Dead to the Max

Max Starr #1

by Jasmine Haynes

If you’re a fan of contemporary romance Bella Andre, Lora Leigh, Maya Banks, Janet Evanovich, Mary Janice Davidson, Charlaine Harris, Laurell K. Hamilton, and you adore JD Robb’s Eve Dallas, then get ready for Max Starr!


Thirty-something, down-on-her-luck accountant Max Starr has the unfortunate gift of being psychic, a newly-discovered wrinkle in her already messed-up life. Her husband, Cameron, is dead, killed in a botched 7-11 robbery two years ago. She’s cut herself off from friends, moved out of her San Francisco home in favor of a studio apartment, and dumped her flourishing career as a CPA to do temp work.


And now Max has developed an annoying penchant for attracting the spirits of murdered women. Okay, they possess her. And to exorcize them, Max must unmask their killers. But how?! By stepping into the void their deaths created, taking their jobs, befriending the loved ones they left behind. Max goes wherever she has to go and does whatever she has to do, with a lot of help from the ghost of her late husband Cameron and hunky and very enticing Detective Witt Long.


In Dead to the Max, Book 1 in the Max Starr series, Max steps into the shoes of a murdered accountant and starts to learn that even supposedly boring accountants can have secret lives and secret desires. Max just has to hope the secrets she uncovers don’t get her killed, too.


“Dead to the Max” is Book 1 in the contemporary paranormal romance/mystery Max Starr series, contains some erotic elements, and is approximately 82,000 words.


This book contains the following bonus material: Excerpts from the next Max Starr mystery, “Evil To The Max,” “Somebody’s Lover,” and “Twisted by Love.”


Previously published in 2003 as Dead to the Max by JB Skully from LiquidSilverBook.


Contains super sexy material.


REVIEWS for the Max Starr series:


“4 Hearts! Dead to the Max is funny and sad all at once ... it is a true murder mystery; it keeps you guessing until the very end.”
Sensuality rating: Explicit
~ Reviewed by Sara for The Romance Studio


RTR Reviewers Choice Award!
“intense emotions, high-voltage drama and adventure along with delicious sex scenes.”
~ Reviewed by Tracey for The Road to Romance


“This book will put you through the wringer.”
~ Reviewed by Patricia for Sensual Romance Reviews


“4 1/2 Flames. DEAD TO THE MAX is a striking read ... I’m very anxious to get my hands on Book 2.”
~ Reviewed by Robin for Sizzling Romance Reviews


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jasmine Haynes, Rita Finalist for Somebody’s Lover, plus two-time Holt Medallion and National Readers Choice Award winner, is the author of over 30 classy, erotic romance tales. Look for more in the West Coast series and her new Reincarnation Tales. Of course, she’s also the author of the award-winning Max Starr psychic mystery series. And don’t miss her writing as Jennifer Skully, KOD Daphne award-winning author, bringing you poignant tales peopled with hilarious characters that will make you laugh and make you cry. Visit her websites at jasminehaynes.com, jbskully.com, and her blog at jasminehaynes.blogspot.com

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Erotica, Ghosts, Suspense

244 pages, ebook

First published July 29, 2010

About the author

Need some freebies? Get them by signing up at http://bit.ly/SkullyNews!

NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jasmine Haynes loves giving readers sexy, classy stories about real issues like growing older, facing divorce, starting over. Her books have passion, heart, humor, and happy endings, even if they aren't always traditional. She also writes gritty, paranormal mysteries in the Max Starr series. As Jennifer Skully, she writes laugh-out-loud romantic comedies laced with a heavy dose of mystery. Look for Jennifer’s new series written with Bella Andre, starting with Breathless in Love, The Maverick Billionaires Book 1. Having penned stories since the moment she learned to write, Jasmine now lives in the Redwoods of Northern California with her husband and their adorable nuisance of a cat who totally runs the household. Join her newsletter for updates on contests, new releases, and freebies by going to www.jasminehaynes.com.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story a lot. It was a contemporary romance with suspense and a paranormal theme too. This book reminded me a lot of the movie Ghost. The heat in this book was Hot but no way near the steam I've read from Jasmine Haynes other book's. After I started this book and it grabbed me, I checked out the other 4 book's in this series only to find out that book 5 is the true ending of this series. The same heroine is in them all and I don't think that there is a true HEA until the end of book 5. Now I'm not sure if I want to read the other 4 book's but I am considering reading book 5 just to see how Max ends up in the end.

[Brackman1066 · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know how in the *Time Traveler's Wife* every single scene with Henry and Claire turned into a sex scene, like Niffenegger didn't know what else to do? Take that, and extend it to any scene with the heroine and any male character in the book, and you've got Dead to the Max. Even if she doesn't quite actually have sex with every male character, any time a man 1. looks at her 2. says something to her 3. drives by her (and looks at her) her nipples get hard and and she practically orgasms. Of course, every male character seems to have a near-permanent erection. It's like the author just had no idea how else to write a scene with two characters of the opposite sex (there are only 2 brief scenes in which Max interacts with another female characters).

The constant reiteration was frankly tedious, which is a shame because otherwise the main character was engaging (when she wasn't focused on how hot she was for EVERY MALE CHARACTER. even the pedophile villain).
So, if you want some soft porn, hey, go for it. If you want mystery, move along.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, what can I say? I generally hate giving a book a crap review but this was bad.

The murder mystery plot seemed ok but it was the needless 50 shades type of "erotica" that kind of annoyed me.

If you want a cheap read that there isn't much thinking in it and like ALL erotica then I say go for it, if you actually enjoy reading and love a book that makes you tick then I say Nah, stay away.

Im just glad I downloaded it for free.

[Dicey Grenor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that I've finished the whole series, I'd like to say a word about book 1, Dead to the Max. We meet the characters here, learn Max is emotionally scarred, has a ghost husband, and a murder to solve. By the time we get to whodunnit, there is a satisfying conclusion and a teaser to let us know there is more to this series than meets the eye. If you like the characters, enjoy Jasmine's writing style, and are not offended by explicit scenes, continue on with this series. Each book adds to the previous one and shows excellent character development. The story gets better and better. The plot thickens. The romance remains hot and fresh. I highly recommend it. You can even try book 1 for free on Smashwords for a limited time: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view... Just don't stop there...or you'll do yourself a disservice. :)

[Rosalind · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book because it was a Kindle freebie, expecting to be put off by the paranormal aspect. The ghost part was really not bad. I found I could accept that. The mystery element was rather well done. What the book didn't need was badly done erotica. It was crude. After reading this stuff I feel like disinfecting my Kindle. It may even need a round of penicillin.

[Pauline · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't a bad read if it had kept to the storyline what spoilt it for me was all the crude sex in it. I really don't mind sex in a book but this book felt as if it was just there for the sake of it. Won't be reading any more of this series.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy Gregory (bookkeeper) was murdered.
Remy Hackett (Hackett’s Appliance Parts, Wendy’s boss) called Sunny Wright (Wright Solution Employment Agency) to find her replacement.
Remy hired Mrs. Max Starr (32, widow, former CPA, amateur sleuth).

Detective DeWitt Quentin Long came to interview her.
Lilah Bloom was murdered.
Will the murder mysteries get solved & someone brought to justice?

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written who-dunnit murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great who-dunnit murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Smashwords; Lisaatmanybooks; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I have read a lot from Jasmine and I must say these are very different from her other contemporary and fantasy erotica/romances. This story is more a mystery/thriller story with a ghost husband who is trying to help her. I really liked that Max was really flawed and was trying to move on yet at the same time clinging to her ghost husband. The making out between them was soooo hot too! However the cop I think is going to become a love interest although nothing really comes of it in this story it is just hinted at. I like the idea of her husband wanting her to go on and trying to find a new love for her. I get the feeling there is something big that went on with him (because I just don't buy that he was killed randomly) and him being a lawyer.

The story was good too and I kept flip flopping between who I thought did it since there were sooo many potential killers to choose from. This story is pretty dark and there are topics here that many may not like including incest, rape, and sexual harrassment. I like my stories more on the dark side since it makes the ending all the more rewarding. Plus in real life there is lots of shades of grey and lots of evil.

I can't wait to read more from this series. I find it hard to believe that was written earlier in Jasmine's writing career.

[Jen Reynolds · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not many books have accountants as protagonists, which is one reason I picked this to read. The mystery itself was well constructed - several possible suspects and I was actually surprised at the end when the perpetrator was revealed. What I didn't particularly care for, and didn't expect, as nothing in the blurb had any hints to, was the graphic sex. I'm not a prude, but I just don't tend to like reading sex books, especially not when they are performed with her ghostly ex-husband. I also like some paranormal aspects in various stories, psychic abilities, etc., but this one went a little too far for my taste. The next book in the series actually indicates it's a "sensual paranormal romance mystery" and had the first one said that, I never would have read it. I do like the character of Max Starr, she's definitely not your typical accountant, and has her own personal issues as everyone does, but I don't believe I'll continue reading the books.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, I was lured in by the free first book in the series but once I started this story there was no way to stop until the very last word in the very last book. The paranormal aspect was fun and different. Max is as much of a strong, sexy, confident character as she is a complete messed up soul. She is an incredibly likable character, one who you are glad to "know". Throughout the series you get to know her and understand what she's been through and why she is the way she is. You love her for her love of her ghost of a husband. You love her ghost of a husband for the way he loves her. Yet, you know that she has to face her past in order to move forward. I'm glad to have gone on the journey with Max, Cameron, and Witt. They are fantastic characters in a fantastic storyline. I'm so glad I came across this series.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not really in the mood for a lengthy review, but basically this was really good. Stronger in the first half, but the middle dragged a bit (although it came back in the end). Cameron started to get a little much and I think he was too pushy at times and I was hoping the Detective would hang out with her more, but this is definitely the first in a series and I'm excited to see where things go with them. It could get annoying if Max drags her issues out too long though, I liked her character a lot but she has some obvious growing to do.

Borrowed in October promo from Vikisha in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group.

[Stephanie Eckstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first book in the Max Starr series by Jasmine Haynes. I really loved this book. This book had equal parts mystery and romance. It's tough to find a book that is good in both categories, usually either the romance is good and the mystery is lame and predictable, or the mystery is good and the romance is lame and predictable. But I think Jasmine Haynes did a great job of meshing the two into a great book.

I couldn't figure out who did until the last minute, and I love it when a book surprises me like that. And the love scenes in this book were H O T, hot. I can't wait to read the next installment to this series!!!

[Marti · Rating 1 out of 5]

nook book reviewed for Barnes and Noble at their request, where I gave it two stars, to be nice. If you like raunchy books with the heroine masturbating often, and getting horny just about all the time she is near a desirable man, this is the one for you! Max Starr has been widowed for two years, but her former husband is hanging around, even telling her he can get her off sexually. Not only that, but she is a psychic. She works for a temp service and takes on a position which has become vacant due to the murder of the bookkeeper. Then she proceeds to work on solving it--and no one tells her that she can't. Sorry, this one just did not cut it for me!

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

The mystery was ok but this was not really my cup of tea. Max's decision to investigate rather than leaving it to the police was unrealistic and her great beloved husband Cameron came across as a jerk. There was lots of sex but with very little romance (and I'm all about the romance). None of the characters were particularly likable except for the 'love interest' Witt (who by the way seemed to be the only person the herione wouldn't sleep with).

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has been on my to-read wishlist for ages and it finally came up as a free download so I though I'd give it a go. And to be honest I'm glad that I didn't spend any money buying it. I sped-read through the book. I didn't really like Max nor her relationship with her dead husband. There is strong element of sex throughout the book which at times was just a little weird; and to be honest put me off. I don't think I'll be reading more of this series.

[Adrienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Max Star witnessed the death of her husband, was abused by his killers. Now she is hell bent on satisfying her sexual needs from her husband's ghost and one night stands. The mystery of who killed Wendy and why gets lost in the need by the author to have ghost sex every third page. This is more a series of erotica than a paranormal mystery.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this as a freebie. Amazon has it labeled as romantic. This is far from romantic. This is erotica. If it had been properly labeled I would never have chosen it. It could have been a great mystery, but too much had to be skipped due to the overwhelmingly graphic nature of it.

[Fiona Watkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this as a kindle freebie, and whilst the paranormal aspect was enjoyable I really wasn't sure of the sex with a ghost parts. Not an enjoyable enough read that I'll rush to read anything by the author again.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a totol prude, really I'm not! I would, however, have enjoyed this book more if there were more substance to the murder mystery plot than the many erotic scenes. That said, I will probably give the 2nd book a chance at some point.

[Gregory Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are many elements of this novel that I liked - the author's depiction of the protagonist's past abuse was startlingly vivid, for example - but I do not feel the need to read any of the other books in the series. Thus the 2 star rating.

[Samantha Emery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it...good story....explicit sex, so I warned ya.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

after reading 150 pages, I decided I didn't have it in me to finish this lackluster book.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could NOT get into it - disappointed because the summary really pulled me in. But I just couldn't CARE about the main character.

[Helen · Rating 1 out of 5]

too strange - gave up

[Patricia Mccammon · Rating 2 out of 5]

A different type of mystery, where the person refuses to acknowledge they are psychic.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me. I liked the idea of it but it wasnt executed properly for me. All the sex was weird for this kind of book. I managed to finish it but there may have been some skipped pages.

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

I found the first book very interesting. Very good plots and twist in first book. Good storyline with a bit of humour. Max is quite a stubborn woman, somehow she really lost a big part of herself and her emotions. The only thing she didn't lose is her lust for sex.
Tow years ago her husband Cameron was killed, from this moment his ghosts is stick with her, trying to guide and helping her to cope with her ability. She has visions of women how they got killed. It's a interesting read. I only find the sex a bit to much, not that I have anything about it. It's just a bit to much. Looking forward to the second one!!

[Anita Hargreaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disturbing sex scenes

I didn't see much evidence of romance sadly just gang/pedophile rape scenes, sex with the ghost husband and lots of reference to one night stands. It had a great idea of a psychic who becomes possessed by spirit of a dead soul and helps solve the murder. As the medium sexually damaged and borderline nymphomaniac didn't really enjoy some of it but well written

[Sarah Marshall Malluck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tantalizing

This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love how the mystery and paranormal intertwine, but with a Scooby Doo ending. But there is more than just mystery, there is sex and fantasy mixed in as well.

I can't wait to hear more about Max's adventures in the psychic crime thriller series. I hope Witt breaks down her walls.