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

One Foot in the Grave

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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.

357 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 2008

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About the author

Jeaniene Frost

73 books26.6k followers
Jeaniene Frost is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, the Broken Destiny series, and the Night Rebel series. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty different countries. Jeaniene lives in Maryland with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies with her husband, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her.

For information on Jeaniene's books, book trailers, free reading, contests, creature mythology, and more, please visit: www.jeanienefrost.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,214 reviews
Profile Image for Kat Kennedy.
475 reviews16.2k followers
October 9, 2011
You know how sometimes I choose to litter my reviews with innapropriate words or themes? Like Austin Powers taking a giant shit in my Guilty Pleasures review, or my reoccuring use of the word 'balls' in my Shiver Review?

Well, the theme and word for the day is buttsecks.

As in: I was innocently reading One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost when the two main characters suddenly had buttsecks.

Now, I'm a shameless, wanton hussy with super magical slut powers, just like any other girl, but some things just kind of throw me off. Like buttsecks.

Buttsecks.

Yes, I'm not spelling it right on purpose.

Cat has been working in her secret organization for four years and hasn't seen Bones since she dumped him when she suddenly finds herself the target of a bounty and...Well, I don't care about the rest because there's buttsecks!

Like the first book, One Foot in the Grave contains a lot of sex, action, supernatural dudes and only moderate-to-light buttsecks.

Buttsecks.

The storyline is quite good with a clever little ending which contains absolutely no buttsecks at all.

The whole story is a bit of a blur. Tatiana tipped me off to the fact that there could possibly be buttsecks present. Interested, and ever increasingly perverted, I decided to see how the author would pull it off and what the author would describe it like. So basically, for me, this story started out with a beginning that was lacking in buttsecks, buttsecks, and the end of the story that was buttsecks-free.

Now I'm wondering why the author decided to do this. Was it to be different? To recreate a norm? To show this as a normal part of couple's love lives that is often not spoken about?

If it's the first then it almost certainly worked for me. I've already used buttsecks thirteen times in this review and I'm almost certainly going to use it more (buttsecks!)

If she's creating a norm in fiction, or to show a little seen side of secks acts that aren't talked about in polite society, then I can't, as a reader, relate but I can appreciate her for her efforts.

It was certainly different... I can't say that I found it a huge turn on to read about, but luckily Frost threw in several other moments to kind of even it all off.

So, in closing... buttsecks.

That's all I have to say, folks.

Buttsecks.


April 22, 2022
5 Life's a bitch and then one stabs you Stars

First read 2/22/2015
Reread 11/20/2015
Re reread 11/16/2019
reread 4/15/2021
reread 4/22/2022

*Spoilers*

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"I know you left me because you thought you had to protect me, that I couldn't handle the obstacles before us. So you tried to get on with your life because you believed it would never work between us. But you see, I couldn't get on with my life because I knew we could work. I've been looking for you every day since you left me, Kitten, and I'm sick of being without you. You've had your shot at things, now let me have mine."-Bones

Yay Bones and Cat are back in, One Foot in the Grave, the 2nd book in the Night Huntress series. And they are just as awesome and kick ass as they are in the first book. This book picks up right where the last book leaves off. At the end of the last book, Halfway to the Grave , Cat leaves Bones to protect him , and her mom. She goes to work for Homeland Security Paranomarl dept. This book starts 4 years later. Cat does her job, hangs out with her friend Denise, and trains her team, but she isn't happy. She misses Bones and still loves him. when she runs into Bones again at her friend Denise's wedding all those feeling that she tried to bury come rushing to the surface. When Bones tells her that he has been looking for her since the day she left him, that he still loves her and that he isn't going away, because she is in danger, She loses all her fight and takes him back. Now that she has her man back all she has to do is, keep her mom and boss from killing him, keep herself from getting killed, and find out who put a hit on her head. Just another day in Cat's life!

"If anyone's under a spell, Justina, it's me. Your daughter put one on me five years ago, and I haven't broken free of it yet. Oh, and you'll be delighted to know, we've decided to resume our relationship. Don't bother with congratulations-trust me, your expression is congratulations enough."-Bones

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"But I'm not going to let you or anyone else decide what I do with my personal life anymore. You don't have to like Bones. Hell, you can hate his guts for all I care, but as long as I'm with him, you will have to tolerate him. So will Don and the others, or...or I'll leave and never come back."-Cat

Bones is the sexiest vampire ever! He was even better in this book. I loved how he handled Justina (Cat's mom). His love for Cat was unconditionally and unwavering. He fought for her, searched for her, and never gave up on her. I loved Bones jealous side, but I feel he acted like a saint, because I would have killed Tate. Cat was as bad ass as ever. I love that she really shows some growth in this book, standing up to everyone, and not letting them trash talk Bones, or all vampires in general. She has a confidence in this book that was just sexy. And a smart mouth that had me laughing hard.

"You know the old saying. Once you go dead, no one's better in bed."-Cat

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He wore a purely masculine smile that had passed smug and hovered near conceited. I couldn't stop shaking, especially when he kissed me and I tasted blood and other things on his tongue. "Oh, Kitten," he growled. "You have no idea how much I enjoyed that. I've already spilled myself inside you, bloody hell, I thought you'd castrate me with your pleasure. Do you know how long you've been whipping around from the effects of my bite?" Not a clue. "Five minutes?" To my shock, my voice was hoarse and nearly unrecognizable. He chuckled. "Try twenty, give or take a few. The police have already come and gone; Annette sent them away. I think the neighbors thought someone was being murdered."-Bones and Cat

I missed Bones so much in the parts of the book when he was out of the picture, but I still loved Cat so much that it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book. That first time Bones said "Hallo Kitten" I squealed, bouncing up and down in my seat, clapping like a idoit yelling Yay Bones is back! Bones and Cat have such a strong connection. There is some ex drama in this book and of course Tate drama(Tate is one of Cat's team mates, but he is in love with her). OMG OMG OMG chapter 32. The sex in chapter 32 holy hell, it set my body on fire, melted my bones, made me start shaking, and left me basking in the afterglow. Fuck but that was the single best sex scene I have ever read ever. Ever! Bones is such a dirty naughty boy Dayum! I wanted to stab Bones's ex Annette and I was so happy when Cat beat the shit outta her and then of course stabbed her!

"I am going to knock the slut out of you, Annette," I gritted between clenched teeth. "And that should take some doing, you uppity English tramp!"-Cat


"I didn't miss, bitch. One flick of my wrist and you're a bad memory and an even worse smell. I think we need to have a little talk, woman to skank. I know why you're doing this. You want me to leave him again, but I can save you the oxygen in your words, because it won't happen. Bones forgave me for deserting him and running off for years, so you can bet your overused, group-orgy twat that I will forgive him for one bad mouthful of you. Now, are we very clear on that?"-Cat


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"Not everything, but some things. I knew without a doubt I'd fallen in love when we met. Then I knew I'd do anything to make you feel the same way."-Bones


Tons of action, amazing characters, and a great plot. I love this series and I can't wait to read the next one. I am a Bones and Cat fangirl for life!


"You'd better not stop fucking me," I snarled, and a decadent grin lit his face. "Because if you do, I'll drain you dry." Bones laughed, savage and exultant. "You'll drain me dry, but not my neck, and you'll beg me to stop before I'm finished," he promised before abandoning himself to the battle.-Cat and Bones


"Feeling better, mate?" he inquired of Cooper. "If not, you will soon. Don drained a pint out of me just now, Kitten," he said with a grin. "Seems the head pathologist didn't want to stick me himself. Poor bloke was quite jittery, though I can't imagine why." "Could be because you made dinner out of his assistant, amigo," Juan dryly commented. Cooper hadn't heard that. He swung his gaze to me. "We're letting him eat people?" "Apparently," Tate snarled.
Profile Image for Kristen.
841 reviews4,967 followers
February 20, 2015
4 1/2–Chapter 32! Need I Say More–Stars
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I love this book. I love Cat and Bones. They are quickly becoming one of my favorite paranormal couples. The only reason this book isn't a 5 star read is because I had a hard time staying engaged in the plot during the first 9 chapters. Frankly, I was bored out of my mind until the author stopped dragging out Bone's reappearance into the storyline. Other than that, One Foot in the Grave is a fantastic, enthralling, and sexy as sin read.
Profile Image for Kim.
734 reviews1,867 followers
October 16, 2010
This will be just me ranting instead of writing a review. But it has a few spoilers.

We pick up the story 4 years after the events of Halfway To The Grave. Cat is now Commander Cat (lawl), and she leads a special government team. She broke up with Bones and hasn't seen him since. She was never subtle to begin with, but now Cat is so goddamn hot, it seems like everybody around her is constantly trying to get in her pants. In the first book, Bones provided enough distractions to keep things interesting, but he's nowhere to be seen in the first half of the book. *yawns*

Cat is bordering on pathetic; she took the same last name as her former lover, she got the same tattoo on her hip, she hasn't slept with anybody since Bones and she spends her days snapping nasty comments at people, and thinking of Bones and his tongue. Obviously she is completely oblivious to all the admirers she has, because that's what a Mary Sue is supposed to do, right? Tate has to spell it out for her. And even then she doesn't get it.

The way Cat and Bones meet again is just one big followup of convenient plot devices. Cat has a best friend now, who gets married to a computer genius, completely out of the blue. (she is probably on honeymoon for the rest of the book because we don't hear from her again) And you already know this genius is going to be very useful some day (more like 10 chapters later). And you already know who is going to show up at the wedding. Only a massive amount of self-restraint causes Cat to keep herself in check when she sees Bones standing there in front of her, at the wedding. Which is completely out of character, since it's kind of her trademark. For example, when she meets the first vampire Bones made. Which is of course a woman. Who is in love with Bones. Who tries to scare Cat away by commenting on the massive amounts of sex they had over the past centuries. Result = Catfight.

Of course, they hook up again, and then I finally got to read the famous Chapter 32 my friends kept talking about. WTF was up with that? I kept thinking about pigs, because Morgan once told me they have 30-minute orgasms. That's pretty much what Cat went through for an entire night. With an audience. And with Bones boldly going where no man has ever gone before. Ick. I'm afraid to pick up the next book, because I'm positive the words 'golden' and 'shower' are going to pop up in the same sentence.

I'm not saying I didn't have fun while I was reading this but there was just too much stupid in there. Things like Cat 'forgetting' she was half naked while she paraded around for everybody to see, the completely ridiculous impromptu marriage (basically they cut their hands, slapped them together and said "by my blood, let's do this shit"), the OMFGICANTLIVEWITHOUTYOU romance... That and about 409 other little things that got on my nerves. After a while I was thinking "If I see her 'palming' one more goddamn silver knife I'm going to slap a bitch. Because that's basically all she does, besides being a foulmouthed bitch to everybody and shagging Bones. Meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ .
1,276 reviews8,833 followers
November 9, 2015
I don't know if Jeaniene Frost planned all along to do what she did in ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE, the second installment of her NIGHT HUNTRESS series, or if she adapted after reader feedback . . . Either way, it was an excellent call.

In HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE, Cat Crawfield was slammed with many, many truths that grossly conflicted with her upbringing. She was distraught and confused, and rightfully so . . .

BUT.

As understandable as it was for Cat to struggle with her new worldview, it was also frustrating and more than a wee bit tiresome.

So what do we do?

Fast forward four years. *tips hat to Frost* *admires ingenuity*

Four years in which Cat has time to grow and mature, to accept herself and her abilities, to come to terms with her new reality.

It makes for an infinitely more likable Cat.

Oh, she's still not perfect. She's brash and executes secondary plans without a full grasp of the vampire world she's entering, but still . . . a vast improvement.

The cast of secondary characters is greatly expanded in addition to the character development of our old favorites. Justina in particular is as entertaining as she is conniving:

My mother pulled me aside as soon as I left Noah. Her face was florid.
“Do you know what that beast did when you walked away from him at the bar? He
winked at me!”
Caught off guard, I laughed. God, that was priceless. She must have had steam coming out of her ears.
“You think that’s funny?” she irrationally demanded.
“Well, Mom, he risked his life for you, and then you tried your damnedest to have him killed. He may not like you.”

As for the plot . . . *grins evilly* . . . it was FANGTASTIC.

When last we saw Cat, she was forced to leave Bones. To protect him. To protect her mother (stupid cow). Misguided as she was, she had good reasons for slinking away the second his back was turned.

But this is Bones.

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He's not going to let her go without a fight, and, man alive, their reunion is . . . so much fun. It's horrible, really. Mortifying for Cat on so many (deserved) levels, but so, so fun.

And as random as what brought them together was, it was excellent timing. Cat had a run in with Bone's sire who now sought to add her to his collection of rare and beautiful things.

Like a painting. For his wall.

Bastard.

Then there's the night before the big confrontation . . . If you're familiar with this series, you know what I'm talking about. The night when Bones is determined to show Cat that he wants no one but her . . . The night where he DOESTHETHING.

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It's probably the single hottest vampire sex scene I've ever read. *loins are aflame*

SO. A definite improvement that I highly (HIGHLY) recommend. *fans self* *is useless* *doesn't care*
Profile Image for Cece ❀Rants, Raves &Reviews❀.
264 reviews1,173 followers
September 24, 2022
For a second book, I wanted....better secondary characters, more Cat and Bones: fight fight fight kiss kiss kiss, the mom to die, and what happened to Timmie? #the real MVP

Overall this second book did pretty well on delivering but it left a Timmie-shaped hole in my heart.
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So Cat is working for the government: stabbing people and getting paid for it. A regular white-collar, tax paying job. But without boy-toy Bones, she is lonely and there's some friend who just hangs around and tells her to get some *smh*

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“Dazzle Noah with your drinking skills, burn his ears with your language, but try to have a little fun with a guy you’re not intending to kill by the end of the night"

I had some high hopes for Denise, her introduction into the supernatural world really set up some great possibilites:
“To her credit, she hadn’t screamed, fainted, or done any of the things a normal person would. She’d simply blinked and said, “Wow. I owe you a beer, at least.”

However, their friendship together was explained rather than shown I wanted more bonding between the two, so whatever.
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Cat's character definitely matured more, realizing the dangerous positions from the first book and being more cautious:
“I slept with one of my knives under my bed, telling myself I wasn’t being paranoid. I was just being cautious. Yeah, right. I didn’t believe it, either.”

But for all you violent lovers that needs a heroine threatening to beat people up all the time, don't you worry your lil butt
“Her prim tone made me squeeze my glass so hard to avoid slamming it over her head that it shattered”

So of course Bones tracks her down at the agency and was somehow both extremely helpful and aggravating at the same time. ~Like I'm helping you but it aint for you sweetie...? ~

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“I have been stabbed, shot, burned, bitten, beaten unconscious too many times to count, and even staked. None of those held a candle to the pain I felt at seeing his mouth on hers.”

This book also *thankfully* answered some of questions about Bones, ooo backstory. Plus it entertaining as they were both trying to figure out their place within the vampires society together.

The first book literally revolved around Cat and Bones stabbing the shit out of vamps.

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Other characters only had importance if Cat and Bones were fighting them and that was it.

As such that first book, had a vibe of the vampires being college frat-boys where vamps all went to clubs to get drunk and feed off of humans. It was fine for the first book but lets be honest: some vamps have been alive for hundreds of years, I'm sure someone got their shit together .

Well lo and behold: this book delivered with wayyy more sophisticated societies and vampires who weren't there just to get stabbed *whoaaaa* Annette being the main one who was part of Bone's pastttttt.....
“A catfight, no pun intended. Annette said some nasty things and so did I, and then i stabbed her to make a point. Now that was a pun.”


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One of the best scenes was definitely Annette vs Cat followed by a clean-up afterwards where Annette " became blur of cleaning motion, like Martha Stewart on crack cocaine.” Lol

Now enter angry Bones:
“And that, Annette, is called Pilates,” I said, giving an exaggerated stretch.
“Very entertaining,” she hastened to agree, turning blameless eyes to him”
“Unless Pilates has become downright lethal, I’d say the two of you were fighting.”

One thing I definitely noticed was the improvements on secondary characters. They were more 3D and some of them were pretty funny/interesting so it added to general story. Juan, Tate , Dave, and Don. This group of guys were pretty hilarious- training, stabbing, and shamelessly flirting with each other.
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The banter between them was pretty great at times
“You called her Kitten? And she let you? She put me in a coma for three days when i called her that! My balls never recovered from her smashing them into my spine!”

But not quite the same as the first.
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*side note there was wayyy 2 much "mommy issues" in here*

Then of course some great lesson in the end that Cat ironically teaches even though the first book was about beating this very thought into her stubborn head..?

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“... overcome an unexpected heritage. We are who we make ourselves to be, no matter what. No matter what. You’re still you. You’ll still laugh, cry, do your job, lose at poker…

For a sequel it wasn't bad. An entertaining read, I'll definitely keep reading because the characters are entertaining as *fuck* and the plot seems to keep building up. This is less of a paranormal detective and more of a paranormal assassin. I dig it.
Profile Image for Ronda.
884 reviews161 followers
November 16, 2020
I loved the first book.... but this book was exceptional.. TRIPLE WOW!!! I loved Cat and Bones even more in this book, loved their relationship (even though I was shocked to see the time span between the two books) and loved even more the relationship between them and Cat's men....

I did shed tears in this book, near the beginning and towards the end, I laughed throughout the book and adored the interaction with ALL the characters! The story line was fantastic, full of adventure and addiction and I can't wait to start the next book!!!

What a fantastic series so far!!
Profile Image for Adina .
1,034 reviews4,253 followers
July 6, 2016
I read this terrible follow-up to the dreadful vampire novel, Halfway to the Grave a few weeks ago while I had my brain locked by a sad event. I could only read this kind of books, where any sign of intelligence from my part was not needed.

I do enjoy these kind of books from time to time so no problem there. What is inexcusable is that I considered to be a good idea putting myself again through the pain of reading this series. More cheesy love declarations, stupid jealously, bad action sequences. Even the “infamous” sex scene that all the reviews were raving about was a bit meh. Vampire juice, really??

I understand that the sexy bits are the most important parts of a paranormal romance but I also expect an interesting story, something that does not make me want to puke.

No more from this author, no more.
Profile Image for Amy | Foxy Blogs.
1,594 reviews1,030 followers
June 19, 2015
BONES DOES IT AGAIN!!

Bones has some of the most humorous lines I’ve ever read in paranormal romance books. But I have to hand it to Cat because she had the best line in the whole book:

“You know that old saying. Once you go dead, no one's better in bed.”

I love Bones & Cat together because I know I'm in for a fun adventure. My only fault I had with this story was the beginning of the book because it lacked Bones. I found myself struggling to stay interested in what was happening with the plot line. Once Bones showed up I was all in.

I listened to this one and was a little weirded out that the voice for Noah is the same voice the narrator used for a different book: Flat Out Celeste (Justin). I’m glad he didn’t play a very big role in the book because it was off putting to hear that voice and think of Justin from the other book.

Overall I enjoyed the audio and found myself entertained when Bones was calling the shots. Now that I'm hooked on the series I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment in Night Huntress series.

SERIES:
Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, #1) by Jeaniene Frost One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, #2) by Jeaniene Frost At Grave's End (Night Huntress, #3) by Jeaniene Frost Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress, #4) by Jeaniene Frost This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, #5) by Jeaniene Frost One Grave at a Time (Night Huntress #6) by Jeaniene Frost Up From the Grave (Night Huntress #7) by Jeaniene Frost
Ms. Frost has a recommended reading order that can be found here.

Novellas:
Reckoning (Night Huntress, #0.5) by Jeaniene Frost Happily Never After (Night Huntress, #1.5) by Jeaniene Frost Devil to Pay (Night Huntress, #3.5) by Jeaniene Frost Magic Graves (Night Huntress, #4.5; Kate Daniels, #0.5) by Jeaniene Frost Home for the Holidays (Night Huntress #6.5) by Jeaniene Frost
(#0.5)(#1.5)(#3.5)(#4.5)(#6.5)

descriptive text here

Profile Image for Shawna.
3,597 reviews4,705 followers
May 17, 2022
Reread/listened to the audiobook May'2019:

Still a 5++ star favorite read, and chapter 32 will smoke your knickers off!

Original Rating/Review July'2009:

5++ stars – Vampire Romance/Urban Fantasy

WOW...just WOW! I loved, loved, loved this book! Cat and Bones are back with bite in One Foot in the Grave, and as amazing as the first book was, this one’s even better.

Cat’s kick-ass vampire slaying is ramped up much higher this go round, and we also get a nice appetizingly, mouth-wateringly luscious, juicy Bones fix that had me melting like an ice cream cone on a hot summer day...Y-U-M! There’s lots of fast paced, high-octane action, witty laugh-out-loud humor, sarcastic, hilarious dialogue, an uproariously fun catfight, and smokin’ hot romance, including one delectably erotic sex scene that almost necessitated calling the fire department to hose me down when I nearly burst into flames! Seriously, it’s one of the hottest scenes I’ve ever read because it consists of some very delicious, tantalizing possibilities/fantasies (fangs included) of having a doting vampire for a lover whose sole desire is to deliver ultimate, exquisite pleasure. Bones is flat-out one of the sexiest, most deliciously yummy bad-boy romantic heroes ever, and he definitely rivals and exceeds Edward and The Brothers for my very top favorite, hottest vamp! Marry me, Bones!!!!

Here are a couple of funny quotes from the book that I liked:

Cat chasing down a vamp, (page 111)

...“cursing my heels and debating whether it was faster to stop and take them off--damn ankle straps!--or keep running with the potential neck breakers. Wouldn’t that make a charming epitaph? Here lies Cat. Killed not by fang, but Ferragamos.”

Bones trying to prove that Cat still has feelings for him, (page 112)

“It was if you were sending me a bloomin’ valentine.”

So if you like bad-ass, butt-kicking heroines, uber sexy vampire heroes, and a fun paranormal/urban fantasy romance with a terrific mix of thrilling action, dark humor, and hot sex, give Cat and Bones a read...you won’t be disappointed! Verrry big 5 stars!

*One of my very top favorite PNR reads ever!
*A top favorite PNR series!
*Cat and Bones are my favorite romance/PNR couple!
*Bones is my all time #1 top favorite hot bad-boy vampire hero!
Profile Image for Sophia Triad.
2,240 reviews3,604 followers
December 13, 2017
4 years ago, Bones made a promise (a threat? a friendly reminder?):

“If you run from me, I will chase you, and I'll find you....”

Cat never expected to see him again. She had tried to push him away in order to protect him, but she never liked what she did. They were together for just a few months, but she still loves him. Now she has an important job to do in the Homeland Security Paranormal department. Not very different to the one she used to do when she was working with Bones. She still plays the role of bait in missions in order to catch bad vampires. Having a beating heart, nobody suspects that she is half vampire.

Fate will bring Bones back to her. When Cat’s best friend gets married, Cat will be surprised to learn that the best man is Bones.

Bones and Cat “shockingly” (yeah right) will be together again, but this time there will also be lots of jealously in their relationship.

There will be Annette drama.
There will be Tate drama.

Cat will prove to be a badass possessive half-vampire ( “And that, Annette, is called Pilates” )
Bones will prove to be a cheeky bastard possessive vampire master ( “She's my kitten, and no one else's.” )

Don’t miss Chapter 32! Take your time reading it and better read it when you are alone…

Do you know how long you've been whipping around from the effects of my bite?"
Not a clue. "Five minutes?"
To my shock, my voice was hoarse and nearly unrecognizable. He chuckled.
"Try twenty, give or take a few. The police have already come and gone; Annette sent them away. I think the neighbors thought someone was being murdered."
Profile Image for Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘.
1,314 reviews2,976 followers
January 14, 2021
Third re-read: 14.01.2021
I love Cat and Bones together, and I specially love Bones. However, I wish Cat was more... accepting to the vampire ways. I kinda feel - and I'm sorry for saying this - that she somehow holds Bones back. At least a bit. He's a vampire, and a damn dangerous and powerful one, but we don't get to see it as much, as we more see how badass Cat is.
New Rating - 3.5 stars.

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Bones is awesome*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

Second re-read: 06.11.2018
The second book in the series starts with over a four years gap since the previous book ended. Half-vampire Catherine ‘Cat’ ‘Cathy’ ‘Kitten’ ‘Commander’ ‘The Red Reaper’ Kathleen Crawfield (27) is now working for the government after making a deal with them. The only one who know who she really is vampire bounty hunter/hit man Crispin Phillip Arthur Russell III (Crispin was his human name) ‘Bones’ (245? 246?), who Cat left behind in order to save him. After all, they can't really have a future together. However, love is hard to get rid of, specially when one refuses to move on. Overall, it's a awesome - not the best though - book in the series. On to the next one! Oh and I love how
“Miss. Cristine Russell.” That was the name I went under now, another tribute to my lost love, since Bones’s human name had been Crispin Russell. My sentimental curse would be the end of me.

Other Character:
Justina Crawfield, Cat's mother.
Baron Charles ‘Spade’ DeMortimer, Bones' best friend.
Liam Flannery aka Ian (over 200), Bones and Spade's shire/master.
Rodney, a ghoul and friend of Bones.
Donald ‘Don’ Williams (around 50), the head of a unit in the FBI called the Paranormal Behavior Division; a combination of CIA, FBI, and the armed forces. He's Cat's boss.
Tate Bradley (late twenties), had been a sergeant in the Special Forces, a very select unit of them, is now on Cat's team. He's Cat's second-in-command.
Dave and Juan, Cat's other two captains.
Denise, Cat's friend for over three years. Cat saved her from a vampire. Randy, who becomes her husband.
Cooper, a new member of Cat's team (2 months), he’s smart, fast, and ruthless. His years as an undercover narcotics officer probably helped there. He’s performed well in training operations, so they are now trying to see how he does in the field. He doesn’t like Cat; thinks she’ll turn on them one day because she a half-breed. He becomes Cat's third captain.
Mencheres (looks no older than 30), the vampire who made Ian, so that makes him Bones' fang granddaddy/grandsire. He’s a very powerful vampire who Ian wouldn’t want to cross. Mencheres sees things; visions, glimpses of the future, that sort. It’s one of his powers. He can also read humans’ minds, and it seems, half-breeds, too (but not vampires’ minds).
Annette, the first vampire Bones had ever made. She had help him when Bones was human, and Bones wanted to return the favor; to become a vampire, she accepted.
→ Dr. Noah Rose, a vet who starts dating Cat.
“You’re dating a vampire! You just admitted it!” Tate burst out.
I shrugged. “You know the old saying. Once you go dead, no one’s better in bed.”

Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy?.
Series: - Series, Book Two.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Bones.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably.
New Rating - 3.5/4 stars.

Re-read: 19.04.15
Bones is amazing.

First read review:
On to the third one! Can't get enough of Bones!
Profile Image for Rachel  L.
1,951 reviews2,408 followers
August 16, 2020
reread 8/2020

4.5 stars!

Another fantastic reread! While I don't love it as much as the first, it's a solid follow up to an amazing book. I love Cat and Bones, and that one scene. YOU KNOW WHAT SCENE! Anyways, ignore the horrible covers, this is one of the best PNR series out there.
Profile Image for Emily May.
2,055 reviews311k followers
May 4, 2011
EDIT: I'm adding a honorary star to the first two books in this series, just because Frost has been consistently awesome throughout.

I really really enjoyed this book but I just can't quite bring myself to award it 5 stars when you compare it to, say, Margaret Atwood's genius in The Handmaid's Tale or the deeply entwined mystery/romance/mythology of Darkfever and the rest of the Fever series. This is an easy-to-read addictive series with a heroine who is likeable, brave (without being unrealistically so), and pretty much always horny. That last point being awesome when you have a sexy character like Bones as the love interest.

People may say Bones is a complete rip-off of Spike from Buffy, and they're right - he is. But since when did that become a bad thing? Spike is the one true love of my media-saturated heart and Bones does everything he did, says most words and phrases that he said (sodding, shagging, bloody hell) and has a lot of hot, kinky sex like Spike also did with Buffy :D Not to mention the fact that he is a very selfless bed partner. Still, I don't feel right giving 5 stars to a novel that is, when all things are said and done, just a really good and really smutty Buffy fanfic.

But I do also like the way Bones can be caring without having to play the over-protective male. It happens all the time in paranormal romance that the girl's weaknesses are played upon and in swoops Mr gorgeous-and-usually-dead to save the day. But in this series, Cat and Bones are a team, working to watch out for one another without it being one-sided; and Bones never underestimates Cat's ability or judgement. You may be guessing by now that I sort of really love Bones.

What this book claims to be and just isn't that much is Urban Fantasy - the lines tend to blend between UF and paranomal romance sometimes but this series is definitely the latter of the two, regardless of what the library sections try to say it is. It is heavily focused on character relationships and sex, not that this is a bad thing in my opinion but the bad guy (or girl) of the moment often gets put on the back burner in favour of the protagonist's sex life. Like I said before - smutty fanfic.

So this book, in fact this series, is not perfect. I could complain on and on about the story not being particularly great because Frost focuses her energy on what Bones can do with chains and blindfolds (the answer - a lot), but what would really be the point when I enjoyed reading this so much. Goodreads' rating system doesn't offer opinion on quality of plot or writing in particular, just "liked it", "really liked it" and so on... well, yeah, I really liked it.
Profile Image for Helen 2.0.
458 reviews1,178 followers
August 29, 2016
A good read, but nowhere near as gripping and emotionally involving as the first Night Huntress installment.

I had tons of fun readng One Foot in the Grave because of the wit, snarkiness, and generally funny moments all over the book. This one resembled the last book in that way. I've picked out some of my favorite quotes/passages:
"Life's a bitch and then one stabs you."

Just like old times, I thought ironically. I look like a slut, and Bones is my backup while I go after murdering fang-bangers. The only thing that would make this complete would be to take off my underwear.
Then I smiled. And went back into the stall.

"You know the old saying. Once you go dead, no one's better in bed."

"What's next? You going to whip out a dick and say you're really a man?"

"Wrong way, Bones. The men's showers are in the oppostie direction."
"I'll file that away with all the other information that doesn't pertain to me."

"You will pay with pain for that."
What was I supposed to say? It wasn't good for me, either?

So needless to say I laughed a lot in the process of reading. This book made me very happy.

However I did have some issues with it. For one, Cat slut-shames a lady at a wedding, and I can't stand people who slut-shame. How can women do that to each other? I expected better from Cat.

My biggest problem was Bones and Cat's relationship. Even after spending 4 years apart, when they meet again it's like nothing can ever bring them apart again. I'm glad Cat and Bones are so perfect for one another, but it doesn't motivate me to keep reading. If no obstacle can create serious conflict in their relationship, then why should I read about it? No conflict = nothing driving the plot = nothing to interest me. I could just congratulate Cat and Bones on their perfect love lives and move on to a different series.
Profile Image for Jilly.
1,838 reviews6,380 followers
August 1, 2017
It's full of tropes, totally predictable, a little cheesy, but still:





Yeah, if there are t-shirts, mousepads, and coffee mugs that say "Chapter 32" on them, you know something big happened in chapter 32. Pun intended.

So, here's the last few lines in Chapter 31:

Cat: "if I don’t wake up tomorrow red in the face from embarrassment at what you did to me, I’ll be disappointed."

Bones: "Now, I am short on some props, and there isn’t nearly enough time in one night to run through all the ways I’ve fantasized about taking you, but I promise you this…. you’ll be scandalized in the morning when you can think again.”




She was scandalized all right. I was scandalized! ...well, not really. I'm old and have read plenty of smut. It would take a lot more than THAT. But still - the sex had been pretty mild up to this point. And then:


BOOM BABY!

So, sex with Bones would basically kill me at this age, but reading about it? Definitely good for the old ticker.



P.S. I know I didn't tell you anything about the book. It's an old book so you already know. Also, there's a blurb - read that if you want to know what it's about. I'm not your mother. Although, we've established I'm old enough to be.
Profile Image for Auntee.
1,322 reviews1,417 followers
July 16, 2009
The most reading fun I've had all year! Can I give this book more than 5 stars? This book has it all--the totally unique characters, the imaginative story line, the ultra witty dialogue, the set-the-sheets-on-fire bedroom action, the kick a** heroine, and the number one, sexiest bad-boy 'Master' vampire of all time, the swoon-worthy Bones! Oh my, he may have just replaced Rhage as my all-time favorite vamp! God, the things he says and does...words cannot describe his utter hotness...to try to do so would do him a disservice.:)

This book was just jam packed with goodies from the start with nary a slow spot. Half vamp/half human Cat and vampire bounty hunter/former gigolo Bones are temporarily broken up (I never thought it would last 4 years!--how could she keep herself from him for 4 years?) but the way Bones comes back into her life (*sigh*) you know that Cat doesn't stand a chance in hell of resisting him! Cat has a whole new career working for the government as a Special Agent (complete with her own team of men--who all deserve their own books, btw), ridding the world of some really unsavory vampires. There's lots of grisly battles, but Cat's a tough, cool customer, and can handle anything, except when it comes to her feelings for Bones. And once he steps back into her life you know she's toast.

There's lots of violence and some grisly scenes involving some bad vamps (I'm in awe of Jeaniene Frost's wicked imagination), but there's no skimping on the romance. The pages just come alive whenever Cat and Bones are together, and the big romantic scene when Cat tells Bones to not hold back and that she wants all that he can give her...whew...have plenty of ice ready, because you're going to need it! Hot, hot, HOT!!

I loved the cat fight (no pun intended) between Cat and the first vamp that Bones 'made', the Susan Sarandon look-alike and devilishly skanky Annette--go Cat, put that b**** in her place! I loved the remark that Cat made to her teammate Tate (who has an annoyingly mad crush on her) while defending her relationship with Bones--"Once you go dead, no one's better in bed." This book was filled with those witty remarks, icluding this one from Bones to Cat..."Hallo, luv. Long time no taste.":)

And finally, I loved how the book built and built until the final showdown between Cat and her long lost Daddy vamp, and the vamp who originally 'made' Bones--awesome fight scene that had me on pins and needles and outrageously witty dialogue. And just when you think you've read it all and had enough, Frost throws a big fat curveball at the end and provides some more "ghoulish' entertainment that would make Stephen King proud!

Well, I could go on and on about all the entertaining sequences in this book, but what I loved the most was the staggering love between Bones and Cat--they are without a doubt my favorite paranormal romance couple. I just can't get enough of them--they are scorchingly hot! I don't know what else Jeaniene Frost has in store for them, but I'm ready. Bring on At Grave's End! 5 big stars!
Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].
1,275 reviews3,329 followers
March 21, 2022
Does this book have one of the best reconciliation scenes in romance, or WHAT?

As a general rule, I tend to dislike second-chance romances, because they usually involve tons of angst and stupid miscommunication. Here, though, I was all for it because of the following reasons:

⤅ Cat is the one who initiated the separation, at the end of the first book. When heroes do it, it infuriates me, but I freely admit that I vastly prefer a heroine who leaves for the hero's own good.

⤅ Bones never once stops chasing her. It's awesome. He spends the intervening four years trying to track her down, and he is NOT HAPPY when he finally finds her. That kind of anger in a hero, I love reading about, because it's the anger of someone who loves the heroine and is furious she left him.

⤅ The way Cat and Bones handle OW drama is everything. While some readers may find his desire to keep Annette (an ex-partner) in his life distasteful, I'm not a monster: I recognise he's had affection for her since before Cat was born, and I understand why he wouldn't want to cut her out of his life completely. BUT. He makes it super, super clear that if Annette ever does anything to hurt Cat, she is gone.. She has to know her place - she might love him, but he doesn't love her, and he won't act like her feelings are more important than Cat's. How incredible is that?

⤅ Cat is also more than capable of handling Annette on her own. It just helps that she has Bones backing her up every step of the way.

⤅ Both are celibate (technically at least) during the separation. I find that I can forgive Bones's almost-slip, considering Cat did leave him. And scenes of him being jealous over Tate and Noah? EVERYTHING.

⤅ The whole plotline with her dad, and Ian, is super interesting. I really like the way Ian has been portrayed throughout the series, as a sort of antiheroic figure. I'm glad s0 much of that survives in his own series, even though his romance with Veritas has as much chemistry as a wet paper bag.

⤅ The way Cat and Bones's relationship develops after they meet again is so believable and nuanced. He struggles to trust her, but really wants to, while she's remorseful yet acknowledges she did what she thought was right.

Honestly, I can't believe I let so many years so past before I reread this series.

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Profile Image for Carole (Carole's Random Life).
1,896 reviews545 followers
February 23, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I am having a lot of fun with my audio re-read of this series. It has been a little more than five years since I read this book the first time so it was definitely time to revisit this wonderful story. This was a book that once I really got into the story, I didn't want to put it down. I ended up listening to the whole audiobook in just a couple of days and I think I liked the book even more the second time around.

I do have to admit that I had a bit of a rough start with this book. This book begins several years after the events of the previous book where Cat left Bones to protect him. She is working her government job that she took to protect her mother at the end of the first book. She is very good at her job and has a good team working around her.

I learned something very important while listening to this book. I like Bones a whole lot more than I like Cat. So much more. Bones wasn't around for the first part of this book so it was all Cat. I missed Bones. A lot. As soon as Bones entered the story again, my enjoyment increased dramatically. If you had asked me a year ago, I would have told you that I loved Cat and Bones. I discovered that I do love Bones but Cat has the potential to drive me a little crazy at times. Maybe by the end of my re-read of the series, I will love her just as much as Bones.

There are quite a few really important developments in this book. Bones and Cat are reunited which is a very good thing. Cat is in some danger which is not so good but Bones is able to help keep her safe since he is back in her life. We do also get to meet some other important characters including Cat's team and some of Bone's friends and acquaintances. There are some pretty intense action scenes and some scenes that are more than a little hot.

Tavia Gilbert does such a great job with this series. She really brings both Cat and Bones to life. I love the voice that she used for Bones and think that the accent is perfect. All of the characters are very easy to distinguish with each voice used being unique and very believable. She handled a wide range of emotions and a lot of different types of scenes with ease in this book. I had no trouble listening to this book for hours at a time.

I do highly recommend this series to others. This is the second book in the Night Huntress series which really should be read in order since each book builds on previous events. I can't wait to continue my re-read of this amazing series!

Initial Thoughts
I had fun with this one. I had a bit of a rough start with it though. I found that I am a much bigger fan of Bones than I am of Cat and Bones was absent during the first part of the book. Even when Bones was back in the story, Cat still drove me nuts at times with her actions and jealous behavior. Don't get me wrong...I still had a great time with it. Tavia Gilbert did a fantastic job with the narration.

Book source: Audible purchase
Profile Image for * Meli Mel *.
856 reviews675 followers
January 22, 2014



♥♥♥ 4 "HOLY CHAPTER 32" STARS ♥♥♥



●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

“This isn’t going to be easy,” I grumbled as we headed toward the exit.

Bones shrugged. “Nothing worthwhile ever is.”

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

I couldn't wait to start this one! I had been told that Chapter 32 would blow my mind! And it did! I seriously want Bones so bad!



It's been four years, that right FOUR years (I was surprised myself), since Cat left Bones to become a secret agent for the government that deals with paranormal cases. By now, everyone has heard about the "Red Reaper", and as a result, someone is trying to have her assasinated. Her team is not enough to keep her safe. Then Bones finds her, and wants to do whatever he can to help her. She doesn't think she can be near him, especially when he gets her all hot and bothered with his mere presence. She agrees anyways. But that also brings exes into the mix which in turn brings jealousy. (So, you know it's gonna be good, right?)





●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

“You know I still care about you, obviously, but it's more than tat. I'm...I still love you. I've never stopped, actually, even though I tried to snap out of it over the years. I don't expect you to feel the same way, but-"

"I've never stopped loving you. Not for an instant. Even when I was so angry at you for leaving me, I've always loved you, Kitten."

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●
Cat was still the kickass vampire hunter Bones taught her to be. But just like in the first book, I had trouble liking her at first. She actually annoyed me quite a bit in some scenes, I think more so than the first. But by the end of it, I managed to like her again. I feel for her, because of her crazy annoying as hell mother. She still hates vampires and I REALLY hope that it one day changes. How can she possibly hate Bones?? I just don't get it, especially when he constantly shows how much Cat means to him. Cat, was awesome in this one when it came to fighting. I was looking forward to those scenes because she was quite the badass. I really enjoyed the jealousy Cat and Bones felt when it came to their exes. But it did sometimes become too much when all I really wanted was more moments of Bones and Cat together.




●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

“You called her Kitten? And she let you? She put me in a coma for three days when I called her that! My balls never recovered from her smashing then into my spine!"

"And well she should have," Bones agreed. "She's my Kitten, and no one else's”

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●
Bones was still his sexy, swoony, possessive self. If anything, this book made me love him more. He was Amazing!! I think Bones really does make the series for me, that's how much I love this beautiful vampire. When Bones and Cat reunited, I wasn't sure how they would both react. But I was oh, so happy that the sexual tension between them was very much there. Like I mentioned before, I kept hearing about the infamous Chapter 32. When I finally got to it, Sweet Baby Jesus!! That scene was really HOT!! I didn't know Bones could do those things, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. YOWZA!! He is just the best!

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

“I’ll never look at your fangs the same way after last night. A part of me wants to apologize for holding you back before, and the other part wants you to apologize to me because you knew better!”

He laughed again. "I still have more to show you, trust me..."

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●
I really enjoyed the this one. I liked the storyline, but for some weird reason, I felt like I liked the first one more. I don't know why exactly. I'm not sure if it was because there weren't as many scenes with Bones and Cat just talking with one another about them together. Maybe it was because I could feel their connection more in the first one than in this one. I can't really tell you what exactly it was. But, I still thought this was a really good second book. I loved it and the ending was crazy!! Seriously loved the ending! I will say one thing, though, I missed my adorkable Timmie from the first one, Ha! Overall, I freaking enjoyed this one, *cough* especially Chapter 32 *cough* and I'm so excited to find out what will happen next. I totally recommend this one.


Profile Image for Brenna.
578 reviews458 followers
December 22, 2014
CAUTION! This (audio)book may lead to poor decision making, hazardous driving, and collisions between cars & trashcans.

Yep, this book is that good! I still maintain that the trashcan came out of nowhere... ;)

One Foot in the Grave begins four years after book #1, Halfway to the Grave ends. Cat is working for a secret part of the government being a badass ass, killing vampires everyday, you know, the ushe... Things are pretty rocky with Bones & the story begins with us not knowing how/when we'll get more of our favorite undead hunk. Of course he isn't out of the picture for long, thank goodness!

“Careful, luv. I might be angry with you, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still want you. So if you do that again, I’ll shag you right here, right now, and sod anyone who wants to watch.” SQUEEEE!

Cat is in danger, there's a price on her head and everyone wants the infamous "Red Reaper" dead. With the help of Bones, her team (kinda loving Juan & Tate!), and some other random human/undead friends they hatch a plan. Along the way, there are some bumps. Bones has a past and a long list of woman come along with that. It was pretty entertaining to see Cat & Bones's possessiveness. Cat can definitely put an undead ex in their place when needed! Heheheh! Cat's mom was a pain, like always. Even though I love how Bones gets under her skin, I really hope she ends up coming around at some point. It drives me crazy the way she talks about vampires, when her own daughter is 1/2 vampire.

I loved Bones just as much in this one, but Cat not quite as much. She is still really entertaining and funny, but she is much harder and more serious. She's always been really brave and tough, but doesn't have the slight innocence that she had in the first book that I found endearing.

And OMG! I experienced the famous CHAPTER 32! Dun dun dun! LOL! It was pretty effing EPIC! HOT HOT HOT!

“I’ll never look at your fangs the same way after last night. A part of me wants to apologize for holding you back before, and the other part wants you to apologize to me because you knew better!”

I loved this book! I thought the first was slightly better, I can't really put my finger on why, maybe it was just the feeling I had at the end of book 1, I felt like I HAD TO start the next immediately. This one was still amazing and there is a pretty big surprise (make that two) at the end that I definitely wasn't expecting. I'm curious to see where things will go. I love when I feel like I have no clue what's up next in a series!

“This isn’t going to be easy,” I grumbled as we headed toward the exit. Bones shrugged. “Nothing worthwhile ever is.”

4.5 stars



Profile Image for Sarah Elizabeth.
4,774 reviews1,343 followers
November 21, 2015
I was looking for something non-boring to read, and decided that since I loved this the first time I read it, I’d read it again. That being said, I didn’t like it quite so much the second time around, but the ending did save it a bit for me.

Cat came across as a little naïve in this book, although she did improve as the book went on. So many people seemed to get the drop on her though, even if she did get them back eventually, that I wondered how she stayed alive on her own for so long!

The storyline in this was about Bones and Cat’s relationship, as well as she vampire politics, and Cat’s job as the red reaper. I did find this a bit slow in places, but it did improve towards the end, and I liked the action at the end too.
There was quite a steamy sex scene in this one, although there was lots of biting involved.

The ending to this was alright, and it will be interesting to see what book 3 is like.



6.5 out of 10
Profile Image for Tammy.
126 reviews
August 10, 2009
Cat & Bones, Part II packs a punch and leaves you craving more.

The plot moves smoothly, the writing is sharper and wittier than the first book, there is oodles of action, the love scenes left me shaking. Literally. The author writes a particular love scene that is very original and hotter than Hades. I've never read anything like it before!

Kudos to Jeaniene Frost for taking a chance and starting this book four years later. Most books in a sequel take place one right on top of the other, but this worked for me. Mostly in part because Cat has spent the last four years as a federal agent, training her own speciailized team of vampire killers for a little known branch of Homeland Security. I was thankful I wasn't forced to read all the boring details. Don't get me wrong - the guys on Cat's team are funny, interesting characters who I hope to read about again in the near future. They prove their loyalty to Cat over and over again. But I read these books for one reason and one reason only: Bones. Any page with Bones on it is a Very Good Page.

Cat has also spent the past four years trying to adjust to her life without Bones. Unsuccessfully. When attending her best friend's wedding, she runs into an unexpected guest and is reunited with a member of the wedding party. Things heat up almost immediately. Suddenly there are several attemps on Cat's life from both the dead and the undead world. She is forced to trust Bones again as he searches to find the person who placed a hit on his beloved's head. During the process some interesting facts present themself regarding Cat's heritage.

I missed Cat as I met her in the first book - sweeter, funnier with the one-liners, a little more naive'. Now she is bitchier, tougher and drinks and curses more than the first book. I found her jealousy of Bone's former lover, Annette, to be downright funny, but then again it led to the hottest love scene ever so the end justified the means. I just hope that in the next book I can be convinced she deserves the awesomeness that is Bones. If it doesn't work out, then as Gena Showalter so wisely said, "Marry me Bones!"







Profile Image for Exina.
1,232 reviews400 followers
August 20, 2021
The positives

🗡The plot
Though the first part is pretty boring – from chapter 1 to 9 we’re waiting for Bones – but overall it is well-built and exciting.

The story starts four years after the events of book one. Cat is the leader of a special, secret unit that hunts the undead. She has a friend, Denise, a platonic boyfriend, Noah, but she actually just lives for her job.

Cat is hiding, and tries to forget Bones. Of course, he finds her (question is why did it take him four years to track her down?), and things start to get interesting.

So Bones appears, they go on raids together again, just like in old times, they talk, they discuss the nature of their relationship, some important information is revealed () and Bones joins Cat’s team.

Supporting characters appear, one after the other, Bones is hilarious, and the story gets thrilling. An offbeat wedding, some family business, vampire politics, and bringing back someone from the grave. Literally. The last chapter made me cry.



🗡The conflict(s)
The conflicts are complicated and multi-layered, and so are the handling of them.

🗡Action scenes
Though some of them are OTT, they’re creative and exciting, especially the fight scene at Ian’s with the ghoul, and the last scene, which is not exactly an action scene, but presents more emotion than a certain sex scene does.

🗡Bones
Naturally. He is perfection.



🗡Secondary characters
Justina, Don, the team, Spade, Rodney, Ian, Anette, Mencheres... Cat’s team is amazing: Dave, Tate, Juan, Cooper, and of course Don all are distinguishable characters. Their dedication and friendship toward Cat gives a heartwarming and a very much needed plus to the story.

🗡Writing style
Humorous, entertaining, engaging.

🗡World-building
Interesting vampire politics, rules and social structure. The origin of the vampires is lame, but actually it doesn’t really matter. They just exist, as any other kind of beings. The main value of this world-building is that it’s expandable and can be developed any time, and it supports the plot well.

The negatives

🗡Cat
Sadly. Cat has become some kind of invincible, dreaded-by-the-whole-undead-world vampire slayer, constantly in a badass-mode. Badass behavior, badass talking, badass fighting. Is it supposed to be the portrayal of a strong heroine? She is rude, impulsive, uncaring, jealous, and it seems she simply can’t control her temper. Everything pisses her off, she is scowling and swearing to no end I guess to display how badass she is. No character development here.



🗡The romance
I expected more. They just discussed that they continued their relationship and that was it. It was seriously lacking.

🗡The erotica
I know many of the fans glorify that famous chapter 32
but …
“You know that old saying. Once you go dead, no one’s better in bed.”

Well, vampire sex has its perks, that’s for sure. Actually, while this certain episode is very… hmm… creative, it didn’t give me goosebumps. I’ve read many-many erotic scenes better than this.

🗡All in all
4 stars.
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,144 reviews1,834 followers
March 17, 2022
This is second in a UF series and I always recommend you read those in order.

So Cat's mom is way less of a presence in this one, but she still grated every single time she's on page. I hate that woman and her irrational, selfish histrionics. Some of the same irrationality affects others of Cat's team as well, and that's irritating, too (though not nearly so much). The highest new irritant, by far, is the creepy stalker Tate. He's never called on his creepy behavior and that grated a little, too. There's enough movement on his part away from that stance that I don't think the author meant it as creepy as I took it and I'm still not sure how I feel about that.

This book has a slow start. Okay, the pace is actually great with lots of things happening. But it's almost a quarter in before Bones shows back up and once he does, it quickly becomes apparent how much of an asset he is to the story. He's sneaky and powerful and his support for Cat is very endearing. And I particularly like that he calls Cat on her crappy unilateral decision-making and how she keeps acting before having all the information and it's only because he's there to clean up her mess that she's able to learn from those mistakes instead of them cratering her the way they should have.

But she does learn. A little. And I like seeing their relationship grow into something more substantial.

And that's about all I have to say, really. You know what to expect for the rest of it, though I'll add that the pace is great and the main antagonist is a worthy opponent whose motivations held up to scrutiny and that's not a small thing. I'm going to call this four stars, downgraded mostly for the irrational irritants and because some of the plans felt a bit mechanical (only deviating when an interesting story point needed to be reached). At any rate, I'm definitely interested in the next.

A note about Steamy: There's some explicit off-page sex and a single explicit sex scene. That lasts an entire chapter (chapter 32, if you're curious). That scene was enough, all on its own, to catapult this to the middle of my steam tolerance. Not in a bad way.
Profile Image for Kat.
Author 11 books518 followers
August 17, 2021
Wow, this had so much plotting and character development. Half-Vampire Cat is now working for the government, and hasn't been able to get over her feelings for her ex, Bones. Now Cat is being targeted for assassination and she may need Bones's help once again. We meet new characters in this one and I loved how the relationships developed and also how the world-building was fleshed out. Loved all the action for Cat's character and how she became such a kick-butt fighter! And the Cat/Bones was divine!
Profile Image for Robin (Bridge Four).
1,722 reviews1,561 followers
December 9, 2018
Re-read Time with the Folks at Buddies Books and Baubles

First book a 4.5 this one is a solid 4

“Once you go dead, there's no one better in bed!" ~ Cat”

This was a solid follow up to Halfway to the Grave, not quite as good but definitely not a large drop off.

It is four years after Cat left Bones to save him. She has a dangerous exciting job, but is still completely miserable without Bones in her life. The only complaint I have is it took a little time for Bones to come into play in the book and that is just because I missed their banter. But his entrance was spectacular so it is just a minor complaint. There is still a lot of dark humor in the book and Bones and Cat’s mom’s fighting is hilarious. Bones is so much fun that he almost steals the show.

“Wrong way, Bones. The men's showers are in the opposite direction."
I'll file that away with all the other information that doesn't pertain to me" was Bones' mocking reply.”


Cat has grown up a lot in the last four years and now she is a lot stronger overall. I liked how utterly tough she is and there were enough twists and action to keep things really interesting. As soon as Bones is in the picture again the book really picked up for me. Definitely one of my favorite UF PNR series right under Fever.
Profile Image for Mel.
330 reviews527 followers
May 13, 2010
What’s up with the attitude Cat?

I was really disappointed in this second book in the Night Huntress series.
The first book was wonderful. Witty dialogue, a lot of tough action and of course: Cat and Bones together (hot hot hot). We saw Cat being transformed from a shy but determined amateur to a sexy vixen vampire huntress. I loved Bones, I loved Cat and I loved them together.

Four years later, Cat is in charge of a special task force dealing with undead felons. She has a busy work life, her colleagues respect her and love her and she loves them back. Her private life, though, is empty. She misses Bones, feels lonely and is bitter. Very bitter. Very, very bitter.
In fact, Cat seems to be doing nothing else than drink, bark at foe AND friend and curse non stop. Now I really don’t mind a tough heroine with a foul mouth but Cat is downright a bitch. Her team of guys respect her and will do anything for her and still she’s sulking and barking!

And I hate that. I hate it when I can’t sympathize with the protagonist. Suddenly it’s not so great seeing Cat and Bones together as I clearly felt she did not deserve him. I’m glad Cat pointed that out herself somewhere in the book.

Besides the fact that I had trouble liking Cat, I also had trouble with the plot. There were so many good ideas but I didn't think they were worked out well. The party at Ian, Cat meeting her dad, Cat versus Tate, all things that -to me- needed more build up and tension.
I have trouble accepting some of the solutions Frost brought up for the problems. I don’t want to spoil anything but let’s just say it was just too fast too easy.

The last 10 pages of the book were a prime example of it. This made it feel a little Disney-ish to me, but it did show a sensitive side of Cat I really needed to see again.

To me this saved the book. This and Bones of course. Every page with him in it is a pleasure to read. How can you not love the guy?
Thanks to Bones, this books earns 2,5 stars. I'll be reading the third installment next and hope I'll like Cat better this time.
Profile Image for Alp.
758 reviews437 followers
January 13, 2016
One Foot In The Grave is the second installment of Night Huntress series and it is better than the first one. Bones is pretty different from the man he used to be in the previous book, more adorable and attractive, and yes, he's head over heels in love with Cat! (Why her!? I still don't get that!) Cat, on the other hand, is still that same annoying woman whom I can't bring myself to like.

However, the story had a lot of interesting details, engaging plot, and it was fast-paced enough to hold my attention throughout. Besides, I really did enjoy reading this book so I sure will continue this series.
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