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J.R. Rain
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Moon Dance: A Samantha Moon Novel (Vampire for Hire Book 1) Kindle Edition

by J.R. Rain (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 6,190 ratings
See all formats and editions

TRUE BLOOD MEETS JESSICA JONES

#1 AMAZON KINDLE BESTSELLER • Three million copies downloaded in the Vampire for Hire series • Optioned by Universal Pictures/Peacock • Over 60 weeks an Amazon Top 100 Bestseller • A Kindle Unlimited All-Star • A Top 30 “Best Vampire Novels to Read” by Oprah Daily Magazine

DESCRIPTION:

I’m Samantha Moon. Mom. Wife. Vampire.

I was a federal agent until an attack robbed me of my life.

Now I’m an undead private investigator and I work the night shift.

My newest client is Kingsley Fulcrum, a defense attorney who was shot five times and, weirdly, walked away from it.

Kingsley hired me to find the perp and, ahem, Kingsley is extremely handsome, charming and funny.

Not that I notice—I’m a not-so-happily married woman, after all.

Yeah, things with my husband haven’t exactly been hunky dory ever since I grew fangs. In fact, I think my cold skin is driving my husband to warmer pastures…

To top everything off, someone just sent me the medallion my attacker was wearing the night he turned me.

I think the reason is pretty clear: I’ve attracted a vampire hunter and he’s coming for me next.

If so, he’s in for a surprise; I’m a lot tougher than I look.

Bring it on.

If you like Harry Dresden, Anita Blake, Mercy Thompson, Stephanie Plum or Kinsey Millhone, be prepared to love Samantha Moon, vampire private eye!

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

★★★★★ “I’ve read every Samantha Moon book written by J.R. Rain! I’m obsessed!”

★★★★★ “The characters are brought to life in vivid detail. Lots of plot twists to keep you on your toes!”

★★★★★ “It was book one of this series that got me hooked on Samantha Moon. I have read and re-read this entire series numerous times and absolutely adore every book!”

★★★★★ “Move over, Harry Dresden. Samantha Moon is on the case.”

★★★★★ “Delicious, lovely, marvelous mind candy. Addictive mind candy. A Snickers bar for the soul.”

★★★★★ “If you enjoy the Sue Grafton novels, you will love these, too!”

★★★★★ “This whole series is chocolate for the soul and cookies for the brain!”

★★★★★ “This book is what got me hooked on J.R. Rain! I could not put it down once I got started, and once finished, I had to go and find the rest.”

★★★★★ “I love this series! I’ll read as many as I can get my hands on.”

★★★★★ “Rain’s writing flows naturally. His sense of humor keeps the laughs coming. I couldn’t put the story down once I started reading.”

★★★★★ “J.R. Rain’s banter and dialogue are excellent and his sense of humor is superb.”

Click BUY NOW or READ FOR FREE to begin the #1 bestselling Vampire for Hire mystery series today!

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  1. Book 1 of 45
    Vampire for Hire
  2. Print length
    282 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    June 19, 2010
  5. File size
    1497 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Vampire for Hire Book 1 - Book 10
Vampire for Hire Book 1 - Book 45
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Bundle price: Kindle price
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From the Publisher

MOTHER, WIFE, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR...
VAMPIRE

Editorial Reviews

Review

"J.R. Rain's Moon Dance is a fabulous urban fantasy replete with multifarious and unusual characters, a perfectly synchronized plot, vibrant dialogue and sterling witticism all wrapped in a voice that is as beautiful as it is rich and vividly intense as it is relaxed.

Infected six years ago, and dieting on nothing but animal blood, Samantha Moon strives for normalcy, keeping her vampiric nature second to the safety and well being of her family but fears her etherealness might be driving her husband to warmer pastures. So what does a larger than life, butt kicking anywhere anytime sexy and sassy mouthed vampire need? Kingsley Fulcrum. Her scrumptiously hot new client, who hires Samantha to find the culprit responsible for his multiple gunshot wounds while masking a dark secret of his own. Yummy!

As Samantha tracks down the curvy truth behind Fulcrum's attack, she is forced to face up to her own truths...that the spirit of the vampire within her cried for soaring liberation. Amidst the playful lightness and sparkling humor, Samantha must make painful decisions. Unleashing her freedom can only come at the cost of a heartbreaking sacrifice.

With an ensemble of unique secondary characters, a loyal sister, a hunky detective, a sweet vampire slayer, an online friend who's Samantha strong shoulder, add to that a medallion of special effects worn by her attacker and then sent to her and an unsuspecting and surprising twist make Moon Dance's multifaceted design sharp on details, impossible to put down and written with a smooth but gripping, entertaining and confident hand. I give Moon Dance ten delicious bites. You will too!"

—April Vine, author of The Midnight Rose

From the Inside Flap

"I enjoyed Moon Dance immensely! The protagonist, Samantha Moon, is a female vampire with a husband and children. Those predate her condition; six years ago she was attacked by a vampire and rendered into one. It is not a horror story; she buys animal blood to eat and doesn't generally prey on humans. But her husband has an increasing problem with her coldness - not of spirit, but of body. 'You sicken me and scare the hell out of me,' he tells her. 'And when I touch you it's all I can do to not gag.' She replies, 'Words every wife wants to hear.' I love this!"
―Piers Anthony, author of A Spell for Chameleon

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B002Q0Y27Y
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rain Press (June 19, 2010)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 19, 2010
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1497 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 282 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1508851093
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 6,190 ratings

About the author

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J.R. Rain

J.R. Rain

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J.R. Rain is the author of over 200 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with his dog Blair, aka Blair the Wonder Dog.

The latest Samantha Moon novel is now available!! Order MOON TITANIC today! Find him at jrain dot com!

Just released:

The Ghost Train of Eagle's Pass

Wolf City

Fat Cat Stew

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
6,190 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story interesting and relatable. They describe the book as well-written and enjoyable. The characters are well-developed and believable. Customers enjoy the humor and fast pacing of the story. Overall, they find the emotional content vibrant and engaging.

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Select to learn more
StorylineReadabilityWriting qualityCharacter developmentEnjoymentPacingEmotional contentPremise
555 customers mention "Storyline"479 positive76 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging storyline. They find it relatable and interesting, with a fast-paced plot. The story tackles deeper themes about what makes someone unique. Readers appreciate the backstory details and find the concept intriguing. Overall, this book is considered a good first installment for a paranormal/urban fantasy series.

"OMG I so loved this book, what a great story teller!! The character is amazing. I discovered the Genius of J.R. Rain, or should I say he lured me in...." Read more

"...without warning, fall in love with this quirky woman and her magically imperfect but heartfelt world...." Read more

"...Not so, with Moon Dance. The mystery is tight and well solved. Clues are planted well and planted through out the story...." Read more

"...PLOT: Basic attempted murder mystery, plus a little extra paranormal kick. Pacing was slow and steady...." Read more

514 customers mention "Readability"486 positive28 negative

Customers enjoyed the book, even though it was a bit on the short side. They love the series and the short stories that accompany them. The realistic characters and experiences appealed to readers, and the predictable pattern kept their attention.

"...I devoured this book, and had to move onto the next one. I also did some research on the author. I was amazed that it was written by a man!..." Read more

"...It is perfectly imperfect, and worth the read." Read more

"...It's a fast read, a good read. I finished it in two and a half hours. The characters are real enough...." Read more

"...Overall not a bad read, though it seems strangely void of intensity. Quiet desperation is the best term I can come up with for this struggle...." Read more

266 customers mention "Writing quality"227 positive39 negative

Customers find the writing quality good. They say the author's writing flows naturally and is a solid writer with a unique storytelling style. The book is an easy read with a smooth dialect and skilled narration. While not gripping, it's an enjoyable story with a well-paced narrative.

"...I also did some research on the author. I was amazed that it was written by a man!..." Read more

"...BOTTOM LINE: I liked it well enough to read more, but it was not a gripping story by any means...." Read more

"...Rains writing flows so naturally you can't help but be sucked into his imaginative world...." Read more

"...While the book is certainly not flawless nor perfectly edited, I can't say that I cared overmuch in this case because Sam's story kept me thoroughly..." Read more

258 customers mention "Character development"217 positive41 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find the protagonist believable with many dimensions to her personality.

"OMG I so loved this book, what a great story teller!! The character is amazing. I discovered the Genius of J.R. Rain, or should I say he lured me in...." Read more

"...I finished it in two and a half hours. The characters are real enough. I know quite a few folks that would fit right in to Mr. Rain's world...." Read more

"...Limited violence and romance. CHARACTERS: Main character is well developed, though it was very odd to see her struggling with some..." Read more

"...The assisting cast of characters are perfectly balanced...." Read more

245 customers mention "Enjoyment"245 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it lighthearted, with humor and interesting material. The story is fun and witty.

"...This I found humorous and made the character tug at your heart strings, as she was a vampire, but vulnerable...." Read more

"...You will fall in love with Samantha's smart wit and endless will to move forward. You will become immersed in her thoughts, her struggles, her life...." Read more

"...Addictive mind candy. A snickers bar for the soul. I found the first one on Amazon while trying to find a cheap read...." Read more

"...One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Kept me engaged and entertained from start to finish and had a heck of a time putting it down for..." Read more

112 customers mention "Pacing"92 positive20 negative

Customers find the book's pacing fast and engaging. They say it moves along smoothly and never gets boring. The story draws them in from the beginning and leaves them wanting more. Many readers consider it an excellent start to what looks like a promising series.

"...It's a fast read, a good read. I finished it in two and a half hours. The characters are real enough...." Read more

"...Pacing was slow and steady...." Read more

"...It's a fast read. The story is a modern take on vampires that are "real people", meaning they do laundry, carpool and watch Judge Judy...." Read more

"...Story: The story was interesting and quite fast paced... There was never a time when I got bored... But the ending of the story ended..." Read more

82 customers mention "Emotional content"72 positive10 negative

Customers find the book's emotional content accurate. They appreciate the sympathetic and realistic characters, as well as the realistic development of their emotions. The book is described as funny, heartbreaking, and wise.

"...Turns out to be a vibrantly sassy and emotionally spot on book about struggling to cope with unforeseen catastrophes...." Read more

"...There's action, heart searching, and best of all, a mystery that needs solving...." Read more

"...His sense of humor keeps the laughs coming, and he throws some fun twists at us to keep things interesting...." Read more

"...She was also loving and kind hearted and adored her children. This story had several different mysteries going on but they were good ones...." Read more

44 customers mention "Premise"39 positive5 negative

Customers find the premise engaging and original. They appreciate the insightful dialogue and well-crafted world building. The book has all the ingredients for a great work, including a strong heroine and unexpected wisdom.

"...A story where Rain's introspective, contemplative writing unobtrusively leads "Moon Dance" down a path that is unexpectedly profound...." Read more

"...She was strong and intelligent. She was still growing into herself and her vampirism...." Read more

"Moon Dance is a good read. It's original, witty, and features an engaging character that I couldn't help but like...." Read more

"...(I love Judge Judy). JR Rain did a very good job in developing Sam. She is horny, because her husband has denied her affection and intimacy...." Read more

Mystery aspect was good
3 out of 5 stars
Mystery aspect was good
I didn’t go into this book with any expectations and, for the most part, I did enjoy the book. It was a quick and engaging read, even if it was very surface level engaging.I did not like Sam’s husband and the way he treated her. I felt that her relationship with Kingsley was random and that it was created to say that she had moved on. Honestly, the most intriguing man in her life is Fang and she hasn’t even met him.Romance aspect aside, I liked the mystery in this book. I like seeing Sam taking charge with her life and doing worthwhile things. I would love more backstory on her and her life but I have a feeling that will occur in later books.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • R. Kretchman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Moon Dance Vampire for Hire
    Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    OMG I so loved this book, what a great story teller!! The character is amazing. I discovered the Genius of J.R. Rain, or should I say he lured me in. I had received notice that Moon Dance Vampire for Hire, was being offered free. Since I am in love with all things Vampires, I thought what the heck and promptly downloaded it to my kindle.

    I have to tell you I was hooked, I could not put it down. The story is about a newly turned vampire, Samantha Moon, Sam, who on the surface appears to be your everyday soccer mom, wife, and private investigator.

    Sam has managed to convince everyone that she has a rare skin disease which does not allow her to go out in the sun, and slathers herself with sunscreen and wears a big hat when she is forced to go out during the day. This I found humorous and made the character tug at your heart strings, as she was a vampire, but vulnerable.

    The author meanders through Sam's life as she; takes on a new client, who hires her to find the man that tried to kill him, deals with her family, learns to manage her thirst for blood, and a sleazy cheating husband who can't handle that Sam is a Vampire. Of course the client, Kingsley Fulcrum, is one of Orange Counties sleaziest defense attorneys, so who wouldn't want him dead. As the story unwinds the author eludes that that there is more to Kingsley Fulcrum than meets the eye, and Sam finds herself falling for him.

    I devoured this book, and had to move onto the next one. I also did some research on the author. I was amazed that it was written by a man! Really a man who can make you feel the story is being told to you from a woman's perspective, and has you relating to Sam's character. Well done J.R.! So off I went to download the rest of the series.

    Stay tuned for more reviews. I give this one 5 stars, a must read for Vampire Lovers, a Vampire tale with a whole new twist! I would love to see this series made into a TV series!!
    Moon Dance (Vampire for Hire #1)
    2 people found this helpful
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  • K. Lindtvedt
    4.0 out of 5 stars An Intriguingly Different, & Quirky Delve into Vampirism...
    Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I wasn't initially sold on this book as the beginning read a bit stiff and sleepy with a lot of seemingly unnecessary descriptive noise reminiscent of George R.R. Martin's, A Song of Fire and Ice series. A set of books containing enough mind numbing pages about jewels on dresses, and the colors of fabrics to make me throw the books away and never look back. However, a few chapters into "Moon Dance" and I was genuinely happy to discover that unlike Martin, J.R. Rain's descriptive prose actually has a meaningful purpose, as it pulls you deeply into the rapidly spiraling world of his protagonist Samantha Moon's stream of consciousness. The stream of consciousness of a woman grappling with her out of control reality after a brutal attack years earlier leaves her a vampire. 

    A reality that finds Sam trying to come to grips with having her humanity ripped away and the subsequent after effects of dealing with a husband who slowly comes to find her new non-human status revolting, and trying to continue being a mother to children she adores while explaining mommy's new "illness". All while working to grow a new career as a private eye while mourning the loss of her job as a government agent, a job she loved. 

    What follows is a quietly powerful story of survival. A story where Rain's introspective, contemplative writing unobtrusively leads "Moon Dance" down a path that is unexpectedly profound. 

    You will unknowingly disappear into this sneaky surprise of a book. You will fall in love with Samantha's smart wit and endless will to move forward. You will become immersed in her thoughts, her struggles, her life. You will unknowingly cheer for her triumphs, and unexpectedly rage at those who abuse her and cause her emotional harm. And your heart will thunder dangerously in your chest as she twists and precariously veers her way through her client's case; finding the person who tried to murder him. A case that brings her face to face with werewolves, hunters, and other dangerous things that go bump in the night.

    You will, without warning, fall in love with this quirky woman and her magically imperfect but heartfelt world. 

    It isn't often a book comes along and makes me do a literary double take. "Moon Dance" however did just that, as at first what appears to be a muted and benign book about a vampire mom. Turns out to be a vibrantly sassy and emotionally spot on book about struggling to cope with unforeseen catastrophes. And about learning to live in the moment, making the best of what you have instead of drowning is the sea if "what ifs" and "should have beens". It is perfectly imperfect, and worth the read.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Paula H. McCurry
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love At First Read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Quick Review: If you like Janet Evanovitch's Stephanie Plum or Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone, you just need to get these now.

    Long Review: This book, my dear readers, is mind candy. Delicious, lovely, marvelous mind candy. Addictive mind candy. A snickers bar for the soul. I found the first one on Amazon while trying to find a cheap read.

    Mr. Rain jumps right in with the story. By the end of the first chapter, you know who and what Samantha Moon is, a vampire for hire, but a really nice one. I like nice. She can, however, kick the butt of any annoying Marine that she feels needs a butt kicking.

    It's a fast read, a good read. I finished it in two and a half hours. The characters are real enough. I know quite a few folks that would fit right in to Mr. Rain's world. ( I think I have a crush on the werewolf. ) There's action, heart searching, and best of all, a mystery that needs solving. Usually, when I read a book that combines fantasy and mystery, I feel the mystery gets tossed to the side a bit, in favor of the `tortured soul' of the fantasy side. Not so, with Moon Dance. The mystery is tight and well solved. Clues are planted well and planted through out the story. The culprit was a total surprise to me, but I went back and could find the clues that I should have seen, but just considered them part of the scenery. That'll teach me to pay attention. *G* It helps that J.R. Rain used to be a private investigator, himself.

    All in all, it made me want more to the point that I downloaded the first four (as one download).

    I'm half way through the second one now. Loving it.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Midnite Toad
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent debut
    Reviewed in Canada on January 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Moon Dance is an enthralling first book. Vampires, werewolves, and murder. What could be better?
    Meet Samantha Moon, who is a creature of the night, who suffera immensely because of those who don't understand her...... can't wait to see what's next!!
    Report
  • Lynall
    5.0 out of 5 stars pretty good story
    Reviewed in Australia on June 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Really fascinating take on a vampire mother, her husband is mean and nasty and that made me sad. I loved the mystery and it’s conclusion, this is anew author for me and I will be continuing to read this series
    Report
  • vambira
    4.0 out of 5 stars Aventuras de una Vampira
    Reviewed in Spain on October 8, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Me encantó. De hecho empiezo "Vampire for Hire #2" hoy mismo. Vida e historia de una vampira en la actualidad que trabaja como investigadora privada. Recomendable si te gusta este género de libros.
    Report
  • Petra Heucke-snyder
    5.0 out of 5 stars couldn't put it down
    Reviewed in Germany on August 18, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    and when I was finished I immediately bought the rest of the series. Refreshingly different view of vampires - yes they're very powerful, yes they're immortal. And yes, being one sucks. "I can drink one or two glasses of white wine without getting sick. And I don't get drunk on it. I know - bummer" sums it up pretty nicely. I have read far worse books in paperback - thank god talented authors can now self publish e-books instead of having to try to get a publishing house bring out their book. It would have been a pity if this book hadn't gotten published because some publisher had decided the vampire topic had been ridden to death already. Which it has, but definitely not by this series. Give Moondance a try, you won't regret it.
    Report
  • Micha
    4.0 out of 5 stars Moon Dance is a great introduction to this series
    Reviewed in France on January 27, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book, because it made me feel so many different emotions. J.R.Rain writes in a style that pulls you in and makes you feel Samantha`s wonder, her anger, the love she has for her children, and the hurt that comes from being betrayed by a loved one. I definitely like the main character Samantha and can not wait to read more about her and her new life.
    Report

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