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Heirs of Chicagoland #5
Cold Curses
It's all magical hands on deck for vampire Elisa Sullivan and her allies as they fight to save the Windy City from a supernatural onslaught, in the newest installment of the USA Today bestselling Heirs of Chicagoland series.
Elisa, the only vampire ever born, is hoping all can remain quiet in the City of Chicago in the wake of a destructive attack by an ancient demon who broke the city's defensive magic. Still, she and her friends, including shifter Connor Keene, know they need to be ready for anything.
Everyone is working as hard as they can to repair the city's wards, but unwelcome creatures are slipping through and Elisa soon finds herself caught in the middle of a magical turf war with roots that go back generations. She knows she will have to take a stand, but retaliating threatens to reveal her deepest secret...
Elisa, the only vampire ever born, is hoping all can remain quiet in the City of Chicago in the wake of a destructive attack by an ancient demon who broke the city's defensive magic. Still, she and her friends, including shifter Connor Keene, know they need to be ready for anything.
Everyone is working as hard as they can to repair the city's wards, but unwelcome creatures are slipping through and Elisa soon finds herself caught in the middle of a magical turf war with roots that go back generations. She knows she will have to take a stand, but retaliating threatens to reveal her deepest secret...
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
169 people are currently reading
5919 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Neill
43 books10.1k followersChloe Neill is the New York Times bestselling author of the Heirs of Chicagoland, Chicagoland Vampires Novels, Devil's Isle Novels, and Dark Elite novels. Chloe was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest. When she's not writing, 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 husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout.
Connect with Chloe at www.chloeneill.com.
Connect with Chloe at www.chloeneill.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
October 28, 2023
Cold Curses
by Chloe Neill is the fifth and final book in the Heirs of Chicagoland urban fantasy series. Combining supernatural suspense and a bit of romance with plenty of action made this a great read. Elisa Sullivan is the only vampire ever born. She’s engaged to shifter Connor Keene, the son of the local pack leader. Everyone is working to repair Chicago’s wards, but unwelcome creatures are slipping through and wreaking havoc on the city.
Elisa is an associate ombudsman, one of the city’s human-supernatural liaisons. She’s goal-oriented, dedicated, and puts others first. She also tends to use sarcasm against fear. Connor is dedicated and hard-working. He is facing several challenges to his ascension to Apex when his dad retires.
The author does a great job on characterization as well as world-building. The novel is well written with a unique situation that results in multiple action scenes. There’s plenty of angst as Elisa and her allies try to make sense of the changing circumstances. With exciting scenes, a larger-than-life protagonist, and strong and evil antagonists, the story captivated me from beginning to end. Themes woven into the novel include power, romance, family, friendship, love, bias, violence, evil, anger, jealousy, and much more.
Overall, this was an engrossing and entertaining novel with great characterization, plenty of action, and lots of drama. I recommend reading this series in order. The background and gradual addition of characters will make the experience more enjoyable.
Berkley Publishing Group and Chloe Neill provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 14, 2023.
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My 4.2 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Elisa is an associate ombudsman, one of the city’s human-supernatural liaisons. She’s goal-oriented, dedicated, and puts others first. She also tends to use sarcasm against fear. Connor is dedicated and hard-working. He is facing several challenges to his ascension to Apex when his dad retires.
The author does a great job on characterization as well as world-building. The novel is well written with a unique situation that results in multiple action scenes. There’s plenty of angst as Elisa and her allies try to make sense of the changing circumstances. With exciting scenes, a larger-than-life protagonist, and strong and evil antagonists, the story captivated me from beginning to end. Themes woven into the novel include power, romance, family, friendship, love, bias, violence, evil, anger, jealousy, and much more.
Overall, this was an engrossing and entertaining novel with great characterization, plenty of action, and lots of drama. I recommend reading this series in order. The background and gradual addition of characters will make the experience more enjoyable.
Berkley Publishing Group and Chloe Neill provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 14, 2023.
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My 4.2 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
November 13, 2023
While each book in the series offers a complete tale, I recommend reading the series in order for the overall series arc and relationships.
Neill delivered another action-packed story as Windy City faces a supernatural onslaught. With the wards offline, it takes everyone working together to stop demons from taking over the city, Elisa Sullivan and her allies call home.
I love this series about the young Chicagoland sups, especially Elisa Sullivan and her alpha wolf boyfriend, Connor Keene. Poor Connor is being kept busy with challenges from other shifters over his leadership of the Apex. For those new to the author, this series is a spinoff of her award-winning Chicagoland series.
Demons have settled in and monsters are infiltrating the city as rival demons fight for control. Some work to repair the wards as Elisa and her team battle demons, trolls and deal with demon cleanup. Elisa will go to any length, including throttling the demon, to save her best friend caught in the crossfire. I loved the side threads, and the big villain reveal.
With twists, quiet moments with our couple, and trouble at every turn, Neill kept me reading well past my bedtime. The series wrapped up nicely, leaving me content. I do hope she’ll self-publish a novella here or there to allow us a change to revisit these characters.
Fans of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and kick-ass heroines will want to devour the Chicagoland Heirs series now that it’s complete. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Neill delivered another action-packed story as Windy City faces a supernatural onslaught. With the wards offline, it takes everyone working together to stop demons from taking over the city, Elisa Sullivan and her allies call home.
I love this series about the young Chicagoland sups, especially Elisa Sullivan and her alpha wolf boyfriend, Connor Keene. Poor Connor is being kept busy with challenges from other shifters over his leadership of the Apex. For those new to the author, this series is a spinoff of her award-winning Chicagoland series.
Demons have settled in and monsters are infiltrating the city as rival demons fight for control. Some work to repair the wards as Elisa and her team battle demons, trolls and deal with demon cleanup. Elisa will go to any length, including throttling the demon, to save her best friend caught in the crossfire. I loved the side threads, and the big villain reveal.
With twists, quiet moments with our couple, and trouble at every turn, Neill kept me reading well past my bedtime. The series wrapped up nicely, leaving me content. I do hope she’ll self-publish a novella here or there to allow us a change to revisit these characters.
Fans of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and kick-ass heroines will want to devour the Chicagoland Heirs series now that it’s complete. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 8, 2024
Elisa and her crew have an influx of demons with the wards down. An inter-demon battle between Dante and the “Upstart” threatens to tear apart the city unless Elisa and the gang can figure out why they’re at war and how to eject them from the city. Also, Elisa’s family is working to fix the wards so no more demons can come in.
I’m surprised at how much I enjoyed this despite not having read the previous books in the series. I think that was probably a good decision for me, though, because I know I’d have been irritated by the ongoing situation with “Monster” and Elisa keeping it a secret from her friends and family, even though they probably could’ve helped her solve the problem ages ago. The mystery with the demons was enough to keep and hold my attention.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of Berkley. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I’m surprised at how much I enjoyed this despite not having read the previous books in the series. I think that was probably a good decision for me, though, because I know I’d have been irritated by the ongoing situation with “Monster” and Elisa keeping it a secret from her friends and family, even though they probably could’ve helped her solve the problem ages ago. The mystery with the demons was enough to keep and hold my attention.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of Berkley. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 27, 2025
I don’t know what happened for me with this series. I LOVED the first few books, but then it all just dulled down. In this installment, I never once felt a push to keep reading. It was fine while I read, but I could easily get up and never really care if I came back to it. And, the one part that usually keeps me totally engrossed - the climax at the end - didn’t even phase me this time. I literally put the book down at the 92% mark and forgot that I wasn’t done yet and the bad guy hadn’t been caught! That is a first for me for sure.
I still love the characters - especially Conner, I totally wish there were more action in his storyline. As is, he is just eye candy and back up for Elisa. *sigh*
I still love the characters - especially Conner, I totally wish there were more action in his storyline. As is, he is just eye candy and back up for Elisa. *sigh*
January 3, 2024
Merit was way cooler than Elisa, and that's all I have to say.
January 28, 2024
Chloe Neill returns with another installment in the Heirs of Chicagoland series. If you’re a long-time fan of this series, then I think you’ll enjoy what Neill has in store for this book.
COLD CURSES continues to build around the world that Neill had created in her original series, but with each new book, I find the concepts and climaxes so interesting and fun. On top of that, there are so many great characters that it’s difficult to choose a favorite among them. So I especially enjoy seeing them work together with each conflict that they encounter.
COLD CURSES turned out to be a fun and entertaining thrill ride with lots of interesting twists and turns. If you’re looking for a series packed with humor, action and romance, then look no further. Neill’s Heirs of Chicagoland series is one of the new Urban Fantasy series that I still enjoy and would recommend.
COLD CURSES continues to build around the world that Neill had created in her original series, but with each new book, I find the concepts and climaxes so interesting and fun. On top of that, there are so many great characters that it’s difficult to choose a favorite among them. So I especially enjoy seeing them work together with each conflict that they encounter.
COLD CURSES turned out to be a fun and entertaining thrill ride with lots of interesting twists and turns. If you’re looking for a series packed with humor, action and romance, then look no further. Neill’s Heirs of Chicagoland series is one of the new Urban Fantasy series that I still enjoy and would recommend.
March 23, 2024
The end of the series, and I think it was time. It was good to wrap up all the loose ends, but it wasn't an amazing ending as I had hoped. Monster was reconciled. The baddie was defeated. Love won in the end. I think this was an okay series but I much preferred Mama Merritt's adventures. 3.5 stars
November 27, 2023
Cold Curses wraps up Neill's Chicagoland heir spin-off. In this finale, Elisa and her team gather to try to restore the city's fallen wards and expel the demons that are wreaking havoc. Connor helps as he can, but he's bombarded with challenges for his ascension to Apex.
If you've been wondering about Jonathan Black, Neill answers Elisa's questions about him and his heritage. He's always been a bit of a question mark for me, so it was good learning what he's truly been up to in the previous books. Additionally, Elisa's "Monster situation" is brought into the light.
The final discussion between Elisa and Merit was phrased in a way that could, if the author was so inclined, lead to future shorts or possibly another spin-off. But, I'm happy with the way she ended this series.
✮✮✮✮½
If you've been wondering about Jonathan Black, Neill answers Elisa's questions about him and his heritage. He's always been a bit of a question mark for me, so it was good learning what he's truly been up to in the previous books. Additionally, Elisa's "Monster situation" is brought into the light.
“ ... there are many ways to make a family. And family is what matters.”I've enjoyed reading about the heirs. Lulu and Alexei are cute. Lulu has grown and changed quite a bit throughout the series. I've also enjoyed the evolution of Elisa and Connor's relationship. They are a good match, each trusting in the strength and abilities of the other. And, while they've appeared briefly in other installments, I liked the larger inclusion of the Chicagoland OG's for the finale, as well.
The final discussion between Elisa and Merit was phrased in a way that could, if the author was so inclined, lead to future shorts or possibly another spin-off. But, I'm happy with the way she ended this series.
✮✮✮✮½
August 14, 2025
Chloe Neill nunca nos decepciona, y Cold Curses es la prueba perfecta de ello, me encantó de principio a fin el ritmo es ágil, fluido y súper digerible; no hay un solo momento en el que te aburras o sientas que sobra alguna escena, todo está perfectamente calculado para mantenerte pegado a las páginas.
Los protagonistas son maravillosos, y la química entre ellos es simplemente hermosa, algo que hemos disfrutado desde el libro uno, los personajes secundarios también brillan, por su cuenta lo cual es un plus.
Lo único es que me rompe el corazón porque este libro marca el final del mundo que he amado desde Ethan y Merit la verdad los voy a extrañar mucho, pero me quedo con la satisfacción de que Chloe nos regaló un cierre digno, para esta saga y todos sus personajes.
Fantástico de principio a fin.
Los protagonistas son maravillosos, y la química entre ellos es simplemente hermosa, algo que hemos disfrutado desde el libro uno, los personajes secundarios también brillan, por su cuenta lo cual es un plus.
Lo único es que me rompe el corazón porque este libro marca el final del mundo que he amado desde Ethan y Merit la verdad los voy a extrañar mucho, pero me quedo con la satisfacción de que Chloe nos regaló un cierre digno, para esta saga y todos sus personajes.
Fantástico de principio a fin.
November 10, 2023
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Cold Cases, by Chloe Neill, is the 5th installment in the authors Heirs of Chicagoland series. It also appears to be the swan song for the series as well which is unfortunate. Elisa Sullivan, daughter of Merit and Ethan Sullivan of Cadogan House, is the only vampire ever born. She’s engaged to shifter Connor Keene, the son of the local pack leader Gabriel Keene, who has been forced to fight for the right to become the next Apex of the North American Central Pack.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Cold Cases, by Chloe Neill, is the 5th installment in the authors Heirs of Chicagoland series. It also appears to be the swan song for the series as well which is unfortunate. Elisa Sullivan, daughter of Merit and Ethan Sullivan of Cadogan House, is the only vampire ever born. She’s engaged to shifter Connor Keene, the son of the local pack leader Gabriel Keene, who has been forced to fight for the right to become the next Apex of the North American Central Pack.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
November 30, 2023
Audible version, excellent narrator. Five books in & no surprise this series is well written. The characters are very well developed & the flow is steady throughout. I recommend this & the original series. 3 💪 stars. Will continue the series.
Pet Peeve: Marriage & Cliffhanger warning ⚠️
Pet Peeve: Marriage & Cliffhanger warning ⚠️
December 2, 2023
Ein super Abschluss für eine tolle Reihe. ❤️
August 30, 2024
Fun story. Enjoy this series.
November 16, 2023
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
The Heirs of Chicagoland series has come to a close with Cold Curses. I would read the series in order, like most urban fantasy. I've really enjoyed the next generation making their lives and fighting for Chicago with old and new foes. Elisa and Connor are settled and very comfortable in their relationship. They support and help each other. Connor is still facing pack challenges periodically. Lulu and Alexei are a newer pairing.
While Lulu enjoys her work as an artist, she does stand up to help this time. Demons seem to be everywhere, fighting residents of Chicago and other demons. All generations are all hands on deck in this fight. The Ombuds research to find out about the original wards as Catcher and Mallory try to repair them. They also try to figure out the demons. Elisa tries to reach out to Jonathon Black who might know something since he is also a sorcerer.
Elisa also has the worry of "monster" who wants out. Monster becomes more adamant when they go to Cadogan House from which they were separated from in the last book. Elisa and Monster have lived and worked together for awhile. Elisa is afraid to tell Lulu, her parents and Lulu's parents. She is also worried about how much she will change without Monster.
The team of the Ombuds, their friends and family, and some of the other supernaturals work hard to take down demons and figure out how to stop them from causing destruction in the city. They did a pretty smart job considering how little information was available. There were a few exciting battles, more personal growth, and a satisfying conclusion for this well loved world and characters.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
The Heirs of Chicagoland series has come to a close with Cold Curses. I would read the series in order, like most urban fantasy. I've really enjoyed the next generation making their lives and fighting for Chicago with old and new foes. Elisa and Connor are settled and very comfortable in their relationship. They support and help each other. Connor is still facing pack challenges periodically. Lulu and Alexei are a newer pairing.
While Lulu enjoys her work as an artist, she does stand up to help this time. Demons seem to be everywhere, fighting residents of Chicago and other demons. All generations are all hands on deck in this fight. The Ombuds research to find out about the original wards as Catcher and Mallory try to repair them. They also try to figure out the demons. Elisa tries to reach out to Jonathon Black who might know something since he is also a sorcerer.
Elisa also has the worry of "monster" who wants out. Monster becomes more adamant when they go to Cadogan House from which they were separated from in the last book. Elisa and Monster have lived and worked together for awhile. Elisa is afraid to tell Lulu, her parents and Lulu's parents. She is also worried about how much she will change without Monster.
The team of the Ombuds, their friends and family, and some of the other supernaturals work hard to take down demons and figure out how to stop them from causing destruction in the city. They did a pretty smart job considering how little information was available. There were a few exciting battles, more personal growth, and a satisfying conclusion for this well loved world and characters.
January 5, 2024
I really enjoyed the Chicagoland Vampires series. This Heirs of Chicagoland series has been, at best, lukewarm to me. Not much different from the Chicagoland Vampires series, so it became boring. However, I kept reading the books because they were free from my library.
This last book led me to cross Chloe Neill off my read list forever, whether I can get her books from the library. The bad guys here are demons. You know: from Hell. Despite that, shortly after they appear, the characters in the book are making sure NOT to classify the demons as all bad guys/evil,.
I honestly wonder whether Chloe Neill has reached a point where political correctness trumps rational thought. This isn't a book where the bad guys are humans coming from another country. The reader is supposed to understand Chloe Neill isn't judging demons. Good grief.
All of the above is not a comment on whether demons exist or not. I am only critiquing the world she created in this book.
Also, and I don't believe I've ever said this in a review, but the main character is a very extreme Mary Sue/Special Snowflake. She hides a major fact from her parents for years, and her Mom's response is to leave the room and then come back with a chocolate milkshake. Her best friend says she's okay with her not telling her because she always "suspected." Every act the main character takes in this book is accepted as perfect by everyone in her group. Always. Yikes.
Boring, saccharine sweet books combined with uber political correctness is too much for me. Goodbye, Chloe Neill.
This last book led me to cross Chloe Neill off my read list forever, whether I can get her books from the library. The bad guys here are demons. You know: from Hell. Despite that, shortly after they appear, the characters in the book are making sure NOT to classify the demons as all bad guys/evil,.
I honestly wonder whether Chloe Neill has reached a point where political correctness trumps rational thought. This isn't a book where the bad guys are humans coming from another country. The reader is supposed to understand Chloe Neill isn't judging demons. Good grief.
All of the above is not a comment on whether demons exist or not. I am only critiquing the world she created in this book.
Also, and I don't believe I've ever said this in a review, but the main character is a very extreme Mary Sue/Special Snowflake. She hides a major fact from her parents for years, and her Mom's response is to leave the room and then come back with a chocolate milkshake. Her best friend says she's okay with her not telling her because she always "suspected." Every act the main character takes in this book is accepted as perfect by everyone in her group. Always. Yikes.
Boring, saccharine sweet books combined with uber political correctness is too much for me. Goodbye, Chloe Neill.
December 8, 2023
The short epilogue was enjoyable, but I struggled through the rest of the book. I found I was most frustrated by some strange inconsistencies that characters blithely ignored.
I believe this is the last planned book in the series. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t a favorite.
I believe this is the last planned book in the series. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t a favorite.
December 31, 2023
3.5
Chicago now have a demons problem, so Elisa and her colleagues, the Ombudsman's supernatural team, will have to deal with it, once again. As if she didn't have already a lot of her plate, there's still people trying to challenge her shifter fiancé from his upcoming Alpha position in the Pack.
The epilogue was super cute but I can't help wanting it to be longer because Cold Curses is the last novel in the Chicagoland Vampires Universe. 13 books for the Chicagoland Vampires series and 5 books for the spin-off, Heir of Chicagoland. Even if the intrigue was not the strongest I was happy to read the gang's latest shenanigans to save the Windy City from evil minds but sad I'll have to say goodbye to the coolest vampires, shifters and sorcerers in town.
Chicago now have a demons problem, so Elisa and her colleagues, the Ombudsman's supernatural team, will have to deal with it, once again. As if she didn't have already a lot of her plate, there's still people trying to challenge her shifter fiancé from his upcoming Alpha position in the Pack.
The epilogue was super cute but I can't help wanting it to be longer because Cold Curses is the last novel in the Chicagoland Vampires Universe. 13 books for the Chicagoland Vampires series and 5 books for the spin-off, Heir of Chicagoland. Even if the intrigue was not the strongest I was happy to read the gang's latest shenanigans to save the Windy City from evil minds but sad I'll have to say goodbye to the coolest vampires, shifters and sorcerers in town.
December 17, 2023
This was such a great read, such a great sequel, I loved how it dealt with the events of the previous book!
November 10, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
2.25*
First book I rated a 4, books had been going downhill for me since though (forgot to post new reviews each time I wanted to knock off 0.5 of a star or more.)
Sloppy mistake = One of the main characters is a panther shifter, has always been such, as has his family when mentioned in the series that this one spun off from. This book though, suddenly he's a wolf.
Plot doesn't make sense, including the below.
I had got bored with the original series by the time that ended, so points for not dragging this series out as long as that one.
I was more interested in the side characters, than the MC and her love interest. (Had that issue with the 'parent' series as well after a while.)
Author was weird about labeling all demons as bad. -- I'm sure any demon reading her book wouldn't be so fragile as to care what a silly human author wrote./s
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Probably not
Would you recommend?: No
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How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
2.25*
First book I rated a 4, books had been going downhill for me since though (forgot to post new reviews each time I wanted to knock off 0.5 of a star or more.)
Sloppy mistake = One of the main characters is a panther shifter, has always been such, as has his family when mentioned in the series that this one spun off from. This book though, suddenly he's a wolf.
Plot doesn't make sense, including the below.
I had got bored with the original series by the time that ended, so points for not dragging this series out as long as that one.
I was more interested in the side characters, than the MC and her love interest. (Had that issue with the 'parent' series as well after a while.)
Author was weird about labeling all demons as bad. -- I'm sure any demon reading her book wouldn't be so fragile as to care what a silly human author wrote./s
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Probably not
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
November 16, 2023
This book feels like it could be the end of the series, if not, then for sure the end of a major story arc.
What I find interesting is how this next generation is dealing with things, this book in particular. Most of the time it's good, but then you have a character that feels like they are "due" everything because of who their parents are and sadly that is the case in this one. What's worse it that it took our crew so long to figure that part out, which made fighting the bad guy all the more difficult.
Another thing that made things difficult is Elisa hiding her "monster". With this book it is all in the open as she tells Lulu and her parents. I thought it funny how Elisa was expecting the worst and in both instances it was like, ok, moving on, which is how things should be. But with this knowledge they were able to work up a plan to beat the bad guy and it worked so well.
With all the madness in the book, it was nice to end on a happy note, one where Elisa and Connor combine their lives.
What I find interesting is how this next generation is dealing with things, this book in particular. Most of the time it's good, but then you have a character that feels like they are "due" everything because of who their parents are and sadly that is the case in this one. What's worse it that it took our crew so long to figure that part out, which made fighting the bad guy all the more difficult.
Another thing that made things difficult is Elisa hiding her "monster". With this book it is all in the open as she tells Lulu and her parents. I thought it funny how Elisa was expecting the worst and in both instances it was like, ok, moving on, which is how things should be. But with this knowledge they were able to work up a plan to beat the bad guy and it worked so well.
With all the madness in the book, it was nice to end on a happy note, one where Elisa and Connor combine their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2023
I’m sad it’s over!! The end of an era for Chicagoland vampires… 18 books later. Chloe Neill delivered with her usual writing and HEA story of adventure, battle, witt and badassery. Connor and Elisa deserve it all.
December 18, 2023
Absolutely spectacular series closer! Wraps up everything, delivers great twists and lots of wonderful magic, as well as closing out a long-standing mystery. Can't rave enough!
January 1, 2024
I struggled with this last book. Finally finished it. I love her Chicagoland series but as a Chicagoean, I wished she would get somethings right. We don't fold our pizza🤦♀️That is only one example.
December 6, 2023
Good ending to the series.
April 3, 2024
What a powerful and emotional finale book!
In this incredible final book, we see Elisa finally come into her own but not before some drama and fighting.
Its started out, we found out that a week has passed since the ending of the previous book and in that week Connor has had three more challengers for Apex. He one them all obviously, but it is tiring. Both Connor and Elisa go to his parents house for a family dinner. Every family member turned up and they had a big family dinner. They had a toast to the new couple and wished them all the best. It was a beautiful moment because until then Elisa was still worried the Keene's did not really want a vampire to be with their prince. But they love and adore her and they know that Connor and Elisa were always meant to be and apparently everybody but Elisa knew it. The family spills the beans with confirmation from Connor that he had always loved her but did not know how to say it to her. It was a heart wrenching beautiful moment. I have loved the Keene family from the moment we met them in CV series and to this ending, I still love them beyond anything. That being said, Chloe Neill made two big errors in this book and unfortunately they stood out. First being, in the CV series, Connor mother started out being called Tonya for the first book or so and then changed to Tanya for the rest of the book and for this series as well. But in this book, Chloe switched it back to Tonya again. It was annoying as all hell. But the WORST mistake that just grates on my last nerve, is that Alexei Breckenridge has always from day one been know as a panther shifter and shifted in previous books into a panther. His entire family are panthers. But for some stupid and weird reason, he is suddenly a wolf shifter in this book. I mean COME ON! I think what makes it worse for me, is that Alexei is my favorite character in the series and it felt like a huge disservice to him.
A horde of demons has descended on Chicago and everybody finds out after a bit that the cornerstone was destroyed and it broke the ward to keep demons out. Mallory, Catcher and Paige work on creating a new ward all together, while the rest fight back the demons.
A lot of demon fights happen in this book and in one such fight, Lulu gets hit with powerful magic that puts her in a coma and is slowly killing her. Elisa did not handle the hit well and killed the demon who did it right there. Alexei also did not handle it well and was trying very hard not to lose his shit. They eventually get her settled at Cadogan House, while Elisa & Co try to find a way to stop the magic.
A powerful demon who has the rank of a duke, is trying to take over Chicago but he is also fighting against other demons who are fighting for another being who thinks Chicago belongs to them. A lot of fighting throughout the book between Elisa and this demon. Elisa almost kills Theo because of magic the demon did on her but she beat it. The demon eventually dies by a cop shooting him. This seemed to release the spell on Lulu.
While that drama is going on, shit went down with the Pack. A challenger who was fighting Connor in a challenge fight, decided to cheat by using a spell he bought from a sorcerer. It had really bad effect on Connor but he still beat the bastard. He was then taken by the Pack and disposed of for cheating and hurting their prince. Elisa rushed to NAC building to see him and I laughed my butt off, because she got there and part of his recovery resting, he was in wolf form on his back, legs in the air and Elisa starts rubbing his chest to comfort him in his sleep and his leg starts kicking like a dog would. Gabriel his dad and current Apex, looks at him with absolute love and saying he has not done that since he was a kid. It was such a awesome moment.
Back to drama. Elisa & Co find out that it was Johnathan Black who broke the cornerstone. He did it because he wanted the demons to come, so that he could kill the demons and steal their magic. Turns out he is broken and no magic because of his mixed heritage. The big shocking reveal though, was that Sorcha Reed, the evil sorceress from the CV series, is his biological mother. And like his bio mother, he is a complete power hungry, narcissistic nutjob, with a god complex. He wants Elisa because he wants to take monster from her. He believes it is rightfully his, as Sorcha's son. He tries to take monster but it failed.
Lulu it turns out knew there was another being in Elisa for a while, but just did not know what it was. They finally have a heart to heart and move on. Elisa and monster also have a very emotional time together. They have a platonic love and friendship between them. For the safety of monster and everyone and to defeat Black, they decide to take monster out of Elisa and join it back with the sword. Hence the emotional moment between Elisa and Monster, each telling the other, that they love and respect each other and while they will separate, they would still stay together and work together.
First stop was finally telling all the parents. It was shocking to them but they were just mad that Elisa was protecting them the whole time. But they moved on very quick and stood back to let the kids to their thing. Lulu worked her magic and the monster was finally out of Elisa and into the sword and the Egregore was now whole in the sword. But a huge shocking twist happened. Turns out that to control monster this whole time, Elisa was using a lot of her magic unconsciously. Once monster was out, her full power came to the fore and we find out that she is now the most powerful vampire in the world and not Amit Patel.
The sword now sentient, hovered above the group and then literally flew to Elisa's hand. In honor of Elisa the sword has called itself Bloodletter and it was staying with her and would fight with and for Elisa only. When anyone tries to take it, it moves away on its own. I have loved monster from book one and have enjoyed its journey just as much as Elisa's and I am so very glad that they stay together, just not sharing a body.
Mallory, Catcher and Paige manage to create a new ward that would stay for a very long time and it comes with a manual lol Also with the help of Mallory and Catcher, they spell Elisa with a fake virus, so when Black tries to take monster out of her again, it will take the virus instead and it would take away all the demon magic he stole.
The fight between Elisa and Black was epic and I laughed when he was honestly surprised that the sword hated him, hurt him and would not let him wield it. Elisa defeated him and he was taken away by the CPD to be forever imprisoned.
The ending was the wedding between Connor and Elisa and I fully admit I cried a little. It was such a beautiful ending and showed just how much Connor loved Elisa. Elisa had promised to find a way to make him immortal, we don't find out if she succeeds but I am going to pretend she does and they live happily for all eternity together.
It was a fantastic conclusion to an incredibly amazing series. It was very well written apart from those two big mistakes I spoke about above. It had amazing story-line, beautiful romance, great team work, epic fighting/action and magic. While I wish the series was not ending, it was a very well done and beautiful ending, that truly fit this amazing series. I will miss the CV and HOC characters but I look forward to many re-reads in the future and have a lovely spot in paperbacks in my home library.
In this incredible final book, we see Elisa finally come into her own but not before some drama and fighting.
Its started out, we found out that a week has passed since the ending of the previous book and in that week Connor has had three more challengers for Apex. He one them all obviously, but it is tiring. Both Connor and Elisa go to his parents house for a family dinner. Every family member turned up and they had a big family dinner. They had a toast to the new couple and wished them all the best. It was a beautiful moment because until then Elisa was still worried the Keene's did not really want a vampire to be with their prince. But they love and adore her and they know that Connor and Elisa were always meant to be and apparently everybody but Elisa knew it. The family spills the beans with confirmation from Connor that he had always loved her but did not know how to say it to her. It was a heart wrenching beautiful moment. I have loved the Keene family from the moment we met them in CV series and to this ending, I still love them beyond anything. That being said, Chloe Neill made two big errors in this book and unfortunately they stood out. First being, in the CV series, Connor mother started out being called Tonya for the first book or so and then changed to Tanya for the rest of the book and for this series as well. But in this book, Chloe switched it back to Tonya again. It was annoying as all hell. But the WORST mistake that just grates on my last nerve, is that Alexei Breckenridge has always from day one been know as a panther shifter and shifted in previous books into a panther. His entire family are panthers. But for some stupid and weird reason, he is suddenly a wolf shifter in this book. I mean COME ON! I think what makes it worse for me, is that Alexei is my favorite character in the series and it felt like a huge disservice to him.
A horde of demons has descended on Chicago and everybody finds out after a bit that the cornerstone was destroyed and it broke the ward to keep demons out. Mallory, Catcher and Paige work on creating a new ward all together, while the rest fight back the demons.
A lot of demon fights happen in this book and in one such fight, Lulu gets hit with powerful magic that puts her in a coma and is slowly killing her. Elisa did not handle the hit well and killed the demon who did it right there. Alexei also did not handle it well and was trying very hard not to lose his shit. They eventually get her settled at Cadogan House, while Elisa & Co try to find a way to stop the magic.
A powerful demon who has the rank of a duke, is trying to take over Chicago but he is also fighting against other demons who are fighting for another being who thinks Chicago belongs to them. A lot of fighting throughout the book between Elisa and this demon. Elisa almost kills Theo because of magic the demon did on her but she beat it. The demon eventually dies by a cop shooting him. This seemed to release the spell on Lulu.
While that drama is going on, shit went down with the Pack. A challenger who was fighting Connor in a challenge fight, decided to cheat by using a spell he bought from a sorcerer. It had really bad effect on Connor but he still beat the bastard. He was then taken by the Pack and disposed of for cheating and hurting their prince. Elisa rushed to NAC building to see him and I laughed my butt off, because she got there and part of his recovery resting, he was in wolf form on his back, legs in the air and Elisa starts rubbing his chest to comfort him in his sleep and his leg starts kicking like a dog would. Gabriel his dad and current Apex, looks at him with absolute love and saying he has not done that since he was a kid. It was such a awesome moment.
Back to drama. Elisa & Co find out that it was Johnathan Black who broke the cornerstone. He did it because he wanted the demons to come, so that he could kill the demons and steal their magic. Turns out he is broken and no magic because of his mixed heritage. The big shocking reveal though, was that Sorcha Reed, the evil sorceress from the CV series, is his biological mother. And like his bio mother, he is a complete power hungry, narcissistic nutjob, with a god complex. He wants Elisa because he wants to take monster from her. He believes it is rightfully his, as Sorcha's son. He tries to take monster but it failed.
Lulu it turns out knew there was another being in Elisa for a while, but just did not know what it was. They finally have a heart to heart and move on. Elisa and monster also have a very emotional time together. They have a platonic love and friendship between them. For the safety of monster and everyone and to defeat Black, they decide to take monster out of Elisa and join it back with the sword. Hence the emotional moment between Elisa and Monster, each telling the other, that they love and respect each other and while they will separate, they would still stay together and work together.
First stop was finally telling all the parents. It was shocking to them but they were just mad that Elisa was protecting them the whole time. But they moved on very quick and stood back to let the kids to their thing. Lulu worked her magic and the monster was finally out of Elisa and into the sword and the Egregore was now whole in the sword. But a huge shocking twist happened. Turns out that to control monster this whole time, Elisa was using a lot of her magic unconsciously. Once monster was out, her full power came to the fore and we find out that she is now the most powerful vampire in the world and not Amit Patel.
The sword now sentient, hovered above the group and then literally flew to Elisa's hand. In honor of Elisa the sword has called itself Bloodletter and it was staying with her and would fight with and for Elisa only. When anyone tries to take it, it moves away on its own. I have loved monster from book one and have enjoyed its journey just as much as Elisa's and I am so very glad that they stay together, just not sharing a body.
Mallory, Catcher and Paige manage to create a new ward that would stay for a very long time and it comes with a manual lol Also with the help of Mallory and Catcher, they spell Elisa with a fake virus, so when Black tries to take monster out of her again, it will take the virus instead and it would take away all the demon magic he stole.
The fight between Elisa and Black was epic and I laughed when he was honestly surprised that the sword hated him, hurt him and would not let him wield it. Elisa defeated him and he was taken away by the CPD to be forever imprisoned.
The ending was the wedding between Connor and Elisa and I fully admit I cried a little. It was such a beautiful ending and showed just how much Connor loved Elisa. Elisa had promised to find a way to make him immortal, we don't find out if she succeeds but I am going to pretend she does and they live happily for all eternity together.
It was a fantastic conclusion to an incredibly amazing series. It was very well written apart from those two big mistakes I spoke about above. It had amazing story-line, beautiful romance, great team work, epic fighting/action and magic. While I wish the series was not ending, it was a very well done and beautiful ending, that truly fit this amazing series. I will miss the CV and HOC characters but I look forward to many re-reads in the future and have a lovely spot in paperbacks in my home library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2024
What a bummer this is the last (for now I hope) of the Chicagoland Vampires. Fun read as always.
January 1, 2024
#Netgalleyarc God I love this series. There are very few series I’ve started that I want to continue for as long as possible, and this is one of them. Another great story, more character development, a great read all around.
June 11, 2023
Fantastic series the publishers are ending way too soon! I will miss Elisa and Connor and will hope to see them again someday.
November 21, 2023
Cold Curses by Chloe Neill is the 5th book in her fantastic Heirs of Chicagoland urban fantasy series. I am a fan of Chloe Neill, having read a few of her books. I love this series, and sad to note that this book is the end (hopefully for now), loved both Elisa and Conner. Refresher: Elisa Sullivan, our heroine, is the only vampire child ever born, and her parents (Ethan & Merit) are the powerful leaders of the vampires that lead Chicagoland. Connor Keen, our hero, is a werewolf and the heir apparent to the North American Central Pack Apex (Alpha). Connor and Elisa have become a wonderful romantic couple, as the chemistry between them is sizzling.
Elisa and her team, Theo, Petra are called into a demon attack that has broken the city’s defensive magic. Chicago is now being bombarded with dangerous demons, slipping through the open wards, who think nothing of killing humans. Everyone is working as hard as they can to repair the city’s wards, and find out who is behind the destruction. Elisa and Theo investigate someone who has taken over as a leader of the demons, with him saying there is another person who is competing against him. Elisa finds herself in the middle of a magical surf war, and early on, she fears the worst, as her bff, Lulu was seriously hurt. Elisa is determined to get the demon to release the spell on Lulu.
Connor tries to stay close to Elisa, worries about the attacks on her, though she has handled them, despite some injuries. All of the various groups have joined together to fight the enemies; such as Gwen, Alexei, Petra, Roger, Elisa’s parents (Ethan & Merit), Aunt Mallory, as well as Lulu after her recovery. Elisa will discover that a surprise person is bent on destroying them all.
What follows is an exciting action filled adventure, especially in the last half of the book as the danger escalates, with threats escalating. Elisa was a fabulous heroine, and we got a glimpse of the ‘monster’ inside of her, who would help her when the danger escalated, adding more powers to her ability. Only Connor was aware of the monster. Elisa will need to step up and use ‘monster’ to help save Chicago.
I love how Elisa and Connor were so great together, with both of them always supporting each other, constantly being by their side whenever needed; even though she was a vampire and he was a werewolf. They were both independent, strong, savvy and very much in love, with awesome chemistry. I will miss them, if this is the end of Heirs of Chicagoland.
Chloe Neill gives us another fantastic story, with a wonderful couple and awesome secondary characters. Cold Curses was so very well written by Neill, with exciting, tense, nonstop action, just enough romance, and a fantastic heroine and hero. If you haven’t read this series, you need to do so now. Thank you, Chloe Neill for a such a wonderful series, which I do hope we get to see Elisa and Connor again.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Elisa and her team, Theo, Petra are called into a demon attack that has broken the city’s defensive magic. Chicago is now being bombarded with dangerous demons, slipping through the open wards, who think nothing of killing humans. Everyone is working as hard as they can to repair the city’s wards, and find out who is behind the destruction. Elisa and Theo investigate someone who has taken over as a leader of the demons, with him saying there is another person who is competing against him. Elisa finds herself in the middle of a magical surf war, and early on, she fears the worst, as her bff, Lulu was seriously hurt. Elisa is determined to get the demon to release the spell on Lulu.
Connor tries to stay close to Elisa, worries about the attacks on her, though she has handled them, despite some injuries. All of the various groups have joined together to fight the enemies; such as Gwen, Alexei, Petra, Roger, Elisa’s parents (Ethan & Merit), Aunt Mallory, as well as Lulu after her recovery. Elisa will discover that a surprise person is bent on destroying them all.
What follows is an exciting action filled adventure, especially in the last half of the book as the danger escalates, with threats escalating. Elisa was a fabulous heroine, and we got a glimpse of the ‘monster’ inside of her, who would help her when the danger escalated, adding more powers to her ability. Only Connor was aware of the monster. Elisa will need to step up and use ‘monster’ to help save Chicago.
I love how Elisa and Connor were so great together, with both of them always supporting each other, constantly being by their side whenever needed; even though she was a vampire and he was a werewolf. They were both independent, strong, savvy and very much in love, with awesome chemistry. I will miss them, if this is the end of Heirs of Chicagoland.
Chloe Neill gives us another fantastic story, with a wonderful couple and awesome secondary characters. Cold Curses was so very well written by Neill, with exciting, tense, nonstop action, just enough romance, and a fantastic heroine and hero. If you haven’t read this series, you need to do so now. Thank you, Chloe Neill for a such a wonderful series, which I do hope we get to see Elisa and Connor again.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
December 13, 2023
Cold Curses brings us to the conclusion of the Heirs of Chicagoland series! It may not have been as long as its predecessor but it was still a wild journey! I loved having one of my favorite OG Urban Fantasy series continued through the eyes of those characters’ adult children!
We pick up again where we left off, so to speak. After sending the chaos demon home Elisa and her friends left a door open, more or less, that has allowed other demons to come and go into Chicago. So naturally, the Ombudsmen have their hands full but that’s only the beginning of their problems. Connor is constantly dealing with challenges to his title as Pack Alpha and Elisa offers whatever support she can.
When a demon attack leaves Lulu in a coma, Elisa is ready to tear the city apart to heal her friend. Then it’s not long before the real enemy is revealed and it’s one we all know and knew was coming based on the last book’s ending. But this is the final showdown…who will walk away from the fight and who will fall?
This book was definitely exciting! I mean this is the final book, the final battle! While I wish Merit and Co. could’ve been a little more present for the final showdown I realize that this is Elisa’s story. Sometimes it’s hard to cope with that fact but logically, I get it. Lol.
Not to be totally nit picky either, but I also felt like we didn’t get quite enough Elisa and Connor time. Or maybe it was my sporadic reading schedule this past week that has me feeling that way. But it did make the moments that they did share together all the more sweeter! The ending was the icing on the cake though!
This was yet another incredible read by Chloe Neill! I’ve loved all of her Urban Fantasy titles and hope to see her name on a new series in the coming year! She has a knack for writing hilarious heroines who are feisty and fierce! I loved both Merit and Elisa’s sense of humors! They are riots!
The action and pacing to this one was perfect! I love that there is never a dull moment in this one! The action scenes are perfectly written out so that they’re lengthy enough to give you a great battle scene but not overly drawn out either. In other words the writing and pacing were perfect!
This is definitely a series that is best enjoyed from start to finish. As previously mentioned you don’t have to read the first series to follow this one as it follows the children of those main characters. This series is the glorifying example of what I love about the Urban Fantasy genre. It epitomes everything I love from the action to the humor to the supernatural to the romance. It’s a genre that has the right amount of everything! Chloe couldn't have written a more perfect ending for this series! I am looking forward to the next adventure!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
We pick up again where we left off, so to speak. After sending the chaos demon home Elisa and her friends left a door open, more or less, that has allowed other demons to come and go into Chicago. So naturally, the Ombudsmen have their hands full but that’s only the beginning of their problems. Connor is constantly dealing with challenges to his title as Pack Alpha and Elisa offers whatever support she can.
When a demon attack leaves Lulu in a coma, Elisa is ready to tear the city apart to heal her friend. Then it’s not long before the real enemy is revealed and it’s one we all know and knew was coming based on the last book’s ending. But this is the final showdown…who will walk away from the fight and who will fall?
This book was definitely exciting! I mean this is the final book, the final battle! While I wish Merit and Co. could’ve been a little more present for the final showdown I realize that this is Elisa’s story. Sometimes it’s hard to cope with that fact but logically, I get it. Lol.
Not to be totally nit picky either, but I also felt like we didn’t get quite enough Elisa and Connor time. Or maybe it was my sporadic reading schedule this past week that has me feeling that way. But it did make the moments that they did share together all the more sweeter! The ending was the icing on the cake though!
This was yet another incredible read by Chloe Neill! I’ve loved all of her Urban Fantasy titles and hope to see her name on a new series in the coming year! She has a knack for writing hilarious heroines who are feisty and fierce! I loved both Merit and Elisa’s sense of humors! They are riots!
The action and pacing to this one was perfect! I love that there is never a dull moment in this one! The action scenes are perfectly written out so that they’re lengthy enough to give you a great battle scene but not overly drawn out either. In other words the writing and pacing were perfect!
This is definitely a series that is best enjoyed from start to finish. As previously mentioned you don’t have to read the first series to follow this one as it follows the children of those main characters. This series is the glorifying example of what I love about the Urban Fantasy genre. It epitomes everything I love from the action to the humor to the supernatural to the romance. It’s a genre that has the right amount of everything! Chloe couldn't have written a more perfect ending for this series! I am looking forward to the next adventure!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
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