Comments on: Review: Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1) by Jeaniene Frost http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/ Reading, Ranting and Reviewing by Readers Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:06:11 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Sybil http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35215 Sybil Sat, 22 Dec 2007 09:40:21 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35215 Good question Devon, so glad you asked ;) I do own the Undead books (or at least the first three or four MM) but haven't read them. Same for the Aisling Grey. So I went and looked, they are marked as Paranormal Romance. And both are from Penguin, one berkley sensation and one ONYX. I don't have the Hard cover of MJD so I don't know if they were first marketed as a romance or if they were marketed as Romance. I blame Betsy and Aisling for LL Foster. Yup, yup... they crossed over so well with romance readers that it seems to me Sales and Marketing are willing to play that card again. And I think the reader does get screwed. Because if you are one like, oh me, who would be amazingly annoyed over wasting time reading three books to have the author KILL THE HERO. The publisher runs the risk of making the reader never ever ever pay for a book by that author again. And it makes you antsy with the publisher too. So it can be lose/lose and the person who normally gets the anger from the reader is the author - regardless of if it was their want to be labeled romance. Because it is easier to say I never buy another Dean book than it is to say I will never buy another Ballantine. Good question Devon, so glad you asked ;)

I do own the Undead books (or at least the first three or four MM) but haven’t read them. Same for the Aisling Grey. So I went and looked, they are marked as Paranormal Romance. And both are from Penguin, one berkley sensation and one ONYX. I don’t have the Hard cover of MJD so I don’t know if they were first marketed as a romance or if they were marketed as Romance.

I blame Betsy and Aisling for LL Foster. Yup, yup… they crossed over so well with romance readers that it seems to me Sales and Marketing are willing to play that card again. And I think the reader does get screwed. Because if you are one like, oh me, who would be amazingly annoyed over wasting time reading three books to have the author KILL THE HERO. The publisher runs the risk of making the reader never ever ever pay for a book by that author again. And it makes you antsy with the publisher too.

So it can be lose/lose and the person who normally gets the anger from the reader is the author – regardless of if it was their want to be labeled romance. Because it is easier to say I never buy another Dean book than it is to say I will never buy another Ballantine.

]]> By: Devon http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35214 Devon Fri, 21 Dec 2007 21:51:34 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35214 Syb, how do you feel about a series like MJD's Undead series or Katie MacAlister's Aisling Grey? They are both definitely marketed as romance. Syb, how do you feel about a series like MJD’s Undead series or Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey? They are both definitely marketed as romance.

]]> By: katiebabs http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35213 katiebabs Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:46:20 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35213 What I wouldn't give to have the next book in my little hands. I don't really see an traditional HEA happening right away, but maybe in the future. But if it will be sexier then the first, well I don't think fans will be disappointed in the romance at all. The last line of Halfway to the Grave says it all! What I wouldn’t give to have the next book in my little hands. I don’t really see an traditional HEA happening right away, but maybe in the future. But if it will be sexier then the first, well I don’t think fans will be disappointed in the romance at all.
The last line of Halfway to the Grave says it all!

]]> By: Sybil http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35212 Sybil Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:27:20 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35212 No HEA not a romance. Six books to get to the HEA still not a romance, well the last book is if it ends hea. Say the same thing about the regency vamp thing. :) and I have something else I need to find out how it is labeled. I have the manuscript, comes out in Feb? Sounds like something you or Gwen would like. 1st person, first chapter is very readable. I am just interested first to see this isn't another trilogy like the DEAN one. I have NO issue with the author writing the book however they likey. But I think the publisher would be doing the readers and authors a big favor by labeling them correctly. Urban Fantasy Paranormal... something... Should have the other book sometime in Jan, just need to remind me you want it. No HEA not a romance. Six books to get to the HEA still not a romance, well the last book is if it ends hea. Say the same thing about the regency vamp thing.

:) and I have something else I need to find out how it is labeled. I have the manuscript, comes out in Feb? Sounds like something you or Gwen would like. 1st person, first chapter is very readable. I am just interested first to see this isn’t another trilogy like the DEAN one.

I have NO issue with the author writing the book however they likey. But I think the publisher would be doing the readers and authors a big favor by labeling them correctly. Urban Fantasy Paranormal… something…

Should have the other book sometime in Jan, just need to remind me you want it.

]]> By: Bev(QB) http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35211 Bev(QB) Fri, 21 Dec 2007 03:33:45 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35211 Yep, Syb, the spine says Paranormal Romance right on it. Although, note that Jeaniene refers to it more accurately as "urban fantasy romance" but I don't think that's a recognized sub-genre yet. But, you, Sybil, are one of the romance purists that I knew wouldn't like it because of the lack of an HEA in this first book-- egads, how many times have we argued about what is and what is not Romance (infamous Syb quote: "so sez I"). I'm looking forward to seeing how Jeaniene keeps the romance going while still pulling off more books without that HEA, AND keeping us panting for more! Yep, Syb, the spine says Paranormal Romance right on it. Although, note that Jeaniene refers to it more accurately as “urban fantasy romance” but I don’t think that’s a recognized sub-genre yet.

But, you, Sybil, are one of the romance purists that I knew wouldn’t like it because of the lack of an HEA in this first book– egads, how many times have we argued about what is and what is not Romance (infamous Syb quote: “so sez I”). I’m looking forward to seeing how Jeaniene keeps the romance going while still pulling off more books without that HEA, AND keeping us panting for more!

]]> By: Sybil http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35210 Sybil Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:34:18 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35210 So I forget was this labeled a romance? Or did Avon get that right? Cuz six books to a HEA, a romance, would not make. So I forget was this labeled a romance? Or did Avon get that right? Cuz six books to a HEA, a romance, would not make.

]]> By: Bev(QB) http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35209 Bev(QB) Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:16:05 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35209 Jeaniene, I like the idea of of giving them an eventual HEA instead of one at the end of each book. It's different and gives you (and us) a unique opportunity to really get to know and become involved with the characters. You took a big chance offering us something this different, but as you can see from the comments here, it's been well received. And HOO-YAH to the bodies flying around! LOL! Jeaniene, I like the idea of of giving them an eventual HEA instead of one at the end of each book. It’s different and gives you (and us) a unique opportunity to really get to know and become involved with the characters. You took a big chance offering us something this different, but as you can see from the comments here, it’s been well received.

And HOO-YAH to the bodies flying around! LOL!

]]> By: Christine http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35208 Christine Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:55:13 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35208 <i>Halfway to the Grave</i> is in my top books of 2007. I really love the mix of paranormal romance with urban fantasy. And the wit and banter between Cat and Bones added such a fun spark to this story. OOooo Jeaniene says <i>One Foot in the Grave</i> is "a sexier/more romantic installment of the series..." !?? Like Bones could be any sexier? Can't wait! :) Halfway to the Grave is in my top books of 2007. I really love the mix of paranormal romance with urban fantasy. And the wit and banter between Cat and Bones added such a fun spark to this story.

OOooo Jeaniene says One Foot in the Grave is “a sexier/more romantic installment of the series…” !?? Like Bones could be any sexier? Can’t wait! :)

]]> By: Jeaniene Frost http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35207 Jeaniene Frost Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:38:14 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35207 Hi Bev. So glad you liked the book! You're right about your interpretation of the disclaimer on my website. I did that to warn readers that Cat and Bones's story doesn't get wrapped up in book one (some people don't like series novels, and I respect that) as well as to reassure romance readers that there *will* be an eventual HEA for my hero/heroine. I agree that my books are a hybrid of PR and UF. It's ironic they turned out that way, since my heroine doesn't neatly fit in one category or the other in her world, too. Hope you like One Foot in the Grave come April. It's a sexier/more romantic installment in the series, but then I do also have lots of bodies flying around. I can't seem to do one without the other, lol. I do still try to show Cat as being fallible without her having the dreaded Too Stupid To Live title. You'll have to let me know how I did with that :) Thanks again for taking the time to read and review Halfway to the Grave! Hi Bev. So glad you liked the book! You’re right about your interpretation of the disclaimer on my website. I did that to warn readers that Cat and Bones’s story doesn’t get wrapped up in book one (some people don’t like series novels, and I respect that) as well as to reassure romance readers that there *will* be an eventual HEA for my hero/heroine. I agree that my books are a hybrid of PR and UF. It’s ironic they turned out that way, since my heroine doesn’t neatly fit in one category or the other in her world, too.

Hope you like One Foot in the Grave come April. It’s a sexier/more romantic installment in the series, but then I do also have lots of bodies flying around. I can’t seem to do one without the other, lol. I do still try to show Cat as being fallible without her having the dreaded Too Stupid To Live title. You’ll have to let me know how I did with that :)

Thanks again for taking the time to read and review Halfway to the Grave!

]]> By: kris http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35206 kris Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:13:34 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35206 I enjoyed this book a lot. Can't wait for the next one. I enjoyed this book a lot. Can’t wait for the next one.

]]> By: Samantha http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35205 Samantha Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:50:05 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35205 I liked/loved this book.... I know sounds crazy. I am looking forward to the 2nd book in the series to see where she's going to take Cat's character. I had some big issues with her cracked out mother which is where my liked/love comes in. I read the Cameron Dean trilogy and I really liked the books, after I got over the initial shock of the ending and of course locating the books after I threw them about 10 miles down the road I really liked them, it was kinda like reading shock therapy. It was also a great begining to those other series that I now love with open endings or no Hea's. =) Happy Holiday's every one! I liked/loved this book…. I know sounds crazy. I am looking forward to the 2nd book in the series to see where she’s going to take Cat’s character. I had some big issues with her cracked out mother which is where my liked/love comes in.

I read the Cameron Dean trilogy and I really liked the books, after I got over the initial shock of the ending and of course locating the books after I threw them about 10 miles down the road I really liked them, it was kinda like reading shock therapy. It was also a great begining to those other series that I now love with open endings or no Hea’s. =) Happy Holiday’s every one!

]]> By: katiebabs http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35204 katiebabs Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:53:52 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35204 Hey Bev, I am a true Buffy fan, and if you have the chance I recommend you watch the series. I wonder if Frost had that in mind when she came up with Bones because he reminds me so much of the Spike character- British, arrogant and oh so sexy. And will hit a woman! LOL And with a name like Cat aka Catherine, how can you not like that? *G* As for Cameron Dean, the ending didn't change my mind about disliking the series. I hated it from the very beginning. I thought Candice was immature and the writing very bad. Even the sex was dull. The only thing I like was the Las Vegas setting. Sometimes I like it when an HEA is not the stereotypical white picket fence, a ton of kids and mom and dad still boink like bunnies. Hey Bev,
I am a true Buffy fan, and if you have the chance I recommend you watch the series. I wonder if Frost had that in mind when she came up with Bones because he reminds me so much of the Spike character- British, arrogant and oh so sexy. And will hit a woman! LOL And with a name like Cat aka Catherine, how can you not like that? *G*
As for Cameron Dean, the ending didn’t change my mind about disliking the series. I hated it from the very beginning. I thought Candice was immature and the writing very bad. Even the sex was dull. The only thing I like was the Las Vegas setting.
Sometimes I like it when an HEA is not the stereotypical white picket fence, a ton of kids and mom and dad still boink like bunnies.

]]> By: Bev(QB) http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35203 Bev(QB) Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:55:53 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35203 I'll take your word for the Spike/Buffy thing, I watched that show maybe twice. But I appreciate your letting me know you agree about this book. It's definitely not for everyone- certainly not romance purists- and I wondered whether I'd be vilified for liking it so much. While I loved the Cameron Dean trilogy and rated it very high, an <a href="http://cubiesconfections.blogspot.com/2007/03/candace-steele-vampire-killer-trilogy.html" rel="nofollow">A- to an A</a> (I even thought the ending added impact to what was already a uniquely written series of books), I am also aware that a whole lot of people felt they'd been cheated and misled by the lack of an HEA. So, that's why I made a point of including (what I'm interpreting to be) Jeaniene Frost's assurance of an eventual HEA with this series. I’ll take your word for the Spike/Buffy thing, I watched that show maybe twice. But I appreciate your letting me know you agree about this book. It’s definitely not for everyone- certainly not romance purists- and I wondered whether I’d be vilified for liking it so much.

While I loved the Cameron Dean trilogy and rated it very high, an A- to an A (I even thought the ending added impact to what was already a uniquely written series of books), I am also aware that a whole lot of people felt they’d been cheated and misled by the lack of an HEA. So, that’s why I made a point of including (what I’m interpreting to be) Jeaniene Frost’s assurance of an eventual HEA with this series.

]]> By: katiebabs http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35202 katiebabs Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:00:42 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35202 This book was so, so good! One of the best books I have read for 2007. Reminds me of Buffy and Spike, and I love me some Buffy. :) BTW, the Candice Steele series blew major chunks IMO. This book was so, so good! One of the best books I have read for 2007. Reminds me of Buffy and Spike, and I love me some Buffy. :)

BTW, the Candice Steele series blew major chunks IMO.

]]> By: Devon http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35201 Devon Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:31:17 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35201 Sounds good. I'm in. Sounds good. I’m in.

]]> By: Marg http://goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/comment-page-1/#comment-35200 Marg Wed, 19 Dec 2007 10:53:46 +0000 http://www.goodbadandunread.com/2007/12/19/review-halfway-to-the-grave-by-jeaniene-frost/#comment-35200 I bought this on impulse based purely on the cover. I have seen mostly positive reviews of it. Hopefully I will get to read it soon! I bought this on impulse based purely on the cover. I have seen mostly positive reviews of it. Hopefully I will get to read it soon!

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