What an amazing book. Just as Chloe Neill's other 3 books in the series there is action, drama, suspense, a great story with all our loved characters (and some new) but there is so much more emotion in this book. The ending. What an ending. I did NOT see that coming. I nearly screamed out in protest. I can not wait to read the next book, which is already next to my chair waiting for me tonight.
Kudos Chloe, not only on your great writing, plot, characters, but also keeping things interesting. Loved it.

At the conclusion of Hard Bitten, I totally felt like I had been smacked up side the head with a baseball bat 'cause I sure as heck didn't see that one coming! Ms. Neill, you made me cry! "Why? Why? Why?" I love your stories and your talent for sharing a riveting reading experience keeps me coming back for more, but for a few minutes I absolutely DESPISED YOU! Of course, the feeling was fleeting and, with out a doubt, I'll be gobbling up more of your adventures, but dang it! I was so engrossed in the story, so utterly on edge and waiting for "it" to finally happen that I couldn't help but become completely furious at this cruel twist of fate!

Well, ladies and gents! It's a grand slam for Neill with this 4th installment of the Chicagoland Vampire series! The adventure continues with twists and turns that will keep your head a spinning, your heart fluttering, and your voices cheering on Merit's success to the very end!

Having reviewed the previous three installments (links below), I find it hard not to repeat myself in respect to my admiration for Chloe Neill's stupendous writing abilities. With solid world building, extremely effective character development and one hell of an adventure, Neill continues to treat readers to an exciting tale of growth, determination, bravery and, of course, torturous romance!

Merit is one of my most favorite urban fantasy characters. She's sassy, determined, intelligent and brave. With strength of character that many could only aspire to achieve, Merit has learned to take the unfortunate events of her recent life and make the best of them. Yes, she was turned against her will, forced into a lifestyle she didn't ask for, and assigned one of the most difficult (yet highly respected) house positions to be had, yet she continuously takes it all in stride and with a fierce determination to do what's right and make right the wrong's against the house.

I'm trying to pretend that this book doesn't exist. Yes, it was amazing. Yes, it was action packed. Yes, it was everything and more than I excepted it to be.
But it didn't happen.
I've been on hold for this novel at the library for a long while and I was so excited when it finally was ready for me. After the rollercoaster ride that was TWICE BITTEN, I needed to find out what happened next. Action-packed, emotionally draining and just plain awesome, HARD BITTEN was the follow-up I was longing for.
I am so proud of Merit. Not only is she always fighting for the underdog, and becoming a kick-butt Sentinel, but she's sticking to her guns. She isn't one of those typical protagonists that gives up everything for a guy, even when said guy has wronged her. She values herself more than that, and isn't going to sell herself so cheaply. She is one of the protags I constantly root for because she is always trying to do what's right, and often has to suffer the consequences for it. She's sarcastic, and strong; she's a very realistic character. In this book, she had to face some very harsh realities, and personal flaws she often faulted others for. It was such a heart-wrenching story, full of ridiculous twists, and jaw-dropping moments. It was fantastic to read.
If you haven't read any Chicagoland Vampire novels, I would strongly recommend that you pick one up...now. If you don't get into the first one, keep going! I wasn't a huge fan until the second, and became addicted by the third.
I cannot wait until DEEP DRINK comes out! How long until November?

OMG and holy hell and WTF all wrapped into one. If you are as invested in Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series that is what you'll be thinking when you finish Hard Bitten, the fourth book in the series. Well, that and WHY WHY WHY? thrown in for fun.

Before talking about how you'll feel when you close the book, let me talk about how you'll feel while reading up to the dreaded chapter. You will love this book! Merit is still spunky and smart, but a little more grounded this time around. She is fully comfortable with her position as House Sentinel and is doing a great job with it. She is also fully comfortable with being a vampire so we're not getting the 'woe is me' stuff that tends to sneak in once in a while in the other books. And she knows that she needs time from Ethan to get some perspective. I totally respect her for that too. Do I think she's nuts not jumping all over that game? Well yes, yes I do. But I understand her and respect her for her decision. ;)

And Ethan? Well, he has softened! It's almost like he's more approachable in this installment. He's still very much in charge, but he's not afraid of showing a little vulnerability when it comes to Merit…and I for one am really liking this new and improved Ethan. Since he's not worried about showing and telling Merit how he feels about her, he is saying some spectacularly *swoon* worthy lines!

We also get little glimpses here and there of the other characters we all have grown to love over the course of this series. Catcher (love!), Jeff (love!) and Mallory (love!). Jonah, who we met in the last book, plays a more important role in this one. There was Team Morgan, Team Catcher, Team Jeff and Team Ethan. Will there soon be a Team Jonah? I really liked him and I wouldn't be surprised if a Team would pop up sooner rather than later. (It'll be hard to thwart Team Ethan though)

Even the mystery in this book is cool. Chloe does a good job with it. You really don't have any idea where it's all headed until you finally get there and you're thinking "Ooohh. Well that does sort of make sense. That evil buggar."

The whole book is great! It's just that ending! Did the author write that Ethan slept with another vampire? Did she write that Merit married someone from another House? Did she write that Ethan married Celine? Well, as if I'd tell you. But just trust me in this: Read it expecting one hell of a shocker. Hopefully that will lessen the blow for you once you reach Chapter 24. I ache just thinking about it… It's just so…mean!

We must have faith. Chloe has said that we need to trust her. Even though I do not agree with what she did in this book, I am willing to do that…as long as she fixes this in the next book, Drink Deep, in November 2011. Otherwise, I think I may just lose faith in this series. But even with the jaw dropping ending, I loved this book. As usual, Chloe gave us a great story with great characters you can't help but adore.