Lonna | FLYLēF

What's the best part of fighting? Making up, of course! When Cat and Bones head to Paris for a holiday, a vampire named Gregor, who has romantic ties to Cat's past, has something very different planned. Another great installment!

Emily May

A lot of the time when I'm coming towards the end of a book, I start to think about what I want to say in my goodreads review and with this Night Huntress novel the first word that came to mind was 'rollercoaster'. I then skimmed other reviews and found I was far from the only one. When I first read the plot description before beginning, I was unsure about the story. Books 1 and 2 had been more sex/relationship focused rather than putting emphasis on the story behind it and though this didn't stop me from enjoying them, I loved book 3 when Frost finally decided to develop a good story as well as detailing Cat and Bones' sex life. The plot is about an ancient vampire (shockingly) who claims to have both spent time with Cat and married her when she was sixteen, but her memory was later erased leaving him a stranger in her mind. Furthermore, this vampire (Gregor) has the ability to appear in people's dreams and steal them away if he can catch them, thereby earning him the nickname: Dreamsnatcher.My first thought on this was: odd. But, as I said before, it made for one hell of a rollercoaster and a fantastic storyline. Frost did right bringing Gregor into the picture to see how Bones could cope with someone that Cat had been emotionally involved with before, especially seeing as a) He has exes by the thousands, and b) Danny the wimp doesn't count. Actually he didn't cope very well, but my god is he hot when he's jealous (haha, my issues are surfacing). In my opinion, it was even sadder when he left than when we thought he'd died in the last book; and then when it looked like he was whoring it around the streets of New Orleans, I felt Cat's jealousy right there with her (those issues again). I was worried and upset because Bones is a wonderful character and the thought that the author might taint that had me going: Nooooooooo! Obviously not out loud.And Frost's writing just gets better and better. Like the hilarious part where Mencheres attempts to speak the 21st century

Jilly

where was a festering yeast infection when I needed one? Gosh girls, how many times have we all had this thought? If I had a nickel for every time I thought this, I would have.... well, considering I'm thinking about it now... a nickel. Okay, not really going to buy mama some new shoes, but still, it made me laugh. Cat makes me laugh a lot, which is one of the things I love about this series. But, sheesh, the angst in this book!!! Tell me about it, kid. It was brutal. You know those couples that are just really uncomfortable to be around because they are either fighting too loudly, making out like their plane is going down, or one of them is storming out? Cat and Bones are that couple. This book is just them being a hot mess. “God, Bones, why don’t we just invite everyone in the next time we have sex, that way they can stop seeing things piecemeal!” This is after they beat the crap out of each other with the furniture and then went into having loud sex in the living room so everyone had to leave the room. Again. They are almost as bad as one of these couples: Yes. That bad. So, even though there is a storyline going on about some other vampire dude who wants Cat (she's like Vampire Viagra or something), it is really about their relationship. I like discussing relationship problems about as much as I like discussing festering yeast infections. On the positive side, I loved the relationship between Cat and Vlad. Strangely, a few years ago, I read Vlad's book and totally raked it over the coals in my review. Now, I think I would actually like it. I guess I either needed context, and this series gives it, or to get a lot more desensitized to vampire smut. Probably both. I think when I finish this series, I will read that one again and see how much my opinion changes.

Woman Reading

3 ☆ Vampire telenovelaBound in vampire marriage to Bones at the end of book #2 and engaged human-style at the beginning of book #3, Cat and Bones' relationship appears solid. So it's now time to increase the angst and melodrama. "I wish people would just leave us alone,” I said. “You remember when it was just the two of us in a big dark cave? Who knew that would be the most uncomplicated time of our lives?” Tate's efforts to wrest Cat from Bones look downright amateurish compared with the onslaught launched by Gregor. Known as the Dreamsnatcher, Gregor can take away anyone once he touches them during their dreams. He doesn't hold back since asserting that he and Cat were bound in vampiric matrimony 10 years earlier. Few options remain for Cat and Bones as vampire marriages prohibit divorce and bigamy. Why do these crazy vampires keep trying to collect me? I liked the premise and the first half of the book was good. But then Frost kicked the drama level and angst skyward, and the second half sputtered a bit as they ran around like headless chickens for a while.Here are links to my reviews for the rest of the series - #0.5 Reckoning 3☆#1 Halfway to the Grave 2.5 ☆ #2 One Foot in the Grave 2.5 + ☆#3 At Grave's End 3 ☆#5 This Side of the Grave 3 ☆#6 One Grave at a Time 3 ☆#7 Up from the Grave 3 ☆

Auntee

I was a little concerned before starting this one, since after reading the third book in the series it looked like Jeaniene Frost was heading down the Urban Fantasy/minimal romance path, but turns out my worries were unfounded--the romance is back! Although it's a sometimes rocky road that Cat and Bones must follow, with lots of obstacles that test their love, and jealousies and insecurities they have to deal with, they clearly have an enduring love that I feel will stand the test of time. And while the love scenes aren't many, they're smokin' hot and quite emotional--loved them! As for the plot, Cat no longer works for her uncle as a government agent ridding the country of rogue vampires and ghouls. She and her vamp lover Bones are taking a well deserved vacation when Cat is bothered by some terrifying dreams. She has dreams of a seductive vampire named Gregor who claims she's his. Gregor is a 'dreamsnatcher'--capable of invading her dreams, and wants her to return to him. It seems Cat spent a month with Gregor in Paris when she was sixteen, and something happened during that time that makes Gregor believe that Cat belongs to him. Of course Cat doesn't remember any of this (thanks to Master vamp Mencheres, who wiped her memory clean and then imprisoned Gregor). But Gregor has broken out of his prison, and wants Cat back. But why? Because he truly loves her or for some other reason? And why did Mencheres butt in? Bones is furious that someone would dare to take his "Kitten" from him, and wants Cat to avoid Gregor as he figures out a way to deal with the powerful vamp. But headstrong, impulsive Cat likes to confront her problems head-on, so you just know her curiosity will get the better of her...This leads to all kinds of problems in her relationship with Bones. Just like a regular human couple, they go through some tough times dealing with a person determined to break them apart, and have to fight their feelings of jealousy and insecurity, deal with supposed betray

Crystal Cook

4.5 This series gets better and better StarsOut of the 4 books I have read, Destined for an early Grave is my favorite so far. Gah, this book had me twisted up!I love Bones and Cat and I love how each book has a crazy storyline and the awesome couple has to overcome whatever is thrown their way.In this book someone wants Cat and he claims that he is her TRUE (a.k.a. her first husband). He can walk into her dreams and she is no longer safe as she sleeps.This book was probably the hardest book out of the series because Cat and Bones’ love is SUPER tested. I was glued to the pages and I didn’t want to stop reading because I didn’t know what was going to happen.Would Cat go to her other husband? How would Bones react? What does it mean for the perfect couple?I love how each book the relationship between Cat and Bones progresses. Gah. I can’t get over this series and now I need to read the Spin-off with Charles!

Grace

Honestly, Frost really stepped up her game with the third book in this series. I was really uncertain about this one. A vampire who showed up in Cat’s dreams and attempted to steal her through them? A vampire that claims she was married to him when she was 16, but she has no memory of their time together? I was certain everything was about to go very downhill, very fast. Instead, it worked beautifully. The new characters were interesting, imo. Frost brought new material to the table and twisted it until it was possibly more gripping than ever. I’d say the fourth installment is just as great as the third.

Exina

4.8 stars Cat and Bones have been a couple for six years now, married and have gone through a lot together. But their relationship is far from perfect, mainly due to Cat’s constant jealousy, insecurities about the balance in their relationship, obstinacy, and distrust toward her husband. In this book, it gets over the top. They have to face their relationship issues due to a frightening, insidious, very dangerous enemy. The conflict is interesting, the supporting characters make the storyline flow – Vlad, Mencheres, Spade, Justina, Annette, Fabian. Great story, 4.8 stars because of Cat’s irrational behavior.

Shawna

5+ stars – Vampire Romance/Urban FantasyConsidering this is one of my top preferred PNR series, that Cat and Bones are my favorite kick-ass romance couple, that Bones is my #1 all-time beloved bad boy vampire hero, and that I LOVED the previous three books, especially my favorite One Foot in the Grave; my expectations for Destined for an Early Grave were incredibly high. After all, it’s Jeaniene Frost, who writes some of the snarkiest, funniest, and most entertaining dialogue that I’ve had the joy to read.So, was it all that I hoped it would be? For the most part and overall, yes, but boy was it an emotionally frustrating journey, and I was tense and discouraged with the way things stood and/or were headed for Cat and Bones for about 200 pages of the book. Cat and Bones have battled countless rogue undead together, defeated a malevolent Master vampire hell bent on their destruction, and were married the old fashioned vampire way, with a sacred-until-death blood bond, so they should be enjoying a smooth sailing HEA right? With a manipulative, vengeful, cunning Master vampire named Gregor claiming marital rights to Cat, not on your undead life.The story picks up soon after the events of At Grave’s End with Cat and Bones embarking on an extended holiday for some much needed R&R, but their plans for a romantic Paris holiday are ruined by the powerful Master vampire Gregor, known as the Dreamsnatcher, who’s terrorizing Cat’s dreams. Seems that Gregor is convinced Cat belongs to him, and he’s ruthlessly determined to win (steal) her back. Now Cat and Bones face their toughest enemy yet, their own pride, insecurity, jealousy, and fear, as they battle against Gregor’s claims and unconscious hold over Cat. Cat and Bones come to blows over their disagreement of how to handle things; he acts controlling and overprotective and she acts reckless and impulsive. They have some rather nasty arguments and fights (including an all out brawl turned sparring match that was smokin’

Sophia Triad

Cat, Bones and ... Gregor (aargh!!!)This is the book where Cat and Bones are crazily in love and married and spend a few lazy days in Paris. And suddenly hell breaks loose.Cat starts having dreams that are nightmares or memories. Someone or something tries to snatch her away while she dreams. And Mencheres will have a confession to make about Cat's teenagehood, when she was young and clueless and she followed a certain someone to Paris. And how him, the powerful Mencheres made Cat forgot and Gregor dissapear.Cat and Bones' marriage is not as well founded as they thought. Fights between them will start, while they distrust each other.Cat does not trust Bones' abilities and cunning mind. Bones does not trust Cat FULL STOP.Gregor, Vlad, Tate can make even the most sensible vampire crazy with jealousy.And all these happen will Gregor, the dreamsnatcher, waits for his apportunity to snatch Cat because obviously he wants his wife back.People will change. Some will become vampires. Some will become dead. And some will be even more deader than the used to be, i.e. completely dead.This book is a full on adventure, but with so much family drama included. You're leaving me? And yes, it is full of funny moments because Cat and Bones even when they are angry and vicious, are so cute together. I'm biting wrong, too?

Ronda

Well, talk about not being able to put a book down!!! I literally fell asleep reading it, woke up early today, reached for my lamp and picked up where I left off... inbetween the human things of quickly shopping (discount the tidying up!), eating and doing the bathroom thing, I read....I loved the prior books, the 2nd probably being my favourite and then I picked this one up... boy what a ride this turned out to be!!! I was right on a few things that I thought was going to happen but before they happened, I thought I was wrong about my guess... Confused? Then read this book!!!I LOVED LOVED LOVED Cat and Bones, Justine, Vlad, Spade.... Rodney too... I loved them all... I laughed out loud in places, ground my fists in others and yes, I even had my tears! There were a few short sharp shocks and one or two surprises that I did not expect... all the more reason to love this series... Jeaniene Frost has quickly risen in my ranks of favourite authors... Highly recommended!!

Didi

This series is fantastic! I'm hurdling towards the end, gaining on the seventh book that ends this series and ends my voyeuristic adventures with Bones and Cat. Those two sure got a beating this time around! This book was definitely more angsty than the previous ones. Bones and Cat suffered through some seriously turbulent times, even separating for a while that left me bereft and empty. I had to sneak a peak farther into the book to appease my heartbreak--I don't like to cheat, but I honestly needed to know when to expect some making up!From the beginning our fearless couple dealt with some gut-wrenching revelations, the biggest being Cat previously making a blood bond(vampire marriage) with someone else. The problem is she doesn't have any recollection of this. So begins the action packed and stress inducing adventure in finding out what really happened. This situation causes a huge rift between Bones and Cat.She's always been jealous of Bones' past and his many conquests. Her insecurity becomes a roaring fire and they both say hurtful and vicious things to each other. Bones has always suspected Cat of having one foot out the door, so to speak. He knows she loves him more than anything but the revelations that she may have been given to another tears him apart and brings his own insecurities to the forefront. Many readers had a problem with this book specifically because of the rift between our beloved couple. I can see that but more importantly I see it a different way. All couples fight, viciously even at times, but it's how we emerge from these differences that determines the strength of our relationships. The same for Bones and Cat. They have always faced hurdles to their relationship but nothing that acutely threatens it, till now. I think they had to go through this in order to push the boundaries of being together, to see that their love is truly iron-clad. I'm not trying to pick sides, but Cat seemed to annoy me with her actions rather than Bones. She's of

Carole (Carole's Random Life)

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.I am loving my re-read of this series! I loved this book when I first read it almost seven years ago and I loved the audiobook just as much now. I had planned to listen to something else but something made me put everything aside to spend a little bit of time with Cat and Bones. I am so glad that I listened to that little voice in my head that told me to forget my plans and listen to this book because it was exactly what I needed. This is the fourth book in a series that does need to be read in order since each book builds on the events of the previous installments. Cat and Bones were in a pretty good place at the start of this book. Things looked pretty calm but of course, that can't last for long. Cat and Bones have a small issue with Cat's ex that will be much more complicated than you could even imagine. I love the characters in this series. Cat and Bones are both awesome and I love them together. Vlad plays an important role in this book which was a big plus for me. Vlad is such an interesting character and I love his friendship with Cat. All of the key players from the series play a role in this story and there is a couple of nice additions as well. Tavia Gilbert does such a good job with this series. I adore the voice that she uses for Bones. It just feels so real to me. The dialogue in this story flowed absolutely wonderfully and I thought that she added a lot of emotion to this story. I loved the story when I read it on my kindle but there was something almost magical about experiencing it through the audiobook. I would highly recommend this series to others. This book was fantastic even with the unnecessary relationship drama. There were times that I wanted to shake the characters for their behavior but there was never a time that I wasn't enjoying myself so it doesn't even matter. I cannot wait to continue with my re-read.Initial ThoughtsThis book had a lot of unnecessary drama between Cat and

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*

4.5“Slumber party with Dracula, all things considered why not?” And this is where the series finally stakes a deeper claim in me and starts improving. Other friends seemed to salivate over this series from the start but I found too much annoyed me to fall head over heels with it. With this fourth book it fares better - the things that annoyed me before aren't there anymore and the characters are driving the story without too many distracting sex scenes. The biggest game changer is that Cat no longer annoyed me. I think the author tried too hard in the first three to make her so tough she felt unapproachable and too unsympathetic. While she's still tough as nails and impressive as hell, she's also more enjoyable as a main to follow around. Her heart exists besides where Bones is concerned and she's willing to listen and have a decent conversation instead of obnoxiously shrill over anyone trying to talk. Instead of meeting people with an attitude, she acts like a decent person unless they give her a choice otherwise.Vlad was great too - the vampire is too funny and he rocked every scene he was in, which was several. My eyes were glued.There's trouble in paradise with Bones and while sometimes it was a little too angsty, there was relief to see real emotion from Cat. With what he planned, they had to have some series regulars at play - mainly Slade and Vlad - and I found the two in the house and with different scenes to be fascinating. We get to meet Marie the Voodoo queen and that was pretty epic as well. Really the characters made this one - the story was good on its own standing but it wouldn't have worked without some of the humor from Vlad, the enduring charm from Slade, and the sexy appeal of Bones. Oh, and Mencheres was awesome too.There was a slight mystery as Cat has to figure out what Gregori means to her, even making me question what was right and what was wrong, until the author cleared that muddy picture up quickly when revealing new things about the vampi

AngelLeah

I feel like I should write two reviews for this, one for the majority of the book and one for the ending. Catherine (Cat) Crawfield started out as a bad-ass, tough woman; who was an intelligent, take-charge leader. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way we lost that character. Through the majority of "Destined for an Early Grave", the 4th book in the Night Huntress series, the reader is forced to listen to the inner dialogue of a woman with a very low self-esteem. When did Cat become this woman?! Have you ever had a female friend who would sit around and whine about the horrible problems in her relationship, while blaming everything on herself? Didn't you just want to scream and slap your friend to wake her up?! Are you really going to let him treat you like that?! Are you going to sit back and cry over losing him while he treats you like a doormat?! Of course, if this book wasn't written from only Cat's point of view, then we might have known that her love, "Bones" was not the total jerk that we thought he might be. That is a serious downside when writing a book from only one viewpoint. Unfortunately, it ruined this book for me. I spent too much time pissed off at Bones and couldn't really enjoy the book. Although there was an apology, Cat never actually demanded one. Instead, she was willing to move on without even getting one. hhhmmm.... keep secrets from me, treat me like a child, flip out when I do what I think is best with the limited information that I have, break my heart, publicly humiliate me.... oh, but since I have some of the blame in it, I'll just forget your part and beg for your forgiveness. *puke*The action in this book was fantastic. The other characters are always intriguing and I'm glad to see that some books have been written about them. The ending was good. Maybe the next book will have Cat back to her kick-ass, smart, independent self. I missed her in this book.

MischaS_

Spoilers be everywhere in this one.I have had some irritation with this series in the previous books, but nothing even close to how pissed off this book made me. Was there even a point to this mess? Because I didn't really see one. The missing memories courtesy of Mencheres seemed to come out of nowhere. When previously unknown events, that are a secret to all but one, pop up it doesn't seem clever, it just seems like the author pulled it out of her ass. Also, the fact that these events centered around another vampire who just happened to have a previous husband claim which conveniently led to tension between Cat and Bones... You see what I mean? Where did that come from?The relationship between Cat and Bones hit the skids big time here. I read this book with a huge knot in my stomach. It wasn't a nervous-but-excited-to-see-where-this-is-going knot. It was the kind of knot you get when you hear your parents having fight. You feel sick and wish it would just stop. Unfortunately, it doesn't stop. For about 3/4 of the book they snipe at each other and say horrible things. Cat also continues to fix any of her problems with a Gin and Tonic. It really seemed like they weren't the same characters anymore. If I didn't know it was the same series I wouldn't even recognize them. All the caring and love that characterized their relationship before seemed to morph into a weapon to club each other into misery with. It wasn't fun to read about. I don't enjoy watching characters treat each other this way and spew out these things they can never take back. For Gods sake, Bones had the nerve to question her commitment to their marriage because she wanted to know the truth of her marriage! (total jerk move by the way) Does that seem like the Bones from the last book? It sure doesn't to me!Vlad was the shining star of this story. When is he getting his own book? He is a great friend to Cat. I love that he pushes her about her feelings about Bones. That's what real friends do. They pus

Katie(babs)

When I had finished At Grave’s End, the third book in Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, I was on the fence whether I wanted to go ahead and read Destined For An Early Grave. If you read my review for At Grave’s End, you know I was less than pleased. I was upset with my reaction because Cat and Bones are one of my favorite literary duos from this decade. And to think that I could turn my back on them because one book in a series I loved failed to deliver. It may be silly and pathetic to some, but when you invest such emotionally into a series and turn away because it no longer delivers the goods, it can be earth shattering.I can say with much certainty that Destined For an Early Grave is Jeaniene’s way of basically sitting on top of me and not letting me escape. “I won’t let you go without a fight!”. This book was a wild ride with a lot of action, drama and more snark then ever before. And the steamy, passionate love that Bones and Cat share that I found lacking in At Grave’s End? That has been pushed up a notch. Bones does love to use his fangs on Cat in so many ways. Destined For an Early Grave digs deeps into the psyche and emotions of Cat and Bones. This time they are not only tested by both outside sources, but also their inner turmoil. There is one such individual who wants Cat because he had her first before Bones. And then there are those doubts Cat still has when it comes to Bones. Cat may know how to kill the bad guys with great skill, but when it comes to Bones she shuts off. And because of these esteem issues she has, she is the one responsible for the possible destruction of her relationship with Bones.Destined For an Early Grave begins with Cat and Bones going on a much needed vacation. Cat wants to go to Paris for no reason that she can think of. Bones is all for it because he wants to give his ladylove and vampire wife the world. Off they go not expecting an adventure that may ruin their whole foundation of devotion and trust. Cat shares her hea

Kristen

Solid 4 Stars I enjoyed this book much more than the last one. The writing was fantastic, the dialogue engaging, the romance prominent, and the witty one liners never fail to put a smile on my face. But the best part was Cat finally, FINALLY putting Tate in his place. It was about time!

Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession

5 Marital Problems Stars First read 2/23/2014 Reread 11/22/2015 Re reread 11/19/2019 Reread 4/18/21 "Let's see how long someone lasts if they suggest that my wife is not my wife."-Bones "Bloody sneaking bastard," Bones ground out, even as my jaw dropped. "I'll congratulate him on his cleverness - while I'm ripping silver through his heart."-Bones *Spoiler Below* My heart OMG my heart. Destined For An Early Grave, the 4th book in the Night Huntress Series, was a nail biting, angsty read! The drama is so high in this book my stomach tied in knots the whole time. While on vacation Cat starts having dreams of a vampire named Gregor, in which he tells her that he is her husband, not Bones. He tells her that they are blood bonded and that her memories of him have been blocked, but she can get them back by drinking his blood. Gregor is doing everything in his power to get Cat back. Can Bones and Cat's relationship make it past a forgotten husband, or will Gregor tear their love apart? "Mmm hmmm." The low exhalation came from a brunette farther up in line. I gave her an arched brow and tapped my engagement ring for effect. "Taken, honey." She was human, or I'd have thrown down at the second lingering look she gave Bones before shrugging at me. "Nothing lasts forever." My teeth ground. "Except death." Sonya said something in French that made the woman's mouth curl sulkily before she turned away with a last parting shot. "If you can't stand for your man to be admired, you would do better to keep him at home." With her heavy French accent, her h's were almost silent. You can't kill her just because she's a tramp, I reminded myself. Even if you could have her body discreetly disposed of... "He fucks even better than he looks," I settled on saying. Several heads turned. I didn't care; I was pissed. "And that beautiful face is going to be clamped between my legs as soon as we get ooome, don't you worry."-Cat My Bones: "Hey, Walks Like An Egyptian, how about for once you

Kat Kennedy

I'm not entirely sure why I read this entire series. Certainly the writing sometimes left something to be desired and eventually the plot became so ridiculously beaten, abused and tormented that I briefly considered starting a home for it and marketing telethons help others like it.I think the only thing that saved this ENTIRE series for me was the relationship between Bones and Cat. Passionate, loving, flawed, sometimes almost breakable, realistic. I don't know and since I had to turn my brain off to read this last installment, it's hard to get it going again.So, read this series at your own risk. I don't necessarily endorse it but if you're looking for brainless sexy times then line up and at least give it a go.