Night's Darkest Embrace by Jeaniene Frost

Enter the dark realm of Nocturna in Jeaniene Frost’s redhot 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. 

Note: Originally appeared in the Haunted By Your Touch anthology.

 Hm.. what can I say? When I was asked to review this I jumped at the chance. I just saw the title and the author and didn't even try to find the blurb of what it is about. So, instead of reading a new short by Jeaniene Frost, I re-read this short. However, since I enjoyed it the first time so much... I didn't mind that at all.

This is what I said when I reviewed the anthology, Haunted by Your Touch:

Oh what can I say. I LOVED the short story from Jeaniene Frost. If she develops it into another series I will be there drooling for Raphael. In a way he does remind me a little bit of Bones. He's a bit arrogant with reason, he's strong, smart and sexy as hell. Plus he is in love with one woman only. He's a bit more willing to allow Mara to do her own thing and is less chauvinistic than Bones can be around Cat. AND with Jeaniene Frost you know you are going to get some sexy time in the book. Oh yes you do! Even the carriage ride sexy time was pretty good. ;) Yes, this short story is one I believe everyone who loves the stories by Ms. Frost will enjoy.

*looks it over* Yep, I stand by what I said. I enjoyed it even the second time around. I still am hoping she will pick up this novella and make it into a series. I wouldn't mind more Raphael. *nods head* Not at all...

I give this novella 4 stars! I want more! Oh and right now this story is $1.99 at your fave ebook store.

I received this ebook from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

Where to get the novella:

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

First Drop of Crimson by Jeaneine Frost (Night Huntress World #1)

From the book: 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.

I knew of this book for several months and really couldn't wait. Spade. The mysterious best bud of bones was to be the star of his very own book. Now, I know many people are into bones, but my heart always seems to gravitate to Spade. Now, I know why. 

In this book Spade having lost his one time love long ago to mortal death has made up his mind to never love another human to spare himself that all consuming grief. He was always drawn to Denise, Cat's best friend, but didn't know why. So, when Denise finds herself in danger, he knows he may be her best chance to survive. He reluctantly, but honor bound, helps her though her own nightmares and together they find themselves falling for each other. The only problem in Spade's eyes is her very short life as a human. Will he be able to change her mind about humanity and join the vampire's world? Not going to spoil that, so you'll have to read it to find out. 

I also must say on a personal note, that I hated Denise. Why? She was with Spade! Otherwise, yea... she was an interesting character. :) Also, for those that are fans of Cat and Bones and their hot bedtime scenes... you won't be disappointed in this book. Cat and Bones have some competition there. I would also like to mention to those that have not read the other Night Huntress books, that you can pick this one up as a stand alone book and not be lost, but I still recommend reading those books first. Only because you will have a more rounded view of the characters. 

I was a bit disappointed in the ending. Unfortunately sharing what exactly disappointed me would spoil the book, so I will not say. It isn't anything that can't be fixed or at least acknowledged the next time we meet both Spade and Denise. I gave this book 4 stars. Don't expect a Cat and Bones story, but look at these characters as having their own personalities away from the former stars. I so recommend this book. I do suggest getting rid of Denise and letting me have a chance. 

What do you mean they are only characters in a book? They aren't real? Surely you jest!


I also submitted this review for the Blog With Bite Reviews.


Discussion Questions:
Denise and Spades chemistry sparks more than a firecracker on the 4rth of July. Did you like the chemistry between them and did you feel the development of the relationship work?

I think that their chemistry and the development of the relationship did work. It did seem a bit awkward at times, but I do think that was purposeful. Especially with what they had both gone through. Neither of them had healed their wounds, but together they both found that common strand that helped them both get through it.

Have you read the Cat & Bones series? Denise is such a different (wimpier) character than Cat... did that make a difference to you?

Of course she was wimpier. She was human (for the most part). Cat was always 1/2 vampire. I think that is the big difference.

LIGHTNING ROUND. Identify your top three favorite PNR s

I'll go with couples: Cat and Bones series (although I consider it more urban fantasy), Elena and Clay, and Sookie and Eric.  "There are too many!" is n

Destined for an Early Grave by Jeanine Frost

From the book: 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.

I have loved this series from reading the first book as you can tell from my reviews. This was the book I couldn't wait for, but when I finally got the book, I had several books to read before it. Finally I just pushed the position to number 1 and here you find my review. ;)

This was probably the most frustrating book for me in the series. It was the first time I really got angry at Bones and I was frustrated with Cat's insecurities. Without giving much away... I will say that even though there were times I wanted to scream at both of them, the story does finally find it's way to making the whole thing fit. Frost has a great way of handling it even though I must admit, my faith was shaken for a bit. Looking back, I'd say that was good writing since I rarely worry too much about things coming together and making sense and giving me an ending I'd love. Did I give too much away with that bit? I doubt it. I didn't doubt that Bones and Cat loved each other and they would find themselves searching for each other, if not in this book, but the next. Anyone who is a fan of the series, I'm sure, would find themselves in the same position.

This is a great book with lots of tension, drama, action, humor and love. I gave the book 5 stars. I love this series and I can't wait for the next installment of Cat and Bones' story.

First Drop of Crimson

Ok, I'm not done with this series... I'm still waiting to snag the next book, "Destined for a Early Grave", but I've enjoyed Jeaniene Frost's series (which I reviewed earlier) so much I also can't wait for this installment of the series. Actually it isn't exactly part of the series as it stars the best friend, Spade. One book I'm looking forward to reading!

From the book: 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.

At Grave's End (Night Huntress #3)

At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost is the third in the night huntress series. This one takes place not too long after the last book left off. In this tale Bones has an offer he can't refuse, so to speak. He aligns himself with his grandsire and they take on a woman of incredible power. It's war and the vampires in the world must chose sides. 

This book was one I actually did not look forward to reading. I had heard some bad reviews, but I really can't understand it except to say they wanted more of the relationship between Cat and Bones instead of all the action they were getting. I, for one, was not disappointed in the least. In fact, I would consider this book the best of the three so far. Great action, good character development within vampire politics. It was a very interesting and fast read. Plus, I finally found myself liking her mother for once. That was nice in itself. Even the character of her mother was not left out and was developed further as well. 

Within the twist and turns of the novel, you might be prepared to bring a tissue or two during the reading toward the end, but I assure you, that the ending is worth it. I can't wait for the 4th book which came out last month. I am so sorry I can't read it right now. Someone get me a copy quick! :)

One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress #2)

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost is the second in the night huntress series. I don't often read one book after another in a series, but for this one, I made an exception. I hated the way the last one ended. So, I HAD to start this one to make up for it.

This book starts 4 years later. Cat has made a new life for herself fighting vampires and leading a group of men she trained. They are very good at their job but something is missing in her life. After "serendipitously" meeting Bones's maker and letting him go, her life starts to change, but is it for the better? Bones also makes an appearance not long after she decides to date others. She meets him in all places at a friend's wedding. Things don't go smoothly, but yet their love finds a way and they plan together to keep everyone safe, especially Cat.

So, with a "missing" father who still rules a part of her life and a very "interested" master vampire who Bones knows well wrecking havoc on their lives, they must find a way of mixing Cat's new life with their rekindled romance. The twists and turns keep for a fast and interesting read. Lots of action as well as the epiphanies within the mystery keep the book moving. This book is a must for those who love action with a smidgen of romance within. Great second book to this series. Of course, I recommend it. 

Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress #1)

Halfway to the Grave by Jeanine Frost is the first in her night huntress series. It introduces you to "Cat" a half vampire/human hybrid who, in the beginning of the book, trying to find herself. Hard when you are the only one of your kind and have been brought up with a mother's guilt for just being who you are. 

She starts out trying to prove that she is good and worthy of her mother's love by killing the things that her mother hates, namely vampires. Along the way she meets "Bones" and a whole new world opens up for her. This was not an easy task as she had to resolve her own prejudices about vampires that had been ingrained within her. The reason this is hard is because Bones is a master vampire willing to take her on as a student to teach her ways of killing vampires. His lessons are hard, but in the end she finds a way of accepting who she is and who he is as well. All seems like a hitman's fairytale as the two main characters fall in love. Of course not all is well and the book does not end with a sigh.

Does she keep her new found sense of self? Do Bones and Cat "live" happily-ever after? Exactly what could come between them? Sorry, don't want to spoil the book for you, but let me say, this book is worth a read. It leaves you wanting to read the next in the series.