Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #4) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Sep 30, 2010 The Flooze rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: vanquished_2011, urban-fantasy-paranormal, owned

I declare Chloe Neill to be a ballsy bitch. I’m thinking loophole because of one detail in the final pages, but that’s all I’ll discuss about the ending.

I had some problems with the third installment. I’m pleased to say they didn't crop up again in Hard Bitten. Merit’s snark was back up to par, Ethan garnered the right amount of sympathy, and Mallory was a friend rather than an irritation. Recapping was kept to a minimum, with Neill dishing out just enough to jar my memory. The pacing was smooth I declare Chloe Neill to be a ballsy bitch. I’m thinking loophole because of one detail in the final pages, but that’s all I’ll discuss about the ending.

I had some problems with the third installment. I’m pleased to say they didn't crop up again in Hard Bitten. Merit’s snark was back up to par, Ethan garnered the right amount of sympathy, and Mallory was a friend rather than an irritation. Recapping was kept to a minimum, with Neill dishing out just enough to jar my memory. The pacing was smooth and quick, with every chapter offering progress. Following Merit on her investigation was wholly enjoyable, and my mind was working double-time to figure out the criminals’ motivations. The big reveal was shocking in several ways; Neill showed excellent timing and skill in doling out details while still withholding one or two puzzle pieces until the very end.

We get a little more information on magic, which makes me hopeful that the sorcerer contingent will soon be coming to the fore. (Although, if every sorcerer’s personality is as abrasive as Mal's and Catcher’s, maybe that’s not a good thing.) We also catch glimpses of Gabriel and Tonya, as well as members of other supernatural communities; it’s nice to have the races rounded out, even if they mostly stick to the background. And Neill once again makes Chicago an important character unto itself. Though I’m not familiar with the city, I continue to feel the author’s fondness and knowledge of its many neighborhoods, its people, and its traditions. It’s nice to read a series where the setting is not just a cardboard backdrop, especially because Merit is so fiercely attached to her hometown.

I don’t know where the series is going at this stage, though I have some vague guesses. My experience with Chicago Vampires has included some frustration, but I am grateful for one thing: Ms. Neill does her best to let the story unfold naturally. She does not telegraph her next move. She keeps the plot fresh and us readers on our toes. There’s a lot of fodder for speculation after this one - the events are game-changing - but Chloe Neill has won my respect. I think I can trust her to make all the shock and drama worthwhile. ...more

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Jul 21, 2010 Laura Lulu rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, urban-fantasy

WTF?!?!?!? I knew there was going to be craziness at the end of this book, but truly, I had no idea. Holy shit.

And that is my review. Because I don't even remember what happened in the first 300 or so pages, after that insane literary bitchslap. Wow. ...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Samantha rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook-own, 2011

I've noticed that a lot of readers seem to fall on either side of the spectrum of love or hate for this one. Myself, I'm definitely leaning toward love, but there were some major bumps along the way. Hard Bitten is the fourth in the series and Merit is settling in as much as she can into her role as vampire and Sentinel of the Cadogan House. Unfortunately there are some nefarious characters that aren't about to let her rest on her laurels. Add in a dose of extra awkwardness whenever Ethan enters ...more

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Mar 05, 2011 Melissa-The Book Addict rated it it was amazing

I think this has to be one of my favorite series. I love everything about these books! Merit is one of my favorite characters. I really enjoyed watching Merit try to figure out what was wrong with the vampires and who was causing the problem. Her first reaction was Celina, but the GP has basically put her out of bounds for Merit. But she was tough, tenacious, and pretty kick ass. In the end I think you will be shocked by the conclusion of this mystery. I loved Eathen! What I wouldn't give to hav ...more

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Feb 10, 2011 Arlene rated it really liked it

Shelves: vampires, shifters-weres, dark-urban-fantasy, series

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Jun 01, 2011 Charlotte (Buried in Books) rated it really liked it

Shelves: vampires

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Apr 30, 2011 Thenia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed, series, paranormal, vampires, 2011, shifters, magic, 2022

Hard Bitten on Books On Track

That book is one I will remember for a long time! After reading it, I kept having scenes of it pop into my mind out of the blue... There was something completely unexpected in there that left me wide-eyed with shock. O.o

Apart from that feeling, I enjoyed this one, just like the rest books of the series. I enjoy Chloe Neill's writing and Merit's world and I also like seeing Merit's point of view.

I'm not sure how I feel about the ending, but I can undoubtedly say that ...more

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Jun 02, 2011 Qylie rated it it was ok

Don't read this review if you haven't read the book, it is basically a rant of how an author can just break her own series.

Why would I want to read the next book when one of the characters that make the series dies? Kill any one but the two main characters gosh!

Even if it is a loop hole I am not sure I am invested enough to deal with cliff hangers. ...more

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Sep 30, 2011 Kimberly rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2013

Alright, WTH?
I stayed up until 4 this morning finishing the book because I cheated and found out what was going to happen to certain peeps.

Knowing what was going to happen didn't ruin it for me. If anything, the way it happened was more of a shocking let down. It was like we took all this time to blow up the balloon only to have it pop and be over with so quickly. I had to go back and re-read just to make sure I read it correctly.
...more

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