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:
I’m enjoying this series, too, despite any quibbles, it’s fun and yeah, maybe a little absurd, but still fun. I like Bones, agree things picked up once he showed up in this one, including a very hot, steamy encounter later on in the book.
Oh yes, it was hot. Sex scenes in the first person can be tough, but Frost writes them well.
And,
What is that supposed to mean? I think I made a mistake there. Now I just have to think about what I meant to write.
Great review, Devon. (I gave this book the same grade on my blog 😉 ).
I also sometimes wonder what it is about Cat that has Bones so in love and devoted to her. I think her uniqueness (half human-half vampire) and her spitfire attitude is what got Bones interested in her in the beginning. She’s a curiosity of sorts. But as he trained her in the first novel, their companionship simply grew to love. Almost a friends to lovers sort of thing. And perhaps Cat is challenging to him, which always makes a relationship fun. She truly keeps him on his toes, you know? I’m looking forward to finding out what’s next in their relationship. It should be… entertaining! 😀
I LOVED the first book, but I actually had trouble finishing this one. I have trouble remembering it now (not a good sign) but it seemed like there really wasn’t any real conflict in the relationship between Cat and Bones. I mean, Bones shows up, and . . . that was it, really. And how exactly did he not find her for so many years? That just didn’t make sense.
Also, I just felt like we didn’t get to know ANYONE on her team except superficially, so I didn’t care when one of them got hurt in the beginning. Cat and her team also struck me as being rather incompetent. . .
I’m going to try the next one, but if it’s more of the same, I’ll probably give up on this series.
Loonigrrl, I felt the same way about the lack of conflict or challenge between Cat & Bones in this novel. Not so much that it kept me from ploughing full speed ahead while I was reading, but more of an afterthought for me when I finished the book. I’m thinking things ought to get complicated for them with the next book, though. I have a strong feeling their expectations of their relationship might just be a bit different. 😉
I can’t wait to read this!!!
Great review. I really love this series so far. I think the author was trying to focus on the relationship aspect of Cat’s father and that whole scenario that drove the plot line instead of her and bone’s relationship. I am SURE there will be more conflicts for them in the future.
I cannot wait for the next one!