Vampire Book Club discussion

Merit's friendship with Mallory has always been vital to the Chicagoland Vampires series. She found solace with Mallory, someone to complain about Ethan with and lighthearted moments. That changed in Drink Deep, of course, but I felt Biting Cold was the beginning of a new phase in their relationship.

Can Merit and Mallory recover from her massive betrayal?

Do you want them to?

Were you happy with the way Chloe Neill handled their post friend breakup interactions? (I was. I would have been so upset if Merit had forgiven her quickly.)

I too was happy that as soon as Mallory got back to Chicago things didn't just go "back to normal" between her and Merit. Mallory has a lot to atone for and I'm glad that no one is just letting her off the hook, including Catcher.

Usually Merit and Mallory's whole dynamic was full of fun and lightharted moments (as Chelsea said) without Merit and Mallory to fill those moments there was a different feel to the book overall I think. Yes, there was still humor infused throughout, but it was different and special when it was between Mallory and Merit because of how close they were.

This is definitely a new beginning. Kind of like Merit losing Ethan in Hard Bitten she sort of lost Mallory in Drink Deep. I think they can recover from this in time, but it will take time. I'm glad that Chloe Neill didn't just skip over this hurdle in their relationship. Both Mallory and Merit will certainly grow / change from this experience.

I think that Mallory's on the way to becoming a better person. Since she started helping out at the end. (I hope that's not a spoiler...=/)

I think that Merit is being wary of Mallory, but I think that in her heart she's already forgiven her. It's difficult to truly blame someone who is addicted. That's how people around addicts get hurt over and over. I hope that will be the end of the bad times for Mallory and Merit. In the past books after she started her training, I was always a little upset at Mallory and how selfish she was. I hope this is a new beginning to their relationship and Mallory's personality.

I like the change in the dynamic between Merit and Mallory, and I feel like Neill did a good job of building the relationship between Merit and Lindsay over the last couple of books so that while not she's a replacement, Lindsay could easily serve in the same role as Mallory. And to an extent, she already has. (BTW, I ADORE Lindsay. Sometimes I like her better than Mallory.)

But Merit and Mal have history, and sometimes that's enough to rebuild on. I think they'll remain friends, but maybe not as close as they used to be.

It is going to take alot for Merit to trust Mallory again but she will always be there for her because of their past. Mallory did after bring Ethan back and that is something Merit is more then gratefull that her man is back. You see Merit wanting to jump in and comfort her but holds back because of what she has done. It was funny when she said Ethan is no longer Darth Sullivan. I can't wait for Febuary to come I am so counting the days

Amanda wrote: "I like the change in the dynamic between Merit and Mallory, and I feel like Neill did a good job of building the relationship between Merit and Lindsay over the last couple of books so that while n..."

Such a good point, Amanda.

How has Lindsay stepped into Mallory's shoes? Does everyone else like that?

(Also, I adore Lindsay.)

Lindsay is the friend that Mallory sometimes wasn't. After Ethan died I was Team Mallory because she was there fore Merit staying with her while she in mourning but after reading this last book I understood why Merit was so conflicted on forgiving Mallory for the betrayal. Lindsay is more Team Dark Sullivan and had Merit back more then Mallory as ever done and Merit has never had to so far question Lindsay friendship. Merit can be forgiving but I don't think she will every forget and I agree she will become more closer to Lindsay and move away from Mallorys friendship

I agree with saying that Lindsey was the friend to Merit when Mallory at times wasn't. I just think since they are both vampires Lindsey understands things in a different way than Mallory ever could (the same can be said for Merit not understanding Mallory being in the Order and having magic). Lindsey always seemed to take a different approach / opinion especially where Ethan was concerned. There seemed to be a point where Mallory was done with the whole Merit / Ethan relationship and didn't want a part of it. Didn't want to hear Merit talk about it. Whereas Lindsey always seemed to be there more for her. And maybe that was because she lives in Cadogan and sees a different side. And because she's lived for over 100 years already.

i'm in the middle of book 5, and wanna bashed tate on the head. now i need spoilers, what is tate? a demon? i don't think he's a sorcerer..

No no no no, you've gotta wait! You'll find out in book six. All you need to know right now is he's kind of awesome. And hot :D

haha sienny, good try!!

I am also pro-Lindsay over Mallory. Mallory might have been fun as a friend, but she wasn't around when Merit actually needed her. Almost like a fair weather friend and that's not okay. except for that one time where she came to Merit after Ethan's death, but then she was just scoping the place out to steal stuff. I hope this is a major turning point for her character, otherwise i'm Team Vote-Mallory-Off-The-Island

come on.. just a little hint.. pretty please..

yeah, i'm also a little pissed with mallory. stressed and all, she's still over the line.

right. startin on #6, and i finally gonna know what the hell is tate.

Starting with a general blog post about the book as just finished it.
Okay, so I want to start by saying how much I love this series and how much I liked this book. I definitely agree that Neil has brought the story back to the original few books. That being said, after hard bitten and a long awaited return my Ethan in Drink deep I wanted them to jump each others bones on page 1. I felt like I had waited and waited so long for them to be back in each others arms, wishing for them to finally say those 3 little words that I was a little pissed off that it didn't come sooner. If I had anything less then one full chapter of their reunion I was going to be even madder but at least Neil did it justice. I am so happy that he finally bit her during their intimate moment, this was definitely hot and I was waiting since book 3 for it to occur.

I think Neil did a very good job with Mallory and Merit. She really kept Merit true to her character and just because Mallory was her friend, didn't mean Merit gave her a pass and I liked that. It felt very authentic. I think its only fitting to have a slow progress of their friendship which will balance out the story and only make their friendship better in the end. I was missing the shifters in this one and wish there was also more Catcher.

no question for this week?