Review--Biting Cold by Chloe Neill

Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined.And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans. Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed.

No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.



Chloe Neill's Biting Cold picks up right where we left off in Drink Deep. Ethan is back in action, he and Merit are trying to out chase Mallory, who's gone rogue and beat her to the Maleficium. But before they can even get to where the book is located, they run into Tate.

I've read a few reviews on this book prior to starting it, and I too, have to agree on how suddenly the Mallory issue is resolved. For the most part. The chase to get to the Maleficium and stop Mallory doesn't last long at all. Before the one hundred page mark, the "chase" is over and done and Mallory is left in some sort of shell shocked state.

But Merit's troubles are far from over of course! Something happened with Tate and the book, something that changed him. It definitely proposes a new problem for Merit, among the many she already had! Such as Ethan still having some bizarre connection to Mallory and because of this said connection--it's not a romantic one or anything, but it's like he's almost her familiar, but he's not--he refuses to be with Merit, because he's afraid he might hurt her. All this happens after one almost lovin' scene! So yeah, Ethan was a little infuriating and Merit definitely agrees!

The main battle at hand is sort of spoilery, so I won't get into it, but I will say it involves Tate in a way! There's also still House trouble, as the next book House Rules will provide us. Darius is deciding the fate of Cadogan House and whether or not they will remain the GP's good graces. Although, with the title of the next book, I was able to make my own conclusion, but I guarantee it's not what you're thinking!

The pacing was fairly good in this book. Not truly a fast paced read, but not dragging either. So one of those books that falls nicely into the middle! The characters, as always, do nothing but delight me! Except Ethan, who infuriates me, remember? My heart ached for Mallory and Catcher, as I found their relationship sweet, yet due to her actions, they are headed for troubled waters.

The ending was done nice as well! The main issue was solved with a few little things left dangling, likely to be put aside til the next book. There was one thing though that is driving me crazy! It seems like it would be mundane and not really going to lead to anything, but the way Chloe wrote it, makes me think that this teeny, tiny little no-diddity, may mean something in some way eventually! Yes, I know I am being totally vague, but it is a tad spoilery so I don't want to say what this little thing was.

Plus there are the obvious cliffhangers that makes you wonder what Merit will be getting into next. Overall this was an enjoyable read and another great edition to the series. 


Overall rating 4/5 stars