This Side of the Grave is an important turning-point book in the Night Huntress Series. In this 5th installment, Cat embraces her true nature and her relationship with Bones finally attains a healthy balance. But that doesn't mean that this novel is tame, far from! There's tons of gory battles, power plays, sarcastic humor and, of course - Chapter 21. You'll need to be caught up on this series before checking this one out and you might want to read the spin-off series: Night Huntress World. The later is not essential but references are made to the storyline. I haven't read them but now I want to. Granted, I was planning to anyway but still! 
 The whole gang make appearances in this book. So no matter who your favorite character or back-up-Bones-nookie-call is you'll get your fix. My back-up is Vlad by the way. My crush on Dracula is kinda cliche I know, but Jeaniene's version of this infamous vampire is especially delicious. Majestic also graces us with her presence. She's still walking the fine line between friend & foe but I'm a fan of this Voodoo Queen. She's powerful and smart. I hope to see more of her. 
 I was mesmerized by Cat & Bones for the entire book. They just flowed so well together. Both of them finally accept the other for who they are. The couple is still obsessively protective and devoted to each other but instead of fighting against their instincts they work with them. It was a little weird seeing them like this. I kept turning the page expecting for things to blow up but it never happened. There are some really tender and heart wrenching moments in this novel. The reasoning behind the title is also incorporated and made my heart melt. This is Cat & Bones at their best. 
 Which brings me to chapter 21. Cat & Bones have a habit of expressing their love in a bed-frame-breaking sort of way and this part is where it peaks. This encounter includes only all new moves. Jeaniene sure does have a kinky mind! How does she keep coming up with this stuff!? This kind of action may not be for everyone but it had me grinning! Among other things! 
 The book ended with a little twist that will be interesting to see play out in the next installment. There's always that fear that a series will dwindle over time but Jeaniene Frost overcomes that hurdle once again in this fifth novel. I devoured this story in one afternoon and was left feeling satisfied. Fans of this series won't have to wait long for their next fix with book 6 scheduled to be released in the fall. The Night Huntress series is one of my all-time favorites and if it's not on your TBR pile it should be! Still not convinced? One word: Bones. Need a second one? Vlad. 
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