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Magical Romantic Comedies #5
No Kitten Around
an alternate cover edition can be found here
Warning: This novel contains excessive humor, action, excitement, adventure, magic, romance, and bodies. Proceed with caution.
The last thing Reed Matthews needs in his life is a kitten, but when an orphaned tabby suckers him into becoming her caretaker, he’s in for the ride of his life. Add in an angel determined to meddle in his affairs, a devil with an agenda, and a bucketful of bad omens, and he’ll count himself fortunate if he survives the clash between heaven, hell, and his ex.
In this anything goes romp, there’s no kitten around: if Reed wants to survive and regain control of his life, his only hope lies in the hands of an elf and his ex, a woman he’s sworn to never see again.
Warning: This novel contains excessive humor, action, excitement, adventure, magic, romance, and bodies. Proceed with caution.
The last thing Reed Matthews needs in his life is a kitten, but when an orphaned tabby suckers him into becoming her caretaker, he’s in for the ride of his life. Add in an angel determined to meddle in his affairs, a devil with an agenda, and a bucketful of bad omens, and he’ll count himself fortunate if he survives the clash between heaven, hell, and his ex.
In this anything goes romp, there’s no kitten around: if Reed wants to survive and regain control of his life, his only hope lies in the hands of an elf and his ex, a woman he’s sworn to never see again.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2018
532 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Blain
84 books1,314 followersRJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
October 6, 2019
No!
No!
No!
I hate to even think about it....
NO!
I hate to say it....
.... But, this series is progressively getting worse.
This book was horrible!
Terrible!
Abhorrent!
The plot, the characters, the humor, the setting, the world building.... it was all lacking! And yet, it would have been far better if it had been properly edited!
Mind you, nowhere it would have come close to the first book in the series.... but, it could have been at least tolerable.
This series is supposed to be weird and even silly (AKA humorous), so that is what I was expecting. What I got instead was long, boring, hopeless novel that made no sense whatsoever. I couldn't follow the reasoning behind the entire book being written.
The real mystery is how I managed to finish this book, despite being so bad! This is such a contrast to first couple of books, which I actually reread.
No!
No!
I hate to even think about it....
NO!
I hate to say it....
.... But, this series is progressively getting worse.
This book was horrible!
Terrible!
Abhorrent!
The plot, the characters, the humor, the setting, the world building.... it was all lacking! And yet, it would have been far better if it had been properly edited!
Mind you, nowhere it would have come close to the first book in the series.... but, it could have been at least tolerable.
This series is supposed to be weird and even silly (AKA humorous), so that is what I was expecting. What I got instead was long, boring, hopeless novel that made no sense whatsoever. I couldn't follow the reasoning behind the entire book being written.
The real mystery is how I managed to finish this book, despite being so bad! This is such a contrast to first couple of books, which I actually reread.
May 2, 2022
So, some of the standard elements from "Magical Romantic Comedies" are still at play here. There is still heavy use of hybridization between multiple magical species. In this case, the protagonist is definitely part angel and part demon, with an unknown bit of extra DNA from some other species looming as a mystery. There is still talk about how the protagonist's hybrid heritage predisposes him toward some amount of monogamy. There is still a lot of planning for a murder. Once again, it becomes anticlimactic with a much shorter fight scene than the buildup suggested would take place.
As usual, the CDC shows up as a magical government superhero. In almost every book or short story in this universe, the CDC wants to help the protagonists with their legal and medical problems. They always want to run DNA tests on the protagonist to definitively prove what percentage of what species make up the protagonists' pedigree. But beyond that, they want to make arrangements for the protagonist to get time off work, or pay for hotel rooms, or help them access a legal settlement that the CDC otherwise had no involvement with. I have noticed that the author is starting to blend the CDC with the FBI, as is especially evident in this installment. The female protagonist is a "liaison between the CDC and the FBI." This produced questionable details, like the woman saying that she couldn't carry a gun in Indiana because she didn't have a conceal carry permit there. I was under the impression that as federal agents, the FBI is absolutely required to have agents carrying firearms at all times, no matter what state they're in. And that is setting aside the fact that in recent years the CDC has proved that it's nobody's hero.
10 or 20 years ago, it would have made a lot more sense for the CDC to come rushing in to a story wearing hazmat suits and setting up quarantine procedures. But since the Trump administration, the CDC has been gutted. I have heard that the CDC made a choice on its own to transform itself from a hands-on agency to more of an academic institution, just doing research and giving advice about how to handle health threats. This not only was a big fucking problem during Covid-19, but also it shows how these Magical Romantic Comedy books have an outdated understanding. I know that they're so clearly fictional (with demons and pixies flitting about everywhere), but it annoys me that I'm jealous of how hands-on this fictional CDC is.
*shrugs* It's fine.
As usual, the CDC shows up as a magical government superhero. In almost every book or short story in this universe, the CDC wants to help the protagonists with their legal and medical problems. They always want to run DNA tests on the protagonist to definitively prove what percentage of what species make up the protagonists' pedigree. But beyond that, they want to make arrangements for the protagonist to get time off work, or pay for hotel rooms, or help them access a legal settlement that the CDC otherwise had no involvement with. I have noticed that the author is starting to blend the CDC with the FBI, as is especially evident in this installment. The female protagonist is a "liaison between the CDC and the FBI." This produced questionable details, like the woman saying that she couldn't carry a gun in Indiana because she didn't have a conceal carry permit there. I was under the impression that as federal agents, the FBI is absolutely required to have agents carrying firearms at all times, no matter what state they're in. And that is setting aside the fact that in recent years the CDC has proved that it's nobody's hero.
10 or 20 years ago, it would have made a lot more sense for the CDC to come rushing in to a story wearing hazmat suits and setting up quarantine procedures. But since the Trump administration, the CDC has been gutted. I have heard that the CDC made a choice on its own to transform itself from a hands-on agency to more of an academic institution, just doing research and giving advice about how to handle health threats. This not only was a big fucking problem during Covid-19, but also it shows how these Magical Romantic Comedy books have an outdated understanding. I know that they're so clearly fictional (with demons and pixies flitting about everywhere), but it annoys me that I'm jealous of how hands-on this fictional CDC is.
*shrugs* It's fine.
November 4, 2018
R. J. Blain is a very hit-or-miss author for me. When she's writing about crazy situations that the characters get themselves into, the stories can be hilarious. When she's writing dialogue, they are torturous. And when she tries to explain how the magic works, the contorted explanations don't always make sense. I like the world she's built, and I like the slapstick, crazy-mishaps humor. I HATE the repetitive dialogue. If two characters have a conversation, then one of the characters calls a third character, under no circumstances should the reader be subjected to the first and third character having the exact same conversation the first and second character JUST HAD. The author does this ALL THE TIME. It's infuriating to read. Every time I read a passage where she makes this mistake, I waiver on whether it's really worth it to keep buying and reading the stories in this series. When she does focus on action, they can be really funny, but ONLY when she cuts down on dialogue and focuses on action. Her dialogue is MUCH too repetitive and all the characters have the exact same sense of humor. I'm on the fence.
This one is about a mixed-breed man and his FBI former fiance reconciling. There are angels and devils involved, as well as a kitten and puppy, a kidnapping, a plane crash, wrongful imprisonment and exoneration, and learning sword-fighting from an elf.
This one is about a mixed-breed man and his FBI former fiance reconciling. There are angels and devils involved, as well as a kitten and puppy, a kidnapping, a plane crash, wrongful imprisonment and exoneration, and learning sword-fighting from an elf.
September 15, 2022
R.J. Blain's imagination always blows my mind away 🤯 How she took "ordinary" paranormal races like angels, demons, and elves and made them completely new and interesting. Every book in this series is not related (plot-wise) but they are all set in the same world.
No Kitten Around tells us a bit more about angels, among other things. I was looking forward to learn more about them. the whole concept that they have no head is just so 🤯
Overall, fun read.
No Kitten Around tells us a bit more about angels, among other things. I was looking forward to learn more about them. the whole concept that they have no head is just so 🤯
Overall, fun read.
November 17, 2023
Reed Matthew's spent two years in solitary confinement in jail convicted of killing a man. That the man he killed was.a violent.rapist,.that he kept to.himself, in order to spare the man's potential victim. His.confinement cost him a great deal,.his peace of mind for one, after so long alone he now.suffers.panic attacks and has a lot of.trouble relating to people, although to be honest that's always been a problem for.him. You see Reed is the grandchild of two triads, two Angel s an Incubus.a.Succubus and two humans (with a smattering of.something extra just for good measure) make.up.his.genetics,.This has left Reed with the power of a divine, when he looks a person in the eye he immediately knows their.hearts desire and whether they are pure of.soul. A massive burden for a poor human male to bear. The other things he lost well his.family disowned him as did his fiancee, he didn't mind so much about his family.but his.fiancee her loss destroyed him and so far he has not been able to.learn to.live.without her. But........things are changing for Reed, one.morning he finds a kitten on the hood of.his car this seemingly random event sets.off a series of life.changing decisions and actions one of which is his ex fiancee reappearing in his.life...........................
October 6, 2019
About 3.4 Goodreads stars for an entertaining story: I liked it, despite some proofreading glitches.
This *is* a comedy, but the hero's backstory and lifestyle/mindset at the beginning are pretty bleak: undeservedly abysmal self-image, frequent anxiety attacks, and no emotional connections/support. The blurb doesn't mention that he let himself be jailed (in solitary, no less, due to his not-fully-human status) by means of telling the truth but far from the whole truth, in order to spare a young victim additional trauma, thereby losing everything, even after he's released.
His angelic ability to see someone's deepest desire when he meets their eyes (the reason he rarely does meet people's eyes!) reminds me of both Harry Dresden's equally troubling "soulgaze" and TV's_Lucifer_'s machinations. (Oh, incidentally, the naginata reminds me of Keladry, in Tamora Pierce's YA-leading-to-NA Protector of the Small series; she wields a glaive, a very similar weapon, and had early training in an ~oriental~ tradition. I suspect RJB is also a Pierce fan.)
The irresistible pets, bizarre misadventures, self-defense training further along, and even to an extent the anxiety attacks, are played for humor. Getting back together in forgiveness and more than just "ex sex" with Kennedy also involves banter and bad puns, but is believably complicated and tentative.
There's an unusual version of elves introduced(?) here, scarily bloodthirsty but possible to deal with if you dare. (I've only been occasionally reading impulsively-selected RJ Blair stories, since those in the MRCwaBC series are stand-alones, so I'm not sure whether these elves have appeared before.)
I highlighted one passage in particular which finally aided my suspension of disbelief about the magical genetics of this 'verse. It explains that humans contain all possible potential, for angelic good/order all the way through devilish/demonic chaos/evil, their natures determined only by their free will, which is why when magical and/or divine beings (who lack such potential and will) mix in their blood, their resulting offspring seem plain human.
The way the final confrontation went down, and some of what his angelic grandfather said, also worked well. The wedding epilogue was fun.
I enjoyed much of the story, though I'm still not 100% clear on a few things:
* Why is money not an issue for Reed now? Did he get a settlement when he was cleared/pardoned, or is it just the good contract-negotiator job he managed to get? (And, BTW, cleared and pardoned do not mean the same thing re. whether he did or did not commit the crime, so which is it, officially?)
* And just when *was* he [pardoned]? He got early release when the courts were belatedly convinced that he was too human for his totally-isolated incarceration to be other than unjustly cruel, but that was *before* the girl (and others) came forward, right?
* What is the demon's role in a case of angelic-human procreation, or shouldn't I ask? (This is a general question re. the MRC 'verse, possibly answered in a story I've skipped. These angels are weird enough, keeping their *heads* in a different dimension, since mortals couldn't survive seeing them; in most 'verses it's the wings that are ~usually~ kept hidden.)
* What was the cryptic angel Luna's initial motivation, back whenever her connections and plans truly began?I
I've tried to avoid major spoilers, so I think I'll leave it at that. If anybody can clarify some of these points, please do.
Finally, I unfortunately feel obliged to mention what I have before with this author (under more than one of her pen-names): her betas/editors need to take more care.
* There are comma errors, the majority of which are *never* putting a closing comma after the often-used parenthetical of "Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds"'s jokingly-given name, including twice with a doubly-wrong possessive written "World's" ... and then the puppy was brought in, with the same situation!
* Several sentences have mismatched syntax or other confusion, such as:
** It took me several readings to figure out that the only problem in "at least Kennedy’s instinct was to slam a pedal put her foot on the brake instead of the gas" is an extra "was", but what's going on with "it amused a smile at me"?!
** "[B]equeathing me with" is a double misuse (both of meaning and of preposition) — "endowing me with" or "bestowing X upon me" would suit better, since the giver's not gone.
** The subject and object in “I’m wasted on this sword” are inverted.
* A couple homonym-ish errors also slipped through: blacksmiths use bellows, not billows, and I believe inclusions in a gemstone can cause it be occluded (clouded).
Some of these issues probably resulted from the editorial process itself, possibly arising only in the "final draft", but that just means it needed one more pass. I know many people can happily read right past these sorts of goofs, but I'm far from alone in being distracted by them. They're not enough to keep me from reading fun tales with sympathetic leads, but they will keep my ratings below 4.5/5.
This *is* a comedy, but the hero's backstory and lifestyle/mindset at the beginning are pretty bleak: undeservedly abysmal self-image, frequent anxiety attacks, and no emotional connections/support. The blurb doesn't mention that he let himself be jailed (in solitary, no less, due to his not-fully-human status) by means of telling the truth but far from the whole truth, in order to spare a young victim additional trauma, thereby losing everything, even after he's released.
His angelic ability to see someone's deepest desire when he meets their eyes (the reason he rarely does meet people's eyes!) reminds me of both Harry Dresden's equally troubling "soulgaze" and TV's_Lucifer_'s machinations. (Oh, incidentally, the naginata reminds me of Keladry, in Tamora Pierce's YA-leading-to-NA Protector of the Small series; she wields a glaive, a very similar weapon, and had early training in an ~oriental~ tradition. I suspect RJB is also a Pierce fan.)
The irresistible pets, bizarre misadventures, self-defense training further along, and even to an extent the anxiety attacks, are played for humor. Getting back together in forgiveness and more than just "ex sex" with Kennedy also involves banter and bad puns, but is believably complicated and tentative.
There's an unusual version of elves introduced(?) here, scarily bloodthirsty but possible to deal with if you dare. (I've only been occasionally reading impulsively-selected RJ Blair stories, since those in the MRCwaBC series are stand-alones, so I'm not sure whether these elves have appeared before.)
I highlighted one passage in particular which finally aided my suspension of disbelief about the magical genetics of this 'verse. It explains that humans contain all possible potential, for angelic good/order all the way through devilish/demonic chaos/evil, their natures determined only by their free will, which is why when magical and/or divine beings (who lack such potential and will) mix in their blood, their resulting offspring seem plain human.
The way the final confrontation went down, and some of what his angelic grandfather said, also worked well. The wedding epilogue was fun.
I enjoyed much of the story, though I'm still not 100% clear on a few things:
* Why is money not an issue for Reed now? Did he get a settlement when he was cleared/pardoned, or is it just the good contract-negotiator job he managed to get? (And, BTW, cleared and pardoned do not mean the same thing re. whether he did or did not commit the crime, so which is it, officially?)
* And just when *was* he [pardoned]? He got early release when the courts were belatedly convinced that he was too human for his totally-isolated incarceration to be other than unjustly cruel, but that was *before* the girl (and others) came forward, right?
* What is the demon's role in a case of angelic-human procreation, or shouldn't I ask? (This is a general question re. the MRC 'verse, possibly answered in a story I've skipped. These angels are weird enough, keeping their *heads* in a different dimension, since mortals couldn't survive seeing them; in most 'verses it's the wings that are ~usually~ kept hidden.)
* What was the cryptic angel Luna's initial motivation, back whenever her connections and plans truly began?I
I've tried to avoid major spoilers, so I think I'll leave it at that. If anybody can clarify some of these points, please do.
Finally, I unfortunately feel obliged to mention what I have before with this author (under more than one of her pen-names): her betas/editors need to take more care.
* There are comma errors, the majority of which are *never* putting a closing comma after the often-used parenthetical of "Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds"'s jokingly-given name, including twice with a doubly-wrong possessive written "World's" ... and then the puppy was brought in, with the same situation!
* Several sentences have mismatched syntax or other confusion, such as:
** It took me several readings to figure out that the only problem in "at least Kennedy’s instinct was to slam a pedal put her foot on the brake instead of the gas" is an extra "was", but what's going on with "it amused a smile at me"?!
** "[B]equeathing me with" is a double misuse (both of meaning and of preposition) — "endowing me with" or "bestowing X upon me" would suit better, since the giver's not gone.
** The subject and object in “I’m wasted on this sword” are inverted.
* A couple homonym-ish errors also slipped through: blacksmiths use bellows, not billows, and I believe inclusions in a gemstone can cause it be occluded (clouded).
Some of these issues probably resulted from the editorial process itself, possibly arising only in the "final draft", but that just means it needed one more pass. I know many people can happily read right past these sorts of goofs, but I'm far from alone in being distracted by them. They're not enough to keep me from reading fun tales with sympathetic leads, but they will keep my ratings below 4.5/5.
June 17, 2024
Up to date, I finished two of this author’s books and loved them. I also like that this series are truly stand alone. They are a series because they happened in one created world.
Still this one is not my cup-of-tea. I dig the H from the very beginning and wants him to have that happily ever after. (Wrongful imprisonment and emotional torture inserted here) Then we are introduced to his ex who abandoned him like garbage when he needed her the most and is being set up to be his happily ever after.
Ah, NO! Maybe if I was shown the shitty ex perspective first, maybe I can swallow this set up. Right now, I have my own crazies in real life to relive them in my readings.
Clearly, I am in the minority here since a lot liked this book.
Still this one is not my cup-of-tea. I dig the H from the very beginning and wants him to have that happily ever after. (Wrongful imprisonment and emotional torture inserted here) Then we are introduced to his ex who abandoned him like garbage when he needed her the most and is being set up to be his happily ever after.
Ah, NO! Maybe if I was shown the shitty ex perspective first, maybe I can swallow this set up. Right now, I have my own crazies in real life to relive them in my readings.
Clearly, I am in the minority here since a lot liked this book.
June 6, 2020
3.5 stars. Rounded down because I didn't care for Kennedy. She did very little to redeem herself in my eyes. Reed could have done so much better.
December 18, 2018
Nonstop snark
I loved this book. The witty snarky humor of the main characters was consistently entertaining throughout and the story was original. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
I loved this book. The witty snarky humor of the main characters was consistently entertaining throughout and the story was original. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
November 5, 2018
Light, fun read.
August 23, 2019
Sadly, this might be the only MRC(wBC) book I wasn't able to get behind 100% so far.
My reasoning is very spoilery, read at your own risk.
For this reason, I just couldn't get behind the character of Kennedy with all her behaviour. It's a personal preference. Sometimes some things just really don't agree with you. Consequently, unfortunately, it also led to me being unable to fully get behind the main characters as well, with the whole stance on love-and-hate issue. And then...the book sort of just fell apart for me.
The amount of 'beatings' I found excessive and boring at the same time didn't help either.
I still think there are a lot of fun(pun) parts in this book, and the main 'conflict' wasn't bad at all, but it sort of took too much of a background role to more uninteresting parts, inho.
My reasoning is very spoilery, read at your own risk.
For this reason, I just couldn't get behind the character of Kennedy with all her behaviour. It's a personal preference. Sometimes some things just really don't agree with you. Consequently, unfortunately, it also led to me being unable to fully get behind the main characters as well, with the whole stance on love-and-hate issue. And then...the book sort of just fell apart for me.
The amount of 'beatings' I found excessive and boring at the same time didn't help either.
I still think there are a lot of fun(pun) parts in this book, and the main 'conflict' wasn't bad at all, but it sort of took too much of a background role to more uninteresting parts, inho.
February 5, 2019
Uneven, with chances for brilliance
Review by Carolyn Bragg 2 1/2 Stars
There were parts of this book that I really liked, but they got lost in the “grand scheme” planned for the whole angel devil demon thing. Reed had so much more depth to plumb, given more time to work through his issues. Instead, everything shifts into fast-forward and the story skips over big chunks of time I would have enjoyed exploring. It felt like I was watching a condensed movie of a book. Explanations for things seemed a bit over-done and confusing sometimes as though attempting to make up for wiping out big swaths of events and time that had actually passed.
In my opinion, a heavy edit of angel content—and parental heritage angst—would have improved the book immensely. We were SO clear about the 6 grandparent thing that I didn’t think we needed to go over it again and again and again (copy and paste a few more “and again’s” to insert there), but what do I know?
And yes, the happy couple were hot for each other. It was crude in places, honestly, when I was trying so hard to see them as affectionate, and humorous, and loving. And the f-bombs; sad stage props when more thoughtful writing would have been more effective.
There were some funny things, and I wanted so much to like this book! I do like Reed and Kennedy, and Samantha, but the negatives were stacked pretty heavily on the other side of the balance. With the disappointing wrap-it-in-a-bow battle, (and the I-won’t-spoil-it pet events) along with the author’s penchant for fake-gritty language and endless repetition of certain details, I don’t think I could survive another book. I’s too bad.
Review by Carolyn Bragg 2 1/2 Stars
There were parts of this book that I really liked, but they got lost in the “grand scheme” planned for the whole angel devil demon thing. Reed had so much more depth to plumb, given more time to work through his issues. Instead, everything shifts into fast-forward and the story skips over big chunks of time I would have enjoyed exploring. It felt like I was watching a condensed movie of a book. Explanations for things seemed a bit over-done and confusing sometimes as though attempting to make up for wiping out big swaths of events and time that had actually passed.
In my opinion, a heavy edit of angel content—and parental heritage angst—would have improved the book immensely. We were SO clear about the 6 grandparent thing that I didn’t think we needed to go over it again and again and again (copy and paste a few more “and again’s” to insert there), but what do I know?
And yes, the happy couple were hot for each other. It was crude in places, honestly, when I was trying so hard to see them as affectionate, and humorous, and loving. And the f-bombs; sad stage props when more thoughtful writing would have been more effective.
There were some funny things, and I wanted so much to like this book! I do like Reed and Kennedy, and Samantha, but the negatives were stacked pretty heavily on the other side of the balance. With the disappointing wrap-it-in-a-bow battle, (and the I-won’t-spoil-it pet events) along with the author’s penchant for fake-gritty language and endless repetition of certain details, I don’t think I could survive another book. I’s too bad.
March 12, 2019
I will admit that the beginning of this was on a more serious note than the other books before it. I was pretty sure there was nothing the author could do to get me to like Kennedy. I really liked Reed and didn't think Kennedy deserved a second chance. But somewhere along the way, I ended up forgiving for Kennedy and then rooting for these two as a couple. The build up to the final battle was awesome but the actual conflict was more subdued than I had anticipated. I really like how each book we explore different parts of this world. Great series.
November 2, 2018
So - So
My least favorite in the series. The characters for me just were not likable. They both got on my nerves and I found myself skipping paragraphs just to get through it.
My least favorite in the series. The characters for me just were not likable. They both got on my nerves and I found myself skipping paragraphs just to get through it.
June 19, 2023
how much fun can you have when you end up adopting a kitten and name it "Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds"
This is how much.
This is how much.
March 23, 2021
Really well written. A worthy addition to the series.
October 7, 2019
No Kitten Around is an urban fantasy chased by romance and rounded up with a scary amount of humor. With a kitten. And a puppy. Do I really need to continue with this review?
Okay, a bit more.
Reed, the narrator, starts out by describing his weekend activity: going to a bar, finding a shallow woman to take him home and then leaving her without even knowing her name. So, Reed is not trying to make an impression on the reader. But then he finds a kitten. This is when the story gets interesting and hilarious. Reed can’t decide if he is afraid of the kitten or is captivated by it. Maybe a bit of both.
When the kitten was immediately and auspiciously named Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds, I was confident this book could not get any better. But I was only on Chapter 1, so I thought I’d see if there was more. (There is!)
Reed has a past that is both disturbing and heartbreaking, but he is going forward. When his ex-girlfriend Kennedy shows up about the same time as Luna the angel, he knows his life is going to get unnecessarily complicated. Or maybe it is necessary. As the story grows, you learn that Reed’s genetic heritage is also complicated. I enjoyed Reed’s uncertainty about his heritage along with his efforts to keep it from controlling him. All while Reed is cracking jokes. Kennedy adds a Corgi puppy to the mix because, well, Kitten needs a furry friend. The puppy also gets an auspicious name.
Samantha the elf is a great character. She is the warrior that trains Reed and Kennedy on the use of swords. She is a ruthless taskmaster, but both Reed and Kennedy seem to know that hard work and discipline are needed if they are to succeed. The moral is nice teachers’ students finish last. Samantha is also somewhat of a matchmaker. If you can, imagine a ferocious controlling elf playing matchmaker.
There is a reason that Reed and Kennedy need to learn how to handle a sword. The whole story builds up to a climactic scene where Reed and Kennedy used their hard-won skills and save the world. Or at least a corner of the world. With angels and devils involved, it is hard to tell how widespread the potential disaster could spread. With kittens and puppies involved, one can only assume cuteness will counteract the disaster.
A couple of things I wasn’t really sure about. Who is Luna and really, what is her goal? It wasn’t entirely clear and Luna is kind of a major player, if not a major character. Also, why are angels headless?
No Kitten Around is all round hilarious and full of lessons and love. I really enjoyed this book and plan to check out more in Blain’s Magical Romantic Comedy series.
Okay, a bit more.
Reed, the narrator, starts out by describing his weekend activity: going to a bar, finding a shallow woman to take him home and then leaving her without even knowing her name. So, Reed is not trying to make an impression on the reader. But then he finds a kitten. This is when the story gets interesting and hilarious. Reed can’t decide if he is afraid of the kitten or is captivated by it. Maybe a bit of both.
When the kitten was immediately and auspiciously named Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds, I was confident this book could not get any better. But I was only on Chapter 1, so I thought I’d see if there was more. (There is!)
Reed has a past that is both disturbing and heartbreaking, but he is going forward. When his ex-girlfriend Kennedy shows up about the same time as Luna the angel, he knows his life is going to get unnecessarily complicated. Or maybe it is necessary. As the story grows, you learn that Reed’s genetic heritage is also complicated. I enjoyed Reed’s uncertainty about his heritage along with his efforts to keep it from controlling him. All while Reed is cracking jokes. Kennedy adds a Corgi puppy to the mix because, well, Kitten needs a furry friend. The puppy also gets an auspicious name.
Samantha the elf is a great character. She is the warrior that trains Reed and Kennedy on the use of swords. She is a ruthless taskmaster, but both Reed and Kennedy seem to know that hard work and discipline are needed if they are to succeed. The moral is nice teachers’ students finish last. Samantha is also somewhat of a matchmaker. If you can, imagine a ferocious controlling elf playing matchmaker.
There is a reason that Reed and Kennedy need to learn how to handle a sword. The whole story builds up to a climactic scene where Reed and Kennedy used their hard-won skills and save the world. Or at least a corner of the world. With angels and devils involved, it is hard to tell how widespread the potential disaster could spread. With kittens and puppies involved, one can only assume cuteness will counteract the disaster.
A couple of things I wasn’t really sure about. Who is Luna and really, what is her goal? It wasn’t entirely clear and Luna is kind of a major player, if not a major character. Also, why are angels headless?
No Kitten Around is all round hilarious and full of lessons and love. I really enjoyed this book and plan to check out more in Blain’s Magical Romantic Comedy series.
January 10, 2019
Title: No Kitten Around
Author: RJ Blain
Genre: Supernatural Romantic Dramady
Well written?: Yes
Non-spoilery notes
Characters:
Reed - cynical and depressive with a super annoying tendency to feel sorry for himself, even if it is with good reason. Wiseass and snarky enough to keep him from being a total sad sack and does get significantly less mopy as the book progresses
Kennedy - a bit controlling and a lot pushy, but also competent and willing to admit when she's f#cked up. Also snarky and good enough at what she does professionally (and personally) to get the job done, whatever it is, even if doing so doesn't totally follow the rules.
Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds - adorable and steals the scene every single time
All the above - Jerks, but endearingly human and flawed ones. Except KDW who is, in fact, a kitten
World/world building: Not even a little bit, you're dropped in head first and left a little confused before getting a general sense of things about a quarter way into the book. Things also get a bit confusing again towards the end when the "family tree" is further explained, (and after that it gets irritatingly philosophical, which I personally could have done without), but not enough to interfere the story much. Further research indicates it is the fifth book of a series, though, so any world building likely covered in previous novels. (No excuse for the philosophy, though - it's the one mark against an otherwise entertaining novel. Luckily, it is fairly brief)
Action/adventure levels:
Lots of action. Almost too much, but with enough down time between crisis(es) to keep things from getting too intense
Quick to engage:
Extremely, even if Reed is super cynical and mopy at the beginning
Intrigue levels once engaged:
Definitely keeps you reading. It does, however, get a bit sappy at times and the falling action after the climax is ridiculously over-the-top and borderline slap-stick.
Sex scenes:
Sex happens, but none of it "on screen"
Desire to slap the protagonist: Mild to medium. He's a bit of a dick and incredibly stubborn. She's also a bit of dick and occasionally a bit callous and shallow.
Author: RJ Blain
Genre: Supernatural Romantic Dramady
Well written?: Yes
Non-spoilery notes
Characters:
Reed - cynical and depressive with a super annoying tendency to feel sorry for himself, even if it is with good reason. Wiseass and snarky enough to keep him from being a total sad sack and does get significantly less mopy as the book progresses
Kennedy - a bit controlling and a lot pushy, but also competent and willing to admit when she's f#cked up. Also snarky and good enough at what she does professionally (and personally) to get the job done, whatever it is, even if doing so doesn't totally follow the rules.
Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds - adorable and steals the scene every single time
All the above - Jerks, but endearingly human and flawed ones. Except KDW who is, in fact, a kitten
World/world building: Not even a little bit, you're dropped in head first and left a little confused before getting a general sense of things about a quarter way into the book. Things also get a bit confusing again towards the end when the "family tree" is further explained, (and after that it gets irritatingly philosophical, which I personally could have done without), but not enough to interfere the story much. Further research indicates it is the fifth book of a series, though, so any world building likely covered in previous novels. (No excuse for the philosophy, though - it's the one mark against an otherwise entertaining novel. Luckily, it is fairly brief)
Action/adventure levels:
Lots of action. Almost too much, but with enough down time between crisis(es) to keep things from getting too intense
Quick to engage:
Extremely, even if Reed is super cynical and mopy at the beginning
Intrigue levels once engaged:
Definitely keeps you reading. It does, however, get a bit sappy at times and the falling action after the climax is ridiculously over-the-top and borderline slap-stick.
Sex scenes:
Sex happens, but none of it "on screen"
Desire to slap the protagonist: Mild to medium. He's a bit of a dick and incredibly stubborn. She's also a bit of dick and occasionally a bit callous and shallow.
June 20, 2022
Original review Dec 2018
Title: No Kitten Around
Author: RJ Blain
Genre: Supernatural Romantic Dramady
Well written?: Yes
Non-spoilery notes
Characters:
Reed - cynical and depressive with a super annoying tendency to feel sorry for himself, even if it is with good reason. Wiseass and snarky enough to keep him from being a total sad sack and does get significantly less mopy as the book progresses
Kennedy - a bit controlling and a lot pushy, but also competent and willing to admit when she's f#cked up. Also snarky and good enough at what she does professionally (and personally) to get the job done, whatever it is, even if doing so doesn't totally follow the rules.
Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds - adorable and steals the scene every single time
All the above - Jerks, but endearingly human and flawed ones. Except KDW who is, in fact, a kitten
World/world building: Not even a little bit, you're dropped in head first and left a little confused before getting a general sense of things about a quarter way into the book. Things also get a bit confusing again towards the end when the "family tree" is further explained, (and after that it gets irritatingly philosophical, which I personally could have done without), but not enough to interfere the story much. Further research indicates it is the fifth book of a series, though, so any world building likely covered in previous novels. (No excuse for the philosophy, though - it's the one mark against an otherwise entertaining novel. Luckily, it is fairly brief)
Action/adventure levels:
Lots of action. Almost too much, but with enough down time between crisis(es) to keep things from getting too intense
Quick to engage:
Extremely, even if Reed is super cynical and mopy at the beginning
Intrigue levels once engaged:
Definitely keeps you reading. It does, however, get a bit sappy at times and the falling action after the climax is ridiculously over-the-top and borderline slap-stick.
Sex scenes:
Sex happens, but none of it "on screen"
Desire to slap the protagonist: Mild to medium. He's a bit of a dick and incredibly stubborn. She's also a bit of dick and occasionally a bit callous and shallow.
Title: No Kitten Around
Author: RJ Blain
Genre: Supernatural Romantic Dramady
Well written?: Yes
Non-spoilery notes
Characters:
Reed - cynical and depressive with a super annoying tendency to feel sorry for himself, even if it is with good reason. Wiseass and snarky enough to keep him from being a total sad sack and does get significantly less mopy as the book progresses
Kennedy - a bit controlling and a lot pushy, but also competent and willing to admit when she's f#cked up. Also snarky and good enough at what she does professionally (and personally) to get the job done, whatever it is, even if doing so doesn't totally follow the rules.
Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds - adorable and steals the scene every single time
All the above - Jerks, but endearingly human and flawed ones. Except KDW who is, in fact, a kitten
World/world building: Not even a little bit, you're dropped in head first and left a little confused before getting a general sense of things about a quarter way into the book. Things also get a bit confusing again towards the end when the "family tree" is further explained, (and after that it gets irritatingly philosophical, which I personally could have done without), but not enough to interfere the story much. Further research indicates it is the fifth book of a series, though, so any world building likely covered in previous novels. (No excuse for the philosophy, though - it's the one mark against an otherwise entertaining novel. Luckily, it is fairly brief)
Action/adventure levels:
Lots of action. Almost too much, but with enough down time between crisis(es) to keep things from getting too intense
Quick to engage:
Extremely, even if Reed is super cynical and mopy at the beginning
Intrigue levels once engaged:
Definitely keeps you reading. It does, however, get a bit sappy at times and the falling action after the climax is ridiculously over-the-top and borderline slap-stick.
Sex scenes:
Sex happens, but none of it "on screen"
Desire to slap the protagonist: Mild to medium. He's a bit of a dick and incredibly stubborn. She's also a bit of dick and occasionally a bit callous and shallow.
March 31, 2022
Really had issues connecting to the characters in this one.
Reed is putting the pieces of his life back together after getting out of prison. His wife left him, and now he has SEVERE anxiety / panic attacks. He has taken extreme measures to obscure information about him. He bought a house, and a hippie couple currently resides in it. He lives in a city with a population of 1 ... him. He does have a 9-5 job ... that is 3 hrs from his house. He's spent most of his time renovating his home, and chopping a LOT of wood.
He's also been monitored by 3 angels, and a slew of therapist since his release. Things start to get topsy-turvy on him, when angel Luna really starts interfering in his life. He rescues an adorable kitten ... which he names Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds, who also becomes his therapy cat. Kennedy - his ex - is also back in the picture as a liaison for the CDC/FBI. Kennedy also finds an adorable 2-week old Corgi she adopts and names Puppy, Savior of Worlds.
Reed is definitely an Eeyore. He has NO self-confidence. Kennedy is very abrasive, and all seems to be forgiven rather quickly. Reed's abilities do play a big factor in that though ... conveniently.
Reed also finds himself in need of a sword, and the ability to use it. He negotiates with Luna on getting the best of the best ... and somehow Kennedy gets pulled along for the training. Elves are extremely feared in this world ... and I'm pretty sure it's their first appearance in this series. I really liked Samantha.
Overall, I just really didn't get this story ... at all. I'm giving it 3 starts, because I really do adore this world, and there were some entertaining bits sprinkled throughout.
Reed is putting the pieces of his life back together after getting out of prison. His wife left him, and now he has SEVERE anxiety / panic attacks. He has taken extreme measures to obscure information about him. He bought a house, and a hippie couple currently resides in it. He lives in a city with a population of 1 ... him. He does have a 9-5 job ... that is 3 hrs from his house. He's spent most of his time renovating his home, and chopping a LOT of wood.
He's also been monitored by 3 angels, and a slew of therapist since his release. Things start to get topsy-turvy on him, when angel Luna really starts interfering in his life. He rescues an adorable kitten ... which he names Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds, who also becomes his therapy cat. Kennedy - his ex - is also back in the picture as a liaison for the CDC/FBI. Kennedy also finds an adorable 2-week old Corgi she adopts and names Puppy, Savior of Worlds.
Reed is definitely an Eeyore. He has NO self-confidence. Kennedy is very abrasive, and all seems to be forgiven rather quickly. Reed's abilities do play a big factor in that though ... conveniently.
Reed also finds himself in need of a sword, and the ability to use it. He negotiates with Luna on getting the best of the best ... and somehow Kennedy gets pulled along for the training. Elves are extremely feared in this world ... and I'm pretty sure it's their first appearance in this series. I really liked Samantha.
Overall, I just really didn't get this story ... at all. I'm giving it 3 starts, because I really do adore this world, and there were some entertaining bits sprinkled throughout.
September 6, 2025
Less chaos/crazy/hilarity than other books in the series, and the book has a more somber tone to it, at least for the first half. The humor does pick up, and one of the best parts is the cat named “Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds”.
My main issue with this book is that there’s a lot of build up to a fight that is over pretty quickly, and we never really get an explanation of why the fight needed to happen. An angel does explain some of the chain of events, but we never understand why the antagonists kicked off those chains of events. Also, another review reminded me that we get a hint Kennedy had something to do with Reed maybe being released early, but that never actually confirmed.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, especially the banter with the training montage and the last chapter’s conclusion for their relationship, but I was left miffed that we didn’t get an explanation of why the plot happened. That’s not the first time I’ve felt that in this series, but it’s definitely the least satisfying wrap up so far.
My main issue with this book is that there’s a lot of build up to a fight that is over pretty quickly, and we never really get an explanation of why the fight needed to happen. An angel does explain some of the chain of events, but we never understand why the antagonists kicked off those chains of events. Also, another review reminded me that we get a hint Kennedy had something to do with Reed maybe being released early, but that never actually confirmed.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, especially the banter with the training montage and the last chapter’s conclusion for their relationship, but I was left miffed that we didn’t get an explanation of why the plot happened. That’s not the first time I’ve felt that in this series, but it’s definitely the least satisfying wrap up so far.
January 6, 2019
This book started a bit slow for me. It didn't really get interesting until the entrance of Samantha, the weapon training elf. Unfortunately, Samantha didn't make her entrance until well into half of the book. I did find some of the action to be a bit too repetitive like Reed's fainting and I thought his cure was way too quick and he had no lasting ramifications from several years of anxiety. As someone who has diagnosed anxiety, it doesn't resolve itself by itself. But for the sake of a story, I didn't give up. Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds is a dear and so is Puppy Savior of Worlds. Now if the book had dealt more with them and less with the two main characters, it would have been a GREAT book. And I'm not sure why but I expected Kitten to talk at some point in the book but she never did. Still, it was a good one time read for me.
July 11, 2020
I'd say that there's a common issue with the series (other than the ridiculously long series name) the plot points come out of nowhere and the romance moves pretty face.
Character-wise, they were both pretty lackluster. I genuinely don't remember much about either of them. I had wished for more depth, especially with Reed and his tragic past and the horrors of his power. I also wished that it took longer for them to get together after everything works out.
Plot-wise, again, it came out of nowhere. I didn't mind the training they received but I could have done with everything else. The person who orchestrated everything didn't really have a good enough reason for me and again, it came out of nowhere.
Would I recommend it? Definitely not. I'm losing interest as it goes on.
Will I be carrying on the series? I want to say no, but a chameleon shifter? I don't know if I can say no.
Character-wise, they were both pretty lackluster. I genuinely don't remember much about either of them. I had wished for more depth, especially with Reed and his tragic past and the horrors of his power. I also wished that it took longer for them to get together after everything works out.
Plot-wise, again, it came out of nowhere. I didn't mind the training they received but I could have done with everything else. The person who orchestrated everything didn't really have a good enough reason for me and again, it came out of nowhere.
Would I recommend it? Definitely not. I'm losing interest as it goes on.
Will I be carrying on the series? I want to say no, but a chameleon shifter? I don't know if I can say no.
July 12, 2025
The blurb for “No Kitten Around” warns of “excessive humor, action, excitement, adventure, magic, romance, and bodies.”
It fails to mention the astounding amount of repetition and the need for a tighter edit.
Man kills rapist (who richly deserves it), lies to protect the victim, gets sent to prison for life but only serves a couple of years (a lot of which is spent in solitary).
He's got PTSD like you wouldn't believe, a killer kitten, and an angel who may or may not be trying to kill him.
Oh, and he's a mutt, part human, part angel, part demon (there's also an incubus and a succubus in there somewhere).
300 pages later Reed Matthews has picked up a puppy, a girlfriend, and a deadly Elf warrior as a trainer.
It's time for the fight of/for his life.
It's massively over-written.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
It fails to mention the astounding amount of repetition and the need for a tighter edit.
Man kills rapist (who richly deserves it), lies to protect the victim, gets sent to prison for life but only serves a couple of years (a lot of which is spent in solitary).
He's got PTSD like you wouldn't believe, a killer kitten, and an angel who may or may not be trying to kill him.
Oh, and he's a mutt, part human, part angel, part demon (there's also an incubus and a succubus in there somewhere).
300 pages later Reed Matthews has picked up a puppy, a girlfriend, and a deadly Elf warrior as a trainer.
It's time for the fight of/for his life.
It's massively over-written.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
January 28, 2019
I loved this as usual.
I enjoyed the fact that Ms. Blain went into detail about how the different races and species interacted and reproduced. I found it quite ironic that an angel 👼 required a devil 😈 to reproduce along with their partner.
I also loved, loved, loved the wedding and the many and diverse elven traditions. I found his ex-boss part of the bride's side hysterical. I especially loved the quote “Sammy assumed you’d see me in this dress after being worked up in a fight and be incapable of remembering your own name, so she coached me on what we needed to do.”
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys snark, puns, sarcasm and being tortured for months learning sword play. And a kitten 🐱 named "Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds".
I enjoyed the fact that Ms. Blain went into detail about how the different races and species interacted and reproduced. I found it quite ironic that an angel 👼 required a devil 😈 to reproduce along with their partner.
I also loved, loved, loved the wedding and the many and diverse elven traditions. I found his ex-boss part of the bride's side hysterical. I especially loved the quote “Sammy assumed you’d see me in this dress after being worked up in a fight and be incapable of remembering your own name, so she coached me on what we needed to do.”
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys snark, puns, sarcasm and being tortured for months learning sword play. And a kitten 🐱 named "Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds".
November 3, 2020
Different, funny, and really good!
I've used the word unique before in describing this series, but we just hit a new high in unique. You'll never know where the story is going to take you next, but I definitely looked forward to finding out! The characters in this series are very different from any that I've seen before, and I love them! Especially the angels, who make me laugh out loud with the jokes regarding their rather special appearance! This is a series that is well written, with fantastical storylines that keep me interested. And even though they aren't written as a series but are standalones, the author keeps me coming back for more. And I'll also be checking out anything else by the same author, because I'm hooked!
✋🐺
I've used the word unique before in describing this series, but we just hit a new high in unique. You'll never know where the story is going to take you next, but I definitely looked forward to finding out! The characters in this series are very different from any that I've seen before, and I love them! Especially the angels, who make me laugh out loud with the jokes regarding their rather special appearance! This is a series that is well written, with fantastical storylines that keep me interested. And even though they aren't written as a series but are standalones, the author keeps me coming back for more. And I'll also be checking out anything else by the same author, because I'm hooked!
✋🐺
April 12, 2021
No Kitten Around is fun, exciting, and the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) world so easy to immerse myself into that nothing can reach me to bother me anymore. The world is well crafted and beyond interesting to visit, and the characters are all multifaceted and feel real enough that I could almost go out and knock on their doors just to hang out. My favourite scene... definitely the plane crash and the culvert :D So. Fricken'. Hilarious!!!
I've adored every book in this series and I'm really looking forward to more. R. J. Blain is a very talented writer that I am more than pleased to have found.
I've adored every book in this series and I'm really looking forward to more. R. J. Blain is a very talented writer that I am more than pleased to have found.
November 20, 2021
This round it was just, I can't even. The plot was complete chaos. Rees and Kennedy where variations on the Same stock characters that most protagonist by this author are.
Did I mention the plot was utter chaos and made no sense? The world building and magic also leaves a lot to be desired in the explanation department here. Yeah... I can't even... I stubbornly as fuck working myself through this series despite having better things to read. At this point I'm asking myself why!!
I will mention though, this has the same humour that is prevalent in the rest of the books, I've always found that hit and miss, but hardcore fans of the series might enjoy this one despite all the flaws.
Did I mention the plot was utter chaos and made no sense? The world building and magic also leaves a lot to be desired in the explanation department here. Yeah... I can't even... I stubbornly as fuck working myself through this series despite having better things to read. At this point I'm asking myself why!!
I will mention though, this has the same humour that is prevalent in the rest of the books, I've always found that hit and miss, but hardcore fans of the series might enjoy this one despite all the flaws.
November 15, 2025
Reed chose to be imprisoned for murder versus outing the victim and when he is released he can't quite get on with his life.
What I enjoyed:
* Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds was great, but not around enough
* You have to root for Reed to get a happy ending
What could have been better:
* Puppy, Savior of Worlds never got any personality
* The main draw for this series is the outrageous humor, and it didn't exist in this book. It was fairly boring with a lot of time spent on training Reed and Kennedy.
* While I liked Kennedy, she didn't really pay for deserting Reed in his time of need
What I enjoyed:
* Kitten, Destroyer of Worlds was great, but not around enough
* You have to root for Reed to get a happy ending
What could have been better:
* Puppy, Savior of Worlds never got any personality
* The main draw for this series is the outrageous humor, and it didn't exist in this book. It was fairly boring with a lot of time spent on training Reed and Kennedy.
* While I liked Kennedy, she didn't really pay for deserting Reed in his time of need
May 13, 2019
As you read this book you will realize that meddling in other people’s affairs has consequences. An angel meddled in the affairs of one man and the affect was lasting! Reed and Kennedy get a second chance at love and their helpers are very unusual. Meet a Kitten and a Puppy and enjoy the parts they play in the lives of Reed and Kennedy. The story is awesome and I enjoyed reading it! The mystery will keep you busy as there are some plot twist but lots of humor makes for as excellent book which I highly recommend!
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