Rock Paper Scissors

Ordinary Magic #4

by Devon Monk

Three Ordinary Magic novellas now in audio! Rock Just an Ordinary Halloween... Police officer Jean Reed doesn't normally mind pulling the graveyard shift in Ordinary Oregon. But one mob of cursed gnomes, one haunted harbor festival, and one chilling visit from Death makes this October stranger than most. Paper One magical holiday. Some assembly required... Police Chief Delaney Reed loves the holidays in Ordinary, Oregon. But when a demon, a dragon, and a god bearing unusual gifts get thrown on top of her to do list, Delaney must roll up her sleeves and make this holiday unforgettable. Scissor This Valentine's Day there's more than hearts at risk... Police officer Myra Reed prefers her life orderly, predictable, and logical. But she must take on a stalker, a crossroads deal, and a dangerous spell that could reveal the one secret she's buried she might be falling in love with a demon.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Magic, Audiobook, Mystery

248 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 2018

About the author

Devon Monk is a national best selling writer of urban fantasy. Her series include Ordinary Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic and Shame and Terric. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story which can be found in her collection: A Cup of Normal, and in various anthologies. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rock Paper Scissors: Ordinary Magic Stories
(Ordinary Magic #4)
by Devon Monk
This book had 3 short books in it. One book from the view of each of the cop sisters.
We have zombie gnomes with Jean! Lol! Delaney uses her new gift, A dragon in the shape of a little pig! Lastly, Myra finds a crossroad demon and tries to use the demon to get info. But her heart is falling for the demon in Ordinary.
Great fun!

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really having a great time in this sleepy little ordinary town where the gods come to vacation and there are a few supernaturals about.

This has three short stories one from each sister's PoV. I was really excited to get into the heads of the other sisters. The Halloween story with the gnomes was my favorite by far. We finally get to get into Jean's head and it is fun in there. She is pretty hilarious and just as relationship challenged as her other sisters. The gnome story is fun and finding out who her boyfriend 'really' is was more fun. Also Death hanging out in his costume during Halloween was hilarious.

The second story is set at Christmas as Delaney and Ryder are figuring out their relationship a little more. It is cute and we are introduced to the best pet ever. A dragon that likes to be disguised as a pig. OMG I want one. This is a cute heartfelt story that was kinda adorable.

Last but definitely not least is Myra running into a crossroads ghost sorta in Ordinary, sorta not in Ordinary. Also she has agreed to a few dates with a Demon who she cannot deny much longer she has the hots for, if only he didn't have her sister's soul. Still he is trying to win her over and might be making a little headway on the last of the sisters whose first instinct is to run away from anything with the potential to get serious. There is also some weird stalker thing happening that is just kind of hilarious when it is all figured out.

Overall these are just fun shorts to enjoy and get to know the sisters and ordinary a little better. Also I'm a bit jelly of Myra's library, Delaney's new Dragon-pig pet and all the delicious pastries Jean's man makes. Something to love in every story.

[Niki Hawkes - The Obsessive Bookseller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This!!!! This is that quirky, small town filled with interesting gods and supernaturals that I’ve been missing. It represents the best of what the series has to offer, and provided a great reinvigoration from the disappointment that was book 3. Actually a set of three novellas, there’s enough meaningful plot progression that it counts as a fourth installment and shouldn’t be skipped. My favorite of the three was the Halloween one with the gnomes. It’s such a shame this series has been so hit or miss because it truly is a delight when it’s on its game.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute slice of life / holidays in Ordinary.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like these books and these characters and these short stories were a lot of fun. Important to read these after you already read book 3 or 4, or they won't make as much sense in a character development and story arc kind of way.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. We got to meet some new characters and we got to know Delaney's sisters a bit better. Gnomes on Halloween, Myra falling for the "devil" and so much more. This book kept me wanting to read more and find out what happens next in the town of Ordinary. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will absolutely read anything by Devon Monk. She is one of my most favorite authors. This is a set of three stories in the Ordinary Magic series. Each story is about one of three sisters who are police officers in the town of Ordinary, Oregon. A town where gods and other supernaturals go to vacation and live in peace. Or as much peace as possible.
It's a little more romance-y than I usually care for but I ease my mild aversion for action in the sheets instead of the butt-kicking on the streets since it's fairly slight and it's this town and these sisters and the goin's on with the gods and supernaturals that reside. They make me laugh as much as raise eyebrows at the mysteries and activities of the residents.
I can definitely recommend this book of short stories and this series and definitely this author.

[Tomer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an adorable read with a few holiday related stories that only Ordinary can entertain. A most cozy and heart warming collection perfect for the merry season.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining. Any time I get to take a trip to Ordinary Oregon it is a good day. This gem holds three novellas featuring the Reed sisters. Witty, humorous and touching these three novellas have it all.
Halloween trouble with Jean Reed in Rock Candy.
Christmas trouble with Delany Reed.
Valentine trouble with Myra Reed.
What more could you want?

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series: Ordinary Magic #4
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

This is a collection of the three holiday novellas: Rock Candy, Paper Stars, and Scissor Kisses.

Rock Candy

This is a Halloween novella told from Police Officer Jean, Delaney’s sister. Jean has to deal with garden gnomes that come alive only for the month of October and cause chaos. She also is trying to figure out how to talk to Hogan about their relationship and if they are officially a couple now.

I really like that we are finally getting a story told from one of the other Reeds. Jean was a fun character who is very optimistic and bubbly, even if she does deal with a powerful ability that alerts her to danger. Jean’s struggle with her feelings for Hogan were understandable and I enjoyed getting to see them working on their relationship. Also, Hogan was a surprise in what he can do and it makes so much more sense why he hasn’t panicked about all the stuff happening in town.

The whole garden gnomes coming to life in October was very amusing and fun. It made for an enjoyable Halloween novella.. I really would love to see the garden gnomes pop up again in the future because they are amusing. Also I really enjoyed Death’s reappearance in this and his Halloween costume.

Paper Stars

This is a Christmas novella told from Delaney’s POV. This is Ryder and Delaney’s first Christmas together but things are not going how Delaney expected. Ryder has been out on a job for two months and hasn’t been in contact much. But at the last minute he tries to make it back so they can have their first official Christmas.

It doesn’t really surprise me that Delaney is struggling with her relationship to Ryder or that it is a bit rocky while he has been gone for so long. As they have shown in previous books, these two really struggle to talk to each other and admit their feelings. While I don’t love that we keep seeing it happen, I did like that they finally talked it out and admitted they loved each other.

This novella also had an adorable little supernatural animal in it and I really hope we see more of it in the next book. I really want to know what else it can do and how it can affect the demon Bathan.

Scissor Kisses

This is a Valentine’s Day novella told from Myra’s POV and involves a potential stalker, the demon Bathan flirting with her, and a new demon. Like I said above, I love that we are finally getting some POV of the other sisters because I have really wanted to know more about them.

Myra has been the capable and quiet one of the group. She is the one who has read all the Reed family books to find out how to deal with demons and other supernaturals. I ended up really liking her and how determined she is to save her sister. She is just a capable woman who is determined to protect her family and town, and I am here for that.

Myra and Bathan have been circling each other since they met. Myra states she is determined to free her sister but we quickly learn in this that she is attracted to Bathan and doesn’t want to actually hurt him. I will be interested in seeing how their relationship plays out in the future, especially since in this Myra gets a powerful weapon that can be used against demons. Also I want to know if Myra’s neighbor is going to appear again because I love that a cryptid has appeared in town.

[Annie Yotova · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 4th book in the series collects three novellas - each set during a holiday and each dealing with one of the sisters and her love life. The gods are mostly missing (as Delaney's trick at the end of the previous novel meant that they need to leave for an year). The rest of the community shows up here and there but the stories are more about the Reeds than about Ordinary.

"Rock Candy" takes place during October, culminating at Halloween. So what is so interesting about October you would ask? Well, there is a curse and all garden gnomes become alive... during the nights anyway. Except that the usual orderly progression of things go a bit weird when it turns out that the chief gnome had been killed. Meanwhile, the baker Hogan, who just happens to be Jean Reed's current boyfriend, has more secrets than you would expect - including the identity of his parents. So off everyone goes looking for the murderer of a garden gnome while Jean needs to decide if she wants a long term relationship (and the secret helps for a change...)

"Paper Stars" is the Christmas story. Ryder Bailey had been away on a job site and Delaney is prepared to spend the holidays on her own. Until he decides to come home - and things get complicated. By the end of the story, everyone is still alive (not without a certain demon's help), there is a dragon masquerading as a pig and everyone is back to normal. Normal for Ordinary anyway.

"Scissor Kisses" is the Valentine story but it is also the only story where there the love story is not resolved (in a way, it is a prequel for the next novel even if it is a story on its own). Myra Reed does not expect much from the holiday and having a demon show up out of nowhere (another one, Bathin at this point is a somewhat known quality) is a bit distressing. Then it turns out she needs Bathin's help to deal with the other intruder and something in Myra's heart is tugging towards the demon. In a very romantic way. Except that she is also looking at how to get her sister's soul back and banish him forever. Oh, and guess which God decides that this is the perfect time to come back? Apparently the God of Love really does not like Valentine's day.

While the 3 novellas were entertaining, I wish there was more of a difference between the three sisters' voices. Ignore what is happening and you will be hard pressed to determine which sister is telling you a story. That will probably smooth out a bit as the series progresses and it is not really a major problem even if it does not but if you read the 3 novellas back to back, it is noticeable.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Where I Fit Stars

Rock Paper Scissors is three novellas and book number four in the Ordinary Magic series by Devon Monk.

Rock Candy:
It's so nice to get to see Ordinary, Oregon through Jean's eyes. It's one thing to realize she's hiding something when it comes to her doom-feeling powers. It's something else entirely to understand how much of downside there is to such a small window of warning. But I am thankful that it seems she will have her half-jinn boyfriend and muffin man to help through the darkest nightmares.
I love that we not only got another taste of Death and how he adorably loves stepping into mortal happenings, like dressing up for Halloween, and caring for the Daughter Reed sisters. But also to have the hilarity of zombie gnomes be a part of my life.

Paper Stars:
Finally, these two love birds admit and accept their love for each other. While they did have a terrible scare, and Myra may have promised more than she's ready for to save Ryder, it was a cute little Christmas Ordinary style.
I am however, more than ever, worried about Bathin and the King of Hell who is probably after him... What that has to do with him being Black Heart, and a dragon pig? Who knows...

Scissor Kisses:
Oof. The heat that Myra and Bathin put off in this dance of attraction they're doing is something else. I don't think they can ever truly become something until his past is no longer a mystery. He would have to be willing to sacrifice for her to trust him fully...
While we have been given some answers to Bathin's past, his weird relationship with his mother, the gold scissors of pain and consequences. There is still far too much left unsaid.
It was nice meeting Eros or Bo. And I enjoyed the introduction to a new and socially awkward creature inhabiting Ordinary, Oregon.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of three shorts, each from one of the Reed sister's point of view:
Rock Candy: In this novella featuring Jean Reed, police officer and the Police Chief’s sister, we have a Halloween celebration complete with a haunted harbor festival, zombie gnomes, and a visit from Death himself. Then there's Jean’s anxiety over her sixth month anniversary with boyfriend Hogan and where their relationship is going, which is totally not like her usual casual flings. The quirky characters and fun story line was entertaining as usual, but with a bit less mayhem and a bit more romance - which was just fine with me.
Paper Stars: The Reed sisters are the police that keep the vacationing gods and the monsters in the town of Ordinary in line. Delaney Reed, the police chief, has a lot of responsibility, but this close to Christmas, she’s missing her boyfriend, Ryder Bailey, who has been out of town for two months. If only she could hear those three little words from him, all would be right with the world. These stories always have some humor in them, usually a bit of suspense or danger, and a scoop of romance as well. I especially enjoyed the hilarious scene in the diner with the old man and his obscene gestures, while Delaney was on the phone with Ryder. Of course, there are always strange things going on, including the annoying demon that owns her soul, a dragon that looks like a pig, a missing penguin statue and a trickster god giving her gifts. But there’s also Christmas magic in the air, so all will come right in the end.
Scissor Kisses: A Valentine's story featuring Myra and the demon, Bathin. He's had control of her sister's soul, but there's something about him she's having a hard time resisting. She's determined to get Delaney's soul back, no matter what it takes. Lots of crazy antics going on in Ordinary for Valentine's Day, this was a fun story.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars... This is a collection of three novellas in the "Ordinary Magic Series"... Each story follows a different Reed sister in her quest for love while living in a supernatural world... I really enjoyed getting an in depth look at both Jean and Myra and hearing their voices share their hopes and fears... The final story focusing on Myra and Bathin segues into the next full length novel, "Dime a Demon"... The chemistry between these two was off the charts; I also want to dig deeper into Bathin's past and his true intentions in Ordinary as well as for Myra... So looking forward to this read:)

[Silver James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying this series. The characters are endearing, there's romance, and humor. Three sisters. Three stories in this book covering Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. Gods, demons, and supernaturals plus the Reed sisters--cops in Ordinary, Oregon and sworn to protect the otherwordly and humans alike. Fun times. A very solid 4.5 stars.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ordinary is far far away from Ordinary. I wish I lived there.

I met Devon Monk through Allie Beckstrom and this is another great series. Devon you can't write quick enough. So we're back in Ordinary with a fun, entertaining trio of short stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm now off to the next in the series. If this is the first book in the series you have picked up I would recommend that you start at the beginning of the series to avoid any spoilers you won't be disappointed that you did.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun stories

It took me a while to read the book as it's not my typical genre (I'm usually a romance person). But I did enjoy it.

A friend told me about the gnomes and I was hooked at the snippets she sent so I had to read it myself. Hehe. Then I enjoyed the other stories on her sister's too. I think I'm going to read the next book as well because I'm intrigued by Myra and the demon. Hehe. Hopefully I'll actually focus on the next book instead of picking it up for a couple pages and putting it back down for long periods of time. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 novellas

1 about each sister. It let us get to know Jean and Myra better. Myra's novella was the best because the hot factor between her and Bathin. Whew boy. I don't know what I think about a whole Myra book because she lies to herself a lot and just doesn't really pay attention to her own feelings much.

I have a hard time with I will sacrifice all for others heroine because they deserve to be happy and who cares about me. We shall see.

[Teri B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just the quick, easy and entertaining read I was looking for, getting back into Ordinary Oregon where the Gods go on vacation and things are not what they seem.

Loved all three novellas which touch down on halloween, Xmas and Valentine's Day and are just as hilarious, quirky and full of imagination as the rest of the series.

Let there be more of the series, with gnomes, dragons, demons and other gods on vacation in Ordinary Oregan.

[Amanda Kratz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually almost skipped this one. I knew it was 3 short stories and not an actual book and figured eh, but then I realized it was book 4 of the series and well… I’m so glad I chose to read them.

The first story is Jean and Halloween and crazy zombie gnomes.

The second is Delaney and Christmas and paper stars

And the Third is Myra and Valentines and the demon. Yay the demon. I am cheering for that romance all the way. I can’t wait for the next book. Yay demon.

[Chetana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

This was a change of pace from the books that came before it. There was action, but a lot more like a cozy mystery than anything high stakes. Though there were emotional stakes, the stakes w.r.t. the plot, not so much. Which was a welcome change. I also loved that the 3 parts of the book corresponded with each of the Reed sisters and hearing their POV's gave me an insight into each of them. The series has been great fun so far and as always I hope to continue reading it.

[Una · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book did not live up to my expectations. While I enjoyed reading about the Reed girls getting their men, I think this author does much better when she has longer to develop and tell her story in a lot more depth. I absolutely loved this series so this ending was a bit of a let down.

[Misha · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I didn’t realize this was a set of stories from a series when I picked this up, but they don’t suffer for it at all. In fact I searched out the first from the library to read possibly. Sort of holiday collection stories, a bit of romance, but also fun in being introduced to the town of Ordinary.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't get enough of the Reed sisters? Luckily the trilogy cried out for more stories and Author Devon Monk complied. For that, I thank her muse. Before diving into the next full novel, readers are treated to a holiday special for each of the sisters.


To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but a heads up would have been nice

I liked these stories they were touching holiday shorts including Halloween Christmas and Valentine’s Day. They only problem I have is that I had already read these in previous books so I essentially purchased them twice. They were sweet but I should have saved my money.

[LJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Three novellas in one. These books are just filler. Nothing really moving forward just different perspectives. I guess it was nice to hear from the other sisters point of views but it wasn’t needed. Honestly any sister would be a better sherif than Delaney who I’m really starting to dislike, but sigh. I’m continuing with the series. Hopefully it gets better.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is set up like 3 novellas all told in different POV, which I typically hate … but the three sections are also covering special days - Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s, and a lot happens in the 4-5 months. I thought about skipping this book when I saw how it was divided, but it actually works! If you are a fan of the series, this is a must-read.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was basically an extended Christmas special with Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's specials... I liked it and I do think it's necessary to understand the evolution of the storyline, but I wish it were listed as book 3.5 instead of book 4, because it's 3 novellas with independent storylines, not a novel.

[Lbd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need a fun, quick read? Devon Monk's Ordinary Magic series is the one to pick up. Light reading after heavy brain work is the perfect solution to decompressing. Rock Paper Scissors is a good filler between the rest of the series.

[Amarinske · Rating 3 out of 5]

More romancy than the other books and short I've read in this series so far. I like the extra bit of world-building in here and that the novellas were set over three different holidays but this wasn't as good as the other books have been so far.