Slaying It

Chicagoland Vampires #13.5

by Chloe Neill

A brand new novella in the New York Times bestselling series featuring vampires in the Windy City.

Merit, Sentinel of Chicago's Cadogan House, is pregnant. She's ready to meet her daughter, but also very excited about the possibility of seeing her feet again. But trouble always seems to find her...

Ethan and Merit have been married for eight months, and they're preparing for life-with-baby. Ethan's battling his overprotectiveness, while Merit's hoping she can figure out how to be a loving parent given her family's chilliness.

While out on an evening walk, Merit stops to help a human in need, only to find herself under attack. A sociopath with a debt figures pregnant Merit is an easy target--and Cadogan House would pay handsomely for her return...

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Novella, Paranormal Romance

77 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2018

About the author

Chloe 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.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slaying It is installment #13.5 in Chloe Neill's urban fantasy/mystery series titled: Chicagoland Vampires. This novella follows the last book of the series, wrapping up one very important detail: Merit giving birth. It also features a mystery to be solved so it's a well-rounded short-story for interested fans.

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 ⭐'s

I was thrilled when I saw there was another book (novella) coming out for Merit and Ethan especially when the series was supposed to be over. (Not that I'm complaining...not one bit!)

Merit's very preggers and can't wait to get their baby out but of course, that's not all this novella can be about. There has to be some drama and it was as intriguing...and unsurprising as it was brief.



But we do get a very wonderful surprise and I can only hope that we get a novella about that too! (hint, hint) There's also a new couple that I'm hoping we get more of as well.

The ending was precious...just as it should be. If you're an Ethan and Merit fan, you won't want to miss this!

[Andreea Pop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, as always. Adored the Jonah + Margot tidbits. A bit of an anticlimatic development at one point, but it’s a novella, so all is forgiven.

Sigh, I’ll always love these characters. But bring on the next generation!!!

[Marishka · Rating 2 out of 5]

SLAYING IT takes place between the last chapter and epilogue of BLADE BOUND.

Not quite what I was expecting. I loved seeing Merit pregnant and the birth of Elisa. But I had no interest in Jonah and Margot - none at all. So their parts brought it way down for me. It was basically about Margot's past and then her and Jonah getting together with a side of Merit.

Plus why would Ethan allow a pregnant Merit to walk alone and not even have a bodyguard with her when she is about to give birth. Why would she put her baby in danger like that. It makes no sense.

If ya like Jonah and Margot read this. If not pass it up.

[Jaimie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I somehow missed this novella bridging the gap between the final novel in the Chicagoland Vampires series and the first in the Heirs of Chicagoland series. So, while eagerly awaiting the release of the second Heirs novel, I gave this a go.

Slaying It does exactly what one would expect. It gives readers a dip back into the familiar waters of Cadogan House and into the lives of Merit and Ethan who are expecting their (miracle) vampire baby. Despite a central mystery involving an attempted kidnapping, this novella is pure fluff. And a very quick read.

Exactly what I wanted.

4 stars

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So great to get a little more of Merit, Ethan and the rest of the gang. Also, to see what happened after Merit brought Margot and Jonah together. And of course, our first introduction to their daughter! Plus as expected, a little action and mystery to solve. I really miss this series.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understand now why this had to go after the last book we get to see Merit pregnant which is all kinds of great.
I love how attentive Ethan was to her. What a special gift they were given.
The first ever vampire baby oh man she is going to set their world blazing.

I am so very glad Jonah and Margot get together too and not only that but that Margot get closure from her past it was really weighting her down.

[keikii Eats Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

61 points/100 (3.25 stars/5).

Merit is pregnant - and just survived a kidnapping attempt. Also, Margot and Jonah dance around each other.

How did I manage to get baby ever aftered twice...in the same damn series? I should have read what this was about better. I was really looking forward to just Merit and Ethan and the baby Elisa. That isn't what this is about.

I swear I saw somewhere that this was meant to bridge the gap between the last book in Chicagoland Vampires and the first book of Heirs of Chicagoland. That isn't the case. I can't imagine anything in this story actually making it into the next series.

The plot is pretty depressingly basic, really. I thought I would get a more slice of life story. Instead I get some half baked kidnapping scheme that is only really solved because of the story's B plot being in the story at all. The B plot being that Margot and Jonah like each other but Margot is scared because her old boyfriend was a dick to her.

I'm not certain why Margot and Jonah are in this, except to give Jonah a happily for now story. Something so the fans aren't so sad that Jonah didn't have anyone at the end of the series. Nothing is resolved in this storyline. It isn't a full story. It is the start to a story that I really don't care about seeing in full.

I'm complaining a lot, but it really wasn't that bad. Just completely, depressingly unnecessary. It was nice to see Merit and Ethan again, even if it was brief. It was nice seeing pregnant Merit. It was nice seeing them adjust to the idea of being parents. Just short and easily distracted by the plot.

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Petite novella bien trop courte et dépourvue de vraie tension. Mais c’est toujours sympa de revoir les personnages.

[Barbara (The Bibliophage) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll admit it, I love this series. Ethan and Merit haven't lost any of their sparkle as Neill keeps writing books. They are tough, sexy, and never fail to get embroiled in crazy situations. (I'd call them life-threatening, if they weren't already dead.)

I like the supporting characters just as well, and this was a good chance to get to know Margo the marvelous vampire chef better. Her sections sure did make me want to go into the kitchen and bake.

Not every vampire series can keep me interested through 14 books and various novellas. Now I'm really anxious to get to that finale book!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars! Chicagoland Vampire series is one of my all time favorite book series. I've seriously missed every single one of these characters. Can't wait to read the first book in the spinoff series, Wild Hunger (Heirs of Chicagoland)!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

How are we at book 13 1/2 already? Lordy. I feel old. lol Well, the day has come that fans have been waiting on…Merit and Ethan’s bundle of unexpected joy is about to arrive. However, Merit wouldn’t be Merit unless there was a little drama, mystery, and arse kicking in her journey towards motherhood. As Cadogan House prepares for their princess to arrive, an attempted kidnapping send the house and Ethan into overprotective mode and shows one house member that if she wants a future then she needs to take care of her past.

Bridging the way between the Chicagoland Vampire series and the start to her new series, the Heirs of Chicagoland, this short novella packs a punch with a few laughs and lots of love when the very pregnant Merit is almost kidnapped on her usual walkabout. Drama driven, it’s like coming home as the gang all chip in to discover the culprit while Neill drops hints to what is coming for the House and various friends. A secondary romance comes to fruition as Neill leaves us with assurances that no matter what is in store for these characters, their next adventure is just beginning. Grade: B

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eight-months pregnant of the first vampire baby, Merit had a little break lately from all the fights and politics. But good things never last forever and after a kidnapping attempt, Merit and the gang have to find clues about who is this man and why did he target her ?

I absolutely adore this series and I'm very attached to all the characters but I have to be honest and say that the plot was very thin. It gave us an opportunity to see a little more about Jonah and Margot and I'm glad he finally got a chance at love because he deserve it, but really, it was just a small piece to make us wait before the spin-off with the next generation. I'm so excited and can't wait to read about Merit and Ethan's daughter and to learn what kind of guy Connor will be.

There's just one thing I still wonder and I'm sad about, why it never had at least just one novella with Mallory and Catcher ? I hoped for it ever since the beginning of the series but now I guess it's pointless to expect it.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

Review copy was received from . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
 
I purchased all the main books of the Chicagoland Vampire series on audiobook. So when I saw this novella was coming out on audio, I wanted to review it. I bought the ebook previously. It also makes a great lead in to the  the spinoff series first book, Wild Hunger .  It's not necessary for the new series though.

I enjoyed being back in the comfort of these characters. As short as the novella is, it really took a tour of many of the favorites, including quite a bit about Jonah.   There are two primary plot lines. The first is an attack on Merit who is 8 months pregnant.  The second is some backstory about Margot, the chef. This is a gift for long-time fans. There's the "case" to solve with all our favorite players working together. It's great to see the team in action together again.

 
Narration:
I am very used to Sophie Eastlake now, although she is the second narrator of this series. I am very fond of her voices for Merit and Ethan now, especially.  I listened at my normal 1.25x speed.  Her performance added to my enjoyment of this novella.

 

Listen to a clip:https://soundcloud.com/user-149056452...
 

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slaying It is a bridge novella that gives us a nice additional epilogue to the Chicagoland Vampires series and introduces us to the youngsters that are going to be picking up the reigns in the new Heirs of Chicagoland series.

I love Merit and Ethan so of course I'm always happy to have a chance to catch up with them, especially when she's eight months pregnant and ready to pop. We also get to see how all of our favourite side characters are doing and alongside some action when someone attempts to kidnap Merit we also get a really sweet look into the developing romance between Jonah and Margot.

This story was just what I needed and it definitely left me excited to spend time with the next generation in Wild Hunger! I'm glad we don't have to say goodbye to this world and I'm excited to see what direction the new spin off will take us in.

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story, but short and inconsequential to the series. This is the kind of epilogue that an author should post on her website or newsletter as a ‘thank you’ to fans who have been faithful through 13 books. Just my opinion...but it was a nice little cherry on top of the series.

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved being back in that world. Chloe Neill needs to write more soon.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

“You might want to get him one of those, too,” I said, and Gabriel just shrugged.
“He can borrow hers.”

I am so ready for Wild Hunger!

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. We get a resolution to Jonah and the kitchen vampire from Cadogan House. (sorry I forget her name...Margot maybe?) Merit is pregnant through this story and by the end of the story is going into labor and has the baby. She and Ethan finally choose a name for the baby....

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great short story fitting in nicely between the main series and it’s spin-off.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I just say that when Gabriel called the baby "Little Kitten" that I may have teared up a bit? Good ending to Merit's season. 4 Little Katanas!

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping this might bridge Chicagoland Vamps and Heirs, but no. It’s focus is on Merit’s pregnancy and a match in the making between Margot and Jonah.

So, if you’re interested in either or both of those things - read it. If not, skip it.

[Tanya Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I was excited that we were going to get at least a small glimpse back into the life of Merit and Ethan. Especially some of Merit being pregnant. We also get some of Margot and Jonah and their relationship.

This novella was pretty short but gave us the opportunity to see Merit in a different light. She's pregnant and the victim of a crime that she does not solve herself. She plays more in the background in Slaying it which really is a good thing. We see more of Margot and Jonah so I think maybe we're setting them up for a romance that will move over into the Chicagoland Heirs series.

I really enjoyed getting to know Margot because in my mind she was different. I had a different idea of her. Now I see her as the young, attractive vampire she is. She goes through some trials in Slaying It and it's kind of nice to see someone else's issues take a front seat.

Slaying It was a nice glimpse into the Chicagoland world and the epilogue was hilarious. I am used to reading this series in ebook but I listened to Slaying it. I wasn't blown away by the performance but it was satisfactory.

Being such a big fan of this series, I couldn't NOT read this novella. I love the characters in this world and look forward to the glimpses we'll get in Wild Hunger.
 

This review was originally posted on Rantings of a Reading Addict

[Zareena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, haven't picked up any of the Chicagoland Vampires books in a while but this was a nice reminder of what I love about the series!

I wouldn't say Slaying It was the best short story I've read, but it was nice to see Merit and Ethan again and I was definitely curious to see a bit more of Merit being pregnant. The Jonah-Margot thread was probably what I was most interested in (because Jonah is just so freaking amazing) and while it was nice seeing them and having a little bit more insight into their characters, I wish we'd had more. The novella felt very very short (yeah I know it's meant to be short) and I think a tiny bit more one-on-one time for Jonah and Margot would have been great.

But overall it was decent. I liked the plot, it worked well and wasn't overcomplicated, and most importantly I'm excited to read Elisa's book! Definitely worth a read if you're a fan of the series and want to read Wild Hunger.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cute, easy read details the tail end of Merit's pregnancy with the first ever vampire baby. She in the late third trimester and desperately wants to see her feet again. She is on her evening constitutional when a pizza delivery guy does a pratfall in front of her and comes up with a gun and the notion of a little kidnapping for ransom. Merit may be without an external weapon but the Sentinel is never unarmed. She knows it was a vampire but not one she has ever met before. It turns out that someone in her house had met him before and he's a little strapped for cash because he has a small gambling problem. - He loses. The people to whom he owes money have very long memories and a lot of concrete. It takes the Ombuddies, a little underhanded negotiation and some feminine wiles to get the guilty party exactly where everyone wants him. Just in time for the big event. The story is adorable, empowering, sweet and fast. If you liked the series, find this.

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it, sort of, but way to short.

I have to admit that I was expecting something much more action packed and intense thanks to the synopsis. Unlike the series, this is told from not only Merits pov, but also has snippets from Jonah and Margot pov.

And while I liked the fact that we got to see Merit waddling around, this was a pretty bland story with a generic antagonist whose capture was meh, and honestly without any immediate ramifications for his actions it fizzled.

Then we have the birth. That was probably my favourite part of this novella (not happy it was $5 for 76 pages though 🤬) and even then it seemed like it was toned down. So, in all I’d say that although I like knowing what happened, this would have been better as a bonus story at the end of the final book.

3.5 stars ⭐️

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

French & English reviews

AHHHH une nouvelle que j'attendais avec impatience =D
J'ai pu voir Merit enceinte, la scène de l'accouchement (!!!) et l'histoire de Jonas et Margot (j'étais tellement curieuse de savoir ce qui s'était passé et de connaître les secrets de Margot et OH PUNAISE j'ai tellement eu envie de tuer Rowan ><)
Que dire de plus à part ... Methan <3


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


AHHHH a short-story that I was SO looking forward to read =D
I could see Merit pregnant, the delivery scene (!!!) and the story of Jonas and Margot (I was so curious to know what had happened and to know the secrets of Margot and OH MAN I so wanted to kill Rowan ><)
What more to say apart ... Methan <3

[Eileen Predmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been one of my favorites for years. I have loved watching Ethan and Merit in their journey to build a life together, and it has been worth every monent. Chloe has created yet another great story in their lives along with all the rest of the Cadogen cast as support. Can't wait to see what mischievous adventures Eliza gets into now that she had arrived. God help Ethan and Merit. Loved it, ready to read Wild Hunger.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good, quick fix while I wait for Wild Hunger. I loved being back in the Chicagoland Vampire world. While not necessary to read, it was nice to get more Ethan and Merit, and some Jonah and Margot as well.

[aarya · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This novella couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be a Margot/Jonah romance or a Merit pregnancy/birth story. It also cemented my preexisting opinion that the Elisa Sullivan books are far superior to her mother’s arc.