Hard Bitten

★ 7.56 / 9

Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals – and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are... tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else.

Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in the heady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society – a world full of vampires who seem ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands...

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Updated 05/06/2025

Category: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

Release date: May 3, 2011

Chloe Neill

Chloe Neill is a name that resonates with readers who crave urban fantasy, supernatural adventures, and tales of complex, resilient characters navigating worlds where magic is as real as the everyday. With a Southern upbringing and now calling the Midwest home, Neill's storytelling draws from her diverse background, combining grit, heart, and a dash of wit into every narrative. Whether she’s writing about a vampire outcast finding her place in a magical world or exploring a post-apocalyptic reality where magic's uprising has reshaped everything, Neill’s books invite readers to escape into worlds of danger, mystery, and romance.

The Chicagoland Vampires series, perhaps her most well-known work, introduces readers to Merit, a reluctant vampire turned protector, whose adventures in a world filled with supernatural intrigue are as addictive as they are captivating. Fans of the series know that Neill doesn’t shy away from tough choices, fierce battles, or relationships that evolve against the backdrop of a constantly shifting magical society. It’s this mix of emotional depth, high stakes, and inventive world-building that has garnered her a loyal following.

Neill’s creativity doesn’t stop at vampires. She’s also the mind behind the Devil's Isle series, a gritty post-paranormal world where magic isn't just a secret; it’s a dangerous force that can tear society apart. Meanwhile, her Heirs of Chicagoland series explores the next generation of supernatural beings, while Dark Elite dives into the lives of young adults with extraordinary abilities in a high-stakes academic setting. Each of these worlds is distinct but shares the hallmark of Neill’s writing—richly layered characters and an ever-present sense of danger, wonder, and possibility.

Outside of her literary endeavors, Chloe Neill lives a balanced life where family, food, and football (Go Big Red!) are just as important as her next plot twist. She spends her downtime with her dogs, Baxter and Scout, while perfecting her baking skills (which she’ll readily admit often rivals her storytelling). When she’s not writing, she works as a contract attorney, but her true passion is crafting stories that resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the last page.

From her beloved Chicagoland Vampires series to her newer works, Chloe Neill’s stories are a testament to her love of the fantastical and the power of strong, compelling characters. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just diving into her world for the first time, Neill’s books promise an unforgettable adventure—one filled with magic, mystery, and the promise of more to come.