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You are here: Home / Avon / Review: This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Review: This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

February 18, 2011 by Mandi 30 Comments

This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, #5)

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

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Filed Under: Avon, B Review, Jeaniene Frost, Mandi, Urban Fantasy

Comments

  1. KB/KT Grant says

    February 18, 2011 at 8:32 am

    Chapter 21 Holla! Brings back memories of Body of Evidence. Heh.

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  2. Mandi says

    February 18, 2011 at 8:33 am

    LOL..Is it 21? I need to memorize that # ;)

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  3. KB/KT Grant says

    February 18, 2011 at 8:35 am

    Page 199. Yes, I've re-read it many times.

    I'm shocked your smexy self did not mention it here. Tsk tsk.

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  4. Mandi says

    February 18, 2011 at 8:37 am

    I mention the chapter!! I just didn't note what number it was ;p. Oh..I lurve that chapter. :)

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  5. KB/KT Grant says

    February 18, 2011 at 8:40 am

    All that wax! And in certain areas… O.o hee

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  6. Julie says

    February 18, 2011 at 8:47 am

    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!

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  7. Patti (Book Addict) says

    February 18, 2011 at 8:52 am

    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*…

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  8. Tori says

    February 18, 2011 at 8:54 am

    Great review Mandi. Ahhh chapter 21.
    Vlad is the best and I cannot wait for him to get his own book.

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  9. Mindolla says

    February 18, 2011 at 9:14 am

    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….

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  10. Kristin says

    February 18, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Yeah, great review!! Tate's my favorite Cranky-arse vampire too!! Can't wait to read this!

    :) Kristin
    Nocturnal Bites

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  11. Mandi says

    February 18, 2011 at 9:42 am

    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! :)

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  12. Mandi says

    February 18, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Kristin – LOVE Tate.

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  13. Jennifer Estep says

    February 18, 2011 at 9:55 am

    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.

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  14. Mandi says

    February 18, 2011 at 9:58 am

    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.

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  15. DarkBloodyVamp says

    February 18, 2011 at 10:55 am

    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.

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  16. Penelope says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:18 am

    Can't wait to read this!

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  17. Paranormal Haven says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:23 am

    Haha, I put that quote in my review and on my blog's sidebar. Too funny.

    Stephanie G
    Paranormal Haven

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  18. Missie says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:23 am

    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.

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  19. Lisa says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:32 am

    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??? :)

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  20. Pamela {Spaz} says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    Yes! Yes! Yes! A new spin on chapter 32 makes me VERY HAPPY. More Vlad! And Uncle Don! Ian???

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  21. Smash Attack! says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    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!

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  22. Smokinhotbooks says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    I liked this one, buuuut didn't really feel like it went anywhere.

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  23. Sarahtq says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    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.

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  24. Jenny says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    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!

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  25. Mandi says

    February 18, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    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!!!

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  26. Blodeuedd says

    February 18, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    Still need book 2 and chapter 32 ;)

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  27. Danielle says

    February 18, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    Yay, Vlad! I wants me some Vlad so bad :)

    Can't wait for this one!

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  28. deannalynnc says

    February 19, 2011 at 4:51 am

    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??!!

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  29. Lisa R/alterlisa says

    February 21, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    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!

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