{Book Review} Outtakes From The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

From Goodreads

Cat and Bones fans, sink your teeth into this new outtakes compilation from New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost! 

Indulge your love of paranormal super couple Cat and Bones with this ultimate “director’s cut” collection of deleted scenes and alternate versions from the first four novels in the Night Huntress series, complete with author commentary on each selection. Includes: the original beginnings of Halfway to the Grave, One Foot in the Grave, At Grave’s End, and Destined for an Early Grave: a chapter written in Bones’s point of view; alternate versions of sections of Halfway to the Grave, One Foot in the Grave, and Destined for an Early Grave; the “white wedding” scene between Cat and Bones that never made it into the final books…and much more! 

My Review

5 Fantastic Stars!

I discovered the Night Huntress series early this year, and from the very first book I was completely addicted. I remember I had the first two books, finished book one, ordered the rest of the books, finished book two, and then couldn't wait for book three to arrive, so I went to Books-a-Million and bought it. It's a wildly addictive series, and is one of my very favorites. Each book completely sucked me in, that perfect mix of sex, action and humor relentlessly holding my attention.

However, I had some questions and thoughts that were never really answered during the series lineup. 

Enter Outtakes From The Grave. 

With tantalizing chapter titles like Bone's Point of View of Their First Time, Alternate Version of Cat and Bones's Reunion, Bones Discovers Cat's Tattoo, White Wedding, Bones Realizes Cat Almost Jumped, and a long novella length chunk for an alternate middle for Destined for an Early Grave, this book was like a Big Mac after a week of salads. 

I. Fucking. Loved. It. 

You need to have read the first four books (Halfway to The Grave, One Foot in The Grave, This Side of The Grave, and Destined for an Early Grave) before diving into this one. 

Not only was it beyond satisfying to see these alternate chapters and missing scenes, it was so interesting to see Frost's writing mature and evolve from the first alternate chapter for Halfway to The Grave, to the alternate middle of Destined for an Early Grave. What started as slightly tentative and a bit stilted turned into captivating confidence with an effortless flow. You're given author's notes in the beginning of each chapter; it was so neat to "hear" Frost's thought process on each part. 

Outtakes From The Grave has a slightly rougher, less-polished feel than the series novels, and I think it really worked for the book. You could see why certain things were cut - it was truly a behind the scenes look at the beloved series. Like I mentioned, you can see Frost grow as a writer throughout the story, and you can really see Cat mature in a way the series doesn't show. 

One of my favorite things in Outtakes was the missions, training and banter between Cat, Tate, Don, Juan, Cooper, and then eventually Bones. The series has always had richly developed side characters, and Outtakes fleshes them out even more. These were some of the funniest moments, and I loved getting a peek at Cat's life after she left Bones. 

There were a few short scenes that I truly wish had been included, like Bones finding out about Cat's tattoo, and then him finding about the almost jump. They filled in some non-vital but still incredibly wondering ideas I've had about the series.

We're finally given Cat and Bones's wedding, and let me tell you, it was both beautiful and smokin' hot. God, it was so good. 

The long novella length alternative middle for Destined for an Early Grave was amazing. We're taken on a totally different route than the published store (hence "alternate"), and I almost wish that had been what had happened. It's not something I would usually be for, but it worked for the flow of the series, and we were allowed to see such a different side of our beloved couple.

I really hope Tavia Gilbert picks up the audiobook version for this one! If that happens, I'll be the first to buy it. She puts on one hell of a performance, and how can you not love Bones's accent in the audios?

Overall, Outtakes From The Grave is a must have for any Night Huntress fan, adding a new level of history and richness to the series. A highly satisfying novel that fills in so many blanks, and still leaves you wanting more!

Thank you to the author for the ARC. :D

- The Bibliophile Babe

P.S. I'll see you all on Sunday! Have a safe and Merry Christmas!