Review--House Rules by Chloe Neill

In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps.

At the tender age of 27, Merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle—and her metal —tested like never before.

It started with two . . . Two rogues vanishing without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their house in peril, Merit and her Master, the centuries old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined.

I received this early copy of House Rules for review, as a part of the blog tour. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampire series, truly gets better with each book! House Rules sees us with Merit and Ethan and the rest of the Cadogan vampires getting ready to leave the GP, and thus become Rogue vampires. They are ready for it and embrace the life, even getting to know the Rogues in Chicago with a little get together. But it is soon put to a halt when two Rogues are missing.

Ethan and Merit are on the case, but it doesn't take long til the Rogues show up dead. Murdered. Soon a murder mystery takes place among the story, but that's only the beginning of the troubles for Merit and Ethan. Lacey is also back in town. The same Lacey who made it very clear to Merit that she loves Ethan and will do anything to have him at her side. The fact that Merit is with Ethan means nothing to her. What astounds me is how truly oblivious Ethan is to this matter. He really doesn't see that Lacey is oh-so in love with him, much to Merit's disappointment.

There's also the matter of the GP coming to officially kick them out. But there's more to it than that, the Cadogan vampires are in danger of losing their beloved house. Plus the fairies have turned against Cadogan and are aiding the GP. Yeah, like there wasn't enough problems already.

But, you'd be wrong! Merit's about to be initiated into Red Guard, yet there's problems there too. Let's just say they involved Lacey and now Merit 's relationship with Ethan is in jeopardy. And don't forget about the murderer who is still on the loose and is killing other vampires as well.

This was a well paced read! Quite gripping, in fact, because for awhile because of the whole mystery element. Who's the murderer, where is he? What does he want? There's just so many questions to be answered, yet in the between time there's action, intrigue, some romantic moments between Ethan and Merit. And of course, Merit's neverending humor...and appetite!

The ending was pretty exciting too, the murderer strikes close to Cadogan's heart, which incites Ethan to take direct command in apprehending this madman! I was able to guess the murderer just a few pages before Merit and Ethan figured it all out as well. The murder investigation takes a backseat towards the middle, as the problems with the GP and finding a missing item take precedence. As well as the relationship woes of Merit and Ethan.

At the true end, we're left with a tiny revelation, that will definitely play a role in a book to come! With Chicago still being run by a vampire-hating mayor and McKetrick back in the picture and at the Mayor's side, things are not looking up for the vampires of Chicago.

This is definitely a fun series to read if you're looking for the humorous and action-y series! Merit is a fantastic heroine, with snark, wit, humor and she's totally kickass with her blade! Chloe really knows how to write an engaging and entertaining novel! To end this review on a high note, I will share a quote that had me laughing out loud...while at work! (Thankfully, no one else in the office had arrived yet!)



"But is like Twilight in real life!" Berna protested. "Sparkles!"





Overall rating 5/5 stars