Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Phantom Kiss by Chloe Neill Series: Chicagoland Vampires #12.5
Published by Gollancz on January 17. 2017
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 100
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audiobook
In this all-new novella from the New York Times bestselling author of Midnight Marked, Merit, Ethan, and the rest of Cadogan House crew discover that not all undead creatures are kindred spirits…
Vampires generally aren’t afraid of things that go bump in the night, but Merit and Ethan are extra jumpy after a recent attack by a dark sorcerer. So when they learn that someone is messing with graves in Chicago’s cemeteries, stealing skulls and snatching souls, they fear that their powerful foe might be back for even more magical vengeance.
But after a specter begins haunting Cadogan House—and targeting vampires—they realize that their being taunted by an altogether different sort of monster. A ghoulish villain straight out of the Windy City’s urban legends is on the prowl—and he won’t stop until he’s killed again...
Anne’s Thoughts
Ethan IS a book boyfriend, but Merit is also a girl crush. They are a couple I have shipped throughout the Chicagoland Vampire series. Phantom Kiss is a sweet treat, the author’s gift to us, bringing them back into my mind and heart before the final book, Blade Bound, is available April 25, 2017. Many favorite characters, good and bad, make an appearance.
If you don’t read the series, it won’t mean as much to you, because you won’t have the depth and love for the characters. It is a short, fun read. There doesn’t seem to be much towards the overall story arc, but it is a very pleasant visit to beloved people and their places.
Jennifer’s Thoughts
Phantom Kiss is a is nice little side adventure for the gang. Merit and Ethan is getting closer to the march down the isle and this mystery over a ghost haunting them was just the last little escapade they needed to take the pressure of wedding planning off their minds. References to the plot in the last full length novel, Midnight Marked was made so fans of the series will want to read this one afterwards.
Phantom Kiss was just enough to wet my appetite for the final book in the series, Blade Bound.
About Chloe Neill
Chloe Neill is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Chicagoland Vampires and Dark Elite series.
She was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest–just close enough to Cadogan House and St. Sophia’s to keep an eye on things. When not transcribing Merit’s and Lily’s adventures, 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 favorite landscape photographer/husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout. (Both she and the photographer understand the dogs are in charge.)
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Anne: 2017 New Release Challenge
- Anne: COYER Winter Storm
I’ve had so many ups and downs with this series – I’m very ready for the final book. I think I would have quit it if I weren’t so close. But I do love a lot the characters… it’s Merit and Ethan that I don’t like – as a couple specifically. They’ve just gotten on my nerves – I used to love them! I’m not sure if I’ll pick this up or just wait for the finale.
I know what you mean. I like all the characters but never really “felt” Merit and Ethan being a couple. I think it’s the fact that she seems to be the alpha always saving his butt even though he’s the much older and experience vampire. She’s only been a vampire about about a year or so. Doesn’t make much sense to me.