nglofile's review against another edition
4.0
Even for someone who isn't a big fan of modern vamp lit, this was a lot of fun. Merit is a great protagonist, one with smarts, sass, and a few insecurities that make her accessible. The repartee is entertaining, the characters intriguing, and the action scenes well-paced and exciting. It isn't often that I read a second series book without first seeking out the original, but this was a great introduction. This is one I'll definitely recommend to paranormal fans, and probably to others as well.
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
4.0
oh, the drama, the mystery, the supsense... the sexy vampires!
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Friday Night Bites
4 Stars
Once again, Cynthia Holloway's narration leaves much to be desired as her inflection is awful and the different voices become interchangeable. This is unfortunate as the world building and characters have definite potential.
The characters still have the occasional bout of childish immaturity. Cadogen house is more like a co-ed sorority and the juvenile dialogue is enough to make the eyes roll back in your head. Nevertheless, it is slightly less irritating than before, or it could merely be that I'm getting used to it.
Merit is an amalgamation of strong will and sweet vulnerability. As a fellow academic, I can really identify with her love of libraries and bookworm mentality, and the internal struggle with her vampire identity only serves to highlight her humanity.
The men in Merit's life are a mixed bag. Ethan is simply scrumptious but then I have a penchant for the sexy, broody and aloof hero who lusts after the heroine against his better judgement. Their sexual tension is a highlight of the book and the library scene is seriously drool worthy. Unfortunately, the other two love interests (past and present) are obnoxious. Morgan is jealous and possessive, which makes him less that endearing, and Nick is a prejudiced jerk who needs a good kick in the ass.
The plot is vastly improved over book #1 although the story still lacks detail regarding the history of the supernatural community in general, and individual characters, such as Ethan and Catcher, in particular. That said, the ongoing conspiracy surrounding Celina's war-mongering and vendetta against Cadogen house continues to build nicely as does Merit's integration into vampire life and her role as Sentinel.
In terms of the other secondary characters, Mallory and Catcher annoy me no end. Mallory has a bad habit of taking her frustration with her magical abilities out on Merit and runs to Catcher when she doesn't get her own way in an argument (hello, how old are you?). Catcher comes across as a bullying jerk and it is not at all surprising that Merit doesn't trust him enough to tell him about her "little vampire problem". Luc and Lindsey, in contrast, are great and their snarky bickering more than makes up for Mallory and Catcher's passive/aggressive nonsense. To be honest, as neither Mallory nor Catcher made a positive impression on me in book #1, the new direction Merit's relationship takes with them does not bother me in the slightest.
All in all, this series is growing on me and I hope that it continues to improve.
4 Stars
Once again, Cynthia Holloway's narration leaves much to be desired as her inflection is awful and the different voices become interchangeable. This is unfortunate as the world building and characters have definite potential.
The characters still have the occasional bout of childish immaturity. Cadogen house is more like a co-ed sorority and the juvenile dialogue is enough to make the eyes roll back in your head. Nevertheless, it is slightly less irritating than before, or it could merely be that I'm getting used to it.
Merit is an amalgamation of strong will and sweet vulnerability. As a fellow academic, I can really identify with her love of libraries and bookworm mentality, and the internal struggle with her vampire identity only serves to highlight her humanity.
The men in Merit's life are a mixed bag. Ethan is simply scrumptious but then I have a penchant for the sexy, broody and aloof hero who lusts after the heroine against his better judgement. Their sexual tension is a highlight of the book and the library scene is seriously drool worthy. Unfortunately, the other two love interests (past and present) are obnoxious. Morgan is jealous and possessive, which makes him less that endearing, and Nick is a prejudiced jerk who needs a good kick in the ass.
The plot is vastly improved over book #1 although the story still lacks detail regarding the history of the supernatural community in general, and individual characters, such as Ethan and Catcher, in particular. That said, the ongoing conspiracy surrounding Celina's war-mongering and vendetta against Cadogen house continues to build nicely as does Merit's integration into vampire life and her role as Sentinel.
In terms of the other secondary characters, Mallory and Catcher annoy me no end. Mallory has a bad habit of taking her frustration with her magical abilities out on Merit and runs to Catcher when she doesn't get her own way in an argument (hello, how old are you?). Catcher comes across as a bullying jerk and it is not at all surprising that Merit doesn't trust him enough to tell him about her "little vampire problem". Luc and Lindsey, in contrast, are great and their snarky bickering more than makes up for Mallory and Catcher's passive/aggressive nonsense. To be honest, as neither Mallory nor Catcher made a positive impression on me in book #1, the new direction Merit's relationship takes with them does not bother me in the slightest.
All in all, this series is growing on me and I hope that it continues to improve.
lynseyisreading's review against another edition
4.0
In this one, our lovely and rather awesome protagonist, Merit, is just about finding her feet in her new high-ranking role at Cadogan House. After being unceremoniously (actually, there was a ceremony, but, bygones) thrown in at the deep end in her butt-kicking position as Sentinel of Cadogan House (which I personally found a little bit hard to swallow; I mean, okay, so she's got super vamp speed and whatnot, but what does an ex-ballet dancer and occasional kick-boxing class attendee know about defending a house of 320 vampires from outside attacks?) Anyhoo, she's doing very well, she's been training with Catcher Bell, the Sorcerer, to harness her inner Unagi, but she's still having a battle controlling her vampire side, and is beginning to suspect all isn't quite as it should be regarding her Change from human bookworm, to vampire badass.
The storyline takes Merit back into her old life- the life that she tried her damnedest to avoid whilst she was human- the rich, schmoosy world of the social elite from whence she hails. The Merit name being synonymous in Chicago as big money; small conscience. Enter stage left: her father. (I hate that guy!) She needs his help and his contacts to investigate a possible threat to the House. She has to take along a certain green-eyed, 400 year old Master Vampire as her sidekick too, whom, even though he practically pimped her out to a member of another House, still clearly wants her for his own. He is conflicted about her, and you will want to slap him, but I have a feeling he will get over himself eventually.
All in all, much better that the first book, and straight onto book three. Yay!
The storyline takes Merit back into her old life- the life that she tried her damnedest to avoid whilst she was human- the rich, schmoosy world of the social elite from whence she hails. The Merit name being synonymous in Chicago as big money; small conscience. Enter stage left: her father. (I hate that guy!) She needs his help and his contacts to investigate a possible threat to the House. She has to take along a certain green-eyed, 400 year old Master Vampire as her sidekick too, whom, even though he practically pimped her out to a member of another House, still clearly wants her for his own. He is conflicted about her, and you will want to slap him, but I have a feeling he will get over himself eventually.
All in all, much better that the first book, and straight onto book three. Yay!
a_racimo's review against another edition
5.0
I started this book around 6pm and literally could not stop or do anything else until I finished it (around 3am or so) Merit, Ethan, and their group of vampires kept me on my toes and sucked me in completely. I'll admit, I was a little wary about beginning this series, but I can honestly say that I'm absolutely addicted. The plot was unique, and Neill packs in action, sexual tension, and humor in perfect amounts. I love love loved this book!
ellenpenleysmith's review against another edition
4.0
I dove head first into Friday Night Bites just minutes after I finished Some Girls Bite. Needless to say, the first book left a great impression and I am just so thankful for wireless Internet and my Kindle. So thankful.
Friday Night Bites highlights a new problem that was foreshadowed in the first book. In order to sustain peace, Merit must reconnect with her socialite family. Merit, who has always been the black sheep, isn’t too happy about this but has taken her new role as Sentinel very seriously, she reconnects.
Like most second books we are introduced to a new supernatural species. Not so much as introduced, but highlight I guess. This book seems to be the book for shifters. Shifters have not come out to the public, not wanting to become science experiments which I completely understand. The dislike between vampires and shifters is here, as is the usual political game between species which is a common tension adder.
One thing I think that is worth mentioning is that this book starts immediately after the first one ends. As in, days after. Some books take massive breaks or even a few weeks and months. Not this series.
Having said that, and understanding that this is the second book, I don’t entirely find some of the relationships too believable. When I say this, I’m mainly thinking about Mallory and Catcher, who have been together for two weeks are making announcements of love and already live together (since Merit decided to move into the Cadogan House). This is one trait in YA that extremely annoys me—the insta love—and it usually doesn’t follow through into adult. I can’t help but be disappointed in this aspect.
The other relationship I love to talk about is Merit and Ethan’s and Morgan’s. Oops. Forgot about that other guy. In fact, I’ll just pretend he doesn’t exist, just like Merit seems to forget when she’s around Ethan. Sparks fly off the page when these two are in the same room and I love it. All that tension? Eek! I do feel slightly angry at Merit for leading Morgan on—but I could never see their relationship working from the very beginning if I’m too be honest (and no, that’s not because I’m a fan of Ethan).
There are other subplots in Friday Night Bites that have carried onto the third book (which I’m halfway through), so I won’t spoil it for anyone. Inner and external conflict always seem to rise in these books, as well as the action and awesome character growth, which is what is making this series so awesome and fun to be a part of!
Friday Night Bites highlights a new problem that was foreshadowed in the first book. In order to sustain peace, Merit must reconnect with her socialite family. Merit, who has always been the black sheep, isn’t too happy about this but has taken her new role as Sentinel very seriously, she reconnects.
Like most second books we are introduced to a new supernatural species. Not so much as introduced, but highlight I guess. This book seems to be the book for shifters. Shifters have not come out to the public, not wanting to become science experiments which I completely understand. The dislike between vampires and shifters is here, as is the usual political game between species which is a common tension adder.
One thing I think that is worth mentioning is that this book starts immediately after the first one ends. As in, days after. Some books take massive breaks or even a few weeks and months. Not this series.
Having said that, and understanding that this is the second book, I don’t entirely find some of the relationships too believable. When I say this, I’m mainly thinking about Mallory and Catcher, who have been together for two weeks are making announcements of love and already live together (since Merit decided to move into the Cadogan House). This is one trait in YA that extremely annoys me—the insta love—and it usually doesn’t follow through into adult. I can’t help but be disappointed in this aspect.
The other relationship I love to talk about is Merit and Ethan’s and Morgan’s. Oops. Forgot about that other guy. In fact, I’ll just pretend he doesn’t exist, just like Merit seems to forget when she’s around Ethan. Sparks fly off the page when these two are in the same room and I love it. All that tension? Eek! I do feel slightly angry at Merit for leading Morgan on—but I could never see their relationship working from the very beginning if I’m too be honest (and no, that’s not because I’m a fan of Ethan).
There are other subplots in Friday Night Bites that have carried onto the third book (which I’m halfway through), so I won’t spoil it for anyone. Inner and external conflict always seem to rise in these books, as well as the action and awesome character growth, which is what is making this series so awesome and fun to be a part of!
kleedc73's review against another edition
4.0
This second installment in the Chicagoland Vampire series definitely advanced the plot and developed the characters more fully. In it, Merit is investigating rave parties at which "mass feedings" of humans are taking place. It requires her to reconnect with her family, from whom she is estranged, in order to use those connections to solve the mystery. This book wasn't quite as powerful as the first book. I enjoyed it, and will look forward to the next book, but I am concerned that the plot may become too convoluted with too many different rivalries, subplots and layers. I was also a little disappointed at the rift that opened between Merit and Mallory -- you would think that a friendship that strong could adapt to meet new challenges. Overall, I still think this is an incredibly original spin on the "vampires among us" theme and I look forward to seeing where this series goes next.
chelseavbc's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted at Vampire Book Club.
In Some Girls Bite, Merit was turned vampire against her will. And she spent that first Chicagoland Vampires novel trying to resist her new existence and come to terms with the required relationship with Ethan, master of Cadogan House.
In the second novel, Merit has accepted her role in the vampire world. She’ll keep her word and take up her position as Sentinel of the House. She even moves in. Though she does her damnedest to avoid Ethan, and it appears he’s doing the same. Their undeniable chemistry is no less sizzling, but his attitude still vacillates between infuriating and endearing. (We do love that green-eyed vampire.)
Merit continues to quasi-date Morgan, per the deal at the end of Some Girls Bite. He’s putting in the effort and the interest, while Merit gets taken in during the moment but in the off time isn’t dreaming of Morgan.
The character growth — particularly in Merit and Ethan’s development — was much stronger this time out. A duality of Merit’s struggle being vampire is stand-out. Add that to seeing her taking dedication to Ethan and the House very seriously, and its easy to get drawn into the mental Merit drama.
As much as I adored spending time with Mallory and Catcher in the first novel, I was happy to spend much more time with Merit, the Cadogan vampires and Ethan this time out. It felt right for her development and really brought about a connection with Merit that wasn’t as strong the first time out.
Short version: I’m dying for more Merit. Much more of that asshole Ethan. And oh so ready for vampire/shifter politics. Friday Night Bites powers up the vampire drama, character development and will leave you ready for Twice Bitten (Book 3).
Sexual content: Kissing, sexual references
In Some Girls Bite, Merit was turned vampire against her will. And she spent that first Chicagoland Vampires novel trying to resist her new existence and come to terms with the required relationship with Ethan, master of Cadogan House.
In the second novel, Merit has accepted her role in the vampire world. She’ll keep her word and take up her position as Sentinel of the House. She even moves in. Though she does her damnedest to avoid Ethan, and it appears he’s doing the same. Their undeniable chemistry is no less sizzling, but his attitude still vacillates between infuriating and endearing. (We do love that green-eyed vampire.)
Merit continues to quasi-date Morgan, per the deal at the end of Some Girls Bite. He’s putting in the effort and the interest, while Merit gets taken in during the moment but in the off time isn’t dreaming of Morgan.
The character growth — particularly in Merit and Ethan’s development — was much stronger this time out. A duality of Merit’s struggle being vampire is stand-out. Add that to seeing her taking dedication to Ethan and the House very seriously, and its easy to get drawn into the mental Merit drama.
As much as I adored spending time with Mallory and Catcher in the first novel, I was happy to spend much more time with Merit, the Cadogan vampires and Ethan this time out. It felt right for her development and really brought about a connection with Merit that wasn’t as strong the first time out.
Short version: I’m dying for more Merit. Much more of that asshole Ethan. And oh so ready for vampire/shifter politics. Friday Night Bites powers up the vampire drama, character development and will leave you ready for Twice Bitten (Book 3).
Sexual content: Kissing, sexual references
myfrogmonster's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I started listening to this series based on a short story I had heard in a collection. It's a good book to listen to while walking or driving. Like Patricia Brigg's Mercyverse, this is already a bit formulaic. Of course I will continue, just like I have with Brigg's series. Nothing too deep, just something easy to listen to to pass the miles.
rosetyper9's review against another edition
5.0
I started re-reading this series in preparation for the newest release. I was so far behind I just decided to start at the beginning. I read this one A LONG TIME ago so this review will be short and sweet.
I love Catcher, Ethan, Merit, and Mallory. I love the sexual tension between Merit and Ethan: it's very well done.
I think this book has a straightforward excellent plot as well.
I love Catcher, Ethan, Merit, and Mallory. I love the sexual tension between Merit and Ethan: it's very well done.
I think this book has a straightforward excellent plot as well.