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Chicagoland Vampires #8.5 & #10.5
Midnight Bites
In "Howling for You," Jeff Christopher is a shapeshifter and ally of Chicago's Cadogan House of Vampires. For a long time, Jeff only had eyes for the beautiful Fallon Keene. Unfortunately, she is the only sister of the lethal North American Central Pack Apex Gabriel Keene. But fate takes a hand when the Pack's totem is stolen, and Fallon enlists Jeff's help to retrieve it before the Pack is thrown into chaos. Can she and Jeff find the totem, and restore order, before it's too late? And will Jeff finally be able to prove himself to the only person he truly loves?
In "Lucky Break," Merit and Ethan are in desperate need of some alone time, but their attempt at a romantic getaway is quickly interrupted when one of Ethan's vampire friends shows up at their door covered in blood and accused of killing her shifter husband. Now, Merit and Ethan must put their passion on pause to figure out who's really responsible for the murder before all hell breaks loose..."
In "Lucky Break," Merit and Ethan are in desperate need of some alone time, but their attempt at a romantic getaway is quickly interrupted when one of Ethan's vampire friends shows up at their door covered in blood and accused of killing her shifter husband. Now, Merit and Ethan must put their passion on pause to figure out who's really responsible for the murder before all hell breaks loose..."
Audiobook
First published September 29, 2015
6 people are currently reading
677 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 27, 2015
Midnight Bites is an audiobook which contains two novellas from Chloe Neill's urban fantasy series titled: Chicagoland Vampires. I have listed the novellas below and provided an individual review for each. If you follow this series and haven't already read these short-stories then check them out!
#8.5 Howling For You
(Review from March 2014)
★★★★★
Howling For You is a novella (#8.5) in author Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series. This less-than-100-page story was a wonderful addition to the series. It focuses on the shifter community, specifically the North American Central Pack and the Keene family. Jeff Christopher plays a significant role in this story as well, and many readers will love how he is included in this story. We see another side to him; he's not just a nerdy, IT genius. He's a fighter, a romantic, and a lover. “Sweet and geeky Jeff, lover of games, knew how to move.” I just loved him in this book! The lead character is Fallon Keene, the first female to be next in line for pack leadership. The mystery element was fairly simple and easily solved but this is not a complaint since it's such a short book. Neither Merit nor the Cadogan House are involved; the story really is all about the shifters. This novella was written in a way that any reader new to the series could read it as a standalone novel and enjoy it as such. I am a loyal reader of the Chicagoland Vampires series and I would be loyal to a spinoff featuring these characters as well. Hint Hint Chloe Neill...spinoff please!!!!!!!!!!!!
#10.5 Lucky Break
★★★★☆
Lucky Break is a novella (#10.5) in author Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series. Merit and Ethan desperately need some time away from their duties and just when they begin a romantic vacation, wouldn't you know it...yep, work calls. This mystery heavily involves the shifter community which was a nice addition. This series never gets old, and even though I would have thoroughly enjoyed reading a fun Ethan and Merit love-fest, I certainly didn't mind this mystery-filled quickie.
#8.5 Howling For You
(Review from March 2014)
★★★★★
Howling For You is a novella (#8.5) in author Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series. This less-than-100-page story was a wonderful addition to the series. It focuses on the shifter community, specifically the North American Central Pack and the Keene family. Jeff Christopher plays a significant role in this story as well, and many readers will love how he is included in this story. We see another side to him; he's not just a nerdy, IT genius. He's a fighter, a romantic, and a lover. “Sweet and geeky Jeff, lover of games, knew how to move.” I just loved him in this book! The lead character is Fallon Keene, the first female to be next in line for pack leadership. The mystery element was fairly simple and easily solved but this is not a complaint since it's such a short book. Neither Merit nor the Cadogan House are involved; the story really is all about the shifters. This novella was written in a way that any reader new to the series could read it as a standalone novel and enjoy it as such. I am a loyal reader of the Chicagoland Vampires series and I would be loyal to a spinoff featuring these characters as well. Hint Hint Chloe Neill...spinoff please!!!!!!!!!!!!
#10.5 Lucky Break
★★★★☆
Lucky Break is a novella (#10.5) in author Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series. Merit and Ethan desperately need some time away from their duties and just when they begin a romantic vacation, wouldn't you know it...yep, work calls. This mystery heavily involves the shifter community which was a nice addition. This series never gets old, and even though I would have thoroughly enjoyed reading a fun Ethan and Merit love-fest, I certainly didn't mind this mystery-filled quickie.
October 16, 2015
ORIGINAL POST: MIDNIGHT BITES: THE PERFECT BOOK SNACK!
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Audiofile provided by publisher. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
Sophie Eastlake brings the perfect mix of sexy, snark, tough and girl-next-door to the voice of Merit, Cadogan House Sentinel and fairly new vampire, and a great mix of refinement, gravitas and gruffness to her beau and Cadogan House Master and new President of the North American Vampire Governing body.
I reviewed HOWLING FOR YOU very favorably in January of 2014 when it came out on Kindle. It offers a look into the supernatural world outside of Cadogan and other houses. Here’s some of what I said:
Jeff is the nerds’ great leap forward (literally – he is a tiger shifter). He may be a brilliant computer nerd, super hacker dude, but he is also a shifter and a fighter. He’s been pretty impressive since his first shifter action in the series and he gets even more so herein as he stands up for what he wants: Fallon.
The theme in this story is all about love and duty. It’s the story of the princess who loves the commoner. Actually, it is one trope in my paranormal reading that is not overdone. It’s presented interestingly and I could very honestly envision this particular story as a graphic novel — especially the villain. We’ve met Fallon, but haven’t really gotten to know her, so this being from her point of view is really a fresh peek into her head. She’s pretty cool — with “ink” and piercings.
The love story is quite low key, although I found the couple’s despair palpable, and I was mildly outraged by the pack rules that would allow a non-wolf shifter to be a pack member but not be an equal member. In other words, I was quite engaged in the story. There’s a switch up, a fillip, that is a lot of fun and strengthens the young, current vibe these characters bring to the series.
In LUCKY BREAK, Ethan and Merit have gone on a little trip to get away from the crap they had recently been going through. But, heavy is the head that wears hair as great as Ethan’s. The Colorado Supernatural community makes Chicago’s Supe Landscape look like tea with Queen Victoria. The personalities of the characters who are not previously established in other volumes in the series is shallow in the way of the novella format. Aside from bravely facing danger as usual, what Merit and Ethan once again prove is that they are smart, and very noble. They are all about the greater good, each other and the new American governing format. Ethan is the consummate leader; Hell! if he ran for US President I would vote for him.
I had wanted to hear this story because it was teased elsewhere, but I just didn’t think I would get to it. The combined audiobook and my huge honey-do list (we both wear the “honey” in this house) made the non-taxing story very accessible: easy to listen to and keep track of the action and characters. It was perfect for a project and my husband didn’t mind it on speaker. Chloe always gives us a good ending and while she might leave us with a cliff hanger there’s always a reason behind it.
These are best in the context of the series, and preferably if you have read/listened fairly far in as the timeline for LUCKY BREAK is late in the series. There’s too much back story and world-building to jump in here. I would say it is a series lover’s must read!
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Audiofile provided by publisher. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
Sophie Eastlake brings the perfect mix of sexy, snark, tough and girl-next-door to the voice of Merit, Cadogan House Sentinel and fairly new vampire, and a great mix of refinement, gravitas and gruffness to her beau and Cadogan House Master and new President of the North American Vampire Governing body.
I reviewed HOWLING FOR YOU very favorably in January of 2014 when it came out on Kindle. It offers a look into the supernatural world outside of Cadogan and other houses. Here’s some of what I said:
Jeff is the nerds’ great leap forward (literally – he is a tiger shifter). He may be a brilliant computer nerd, super hacker dude, but he is also a shifter and a fighter. He’s been pretty impressive since his first shifter action in the series and he gets even more so herein as he stands up for what he wants: Fallon.
The theme in this story is all about love and duty. It’s the story of the princess who loves the commoner. Actually, it is one trope in my paranormal reading that is not overdone. It’s presented interestingly and I could very honestly envision this particular story as a graphic novel — especially the villain. We’ve met Fallon, but haven’t really gotten to know her, so this being from her point of view is really a fresh peek into her head. She’s pretty cool — with “ink” and piercings.
The love story is quite low key, although I found the couple’s despair palpable, and I was mildly outraged by the pack rules that would allow a non-wolf shifter to be a pack member but not be an equal member. In other words, I was quite engaged in the story. There’s a switch up, a fillip, that is a lot of fun and strengthens the young, current vibe these characters bring to the series.
In LUCKY BREAK, Ethan and Merit have gone on a little trip to get away from the crap they had recently been going through. But, heavy is the head that wears hair as great as Ethan’s. The Colorado Supernatural community makes Chicago’s Supe Landscape look like tea with Queen Victoria. The personalities of the characters who are not previously established in other volumes in the series is shallow in the way of the novella format. Aside from bravely facing danger as usual, what Merit and Ethan once again prove is that they are smart, and very noble. They are all about the greater good, each other and the new American governing format. Ethan is the consummate leader; Hell! if he ran for US President I would vote for him.
I had wanted to hear this story because it was teased elsewhere, but I just didn’t think I would get to it. The combined audiobook and my huge honey-do list (we both wear the “honey” in this house) made the non-taxing story very accessible: easy to listen to and keep track of the action and characters. It was perfect for a project and my husband didn’t mind it on speaker. Chloe always gives us a good ending and while she might leave us with a cliff hanger there’s always a reason behind it.
These are best in the context of the series, and preferably if you have read/listened fairly far in as the timeline for LUCKY BREAK is late in the series. There’s too much back story and world-building to jump in here. I would say it is a series lover’s must read!
September 10, 2020
#8.5 Howling For You
I really enjoyed this, getting a shifters pov in this world is interesting.
This book is really about the Keene Family and their pack. Fallon is the first female who is in line for the pack but for that to happen she has to marry someone who is suited.
Jeff the is a tiger shifter and though he and Fallon have interest in each other she would have to denounce herself as next in line to be with him.
It’s all very interesting and I loved it. I would love to see a spin off with these characters.
I am a fan of Sophie Eastlake's narration.
(I wish I had listened to this after Wild Things because they are heavily featured in that book and it would have made listing to this book that much more.)
#10.5 Lucky Break
The one time Merit and Ethan take a vacation they walk right into a mess.
But like Ethan and Merit they get to the bottom of it. I really enjoy shorts like these it makes some of the side stories that much sweeter in the big books.
I really enjoyed this, getting a shifters pov in this world is interesting.
This book is really about the Keene Family and their pack. Fallon is the first female who is in line for the pack but for that to happen she has to marry someone who is suited.
Jeff the is a tiger shifter and though he and Fallon have interest in each other she would have to denounce herself as next in line to be with him.
It’s all very interesting and I loved it. I would love to see a spin off with these characters.
I am a fan of Sophie Eastlake's narration.
(I wish I had listened to this after Wild Things because they are heavily featured in that book and it would have made listing to this book that much more.)
#10.5 Lucky Break
The one time Merit and Ethan take a vacation they walk right into a mess.
But like Ethan and Merit they get to the bottom of it. I really enjoy shorts like these it makes some of the side stories that much sweeter in the big books.
August 6, 2021
Two stories for the price of one book. We begin with "Howling for You" where Jeff is a shapeshifter and he is in love with the Fallon Keene. Yep, she's Gabriel Keene's younger sister, who happens to be the Apex of the Northern American Central Pack leader. She is committed to marrying with her own kind so Jeff is out. But the heart does what a heart does and we read about how two people who are obviously so right for each other, fight it and try to solve the mystery of "who stole Conor's crown?" That crown is to acknowledge Gabriel's son into the lineage and someone stole it. The story was a bit lacking in showing me why Fallon loves Jeff before all others but yet she refuses to do what she wants. Instead, she goes forth with the charade of meeting potential suitors. The ending was too obvious for me so I didn't care for it. I need more of a bite, pardon the intended pun. I give this story a 3.
Next, we have Lucky Break where my favorite dynamic due, Merit, and Ethan are out on vacation for much-needed alone time. Of course, trouble comes knocking at their door, literally. Seems Ethan's old friend has been accused of killing her shifter husband. Problem is, she's not a shifter but instead, a night drinker. It's a paranormal Hatfield vs the McCoy's and it's just not that entertaining. As the local very human, town sheriff tries to solve this mystery without he11 breaking loose, it's too late as they start already start trying to murder their opposite, immortal enemies. This one was much more interesting as it bobbed and weaved and maybe it’s because I heart my favorite immortal duo but I felt this story had me guessing more so and was very happy to be proven wrong. I always felt, if I could guess who did it mid-way through a story, then it deserves three stars or less. The only time I felt differently is when the mystery announces the killer upfront, however, in a reversal, we have to figure out why and how they did it and nearly got away with it. Now that’s something I love but rarely find in a book, nowadays. I give this story a solid 4
Combining the ratings of my 3 and the 4 equaling 3.5, I will bump it up because I do enjoy this author.
Onto my next snack...
Next, we have Lucky Break where my favorite dynamic due, Merit, and Ethan are out on vacation for much-needed alone time. Of course, trouble comes knocking at their door, literally. Seems Ethan's old friend has been accused of killing her shifter husband. Problem is, she's not a shifter but instead, a night drinker. It's a paranormal Hatfield vs the McCoy's and it's just not that entertaining. As the local very human, town sheriff tries to solve this mystery without he11 breaking loose, it's too late as they start already start trying to murder their opposite, immortal enemies. This one was much more interesting as it bobbed and weaved and maybe it’s because I heart my favorite immortal duo but I felt this story had me guessing more so and was very happy to be proven wrong. I always felt, if I could guess who did it mid-way through a story, then it deserves three stars or less. The only time I felt differently is when the mystery announces the killer upfront, however, in a reversal, we have to figure out why and how they did it and nearly got away with it. Now that’s something I love but rarely find in a book, nowadays. I give this story a solid 4
Combining the ratings of my 3 and the 4 equaling 3.5, I will bump it up because I do enjoy this author.
Onto my next snack...
October 3, 2022
This book contains two Chicagoland Vampire novellas. The first one is about the shifters Jeff, Christopher and Fallon Keene. The second is about Ethan and Merit and a vacation they take.
Each of these stories are of love. The first wraps up an intentionally silent story of Jeff’s love for Fallon. The second adds a lovely depth to the novels by showing that sometimes love overcome prejudice and hate……and sometimes it does not.
The stories are very quickly paced with lots of action and violence. Ethan and Merit’s story even gets a little steamy.
PG-13 - Violence. Hate. Sex.
Each of these stories are of love. The first wraps up an intentionally silent story of Jeff’s love for Fallon. The second adds a lovely depth to the novels by showing that sometimes love overcome prejudice and hate……and sometimes it does not.
The stories are very quickly paced with lots of action and violence. Ethan and Merit’s story even gets a little steamy.
PG-13 - Violence. Hate. Sex.
January 25, 2020
Chicagoland Vampires #8.5 & 10.5
This collection has two short stories from the Chicagoland Vampires series. The first one, Chicagoland Vampires #8.5, features shifters Jeff Christopher and Fallon Kean. The second story, Chicagoland Vampires #10.5, features Merit and Ethan while they try and take a vacation in Colorado. Those are very enjoyable stories. Enjoy!
Read:
January 23-24, 2020 – Audible Audiobook
This collection has two short stories from the Chicagoland Vampires series. The first one, Chicagoland Vampires #8.5, features shifters Jeff Christopher and Fallon Kean. The second story, Chicagoland Vampires #10.5, features Merit and Ethan while they try and take a vacation in Colorado. Those are very enjoyable stories. Enjoy!
Read:
January 23-24, 2020 – Audible Audiobook
December 22, 2016
"Every time I howl, I howl for you."
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Why did Jeff start giving Fallon juggling lessons right before they had sex? It was so confusing. Where did the bean bags come from?
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Why did Jeff start giving Fallon juggling lessons right before they had sex? It was so confusing. Where did the bean bags come from?
December 27, 2018
This was a witty and fun take on an Old story line; all that said ... I LOVED THIS BOOK! These books keep getting better!
It was a good read from start to finish!
I look forward to more bad assery by Merritt & Crew!
It was a good read from start to finish!
I look forward to more bad assery by Merritt & Crew!
November 5, 2018
4.5 These 2 novellas are a great addition to an already great series!
September 19, 2019
Awesome
February 10, 2021
Waste of time reading. Boring !!!!
March 13, 2022
A great addition to the main series! Enjoyable, great characters, and a fun escape from reality!
March 27, 2025
I really enjoyed the shift to the shapeshifters. Merit and Ethan can't seem to catch a break and it's slightly annoying.
April 15, 2019
Originally posted on Under the Moonlight Book Blog
Jeff! I got me some sexy Jeff Christopher story!
I have to say that Jeff is most definitively my favorite secondary character in these stories. He is cute, charming, and hella genius and funny. I was so happy when he got together with Fallon although there was something to their story that was hinted at but never mentioned as to why they weren't together. But then they were and I needed more on that story.
Well, I got it and I have to say that I loved every second of their HEA.
We also get a second part to this book in which Merit and Ethan want to go on a vacation away from the Chicago drama and are invited to the guest house of one of Ethan's longtime friends. But when they get there is not for a romantic getaway but to solve a mystery of murder.
I liked the insight of what might have started the feud between the vampires and the werewolves (or at least a fraction of it) and what sacrifices these two races are willing to make to be happy with each other. It also gives me a look-see of what Eliza and Connor might go thru on the spin-off.
Jeff! I got me some sexy Jeff Christopher story!
I have to say that Jeff is most definitively my favorite secondary character in these stories. He is cute, charming, and hella genius and funny. I was so happy when he got together with Fallon although there was something to their story that was hinted at but never mentioned as to why they weren't together. But then they were and I needed more on that story.
Well, I got it and I have to say that I loved every second of their HEA.
We also get a second part to this book in which Merit and Ethan want to go on a vacation away from the Chicago drama and are invited to the guest house of one of Ethan's longtime friends. But when they get there is not for a romantic getaway but to solve a mystery of murder.
I liked the insight of what might have started the feud between the vampires and the werewolves (or at least a fraction of it) and what sacrifices these two races are willing to make to be happy with each other. It also gives me a look-see of what Eliza and Connor might go thru on the spin-off.
October 2, 2015
I loved these novellas when I first read them to myself, and I think I love them even more when they are "brought to life" by Sophie! :)
December 28, 2015
Full review here: http://tinyurl.com/h5l6kyv
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I enjoyed both stories. Narrator, Sophie Eastlake does a suburb job with each story.
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I enjoyed both stories. Narrator, Sophie Eastlake does a suburb job with each story.
March 7, 2016
2 nice shorter stories that fit well into the world
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews