Dark Debt (Chicagoland Vampires #11) by Chloe Neill

“[A] WONDERFULLY COMPELLING RELUCTANT VAMPIRE HEROINE.”— USA Today Bestselling Author Julie KennerBetween standing Sentinel of Cadogan house and making society appearances with House Master Ethan Sullivan, a new member of the American Association of Vampires, Merit has her hands full. The last thing she needs is trouble, especially of the deadly kind.But when an old friend shows up in need, Merit can’t refuse. Morgan Greer, Master of House Navarre, has gotten himself into serious debt with a dangerous Chicago crime syndicate known as the Triad. And they’re willing to exact more than a pound of flesh for payback—unless Merit can find a way to stop them.Only the Triad’s connections go deeper than Merit knows, and even one wrong move could be her last…

I love the Chicagoland Vampires. I love Ethan (duh), I especially love Merit, and I love this amazing world that Neill has created over the years. And even 11 books into the series I’m still always looking forward excitedly for the next one coming!

It’s hard after 11 books not to find yourself repeating yourself… The first things I find myself talking about is the chemistry between the characters, the amazing friendships within the pages, the mystery and suspense in every installment, but I think I especially love the fact that the Chicago that Neill includes here is a character in its own right.

In Dark Debt, Ethan’s past once again comes back to haunt his present. As the summary says “A vampire never gets old. But neither do his enemies.” And that couldn’t be more true. When this figure from his past starts threatening the house, and the Chicago vampires, and more specifically Merit, Ethan’s is determined to do what he must to keep her safe.

Chicago has long been known for its organized crime, and this time Neill weaves it into the story in a way that has me excited to see where she takes it.

So let’s talk Ethan, because I have a serious crush on this vampire you guys. He and Merit have one of my favorite paranormal relationships around. Their banter is some of the best written…

“I like to think I’m more than the sum of my training.”

“You are,” Luc said. “There’s at least some hot beef or deep dish in there.”
“I am also more than Chicago foodstuffs.”

Ethan grinned at Luc. “Pumas? Diet Coke? Smart-assery?”

Luc snapped his fingers, pointed at Ethan. “Yes. And, like, three percent medieval literature.”

“You’re both hilarious. Really and truly. Comedy geniuses.”

Ethan totally knows how to bring the swoons…

I looked up at him. “Are you wooing me?”

“I’ve been wooing you since the moment our eyes locked on the first floor of this house.”

He’s so protective of her…

There was nothing equivocal in his gaze, in the steadiness of his green eyes. “He was my nightmare, Merit. You are my miracle. He will not touch you again. Yes?”

And yet he completely trusts her to take care of him and the other vampires as the house Sentinel.

Now, while this is paranormal romance, don’t get all excited, Neill keeps the naughty stuff on the tame side, but I have to say that I love the evolution of Merit & Ethan’s relationship… it’s never smooth sailing for them, which is so true to real life, but no matter what lands in their way, they always know where they stand with each other and they aren’t prepared to ever give up on each other and I think that might be what I love most.

I know this series is coming to an end… this makes me horribly sad, but I am still very much excited to see what the next in the series brings. If you haven’t started this series and you’re looking for something in the paranormal genre to sink your teeth into (hahah I couldn’t resist) then The Chicagoland Vampires are a must read- they’re at the top of my paranormal list and they should be on yours too!

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.