Forsaken by the Others Blog Tour - Visit from Jess Haines

Welcome Jess Haines - and I could not think of any one better to help us talk about the Sexy Vampires we all love....she has one of my favs in her series. Not only do we get some insight in her inspiration but she has a great giveaway for us.

Sexy Vampires Who Provided Inspiration for the H&W Investigations Series

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…

Since Jennifer is all about the sexy stuff here, I thought you might like to hear about some of the smokin’ hot vampires that have inspired me over the years.

5) Deacon Frost (from Blade)

Frost is such a delightful asshole. He has no qualms standing up to vampires more powerful than himself, a vision for how to drag himself up the ranks, and the guts to follow through with the plan to get what he wants no matter the obstacles. All while doing it with style and attitude.

It’s really too bad he’s so evil.

On the bright side, he did help provide a plotbunny that resulted in the formation of more than one of my own bad guys. It’s a good thing when your villains are well-rounded and know what they want, and stick to their guns to get it.

4) Blade (from Blade)

Man, that guy can pull of a trench coat but good. Dark, mysterious, broody—he’s everything a vampire should be.

Too bad he’s not quite a vamp.

Blade was more of an inspiration because he was a vampire hunter, rather than because of his nature. If you know me, you may have heard me mention this before, but I originally came up with the idea for the heroine of the H&W Investigations novels, Shiarra Waynest, when I saw a trailer for the first Blade movie in theaters ages ago.


3) Selene (from Underworld)

Strangely enough, Selene served as an inspiration for the opposite of how I wanted Shiarra’s adventures to start out. Selene is a strong, capable, and kickass vampire. Shia has her own strengths, but as a human, she can’t go toe-to-toe with a vamp or werewolf and expect to survive. What it made me think of was backstory. How did Selene reach the point of being so competent as an enforcer?

That was what I chose to explore for Shiarra. Not starting her in the boots of the ass-kicking heroine, but taking the opportunity to use the series to grow her into them.



2) David (from The Lost Boys)

A classic vampire movie, The Lost Boys set the tone for what I was shooting for in my books. At times frightening, others hilarious, I wanted a mix of camp and horror that wasn’t afraid to feature the absurd while also exploring the serious sides of dealing with supernaturals. On that count, David is playful and seductive, but undeniably dangerous. Just like I wanted the main vampire of my series, Alec Royce, to be.

1) Spike (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Where, oh where, would I be without a mention of Spike? Proving that even an immortal can feel emotions deeper than most mortals, that even a vampire can grow and learn to be more than a monster, that a killer can love with burning passion, Spike embodies so many of the things a vampire could and should be. All while pulling off hilarious one-liners and looking damned fine in leather, if I may say so.


Oh, and for the hell of it, even though I wouldn’t exactly call him inspiration for any of my characters, enjoy some Eric Northman!




So, who are some of your favorite sexy vamps?

For the next stop on the blog tour, be sure to visit the official FORSAKEN BY THE OTHERS blog tour calendar !

You can also visit me on the web:
www.JessHaines.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JessHainesAuthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Jess_Haines

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jesshaines

Thanks again for having me, Jennifer!


Jess, you are always welcome here! You are killing me for the next book - and thank you for this great giveaway below.
We've got the details on Forsaken by the Others - out this July 2nd.
Forsaken by the Others Book Description:

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…


Hurry up and buy soon - you won't regret it

Buy Links:
Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon Canada
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
Books-A-Million
Powells
Indiebound

Enter the US giveaway here -

a Rafflecopter giveaway


International followers are not forgotten - enter here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Visit our other blog friends on the tour here - Forsaken by the Others blog tour

Forsaken by the Others by Jess Haines - Review

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…(courtesy of jess haines)


I have to say I was waiting for this book like it was the air I needed to survive, thankfully we were able to get an early copy.  After the way Stalking ended  I was in this excitement mode and couldn't wait to see where it was going in the series.  If you've read the other books in this series....you know exactly what I'm talking about.  I waited and waited for that moment or moments....  (no spoilers)

So Forsaken (book 5) picks up right where we left off.  I was so nervous in the first chapter... One thing that Haines has down right is that she has the reader wrapped up in the characters as if they are right in front of you.  Every moment of the book I feel like I'm right with Shia - a fly on the wall, or right in her mind.  It makes me so invested in the book and the world she has created.

Forsaken was exactly that - from the moment I opened it up, I could not put it down.  Haines keeps the action going as we try to figure out exactly what is going on in LA.  Shia's character is growing in this series and this book was definitely a pivotal move for Shia.

Haines continues to keep your on your tip toes through the whole book - literally up to the very last page as you are hanging on my nails waiting now for the next book.

Loved it!!!!! 5 Slices easy.  Visit tomorrow as we have the pleasure of having Jess Haines herself as a guest on our blog promoting Forsaken by the Others which will be released July 2nd.  Enter her giveaway while she's here tomorrow.  If you haven't read the others in this series (pun intended) get out there and get them read before the 2nd.  You will never be disappointed with anything by Haines.

Buy Links:

Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon Canada
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
Books-A-Million
Powells
Indiebound

Visit the other stops on the blog tour here 

Stalking the Others by Jess Haines

Vampires, werewolves, mages - the Others are very real, and wreaking havoc in Shiarra Waynest's life. But now, she's retuming the favour...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...(courtesy of Amazon)



The H & W Investigations series is one of my favorites because it takes me from a mostly “were” girl to root for for the “vamp”.  I adore Royce.

Haines is a talented writer.  In her past books, she has had me so wrapped emotionally in the book, when our leading lady, Shia, dealt with some crazy ass stuff in the last book, I was right there with her.  In fact, it took me a day to be able to come down from it  I won’t say what, for those of you that have not read the series, but I was dying after I finished.

Haines packs in action and our heroine is not perfect.  She makes mistakes along the way, but she is learning to hold her own in the world of the Others.  This book starts me out still pissed as I rehash our adventures. Haines keeps the action going and steps up Shia’s characters for buttkicking. Shia is a little lost as our book begins, her world is turned upside down in Deceived.  Here she's on a rampage and has to figure out exactly who she can trust.  To me, there is one constant hanging around :) :) :)

Our book ends with a bang.  FINALLY.  I say again how much I love Royce.  Haines had me reminiscing of some of my favorite series as well as freaking out that I have to wait for the next book with the tease she gives in the end.  I can't tell you the end....and I'm itching to find out what happens.  The tease is of the first chapter in the next book!!!!!  One of the best feelings when reading a book is the anticipation of what is coming.  Haines definitely carves up that anticipation.  You like Shia and you can't help (thanks to Haines writing) really feel like you are right there with her in this book. 

For those of you that haven’t read the series, it’s a rocking time.  Shia is a PI that wants nothing to do with Others, she’s been hit a little too close with them before.  But she is tossed in with them as she helps the local vamps.  Over and over again, she’s battling with the Others, or against some, and she’s stuck with them no matter what.  Now…she could become one.  Haines is a talented writer, she brings in humorous banter between her characters that has you feeling as if these are friends hanging out with you.  She keeps action going, along with our steamy chemistry on the romance side.  You won’t be at a loss picking up these books, and let me know when you catch up, so we can hash out these details.  I’m dying to really talk shop on Royce! 

H&W Investigations is HERE with Jess Haines and Stalking the Others

STALKING THE OTHERS BLOG TOUR
Guest Post Stop 6: The H&W Gang Discuss Their Phobias

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 the upcoming 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.  Over to you, Shia!

____________________

Sara: This one is pretty obvious.

Shiarra:  Yeah. Any bite-y, clawed thing of the night.

Chaz:  Oh, come on. You weren’t afraid of me.

Shiarra:  That’s because I didn’t know what you were. Plus, it’s a little hard to be afraid of a guy you’ve seen wandering around your apartment in his Ghost Busters boxer shorts.

Arnold: I prefer Captain Hammer on my boxers.

Royce: I don’t wear boxers.

Everyone Else: …

Shiarra: We don’t want to know what you’re wearing under those business suits.

Sara: …actually…

Arnold:  Hey!

Sara:  Kidding, honey. Kidding.

Royce:  I should hope so.

Arnold: My boxers are the only ones you should be looking at, damn it.

Sara:  Yes! I know. Anyway. On topic.  I’m afraid of spiders, snakes, and the IRS.

Royce:  I’d have to agree about the IRS. Dealing with the corporate taxes and licensing and such when most of your businesses and shell corporations have been around longer than the country’s established government can be a nightmare.

Chaz:  Yeah? Well, I hate fleas.

Shiarra:  Ew.

Chaz:  And ticks.

Shiarra:  Double-ew.

Chaz: Tapeworms, too.

Shiarra:  Enough already!

Chaz:  What? I do.

Royce:  Dogcatchers, too, I would imagine.

Chaz:  Shut up, fangs.

Arnold: I bet we can all guess what the vamp is afraid of. Sunlight, garlic, fangirls…

Shiarra: …body shimmer lotion…

Sara: …teenaged wangst…

Royce:  Yes, yes, we get the point.

Shiarra:  Vampire baseball?

Royce:  What does that even mean?

Shiarra:  Never mind. My comedic brilliance is wasted on you.

Sara:  I got it.  Heh.

Royce:  This is ridiculous.

Arnold: Oh! Oh! I want to share my phobia!

Sara:  Okay, your turn.

Arnold:  I’m afraid of summoned planar beings that haven’t been harnessed into a body and metaphysically cohered to a mage who is trained how to control it.

Chaz: Was that English?

Shiarra: It sounded like words, but nothing came out.

Arnold: Oh, come on. Do I really have to explain that?

Sara:  I think I get what you’re saying. You’re afraid of familiars that have broken away from their masters somehow. Or never had a master. Right?

Arnold:  That’s what I said.

Shiarra:  Next time, use small, normal people words.

Chaz: I don’t get it.

Shiarra:  Big surprise.

Chaz:  No, I mean—I don’t get how they can’t have a master. How do they get here if no one is controlling them?

Arnold:  Believe me, it can happen, and it’s not pretty.

Royce:  Indeed. They are not easy to banish or kill.

Arnold:  How would you know?

Royce:  Have you ever seen a familiar survive beyond the death of its master? I have.

Shiarra:  Yeah, that’s all kinds of creepy right there.

Sara:  It wouldn’t be that bad if he didn’t look so pleased with himself while he said it.

Arnold:  Wow. Great. I’m ready to go. Forever.

Royce:  That’s right. Run away, little mage. When you’ve been around as long as I have, you see and do things far beyond the ken of mortal men.

Arnold: You guys?

Sara:  Let’s get out of here.

Shiarra:  Right now.

____________________


You can learn more about Shiarra and the rest of her friends in HUNTED BY THE OTHERS .   For the next stop on the blog tour, be sure to visit the official STALKING THE OTHERS blog tour calendar!

You can also visit me on the web:

http://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, Jennifer!
_____________________________________________________
Always welcome here Jess, especially if you bring Royce :) Check out our review of Stalking as well as Hunted, Taken, and Deceived.  You will not be disappointed in this series, especially not in Stalking, but you have got to get out there and start at the beginning so you can catch up before the release on July 3rd :)

Kensington is hosting a giveaway - they have 15 copies in the pot to giveaway.  The giveaway is open to US/Canada only - enter below for your chance to win one of the books :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Deceived by the Others by Jess Haines

Shiarra's relationship with sexy werewolf Chaz is somewhat unconventional. Still, after a few bumps, Shia is ready to get serious. That means meeting family - or in this case, bringing Chaz's entire werewolf pack along for a rollicking full-moon weekend in the Catskills. Soon after they arrive, threatening notes appear, warning Chaz to go home. Then, their cabin is ransacked. Shia starts digging to find out whether it's the work of teenaged werewolves or something more sinister. As rumours about her vampire connections arouse the pack's hostility, Shia has to contend with other, potentially fatal dangers.(courtesy of Amazon)

Can I just say BRAVO!

Haines had me eating out of her hand in this book – I was engrossed in Shia’s emotions throughout the whole book.  It took me a day to come back to reality and I’m still not over it 100%. 

Haines has given us Shia – a Private investigator that reluctantly gets wrapped up in the world of the Others.  In Hunted by the Others (Book 1) Shia is forced in to the others as she’s being ‘hunted’ and she wants nothing to do with them – she just recently dumped her boyfriend when she found out he was a Were.  In Taken by the Others (Book 2) Shia struggles with her relationship with the Others including her on/off boyfriend Chaz (the Were), and is ‘taken’ against her will.  All the while, as I’m usually furry-friendly, I can’t help rooting for the Vamp in this series.  Haines gives me Alex Royce – I’m immediately connected to him – I don’t know how Haines does it, but she did! 

After finishing Taken – I only hope for more of Royce – so imagine my shock as we start Book 3 – Deceived by the Others – and Shia is working things out with Chaz…….

But some how Haines gets me pulling for Chaz – I’m so wrapped up in Shia’s emotions and I’m riding along as she battles some one out to kill them.  And then, just as Shia – I’m completely smacked in the face – I couldn’t believe it – and I couldn’t put the book down to stop.  I had to finish – started it that night and didn’t go to bed until I was done! Finally, I’m dying for the next book – I have to know where she’s going.  Haines is giving Shia the tough girl attitude and now I want to see where it leads her.  Let alone all the drama that is yet to come. 

So I say again – BRAVO Jess Haines – keep H&W Investigations in business and give us book 4 :) 

6 slices

Taken by the Others by Jess Haines

Once, New York P.I. Shiarra Waynest's most pressing problem was keeping her agency afloat. Now she's dealing with two dangerous, seductive vampires who have been enemies for centuries. The only thing Max Carlyle and Alec Royce agree on is that they both want Shia - for very different reasons. Max is determined to destroy Shia for killing his progeny, while Royce's interest is a lot more personal. That's not sitting well with Shia's werewolf boyfriend, Chaz. As the feud between Max and Royce gets ever more deadly, a powerful vampire-hunting faction is urging Shia to join their side. Shia has always believed vamps were the bad guys, but she's discovering unexpected shades of grey that are about to redefine her friends, her loyalties - and even her desires.(courtesy of Amazon)

If I had 1 word to describe this book it would be Stellar!

Haines has taken H&W investigations right smack in the middle of the world of the Others.  You all should know by now, I (Jenn) LOVE me my weres!! Only Haines can give us the love triangle where I want the vamp over the were, I want to just rub up all on Royce…I love how Haines has shoved Shia into the world she fears and longs to be uninvolved with the others – yet that’s hard to do when your boyfriend is a Were and they just keep coming back for her!

Adventure and Action meet the love triangle and Shia has no choice but to mingle with Royce to survive, but she's help bent on doing things her way!  Haines' writing is all around 'on the level' she doesn't overdo the dialogue or the description and you still feel like you are right in the middle!

I have it on personal convo with Haines that we can only expect more from Chaz and Royce in book 3 Deceived by the Others.  I know I want more of Royce *wink wink* We'll have to see if Ms Haines can come visit Seduced for some 1 on 1 time with her next book!

5 Slices