Review: Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Magic, Vampires, Shapeshifters
Published: July 6, 2010
Pages: 368
Publisher: NAL Trade
Source: Library Loan
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit, Chicago's newest vampire. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene-and to spy for the vamps while she's at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan's offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission.

Unfortunately, someone is gunning for Gabriel, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She'll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals-not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries-old master vampire.

My Thoughts

This one, in my opinion, was the most enjoyable of all three. Also, Merit's real name is not that bad for all of you out there wondering. They made a very successful movie with that name and Vampire Diaries (my guilty pleasure) features it as well. It is actually pretty and a little back story into why Merit hates it, would be appreciated.

But back to business. Let me start off by saying, Twice Bitten has got to be my favorite book in the series - so far. It had everything I wanted and I hated that it took me 2 days to finish; I'm trying to get to the point where I can do 300+ pages in a single day, this book certainly deserved to be read in one.

Were there problems?: Yes. I think my library bought one of the earlier editions published of this book and I found maybe 2 typos. Distracting, yes, but not unbearable - just a little bit of a stumbling block. Just barely noticeable.

Eh, the whole social mixer mentioned in Friday Night Bites never took off, and I do not remember if Neill really mentioned why. Obviously I can see why - what with the shifter threat looming and other drama - but she should have made it more important. I mean this is Merit's punishment and instead of that kind of vibe, I got that it was an unfortunate assignment.

Also the name thing with the Keene siblings was puzzling. Why didn't their mother just name the oldest starting from A and then go down to G, why the other way around?

Biiig Ups: To Catcher! He's working his way into my heart and standing up for Merit makes me think that he can't be all that bad, really. And his relationship with Mal seems more legitimate this time around. They consummated a little soon for my liking, but they care a lot about each other and I can accept that. To all you teens out there though, do not go around bed-hopping. Want a sport? Take up volleyball. Sex is for married couples, it works only for Catcher and Mallory because they are fictional and by law of H.A.E. they will eventually marry. The guy/girl who knocks you up does not have to abide by such rules and hence, could leave you pregnant without a moment's notice. It has happened to friends of mine, so don't copy everything you see.

Also a huge shout out to Gabriel Keene, I couldn't be more pleased with his and his sibling's addition to the series, I hope for good things. They were this clan of terribly good-looking males, and I was in Heaven!

The Mystery: surrounding Gabe's son makes me think...Is there something in store here? Can't wait! It has something to do with Merit though...Hm.

The Romance: Had me hooting and grinning like a crazy hat! Ethan and Merit are undoubtedly a favorite couple of mine and their love for each other - which it is - burns me inside. Ah, I was satisfied and gratefully pleased for the change in Ethan. I love to see a character develop and this change was one long-awaited.

Overall: Neill does not disappoint! If you've read the others this one is a must-have you can't possibly pass up on. Be mindful of a sex scene in particular if you fall under the underaged category, but pick up this book if you don't! Also mild-coarse language may ensue.