Kill the Messenger - Quick Book Review

Kill the Messenger: A Dark Fantasy Short Story
by Jess Haines

What is it about:
Therrell is the sole survivor of a massacre. He’s also the only one who knows about the growing danger to his kingdom. He must bring word back to the city so they can drive back the threat before it’s too late.

Monsters. Beasts. Creatures too foul to be named. All hungry to carve their way inside, all clamoring for the flesh of the populace.

They know he’s on his way. They know what he saw. And they are hunting for him.

He must survive.

The messenger must deliver his report before it’s too late.

What did I think of it:
Jess Haines' stories always manage to get me invested and this short story is no different. It's creepy, intriguing, and makes me hungry for more. I'll be keeping an eye out for Haines' next release.

Why should you read it:
It's an atmospheric and creepy short story


Buy from Amazon

Ashes of the Phoenix - Book Review

Ashes of the Phoenix (Phoenix Rising #1)
by Jess Haines

What is it about:
Lyra Adams enjoys her job as a rare books dealer, but when an angry wizard barges into her store and demands she fork over a unique tome from the antiquities section, she's not about to let him get away with grand larceny without a fight.

Except it's suddenly very difficult to defend her wares, seeing as the wizard turned her into some kind of weird red bird by flinging a handful of ashes in her face.

Her only hope of returning to her normal, human self lies in the hands of the one man she never wanted to see again: her lying, stealing, sorcerous scumbag ex, James Pierce. The same light-fingered thief who tried to steal that very same tome from her a few days before.

She knows she can’t trust James with her heart or her inventory. Can she trust him to turn her back?

What did I think of it:
I love Haines' H&W Investigations series, so when I had an Amazon gift card to spend Ashes of the Phoenix (which isn't available at bookdepository where I get most of my books) was one of the books I just had to get.

And this is a fun book.

It's set in the same world as the H&W Investigations series, with Lyra being a normal human who gets mixed up in the affairs of wizards.

I liked Lyra and the way she reacts to the things that happened. I did not like her ex. As so often there was another man I thought would be a much better fit with Lyra, but I'm used to that by now, so it didn't diminish my enjoyment.

This being a book of about 150 pages, it's a quick read. There's also lots of action, so I finished it in a couple of hours. The ending is satisfying, but leaves a lot open for more adventures to come. I'll be keeping an eye out for the sequel.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun UF read.


Buy from Amazon

Smoke and Mirrors - Book Review

Smoke and Mirrors (Blackhollow Academy, #1)
by Jess Haines

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

A dragon who sees through her lies.

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

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

The problem? She needs a familiar to graduate.

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

Because sometimes a girl needs a dragon, not a knight....

What did I think of it:
I love Haines' H&W Investigations series, so when I was offered a review copy of this book I jumped at the chance.

And this is such a fun read!

Kimberly is in a difficult situation, but is doing her best to survive. She has a strong moral compass to guide her through. I liked Kimberly and wanted her to succeed. She contacts Cormac, who can help her find the familiar she's looking for. Cormac was a really cool and great character as well.

I loved reading about the two of them getting to know each other, Kimberly learning more about the other magical creatures they encounter, and about Kimberly's adventures in general.

(For fans of the H&W Investigations series there are a few cameos, btw.)

There were a few moments where I wanted to slap Kimberly. First when it was apparent she never watched any teen movie where a popular guy asks out an outcast girl, and a second time when she does something so stupidly dangerous, she might as well have gone skinny dipping in a lake full of alligators.

Those two events aside, I very much enjoyed this book, and I'll get my trotters on the print version as soon as it's on bookdepository. And I'll be keeping an eye out for more.

Why should you read it:
It's a really fun YA/NA Paranormal read.


Buy from Amazon here

The H&W Investigations Gang Discusses Max Carlyle - Guest Post

We took a little break from celebrating the release of the newest H&W Investigations book Enslaved by the Others. But today we're back with a special guest post by Jess Haines!

We always love having Jess drop by, especially when she discusses zombies or Royce. And today there's mention of both of them!

Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Jess!




The H&W Investigations Gang Discusses Max Carlyle 
By Jess Haines


Hello there!  Jess Haines here.  I’m the author of the H&W Investigations series—urban fantasy novels about Shiarra Waynest, a human private investigator in an alternate, present-day New York. Somehow she keeps getting pulled into supernatural troubles way above her pay grade…

This time, she’s here with some friends to tell you about what it was like to be captured by a vampire slave trader and how she’s coping with the aftermath. Take it away, Shia!

______________________

Shiarra: It’s official. Every day is now the worst day of my life.

Arnold: Like that dude in Office Space.

Sara: You’re not the only one with problems.

Gideon: Tell me about it.

Royce: Somehow I am finding it difficult to garner any sympathy for you.

Gideon: Why? Because I’m sexier than you?

Royce: Hardly.

Shiarra: I vote the necromancer off the island. This is my interview.

Arnold: Second that.

Sara: Third.

Gideon: Hey, come on! It’s my story, too.

Shiarra: Give me a break. You killed some of my… well, not my friends, but people I sort of knew. Kind of.

Gideon: People who were out to kill me first, naturally.

Royce: I’m familiar with the general incompetence of White Hats. Killing them was unnecessary.

Gideon: Excuse me if I haven’t had much practice fending off crazy people hunting my ass.

Arnold: You’re not doing a very good job of making friends. Maybe if you tried laying off the zombie raising and vampire hunting you’d have better luck.

Shiarra: I’m not sure that would help. He’s a bigger smartass than I am, if you can believe it.

Sara: Not to mention we can never tell whose side he’s on. He changes allegiances like he changes clothes.

Gideon: I do not! …wait, yes I do. Never mind.

Sara: If you would stick to your guns about something and stop lying all the time, maybe you wouldn’t have so many people out to kill you.

Shiarra: Yeah. At least when people are out to kill me, it’s usually because I’m trying to stab them from the front.

Arnold: Usually.

Royce: I don’t know about that. For the most part, those who have made efforts to end you were doing it because they were after me or after that werewolf you were dating.

Shiarra: Ugh, don’t remind me.

Gideon: Woof.

Sara: Subject change. We don’t talk about him.

Gideon: I smell drama.

Arnold: I smell formaldehyde.

Shiarra: It was even worse when he had all those zombies around. Like he bathes in the stuff.

Sara: I know, right? Try sharing a room with him for a few weeks. I doubt my nose will ever be the same.

Arnold: Wait, what? You roomed with that monster?

Gideon: Hey! I resemble that remark.

Sara: I didn’t have much choice. Besides, it was either stay by his side or leave myself open to being munched on by one of Max or Fabian’s vampires.

Arnold: Someone get me my cell phone. I need to make a Facebook event and start inviting all my friends to gank the Master vamp of Los Angeles.

Royce: I’ll make a note for my social media coordinator to get in touch.

Shiarra: …you guys seriously use Facebook to set up groups to schedule attacks against Others you don’t like?

Arnold: Sure. Twitter, too. How do you think I got together the magi who came with me to Chicago?

Shiarra: I… well, I never thought about it. Now I don’t know if I should be relieved or worried.

Sara: Relieved. He’s on our side.

Gideon: Will you guys be my Facebook friends?

Sara: No.

Arnold: No.

Shiarra: Hell no.

Royce: You can “Like” my fan page.

Gideon: You all suck.

Royce: Perhaps, but I prefer my donors not to reek of dead flesh.

Gideon: That wasn’t an invitation.

Shiarra: Doesn’t matter. He’ll find a way to turn it into one.

Royce: I beg your pardon?

Shiarra: Don’t play Mr. Innocent Vampire over there. You keep using your fancy talk to get people to sign contracts and open up a vein for you.

Royce: Only when they catch my eye. A certain hunter comes to mind.

Shiarra: I am not a hunter. It was just that one time, damn it!

Arnold: One time? What about when you first met Royce? And then that time with Max’s vampires trying to take over New York? Then when you went on that rampage. And then the time—

Shiarra: Okay, okay! Fine! A retired hunter.

Sara: For now.

Royce: I doubt you will be able to hang up your guns just yet, Ms. Waynest. Even with my best efforts to keep you out of trouble, you always manage to find new and interesting ways of involving yourself in the affairs of Others.

Shiarra: Cripes. It never ends.

Gideon: Poor you. I’m playing you a sad song on the world’s tiniest violin.

Shiarra: I think I know who’s next on my list to hunt.

______________________


If you want to know more about her latest adventure, check out ENSLAVED BY THE OTHERS!

Learn more about Shiarra and her friends or visit me on the web:

www.JessHaines.com
Blog: www.jesshaines.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JessHainesAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jess_Haines
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jesshaines

Thanks again for having me, Sullivan and Voodoo Bride!

_______________________

BOOK DETAILS:


Enslaved by the Others Book Description:

Vampires, werewolves, magi and worse—the Others have joined the mortal world, and there's no turning back now…
As a New York P.I. and Other specialist, Shiarra Waynest has been in plenty of trouble before. But waking up in a windowless room the prisoner of a vampire slave trader is a shock for anyone. Shia has her wits, her bravado, and a couple of used staples, so maybe she can take on a mansion full of serious evil.
But although she's desperate to escape, Shia needs some answers too. Her friends are in danger. There are betrayers and spies among them. And even if she can figure out what's going on and somehow get a message out, she's still a captive of the worst kind…

Order Links:

Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon Canada
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
Books-a-Million
Powells
IndieBound



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

Don't forget to check out my giveaway here

Enslaved by the Others - Giveaway

What would a celebration be without a giveaway?

One reader of my blog will win Enslaved by the Others by Jess Haines
(or one of the other books in this series that's available on Book Depository)

Rules:
- Leave a comment on this post
- Leave a way for me to contact you
- Do so before July 9th 2014

A winner will be randomly selected on the 9th or soon after and contacted.
The winner will also be posted in this post.

The winner is miki!

Enslaved by the Others - Book Review

I'm celebrating the release of Enslaved by the Others this week.
Today my review of the book.


Enslaved by the Others (H&W Investigations #6)
by Jess Haines

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

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

What did I think of it:
The last book ended on a cliffhanger that made me anxious to get my trotters on this one. I had to wait a year to see what would happen next.

And it was so worth the wait.

Shia has been taken prisoner by one of her worst enemies, and things are looking grim. I loved how Jess Haines doesn't make things easy on Shia. Often the heroine is treated less harsh than others, because she's 'special'. Not so here. Shia undergoes horrors she will not soon forget. It made for intense reading, and made Shia's escape attempts more desperate and necessary.

Some characters from the previous book return in this one, and some new ones get introduced. I can't tell too much about the new characters without getting spoilery, but I fell in love with one of the new characters. I hope I haven't seen the last of her yet.

All in all this is a really cool read, full of desperate situations, action, betrayal and even some zombies! I couldn't put this down, and read into the night until I finished it. This series just keeps on going strong.

The ending isn't cliffhangery as some of the other books, still there's some things I'm very curious about. I hope Jess Haines will get contracted for many more books, because I want lots and lots more.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome Urban Fantasy read!

Enslaved by the Others - Excerpt

Tomorrow it's the official release day of Jess Haines' newest H&W Investigations book Enslaved by the Others.

There will be several posts on my blog this week to celebrate this release. Today we're starting with an excerpt from Enslaved by the Others, but keep your eyes open for more H&W Investigations fun.


Coming July 1st, 2014 from Jess Haines: ENSLAVED BY THE OTHERS


EXCERPT:


If I hadn’t already been so stunned by the contents of the room, I quite possibly would’ve been shocked immobile by the palpable interest of over a dozen—old—no, ancient—vampires locked on me. This included Max, whose steely grey eyes had widened as he sat up in the oxblood leather chair he had been lounging upon, clearly taken aback by my spectacular entrance. The weight of age in this tiny room was crushing; a football stadium would be too small to contain the power they were unconsciously radiating. It only took a few seconds for me to figure out that, whatever the hell they were doing here, obviously they now considered me part of the menu. I hastily backed up, using my arms to cover as much of myself as I could, while Max schooled his own features into a passably blank expression.

“Of course,” Max said, his smooth voice carrying only the tiniest hint of irritation as he eased back in his seat and nodded in my direction, “I had not intended to showcase her so soon, though I don’t suppose there’s any harm in it. She is newly arrived, and has not been groomed properly for servitude yet. I doubt you would be interested in one so fresh, Kyle.”

I skittered back, but a guard who had been standing to one side of the door barred my escape and I backed right into him. He laughed at how I jumped at the unexpected contact before giving me a little shove in Max’s direction. I pivoted and darted to the side so I could press against the wall instead.

No weapons, no way out, and surrounded by vampires. I was on the verge of hyperventilating, and Max didn’t seem keen on stopping the guy he’d addressed as Kyle from approaching me.

This new vampire was well dressed in a tailored “I make a thousand dollar suit look like cheap trash” way. He set aside a cane with a freaky demon-looking thing crouching on top with what I would swear were real diamonds for eyes before approaching me. The power of his mien paled to the invasive metaphysical touch that brushed over my skin, tasting some intangible part of me and making me want a piece of sandpaper, a pumice stone, and the world’s hottest shower to scrub the feel of it off of me. His manicured nails were blunt, shining as brightly as that whiter-than-white smile when he ran a smooth fingertip over my cheek, the other hand lifting to toy with one of my bra straps. I flinched and batted his hands away before twisting aside and putting some much-needed distance between us.

“Mm, perhaps you’re right. Aside from being fresh, she’s got facial scars. I do hope you weren’t intending on offering damaged goods.”

Though I wasn’t often hung up about my looks, his comment sent my hand flying to my lower lip in reflex. I often did my best to forget about the scar left behind when Peter bit me, nearly tearing my lip in half in the process of assaulting me.
Another vampire spoke up, his tone dripping disdain. “Look how scrawny she is. No meat on her where there should be. And that skin of hers is a wreck—the mark on her face is not the only one I see.”

And another. “This one is disappointing, Euphron. Very disappointing.”

Scowling, I dropped my hand away and balled my fingers into tight fists of rage at my side, finding the condescending laughter of the others in the room too much to bear. Max started speaking but I cut him off, shouting loudly enough for most everyone to flinch.

“I’m not a fucking pet, I’m not your fucking plaything, and who gives a flying fuck if I’m scarred? Ask Max how it happened. I got it while I was busy killing one of your own, you fucking leeches.”

Stunned silence followed my pronouncement, and I took advantage of the moment to dive for the door again, shoving the surprised guard out of my way.

“Stop.”

The word was quiet but forceful. Every muscle in my body went rigid and I found I couldn’t move.

“Come here.”

The other vampires watched with interest as I turned around, breaking out in a cold sweat as I fought the command. I managed to hold out until I made the mistake of meeting Max’s eyes. Though I didn’t want to do it, one foot lifted, then the other, bringing me closer to him. After three steps, I was back in the room—and found at that point that I could stop, though I couldn’t withstand the power of his spell enough to run again.

“Extraordinary,” commented another vampire that had been quiet up until now, his fangs glinting as he favored me with a wolfish grin. “I do believe this one doesn’t care for you, Euphron.”

A few of the others seemed to find this funny, smirking or making wry comments of their own. Catty bastards. 



_____

AUTHOR/BOOK DETAILS:


Author Bio: Jess Haines writes about furred and fanged things that go bump in the night. Best known for the H&W Investigations urban fantasy series, she's been writing since she was a teenager and was first published in 2010. Visit her at www.JessHaines.com for the latest news and updates.

Follow Jess Haines on the web:

www.JessHaines.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JessHainesAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jess_Haines
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jesshaines


Enslaved by the Others Book Description:

Vampires, werewolves, magi and worse—the Others have joined the mortal world, and there's no turning back now…
As a New York P.I. and Other specialist, Shiarra Waynest has been in plenty of trouble before. But waking up in a windowless room the prisoner of a vampire slave trader is a shock for anyone. Shia has her wits, her bravado, and a couple of used staples, so maybe she can take on a mansion full of serious evil.
But although she's desperate to escape, Shia needs some answers too. Her friends are in danger. There are betrayers and spies among them. And even if she can figure out what's going on and somehow get a message out, she's still a captive of the worst kind…

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon Canada
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
Books-a-Million
Powells
IndieBound

On McPig's Wishlist - Enslaved by the Others

I love the H&W Investigations series, and a little bird told me there will be zombies in this book, just like there were in book #5. So you can bet I will get my trotters on Enslaved by the Others as soon as I can.


Enslaved By the Others (H&W Investigations #6)
by Jess Haines

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

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

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


Expected publication: July 1st 2014 by Zebra
Although according to bookdepo it's August 1st...
I hope they're wrong!

Top Pearls 2013 - part 1

Here are 12 of 24 books we read this year that we wanted to give a shout-out, because they're really cool.
I haven't included the books that (will) have their own shout-out and giveaway post (except one).

Click the titles to go to my review, and stay tuned for part 2!


Alliance Forged by Kylie Griffin
This is a wonderful Fantasy Romance with a swoonworthy hero according to Voodoo Bride.

Absolution by Susannah Sandlin
A Paranormal Romance with yet another awesome hero, and with a solid action storyline that made this a great read for both Voodoo Bride and me.

100 Days in Deadland by Rachel Aukes
This zombie retelling of Dante's Inferno is so cool I bought a print version after I finished reading the ebook.

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
An awesome Post Apocalyptic YA.


Horde by Ann Aguirre
The epic conclusion of an amazing Post Apocalyptic YA trilogy.

White Cat by Holly Black
A cool Paranormal YA about a boy who grew up in a family of con men.

Angelfall by Susan Ee
Who knew books about angels could be this awesomely gritty? A great Post Apocalyptic YA.

Elysian Fields by Suzanne Johnson
The third book in a really cool UF series that keeps getting better and better.


Alien Research by Gini Koch
A great addition to a SF series that is cool, funny, and a pleasure to read.

The Outside by Laura Bickle
Words are not enough to tell you how awesome this 2nd book in a Post Apocalyptic duology with Amish and vampires is.

Forsaken by the Others by Jess Haines
What makes an already amazing UF series even better: Zombies!

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
A really fun and suspenseful Paranormal YA.

Forsaken by the Others - Early book Review

Forsaken by the Others (H&W Investigations #5)
by Jess Haines

What is it about:
The Others–vampires, werewolves, things that go chomp in the night–don’t just live in nightmares anymore. They’ve joined with the mortal world. And for private investigator Shiarra Waynest, that means mayhem…

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

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

What did I think of it:
I will confess I have been looking forward to this book for a long time, because I knew there would be zombies in it! So I was very happy when I received an ARC from Jess Haines.

And the zombies are awesome!

Not just the zombies either btw, the whole book is a winner.

The story is cool and action-packed. After a slow, but enjoyable start that had Voodoo Bride drooling (Royce!) the story gathered speed and from there on out it was a cool thrillride. Shia manages to find trouble without even looking for it and soon she has to use all her wit to survive.

There are conspiracies, danger at every corner, cool new characters and zombies galore. I especially liked the vampire Jimmy Thrane and his coterie/gang of misfit vampires. I hope they'll be in future books as well.

The ending was even more shocking and frustrating than the ending of book 3 (Deceived by the Others) in my opinion and I'm already yearning for book six to find out what happens next.

If you haven't started this series yet: you should. This is a great and fun series with lots of intense action and cool characters.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome Urban Fantasy read with zombies.



Official release date: 2 July, but already available now at bookdepository.

Forsaken by the Others Blog Tour -Zombie Interview with Jess Haines

Today I have Jess Haines over for a small interview about zombies!
Read on for zombie mayhem and don't forget to enter the giveaway.

Back in 2010 I interviewed Jess about her first book Hunted by the Others and I asked her how Shia would react when faced with a zombie. Here is Jess' answer:

I imagine it would go something like this:

SHIA: Ew, what’s the smell?

ZOMBIE: …Braaaaaiiiiinnnnssss….

SHIA: Uh, ew? EW!

ZOMBIE: *shuffleshuffle*

SHIA: Oh, sick. Did a piece of you just fall off?? *sprays Lysol* Get away! Shoo! I am so serious. Don’t you touch me!

ZOMBIE: *shuffleshuffle*

SHIA: OH MY GOD, EW! GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF!! *flail!*

…yeeeeeah.

----

Skip to book 5, Forsaken by the Others and to my great joy Shia actually meets zombies!

Jess, can you tell if the above scene represents Shia's reaction to zombies in Forsaken by the Others or did Shia undergo some character growth thoughout the books that make her react differently?

As funny as it is, that's not wholly accurate. I think an excerpt from Forsaken by the Others might tell it best:


The vampires behind me started complaining—some of them blaming Brendan for the stink—but then Sara was stumbling back into me, and I didn’t have time to worry about where it was coming from.
Bloated, discolored fingers with long, jagged nails were grabbing at Sara’s shoulder and arm, dragging her out through the door. By the time I got over my shock enough to reach for her, she was gone.
“Sara!”
She screamed, and I heard wet thumps—she must have been fighting back. Thrane was trying to haul me back while I was tugging at his grip on my collar to get free and chase after her.
“Get out of the way! We need to shut the door!”
“Let go!”
He did. I charged up the stairs and out, though I skidded to a stop at the sight before me, barely registering the sound of the door slamming shut and locking behind me.
Zombies had converged on the alley, dead bodies in various states of decomposition shuffling about aimlessly, save for a few that were still crouched over a red puddle and pile of body parts stained with thick, blackish blood. Trinity. I recognized her kitten heels on the dismembered leg being munched on by one of the monsters.
Sara was struggling and gagging in the arms of a dead man who towered over her, his lips bluish-green and peeled back from yellowing teeth, sunken, milky eyes staring at nothing in particular. He didn’t react to the thumps against his forearms and shins as she beat at him, and it was no wonder why. I doubted there were any nerve endings left to feel anything in that walking corpse.
Some of the zombies turned in my direction, all gaping mouths and hollow or desiccated eyes. My back thudded against the door.
A few started shuffling towards me, their feet dragging and arms slowly raising as they approached.

What advice do you think the present Shia would give the old Shia on how to handle zombies?

I believe she would say stay away from Los Angeles, no matter how much pressure she might get from Royce (or anyone else) to leave New York. As for the zombies themselves, I am pretty sure Present Shia would tell Old Shia that she needs to pack lots of big guns, a machete, and a year's supply of hand sanitizer. Oh, and to brace herself, because the zombies--while gross--are not the biggest problem she's going to have to deal with.

Is there anything the zombies might want to add to this?

Yes, I was given a rather slime-coated and difficult to read note to pass on:

UR BRAINZ. WE R COMN 4 DEM.

Blech. Charming. *sprays Lysol everywhere*

Now that Shia has encountered zombies, do you think there's a possibility that she will encounter a werepig in a future book?

Never say never! ;)

Thanks Jess for answering these questions!



About Forsaken by the Others:
The Others–vampires, werewolves, things that go chomp in the night–don’t just live in nightmares anymore. They’ve joined with the mortal world. And for private investigator Shiarra Waynest, that means mayhem…
Have a one night stand with a vampire, and you can end up paying for it for eternity. P.I. Shiarra Waynest, an expert on the Others, knows that better than most. Yet here she is, waking up beside charismatic vamp Alec Royce with an aching head…and neck. Luckily, Shia has the perfect excuse for getting out of town–namely, a couple of irate East Coast werewolf packs who’d like to turn her into a chew toy.
On Royce’s suggestion, Shia temporarily relocates to Los Angeles. But something is rotten–literally–in the state of California, where local vampires are being attacked by zombies. Who could be powerful enough to control them–and reckless enough to target the immortal? Following the trail will lead Shia to a terrifying truth, and to an ancient enemy with a personal grudge…



Check the blog tour calendar for more cool posts about Forsaken by the Others

Find Jess:
Website: www.JessHaines.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JessHainesAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Jess_Haines
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jesshaines

Enter Jess'awesome giveaways:

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On McPig's Wishlist - Silent Cravings

I love every book by Jess Haines I've read so far, so I'm really curious about this one.


Silent Cravings
by Jess Haines and E. Blix

The Goliath werewolves, a California pack hoping to expand into new territories, made an extreme error in judgment when choosing Christoph to be their representative for negotiations in New York. After two fights in the open with another supernatural, Christoph orders a lower-ranking teenaged Were to take the downfall for his mistakes by serving in his place under vampire Alec Royce’s watchful eye.

When Christoph and another packmate try to save the girl from Royce’s clutches—never mind the inevitable war they’d start in the process—the two are outcast from their pack. The vampire once again demands servitude as recompense, and they soon find themselves magically “neutered” by enchanted leather fetish collars so they can’t hurt themselves or anyone else in the vampire’s entourage. Hey, the collars were all Royce had handy at the time.

Just when Christoph thought it couldn’t get any worse, a mute vampire named Mouse decides to claim him, taking him for her own. She has her own set of problems, what with being mentally damaged by her sire, Max Carlyle, who delighted in enforcing her monstrous nature. She hungers for Christoph, but can’t stand to see someone victimized or—even worse—afraid of her.

Christoph is taught the greater lesson of what it really means to follow the Goliath Code of Honor and Mouse narrowly avoids a nervous breakdown in the process of accepting her own predatory nature. The two must learn how to live together (and deal with his new accessory)—without driving Royce and the rest of his household crazy in the process.

Pre-order from Musa

Cover Reveal - Forsaken by the Others

Today I have another cover reveal for you:
Forsaken by The Others by Jess Haines.

I'm really looking forward to reading this book. This whole series is awesome but Forsaken by the Others has zombies!!!


The Others--vampires, werewolves, things that go chomp in the night--don't just live in nightmares anymore. They've joined with he mortal world. And for private investigator Shiarra Waynest, that means mayhem...
Have a one night stand with a vampire, and you can end up paying for it for eternity. P.I. Shiarra Waynest, an expert on the Others, knows that better than most. Yet here she is, waking up beside charismatic vamp Alec Royce with an aching head...and neck. Luckily, Shia has the perfect excuse for getting out of town--namely, a couple of irate East Coast werewolf packs who'd like to turn her into a chew toy.

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

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Don't forget to visit Jess' website and find out how you can get even more chances to win!

Stalking The Others Blog Tour - The H&W Gang Discuss Zombies

Today we have a very special guest post!
Shiarra from The H&W Investigations series is here to discuss my favorite topic!

So say hello to Shiarra and the gang and to their creator Jess Haines:

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STALKING THE OTHERS BLOG TOUR
Guest Post Stop 19: The H&W Gang Discuss Zombies
 
By Jess Haines
 
Hello there!  Jess Haines here.  I’m the author of the urban fantasy H&W Investigations series (HUNTED BY THE OTHERS, TAKEN BY THE OTHERS, DECEIVED BY THE OTHERS, and STALKING THE OTHERS). 
 
Shiarra has been having a pretty bad time of things lately. She’s here with some of her friends (and otherwise) to tell you about it. In honor of my host’s love of all things zombie, that’s what the gang is going to discuss—even though Shia hasn’t encountered any in the books just yet. Over to you, Shia!
 
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Shiarra: Um… what? Why are we talking about zombies? It’s not like I know anything about them.

Chaz: I get the feeling that’s going to change.

Arnold: Are we sure there are going to be zombies? ‘Cause that’s really bad news.

Royce: Where there are zombies, there is a necromancer. If there is a necromancer in my territory, I want to know about it now so that I can dispose of it properly.

Arnold: Hold your horses, dead man. That’s The Circle’s purview, not yours.

Royce: My city. My territory. My rules.

Shiarra: Somebody is grumpy tonight.

Royce: Consider my condition, Ms. Waynest. What do necromancers do?

Shiarra: I dunno. I thought they were a type of mage.

Arnold: I don’t want to be classified with necros.

Sara: No one said you were, dear.

Shiarra: Wait, don’t they do magic, too? What’s the difference?

Arnold: Necros deal with the dead. They use the energy from living things to animate dead flesh. That usually means sacrifices, blood, guts, and other unpleasant things.

Chaz: They smell funny, too.

Everyone Else: …

Chaz: What? They do.

Shiarra: I’m afraid to ask, but how do you know that?

Chaz: Ran across one, once. He was pretty strange. Smelled like formaldehyde and blood. Thought he was a vamp until I realized he had a pulse.

Royce: I take exception to that.

Chaz: Like I care.

Arnold: I’m not surprised the vamp doesn’t like them. Most of us don’t. They give magery a bad name.

Sara: No one here thinks any less of you.

Arnold: Maybe not now, but if anyone knew there were necromancers actively practicing in the U.S., all of the magi would be in trouble. All of those bad movies you see with magic and devil worship? Summoning ghosts and demons and zombies? That’s the sort of stuff necros are into.

Shiarra: Lovely. What makes you—regular magi—different, then?

Royce: Regular magi don’t have the power or know-how to control the dead.

Arnold: Or the undead.

Royce: Precisely. And it better stay that way.

Sara: You leave my boyfriend alone! He hasn’t done anything to you.

Shiarra: I’m sure Arnold can take care of himself.

Arnold: I can, but I’m not really interested in going toe-to-toe with a vampire as old and powerful as he is. Aside from that, I’m not walking down the dark path anytime soon. Even if they do have cookies.

Chaz: Vampires aren’t so tough.

Royce: You’d best pray I never get the urge to prove you wrong, dog.

Chaz: Just try me, leech.

Shiarra: For God’s sake, will you two knock it off? We’re right at the tail end of this blog tour thing, I don’t want to scare everyone away!

Sara: Others. You can’t take them anywhere.

Arnold: I behaved myself.

Sara: Yeah, but you don’t have a vampire or a werewolf’s bad temper.

Shiarra: What about zombies? Are they like in the movies? All “braaaaains” and bite-y and stuff?

Royce: Somewhat. They are automatons driven to follow the directions of their maker. They have no sense of self, as a vampire does, and no drive for survival.

Arnold: Except to feed if their maker is destroyed. They can keep going for a while without direction, but after a short time they start acting like zombies in the movies. When their maker stops feeding them energy from his blood spells, they start looking for it elsewhere.

Shiarra: That is super creepy.

Sara: I’m afraid to ask how you found all that out.

Arnold: All magi have to study up on our potential enemies, and all forms of magic—including the types we don’t use.

Chaz: So you can counter it?

Arnold: Exactly.

Chaz: Sounds boring. I’d like to see them try to cast something with their throat ripped out.

Arnold: That might work with a regular mage, but I wouldn’t try it on a necromancer.

Royce: Indeed. Considering their occupation, they might not stay dead. They are best avoided altogether.

Shiarra: Great. I’ll keep that in mind. Just like I do with all the other kinds of Others, for all the good it’s done me.

Sara: For someone who seems to hate them so much, you sure seem to do a good job of surrounding yourself by them.

Shiarra: Gee, thanks.
 
____________________
 
 
You can learn more about Shiarra and the rest of her friends in HUNTED BY THE OTHERS (link: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/finditem.cfm?itemid=16761). And keep an eye out for some creepy-crawlies to make an appearance in the next book, FORSAKEN BY THE OTHERS…  

This is the last stop on the blog tour, but you can visit the official STALKING THE OTHERS blog tour calendar (link: http://jesshaines.com/blog/2012/05/07/stalking-the-others-official-blog-tour-calendar) to see where to find the other guest posts, interviews, and get in an extra entry for the giveaway! 

You can also visit me on the web:

www.JessHaines.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JessHainesAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#%21/Jess_Haines
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jesshaines

Thanks again for having me and the gang over, Sullie and Voodoo Bride!

Thanks for dropping by and for letting the gang talk about zombies! You're always welcome at Pearls Cast Before a McPig.

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Don't forget to enter Jess' amazing giveaway:

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Stalking The Others - Book Review

Stalking the Others (H&W Investigations #4)
by Jess Haines

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

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

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

What did I think of it:
If you haven't read Haines' other books in the H&W Investigations series yet you should go out now to buy them because this series is awesome and gets more awesome with each book.

As you might have guessed from the above statement:
I totally love this book!

It's the most emotionally tense book in this series so far and I have both cursed and cheered while reading it. I really felt for Shia and was completely drawn into the story.

Next to this being a very emotional and psychological story, there's also lots of cool action and Shia gets to kick some serious ass. I will confess I totally cheered her on at several occasions.

All in all this is an awesome, thrilling roller coaster ride of a story that keeps you reading. The only reason I didn't finish it in one sitting is that my boss would have fired me if I didn't show up for work. So my advice: start this book when you have plenty of time to read.

And do I even have to tell you I will most certainly read the next book in this series? (It will have zombies!)

Why should you read it:
It's action-packed and awesome Urban Fantasy

Teaser Tuesdays on a Monday - Stalking the Others

Tomorrow is the official release date of Stalking The Others by Jess Haines. As I will be posting my review of Stalking The Others tomorrow, I thought I'd tease you today with a couple of lines from this awesome book.

"At least tell me why. What you're looking for."
I bit my lower lip, tasting the remnants of him there, a ghost of him left behind on my skin. "Redemption. I won't find it with you."
(page 116, Stalking The Others by Jess Haines
This was taken from the uncorrected proof, so the text may be different from the corrected, finished version of Stalking The Others

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Stalking The Others - Interview with Jess Haines and Giveaway

Today we have one of our favorite authors over for an interview!
Say hello to Jess Haines, author of the awesome H&W Investigations series and don't forget to enter the amazing giveaway Jess is having for a chance to win Stalking the Others.


Jess, welcome back to Pearls Cast Before A McPig! It’s good to have you here.

Thanks for having me back! Always a pleasure to see you again, Sullie and Voodoo Bride!

So, what can people expect from Stalking the Others?

STALKING THE OTHERS is the fourth book in the series, and if you’ve read the last book, you know Shia hasn’t been having an easy time of things. In STO, she sets out to find her ex to make him pay for the hell he put her through. Not to mention come to terms with the possibility that she is going through changes from which there can be no return.

In short, after the events and subsequent betrayal Shia experienced in the last book, she’s done being pushed around. If she’s going down, she’ll take out as many of her enemies as she can—and hope that in the process, she keeps whatever humanity she has left...

How are things going on book 5? Is there a release date for it yet?

Smooth sailing, at the moment. *g* No release date, but chances are good it will be July 2013.

I’m sure you’d like to know a little about it, so I’ll tell you this: Shiarra’s leaving New York and heading to Los Angeles. I can’t say why, but I can tell you she’s going to meet a slew of new Others and I’m sure you’re going to get a kick out of meeting Jimmy Thrane and Clyde Seabreeze. If there are any Devon fans in the audience, you’ll be seeing him again, too!

In our first interview you told me there might be zombies in book 5. Can you tell us anything about the kind of zombies that will be in there?
(They’re still there aren’t they?)

They are absolutely still in there, and they play a major role in the book. These zombies are mindless automatons doing another’s bidding. They are shufflers, not runners, though I have to admit I’ve toyed with the idea of tossing in a few that don’t fit the mold just to spice things up…

Is there a chance there will be more books after book 6?

There is always a chance. I’ve always said I’ve had a story arc plotted out for the H&W Investigations series through nine books, total. While I can’t promise my publisher will provide another contract—that’s out of my hands—I’ve got plans for plenty of other stories in mind to write once this series is put to bed.


Did your life change since Hunted by the Others got published?

Absolutely. There was a period where I wasn’t doing very well. Writing was what got me through it. The whole period between when I was contracted, and when my first and seconds books came out, was surreal. It turned some terrifically awful circumstances around and, in a lot of ways, reminded me that even when times seem darkest, it’s always possible to pull yourself out of it.

What have you liked the most about being a published author?

Meeting so many new people! It’s amazing how many doors opened to me, and how many friends I’ve made from visiting conventions and from getting to know bloggers and readers online. While I haven’t always been a social butterfly, I really like getting to know the people who share my interests, and finding people to chat with who share my obsessions with things like coffee, chocolate, and sexy vampires.

And what have you liked the least?

Having to publicly censor myself. I have a tendency to curse like a sailor and I can be a bit… erm… “opinionated” at times. It’s not always easy to rein that in.

And lastly:
Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?
(a suggestion: a spin-off featuring a dashingly handsome were-boar)

While I can’t say I have any plans to write about a Were-boar in the near future, I’m currently shopping around for a home for a paranormal romance. It’s set in the H&W-verse, but features two characters who haven’t gotten much page time in the series. Since this hasn’t sold yet, I don’t want to say too much more about it, but we’ll see what happens with it. For those familiar with the characters, the story features Mouse, the mute vampiress, and Christoph, the dude in the fetish collar who shows up briefly in DECEIVED and again in STALKING THE OTHERS.

Thanks again so much for having me, Sullivan and Voodoo Bride!

Thanks to you as well.
It's always fun to have you drop by.

don't forget to drop by at the other stops in Jess' Stalking The Others Official Blog Tour.

Want a chance to win Stalking the Others?
Fill in the Rafflecopter below.

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Stalking the Titanic? - Giveaway Alert!

Ok, I confess:
This has nothing to do with the Titanic, but I thought it was too cool not to mention it here.
I already read an ARC and I can tell you this book is awesome!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Stalking the Others

by Jess Haines

Giveaway ends June 22, 2012.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Top Pearls Revisited - Winners

The giveaways for My Top Pearls Revisited event have ended and The Random Number Generator picked 4 winners!

Barbara E. won a signed copy of Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams

IreneRJ won a copy of The Real Werewives of Vampire County signed by Jess Haines

Melliane won a signed copy of Alien Tango by Gini Koch

Jeffe Kennedy won a signed copy of Mind Games by Carolyn Crane

Congrats!

All winners have been contacted.
Thanks to everyone who dropped by and commented and a special thanks to Laura Bickle, Jess Haines, Gini Koch and Carolyn Crane for their participation.

Top Pearls Revisited (+giveaway) - Jess Haines

Last year I made a list of my top favorite reads of 2010.
4 debut authors ended up on that list and they kept on writing and impressing me with their books. I decided to revisit last year's list and tell you about what these awesome authors have been up to, what we can expect from them in the future, ask them some questions and to give away some books.

Today: Jess Haines


2010 brought us the really cool Hunted by the Others, the first book in the H&W Investigations series and the novella Spark of Temptation, which was part of the anthology Nocturnal.

2011 brought us even more books:
Book 2 and 3 in the H&W Investigations series: Taken by the Others and Deceived by the Others (both just as cool as the first book if not even cooler), as well as the witty novella What’s Yours in Mine, part of the Anthology The Real Werewives of Vampire County.


What’s next:
2012 will see the release of Stalking the Others, book 4 in the H&W series. (And anyone who read book 3 will probably be just as eager for Stalking the Others as I am.)
Jess is also working on book 5 and 6 and an as yet untitled Paranormal Romance. There are no known release dates for these works yet.


And now for a short Q&A with Jess Haines:

- What was your favorite moment of 2011?

I loved going to Authors After Dark in Philadelphia! Not only did I get to speak on panels, meet some fans and fellow authors, and take home a ton of awesome books, I also got to spend some quality time with my mom. I don't see her enough since she lives in Florida and I'm in California, so that trip was very special to me.

- What will you be doing on New Year's Eve?

Probably nothing exciting, lol. I usually do a movie marathon and drink some bubbly apple cider as I'm not a fan of alcohol. There's nothing quite like ringing in the new year with a cheesy horror movie and some Martinelli's!

- What are you looking forward to in 2012?

A few things. I'll be going to Authors After Dark again, this time in New Orleans. I've never been there, so I'm really looking forward to taking an extended vacation and exploring the city! I'm also looking forward to the release of the fourth H&W Investigations novel, STALKING THE OTHERS (July 3rd, 2012), and delving into some new projects.

Plus I have a few friends and family who I haven't seen in a very long time who I plan on visiting. Since I've reworked my schedule, I have more free time. I've been making good use of it so far in catching up on my TBR pile and finishing some writing projects, but I want to spend some quality time with friends and family, too.


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Jess, thanks for dropping by and I wish you a wonderful New Year's Eve and a great 2012!

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Haven’t read any of Jess’s book yet, or want to get your hands on a signed copy?

Now is your chance to win a signed copy of either Hunted by the Others or The Real Werewives of Vampire County
Rules:
- leave a comment for Jess
- don’t forget to mention what book you would want to win
- leave a way for me to contact you

This giveaway is international and will run until the 9th of January 2012. A winner will be randomly chosen soon after that date.

Don’t forget to check yesterday’s post and to return the next two days for news about my other Top Pearls authors of 2010 and for more cool giveaways.