First Drop of Crimson

Night Huntress World, Book 1

By: Jeaniene Frost

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times best-selling author of the Night Huntress series comes a breathtaking new journey to the dark side of desire.

The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows - her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield - and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family’s past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness - and a demon shape-shifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who lusts for a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human - even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the nightmare together, because once the first crimson drop falls, they will both be lost.

©2010 Jeaniene Frost (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Book by book, Frost builds her reputation as an author who delivers only the best.” (Romantic Times)

“[Frost’s] gift for vivid plotting is enhanced by the confident strokes of a writer at the top of her game.” (Fresh Fiction)

Denise & Spade

**Spoiler Alert**

This is my first time reading from Jennifer Frost. I will say I was intrigued in the beginning of the book, and I enjoyed the adventure Spade and Denise had to endure to accomplish Denise's task at finding Nathaniel. The action was basic, we really didn't get to see from Denise's perspective due to her PTSD attacks, but I would've loved to see more from Spade's viewpoint.

The romance, although the two of them fall for each other, it isn't really explained how they truly began to live one another. Yes, we see the two of them giving off looks here and there, the kisses lingering longer than needed and jealousy rearing its ugly head. Although those emotions are conveyed, we don't know why these feelings exist. There is one flashback to a time that they both looked into each others eyes from across the room, but other than that they both wanted to stay as far away from the other species as possible.

In the end, I did enjoy the book, not knowing that this was a spin off, I now want to go back and read the Night Huntress series.

Love this narrator

I love this world that Frost has created. Cat and Bones’ series is one of my favorite paranormal series ever. For the longest time I said I was going to read Spade’s and Mencheres book, but I never got around to it. After I read Ian’s book I completely fell in love all over again with these characters. When I saw Frost had to push back Ian’s second book, I figured it was the perfect time to read Shade and Mencheres while I waited.

While I think it’s best to read all of Frosts book in the order of publication, at the end of the day you won’t be missing too much if you decide to just read this one. Spade is first introduced in Cat and Bones first book, while we meet Denise in the second book.

After the death of her husband, Denise finds herself isolated from her best friend Cat and trying to forget the fact that vampire exist. When her aunt and two cousins are murdered by a demon, she finds herself right back in the middle of the paranormal world, and needs Spade’s help in defeating the demon.

Frost has a real talent of crafting these amazing characters. Both Denise and Spade are very likable, they’re both funny and loyal. Spade is patient and caring, Denise has felt such terrible loss, but she keeps her head held high through it all. The banter between the two of them is A+ and the romantic tension leaps off the pages.

This was a fun and sexy romance. It also has so many paranormal elements, and the plot will keep you on your toes. But these characters are just so witty, there are a lot of laugh out loud moments here. Overall, this was a great addition to the world Frost has created.

Denise takes a licking but keeps on ticking!

Slade intercepts a call from Denise who was estranged from Cat after Randy died New Year’s Eve. She needs help; her family is being murdered, one by one and by something not natural. Slade decides to help her after finding out she is being pursued by a demon. although she carries a lot of guilt her adventures have her fleeing with Slade all over Europe trying to save herself with vampire support.

Fun book, mixed narration.

The narration was great except for any character with a pronounced accent. The French and Cockney accents hurt my ears.

Decent story; awesome narration

I read this book after having read the more recent "Dark Prince" (Dracula) series. I enjoy seeing recurring and crossover characters in Jeaniene Frost's various novels. I thought this one could have been spun out over two books or at least included a few more chapters to develop the story more fully.

Tavia Gilbert never ceases to disappoint with regard to matching her voice to the characters she reads. She does most accents very creditably, if not perfectly.

Pros and Cons

The imagination that went into this world and the history of the characters was great! I loved how developed it all was. But there was a level of cheesy romance that I found my self struggling to sit through after I awhile. But because the story overall was intriguing, I kept coming back to it.

Very entertaining

Always loved a good vamp story, but these are enthralling. The accents give the added spice needed

loved everything except the voice of Bones

I stumbled upon this series and have been immersed in it ever since. I got to say though I do not like any other voice for bones except will Watt. I don't know why the female narrator has to make bones's voice be so high-pitched, all the other male voices are male voices. but bones one of the most alpha males in the series talks like he's got injury to his vocal cords it's so high-pitched even his wife it makes me cringe! all the female leads have lower voices than him. sorry I'm ranting I just don't understand. it really truly made it hard to listen to this book after hearing will Watt do bones's voice in the other books. other than that, love the story love the series.

Denise’s fight with Ram

I enjoyed it all! This was a wonderful love story. Denise proved that humanity is always the most important thing.

Great!! I Listened to This Book After Reading It

Even though I'd already read it I wanted to HEAR it. After being caught up in the story and voices (which the narrator did a fantastic job in) of Jeaniene Frost's 'One Foot in the Grave' I just couldn't wait to hear Spade and Denise in this book. I wasn't disappointed!! Once again the narrator did a great job of capturing the characters and bringing the story to life. I highly recommend this book and will definitely listen to it again!!