Title: No Kitten Around ReRead
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #8
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

No Kitten Around is such a fun and gorgeous little second chance romance. One with plenty of violence and insanity, because that is why I read Blain in the first place. I also kind of liked the simplicity of their reuniting, there is a whole lot of angst in the lead up. And then, there is very little when they actually start to talk and reconnect for the first time. On the one hand, I would’ve enjoyed a little more nuance and conversation about their forgiveness of one another. But then, on the other hand, I much rathered their getting trained by the crazy elf with weaponry, so it all worked out well in the end.

I really love how the leads mix of demon, angel, human, and “other” works out throughout this book. Blain manages to spin together some crazy paranormal genetic mixes, and come out with something that somehow makes complete and total sense. I mean, we don’t fully understand genetics now, imagine mixing in supernatural powers? Plus, then there’s just what the “other” turned out to be. That gives extra future chaos to this world building. I also love how it kind of justifies his occasional psychotic tendencies. I want more elf hybrids in my life! Or at least, in this series.

Elves have been touched upon a little throughout this series, but Sam is the first really intense exposure to these cannibalistic chaos demons. The reason why the other paranormals fear them and their well earned reputation is really dived into in No Kitten Around. And I particularly loved Sam and her training tactics. I’m not sure I’d enjoy going through such a thing, but I’m fairly confident that I would enjoy the consequences at the end of such a thing. Plus, there is also the elf wedding rituals which are practiced, again, something I seriously and ridiculously enjoyed.

I might read Blain’s A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) series for the violence, the build up of romance and just the pure insanity. But I also keep returning to it because there is a deep love of pets in amongst these books. I particularly loved that there is a cat and dog who are both the harbingers of the end and the hope for the world. And that they are forever cherished throughout. They are just too damn cute and I wanted to reach through the pages for kitten and puppy cuddles at all times.

Image source: Amazon

Title: Last But Not Leashed ReRead
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Dale, the pretty coloured wolf lyncanthrope is a whole lot of fun. He’s entertaining, kind of quirky and really just, very sweet. I love that his whole barrier to getting to know the rest of his pack a little better is all based on how he thinks they are going to respond to his unique colouration. Plus, it’s also the reason that he just can’t fight and is all kinds of passive in moments. Honestly, I just really liked everything about Dale’s character and voice. I remember liking it the first time around, but, if anything it was more enjoyable this time around.

Ethel was a great counter point to Dale – she is aggressive and assertive, and kind of, completely unhinged. I love that she is also part elf, and this just adds to the unhinged, violent aspects of her personality. I also really enjoyed the fact that Ethel’s dominance works well for Dale, and that he is more than happy to let Ethel be the loud and aggressive one. Not to say that Dale doesn’t get aggressive at moments, but it is far more entertaining to see how he gently manipulates the situations to suit his own dastardly desires.

I love that the big mystery in all of this (and the secondary story to the romance) is all about who is actually trying to turn people into lycanthropes. And, when it’s discovered who, and why, the logic is… lacking. I love that Blain casts the villain as someone who is a total and utter moron. And really not all that villainous if I’m being honest, mostly they’re just a bit of a blundering idiot who doesn’t quite think through their actions. I found it laughable, even though it is painfully reminiscent of just how stupid real villainous individuals can be.

Of everything that I liked about this story, it was the scene in which Dale just… obliterates the black pixie and deals with the bounty. The entire imagery of a purple werewolf smashing a black pixie into a tree and totally destroying him has stuck with me from my first read through. Then he just increases the chaos and continues to wreak havoc, not only on the pixie and his fellow lycanthrope, but also Ethel’s family. The way Dale deals with them, admittedly, had me cackling out loud at moments.

Image source: Amazon

Title: Owl Be Yours ReRead
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Even in the reread, Emily’s unwillingness to claim her status as a lycanthrope still kind of confuses me. But, then again, in doing a whole lot of study in counselling and minorities, I suppose lycanthropy is a minority status, and yeah… I begin to get it. Not everyone wants to have to deal with the prejudice and systematic discrimination that is obviously rife in this world. I find it interesting that originally, and even whilst rereading Owl Be Yours, I was constantly wondering about this. But, it wasn’t until I really started to take on board my diversity understanding to really understand why she may not choose to do this.

There was a level of delightfulness in Emily’s desire for violence throughout this story. It had me laughing and smiling throughout. I particularly loved how, as violent as Emily got, Daniel was very willing to just… go along with it. I particularly love how she ties her violent tendencies of revenge in with her happily ever after chances. It had me laughing, smiling, and shaking my head in humour.

As much as I really enjoyed this story as a reread, the thing that I really want to know more about the mating rituals of Ural Owls. I don’t even know if this is a real species (but I’m presuming that it is), but I want to know more about it anyway. I mean, the idea of giving of food and performing acts to prove your worth is fun. I particularly like how stressed out Daniel is when he doesn’t get to perform his acts of service to his standards.

Owl Be Yours is a great, simple and easy read. I really enjoyed it the first time, and I thoroughly enjoyed it just as much on the second read through. There’s a reason why I am seriously enjoying this reread of the series. And Owl Be Yours is a perfect example of this – a shorter read, a fun one. And one that I will definitely pick up again in the future.

Image source: Amazon

Title: Whatever For Hire ReRead
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

ReReading Whatever for Hire after reading through most of the published Magical Romantic Comedies (with a Body Count) makes it somehow even more hilarious. I mean, her entanglements with the Devil were always entertaining for me to read about, but they somehow get better with the knowledge of the rest of the series. Plus, I feel like this is the first of the books in the series which really starts to dig deep into the idea of an overarching storyline. Plus, again, with the knowledge of the rest of the series, I can see where the events of Kanika’s story are touched upon in other stories within the series. Which, of course, meant, that, as much as I loved this for the first read through, reading through it again was even better.

Even though I knew (this time around) what species Malcolm actually is, I loved finding all of the little breadcrumbs and trying to figure it out all over again. And, even in a reread, it wasn’t actually that obvious just what he is. Which, again, I absolutely loved. It was fun trying to find all of the hints, and wondering if I could piece them together organically. Then, there’s the nature of Malcolm’s curse – I’m actually still not entirely sure of the entirety of what his curse entails, but it was a good bit of extra information. Maybe next time I choose to reread this series, I’ll be better able to pick up more about the curse…

Normally I really zone in on the lead female of a paranormal romance, I read women who write strong women for a reason, after all. But, although I absolutely adored Kanika and thoroughly enjoyed her adventures, there is something about Satan that really made me laugh. I’m not sure what it is, but Satin’s (I mean Satan’s), entire storyline and personna throughout this series is really endearing, and often leaves me laughing out loud. With much enthusiasm, and to the sometimes shock of my Fur Babies. He is just such a joyously manipulative being of chaos, one that is endearingly sweet at times, even if he is supposed to be the opposite of Order.

Even if this was a reread, I really didn’t want to put it down. It was light, funny and all kinds of wonderful. Just the perfect book to pick up when life is feeling chaotic and seriously insane. Plus, because I’m beginning to believe that there is rarely a good romance without at least a little bit of violence, this has violence and chaos in spades. Something I can 100% get behind and continue to jump on board with. Now onto the next book, Fowl Play, for more magic, mayhem, and just all round enjoyable chaos.

Image source: Amazon

Title: Serial Killer Princess ReRead
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2018

I shouldn’t like stories which feature violent and unhinged women so much. And it’s probably seriously problematic that I really loved this novella – a story of a serial killer of serial killers. I mean, I kind of get it, but still… I loved this and I loved it just as much on the reread as the first time I dived into its pages. Part of this may also just be due to the fact that throughout the whole story, Tulip is constantly aware that she is not making “good” decisions. In fact, most of Tulip’s internal dialogue, if it isn’t scheming, is trying to figure out how to be less of a psycho. Which, of course, just makes her seem more psychotic.

I can’t say that I’ve ever thought about what the offspring of a mermaid and a gorgon would be like. Particularly not a Mermaid Queen and Gorgon King – particularly within this story, it provides a great and entertaining child. I also loved how Tulip’s very existence helped Blain to further explain the intricacies of Gorgon society. And Mermaid society, but having read the series before, I didn’t pay as much attention to the mermaids – they don’t seem to be mentioned again. I would actually quite enjoy having more mermaids in the series though…

The idea of a Black Mamba absolutely freaks me out. Particularly one that is giant, and so toxic that it concerns even the Gorgons. I did read this half expecting to have a nightmare about the idea of a reptile / Black Mamba shifter. But, somehow, I didn’t. And, I don’t get the privilege of reading many stories which feature shapeshifters. The difficulties of being a creature without limbs was also investigated – I hadn’t actually thought of what the challenges would be if I didn’t have any limbs at all, so that definitely intrigued me, as much as it still totally freaks me out.

Although this was a reread, I couldn’t quite remember how the couple ended up together. I did remember that they are both species that don’t necessarily get along in the wild. But the brilliance of making the hunted do the hunting had me laughing. There is a bit of truth in loving the thrill of the chase (especially when you are the one who is enjoying the reading of the nonsense), and how it worked out was truly brilliant. And hilarious. And just showed how manipulative and well thought out the entire romance is.

Image source: Amazon

Title: Hearth, Home, and Havoc
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Hearth, Home and Havoc is a great little novella, one that focuses quite a bit on being controlled and getting revenge. I mean, some of it is justice. But, mostly it just feels like a whole lot of revenge on a bastard who truly deserves it. And then there’s the goddess aspect within the story. And the cute government agent. And the mother who has lost touch with her children. All gorgeous aspects of this story that build and build into a wonderfully fun and somewhat violent novella. My favourite kind.

Running away from your problems and digging a giant hole to literally hide the body is maybe not the best ever coping mechanism. But it is one that I really appreciated and could definitely get behind. It was funny, cathartic and an all round pleasure to read. I particularly like that the lead knows that digging a giant hole to drown a body in isn’t the healthiest or sanest option. But, she continues to do it anyway. Plus, she acknowledges that she is 100% having a break from reality, but just chooses to continue dealing with it / going with it without fanfare. Again, maybe not the best coping mechanism, but maybe one I should try the next time I feel overwhelmed… just digging a giant hole and imagining (ceremoniously) burying my problems deep in the ground.

Although the coping mechanisms in this may not be the best, I love that the importance of therapy is mentioned again and again. In fact, it is visited and revisited at multiple times throughout the novella. With each and every horrible past action revealed, the idea of, and attendance at, therapy is revisited. The normalcy with which this is mentioned was great. I love that it was a fabric of reality to recover from past trauma, without judgement and without stigma attached. I wish this could happen in real life.

Finally, I love that this story centres around the mortal mother of the Goddess of Hearth and Home. And that this little growing deity is all about making sure her Mum is happy and healthy. She not only is the driver of a lot of the interactions and positives within this story, but also the instigator of change. She protects her Mum in the best way she knows how (but with an adolescent mindset), and her Mum in turn tries to protect her. It’s just a gorgeous little novella and signified the unbelievably wonderful strength of a mother-daughter connection.

Image source: Smashwords

Title: Hoofin’ It
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Shane and Marian are a great and fun couple, and I love going on the journey with them in Hoofin’ It to find their happily ever after. The fact that it starts with a spitting alpaca, a dead body and a shaved werewolf. Well, of course I’m going to enjoy the heck out of that nonsense. It was funny, sweet (in moments) and just all round a whole lot of fun. I might have been on this journey before, but I enjoyed everything about going on it again. It was just such glorious, unrestrained fun!

Where Shane and Marian were an incredibly fun couple, introducing Ernesto and his brood; and the Babylonians might be an aspect of this story that I enjoyed even more. The Babylonians in particular were just pure chaos demons. Which I loved. They just produced chaos, carnage and insanity wherever they went. Then there were the mounts (of which there were a variety) who just wanted to eat all the human flesh and devour the hordes of evil. Again, absolutely loving the nonsense that is produced by the Babylonians getting involved in the final battle.

Then there’s Ernesto and his clan – they are just beautiful and I vaguely recall something about them coming up at different points later in the series. Their introduction feels so “everyday”, but they are an integral aspect to the patchwork that is the world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) series. Understanding this on the reread meant that I paid a whole lot more attention to Ernesto and his family, and all of the information that is shared about them. I’m not really into vampires per se these days (Twilight absolutely ruined them for me), but I did like Blain’s take on them and the way that they are interwoven into the series.

Back to Marian and Shane though, I love that Marian starts out as an alpaca. Then gets turned back into being a human. Then you realise that she can actually shift into a badger. I’m kind of disappointed that there wasn’t more about Marian turning into a badger. I mean, we have Shane figuring out what animal he shifts into, and spending a bit of time in his animal form. But Marian didn’t have that pleasure, and I really wanted it. But that’s okay, because there are other awesome shifters to come in the rest of this series. Hence the reread.

Image source: Kobo

Title: Playing with Fire
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

I honestly don’t know why I love Playing with Fire so much. For some books that I love, I can wax on and off about just why I love them so much. But for Playing with Fire and the rest of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) series, I’m not entirely sure what it is that keeps pulling me back in. Yet, even though this was a reread, I just couldn’t put this down. I’m pretty sure that I’ve read this from cover to cover both read throughs. I laughed, I smiled and I just enjoyed each and every word of chaos as it unfolded in my mind’s eye.

Bailey has some serious self confidence issues – I kind of picked it up on my first read through, but on this reread… wow. I just couldn’t even handle / stomach some of her comments and just how sad they were. I mean, it’s a testament to how good of a writer Blain is – she manages to take some serious symptoms of abuse and trauma and make them kind of lighthearted. I mean, Bailey’s parents are truly evil and cruel, and of course their child is going to end up with some major trauma. But how is it that not until the second read through, I actually pick up on the total and utter lack of self confidence and self worth. It was really only because of parts of later Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) stories that I think I even picked up on it this time…

Although I love a good, subtle courtship, Quinn’s was too subtle even for me. I mean, he’s been chasing the same woman for how many years and no one is any wiser about it. But, I did love, that when he realises that the object of his affections doesn’t understand that she’s on the receiving end, he decides to up the ante and take control. The taking control part of Quinn’s courtship was kind of adorable. And although I don’t read these books for the steamy factor, it did increase that a little bit. Not in the same way as some of the more X-rated paranormal romances that I read, but in a warm and pleasant way.

The use of Cindercorns (I wonder if they’re based on anything in mythology, or just the author’s imagination?) is still one of my favourite things. Not only is a violent, fire-breathing unicorn just the best thing ever. But, Bailey gets to go on a drunken napalm bender in her Cindercorn form. The fact that she levels a building, saves the world and just generally acts all kinds of violent cute? That makes it all so much better. I freaking love Cindercorns and everything that they bring to the mayhem of Blains’ Magical Romantic Comedy world.

Image source: Kobo