Early review: Smoke and Mirrors - Jess Haines

A girl who uses her illusions to fool the world into thinking she's just like all the other magi.

A dragon who sees through her lies.

Together they just might survive a world that wants to control or destroy them both.

Kimberly may wield ultimate cosmic power, but even a mage has to pay the rent. No one will hire her for her magic talents until she's got the credentials, so she’s stuck in a crappy rent controlled apartment with her mother, yearning for treats she can't afford at her part time job in a café, counting down the days until she graduates the secret Blackhollow Academy school for magi. Only then will she have the certificate she needs to land her dream job in a coven. The problem? She needs a familiar to graduate.

As an illusionist, she doesn't have the ability to summon or create a familiar of her own. Her only option is to convince a supernatural creature to let her bind it instead. Since having a powerful Other at her beck and call would guarantee her a place in a coven after she graduates—and legendary treasure hoards are an added bonus—she thinks binding a dragon as her familiar will solve all her problems... Because sometimes a girl needs a dragon, not a knight.... 

My thoughts:

Kim is a sorcerer, the rest of the school are magi. Sorcerers gets killed, magi prospers. She does not have it easy. And hey I get it, but just cos there are a few bad apples does not mean all sorcerers are bad.

She is also really poor, she lives in the projects with her mum. She does nothing else but study and work. She is in her early 20s, but her life is on hold. She is not kick-ass, she is normal, exhausted and very proud.

Ok let's talk Cormac now. See she needs a familiar, a professor told her to get a  dragon, that will show them! So she is sent to Cormac Hunter, and he introduces her to New York's  Others. Someone must say yes...or? Anyway, forget the hunt for a familiar so she can pass her exams. I want to talk about Cormac, yes he was all alpha. But not an alpha.hole that drags you by the hair to his cave. No, he was a gentleman, he totally started to fall and have those MINE feelings, but, he did not act in the alphahole way, he stood silently by since he knew that dragging someone by the hair would scare her. Awww, Cormac, forget about her and let's run away together.

Oh and no, no real romance here. 

The Academy, idiot students, Others (good and bad), daily life and the need for an Other to pass her exam (cos if you don't you are out). I liked being back in this world, yes, it is set in the same world as another awesome series, hint hint.

I enjoyed it, and mmm Cormac.

ebook, 290 pages

Expected publication: May 1st 2016

Urban fantasy

For review

Enslaved by the Others - Jess Haines

Vampires, werewolves, magi and worse-the Others have joined the mortal world, and there's no turning back now...

As a New York P.I. and Other specialist, Shiarra Waynest has been in plenty of trouble before. But waking up in a windowless room the prisoner of a vampire slave trader is a shock for anyone. Shia has her wits, her bravado, and a couple of used staples, so maybe she can take on a mansion full of serious evil.

But although she's desperate to escape, Shia needs some answers too. Her friends are in danger. There are betrayers and spies among them. And even if she can figure out what's going on and somehow get a message out, she's still a captive of the worst kind...

My thoughts:

Shia is in trouble, no strike that. She is effed! She is in so much trouble. Poor Shia.

Ok do I have your interest? The book starts with her waking up in a cell. The prisoner of a slave trader, who trades in humans and others. This is bad bad news. Where are her friends? And what happened?

Honestly the first 150 pages or so just had me biting my fingernails and turning page after page hoping for something to happen. Like Royce coming down with a swat team or something. But no one knows where she is, and she has no idea where she is. Not to mention that this place is not built for an easy escape.

I miss you Royce! I missed him so much. Hopefully there will be more of him in the next book.

Back to Shirra, oh she can kick ass. Love her.

Conclusion:

Tension, suspense, evil vampires and more. That is what this book will give you. It looks dark, but she never gives up. A recommended series.

Cover

She sure looks unhappy ;)

Paperback, 352 pages
Published July 1st 2014 by Zebra
H&W Investigations #6
Urban fantasy
for review

ARC review: Forsaken by the Others - Jess Haines

Have a one night stand with a vampire, and you can end up paying for it for eternity. P.I. Shiarra Waynest, an expert on the Others, knows that better than most. Yet here she is, waking up beside charismatic vamp Alec Royce with an aching head…and neck. Luckily, Shia has the perfect excuse for getting out of town–namely, a couple of irate East Coast werewolf packs who’d like to turn her into a chew toy.

On Royce’s suggestion, Shia temporarily relocates to Los Angeles. But something is rotten–literally–in the state of California, where local vampires are being attacked by zombies. Who could be powerful enough to control them–and reckless enough to target the immortal? Following the trail will lead Shia to a terrifying truth, and to an ancient enemy with a personal grudge…

My thoughts:

There we have it again, Jess Haines is eeeeeeeevil! Evil I say! Darkness! Here I was reading and running through the fields with flowers in my hair when BAM! A truly evil cliffhanger that made me sit up and say noooo! And also it made me use way too many exclamation points in this paragraph.

What more can I say after that evil ending. I can't think now. I need the next book, I crave it. I mean an ending like that, oh man...I am being a horrible tease now. But she is very good at these kind of endings, you want more at once.

Ok the book (before the ending) was about a quick look at Shiarra and Royce. Kissing ;) Aww Royce, still way too little Royce in this one. Cos Shiarra and Sarah goes to LA. Meets the vampire master of LA. Meets a werewolf and most important of all, zombies! Zombies are running amok and it's up to Shiarra to figure out why.

Zombies, danger and Shiarra dealing with the after effects of book 4 and there are quite a few. I do wonder what will happen with her strange blood...

Conclusion:

So here I am, waiting for the next book. I can't even imagine where the events in this one will take her. Recommended series. If you want urban fantasy then look here.

Cover

Cool

H&W Investigations #5
Urban fantasy
Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: July 2nd 2013 by Zebra
For review

Review: Stalking the Others - Jess Haines

Stalking the Others

Vampires, werewolves, mages–the Others are very real, and wreaking havoc in Shiarra Waynest’s life. But now, she’s returning the favor…

Once, she was one of the good guys–or as close as a New York P.I. can get. Then Shiarra Waynest was drawn into the world of the Others. Every faction has its own loyalties and agenda. And Shia’s recent betrayal by her ex-boyfriend means that she may be on the verge of becoming a rogue werewolf at the next full moon.

Of course, with all the threats against her, Shia’s not sure she’ll live long enough to find out. The enigmatic vampire Royce wants her back in his clutches, as do two powerful werewolf packs, along with the police. Instead of going into hiding, Shia is enlisting the aid of her enchanted hunter’s belt and every dirty P.I. trick she knows. If she’s going down, she’ll take out as many of her enemies as she can–and hope that in the process, she keeps whatever humanity she has left.

My thoughts:

I read the last line and went wtf..wtf..wtf!? Evil author alert! I sat up and shook my fist, ok so I did not shake my fist but I stared at bf for a while and trying to comprehend that the book had just ended. Now you all think cliffie, but it was not  a cliffie. All was good, sort of good for now you know, it was just what was going on and ..I truly want to spill the beans but you have to read for yourself to find out what made me crave book 5 more than chocolate, and I adore chocolate.

But that was the last page.*giggles* Oh Haines you evil awesome author.

Now see, I got sidetracked yet again, I shall not think about the end. So the book starts with a pissed off Shia and who can blame her. Possibly infected with the were virus and having found out that her boyfriend is an effing bastard. And think I liked him for a while! So the hunt is on and she wants the Sunstrikers to pay. This is really a different Shia in this book. Sure she was always kick-ass but now she is also angry, and you do not want to see her angry.

We meet the white hats again, they are kind of growing on me and we learn, nope, lips sealed again. But we learn something. And then we also meet Royce *happy sigh*. The vampire that made me like vampires again, because he just oozes sex.

Fighting, trouble and one ending that will make you want more. More please :D *puppy eyes* Haines does so well with this book, even if I talk about the end a bit too much but trust me, it was just that good!

Final thoughts:
Recommended series

Cover
Kick-ass, my fav so far

Series: H&W Investigations #4
Genre: Urban fantasy
Pages: 352
To be published: July 3rd 2012 by Kensington
Source: For review

Stalking the Others Blog Tour: Jess Haines interview

Today the Stalking the Others Blog Tour visits my blog and I am happy to have author Jess Haines over for an interview. Also be sure to check out the contest.

Welcome!

1. Who is Jess Haines?

Oh, you know, just the typical internet-trolling writerly weirdo.

Really—I’m just this gal, you know? In person, I’m usually quiet and fairly shy with strangers. With friends, I change gears – you’ll get a lot of obscure Hitchhiker’s Guide and Holy Grail jokes instead of awkward silence. 

Let's see, what else... I'm a workaholic who loves coffee and chocolate and can't survive without books.  I'm originally from New York, but I'm currently living in Los Angeles because it is suitably weird enough for the time being.  I enjoy karaoke and bad movies, and have a menagerie of animals to keep me company when I'm not writing.  (Seriously, when I'm an old fart, I'll be known as the crazy bird/cat/fish/snake/lizard lady.)

2. What can we expect in your new book, Stalking the Others?

Mayhem. Bloodshed. Shiarra crossing some lines that will change her life forever. You know. The usual. But really, I think the back cover copy sums it up pretty well:

Vampires, werewolves, mages--the Others are very real, and wreaking havoc in Shiarra Waynest's life. But now, she's returning the favor. . .

Once, she was one of the good guys--or as close as a New York P.I. can get. Then Shiarra Waynest was drawn into the world of the Others. Every faction has its own loyalties and agenda. And Shia's recent betrayal by her ex-boyfriend means that she may be on the verge of becoming a rogue werewolf at the next full moon. . .

Of course, with all the threats against her, Shia's not sure she'll live long enough to find out. The enigmatic vampire Royce wants her back in his clutches, as do two powerful werewolf packs, along with the police. Instead of going into hiding, Shia is enlisting the aid of her enchanted hunter's belt and every dirty P.I. trick she knows. If she's going down, she'll take out as many of her enemies as she can--and hope that in the process, she keeps whatever humanity she has left. . .

3. I might have a tiny crush on Alec Royce *coughs*. Where did you get the inspiration for him? And who would play him in a movie? ;)

Me too!  *fans self*  ;)

He’s something of a conglomeration of all of the best aspects of the bad guys from a mix of movies, books, and roleplaying games I’ve played in the past.  Who doesn’t like a dark, sexy, dangerous vampire?  Of course, when they’re cliché, it’s boring.  But when you bring something new to the table—like the heroine being absolutely freaking terrified of him despite all of his “charms”—well, you know some hilarity is going to ensue.

In the entirely theoretical HUNTED BY THE OTHERS movie, I would have to say my first choice would be Robert Downey, Jr. 

I hate this song, but I think it perfectly embodies everything I want to convey about that thought:

4. And that Chaz, grrr, and think I liked him (I will not spoil things for others), but had you planned this twist from the beginning?

Yup.  I’m an evil author that way. *g*

Brace yourself for a few more shockers along the way…

5. Are you writing on something new right now?

Yes, as a matter of fact!  Most of my attention right now is on completing the next book in the H&W series, but I’ve got some other stuff I’m working on, too. 

If you’re familiar with the series, I’ve got a little something I’m looking for a home for right now that features Mouse, the mute vampiress, and Christoph, the dude in the fetish collar who shows up briefly in DECEIVED and again in STALKING THE OTHERS.

6. If you could not write UF, what would you write then?

Either horror or epic fantasy.  My roots are in epic fantasy, though the chances of any of the crap stuff I wrote before HUNTED BY THE OTHERS ever seeing the light of day falls somewhere between slim and none.

7.  Give me 3 reasons why people should read this series? :=)

Ohh, I like this one!

1) The heroine is completely, 100%, homegrown human. No special powers or secret half-angel/half-mermaid/half-unicorn parentage or weird supernatural secrets hiding in the closet for my special lady! Any extra benefits she gets in the process of solving her problems (such as the snark-tastic sentient hunter’s belt) are the result of magic items or temporary boosts given to her by her more, shall we say, “talented” friends.

2) It’s sadly hilarious to watch her deal with her phobia of vampires and gradually overcome her reluctance to deal with anything Other.

3) Alec Royce is a sexy beast.  Need I say more?

Thanks!

Thank you for having me and being part of the STALKING THE OTHERS blog tour, Linda!  

Check out the rest of the Blog Tour
http://jesshaines.com/blog/2012/05/07/stalking-the-others-official-blog-tour-calendar/

And now to the giveaway. Enter by rafflecopter. Open to US and Canada



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Deceived by the Others - Jess Haines

They're here, and they're real . . . werewolves, vampires, mages, and other creatures of the night. For New York P.I. Shiarra Waynest, taking care of Others business started out as a way to stay solvent. But now business is getting very, very complicated . . . 

Shiarra's relationship with sexy werewolf Chaz may be somewhat unconventional. Still, after a few bumps, Shia is finally ready to get serious. That means meeting family-or in this case, bringing Chaz's entire werewolf pack along for a rollicking full-moon weekend in the Catskills. Soon after they arrive, threatening notes appear, warning Chaz to go home. Then their cabin is ransacked. Shia starts digging to find out whether it's the work of upstart teenaged werewolves or something more sinister. Yet as rumors about her vampire connections arouse the pack's hostility, Shia has to contend with other dangers. Not just from an adversary about to make his fatal intentions known, but from a threat that's even closer than she knows .  

My thoughts:

Omg, I really should not start like that but I just have to tell you all how I felt when I turned the page and realized this book ended. It was with shock because I wanted more and instead there was this huge cliffhanger that I can't tell you about. I can just say that it is really exciting, scary, horrible and just great. She is an evil author and I seriously want book 4 right now.

But ok that was the end; I need to go back first. Shiarra and Chaz go on a vacation so she can get friendly with his pack. I never liked Chaz that much, ok he was a nice boyfriend but I never was on his team and after this, I still am not. Is that bad or good, just read and find out. And poor Shiarra can't catch a break because someone does not want them up there. One of the pack, someone else? Aye that is the mystery in this book and things will heat up.

I would love to say why this book had me all fired up, that would mean one huge spoiler. I will just tell you that something will happen and it will be big. It will make you feel things and yes I am being really evil with hints like this but it just had me gripping the book so hard.

This book had another feel to it since there other books have had things leading up to a big showdown, while this one had  smaller show downs. And it was just as good.

I am just being way too mysterious. But ok let me say this. The book had some good action, mystery, insights into Others and more. We meet Royce again, and I do like him because he is always the quiet gentleman in a way. He does not take a step towards her if she does not want it. I think he could be a very good friend, and ally is always good to have.

I just love how easy these are to read and the pages just fly by.

Conclusion:

*bites nails* When does book 4 come out? I need to know what happens! The thing is that even if everything ended kind of quiet there is still this big elephant in the room. I will certainly read book 4 and I hope you will do to.

Rating:

Heart wrenching

Cover:

Yay a good one

Series: H & W Investigations 3

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Pages: 352

Published: July 2011

Publisher: Zebra

Source: For review

Review: Taken by The Others - Jess Haines + guestreviewing

Series: H & W Investigations #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 352
Published: January 2011 Zebra

Once, New York P.I. Shiarra Waynest's most pressing problem was keeping her agency afloat. Now she's dealing with two dangerous, seductive vampires who have been enemies for centuries. The only thing Max Carlyle and Alec Royce agree on is that they both want Shia - for very different reasons. Max is determined to destroy Shia for killing his progeny, while Royce's interest is a lot more personal. That's not sitting well with Shia's werewolf boyfriend, Chaz. As the feud between Max and Royce gets ever more deadly, a powerful vampire-hunting faction is urging Shia to join their side. Shia has always believed vamps were the bad guys, but she's discovering unexpected shades of grey that are about to redefine her friends, her loyalties - and even her desires.

My thoughts: 

I liked book 1 but I liked this one even more! And now I do not know where to start, but what else is new. The ones I like and can't put down, yes those are so hard to review.

My favourite new P.I. Shiarra has avoided Others after her last ordeal which nearly killed her. Well except for her werewolf boyfriend Chaz, whom she has not yet slept with since she does not want to sign a contract handing over her life. Of course life is not that easy and if it was we wouldn't get a story. There is a new vampire in town who wants her dead (and I can't help liking him, he is so deliciously evil, truly evil.) And then there is Royce who wants her (mmm vampires) and those pesky White Hats who wants her to hunt Others for them.

As you can see things are heating up, poor Shiarra gets into a lot of trouble, serious trouble. She can't fight a vampire like Max. And I like that, ok that sounds horrible, but heroines must have faults, must be normal. And she as a mere human can't fight someone that powerful. I also like that she takes it slow with Chaz since she knows what a contract like that would do (in case he goes moon crazy and rips her into pieces he won't get prosecuted). Which he hopefully never would do since he loves her.

This book just never stopped. First it has me smiling because of a certain tabloid, and the next moment it had me fearing for her life. The story just flows along and takes me along for the ride and I sure enjoyed it.

Conclusion:

I recommend this urban fantasy series. It has a great heroine, a bit of humour, action and bloodthirsty beast. What more could a girl ask for?

Rating:

Did not want to put it down

Cover.

HAHA. Hooker Shiarra, *rolls eyes*

-------------------------------------------

I am honoured to be guest reviewing over at Book Lovers Inc today

Hard Spell by Justin Gustainis

Stan Markowski is a Detective Sergeant on the Scranton PD's Supernatural Crimes Investigation Unit.

Like the rest of America, Scranton's got an uneasy 'live and let unlive' relationship with the supernatural. But when a vamp puts the bite on an unwilling victim, or some witch casts the wrong kind of spell, that's when they call Markowski. He carries a badge. Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.

Edit: *big eyes* How did I get that cool box?!

Review: Hunted by The Others - Jess Haines

Series: H & W Investigations 1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 337
Published: 2010 Zebra

Shiarra Waynest's detective work was dangerous enough when her client base was strictly mortal. But ailing finances have forced her to accept a lucrative case that could save her firm - if it doesn't kill her first. Shiarra has signed on to work for a high-level mage to recover an ancient artifact owned by one of New York's most powerful vampires. As soon as Shiarra meets sexy, mesmerizing vamp Alec Royce, she knows her assignment is even more complicated than she thought. With a clandestine anti-Other group trying to recruit her, and magi being eliminated, Shiarra needs back-up and enlists her ex-boyfriend - a werewolf whose non-furry form is disarmingly appealing - and a nerdy mage with surprising talents. But it may not be enough. In a city where the undead roam, magic rules, and even the Others aren't always what they seem, Shiarra has just become the secret weapon in a battle between good and evil - whether she likes it or not.

My thoughts:

I liked this world and Shiarra because she was actually scared and careful around Others. Not racist, just very careful. And that makes sense, because of vampires, werewolves and mages suddenly came out then yes I would be scared too. And perhaps not mix with them when they can tear my head off.

Shiarra is a PI who takes a case she does not want to take. But somebody has to pay the bills. She knows better than to mix with mages and vampires. She is tough, but with a good head on her shoulder and she knows this case will likely kill her. And I do like that and that she tries everything to get out of a bad situation. She is a worthy kick-ass woman.

The story is about her trying to get an artifact, staying away from mean vampire Royce and just generally staying alive and kicking some ass later on. Since the person holding the artefact does not want to give it up.

The men then. She has an ex who turned out to be a werewolf so Chaz is in the doghouse now so to speak. Then there is charismatic and scary Alec Royce but evil vampires are so not for her, well we will see about that. The thing is that every sane person knows not to get involved with Others because they make you sign a contract. This is to protect humans but in that end that contract is way scarier cos in case of a violent death they can't be prosecuted. 

I liked Shirra and her PI partner Sara, I liked Arnold who shows up later and I sure liked Royce. The only one I am a bit on the fence about is Chaz. Nothing wrong with him but it was mostly because of the crowd of posers he was with.

At the end the scariest thing in this book was the White Hats, creepy racists peeps scare the hell out of me. 

Conclusion:

A good start to a new series. There is plenty of action and as for the romance, you know I can't tell you. A good book that I recommend. There is also this fun vibe over the book that I enjoyed.

rating:

Good

Cover:

Kick.ass

Source: For review