I'm not usually a big fan of the vampire/fantasy genre, much preferring detective fiction/thrillers. However, after reading the reviews for Moon Dance, I thought I'd give it a go (OK, so the fact it was also free was also an incentive!). I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised. Although somewhat brief (it's longer than a novella, but not quite as long as a regular book), this novel is a great read! It's not highbrow literature, rather a fun, easygoing read that doesn't pretend to be anything it's not. If you're looking for "serious" vampire novels like Ann Rice, then you'll probably hate J.R. Rain's Samantha Moon series, but if you enjoy Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels, then this will probably be right up your street. Rain's Samantha Moon is not quite as sassy as Ms Plum, but I guess you don't need sassy when you're a vampire, and with this first book in the series, we are just being introduced to the new characters, who continue to develop as the series progresses.
Rain's characters are nicely created, in such a way that you are able to actually feel something for them - fascination and sympathy for Samantha, who has had vampirism forced upon her and is trying to find a way of combining being undead with being a mom; loathing for Danny, her snake of a husband (OK, so maybe I'd have some trouble coming to terms that my partner was now undead, but hey, if you love someone, you work it out, right?!) and curiosity about Kingsley the werewolf lawyer (interesting combination - i think Mr Rain may have met some of my former bosses!!).
Moon Dance, the first in the series, left me wanting to read more, so I've invested in all of the Samantha Moon series to date, including the latest, Vampire Dawn, and have downloaded and am waiting to read some of J.R. Rain's other novels (Jim Knighthorse, Elvis etc).
Some reviewers have criticised the author's use of cliff-hangers to get people to buy more books, but to me that's not a problem - I like the books, so I'll keep buying and reading until I don't like them any more, or Mr Rain stops writing, whichever comes sooner! These books are not expensive, and in my opinion, I'm getting excellent value for money!! I've paid far more for other books that I've enjoyed much less. My view is, try the first book for free. If you like it, buy the others, if you don't, then don't buy them - it won't have cost you anything, so what do you have to lose except maybe a couple of hours of your time!
Personally, I don't begrudge a penny that I've spend on the 4 subsequent Moon volumes! Mr Rain's books are some much needed simple light relief in complicated and sometimes trying times!
