Tag Archives: Jeaniene Frost

A Grave Girls’ Getaway by Jeaniene Frost

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Overview

Title: A Grave Girls’ Getaway
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress #7.6, Night Huntress Universe #16.5
In: Hex on the Beach (Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost & Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Sadly, I haven’t gotten as far into the Night Huntress series as I want. Mostly because I’m kind of a series slut and tend to jump around a lot. But, it’s definitely one that I continuously enjoy picking up. And every time I read anything set in this world, I’m reminded why I find this series so exciting and interesting. Alright, this novella takes place a bit further down in the series order, but it was still exciting and seriously enjoyable. There were a few spoilers for things that are going to come up. But, with the way I jump around, I’ll probably have forgotten about some of them by then anyway.

I love that this is a story about Cat just trying to have a nice, relaxing girls’ weekend. And that it completely goes off rails and doesn’t go to plan. I mean, it wouldn’t be a story featuring Cat if anything actually went according to plan. Particularly a weekend that is all about relaxing… instead, Cat and her girlfriend get witch cults, horrors and some kind of ocean goddess. Although, surprisingly there are some survivors at the end… left on purpose and I liked the rationale for not just killing everyone.

Drunk Cat is one of the more humorous things I’ve read in a book in a little while. I mean, she is literally trying to fight the floor. And determined to still go out and kill a bunch of people. Typical Cat stubbornness, and seriously funny in that she actually succeeds in her goals. As bloody and violent as they are.

Through all of the drama and violence, Cat is trying so dang hard to figure out how to be a good mum. As a new mum myself, I understand some of this guilt and challenge. The fact that her child is actually a teenager and was trained to kill… a little bit harder than what I’ve had to go through. Her way of being a good parent and the compromise she reaches at the end is brilliant and reminded me why I love this author and series so much.

<- Goddess of Summer LoveDaiquiris and Daggers ->

Image source: Booktopia

Hex on the Beach by Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost & Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Hex on the Beach
Author: Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost & Melissa Marr
In: Hex on the Beach (Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost & Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology, eBook
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I loved every single one of these three novellas. One of those anthologies that I’m glad I have on the shelves. And one that I look forward to reading again and again. I mean, I kind of figured that would be the case because I’ve read all of these authors before and loved them all. But, it was still nice to be right in that assumption.

It comes as absolutely no surprise that I loved all of the series that these stories feature in. Two of which I’d already started reading, one of which I had in my TBR anyway. Now I just want to dive into these urban fantasy series all over again.

Even though all three novellas have that same summer vibe throughout this collection, they all have a wonderfully unique flavour. I love that there is the chilling with friends, enjoying a vacation feel, which goes completely belly up in every one of the stories. But, the ways that chaos hits the group is completely different for each tale.

A brilliant collection, one that I was completely in love with from the very first moment.

<- Goddess of Summer LoveDaiquiris and Daggers ->

Image source: Booktopia

The Bite Before Christmas by Lynsay Sands & Jeaniene Frost

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Overview
The Bite Before Christmas Large Print :HarperCollins Australia

Title: The Bite Before Christmas
Author: Lynsay Sands & Jeaniene Frost
In: The Bite Before Christmas (Lynsay Sands & Jeaniene Frost)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 20th – 26th December 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: He’d worked with Mabel to try to find Elvi a mate, had planned and arranged local fairs with Elvi.

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Synopsis

This holiday season, two of today’s most popular paranormal authors invite you into their worlds—where creatures are always stirring . . . and no one sleeps through the night.

Thoughts

I was surprised that this “collection” only contained two novellas. I had half expected it to have more like most of the other collections of this varietal. But somehow it just worked perfectly. I love that both stories are Christmas vampire stories. That they feature long nights and a whole lot of love. And lust. Because there should always be some lust involved…

Both of these stories are so different from one another. The Gift is a beautiful, slow burn romance that leaves you feeling very happy, and just a little bit tingly. Home for the Holidays on the other hand is a little bit more of an action-packed story. One that constantly gets your heart racing and leaves you turning the pages at record speed.

These two novellas were wonderful Christmas stories. They were fun and intriguing. Engaging and definitely a collection that I will be reading again and again in the future.

<- Home for the HolidaysThe Gift ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Home for the Holidays by Jeaniene Frost

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Overview
The Bite Before Christmas Large Print :HarperCollins Australia

Title: Home for the Holidays
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress #6.5, Night Huntress Universe #8.5
In: The Bite Before Christmas (Lynsay Sands & Jeaniene Frost)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 26th December 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: By the time he’d crossed the room to Denise, her eyes were wide and staring into nothing, all without Ian even needing to speak.

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Synopsis

Cat and Bones were looking forward to a normal holiday – at least as “normal” as it gets for vampires and their otherworldly friends and family. But their yuletide plans are shattered when a mysterious stranger shows up and reveals long-buried secrets that threaten to take a bite out of their holiday cheer – and lives.

Thoughts

I felt seriously, truly and deeply bad for Bones in this novella. After all, finding family after 200 years and then losing them would be incredibly difficult. Around the holidays and when you just don’t expect it… yeah, that would be seriously difficult and heart wrenching.

Cat and Bones may be two of my favourite urban fantasy characters. They are an amazing couple. One that is quirky and fun. And most definitely loyal. The crap that Cat goes through throughout this story to make sure that Bones is safe is extraordinary. I was both incredibly proud of, and kind of scared for Cat throughout this. Although, as with every Night Huntress story I’ve read so far, it did all end with a happy ending.

Every time I read a Night Huntress story; I want to read more. But I always seem to do it when I’m halfway through a whole other pile of books. So, I never quite get around to it. Maybe this time I will get to sink my teeth into another amazing tale before I get too distracted by another story…

<- The GiftThe Bite Before Christmas ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Death’s Excellent Vacation edited by Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner

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Overview
Image result for death's excellent vacation book cover

Title: Death’s Excellent Vacation
Author: Charlaine Harris, Sarah Smith, Jeaniene Frost, Daniel Stashower, A. Lee Martinez, Jeff Abott, L.A. Banks, Katie MacAlister, Christopher Golden, Lilith Saintcrow, Chris Grabenstein, Sharan Newman & Toni L.P. Kelner
In: Death’s Excellent Vacation (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 4th June – 26th November 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Still, appearances were deceiving.

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Synopsis

An all-new anthology of vampire stories edited and with an introduction by Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner.

Thoughts

I absolutely loved this collection. I normally love anything to do with paranormal fantasy anyway. But this is a particularly good one. After all, it’s all paranormal fantasy and urban fantasy stories that feature vacations.

It’s coming to that kind of year that I wish I got vacation time in y job. That I wish I could just take some time off and do whatever it is that people do on vacation. Which meant that it was really lovely to read a collection of short stories that feature vacations. All of which made me a little more thankful that I haven’t been going on vacation.

This is a collection that has a little bit of romance, a lot of humour, and generally anything that could possibly go wrong when you have vacation time does. It had me smiling and laughing throughout. I will most definitely be reading this one again.

<- Pirate Dave’s Haunted Amusement ParkTwo Blondes ->

Image source: Amazon

One for the Money by Jeaniene Frost

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Overview
Image result for death's excellent vacation book cover

Title: One for the Money
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress #4.5, Night Huntress Universe #4.5
In: Death’s Excellent Vacation (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 29th September 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: At least Tammy wouldn’t remember any of this.

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Synopsis

Cat and Bones’s romantic vacation is interrupted when they’re enlisted to guard a spoiled heiress with both human and undead hitmen on her tail. Things quickly go from bad to worse when details of their assignment make their way through the supernatural grapevine, and what started as a simple bodyguard job ends up being a fight for survival that neither Cat nor Bones saw coming. This story takes place after the events of Destined For An Early Grave and before the events of This Side Of The Grave.

Thoughts

I loved this short story. Didn’t exactly love that it takes place after the next novel I want to read in this series… it kind of gave a few big spoilers as to what happens. But, as always, hopefully by the time I actually get to reading that novel I won’t remember all of the minutiae and can still be surprised. Although, let’s admit it – I’ll be surprised regardless because Frost always manages to pack a lot of storyline and information into one story. Which, I, of course, love.

I absolutely adore Bones and Cat as a couple. They are sexual, intense and more than a little violent. All things that I apparently love in my fictional couples. We won’t delve too much into my brain to discover why I love the fact that Cat cuts ghouls heads off and blows up cars and such… it’s quite cute that this is their vacation and there is untold drama occurring.

One of the parts of this story that was a bit of a give-away, but still enjoyable was the way in which Bones taught Justina to defend herself. It was cute, a little awkward and involved lots of stabbing. It definitely hinted at this great idea that there was going to be some healing of old wounds and fractures in Cat’s relationship with her mother throughout the series… YAY!

<- The Boys Go FishingMeanwhile, Far Across the Caspian Sea… ->

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The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance edited by Trisha Telep

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Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of paranormal romance book cover

Title: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance
Author: Trisha Telep, Carrie Vaughn, Cheyenne McCray, Kelley Armstrong, Anna Windsor, Anya Bast, Jean Johnson, C. T. Adams, Cathy Clamp, Holly Lisle, Mary Jo Putney, Eve Silver, Ilona Andrews, Dina James, Maria V. Snyder, Catherine Mulvany, Jeaniene Frost, Lori Devoti, Sara Mackenzie, Lynda Hilburn, Alyssa Day, Michelle Rowen, Rachel Caine, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Meljean Brook & Allyson James
Series: Mammoth Books
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 3rd July – 30th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: I also didn’t feel threatened, or that I should try to escape his firm but tender grip.

Synopsis

Fall in love with someone out of this world

If love transcends all boundaries then paranormal romance is its logical conclusion. From the biggest names around, here are 24 tales to take you to another time and place.

Let Alyssa Day, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Cheyenne McCray, Jeaniene Frost, Ilona Andrews, Kelley Armstrong, Maria V. Snyder, Carrie Vaughn, Allyson James Marland and others show you powers beyond your wildest imaginings.

Within these pages mythical beasts, magical creatures of all shapes and sizes, heart-stoppingly handsome ghosts, angels, and mortals with extra-sensitive sensory perception play out the themes of extraordinary desires.

Thoughts

The thing that I love most about this collection is that it completely runs the gambit of supernatural and paranormal creatures. There are a number of standalone stories and tales that are part of series. But mostly, there’s just stories which feature vampires and werewolves; djinn and selkies. Some of the paranormal beings that feature in this are not ones that I normally come across. Which of course just made it all that much more exciting. You didn’t know what sort of paranormal creature would be next!

These stories were all sweet and incredibly easy to read. They’re tales which make you happy and kind of hopeful about true love. Something which I think everyone needs at some point in their lives. Having said that, there were a few unwieldy stories in this collection. They weren’t annoyingly so, but a few did need to be reread so that I could grasp what was really happening.

I recognised most of the authors in this collection. Which was good, because then I could turn to my shelves in some cases and grab down the books that will get me a further fix of their writing. There were a few that I need to add to my wish list. But mostly I got to enjoy the collection, without feeling the insane need to buy more, more, more books… which is probably a good thing for my bank account.

<- The Mammoth Book of On the RoadThe Temptation of Robin Green ->

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Four Dukes and a Devil by Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash & Tracy Anne Warren

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Overview
Image result for four dukes and a devil book cover

Title: Four Dukes and a Devil
Author: Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash & Tracy Anne Warren
In: Four Dukes and a Devil (Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash & Tracy Anne Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Regency romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 14th November – 17th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Avon Romance
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Could I, uh, get a glass wine?

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Synopsis

Fall in love with the unpredictable and irresistible dukes (and one dog named Duke) of Four Dukes and a Devil. Join New York Times bestselling authors Cathy Maxwell, Jeaniene Frost, and Tracy Anne Warren, along with USA Today bestselling author Elaine Fox and RITA Award winner Sophia Nash, for tales of noble danger and devilish desire.

Delicate young ladies must be protected from him.

First he steals her clothes, then he steals her heart.

Most would be terrified of this powerful vampire—but not him.

He’s “the catch of the century”. . . but she’s the only one he can’t have.

A young miss demands a kiss. But he won’t rest once she’s touched her lips to his.

With four dukes and one devil, there’s no limit on love.

Thoughts

I’ve had this collection on my shelf for a little while. And wow! Why did it take me this long? I completely loved all five novellas. They managed to run the gambit of romance genres and all featured good, strong women who you were completely gunning for the entire time. Five different couples, five different authors, five different settings, one really good adventure. This is the first collection in a long time that I have wanted to read cover to cover instead of taking a break in between like I usually do…

One of the things I loved about this collection is that although all five stories are romances of a sort, they’re from completely different genres. To start with there is a historical romance, then a contemporary one, then a romantic journey that features vampires and a demon. And finally, two regency romances to tie it all out. An intriguing mix, one that I would never have thought would work so well. But wow. It was impossible to put down and impossible to forget.

I now have many stories to put on my wish list… some are to expand on the series which this collection introduced me to, some just because I need to read more by some of these authors. Regardless, I have one more Night Huntress tale that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and four new authors to obsess over.

 <- Charmed by Her Smile ReviewThe Irish Duke Review ->

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Devil to Pay by Jeaniene Frost

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for four dukes and a devil book cover

Title: Devil to Pay
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress #3.5, Night Huntress Universe #3.5
In: Four Dukes and a Devil (Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash & Tracy Anne Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 15th December 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon Romance
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: No, Elise.

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Synopsis

Elise hasn’t felt anything since her fiance attacked her. But, a chance encounter with a demon possessed man could help her. With help from Menchares, she might just find a way to her happily ever after.

Thoughts

This year I’ve managed to read a few Night Huntress novels and each time, I fall a little bit more in love with the series. There is just something amazingly engaging and fun about it! But, what I got really, really excited about in this novella – it’s the first story so far in the series which features a demon! Not sure why, but that was a ridiculously exciting moment for me…

Although this story isn’t actually about Bones and Cat, they do still make their appearance. Which was much appreciated. Albeit, only briefly. But enough to give a great sense of continuity whilst you’re barracking for another couple and another supernatural difficulty. There’s nothing like spending a half hour to quickly revisit some characters and a world that you weren’t entirely sure you were missing… actually, mostly I was kind of disappointed that it was over.

Mencheres also makes a great appearance in this story. It’s nice to visit him after the occurrences in At Grave’s End. His was a bit of a tragic story, and you can feel the scars left on him – I look forward to getting to know this character more as the series develops.

But mostly, I just loved this novella because it was about a reclusive woman finding a way to live, love and exist again. I’m always a big fan of stories which feature a character overcoming the shit in their past and finding their own happily ever after… which happens in this. A great little read for late at night, after a long, horrible day…

<- At Grave’s EndDestined for an Early Grave ->

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Pack by Jeaniene Frost

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of paranormal romance book cover

Title: Pack
Author: Jeaniene Frost
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Werewolves
Dates read: 23rd November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: In short, he looked like your typical Yellowstone tourist, not the leader of a secret pack of monsters.

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Synopsis

All she wanted to do was go for a nice, long hike in the mountains. Instead she’s attacked by a werewolf, taken as hostage and quarantined with a man that is just far too tempting for her sanity.

Thoughts

As with all of Jeaniene Frost’s stories so far, I absolutely adored this story. She has a way of writing that combines strong women with difficult situations and a heavy dose of romantic lust that always leaves me with a huge smile on my face. There is just something about this writing that is a poignant reminder of why Frost is one of my favourite writers.

Yet, it’s not all sunshine and roses (again, why I like Frost’s writing)… there is a harsh beginning as the lead female is turned against her will and attacked. A sense of trying to find out who she is in a new world and re figure out how to exist. Many of the paranormal romances I read feature a turning that is unwilling and unwanted. Something which would be dreadful. This still follows that trend (and I kind of expect it from most, because who would really want to be a monster?), but it gives a much happier ending. One that isn’t too sappy either.

This short story, as much as it’s a romance, is all about choice. She gets to choose how to live, there is punishment because her choice is taken from her and the two love interests eventually choose to be together. In fact, the biggest divider for them is the fact that originally she is choosing not to succumb to their attraction…

 <- Pele’s Tears ReviewWhen Gargoyles Fly Review ->
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