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Booked for Murder by R.J. Blain Series: Vigilante Magical Librarians #1
Published by Pen & Page Publishing on August 18, 2020
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 432
Format: eBook
Source: Bought
Purchase Links: Amazon*Kobo*Chirp*Audiobooks.com
Goodreads
Life as a bodyguard and driver for the rich, famous, and powerful is dangerous on a good day, and after sustaining a crippling injury while on duty, Janette’s left with few options. Having signed a ‘for life’ contract but unable to work, she uses her skills to disappear.
Her new life as a librarian suits her. Nobody cares she limps and sometimes requires a cane to walk. She’s wanted for her knowledge, not her lethal magic. She’s surrounded by books, a woman’s best friend. But when her former employer’s best friend is murdered on the steps of her library, old loyalties and secrets might destroy her—or set her free.
Teaming up with her co-workers to find the killer might keep her from being booked for murder, but unless she’s careful, she’ll find out exactly how far her ex-boss will go to reclaim what is rightfully his.
Her. For life.
Booked for Murder is book one in the Vigilante Magical Librarians by R.J. Blain.
Let’s start with the cover. It’s eye-catching and pulled me in to read the blurb and then the book, but I’ve got mixed feelings.
The story started out interesting with our librarian Janette coming into work and finding a murder had happened.
Janette is a former bodyguard. She got injured on the job and used that to escape her boss and contract. She’s also got a magical ability that lets her control blood. With all this I was expecting a kickass heroine, but that really isn’t the case.
Janette quickly let her old boss and his family back into her life with no fight. Bradly, the ex-employer, was very sweet. I expected an alpha male; because Janette’s running from him, but that’s not the case. The banter is good and I enjoyed it; between Janette and Bradley, but both characters felt flat.
As for the world-building I’m confused on the world, the society and it’s structure. I was lost with the long winded technical dialogue. I was also confused on the societal structure and the relationship Janette has with her ex-boss; maybe fiancé. The lifetime contracts, which Janette was running from, from my understand are a form of slavery. I don’t like this aspect and it makes the relationship between Janette and Bradley feel wrong.
Booked for Murder did have an interesting premise; unfortunately I’m left with mixed feelings. The story isn’t complete and will continue in book two. I’m not sure if I’ll be reading on.
Rated: 3 Stars
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About R.J. Blain
RJ 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.
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This looks like a great read. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for check out my review and visiting the blog. Have a great weekend!