Elisa is the only vampire born. Now she and her shifter fiancé have to save Chicago from demons invading from all sides. ARC from NetGalley.

I received a free copy of Cold Curses by Chloe Neill. This is the 5th book olin the series. Connor, in the last book is on his way to being Alpha and eventually Apex of the pack. Elisa is living with him along with her best friend Lulu and her boyfriend Alexi. Elisa and the Ombudsman office are fighting demons. Eventually, Lulu"s parents who are sorceress like Lulu, and Elisa's mom, Merit, also get involved. I always get involved reading Chloe Neill's books and enjoyed the ending but sad to see what looks like an ending to a series where all entities end up where they belong. I would suggest reading Merit's books first and then Connor and Elisa story.

I wanted to love this, but overall this was not the most satisfying conclusion to either the Heirs of Chicago series or the whole Chicagoland Vampires universe. I'm not sure if Neill had to rush to end the series, but it felt less epic than it needed to, with many plot elements being rushed. I wish that this series had been able to get the conclusion it deserved.

Chloe Neill is a favorite author. Her stories feature strong characters that while supernatural, become familiar friends to her dedicated readers. She has several series available that feature cross overs from one series into another on a regular basis, combining forces to battle those who would tear the world apart for their own pleasure. The Heirs of Chicagoland series ends with COLD CURSES but I'm sure we will meet these characters agin down the road.

Chloe Neill adds to the Heirs of Chicagoland in Cold Curses. Elisa only vampire born and her partner Connor wolf shifter are trying to control the demon invasion of Chicago. She also has to contend with her inner being called Monster. Wonderful fantasy/science fiction cross. Enjoy.

Love this series, as always full of action and mystery. Great characters with charm and wit. A real page turner.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

The Heirs of Chicagoland series has come to a close with Cold Curses. I would read the series in order, like most urban fantasy. I've really enjoyed the next generation making their lives and fighting for Chicago with old and new foes. Elisa and Connor are settled and very comfortable in their relationship. They support and help each other. Connor is still facing pack challenges periodically. Lulu and Alexei are a newer pairing.

While Lulu enjoys her work as an artist, she does stand up to help this time. Demons seem to be everywhere, fighting residents of Chicago and other demons. All generations are all hands on deck in this fight. The Ombuds research to find out about the original wards as Catcher and Mallory try to repair them. They also try to figure out the demons. Elisa tries to reach out to Jonathon Black who might know something since he is also a sorcerer.

Elisa also has the worry of "monster" who wants out. Monster becomes more adamant when they go to Cadogan House from which they were separated from in the last book. Elisa and Monster have lived and worked together for awhile. Elisa is afraid to tell Lulu, her parents and Lulu's parents. She is also worried about how much she will change without Monster.

The team of the Ombuds, their friends and family, and some of the other supernaturals work hard to take down demons and figure out how to stop them from causing destruction in the city. They did a pretty smart job considering how little information was available. There were a few exciting battles, more personal growth, and a satisfying conclusion for this well loved world and characters.

Cold Curses by Chloe Neill is the 5th book in her fantastic Heirs of Chicagoland urban fantasy series. I am a fan of Chloe Neill, having read a few of her books. I love this series, and sad to note that this book is the end (hopefully for now), loved both Elisa and Conner. Refresher: Elisa Sullivan, our heroine, is the only vampire child ever born, and her parents (Ethan & Merit) are the powerful leaders of the vampires that lead Chicagoland. Connor Keen, our hero, is a werewolf and the heir apparent to the North American Central Pack Apex (Alpha). Connor and Elisa have become a wonderful romantic couple, as the chemistry between them is sizzling.

Elisa and her team, Theo, Petra are called into a demon attack that has broken the city’s defensive magic. Chicago is now being bombarded with dangerous demons, slipping through the open wards, who think nothing of killing humans. Everyone is working as hard as they can to repair the city’s wards, and find out who is behind the destruction. Elisa and Theo investigate someone who has taken over as a leader of the demons, with him saying there is another person who is competing against him. Elisa finds herself in the middle of a magical surf war, and early on, she fears the worst, as her bff, Lulu was seriously hurt. Elisa is determined to get the demon to release the spell on Lulu.

Connor tries to stay close to Elisa, worries about the attacks on her, though she has handled them, despite some injuries. All of the various groups have joined together to fight the enemies; such as Gwen, Alexei, Petra, Roger, Elisa’s parents (Ethan & Merit), Aunt Mallory, as well as Lulu after her recovery. Elisa will discover that a surprise person is bent on destroying them all.

What follows is an exciting action filled adventure, especially in the last half of the book as the danger escalates, with threats escalating. Elisa was a fabulous heroine, and we got a glimpse of the ‘monster’ inside of her, who would help her when the danger escalated, adding more powers to her ability. Only Connor was aware of the monster. Elisa will need to step up and use ‘monster’ to help save Chicago.

I love how Elisa and Connor were so great together, with both of them always supporting each other, constantly being by their side whenever needed; even though she was a vampire and he was a werewolf. They were both independent, strong, savvy and very much in love, with awesome chemistry. I will miss them, if this is the end of Heirs of Chicagoland.

Chloe Neill gives us another fantastic story, with a wonderful couple and awesome secondary characters. Cold Curses was so very well written by Neill, with exciting, tense, nonstop action, just enough romance, and a fantastic heroine and hero. If you haven’t read this series, you need to do so now. Thank you, Chloe Neill for a such a wonderful series, which I do hope we get to see Elisa and Connor again.

In Cold Curses by Chloe Neill, she gives the continued story of Elisa and sets up a dilemma that carries over from the previous novels. The complex characters and solutions in the midst of a demon invasion are what I love about the novel. I also love how engaging Elisa is, her relationships with her partner Connor and her best friend Lulu. Elisa cannot solve everything on her own and Chloe Neill does a fantastic job of conveying that teamwork.

The other thing I love is that not everything is what it seems. Each piece of the story is integral for the resolution. I like that we get a resolution for some of the ongoing dilemmas Elisa has faced. One thing that struck me was that while I do love the ending of the novel, some parts of it were a surprise. And within that surprise, for me, there were aspects that didn’t make sense. While that wasn’t something that pulled me out of the story, it was something I noticed after I finished the book.

If you love Chloe Neill and her Vampires of Chicagoland series, you will love this novel as well. It has a definite ending that could mean the end of this particular series but leaves things open for more, especially in the world. I loved the ending of the novel and the book was compelling with complex characters and solutions. If you love the previous book, you will love this one.

t was with sadness that I began reading Cold Curses by Chloe Neill, as it is the last book in the Heirs of Chicagoland series. Neill delivered an action-packed, snarky, swoon-worthy and satisfactory ending.

While each book in the series offers a complete tale, I recommend reading the series in order for the overall series arc and relationships.

Neill delivered another action-packed story as Windy City faces a supernatural onslaught. With the wards offline, it takes everyone working together to stop demons from taking over the city, Elisa Sullivan and her allies call home.

I love this series about the young Chicagoland sups, especially Elisa Sullivan and her alpha wolf boyfriend, Connor Keene. Poor Connor is being kept busy with challenges from other shifters over his leadership of the Apex. For those new to the author, this series is a spinoff of her award-winning Chicagoland series.

Demons have settled in and monsters are infiltrating the city as rival demons fight for control. Some work to repair the wards as Elisa and her team battle demons, trolls and deal with demon cleanup. Elisa will go to any length, including throttling the demon, to save her best friend caught in the crossfire. I loved the side threads, and the big villain reveal.

With twists, quiet moments with our couple, and trouble at every turn, Neill kept me reading well past my bedtime. The series wrapped up nicely, leaving me content. I do hope she’ll self-publish a novella here or there to allow us a change to revisit these characters.

Fans of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and kick-ass heroines will want to devour the Chicagoland Heirs series now that it’s complete.

Cold Cases, by Chloe Neill, is the 5th installment in the authors Heirs of Chicagoland series. It also appears to be the swan song for the series as well which is unfortunate. Elisa Sullivan, daughter of Merit and Ethan Sullivan of Cadogan House, is the only vampire ever born. She’s engaged to shifter Connor Keene, the son of the local pack leader Gabriel Keene, who has been forced to fight for the right to become the next Apex of the North American Central Pack.

Elisa, who is also Chicago's associate Ombudsman along with Roger, Petra, and Theo, with help from Gwen Robinson of the Chicago P.D., fight to protect their city from an avalanche of demons who were released in the previous book when wards were broken by an ancient evil. Elisa, Connor, her best friend Lulu Bell and Alexei Breckenridge, who have apparently moved to another level with their relationship, have several fights on their hand on more than one front, while Lulu's parents, Mallory and Catcher Bell, are working to repair Chicago’s wards.

IF you didn't know before, you know now that Elisa has a second consciousness within that she battles for control. A remnant of the spell that bound a supernatural creature into Merit's beloved Katana 20 years ago that also bound Elisa to Merit to give birth to the first ever born vampire. Only Connor and a few others know Elisa's secret and now it appears that Monster desperately wants to unite once again with Merit's blade. Meanwhile, for the first time in 20 years, Merit and Ethan are once again ready to put their house in harms way to defeat the evil that is taking over the city.

Working with the Chicago PD, and well as other organizations, Houses, and the Pack, as well as a visitor from another pack, Elisa and company end up putting out literal fires and stopping more destruction from the hell raisers all the city. It also seems someone they know, and once saved Elisa's life, has decided to be take all the available magical power and become the top dog in the supernatural fight. It's all hands on deck in this series finale that doesn't disappoint in action, romance, sarcasm, and family dynamics.

*Thoughts* Elisa is very goal-oriented, dedicated, and puts others first. Kind of like Merit. She also tends to use sarcasm against fear. Connor is dedicated to protecting his pack, but tends to put Elisa in front of his own battles to become Apex. Their relationship has always been fun to read about since they are both strong willed and will do anything to protect family. The interesting part of this story is the strong involvement of Merit, Ethan, Paige, Mallory, and Catcher defeating the villain, as well as watching Lulu finally come out of the shadow of her mother to stand on her own.

I've really enjoyed this series so far but it seemed to end on a lackluster note. One thing that I don't understand: they never addressed Elisa's immortality and Connor's mortal lifespan? So are they just not going to be together forever? It's fine if that's the answer, but I was hoping for some discussion of that fact on page... I just have so many unanswered questions.

Cold Curses by Chloe Neill is the fifth and final book in the Heirs of Chicagoland urban fantasy series. Combining supernatural suspense and a bit of romance with plenty of action made this a great read. Elisa Sullivan is the only vampire ever born. She’s engaged to shifter Connor Keene, the son of the local pack leader. Everyone is working to repair Chicago’s wards, but unwelcome creatures are slipping through and wreaking havoc on the city.

Elisa is an associate ombudsman, one of the city’s human-supernatural liaisons. She’s goal-oriented, dedicated, and puts others first. She also tends to use sarcasm against fear. Connor is dedicated and hard-working. He is facing several challenges to his ascension to Apex when his dad retires.

The author does a great job on characterization as well as world-building. The novel is well written with a unique situation that results in multiple action scenes. There’s plenty of angst as Elisa and her allies try to make sense of the changing circumstances. With exciting scenes, a larger-than-life protagonist, and strong and evil antagonists, the story captivated me from beginning to end. Themes woven into the novel include power, romance, family, friendship, love, bias, violence, evil, anger, jealousy, and much more.

Overall, this was an engrossing and entertaining novel with great characterization, plenty of action, and lots of drama. I recommend reading this series in order. The background and gradual addition of characters will make the experience more enjoyable.

Berkley Publishing Group and Chloe Neill provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 14, 2023.

In this fifth and final installment of the Heirs of Chicagoland, Elisa Sullivan along with all her allies, supernatural and human, fights to protect their city from an avalanche of demons who were released in the previous book when wards were broken by an ancient evil. Elisa and her fiancé, Connor Keene, who has his own current battles in order to become the Apex of his large wolf shifter pack, have several fights on their hand on more than one front.

Elisa has also been keeping a secret about her own internal struggles from everyone she loves for a long time. Only Connor and a few others no that she was imbued with a sentient other at birth by her mother, and that the sliver she refers of an Egregore she refers to as monster wants to go back to its other half in Merit’s katana housed in Cadogan.

Elisa’s roommate, Lulu, as well as Mallory and Catcher, her sorcerer parents, are working hard to repair the wards which had protected Chicago for a long time. Working with the Chicago PD, Elisa and company end up putting out literal fires and stopping more destruction from the hell raisers all the city. It also seems someone they know has decided to be take all the available magical power and become the top dog in the supernatural fight.

Fans of both series which includes the Chicagoland Vampires will be sad to see it all come to an end. Elisa’s parents, Ethan and Merit Sullivan, play their parts in defeating the enemies as well as some favorites from the earlier books to bring it all together for a big finish. Readers who have been on this journey with Ms. Neill will know what to expect and will be pleased to see the wrap-up of major story lines including an anticipated festive occasion.

Another solid installment in the Chicago Vampire series. I loved Merit and I love Elisa just as much.

Elisa Sullivan and Connor Keene defend Chicago from an influx of demons who are trying to lay claim to their city.

I love the Heirs to Chicagoland series. Elisa and Connor are great leads, distinct from their parents. I love how they support one another and work together to keep their city safe. This wouldn't be a great space for new readers to start, but it is another great addition to the series.

If you are a fan of urban fantasy, Chloe Neill is your girl. The latest installment of the Chicagoland Vampire series does not disappoint. Her characters are enjoyable, relatable, and the novel is well worth the ride. This book can be read even without reading prior books in the series. However, you should be inspired to seek out this world and these characters to fully appreciate Chloe Neill's novel. Homework that doesn't seem like work at all.

isbn
9780593549834

This was a wonderful ending to an amazing series. All the questions were answered in a way that did not feel rushed or forced. I enjoyed the way everyone worked together to solve the problems. I was surprised at the outcome of the "big bad" but was glad that the explanations made sense. Having the monster find his place was a nice touch!

#Netgalleyarc God I love this series. There are very few series I’ve started that I want to continue for as long as possible, and this is one of them. Another great story, more character development, a great read all around.

Another well written, and exciting book from Chloe Neill. The series comes to a satisfying conclusion. There were some epic battles and a really great happy ending.