REVIEW: Bound By Flames (Night Prince #3)

Bound By Flames (Night Prince #3), by Jeaniene Frost
Published January 27, 2015
Publisher: Avon
Format: paperback, purchased
Genre: adult paranormal romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble
 
Rating: 5 STARS

(From Goodreads) Play with fire, pay the price.

Leila’s years on the carnie circuit were certainly an education. What she didn’t learn: how to be a vampire, or how to be married to the most famous vampire of them all. Adjusting to both has Leila teetering on a knife edge between passion and peril, and now the real danger is about to begin…

Vlad must battle with a centuries-old enemy whose reach stretches across continents and whose strength equals his own. It isn’t like Vlad to feel fear, but he does…for Leila, because his enemy knows she is Vlad’s greatest weakness. As friend and foe alike align against him—and his overprotectiveness drives Leila away—Vlad’s love for his new bride could be the very thing that dooms them both…

This was everything I needed and so much more. It's been so long since I spent time in the Night Huntress world, and even longer since I spent some quality time with my second favorite hero in it - Vlad (second only to Bones, who will always have my heart). This book... my goodness. There was action and danger and... VLAD. In all his ruthless, sexy, overprotective glory. Oh, and in case you were wondering - yes. Cat and Bones do make an appearance. 

In Bound By Flames, Vlad is still out searching for his arch nemesis, and looking to put him in the ground. Permanently this time. And, now that Leila is a vampire too, she doesn't have things like her mortality to worry him constantly. She can be even more of a help to him. Except, for some reason, Vlad's overprotectiveness is at an all-time high, and it's driving Leila nuts. She wants to use her gifts to find the bad guys, but Vlad only wants her to stay as far away from the action as possible. 

On one hand, I can sympathize with Vlad. The only other woman he married in his very long life killed herself due to the stress of living with a vampire. Now, Vlad is in love again, and this time, it's even stronger and deeper. And, he's terrified he's going to lose Leila like he did his first wife. Fear isn't an emotion Vlad knows what to do with. He's Vlad the Impaler, for crying out loud. Vlad doesn't get afraid. He gets pissed and flammable. 

Leila is just coming into her own. She hasn't been a vampire for long. Nor has she been Vlad's wife for long. But, she seems to have taken to both roles pretty easily. Now that Vlad has fully committed to her, Leila is all in. She wants to be the queen of the castle in every way, not just the domestic ones. She wants to be Vlad's partner in all things, including his efforts to find and kill his greatest enemy. Leila's tough. She has dealt with a lot in her young life, and now that she's found the love of her life, she wants to put herself out there and help fight all the bad things by her husband's side. 

But, that puts Leila too close to the action for Vlad's liking. He goes to extreme lengths to suppress her abilities so that she doesn't have a good excuse to help him. Unfortunately, all the bad guys know what Vlad's weak spot is now. And, it's her. 

Leila goes through A LOT in Bound By Flames. Like, more than I can fathom any person going through. Despite her being a vampire and being able to tolerate a lot more physically than a mere human, the psychological effects from some of that stuff are enough to seriously mess up anyone, vampire or otherwise. When I said this chick was tough, I meant it. Not only does she soldier through and come out the other side, it seems like she comes through stronger and more capable. 

And, Vlad, when faced with the possibility of losing his wife - again - he decides that, maybe having a partner is better than having a prisoner. See? Even a centuries old vampire can change his ways. 

It's the events that come to light during the epic battle at the end that set the stage for the last book in the Night Prince series. And these events are total game changers. 

I am so in love with this series and these characters. I don't ever want them to end.  

REVIEW: Up From The Grave (Night Huntress #7)

Up From The Grave (Night Huntress #7), by Jeaniene Frost
Published January 28, 2014
Publisher: Avon
Format: paperback, purchased
Genre:  adult paranormal romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  4 STARS

(From Goodreads) Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones. They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war…

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death…because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their lives—and those of everyone they hold dear— will be hovering on the edge of the grave.

The entire time I was reading Up From The Grave, I had this undercurrent of bittersweet sadness coursing through me knowing that never again would I read a book about Cat and Bones for the first time. The Night Huntress series is one of my most favorite paranormal series of all time, and although Up From The Grave is not my favorite book in the series, it didn't take away from its poignancy. 

Cat and Bones become alarmed when they can't reach any of their friends who have been working for the dastardly Madigan. While trying to figure out where they are, they stumble upon a plot of epic scope, of which Madigan is smack in the middle, and the potential outcome could spell extinction for both vampires and ghouls. The couple must use the connections and favors they've culled over the years to stop Madigan and those he works for. 

There are some things that Jeaniene Frost does so well. She has always managed to keep me guessing, and Up From The Grave was no different. I knew going into it that there were some secrets that needed to come out. What was Don hiding? What was Madigan's end game? There was no shortage of surprises as these answers and other twists were revealed. I love that after seven books, I still couldn't see them coming. 

Bones is, without a doubt, my favorite paranormal hero EVER. The way he loves and protects Cat is just so romantic and swoony and passionate. He's not TOO perfect, either. He can be a downright ass sometimes. He pulls a few moves in Up From The Grave that made me want to throttle him, actually. But, his motivations are always pure, and they have to do with keeping Cat safe. So, I guess you can't be too mad at him when it's all said and done. 

The thing I liked best about Up From The Grave was the appearance of all our favorite side characters from the previous books. We saw Mencheres, Kira, Spade, Denise, Ian, Annette, Vlad, Leila, Tate, Dave, Cooper, Juan and Justina. We even saw some characters from books way back in the beginning, like Timmy. It was the perfect way to send off the series. All our favorites played a role of some sort in the overall plot arc - some moreso than others - and, it gave a sense of finality to it that otherwise may have been lacking. 

Although there were some plot elements that I didn't necessarily agree with, on the whole, Up From The Grave was a perfect send-off. It had a great mystery to figure out. There was tons of action. I laughed a lot - particularly whenever Ian opened his mouth. I also cried. How could I not knowing this was the end? I swooned, too, because Bones and Cat love each other hard and passionately and with such devotion. And, when it was all said and done, Bones and Cat get their happily ever after, although it happened in a form that I couldn't have guessed before reading this book.  

I'm still hopeful that this won't be the very last time we see Cat and Bones in a book. There's still one more Night Huntress World book expected (please let it be about Ian!!), and one more Night Prince book (VLAD!) to look forward to. There's a chance that my favorite couple will have cameos in both. But, their own story has very literally reached its final chapter. It was a fantastic farewell and really fun ride.

REVIEW: This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress #5)

This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress #5), by Jeaniene Frost
Published February 22, 2011
Publisher:  Avon
Format: audiobook - borrowed from the library
Genre:  Adult Paranormal Romance
To Buy:  Amazon  * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

Rating:  4.5 STARS

(From Goodreads) Danger waits on both sides of the grave.
  Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance .

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"; the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

After the emotional roller coaster that Jeaniene Frost took us on in Destined For An Early Grave (Night Huntress #4), I was ready for a more comfortable Cat and Bones. Comfortable with each other - yes. I did get that. But, in true fashion, comfortable is most definitely NOT the word to describe their situation. And, I don't actually think I'd have it any other way.

While things seem to be calming down on the home front, at least as far as Cat and Bones' relationship goes, the pot is getting stirred elsewhere. A very nasty ghoul has his designs on eliminating Cat - permanently - as a means to stop a species war between vampires and ghouls. Of course, Bones is most definitely not down with that plan, war be damned. So, he, Cat, Mencheres, Kira, Vlad, Spade and Denise set about trying to formulate a plan B.

Meanwhile, Cat is trying to get the hang of being fully undead - well, as undead as her nuances will allow her to be, anyway. She's got all these powers she can't fully handle yet. Then, after a meeting with Marie, the Queen of the Ghouls, that problem is amplified ten-fold.

I have to tell you, as much as I love Cat and Bones, This Side of the Grave was one of my favorites because of a different character. VLAD TEPESH. 

"Much slower, I turned around to see Vlad examining his fingernails, as if his hands weren't still ablaze in the flames that had blasted the ghoul's head off moments before.
'What the hell was THAT?' I gasped.
'Premature inflamulation,' he replied. 'Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing. I don't like to talk about it.'"

While Bones is off playing his part in the plan to take down the ghoul nasty, Cat, Vlad and Mencheres work on trying to get her powers under control. Vlad's method of "teaching" involves poking her and antagonizing her and outright beating the crap out of her. I frikkin' love that guy. And, his methods work. Cat not only figures out her unique powers, but I get the feeling that she gained a very good friend and ally in Vlad. Not that he wasn't already those things, but their relationship seemed strengthened by their time together.

Bones and Cat seem to have entered a very comfortable stage in their relationship. There are less hot and sexy moments between these two, and I definitely miss those. Those moments just seem so... right... between these two warriors. There was one in This Side of the Grave, but one is just not enough for me. I must insist on more Russell married sex moments in the future.

Despite the lack of physicality, the love between Cat and Bones is till very palpable. It's the best part of the story - Bones' adoration and protectiveness for his wife is what has made him one of my most favorite male book characters of all time. That has not changed, and thank goodness for that.

There is tons of action, laughter, excitement and fear in This Side of the Grave. Once again, Frost has outdone herself. The Night Huntress series continues to be one of the best series out there.

REVIEW: Destined For An Early Grave (Night Huntress #4)

Destined For An Early Grave, by Jeaniene Frost
Published July 28, 2009
Publisher:  Avon
Format: audiobook - borrowed from the library
Genre:  adult paranormal romance
To Buy:  Amazon  * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  5 STARS

(From Goodreads) Her deadly dreams leave her in grave danger

Since half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her undead lover Bones met six years ago, they've fought against the rogue undead, battled a vengeful Master vampire, and pledged their devotion with a blood bond. Now it's time for a vacation. But their hopes for a perfect Paris holiday are dashed when Cat awakes one night in terror. She's having visions of a vampire named Gregor who's more powerful than Bones and has ties to her past that even Cat herself didn't know about.

Gregor believes Cat is his and he won't stop until he has her. As the battle begins between the vamp who haunts her nightmares and the one who holds her heart, only Cat can break Gregor's hold over her. She'll need all the power she can summon in order to bring down the baddest bloodsucker she's ever faced . . . even if getting that power will result in an early grave

Destined For An Early Grave was a different kind of Night Huntress experience. Up until now, the books in the series have been on the light side, I mean, if you don't take into consideration the fact that Cat and Bones are constantly fighting for their lives. At least they did it with a smile and some really hot sex. Right? 

This, the fourth book in the series, marked a major turning point for our favorite blood suckers. Cat's and Bones' relationship has seemed pretty solid up until this point. But, when a super powerful master vampire stakes a claim on Cat that can't be refuted, neither she nor Bones handle it in the best way. And, suddenly, everything they thought they had is gone. 

Destined For An Early Grave is the perfect example of why Jeaniene Frost has very quickly rocketed to the top of my My Favorite Authors list. This book really had it all. It was not without the wit, sarcasm, and laugh out loud hilarity that I've seen in the other Night Huntress books. But, for the first time, Ms. Frost made me laugh, and then on the very next page, made me cry. Like. A. Baby. It was easily the darkest installment in the series, and also the saddest. Which also makes it the most incredible. 

The supporting characters that we have grown to adore play a huge role in Destined For An Early Grave. Vlad, Mencheres, Spade, Don, Cat's team, and even Ian provide a much needed support system and distraction while they work through their issues with each other and with the baddie trying to force them apart. 

Honestly, it was a bit refreshing to see Cat and Bones tackle a rough patch in their relationship. They love each other so much - it all seemed just a little too perfect, y'know? Bones was kind of an ass. And Cat was super defensive. It made these characters seem so genuine and real. 

Jeaniene Frost is a genius. Who else can make me think, if only for a little while, that maybe somewhere out there vampires really do exist. And, if they don't, she makes me really wish they did.

REVIEW: At Grave's End (Night Huntress #3)

At Grave's End (Night Huntress #3), by Jeaniene Frost
Published January 1, 2009
Publisher:  Avon
Format: paperback - I own
Genre:  Urban Fantasy, Adult Paranormal Romance

 Rating:  5 STARS

(From Goodreads) 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.

I know, I know - another Jeaniene Frost book. What can I say? I'm slightly addicted. Seriously - the Night Huntress series is just so darn entertaining! The chemistry between Cat and Bones is constant and real, and I love every minute of it. You would expect some of that chemistry to diminish with each passing book in the series, but so far, with three under my belt, I haven't found that to be the case. 

At Grave's End brought a lot more attention to the supporting characters around Cat and Bones. For the first two books, it was largely the two of them against the world. Now, Cat's special forces team is in the forefront of the action since Bones is now also an unofficial member. In addition, Bones' friends seem to be playing more of a role. We see a lot more of Vlad, Spade, and of course, Mencheres. 

Although there seems to be less sexy scenes between Bones and Cat, there is more action to make up for it. I love reading about Cat wielding her silver blades and striking fear into the hearts of undead creatures everywhere as The Red Reaper. She never loses her edge. And, I love that, while she's flawless on the battlefield, she always manages to stick her foot in her mouth and say or do the wrong thing. In At Grave's End, Cat makes some very mature moves and acts a little out of character (which is a good thing, in this instance), which was so nice to see. It's good to see that she's got it in her. 

Bones is one of my favorite characters of all time. In my eyes, he can do no wrong. I love all his new cool powers, thanks to Mencheres. I love his snarky attitude toward Tate and Vlad. Doesn't he just seem like the kind of guy that would be so fun to hang out with? 

No doubt about it - the Night Huntress series is going down as one of the best I've ever read. Three books in, and it shows no signs of slowing down. So, neither am I. 

REVIEW: Twice Tempted (Night Prince #2)

Twice Tempted (Night Prince #2), by Jeaniene Frost
Published March 26, 2013
Publisher:  Avon
Format: e-book - I own
Genre:  Urban Fantasy, Adult Paranormal Romance

 Rating:  5 STARS

(From Goodreads) Leila's psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn't sure what the future holds. If that weren't enough, her lover, Vlad, has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she's also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won't admit that he loves her.

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity...

Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity.

I just can't leave Jeaniene Frost's work alone lately! I'm burning through her Night Huntress series, I recently read my first book in her Night Huntress World series. And, the crazy thing is, for me anyway, it all began with the Night Prince series. Once Burned was the very first Frost book that I ever read. So, getting Twice Tempted as soon as it came out was a definite priority for me. For as much as I loved Once Burned, I have to say that Twice Tempted topped it.

Vlad rocks my lady socks. The book starts off with some serious tension between he and Leila. He's been ignoring her a lot lately and she's left wondering why. After a horrific scene and a confrontation that goes badly, they part ways. It's a really emotional scene - Leila is devastated because Vlad is still unwilling to take that leap with her and admit that he loves her. And, sure - why wouldn't she?

I really loved seeing Leila's growth in Twice Tempted. She's been strong ever since the beginning, but she demonstrated here that in addition to being strong, she is also independent and willing to do what she needs to in order to take care of business, even if it physically and emotionally kills her. She's really the perfect mate for Vlad in that respect.

Vlad, however, is the bees' knees. He starts off a flaming jerk and ends an absolute freaking hero. It's awesome to see a many-hundreds of years old vampire who still opens himself up to personal growth. Bravo to Frost for making such a strong guy vulnerable at times. It turns him from being too rigid, unrelatable, and unlikable to being just the perfect mix of hard and soft.

This world that Leila and Vlad live in is just as alive as the Night Huntress world that I love so much. The creatures that exist and the rules that govern them are some of the best, most creative and most realistic of any urban fantasy world I've read. It's one of the reasons I love reading Frost's books.

So, now starts the agonizing wait until the final Night Prince book is released. It's okay - it'll give me plenty of time to re-read. 

REVIEW: One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress #2)

One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress #2), by Jeaniene Frost
Published April 29, 2008
Publisher:  Avon
Genre:  Urban Fantasy, Adult Paranormal Romance

Rating:  5 stars

(From Goodreads) 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.

I honestly didn't think that the series could get any better than the first book. How many times has that happened? The best book in the series is the first one, and they all sort of slowly drop off after that. Halfway to the Grave was so damn good, I honestly thought it couldn't be topped. I was wrong.

*Warning - there may be spoilers from Halfway to the Grave in the review below*

Four years after Cat left Bones in order to protect him, she's a bad ass special agent and a complete mess without him. A chance encounter with a vampire puts her back in his sights, though, and I have to tell you, the reunion was all I could've hoped for and more. It was poignant and funny and unnerving and in a completely inappropriate setting for them to catch up. It was perfect. 

Bones is such a perfect hero. When he is faced with a threat, he is ruthless, lethal and a little crazy. But, my can he be witty and charming when he wants to be. And with Cat, he is sweet and loving. How can one character wear so many faces so believably? 

Cat is pretty much the toughest chick I've ever read about. She willingly takes a beating on a nearly regular basis. She puts herself in harm's way without a second thought, especially if it means that it will protect her friends. It would make her a little too unbelievable, except that she's definitely not infallible. She does some really dumb crap sometimes (like, leaving Bones - um, HELLO??). She says the wrong thing a lot and has a not-so-good relationship with her mother. Frost does a great job balancing the heroics with the theatrics. 

The best part of this series is the relationship between Bones and Cat. There's a lot of give and take there. It's so passionate and raw. I think this is the best part of the series. 

Oh, and one more thing. Chapter 32? WAY better than anything you've read about it. Read it and find out for yourself. 

REVIEW: Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress #1)

Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress #1), by Jeaniene Frost
Published October 30, 2007
Publisher:  Avon
Format:  audiobook - borrowed from library
Genre:  Adult Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

Rating:  5 STARS

(From Goodreads) Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father--the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner--are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

Oh. Em. Gee. 
  
When I think about characters that resound with me - characters that really speak to me - I find that they represent strength, purity of the heart, bravery, and lots of bad assery. I love a girl who stands up for herself and doesn't let others walk all over her. She fights bravely and loves fiercely. I love a man who defies all he knows to save the woman he loves. A real warrior. 

Which brings me to Cat and Bones. 

Cat's had a rough life. She has serious mommy issues, doesn't know her father, and she puts herself in mortal danger every weekend. It's like she was just waiting for someone like Bones to walk into her life. But, one of my favorite parts of this book is that Cat didn't just swoon and fall into his arms. In fact, she kind of hated his gorgeous guts for quite awhile. There was no insta-love here, which made their inevitable pairing all that much sweeter.

In actuality, Bones is the one who swooned first. But, he's just so damn snarky and unruffled that it's hard to tell when it happened. I love that Cat is the one to undo him. It's very satisfying to see an unmovable mountain crumble, don't you think? 

Ugh - I know I've probably activated your gag reflexes by now. I'm sorry. I guess I'm still feeling a little swoony myself, even a week after finishing Halfway to the Grave. I really did just love it that much. 

From a bit more of a technical aspect, this Night Huntress world is one of the best yet. The rules that govern this world of vampires, ghouls and ghosts is so alive. It almost makes me believe that they could really be out there somewhere. I love that Jeaniene Frost goes into such detail to describe the vampire hierarchy and how Cat as a half-breed might fit into it. It all came to life in a way that few books do. 

With one book, this series has become a favorite. I'm already working on collecting my own copies of all six books printed so far. Then I can read them whenever I want. And this first book in the series is definitely one that will be re-read again and again. 

Book #132 - Once Burned (Night Prince #1)

Once Burned (Night Prince #1), Jeaniene Frost
paranormal romance
346 pages
Started 11/27/12
Finished 12/1/12
4 STARS

Despite the fact that I had to hide the cover of this book from my husband, so as not to suffer his incessant ribbing about the fabio-esque dude with the six-pack abs and flowing locks, I really enjoyed Once Burned. The cover most definitely did not make the book.

Leila is an acrobat who works with vampires and weres and other supernaturals on the carny circuit. They're the only ones that can come close to being able to handle her electrified right hand and her ability to see the past, present and future with a single touch. Unfortunately, an ability like that is sure to be noticed sooner or later, and Leila's number is up. After being kidnapped by a bunch of scary vamps, one that is scarier - the scariest, actually - saves her and takes her under his wing. And, eventually, into his bed. Yum.

Despite the Dracula references, which I thought were a smite cheesy, I thought Vlad was really cool. He's mean and scary and raw and he kinda melts a little around Leila. I love that stuff. And, Leila is a loner and cranky and aloof who comes out of her shell around Vlad. It's good chemistry.

The bad guy was oh so very bad - no denying that. But, the good guys blurred the lines a little more. They weren't completely good. It was a refreshing change. Every book needs good and evil, light and dark. It's fun when it's hard to figure out who's who. Once Burned was a little like that. I mean, Vlad's nickname IS "The Impaler." It's hard to be a true blue good guy with a name like that, right?

I'm looking forward to the next Night Prince book and seeing Vlad flesh out a little more (excuse the pun) whether he wants to be good or bad. And whether he wants to admit he loves Leila or not. Can't wait!