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After the cataclysmic events of BITING COLD, HOUSE RULES starts in the eye of the storm. The Chicago government remains hostile to supernaturals, Cadogan House is one the eve of succeeding from the Greenwich Presidium, and a pair of young Rogue vampires go missing. The ominous building of events had me twisting in my seat and it was almost a relief when the dominoes began to fall.

Malice, politics, and love triangles, Merits life is dramatic on multiple levels. The general douchebaggery of Chicago's mayor and the GP is beyond frustrating, to the point where Lacey's zealous pursuit of Ethan seems almost pure by comparison. However much delusion and self-righteousness goes into Lacey's efforts, compared to the underhanded self-interest and politicking of Merits more deadly enemies. The most interesting and nuanced issue facing Merit is her membership in the Red Guard. It's impossible to divorce Merit's relationship with Ethan from the power and politics of their environment. Merit truly believes in the mission of the Red Guard, but keeping secrets in any new relationship is a recipe for disaster. Caught between the earnest value of her membership in the Red Guard and an oath of secrecy that leaves Ethan on the outside, I enjoyed Merits efforts to be honest and effective in her roles as Red Guard, Sentinel, and girlfriend.

Full review to follow.

Sexual Content: Kissing, references to sex.