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Magical Romantic Comedies #4.75
Last but Not Leashed
alternate cover edition of ASIN B07CQ2MGHH
When Dale went to work security at one of the local malls, he expected trouble. Between his boss, a hybrid lycanthrope female on a mission to claim her mate, and his pack on a mission to change his relationship status, he’s in for a week he’ll never forget.
Warning: This novella contains humor, romance, magic, a temporary escape from life, bodies, and puns. No plots were severely harmed during testing but they were put in time out due to hysterics.
When Dale went to work security at one of the local malls, he expected trouble. Between his boss, a hybrid lycanthrope female on a mission to claim her mate, and his pack on a mission to change his relationship status, he’s in for a week he’ll never forget.
Warning: This novella contains humor, romance, magic, a temporary escape from life, bodies, and puns. No plots were severely harmed during testing but they were put in time out due to hysterics.
118 pages, ebook
First published June 26, 2018
195 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Blain
81 books1,305 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 86 reviews
October 29, 2023
A slice of crazy
These books are mainly dialogue driven which makes the story move very fast. They are irreverent and snarky with very little bad language, sex or violence. They are very cleverly written and the world the author has created is a very interesting one. Really enjoyable.
These books are mainly dialogue driven which makes the story move very fast. They are irreverent and snarky with very little bad language, sex or violence. They are very cleverly written and the world the author has created is a very interesting one. Really enjoyable.
November 5, 2018
Although all the books in the series can stand alone, the author expects to do another with these characters and left bits at the end unsolved. I give points off for cliffhangers, and didn’t here as the unresolved bits weren’t that big a deal for me.
Usually I avoid novellas preferring full novels, but thus far hers have been enough of a story to keep me satisfied.
Usually I avoid novellas preferring full novels, but thus far hers have been enough of a story to keep me satisfied.
June 26, 2018
4.5 stars.
Half star taken off because it is a novella (not my favorite length but I will read anything this author writes.) Ok, the half star isn't taken off for the novella-ness, but for the abrupt ending. The story feels very incomplete.
The end note says there will be more, so there is that.
Half star taken off because it is a novella (not my favorite length but I will read anything this author writes.) Ok, the half star isn't taken off for the novella-ness, but for the abrupt ending. The story feels very incomplete.
The end note says there will be more, so there is that.
February 26, 2023
Feb 2023
Audiobook edition
Brought from Spotify. Listened to at 1.2x. I didn't like the narrator's voice. Despite the bad guys and the instigators the worst character for me is still Dana. I just really don't get why she'd still sticking her nose in. The purple fur, the mall and the pack teasing stuck in my mind from last time. I forgot all about Ethel's family. I liked Missy and the uncle, although it did feel from going to visit one family to another. Ethel went from boss to wild child. I liked how Dale handled situations with a stubborn calmness. Really want to see him and the tiger friendship.
August 2018
Kindle edition
The most tame of the series.
I think it’s the shortest so far. Like Serial killer princess the story is to be continued. Dale is in love with his boss but so professional he doesn’t act on it or believe he’s worth anything. A impromptu mall kidnapping attempt reveals secrets and desires. Favourite character was Jerome. I love how easy going the pack is and how much of a family they are. Really don’t get Dana’s problem. Can’t wait to read more of these two.
Audiobook edition
Brought from Spotify. Listened to at 1.2x. I didn't like the narrator's voice. Despite the bad guys and the instigators the worst character for me is still Dana. I just really don't get why she'd still sticking her nose in. The purple fur, the mall and the pack teasing stuck in my mind from last time. I forgot all about Ethel's family. I liked Missy and the uncle, although it did feel from going to visit one family to another. Ethel went from boss to wild child. I liked how Dale handled situations with a stubborn calmness. Really want to see him and the tiger friendship.
August 2018
Kindle edition
The most tame of the series.
I think it’s the shortest so far. Like Serial killer princess the story is to be continued. Dale is in love with his boss but so professional he doesn’t act on it or believe he’s worth anything. A impromptu mall kidnapping attempt reveals secrets and desires. Favourite character was Jerome. I love how easy going the pack is and how much of a family they are. Really don’t get Dana’s problem. Can’t wait to read more of these two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2024
Narrated by Daniel James Lewis. A beta wolf shifter who is embarrassed by his unusual fur colour (purple) and his long-time crush, who is also his boss, who is also a wolf shifter. There are shenanigans and they fall in love.
Note benne - the series number, whether it be book 2 or book 4.75 does Not correlate to the book length. In other series in between books are usually shorter, but that is not the case with this series. Which I’ve found makes the price per audiobook disproportional.
Note benne - the series number, whether it be book 2 or book 4.75 does Not correlate to the book length. In other series in between books are usually shorter, but that is not the case with this series. Which I’ve found makes the price per audiobook disproportional.
April 27, 2019
A fun quirky read.
February 4, 2024
Novella length fun story! Too much talking as usual. The crime wasn't solved but the author says there's a sequel!
December 19, 2022
Funny - like always
Any book in this series is a hit for me, though I have to ingest them in small doses. It’s rollicking, hilarious and ripe with expansive world building that literally tries to twist the mind.
Like the others, this is fade to black and perfectly “clean” - which, as a devout romance reader, is a touch annoying, but eh? What can you do? They are funny enough and so wit infused, I can’t resist.
Short for the series, this novella is meant to draw two character together and set them up for future adventures - hopefully ones that actually answer the mysteries dropped here.
Perspective
First Person, Single POV
Ending Type
HEA, Episodic
Rating
PG
Romantic Dynamic
M/F
Character Age Range
Adult
My Final Verdict on Last but not Leashed
Short, but flush with humor, this is the perfect addition to this growing, paranormal world. The characters are slap happy or dry, depending on the role - yet they all combine to create a laugh a minute ride a bit deeper than first impressions allow.
Any book in this series is a hit for me, though I have to ingest them in small doses. It’s rollicking, hilarious and ripe with expansive world building that literally tries to twist the mind.
Like the others, this is fade to black and perfectly “clean” - which, as a devout romance reader, is a touch annoying, but eh? What can you do? They are funny enough and so wit infused, I can’t resist.
Short for the series, this novella is meant to draw two character together and set them up for future adventures - hopefully ones that actually answer the mysteries dropped here.
Perspective
First Person, Single POV
Ending Type
HEA, Episodic
Rating
PG
Romantic Dynamic
M/F
Character Age Range
Adult
My Final Verdict on Last but not Leashed
Short, but flush with humor, this is the perfect addition to this growing, paranormal world. The characters are slap happy or dry, depending on the role - yet they all combine to create a laugh a minute ride a bit deeper than first impressions allow.
July 28, 2018
I like this author and this series, but she could use a tough editor in her corner. The author doesn't know when to cut out the repetition. This is the second book in this series where I had to slog through endlessly repeating info/dialogue. In this case, it was made clear by about the halfway point that the two principle characters were very interested in dating one another. Then, for the second half of the book, each of those two principles spent a great deal of time defending why the other shouldn't get scared off and run away. It was extremely illogical, repetitive and bizarre. I love the high jinx, world building, and the slapstick in this series, but less is more when it comes to dialogue. Someone needs to take a red pen to these books before they are published.
August 15, 2019
I have no idea why I keep reading. I’m disappointed with every book I read. I just keep hoping they would get better.
October 14, 2019
dropped in the middle of a story wherein the only resolution was of the romance I didn't have time to get invested in.
July 27, 2018
3.25 stars or so. Frothy and silly, mainly, with a sauce of bawdy yet fade-to-black. The mystery of who started the problem by hiring the attack on the mall security guard is not yet solved by the end of the book (though the protagonists have suspicions).
The main point of this novella is getting the H&h together, past misunderstandings (re. professional [mis]conduct, etc.), her wacky family, and especially his self-doubt. That purple-furred wolf on the cover isn't just to make you look at an interesting image: when the powerful but usually-pacifistic (and pragmatic) hero shifts, his fur is purple; he hates it, and kept it a secret as long as possible!
There are a handful of minor proofreading errors, BTW, but not enough to impair my bemused enjoyment.
N.b., I read this in Kindle for PC, and forgot that doesn't log it as "Currently reading" when I start, so I'm not sure of the precise date. The lack of portability made me take longer than a day or two.
The main point of this novella is getting the H&h together, past misunderstandings (re. professional [mis]conduct, etc.), her wacky family, and especially his self-doubt. That purple-furred wolf on the cover isn't just to make you look at an interesting image: when the powerful but usually-pacifistic (and pragmatic) hero shifts, his fur is purple; he hates it, and kept it a secret as long as possible!
There are a handful of minor proofreading errors, BTW, but not enough to impair my bemused enjoyment.
N.b., I read this in Kindle for PC, and forgot that doesn't log it as "Currently reading" when I start, so I'm not sure of the precise date. The lack of portability made me take longer than a day or two.
October 9, 2019
Last But Not Leashed is a novella in the Magical Romantic Comedy (With a body count) series by R. K. Blain.
I’m absolutely pissed about the ending. Basically, it’s placement in the storyline, the open-ended conclusion, and the many questions that still remain in regards to the MCs themselves, their HEA, and the mysterious antagonist.
This was a cute unexpected werewolf fixated story following Dale and Ethel. Dale is rather interesting if not only for his appearance but genealogy as well. Which Ethel has a fairly interesting origin to match. They are a cute pair.
However, I feel as if Blain forgot stories are supposed to have beginning, middle, and END. What we were given here cannot even be classified as a cliffhanger. There was no buildup, no last minute surge of expectation, the story just ends. I’m rather disappointed in this work.
I’m absolutely pissed about the ending. Basically, it’s placement in the storyline, the open-ended conclusion, and the many questions that still remain in regards to the MCs themselves, their HEA, and the mysterious antagonist.
This was a cute unexpected werewolf fixated story following Dale and Ethel. Dale is rather interesting if not only for his appearance but genealogy as well. Which Ethel has a fairly interesting origin to match. They are a cute pair.
However, I feel as if Blain forgot stories are supposed to have beginning, middle, and END. What we were given here cannot even be classified as a cliffhanger. There was no buildup, no last minute surge of expectation, the story just ends. I’m rather disappointed in this work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2019
A funny but interesting book. I go with the expression that real men can wear pink. In the case of Dale, he has color issues and some ego problems. Love is blooming but he is afraid to act. His boss is his interest and he afraid rules will com between them. Jerome the alpha and his mate plus some pack members are trying to help the romance between Dale and Ethel to bloom.
Now for the mystery part it involves a man infected, things happening to Dale and some funny plot twists. I throughly enjoyed this story when I wasn’t laughing at the funny parts!
Now for the mystery part it involves a man infected, things happening to Dale and some funny plot twists. I throughly enjoyed this story when I wasn’t laughing at the funny parts!
May 17, 2021
Loved.
As with all her books, I loved this one. She has fun with reality and people's beliefs but she also writes against things that are wrong. I can't speak for her but her books tend to lead me to believe she is against bullies of any sort, against abuse of power for evil purposes, against rape or coercion of any kind. And of course against animal abuse and mistreatment. All her books have elements of humor, love(romantic, familial, etc), and overcoming adversity. But mostly I read for the joy and laughter they bring me.
As with all her books, I loved this one. She has fun with reality and people's beliefs but she also writes against things that are wrong. I can't speak for her but her books tend to lead me to believe she is against bullies of any sort, against abuse of power for evil purposes, against rape or coercion of any kind. And of course against animal abuse and mistreatment. All her books have elements of humor, love(romantic, familial, etc), and overcoming adversity. But mostly I read for the joy and laughter they bring me.
November 18, 2021
Frustrating, cause this was just the first part of the story. Again, I'm not really sure why I'm doing these. But probably cause they're so damned short. Mediocre and dumb but moderately entertaining. Perfect as background material but not exactly anything great. Still though, they are good enough for what they are. The jokes are always the same, instalove and lot of talk about kidnapping hopefully willing partners. Most characters are somewhat flat and interchangeable. But this humour seems to appeal to a lot of people. So there's no reason not to give it a go.
April 5, 2022
Super fun novella. Dale is an exotic wolf with electric pink and bright blue fur. He's completely smitten with his boss, but he's a professional. Ethel is a very dominating female, who has her sights set on Dale. However, his week isn't really going according to plan. However, getting the crap beat out of him does have it's upside. Ethel has stepped up and made her intentions clear where Dale is concerned.
The story ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, but I'm looking forward to when they make their next appearance.
The story ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, but I'm looking forward to when they make their next appearance.
December 12, 2019
I have found I really like reading books about shape shifters!
This author can tell a good story without the chactors having to shed their clothes to fill in the story or to keep the reader engaged. You have a wonderful hint of the romance and a love story that is sweet. The story has action, humor and lots of supporting chactors!! So if you are looking to be entertained that will have you laughing out loud and dreading for the book to end, I highly recommend tus book!!
This author can tell a good story without the chactors having to shed their clothes to fill in the story or to keep the reader engaged. You have a wonderful hint of the romance and a love story that is sweet. The story has action, humor and lots of supporting chactors!! So if you are looking to be entertained that will have you laughing out loud and dreading for the book to end, I highly recommend tus book!!
October 2, 2020
This book is NOT included in "The Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count)" Starter Pack, which has 7 stories set in the same world. I'm not sure why. No matter, I found it fun, unique as the others are, and worth reading. It's a short story packed full of interesting characters, action, humor, and it most definitely made me want more of the characters inside.
This series is fun. It's humor can be punny or dark or silly. The characters are a huge variety of truly different characters than we're used to, and that keeps me reading on and on.
This series is fun. It's humor can be punny or dark or silly. The characters are a huge variety of truly different characters than we're used to, and that keeps me reading on and on.
September 3, 2019
This is a fantastic rom-com! A perfect fun escape. The characters and situations were hilarious. I love the world the author has built! This story is fun and unique. I was glued to every word. Loved it and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters and story to life. I received this audiobook by my request in exchange for an honest review from getfreeaudiobooks.com.
May 24, 2020
Great Novella
Be warned this is not the complete story. Dale and Ethel do not close the case that put Dale I. Danger I. The first place and that will be continued in a subsequent book. However, we do get introduced to some great characters and see them declare themselves to each other and have some fun and laughs while doing so. Another great read.
Be warned this is not the complete story. Dale and Ethel do not close the case that put Dale I. Danger I. The first place and that will be continued in a subsequent book. However, we do get introduced to some great characters and see them declare themselves to each other and have some fun and laughs while doing so. Another great read.
June 30, 2020
Wolves, tigers, pixies, elves, vampires ...
Who knew falling for your boss could lead you on such a merry chase? Turns out Dale was actually being chased... Dale and Ethel work at the CDC and when she sends Dale to fill in as a Security Guard to check out a lyconthrope attack he ends up being attacked. Now there is a million dollar bounty on his head...
Who knew falling for your boss could lead you on such a merry chase? Turns out Dale was actually being chased... Dale and Ethel work at the CDC and when she sends Dale to fill in as a Security Guard to check out a lyconthrope attack he ends up being attacked. Now there is a million dollar bounty on his head...
August 28, 2020
My stomach hurts from laughing 😂
I am normally not a fan of cliffhangers, even small ones, but this one makes up for it, by having me laugh so much and so hard, that my stomach needs a break. Maybe my stomach will have stopped hurting from laughter by the time, the sequel comes out.
I am normally not a fan of cliffhangers, even small ones, but this one makes up for it, by having me laugh so much and so hard, that my stomach needs a break. Maybe my stomach will have stopped hurting from laughter by the time, the sequel comes out.
April 5, 2021
Best read, ever!!!
I ADORE Dale and Ethal . Had me smirking and snickering like a loon!
Hubsters worried I'm broken 🙄
I love that Dale is somewhat a pacifist for a Lycanthrope and Ethal LOVES it.
OMG her mother is fricking awesome.
Can't wait for more of their story and the end of who's attacking mall security.
BRILLIANT!!!
I ADORE Dale and Ethal . Had me smirking and snickering like a loon!
Hubsters worried I'm broken 🙄
I love that Dale is somewhat a pacifist for a Lycanthrope and Ethal LOVES it.
OMG her mother is fricking awesome.
Can't wait for more of their story and the end of who's attacking mall security.
BRILLIANT!!!
October 28, 2022
Cute and Entertaining
This one was really cute and entertaining. I love the verbal courting going on and then you through a whole family element on both sides just makes the whole thing better. Would like to hear more Bout this whole group again, but that is not how these go. I am sad but happy to have read this story.
This one was really cute and entertaining. I love the verbal courting going on and then you through a whole family element on both sides just makes the whole thing better. Would like to hear more Bout this whole group again, but that is not how these go. I am sad but happy to have read this story.
June 29, 2018
A wonderful story! Read it as fast as I could.
I love the author's take on the different supernatural. A very fresh outlook. The characters are a blast and I am looking forward to more of the story!
I love the author's take on the different supernatural. A very fresh outlook. The characters are a blast and I am looking forward to more of the story!
August 12, 2018
Absolutely fantastic
I have read the other RJ Blain books and enjoyed them. This is a fantastic book and really follows the rest of the series' in quality and laughs. Highly recommended.
I have read the other RJ Blain books and enjoyed them. This is a fantastic book and really follows the rest of the series' in quality and laughs. Highly recommended.
October 20, 2018
I love everything about these books. Unabashedly light-hearted; unrespecting of tawdry reality. Admittedly, the shifter biology within this series is a little different so I sometimes have to double-read to make sure I'm following the story properly.
September 10, 2019
So fun!
Another great great book by Miss Blain. I just love the idea of a purple and blue wolf. It's so out there. How he got that way and the messes and fun times Dale has is memorable. Do enjoy please!
Another great great book by Miss Blain. I just love the idea of a purple and blue wolf. It's so out there. How he got that way and the messes and fun times Dale has is memorable. Do enjoy please!
February 20, 2020
Wonderfully weird and most entertaining
Another fantastical trip through the bizarre world of R. J. Blain, where gorgons, vampires, pixies, angels, elves, and lycanthropes of all persuasions live and interact in the most unexpected ways.
Another fantastical trip through the bizarre world of R. J. Blain, where gorgons, vampires, pixies, angels, elves, and lycanthropes of all persuasions live and interact in the most unexpected ways.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews