance between Merit and Ethan, and the mystery subplot stands alone very well, making for a very well-thought-out story.

I really enjoyed this novella but am sad to know that the next one out will be the very last. Until then, I will savoring the experience before we have to say goodbye to our fave Sentinel and her Master.

*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Annie

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[Sara Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man.... Such a little teaser this novella is! I have really loved The Chicagoland Vampire series by Chloe Neill. This series has been such fun and I love the snarkiness of this series between the characters. I'm pretty sad that this series is ending in April. I'm very curious how she is going to wrap this all up in one more book.

This novella definitely will quench your thirst for now until April gets here. It's classic Merit and Ethan coming to the rescue after they get a phone call about a grave being desiccated and the skull missing of who they think was a thug for Capone resurrecting his ghost. Which was such fun to throw in a little Chiago history with the mafia. They find out things are not as they seem and work together to fix things in the mist of celebrating their wedding shower.

I'm very much looking forward to see what Chloe Neill has in store for Ethand and Merit as this series comes to an end in April.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

After attending their engagement party, Merit and Ethan receive a phone call from a necromancer. Someone has dug up a grave in an old Chicago cemetery. When they arrive, they find that the skull is missing and a ghost has been called up. Merit follows a trail of dirt to the cemetery gate. She also finds a group of Ghost Hunters who say they felt the heavy magic and have come to investigate. When Ethan and Merit return to Cadogan House, they discover that the ghost is now haunting their wine cellar...and it is not happy.

This is a novella in the Chicagoland Vampires series. It didn't take long for Merit to figure out who was raising the ghost and why they were doing it. Only one more book to go in the series. I'm going to miss these characters. My rating: 4 Stars.

[Once · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering Phantom Kiss is a novella, a stepping stone between each full installment, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed it--which isn't something I say very often with novellas. Though shorter in length than the rest of the series it didn't lack the drama, excitement and usual quirky humour from my beloveds at Cadogan House.

Ethan and Merit are one of my favourite couples, like, ever. Phantom Kiss was a welcome bonus because I got a tast of all the characters I'd come to know and love before the release of Blade Bound, the closing book to the series (totally not ready for this series to end).

Phantom Kiss dips its toes into the details of frantic wedding planning and a very narked ghost--both very different from the usual vampires, shifters and occasional Fae (that's if you forget about the stray Angel, wayward sorceress and other occasional paranormals). It was refeshing and delightful seeing the group spooked by a ghost.

The plot fast-paced, eventful and a rewarding read, I would definitely reccomend this as a read to those fans of the series. Newbies, this urban fantasy series isn't one to miss.

http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2017...

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what the point of this short story is; it’s pretty much a fluffy bit of filler. A little wedding planning, a little sex, and a little ghost hunting with Scooby Doo and the vampire gang. This is the kind of short bit of story that authors usually put up on their website for a free read. If you read the summary, that's really all there is to the story. Strictly for hardcore fans of the series.

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love love love Chloe Neill and I am so sad that this series is coming to an end. This novella was the perfect story to tide me over until we get the next and final book BLADE BOUND. Seeing the evolution of the relationship between Ethan and Merit has been one of my absolute favorite parts of this series and add in the magic and mayhem and I couldn't ask for anything more.

Thank you to the publisher for the early read in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I nice side adventure for our team, enjoyed seeing them all, but it didn't really add much to the larger story arc. Sadly I think I'm ready to see this series wrap up with the final installment coming this April.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Loved the wedding prep moments. And the snippet into the last book AHH I loved that.

[Clara I · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Novella was a great little read while we wait for the next and final book in the series to come out in April. In fact it was so good that you forget it is a novella and think its actually a full-length. Merit and Ethan are at it again, investigating with the whole gang - Mallory, Cather, the Ombuddies, and even Anabelle the Necromancer since what they are investigating is a ghost that has been broken from its grave by a spell and has followed them home to Cadagen House. As usual there is much humor, magic, romance, and a bit of fighting. Its all packed in there and is quite enjoyable. At the end is a excerpt from the next book, Blade Bound, coming in April, which I can't wait for! Merit and Ethan getting married! Worth the read for sure.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phantom Kiss is a is nice little side adventure for the gang. Merit and Ethan is getting closer to the march down the isle and this mystery over a ghost haunting them was just the last little escapade they needed to take the pressure of wedding planning off their minds. References to the plot in the last full length novel, Midnight Marked was made so fans of the series will want to read this one afterwards.

Phantom Kiss was just enough to wet my appetite for the final book in the series, Blade Bound.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's two months before their wedding, and Ethan and Merit are more excited about the ceremony to come than all the preparatives that come with it. Because magic and troublemakers never take a break , when Annabelle Shaw, a necromancer they met before, ask them for their help with (you guessed it from the title) a ghost, Ethan and Merit and all their friends will work together to resolve the issue.

Once again, it was full of great humorous lines and I'm so glad all the gang was there. Catcher, Mallory, Luc, Lindsey, Jeff... I really enjoyed the mystery and the whole plot was really well done for such a short story. I remember why I felt in love with this series :).

[Barbara (The Bibliophage) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that was fun! Once again humans do something stupid and the supernaturals have to save the day. Plus, there's a bit of sexy thrown in for good measure. It was a perfect short palate cleanser for me.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute Ethan and Merit story. The whole gang is present for a showdown with a ghost which was fun. If you like Chicagoland and are already invested in the series you'll enjoy this....

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at Smexybooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/01/review-...

Favorite Quote: “I’m obedient when it counts.”

Chloe Neill takes pity on her faithful fans and gifts us a small adventure with Merit and Ethan before the final farewell novel, Blade Bound, releases. This novella isn’t necessary to the advancement of the series and can be read as one’s leisure. Fans will remember in Midnight Marked, Ethan and Merit found themselves tested by a pair of enemies.vPhantom Kiss picks up approximately two months later. Merit and Ethan have discovered one of those enemies has escaped and is now in the wind and they are on the final countdown to their wedding. When Annabelle Shaw, a necromancer they met and worked with earlier, contacts them that she has discovered a disturbed grave, Merit and Ethan fear the worse.

The story opens to Merit and Ethan arriving at Merit’s parents home for their wedding shower. A lighted hearted scene turns serious when it is revealed that some of Merit’s family is not one hundred percent on board with her new life and wedding. Will Merit and Ethan have family issues on their wedding day?

Oh, I almost guarantee it.

The action kicks into high gear as the Cadogan House finds itself teaming up with the Ombudsman’s office and the rest of the gang to investigate the mystery behind who disturbed the grave and why. Supernatural hijinks, some ambitious ghost hunters, and a walk back through Chicago’s turbulent history offers fans the intrigue, suspense, and of course the humor they’ve come to appreciate from the series. Fast pacing, witty narrative, and a strong well plotted storyline makes this novella well worth the cost. Fans will enjoy spending a little time with their favorite couples and the small peek into Blade Bound offered at the end.

Though I’m sad to see Neill ending her Chicagoland Vampires series, I am more than ready to read the last book see just how she has chosen to bring this series home.

Grade: B

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Contains spoilers from previous books in the Chicagoland Vampires Series**

Chloe Neill plunges us back into Chicago history with PHANTOM KISS. I don't read a lot of novellas, but I couldn't pass this one up. I'm so sad this series is ending, but so glad to get another little side adventure with Ethan and Merit before the final book.

What a neat little adventure. Merit and Ethan attend their bridal shower and then get called out to the cemetery where they find out a ghost has been set loose. Not much gets solved while they are out, but they quickly find out the ghost followed them home and it's NOT friendly.

We already know most of the characters in PHANTOM KISS and although we do learn a few new things about some of them, I would like to mention some other characters. I really enjoy Annabelle's character and although we did meet her in a past book, I wish we would have gotten to know her earlier in the series. She fits well into the world and I would have loved to have more adventures with her. Another newcomer is introduced in PHANTOM KISS, but it's actually a group of ghost hunters that call themselves the Chicago Paranormal Action Network. They were interesting and a bit crazy.

I'm glad I read PHANTOM KISS before jumping into the final book BLADE BOUND. It's time for the wedding and I can't wait see how it plays out! So sad to see the Chicagoland Vampires series go, but excited to see how it ends.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe Neill’s Phantom Kiss is a spook-tacular addition to the Chicagoland Vampires Series. Merit and Ethan discover a grave robbery and accidentally bring the ghost home with them to Cadogan House. The spirit is not friendly and attacks the vampires. They need to uncover who is robbing the graves, while figuring out how to get rid of their ghost. This contemporary Urban Fantasy takes place in Chicago.

I love that this story starts out at Merit’s and Ethan’s wedding shower. Merit’s dealings with her human family are always interesting. I found the gifts they received amusing. On their way home from the shower, they receive a call from necromancer, Annabelle Shaw, about a grave robbery and stop to investigate. This short story is full of non-stop action and interesting twists. Thankfully, the couple is resourceful and have some powerful friends.

Being a Chicagoan, I love this series. Chloe Neill does an amazing job of including Chicago history and landmarks in her stories; not to mention, listing all the best places to eat, yum Superdawg and Giordano’s. Chloe Neill’s character development and plot are continually exceptional. Chicagoland Vampires continues to be one of my favorite Urban Fantasy Series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[SnoopyDoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/phan...


This is a great short book to hold us over until we get the next and sadly final book.

I was happy to see Annabelle again, I really liked her in the previous book.

Of course we get to see our usual gang and as always it is fun. We actually get to see Luc being put on his behind. It was kind of funny and scary at the same time.
We meet a new ghost hunters group.

Of course we have Merit and Ethan. Ethan again showed his funny site, which I really enjoy if he is not all stuffy.

But he does show that he is not willing to put his vampires and his house in danger, no matter what or who.

I loved that some of Chicago’s history was in the book.

It does come with a sneak peek of Blade Bound, the final book, but I decided not to read that part. I rather wait until the whole book is released.

Overall. Great short but fun book I rate it at 4 ★

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: A dark novella where the supernatural world of the Chicagoland vampires only gets stranger.

Opening Sentence: “There is no torture so sweet, no punishment so sublime, as the couple’s wedding shower.”

The Review:

Phantom Kiss by Chloe Neill is a novella set in the Chicagoland Vampires series. This novella is a nice look into the ghostly aspect of this supernatural world. I really enjoyed having Annabelle, the necromancer, back for this spooky tale. I have been intrigued with her since she showed up in the last novel. I really want to know more about her and her powers.

Two months have passed since Merit and company went up against the Alchemist. It has also been two months since Ethan’s proposal. As the beginning of this novella, we get to see Merit and Ethan having a semi normal life even if it is hanging out with Merit’s family for their wedding shower. The night is going as well as it can until the moment Merit gets a phone call about something funny going on at a graveyard.

Annabelle informs Merit that someone has been grave robbing at a cemetery that she has been investigating. Alarmed by this news, Merit has to make sure that the Alchemist isn’t behind this new crop of horrors. The missing skull could be used for any dozens of horrible spells. Merit runs into a group of paranormal investigators who are also searching the cemetery for any unusual activity. It is a good thing that Merit ran into this group because a harmful ghost follows them home to Cadogan House. This ghost is very powerful, strong and can hurt people including vampires.

Phantom Kiss isn’t a must read but it is certainly a fun off the wall read. Merit continues to narrate. The supernatural world only gets stranger. After reading some of Blade Bound, I can say that events have been referenced several times but nothing that is pertinent to the main storyline.

Notable Scene:

The gate was closed and locked, bound to its post with a thick silver chain. Annabelle pulled a necklace over her head, inserted a key into the lock, and when it unsnapped with an audible click, pulled the chain free and pushed the gate open. Magic flowed liked water through the gap, perhaps released by the gate’s opening or drawn to Annabelle and her connection to the dead.

The energy of the deceased was unique among magicks, or at least those I’d experienced so far. It was thicker and, when it brushed against skin, felt tangible. But unlike the last time I’d been near a ghost, the magic was sharply cold—potent peppermint against the skin. It had been early spring then, the temperature already cold, so I probably hadn’t noticed the difference. Now it was midsummer, and the chill of magic was a shocking contrast to the warm night air.

FTC Advisory: I purchased my own copy of Phantom Kiss. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Megzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takes place before the wedding.

[Amber Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4+ stars*