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

Publication: April 29, 2008

Publisher: Avon

Source: Bought/Own

You can run from the grave, but you can’t hide… Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She’s still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind. Being around Bones awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline rush of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head—wanted: dead or half-alive—means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard Cat tries to keep things professional between them, she’ll find that desire lasts forever…and Bones won’t let her get away again. Original.

After reading Halfway to the Grave, I immediately needed to read book 2. One Foot in the Grave pretty much picks right where the first book left off. It’s four years later and Cat now works for the Homeland Security Paranormal Department. Even though time has passed, she is struggling with her attempts to move on and get over Bones.

Thankfully it doesn’t take very long in the story for Bones and Cat to reunite. He is still mad and hurt at Cat for leaving him like that. But he does understand why she did what she did. And even-though it has been four years, he loves Cat and their passion/chemistry is stronger than ever. They both show their jealous sides in this book when ex’s and love stuck co-workers come into the picture.  It was fun to see how everything played out.

Separately they are strong, stubborn, and smart. When they are together they make one heck of a kick ass team. I couldn’t picture them not being with each other. Jeaniene does a really good job with the development of these characters. Every single one of them is interesting and add something extra to the storyline. I devoured this book in a short time and couldn’t wait to start on book 3.

RATING: 4 out of 5.

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When a Scot Ties the Knot (Castles Ever After #3) by Tessa Dare

Publication: August 25, 2015

Publisher: Avon

Source: Purchased Book

On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shyly pretty and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart. A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter … and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely. Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He’s wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters… and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.

 

From the very moment I read the premise, I just knew I would like this book. It seemed to be both sweet and funny; just what I was looking for.

I loved this book. I cannot recall the last time I enjoyed a historical fiction romance more this year. Tessa Dare is my go to writer in that particular genre, and so far she hasn’t disappointed. I may not always love them, but I do like them. Up until now A Week to Be Wicked was my favorite book of hers. Now I am not so sure…When a Scot Ties the Knot is coming a close second to that one.

Madeline is a pretty woman, but she suffers from severe shyness. Whenever she is in the presence of a large number of people she freezes like a deer in the headlights; which is why she doesn’t care to have a debut or go to balls. After creating the story about a handsome Scottish captain in the military she found the perfect escape route. Or so she thought. After she “kills off” her imaginary love, Maddie inherits a castle in Scotland from her godfather. With just herself and her Aunt Thea, she is able to do what she loves…draw. Maddie is a naturalist. She has aspirations of becoming a well known illustrator. Maddie has a great talent for drawing animals, insects, and pretty much anything she puts her mind to. She always carries a pencil with her, no matter what.  

Who doesn’t love a guy who reads? Especially when that man is a sexy and well muscled Scot. I loved that twist...it was something I was not expecting. But it made logan even sexier in my opinion.  Logan is used to be in charge and having men under his command. He is very loyal to his men and he’s determined to see them have a home, land, and to make sure they find some sort of happiness. He thinks he isn’t a good man. He doesn’t expect or want love. But all of that changes when he meets Maddie.

I really enjoyed getting to know both of these characters. My only issue is that I felt that for all of the secrets Maddie shared in those letters to Logan (even though she didn’t believe him to be real at the time) he could have been more forthcoming with her about his life. I know that wasn’t the goal in the beginning. They had an arrangement, but still it would have been nice.

When a Scot Ties the Knot was one of the sweetest and funniest stories I have read so far this year. I fell in love with both Maddie and Logan almost instantly. They have great chemistry. I couldn’t get enough of them. If you are looking for your next historical romance read then look no farther.

RATING: 5 out of 5.

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

Publication: October 30, 2007

Publisher: Avon

Source: Purchased/Own

Flirting with the Grave... Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father - the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership. In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner - are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

After reading the first two books in the Night Prince series by Jeaniene Frost and loving them, I decided to try the Night Huntress Series. Book one is Halfway to the Grave and tells the story of Catherine Crawfield aka Cat. 

Cat has been basically brainwashed by her mother to think that all vampires are evil demons and need to be killed so the world can be a safer place. So what does she do? She goes out and kills them. Turns out she isn’t just a normal human, she is half human, half vampire. This is one leading lady that can definitely handle her own. She kicks butt and takes names. Cat is very good at what she does and she isn’t really afraid of putting herself at risk hunting vampires. But her world becomes a little bit more dangerous than she expected once she encounters master vampire, Bones.

Bones isn’t your average vampire. He is a master vampire. One who has been around for many many years. And with those years, he has developed knowledge and powers that make him tough to go up against. Bones is pretty badass. He is a unique vampire because he just happens to hunt down vampires himself. And that is how he happens to cross paths with Cat.

Cat and Bones end up working very well together. I loved them both. Bones has this weird sarcastic sense of humor that I enjoyed. And Cat is an impatient vampire killing machine. They are both stubborn and set in their ways, but were Cat is impatient, because of years and experience, Bones thinks things through a little better. And he was smart for trying to get Cat on his side knowing he could use her as an advantage.

Even though I liked Jeaniene Frost’s other series I was a little unsure about this one, but it turns out I was unsure for no reason. I ended up liking Halfway to the Grave very much. So much so that I am already on book five of seven in this series. The writing is well done and there is a ton of action...something is always happening. I never once felt the story lag. If you’re into vampire paranormal romances with a sprinkling of good humor, I would definitely recommend this series and author.

RATING: 4 out of 5.

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Romancing the Duke (Castles Ever After #1) by Tessa Dare

Publication: January 28, 2014

Publisher: Avon / HarperCollins Publishing

Source: Bought/Own

In the first in Tessa Dare's captivating Castles Ever After series, a mysterious fortress is the setting for an unlikely love . . . As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities. And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one. Ugly duckling turned swan? Abducted by handsome highwayman? Rescued from drudgery by charming prince? No, no, and… Heh. Now Izzy’s given up yearning for romance. She’ll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who’s never even been kissed? This one.

Izzy’s father has died and left her with no money and no home to stay in. But as luck would have it, she receives a letter stating that she has been named in the will of the Earl of Lynforth. So she packs up her meager belongings, and travels to Rothbury Castle in Northumberland in hopes that she inherit money.

Once she arrives, she discovers that it isn’t money she has inherited, its a castle...Gostley Castle to be exact. A castle that very much needs some TLC and already has an inhabitant. It happens to be the home to Ransom, the Duke of Rothbury. And he isn’t very happy to have her there. Even though he finds her intriguing, he doesn’t want her staying and he is pretty insistent, that there is a mistake and that Gostley Castle is still rightfully his.  But Izzy has nowhere else to go, and she isn’t so willing to just give up the chance of having a home.

Ransom is pretty stubborn…..he is vulnerable, and not just because he is blind. He’s afraid of falling in love, and doesn’t believe someone would truly want to be with him.  Izzy is witty and smart, but insecure about her looks. Ransom can push and try as hard as he likes to scare Izzy away, but she refuses to back down easily. I loved that. Despite their differences, Ransom and Izzy have great chemistry and they compliment each others personalities so well. I couldn’t get enough of them.

Tessa Dare’s books are the type of books you read when you want to laugh, swoon, indulge in a few steamy sex scenes, and enjoy a  good old fashioned romance. And that is exactly what I got when I read Romancing the Duke. It was the perfect romantic pick me up. And by the end of the story I wanted a Ransom of my very own.

RATING: 4½ out of 5.

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Twice Tempted (Night Prince #2) by Jeaniene Frost

Publication: March 26, 2013

Publisher: Avon

Source: Bought

Dating the Prince of Darkness has its challenges... Leila's psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn't sure what the future holds. If that weren't enough, her lover, Vlad, has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she's also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won't admit that he loves her. Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity... Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity.

After the first events from the first book, Leila finds herself hopefully just temporarily without her powers and questioning if Vlad still cares for her.  I feel like if I say too much, that this review will end up being too spoilery and I don’t want to ruin it for others who may have not read this book or the first one yet.

I was hesitant at first to start Twice Tempted even though I really enjoyed Once Burned. Mainly because I had heard mixed reviews on it, but I am glad that I didn’t let that stop me from reading it.

I loved seeing Vlad and Leila’s relationship progress. They are both stubborn and strong willed. It was interesting to see Vlad attempting to compromise and make things work with her, even though he is not used to doing that.

The bad guys are still out there trying to get to Vlad. Vlad has it all under control, but Leila is not a woman to just sit and do what she is told. She wants to help. Sometimes that makes her decisions seem a little reckless, but she has the best intentions. Unfortunately that can also get her into trouble.

Jeaniene Frost does a really good job at creating interesting plots and characters. I was hooked onto the story from the very beginning, and it never lacked in pace of the plot or events. I have mixed feelings about something that  happened to Leila. I sort of wished things would’ve stayed the same, but what are you going to do? The story was still fun and entertaining. I felt like something was always going on, but it didn’t feel like it was too much going on, which was great. I cannot wait for the third and I believe last book in the Night Prince series, Bound by Flames. It is expected to be releasing January 27, 2015.

RATING: 4 out of 5.

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