In the sixth book of the Chicagoland Vampires series, Chloe Neill keeps readers right on the precipice of anticipation, leaving them desperately clawing for something more.

For twenty-eight year old Merit, life still isn't slowing down for her. Despite the fact that the most important person in her life is back, things aren't the same for her and Ethan Sullivan. Neill answers reader's prayers with the return of Ethan in the last book, but what does his presence entail now? Is he the same Ethan that readers knew and loved? It is clear that Ethan has some thinking to do and I'm not sure that all readers will be pleased with the romantic development in this book. However, that is not to say that there were some leaps in the right direction. Though Merit's heart is being pushed and pulled in different directions, she has more pressing matters to attend to.

More important is the race to reach the Maleficium, an ancient artifact that could potentially unleash unthinkable evil into the world if placed in the wrong hands. Seth Tate has been released from prison and is now looking to get his grimy hands on the Maleficium as well. It's a race to the bitter death. Added to that is the fact that Mallory, Merit's former best friend has turned somewhat evil and is out to get the Maleficium as well, but for far more nefarious reasons.

BITING COLD explores repressed emotions, betrayal and action in an enticing mix. While not my favorite of the series, it will tempt readers enough to stay tuned to the events and the prospects of what's to come.