This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost (Night Huntress #5)
February 22, 2011
Urban Fantasy (strong romance)
Paperback, 384 Pages
Avon
Reviewed by Mandi
Favorite Quote: “Ask me if I sparkle and I’ll kill you where you stand.”
When Bones and Cat meet two masterless vampires who tell them several of their friends have gone missing, Bones and Cat know something fishy is going on. They have also noticed an influx of ghouls to the Ohio area, the same area Cat is from. Cat is not a full vampire, but she is still very unique. She gets the occasional heartbeat, and she must drink undead blood. When she does, she picks up the talents of those she drinks from. This makes it difficult for her. She obviously wants to drink from her husband Bones, but then she is bombarded with reading everyone’s thoughts.
Soon Bones and Cat learn the head ghoul, Apollyon wants a war between ghouls and vampires, and he is using Cat and her once half-breed status to incite the fire. Using the rumor Cat could turn into a “vampire-ghoul hybrid” he is causing unrest in the undead world. When they turn to Marie, the ghoul queen for her assistance, Cat gets more than what she bargained for. Cat not only needs her strong, sexy husband to fight this battle, but she calls upon her old team for help.
This Side of the Grave is book five in Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series. I love Bones and Cat. Period. This is absolutely one of my favorite series. Jeaniene Frost has taken us on quite an emotional roller coaster with these two, but now on book five, things have settled – somewhat. What I love, and even Cat admits to in this book is that they are at a point in their relationship where those first intense feelings – that romantic new love is long gone. Now, together for quite some time, they have a rhythm, a familiarity with each other. BUT – that doesn’t mean that sexy time is over. Bones is very much filled with vitality and amorous feelings. They have some very wicked scenes in this book (even a twist on our beloved chapter 32 from One Foot in the Grave.) Bones never rolls over and lets Cat have her way – which makes their relationship always fresh and surprising. Cat will give it right back to him, and their flirtatious banter, and stubborn bickering just gives this couple even more charm.
Cat herself has gone through quite a busy year and she has matured so much in this book. The once immediate smart-alec reply is muted, and the stubborn streak that went through her is now faded a little. She is willing to accept apologies, and offer an olive branch where a few months ago she would not have had the maturity to do so. She is also realizing just how absolutely deep her feelings for Bones runs. She knows although they are both undead, there is always that chance one of them may face their true death, and their discussion of this is a very poignant scene in the book.
We get some great stuff with Spade, Mencheres, Vlad (had me cracking up!), Tate (my favorite cranky-ass vampire), and her Uncle Don. Although the conflict with the ghouls in this one didn’t really stand out and wasn’t my favorite, the growth of Cat, and the combination of the her maturity with Bones and their all out just sexy relationship seals the deal in this book.
Jeaniene Frost has created a fabulous cast of characters, and I don’t think I will ever tire of them.
Rating: B+
Recent Reviews:
Vampire Book Club – 5/5
Joyfully Reviewed
The Book Whisperer – 5/5
Goodreads
Author’s Website l Series Listing
Amazon l Kindle l Book Depository l Nook
Chapter 21 Holla! Brings back memories of Body of Evidence. Heh.
LOL..Is it 21? I need to memorize that # ;)
Page 199. Yes, I've re-read it many times.
I'm shocked your smexy self did not mention it here. Tsk tsk.
I mention the chapter!! I just didn't note what number it was ;p. Oh..I lurve that chapter. :)
All that wax! And in certain areas… O.o hee
You're right about Cat's growth. I love how she evolves in this series. And Bones too – how he's adapted to life not only being about himself. This is a great series! Nice review Mandi!
This is one of the books I've been impatiently waiting for this year. Glad to see you liked it. Ms. Frost is coming back to NO and I'm having a hard time getting a babysitter *sobs*…
Great review Mandi. Ahhh chapter 21.
Vlad is the best and I cannot wait for him to get his own book.
Thanks for the review…A little worried about this.. I cannot wait to get my hands on this book but it worries me what new things can befall this couple who I love and who have been together a while now.
I will NOT skip to mentioned sexy chapter….
Yeah, great review!! Tate's my favorite Cranky-arse vampire too!! Can't wait to read this!
:) Kristin
Nocturnal Bites
Julie – Cat is awesome!
Patti – She is in MD tomorrow..I might go!
Tori – Vlad is the best!! I hear he is getting a few books…hooooooray!!!!
Mindolla – Don't be worried!! This book doesn't quite have the drama between them as the others do – which is fine by me! :)
Kristin – LOVE Tate.
My local Walmart actually had this one out yesterday, so I was able to snag a copy. Now, I just need to find the time to read it. LOL.
I hope she writes about Ian soon. I think his book would be a lot of fun.
Jennifer – I love Ian too…I can't remember if she has given us info about a book for him or not..will have to investigate.
I can't wait to read it! Oh I love it when it focuses more on their relationship! Going to love the sexy time but based on your review looks like I will need a tissue for that poignant moment.
Can't wait to read this!
Haha, I put that quote in my review and on my blog's sidebar. Too funny.
Stephanie G
Paranormal Haven
Exciting review! I've long wondered what Bones and Cat would be like once they settle into their relationship a bit more, and I think I might miss Cat's more immature side, but I love it when they reveal more about their deep feelings for one another.
Plus, I'm looking forward to hanging out with the whole clan again. Miss those blokes, I do.
I have not read this series yet, but whenever I read your reviews I want to give it a go. I assume it's best read in order??? :)
Yes! Yes! Yes! A new spin on chapter 32 makes me VERY HAPPY. More Vlad! And Uncle Don! Ian???
No focking way did she do a sparkle comment!!! SO RAD!! \m/
Such an exciting review and I really can't wait to read it. This series is a stellar one, for sure. And yay for Vlad!
I liked this one, buuuut didn't really feel like it went anywhere.
I'm so looking forward to getting this! I've already pre-ordered it on my Kindle.
I can't remember another series where I've been so excited about a new book coming out.
AH! I can't wait to read this, I don't think it's possible to love Cat and Bones any more than I already do:) I know, like you, I will never tire of this series, and I'm so glad we're getting 9 books now instead of 7:) Fantastic review Mandi, so excited to get my hands on this one on Tuesday!
Darkbloodyvamp – there are some very quiet, intimate moments between them in this one. I loved it.
Penny – looking forward to your thoughts
PH – it's a great quote!
Missie – she has great characters…love them all!!
Lisa – oh yes – definitely in order!! This is one of the first series I always pimp!! It's a must read!!!
Pamela – oh yes – you will like!!
Smash – There is one line from Vlad that made me LOL so hard.
KC – I didn't love the ghoul storyline as much – but I felt like their relationship progressed to a new level.
Sarah – I know – I got the nervies in my belly when I opened this book. LOVE IT!
Jenny – Can't wait to hear your thoughts!!!
Still need book 2 and chapter 32 ;)
Yay, Vlad! I wants me some Vlad so bad :)
Can't wait for this one!
O.M.G. I am getting so jealous right now! LOL. I have to wait till TUESDAY, before I get to read this book. :-( It sounds great! Oh can the days just fast forward a little??!!
Cat and Bones, they just go together so well. You never think of them as individuals, only as a couple. Kinda like Luke & Laura, Victor & Nickie, Rhett & Scarlet (sigh), they are linked forever!
Mentoring should occur in two arenas: academic
& real life. I possess all the skills required to be a part of this
program. He knew through most of the time he was trying to get the divorce over with he would propose as soon as it was over,” the source tells Us Weekly.