Tag Archives: R.J. Blain

Up in Smoke by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Up in Smoke
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: The Fox Witch #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Jade and Sandro are an entertaining couple, and it was interesting leaving them at the conclusion of Outfoxed. Now, they begin to dive deeper into the mystery of the Tulsa twisters and all of the death and destruction that has caused. I mean, I love a good mystery, and it was fun trying to figure out motives alongside Jade and Sandro. Plus, just the usual shenanigans and humour that I look forward to when reading a Blain story.

I was expecting a whole lot more New Orleans and the New Orleans Queens. And honestly, I was kind of disappointed that I wasn’t getting more! Jade and Sandro spent a sadly short time with the queens, and even Sandro’s family. But, I’m hoping that the conclusion of this trilogy will lead to more shenanigans across the border in New Orleans. Plus, I love that they’re a bloodthirst, matriarchal lot who were incredibly happy to hunt down those who wished harm on others.

Jade’s willingness to work with what she has and manipulate the situation is one of the reasons that I absolutely adore her. And why I loved this series from the very first page. Plus, she takes such total pride in her fox tail and ears. I love the fact that her personality and cunning reflect her fox-nature. That, and she is such a competent witch makes her impossible not to love.

I would’ve found Jade’s total food obsession annoying and a bit over the top. If I wasn’t just as food obsessed at times – I mean, I completely understand being solely motivated by food at times. A lot of times. I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about food. And what I’m going to eat next, and who is going to supply said food… probably another reason why I love Jade – she’s just as food obsessed as I am… but has cooler superpowers.

<- OutfoxedMore R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Goodreads

Booked for Murder by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Booked for Murder
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Vigilante Magical Librarians #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Let’s face it, any book that is called Booked for Murder and is the first in a series titled Vigilante Magical Librarians is going to draw me in. I’m a total book dragon, kind of half convinced that a library might be a good place for me to exist (but then I’d never actually help anyone, because books) and then there’s the whole, vigilante spin. There is literally nothing about this that isn’t going to draw me in and have me hooked from pretty much the very beginning. That, and then you have the whole spin that Janette is an ex-bodyguard who is kind of hiding out from her previous, and very sexy, employer. The perfect storm of absolute joy and an impossible to put down book.

Even after finishing this story, I couldn’t get the idea of an exsanguinator out of my head. Particularly the many different medical applications that Janette used her talent for. I mean, yeah, the obvious shooting blood out of orifices and killing people works. But I love how it’s also used to stop traumatic bleed outs, for blood transfusions, to remove impurities from the blood… there were so many aspects to the human body that were delved into within this. Although most of this story was focused on the murders and the more violent aspects of exsanguination, it was all of the medical and life saving parts that I really honed in on. I love the idea of a skill that is both offensive and protective.

Alongside the magic and the mayhem, there is the hint of romance in the air. A bit like in The Fox Witch, Janette finds herself in a betrothal to protect her from others… it’s disturbing how this is common and no even remotely surprising. But, I do have the idea that, although her ex-boss might not have instigated this engagement, he’s fully supportive of it. In fact, as the story unfolded, it was pretty obvious that the Hamptons thought of Janette as more family than employee, they just didn’t know how to show their emotions. I’m looking forward to finding out more about how these social and emotional entanglements unfold in Booked for Kidnapping.

The other thing I’m really looking forward to in Booked for Kidnapping is finding out just who is behind all of the murder and mayhem throughout this story. It’s obvious that it’s a pretty big conspiracy that is being machinated behind the scenes. But, as to which shadowy conspiracy it is, remains a mystery. Plus, it’s fun to figure out the how and the why. There’s also a whole lot of social commentary that Blain has managed to sneak into this story. But, mostly I will focus on the shadow conspiracies and whodunnit I think.

One of the most cheerful and enjoyable parts of social commentary throughout Booked for Murder though is the importance of libraries and librarians. And, how underfunded the public sector is. I mean, I might live in Australia and not the USA, but its definitely a universal issue. Amongst the murder and mayhem, there is the constant drive for the characters to find the funding for their library. And the many ways in which they are able to use research and public resources to better a multitude of peoples’ lives. Libraries are important. Even if they are based in a paranormal world with lots of murder…

<- More R.J. BlainBooked for Kidnapping ->

Image source: Amazon

Hypnos by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hypnos
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Seeking the Zodiacs #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I’m definitely having a whole lot of obsession over R.J. Blain at the moment. There’s just something about her writing that is hitting my happy spot at this point in my life. Then I read this book, and I’m also completely (not kind of, completely) obsessed with the idea of magic being caused by nuclear warfare. I mean, it’s something that still freaks us all out – but this is such an optimistic spin on it. Better than just a nuclear wasteland after the stupidity of those in power. To be honest, I also just loved this world building.

Olivia is such a strong voice and female lead. I love that within the GBI / law enforcement world, she’s one of the hardest hitters. But instead of doing this by emulating ‘masculinity’ she does it with her own version of sass. That, and she’s also close to her family and more than willing to hide when overwhelmed and overtired.

I really loved the idea of not only setting this series on a post-apocalyptic, magic world. But also combining western and Chinese zodiacs. I’m assuming (hoping) that that means that there are 12 books planned out. It was really interesting how Blain combines multiple aspects of both systems to create Hypnos and the mayhem that follows. Its a unique idea, and I’m excited to find out how the other combinations work in Blain’s wonderful mind.

He only thing about this book that I’m really disappointed with is that it’s sequel is not yet out. I absolutely devoured this book and was smiling a LOT while reading it. This is a gritty and slightly horrifying world with at least one villain beautifully set up. And now I have to wait to read more… lucky I have a whole lot of Blain’s work still sitting in my TBR to catch up on in the meantime.

<- More R.J. BlainAchlys ->

Image source: Goodreads

Pack Justice by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Pack Justice
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Nature of the Beast #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

As with everything by R.J. Blain, I was completely obsessed with this story. I mean, there is just something great about Blain’s world building that makes me really, really happy. I love that in this story, the lead is not only a paranormal creature, part cheetah, part man, but also ends up being part werewolf too. The constant discussions between the three voices and identities in his brain are quite humorous and made me smile. I absolutely adored how its kind of reflective of the internal monologues and arguments that go on in my own mind – constant parts of myself arguing with one another.

Sean is a fun and great lead. I love the moments when he just, randomly decides to escape and take matters into his own hands. There’s very obviously no real thought process behind many of his actions. And I find it seriously hilarious the many moments when he just… runs away. I mean, some of the background as to why his characterization is like that is a little sad – some of it is funny. But a whole slew of self confidence issues inform Sean’s behaviors, ones that are created by Idette and her abusive decisions.

Andrea and Sean are a fantastic couple – I love that Sean is able to find a loving and supportive women to heal from his abusive past. But I really enjoyed how they danced around each other for absolutely years before finally just acknowledging their feelings. Plus, when they are finally able to show their love for one another, I love how cute they are straight off the bat. There’s also the fun antagonism of each other throughout. As someone who constantly enjoys poking fun at her loved ones, this dynamic made total sense to me. Particularly when they are also a competitive couple.

As with everything that I’ve read recently by R.J. Blain (which is a lot), I found this absolutely impossible to put down. I also just love the fact that most of the police force are Fenerec. I probably should’ve started a bit more with the Witch & Wolf books before getting into this because I do feel like I’ve missed a bit of the world building, but I was still completely hooked. Now I just have a whole new Blain world to get to know and disappear into…

<- More R.J. BlainDual Nature ->

Image source: Amazon

Murder Mittens by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Murder Mittens
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #17
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely loved the fact that Harri is a lynx shifter and all of the crazy shenanigans that being a shifter entails throughout the A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) series. Plus, Harri’s family is big and entirely certifiable. Which, just made me love them all that much more. Plus, I love that Harri is the only girl of like forty plus siblings, and that her parents just keep adding more… that’s a whole level of insanity that I can’t even fathom. But I kind of love.

Harri spends the entirety of this story making Sebastian roar – which, as someone who is slightly antagonistic at times, I can totally understand. I love that, even though she thinks she’s just being antagonistic and entertaining herself, she doesn’t quite realise that he’s courting her. The whole dynamic is more than a little humorous, and I love how the two of them work their way towards a relationship over the years without even realising it.

Murder Mittens might be my favourite ever assassin code name, it is kind of brilliant and hilarious. Plus, there is also the blood and insanity of her assassinations. I probably shouldn’t enjoy someone ripping out people’s throats as much as I do, but, there it is. I found Harri’s assassinations to be genuinely amusing, and the partnership of her approach and chosen victims was brilliant.

Harri’s family, as previously mentioned is absolutely hilarious. The whole family and dynamic is filled with cheerful chaos and mayhem. The amount of love that jumps of the page is adorable, and I love how they are so protective of each other. Yet, they are also entirely capable of letting her live her own life. Particularly when they find out about the job she moonlights in.

Alongside all of the murder, mayhem and romance joy that I normally find in this series, there is also the love and acceptance of Harri throughout. She is severely scarred and self-conscious. Yet, her family and Sebastian love her regardless. Though, I do love that Sebastian admits the difficulties that her scarring must lead to. And acknowledges how difficult it must be to be different in the world.

<- The Flame GameCatnapped ->

Image source: Amazon

Shadowed Flame by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Shadowed Flame
Author: R.J. Blain
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I really like when lead characters in a story are differently abled in some way, shape or form. In the case of Shadowed Flame, Matia is colourblind. I never really thought about how much influence colour actually has on our day to day lives. And what kinds of challenges this can lead to. I honestly hadn’t thought all that much about it, and now I want to read more stories featuring a colourblind lead!

This story was a little bit instalove, but at least they spend the majority of this story actually trying to get to know one another. And, it takes the majority of this story to actually consummate their relationship. It’s fun to learn more about both characters as the story unfolds. It’s obvious from the beginning that Matia is incredibly independent and strong willed, but as the story unfolds, you get a really good taste of this.

I liked the twist of Matia’s dad and family being Fenerick – it was a surprising twist. And one that was really fun. Plus, it also simplified a lot of things when Matia was actually turned. That, and then her grandparents got to be far more aggressive and involved than I had expected. I haven’t read many books set in the Witch & Wolf world, but I think that I need to read more. Particularly as I’m reading them out of order and feeling like I’ve missed a little bit of the world building.

I loved that the dominant female ended up partnered with a submissive wolf. And how, even if he is submissive, he’s still willing to go toe to toe for anyone for his mate. The dynamic is one that I don’t necessarily get to see often in the paranormal romances that I read, which made me thoroughly enjoy this different spin on a romance.

<- Beneath a Blood MoonMore R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Amazon

House Lost at Sea by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The House Lost at Sea
Author: R.J. Blain
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Pirates, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I wanted to love this novel a whole lot more than I did. I mean, I’ve loved absolutely everything about Blain’s books so far. But there was just something about this one that hit differently. Instead of diving for my ereader to continue with the story like I usually do, I was just… meh about it. I read Blain for the violence, fluff and humour, and although this had it all, I think my biggest issue was that there was a lot of build up, but not much action.

Probably the most repetitive aspect of the beginning of this was Ricardo. I mean, it made sense that Catalina was focused on him. There was a whole, enjoyable backstory there. But then it just kind of kept on going. I mean, I got that there was this fixation – but I wanted more of her past, not just the same focus. It made it a little boring to continue to read.

I absolutely adored the idea and execution of a pirate / shark shifter. Particularly since I’ve read a few books recently about the Golden Age of Pirates. I love all of the research that obviously went into this story. It’s obvious that Blain made a lot of effort to craft this story, and I really enjoyed that fact.

This was a good, fun story. But not one that I felt super excited about. Luckily I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the Blain books on my TBR!

<- More R.J. BlainMore pirates ->

Image source: Kobo

The Flame Game by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Flame Game
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

So far of the Bailey and Quinn stories, I actually liked this one the least. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, but it most certainly wasn’t my absolute favourite. I think I just wanted a lot more… something out of this than what I got. Whilst Bailey and Quinn’s happily ever after is pretty much set at this point, I think that I wanted a whole lot more of the getting there process. This felt a little like a novel that was tying up all of the loose ends, and maybe I just wanted a bit of a longer story to do so.

Having said all of that, this was still a really good and fun novel. I mean, Bailey gets to ride off into the sunset, pregnant and planning to adopt the whole damn world. Quinn is mostly just getting dragged along for the ride… happily and lovingly. I would’ve liked a little more doubt from Bailey as to the reality of Quinn’s love for her. She went from having some pretty ginormous issues, to being chaotically and happily violent in the blink of an eye. I wanted more issues damn it!

The overarching story line that threads throughout the three Bailey and Quinn books is the rabies outbreak and the conspiracy behind it. I liked how Blain was able to wrap up this story line and also pull in a few moments from other books within the series. Add to that the fact that Bailey spends this whole book pregnant, I really enjoyed the craziness of this whole story. Particularly the added complications and challenges of being a pregnant cindercorn. Pregnancy is crazy enough as it is, but to be a magical beast and pregnant? Probably not ideal.

As much as I love Perky and Perkette, I really want more of them! They are a funny pair, and I want to see how they handle being parents to quads. Two is enough crazy for me, but four at once? Born to a cop and a mad scientist? Yeah, that’s a story that I would love to read in the future! Even if they are just secondary characters yet again.

All in all this is a fun and sassy novel, like all of the other Blain books in my shelves. It left me laughing and giggling the whole time I was reading it. Although that’s the end of Bailey and Quinn’s story, I can’t wait to jump into the rest of the A Magical Romantic Comedy series. There is just something fun about the pure insanity that is the writing of Blain.

<- A Chip on Her ShoulderMurder Mittens ->

Image source: Amazon

Outfoxed by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Outfoxed
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: The Fox Witch #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Whilst I seriously loved this story, there were a lot of uncomfortable moments throughout. Mostly in the fact that this is a society structured in which women can be sold as ‘courtesans’. I mean, even the people who are inherent within this system acknowledge that its seriously wrong. So, although I loved Jade and her shenanigans, I also found the whole society in which she exists to be seriously not cool. Which, I feel is actually the point of this set up. I mean, what bigger obstacle to overcome than the very society in which you exist?

There is something about tornadoes that I find absolutely terrifying. It’s not something I’ve ever experienced, cyclones are the worst you get in Australia – but the whole premise that tornadoes are systematically destroying Jade’s home was a little goosebump raising. The constant devastation that Jade faces almost everyday is horrible. And then, there’s the moment when it’s realised that these tornadoes aren’t quite natural… it makes me want to dive into Up in Smoke to see where this chaos and horror is coming from. It’s definitely a little bit scary.

Throughout these adventures, Jade careens from chaotic challenge to chaotic challenge – particularly those that involve bounty hunters. I love her willingness to fight for freedom. To the point that she lives a life a whole lot more difficult just to maintain her freedom. Yet, she’s also intelligent in her actions in that she refuses to give up, even if it means making a difficult choice to guarantee her survival. Add to this the fact that Jade is someone who practices martial arts… yeah, there’s a number of reasons why I completely fell in love with her.

Outfoxed was one of those books that I stayed up way too late reading. Jade hooked me from the beginning, and although its obvious who she’s going to end up with, it was a fun journey to get to through the first part of their courtship. Unlike the other Blain books that I’ve read so far, this one doesn’t end with the happily ever after. Rather, there are more books to explore Jade’s relationship and hunt for revenge! I for one can’t wait!

<- More R.J. BlainUp in Smoke ->

Image source: Kobo

A Chip on Her Shoulder by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Chip on Her Shoulder
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #15
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

It took me a little bit longer to get through this book than the others in this series. Mostly just because I had a bit of hectic essays going on. But also because I found it a little bit more difficult to connect with Darlene. I mean, she was an absolutely fantastic character, and I still had my laugh out loud moments. But she also wasn’t someone I found much connection with in the grand scheme of things.

I do love that this novel went back in time a little bit. Not only did it give background to the Devil’s marriage, but it also provided some more information on both Kanika and Bailey. Two characters that I really did love. I love that, although there are hints of the world intertwining throughout this series, this is the novel that really highlights it. It’s very cool how everything slots in together so beautifully. And I can’t wait to see how this expands in the future.

Alongside revealing more information about some key characters in this series, this novel also gives more of a background into the whole end of days, battle type theme. I like how although it uses a lot of Christian theories, it’s also incorporating other beliefs and some of its own. The lore that keeps building is brilliant and made me particular happy. I love how all of the threads that have slowly been explained are coming to fruition now.

The level of violence and aggression that Darlene aspires to is kind of brilliant. Probably my favourite part of this whole book is just how feisty she is. There is no apology for being herself and no hints of shame, but there is a whole lot of willingness to mess with the people who have wringed her family. I may not have been able to connect with the leads in this story so much, but I was able to laugh at their banter and antics.

<- Grave HumorThe Flame Game ->

Image source: Amazon