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 is Darling

What made the experience of listening to First Drop of Crimson the most enjoyable?

I loved Denise. I love her sweetness, strength, the voice that Tavia gives her, and her growing relationship with Spade. This is a deep, well developed story that hits all of the best parts of a Frost masterpiece.

What was one of the most memorable moments of First Drop of Crimson?

When Denise gets the intense, painful tattoos to cover her demon marks - that sticks with you.

Have you listened to any of Tavia Gilbert’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Tavia does a stand-out job with all the voices.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I really enjoyed the relationship that developed between Spade and Denise. You can certainly understand why Spade cannot resist Denise. Although he's pretty sure Bones will kill him for taking advantage of her, she is so unique, kind, and loyal, and so strong and good, that Spade knows he will never find a better mate.

Any additional comments?

There was no question that I would follow this spin-off series to it's end - and I was sad when it did concluded. I could follow Spade and Denise for another dozen books, they are easily as good as Cat and Bones. I love it when they show up in later Night Huntress books.

CANNOT GET ENOUGH!!!

What made the experience of listening to First Drop of Crimson the most enjoyable?

The Narrator Tavia Gilbert. I cannot imagine these books without her amazing VOICE! As I have said on all the other books by Jeaniene Frost that are narrated by Tavia, they could not be any better! Tavia's voices throughout the book are spot on and you never have to wonder who is speaking. I love her reading so much!! THANK YOU TAVIA!!!!!

What was one of the most memorable moments of First Drop of Crimson?

Denise..I just love Denise!!!!

What about Tavia Gilbert’s performance did you like?

EVERYTHING!!!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I went through all ranges of emotion as I do with all the books in this series and sub series. The story is so well written you feel like you personally know the characters.

Any additional comments?

KEEP THEM COMING PLEASE! I JUST downloaded Eternal Kiss of Darkness so I can get more of this world! I want to live in this world so bad!

THANK YOU JEANIENE FROST FOR BEING SO AMAZING!!!

Creative

Would you listen to First Drop of Crimson again? Why?

No, not that it's a bad book, but the suspense is what keeps you engaged and that can only be captured once.

What other book might you compare First Drop of Crimson to and why?

Halfway to the Grave, another Jeaniene Frost book, both involve a confused young lady trying to figure out what's taking place in their life and body, while death and violence is all around them.

What about Tavia Gilbert’s performance did you like?

She bring the book alive, I believe she's one of the most talented narraters I've heard.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nothing extreme, but the book's plot did keep you engaged with the story...

Any additional comments?

Good Book...

Entertaining and Sexy

I haven't finished the other series this related to, but I still enjoyed this book. I'd recommend at least reading most of the series with Cat and Bones in it before this because there's a lot of character crossover that will make it more enjoyable.

The storyline was exciting and interesting and thurs narrator does an excellent job. She has a great range of accents, from southern to various British accents. She has great inflection and timing and really brings the story to life.

I'm interested in reading the next book now!

Good book

Denise and Spade's story is very unique and interesting. The tragedy that brings these two together leads to a great adventure that ultimately ends in a fight and death. The world building and character development are well done.

LOVED IT!!

This is a story set in the world as the"Nighthuntress World". If you listened to any other of Frost's books you will recognize these characters immediately. I recommend that if you haven't you go back and listen to her other books first. It will help you to understand the back story and enjoy the characters more. Denise is Cat's best friend and she's being stalked by a demon. She is afraid to call on Cat because she turned her back on all things supernatural when her husband Randy was killed in a supernatural attack at Cat and Bones house. Now she's in trouble, she calls on Spade. Spade is one of Bones' best friends, and he feels drawn to Denise, has since he first laid eyes on her. Now he has set quite the task for himself, helping Denise find a family member who made a deal with the devil and then welched on it. If they don't produce him then the demon will kill every member of Denise's family.
I love Frost's books, her characters are wonderful. I won't go on and on because hopefully you've already listened to several and have the same opinion. I will give my usual for adults only rating, excellent narration, and worth the cash or credit.
AUTHORS RECOMMENDED READING ORDER
HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE
ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE
AT GRAVE’S END
DESTINED FOR AN EARLY GRAVE
FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON
ETERNAL KISS OF DARKNESS
THIS SIDE OF THE GRAVE
ONE GRAVE AT A TIME
ONCE BURNED
TWICE TEMPTED
UP FROM THE GRAVE

Liked it

Would you consider the audio edition of First Drop of Crimson to be better than the print version?

Didn't read the print version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of First Drop of Crimson?

The passion of the relationship.

What aspect of Tavia Gilbert’s performance would you have changed?

British accent needs a lot of work.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I found it hard to turn it off and finished it in 2 days.

Any additional comments?

Just as good if not better than the Cat and Bones story.

Spade what a gentlemen

A spin off from the Cat and bones series this one doesn’t disappoint. IF you enjoyed meeting both Spade and Denise from the previous series. Then you will most likely enjoy this romantic sexy and strange tale. There is romance humor action and adventure that makes this one an interesting listen from beginning to end.

Love, love, love this book!

Awesome plot! So very unexpected. Fantastic narration by Tavia Gilbert. Spade and Denise make the sweetest couple. Nice to see Cat and Bones cross over into this story too. Spectacular ending!

as always great

I love this book every time I listen to it. Which is about 10 if not more times