Chloe Neill

Sword-fighting, 28-year-old Chicago vampire, Merit, tackles her toughest fight yet in the seventh novel of the supernatural series following House Rules and Biting Cold. Original.

A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Biting Bad

Merit's adventures continue with a race against time to save Chicago - perfect for fans of Charlaine Harris and Kelley Armstrong Merit has been a vampire for only a short while, but she's already seen a lifetime's worth of trouble. She and her Master, centuries-old Ethan Sullivan, have risked their lives time and again to save the city they love. But not all of Chicago is loving them back. Anti-vampire riots are erupting all over town, striking vampires where it hurts the most. A splinter group armed with Molotov cocktails and deep-seated hate is intent on clearing the fanged from the Windy City come hell or high water. Merit and her allies rush to figure out who's behind the attacks, who will be targeted next, and whether there's any way to stop the wanton destruction. The battle for Chicago is just beginning, and Merit is running out of time.

Annabella

I'm so glad I don't have to wait for the next book

Sarah Escorsa

This is most definitely my least favourite instalment in this series. As much as it pains me to admit it, Biting Bad was actually quite a disappointment for me. I was about to give the book a 3-star rating but just couldn’t do it. I love Merit and this series so much I settled for a 3.5 which turned into a 4… A bit silly I know but Chicagoland Vampires is one of my many weaknesses.

I realized something was missing here after reading the first few chapters. I found the book, well, a bit boring actually. Chloe Neill uses the same plot mechanisms as in the other books and I guess it’s getting a bit old. But it wasn’t until I reached a particular scene towards the end of the book (view spoiler)[(my favourite scene in this book: when Ethan cuts Monmonth’s head off, absolutely brilliant!) (hide spoiler)] that I realized what this instalment lacked: memorable scenes! ACTION! FIGHTS! EXCITEMENT! Some Kate Daniels-like gruesome battles would have been awesome actually (what can I say? I love the gore and violence, har har!). The resolution of the investigation and the ending of the story were a bit anti-climatic for me. (view spoiler)[I just knew from the beginning Alan was one of the culprits and with Ethan promising to kick McKetrick’s ass, I was expecting a lot more action! And the cliffhanger of sorts (with the CPD wanting to arrest Ethan) pretty much left me cold. (hide spoiler)] 

It’s too bad really because, apart from that, I really enjoyed the book. I like the plotline and the investigation (view spoiler)[(the riots, Blood4You being targeted, the attack on Grey House, the medicine to turn vampires into humans…) (hide spoiler)] and I love love love Merit & Ethan together. I love the dialogues, the characters… So yes, with more action, this pretty much would have been a perfect read for me. (view spoiler)[Oh wait, there is one thing I really could have done without: some of the cheesy Valentine’s Day scenes. Merit’s part of it is fine (when she gets food from TT, bakes the cake and organizes an impromptu dinner in Ethan’s office) but the heart shape on the Cadogan grounds (made up of rose petals no less)? That was too much for me. (hide spoiler)] 

Despite its shortcomings, Biting Bad still calls for a list of random awesomeness (aka things I loved about the book):
Everything Methan obviously (I know most readers were grateful for the lack of drama between them in this instalment but an argument or two would have succeed things up a bit, at least for me!). Merit & Catcher investigating together. Merit & Mallory trying to bond again (I still prefer Lindsey to Mallory though and we definitely don't get to see enough of her in Biting Bad). Berna! Merit at McKetrick’s town hall meeting. Gabe, Merit and the Mercedes (I love Merit’s arrival at Cadogan and the ensuing scene with Ethan & Luc). Luc quoting the Godfather and Ethan having no idea what he is talking about. Cadogan slumber party! Scott, Ava and the kids (we hardly see them together but I like the idea all the same). The librarian being unhappy that so many vampires are breathing carbon dioxide into his beloved books. The chef’s knife jokes. Uncle Ethan! (view spoiler)[Merit’s father wanting to invest in Cadogan House (BAD idea). (hide spoiler)] And what I loved most about this book: (view spoiler)[when Ethan cuts Monmonth’s head off of course!!! That was sooooo cool!! (hide spoiler)]

I think part of my disappointment with Biting Bad comes from the fact that I’ve been reading the books in this series back to back, one awesome instalment after the other. Biting Bad came as a full stop somehow and it broke the rhythm for me. It didn’t feel as gut-wrenching or emotionally draining as the other Chicagoland books.

Up next for me is Howling for You, a novella staring Jeff. I’m thinking it will do me good to stay away from the main series for a few days and breathe some fresh air outside Cadogan House. :)

Michelle Boyea

This is my favorite book in the series so far! It was a wonderfully well written installment and was a page-turner from beginning to end. It is great to see the characters grow together and forgive each other for past wrongs. You can see them as real people, not just as characters in a book. Very well written and suspenseful. I'm anxious to read the 9th book!

Biting Bad A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

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