ARC Review--Forsaken by the Others by Jess Haines

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…

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review for apart of the book tour, I was in no way compensated for this review.

NOTE: Be prepared for spoilers from the last book!


Jess Haines's latest H&W Investigations novel, Forsaken by the Others, was superb! Last time around with the ending that totally rocked our world we find Shiarra and Royce right where we left them...in bed! Needless to say Shiarra has a few lingering doubts about what she did and what she has gotten herself into with Royce, that being a relationship. She has her hangups and Royce tries to work them out with her right then and there. It was quite the chapter too!

While in the beginning, Shiarra frustrated me with her constant prejudices towards Others, I have come to understand her. But what I couldn't understand is after so many books why she still denies herself a relationship with Royce. It takes some hashing out, but there was finally a guiding light at the end of the chapter. She likely will still have to work at it, but Shiarra finally takes the step in the right direction! Yay!

Which is right about when Royce tells her that she must go to Los Angeles right immediately. For her own protection and that of Sara's. There's still a mess leftover from last go around and not only are the police looking for her but so are some Weres, so it's in her best interest to get out of town. Perfect timing, right?

Royce sends the two to the master vampire, Clyde, who has other ideas in mind for the ladies. Nothing sinister, just a matter of locating a sorcerer who's been raising zombies. Yes, zombies! Zombies that only seem to be attacking Clyde's vampires. So it's up to Shiarra and Sara to put their PI skills to work, only they cannot use any of their regular resources since they are supposed to be in hiding. The case is messier than it appears to be, for as Shiarra and Sara get closer to solving it, they put themselves closer to danger and the bad guy's hands...and the zombies too.

This was a rather fun read and I enjoyed returning to Shiarra's world where Others are out in the open and everyone knows it. The mystery element was very good, as I always enjoy a mystery with paranormal elements! The action was pretty good as well, as there were quite a few moments when you weren't sure what the outcome was going to be. A few good fights thrown into the mix as well that made things entirely tense! A few surprise characters make an appearance and while I have vague recollections of them, I can't clearly remember them since it's been so long since I read the last book! The pains of reading too many books!

One tiny little no-matter that I totally loved about the book was the reference to The Labyrinth movie with David Bowie! That was one of my fave movies as a kid so having it pop up in reference was just one of those ha-fun! moments.

The only issue I had with the book was the lack of Royce. He was only there in the beginning while Shiarra was in New York with him and I can understand why he didn't go to LA with her. As usual, I also suspect our author has reasons why she teased us with Shiarra and Royce being a couple for such a short time and then force them apart.

But we the readers likely won't know until the next book. Which really, really needs to come out very soon! Because yes, this one ends with a nasty little cliffhanger. Like the jawdropper kind! On a scale of 1-5, I'd say the frustration level is an even (ironic since it's not an even number) 3. It's not one that I think kills you not to know what's going to happen until next year, but it's still not one of those that you can just brush off. Just a nice little evil in the middle 3! Which is still bad since it's a cliffhanger!

Forsaken by the Others is yet another incredible read written by the fabulous Jess Haines that brings excitement, action, and a bit of mystery and romance into the mix. The characters are amazing and the plot is just a whirlwind of events that take you by surprise! Even as you think you know what's about to happen, Jess totally throws a curve ball your way and then it's the end! Be prepared!


Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars


Forbidden by the Others releases July 2, 2013