Stalking the Others by Jess Haines
Series: H&W Investigations #4
Published by Zebra
Published on: July 3, 2012
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 352
Format: eBook
Source: Author
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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…
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After the dramatic exit Shia made in DECEIVED BY THE OTHERS, reading the next installment became my #1 priority, I only wish that I could fly through all series the way I’m guzzling H&W INVESTIGATIONS! The heroine turns into a lean, mean, killing machine in this book, and I just loved watching her serve up a can of Others whoopass. The blurb outs Chaz as a douchebag, so I’m psyched that I no longer have to curb my seething hatred in order to avoid spoilers on that front, and can now full-out own my Team Royce status, doubly-so after that last scene—whoa Nelly! I’m a little nervous as to what the loss of the hunter’s belt, and the capitulation to Alec’s demands might mean for Waynest, but I have confidence in Jess Haines.
I’d suspected that we hadn’t seen the last of the White Hats, even after the falling out in TAKEN BY THE OTHERS, and although Jack isn’t exactly my favourite character, I still enjoyed getting to know him better. Sometimes the devil you know is better than the one you don’t, so when confronted with the possibly of becoming a werewolf, Shia turns to this anti-Others group for help. Now, I use that term loosely because their idea of neighbourly love involves revenge and assisted suicide. That is until some interesting dets about their fearless leader surface, and the line between good & evil becomes blurred. I was taken aback by this latest newsflash because it was wholly unexpected, and quite the twist at that!
STALKING THE OTHERS was mostly about Waynest evening the score with the Sunstrikers, and I liked that the protagonist got the opportunity to show readers what she’s made of, from her nifty P.I. tricks to her ninja moves thanks to Isaac (the belt). One of my blogger peeps made a surprise cameo appearance as a werewolf, and I couldn’t get enough of Shia’s tooth and nail catfight with Kimberly, the homewrecker! I was happy with the way things went down between our girl and Dillon, but her encounter with Chaz was a bit of a letdown. The reasons behind it made sense in a big picture kind of way, however on the flip side I REALLY wanted Waynes to cut her ex-boyfriend’s nuts off, and shove them down his throat. Just saying.
Royce’s part in this story was minuscule, but the scenes he was in were real game changers. I keep expecting him to vamp out on Shia, yet in reality he’s turning out to be one of the most consistent characters in this series. His experience and insight are invaluable, and ended up pulling the heroine’s butt out of the fire. Again. That last chapter was a long time in coming, and thank goodness that there was a preview for the next installment in the final pages of this novel because I needed it as badly as my next breath after that firebomb. The title of book 5 is making me fidgety though, just when Waynest’s love life is beginning to even out, the author has to go and taunt us with FORSAKEN BY THE OTHERS. I’m scared.
For the most part, STALKING THE OTHERS was a 4-star read, but that ending earned an extra .5 from me. Wowzers!
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
This is a series that has been on my radar for a while. I need to read it sometime soon. Your reviews are just making me want to read them even more.
Melanie recently posted…Review: This Weakness for You by Wendy Sparrow
It’s too bad that they aren’t available in audio, otherwise I suspect that you & Loupe would have gotten to them long before now.
I know I have said this every time you review one of these books, but… I’ll read this series, I’ll read it someday… I promise!
BookaholicCat recently posted…Review: Princess of Thorns by Stacey Jay
I noticed that! In fact, I think you’ve done it four times now. Will the 5th one be the charm? 😉
So I’m kinda skimming along – because I’m gonna read Hunted by the Others this month – and I see “cut her ex-boyfriend’s nuts off”?!? Whoa! It must be good to being out the claws – or cutting utensil – Carmel! 😉 I’m thrilled you’re enjoying and devouring this series. I am really anxious to get started on it.
Hopefully that wasn’t too much of a spoiler for you if you’re planning on reading book 1 soon. I’m sure you’d have figured it out sooner rather than later anyway!
It’s always fantastic when a series manages to make you fly through the different books and leaves you wanting MORE after book 4!!
Great review Carmel, I hope you’ll get your hands in book 5 ASAP!!
Pili recently posted…Mark This Book Monday: The Shape of My Heart by Ann Aguirre!!!
I already have all 6 in fact! The next installment is nearing the top of my review pile, but I’m only doing one a month, so no need to rush a good thing.
Oh, sounds good. If an ending can shock you that’s an “I’m in” for me! But I have to start at the beginning! 🙁
This is one of those series that keeps getting better and better! Starting at the beginning isn’t a bad thing in this case. Enjoy the wild ride!
You sound really, really vested in this series! Gosh, it’s been a long time for me. I hope it only continues to get better for yo. 😀
Joy (Joyousreads) recently posted…[467]: Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan
I am! I am! Thank goodness because I agreed to review the entire series.
I haven’t read any of this series, but I have to admit the title of book 5 worries me a little too! Forsaken is never a good title word for us readers in a beloved series. *has stress* I hope it’s not quite as bad as it sounds when you get there Carmel!!!
It’s funny that you haven’t even read this series yet, but you’re still right there with me biting your nails about the next installment.
I didn’t get past the first book in this series. Something about it just didn’t work for me. Glad you are enjoying it though.
Kristina D recently posted…Some Thursday Randomness
I was discouraged by all of the mixed reviews this series received, but it’s obviously my cup of tea.
I know if you are devouring this series then it must be good and therefore a must read for me as well!
So glad you loved this every bit as much as the others.
kindlemom1 recently posted…Blog Tour Book Review: Minstrel’s Serenade by Aubrie Dionne
Haines’ writing flows so well, once you read page 1 you just can’t stop until the end. I love it when that happens!
The ending sounds like its pretty good to add more parts of a star
I try not to rate novels solely on the ending, but this one proved worthy.
I have the first book on my Nook, got it as a freebie, I was thinking of maybe listening to these instead but first I need to check out the samples on Audible. Glad to hear you’re enjoying them Carmel, I’m looking forward to these! 🙂
Lori recently posted…Book Blast: SOUL ENSLAVED by Keri Lake + Giveaway
You had me second guessing myself there for a moment! I was positive that these weren’t available in audio yet, but I double-checked just in case. No dice unfortunately.
Heck yes to good endings, of course I own book one and two..but have I read them? *facepalm* I need more time Carmel. Sleep is such a nuisance.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Antebellum Awakening by Katie Cross
I’ve been trying to train my body to work on less z’s, but alas I need my 8 hours otherwise I am not a nice person. LOL!
Oh wow! Didn’t know about this series. Sounds delicious! I’ll definitely have to try it after reading the review on this part of the series.
Sophia Rose recently posted…How do you balance the historical with the paranormal, in your books?
You’re going to have me reading Historicals soon enough, so it’s only fair that I add a couple of UF’s to your TBR. 😀
I love it when an awesome ending can elevate a book just a bit higher!
Megan recently posted…Cover Compare: Legend
Indeed! I’m anxious to read the next installment!
…not going to say it this time!
Sharon Stogner recently posted…Guest Post: Lizzy Ford’s Furry Writing Conpanions (West Book Tour) + giveaway
Hahahahaha!
This is another series I have been wanting to try. Felicia@Geeky Book Bloggers loves this series. I am so happy that this was such a solid read and I am curious about that ending now.
Heidi recently posted…Review: The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare by J. B. Hartnett
Felicia does indeed LOVE this series too, and two of your go-to blogger peeps can’t be wrong. Right? You know what to do…
I’ve never tried this series but I’ve heard good things from many people. Your line in the review about how you “just loved watching her serve up a can of Others whoopass” about the protagonist makes this series sound like it’s right up my alley, and I’ll be sure to check it out. Thanks 🙂
Shia is a fantastic heroine; I can’t wait to see what Haines has in store for her next! Hopefully this whole Forsaken thing isn’t as ominous as the title implies.
I can’t wait for more!
blodeuedd recently posted…Roulette – Megan Mulry
Give me time to catch-up first, then I’ll be right there with ya!
I’ve been wanting to start this series for some time now. I think you just pushed it up my wishlist with your enthusiasm for the series. I’m curious about both Chaz and Royce. You make this sound like so much fun!
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers
H&W Investigations would make the perfect from-me-to-me Xmas gift. Just saying!
I haven’t read this book-BUT I did read the last couple of chapters because I had to review Book 5. That was a long time ago, and I still remember exactly what you are talking about. Worth an extra star for sure!
Lorna recently posted…Review: This Weakness for You by Wendy Sparrow
OMG! I can’t believe you did that! Reading the ending without taking the time to tackle the whole story is sacrilege.
Blame it on Net Galley and not telling that it was the 5th book in the series. After finding that out, I read Books 1 and 2, and only had time to see how 4 finished, so I could read the book I had to review-book 5.So at least I had some background 🙂
This is why I always look titles up on GoodReads before clicking that button. 😛
You keep adding to my TBR, I’m thankful but it’s a mountain now haha. This hits on all the things I enjoy in a book – PI, were, and vamp, plus you’re saying it’s well written which means it’s gonna be a must read series for me. Mmmm sounds like a winner.
Well, mine is a… euuh… what’s bigger than a mountain? LOL! This series is so worth it though, if that makes you feel any better.
I’m still waiting Carmel!!! And you killed me with each of these reviews..LOL if you know the Author you should highly suggest that they be on audio ASAP.
Thanks!
Lupdilup recently posted…Best Audiobooks of 2014 Blog Hop Giveaway Sing ups. #audiobooks
Haines is usually a silent stalker of reviews for her books, so I’m sure she’s taken your feedback under advisement. 😀
Son of an A! I need to read this series. I kind of skimmed your review, but I laughed at the Chaz comment.
Christy recently posted…The Mesmerized by Rhiannon Frater
My next review will post in January, and I expect you to have at least read book 1 by then. *nudge-nudge*
I’m glad you’re still enjoying the series, it’s so much fun! I’m curious to see what you think of the next one and I want a new one too! great review!
I’m pretty sure that you’re up to date on this series, so I’m not sure how I should take your comment. I’m afraid!
This is another great sounding series, and I’m so glad you enjoyed this latest installment Carmel! The ending sounds pretty amazing to have bumped up the rating and now you can *own* your Team Royce status, lol. Your adding to my list again : )
Kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Young Adult Book Review + Giveaway: The Boy with the Hidden Name by Skylar Dorset
Team Vampire! ME! Can you believe it? The world has gone to Hell… or Jess Haines is a rockstar. Take your pick. Hehe!
Oh, gosh! It’s been so long since I’ve done any commenting. Your blog looks so wonderfully winterish 🙂 I love it! Goodness gracious, this cover looks totally kick-a! I clearly need this series in my life already based on this cover! LOL! Whoever this guy is, I’m totally with you on team Royce 😉 This name sounds awesome! I love the sound of the MC since I’m always about a strong, kick-a character who knows some ninja moves 😛 I totally ship Shia ad Royce based on that last paragraph btw! I’m glad you loved this one, Carmel!
Siiri recently posted…Blog Tour & Giveaway: Amour Amour by Krista and Becca Ritchie
I was surprised to see your name pop up in my inbox today. Where have you been!? And, thanks for the winter theme love! It’s hilarious that you’re willing to sign-up for a team without having even met the man-candy. Guess my review did the job!
Wow, this sounds great! I wonder if I could fit these in as audiobooks one day soon. I would like to finish up a series or two before I do that, but I think I’ll add it to the list!
Candace recently posted…Giveaway: Audiobook from ListenUp Audiobooks
Unfortunately these aren’t available in audio as of yet, unless you’re willing to go the text to speech route. Lots of peeps have left comments to that effect though, so hopefully the author will get the message!
I haven’t started this series yet, so I kind of read your review diagonally, Carmel 🙂 I have the first one on my list for #2015HW, so I will get to it in 2015, for sure!
I’m glad you continue to enjoy this 🙂
I hope you’re having a fantastic week!
Lexxie recently posted…Review: Status – J.A. Huss
That’s fair, I do the same whenever I read a review of a title I’m planning on reading. Can’t wait to have you fan-girling right along with me. The more the merrier!
I’m going to have to check her out one of these days. I met her at a book con a few years back (I think book 2 had just come out) and have kept meaning to give #1 a read.
anna (herding cats & burning soup) recently posted…#AFTH2014–Interview w/ Jess Michaels– fruit cake, Scotland and man candy treats + giveaway
I haven’t met her yet, but I know of other bloggers who have, and apparently she’s a hoot. I believe it after having read 4 of her books now.
Love it when the ending gives you that little bit extra! I think I’d like this one… I need more time to read Carmel!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Naomi recently posted…Review ~ Taboo Unchained by C.M. Stunich
Me too! I went a little ARC request crazy these past few weeks, and now I’m buried.