Ash’s review of Haunted by Your Touch by Jeaniene Frost, Sharie Kohler & Shayla Black
Paranormal Romance published by Pocket 26 Oct 10

I’ve been really looking forward to this anthology. It has two authors I really like, Jeaniene Frost and Shayla Black, and another I have wanted to try.

Night’s Darkest Embrace by Jeaniene Frost

Jeaniene Frost is first up and I was kind of expecting more. I love her Night Huntress series and this just isn’t as good. I think what dragged it down for me is Mara. She seems like a completely different person by the end of the story, personality wise. I think Raphael would have been better with someone else. Aside from that, I love the world and I would love to have more stories set there.

Grade B

Enter the dark realm of Nocturna in Jeaniene Frost’s red hot tale, where blisteringly sexy Raphael dominates the demons of a lawless dimension and tries to help a beautiful young woman avenge her cousin’s disappearance.

Read an excerpt.

Mated by Shayla Black

Next up is Shayla Black’s story, and I must say I;m so disappointed. If I hadn’t already read the first book in her Doomsday Brethren series, I wouldn’t pick any of them up after reading this. I like the first book a lot and I’ve been expecting something better. I couldn’t stand Raiden at all, he continues to hurt Tabitha, and she lets him. She keeps saying she wants to be with him, and he keeps telling her no, to the point of being cruel, but she doesn’t seem to care. He even spends the night before the story starts with another woman, one whose name he can’t remember. Honestly, I want her to leave him. I am still going to read the other books in this series, but now I’m not in any rush to.

Grade D

In the shadowy world of Shayla Black’s Doomsday Brethren, magical warrior Raiden vows to protect his woman and their unborn youngling from evil—and deliver her safely to another man. But once he’s saved her, can he let her go?

Read an excerpt.

Darkest Temptation by Sharie Kohler

Sharie Kohler finishes up the book with a story that looks like it’s set in the same world as her paranormal series. I haven’t read anything by her and I can’t say I am ready to rush out and buy any. This story is just so-so, not very detailed and it seems rushed. Compared to the other two, it’s just plain boring. The hero almost saves it, but he doesb’t quite make it there.

Grade D-

Lycans rule the night in Sharie Kohler’s suspenseful story, as a fiery woman stalks mysterious Luc, the undeniably hypnotic being she believes can save her from turning . . . if she kills him. Danger beckons in these captivating paranormal tales that will tempt readers to the edge and leave them begging for more.

No excerpt available.

Overall, not the best anthology I’ve read. I was expecting more out of it, and I wish I had borrowed it from someone instead of buying it.

Grade: C

Limecello’s review of First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost
Paranormal romance released by Avon 9 Feb 10

I’ve heard a lot about Jeanine Frost’s books, so when I had the chance to read First Drop of Crimson I couldn’t resist. It didn’t hurt that this book is the start of a series, so I knew I wouldn’t have to go hunting for a back list. I haven’t read anything by Ms. Frost before, but I know this definitely won’t be the last. In fact, much as I hate to admit it (it’s the whole series prejudice I’m cultivating), I’m looking forward to the next book, Eternal Kiss of Darkness. And of course the premise of First Drop of Crimson is essentially a forbidden love, and I can’t resist those stories.

Denise MacGregor is a great heroine because she’s strong and unique, yet she’s someone everyone can relate to. The prologue of the book is somewhat confusing, but at the first chapter it seems like you’re reading a regular contemporary novel – because that’s what Denise has determinedly made her life. Every day. And she’s sticking by that. Nevertheless, Denise is able to cope with the situations that arise, and does more than she needs to in order to ensure the safety of her loved ones. (And not so loved ones.) At some points Denise is almost too good – but that’s who she is, and she wouldn’t be such a fantastic heroine without that.

Spade is a complex hero, who puts a smile on my face. I just really liked him. He seems like a jerk, but it’s because he’s protecting himself. Also, because in the world he lives in, there is no room for anything that can be considered weakness. Not that Spade is cruel – he allows those who challenge him to live (after teaching them a lesson) – when he could easily just cut them up. Literally. There are some scenes that would really gross me out if I allowed myself to think about them. (Let me share. For example fighting while his entrails are spilling out. Mmmm guts on the floor. While you’re alive. Delicious.) Anyway, the concern Spade exhibits about Denise’s humanity is touching.

I have to say, I’m a sucker for a book where the hero falls hard for the heroine first. I found it adorable how into Denise Spade was. And then the assumptions that she’s going to become a vampire. The reaction she has, as well as the disbelief of the secondary characters was entertaining, and charming. Denise has clearly said she wants nothing more to do with anything out of the ordinary. Also, based on the attitude of all the vampires et al she meets, they think humans are substandard. Denise takes this personally, and it’s a point of contention and misunderstanding between her and Spade. (She thinks he wants her to change because she isn’t good enough as a human. He wants her to change because as a mortal she’s way too well… mortal and easily killed. It’s sweet, really, and resolving this issue brings the two of them closer together.)

Ms. Frost stopped just shy of the point of no return a number of times for me throughout this book. Characters acting unusually and the action or reaction just sliding. Nevertheless, it either was a minor point, or something Ms. Frost explained. For example, near the end Denise decides that she’s sick of waiting or allowing those around her to take action, and that she’s going to take matters in her own hands. Generally, this would be a TSTL move – much like the heroine who is an every day person but decides to run into a firefight because she’s going to “take control!” Luckily, this is not the case with Denise. Sure, it’s the unknown and rather foolhardy, but not completely idiotic, and there’s the possibility that everything will turn out right. (As opposed to requiring the reader suspend all belief and just allow that some ridiculous series of events transpired.)

I feel like I might have missed some things by not reading Ms. Frost’s previous series, but at no point did I feel lost, so I’m happy to start here and move forward. This book, and indeed it seems this series can easily stand alone. (That’s for all of you OCD types who must read in order. Pick up this book. You’re safe.)

I have to admit there were some parts of the story that surprised me. At times I thought everything was over (although I knew it wasn’t because there were more pages…) but some new conflict would pop up. I really liked all the secondary characters. Spade has a great set of friends, and it’s nice that Denise is essentially plugged into the same social network on her own. The fact that a number of settings are used also keeps the story fresh. As I stated before, I’m looking forward to the next book. I was definitely intrigued by the Master Vampire Mencheres, and will definitely read his book.

Grade: B-

The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows – her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield – and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family’s dark past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness – and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who craves a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human – even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the demon nightmare together…

Because once the first drop of crimson falls, they will both be lost.

Read an excerpt here.

Lawson’s review of Four Dukes and a Devil by Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash, and Tracy Anne Warren
Mixed sub-genre Romance Anthology released by Avon 30 Jun 09

There’s a bit of a stretch with a Duke in one of these stories (yes, the one with the dog) but it’s a cute anthology all around and could give any reader something to be happy about. There’s historical stories, a contemporary and a paranormal. This one comes out at a good time too as it’d be great to read on the beach or by the pool this summer.

The Irish Duke by Cathy Maxwell

Miss Susan Rogers is trying to make a name for herself as a person who can get young ladies married. Her gimmick to drum up business seems to get her when the Irish Duke (who will always be last) shows up in London and sets his sights on her.

This story was cute, I liked the conversations between Susan and Roan, the Irish Duke. The story was fast too, as they meet once, there’s a bet and then they’re declaring their love. The story was too condensed to give credibility to the romance, but it showed some good characterization in the small number of pages.

Grade: B-

Read an excerpt (actually the whole story).

The Duke Who Came to Dinner by Elaine Fox

Sam Gregory is shocked to look out of his window one morning to see a woman riding by naked on a bike. Though he’s intrigued, he doesn’t think he’ll see her until she stumbles into the local dive bar. Grey Gilliam is house-sitting until her friend Rachel can sell her house. Sam and Grey hit it off, but will Grey’s missing dress, a big dog named Duke and a ghost of a Duke keep them apart?

I haven’t read any books by Fox, but after reading this charming story it made me want to look some up. Grey was fun, even though she’s a little neurotic, but she’s got some mommy issues. Sam was dreamy and the romance didn’t feel rushed. While not a definite happily ever after, it was realistic in the idea that you could see these two ending up together.

Grade: B+

Read an excerpt (scroll down quite a bit).

Devil to Pay by Jeaniene Frost

Blake Turner is trying hard to kill himself. Since being possessed by a demon six months ago he doesn’t want to keep doing horrible things. His luck turns around when he meets Elise, a vampire, who then does everything she can to save his life.

This is an offshoot of Frost’s Night Huntress series, and while it did stand well on it’s own with different characters, knowing some basic information about the world would have been helpful. The romance went at a good pace though and did seem very believable. It was an interesting concept with the demon possession and Frost’s vampire mythos.

Grade: B

Catch of the Century by Sophia Nash

Victoria Givan is not in a good mood. After being stranded by the mail coach, she’s nearly run over by and then feels forced to accept the help of John Varick, Duke of Beaufort. She’s used to running her own life and doesn’t want anything to do with the “Catch of the Century”. John has other ideas and while helping her small herd of boys before they start an architectural apprenticeship he tries to win her heart.

There was a bit too much of the “lady doth protest too much” in this one, though it worked with the idea of Victoria’s that she’s too far below the station of a Duke (which she definitely is a teacher at a foundling school). She’s a quirky character and when John does see through her actions to what she’s really feeling it works. This one is loosely tied to the

Grade: C+

Summary:

In Sophia’s novella, the most eligible gentleman in London’s marriage mart reluctantly rescues a stranded school mistress. When the duke is forced to go heart-to-heart with the spirited siren, (Victoria Givan from Love With the Perfect Scoundrel), the well-documented Catch of the Century finds out she’s the only one he can’t have.

Read an excerpt.

Charmed By Her Smile by Tracy Anne Warren

Miss India Byron is a lively girl, but she’s being chased by an annoying friend of her brother’s. To keep him away from her she kisses an unknown man in a garden and asks him again to show devotion to her at a house party so the unwanted suitor goes away. What happens instead is the play-courting becomes real on both sides. Whatever is one to do?

This was another cute story, though I wasn’t comfortable with the age difference between the two leads. While I’m sure fourteen years is historically accurate, it’s not something I usually like to see in a romance novel. India in fact seemed to act quite a few years older than she was, or at least have more social experience than for a girl that had never had a season. Otherwise it was a cute, light story and I liked the handling of the annoying suitor.

Grade: C+

Summary:

In Charmed By Her Smile, cousin India Byron finds herself in need of rescue from an unwanted suitor. To create the illusion that she’s being courted by another man, she demands a kiss from the devilish Duke of Weybridge. Little does she expect the passion she unleashes when she finds him only too happy to oblige.

Read an excerpt.

Overall Grade: B-

Summary:
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Fall in love with the unpredictable and irresistible dukes (and one dog named Duke) in this collection of stories by bestselling authors Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash, and Tracy Anne Warren, for tales of noble danger and devilish desire.
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Delicate young ladies must be protected from him.
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First he steals her clothes, then he steals her heart.
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Most would be terrified of this powerful vampire—but not him.
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He’s “the catch of the century” . . . but she’s the one he can’t have.
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A young miss demands a kiss. But he won’t rest once she’s touched her lips to his.
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With four dukes and one devil, there’s no limit to love.

LauraD’s review of At Grave’s End (Night Huntress, Book 3) by Jeaniene Frost
Urban fantasy released by Avon 30 Dec 08

Cat’s back! Jeaniene Frost’s killer vampire huntress Cat Crawfield and her sexy bloodsucker of a boyfriend, Bones, have returned for a third book, and oh my is it fun!

Actually it’s more of a paranormal adventure, as Cat and Bones have already established a solid love affair (a vampire marriage) and no threat to their love for one another is presented. But romance lovers should have no fear, as the couple is plenty sexy and the storyline engaging. If you are new to the series, you won’t have any problems keeping up — but be warned you will be seeking out the first two books.

Cat is a vampire hunter, and although she is good at disguising herself it’s getting harder and harder not to be recognized as the infamous “Red Reaper”. Her team are finding themselves in closer scrapes than they ever have before, and one of them has a very inconvenient lust-on for Cat. Into the middle of that tension comes Bones’ sire, Mencheres, to officially recognize Bones as his heir.

And that’s all before the bomb explodes. (And notice, I’m not even mentioning Cat’s very difficult mother…)

Soon Cat and company find themselves in the middle of a vampire war, and boy do the vamps fight dirty. At Grave’s End has several well-written battle scenes; a touch gory without being too graphic. Frost’s trademark humor is also intact, Cat and snark are well acquainted. A new character is introduced that some readers may find a bit cheesy, but I loved the opportunities for humor he provided.

I found this to be a fast-paced read, even with the inclusion of back story necessary for new readers. To my dismay, the previously steamy love scenes between Cat and Bones were missing — Ms. Frost wrote some damn good ones in the first two books. They are still new enough as a couple to be knocking boots on a regular basis, darn it! The dialogue between the two is fun and realistic, as is the relationship of a couple who know they belong together but are still working out some issues.

The secondary characters are well written, and the villain is plenty bad without being over the top eeeevil.

Vampire fans should consider Jeaniene Frost another author to add to the “does it well” list, and At Grave’s End is another fun chapter in the Night Huntress world. When I finish a book already looking forward to the author’s next one, I am a happy reader. This reader is looking forward to the next adventure featuring Cat and Bones.

Grade: B+

Read other reviews and information about this series by following its tag.

Summary:

Some things won’t stay buried . . . at grave’s end

It should be the best time of half-vampire Cat Crawfield’s life. With her undead lover Bones at her side, she’s successfully protected mortals from the rogue undead. But though Cat’s worn disguise after disguise to keep her true identity a secret from the brazen bloodsuckers, her cover’s finally been blown, placing her in terrible danger.

As if that wasn’t enough, a woman from Bones’s past is determined to bury him once and for all. Caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vamp, yet determined to help Bones stop a lethal magic from being unleashed, Cat’s about to learn the true meaning of bad blood. And the tricks she’s learned as a special agent won’t help her. She will need to fully embrace her vampire instincts in order to save herself-and Bones-from a fate worse than the grave.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

This just in…

Avon has three terrific historicals on their site that you can read right now at no charge whatsoever!!!

~ Lorraine Heath’s In Bed with the Devil, Sarah Gabriel’s Keeping Kate, and Margo Maguire’s The Bride Hunt are 100% free to read on the Avon website.

~ Plus, with HarperCollins’ new Browse Inside feature we told you about recently, you can also check out other goodies like Glitter Baby by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, At Grave’s End by Jeaniene Frost, Tempt the Devil by Anna Campbell, The Highland Groom by Sarah Gabriel, and Wild by Margo Maguire, most of which are brand new, upcoming titles, to see if they’re something you’d like to read before you actually buy.

~ Check it all out here.

Consider yourself flashed.

Liviania’s review of Weddings from Hell by Maggie Shayne, Jeaniene Frost, Terri Garey, and Kathryn Smith
Paranormal romance anthology released by Harper 27 May 08

I enjoy anthologies because they are a good way to get a feel for an author’s work. This made me more excited to read Weddings from Hell because of the four contributors, I had only read Terri Garey’s work previously. I knew nothing about Maggie Shayne, but I have wanted to try both Jeaniene Frost and Kathryn Smith. Together the four created a fairly solid anthology with an even tone.

‘Til Death by Maggie Shayne

When she was seven years old, Kira MacLellan witnessed the strange death of her mother. Now her great aunt Iris has died, leaving her a fortune – if she marries Ian Stewart within the week. Doing so could mean Kira’s death due to the family curse.

‘Til Death works very well as a ghost story. There’s a dark atmosphere, some creepy occurrences, and a conclusion that could be more coherent but still makes sense. As a romance, I didn’t quite buy it. I’m not big on love at first sight, which is pretty much the basis of Kira and Ian’s relationship. They have no time to get to know each other before they are married and breaking curses. I liked both characters and felt they had chemistry, but I didn’t feel their relationship had a solid foundation.

Grade: B-

Happily Never After by Jeaniene Frost

I know enough about Frost’s work to know that this novella connects to her main series through the character of Bones. Greta calls upon her former companion Bones to rescue her grandson Frazier and to help her granddaughter Isabella escape her engagement to Robert “Robbery” Bertino, a small-time mob boss. Pretty soon Isabella has fallen in love with Chance, whom Bones sent to take care of the problem.

I’m a sucker for mob stories. Throw in a basically amoral vampire hero and you’ve got me hooked. Isa’s a tough woman who can think on her feet and Chance likes to put down his opponents with extreme prejuidice. They’re likeable characters and the plot is solid and moves quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Isa get out of her predicament with Chance’s help. This story has the most violence of the four, but it is more of an urban fantasy than a paranormal romance.

Grade: B+

Ghouls Night Out by Terri Garey

This novella features Nikki Styx, the heroine of Garey’s main series. Nikki agrees to be a bridesmaid in her cousin Debbie’s wedding, not knowing she’s replacing another girl. However, Michelle is still around – or at least her ghost is. Nikki must set Michelle’s spirit to rest before Michelle will leave her alone.

I was not that fond of Garey’s novel Dead Girls are Easy, and I think her entry was the weakest. It’s supposed to be a bit more light-hearted and comedic, but most of it feels mean-spirited. Nikki makes cruel comments about her family, even though she learns some of her impressions were wrong. The story picks up once Michelle’s revenge is in full swing, but until that point I just felt disgusted by the heroine.

Grade: C-

The Wedding Night by Kathryn Smith

Vampire Payen returns to England to discover his lover Violet is getting married to another man, one who belongs to the Order of the Silver Palm. As the Order opposes both vampires and Templars, it gives Payen a reason to stop the wedding besides his jealousy. Unfortunately, his actions may put Violet in danger.

This story, unlike the others, is a historical. People who know a great deal about the Templar knights might want to avoid it, but I don’t know enough to be bothered by any historical inaccuracies. It’s a fairly simple tale, and I would like it more if I understood what was so desirable about Violet. There is one good scene where she tells off her ex-fiance, but it feels uncharacteristic of a woman of the time. (Of course, Violet is unlike her female peers even physically.) The story worked fairly well, but the characters fell flat.

Grade: C+

Overall grade: B-

Some marriages are made in heaven . . . Some are not.

What happens when “the happiest day of your life” turns into a nightmare? Forget the drunken best man or the bridesmaid dresses from the ’80s . . . none of these wedding day disasters can compare to a cursed bride determined to make it down the aisle, or a vampire who is about to disrupt your wedding.

Join New York Times bestselling authors Maggie Shayne and Jeaniene Frost, USA Today bestseller Kathryn Smith, as well as Terri Garey in four unforgettable tales of unholy matrimony . . . where the grooms are dark, dangerous, and mostly dead, and to love and cherish till death takes on a whole new meaning.

Devon’s Review of One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 2) by Jeaniene Frost
Paranormal Romance released by Avon 29 Apr 08

I really enjoyed the first book in the Night Huntress series, Halfway to the Grave, so I was keen to get my mitts on this one. I have a feeling this is one of those series that you will either adore or find ridiculous. After reading the first book, I ran across this review on Breezing Through, and I was genuinely startled that others didn’t like it as much as I. Then I was like, “Well, I see their point there, and, oh yeah, she’s got a point there….” I could see what they were talking about right away, but I hadn’t noticed those things while I was reading. Funny how that happens. Anyhow, One Foot in the Grave is just as hot, action-packed, romantic, and yes, slightly absurd as the first book.

One Foot in the Grave picks up four years after Halfway to the Grave. Cat Crawfield, half-vampire, half-human chick with issues, is kicking ass and taking names as the head of a special vampire-killing FBI Unit. Yes, this does require a bit of belief suspension, that this grumpy 27 year old would be commanding ex-cops, Special Forces guys, and various other fighting types with more experience of all kinds. But I go with it because it’s fun! Cat is also pining for Bones, the lover/mentor she left behind. Through a rather contrived series of events, Bones comes back into her life, just in time to help her when her life is targeted.

Aaaahhh, Bones. I love him so. Yes, an oddly named, bleached blonde, English accented vampire does seem a bit derivative, but he’s such a great character. The relationship between him and Cat is what makes everything work so well. He is all about Cat. We get to know him better here, and he’s kind of a scary guy. His personal moral code is pretty much “Whatever keeps Cat safe, whatever keeps Cat happy.” Kind of sociopathic, but also funny, charming and hot. Once he shows up, the book really takes off.

Cat is one of those characters that may annoy readers. She’s abrasive, and impulsive, sometimes TSTL. Thank goodness for vamp super-speed and super-strength. She has a vulnerability that comes from her isolation that keeps her vulnerable, and a little more likeable. She shows a bit more emotional maturity in this book, and it’s good that she’s making more connections, with her team members and her best girlfriend. She and Bones have great chemistry, but I still sometimes wondered what it is about her that inspires such devotion in him.

I enjoyed the plot, which went deeper into the world of vampires and the mystery of Cat’s father. Cat’s team was made up of interesting characters, and I liked the interplay between all of them, and Bones. And the romantic elements are very involving. Although I have quibbles with Cat, I am loving this series. It’s fast-paced blend of romance and urban fantasy. I would start with the first in the series, and I would definitely recommend One Foot in the Grave to readers who enjoy series that follow the course of a relationship, or those who don’t need an neatly wrapped HEA. I’m looking forward to number three.

Grade: B+

Read Bev’s review here.

From the Cover:

You can run from the grave, but you can’t hide . . .

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She’s still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.

Being around him awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline kick of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head—wanted: dead or half-alive—means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard she tries to keep things professional between them, she’ll find that desire lasts forever . . . and that Bones won’t let her get away again.

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

BevQB’s review of One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 2) by Jeaniene Frost
Paranormal romance/urban fantasy released by Avon Books 29 Apr 08

PHEW! If you thought Book 1 in the Night Huntress series, Halfway to the Grave (reviewed here), was a page turner, wait till you read this one!

Warning: mild spoilers ahead, but not much more than the book summary gives away.

It’s been four years since the half-human and half-vampire, Cat, left Bones, an old, very powerful vampire, to protect him from being hunted down and killed. During that time, Cat has assembled and trained a secret government sanctioned vampire hunting team.

Now Bones is back and he’s not leaving. He will do whatever it takes to stay with Cat. The problem right now is that the relationship is one-sided. Bones changes his life, sacrifices and risks much (and does so willingly), but with only a couple of concessions (fans will cheer at one of them), Cat is almost daring him to love her, to prove that he really does care that much for her (wait till you read his “proof” in the bedroom! WOWZER!).

Sooner or later, though, I have to wonder if Cat (or Bones) will realize that she’ll need to give more, to prove to HIM that SHE loves him. One incident near the end of the book would seem to be that declarative proof, but the almost offhand way she mentions it later makes me wonder if it really meant as much to her as it did to him.

We do see a few glimpses of the mature woman Cat may one day be, but for the most part she still wants everything HER way. She barrels into danger with a surprising lack of common sense. And she either possesses a sense of invincibility or possibly suicidal tendencies– I’m never quite sure which and I doubt SHE knows either. No, it doesn’t cross over the TSTL line, but Frost IS edging her toes up to the line where hero/ine crosses over to Superhero/ine and I sincerely hope she stays well away from it.

A LOT happens during the course of this book, the cast of characters is expanded, and… I’m not going to spoil it any further. Just trust me when I tell you that I have a feeling (and a hope), that some of it is going to come back and bite Cat and Bones in the butt. (hee… Vampire humor)

I will say, though, that unlike Halfway to the Grave, One Foot in the Grave ends quite happily for several people, including Cat and Bones. Now, who knows how Frost will end the next one in the series—remember she’s only promised an eventual HEA at the end of the ENTIRE series—but be prepared for an interesting HEA in this one.

Oh, here’s a question for you medical type duckies: Can a regular human (i.e. not Cat) drink a pint of blood without throwing it up? The humans in Cat’s team ramp up their power by drinking vampire blood and, unless there’s some yummy goodness in it that Frost doesn’t mention, I just can’t see how they could swallow it and keep it down.

That appetizing thought notwithstanding, Jeanine Frost has written another highly enjoyable, engrossing story and, while I strongly recommend you read Book 1, Halfway to the Grave, first, I believe One Foot in the Grave CAN be read as a standalone.

Grade: B+

Summary:

You can run from the grave, but you can’t hide…

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She’s still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.

Being around Bones awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline rush of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head – wanted: dead or half-alive – means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard Cat tries to keep things professional between them, she’ll find that desire lasts forever … and Bones won’t let her get away again.

Author’s summary and excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Read Bev’s review of Book 1.

Read more from Bev on her personal blog Cubie’s Confections.

Bev(QB)’s review of Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1) by Jeaniene Frost
Paranormal Romance published by Avon 30 October 2007

Halfway to the Grave is a hybrid of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Since I know it’s a flashpoint for romance purists, I’ll tell you up front that it has an urban fantasy ending. But, for those that felt cheated by the ending of Cameron Dean’s Candace Steele trilogy (which I enjoyed immensely), I’ve included a message from Jeaniene Frost’s website:

Author’s note about the Night Huntress series: HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE is the first book in an urban fantasy romance series with half-vampire heroine Cat Crawfield. My heroine and hero have a difficult road ahead of them and they will have to work hard to earn their HEA, so their story isn’t over with the first book. Hope you come along for the ride!

So, is this series worth your investment? OH YEAH! Once I picked it up, there was no putting it down until I finished. The worst thing I can say about it is that book 2, One Foot in the Grave, won’t be released until April 2008!

Cat was conceived when her mother was raped by a vampire. As her odd “differences” became apparent, Cat’s less than affectionate (and possibly not altogether sane) mother insisted she not let anyone find out and refused to talk about them. It wasn’t until Cat was 16 that her mother finally told her the truth and then, with her mother’s encouragement, Cat decided to devote her life to finding and killing vampires. Although she often resents her mother’s pressure to continue the killings, she craves her mother’s approval and doesn’t stop because she’s finally making her Mama proud.

Through trial and error, she becomes a bad-ass vamp executioner. Or so she thinks. Turns out it was her half-vamp abilities combined with the dumb luck of only luring young vamps to their death. Her luck runs out when she meets Bones, an old vamp who hunts other vampires as an occupation. One well placed punch from him takes her out of the game and into his dangerous captivity.

Once he believes she isn’t working for one of his many enemies, Bones realizes that Cat could be very useful as his bounty hunter protege, and offers her a deal– if she’ll let him train her to be his partner, he’ll teach her what she needs to know to kill vamps and help her find the vamp who fathered her.

What follows is the boot camp from hell. Bones pulls no punches, and systematically beats the daylight [hee] out of Cat trying to prepare her for the dangers of hunting the older and truly dangerous vamps that he regularly hunts. But in the process, he finds himself more and more fascinated with her.

To Cat, vampires are evil creatures that must all die. Period. But she’ll let this one live. For now. At least until he teaches her everything she needs to know about vampires.

The gradual development of the relationship between Cat and Bones is fascinating to read. In addition to struggling with her own beliefs about vamps, Cat is also aware that her mother will turn her back on her if she finds out that she not only hasn’t killed Bones, but is working with him! Combine all that with her awkward history with men, and Cat feels torn apart and confused by the sexual tension between her and Bones.

This book was also engrossing because Cat and Bones aren’t perfect. They don’t always win. Things doesn’t always go their way. They make mistakes. People, including those they care about, die. I hope Frost continues that with book 2, because the story has the potential to make them too perfect and that would ruin the appeal of both the characters and the story.

The primary reason I’m not giving this book a higher grade is because I don’t think it will appeal to readers who aren’t already paranormal romance AND urban fantasy fans. (see A Duckie’s Guide to Romance) After all, the hero DOES beat the heroine unconscious… a LOT!

But for you fans of the genre that still aren’t convinced, read the summary and chapter 1 here. No really, GO READ IT!

Grade: B+