Review of Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

Five Big Pointy Fangs for Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

Chloe Neill knows how to rock the fangs.

I think this is the best Chicagoland Vampires Book yet and the best book I have read all year.

The shifters have arrived!

Twice Bitten introduces us to the politics of the shifters...and to the shifters themselves. Before they've always stayed out of the spotlight not wanting humans to know of their existence- so when times got tough they ran and left the vampires to fend for themselves. Which has made vampire- shifter interaction very....uhm...difficult. They lean more towards hating each other than wanting to give each other a hand.

But the shapeshifters have come to Chicago- and as a gesture of peace and goodwill Cadogan House Master Ethan Sullivan (Merit's love interest) offers protection in the form of the Cadogan House Sentinel, Merit. Ethan quite literally throws her to the wolves- but it's not as bad as it sounds because he goes along for the ride of course it is a wild and bumpy ride full of twists and turns and lots of unusual happenings.

The leader of the shifters, Gabriel Keene is an interesting character and I hope to see more of him in future books.

For me, the shape shifters weren't even the best part of the book, though I did enjoy the addition of the furries.

The best part of the book was the interaction between Merit and Ethan. These two have one of the most complicated relationships out of all the urban fantasy/paranormal romance books that I've read.

And a few of the scenes in Twice Bitten were so beautiful, so heart wrenching, so emotional that I felt them. At one point I was on the verge of tears. Okay maybe two times- because there was the scene with Ethan then something about what Merit sees in Gabriel's eyes- that scene grabbed at my heart too.

Chloe Neill has found a way to portray the intensity of their relationship in words which is truly amazing. The complexities of their relationship led to both exhilarating and excruciating interaction that displayed very heartfelt and true emotion, so powerful that I felt it. I felt the catch in my heart when Ethan said certain things, I felt Merit's confliction.

Then after there was the roller coaster of will we, won't we, are we, OMG we are, forget it we're not- WOW. I could totally relate.

And another thing- this book finally reveals Merit's first name. Uh uh uh...I'm not telling, you got to read the book.

Chloe Neill hit the ground running with her Chicagoland Vampires series. The first book out of the gate was superb and she hasn't lost steam at all. In fact I think each book is better than the last. Chloe's writing just keeps getting better and better- and the books are the proof. I can't wait for book four.

Be sure to drop by on Friday July 2 when Chloe will be here for a guest blog.

Oh and if you get a copy of Twice Bitten check out all the review snippets in the front of the book- Fang-tastic Books has a huge review snippet in there. And yes- I totally love this series. I really gushed over the first book and just can't get enough of this series.

Friday Night Bites Release Celebration with Chloe Neill

To celebrate the release of Friday Night Bites, the second book in the Chicagoland Vampires series, author Chloe Neill is back at Fang-tastic Books and we are so thrilled she's here! Today she discusses creating an office fit for a vampire.

Thanks for joining us again, Chloe!

AN OFFICE FIT FOR A VAMPIRE

Every vampire writer and vampire reader deserves a fabulous place to do a little writing, or reading. I've had fun putting together my first office, and I thought I'd share some tips and tricks to make your reading/writing space a little more fang-friendly. :)

1. GIVE YOURSELF SPACE

Check out your house, room or apartment. Is there a space you could take over and make your own reading/writing niche? A closet you could convert? An awkward corner that you can turn into an rainy-day reading nook?

If you're looking for inspiration, check out design blogs or craft sites (or my own visual inspiration site, the sadly out of date Write What You See to where other creative types work their magic.

2. OFFICE BASICS

Once you've figured out how much space you have, think about what you need to fill it. Comfy chair? Desk for your laptop? Side Table? If you're looking for something fabulous to sit on, you can't beat Pottery Barn or Crate + Barrel for fabulous housewares.

But putting together a great reading/writing space doesn't require big spending. You can check out stores like TJ Maxx or Marshall's for discounts.

You can also go green, and recycle a piece that needs love. Check out your local thrift store, flea market or weekend garage sale for pieces that you can fix up.

When you're ready to make the redesigning plunge, checked out Design*Sponge for great Before & After ideas. Specifically, if you've got a grungy chair that you think is completely hopeless, check out this gorgeous transformation.

3. UP THE SPOOK FACTOR

October is a fabulous time to buy fun spooky- and Halloween-themed supplies, especially since Halloween decor has become increasingly glittered and sequined over the last few years. You can start with a vase of black roses from Target's glam-horror line or Z Gallerie which loves the black glitter.

You can goth-glam up your office, or start a collection of bats and fanged toys to fill out your office/reading nook.

4. PERSONALIZE YOUR SUPPLIES

Now that you have a fun place to work, find some fun things to work with.

PENCILS: Order a set of personalized pencils with your name, web site, or motto to create a your own Pencil Posy

NOTE PADS: You can order personalized Post-Its or personalized 3 x 5 cards to take notes or sketch out ideas.

LABELS: Use labels or favor boxes to create an organizational system for your office supplies or buy personalized bookplates to organize your library.

I hope you find these ideas inspiring, so that you can create your own special reading or writing space.

OK before I go here's a contest for you.

Up for grabs is a Cadogan House Gift Pack, a signed copy of Friday Night Bites and an enamel bangle bracelet that says "I Kissed a Vampire and I liked it!"

Just leave a comment on this post, be sure to include your email address. US shipping only.

So, thanks for dropping by Fang-Tastic Books today, and thanks to Fang-Tastic Books for hosting me!

That's all for me today.

Chloe