First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World #1). By Jeaniene Frost, Narrator: Tavia Gilbert.

First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World #1). By Jeaniene Frost, Narrator: Tavia Gilbert. 2010. Blackstone Audiobooks. ISBN: 9781481587310 . (Unabridged audiobook, 10 hours, 6 mins).

When Denise MacGregor befriended vampire hunter, Cat Crawford, she was introduced to the world of vampires, ghosts and ghouls. But when her husband was killed by zombies in an attack orchestrated to kill Cat’s husband, Bones; Denise withdrew from Cat’s world. But now she and her family are in grave danger from a shape-shifting demon, so she reaches out to Spade, a centuries-old vampire, and requests he help her. Spade’s honor impels him to aid Denise at first, but he soon discovers he has no desire of leaving her side. Together, they must unravel the secrets of the demonic bond that threatens her life.

First Drop of Crimson is the first installment of Frost’s Night Huntress World novels (set in the Night Huntress universe but are dedicated, full-length, single novels featuring new couples that are not Cat and Bones). The author’s recommended reading order places this title between Night Huntress #4 and #5; and this is the order I am following, but I think this title can be considered a stand-alone as the main highlights for Denise are revisited and up to this point, very little is known about Spade.

So far, I’m not a fan of Cat and Bones, but my interest in the world and desire to learn more about the secondary vampires has me working through the recommended reading order so that I don’t miss anything about Spade, Mencheres, Ian, and especially Vlad. I very much liked Spade and Denise’s story. Their steadfast natures help each other overcome Denise’s PTSD episodes and Spade’s fear of losing a mortal mate. Overall, an entertaining and steamy narrated read that will appeal to readers of vampire and paranormal fiction.

371 pages

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