Sheep Book Review: One Grave at a Time by author Jeanine Frost

One Grave at a Time, by author Jeanine Frost is the sixth book in her Night Huntress series; Cat and Bones are back and stronger then ever!

Plot:

Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans’ voodoo queen just keeps on giving–leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity–forever. But one wrong step and they’ll be digging their own graves.

Cat and Bones have had some serious struggles over this series, and with each book you never know what's going to be thrown into the mix next. Will they breakup or won't they? Will Cat ever stop trying to do things solo, thinking that's the only option? I love the drama of it all. Cat Crawford practically embodies action and kick-ass girl power in one person. She's a snappy-mouthed quick-witted gal who takes no crap when called out and the best part is she has the the skills to back it up!

So this time around we have Cat and Bones setting out on a mission to take down a really bad ghost, and hard part about fighting a ghost is the obvious. They are as thin as air and can poof out whenever they want. But our dynamic duo comes up with some nice tricks to even the playing field a little. One thing I didn't like about this book was the lack of emotional investment I had with the situation. Yes Heinrich is a really bad dude with a history of delusion and some major grudges against women and witches but he kinda just came into the scene. You didn't know anything about the guy until this book, so there's no build up to his character. I only got into the book at all just based on the amazingly vivid writing style of Frost but I would have liked to had more characterization for Heinrich and more about his motivations.You do get everything wrapped up at the end but it felt a little quick and tidy. Not a lot of details on the final chapter of how it all came to be sorted out.

So, the negatives aside, the overall book is pure entertainment, Cat and Bones get to meet back up with Spade, Denise and Ian. This book is heavy in the action department for those that love a good "cat" fight. Plus you will never be disappointed in the romance department with these two; Bones is hands down one of the most smoking hot characters I've ever read about. The man knows how to treat his lady, so men please take notes. I thought this series had covered quiet a large range of different ways to get hot and heavy but I was wrong. ***spoiler alert*** Can we all say Mile High Club. Oh yes my friends, Cat gets inducted into the exclusive club this time around. LOVED it. ***end of spoiler alert***

Lots of humor from the fun loving egomaniac vamp Ian, I can't wait for him to finally get his own story. I know it's coming and the wait is killing me. Still would like to see them all meet up with there long lost buddy from back in the day when they were all slaves but all in good time. One Grave at a Time will keep you invested in the series and plenty entertained till the end.

Getting 4 Vlad Sheep

KD

Book Signing with Jeaniene Frost, Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong + give away

When I heard that Jeaniene Frost, Melissa Marr and Kelly Armstrong were coming to Chapel Hill, NC for a book signing, well…I decided it was time for a ROAD TRIP! Lucky for me it was only a 1 ½ hour drive to FlyLeaf Book Store.

Hello little sheep with no name

This was the last stop on their three day tour. They had spent the last three days traveling in a Mini Cooper.

Did I feel like a stalker taking this picture? Well, in my defense it was parked right next to mine

There were probably 50 people at the signing, including Jenna Black, author of The Faeriewalker Series and Dark Descendant (snagged some signed bookmarks from her <G>). Since all three authors would answer each question they only had time for 6 questions. That was a little disappointing, but they wanted to make sure there was time for all the signing, and I think they were ready to head home <G>

Unfortunately, no one asked anything terribly original. I got to ask a question and they opted for a funny one when I asked what kind they wanted (at the time I didn’t realize it would be the only question I got to ask). I asked if they let the dog/cat watch while they wrote the naughty parts. They laughed, but weren’t about to touch that <G>. Kelley did say when she wrote on her laptop in public she would just write “insert sex scene” because she was afraid someone would look over her shoulder and see.

Here is some random info I learned:

1. Melissa Marr use to teach English at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. I did my graduate work there!

2. Melissa stared writing when her husband was deployed overseas (Marine Corp). It was either write or worry.

3. When Melissa writes, she wants to block everything else out. She uses different playlists for each character and book to help with this. Kelley admitted to forgetting about her child at school because she was writing. Jeaniene told the story about how she walked out of her house to go to her day job and realized she wasn’t wearing any pants!

4. Melissa couldn’t give any details about the Wicked Lovely movie, but there is a script, director and they have moved to a new studio. They also got their first pick for one of the actresses, but again, she couldn’t say who <G>. They have also signed writers for the Graveminder TV show. Kelley said the rights to Bitten have been sold to Canadian TV.

5. When asked about inspiration Melissa said Folklore from her childhood. She said her next YA book was inspired by the phrase “Carnival of Souls” from a song by the group Murder By Death. Kelley said she got hers from everywhere! Jeaniene told the story of her dream of a half vampire woman arguing with a full vampire male about why she left him as the inspiration for Bones and Cat. The villain in her latest book came from a show she saw on the history channel years ago about the witch trials.

6. They all had the same advice about working with agents. Basically, you need to research and look out for scams. Jeaniene was a victim to a scam early in her career. You *never pay money. Kelley said the money only flows one way, to the author.

7. Melissa told a story about the day her book hit the NY Best Sellers list. She got a rejection letter saying her book was utterly unpublishable and unmarketable. She kept that letter <G>.

8. They all like the idea of the epublishing market, especially for short fiction. Melissa said authors get 8-12% of the money in traditional publishing. Ebooks bring in 15% and once expenses have been covered the rest is profit. It is a win-win for the author and traditional publishers are going to have to be more *fair about what they give to their authors. All three talked about how important editors are and how important it is to be professional. Writing might be all about creativity, but publishing is a business and you need to treat it like one.

Kelley says she has a story for Clay and Elena and thanks to epublishing, has a way to share that one day.

Even though I didn’t hear this…when you put three authors in a small car for three days, there is going to be “talk” of “things” “together”…but I didn’t hear this, okay?

That was about the gist of things. Everyone lined up and got books signed and pictures taken.

Contest

So, what do I have for you guys? I got the first book in each author’s series signed.

Halfway to the Grave, Wicked Lovely and Bitten. There are matching signed bookmarks with each book and a signed bookmark from Jenna Black with each book

I must confess that I screwed up with the Jeaniene Frost book. I accidentally gave her my name and she signed it “To Sharon, Life is short, bite hard”

I will pick three winners, but only one can be an international winner.

1. Tell me which book(s) you want to be entered for (you can enter your name for one, two or all three books)

2. Suggest a name for my little Sheep friend!

*double entries if you are a follower.

(will use the dryer method to pick the winners)

Contest ends: Sept 28 at midnight

This Side of the Grave, Ghost?

This Side of the Grave by author Jeanine Frost is the 5th book in her Night Huntress series. I waited on pins and needles for my next fix of Cat and Bones. PINS AND NEEDLES PEOPLE! lol. Okay, I will calm down now. *deep breaths in and out* So after months and months of waiting did This Side of the Grave meet my high expectations? Yes, but for me, a few things either seemed lacking or kind of soft compared to previous books. Read on and see....

So in book 5 we have our main squeezes, Cat and Bones. These two are such an awesome pair. I love the dynamic they have and how they get each other on all levels. Cat and Bones are off to investigate the disappearance of masterless vampires. There are ghouls creating tension and conflict between the various factions, so to avoid a supernatural war, Cat and Bones head out to find allies and kick some butt. Niiice. Me likes so far.... until the plot continues. :( Now here is the hard part, if I say too much I'll spoil it for you IF you have yet to grab this book. If I say too little, you're left scratching your head trying to figure me out! *sigh* Ok, Ok that's me most of the time already. Guilty as charged. :)

I will say that "certain" characters in the book were not as edgy or enticing as in previous books. The enemy this time around seemed kind of weak and not very worthy. Cat didn't really get to let loose as she had in the past. It seemed very tame to me. I really do NOT like saying that! I enjoy reading these books so much that I can overlook the small stuff, but this book just lacked some of that sparkle. When you know what a writer is capable of, it's hard to look past things when they drop the ball (even if that ball only drops a little).

I will say that you do get to see Vlad (I love you Vlad, marry me!!!) and the whole cast of pals that we have grown to love/hate. The romance department was not lacking in this story. Cat and Bones are never dull in that area. ;) I hope book 6 takes us back on the action/adventure/twisting plot/witty dialog track and I look forward to reading it. *raises glass in the air* And here's to hoping the next spin-off book is for Vlad! *cheers with Amber and Richard* :) To wrap, the book is good, not mind-blowing great like previous books, but still worth the money and time.

Getting 4 Vlady Sheep

KD

Deaths Excellent Vacation anthology, yea more Cat and Bones!

One for the Money a short story from author Jeanine Frost is now available across the nation! Its short (about 30 pages) and sweet but a must read.

The story picks up after Destined for An Early Grave and follows Cat and Bones, cutting their vacation short to do a side job for a family member. Visits some previous locations and touches base with a certain character who recently went through some MAJOR life changing events. ;) wink wink Amber knows!

Can I just say we should all find our own local "Bite" to relax at and just enjoy an evening of undead fun with friends and family. :)

Other authors contributing with additional short stories are Charlaine Harris, Katie MacAlister, Lilith Saintcrow, and Jeff Abbott to name a few. So you do get a chance to explore the paranormal world a little more and possible find a few new authors you might enjoy. Me? Oh no, my reading list is long enough thank you very much.

The book is only available at this time in hard cover and I paid $24.99 so if your thrifty like me look for online coupons or just let me know and you can read my copy.

Got Bones?

KD

Eternal Kiss of Darkness

Eternal Kiss of Darkness by author Jeanine Frost hit book stores yesterday. This is her second spinoff book in the Night Huntress series, revolving around the story of Mencheres and Kira. I am a big fan of Frost and have loved all her other books, except this one. :(

Let me continue by saying that the Cat and Bones books are off the chain good, each and every one is an adventure in itself. I LOVE those books. Got Bones? Her previous Spade and Denise spinoff book is equally as good, but for whatever reason this latest book did not hit home for me.

The first 2 chapters are great, story is compelling and draws you in from the gate. Then the book slows down for a few chapters only to pick back up again, wash rinse repeat. This continues throughout. Grrrrr! Frustrating.

I dont know if it was me or what, maybe I am not as invested in these characters as I have been with previous ones. Maybe. I don't want to say the word "disappointed" because Frost can never take me there, but I will say I was a little let down.

Again, compared to her previous books I guess maybe I was not prepared for the slowness of this one. I have to also point out that the book ends very quickly. The big dramatic build up comes to a halt and leaves you with nothing else. So I hope readers (ah-hem, me) get more on these guys in upcoming books.

Still a big fan of Frost and I look forward to the continuing series that picks back up in Spring of next year. I am giving this book 3 sheep, with a very heavy heart.

KD

First Drop of Crimson

First Drop of Crimson by Jeanine Frost is the first book in her new sires of Night Huntress World books. The cover is a bit corny as all books in the romance/fantasy category seem to be, it amazes me how off base the covers can be sometimes but oh well what can ya do.

While walking through my local Target last week scanning through the new book releases this one jumped out at me, I laughed at the cover then turned it over to read the description and thought what the heck. After reading the first chapter I was hooked and didn't put it down until I finished it at 2am!

Description from Authors page:

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.

If you like steamy romance, fantasy characters (vampires, ghouls, demons, etc.), action, witty dialog and hunky men/woman this book will deliver! The story grabs you from the start and holds you until the last page, I was surprised and delighted by the end. I immediately went online after reading and found 4 previous books that deal with Cat Crawfield mentioned in this book. Her books will arrive from Amazon this week and reviews will sure to follow.

I make no secret of my love for vampires, werwolf's or other shape shifters, witches-warlocks and zombies they fascinate me and finding a captivating book-series is what I live for.I thoroughly enjoyed Frost's writing style in this book and hope she will deliver with her previous set.

My hope dear friends is that you are not put off by the covers, the story inside does not match what you read. And why oh why do the publishing houses choose these gaudy covers?

Only they know.....

KD