First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World Book 1)

After reading all of the Night Huntress books I was dying to read Denise and Shade's story. This was a great story. I listened to it on audiobook and the narrator does a spectacular job of capturing the characters' voice and their emotions. I love listening to these books even more than I love reading them.

Denise is trying to recover from loosing her husband when another of her family is brutally killed by something. The something is a demon who one of her ancestors made a deal with and then broke. Now the demon is out for vengence, but he is willing to strike a deal with Denise. If Denise finds her family member who broke his deal with the demon then the demon will stop hunting her and remove his demonic bindings on her. Now Denise is stuck trying to hunt down a mysterious ancestor who has most likely taken shelter among vampires; with Cat and Bones out of the country she has no one to turn to. Except for Spade. Denise and Spade find themselves drawn to one another despite the danger they face and Spade's aversion to being involved with humans.

This book takes place during the period of time where Cat and Bones are off dealing with that vampare that can kidnap people in their sleep; so they are out of the country for most of the book. This was definitely more of a paranormal romace than the Cat and Bones books; there is some action but not nearly as much. Still the story was very engaging, making it hard to stop reading. You do get some awesome action when Cat and Bones join the story towards the end of the book.

I loved the inclusion of demons and thought that Denise's powers were very interesting. It was a creative way to pull Denise back into the paranormal world and make her tough enough to survive all the dangerous encounters her friends have. Denise is a very different character from Cat; she is reluctant to be involved in the paranormal world and is still suffering post traumatic stress disorder from the events that happened back when Randy, he husband, was killed. She is tough in her own way but it is more an emotional toughness than a physical toughness like Cat.

Spade is a wonderful character; he is very different from Bones and much more reserved. We learn a ton about his past and learn about why he is reluctant to be involved with humans. The romance between him and Denise is absolutely wonderful. They are some very steamy scenes in here and at points the tension between the two is so thick that it drives you crazy.

The book is well written and ends well. If you enjoy Frost's Night Huntress series I think you will enjoy this book. Just be aware that it is more of a paranormal romance than a straight urban fantasy. It was wonderful to find out so much more about two great side characters in this series (Spade and Denise).

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was well-written, these are characters we know and love and finally get to learn more background on. Spade and Denise make a wonderful couple; they have some big obstacles to overcome and they do it wonderfully. I loved the inclusion of demonic lore and demons and am excited to see where Denise's new demonic powers take her. I am also excited to read the next Night Huntress World book, Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World, Book 2), which tells us Mencheres' story.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

First Drop of Crimson may have been my first full length foray into the worlds of Jeaniene Frost, but I enjoyed it enough that I intend to come back for more visits.

Denise MacGregor has been forced into a temporary agreement with a demon courtesy of her elusive and deceptive cousin. Having already lost everyone who is important in her life, many to the dark and dangerous otherworldly beings of the night, she is none too keen on doing a demon's bidding. Danger beckons from every side and if Denise isn't careful, her own life may be forfeit.

Spade is a vampire who has been around for centuries, suffering his own losses. Now his is sworn to protect Denise with his life. While searching for Denise's missing cousin, time is running out and many would like to see the end of Denise and Spade. However, the more time these two spend together, the more they realize the greatest danger isn't to their lives... but their hearts. Secrets surround these reluctant lovebirds and those secrets may be revealed by the First Drop of Crimson.

I have read some of the short stories in the Night Huntress series, so I was not totally unfamiliar with the rules of the Night Huntress World. I did not have the history behind Slade and Denise to fall back on, but I don't necessarily consider that a bad thing. My opinions were not already colored by behavior and experiences of these characters so I was able to view them with fresh eyes. World building for both Night Huntress series is absolutely incredible and I was taken away to a reality where demons and vampires and other creatures of the night walk alongside the humans. Action is pretty intense and starts with the first page, ebbing and flowing as the plot and characters dictate.

Both Denise and Slade have so suffered no small amount of losses in their lives so they come together reluctantly, emotionally damaged from all they have experienced. Denise has no desire to be plunged into Spade's world and only hopes to find her cousin and end her servitude to the demon thrust upon her. Slade lost the only women he ever loved a very long time ago and has always been haunted by the loss. Now in Denise, Slade find a chance at redemption, if only he is brave enough to take it, and she's brave enough to accept it.

Surprises are revealed with First Drop of Crimson, further enhancing the Night Huntress World. One in particular while we knew there had to be something pretty huge coming, was still quite a shocker when we finally see it. I've enjoyed the few stories I've read to date by Jeaniene Frost and look forward to fitting the rest of the books into my reading schedule at some point.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, March 2011. All rights reserved.

I think everyone who is a fan of Cat & Bones whooped with joy when they found out that Spade and Denise is going to have their own book. I was excited especially now that we all have to wait for another Cat & Bones story to be released.

Like I said we met Spade and Denise at Night Huntress series. Spade is one of Bone's mates when they were still human up until now that they're undead. Denise on the other hand is Cat's best friend. Denise was left off grieving at the end of At Grave's End when her husband Randy did some unwise decision of getting out of the basement to face- out of control zombies. Now any fan of paranormal fiction knows that this heroic thinking, especially if you do not possess any supernatural gift at all was absolutely deranged and stupid. And so Randy died. It was tragic and I feel really bad for Denise but everything happens for a reason and this is where Spade comes into the picture...

A corporeal demon named Raum is on a hunt to find one of Denise's ancestor named Nathanial, who double crossed him when he was supposed to give up his soul in exchange to having demon powers. But Raum cannot find Nathanial, he suspects that he is hiding with the vampires or the ghouls. He then decided to go after Nathanial's descendants to see if any one of them knows about the undead world. Three of Denise's relatives later, Raum found her, she was spared of her life but with demon essence forced into her so she can find this wretched ancestor who caused her to lose more people she love. She obviously need some vampire help, but she couldn't possibly ask for her best friend help, the last time she heard she was being stalked by a psychotic vampire who claims that she is his wife (Destined for an early grave). Spade's name pops into her mind. While she's still suffering from post traumatic stress the last time she saw Spade, she doesn't really have any choice, he was her only choice.

I love Denise, she is so human and so much different from Cat but I almost put down the book because of all her whining. She is the kind of woman that I avoid. Emotionally distraught and guilt ridden. And seriously why does she keep trying to push Spade away? Yeah yeah I know, I know because she's still traumatized and she still loves Randy... But you know what, when chapter 17 happened I started to like her. That scene was so hard to not like her. Naughty Denise. Spade on the other hand is no Bones, you can just see how Spade treats Denise. I guess one can consider it as sweet that, he is cautious on what he say to Denise but seriously brutally honest is how I like male vampires to be. That's why I am hoping for an Ian spin off. until then I guess I'll have to settle for the next, which will be about Mencheres. I am also happy that Cat, Bones, Ian, Mencheres made an appearance towards the end of the book. I love the it when they all come together to fight a battle.

First Drop of Crimson is sexy, witty, action pack and full of smokin' hot sexual tension and scenes. For the fans of the paranormal and Night Huntress series. Like it's mother ship, once you finish reading it you'll be begging for more.

Jeaniene Frost has created such memorable characters beyond Cat & Bones in her Night Huntress books that I felt like I already knew Charles and Denise before their spinoff story even began. Charles is a vampire, who also goes by the name Spade. He is best friend to Bones, while Denise is Cat's human best friend. She lost her husband Randy in that zombie attack at the end of At Grave's End. It's been a year, but she still suffers from PTSD and wants nothing to do with the supernatural world. But the demon targeting members of her family missed that memo. Raum (the demon) is searching for one of Denise's ancestors who welched on a deal with him decades ago. Vampires are hiding him. And if Denise doesn't produce him, she and the rest of her family are toast.

When she can't reach Cat & Bones, she calls Charles. He agrees to help her on her mission. And from the get-go he is fighting a serious attraction toward her. It goes against everything he stands for to have feelings for a human, since his last love was a human who died horribly. Now, he only dates other vampires. Adding a little more urgency to the search, Raum has infected Denise with part of his demon essence, which taints her blood and is changing her physiology.

I loved this book. The relationship build between Charles & Denise was great; the sexual tension and eventual payoff, off the charts. We got to see some old favorites like Mencheres & Ian -- and even got a little face time with Cat & Bones. At first, I was annoyed that Jeanienne Frost was going the way of the spinoff, when I love Cat & Bones so much, but if they're all this good, I'm happy to stand corrected. 5 stars.

This book was absolutely fabulous. If you like the old time, sexy, hero vamp who actually sucks blood from humans rather than some plastic bag, then continue on. This book had me from the very beginning and did not drop my interest until the very unfortunate end. I could not get anything done. Ms. Frost knows how to make one want more and more of the sexy hero vamp and Spade is no different. I really like the fact that Ms. Frost drifted away from Cat and Bones to new, exciting, sexy, main characters. I really hated this book to end, and I highly recommend this book for everyone to read. I do not think there will be a disappointed person out there. First Drop of Crimson was far better than the last two books from Lara Adrian, who is one of my favorite vampire authors. I held Ms. Frost's book in my hand and made sure I read "word for word," as I did not wish to miss even one propositional phrase! As far as Spade, he can bite me anytime, anywhere, any way! Yowza! I also understood the heroine Denise and what she was going through and you could see the scared little mouse slowly turn to something much stronger, even if she did not realize it, herself. I could not understand why no one could figure out as to why and/or when she would "turn", as it was pretty obvious....unless I have simply read too many books of this nature.

I wasn't sure how I'd like this book because I never cared for Denise as a secondary character. The story felt more superficial than the Night Huntress books. I never understood the connection between Denise and Spade, and found Denise to be a bit of a whiney, self doubting heroine. Not only was the chemistry Cat and Bones have missing in this spin-off, but also the humor was notably absent. I did enjoy learning more about Spade's past and even the glimpses of Ian, but I wasn't devouring the book like the other novels in the Night Huntress Universe collection.

Being new to the world Jeaniene Frost has created, I was unsure what to expect here. I generally listen to books I have already read, but this time took a different course. I read the first Cat & Bones book, and thought this might be interesting.

Oh, Denise and Spade are VERY interesting! Denise is a human still grieving for the loss of her husband at the hands of some supernatural creature. When she comes up against a creature even bigger and badder, she turns to the only person she knows who can help.

Spade is a vampire, best friends with Bones. Less than thrilled to have to run to Denise's aid, he only wants to fix the issue, keeping Cat & Bones out of it, and get rid of the human woman. Until he gets to know her.

Unlike some romance authors, Frost really focuses on the story and doesn't make it all about the sex. She definitely knows how to create a compelling tale and help the reader suspend disbelief. I cannot wait to get to the next book in the series!

The book is narrated by Tavia Gilbert. Narrators are always tricky, and she does a great job. The only voice that didn't capture me was Bones' "Cockney" accent, but Spade's British nobility accent and Denise's southern voice are done well. She adds to the story (where some narrators detract from it).

Definitely worth 5 stars!

I haven't read anything by Jeaniene Frost before and I realize now that I should have started with the Night Huntress series but First Drop of Crimson worked fine as a stand alone novel. The audiobook was available on sale on Audible around Christmas so that was the main reason why I bought it. As I listened I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything but I'm aware there might have been spoilers from the Night Huntress series present.

Frost has created a great vampire story and the chemistry between her characters is superb! Denise, the main character, was a great but perhaps a bit to stubborn for her own good kind of heroine. Spade was a dark and sensual hero, he always acted according to what should be in Denise's best interest but he didn't always take the time to ask what she wanted. Might not be so easy when you know your immortal but the person you have fallen for might die any moment.

First Drop of Crimson is an action filled story with vampires, addictive blood and a crazy demon. I definitely recommend it and the rest of Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress and Night Huntress world series is on my I-must-buy list!

First Drop of Crimson was my first ever Jeaniene Frost book that will most definitely NOT be my last. It was like reading my first ever Dark Hunters book (Sherrylin Kenyon) - as if I was being reintroduced to the world of paranormal romance all over again.

I loved how our main heroine and hero, Denise and Spade, knew each other before we meet them in this book. Both of them have a history, not a happy one but it is there. It made the scenes and dialogue between them that much more real and even though they had met before they didn't really know each other which allowed me to learn about them along with the characters.

For a paranormal romance book this was very low on the cheese, I appreciate it greatly and recommend to all needing to read something fresh and biting.

First Drop of Crimson is a companion novel to the Night Huntress series meaning you don't have to read Cat's and Bones books first before reading this one. Of course if you have read the other books you would most likely have a greater clue into the little back stories thrown in throughout the book. Either way whether this is your first Frost book or not you'll enjoy it if you are a fan of action, witty characters, and delicious vampires.

Here's what I thought of First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost:

I gave it 5/5 stars.

One Of The Best!

Truth be told, at first I was unsure about reading this book because I was already in love with Cat and Bones' adventures. But, my love for Frost's work pushed me to the point where I opened this book and began on Spade's and Denise's romance.

Of course I will always love Bones, but Spade now has a place in my heart. In the original series, you don't really get a chance to understand and love him. But in this book, I fell in love with him, and same goes for Denise! He is such a sweet heart and it broke my heart to hear about his past.

This book was beautiful, daring, ravishing, erotic, and just all together fantastic!

*This review contains minor spoilers if you haven't read the Night Huntress series*

My thoughts:
First Drop of Crimson is the first book in the Night Huntress spin-off series, Night Huntress World. Those who have read the Night Huntress series will be familiar with Spade, Bones friend from his penal colony days, and Denise, the only person that Cat has ever considered a friend. Denise's husband Randy died during an attack on Cat and Bones. Denise slowly withdrew from Cat's world and friendship because she had lost so much. And her friend's world was too dangerous, too violent.

Spade and Denise is no Cat and Bones. What made the Night Huntress books so great (chemistry, humor, witty banter, a strong heroine) was sorely missing in First Drop of Crimson. I found the relationship between Spade and Denise to be lacking in chemistry and heat. Denise was constantly whining about how much money Spade was spending to help her locate her relative and Spade had to constantly reassure her that he would help her at any cost. The entire book was Spade putting Denise at ease. She would whine and he would have to talk her down. How these two end up having sex was beyond me because I did not find the attraction between them to be believable or natural. I also question Denise's decision making skills. She would do things in the name of keeping those who are helping her out of danger not realizing that it's gone way beyond that. They are already helping you so they are already in danger. By doing something stupid, she is making the situation worse. Why ask Spade, Cat, Bones and their crew to help if she wasn't going to listen and follow their rules? Denise has seen them at work and knows that they can and will get the job done.

Thank goodness for Ian to provide much needed humor and wit to ruffle Denise's feathers. If it weren't for Ian's character breaking up the monotony of Denise's whining, I don't know if I would have been able to finish the book. I hope that Ian gets his own book soon!

The sexual chemistry between Spade and Denise was tepid. What he saw in her, I have no idea. I didn't find any redeeming qualities in Denise and by the end of the book, I still didn't like her. I found myself constantly comparing FDOC to the Night Huntress series. It's hard not to. I've heard that the second book, Eternal Kiss of Darkness, is much better. I hope so. I love Jeaniene Frost's writing but something in this book was missing.

FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON is the first book of a new series, Night Huntress World, by Jeaniene Frost. It's an offshoot of her first series Night Huntress. I've not read her previous books, but the passed events from those books are mentioned in this book. The author did a good job of filling in the story's background information without weighing the story down.

This story focuses on Denise MacGregor, a human, who is best friends with Cat Crawfield, a main character for the other series. She finds herself in need of help when a demon shapeshifter starts killing off her relatives and she's next. Not wanting to get her best friend involved, she contacts the only person she can think of Spade. Little does she know the desire she stirs in him, but soon she'll find out. That is if he can keep her alive.

There's lots of tension, both sexual and suspense, in this book. The story stayed with me for days after I'd finished reading the book. Loved it! The next book in this series is ETERNAL KISS OF DARKNESS due out in July 27, 2010. I've already got it on my wish list!

This was an awesome read and with every book I read of Jeaniene Frost, the more of hers I want. It's been awhile since I found books that keep me as enraptured as Ms Frost's books. I look forward to reading more in the book universe that she has created.

First off, I am totally in love with Spade! There, I said it, and further more, I am totally in love with Spade more than Bones *ducks from incoming debris*. Truly, I think Spade has an entirely different character than Bones and he has a whole other level of compassion and caring. I love Denise as well, she grows in this book, even after everything she went through; she learns from her mistakes and makes the correct decision when it comes to her and Spade's relationship, I am proud of her for allowing herself to love again, after everything she went through.

This book is also incredibly hot, sparking fever hot, molten lava hot, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the "Spade in the shower scene", you will know exactly what I am talking about once you read it :) Spade is so hot and delicious and any other adjective meaning yummy. I loved this book and even though Ian has been a jerk in the past I am intrigued to meet the women who tames him.

A spin off series from the Cat and Bones novels, this series is not written in first person, which is a huge plus in my opinion. In the story of Spade and Denise, being privy to both POV's let's the reader develop a much more informed and intimate relationship with the characters. The reasons behind Spade's avoidance of anything but the most shallow of relationships with humans becomes reasonable when coupled with Spade's past. It just makes the story a much more rounded and balanced experience. Being well acquainted with both characters from earlier works, I knew I would love this book. Even with prior background, there were still plenty of brow raising surprises. Lots of old and new friends making appearances and as always that offbeat vampire humor. As always, the chemistry and romantic elements smoke. All around fantastic read, now off to Mencheres.

I thoroughly enjoyed this spin-off story of the Cat and Bones books. I liked both Denise and Spade from previous books and was happy to see them have their own story. This story jumps right in with the danger, romance, and witty banter that captivates the reader's attention until the last page. I can't wait to read more in this series (and the normal Cat/Bones series)!

Denise has lived through a lot and the last time we seen her she was in bad shape and was not wanting anything to do with vampires and friends. Then she finds her self in a position where only vampires can help her save herself and her family only to find the most dangerous part about it is the new feelings she is feeling to the one vampire who can help her. She is torn between the way she feels and how she feels she should be feeling . Having lost her husband only one year ago to a vampire war, is it wrong of her to feel so strongly to one of them?

I thought it was very good. I was unsure how I was going to feel about this one since I had not formed a opinion of Spade in the previous books, but I think it worked out great i think he is a very hot strong character and i like him a lot of course he is no Bones or Vlad . I enjoyed the book a lot and am excited now for the next one.

Erotically mesmerizing, enticing and seductively engrossing. The First Drop of Crimson is a book like no other, in it's ability to take the reader from a world of reality into a world of fantasy, which in turn makes the world of fantasy real, in every way. You know a book is amazing when you crack open the spine, read a few pages and then before you know it, you look up at the clock and notice that an hour and a half has flown by. This is a book that did just that for me.

First Drop of Crimson is a spin-off from Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. With that in mind, this is also the first book by this author that I have read. Let it be widely known that it will not be the last. In First Drop of Crimson, readers will focus on Denise MacGregor, a human, whose best friend, Cat, is half-vampire. During a previous visit with Cat, Denise's husband was killed in a vampire attack. Naturally this causes Denise's world to crash around her, as she completely distances herself from that "other" world. While this occurred in a previous book, the reader is given this, as well as several other bits of background information, so that new readers, such as myself, are able to understand the "whys" of the characters' thoughts and actions.

Fast forward a year and a half, to the present, when Denise is visited by a corporal demon, Raum, who is set on taking revenge upon her and her family members for the actions of a descendant of hers, who decided to "skip-out" on an agreement. Once Raum finds out that Denise has connections to the vampire world, he cuts a deal with her - she finds her cousin, Nathanial, returns him, and Raum ceases the slaughter of her family. Denise reluctantly agrees and before she realizes what is happening, is branded by the Demon. The end result? Tainted blood is now flowing through Denise's veins, which with time, will turn her into a shape-shifter.

Not sure where to turn, she contacts a master vampire and friend of Cat's husband, Spade. No matter what, she does not want to endanger Cat or her husband, Crispin, leaving Spade the only other option. With their differences and Denise's grave dislike for the vampire world, there is nothing to worry about with Spade. He will help her find Nathanial, return him to Raum and that will be that. Or will it?

It does not take long for the chemistry to sizzle between Denise and Spade. A former Baron, before turning vampire, Spade has manners, chivalry and genteel ism to spare. Mix that with Denise's stunning beauty, braveness and strength and the reader is in for a combustive ride.

Author, Jeaniene Frost, does a magnificent job intertwining heat, sensuality and passion with love, caring and humility. Ms. Frost appears the master of contrast, within her created world, blending strength with vulnerability, darkness with light, love with despair. These contrasts add a wonderful dynamic to the story and the characters within. Another aspect that really stood out, as I was reading, was the absorbing descriptiveness of the writing. There were so many times that I could honestly see, in my mind, what was happening. What a delightful feeling to have! The ability to feel the heat radiating from Spade and Denise, the impact of a vampire attacking, the emotions that constantly tugged within the characters. Amazing.

The one and only drawback was feeling as though, perhaps, I had missed out on something, by not reading the original Night Huntress series prior to this. There were a few times that I felt as though I wanted to reach back in time to better get to know some of the circumstances and characters. However, the way the author constructs this spin-off book, is well put together and developed, giving the reader background information and providing new and deeper aspects to the characters of Spade and Denise.

I can honestly say that after reading First Drop of Crimson, I am biting at the bit to read more by this author, starting with Halfway to the Grave, the first in the original Night Huntress series. Anyone looking for an amazing story, containing plenty of sizzling heat, action, suspense and unrelenting absorption, will truly delight in First Drop of Crimson.

The next book in this series, Eternal Kiss of Darkness, is due to release Summer 2010! Can't wait!

I loved Spade in the previous books, and now I love him even more. Denise was a bit annoying at times, but overall I liked her. I loved the appearances of other characters, especially Ian. This was a fast paced read and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I liked the Night Huntress series but this was just awful. Five stars? Really? I'd give a five star book to a friend - hardcover, nice, new, and shiny. But if I gave this book to a friend she would no longer accept my suggestions and she might not even talk to me anymore. I'll give props to JF's character Spade but Denise was lame - whiney, flighty, and one dimensional. I felt the need to skip chapters (and I should have). If you love JF, read it, you may like it even though I didn't - but for goodness sake, get it from the library at least. JF has many 4-5 star books, but this isn't one of them.

This is Denise abd Spade ' s story . A heart stopping ride from beginning to end . Denise has to find a century old relative or risk loosing the rest of her family to untimely deaths . Not having communicated with Cat in months the only person she knows how to contact is Spade . But will he help her ? She is just a human after all .

Cat's best friend Denise gets in trouble and can't seem to locate Cat. Denise remembers she has Spade's number and calls him up. Spade is surprised to hear from her and regretfully relays the news that Bones has Cat secluded somewhere while recovering from events that happened in Destined for an Early Grave.

Spade agrees to offer his assistance and ends up with a lot more than he bargained for. Working in close quarters, Spade and Denise are finding it difficult to fight their growing attraction. If you thought Bones was hot, you ain't seen nothin yet! There is a delicious shower scene that will have you panting for more!

My favorite genres are urban fantasy and then paranormal romance. Far too often paranormal romance novels forget the paranormal storylines and are just a bunch of non-human creatures falling in love. The BEST paranormal romance stories have the 'love story' front and center but never forget how valid the surrounding story is to keeping a reader's interest. Let me see these characters as the fall for each other, yes, but let me see how their love shows as they fight out the dark and gritty elements that surrounds them...or should surround them seeing how this is a 'paranormal' romance. This is especially nice for those readers, like me, who enjoy urban fantasy as well. "First Drop of Crimson" is a stand out. This story makes sure to keep all the intensity, humor and underworld dealings that we have come to know and love in the "Night Huntress" series and yet it remains an honest to goodness romance. Frost also gets a big A+ for her characterizations. I fell for Spade right away. He wasn't whiny when he realized he loved Denise, he didn't spend a lot of time internally struggling with it. Some other reveiwers didn't seem to care for Denise but I did like her and I loved how human she was, and yet her sass could still spark up and that was always fun. There is humor galore here such as the scene where Spade goes unconscious and wakes to find himself surrounded by people who think he (really) is dead. The four star instead of five is for a couple of reasons. I thought the love scenes were a little standard fare, and we all know Jeanine can write some crazy fun love scenes. Also, I didn't like how quickly Denise seemed to be able to put Randy out of sight out of mind. This is a fantastic couple and a great story but it would have been better served a little further down the line in the "Night Huntress World" romances, maybe allowing a little more time for Denise to grieve. The last point is that the story's whole set up is based on a demon who has a bad business deal with one of Denise's ancestors. Therefore the demon is killing Denise's family members. One dies before her eyes. Again, there is such a downplay of grief here...this is a glaring mis-step in a novel where so much else blossoms. That said, this book was a great new entry into my library and I eagerly look forward to any more books that come out by Jeaninene Frost. She has proved herself.

"You cannot judge a book by its cover." Never was this worn old saw truer than what was used for the cover art on this newest book.
I loved ALL of Frost's books from the striking covers to the last printed word. This cover is terrible. This is the only negative in another great installment/spinoff of Jeaniene Frost's series The Night Huntress.
PLOT: Denise MacGregor was Cat Crawfield's only female friend. Sweet and loyal, Denise was married and in one of the previous books, her husband was murdered by warring vampires. Denise had not known that her friend Cat was half human and half vampire. When Denise was unwittingly and unwillingly drawn into the deadly world of the undead, she was horribly traumatized by what happened to her and her beloved Randy. After all her suffering, she withdrew to try and heal. Unfortunately, members of her family are being mysteriously killed. When she witnesses her cousin's murder, Denise realizes that a supernatural was targeting her family. The police were no help. They think she is looney. She calls her friend Cat's contact numbers and gets no responses. She goes down her list and the only answer she gets is from SPADE, a master vampire and best friend to Cat's vampire husband Bones. The story is an exciting tale of two wounded people who overcome the emotional obstacles between them, learn to trust and respect each other and then give into their love and attraction for each other. Spade helps Denise solve her family's problem and she helps Spade feel love again.
This book DID remind me of Frost's 1st book, HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE because the love story grows in a natural way. But it is by no means a rip off. Frost is a good enough author that the story is original, her characters distinct and the story line develops and leads the reader logically through all the fun twists and turns. Nothing is forced. Spade has his own unique background, his own personality and his own style of being the powerful Vampire, alpha male, loving lover that he is. Denise was just an ordinary human, not half vampire like Cat. But she has incredible stores of character within her that help her to cope with her otherworldly problems quite well for a mere human. In fact, Spade is impressed with her courage, her self sacrifice, her sense of honor and intelligence. On page 190, Spade, who as a human was Baron Charles DeMortimer, thought, "His admiration for her increased. It had taken him a decade to have that same strength of will after his loss. Denise managed it in over a year...he had to make her his." I don't like it when the leads in the books jump each others bones without even knowing each other's names! Spade is understanding, tender and unfailingly loyal to Denise when she is being stubborn. He helps her through her PTSD paralysis when she is surrounded by the supernatural world. He cares for her as the Demon blood is changing her body, mind and soul. She feels guilty and responsible for endangering Spade and all the other beings that are helping her to fight the evil Demon Raum who is murdering her family. Frost gives Denise the backbone and intelligence to keep her worthy of her lover Spade and worthy to be a part of the Night Huntress world. More Spade and Denise, please!
Yeow! Wonderful jump start to a series that will have me tapping my toes for the next new story about Mencheres!

'First Drop of Crimson' is a spin off novel in the Night Huntress series (which focused on Cat and Bones) but was a really good read in its own right.

As the book starts we meet Denise MacGregor, a woman who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder following events a year before when her husband was killed by a group of vampires. The whole idea of vampires and death and blood is too much for Denise and she has withdrawn from her friendship with Cat (a half-vampire) and is trying to go about her life, recovering from her husband's death, away from supernatural creatures.

But one of Denise's cousins tells her he believes his family are being killed - and when he is next, Denise realises something is going on. She meets Raum, the demon responsible for the deaths, and has to make a bargain with him for her life and that of her family. She needs to find one of her relatives, Nathaniel, but doesn't know how to go about it without involving Cat and Bones. But then she remembers Spade, one of the other vampires, and contacts him.

Spade isn't interested in humans but finds himself agreeing to help Denise. He gets more than he bargained for, finding something about her that draws him, and also discovering the seriousness of her situation. Can they together find Nathaniel? Can they keep each other safe?

I enjoyed this book whilst reading it, finding it always interesting and not particularly predictable. The setting moved from America to England to Monaco and more, although the author doesn't particularly spend time setting the scene and aiming for authenticity. In fact, our English hero speaks in a rather odd way at times (he seems to use 'quid' as a synonym for 'money' where it doesn't work in English most of the time), and the principality of Monaco seems to have been elevated to the status of an island, but these are minor niggles in what was overall a good story. I thought the cover was dreadful but this is par for the course in this kind of book, but Denise and Spade were both good characters and I enjoyed reading their romance.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2010

I have never read the other books by this author that are so popular, but I will definitely be checking them out now after reading this book.

I loved all the characters in this book. Denise was a little whiney at first, but she does change throughout the book for the better. Spade is just hot! He needs no further explanation. If Cat and Bones were wonderful so I know the series that features them will probably be devoured by me in one day as soon as I get them.

I have read a bunch of review from numerous blogs, and everyone says that this book was not as great as they expected it to be. I don't see what was wrong with the book. It had plenty of action and romance for me. (Can I get a HELL YEAH for that shower scene that Denise got to witness of Spade?!) HAWT! Not to mention Ian sounds like a character I can't wait to see unfold on the pages. Especially with more mentions to his piercing! I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next on in this series due out this summer in 2010.

[...].

I liked this book although it always seemed like a companion book and not stand alone. I really liked Spade from the previous books and also liked what little I knew about Denise. I thought they were a good pairing. This book had the drama and romance that are present in the Cat and Bones story. This of course is less satisfying since the entire story is told in one book. I started THIS SIDE OF THE GRAVE Book 5 in the Cat and Bones series and realized Spade and Denise are together (as well as Mencheras HEA), so I put it aside to read these 2 side books.

I would recommend this book to anyone reading the Cat and Bones series as an added chapter, but not sure they stand alone in the world of paranormal romance novels.

First, kudos to the author for not using the "jealousy" theme at all in this one to create tension. It became so overdone by the 4th book in the original series that I was tiptoeing in with this one. That said, the idea for the plot in this book was good, but it wasn't carried out quite as well as in the original series. There wasn't as much spark in the relationship or the dialogue, and the tension and energy didn't carry throughout the whole book. It definitely wasn't the page-turner that the first Cat and Bones story was (in the original series). It was still worth the read, though, and I enjoyed it (and was especially happy that the author was able to move away from the jealousy/ex-lover themes), so it gets 4 stars from me.

I read this right on the heels of the first Cat & Bones book which I loved. I was expecting more of the same fast paced fun combined with a sexy larger than life smart-a*s hero. My mistake.

This book was a bit of a bore in comparison. Spade, the vampire hero, was meh. Denise, the demon marked heroine, was meh. The plot consisting of "we have to get rid of these marks & make her a vampire or she'll die, oh my!" was meh and very bleh. THERE WAS NO HUMOR (grrrrr). The two had some sexy times and fell in love without any connection I could feel. Made me sad, it did. Ah well, on to the next one. Hopefully the love story will move me more than this one did and the review won't have to be so lame.

I love the main series and was happy to see Denise and Spade getting their story. From the start u find they are drawn to each other but with Denise married, nothing happens. But now? Oh no its on, like donkey kong! Spade is awesome. He is romantic and has manners and declares his love right away but gives her space. He protects her and does everything to keep her safe. I enjoyed the last book I read in the huntress series (book 5 this side of the grave) bc they were in it for a short time living a happy life together,

4 out of 5 stars, sooo much better then I expected and hoped for!! I liked Denise and Spade (especially Spade) as secondary characters in the Night Huntress series but I loved them as the main characters in this book!! I can't wait to read what will happen to them and their friends now that things have certainly changed for all of them. =0) This novel was action packed, addictive, and touching ... along with some very night romance scenes. So, if you enjoyed the stories of Cat & Bones in the Night Huntress series then I recommend you checking out this book too!

Review By: From Me to You ... Book Reviews
(read more of this review and a few teasers on my blog)

First Drop of Crimson tells the story of Spade and Denise, who are supporting characters in Frost's awesome Night Huntress Series. This story fits in with the series very well and follows Destined For an Early Grave in the timeline. As a huge fan of Frost, I am willing to read anything she puts into the world, and I was quite excited for FDOC. I found both Spade and Denise likeable characters when they appeared in the Cat and Bones books, so reading a book about the two of them didn't seem like a chore in the least. If you haven't read Frost's Night Huntress series I think that FDOC might be a little confusing as she doesn't spend a lot of time on background, however if you aren't already a fan of Frost and read this book I am almost positive you'll go out and buy her other four novels. There are some spoilers in FDOC, but Cat and Bones will be enchanting even if you do know more than you should going in.
Frost introduces demons in this book, and does so very well. We haven't heard of demons in the other books, but it doesn't seem like she's reaching for new, random ideas: demons are simply rare, and to be avoided if at all possible. Denise is marked by a demon and given a mission to find one of her relatives who made a deal with the demon and reneged. As she knows nothing about demons and has tried to remove herself from the vampire world since her husband's murder, she must call upon her vampire friends. Spade comes to her rescue and they start their adventure to save Denise from becoming a demon, herself. I loved the fact that many supporting characters from Cat and Bones make appearances here, and Cat and Bones eventually show up themselves. None of the characters are different from their normal personalities in the main series, but both Denise and Spade mature and their happy ending seems earned and not rushed, as many romance novels' endings are. This is indeed a romance, much more so than Cat's books, and I admit I didn't enjoy it as much as the main series. However, I think it is a must-read if you're a fan of Frost and I look forward to reading her next Night Huntress World book, Eternal Kiss of Darkness, featuring Mencheres and a human woman, Kira.

Overall, First Drop of Crimson was another great novel by Jeaniene Frost. It is definitely a stand-alone novel, with little information from the main series to bog down any part of the story, and it's different enough that it should appeal to anyone who loves paranormal romance. Obviously, you really should be reading Jeaniene Frost if you haven't started already. I can't wait for the second Night Huntress novel, Eternal Kiss of Darkness, to come out since we'll be getting more on Mencheres. For any fans of the Frost novels, these spin-off books are going to be great to learn more about some of our favorite side characters.

To read my full review, please check out Literary Escapism.

From the first moment I picked up Jeaniene Frost (One Foot in the Grave) I was transformed into her world. Frost is hands down the best writer of vampire books out there. When my other favorites are floundering (Hamilton, Ward, Kennyon) Frost is emerging as one of the best to ever put pen to paper.
That being said I was not looking forward to the changes in character for her next series. I'd come to love Cat and Bones and couldn't believe I would enjoy two characters more than them. Boy was I wrong! Taking a damaged woman and an even more damaged man, and help them to trust and fall in love was an amazing thing to watch. Denise's character transformation was so engaging that by the end of the book you were cheering her on, while Spade's aversion to loving human's begins to change in so many subtle ways that by the time he figures it out you are hollering at the book saying "YES YOU IDIOT GO GET HER!!!". Once again Frost takes an engaging story, tosses in some romance, to come up with a fantastic read. I cannot wait for her next book, no matter what series it is!!

This is another great book by Jeaniene Frost. 5 stars all the way. I just loved the whole story and I'm so happy with how it was written and how it ended. It was super cool and I look forward to the next book in the Night Huntress Series. I would highly recommend reading this series. I should add, one of my favorite things about this series and these books is that not a lot of time is wasted rehashing old events to get you caught up to speed in each book. I like that there isn't that filler in these books!

I am a huge Jeanine Frost fan and this book is my favorite. I found Denise to be a more believable and likeable character than Cat, and Spade definitely gave bones a run for his money. I forgot to write a review for this after I first read it, so it has been a while and I can't remember the key factors as to WHY I loved it because I've read so many books since, but I did absolutely love it. I really like Denise, she seemed real to me and I could believe her as a character. I also really like Spade, I love the overprotectiveness we get from him and Bones. I'm sorry I can't write more helpful reason as to why I liked this book, but I defintely recommend this one.

Let me first start off by saying that I am absolutely in love with Jeaniene Frost. She is an exceptional writer and her books are so much fun to read. If you're a big fan of her Night Huntress series, you'll definitely enjoy reading First Drop of Crimson. I promise you, Jeaniene does not disappoint. And if you haven't read her Night Huntress series, well I highly recommend that you read through them first before picking FDOC. Although her world is quite easy to follow, you may find yourself a little lost with some of the characters mentioned throughout the book.

Without giving away too many spoilers, FDOC is basically about Spade and Denise. I've always been a big fan of Spade so I was all sorts of excited to learn that he was going to get his own spinoff. When Denise MacGregor's husband Randy was murdered during a vampire war a year ago (mentioned in the Night Huntress series), she swore to never return to the supernatural world. Unfortunately for Denise, she ends up turning to Spade, a master vampire, for assistance when her cousin gets murdered and she receives a visit from a demon shapeshifter, Raum. He basically marks Denise leaving her with no choice but to help him find Nathaniel (a long distant cousin of hers) for backstabbing and betraying a deal that was made decades ago.

Although Denise may have been a weaker character than Cat (I mean, she is half-vampire after all), I still very much enjoyed the book. Spade and Denise's chemistry is amazing and although it may seem like there was a lot of romance going on, Jeaniene kept it fast paced, exciting and action filled!! I hope she gives us more Spade and Denise!!

I loved this book! I have been meaning to pick it up for a while now, so unfortunately I already knew the ultimate outcome, but I still enjoyed the story so much. I loved getting to know both Spade and Denise better. I've read reviews saying this spinoff series is not as good as the Cat and Bones books, but I really like how Frost features a different protagonist in each installment. I love Cat and Bones but their relationship is getting a little boring for me. Highly recommended for fans of the paranormal genre! 4.5/5 stars.

Denise is trying to rebuild her life after the horrible shock of her husband, Randy, being killed on New Year's Eve in the midst of Vampires at war (AT GRAVE'S END) Trying to move on she has separated herself from all things preternatural in hopes of moving on from the horrors that night still brings into her mind. By doing so she has also cut ties with her best friend, Cat Crawfield who is half vampire, and her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately by cutting herself off she is left without being able to reach those that can help her when she is confronted by a dark family secret in the form of a demon, Raum. With no where else to turn she call the only contact she has left to get in touch with Cat and Bones, Spade.

Spade feels honor bound to help her as Bones is his best friend and is determined to what he can. Besides feeling his duty to his friend, Spade can't help but wonder about Denise. He's been intrigued with her from the first time he saw her on that terrible New Year's Eve. It turns out to be harder than he imagines as he begins to search for the missing family member, Nathaniel, who is responsible for bringing the demon down on Denise's family after he reneged on his deal with Raum.

Not only is Spade trying to keep Denise out of the demon's hands but having to help her through her PTSD over the death of her husband. As they make their way from the US to Europe in search of answers they find they aren't as different as they once thought they were and that second chances for happiness can be found for those who allow the possibility of new beginnings.

During the course of FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON we see amazing twists and turns and learn the answers to questions we didn't even know we had! I was happy to see that Denise and Spade were not the typical hero and heroine and the chemistry between them was wonderful. We get to see a bit of Cat and Bones along with some of our other favorites from the NIGHT HUNTRESS series. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next installment of the NIGHT HUNTRESS WORLD by Jeaniene Frost!

Great first book of the series involving Cat's best friend, Denise MacGregor, and Bones' best mate, Charles...better known as Spade. This wasn't as exciting as our typical Cat and Bones tale but it was enough. Plus, we get a new romance between two really attractive and interesting characters. Old friends also make appearances in the story though the main attraction is very much Denise & Spade.

If you're a fan of the Night Huntress series, this spinoff is for you. My recommendation is that you read this book and the next before you start the fifth book of Night Huntress.

I have read the whole "Night Huntress Series" and they are an adult series based on urban fantasy. This book is an addition to that series delving deeper into the relationship of two of the smaller key characters in the main series. All of her characters are well developed and you just want to know more about them and their daily dealings with ghouls, vampires, and other things that go bump in the night. I can't wait for the next book which is "Eternal Kiss of Darkness" which she explores another side character from the main series that when reading it you've always wanted to know more about them. Keep them coming Jeanine!!

Spade is an important character to understand. He's Bones' best friend. One knows a man by his friends, so learning about Spade lends understanding to Bones. Spade mostly kept to himself until "Destined for an Early Grave." Therefore, "First Drop of Crimson," Frost's follow-up novel, sheds a lot of light on Spade's motives for his past actions. Although this installment in the Night Huntress world is not my favorite, it has some truly magical moments, and is important to the series as a whole. Read it!

I view this book as (Book 4) in the (Destined for an Early Grave) series because this is a story within a story "explained." However, in this book we find Denise MacGregor whimpering and unable to look her best friend in the vampiric eye due to the loss of her fiance to rampaging vampires and such; the story leads into the introduction of Denise to Spade. Denise may leave the scene and part ways with her best friend, but, she leaves a trail a mild wide behind her with both paranormal romance and blood tracking her. This story starts and ends with heart thumping shakes, knocks and rattles until you can't wait to get to the next story about them. This book was well written with a normalization of vampires so deeply embedded into the story that you never question whether vampires are real or not: it just is what it is ~ fantastic! It's a keeper!

This was a great spin off from the Cat and Bones books. The author does a good job of reviewing past events for new readers but in my opinion, you should really read the Cat and Bones books first. The plot is action filled with lots of twists and turns. It definitely kept my attention. I also liked the glimpses we get of inside the vampire world. This is a great read. Spade and Denise both seem very real and likeable. No whiny heroes or heroines here. If you are looking for a cheesy romance novel, this book is not for you. I admit the cover is horrible, and very misleading but it's really more of an action novel. I did get a lot of smirks when I read this on the train thanks to the graphic cover. I finished reading this book the same day I got it because yes, it's that good. Definitely a keeper.

When I first heard of the Night Huntress spin-off book, I was really excited. I enjoyed Spade as a secondary character and wanted to read his story. However, this book was just OK. It was not nearly as entertaining as Cat and Bones. Although most times Cat irritated me, I still liked her as a heroine. I just didn't feel that way about Denise. I wasn't cheering for her and Spade as I was for Cat and Bones. Something just seemed to be missing for me.

I also thought the plot was a little thin. It's better than something from Charlain Harris, but not as imaginative as the plots from the Cat and Bones' series. I actually found myself liking Ian more and more. I would much rather read about his story than Mencheres'. We'll see. I'll just wait for the next Cat and Bones story. Anybody know when that will be?

~First Drop of Crimson~
~NHW book 1~

Wow!! Denise Can Certainly handle herself, she doesn't need Spade to protect her. well the was another Great Read! J.Frost has yet to Disappoint me, I've Loved Every installment of this Series thus far...Everyone one has held my interest without fail. I'm almost Caught up with all the books. And I'll have to wait for the next book to be Released...to See what happens with Cat & Bones,it Doesn't Say on J.Frost's Site what the Next Release is???

Of course, I was attracted to this book because of Cat and Bones and it took some mental adjustment to have them as background characters instead of center stage, but in short order I came to very engaged in these characters and enjoyed the book very much. Jeaniene Frost is a very entertaining author and I have a very hard time tearing myself away from her writing. I just hope she will be able to keep up with both series now so we don't have to wait 2 years or so between books in each one... Here's hopin'!

I LOOOOOOOOOVE the Night Huntress series, so I was somewhat worried that this spinoff series would be contrived and the characters from the Night Huntress series would seem forced and unnatural. NOPE!!!!! Spade was exactly as he was in the other series, except we got lots, lots, lots more of him!!!! We finally learned what makes him tick, learned about his being sent to the penal colony (although I still need a bit more info about him turning into a vampire. Frost was much more thorough with Bones), his haunted past with his dead human girlfriend....It was all very good. We don't learn very much about Denise, though. I really didn't know much about her at all from the Night Huntress series. She was just there, to me. She didn't have a personality (or much of one) or a past. To me, that was really not rectified in her own book. Her personality developed, some, but it wasn't one that I liked. Apparently, from Spade's reactions, she was making lots and lots of "quips," but I just found her shrewish, bossy, and forever harping over money and his not having to be obligated to her, blah blah blah. If not for a lackluster, one-sided Denise, I would have given this book a 5, but I'm just not into Denise. Spade is just far too fine for her.
Frost brought in our old favorites from the Night Huntress series really well, and I was sooooo glad to catch up with my characters from other books.
Already reading Mencheres book, can't wait for the next!

I really enjoyed this book because I was able to go down my mental list and check off all the fine points that make an entertaining vamp tale to me.

Action- Check
Sex - Check
Fine sexy vamps - double damn check!
arrogant, but honest sexy characters - (Ian, Spade) Oh! For sure- Check!
Cool Vampire politics that involve blood rituals and such - Super Check!
Well detailed fight scenes with intrigue - Check
Bastard villians - check
Female character annoyance level on a scale of 1-10 - 6 ( which isn't too bad.)
Was supernatural characters able to handle business using their own supernatural ability - Check.

After being able to check off my list, I just KNEW I would be rereading this book and I did. I can't wait for the next one to come out! Jeanine Frost is on my favorite list with Kelly Armstrong, D.N. Simmons, Jim Butcher, Tanya Huff and Patricia Briggs.

Really liked this book. Spade was exactly how i pictured him based on the other books. The sex scenes were W.O.W, simply wow. This book should be read after Destined for an early grave of the night huntress, otherwise you will have spoilers in This side of the grave.
Highly recommended, they help you understand a lot better the characters and why you love them so much

This book is brilliant! Frost branches out her "Night Huntress" series focusing on what use to be supporting characters. She brings new depths into her vampire/ghoul world by introducing demons and dark arts. The iternal and external struggles of the characters is well thought out and played through. You're honestly left wondering if this will all turn out or not all the way through, and you won't know till the end either way. I found the leading characters, Spade and Denise, to be just as strong and inticing as Cat and Bones. I highly reccommend this book as well as all her other series, Night Huntress. You will not be disapponted!

The storyline of Cat, Bones, and their friends just keeps getting better. This book is about Spade and Denise, and is just as good as the Night Huntress series. I plan on reading all the books in this series and recommend them to anyone who enjoys the paranormal/vampire genre.

I picked up this book on a whim, looking for a light read. It was fun enough. The story made sense mostly. The mythology made sense and did not contradict itself or have any obvious holes, which was a nice surprise That is why it gets the 3 star rating (combined with the fact that I do not recall typos which is becoming a rarity, and the other okay and good elements.) The female character was okay. The make lead was above par. The sex stuff was okay. I will break this down a little more:

The female character was okay. She could have been good if she hadn't appeared stupid by making comments about paying the male lead back when he picked up the tab or met bargains for info, etc. on her behalf. It was obvious the guy was living the lifestyles of the rich and famous thing, and obvious he was helping her to meet his own code of ethics, and there is no way she could pay him back so she appeared stupid. I mean seriously, he barters an island house for information and she offers to delve into her 401k? There was some repetitive dialogue and sometimes she did things that did not make sense.

The female lead had lost her husband, who was gruesomely murdered and whom she was supposedly very much in love with, and also miscarried, all about a year in the past. She blamed herself for his death, and also had survivor guilt. Personally, I do not think that I could be even remotely not messed up only a year after losing a great love, not to mention get the hots for someone else. I thought the devastation of such an event was not truly communicated. Not to mention that she lost three relatives, one murdered in front of her, at the start of the book. Not a whole lot of grief communicated there either.

I liked the male lead. I thought the writing was off in his speech, though, (English Lord of by gone days), but I'm no expert. I kept having to shake off imagining the Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer type speech pattern. I thought he was fairly well done though, and not too overhanded on the romance novel usual of let me ravish her/non con sex stern almost abusive father figure male lead. I also thought the cover of the book depicted a great visual of the male lead, and that is a rare thing.

The supporting figures were not fleshed out, and I have no idea what Cat and Bones even really look like, for starters.

None of the characters were really very unique, except I think Ian had alot of personality and wanted to see more interaction there.

The sex scenes were a little silly, as they often are in paperback romance novels. At least the author accredited some of it to the male lead having 'vampire powers."

As said, fun light read, and at least I don't recall getting messed up due to typos or weak plot/mythologies.

A definite must read for Night Huntress Series fans. This is another amazing ride that will have anyone with their pulse racing within the first few chapters. Can not get enough of these stories, the characters and the way they evolve and how she makes their relationships complex but filled with emotion and great reality. Very happy she incorporated characters from the main series. Can't wait for the new adventure coming out this summer!

I like the grave series. I like Cat and her development. I also enjoyed this book which is an aim at making money off of character development. While I liked this story, I will admit that there was not much character difference from (Denise and Spade) to Cat and Bones.If you read the first book in the series you will see the similarities to this book. However, I believe Jeanine Frost will persevere and get better.

Thoroughly entertaining.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think one of the main reasons why is the cute picture of Spade on the cover. I kept referring to his picture often.
Once again Jeaniene Frost goes over the top with her World Hunter Series. I could not put this book down once I started.I have re-read it numerous times. It is good to see Cat and Bones also in this book.
I would love to see an Ian book. He seems like so much fun in the series!

Frost just keeps the action coming! This spin-off from the Night Huntress series is action packed urban paranormal fantasy at its best. Frost is definitely one of my favorite authors ..... I just can't get enough!

Really wanted to like this book since I love this series and especially love Bones' best mate, Charles. So disappointed they did not find a worthy romantic interest for him. Rather than Cat's shell shocked best friend, I would have gone with another half vampire or new type of supernatural who could also give the boys a run for their money.

This follows Denise MacGregor after her husband's brutal death at the hands of the zombies attacking to reclaim Cat for the dream master. She is suffering PTSD and has cut out the supernatural from her life...including Cat. But when her cousin confides in her after her aunt (his mother's) funeral that he thinks someone murdered his mother and earlier his sister, and may be following him, Cat's concerned. And when he's attacked right in front of him by a demon it seems Denise can't avoid the supernatural. In a fit of desperation, she tries every number she has but only reached Spade, aka Baron Charles DeMortimer who comes to her aid. There is a fatalistic attraction between the human who wants nothing to do with the supernatural, and the vampire who doesn't want to want a fragile human woman...again. Avoiding the demon, tracking what he wants, finding it and getting it fill the pages with a lot of supernatural drama, and hot romance too boot.

Denise is a hypocritical bore. One of those women who condemn others for taking care of the violence into which she has dragged them. Plus, enough with the pity party and meaningless 'I'll pay you back.' I'm so tired of her repetitive internal dialogue, jumping to conclusions and getting mad at others who stop her from doing idiotic things. Could we maybe hear a "thank you, I really appreciate what you are doing for me?" The scene with Bones after the first time she sleeps with Spade has finally done it. I'm not finishing. She is childish and ridiculous. I'm so bummed this is what Spade got. And from the other reviews it sounds like his supposed HEA is someone from whom he can't even drink? He was robbed.

Plus, I didn't feel any chemistry between these two.

I do like the interactions between Spade, Bones and Ian.

Great book. I love the Cat and Bones books already so was excited to learn more about Spade. I was also glad to see Denise come back and get her own story. If you already love Cat and Bones you will love Spade's book. If you havent read any of the Cat and Bones novels you wont feel behind in this one. Its a great companion book to the existing series. Cant wait to read Mencheres story next!

The book was a good read. It started out with 2 characters I've already read about in the Cat and Bones novels, so it was very easy to get into. This book gave you a deeper look into Denise and Spades lives that we really didn't get to learn about in the Cat and Bones novels. Great read!

I'm a huge Cat & Bones fan and have recommended the series to so many people. I was looking forward to a new story set in their world -- and I loved Spade from the previous books. But this story seemed so inferior to the first four Cat & Bones books. There was no chemistry between Spade and Denise, the story seemed implausible (even for a supernatural romance), and there was just something lacking. I can't really describe what was missing but I couldn't put the Cat & Bones stories down and this book I could hardly finish. It seemed very amateurish, generic, and I find it hard to believe the same author who wrote Cat & Bones so beautifully wrote this story. I would have given it two stars but didn't want to be the first person to do that. This book will go in my "donate to library" pile as I have no interest in ever reading it again.

First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World, Book 1) OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! I looooooooooooooooooved it!!!!!!!!!! When I first heard that Jeaniene was making a spin-off I couldn't wait to read it! Then I saw the cover and said to myself "Ewwww!" I thought that the model for Spade was awful! I did not think he was the sexy vampire that I had in my mind from the Night Huntress series. Then I went to the Harper-Collins website to read the first 20% of the book FREE OF CHARGE and was instantly addicted! I got the book yesterday morning...2/11/10 went to work from 10am to 6pm, then worked today 2/12/10 from 7:30am to 6pm and just finished reading it at 8:12pm!!!!!!!!!! The book was awesome!!!!!!!! I would love to hear more about Spade and Denise...they could definitely have a series of their own....but now I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the Night Huntress World 'Eternal Kiss of Darkness' coming in August 2010 to read about Mencheres!!!!!!!!!! I just hope they have a better model this time! LOL! If you loved the Night Huntress series as I did...even if you didn't...you should read this book ASAP! Support Jeaniene Frost!!!! She has a fan for LIFE!

I had never heard of, let alone read any other of Jeaniene Frost's books before I bought First Drop of Crimson. I belong to the SFBC and it had been on my wishlist for a while before I decided to just go ahead and buy it. Before I start reading from an unfamiliar author, I usually do some research to see if the particular book I've picked up is part of a series so I can start from the beginning as I hate starting in the middle of series. I don't know why, but I didn't do that this time with this author...

But first, my review of the actual book: From the first chapter, I was pretty much hooked. There wasn't a slow, drawn-out start in any way. Actually, it kind of felt like the way some movies begin...with something already happening from the start, but because of the storyline, you pick things up very quickly (though not in a predictable way). But then the action and suspense are just right in where it keeps you wondering what's going to happen next. That was how this book was. I just think it was very well-written, and though wonderfully explicit in a couple of parts, it wasn't anywhere near raunchy. There was a great balance of love, lust, sadness, happiness, heroism, and action to satisfy almost anyone. As for the ending...well, because we can't fathom a real ending when reading a really good book, they're usually critiqued in a bad way. But as much as I'd like a sequel, I think the ending was done well enough to end things as they were.

After I read the book and it became one of my favorites, I did research on the author and found out this book is based on side characters from an already well established series based on now side characters in this book. But this is actually the first time I'm not irritated with myself for starting "in the middle" of something. Even if the side characters here are main characters on another series, I really didn't feel lost at all. I'm going to start the Cat & Bones series from the beginning, of course, but I think if you start with this book (like I did), you won't be too lost. From what I understand, the main characters here were side characters on her main series that finally got their own story. Sure there are details I'd like to learn more about (which I will). But in general, I think you'll be fine if this is the only book you ever decide to read of Jeanine Frosts....which you should, but as a result most likely won't be your last! =)

Update: I picked up the original Night Huntress Series and read them all within a couple weeks (yes, they are that good!). Even after reading the original series, I am still not disappointed in myself for starting this one first. Even without certain details from the original series (after all, you can't expect the author to again go into every little detail made already in previous books), I still think this was balanced well enough so that the story contained just enough past information to inform new readers and also not irritate established readers with repetitiveness.

The only "negative" I think I might give is that if you haven't read the Cat & Bones series already, there IS a spoiler in this book having to do with Cat's position in the vampire world. Because I read this book first, and the specific spoiler (which I won't mention), doesn't happen until the end of the NH series, the whole time I was reading, I kept waiting for it to happen. Not that you wouldn't have figured it out eventually anyway, but it was kind of annoying that I already knew about it.

All that being said, this is definitely a new favorite author from me, and her books will be one of the few I will get as soon as they hit the stores. I'm actually very new in the whole paranormal romance world as I was never interested in romance books of any kind before...but this author truly changes my opinions and I just hope she continues to put out these wonderful, wonderful books!

This is a "spinoff" of the Grave series from Jeaniene Frost but not lacking in an enjoyable storyline. I enjoyed this book especially since I found the character of Spade intriguing in the original series. This story is great, easy to follow and you find yourself wanting Spade and Denise to figure out that they can be a couple.

I love this whole series but I really enjoyed this book, I thought the characters to be endearing and funny smart passionate, and fresh I loved every minute of it and wanted more much more congratulations on a wonderful book.

Disappointed! I had high expectations of this book, and all the glorious reviews are misleading. I'm a fan of paranormal romances, that's only reason for 3 stars, well, ok, there were moments that didn't suck, but overall, it's disappointing.

This is the first book that I've read from this author. I can't believe that this book got such high rating. The book has potential. However, I might have enjoyed the book if I wasn't so annoyed by Denise. I guess I'm not a big fan of reading about a weak insecure female character. Her reasoning and deduction skills about Spade's motive for helping her is highly rediculous.

Spade and Denise.... mmmmm mmmm good.... what chemistry.... what a story.... Jeaniene Frost's best book of the series.... can't wait for Vlad's book.... he's been one of my faves since the beginning of the series.... Thanks JF... you rock!!!

ugh... denise is annoying!! it's hard to love her character... on the other hand, I adore spade! :-)
over all, the book is good... the second book "Eternal kiss of Darkness" is much much better! so don't missed reading it! :-)

I really loved this book and this was also the very first book of J. Frost I have read so far. As over here the English version has just been published early March I checked the ratings via this site and avoided the spoilers.

I don't think it's a must to have read the other books before but it will make you want to read more which I'm about. Spade is a great character and not only a nobleman but also somekind of bad guy which I liked very much.

So thanks to the reviewers out there who made me buy this book!

Having read all of Ms. Frost's books I was rather disappointed in this book. In the night Huntress books you are drawn into the passionate and intense relationship of Cat and Bones. This book lacked that passion and while Cat is drawn as a tough, passionate woman in the night huntress books, I found Denise in this book to be kinda boring. I didn't understand what Spade saw in her. Spade has been around along time and this is who he choses to fall in love with? I didn't think the writing really expressed the intensity of emotion one would feel at losing a beloved spouse. I was told alot rather than shown how she felt. By the end I just didn't care enough about the characters to really be involved. Hopefully the next book will be better.

FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON WAS A VERY GOOD READ. I READ IT BEFORE THE ORIGINAL SERIES OF 'A NIGHT HUNTRESS'. FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON IS A SPIN OFF FROM IT. OF COURSE AFTER READING ABOUT THE SEXY VAMPIRE SPADE, I HAD TO GET CAT'S BOOKS. IVE READ THE FIRST BOOK OF CAT'S AND REALLY LIKE IT TOO. SO I RECOMMEND READING 'DESTINED FOR AN EARLY GRAVE, A NIGHT HUNTRESS NOVEL', CATS STORY. IM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT NIGHT HUNTRESS WORLD BOOK!!!

I am a huge Jeaniene Frost fan and I was so excited when I heard Spade would have his own book. So let me just say I was not disappointed, I was blown away and I loved it. A lot of people are complaining about Denise, but I didn't mind her, I wasn't as attached to her as I am Kat, but I liked her.

I am a BIG fan of Cat and Bones so I was very excited to get into this spin off series. The writing and plot development were great, which is to be expected by Frost. However, I found Denise to be irritating and not nearly as likable as Cat, so much so that I had to force myself to continue reading on. I'll just stick to The Night Huntress series instead.

I really liked First Drop of Crimson, it was great to expand into some of the side characters! With that said lets try to remember this ISN'T a book about Cat and Bones, so please, let's stop comparing and take this as what it's supposed to be, a "spin-off" of the Night Huntress series. So go get yourself a copy, learn a bit more about some other characters and the circumstances that make them the way they are and support a great author cause I really want that Vlad series! Lol ;)

It has been a year since Denise lost her husband by paranormal means. It's only normal that she wouldn't want to have anything to do with that world after such a loss. But when evil rears its ugly head, she'll have no say in the matter. With Cat and Bones on the other side of the world, Denise's only help comes from Spade, master vampire. Ever since meeting they've always felt a pull towards each other. Plus there's definitely an attraction on both sides, and at the same time neither of them will admit it. Spade refuses to fall in love with a human again and Denise wants nothing to do with the world of vampires. Stubborn creatures, but you gotta love them.

I absolutely loved this book, a must read. First Drop of Crimson was a fun, enticing read. This story was refreshing, dark and passionate. Spade and Denise are magic, their chemistry jumps off the page. Jeaniene Frost is a master at pulling you into a story from page one, and that's exactly what you get with this book. I love that Spade got his own book. I found him quite interesting in the Night Huntress series and was hoping we get to learn more about him.

I couldn't wait for this book to come out! I bought it and finished it the same day! It did not disapoint me at all. It had me hooked from the first chapter. It would be wise to read some of Jeaniene Frost's Cat and Bones books before reading this one though, so you know a little of the story. Otherwise you'll be a little lost starting with this book first since it takes off from the last Cat and Bones book. I really can't wait for the next spin off book, it'll be Mencheres's story. Hope that one will be just as good!

First Drop of Crimson was an awesome story!
I already loved Denise and Spade, and loved to see them together in the Night Huntress series.
But now I finally know how they got together and how Denise ended up with her demon/shapeshifter gift.

YOU DID IT AGAIN JEANNIEN.... COULD I SAY LOVED IT AGAIN ???, WHAT A GREAT STORY, I read it straight stopped only to eat and rushed threw that so I can get back to the book. Why can there be 10 STARS instead of 5. And the fact the Cat's and Bone's was in it was a Plus.... Can't wait for your next book. Who ever is reading this. GO ON AND GET THIS BOOK !!!!.

This book is along the same lines as her Night Huntress Series. It was a great read-quick plot, rich characters, and yummy romance! If you loved Bones and Cat then you'll love Spade and Denise!!! I HIGHLY recommend this book.