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Magical Romantic Comedies #1-4.5 + 5.5
The Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) Starter Pack
This collection contains four novels and three novellas, including Playing with Fire, Hoofin' It, Serial Killer Princess, Whatever for Hire, Hearth, Home, and Havoc, Owl Be Yours, and Fowl Play.
Playing with Fire
What do you get when you mix gorgons, an incubus, and the Calamity Queen? Trouble, and lots of it.
For Bailey, catering to the magical is a tough gig on a good day, but she has few other options. She can either keep spiking drinks with pixie dust to keep the locals happy, or spend the rest of her life cleaning up some of the world’s nastiest magical substances.
Years after helping Police Chief Samuel Quinn escape an unhappy marriage, Bailey is once again entangled in his personal affairs. To make matters worse, Quinn’s ex-wife is angling for revenge, tossing Bailey into the deep end along with her sexiest enemy.
Hoofin' It
All Shane wanted was to get away from the wreckage of his career for a while. He picked New York City to provide him with a distraction from his early, unwanted retirement from the police force.
New York City delivered, distracting him with three corpses and a miniature llama with a spitting problem and an attitude. If he wants to return to a normal life, he’ll have to face off against a sex trafficking ring targeting the woman of his dreams, ancient vampires, murderous criminals, his parents, and an FBI agent with a hidden agenda.
Some days, it isn’t easy being an ex-cop.
Serial Killer Princess
Why would anyone put a mermaid and a gorgon in the same room together? While Tulip enjoys being alive, her lineage brings her nothing but trouble.
Snakes eat fish, and the mer love tearing apart their serpentine nemeses with their hands and teeth. As for the gorgons… she’d rather not think about them at all.
The last thing Tulip wants is to rule the mer kingdom. First, she can barely swim. Second, she’s packing more than her fair share of her father’s genes. Third, what is a landlocked princess supposed to do with an aquatic kingdom?
If she gets her way, nothing. Add in her dirty little serial killing secret, and she’s an international disaster waiting to happen.
Whatever for Hire
Fetching a cat out of a tree should’ve been a quick, easy fifty bucks in Kanika’s pocket. Instead, following one stray thought, the devil pays her a visit and leaves her with a debt to repay.
Hearth, Home, and Havoc
Dakota never intended to become the single mother of a goddess. To make matters worse, her daughter hadn’t quite figured out her role in the grand scheme of things.
Havoc isn’t supposed to be part of Hestia’s portfolio, but where the young goddess of the hearth and home goes, trouble surely follows.
When Dakota’s ex-husband barrels his way back into her life, a heavy dose of havoc is just what the doctor ordered. She just never expected to find love in the midst of murder.
Owl Be Yours
After a wildfire took everything from her, Emily Hall made do surviving as a homeless human by day and as an owl at night. When one of the men responsible for infecting her with lycanthropy comes winging his way back into her life, she must choose between revenge or resuming a normal life.
Until Daniel’s return, she never dreamed she might be able to have both.
Fowl Play
Instead of a quiet dance retreat where she could escape the insanity of being the daughter of an angel, a succubus, and a lycanthrope, Emma Sansaul plummets into t
Playing with Fire
What do you get when you mix gorgons, an incubus, and the Calamity Queen? Trouble, and lots of it.
For Bailey, catering to the magical is a tough gig on a good day, but she has few other options. She can either keep spiking drinks with pixie dust to keep the locals happy, or spend the rest of her life cleaning up some of the world’s nastiest magical substances.
Years after helping Police Chief Samuel Quinn escape an unhappy marriage, Bailey is once again entangled in his personal affairs. To make matters worse, Quinn’s ex-wife is angling for revenge, tossing Bailey into the deep end along with her sexiest enemy.
Hoofin' It
All Shane wanted was to get away from the wreckage of his career for a while. He picked New York City to provide him with a distraction from his early, unwanted retirement from the police force.
New York City delivered, distracting him with three corpses and a miniature llama with a spitting problem and an attitude. If he wants to return to a normal life, he’ll have to face off against a sex trafficking ring targeting the woman of his dreams, ancient vampires, murderous criminals, his parents, and an FBI agent with a hidden agenda.
Some days, it isn’t easy being an ex-cop.
Serial Killer Princess
Why would anyone put a mermaid and a gorgon in the same room together? While Tulip enjoys being alive, her lineage brings her nothing but trouble.
Snakes eat fish, and the mer love tearing apart their serpentine nemeses with their hands and teeth. As for the gorgons… she’d rather not think about them at all.
The last thing Tulip wants is to rule the mer kingdom. First, she can barely swim. Second, she’s packing more than her fair share of her father’s genes. Third, what is a landlocked princess supposed to do with an aquatic kingdom?
If she gets her way, nothing. Add in her dirty little serial killing secret, and she’s an international disaster waiting to happen.
Whatever for Hire
Fetching a cat out of a tree should’ve been a quick, easy fifty bucks in Kanika’s pocket. Instead, following one stray thought, the devil pays her a visit and leaves her with a debt to repay.
Hearth, Home, and Havoc
Dakota never intended to become the single mother of a goddess. To make matters worse, her daughter hadn’t quite figured out her role in the grand scheme of things.
Havoc isn’t supposed to be part of Hestia’s portfolio, but where the young goddess of the hearth and home goes, trouble surely follows.
When Dakota’s ex-husband barrels his way back into her life, a heavy dose of havoc is just what the doctor ordered. She just never expected to find love in the midst of murder.
Owl Be Yours
After a wildfire took everything from her, Emily Hall made do surviving as a homeless human by day and as an owl at night. When one of the men responsible for infecting her with lycanthropy comes winging his way back into her life, she must choose between revenge or resuming a normal life.
Until Daniel’s return, she never dreamed she might be able to have both.
Fowl Play
Instead of a quiet dance retreat where she could escape the insanity of being the daughter of an angel, a succubus, and a lycanthrope, Emma Sansaul plummets into t
1086 pages, Hardcover
First published March 11, 2019
610 people are currently reading
312 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 101 reviews
April 9, 2021
All favs in set, go to books when I need to perk up my mood.
Envy anyone who is starting the Magical Romantic Comedies with Body Count for the first time. So much fun and separation from reality await you. Cindercorns, Gorgons, Angels, Alpacas, Elves, employees of the Center for Disease Control, Divines, Devils, Cindercorns, Shifters. Magic .... It all comes together in an over the top, got to find out what happens next series of stories.
All of these stories are 5 star favs that I constantly re-read. Having a bad day, indulging in one of these stories definitely improves my mood.
Playing with Fire sucks you into this crazy universe, introduces you to the CDC and their employees. CIndercorn and Gorgons. Napalm. New York.
Hoofin' It. Alpacas, Lycans. Chicago.
Serial Killer Princess. Bacon. Snakes, Gorgons. Mermaids.
Whatever for Hire. Human, sphinx, cat, Bastet. Mummies. Deals with the Devil.
Hearth, Home, and Havoc. Divines. CDC contractor. Mother's love. Murder as a romantic demonstration.
Owl Be Yours. Owl Shifters. More murder plotting as a romantic overture. CDC.
Fowl Play. Swan Shifters. Crazy stalkers. CDC.
Additional stories in this universe:
Last but Not Leashed
No Kitten Around
Blending In
Cheetahs Never Win
upcoming May 2019 release - Burn Baby Burn (Cindercorn returns!)
Cross posted Book Bub, Amazon, Goodreads.
Envy anyone who is starting the Magical Romantic Comedies with Body Count for the first time. So much fun and separation from reality await you. Cindercorns, Gorgons, Angels, Alpacas, Elves, employees of the Center for Disease Control, Divines, Devils, Cindercorns, Shifters. Magic .... It all comes together in an over the top, got to find out what happens next series of stories.
All of these stories are 5 star favs that I constantly re-read. Having a bad day, indulging in one of these stories definitely improves my mood.
Playing with Fire sucks you into this crazy universe, introduces you to the CDC and their employees. CIndercorn and Gorgons. Napalm. New York.
Hoofin' It. Alpacas, Lycans. Chicago.
Serial Killer Princess. Bacon. Snakes, Gorgons. Mermaids.
Whatever for Hire. Human, sphinx, cat, Bastet. Mummies. Deals with the Devil.
Hearth, Home, and Havoc. Divines. CDC contractor. Mother's love. Murder as a romantic demonstration.
Owl Be Yours. Owl Shifters. More murder plotting as a romantic overture. CDC.
Fowl Play. Swan Shifters. Crazy stalkers. CDC.
Additional stories in this universe:
Last but Not Leashed
No Kitten Around
Blending In
Cheetahs Never Win
upcoming May 2019 release - Burn Baby Burn (Cindercorn returns!)
Cross posted Book Bub, Amazon, Goodreads.
May 14, 2019
Simply wonderful
I have read these individually and enjoyed them so much that I had to buy the boxes set as well. I strongly recommend them to everybody who likes starkly funny reads with unusual characters.
I have read these individually and enjoyed them so much that I had to buy the boxes set as well. I strongly recommend them to everybody who likes starkly funny reads with unusual characters.
March 15, 2022
Such a hard time rating this one... I'm going with 3.5 rounded to 4 since I did have a fun time reading these books and I do plan on reading more. Perhaps just more spaced out.
They are super funny is a ridiculous over the top way at times, so you have to be in the mood for that. Sex is fade to black. Plot is kind of iffy at times so humor can prevail. But some of the stories and characters are amazing and I love this world.
They are super funny is a ridiculous over the top way at times, so you have to be in the mood for that. Sex is fade to black. Plot is kind of iffy at times so humor can prevail. But some of the stories and characters are amazing and I love this world.
May 5, 2019
I have purchased all of these individually and then have bought two combo packs as gifts for people. These are hysterically funny with unique characters, unexpected happenings and magical mayhem out the whahoo.
November 12, 2022
Fun
The first 4 novels were amazing. The short stories were ok too, but after the full length books weren't able to compare :) Heading to buy the rest of the books in this series and check out the authors other offerings.
The first 4 novels were amazing. The short stories were ok too, but after the full length books weren't able to compare :) Heading to buy the rest of the books in this series and check out the authors other offerings.
May 12, 2019
(This review is based only on the first novel, Playing with Fire.)
When I first moved to New York City, my native New Yorker friends were eager to introduce me to what they swore was the NYC’s best-kept secret: Tasti D-Lite. Mere days after I moved into student housing at NYU, my BFF escorted me into a storefront and handed me a suspiciously low-cal frozen treat. It was delicious, but it also had no aftertaste at all - it disappeared off the tongue, with no lingering flavor at all. It was delightful (D-Liteful?) while I was eating it, but once it was done, it was as if it had never been.
That’s basically how I felt about Playing with Fire. The plot is lightly sketched: our heroine is a barista who moonlights as a handler-of-magically-toxic-stuff for the CDC due to unique magical talents. Our hero is a police chief. The romantic conflict is that hero allegedly hates heroine; the overarching plot is something very complicated relating to Gorgon reproduction and kidnapping.
I love a good enemies-to-lovers book as much as the next girl, but the truth is that there is literally no moment in this book in which the hero seems to hate the heroine at all. As a result,the plot suffers from a complete lack of romantic tension. That said, the worldbuilding is deftly handled, the characterization is well-done, and the book really hits the sweet spot in terms of screwball comedy. There’s a sequence involving a drunk unicorn eating napalm that is *chef’s kiss* perfect. Is it a bit much? Yes, like a giant low-calorie sundae made of suspicious ingredients that are probably petroleum, it’s a bit much. The heroine is essentially the embodiment of the scene in Bridget Jones’ Diary where she gets drunk and sings Chaka Khan. But you know what? I loved that scene, and I loved this. Will it stick with me? No. But it was delicious in the moment.
When I first moved to New York City, my native New Yorker friends were eager to introduce me to what they swore was the NYC’s best-kept secret: Tasti D-Lite. Mere days after I moved into student housing at NYU, my BFF escorted me into a storefront and handed me a suspiciously low-cal frozen treat. It was delicious, but it also had no aftertaste at all - it disappeared off the tongue, with no lingering flavor at all. It was delightful (D-Liteful?) while I was eating it, but once it was done, it was as if it had never been.
That’s basically how I felt about Playing with Fire. The plot is lightly sketched: our heroine is a barista who moonlights as a handler-of-magically-toxic-stuff for the CDC due to unique magical talents. Our hero is a police chief. The romantic conflict is that hero allegedly hates heroine; the overarching plot is something very complicated relating to Gorgon reproduction and kidnapping.
I love a good enemies-to-lovers book as much as the next girl, but the truth is that there is literally no moment in this book in which the hero seems to hate the heroine at all. As a result,the plot suffers from a complete lack of romantic tension. That said, the worldbuilding is deftly handled, the characterization is well-done, and the book really hits the sweet spot in terms of screwball comedy. There’s a sequence involving a drunk unicorn eating napalm that is *chef’s kiss* perfect. Is it a bit much? Yes, like a giant low-calorie sundae made of suspicious ingredients that are probably petroleum, it’s a bit much. The heroine is essentially the embodiment of the scene in Bridget Jones’ Diary where she gets drunk and sings Chaka Khan. But you know what? I loved that scene, and I loved this. Will it stick with me? No. But it was delicious in the moment.
April 16, 2021
Awesome and outrageous
Incredibly entertaining, charming, thrilling, and absolutely delightful. An outstanding array of stories. If you're a romantic, check. Most of the stories have the Cinderella character of a young woman who is a bit of an ugly duckling or thinks she is, but ends up with the hot guy. If you like strong female characters who can kick butt, check. If you're amused by absurd, outrageous, not to be believed tales, check. I did enjoy some of the tales more than others, but they are all worth the reading. If you're into mythology and fantastic beasts, gods, Devils, and magic and only one or two scary characters with mostly fun, check. Enjoy this treat. Caution, I didn't want to stop reading to go make dinner...
Incredibly entertaining, charming, thrilling, and absolutely delightful. An outstanding array of stories. If you're a romantic, check. Most of the stories have the Cinderella character of a young woman who is a bit of an ugly duckling or thinks she is, but ends up with the hot guy. If you like strong female characters who can kick butt, check. If you're amused by absurd, outrageous, not to be believed tales, check. I did enjoy some of the tales more than others, but they are all worth the reading. If you're into mythology and fantastic beasts, gods, Devils, and magic and only one or two scary characters with mostly fun, check. Enjoy this treat. Caution, I didn't want to stop reading to go make dinner...
May 17, 2021
Absolutely FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC 😁
This starter pack, started me on the wonderful "with a body count" series that made me Completely fall in LOVE with these books 😍. I've read other R.J. books, but this series is the BEST of them all 😃. I guarantee that you'll fall in love with every single character in each story, enjoy all the action, all the intense emotions and see that it's impossible to stop reading 😉. Thanks oh so much R.J. and I'm sure looking forward to reading the next book and the next book, etc 🤓.
This starter pack, started me on the wonderful "with a body count" series that made me Completely fall in LOVE with these books 😍. I've read other R.J. books, but this series is the BEST of them all 😃. I guarantee that you'll fall in love with every single character in each story, enjoy all the action, all the intense emotions and see that it's impossible to stop reading 😉. Thanks oh so much R.J. and I'm sure looking forward to reading the next book and the next book, etc 🤓.
June 9, 2019
AMAZING! So funny and inventive
How do I have two thousand kindle books, 90% of which are paranormal suspense/action/romance, and NOT have had RJ Blaine’s books before? Her world is so fun, and I can’t imagine where she comes up with so many characters with so many traits, so many combinations of personalities, and so many “worlds” within one world. I will certainly be buying more of her books as soon as I finish this review!
How do I have two thousand kindle books, 90% of which are paranormal suspense/action/romance, and NOT have had RJ Blaine’s books before? Her world is so fun, and I can’t imagine where she comes up with so many characters with so many traits, so many combinations of personalities, and so many “worlds” within one world. I will certainly be buying more of her books as soon as I finish this review!
December 20, 2019
Different to the usual magical stories
I loved this series. It was action packed and fast paced but you still got to know the characters.
I got a little confused sometimes with the authors version of the world (what creatures are the norm and who knows about what) but didn't distract from the stories in any way.
Could have done with a bit longer once any characters get together about seemed to end but some do have follow on stories so you can continue their stories.
I loved this series. It was action packed and fast paced but you still got to know the characters.
I got a little confused sometimes with the authors version of the world (what creatures are the norm and who knows about what) but didn't distract from the stories in any way.
Could have done with a bit longer once any characters get together about seemed to end but some do have follow on stories so you can continue their stories.
August 10, 2020
Unexpected and hilarious
I accidentally came across this book and decided to try it out based on the comedy claim. It was so unexpected and original and funny. Loved it! I will definitely be checking out her other books. I think my favorite in this bundle was ‘Serial Killer Princess’. I so wish that book was longer. But all of the stories were fun and entertaining. Totally recommend these stories.
I accidentally came across this book and decided to try it out based on the comedy claim. It was so unexpected and original and funny. Loved it! I will definitely be checking out her other books. I think my favorite in this bundle was ‘Serial Killer Princess’. I so wish that book was longer. But all of the stories were fun and entertaining. Totally recommend these stories.
February 9, 2021
Buckle up boys and girls!
This author is one of the good ones. They take a paragraph to describe something, where other authors would take half a page. Which means - pay attention. You can miss details easily.
I had to force myself to put this book down. The stories are really well written. They dragged me right in and wouldn't let me go.
I really loved the first two books. They were hilarious and completely unexpected. The next few were merely funny, but still off the wall. The last ones barely raised a giggle. Which was disappointing - but that's not the only reason to read a good book.
The authors puns, and dedication to using terminology appropriate to the animal/ beings involved, are a delight.
It is refreshing to read a relationship- driven romance. There's no hot and sweaty sex scenes. And every story has a wedding. I also love the way progeny is explained. Between mixed couples, all children are born human.
Worryingly for a romance, the last 2 books with the owl and the swan, the ladies didn't say I love you once. The men did on several occasions. But the ladies attitude were more, 'You're mine - I'll keep you squirming until I say yes'. They also skipped several relationship steps and went straight for marriage. In 'Owl be yours', a murder was the ladies only condition for getting married... sure the guy deserved it - but really?
Set in the USA, the basics for this series are:
The magical field has risen on Earth, enough that magical beings have come out of hiding/ hibernation, and are living openly among humans. Unicorns, Fairies, Babylonians, Vampires, shape shifters, were-folk, centaurs of all breeds, magical users and more.
From childhood, everyone gets tested to find their magic rating and species classified, and then that person gets to go on and live their normal life. The CDC and the FBI together to make sure that nobody is contagious (eg: gorgons) or a danger to others. They are also the ones that get called in when someone goes batshit crazy. Hence, most of these stories include both of those departments... but in a good way.
In short. Read this and hunt down all others.
This author is one of the good ones. They take a paragraph to describe something, where other authors would take half a page. Which means - pay attention. You can miss details easily.
I had to force myself to put this book down. The stories are really well written. They dragged me right in and wouldn't let me go.
I really loved the first two books. They were hilarious and completely unexpected. The next few were merely funny, but still off the wall. The last ones barely raised a giggle. Which was disappointing - but that's not the only reason to read a good book.
The authors puns, and dedication to using terminology appropriate to the animal/ beings involved, are a delight.
It is refreshing to read a relationship- driven romance. There's no hot and sweaty sex scenes. And every story has a wedding. I also love the way progeny is explained. Between mixed couples, all children are born human.
Worryingly for a romance, the last 2 books with the owl and the swan, the ladies didn't say I love you once. The men did on several occasions. But the ladies attitude were more, 'You're mine - I'll keep you squirming until I say yes'. They also skipped several relationship steps and went straight for marriage. In 'Owl be yours', a murder was the ladies only condition for getting married... sure the guy deserved it - but really?
Set in the USA, the basics for this series are:
The magical field has risen on Earth, enough that magical beings have come out of hiding/ hibernation, and are living openly among humans. Unicorns, Fairies, Babylonians, Vampires, shape shifters, were-folk, centaurs of all breeds, magical users and more.
From childhood, everyone gets tested to find their magic rating and species classified, and then that person gets to go on and live their normal life. The CDC and the FBI together to make sure that nobody is contagious (eg: gorgons) or a danger to others. They are also the ones that get called in when someone goes batshit crazy. Hence, most of these stories include both of those departments... but in a good way.
In short. Read this and hunt down all others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2020
Could have been great. Totally was not. Like her autobiographical fantasy world. The premise is good the characters fun. Except for the central heroine. Who is the most boring annoying characters she ever wrote. She does nothing but complain and call for help. She crushes on big strong men who seem to find her reverse harem sexy but she is too mature and self conscious (how you do both is beyond me but she does) to hook up with them. She bounces from needing men to run things for her (even though they dont want to). To ranting about “mansplaining” and how qualified she is because of the PTA. Oh and supposedly she has super secret powers because she is a mother which never actually materialize although they keep getting talked about. Altogether she managed to make what should have been an excellent book into a barf fest of conflicting stereotypes
March 27, 2022
SIMPLY FUN
I started with this box set of RJ's early books in this series and it was an awesome intro. By the time I got to 'Hoofin it' I was surprised at how easily it was to accept the rules within this great universe she created and how real it becomes. Thats the mark of a good writer. I'm looking back at this compendium having read thru RJ'S total list and these are a great intro. My favourite story RJ has written to date is 'Hoofin it' And I'm a tad disappointed we've not met Shane Gibson again as he's RJ'S most entertaining character. A pity to leave such a fun creation as a standalone book. Needs a sequel.
I started with this box set of RJ's early books in this series and it was an awesome intro. By the time I got to 'Hoofin it' I was surprised at how easily it was to accept the rules within this great universe she created and how real it becomes. Thats the mark of a good writer. I'm looking back at this compendium having read thru RJ'S total list and these are a great intro. My favourite story RJ has written to date is 'Hoofin it' And I'm a tad disappointed we've not met Shane Gibson again as he's RJ'S most entertaining character. A pity to leave such a fun creation as a standalone book. Needs a sequel.
June 1, 2022
Absolutely fantastic!
This starter kit box was my introduction to one of my favorite authors. I absolutely love reading anything from R. J. Blain no matter under which pen name it is. This particular boxed set contains some of my favorites between Playing with Fire (Quinn and Bailey’s first book) and Whatever for Hire (I adore Kanika and Malcolm.) The author’s brand of humor may not be for everyone, but I adore her snark. Even among the fantastical, her characters are incredibly realistic and face realistic issues (even in what others consider to be fluff.) Also, you just can’t beat a fire-breathing unicorn…
This starter kit box was my introduction to one of my favorite authors. I absolutely love reading anything from R. J. Blain no matter under which pen name it is. This particular boxed set contains some of my favorites between Playing with Fire (Quinn and Bailey’s first book) and Whatever for Hire (I adore Kanika and Malcolm.) The author’s brand of humor may not be for everyone, but I adore her snark. Even among the fantastical, her characters are incredibly realistic and face realistic issues (even in what others consider to be fluff.) Also, you just can’t beat a fire-breathing unicorn…
April 30, 2019
Funny and unique
This collection is aptly named. Urban fantasy world building with humor and a little romance. Enjoyable!
Only four stars because the rambling dialogue became tiresome if you binge this set. Some people can watch Clue over and over but I am not one of them even though I enjoy the movie. An editor could polish this up so successive readings wouldn't become irritating. I would have liked a little more romance but the commitment made for a happy ending.
Mature themes mentioned, bedrooms closed but no illusions.
This collection is aptly named. Urban fantasy world building with humor and a little romance. Enjoyable!
Only four stars because the rambling dialogue became tiresome if you binge this set. Some people can watch Clue over and over but I am not one of them even though I enjoy the movie. An editor could polish this up so successive readings wouldn't become irritating. I would have liked a little more romance but the commitment made for a happy ending.
Mature themes mentioned, bedrooms closed but no illusions.
July 1, 2019
An amazing collection.
The author has created an amazing world full of the most fascinating creatures from myth and mythology all living in a world much like ours, except magic exists in this one which makes anything possible. Each character is amazing in their own way and each is unique with so many different variations. These stories are funny, non violent (for the most part) have no bad language or steamy sex scenes yet still manage to keep you entertained from start to finish. As for the price of this starter pack it's great value and worth every penny.
The author has created an amazing world full of the most fascinating creatures from myth and mythology all living in a world much like ours, except magic exists in this one which makes anything possible. Each character is amazing in their own way and each is unique with so many different variations. These stories are funny, non violent (for the most part) have no bad language or steamy sex scenes yet still manage to keep you entertained from start to finish. As for the price of this starter pack it's great value and worth every penny.
November 29, 2024
This review is for the whole series:
True confessions: This series was very addictive. I loved the tone and the way the MC’s processed the world around them. On the down side: the narrative arcs were often really anticlimactic because the MCs were constantly discovering that they actually had super powerful and magical and rich families who solved all their problems… and it was also suuuuuuper pro-cop which felt incredibly icky, but I’m still giving it 3 stars because it read like brain candy. I especially enjoyed the books with the devil
True confessions: This series was very addictive. I loved the tone and the way the MC’s processed the world around them. On the down side: the narrative arcs were often really anticlimactic because the MCs were constantly discovering that they actually had super powerful and magical and rich families who solved all their problems… and it was also suuuuuuper pro-cop which felt incredibly icky, but I’m still giving it 3 stars because it read like brain candy. I especially enjoyed the books with the devil
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2019
Prepare for laughter
I'm not a laugh-out-loud person, but every book in this set had me muffling my laughter so I didn't wake up anybody. They were fun, sarcastic, irreverent, and surprisingly clean (PG). I love the universe, and the different viewpoints. The author is quite skilled at character motivations. A completely unexpected find. I've already bought the sequel. Definitely worth it.
I'm not a laugh-out-loud person, but every book in this set had me muffling my laughter so I didn't wake up anybody. They were fun, sarcastic, irreverent, and surprisingly clean (PG). I love the universe, and the different viewpoints. The author is quite skilled at character motivations. A completely unexpected find. I've already bought the sequel. Definitely worth it.
February 28, 2021
Yes, yes, YES! READ THIS! It's exactly what the series claims—each book here is magical urban fantasy, romantic, comedic, and has a dangerous element to it.
I can't recommend this series enough. If flaming unicorns that get high on napalm, cops with a thing for lame puns, independent women, strong men, magic and mystery aren't your cup of tea, then by all means, pass this by. Even if those sound iffy, pick up this series! It'll have you laughing out loud. I couldn't put it down.
I can't recommend this series enough. If flaming unicorns that get high on napalm, cops with a thing for lame puns, independent women, strong men, magic and mystery aren't your cup of tea, then by all means, pass this by. Even if those sound iffy, pick up this series! It'll have you laughing out loud. I couldn't put it down.
March 1, 2021
Awesome!
I purchased this box set because I snooped the first book lol.
I'm so glad I did as nearly all these books are hysterical 😂😂😂
I've reviewed each book on it's own as not many folks pick up box sets and it seemed fair to give each book a worthy review, not just a sentence lol.
I'll be buying the rest, sooner rather than later lol.
Fab box set, I've recommended it on my FB.
All I'll say some of these books have parents I WANT 😂😂😎😂
I purchased this box set because I snooped the first book lol.
I'm so glad I did as nearly all these books are hysterical 😂😂😂
I've reviewed each book on it's own as not many folks pick up box sets and it seemed fair to give each book a worthy review, not just a sentence lol.
I'll be buying the rest, sooner rather than later lol.
Fab box set, I've recommended it on my FB.
All I'll say some of these books have parents I WANT 😂😂😎😂
April 5, 2021
Comedy and romance
The description for this set is entirely accurate. The zany universe is laugh out loud funny. The romance is pervasive but non-explicit, being mostly obliquely referenced or implied. I like that because it means the vast majority of the story is the story rather than steamy bedroom scenes. My only regret is that ie wish there were more follow up books for these characters.
The description for this set is entirely accurate. The zany universe is laugh out loud funny. The romance is pervasive but non-explicit, being mostly obliquely referenced or implied. I like that because it means the vast majority of the story is the story rather than steamy bedroom scenes. My only regret is that ie wish there were more follow up books for these characters.
January 28, 2023
I cannot tell you how many times I've read this book! The stories range in length, but all are fairly quick reads (Playing with Fire and Hoofin It are probably the longest). It's weird saying it's a lightheaded collection of stories when they all have deaths in them, but it's true. You've got fairy dust that's basically powdered Xanax, shape shifters, angels, demons and devils *oh my*. Just read it.
March 20, 2019
RomComs with a blast of magic
These books are so much fun! The world they are in has humans, fantasy creatures and blends. All sorts of crazy situations happen and they are loaded with puns (think Piers Anthony) and snark. All of these stories are HEA. I have found a new favorite author!
These books are so much fun! The world they are in has humans, fantasy creatures and blends. All sorts of crazy situations happen and they are loaded with puns (think Piers Anthony) and snark. All of these stories are HEA. I have found a new favorite author!
May 12, 2019
The Magical Romantic Comedy(with a body count)
This collection was the most fun I've had reading paranormal romance ever!! I have giggled, laughed, and straight up collapsed into loud guffaws heard all over my house! Such lovely puns!! My only concern is with your need for a good editor ! I will be reading more, I am now a fan!
This collection was the most fun I've had reading paranormal romance ever!! I have giggled, laughed, and straight up collapsed into loud guffaws heard all over my house! Such lovely puns!! My only concern is with your need for a good editor ! I will be reading more, I am now a fan!
August 19, 2020
RJ has a very specific style and I personally LOVE it. This was my first introduction to her writing. I grabbed this set for a steal and I have ZERO regrets. Her characters are interesting and the plots can be super intricate. The humor involved isn't always in your face "haha" so don't think this is all a bunch of fluff.
August 30, 2020
Really funny
I get a huge kick out of these stories. I like the fact that they are clean, and they really are very funny. I enjoyed them enough that I bought most of the standalone books in the series as well. There are a few more that haven’t yet come out. I’ve already re-read most of them - they are cute and make me laugh. :)
I get a huge kick out of these stories. I like the fact that they are clean, and they really are very funny. I enjoyed them enough that I bought most of the standalone books in the series as well. There are a few more that haven’t yet come out. I’ve already re-read most of them - they are cute and make me laugh. :)
October 31, 2020
Great introduction to the series!
I'm seriously loving these books! The snarky banter, off the wall shenanigans, tons of supernatural types, and mysteries to unravel? The relationships may be a little unorthodox but they make you smile anyways. Most books in the series are stand alone, all within the same world.
I'm seriously loving these books! The snarky banter, off the wall shenanigans, tons of supernatural types, and mysteries to unravel? The relationships may be a little unorthodox but they make you smile anyways. Most books in the series are stand alone, all within the same world.
March 4, 2021
This was my intro to R J Blain and I have to say I am hooked! The stories are interesting, outrageous, hilarious, romantic and all are different. I am now getting more books. Her writing is superb and I love she can throw in a body count. Highly recommend this series. I mean who doesn’t like a spitting shifter Llama!!🤣🤣
March 18, 2021
Amusing
If you like your paranormal romance with a side order of comedy but not sexually explicit these are the books for you. Good clean fun from a fire loving unicorn to a lycanthrope swan the stories were well thought out characters were well rounded and situations are more than a little bizarre. Great reads, loved getting 7 books for the price of one.
If you like your paranormal romance with a side order of comedy but not sexually explicit these are the books for you. Good clean fun from a fire loving unicorn to a lycanthrope swan the stories were well thought out characters were well rounded and situations are more than a little bizarre. Great reads, loved getting 7 books for the price of one.
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