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Mages suck!
After tragedy strikes, Samara Yancy vows to protect those she loves. But her job’s boring, her sister’s spiraling, and she barely sleeps. So, when asked to bring her friend’s killer to justice on The Mainland, she accepts.
Her Mage disguise isn’t enough to protect her. On the run, and used as bait, she devises a plan to keep her friends and family safe. Which, as usual, looks better on paper than executed.
As Sam navigates through a sea of half-truths, magic within her awakens. She’s a defensive Combat Mage, a magic category which supposedly doesn’t exist. Few know what her kind are capable of and those who do, want her dead.
Escalating danger leaves Sam’s nerves thin as Paper and her world upended.
Book two of the Rock, Paper, Scissors series. A clean young adult urban fantasy that takes you on a fast-paced adventure in an alternate U.S.A.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2021
About the author
Jan Mau Hill
20 books33 followersIn her mind, Jan is a modern-day Austen protagonist.
As a child, she created elaborate stories involving a pretend cattle ranch guarded by vegetarian dinosaurs and went on adventures with her stuffed teddy bear, creatively named Ted.
After getting out of college in four years (an astounding feat) she began a career in advertising and marketing. Extensive reading during work travel rekindled her imagination and her Rock, Paper, Scissors series was born. These YA Urban Fantasy books are full of action, snark and a hint of romance.
Now she writes full-time in her hometown of New Orleans. The city is its own character in her 22 book paranormal romance series. Those feature a variety of Supernatural Main Characters in search of love. An enchanted deck of tarot cards adds a unique twist to the interwoven storylines of her G.R.I.T.S. books.
Jan Mau Hill writes fast-paced books featuring clever and bold heroines. If that sounds interesting, she’s the author for you.
Check out her website at: www.janmauhill.com
As a child, she created elaborate stories involving a pretend cattle ranch guarded by vegetarian dinosaurs and went on adventures with her stuffed teddy bear, creatively named Ted.
After getting out of college in four years (an astounding feat) she began a career in advertising and marketing. Extensive reading during work travel rekindled her imagination and her Rock, Paper, Scissors series was born. These YA Urban Fantasy books are full of action, snark and a hint of romance.
Now she writes full-time in her hometown of New Orleans. The city is its own character in her 22 book paranormal romance series. Those feature a variety of Supernatural Main Characters in search of love. An enchanted deck of tarot cards adds a unique twist to the interwoven storylines of her G.R.I.T.S. books.
Jan Mau Hill writes fast-paced books featuring clever and bold heroines. If that sounds interesting, she’s the author for you.
Check out her website at: www.janmauhill.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 7, 2021
Interesting book and
This was an interesting story that got quite complicated towards the end with a lot of twists back and forth. Allies and enemies blurred.
The ending should have had her confronting her father about certain things and making a firm decision on others as she is still a target.
Would’ve liked a little more happiness at the end, but I understand this is book one.
Some more focus on relationships would be good. Bram should just be dropped from the story as he is just a bully.
Also Erbu is very confusing and she is written well, but if she wants to work with the heroine she needs to legitimately help her.
All this being said I am looking forward to the next book where the heroine rebuilds herself helps her sister and overall changes the world
This was an interesting story that got quite complicated towards the end with a lot of twists back and forth. Allies and enemies blurred.
The ending should have had her confronting her father about certain things and making a firm decision on others as she is still a target.
Would’ve liked a little more happiness at the end, but I understand this is book one.
Some more focus on relationships would be good. Bram should just be dropped from the story as he is just a bully.
Also Erbu is very confusing and she is written well, but if she wants to work with the heroine she needs to legitimately help her.
All this being said I am looking forward to the next book where the heroine rebuilds herself helps her sister and overall changes the world
April 15, 2023
what you want to READ!!!
I have been anxiously waiting for this book to come out, and it was well worth the wait! so much growth on the part of the main character while bringing me along on her adventure and sharp-witted decision making. I enjoyed it completely and highly recommend.
I have been anxiously waiting for this book to come out, and it was well worth the wait! so much growth on the part of the main character while bringing me along on her adventure and sharp-witted decision making. I enjoyed it completely and highly recommend.
August 20, 2024
Unlikely jumps straight into the action and we are right there in New Orleans with Lexi and Blossom. Ms Hill writes with an easy, enjoyable style, and the sassiness of Lexi had me tittering. I like a character with sarcasm who says the things many of us would like to say. The name of the wolf pack and a few other morsels made me smile as they took me back to the author’s previous series. Clever and fun, like little secrets to be discovered. I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans and the descriptions in Unlikely intensify this desire. There are enough interesting characters to make their personality traits relatable to all, even if we aren’t blessed with magic. Read it. It’s fun. Having read the teaser of the next book, I look forward to reading that when it comes out as well.
August 14, 2024
Unlikely grabbed me from the first scene and didn't let go. Lexi's character is strong and fascinating. I appreciated the conflicts she's facing and how she handles the hurts from the past. She struggles with past hurts and rises above any desire for retaliation. The hero, Clint, is strong and his obvious feelings for Lexi bring a lovely romance to the story. The plot is complex with an array of fun characters. Manda the cat was a favorite for me. I hope to see her in future books in this series.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series when they release and will watch for them. Unlikely is a great read. Jan Mau Hill's books are now on my to-read list.
I received a copy of Unlikely from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series when they release and will watch for them. Unlikely is a great read. Jan Mau Hill's books are now on my to-read list.
I received a copy of Unlikely from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
December 30, 2024
Unlikely or Not So Unlikely?
Let me say this. The author, Jan Mau Hill has a way with describing her characters and bringing them to life. As you read the story you are pulled into it and become a part of it.
When the pack Alpha realizes that 20 years ago when his former pack member announced that they were mates. He comes to realize that she was right all along.
I give this a rating of 10 mice paws. You gotta read it. Spellbinding, and a hang on your seat read!!
Let me say this. The author, Jan Mau Hill has a way with describing her characters and bringing them to life. As you read the story you are pulled into it and become a part of it.
When the pack Alpha realizes that 20 years ago when his former pack member announced that they were mates. He comes to realize that she was right all along.
I give this a rating of 10 mice paws. You gotta read it. Spellbinding, and a hang on your seat read!!
August 22, 2024
action packed
Wow. There are shifter books and then there’s this, an action packed paranormal full of pack dynamics and all kinds of characters, witches, vampires. But what I loved the most was the relationship between Lexi and her wolf, Blossom, who has a mind of her own and knows who she loves.
Wow. There are shifter books and then there’s this, an action packed paranormal full of pack dynamics and all kinds of characters, witches, vampires. But what I loved the most was the relationship between Lexi and her wolf, Blossom, who has a mind of her own and knows who she loves.
August 21, 2024
Unlikely was an unexpected treat. Lexi is a great paranormal characters with complex relationships set in the steamy humidity and unique culture of New Orleans. I look forward to hearing about more adventures in the paranormal community of the Big Easy in future books.
June 6, 2021
Fast paced YA Urban Fantasy
Betrayed by a fellow military student right before their senior year final exam, Sam leaves her school in disgrace but sets off on an adventure that will test her skills and make her question where her loyalties lie...to her close knit family or her country. She enters a magical world where the boundary between friend and enemy is ever shifting. With a cast of eccentric but memorable characters, Sam's quest is full of surprises, right up to the very end.
Betrayed by a fellow military student right before their senior year final exam, Sam leaves her school in disgrace but sets off on an adventure that will test her skills and make her question where her loyalties lie...to her close knit family or her country. She enters a magical world where the boundary between friend and enemy is ever shifting. With a cast of eccentric but memorable characters, Sam's quest is full of surprises, right up to the very end.
April 12, 2023
A roller-coaster ride from beginning to end
It feels like I’ve been waiting a long time for this third installment in the Rock, Paper, Scissors series. But the characters are so memorable, it didn’t take long to get in the swing again.
Of course now I want to read them all over from the beginning.
Many of the main questions are answered, but it still feels like there is a 4th story to be told… but what comes after Rock, Paper, Scissors?
Or maybe just an epilogue to close some of those open loops?
It feels like I’ve been waiting a long time for this third installment in the Rock, Paper, Scissors series. But the characters are so memorable, it didn’t take long to get in the swing again.
Of course now I want to read them all over from the beginning.
Many of the main questions are answered, but it still feels like there is a 4th story to be told… but what comes after Rock, Paper, Scissors?
Or maybe just an epilogue to close some of those open loops?
September 25, 2024
Ungainly is a nice addition to this paranormal romance series. It was fun to see the camaraderie of the characters. The heroine, Gwen, came out of her shell as the book progressed. I enjoyed her character development. The paranormal aspect of the story differs from other stories in the genre enough that it is a fun read and doesn't sound like other books. The uniqueness is refreshing. The bits of mystery and suspense combine to make this a fast read and very enjoyable.
I received an advance copy from the author. All comments are my own.
I received an advance copy from the author. All comments are my own.
August 7, 2024
Surprisingly good! Yes, I expected it to be mediocre, maybe because of the low number or ratings, or something in the cover style that I can't put my hand on? But still started it, and I'm glad I did. The book is well written and the story complex. I'm a bit annoyed at the cryptic guy who shows up randomly to say he can't give answers, but other than that approved. I'll look forward to reading the next books
January 15, 2025
I had no idea what to expect as I had not read anything from this author, but this was surprising. I really enjoyed it. It's a good, fun, fast read; good for an afternoon curled up on the couch. This adds in a side of paranormal to keep it interesting, as I'm not one for just a plain ol' romance story. Of course, this is the story of a second chance at romance but still. I am definitely going back and starting with the first book.
May 11, 2022
Action, magic and suspense!
Such an exciting read from start to finish. I was completely drawn into the world and I loved seeing Sam’s ambition, mistakes and growth as a character. She takes on a lot and is faced with obstacles and challenges in a uniquely magical, and military world - which I truly enjoy reading. Looking forward to the next story!
Such an exciting read from start to finish. I was completely drawn into the world and I loved seeing Sam’s ambition, mistakes and growth as a character. She takes on a lot and is faced with obstacles and challenges in a uniquely magical, and military world - which I truly enjoy reading. Looking forward to the next story!
December 10, 2023
A great conclusion to a wonderful series
A thrilling way to wrap up this series. The first three books were all excellent, and the fast paced thrill ride of book four kept me on the edge of my seat. The twists and turns keep you guessing as the story ricochets from crisis to crisis. A great debut series and I eagerly await the author’s next thrilling offering.
A thrilling way to wrap up this series. The first three books were all excellent, and the fast paced thrill ride of book four kept me on the edge of my seat. The twists and turns keep you guessing as the story ricochets from crisis to crisis. A great debut series and I eagerly await the author’s next thrilling offering.
November 7, 2023
well written and fast paced
While this is not my go-to genre, every once in a while I enjoy a fantasy or military sci-fi. Jan May Hill is an excellent wordsmith ( adrenaline and anger continue to burn like twin flames within me. ). and keeps the action moving forward. I enjoyed the ‘contemporary/dystopian/Game of Thrones vibe. A fun escape.
While this is not my go-to genre, every once in a while I enjoy a fantasy or military sci-fi. Jan May Hill is an excellent wordsmith ( adrenaline and anger continue to burn like twin flames within me. ). and keeps the action moving forward. I enjoyed the ‘contemporary/dystopian/Game of Thrones vibe. A fun escape.
September 16, 2024
There are a lot of books about shifters, witches, vampires, fae, and other paranormals out there so it is refreshing to read one where the author has tweeked what one or more of those types of characters can do. Another thing that makes this book unique is that quite a few different types of paranormals are all friends. I found it somewhat different and therefore a pleasant afternoon read.
January 27, 2025
a good book
I listened to this book on audible and read on kindle. The story was good but I think the virtual voice maybe is what made me not get as attached to the characters as I usually do. The writing is good and the plot is well thought out. It was just missing a little something. Overall, I would try another book from this author.
I listened to this book on audible and read on kindle. The story was good but I think the virtual voice maybe is what made me not get as attached to the characters as I usually do. The writing is good and the plot is well thought out. It was just missing a little something. Overall, I would try another book from this author.
June 4, 2025
FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC 😁
I read this story in one sitting 😊. I truly couldn't put it down it was so addictive 😉. Absolutely awesome storyline, just enough action to keep you turning pages and a wonderful HEA just brought it altogether 😄. Thanks so much Jan Mau, I think this is the first story I've read by you, but I'm sure looking forward to more 🤓.
I read this story in one sitting 😊. I truly couldn't put it down it was so addictive 😉. Absolutely awesome storyline, just enough action to keep you turning pages and a wonderful HEA just brought it altogether 😄. Thanks so much Jan Mau, I think this is the first story I've read by you, but I'm sure looking forward to more 🤓.
June 7, 2021
Weekend indulgence
Devoured this fun escape in one rainy weekend! Clever premise, cool characters and plot twists kept me turning pages. Looking forward to following Sam in her future adventures!
Devoured this fun escape in one rainy weekend! Clever premise, cool characters and plot twists kept me turning pages. Looking forward to following Sam in her future adventures!
July 25, 2023
Engaging, Fast-paced Fantasy
I really enjoyed this book. There were many twists and turns, a lot of action, and immersive world-building. I always love a strong female protagonist, and that was Sam to a T.
I really enjoyed this book. There were many twists and turns, a lot of action, and immersive world-building. I always love a strong female protagonist, and that was Sam to a T.
September 24, 2024
A great book two in the series
This author does a wonderful job of making sure each character has their own unique voice. I love a good friends to lovers tale and this book doesn’t disappoint.
This author does a wonderful job of making sure each character has their own unique voice. I love a good friends to lovers tale and this book doesn’t disappoint.
July 21, 2021
Adventurous, fast paced, actions and surprises
Loved Sam’s character and her endless, surprising ability to get the job done. What a whirlwind book from start to finish.
Loved Sam’s character and her endless, surprising ability to get the job done. What a whirlwind book from start to finish.
July 9, 2024
It has an odd twist, but going through all the different stages looking for Loren’s cousin can become quite difficult. Sam and her friends are in way over their heads. Just as they avoid being seen.
September 6, 2025
Unlikely
This was a fun read. It had so many twists and turns. It was fun seeing each getting resolved. I look forward to reading more of these books.
This was a fun read. It had so many twists and turns. It was fun seeing each getting resolved. I look forward to reading more of these books.
August 22, 2024
I enjoy reading different genres and authors, including, in this case, paranormal romance. Intriguingly, main character Lexi is half witch, half werewolf, and all sass and heart. I loved her spunky determination to face the world on her terms and not settle for second best, especially when it comes to her fated mate, Clint.
A premature attempt to declare herself as his mate led to her being laughed out of her clan. Now, years later, Lexi finds herself facing off against a coven of watches who try to batter down her front door. And that's just the start of her troubles.
Lexi has a colorful cast of supernatural friends and allies herself with an ancient entity, who she endearingly names Harold. The plot makes for a fun, well-written read that fans of paranormal adventure, romance or otherwise, are sure to enjoy. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
A premature attempt to declare herself as his mate led to her being laughed out of her clan. Now, years later, Lexi finds herself facing off against a coven of watches who try to batter down her front door. And that's just the start of her troubles.
Lexi has a colorful cast of supernatural friends and allies herself with an ancient entity, who she endearingly names Harold. The plot makes for a fun, well-written read that fans of paranormal adventure, romance or otherwise, are sure to enjoy. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 20, 2024
Captivating!
Unlikely exceeded my high expectations from the start. The moment I saw the cover and read the description, I knew I had to get my hands on it.
Having enjoyed the author’s previous series, I expected great things, and this book did not disappoint. The pacing is compelling, with a storyline that's both gripping and immersive.
Lexi’s journey as a half Werewolf, half Witch is not only exciting but also deeply relatable, with characters that are easy to connect with. The magic system is incredibly creative and fits seamlessly into Lexi’s world—I'm eager to learn more about it as the series continues. The chemistry between Lexi and Clint adds just the right amount of tension and heart to the mix. I can't wait to see where this new series will take us next!
Unlikely exceeded my high expectations from the start. The moment I saw the cover and read the description, I knew I had to get my hands on it.
Having enjoyed the author’s previous series, I expected great things, and this book did not disappoint. The pacing is compelling, with a storyline that's both gripping and immersive.
Lexi’s journey as a half Werewolf, half Witch is not only exciting but also deeply relatable, with characters that are easy to connect with. The magic system is incredibly creative and fits seamlessly into Lexi’s world—I'm eager to learn more about it as the series continues. The chemistry between Lexi and Clint adds just the right amount of tension and heart to the mix. I can't wait to see where this new series will take us next!
August 21, 2024
Just a very quick shout-out for one of my favorite authors, Jan Mau Hill.
Her new book is a scream. A half-werewolf down on her luck in New Orleans inherits a deck of Tarot cards containing a sort of genie of persuasion who possesses her without so much as a how-dee-do. Now, armed with the same power that once allowed Joan of Arc to move millions, Lexi could make her hunky alpha crush fall in love with her, but that would be cheating—or would it?
With this new novel, Hill brings her trademark snarky voice, sassy characters and wildly funny comical situations to the paranormal romance genre. The result will leave you bewitched, bedazzled and possibly a little possessed, but definitely charmed. Can't wait for the sequel!
Her new book is a scream. A half-werewolf down on her luck in New Orleans inherits a deck of Tarot cards containing a sort of genie of persuasion who possesses her without so much as a how-dee-do. Now, armed with the same power that once allowed Joan of Arc to move millions, Lexi could make her hunky alpha crush fall in love with her, but that would be cheating—or would it?
With this new novel, Hill brings her trademark snarky voice, sassy characters and wildly funny comical situations to the paranormal romance genre. The result will leave you bewitched, bedazzled and possibly a little possessed, but definitely charmed. Can't wait for the sequel!
October 10, 2025
Won in a giveaway. I really enjoyed the world building and the mix of different characters/creatures in this book. I will say if you’re looking for romance, this book doesn’t really deliver on that front. The two mains just kind of end up together immediately with little to no build up. But the characters and how they interact in this world was different and interesting. Overall a decent quick read.
December 31, 2025
An interesting ending
Another storyline that has kept me hooked. The ending however felt a bit abrupt. Despite that I did enjoy reading this series.
Another storyline that has kept me hooked. The ending however felt a bit abrupt. Despite that I did enjoy reading this series.
January 9, 2026
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews