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Vampire for Hire (world) #4.5
Christmas Moon
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B006HHDYPS
Mother, wife, private investigator...vampire. Seven years ago, federal agent Samantha Moon was the perfect wife and mother, your typical soccer mom with the minivan and suburban home. Then the unthinkable happens, an attack that changes her life forever. And forever is a very long time for a vampire.
Now with Christmas just around the corner, Samantha Moon finds herself taking on a very strange case. A mysterious family treasure has been stolen, something priceless that's been passed down through the generations, something buried in secrets. Samantha's reward is simple: she gets half of whatever it is...if she can find it first.
And just as the holidays threaten to consume her, Samantha is approached by a very mysterious man, someone who knows all her secrets, a man who might not be a man at all. This Christmas, Samantha Moon's world is about to be rocked...
Mother, wife, private investigator...vampire. Seven years ago, federal agent Samantha Moon was the perfect wife and mother, your typical soccer mom with the minivan and suburban home. Then the unthinkable happens, an attack that changes her life forever. And forever is a very long time for a vampire.
Now with Christmas just around the corner, Samantha Moon finds herself taking on a very strange case. A mysterious family treasure has been stolen, something priceless that's been passed down through the generations, something buried in secrets. Samantha's reward is simple: she gets half of whatever it is...if she can find it first.
And just as the holidays threaten to consume her, Samantha is approached by a very mysterious man, someone who knows all her secrets, a man who might not be a man at all. This Christmas, Samantha Moon's world is about to be rocked...
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2011
1174 people are currently reading
875 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rain
647 books1,718 followersJ.R. Rain is the author of 110 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he's hard at work on his next novel... and fighting off sparkly vampires.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
November 14, 2021
This is a 3.5 star read.
April 19, 2017
“Christmas Moon” is a very short (1:40 hours) novella in the “Vampire for Hire” series, picking up six months after book four. It’s numbered as book 4.5 and events do occur between books four and five. One of the two most significant events is recapped in one or two sentences in book five, and I’m not really sure why this book even exists. I’ve read that some authors create lots of short books when they participate in Kindle Unlimited, because their remuneration or ranking is enhanced by increasing their book download count. Perhaps that’s why the series’ current last book is #13….of around 18 books.
Book 4.5 is better than the dull-spirited book three…and there are moments where I’m smiling, glad to be in Samantha’s head again. For example: "As I approached the door in the late evening, I realized that I had never been inside a single-wide trailer. Somehow, I controlled my excitement.” OK, subtle snarkiness…but fun!
Overall, though…the question “why is this a separate book” just can’t be set aside. While there are Christmasy events, they feel pasted onto the story…not the real story. It’s not a Christmas book. I think the author should have included the two critical events as part of a longer book five. After all, at 4.5hours it’s not like book five is too long already.
I rate this book as 3.5* - it's a bit better than meh but not much, and I’m rounding up instead of down on the strength of the narrator.
Book 4.5 is better than the dull-spirited book three…and there are moments where I’m smiling, glad to be in Samantha’s head again. For example: "As I approached the door in the late evening, I realized that I had never been inside a single-wide trailer. Somehow, I controlled my excitement.” OK, subtle snarkiness…but fun!
Overall, though…the question “why is this a separate book” just can’t be set aside. While there are Christmasy events, they feel pasted onto the story…not the real story. It’s not a Christmas book. I think the author should have included the two critical events as part of a longer book five. After all, at 4.5hours it’s not like book five is too long already.
I rate this book as 3.5* - it's a bit better than meh but not much, and I’m rounding up instead of down on the strength of the narrator.
June 22, 2012
Although priced in-line with his other books, this is a short story - and a fairly short one at that. It is an interesting interlude, but should have been included in one of the Vampire for Hire novels instead of sold individually. It also annoyed me when the amethyst amulet she finds in this story mysteriously turns into an emeral amulet in the next. So points off for those problems, even though it was otherwise an enjoyable read.
November 17, 2021
Didn't quite hit the beats I want for a Christmas story (admittedly I'm reading it in November so maybe it's me). I'm also starting to feel that every man falling at Samantha's feet is a bit of a stretch BUT I love this series so much, I'm willing to forgive a great deal. This was a nice little stopping point between the gritty last book and book 5.
August 30, 2018
3 stars
Own in: Samantha Moon: The First Four Vampire for Hire Novels, Plus One Novella Samantha Moon: All Four Novels
Own in: Samantha Moon: The First Four Vampire for Hire Novels, Plus One Novella Samantha Moon: All Four Novels
November 16, 2012
In keeping with the overall tone of the series, Christmas Moon is another fun peak into the world of Vampire mom and private eye, Samantha Moon.
Sam's growing more comfortable in her relationship with Kingsley as the holidays are approaching and since Christmas is coming, Sam is busier than usual. Not only is she busy with the normal roles of mother/parent with cookies and presents and decorations, but she's also got her private eye business to maintain as well.
Not one to take off for the holidays Sam accepts a case from a mousy but friendly man who wants her to retrieve a family heirloom that was stolen from his home. It's actually a safe and rather than take her usual retainer fee, she accepts the case on the condition that she gets half of whatever the safe contains. The potential client doesn't know what's in there but he wants it back badly as it's been willed from father to son for several generations so he agrees. (as an aside, there's also a mention of a case that she's consulting on for Sherbet...I'm not quite sure if it's the same case that was mentioned during the course of the short story Vampire Blues..perhaps not every case she works on or mentions will be the focus of a story or full length novel)
But this book isn't all about the holidays and her job. A mysterious man keeps showing up in Samantha's presence. She doesn't have any psychic alarm bells but she's still worried about the man because he knows things about her. In fact, he knows EVERYthing about her.
This novella is very Samantha-centric but Fang and some supporting cast do show up as cameos. And that's fine, it is her series after all. That's not what kept it from being a 5 for me. While I enjoyed the book I thought a couple things a little odd.
First her demand to get half of whatever was in the safe. That seemed very un-Samantha like. Having a pretty strong moral compass and knowing that it has been in the client's family for several generations this seemed a little out of character to her. She also finds something during the course of her investigation that I found a bit too convenient. Minor quibble.
Secondly, I still find characters falling in love with her so suddenly (to the reader anyway) a little too easily. That, once again is a minor gripe. I just hope she doesn't go the route of a 'Mary Sue' and just have a line of men falling in love with her from her till eternity.which could happen..since she is immortal and all..but I digress...
Minor complaints aside, this is very much a Samantha Moon novel in feel and content and Rain keeps things interesting by changing things up every so often and keeping the character fresh. Just makes me want to get Vampire Dawn all the more!!! (January 2012 has come and gone..hopefully it'll be out soon!)
Sam's growing more comfortable in her relationship with Kingsley as the holidays are approaching and since Christmas is coming, Sam is busier than usual. Not only is she busy with the normal roles of mother/parent with cookies and presents and decorations, but she's also got her private eye business to maintain as well.
Not one to take off for the holidays Sam accepts a case from a mousy but friendly man who wants her to retrieve a family heirloom that was stolen from his home. It's actually a safe and rather than take her usual retainer fee, she accepts the case on the condition that she gets half of whatever the safe contains. The potential client doesn't know what's in there but he wants it back badly as it's been willed from father to son for several generations so he agrees. (as an aside, there's also a mention of a case that she's consulting on for Sherbet...I'm not quite sure if it's the same case that was mentioned during the course of the short story Vampire Blues..perhaps not every case she works on or mentions will be the focus of a story or full length novel)
But this book isn't all about the holidays and her job. A mysterious man keeps showing up in Samantha's presence. She doesn't have any psychic alarm bells but she's still worried about the man because he knows things about her. In fact, he knows EVERYthing about her.
This novella is very Samantha-centric but Fang and some supporting cast do show up as cameos. And that's fine, it is her series after all. That's not what kept it from being a 5 for me. While I enjoyed the book I thought a couple things a little odd.
First her demand to get half of whatever was in the safe. That seemed very un-Samantha like. Having a pretty strong moral compass and knowing that it has been in the client's family for several generations this seemed a little out of character to her. She also finds something during the course of her investigation that I found a bit too convenient. Minor quibble.
Secondly, I still find characters falling in love with her so suddenly (to the reader anyway) a little too easily. That, once again is a minor gripe. I just hope she doesn't go the route of a 'Mary Sue' and just have a line of men falling in love with her from her till eternity.which could happen..since she is immortal and all..but I digress...
Minor complaints aside, this is very much a Samantha Moon novel in feel and content and Rain keeps things interesting by changing things up every so often and keeping the character fresh. Just makes me want to get Vampire Dawn all the more!!! (January 2012 has come and gone..hopefully it'll be out soon!)
February 8, 2012
Christmas Moon definitely has to be read in the sequential order of the Vampire for Hire series. This is a great short story that entails a relatively easy case for Samantha Moon to investigate whilst she gets ready to celebrate Christmas with her family.
There are parts of the story that have obviously opened up a new direction for the series to go down and introducing another character, who possibly knows more about Samantha than anyone else, as well as the ability to read her thoughts, the series may be heading down a darker route. If this is so, I do hope that the funny quips that make Samantha Moon great are still there, just like in this story, Samantha's personality shines through and makes reading the Vampire for Hire series a joy and whatever length the books are, you never want them to end.
This would have been 5 stars if it wasn't the fact that yet another person has fallen in love with Samantha Moon. This part of the story is getting a bit annoying for me as a reader, I would rather the story focus on just one love interest, her investigations as a PI and of course see her get to the bottom of why she became a vampire. I don't feel it necessary that every man who enters her life has to be in love with her. Hopefully the next instalment will unravel some truths about Samantha Moon's vampirism alongside a cracking case for her to investigate.
There are parts of the story that have obviously opened up a new direction for the series to go down and introducing another character, who possibly knows more about Samantha than anyone else, as well as the ability to read her thoughts, the series may be heading down a darker route. If this is so, I do hope that the funny quips that make Samantha Moon great are still there, just like in this story, Samantha's personality shines through and makes reading the Vampire for Hire series a joy and whatever length the books are, you never want them to end.
This would have been 5 stars if it wasn't the fact that yet another person has fallen in love with Samantha Moon. This part of the story is getting a bit annoying for me as a reader, I would rather the story focus on just one love interest, her investigations as a PI and of course see her get to the bottom of why she became a vampire. I don't feel it necessary that every man who enters her life has to be in love with her. Hopefully the next instalment will unravel some truths about Samantha Moon's vampirism alongside a cracking case for her to investigate.
February 11, 2012
"Christmas Moon" is a novella featuring vampire mother and Private Investigator, Samantha Moon and her desire to prepare a nice Christmas for her children. While watching Judge Judy and waiting to pick up her children from school, Samanta's is visited in her home office by a new client. A safe (Family heirloom) was stolen from his home and he wants it back. He doesn't even know what's in it, the true value comes from where the safe comes from, his father and grandfather. Samantha agrees to locate the safe if he will give her half of what is inside.
Samantha takes her kids shopping for Christmas decorations at the dollar store. While looking around, she is immediately struck by the beauty of a stranger who approaches her. He has a silver aura and he know her name. He tells her he has worked 'for' her; yet, she cannot recall him.
With the assistance of Fang (her computer confident) Samantha discovers the identity of the stranger and she is shocked. However, she must attend to the matter at hand, locating the missing safe. This story in short, sweet, full of menacing problems for the future, and hope for the present. In short, it is wonderful. Pick it up and enjoy!
Samantha takes her kids shopping for Christmas decorations at the dollar store. While looking around, she is immediately struck by the beauty of a stranger who approaches her. He has a silver aura and he know her name. He tells her he has worked 'for' her; yet, she cannot recall him.
With the assistance of Fang (her computer confident) Samantha discovers the identity of the stranger and she is shocked. However, she must attend to the matter at hand, locating the missing safe. This story in short, sweet, full of menacing problems for the future, and hope for the present. In short, it is wonderful. Pick it up and enjoy!
October 11, 2017
I enjoyed this short story about Samantha Moon, divorced mother of two, private detective, and vampire, set at Christmas time. I liked the case she was investigating, and it’s outcome, as well as the client. I enjoy that for the most part, Samantha is not a snob. Except for those people who show themselves uncaring for the rules of polite society, the openly hostile, and the threatening, Samantha generally accepts people as they are, and treats them with the respect they deserve as a fellow traveler of the earth. In this case, it was an eccentric, middle-aged hoarder named Charlie who lived in an impossibly stuffed single-wide mobile home, and who had been robbed of a family heirloom and tradition, a safe that had never been opened, passed down for generations. Samantha agreed to find it for Charlie with the provision that she would receive half of whatever was inside. Given her nature, the outcome was no surprise, though her ultimate compensation was!
I liked the addition of another new character, though I have to admit I’m a little bored with the concept of yet another being in love with her, and more than that, another stalker-type scenario. I guess it fits the universe created that there are other supernatural entities aware of her that she may not be aware of herself. She is still feeling her way through the new normal she is living, still learning that the supernatural world goes farther and deeper than she had even suspected, but it would almost be refreshing if someone new showed up and proclaimed their hatred rather than their attraction and love! 😂 But I’m not even half-way through the series, so maybe I’ll get my wish. I’m plunging ahead to the next novel, and can’t wait to see where Samantha’s wings will take her next!
I liked the addition of another new character, though I have to admit I’m a little bored with the concept of yet another being in love with her, and more than that, another stalker-type scenario. I guess it fits the universe created that there are other supernatural entities aware of her that she may not be aware of herself. She is still feeling her way through the new normal she is living, still learning that the supernatural world goes farther and deeper than she had even suspected, but it would almost be refreshing if someone new showed up and proclaimed their hatred rather than their attraction and love! 😂 But I’m not even half-way through the series, so maybe I’ll get my wish. I’m plunging ahead to the next novel, and can’t wait to see where Samantha’s wings will take her next!
March 11, 2024
**Interesting revelations in a tiny package**
A simple novella that, even with its micro plot of Sam's latest case, served mostly as an introduction to even more revelations to include in the series. This was definitely a quick read of course, which I was glad for, since I'm still on the fence about whether or not I will complete the remainder of the series.
While the revelations were definitely interesting and will likely keep playing roles in the upcoming entries, the character developments still suffered from the background treatment, which was a consequence from the author rushing through the final 3rd of the previous book. That was annoyingly jarring.
A romantic relationship with Sam and Kingsley may have seemed inevitable, but given their VERY shaky foundation, readers should not have been left out of the WHY it was allowed to happen at all. Telling me things are now official without showing me is major cop-out territory. But eh, given how little I'm beginning to care anymore, I guess it's whatever at this point.
Anyway, though the revelations in this novella were mostly enough to encourage me to keep going, I'm afraid I'm not longer feeling that pull as before. For now, I'm taking a pause in this series and moving on to other stories that await me. It's likely that I'll return to finish things up, but there's no telling when that will be. So....till next time. When or if ever that will be...
A simple novella that, even with its micro plot of Sam's latest case, served mostly as an introduction to even more revelations to include in the series. This was definitely a quick read of course, which I was glad for, since I'm still on the fence about whether or not I will complete the remainder of the series.
While the revelations were definitely interesting and will likely keep playing roles in the upcoming entries, the character developments still suffered from the background treatment, which was a consequence from the author rushing through the final 3rd of the previous book. That was annoyingly jarring.
A romantic relationship with Sam and Kingsley may have seemed inevitable, but given their VERY shaky foundation, readers should not have been left out of the WHY it was allowed to happen at all. Telling me things are now official without showing me is major cop-out territory. But eh, given how little I'm beginning to care anymore, I guess it's whatever at this point.
Anyway, though the revelations in this novella were mostly enough to encourage me to keep going, I'm afraid I'm not longer feeling that pull as before. For now, I'm taking a pause in this series and moving on to other stories that await me. It's likely that I'll return to finish things up, but there's no telling when that will be. So....till next time. When or if ever that will be...
October 24, 2018
I read this entire 15-book (so far) series back-to-back for the last couple weeks, plus quite a few short stories that relate. Free on Kindle Unlimited. It's a great series for a fan of paranormal mystery. The set up is that a mom in California was changed into a vampire in an attack. Fast forward several years and she's struggling with a failing marriage and raising 2 kids with her day time disability. As the years progress, her marriage fails, her kids mature, and her relationships with love interests/ friends/family grow. The characters are relate-able, there's a little humor, and very entertaining mysteries with interesting treatments of magic. Solidly fun reading!
March 23, 2020
Wonderful
I am loving this series so far. The heroine just captures your mind, heart and funny bone! I just love the different characters and how they come into her life and the impact they make. I admit I have become one of those readers who enjoy hearing from multiple perspectives. I would love to hear some of this from Kingsley and Eli Aka Fang. Ok maybe even Danny every now and then. Definitely from the “bad guys”. I just love the humor. I’m a big fan of K.F. Breene and the humor just adds so much. I used to read just serious horror with no humor which is fine but I find that I’m enjoying branching out a bit!
I am loving this series so far. The heroine just captures your mind, heart and funny bone! I just love the different characters and how they come into her life and the impact they make. I admit I have become one of those readers who enjoy hearing from multiple perspectives. I would love to hear some of this from Kingsley and Eli Aka Fang. Ok maybe even Danny every now and then. Definitely from the “bad guys”. I just love the humor. I’m a big fan of K.F. Breene and the humor just adds so much. I used to read just serious horror with no humor which is fine but I find that I’m enjoying branching out a bit!
June 24, 2018
Disappointed that this book and the next one seem to mostly "skip over" the romance and how and when it "developed" .... between Samantha and Wolfie, Kingsley. I had been wondering if they would get together.... I thought i had missed a book, but there wasn't one. Now it's "7 years later" (after her being turned into a Vamp)... and they are now a "couple"... very short novella, more like a short story. I liked the Christmas shopping, and as always, the great dialogue between Sam and her "men."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2023
Good story but...
I like the story and characters. If the first 4.5 books had been published as one, I would have happily paid the typical price for a novel. I do believe that the number of pages would be drastically reduced due to the elimination of repetitive text. How many more times do we need to hear what happens should she consume food ? This "marketing tactic" is bothersome and distracts me from enjoyment of the story. It's easy to write more books when each book retells the books prior. I will read book 5, but will likely tire of the series before book 32.
I like the story and characters. If the first 4.5 books had been published as one, I would have happily paid the typical price for a novel. I do believe that the number of pages would be drastically reduced due to the elimination of repetitive text. How many more times do we need to hear what happens should she consume food ? This "marketing tactic" is bothersome and distracts me from enjoyment of the story. It's easy to write more books when each book retells the books prior. I will read book 5, but will likely tire of the series before book 32.
January 5, 2019
Wow, what a quick read. In truth, a novella. Feels a little like cheating on my reading challenge, but I will undoubtedly read infinitely larger tomes during the year to compensate. Interesting story with the introduction of the "Guardian Angel" who reveals what actually happened to Samantha on the night she was attacked by a vampire to transform her into a vampire herself. On to the next in the series.
February 1, 2025
Christmas time
It is Christmas time and Samantha & her children are getting into the spirit of it. She has z new case she has to find a missing safe. That has a long history to it. She meets her guardian angel but he isn't all good as he is now a fallen angel that wants her. But she isn't too sure about how to feel about everything. She has a nice Christmas with her family. Another short read
It is Christmas time and Samantha & her children are getting into the spirit of it. She has z new case she has to find a missing safe. That has a long history to it. She meets her guardian angel but he isn't all good as he is now a fallen angel that wants her. But she isn't too sure about how to feel about everything. She has a nice Christmas with her family. Another short read
February 16, 2025
“Christmas Moon” falls somewhere between a short story and a novella and, for the life of me, I could swear that the plot was one I had read before.
Samantha's client wants her to find his stolen safe.
It's been in his family for generation and, wonder of wonders, during that time it has never been opened.
She makes a deal – if she finds it she gets half of what's inside, regardless of the value.
She does and she doesn't!
That's about it.
2.5 Stars, brought back to 2 Stars.
Samantha's client wants her to find his stolen safe.
It's been in his family for generation and, wonder of wonders, during that time it has never been opened.
She makes a deal – if she finds it she gets half of what's inside, regardless of the value.
She does and she doesn't!
That's about it.
2.5 Stars, brought back to 2 Stars.
November 12, 2017
Loving this series
I am an avid reader. Discovered JR Rain by chance and am loving all the characters and stories. A Paranormal PI mom- the everyday life of ups and downs and added kids drama. Can't wait to finish series and read all the others by this Author. Thank You for the adventures.
I am an avid reader. Discovered JR Rain by chance and am loving all the characters and stories. A Paranormal PI mom- the everyday life of ups and downs and added kids drama. Can't wait to finish series and read all the others by this Author. Thank You for the adventures.
May 27, 2019
And, just like that!
And, just like that a guardian angel becomes something else. I have the feeling that this is not the last time we see Mr. Ishmael. Our heroin Sam may not have felt the danger this time but maybe the next time her spider senses will alarm her or she will see the darkness surrounding this character. What do you think readers?
And, just like that a guardian angel becomes something else. I have the feeling that this is not the last time we see Mr. Ishmael. Our heroin Sam may not have felt the danger this time but maybe the next time her spider senses will alarm her or she will see the darkness surrounding this character. What do you think readers?
February 23, 2021
Yuletide Joys
This series must be read in order. This is the fifth book. I can't wait to read "Vampire Dawn"!
Looking forward to spending the holiday with her friends and family, Samantha is surprised when she meets an odd man With a silver aura shot through with black ribbons. What kind of creature is he? What does he want from her? Is he a threat?
This series must be read in order. This is the fifth book. I can't wait to read "Vampire Dawn"!
Looking forward to spending the holiday with her friends and family, Samantha is surprised when she meets an odd man With a silver aura shot through with black ribbons. What kind of creature is he? What does he want from her? Is he a threat?
February 14, 2025
Read as part of the Samantha Moon Boxed Set
The supernatural world of J R Rain expands further in this short Christmas story.
The supernatural world of J R Rain expands further in this short Christmas story.
July 15, 2017
This book was supposed to be a standalone novella. The author's comments in the beginning of the 5th book alert you to that fact. Without reading this book, you will be confused about the plot of the 5th book.
October 14, 2017
A great short story in the Samantha Moon series
What destiny is Samantha supposed to fulfill and does she have to be immortal to do it? These are a few of the questions brought up. Ishmael, the guardian angel who wasn't could become an important part. Looking forward to more.
What destiny is Samantha supposed to fulfill and does she have to be immortal to do it? These are a few of the questions brought up. Ishmael, the guardian angel who wasn't could become an important part. Looking forward to more.
January 27, 2018
What I like about this series is there is so much going on in each book. A mystery to solve. Sam dealing with being a vampire but still trying to be a Mom. Her romance with Kingsley, a werewolf.
Love this series!
Love this series!
March 9, 2018
Sam
Christmas time as a vampire is enjoyable. She focus on making sure her life as a mother comes first. I really enjoyed listening to this book. The series are exciting and the storyline are different. Her being a detective brings more to the series. Thanks
Christmas time as a vampire is enjoyable. She focus on making sure her life as a mother comes first. I really enjoyed listening to this book. The series are exciting and the storyline are different. Her being a detective brings more to the series. Thanks
February 7, 2019
I enjoyed reading this novella. Sam takes on a new case, and comes into contact with a mysterious man with a silver aura. If you enjoy vampire stories and you are looking for a short read, this is right up your alley.
March 31, 2019
Good Story!
Four stars for the story but the fallen angels was a little of base, I just can't buy a guardian angel turn dark for love,God is love and He surely knows how to show hIs angels how to truly love.
Four stars for the story but the fallen angels was a little of base, I just can't buy a guardian angel turn dark for love,God is love and He surely knows how to show hIs angels how to truly love.
April 2, 2019
Short and Sweet....
This is just a novella, but it is still a sweet read. Sam helped a guy recovered his family old old safe. You won’t believe what’s in it. Also, our Sam now has three men in love with her. What’s a girl to do?
This is just a novella, but it is still a sweet read. Sam helped a guy recovered his family old old safe. You won’t believe what’s in it. Also, our Sam now has three men in love with her. What’s a girl to do?
December 25, 2019
A good short story/ novella.
Sam meets her guardian angel, or ...? The short doesn't really grow the story line, but it may develop in the following books.
Anyway, the storyline is fun and fast reading.
Sam meets her guardian angel, or ...? The short doesn't really grow the story line, but it may develop in the following books.
Anyway, the storyline is fun and fast reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews