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BOOK REVIEW – Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress #1) by Jeaniene Frost

BOOK REVIEW – Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress #1) by Jeaniene FrostHalfway to the Grave (Night Huntress #1)
by Jeaniene Frost
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

*4.5 Color Me Surprised Stars*


My chin stuck out. Pride or peril, take your pick.

I’m not going to say that this was the most groundbreaking and extraordinary book I’ve ever read, but it had something I have been missing for a while now-a male lead that, while undead, was still the most loyal, sweet, endearing, and attentive guy I have read about in a while. Sure, I had to substitute his platinum hair for brown immediately….a discussion that was at the forefront of the buddy read thread since we couldn’t focus on anything but that dreadful hair color for quite a bit, but Bones managed to weasle his way into my daydreams as I sat mindlessly at work attempting to finish up so I could just get home and read. And that, my friends, was all I really wanted at this moment-a sweet guy that could take my mind off of every day life if only for a moment.

Cat is half human, half vampire. See, her mother was raped 22 years ago by a vampire, therefore setting Cat up for the ‘job’ she currently holds: killing every vampire she can get her hands on. She wants vengeance for her mother’s fragile state of mind about things that go bump in the night, and also that fact that she is part ‘monster’. Then one night she approaches Bones for her latest kill, and soon her world doesn’t seem quite so black and white as she had once imagined.

You stare straight through me as if I’m not even there. You look at me…and you don’t see a man. You see a vampire, and therefore accord me less substance”

Overall, I would have to settle my inner debate that I liked Cat. At first, I loved her. Then she started to grate on my nerves, because how many times does this awesome vampire guy have to save you, treat you admirably, practically drool all over you (in a non-clingy and very passionate and sweet sort of way) before you realize that he is loyal and not the monster you think his kind to be? That he is perfect for you because he has nothing but respect for you? I just hated seeing her continually hurt his feelings, and it started to become a problem for me. I liked at first that she wasn’t quick to jump in the sack with him-it’s nice to see a heroine not go all mushy right up front, but then after about 50% of the book, I was like, ‘Dude, okay. We get it-you are strong and not easily manipulated-NOW KISS HIM, YOU FOOL!!!’. Then as the story started to wind down, she started to become pretty badass, I will admit. I started to love her again, because that strong will was necessary. So, ultimately, I respected her as a character. (PS, I TOTALLY understand where Cat gets her stubbornness-Damn, but her mother annoyed the living daylights out of me)

“I’m saying I’m a moody, insecure, narrow-minded, jealous, borderline-homicidal bitch, and I want you to promise me that you’re okay with that, because it’s who I am and you’re what I need.”

It can be said that I’m a sap, that I cry at the drop of a hat, and in real life-maybe. But for books, I do have a little backbone when it comes to the tears and hysterics. FOR MOST BOOKS. Now, I knew what was going to happen at the end, because my curiosity knows no bounds and I always research just a little too much, but I STILL started to get a little misty eyed when things unraveled at the closing of the book. And I’m so happy I did-I’m so excited that I cared enough about these characters to give a damn about their well-being. It’s an accomplishment, and I will most definitely be moving forward to the next book tonight. (It should be noted that this is under my ‘tearjerkers’ shelf-I’m getting so blurry about the lines that decipher what needs to be on these shelves….for instance, this should probably be under my ‘cliffhanger’ shelf as well, but I’ve not been accurate on that shelf for a while-I don’t even know what a mild cliffhanger is like anymore because almost every book seems to have a cliffhanger now-ARRRGHHH)

So, no, this wasn’t the most earth shattering story I’ve ever read, but it made me happy. All I wanted was an escape from reality and a fluffy story where things aren’t so complex that I need to ponder them after I’m finished with each chapter, and that’s exactly what I got. A solid, fun group (or pairing) of characters in a somewhat perilous story where no one is safe…and sometimes that’s all you need.

BOOK REVIEW – One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress #2) by Jeaniene Frost

BOOK REVIEW – One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress #2) by Jeaniene FrostOne Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress #2)
by Jeaniene Frost
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads


Life’s a bitch and then one stabs you.

Ya know….I think these books are like a drug. I’m currently on book three (which is the best, thus far) and I can’t seem to think about reading anything else. I’m perfectly content to just daydream about Bones (the character, not the body parts, mind you) and how much he adores Cat. There’s just something so sweet about a guy who has been around for…forever, and she is the one he fell in love with. There’s just something so sweet and romantic about that and I can’t seem to get these characters out of my thoughts. Call me cheesy, but I’m right where I want to be-dreaming about Bones all day long.

“I knew without a doubt I’d fallen in love when we met. Then I knew I’d do anything to make you feel the same way.”

*spoiler for those who didn’t read book one*

The second installment starts four years after book one where we were left in turmoil of the unfavorable events of the ending of the first story. Cat has started working as a special agent in the government and is relocated in Virginia. After being threatened by Don, the man who is now her boss, she had to choose to leave Bones behind for his own safety-and her mother’s. But I think we all know that Bones isn’t so easily deterred or left behind if we remember anything from book one: If you run from me, I’ll chase you. And I’ll find you….

There’s something to be said for living instead of just existing.

Suffice to say that they find each other again and emotions are high when they do. As things begin to unravel, it becomes clear that they will need Bones’s help, and he begins to work with Cat and her team as well. This was such a funny turn of events. Not only because of the humor that came from Bones and members of her team, but just from the idea of it all: The vampire hunters are working with a vampire. lol

I opened my mouth-and had nothing to refute that with. Damn people who argued using logic. Talk about unfair.

I don’t know that there is much more I can say that wasn’t already said in my first review, seeing as how this is the same series, but I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again-Bones is something special, and he is something that doesn’t come around that often. Sure, we’ve all seen the overprotective paranormal alpha types, but there is just something that separates him from the rest. I can’t quite put my finger on it yet, but he is unique. And I just adore reading about him.

BOOK REVIEW – At Grave’s End (Night Huntress #3) by Jeaniene Frost

BOOK REVIEW – At Grave’s End (Night Huntress #3) by Jeaniene FrostAt Grave's End (Night Huntress #3)
by Jeaniene Frost
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

I think it goes without saying that, once again, Bones stole the show. There is so much more to this series than a hunky male lead, but he’s the reason I’ve continued from book one to (at the moment) book four.

Utterly loyal and undivided attention, peril and action to boot, there was very little that wasn’t in this story. Bones and Cat are closer than ever, but no matter how happy they are, something is always coming for one of them. Living a life free of enemies is not a luxury they have experienced, but they are doing their best to make the most of their not-so-stress-free companionship.

“He’ll learn that many women can satisfy for a short period of time, but when he falls in love, only one will sustain him forever.” Awwww, Bones.

I am absolutely in love with Bones, and I have come to a strong liking with Cat. She has time and time again proven her strength and devotion to her work and Bones, and I can’t help but to identify with her when she becomes jealous because of one of Bone’s old lovers (he is JUST AS JEALOUS, by the way) because they just. Keep. Showing up. lol

So as small as this ‘review’ is, I think it goes without saying that I love this series. And maybe if I had split the stories up I would be able to write a longer review because of the lack of familiarity with the storylines, but as it is, I have read them back to back and I hate sounding like a broken record. A truly fun series and a great escape-I would suggest this to any one of my friends that doesn’t cringe at the terms blood and ‘fangs’.

Purchase on Amazon or iBooks

BOOK REVIEW – Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress #4) by Jeaniene Frost

BOOK REVIEW – Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress #4) by Jeaniene FrostDestined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress #4)
by Jeaniene Frost
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

“I know you do,” he whispered. “And I love you. Always.”

Ooooooh boy, did this one ever piss me off. By far the most emotions pulled from me yet in this installment, I was seething for at least 20% of this book.
I’ll admit it-I get so engrossed in a story that if, say, something terrible happens to the heroine, it happens to me as well. So when a certain something happened, I wanted to rip everyone apart in the story.

“Kitten.” His voice was thick with something I couldn’t name. “This is the part…where you don’t have a choice.”

I think it goes without saying that each review I’ve written and rating I’ve dubbed for each story in this series has been a 4 or above. This series is completely consistent, and with each new installment, there’s a new hurdle that Bones and Cat must face together-and they are hardly ever cliche.

“All I’ve got is how I live. How I’ll die? That’s the problem of the guy who kills me.” -Tate (I LOVED that line ha)

The writing remains consistent and takes me to another world where I am happy to escape reality-that’s by far my favorite thing about this series. There are no typos. There is consistency in the character development. There is no changing for the sake of the other person-they are who they are and they remain a constant in their ever changing world. I know when I pick up a Night Huntress book, I’m going to get a very loyal male lead. I know Cat is going to be sarastic, fierce, LOYAL, and protective of those she loves, and I know she would do anything for Bones no matter the cost. And finally, I know there are going to be loyal family members and friends backing both Cat and Bones, and that in any situation, they will all come out of it together if at all possible.

“Never let it be said that you’re predictable, Cat.”

I absolutely love this series, and while I’m taking a break so it doesn’t lose the magic, I know it won’t be a mere month before I find myself picking up the next book and falling helplessly back into this perilous world again. I love each character for their uncanny ability to make me laugh, and that in itself is priceless.

BOOK REVIEW – MacKenzie Fire (Shine Not Burn #2) by Elle Casey

BOOK REVIEW – MacKenzie Fire (Shine Not Burn #2) by Elle CaseyMacKenzie Fire (Shine Not Burn #2)
by Elle Casey
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Still bitter about his failed engagement and life on the family ranch, Ian MacKenzie has been cranky for nearly three years. His brother Mack’s married bliss hasn’t helped, and now his pregnant sister-in-law’s airhead best friend is coming for a visit.

Candice arrives to help with the new baby, even though it means swapping her Louboutins for snow boots and her flat irons for flannel. She’s far from prepared for the freezing cold and she certainly wasn’t expecting the sizzling heat of her attraction to a certain green-eyed cowboy. Ian may be rude and infuriating, but he looks sinfully good in those jeans of his.

The two clash at every turn, but there’s one thing they can both agree on—if they do give in to their undeniable chemistry, then it’s just a fling…because he’s a country boy and she’s a city girl, and their zip codes are on opposite sides of the map.

Review:

I laughed so much while reading this book that my husband kept asking me, “Are you ok?”, “Can you breathe?” and “What are you laughing at?!”. Elle Casey has this ability to write books that make me laugh hysterically one moment and before I can even catch my breath then I’m all antsy, hot and bothered….but in a reallllly good way! The males are HOT, the females are endearingly hilarious and the chemistry between the two of them is searing. Yet another book I love that she has written!

This time we get to hear what’s happening in the MacKenzie’s world from Candice’s point of view. No one can forget her from Shine Not Burn. Between the collagen (thin lips sink ships), holding in your gas (you spontaneously combust) and abhorring practicality she was one of my favorite people in that book. The girl is extremely loyal but she is a little crazy and her thoughts are sometimes all over the place. I loved being in her head and listening to her rationalization for her word and phrase choices and listening to her internal babble! It was SO entertaining and silly at the same time! Ohhh and I love that Google is her best friend lol!

“Just show me the guns. Which one is good for protection?”
Henry looks down into the case. “From lions? Well…I suppose any of these could work if you hit the lion between the eyes. Do you think you’re a good shot?” He looks up at me, hopeful, possibly a little stressed too.
I nod enthusiastically. “I’m sure I will be. I’m a hair dresser.”

So we start out with Candice flying to visit her best friend Andie for a few weeks. When Andie picks up Candice at the airport she brings in tow Ian, who is Mack’s younger brother. From the start, Ian gets under Candice’s skin. He knows how to push all of her buttons and she knows how to drive him absolutely insane. One thing leads to another and Candice ends up being on Ian’s I-will-get-you-back-if-it-kills-me-list. Ian trying to get Candice back and Candice trying to get Ian back is so high school BUT so funny! I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. I think I lost brain cells during some of the pages because I was laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe! Fav partView Spoiler ».  But during all of their interactions Candice is realizing how much she likes Ian. But she is from a bottom right state (Florida) and he is from a top left state (Oregon), so how can it ever work?

I have lots of friends, both men and woman. I don’t really need any more, my funeral’s going to be standing room only as it is. But none of them have been able to make my blood boil one second and my panties get all twisted up the next. Not like Ian.

So many things were right about this book. The banter was hot and hilarious. The nicknames, which can be done soooo wrong, were perfect. He calls her City and she calls him Country and I absolutely adored that! Ian was a hot, broken, scheming, passionate mess and I loved every minute of him. And the ending was exactly what I wanted it to be. I’m so sad this is the end of the MacKenzie’s journey but I loved everything about it!

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers) & Book Depository (click on book #)
shine-not-burn-elle-casey
Shine Not Burn #1
Reviews:

Jen
Chelsea
mackenzie-fire-elle-casey
MacKenzie Fire #2

Reviews:
Jen
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