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.