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Vampire for Hire (world) #6
Vampire Games
Six 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 in VAMPIRE GAMES, Samantha Moon is hired to look into the suspicious death of a popular fighter—and quickly discovers there’s far more to the story than meets the eye. Now, as she uncovers clues into the boxer’s past, she will come face-to-face with something unexpected...and something only whispered about. And as the case takes an unexpected turn, Samantha Moon must confront the growing supernatural powers of those closest to her—and a betrayal that will rock her world.
Now in VAMPIRE GAMES, Samantha Moon is hired to look into the suspicious death of a popular fighter—and quickly discovers there’s far more to the story than meets the eye. Now, as she uncovers clues into the boxer’s past, she will come face-to-face with something unexpected...and something only whispered about. And as the case takes an unexpected turn, Samantha Moon must confront the growing supernatural powers of those closest to her—and a betrayal that will rock her world.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2012
1500 people are currently reading
1091 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rain
680 books1,728 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 190 reviews
January 20, 2019
Vampire Games is another great Samantha Moon vampire investigation story. A boxer does from a head injury but the winner doesn't believe it. Sam's werewolf boyfriend and her ex-boyfriend make very poor choices!
The narration was perfect yet again which I am thankful for!
The narration was perfect yet again which I am thankful for!
November 17, 2018
Another good fast read. This is definitely not a stand alone read. To get the most out of your read, you should read books one through five first.
Sam, the Vampire aka private investigator, has a lot of personal issues in this issue. I still don't like Kingsley and have hope for Sam and Fang to hook up.
Off to read book seven, Moon Island. I'm hooked.
Sam, the Vampire aka private investigator, has a lot of personal issues in this issue. I still don't like Kingsley and have hope for Sam and Fang to hook up.
Off to read book seven, Moon Island. I'm hooked.
April 21, 2017
“Vampire Games” is book six of the “Vampire for Hire” series featuring private investigator Samantha Moon.
Samantha’s daughter Tammy finally joins the storyline as something more than a bookend, and secrets are no longer secrets among Samantha and her two children. Samantha meets another man, and guess what?…she drools. Her relationships with Kingsley and Fang shift significantly once again, and her guardian/rogue angel (who loves her, of course) stirs things up.
Samantha’s powers continue to increase in Vampire Games, and she becomes aware that she may not be as “still me” as she once thought, as the series expands upon the revelation that supernatural beings like vampires and werewolves are actually a combination of an immortal creature and a once-human host. Whether the relationship is symbiotic or parasitic isn’t yet clear.
The detective story is ok, and serves to advance the increasingly complicated love life of Samantha Moon. “Vampire Games” is also a relatively short book (4.5 hours). The focus is a bit tighter than was book five, although there are still lots of balls being juggled in the air with various threads. While not exactly a cliffhanger, the book did end with a strong hint that the next book(s) could pit Samantha against a coven of other vampires. At one point in the book, vampire Detective Hammer told Samantha that vampires are either “tamed”…or “removed”.
4.45* for “Vampire Games”…..still eluding a return to 5*, but continuing to inch closer.
Samantha’s daughter Tammy finally joins the storyline as something more than a bookend, and secrets are no longer secrets among Samantha and her two children. Samantha meets another man, and guess what?…she drools. Her relationships with Kingsley and Fang shift significantly once again, and her guardian/rogue angel (who loves her, of course) stirs things up.
Samantha’s powers continue to increase in Vampire Games, and she becomes aware that she may not be as “still me” as she once thought, as the series expands upon the revelation that supernatural beings like vampires and werewolves are actually a combination of an immortal creature and a once-human host. Whether the relationship is symbiotic or parasitic isn’t yet clear.
The detective story is ok, and serves to advance the increasingly complicated love life of Samantha Moon. “Vampire Games” is also a relatively short book (4.5 hours). The focus is a bit tighter than was book five, although there are still lots of balls being juggled in the air with various threads. While not exactly a cliffhanger, the book did end with a strong hint that the next book(s) could pit Samantha against a coven of other vampires. At one point in the book, vampire Detective Hammer told Samantha that vampires are either “tamed”…or “removed”.
4.45* for “Vampire Games”…..still eluding a return to 5*, but continuing to inch closer.
August 18, 2012
Vampire Games by J.R RainMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well I am sad to say I have already read Vampire Games: A Samantha Moon Novel (Vampire for Hire) and it was great and too frekin short, I WANT MORE! These books always leave me wanting more and he takes his sweet time getting them out, supposed to be anther one at Christmas but I would not put money on it. Let me just say that it was as good or better than the others, it was another evolution in the life of Samantha (some good, some not as always) and it seemed like I opened it and it was over (well the fact that I got rid of the wife for 3 hours and had all that reading time may have helped). This is one of those things I wish I could start over like I never read them and read them all back to back. There is just something about these books that make them so unique. Sam gets a case to solve in addition to everything else in her life and Spinoza makes a guest appearance. Sam is without a doubt the most unique and "down-to-earth" vampire in fiction anywhere and she just keeps evolving which some dislike but I love her getting stronger and most confidant. As always it is 4+ stars, maybe 5 Stars but since I did not get enough I am unfulfilled once more Maybe if he were not writing about 5 series at a time I could get more of Vampire for Hire :)
View all my reviews
July 16, 2025
4 stars out of 5
I never really shipped Fang and Sam, but I gotta admit he was a really good friend to her. Kinda sad they drifted apart. What really surprised me was Detective Hanner being the reason why. Totally didn’t see that coming. And don’t even get me started on Kingsley… I’m so disappointed with how the author did him dirty. It honestly feels like they were just rushing to make IshMantha happen.
I never really shipped Fang and Sam, but I gotta admit he was a really good friend to her. Kinda sad they drifted apart. What really surprised me was Detective Hanner being the reason why. Totally didn’t see that coming. And don’t even get me started on Kingsley… I’m so disappointed with how the author did him dirty. It honestly feels like they were just rushing to make IshMantha happen.
June 10, 2020
Fang gets his wish but will it make him happy. Sam may have lost 2 friends time will tell. She and her kids have a talk and no more secrets. A murder is solved and a hit man dies. A nice story with plenty of side bars
March 21, 2019
Awesome book
This is another awesome book that J. R. Rain has written! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
This is another awesome book that J. R. Rain has written! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
April 28, 2021
Head over Heels
The more I read this story the more I love it. J. R. Rain ceases to amaze me with each book.. Will definitely follow and read every book
The more I read this story the more I love it. J. R. Rain ceases to amaze me with each book.. Will definitely follow and read every book
August 7, 2024
Not bad.. why Kingsley???
October 18, 2012
I absolutely love everything about this series by J.R. Rain. Samantha Moon is simply a now-single mother of two, living in suburbia and working as a private eye to make a living. What's so special about Samantha Moon is that she is a vampire...a very special vampire, and her abilities are growing more with each book. I do suggest you read these books in order to get a complete feel for Samantha Moon and understand the struggles she has gone through as a vampire/mother/wife/lover/investigator.
Vampire Games picks up where the last book left off. All of our favorites are back in this one, including some of the author's characters from his other series. I was a little disappointed that Detective Sherbet wasn't as much of a force in this one as in the previous books in the series, and her instant messaging with Fang was almost non-existent, but there is a good reason for the lack of communication with Fang. Wow! What a reason it is! Now, we do get a good look at Sherbet's co-worker, Detective Hanner, and she is becoming more evil and mysterious in my eyes as Mr. Rain peels the layers from this multi-layered character a little at a time.
I love how this book consists of Samantha Moon's normal everyday routine as a working mother, which really helps connect me with her character, but this time she is not only working to solve a mystery (with a hottie boxer, no less), she is also struggling with a tragedy involving one of her children. This particular part of the story was glazed over, but then it wasn't the main focus of the book, either.
There is so much going on in this book...so many stories within this book, yet it isn't an anthology; it's simply Samantha Moon's life as she lives it. There is the drama with Kingsley. Will he be replaced by the hottie boxer? Oh, I hope so! Then, there is the drama with her daughter, Tammy, and a few family secrets are revealed. Do special abilities run in the family? Just where are they coming from? I'm eager to see where this goes in the series' future. And the mysterious Ishmael, the fallen guardian angel, is back and up to no good...all in the name of love? Yes, he risked everything, including his angel-dom (is that even close to a word?) for the love of Samantha, but did he do it in vain? Perhaps his is too much a warped sense of love or more of an obsession where Samantha is concerned. There is drama surrounding Fang, and this particular drama makes me kind of sad, but at the same time I'm eager to see just where the author takes Fang. Fang is definitely going somewhere; perhaps a spin off series starring Fang and Detective Hanner? Oh, I hope so! The door is certainly left open for such a series.
The main story of course involves the fighter, Russell Baker, and his alleged involvement in another fighter's death. We don't see much of Russell except at the beginning and at the end, but that is enough to give the picture of one hawt and steamy lover-to-be for Samantha Moon. And a fighter to boot? Yes, I'm in literary heaven now. Samantha still has her sarcastic sense of humor, her lack of fear, and a cocky attitude allowing her to call all the shots...even against the toughest MMA champion. With that said, I just have to give you this little teaser of the scene between Sam and Andre Fine, the five time karate champion with the ability to deliver a death punch to anyone, that had me cracking up and shows just how ballsy Samantha Moon really is:
"I'm calling the police," he decided. "No, you're not." "Do you have a gun?" "No." "How did you get in?" I grinned because his robe had fallen open and I could see his wahoo. Not very impressive. Then again, I had been dating the hulking Kingsley. "Your weiner's showing," I said. He ignored me. "Why are you here? What do you want?" "We're going to talk about Caesar Marquez. And you're going to put your little wee-wee away."
But, something big is happening to Samantha, and it's apparent that it's not Andre's wee-wee. Her abilities are really coming to the forefront, and she could be falling more and more into the dark abyss that is true vampirism. Is she uncontrollably releasing a real monster that lies inside of her, clawing to get out? I think we may be in for a big surprise in the next book, Moon Island, expected to release November 20.
Now, even though I didn't get that tingly feeling in my cheeks or a heart pounding experience in my chest when I read this book; and there is not a lot of romance or steam in this book as there has been in the past books, but you can still feel a little heat around the edges; well, there is just something about it that leaves me wanting more. But then, each book in the series always leaves the reader wanting more. I've come to love and know each of these characters, and I simply must....I MUST....find out where exactly Mr. Rain is taking all of them. So, I give this book 5 stars because it is so well written and leaves me anxious and eager for the next installment.
Vampire Games picks up where the last book left off. All of our favorites are back in this one, including some of the author's characters from his other series. I was a little disappointed that Detective Sherbet wasn't as much of a force in this one as in the previous books in the series, and her instant messaging with Fang was almost non-existent, but there is a good reason for the lack of communication with Fang. Wow! What a reason it is! Now, we do get a good look at Sherbet's co-worker, Detective Hanner, and she is becoming more evil and mysterious in my eyes as Mr. Rain peels the layers from this multi-layered character a little at a time.
I love how this book consists of Samantha Moon's normal everyday routine as a working mother, which really helps connect me with her character, but this time she is not only working to solve a mystery (with a hottie boxer, no less), she is also struggling with a tragedy involving one of her children. This particular part of the story was glazed over, but then it wasn't the main focus of the book, either.
There is so much going on in this book...so many stories within this book, yet it isn't an anthology; it's simply Samantha Moon's life as she lives it. There is the drama with Kingsley. Will he be replaced by the hottie boxer? Oh, I hope so! Then, there is the drama with her daughter, Tammy, and a few family secrets are revealed. Do special abilities run in the family? Just where are they coming from? I'm eager to see where this goes in the series' future. And the mysterious Ishmael, the fallen guardian angel, is back and up to no good...all in the name of love? Yes, he risked everything, including his angel-dom (is that even close to a word?) for the love of Samantha, but did he do it in vain? Perhaps his is too much a warped sense of love or more of an obsession where Samantha is concerned. There is drama surrounding Fang, and this particular drama makes me kind of sad, but at the same time I'm eager to see just where the author takes Fang. Fang is definitely going somewhere; perhaps a spin off series starring Fang and Detective Hanner? Oh, I hope so! The door is certainly left open for such a series.
The main story of course involves the fighter, Russell Baker, and his alleged involvement in another fighter's death. We don't see much of Russell except at the beginning and at the end, but that is enough to give the picture of one hawt and steamy lover-to-be for Samantha Moon. And a fighter to boot? Yes, I'm in literary heaven now. Samantha still has her sarcastic sense of humor, her lack of fear, and a cocky attitude allowing her to call all the shots...even against the toughest MMA champion. With that said, I just have to give you this little teaser of the scene between Sam and Andre Fine, the five time karate champion with the ability to deliver a death punch to anyone, that had me cracking up and shows just how ballsy Samantha Moon really is:
"I'm calling the police," he decided. "No, you're not." "Do you have a gun?" "No." "How did you get in?" I grinned because his robe had fallen open and I could see his wahoo. Not very impressive. Then again, I had been dating the hulking Kingsley. "Your weiner's showing," I said. He ignored me. "Why are you here? What do you want?" "We're going to talk about Caesar Marquez. And you're going to put your little wee-wee away."
But, something big is happening to Samantha, and it's apparent that it's not Andre's wee-wee. Her abilities are really coming to the forefront, and she could be falling more and more into the dark abyss that is true vampirism. Is she uncontrollably releasing a real monster that lies inside of her, clawing to get out? I think we may be in for a big surprise in the next book, Moon Island, expected to release November 20.
Now, even though I didn't get that tingly feeling in my cheeks or a heart pounding experience in my chest when I read this book; and there is not a lot of romance or steam in this book as there has been in the past books, but you can still feel a little heat around the edges; well, there is just something about it that leaves me wanting more. But then, each book in the series always leaves the reader wanting more. I've come to love and know each of these characters, and I simply must....I MUST....find out where exactly Mr. Rain is taking all of them. So, I give this book 5 stars because it is so well written and leaves me anxious and eager for the next installment.
February 13, 2022
I loved it! So quick and easy to get into.
September 3, 2012
In this book we follow Sam on a quest to find out why a fighter died. Was it really accidental as the coroner’s report states, or was foul play afoot? It is really bothering Russell, the other fighter in the ring. He is ridden with guilt,and has left fighting, wondering did the punch he delivered cause the death?
Fang is with us again in this episode, Fang has not been my favorite character, and now we are even more worried about him as he has a very dark side, a killer mentality, very out there and on the run from the law. Fang has gravitated to Detective Hanner, or should we say she has recruited him. She has agreed to give Fang what he wanted from Sam, and turns Fang. He stops by Sam’s place to say goodbye and tells her Detective Hanner is taking him to a Vampire Coven to teach him how to be a Vampire, and chastises Sam because she had refused to turn him. We are left with a sense that we will be seeing more of Fang in the future, and maybe as an adversary to Sam, with very similar powers.
It does not seem in the cards for Sam to have a faithful lover. Wolfey, AKA Kingsley, cheats on Sam. However we are not sure how we should feel about Kingsley. Should we say, ahh he is just a man and it is Sam’s evil fallen guardian angel’s fault, he put the temptation in his way? Or do we say what do you expect, Kingsley is a sleazy womanizer after all? The relationship is left unresolved, we don’t know if it is over, or if Sam will forgive Kingsley.
In this book as with all of the others in the series, Sam’s powers continue to grow, and she is again torn with family drama, while trying to solve a crime. This is what I love about Sam, after all she is first and foremost a Mom. Sam’s daughter runs away, and Sam gets help from her PI pal and her ever faithful friend Detective Sherbet in tracking her down. It is finally true confession time with Sam and the kids, as her daughter has figured out Mom is different, as in a Vampire. Sam has a family meeting and they discuss brother Anthony's gifts and Moms, and we discover for some reason, not yet known to us, Sam's daughter has developed psychic abilities and can read minds, Mom’s in particular.
Sam solves the crime, and resolves her family crisis, but alas, there was no resolution with Wolfy and where we go from here. We are left with will she or won’t she have an affair with the Russell, the fighter, there is a lot of flirting but she never closes the deal.
As I am vested in Samantha Moon’s character I rapidly devoured this one, which alas, is read in a very short period of time.
My criticism of the series is they are just too short! Come on J.R. give us a real book,a novel length, maybe 5-600 pages of Samantha Moon and her cronies. I know you have it in you, as these are the best characters, and the story could delve so much deeper into them.
When all is said and done I am a loyal fan, but would like a little more to read at a sitting. I recommend the book, and give it 5 stars!
May 29, 2015
First, I have loved reading about J.R. Rain's Vampire for Hire Series (Samantha Moon). But, boy, I'm not sure if I will continue reading through the series as I had planned to do.
Short Synopsis: Samantha is out to find out why/who killed a boxer. He shouldn't have died with the relatively light punch (in the ring). I really liked this part of the plot and thought it was fairly unique--I haven't read anyone else who came up with murder in this way. So, good points for the book, thus far.
Kingsly does the nasty with someone else and gets found out. I do not blame Sam for kicking the guy to the curb. Way to go, Sam!
Fang gets turned by Sam's (so called) nemesis from the P.D. The bad thing for Sam is that her "connection" to Fang allows her to remote view/experience Fang's experience. The woman mounts Fang and has erotic, graphic, and highly emotional sex--which Samantha experiences vicariously. She feels Fang's feelings, bodily functions, etc. and comes to the conclusion that a man's experience of sex is really, really good. Sam, however is worried about Fang and what the detective really wants from him.
Here's where the book gets really dicey for me. Samantha has two children, a boy and a girl. Each are developing their own unique supernatural gifts, the daughter, is developing the gift of mind reading. OK. So far.
BUT. . . a big ta do is made of the fact that from here on out there will be NO SECRETS POSSIBLE with her daughter since the little girl can now (and does) read Samantha's mind. The girl finds out about Sam's being a vampire, etc. What is wrong with this picture? Has no one figured out that the little girl now has access to Sam's physical/emotional feelings of sex with Fang when he was turned? A VERY EROTIC SCENE IS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH READING HER MOTHER'S (SAM'S) MIND? This is just too much for me. This kind of prurience goes too far! The little girl exposed to someone being changed to a vampire, the lust, lasciviousness and deeply erotic feelings available through reading her mother's mind just goes too far.
As I said, above, I have liked the series up to this point, but I am not certain I will continue reading if, as a reader, I am in for more of the same. It is really too bad, because I really enjoyed the storyline about the boxer killing and discovering how he was killed and by whom.
Usually I rate the Samantha Moon stories at around 4.0 stars out of 5. This time, even with the good plot and typical creative writing for Samantha, I feel the story is not worth more than two stars. I'm sorry, Mr. Rain; I just think you went too far on this one.
Short Synopsis: Samantha is out to find out why/who killed a boxer. He shouldn't have died with the relatively light punch (in the ring). I really liked this part of the plot and thought it was fairly unique--I haven't read anyone else who came up with murder in this way. So, good points for the book, thus far.
Kingsly does the nasty with someone else and gets found out. I do not blame Sam for kicking the guy to the curb. Way to go, Sam!
Fang gets turned by Sam's (so called) nemesis from the P.D. The bad thing for Sam is that her "connection" to Fang allows her to remote view/experience Fang's experience. The woman mounts Fang and has erotic, graphic, and highly emotional sex--which Samantha experiences vicariously. She feels Fang's feelings, bodily functions, etc. and comes to the conclusion that a man's experience of sex is really, really good. Sam, however is worried about Fang and what the detective really wants from him.
Here's where the book gets really dicey for me. Samantha has two children, a boy and a girl. Each are developing their own unique supernatural gifts, the daughter, is developing the gift of mind reading. OK. So far.
BUT. . . a big ta do is made of the fact that from here on out there will be NO SECRETS POSSIBLE with her daughter since the little girl can now (and does) read Samantha's mind. The girl finds out about Sam's being a vampire, etc. What is wrong with this picture? Has no one figured out that the little girl now has access to Sam's physical/emotional feelings of sex with Fang when he was turned? A VERY EROTIC SCENE IS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH READING HER MOTHER'S (SAM'S) MIND? This is just too much for me. This kind of prurience goes too far! The little girl exposed to someone being changed to a vampire, the lust, lasciviousness and deeply erotic feelings available through reading her mother's mind just goes too far.
As I said, above, I have liked the series up to this point, but I am not certain I will continue reading if, as a reader, I am in for more of the same. It is really too bad, because I really enjoyed the storyline about the boxer killing and discovering how he was killed and by whom.
Usually I rate the Samantha Moon stories at around 4.0 stars out of 5. This time, even with the good plot and typical creative writing for Samantha, I feel the story is not worth more than two stars. I'm sorry, Mr. Rain; I just think you went too far on this one.
August 29, 2013
With the discovery of the latest Medallion Samantha can now venture out during the day without the worry of burning alive and going through a years supply of sunblock in a month. This useful aide has changed her life beyond measure and is helping in her professional life aswell as her personal.
Boxer Russell is looking for help solving a murder which he believes he's committed in the ring. Something doesn't ring true to Sam though and to help Russells soul she turns her detective eye to the victims friends and family.
With her nifty new ability she travels to sunny Las Vegas in search of answers and finds them for her client and herself.
Don't want to let too many spoilers loose which would be very easy to accomplish in this review as so much happened to Samantha which will alter her life for the forseeable future.
Both Kingsley and Fang betray Sam in different ways and in one fell swoop she loses both of them but only one is by choice.
Through her detecting she finds an ally to help her every growing hunger and is coming to terms with her loss of humanity by finally revealing who she is to her children but they have their own secrets to keep now.
All these changes are unnerving and hard to grasp for Sam but aslong as she has her kids she will always pull through.
Another enchanting mystery from J.R. Rain that keeps me hooked to the Vampire for Hire Series.
Boxer Russell is looking for help solving a murder which he believes he's committed in the ring. Something doesn't ring true to Sam though and to help Russells soul she turns her detective eye to the victims friends and family.
With her nifty new ability she travels to sunny Las Vegas in search of answers and finds them for her client and herself.
Don't want to let too many spoilers loose which would be very easy to accomplish in this review as so much happened to Samantha which will alter her life for the forseeable future.
Both Kingsley and Fang betray Sam in different ways and in one fell swoop she loses both of them but only one is by choice.
Through her detecting she finds an ally to help her every growing hunger and is coming to terms with her loss of humanity by finally revealing who she is to her children but they have their own secrets to keep now.
All these changes are unnerving and hard to grasp for Sam but aslong as she has her kids she will always pull through.
Another enchanting mystery from J.R. Rain that keeps me hooked to the Vampire for Hire Series.
August 30, 2012
I really love this series by J.R. Rain, and the end of the book always leaves me wanting more. Sam is a great character and I love how she is written. I like how we have learned about her powers and vampire life along with her. She is such a believable person, the kind of woman you wished lived next door to you so you could keep tabs and live vicariously through her life. Things don't come easy for Sam and she struggles with her personal, professional, and paranormal life. How to make them all mesh together. I was sorry to see the tension between her and Kingsly as well with her and Fang. Sam doesn't have a lot of people in her life she can be her true self with, I hope that things work out with those two. I also hope things work out well for Fang, I really liked him and hope he isn't lost to the dark. I was also happy to see Sam come out of the closet with her kids, now she won't have to hide who she is at home anymore. We all need a place where we can be authentic and not have to play games. Another good book in a delightful series, looking forward to what happens next.
February 19, 2016
Mooning over Moon
I haven't read this series in years. It was like old home week when I picked up Vampire Games via Kindle unlimited. I slid right back into Sam Moon's world like I had never been gone.
What I like about these books is that they are mysteries with paranormal elements, that element being the character is a Vampire. A working mom vamp, with a mortgage and an ex and in this book another ex! Which btw I hated, the second ex part. REALLY HATED IT, and I felt that is was done just to throw a monkey wrench into the plot. Did you get that I really hated this part. I don't know if I can forgive the EX or Mr. Rain for this as I HATE CHEATERS. Plus Sam doesn't really confront this issue. Which makes me believe if she wasn't that upset than she really didn't care.
In the end Rain writes a great, strong woman characters that should not be missed.
I haven't read this series in years. It was like old home week when I picked up Vampire Games via Kindle unlimited. I slid right back into Sam Moon's world like I had never been gone.
What I like about these books is that they are mysteries with paranormal elements, that element being the character is a Vampire. A working mom vamp, with a mortgage and an ex and in this book another ex! Which btw I hated, the second ex part. REALLY HATED IT, and I felt that is was done just to throw a monkey wrench into the plot. Did you get that I really hated this part. I don't know if I can forgive the EX or Mr. Rain for this as I HATE CHEATERS. Plus Sam doesn't really confront this issue. Which makes me believe if she wasn't that upset than she really didn't care.
In the end Rain writes a great, strong woman characters that should not be missed.
August 17, 2012
I really enjoyed reading but by the end of it I was deeply saddened.
Fang: I always suspected he did not love Sam, he loved the vampire in her. Detective Hanner gave him that even though I believe she is punishing Sam and using Fang. This is what left me the most sad, I always wanted him to be her friend. He left her without much guilty, "I LOVED you, but you could not give me what I wanted" is BS.
Kingsley: Another male scumbag aka cheater. I always knew he could not keep it in his pants but was surprised none the less.
Sam finally open up to her children and discovered her daughter has some psych powers.
Fang: I always suspected he did not love Sam, he loved the vampire in her. Detective Hanner gave him that even though I believe she is punishing Sam and using Fang. This is what left me the most sad, I always wanted him to be her friend. He left her without much guilty, "I LOVED you, but you could not give me what I wanted" is BS.
Kingsley: Another male scumbag aka cheater. I always knew he could not keep it in his pants but was surprised none the less.
Sam finally open up to her children and discovered her daughter has some psych powers.
September 19, 2013
I love this series but this book fell flat for me. I was annoyed and upset that Kingsley betrayed Sam but we didn't hear his side of the story or if he really did betray her or if it was just suggested that he did. Samantha also being really smart didn't seem to care that Fang is a stalker and that despite the fact that he was supposedly her best friend, he decided to leave her because she wouldn't turn him. It is obvious that he only cared about her if she gave him what he wanted, hello red flags. I also didn't like how the book ended abruptly. Although I love the series, I feel it's time to be wrapped up before it dies a and goes out on a sour note for me.
August 31, 2012
I love the Samantha Moon Series! Another great book from J.R.!
August 25, 2024
My true rating is 4.3 stars.
I've been following this author for some time and have grown to appreciate their work, despite occasionally losing track of their narrative direction—fortunately, I usually manage to reconnect. This book maintains the pattern; Samantha takes on what appears to be a straightforward job, only to encounter more complexities than anticipated. The characters continue to evolve and flourish, even when they seem to stagnate in their struggles.
Samantha Moon is tasked with investigating the suspicious death of a renowned boxer and soon realizes the case is more intricate than it initially seems.
As she delves into the boxer's history, she encounters something unforeseen and scarcely mentioned in hushed tones.
Moreover, Samantha faces the escalating supernatural abilities of her inner circle... and a treachery that will shake her to the core.
Characters previously on the periphery are now at the forefront. Fang assumes a more prominent role, ascending to new heights. While the mysteries are relatively straightforward to deduce, they remain engaging to unravel through the characters' reasoning. Often, the obvious choice is the sole viable option. Sam allows herself to be swayed by someone who doesn't prioritize her well-being. My feelings towards Sam are mixed; she can be indecisive, holding others to her lofty standards without offering leniency for missteps. One might mistake her for a paragon.
Nonetheless, it's an enthralling journey with a vampire who possesses a conscience.
I've been following this author for some time and have grown to appreciate their work, despite occasionally losing track of their narrative direction—fortunately, I usually manage to reconnect. This book maintains the pattern; Samantha takes on what appears to be a straightforward job, only to encounter more complexities than anticipated. The characters continue to evolve and flourish, even when they seem to stagnate in their struggles.
Samantha Moon is tasked with investigating the suspicious death of a renowned boxer and soon realizes the case is more intricate than it initially seems.
As she delves into the boxer's history, she encounters something unforeseen and scarcely mentioned in hushed tones.
Moreover, Samantha faces the escalating supernatural abilities of her inner circle... and a treachery that will shake her to the core.
Characters previously on the periphery are now at the forefront. Fang assumes a more prominent role, ascending to new heights. While the mysteries are relatively straightforward to deduce, they remain engaging to unravel through the characters' reasoning. Often, the obvious choice is the sole viable option. Sam allows herself to be swayed by someone who doesn't prioritize her well-being. My feelings towards Sam are mixed; she can be indecisive, holding others to her lofty standards without offering leniency for missteps. One might mistake her for a paragon.
Nonetheless, it's an enthralling journey with a vampire who possesses a conscience.
October 14, 2017
I enjoyed this book, though it was different than the previous books in the series. All of the books so far have dealt with loss to some degree, but this volume seemed to have a more melancholy tone.
I was happy that Samantha was able to come to an honest place with her children, a safe and open place in which they all could share their lives in a deeper and more fulfilling way. I was glad that they drew closer, but sad for some of the innocence that was lost.
Among all the characters throughout the series, there are two with whom Samantha enjoyed particular friendships and even romance. In this book, both relationships came to a crossroads. The causes for strain in both made me very sad, though in both cases, the behavior was believable, and even expected. Both characters caused Samantha considerable pain and sadness, which added to the ambivalence and melancholy of the story. I will be very unhappy if this is the last we hear of these characters, but I’ll be even more surprised, as they’ve been integral to her growth, and the series arc.
I’m charging ahead to the next book, anxious to learn the fate of all involved!
I was happy that Samantha was able to come to an honest place with her children, a safe and open place in which they all could share their lives in a deeper and more fulfilling way. I was glad that they drew closer, but sad for some of the innocence that was lost.
Among all the characters throughout the series, there are two with whom Samantha enjoyed particular friendships and even romance. In this book, both relationships came to a crossroads. The causes for strain in both made me very sad, though in both cases, the behavior was believable, and even expected. Both characters caused Samantha considerable pain and sadness, which added to the ambivalence and melancholy of the story. I will be very unhappy if this is the last we hear of these characters, but I’ll be even more surprised, as they’ve been integral to her growth, and the series arc.
I’m charging ahead to the next book, anxious to learn the fate of all involved!
February 26, 2019
Samantha Moon's boxing trainer, Jacky, calls her a "freak of nature" as she wears him out during her training sessions, not to mention the constant damage to the equipment. In this 6th of the series, she is investigating the death of a young boxer who should not have died from a punch to the face.
Then to her personal life, her daughter Tammy knows something is not quite right with mom, and she is also beginning to her psychic visions. Kingsley, her werewolf lover, has just done to her what Sam's ex-husband Danny did, cheated on her. But he was set up! ...and he couldn't say no why?
Detective Hanmer has set her sights on Fang, is it to get back at Samantha for closing down the "kill humans to get blood for vampires" operation that was also providing the Detective with the human blood all vampires crave?
Another good one in the series and there are so many more to catch up on!
Then to her personal life, her daughter Tammy knows something is not quite right with mom, and she is also beginning to her psychic visions. Kingsley, her werewolf lover, has just done to her what Sam's ex-husband Danny did, cheated on her. But he was set up! ...and he couldn't say no why?
Detective Hanmer has set her sights on Fang, is it to get back at Samantha for closing down the "kill humans to get blood for vampires" operation that was also providing the Detective with the human blood all vampires crave?
Another good one in the series and there are so many more to catch up on!
July 24, 2020
Disappointing
Hmmm. I found this book a bit of a let down from the previous books in the series. The mystery/murder investigation was a bit lackluster and uninteresting, the break in Sam’s relationship with Kingsley was largely unaddressed, and the actions by Ishmael, Sam’s guardian angel glossed over. In fact, the whole book just felt like a set up for the next big theme in the book series which I predict will be Sam vs. Fang.
Note: If you are new reader to this series, technically this book is a stand-alone. However, I don’t recommend starting the series with this book because as I said above, there is not enough character and series arch development to make this book as interest and engaging as the previous books have been.
Hmmm. I found this book a bit of a let down from the previous books in the series. The mystery/murder investigation was a bit lackluster and uninteresting, the break in Sam’s relationship with Kingsley was largely unaddressed, and the actions by Ishmael, Sam’s guardian angel glossed over. In fact, the whole book just felt like a set up for the next big theme in the book series which I predict will be Sam vs. Fang.
Note: If you are new reader to this series, technically this book is a stand-alone. However, I don’t recommend starting the series with this book because as I said above, there is not enough character and series arch development to make this book as interest and engaging as the previous books have been.
November 5, 2020
I think this was my least favorite in the series so far. But I still gave it 4 stars. :-D
There wasn't much in the way of the supernatural. Just a plain old mystery. Sam is hired to find out the cause of death for a boxer who was knocked out and killed in the ring.
There are bits and pieces going on on the home front. Sam finds out her daughter has some special abilities herself, and with the events that happened with her son, Sam decides it's time to come clean and spill all her vampire secrets. Kingsley makes a big mistake but it's only briefly mentioned. Fang gets what he's always wanted and it changes his and Sam's relationship. We get a sneak peak at what makes a vampire. Remember what I said about werewolves? Verrrry Innnnntresting....
There wasn't much in the way of the supernatural. Just a plain old mystery. Sam is hired to find out the cause of death for a boxer who was knocked out and killed in the ring.
There are bits and pieces going on on the home front. Sam finds out her daughter has some special abilities herself, and with the events that happened with her son, Sam decides it's time to come clean and spill all her vampire secrets. Kingsley makes a big mistake but it's only briefly mentioned. Fang gets what he's always wanted and it changes his and Sam's relationship. We get a sneak peak at what makes a vampire. Remember what I said about werewolves? Verrrry Innnnntresting....
February 28, 2021
In The Ring
This series must be read in order. The first book is "Moon Dance". The second book is "Vampire Moon". The third book is "American Vampire". The fourth book is "Moon Child". The fifth book is "Christmas Moon". The sixth book is "Vampire Dawn". This is the seventh book. I can't wait to read "Moon Island"!
Being the only vampire immune to the sun makes Sam special. At least this time No One is trying to kill her over a medallion. Looking into the accidental death of a boxer whose death might not be so accidental is at least interesting. Will she be able to figure out what happened? Is her client just being paranoid? Who would want the semipro boxer dead? Was her client supposed to take the fall for it? Is this murder? Or just bad luck?
This series must be read in order. The first book is "Moon Dance". The second book is "Vampire Moon". The third book is "American Vampire". The fourth book is "Moon Child". The fifth book is "Christmas Moon". The sixth book is "Vampire Dawn". This is the seventh book. I can't wait to read "Moon Island"!
Being the only vampire immune to the sun makes Sam special. At least this time No One is trying to kill her over a medallion. Looking into the accidental death of a boxer whose death might not be so accidental is at least interesting. Will she be able to figure out what happened? Is her client just being paranoid? Who would want the semipro boxer dead? Was her client supposed to take the fall for it? Is this murder? Or just bad luck?
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!
January 6, 2019
I realize I have been giving this entire series of books only three stars and do not wish my rating to reflect poorly on these books or the author. I am enjoying these books very much, I like them, which is exactly the rating I wish to convey. I read for escape and the pleasure of a good story. Nothing is better than to have a book that holds my interest over the usual television network tripe that occupies most of my evenings. The Vampire For Hire series does just that and I am already looking forward to discovering where the continuing saga will go.
April 24, 2019
As if I needed another series addiction
I am addicted! Read 6 in a row and could not be happier. Samantha Moon has it all. She’s a mom, a badass, fun, funny, a skilled private detective and one of the most likable characters I have had the pleasure of “meeting” in a while. J R Rain is a wonderful writer with mad skills and an ability to sell the storyline and never make me feel it was too over the top to believe- vampires, werewolves and various creatures not withstanding. Already ordered 7.
I am addicted! Read 6 in a row and could not be happier. Samantha Moon has it all. She’s a mom, a badass, fun, funny, a skilled private detective and one of the most likable characters I have had the pleasure of “meeting” in a while. J R Rain is a wonderful writer with mad skills and an ability to sell the storyline and never make me feel it was too over the top to believe- vampires, werewolves and various creatures not withstanding. Already ordered 7.
May 14, 2019
I'm still enjoying this series. In this one Sam is investigating a strange death of a boxer, which is wound up a little too pat. There are some changes with the men in her life, including a possible new interest.
July 26, 2021
Heartbreak and headaches
As Samantha Moon starts to finally feel like she’s gotten the hang of her new life some things come to light that cause her some heartbreak and pain while also dealing with how much to tell her children of her current life. The headaches involved of the drama of her own life and then also trying to figure out the death of a fighter makes for a very good read.
As Samantha Moon starts to finally feel like she’s gotten the hang of her new life some things come to light that cause her some heartbreak and pain while also dealing with how much to tell her children of her current life. The headaches involved of the drama of her own life and then also trying to figure out the death of a fighter makes for a very good read.
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