Book Summary:

Bones is a Master vampire who fell for the "Red Reaper." Though that moniker came later, he's spent the last two hundred years making a living (un-living?) as a bounty hunter. He knows how to be patient and when to strike.

We all know Cat's take on what happened when she left Bones. We can also guess how Bones felt about that. But knowing and seeing are two different things, aren't they?

My Review:

Okay, if you are a fan of Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series, you've got to check out Both Feet in the Grave. It's perfection, and I'm not just saying that because it's full of Bones' thoughts (as well as some karma we've been waiting years for).

Honestly, I've always been a fan of revisiting climatic events in a series, but with a different perspective. Both Feet in the Grave falls perfectly into that category, and it does a great job showcasing everything Bones went through during this time.

I'm struggling to decide what else to say, as it balancing the line between spoiler/safe feels more challenging this time. So, instead I'm going to leave you with this: Both Feet in the Grave is a fantastic and worthwhile read, so go check it out!

Highlights:
Vampires
Paranormal Romance
New Perspective to Series

Trigger Warnings:
Stalking
Abuse

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Both Feet in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

I continue to love this story, and seeing it through Bones's POV is just as fun as seeing it through Cat's in the first books. The story has the same elements, but the author does a great job of making it feel fresh and engaging. I might even say I like this version of the story better. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 #Review of Both Feet in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost - 04/20/23 @ 8am EST

Crystal's Thoughts:
"Halo, Kitten." ~ Bones

Just when you thought that Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series couldn't get any better, she releases Bones's point-of-view of One Foot in the Grave. I won't say that I wasn't primarily looking forward to this story to read Bones's perspective of Chapter 32....because I definitely was! Jeaniene delivered that, and so much more with this impressive installment.

Bones has been searching for Cat for four long years, and taking out everyone, alive or undead, that may be looking for the "Red Reaper" as well. Every time he gets close though, Bones ends up missing Cat by mere days. Only someone with a lot of power can make another person disappear so thoroughly, nevertheless Bones isn't going to give up, even if some days he feels he should. When a chance meeting with an intuitive human leads Bones right to Cat's door, Bones is determined to find out at long last if Cat can love him, undead and all. But when family, work, friends, and vampire politics all seem to be against them, is their brief past enough to build a future on? Or will whoever's put a bounty on Cat's head cut their future short?

"Love is the one thing that transcends time." ~ Bones

I loved Both Feet in the Grave so much, I don't even know where to begin! Readers really get a comprehensive sense of what Bones was going through during his separation from Cat and their ultimate reunion with this tale. The highs and lows, the frustration and devastation, especially when he believes that Cat wants nothing to do with him. He was utterly despondent. The writing was visceral and heart-wrenching at times. Reading Chapter 32 through Bones, which is now Chapter 39 (you're welcome) was also incredibly erotic. These two together are just magic.

While I know the story by heart, and have read each book in this series several times, I clung to Bones's words. It's a new side of Bones that we only caught glimpses of in the original series, it gave me a fresh appreciation for his character. We delved deeper into Bones's relationship with Annette, Charles, Ian, Mencheres and Rodney which was both enlightening and emotive. And while I'll never be an Annete fan, it was a different experience seeing her from Bones's perspective. It was also enlightening to perceive just how patient and considerate Bones was of Cat, especially during those pivotal moments in the story, and what that cost him. We *know* it from the original series, but it's different to *understand* it.

All in all, Both Feet in the Grave was an absolute delight and I can't wait for more books from Bones's perspective. I did not want this story to end, and it was difficult returning to a reality where these characters did not exist. It contained everything that I have come to love about this series; it was fun and fast-paced, with humorous banter and intriguing vampire politics that confounded Cat's hard-headedness. The Night Huntress series ranks in my Top Five All-Time Favorite Series and I will never stop recommending it to anyone who appreciates a one-of-a-kind vampire tale with remarkable writing, potent characters, and a world that you won't want to leave.

"Now that he had the woman he loved, there was nothing he couldn't do." ~Bones


✔️ Fast-Paced and Fun
✔️ MMC POV
✔️ 'Touch Her and Die'
✔️ Second Chance
✔️ Forbidden Love
✔️ Chapter *39*
✔️ Humorous Banter
✔️ Vampire Politics
✔️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is "Technically" listed as Book 10 in the series. It is in fact Book 2 - but updated and told from Bones' (the other main character) perspective.

I know the original version (told from Cat's point of view) like the back of my hand. Having read book 1 from Bones' POV I was excited to read this one. As with the first book, Jeaniene notes she made the decision to update certain parts to make it more relevant to today's readers. (The original was released over 10 years ago and we all know how technology has changed).
​
This story is fabulous. I mean really how could it not be, if you loved the original you are getting that and a little more. That being said I don't feel there was as much original content in this one versus the amount in the first book but that could be because Bones had less away time in this one. The majority of their story was them together - so maybe not as many opportunities?

If you haven't read the Night Huntress series, I supposed technically you could start with "The Other Half Of The Grave) which is the first book from this point of view, and then go back and read the others. Personally, I would suggest reading at least the first 2 Night Huntress series books first, although you will probably want to continue reading until you get through them - which isn't a bad thing.

5 Stars From me because the story is still a fabulous read!

Cat and Bones are well-loved characters from Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series. Both Feet in the Grave is the second book told from Bones’ point of view and details his time apart from Cat and their reunion. Frost tells an exciting story and fans of the series will enjoy this exciting alternate version. While the story can be read on its own, new readers might want to start at the beginning. A must buy for libraries with strong paranormal romance collections. Recommended. 4 stars.

I loved this book! I have been a huge fan of this series for a very long time. I have read the original books in the series twice so I know the story. I had no idea how much I needed Bones’s point of view. But apparently, I did. I started this book in the afternoon and did not put it down. I clung to every word because even though I already knew the story, I didn’t know how Bones saw things.

I would recommend reading this series in order. This is the second book from Bones’s point of view which mirrors One Foot in the Grave which is the same basic story but from Cat’s perspective. At the start of the book, Cat and Bones are apart and I had assumed that it was a tough time for both of them but actually seeing what Bones was going through broke my heart a bit. There were some pretty exciting scenes and I loved seeing just what Bones thought during some pivotal moments.

Will Watt did an amazing job with the audiobook. I think that his voice suits Bones’s character perfectly and I loved how he was able to bring this story to life. I thought that his voice was very pleasant and he added the perfect about of emotion to his reading. This is an audiobook that I know I will be listening to again in the not-so-distant future. I am positive that his narration added to my overall enjoyment of the story.

I would highly recommend this book to others. I loved getting to see a story that I already love from a different perspective. I had such a great time getting to spend a few hours with characters that I have loved for years. I cannot wait to read more of Jeaniene Frost’s work.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Nancy Yost Literary Agency (NYLA).

I love this series so much and am totally digging Bones’ point of view. Love this book! He’s witty, charming, sexy, and as hot as molten lava! Cat & Bones are one of my fave paranormal couples of all time. I love the storyline as told through Bones. Cat is great! I’ve always loved her gritty personality. She is no-nonsense but Bones throws her for a loop frequently. Lots of important stuff for their relationship happens in this one.
Ms. Frost had me hooked the very first time I met Cat and Bones years ago. I always look forward to more!

★LIVEª"˜¨¨★ª"˜¨¨¯¯¨¨˜ª.★ ARE YOU READY?★.ª˜¨¨¯¯¨¨˜"ª★¨¨˜"ª★
BOTH FEET IN THE GRAVE by JEANIENE FROST
#8 Night Huntress series

REVIEW
I loved so much Both Feet in the Grave from the very beginning. Love at first read and lot of good vibes and feelings.
Cat and Bones Night Huntress series always will be a must-read if you love Paranormal Romance and most of all vampires, you can’t say you love this genre if you didn’t read them.
Jeaniene Frost took a risk rewriting the series through Bones’ POV, but she did it so good that I can’t thank her enough.
Reading the previous book was like seeing things in a mirror and I liked that, this one is very different, it fills several holes in their story, it shows you parts that were missing, years of Bones’ strugglings because Cat left him. And I really hope in the future there will be more of that, because I always thought I could have loved reading something more sometimes, I needed more.
I was also happy and moved to find a little more time with Randy in the book, it was brief, but I loved him so much and it feels like a cameo.
Actually every character in the series is special, In the best way or in the worst, it isn’t all about Cat and Bones.
One name? Justine for sure, she won the nomination as worst mother ever, she’s hateful, but we need her like that.
I really enjoyed reading Bones’ POV, it shows how deep is his love for Cat, sometimes he just know everything about her reactions to protect everyone she loves, her team, but it’s also fun when she acts like a loose cannon, because she loves hard too, and he can only do damage control.
Do you need another hint, a little push from me about why you need to read Both Feet In the Grave? Mmm… Let me think… Chapter 32? Rings a bell? Just saying…
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC


RATING 5/5 STARS
LEVEL HEAT 4/5

BLURB
If you thought you learned more about the dangerous and sexy alpha vampire, Bones, in the USA Today bestselling scorcher, THE OTHER HALF OF THE GRAVE, you haven't seen anything yet...

Cat disappeared from Bones’ life to protect him, but this Master vampire will keep his promise to find her.

Two hundred years of bounty hunting made Bones the best at what he does, yet it's still taken him four long years to find Cat, the half vampire now known as the "Red Reaper." There's a price on Cat's head, and not even her job as a secret government agent can save her. Only Bones can. But has time hardened Bones too much to love again? Or will his passion for Cat burn through every obstacle—alive, undead, or otherwise—between them?

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Night Huntress series comes a fresh, new perspective on the origin saga of Cat and Bones, in Bones' own words…


#JeanieneFrost #amreading #booklovers #booksofinstagram #booknerd #vampirebooks
#paranormalromance #bookrecs #bookstagram #hushonemorechapter
#tbr #bookreview #5starsread #netgalley #must-read

Both Feet in the Grave is the second book from Bones' POV and all I can say is please give us more. This book was fantastic from beginning to end. Ms. Frost wrote this book in a way that was familiar but still fresh. While it was always clear that Bones was possessive when it came to Cat, his obsessive search of her that even had him at odds with Spade just spoke of his love for her. There is really nothing about this book that was that wasn't perfect in my opinion. Although as I was reading all I could think about was how I would just love to know what Bones was going through while Cat was with Max in book 3 or even his loss of control with Cat and Gregor in book 4, which has made me cry every time I've read it. Overall, this was another great addition to this series.

This is Bones' story of what happened when he couldn't find Kat and directly afterward. After finding his beloved, he does his best to protect her from whoever is trying to kill her. They also figure out who Kat's father is.
Opinion
This is one of my top three series of books that I've read. Now, reading them again through Bones' point of view, allows me to relive what happened. I love the change in perspective and the new insight. (Though I must be honest and mention that at one point, I wanted Kat's point of view when she left Bones temporarily.) Overall, I was completely satisfied with this book and can't wait for more from Bones.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Independent Publishers Group for providing me with an ARC of this book.

As soon as I saw this book, I had to read it! Set in the Night Huntress world, and told from Bones' point of view, this was a nostalgic experience of a series that I am highly fond of and would recommend to anyone interested in picking up a paranormal romance-this series is the perfect place to begin!

The absolute highlight and delight of this book is the cast of characters. Of course, we get to see Cat and Bones and their complicated relationship. Watching the angst, pining, and love from Bones' point of view expands-and acts as a salve- upon events that happened in the books from Cat's point of view. Viewing events and interactions through Bones' perspective makes a huge difference in rounding out his motives, and adds to the explosiveness that is Cat and Bones when they are together- how he loves Cat is a beautiful thing and on bright display in this book.

What I also love so much about this series is how involved the secondary characters are in this universe. In my opinion, the secondary characters make this world so much more dynamic and fleshed out. The interplay between everyone gives you that found family vibe as well as having more at stake when it comes to fighting their foes-it also makes for some fun banter and interactions that further flesh out Bones and Cat's characters.

Overall, this book had me glued to the page in some key moments, and the tension, drama, and humor, were incredibly entertaining and gave new breath to an old favorite.

If you have not read the books in this series, this story will have spoilers and feel as if you stepped into the middle of a conversation without any context, so I highly recommend starting at the beginning of the series.

4.5 ✨'s

I read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Independent Publishers Group via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#BothFeetintheGrave #NetGalley

Of the two first books, the second has always been my favorite simply because of snarky Bones, so now reading this story from his pov, it is like a dream comes true, it is princess Bones with all his snippy and cranky quips, taunting and testing everyone’s patience.

And while I read the book from Cat’s POV many many years ago, I have forgotten most of the plot outside Bones’s cockiness, after all, difficult to not remember the smugness at time of Bones. I thought him at first quite arrogant and self-centered when he was so much more than that, in fact, he is very much three-dimensional, flawed, and ready to explode with emotion. While not made of air and blood, he is so Bones. A man who will do anything, truly anything to protect his lover, even go after his kin.

It is not often I have read a story I already know from another protagonist’s voice. Of course Jane Austen’s variations or Harry Potter’s Fanfiction offer this sort of twist but there are retelling of the canon, not the same story from another character’s mind. And like the previous book, I just adored digging into Bones’ thoughts.
And bringing the story up to date with the actual technology gives another plus to this book.
Rereading this series with Bones’ snarkiness moves this series to the present as an even more enjoyable and sarcastic story with its testy hero.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

I've long been a fan of this author and this series Both Feet in the Grave was Bones and Cat at their best there was a plenty of action twist and turns secrets revealed and the realization that those you trust the most will be the one's who betray you first the plot had plenty of quirky colorful characters to keep things interesting and a heat level of about a 100 with a ending that could lead to future books.

This is the second Night Huntress book told by Bones‘s perspective. The first one felt like Bones was getting his bearings, and this book jumps in full throttle, and gave us the full Bones experience, and it is awesome!

Telling the flipside of One Foot in the Grave, we get such different perspective and view of the events leading up to the reunion of Cat and Bones and the results of said reunion and consequential teaming up.

This book really flushed out Bones’ character and gave life to his angst as he searches for Cat in the five years before he finds her. I really enjoyed getting to see his search and getting to see his friends and the other side characters react to his pursuit of Cat.

As a fan of the series, this was an excellent addition, and I could not put it down. It had the same excitement and freshness is the book it tells the other side of.

Both Feet in the Grave got me super excited again for the Night Huntress series as a whole. I loved seeing the reunion of Cat and Bones from a different perspective and seeing other series favourites like Denise, Rodney, Spade, Ian and Menchares show up in this new and modernized retelling of the story.

At this rate I think I could read anything if it was from Bones’ point of view!

Thanks to the author in NetGalley for this advance reader copy. Opinions are my own.

#BothFeetintheGrave #JeanineFrost

Both Feet in the Grave is the second book in Jeanine Frost's retelling of her Night Huntress series as told by Bones. There will be some spoilers here so stop reading if you haven't read the first book (from Cat or Bones' points of view) in the series.

This is one of the early series that was my introduction into the paranormal romance genre. After the cliffhanger events at the end of the first book where Bones and Cat are parted, originally the series picked up with Cat telling the story. I remember being so happy, at the time, that I was late to the game because the second book was already out and I could immediately pick it up. I cannot imagine having to wait. Suffice it to say, this was the book that I was waiting for when Jeanine Frost started giving readers Bones' perspective.

The first book felt too much, for me, like a play by play, just from Bones' point of view. I didn't feel like we were learning anything NEW about the characters that wasn't already established by reading things from Cat's perspective.

Both Feet in the Grave changes all of that because by the start of the book Bones and Cat have been separated for years. Getting Bones' point of view puts a new spin on some of the events. I know that I was most interested in how Bones perceived Cat's absence. We got an in-depth look at how much Bones was effected by the separation and the almost manic way he searched for her.

For me, the most interesting part were the interactions with Annette. Annette was a long-time foil for Cat in the original series having been sired by Bones and has known him for centuries. It was interesting to see the way that Annette - while a valued person in his life - doesn't really register as a romantic partner for Bones. Also, how he has blinders on when it comes to anyone else besides Cat kind of reinforcing the whole idea that this is true love for him. It's something that he hasn't truly experienced before.

In that regard, it means he still doesn't understand the potential animosity that could rear up between Annette and Cat. It was quite funny to see how caught off guard Bones was by this because he's usually so formidable and self-assured. He has a solution for everything, so it puts him out of his element a little bit.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book told from Bones' point of view. I'm hoping Jeanine Frost will continue with the rest of the series in this way. I know, like many fans, there are certain moments that stick out that I would want to get Bones' internal reaction.

I'd say if you are a fan of this series, you'll definitely want to pick this one up.

Bones is back and we get to see his side of the story in this he said/she said book style. I loved the first book from Bones' perspective and I don't know why I waited so long to read the follow up book. I loved it. Everything I loved about the beginning of the series from Cat's perspective, I love even more from Bones'.

Seeing from Bones' view is illuminating at how he suffered being apart from Cat. His maturity compared to Cat's extreme juvenile thoughts is a nice contrast. I also love seeing how Cat was like compared to what she is grown to now. Going to the past to revisit Cat and seeing just how much she's come is thrilling.

What I like about this book is seeing what Bones has to go through in order to protect Cat. Her ignorance and bullheadedness causes various problems as we find with most people under 25. She doesn't have enough experience to know better. Yet she thinks she knows what is going on and she wants to plow forward to expedite her cause. I find this hilarious to witness and I feel for Bones as he needs to scramble many a times to undo her "helpfulness". It probably would have helped if Bones explained things to Cat. But honestly, I find people in Cat's position aren't willing to listen and they need to learn through hard lessons. I applaud Ms. Frost for creating Cat the way she is - flaws and all. I also applaud Ms. Frost for keeping the characters consistent with the original books. This cannot be easy because Ms. Frost's writing style has grown too. Growth always makes me excited and this book subtly showcases character progression growth and the author's writing maturity. Love it! This is a wonderful romance from a much beleaguered male's point of view. Recommended to all paranormal romance readers who love a strong male paired with a sassy heroine.

I started out listening to the audiobook and I kind of wish I had more patience because the narrator was great. It was the prefect voice for Bones, but I read a lot faster than I listen and I hit the point about a third of the way in where I couldn’t wait for more. And while I’ve read the companion book of Cat’s I will admit I don’t remember every detail and this was like getting to experience one of my favorite couples all over again. I like that the books are modernized a little bit, it helps to get lost in the story when the technology matches current day. Bones is determined to find Cat. He knows she left to protect him and he’s determined to prove to her just how wrong she was. But in his search he discovers several dangers pointed at Cat which only make him more determined.

Another great POV from Bones and Chapter 32 2.0 was everything. I felt like I was reading it for the first time again. I also love how Bones sees Cat and his feelings for her are so strong.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

In my review of The Other Half of the Grave last year, I said many things which are true here. Since the original Cat & Bones books in the Night Huntress series are all told in Cat's point of view, we didn't know as much about supernaturals or Bones in the originals. It was also the first time we got Bones' point of view and learned his overwhelming love and support for Cat. He does everything he can to protect and support and educate her, while letting her make her own decisions in her own time. Almost everything is a spoiler here, especially since it is the same time period as One Foot in the Grave.

In Both Feet in the Grave, Bones is less patient in some ways and wants her to admit her feelings and the truth. He pushes her more after their separation but he still lets her make her own choices, no matter how hard it is for him. He is furious with Ian and Annette who try to spoil things with her. I feel a little bad for Ian, understanding more about vampire customs now where I hated him in Cat's viewpoint. Bones could have asked him for help but if it went wrong, he couldn't bear it.

Bones' point of view is darker and less humorous. His focus is all on trying to protect Cat from Ian and her father, while making their life together. He feels a bit emotionally wrought. I do like how with her team and then later with the vampire marriage she validates Bones and their feelings.

One of the things I most desired, was the story about Bones' time during the four years they were separated. We do get some of that information, but I really wanted more. What did he do to search for her? Mostly, there is his emotional state during this time. Of course, four years is a blip in his long life, so the quick coverage makes more sense here than in Cat's version.

Both Feet in the Grave tells a story from a different perspective but is more the same as One Foot in the Grave. With The Other Half of the Grave, I felt we got more story than in Halfway to the Grave. I enjoyed having the whole picture, but the Bones' point of view books would have felt a bit scattered without the original versions and their humor. So you can read the originals without these, but I wouldn't read Bones' point of view books without the originals.

“Her courage was one of the reasons Bones had fallen in love with her…and her recklessness was why he’d never known a night’s peace since.”

I love how this one started. We see Bones’s friendship with Randy form, which made me sad, not gonna lie, and we catch the tail end of his hunt for Cat, four years in the making. I would have liked to see some of the four years they were apart, but we got enough of Bones’ inner thoughts and feelings, so I didn’t mind missing those years too much.

A really specific part I liked, and maybe teared up in, was when Randy announced his engagement to Denise at the Bar with Bones. That was such a sweet moment and both of them really needed that encouragement and friendship.

"“Time has no dominion over love.” His voice thickened as memories raked him. “Love is the one thing that transcends time.”
Randy blinked rapidly before he looked away, as if Bones hadn’t already caught the sheen to Randy’s eyes. Yes, sometimes it meant the world to a person simply to not have someone stomp on your feelings just because they disagreed with them."

I really do love Bones’s POV. His all-consuming love for Cat was so apparent. His insecurities at the beginning, questioning her love for him. His pain when he thought she didn’t love him, ughhh, I felt all of that in this book! It made my heart hurt for Bones so much.

“Why hadn’t she used it yet? Didn’t…didn’t she want to see him again?”

There were funny times in this book, don’t get me wrong, but for me, this was about Bones’s emotional journey into finding Cat again and having love back in his life. In Cat’s book, we get her POV of what it was like to miss Bones, but I think it was so much more emotional told from his POV.

“Bones forced himself to let her go. It was that, or hold her even tighter because right now, he couldn't touch her and not clutch her to him.”

Since I read this book at the end of my full Night Huntress Universe read, I forgot how much of a dink Ian was in the beginning. It was nice reading about Ian from Bones’s POV though, it gave us a little more insight into their friendship.

“Lucifer’s burning bollocks, had he come to love his smarmy sire? What rotten luck.”

Overall, this was a great read, and if you’ve read the Night Huntress series and want more of Bones and Cat, definitely read this one too (but read Bones’s first book, The Other Half of the Grave, first).

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Jeaniene Frost for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!