Book Review – Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Destined for an Early Grave
I was lucky enough to find this book one day early. I LOVED this book! Loved it! I have read a ton of books that have somewhat entertained me lately, but this one kept me wide awake until the wee hours of the morning, and then I woke up again a few hours later (purposely) to read some more before work!

It sucked me in quickly, and I was once again, right at home with Cat & Bones and the crew (despite it  having been many months since the last book in the series). I wondered if I would have any difficulties enjoying the action packed pace, again (as opposed to all the sugary vampire romance I’ve found myself reading lately). Not only did I get right in into it, I think I simply prefer this style. While the romantic tension is always an important part of this series, the lover’s turmoil is never “eye rollingly bad” (their “issues” always seem quite authentic and valid).

Bones and Cat discover that the haunting nightmares she is having, lately, are actually dream manipulations by an opposing (and handsome) vampire trying to claim Cat as his own. While she insists she doesn’t know him, secrets that are slowly revealed indicate a past that could alter her perception of life as she knows it, and threatens to tear apart the only true loving relationship she has ever known.

Bones continues to be possessive, protective,  and downright sexy;

“I think I should go to Don,” I said finally wiping my eyes. “He has facilities I don’t know about, and they’re built to withstand bunker-buster bombs. I could wait there until things calmed down. And then I wouldn’t be jeopardizing everyone around me-”

“You’re not going anywhere.”

Bones filled the doorframe behind Spade. I hadn’t even heard him come up the stairs; he’d moved almost as silently as Fabian. Green glinted in his eyes, and his expression was granite.

“In case you weren’t paying attention, Kitten, I’ll say it again. You’re not going anywhere. Not to Don or to anyone else. You’re mine, so don’t mention leaving again.”

The writing is as witty as always. Cat’s internal musings are hilarious. Her “speak before she thinks” ways, and the reactions from her entourage will keep you laughing out loud!

Here’s an example. Do you remember Mencheres (the ancient Egyptian vampire who is head of Bones’ line? Serious and wise, and all powerful?) His usual “serious” side takes on a silly twist. While the crew is discussing a serious and potentially dangerous issue, Cat finds herself irritated by his personality:

“Then you remember the dream,” Mencheres stated. “That bodes ill.”

The fear of that made my reply snappy. “Hey, Walks Like an Egyptian, how about for once you drop the formal stuff and talk like you live in the twenty-first century?”

“The shit’s gonna splatter, start buggin, yo,” Mencheres responded instantly.

I laughed and re-read that twice. Such a spontaneous reaction, and it endeared me to the usually “scary” Mencheres.

The connections between the numerous characters continue to grow. I adored everyone, and relished the huge support each character lends to the other, regardless of unresolved tensions. Vlad was particularly wonderful, and had a few sweet and compassionate moments, himself.

Everyone around Cat soon finds themselves fighting deadly battles, that threaten to erupt in an all out war, while Cat struggles for her own sanity and memories of her past, and battles to keep Bones and her together.

Chapter 17 was devastating. The blowup between Cat and Bones felt so real, so intensely desolate. Here’s is a tiny excerpt. It doesn’t come close to the emotional force of this confrontation played out in the entire chapter, but if this doesn’t hook you into wanting to read more, I don’t know what will…

Bones still didn’t look up. “If you’ve come to say goodbye, you needn’t bother. I don’t need a tearful explanation. Just walk out the same way you came in.”

A lump rocketed up in my throat. “Bones, that’s not-”

“Don’t touch me!”

I’d been about to smooth my hand across his back when he knocked my arm away so hard, it spun me.  Now Bones was looking at me, and the rage in his gaze pinned me where I was.

All I can say is I want more!!! Thank you Jeaniene for your incredible imagination and clever writing.

In the meantime, I have a favor to ask. I have given out recommendations to my readers as to what I recommended after the whole Twilight saga.

Now that I know I prefer this style of paranormal romance/adventure, what would you recommend to satiate me until her next installment? Maybe I should just re-read the whole series again? Yeah…that sounds like an idea!

5 stars!

Interested in the series? —> Jeaniene Frost – Night Huntress Series Reading Order