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The sun's not the only thing that's too hot to handle.

President Vardin isn’t the first vampire politician to make empty promises. Humans can work at night, he says. Humans will be safe on the streets, he says. It’s all bull. I’m still stuck on day shift at Langley’s Round The Clock Emporium, trying to earn enough to live from night to night.

If I thought the sun’s harsh rays had turned society upside down, watch what happens when I witness a murder in the alley. The police keep bombarding me with questions until a detective with a bad attitude walks in and takes over. He’s unbelievably hot, way out of my league, and way, way out of my comfort zone. Because he’s the one thing I fear most. A vampire.

Then I learn why the police seem so interested in me. My ex-husband is drawing a series of murders in his new comics. I’m in every one of them, and it looks like I’m supposed to be the last victim. The detective’s interest in my past—and his protective instincts—are bordering on unprofessional, but I can’t seem to bring myself to care.

Because the last place I should want to be is the safest place on earth…a vampire’s embrace.

If you like your vampires sparkly and emotional, don’t read this book. It contains an overworked, underpaid, bloodsucking hero who might break your heart.

191 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2009

1 person is currently reading
73 people want to read

About the author

Missy Jane

34 books326 followers
I'm a Texas native who loves to read and write Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy Romance, and Contemporary Erotic Romance. When not reading or writing I'm an avid photographer.

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5 stars
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21 (29%)
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26 (36%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
November 9, 2011
Day Shift is my first foray into Urban Fantasy....and I LIKE it!

Day Shift introduces us to a world where vampires live out in the open and humans are the minority. Zee is a woman struggling to make ends meet in a dead end job. She witnesses a vampire bite a human, without human consent, so she hides and calls the police. One of the investigators, Greg, catches her attention but he is a vampire and she is terrified of vampires. The investigation draws them together and they have a bond and attraction forming. Enter in Zee's ex-husband which throws even more issues into their developing relationship. Greg is a sexy, ALPHA vampire, but he makes a decision that costs him Zee's trust. I really liked Zee, in spite of her fear of vampires, which is well justified, she doesn't back down, she cusses and she is who she is, like her or not. Basically, Zee is a KICK ASS heroine.

To read the rest of my review follow this link
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
Profile Image for Denise.
335 reviews106 followers
May 22, 2013
In my opinion this was a good little read. It has all the potential of a great read, but does not quite meet that mark. The synopsis/description provides an entertaining overview and I will not rehash it. I enjoyed the unique premise, as well as the characters and the twisty turns of wondering just who was a bad guy and who was a good guy - oh let's just say there are good/bad guys. Zaria is the central character and as the story progresses we come to understand why she is who she is and why she is so broken. She is the type of character I really like, as even though she is emotionally traumatized by her past experiences, she still has grit and a smart mouth. However, for me, her super-halo is tarnished by the end of the read due to some of the choices she makes that made me want to scream. Subjective opinion? of course it is. I enjoyed the storyline but would have liked more world building, which I think would have been really interesting , as well as add to the understanding and believability of the behaviors of the primary characters. Day Shift is, I believe, a standalone novel, but I would like to see other works in this world and would definitely give them a shot. At the end of the book there is a sneak peak of another work by this author, "They Call Me Death," which looks dandy, I purchased it a while ago and am looking forward to reading it. I received this book from the author with a request for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book.
Profile Image for Anastasia Green.
42 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2013
This is the first book I've read of Missy Jane & I really enjoyed it, for the most part.

Day Shift is definitely worth a read, the story, the characters & general plot is really really good.

I enjoyed all the twists & turns, the characters were really interesting which is something you need in a good book & the setting was pretty cool too.

I feel for Zaria, the poor girl hasn't had much good luck but she's a feisty one & good for her. Greg was pretty yummy, although he could do with a big kick up the backside or a little shake.

I loved Missy's take on vampires BUT now here's why I only gave 3 stars.
She hasn't said "when" the story has taken place or "why" the sun is so harmful & everyone is up through the night & sleeps through the day. Or HOW/WHY vampires are about?? Was it a change in someones DNA, has it happened due to synth? Or the old school myth of creatures of the night? Do I take it that vampires can breed or do they "make" there vampire children. It was all a bit confusing as non of it was explained which was very disappointing.

BUT never the less, it definitely is a good read & I enjoyed Missy's writing style. Would read this book again.

I was given this book to read for an honest review. Thank you Missy.
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,476 reviews177 followers
December 24, 2011
originally posted at http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

Missy Jane has written a fast paced thrill ride, filled with murder, betrayal and hidden plots galore.

The President is a vampire who assures humans they are safe to work at night and be out after dark. With humans the minority, he swears they will be protected. Zaria Stonewell isn’t so sure, and so she works the day shift, keeping herself away from the horrors of vampire that terrify her. At least, until she witnesses a ‘biting incident’ from the window at work, one that becomes a murder.

Zaria knows this will boost her nightmares up even more than before. The detective assigned to the case, Gregory Parsons is a vampire, hot and sexy, but Zaria wants nothing to do with him. When she finds out her ex-husband has been drawing comics of sadistic vampire murders, each involving her in some way, Zaria is worried and afraid. When Detective Parsons offers to protect her, she is apprehensive, but agrees in spite of her feelings.

But he has a hidden agenda, and soon Zaria finds she is in more danger than ever, as events from her past resurface to dog her steps. When things go horribly wrong, Zaria has no idea who she can trust, but knows she has to get out of sight and lay low. Can Zaria find a way to get through her nightmarish past and trust a vampire? Once Greg betrays that trust, can she still depend on him to keep her alive? Can they uncover who is behind the whole plot, and come out of the mess unscathed?

I like books that keep me guessing, and this one kept me on edge right to the end. I like her alternate world where humans are in the minority and vampires are the authority figures. The characters are well defined and multifaceted, and the story is original and intriguing.

Zaria Stonewell has been on her own since she was a teen. She is strong and determined to take care of herself. When her nightmares of the past become all too real, she has to face her fears and trust someone with her past. I like Zaria for her courage and her smart mouthed attitude, and her ability to adapt when necessary. I also like that she doesn’t immediately condemn Greg, but waits to find out his reason for the betrayal.

Gregory Parsons is handsome, hot and a vampire, everything Zaria fears and despises. But he is also her best chance at surviving the coming events. He is strong and willing to protect Zaria from being harmed. Once he discovers he’s been tricked into betraying her, he does everything he can to help her and keep her safe. I liked that he was able to admit he was wrong, and that he would do what he could to make it up to her. And he gets the injuries to prove it.

The secondary characters in this are all well defined. There were a couple of big surprises in this, like Zaria’s vampire landlord who isn’t what he seems to be, and the truth behind her philandering ex-husband. This story kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through, and I was surprised several times at what was going on. This is a great thrill ride of a story, and I recommend this to everyone who likes a good murder mystery with a special twist.

Profile Image for Missdevora.
56 reviews37 followers
May 28, 2013
Day Shift is the first novel I read by the author Missy Jane, but it won’t be the last, I like her writing style.

The world Zaria, our main character, lives is ruled by vampires, with even a vamp president! The sun hurts the skin of everyone, even humans like Zaria that works the day shift in a store owned by a vampire.

One day she looks out the window at work and witnesses a ‘biting attack’, calls the police and the mystery starts. Who attacked and why? Is this murder a lone case or is it related to other that happen?

The detective of the case, sexy vampire Greg, interrogates Zaria and digs little by little in her past and her heart. Nothing is what it seems, comics drawings turn into reality, people get beaten and drunk among other things that you will discover if you read the book. Ah! There are also some steaming scenes, funny dances and way too many lies.

This is a really funny and entertaining read. Fast paced, some events seem to happen quickly, while others are over-the-top and cheesy. Still, Missy Jane makes them fit to create a great story.

There is a good mix of silly, suspicion, sarcasm, tension and interactions between Greg and Zaria, not to mention a touch of seriousness to balance the story. Zaria, Greg and Zaria’s vampire landlord are likable characters that I would not mind reading more about.

Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lynda Bester.
Author 3 books13 followers
May 20, 2013
Review: Day Shift by Missy Jane: Oh la la. A hot vampire and a skittish human. And sparks, lots of sparks. Zaria has had a hard life, and no family to fall back on. In fact, her family are to blame for most of her hell. And the fact that vampires populate the world, even live next door, does not help. Zaria does not like them, and does not trust them, so when super hot cop Greg, gets her blood pumping, she is not quite sure how to handle it. When it turns out that he along with every another man in her life are assholes, Zaria is shattered. But Greg is trying to make up for the mistake of betraying her, putting his life on the line more than once to save her. But when Greg ends up having to kill her psycho ex husband, things don’t look to good. Will Zaria forgive him….? Ha ha. What a super great book and what a super great idea! The story was fast paced and kept me hooked the whole time. I easily pretended life around me had ceased to exist while immersing myself in this story. Zaria is strong and needs love. Greg can give it to her, she just has to learn to trust human kind and vampires again. Sign. And then it ended. More please!
This is an honest review given in exchange for reading the book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jackie - Fire & Ice Book Reviews.
549 reviews151 followers
June 28, 2013
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to say thanks to the author for allowing me to read an review this book.This book was a great read. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

I enjoyed reading this book. Although I must say I don't think it should be in the paranormal genre. The only paranormal thing about it is the vampires. This book was a great read, I really liked the characters and all of the action. However the romance between the two main characters was a bit annoying. I didn't like how one of the main characters was afraid of a vampire, and then almost in love with one, and afraid again. However, it didn't change my view on this book. This is still something i would read again. I hope to read other books by this author in the future!

Again thanks to the author, and the group where i found this book. If you are a fan of books with vampires in them like I am, then I suggest you give this book a try, it is a great read!
Profile Image for Mara.
2,540 reviews270 followers
July 25, 2021
2 1\2 stars

I love Missy Jane's literary worlds: they are new and fresh like her plots. I liked They Call Me Death and liked the premises of this new novel. I still think it's a nice read, with a good UF feel. Unfortunately the chemistry and the relationship between the leading characters left me cold. Worse I found both lacking in believability. With her past, her hatred/fear of vampires should have been much stronger. She has no reason to believe him, nor really to forgive him. As a cop he seems "crooked" and thus difficult to accept.

The writing is a little flat.
Profile Image for Mina Khan.
Author 9 books159 followers
July 12, 2013
So the book comes with a warning: "If you like your vampires sparkly and emotional, don't read this book."

Day Shift is what I consider classic urban fantasy -- dark, gritty, wry humor, tough and tender. Missy Jane creates an intriguing world where a vampire is president and humans are the minority. There is a lot of cursing, but it fits the characters and the story. I really liked the heroine, a tough-talking down on her luck chica. And the hero, a vampire detective is yummy. Even better, the delicious noir feel throughout the book.

I read it one sitting...just couldn't put the book down.
Profile Image for Cordykitten.
64 reviews19 followers
Read
July 20, 2016
* Note to myself: The Vamps in this 'Verse are different from the BtVS ones but not sparkly. :)
Profile Image for Misha Bella .
20 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2012
Loved that it took place in my hometown. Nice plot twist. Enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Erin Penn.
Author 4 books23 followers
December 9, 2024
This quick read (182 pages novella) gives a glimpse into a world that needs just a bit more fleshing out to be intriguing. A world where vampires (blood-drinkers) and humans (don't need blood, but are weaker and second class citizens) exist side-by-side, class politics of vamps vs. non-vamps is strong. But you know me and world-building, and the only real change is people in this industrial world do everything at night. Day-shift is like night-shift in our world, undesirable with the big ball of light in the sun burning the skin of the vampires and the night-adapted humans; sunburn within a couple hours. Why vampires and humans both exist in this world isn't explored, and other than switching night and day focus and the class politics, no further world-building is done. This book did not scratch my world-building itch, sigh.

But always the world-building is the stage for the story, and Ms. Jane writes a fated-mates style romance where the two love interests fall in love despite sense and sensibilities. Yes the female has a tragic backstory that makes you want to protect her in cotton-balls, but has a backbone of iron and can survive on her own. Yes the male is a hot protector (cop) helping her live through her present tragedy. And this trope-dynamic is a snack.

But cop did something that in my book would be unforgiveable, especially since the "fated-mates" isn't actually a thing in this universe. Love-at-first-sight can be overcome if trust is broken completely. And GIRLFRIEND - the universe has completely shat on her again and again with the men in her life, only her boss is worth any time (yes, she actually has a good boss), and Jace, a thirteen year old boy, and I am scared to see what this child will grow up to be based on all the other men in this world (I also hope we get to see him in future books so that we can see him grow up).

I do like the suspense-thriller part of the plot. The comic-book tie-in works well. From Zaria's witnessing a murder through a window while at work to the scene of her being held with a knife at her throat - all of that is spot-on and exciting.

Final grade? Worldbuilding sigh. The love dynamic is interesting, but not believable enough. The thriller-suspense murder plot, perfect.

Book bought directly from author at Book Bash - December 7, 2024 - in Canton Texas.
Profile Image for Jennie Rosenblum.
1,295 reviews44 followers
December 22, 2023
I picked this up at a local festival. I am not usually a vampire fan, so I was curious where this book would go. It was surprisingly wonderful at keeping me entertained. The action and pace kept me reading and enjoying way past my bedtime. This is the first book in the Civilized Vampires series and does a good job of setting up and establishing the characters. I hope that as the series continues, there will be more world development and growth for Zaria.
Profile Image for Chrissa.
265 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2019
This novel had a fascinating setting (an even warmer Houston with vampires--yikes) and a compelling main character. It was slightly too short for me, which made the relationship feel less concrete and the motivations for the villain a bit meh; however, it was a good story and one I'd be interested to see in different media (short film? graphic novel?). Overall, a good read.
Profile Image for Lexie.
2,066 reviews357 followers
April 17, 2014
I had enjoyed Missy Jane's other Paranormal novel, THEY CALL ME DEATH, quite a lot so I went into DAY SHIFT with no small expectation to enjoy it just as well. Which was probably where I made my first mistake--enjoying one book does not necessarily mean I'll enjoy another, or in this case finish it. Told from Zee's POV, I found myself often skimming over her internal comments or exposition moments. I didn't feel connected to Zee, didn't feel a driving need to know every little quirk she had or what she thought about vampires. She doesn't like them, I get that. I get that Vampires are basically akin to humanity's oppressors and won't let a girl have a decent life day or night. I get that she has trust issues and Greg (the hot detective who happens to be a vampire, whom she mentions. A lot. It's a tossup which she mentions more--how hot Greg is or that he's a vampire) doesn't do much to allay them.

The murder subplot didn't catch my interest either, and since I didn't get more than halfway through the novel I can't say if it even made sense at the end. Zee is rather unreliable as a narrator, she doesn't compromise her principles, but on the same token she is so overwhelmingly biased against so many of the characters (for one reason or another) I didn't feel sympathy for her when she got burned. She was uncooperative, catty and grumpy, often hurling curses or insults over the smallest provocation and generally being unreasonable. It's a marvel of modern mystery to me that Greg found anything redeeming in her.

I wish this had been more engaging and that Zee had...something that would have made me keep reading. Sadly she didn't, and it wasn't, so I didn't finish this book.

Review was originally posted at Night Owl Reviews
Profile Image for Sara.
1,520 reviews131 followers
November 20, 2015
I liked it! The story was good and interesting and never slow or boring. And I couldn't put it down (but that's common for me).
The characters were... interesting. I can't say I loved them all though. I liked Zaria, most times. There were a few times I didn't agree with her, though.
Greg was.... nice, even sweet and kinda hot mostly. I liked him from the start, but then there was a time, after his true motives were uncovered, where I didn't like him and didn't trust him. It was easy to share Zaria's feelings of anger and betrayal. But he kind of redeemed himself at some point and I got to like him again. Mostly.
Ivan was bat-shit crazy. That's the only way to describe him. At first I thought he was a big jerk and evil. But at some point towards the end he baffled me with his behavior. And he was a crap of an husband and not a good man.
Julian.... let's just say that "crazy" doesn't even start to cover it.
Joe.... I don't know what to say about him... He was mostly creepy and weird. I got his motives for making that deal, but still, he was one of the bad guys for a while, and he only cared about his interests. And that's the only reason he helped Zaria in the end. It sure wasn't out of his heart.
Is this the end or Greg's "connections" from his past will come back to hunt them?
Profile Image for Ruth.
251 reviews18 followers
August 14, 2016
Dieses alte Überbleibsel aus früheren Besuchen auf der Buchmesse Frankfurt ist jetzt endlich auf meinem Lektürestapel gelandet, wird meinen Haushalt aber demnächst auch wieder verlassen. ;-) Während der Klappentext zwar sehr griffig wirkt, entpuppt sich der Rest leider als flache – wenn auch stellenweise zum Schmunzeln anregende (Zarias großer Klappe geschuldet) – Unterhaltung. Gerade bei einer Geschichte wie dieser, die Protagonisten wie Leser in medias res wirft, sollte zumindest die Handlung stimmen und sich im Lauf der Erzählung entsprechend (logisch) entfalten. Dass einige Dinge jedoch offen bleiben oder nur oberflächlich angekratzt werden, wie z. B. die Motivation des Ex-Mannes, die eigentlich der Stein ist, der das gesamte Geschehen ins Rollen bringt, stört mich sehr. Daher bekommt Day Shift heute keinen permanenten Stellplatz in meinem Bücherregal … *heidiklummodusoff*
459 reviews
November 24, 2011
Did not like this book at all. I did not get the relationship between the suppose hero or heroine. If you like horror along with vamps without romance or HEA then this is your book. The storyline had so many things going on that made no sense at all and I wonder if the author bothered to outline this story which might of helped it.
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