Review: Some Girls Bite by by Chloe Neill

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Romance.

Published: April 7, 2009

Read for Tempting Tuesday Read-Along

Buy Link

Barnes & Noble

Synopses From Goodreads

First in a brand new series about a Chicago graduate student's introduction into a society of vampires.

Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was Merit's. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker-and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.

Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she's traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o' the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred- year-old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects her gratitude- and servitude. But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan's attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone's still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war-and there will be blood.

My thoughts:

I have had Chicagoland Vampires recommended to me too many times, I just didn't feel the love to pick it up till now. When I saw Missie was hosting a Some Girls Bite read-along with Tina, Rummanah and Jenny I thought I have the book, I haven't had a chance to do a read-along before so lets do this thing!

It was awesome. Reading four chapters a week and making turtle friends along the way, but I think most of the bloggers had already finished it. I am going off track with my thoughts about the read-along here.

So about the book, I liked the entire situation with Merit's vampiredom and how she grows to accept her situation. Under a month time Merit went from grad student to super sentinel, I don't think I would have come out of my hidie hole before a month had past.

Ethan, Merit's master and the head of Cadogan house is a bit of a jerk in the entire book. And I am told to be patient, apparently he isn't always so much of a jerk as the series continues. I would like him a little less jerky too.

Mallory, Merit's best friend got it on with a fellow sorcerer. I am sort of those readers that likes slow built up relationships. Mallory and Catcher were more like lust-in-first-sight than love. They are both GREAT characters individually and had a lot of potential to bloom in to a great relation that I would have liked but I just didn't feel the it here.

Now let me finish my character evaluation with one last character, Jeff. He is the ONLY were we meet in this book, he is twenty one and a lanky computer geek. I am thinking about grabbing him and then running towards the mountains. I even have a pair of handcuffs somewhere in the house to have him cuffed to the headboards. Too much! I think not.

At the end, I honestly don't think I would have liked this book if I was reading this on my own. Because of the read-along mainly, I loved reading this. But I plan to continue the series, soon.

Recommended to ... umhh ... readers like me who had second thoughts about picking up the book. Just wait for a read-along or something when you start!

I give this

Series in order

Chicagoland Vampires #1
Some Girls Bite
Chicagoland Vampires #2
Friday Night Bites
Chicagoland Vampires #3
Twice Bitten
Chicagoland Vampires #4
Hard Bitten
Chicagoland Vampires #5
Drink Deep
Chicagoland Vampires #6
Biting Cold

About the Author
 

Chloe Neill is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Chicagoland Vampires and Dark Elite series.

She was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest–just close enough to Cadogan House and St. Sophia’s to keep an eye on things. When not transcribing Merit’s and Lily’s adventures, 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 favorite landscape photographer/husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout. (Both she and the photographer understand the dogs are in charge.)

Chloe Neill in her Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Tempting Tuesday: Some Girls Bite Read-Along Chapter 13-15 + epilogue

Hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight, Missie at The Unread Reader and Jenny at Supernatural Snark.

Oh at last I have reached the finish line with this book! The sexual frustration and the constant HAWT men popping in and out of the story... and it was an awesome experience doing the read-along with everyone. I loved reading everyone's answers on tempting Tuesday, I am going to miss it. A big thank you to Jenny, Tina, Rummanah, & Missie for hosting the read-along and making it so much fun :)

So this is the last question answer part for the book and I have to tell everyone that I broke my turtle speed record with Some Girls Bite. Last time I finished a book in turtle speed it took me 14 days and this one nearly took a month! Mazel tov.

My answers to chapter 1-4, 5-8, 9-12

Chapter 13 opens with Merit describing her new job routine as House Sentinel. Considering that every job Cadogan House is important in helping to make the house run efficiently, which job do you think you'd like to have (guard, cook, social director, gardener, etc.) and why?

I really don't know.. seriously I just can't think of anything.

In the supernatural world of Chicagoland Vampires, politics seem to play an important role in the way the Houses are run. Now that you've been introduced to the Rogues, do you think it's better for vampires to be a part of a House or to live outside of one.

Definitely being a part of a house is better. Although the rouge seems to stick together in time of emergency. But I think being a part of a house is way more fun. And they provide insurance!

After Morgan openly asks to court Merit, she feels betrayed when Ethan commands her to accept for the show of alliance it could bring to Cadogan House. Do you think her reaction was warranted?

O.M.G

I was literally gaping reading that scene. The way Morgan asked to court Merit just WOAH! I think I really loved that one... I was wootwooting 'GO MORGAN'.

As for Ethan. His command to accept Morgan's courtship was purely for political reasons and Merit being a little over week or so old in the vampire world I think her reaction was completely warranted. I am taking Merit's side for reasons like, COMEON! She is just a baby vamp who just had a offer to be her master's mistress and now her master is offering her up for political reasons?!? Who wouldn't be pissed?!?

I am just flabelzzed she didn't stomp her feet and ran off saying, I am not playing vamp anymore.

When Ethan meets with the perpetrator of the murders, were you surprised to discover who it was? If you suspected someone, were your suspensions correct? What did you think of the perpetrator's motive?

Not that much. And now I think I understand the Amber bashing.

They are vampires. I think that explains it.

What was your favorite/least favorite parts of Some Girls Bite?

Favorite scene: Jeff calming down NINE screeching nymphs.

Me: MERIT GET HIM HE WANTS YOU AND HE IS JUST UNF!

Lest favorite scene: Merit eating.

Me: I can never eat as much as her without worrying about calories and stuff so yeah I am not so big on the eating part.

What do you think is coming up next for Merit, Sentinel of Cadogan House? Will you continue reading this series, and if so, what do you hope to see happen in the next book?

A war? Well it's clear Celina was not working alone and maybe (I'm guessing here) Morgan is involved or will get involved and that will only complicate things further in the next book. But yes, I will continue reading these series and see what happens to Jeff I mean Catcher umhh Ethan and Merit?

Tempting Tuesday: Some Girls Bite Read-Along Chapter 9-12

Hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight, Missie at The Unread Reader and Jenny at Supernatural Snark.

Hola my fellow turtles. I am soooo happy after knowing most of the readers are turtles, like me! *turtle huggles all around* 

cool turtle

We have been discussing Some Girls Bite for two weeks now. You can read my thoughts on the first four chapters here and up to chapter eight here. Today we will be talking some more about the next few chapters. Head over to Rummanah's Books in the Spotlight to see more of this amazing discussions.

Catcher and Ethan share some personality traits. What makes Mallory, Merit, and even us readers attracted to these guys? Would you date/mate with someone like these guys in real life?

Attract to this guys? Well they are supernatural, I guess that's the biggest reason for the attraction. Ethan has fangs, which means we are bound to be attracted to this man. And Catcher he is just too sexy ..... also Mallory has planted the seed of him being cuffed to her bed so I guess Cather has plus points on the attraction department ;)

I would mate with Cather in a heartbeat. Ethan, we will have great shagging. Am I allowed to say that! Shagging! lol. But no I wouldn't date either of these guys, I don't want to fight with my boyfriend every time I try to have a conversation! I think I would rather date Jeff though. Nerdy, werewolf, hilarious my kinnda man :D

In Chapter 9 we learn of another murder. Do you see any patterns with the previous murder and Merit's attack? Do you have any guesses as to who is responsible and the motive behind the murders?

I am guessing the vampire (whose name I don't remember right now) of that club where Merit and Mallory went with Cather. Not really not seeing a pattern yet, maybe when I go further in the book?

The commendation is my favorite moment in the book and a significant event in Merit's life. She has finally come to terms that she is a Cadogan vampire. Were you surprised at all that Merit resisted Ethan's call and that he made her a Sentinel? Do you think she'll do well in this position? Why or why not?

Nope, not surprised. She already resisted it once when she was on that club so I am guessing that's her special vampire power. And I loved the commendation scene!

Merit will probably need a lot of training before she can handle the position she is given. But with proper training from Catcher and as she seems to be grasping being a vampire a little better as the book develops also she is a bit protective about the Cadogan house, so I say she will rise up to the challenge if the situation occurs.

Loyalty is a reoccurring theme throughout the book and much of this series. Why is it so important to Ethan that he needs Merit's allegiance? Is it solely a Master and Sentinel thing or does it imply something else?

Ethan is four hundred years old, he is powerful, master of the Cadogan house. All the Cadogan vampires are loyal to him and having Merit challenge him in a fight once it's important for him that the house doesn't think anyone can do that. So perhaps announcing her as Sentinel, he is probably stating that not every one can resist his call. Unless they have that power, of course! 

I would have to say he has every intention of getting into her pants. So no not solely Master and Sentinel relationship between these two.

If you had the opportunity to sit down with Ethan, Merit, Mallory, and Catcher for a bite to eat like in the beginning of Chapter 12, what questions would you ask them at this point of the story?

Merit: Where do you put all these food?

Mallory: What type of hair dye do you use?

Ethan: Do you like rough or gentle?

Catcher: Can I hug you? *I shall shamelessly grope him*

Tempting Tuesday: Some Girls Bite Read-Along Chapter 5-8

Hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight, Missie at The Unread Reader and Jenny at Supernatural Snark.

I am a turtle! That's the only explanation for me to read this book so slow. I am pretty sure everyone in the read-along has already finished this book while I read four chapter a week! *face palm*

Last week we discussed chapter 1-4 of Some Girls Bite. You can find the post here. Today's discussion will be on chapter 5-8. Head over toTina's Book Review for more info.

In what is a make you blush, steamy scene in the book- Chapter 5 has Ethan and Merit sharing a few hot moments after Merit's hunger strikes...that is until Ethan becomes a total cad! What do you think of him so far? Strong, masterful vampire, conceited playboy.....lover boy in disguise?

Hmmm I don't really know what to think of Ethan. He is a strong masterful vampire no doubt about that. I feel like there is an agenda for him to turn Merit. Yeah maybe he didn't plan on making her a vampire that night but the conversation between the two vampires (supposedly Ethan and another vampire) when Merit was being turned was a dead giveaway that he had been stalking Merit for quite some time. Or maybe everything was purely coincidental. Who knows! Ethan is a confusing vampire. He clearly wants Merit but lacks the modern day knowledge of how to ask a girl out!

Merit and Mallory begin some major training in these next few chapters, resulting in cool Katana Sword facts and Ninja moves. What is the most physically challenging or adrenaline fueled event/activity you have participated in?

*stares at monitor* 

I am the laziest person I know!! Akk

My father takes us hiking whenever he can. And let me tell you, waking up at 4 in the morning and hike up at the top of the mountain to see the sunrise is not my idea of fun. Ugh. We don't get to go that often now but it was fun whenever we went, even though I was the last to reach the top. *sigh*

Mallory and Catcher have sparks so intense they almost fly off the page.....what do you think of this cozy couple? Did you like the insta-love between them? Do they add to the story?

I liked the chemistry between Cather and Mallory. Instant fireworks and stuff works for me but it felt too rushed I guess. What! I like my romance that slowly builds up. 

They settle in this story only makes me want to read about something that focuses on Cather and Mallory instead of Merit.

Lets talk Bff's....Mallory is hands down a terrific friend to Merit, the girls relationship is real, down to earth and fun....not to mention hysterical. What is your favorite memory or favorite thing to do with your bff? Feel free to share pics!

I miss my school days! I have known my besties a little over twelve years. I think our mother had hard time keeping us apart. But now we don't get to see each other much ;(

We hang out mostly on the holidays. The last was on 31st night bbq'ing. I just realized there are nothing particular that we do. But whenever we are together these days we end up in the kitchen cooking. I am not much of a cook but I make awesome desserts. 

Love love LURVES my bffs! Wish we hanged out more.

Things are starting to heat up in the mystery department...the set up at Red, Morgan's flirty appearance.... Catchers vague answers......as correlation day gets closer for Merit do you think someone is out to get her...or maybe recruit her to another house? Or PS- feed her some more food...because goodnight this girl likes to eat!!!

I was reading about Merit's eggs and sausages this morning and found myself craving greasy breakfast!

yum

There is someone that wants her. I am absolutely positive. There are so many reasons, first she comes from a wealthy very well-known family, her grandfather is the Ombudsman and Ethan has taken a personal interest in Merit. Also she exhibits signs of becoming a Master vampire!

Tempting Tuesday: Some Girls Bite Read-Along Chapter 1-4

Hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight, Missie at The Unread Reader and Jenny at Supernatural Snark.

I started reading Some Girls Bite last night. The start is quite interesting. Now will be discussing chapters 1-4 of this book which is being held over at Supernatural Snark

Let’s say tomorrow a “vampire manifesto” as Merit calls it runs in newspapers across the country announcing their existence. How do you think you would react? If you were hesitant to believe initially, what would it take to convince you they were real?

Get holy water, sharp stake, a crossbow and every other pointy objects to keep a vampire off of my neck. I WOULD FREAK OUT! If it actually happened, of course!

To convince myself?!? I can tell you this, I shall not walk into a vampire bar and ask to be bitten. Ummm I guess I would need hardcore proof. Showing off the fangs would probably scream fake. I don't know, I don't think I would believe in it unless I have had a first hand experience. I guess.

Reading about the vampire romance all my life, you would think I would be a bit compassionate about Vampires .... *sigh* I guess the outlook might change but it's very unlikely. Yup. I would go Buffy if "vampire manifesto" thing happens.

Since being turned into a vampire means complete removal from your former life and a new job serving your House in some capacity, what do you think you would miss most about the life you live now?

I can tell you this, wouldn't miss the sun. I am more of a night creature as it is and I try to go out when the heat is less at least so I would say I would be okay without a sun. I would miss my family like crazy though. No matter how annoying they can be. My crazy bunch of friends, although some might offer to tag along and become vampires. I will do everything in my power to stop that. Knowing my weird friends they will make terrible vampires. As in I would be overshadowed by their awesomeness of being vamps o_o

What are your first impressions of Merit and how she’s handling all the changes in her life?

I haven't finished the book yet to give a final verdict about Merit. But I would say all things consider, so far she is handling it pretty good. Being a vampire and adjusting to a brand new life, she is whining less than me. Kudos to Merit for that!

When you first read the description of Ethan, what actor/model/person you know pops into your head as the perfect embodiment of him? Feel free to include pictures ;-)

I started this after picturing Gabriel Aubry playing Ethan. Soooooo

shifty eyes

Do you think Merit’s anger at Ethan himself, not the situation, is justified?

Scratches head. I can understand Merit's anger towards Ethan. She got turned against her will and all so she has to be angry at something/someone to take out her aggression on being turned against her will. So the anger at Ethan is unavoidable.  Is it justified? I guess not.