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Night Huntress #6.5

Home for the Holidays

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Originally appeared in the print anthology The Bite Before Christmas.

Cat and Bones were looking forward to a normal holiday – at least as “normal” as it gets for vampires and their otherworldly friends and family. But their yuletide plans are shattered when a mysterious stranger shows up and reveals long-buried secrets that threaten to take a bite out of their holiday cheer – and lives.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2011

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4867 people want to read

About the author

Jeaniene Frost

68 books27.1k followers
Jeaniene Frost is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author. Works include the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, the Broken Destiny series, the Night Rebel series, and the Beautiful and Beastly series. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty-three different countries. Jeaniene lives in Maryland with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies with her husband, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her.

For information on Jeaniene's books, please visit: www.jeanienefrost.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession.
1,223 reviews3,696 followers
May 1, 2022
5 Brother From Another Mother Stars

*Spoilers*

First read 3/1/2014
Reread 12/1/2015
Re reread 11/26/2019
reread 4/25/21
reread 5/1/22

"So, you ready for your other present? Or now that you're almost a quarter-millennium old, maybe you want to take a nap instead?" His laugh was sin at its most tempting. "For that, luv, I'll make you beg."-Cat and Bones

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"Since I saw you yesterday, I've done nothing but ponder that very question. If I'm right about what we're dealing with, the only thing protecting me is this." He unzipped his pants and tugged them down. I whirled just in time, barking, "I don't care what you think, your junk does not have special abilities. And I already heard about the piercing," over my shoulder. "That's not what I wanted to show you," he replied in an implacable voice. "Now stop being such a twit and look."-Ian and Cat

Short and sweet I have an addiction to these fictional characters and it's bad! Bones finds out that he has a long lost brother. But things are not what they seem. His brother is demon possessed, he has been since he was human. That demon uses Bones's brother to possesse Bones, Mencheres, Spade, and the rest of the gang besides Cat, Ian and Denise. So it's Ian, Cat and Denise to the recuse. Will they find a way to get rid of the demon without killing the host or will they lose their loved ones forever?

"I told you once before: Crispin is one of the few people I'd fight to keep from harm, even at the cost of my own life. Tomorrow, I'll prove it." I stared at him, noting the hard line of his jaw and the uncompromising gleam in his vibrant turquoise gaze. "You do that, and I take back every nasty thing I've ever said about you." He grinned, his mood changing from serious to wicked in an instant. "Why? I'm all those things and more."-Ian and Cat

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"Kitten." The word was rasped so low I almost didn't hear it above the whoosh of wind. "You have to let me die. Now, while I still have her contained!" I didn't know what he meant and I didn't care. I pulled the knife free, flinging it aside in revulsion. Bones made a ragged noise and his face twisted, as though he were somehow in more pain without the silver in his heart than with it. "You're not going to die," I swore, then pressed my mouth to his for a kiss filled with all the love, pain, fear, and frustration of the past several days. I was still kissing him when I pulled out my other gun and shot him through the head.-Bones and Cat

There is a lot packed into this novella. Although it is like 150 pages so.... but it was so very good. Bones and Cat are stronger then ever, fighting for their love. In the last book I didn't feel them as much, it was like their relationship took a backseat to the plot. But they are front and centered in this one. There are some super intense and sweet moments. Cat and Ian teaming up was too funny. Ian shined in this book too. Ian has so much too him then what he shows, I can't wait to see the woman that knocks Ian on his cocky ass! I missed Vlad in this book, but that's okay since I am reading his book next :) Great book, sweet ending and we learned a little secret about Ian.

"I'd like to propose a toast," I said, rising and lifting my glass. "To family, whether by blood or by affection. We'd all be lesser people without them."-Cat
Profile Image for MischaS_.
783 reviews1,463 followers
August 9, 2018
EDIT (August 2018): So, yesterday I went down a memory lane when I went through my e-reader, and when I opened the J.Frost file I realised there should be an Ian book. So, I checked out if it was already out but NO. :( I have to wait till October. So I had to re-read all Ian scenes in the whole series. And since this one is pretty much with Ian everywhere, I read it whole. :D It's a bit sad that this is not a whole book, more of a short story or novelette but I still find it to be the best one it the whole series. :D Except for the end that was way too cheezy.
Hopefully, we will get Ian like that in his own series, and he won't turn into an idiot without personality except for being obsessed with their love.


Há :D konečně jsem se dočkala :D Konečně tam skoro pořád byl Ian. :D
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,396 reviews495 followers
December 28, 2019
Home for the Holidays by Jeaniene Frost

Night Huntress 6.5. Urban fantasy.
Bones gets a surprise on his birthday. A previously unknown brother. But something strange is going on and it’s up to Cat and Ian to figure out the full story.

Best read as part of the series.
It’s got action, suspense, humor and vampires....so blood too. A wonderful addition to the series.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Tavia Gilbert. Tavia had distinctly different voices for Cat, Bones and Ian. Not only voices, but timing, and cadence as well. Extremely well done and entertaining because of it.
Profile Image for Alex is The Romance Fox.
1,461 reviews1,243 followers
December 14, 2014
Cat & Bones...anything with them is a treat for me......I can't get enough of this couple!!!!

I loved this short Xmas story...meeting up with all the characters I have come to love.

A real Christmas treat!!!!

This is such a fabulous series with endearing and unforgettable characters that you can't resist.
Profile Image for Robin (Bridge Four).
1,940 reviews1,658 followers
February 13, 2019
Re-read Feb 6th with Buddies Books and Baubles.

Two vampires and a demon, allied together. It was a Christmas miracle.

This novella was like a full story all by itself. Cat and Bones don’t know how to do anything small and so when trouble comes knocking on the door in the form of Bone’s long lost brother we all know the shit is going to hit the fan.

The only one that seems to not be acting crazy, well crazier than normal, is Ian. Cat and Ian must work together to save Bones and the rest of their friends from an unknown treat.

“I told you once before: Crispin is one of the few people I’d fight to keep from harm, even at the cost of my own life. Tomorrow, I’ll prove it.”

This is a great warm up to the final book of the Cat and Bones series Up From the Grave. There is plenty of action and the banter that we love from group of loyal friends. Ian has become one of my favorites. He is lovable for someone so full of debauchery. I hope he finds so good lovin sometime too.
Profile Image for Karla.
987 reviews1,109 followers
January 2, 2014

5 Stars! For a novella this read like a full book!

I actually listened to this in the anthology The Bite Before Christmas. It was wonderful to be back with some of my all time favorite characters. Unlike the last book in the Night Huntress series, One Grave at a Time, this one gave us lots of sexy time between Cat and Bones...OMG Bones...the most scrumptious vamp ever!! There was action, witty off-the-cuff banter, and fun times. It was like being with family and it was good to be "home for the holidays"!

Tavia Gilbert, as always, rocked the narration!!

I can't wait for Up From the Grave, just a few weeks away!!
Profile Image for Sophia Triad.
2,241 reviews3,764 followers
September 25, 2018
“To family, whether by blood or by affection. We'd all be lesser people without them.”

Okay, this story was so so sad.
It's Christmas time and of course there is no way Cat and Bones will manage to have a quiet holiday.
There is a mystery unfolding about Bones' long lost brother who suddenly appears.

And before Cat and Bones decide whether this person is a fraud or a genuine brother, Cat notices that not only Bones but also all their vampire friends act strangely.

Soon Cat will need to fight for Bones’ love. Actually this is the book that we learn so much about demons and how strongly they can influence humans and supernatural beings.

They are lot of things happening in this short novella. I thought the ending was sad (), but mostly the book is a strange mysterious adventure with vampires and demons. And Ian has a secret to share with us :)
Profile Image for R.
70 reviews
October 11, 2013
Just tell me why?! WHY?!!

Novella?!! This could have been the 8th book of the series with few more pages of Cat and Bones and some Ian *sighs* god,that bastard is super cool. I can't wait for this own book.Hope it comes before the last instalment of The Night Huntress series. I still have a feeling that the series is ending way too soon. Okay, even if the author wrote 25 books about Bones that wouldn't be enough for me.

Now about this book,again we read about demons but boy,did it stand out!! Jeannie you seem to blow my mind with every new storyline. Even though it deals with the demon,it was nothing like First Drop Of Crimson.. If you ask me,it was better than that.This was the 1st time where Ian and Cat work together and most of part was hilarious. At some parts I couldn't stop laughing. I had to set the book aside,take a few breaths and continue it. Perfect.
Profile Image for leidi.
336 reviews26 followers
April 17, 2024
I enjoyed this novella so much and it easily could’ve been a full book, soo many things happened here. Also, I loved seeing the their little found family together!
Profile Image for Jane Stewart.
2,462 reviews964 followers
November 20, 2015
Ok as a time filler. Not great.

This is a novella in the middle of a series. We don’t see characters meet and form relationships. This is a group of characters from previous books. A bad guy arrives doing harm. It’s complicated, but the good guys find a solution and have a happy ending. It reminded me of TV show writing.

This is probably best for fans of the series who want to read more.

I don’t like first person, so that was a little less fun for me from the start.

One of the conflicts felt artificially contrived. A character kept a secret because she “swore an oath to someone.” I didn’t see why swearing an oath was necessary and why someone needed that secret kept. It was just a way to provide more mystery. That bothered me.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person. Story length: 150 pages. Swearing language: strong but rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 1 or 2 I can’t remember. Setting: current day US. Copyright: 2011. Genre: paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Beth The Vampire.
349 reviews25 followers
July 31, 2017
A longer novella than those before it, but there was more of a story to tell. I felt that this could have really been its own book, and was almost disappointed that it wasn’t.

Cat, vampire and regular pain in everyone’s ass, has invited her nearest and dearest over for Thanksgiving and Christmas, intending to have a quiet time at home. It’s also her husband’s birthday, with Bones turning the ripe old age of two hundred and forty five. But the celebrations are cut short when the vampire Wraith makes his appearance and declares that he is Bones’ half-brother. He reveals to Bones who his father was and what became of his family, and while Bones is slow to accept this as truth, soon they are acting like best friends. Which is suspicious in itself. In fact, all the vamps except for Cat and Ian are hanging on this newcomers every word, and something is very wrong with their new family member. Guess Cat won’t be getting her perfect Christmas after all.

Everything that the reader has learnt from this series is put to the test in this novella, as it combines vampire lore with that of demons and other supernatural beings. You need to have red not only the Night Huntress series, but also the spin offs as well. Not only do the characters all make a cameo (except Vald, which I now think is weird considering Cat and his strong friendship), but not everything is explained, kind of relying on the reader to already hold that knowledge. Otherwise seeing Denise turn into a cat may seem a bit weird if you don’t know the story behind it.

Two vampires and a demon, allied together. It was a Christmas miracle alright, but of the macabre kind. Still, I’d take my miracles however I could get them.

I really did enjoy the story, but given what this meant for Bones’ sense of belonging and their families, it was odd to just be a novella. Bones’ past is delved into, which could have massive implications, especially considering what Ian discovers in the process, and I’m curious to find out whether any of this story is integrated into the seventh book.

Really though, I love Cat and Bones. They just seem to have everything. And if anything happens to either of them in the last book I AM GOING TO LOSE MY SHIT!! I have been putting off the last book in the Night Huntress Series because I don’t want this story to end. These characters are my friends, and saying goodbye can be tough. But at the same time I shouldn’t begrudge them of their final adventure…so here I go…
Profile Image for Treece.
521 reviews150 followers
January 8, 2020
Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Pros: This story reminded me of why this is one of the best authors in the game with an awesome series and amazing characters--(If you know Vlad, please tell him to call me. Please.)

Cons: There were parts I loved about this story and then, areas that came as a let down. Sort of. I wanted it to end differently. A bit happier all around but I will take it.

The end result is that I am planning on going back to the beginning to read this series. Thankfully, there are 358 more days when I can make that happen. As long as I am NOT distracted by all the amazing new books coming out.
Profile Image for Maria Dimitrova.
748 reviews148 followers
February 13, 2019
Buddy (re)read with Choko and Robin at BB&B.

Can and Ian don't like each other. Or rather Ian knows how to make Cat see red and the only reason he's still alive undead is because Bones cares for him. Otherwise Cat would have put a silver blade through his heart a long time ago. Which is fortunate for us because Ian is hilarious.

As I said Bones is the reason those two pretend to get along. But once Bones long lost brother shows up and Bones, Mencheres and Spade start acting weird, Cat has to band forces with... you guessed it - Ian. The result was that I almost suffocated laughing. Thankfully my brain still got enough oxygen to note some interesting tid-bits that pave the way for Ian's book. I think re-reading it will be a whole new experience now that I have my memory refreshed!
Profile Image for romancelibrary.
1,365 reviews584 followers
November 27, 2020
There is nothing quite like a spooky holiday romance set in the Night Huntress world. This holiday season, Cat and Bones are hosting a small party with their inner circle...until an unexpected visitor drops by and takes everyone by surprise!

In this novella, we get to dig a little deeper into Bones's past back when he was human. I was surprised by how action-packed this story was! I love the trio Denise, Ian, and Cat working together. I love that the ladies who can't stand Ian are the ones who are forced to conspire with him 😂 There is also some interesting development about Ian that I am really intrigued about 👀

The plot was quite intense for a novella. I am trying to keep this review spoiler-free...but I wonder how the events that unfolded in this story will impact certain relationships.

Next up: VLAD!!!!!!!!!! I'm excited!!!!!!

P.S. ⛓️🔥
Profile Image for Shay.
301 reviews32 followers
November 8, 2018
*Deck the halls...*

This novella was fantastic! It pretty much had the entire gang together *cough*minus Vlad and Leila*cough* which is always a plus. Can I just say that I love how this centered more on Ian as a MC? Which was awesome! I can't wait for him to get his own book!!! And of course Denise! I freaking love her!

Anyways, the gang is all gathered to celebrate not just the holiday but Bones's birthday! And Surprise! A guest not on the list turns up and sends their world into a spiral of all sorts of crazy. When everyone seems to start acting weird it's Ian, Cat, and Denise to the rescue!

Shh! There are revealed secrets to learn about here!
Profile Image for Theresa .
1,847 reviews77 followers
April 19, 2018
The holidays certainly get spiced up in this action packed novella... Bones, Cat, and the entire cast of characters bring new meaning to family drama at the holidays... Battling demons, attempting to kill one another, and discovering long lost relations are just some of the obstacles to overcome during this insane adventure... With a touch of humor, a splash of kickass moves, and a sprinkle of delicious sexiness this novella takes the reader on a rambunctious thrill ride that only this crew could pull off... 4.5 Stars:)
Profile Image for Cee.
3,230 reviews166 followers
February 28, 2024
I liked the premise of this novella. I enjoyed reading it and thought it was wonderful we were getting to see a holiday take place. And by holiday I mean Bones' birthday hahaha I kid, I kid.

See, I really DID enjoy this one-- probably more than the last book. and WOW, no traveling this time.

I guess my biggest problem was they never explained why Cat wasn't affected, even saying we don't know why and then she gets the brand just to make sure she won't be affected.... even though she wasn't in the first place.... Then it is used later as the reason she wasn't affected?? I'm sorry, no.

Also, really? Mencheres got taken under? So easily?

I had to really suspend my understanding of the characters and world here.

On the plus side, more Ian.... even if he wasn't his normal self.
Profile Image for If it ain't good I don't read it !.
175 reviews128 followers
February 10, 2014
Okey I'm just gonna go out and say it

I don't know what the hell this is about, but I'm gonna read it anyways. Anything this lady writes is golden so sign me up for a copy :)

-5 stars

Loved it!!!!
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,375 reviews28 followers
November 20, 2015
1st person POV. Of all the books I've read in this series, this novella has the tightest and most engrossing plot. There's not so much going on in terms of romantic love or even Frost's trademark sex, but there's great suspense. Even though it's set in the wintry mountains at a holiday gathering, it won't put you in a lighthearted festive holiday mood, if that's what you're looking for. We've got demons, folks. We celebrate Thanksgiving with ghouls, ghosts, and vampires — plus a few humans actually eating the turkey.

* On the brighter side, we've got a little miracle at Christmas time, and the gift of a very special family connection.
Profile Image for Veronica-Lynn Pit Bull.
611 reviews18 followers
March 18, 2017
When a demon possesses Bones and the rest of his vampy crew; only Cat, Denise and Ian are left unaffected and charged with saving the day. There is lots of thoroughly enjoyable, humorous vintage Ian; his "show and tell" of his strategically placed warding tattoo was classic. Vlad was unavailable to lend assistance this time as he was not answering his cell phone and no doubt was wrapped up in the events of whatever was happening in the Night Prince spin off series. Home For the Holidays seemed to capture some of the "what's going to happen next"? tension that was present in the beginning of the series but that was missing from the last 2 installments, and was lots of fun.
Profile Image for Marcie.
185 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2015
What a great little story! Really enjoyed Cat and Ian as the main characters. Ian is such a dirty little shit and I love him for it. Denise jumps in and proves yet again why she is valuable as a friend and ally. I cannot wait for Ian to get his own book......although he is lucky to be alive after the stunt he and Cat pulled......can't say it wasn't hot though. :)
Profile Image for Heather.
3,362 reviews33 followers
December 11, 2022
Frost packs what feels to be a full-length novel into a small package. It was fun to re-visit Cat, Bones, and the crew!

12/10/22 - Time for a Christmas re-read. :)
Profile Image for AJ.
3,241 reviews1,070 followers
January 30, 2014
Oh Cat and Bones, how I have missed you!!!

I had heard that this was an important novella to read before diving into the finale of the Night Huntress series, and yeah, there are some pretty significant goings on and I can see how the events of this book could have repercussions.

It’s the holiday season, and all of the NH crew (minus Vlad) are gathered at Cat and Bones’ place for a traditional Thanksgiving / Christmas celebration. The gang are in fine form until an unexpected guest from the past shows up, and then things start to get strange when everybody becomes entranced with the new arrival and starts acting really weirdly – with the exception of Cat, Ian and Denise. And so, in a fabulous partnering, Cat and Ian team up to investigate the new guy, figure out what the hell is going on, and then find a way to fix it.

I loved this story! I’m a huge fan of all of the characters in this series, but I really love Ian, so I was so happy to be able to spend some time with him and his shallow, selfish, morally bankrupt ways.

“I don’t care what you think, your junk does not have special abilities.”

He is hilarious! And he actually has quite the soft spot for his friends, and I love that we got to see that side of him.

Cat has plenty of opportunity to go all badass –against some very unexpected foes – as do the rest of the guys, and the action scenes in this are really full on!

And of course, through it all, Cat and Bones’ incredible bond is still in place, and I love, love, love these two together. One of my fave PNR couples of all time, I love how strong they are, how in love they are, how HOT they are together (phew!), and how they don’t let anybody mess with them or their friends.

“She’d picked the wrong couple to fuck with.”

This is a great little extra to the series, and a must-read for any fan.

4 stars.
Profile Image for Alex ☣ Deranged KittyCat ☣.
654 reviews433 followers
March 27, 2016
description

Not again! This bunch just can't have one fairly normal holiday. It's really annoying!

And not Cat again to save the day. *sigh*

As much as I love Cat & Bones, they lost their magic if you ask me. I'm going to read Up From the Grave only because it's the last one in the series. Otherwise, I'm tired of the series.
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,798 reviews124 followers
August 18, 2016
5 Holiday Stars

Well this was an interesting book, demons, family, and chains… lots and lots of chains.

I can’t even describe how awesome it is to have Cat and Bones back in my ears. I know we get glimpse of them in these little short stories. But if you’re as big a fan of this series as I am you understand me. Haha.

So I won’t go in and tell you about it, read it. Like I said, holidays, demons, family and friends. This book as it all oh and chains, I don’t want you to forget the chains. ;)

*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*
Profile Image for Claire.
387 reviews25 followers
January 17, 2016
OMG !
My advice : if you're a fan of the Night Huntress series, DO NOT SKIP THIS NOVELLA.
Besides some more of Ms Frost amazing plot ideas, there are some heavy revelations about Bones that you don't want to learn just on the side in a further book.

Yes this is a short story, but boy is it punchy !!!
Profile Image for -ya.
518 reviews63 followers
September 8, 2016
The novella (book 6.5) shows

Why Cat/Bones are THE power couple in PNR land.

A clever and well-crafted storyline.

#an excerpt from book 7 is included
Profile Image for Esra.
212 reviews87 followers
December 24, 2018
Gerçekten çok güzeldi. Yazar bundan önceki Şimdi Mezar Zamanı'ndaki vasat olaylar yerine bunu normal kitap olarak yazsaydı keşke. Çok daha iyi ve ilginç bir konuya sahip çünkü. Novella olarak kalmış olması beni üzdü.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews

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