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Jessie Jayne: When It All Began

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Jessie Jayne is a former CIA agent. She is now employed as an independent contractor - a hit woman.

Her primary employer?

The US Department of Justice.

She hunts and eliminates the criminals who escape the government's 98 percent conviction rate in court. If a suspected terrorist escapes punishment with a not guilty verdict, they're considered for permanent elimination. On an as ordered basis, receiving direction from a contractor hidden deep within the government's bowels, her targets come from the DOJ's secret list.

That is until her name makes the top of the list.

The hunter soon becomes the hunted in this tale of corruption, lies, and attempting to find the truth, regardless of the cost.

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2015

4 people are currently reading
172 people want to read

About the author

Scott Hildreth

99 books3,869 followers
Scott Hildreth in an international bestselling author. He has written more than fifty novels.

His preferred careers of being a hit man, serial killer, biker, military hero, mafia boss, boxer, vigilante, and tattoo artist will always be favorites, but as writing has become a full-time gig, he must live vicariously through the characters in his books who share his admiration for these professions.

He resides in Naples, Florida with his wife and children.

You can keep up with Scott’s self-published and traditionally published work here:

Twitter: @ScottDHildreth

Face book "OFFICIAL LIKE" page - (for updates on released books and upcoming books)
www.facebook.com/ScottDHildreth

Facebook Author Page - (currently at 5,000 friend limit, but Scott invites you to come enjoy his contests, giveaways, and playful book banter) www.facebook.com/sdhildreth

Website (or to signup for Scott's newsletter) www.scotthildreth.com

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5 stars
31 (50%)
4 stars
15 (24%)
3 stars
15 (24%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Scott Hildreth.
Author 99 books3,869 followers
February 7, 2015
The book starts out with the execution of a contract killing. Holy shit. In the first chapter. Things don't slow down from there, and Jessie Jayne, a 5'-3" hit-woman/former CIA agent/anti-government/independent woman is the star of the show.

Immediately, she finds out the 'hit' was a set-up. She's now being questioned as if it were murder.

She soon finds out the agency who employed her for a decade is the agency who is attempting to set her up.

Car chases, gun fights, rogue agents, chicken-shit bosses, and people who are attempting to cover up the truth before Jessie uncovers it.

Fast-paced and full of action and intrigue, this is a quick hour and a half read of flipping pages as fast as you can.

The female protagonist is the equivalent of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, only in the form of a take no shit female.

I have to give this five stars, only because it seems to be without fault. Her former lover is introduced at about 60%, and it seems the follow-up books will include a little romance.

I.

Can't.

Wait.

Must read for the murder/mystery/suspense/thriller lover.

MUST.



Profile Image for Sarah.
511 reviews
February 26, 2015
This is only a short novella so doesn't take long to read at all. This is again another different book from Scott and it really has me excited to read more about Jessie.
Jessie Jayne is definitely a bad ass woman, a hired 'hitman' for the Government!
I can see twists in this already and know in true Scott style that there will be many more to come in the next book.
The only reason this is 4* from me is purely because this was a great short introduction to Jessie and Gavin but I know the next book will be even better and have so mych more to it!
Definitely recommend this and can't wait for more Jessie Jayne!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Schultheis.
1,316 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2015
I received this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review.

When It All Began: A Jessie Jayne novella is a quick read that left me intrigued from page one. Who is Jessie Jayne? A killer, not just any killer, but one that is hired out from the government. Top secret stuff is going on here.

I just love the fact that the female is a contract killer. I've read too many stories where the heroine is this naive, vulnerable woman who couldn't hurt a fly....but thankfully this story is the complete opposite. Jessie Jayne is my kind of woman. She's tough, feisty, and not afraid of anything. She's quick on her feet and a total bad a$$.

When she gets into trouble, the only person she can call is her ex Gavin. I really wanted more interactions with Gavin, but that's probably going to happen in another book. This book is short, remember it's a novella, so don't be upset when it ends right quick. Usually, I am not a fan of books that leave me wanting more, but I'm really interested in what's going to happen next and can't wait to see what this author has planned. Reviewed by Jennifer for MNP.
Profile Image for Erica.
1,311 reviews32 followers
March 1, 2015
How do you captivate a reader in the first few pages of a book?
Open with a tiny female contract killer.
Yep, Jessie Jayne is a complete badass. She's got a smart mouth which I love, a sweet aim and the ability to get away with murder.
She's not just any contract killer, she works for the government.
Until there's a screw up and she heads to her ex Gavin for assistance.
Gavin and Jessie have history but he's more than willing to drop everything to help uncover the truth and clear her name.
But there's more Gavin wants from Jessie. Things she's apparently not ready for. I look forward to more interaction with Gavin in the future to see how he handles the ballsy Jessie!!
A quick read that hooks you in the first few pages and leaves you begging for more.
Profile Image for Patricia Maia (The Bookery Review).
811 reviews48 followers
February 27, 2015
I'm excited about this new series!
I think the author covered almost my every favorite genre of books in this series: Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Action, Thriller! Lets hope he includes some eroticism in the next books and its complete!
I just love to read about badass, strong, confident women and Jessie gets it all! You add Gavin to the scene and Bam!! a totally Alpha male to meet every need she might have, this can only end good!
In this novella, as the tittle indicates, we get to see how everything starts and get to know the main characters. Jessie a Hit woman and Gavin a private investigator, together they start to see what went wrong in her last job...
Cant wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 7 books33 followers
February 19, 2015
Jessie Jayne is a free-lance hitwoman. Her latest job is accomplished with no problems. However, when she goes to collect her pay she learns she has been set up. Jessie manages to elude the men sent to bring her in. She contacts the one man she fully trusts, Gavin. Gavin agrees to help her clear her name but what he really wants is for her to find a different line of work and marry him. Will they clear her name? Will Jessie change jobs?

This novella moves at a rapid pace. It grabs your attention immediately and doesn't let go. I learned just enough about the characters to know I want to read the novel involving Jessie Jayne and Gavin. Can't wait for it to come out.
Profile Image for Gail.
291 reviews
February 6, 2015
Scott did it again!! He lures you in to his stories then BAM!!!

This series is gonna be a fun, bumpy ride!! I can not wait!! I'm ready for the next one!!

Jessie & Gavin my new favorite couple!!!

Jessie is a smart, tough, hit woman. Gavin is the one person she trust. They have a past. I can't wait to see how they are going to continue on...So many possibilities.
Profile Image for Samantha Knight.
Author 5 books74 followers
February 7, 2015
Another "HIT"

I love love love Jessie. She has a smart mouth and takes a no shit.

I am excited to see more of Gavin and what happens for these two.

Although this was a short novella it kept my interest and now I can't wait for what happens next!
Profile Image for Nina.
439 reviews
March 2, 2015
A kick-ass novella that will have you wanting more. Jessie Jayne, former CIA agent who is now an independent killer...certainly got my attention!!! I can't wait to see what happens next. Will Gavin's plan work and claim his prize?



Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,398 reviews25 followers
July 12, 2019
So short

Hey. Where is the rest of the books to this series? I feel cheated. I am four years post publication. I thought oh a start of a series. But no. I am left hanging. Hanging? That's another o e of Scott Hildreth's books.
Profile Image for booklover4life.
402 reviews54 followers
March 6, 2015
***I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review!***

Review (4.5 Stars):

This was a quick and interesting look into the world that contract killer Jessie Jayne lives in. This novella tells the story of how Jessie got involved as an independent contractor. It was a fast-paced suspenseful read that left you wanting to know more.

Jessie is a very strong woman with an amazing skill with a gun. Though she is but a little thing, she packs a lot of attitude and confidence. She is very smart and knows how to take care of herself. We also get a taste of her past, and a touch of romance, with her ex-flame Gavin.

There were a lot of twists and turns going on in this book, with a lot of information leading to a lot of questions about what will happen next. I found it to be very captivating from the beginning, and I wished for more Jessie by the end. There were some minor editing issues, but I definitely recommend this book. As this was my first read from Scott Hildreth, I have now added him to my authors to read list. He certainly knows how to write a good suspense that keeps the reader guessing.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,709 reviews47 followers
March 23, 2015
Jessie is a former CIA agent who is now employed as an independent contractor, otherwise known as a hit man - or hit woman in her case - for the Department of Justice. After following instructions and killing a man from the Department's list, she realizes she's been set up when three goons show up telling her the man she killed was CIA undercover. After escaping, she turns to Gavin her ex finance and the only person she trusts. Gavin of course agrees to help Jessie, but he wants more. He wants Jessie back in his life and he wants her to change professions.

Jessie is tough and she's a very likeable lead female character. I loved her actions to evade capture and you're kept on the edge trying to figure out who is setting her up. Gavin obviously cares deeply for Jessie and has lots of patience. You can tell by his actions that he's protective and wants her safe. I can't wait to see what happens next with Jessie's job, but more importantly what happens between she and Gavin.

Another hit from Scott Hildreth.
Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,113 reviews72 followers
March 6, 2015
From the very first page you will be on the edge of your seat. What begins with a hit quickly turns into a woman on the run for her life. She was framed for murder for the execution assigned to her and she has no idea why. Yet. Cause damn this girl is good and can totally kick ass. Turns out that the person she least expected would be the one to help her to save her own life. I won't tell you anymore as Jessie is an experience you need to have for yourself. It's a fast paced wild ride so buckle up and enjoy.

I give When It All Began 4 hearts!
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews242 followers
March 5, 2015
When It All Began is a short quick read. Just because it's short doesn't mean it's not pack with a great story. Jessie Jayne is a contract killer and she is very good at her job. With her last job things seem to go south. She completes the job find but some thing happen after that just don't add up for her. She goes to the one person she can trust, Gavin. Jesse and Gavin have a pass. When It All Began is a great set up for more story to come. I can't wait to read more.

A copy was received for a review.
Author 18 books167 followers
December 5, 2015
I really liked this novella. It seems to be the perfect set up for a series, and I hope Hildreth writes it. Jessie was a strong female lead, which I think we don't see as much in the world of suspense/thriller books. I devoured this story easily in one sitting; it is written well in its own language not reminiscent of his other works.
Profile Image for MON!CA JEAN!.
29 reviews13 followers
February 11, 2016
Great story line, but not so great ending. I am so fond of your work but with every great writer you always have something that someone wasn't as thrilled with. This was that book for me. Very well written, loved the female role, was excited about the story and story line, but the ending left a bad taste in my mouth.
61 reviews
February 1, 2017
Give me more!

Wow this Novella has set a fire that can only be extinguished with more Jessie Jayne!! The plot is brilliant I love the leading lady Jessie and hope to see her story develop.
Profile Image for Jenifer.
61 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2015
Jessie is one bad ass bitch! I can't wait to read more about her and Gavin.
61 reviews8 followers
Read
April 18, 2015
another amazing job by Author SD Hildreth! loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews