Review: This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress #5) by Jeaniene Frost

This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress #5) by Jeaniene Frost
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 12, 2011

Night Huntress
0.5. Reckoning
1. Halfway to the Grave
1.5. Happily Never After
2. One Foot in the Grave
3. At Grave's End
3.5. Devil to Pay
4. Destined for an Early Grave
4.5. One for the Money
5. This Side of the Grave - Paperback | Kindle
6. One Grave at a Time
6.5. Home for the Holidays
7. Up from the Grave
8. A Grave Girls' Getaway
9. The Other Half of the Grave
10. Both Feet in the Grave

Jeaniene Frost
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

My Thoughts:  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that it should be no surprise that I loved this book.  You know, seeing as I've loved the other 4 is the series.  Holy Toledo, though!  Can Jeaniene Frost deliver the punches or what?  I just adore how she protrays Cat and Bones.  Adore it.

I think this entire series is one of the few that successfully straddles the line between paranormal romance and urban fantasy.  Cat and Bones' romance/love affair/complete adoration of one another is such a pivotal point to every single storyline yet these books still have that strong urban fantasy vibe.  I do think that their love is a focal point of the books but I also think the individual plots of each of the books (you know, the fighting, the killing, the MAYHEM!) is just as important in Cat's growth as a character.  Bones' too.

I love how each of the books has taken us deeper into Cat's powers.  Every time she turns around she has something new to contend with.  Come to think of it, Bones keeps picking up new powers also.   Those, in turn, rub off on Cat due to her all-vampire blood diet.  What can I say? I like that those two crazy kids aren't stagnating on the power front.

As always, Jeaniene Frost has delivered a strong story wrapped around Cat and Bones' love for one another.  Cat's the girl who will always have your back and Bones is the boy your mama warned you about.  What a delicious combination.