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Magical Romantic Comedies #15.5 (101 Ways to Die)
Dirty Deeds 2: An Urban Fantasy Collection
When the going gets tough, the tough get their hands dirty.
Join NY Times bestselling authors Faith Hunter and Jennifer Estep along with USA Today bestselling authors R.J. Blain, Diana Pharaoh Francis, and Devon Monk on a brand-new romp through magical worlds where the damsels bring the distress, what can go wrong will go wrong, and nothing is as it seems.
Adventure with Eli Younger, Liz Everhart, and Brute in the thrilling world of Jane Yellowrock. Face off against old gods and lost souls at a magical crossroads on Route 66. Become entangled in Ashland’s dark, deadly web with side characters from the Elemental Assassin series. Return to the irreverent world of Beck Wyatt, where disaster waits around every corner and cheesecake makes it all worthwhile. And finally, meet up with the Quinns and friends in the zany world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series.
In this collection of all-new urban fantasy and paranormal stories, the gloves are off and simply surviving might just be the dirtiest, most difficult deed of all.
stories included:
101 Ways to Die by R.J. Blain (Magical Romantic Comedies series)
Putting the Chic in Psychic by Diana Pharaoh Francis (Everyday Disasters series)
Liz and Eli Sitting by Faith Hunter (Jane Yellowrock World)
Magic School for Geezers by Faith Hunter
Oak and Ink by Devon Monk (Souls of the Road series)
Heart Strings by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin series)
Join NY Times bestselling authors Faith Hunter and Jennifer Estep along with USA Today bestselling authors R.J. Blain, Diana Pharaoh Francis, and Devon Monk on a brand-new romp through magical worlds where the damsels bring the distress, what can go wrong will go wrong, and nothing is as it seems.
Adventure with Eli Younger, Liz Everhart, and Brute in the thrilling world of Jane Yellowrock. Face off against old gods and lost souls at a magical crossroads on Route 66. Become entangled in Ashland’s dark, deadly web with side characters from the Elemental Assassin series. Return to the irreverent world of Beck Wyatt, where disaster waits around every corner and cheesecake makes it all worthwhile. And finally, meet up with the Quinns and friends in the zany world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series.
In this collection of all-new urban fantasy and paranormal stories, the gloves are off and simply surviving might just be the dirtiest, most difficult deed of all.
stories included:
101 Ways to Die by R.J. Blain (Magical Romantic Comedies series)
Putting the Chic in Psychic by Diana Pharaoh Francis (Everyday Disasters series)
Liz and Eli Sitting by Faith Hunter (Jane Yellowrock World)
Magic School for Geezers by Faith Hunter
Oak and Ink by Devon Monk (Souls of the Road series)
Heart Strings by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin series)
833 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2022
About the author
Faith Hunter
90 books5,636 followersFaith Hunter's Junkyard Cats novella series is available in Audible, eBook, and "ridiculously expensive" (her words) trade paperback books at this time.
Faith's Jane Yellowrock series is a dark urban fantasy. Jane is a full blooded Cherokee skinwalker and hunter of rogue-vampires in a world of weres, witches, vampires, and other supernats.
The Soulwood series is a dark-urban fantasy / paranormal police procedural /para-thriller series featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram, an earth magic user and Special gent of PsyLED.
Her Rogue Mage novels—Bloodring, Seraphs, Host, and the RPG Rogue Mage—feature Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage in a post-apocalyptic alternate reality.
Faith writes full-time, tries to keep house, and is a workaholic. She gave up cooking for lent one year and the oven hasn’t been turned on since. Okay – that’s a joke. She does still make cold cereal and sandwiches. Occasionally, she remembers to turn on Roomba (that she named Duma$$ because it fell down the stairs once.)
Faith researches in great detail, and tries most everything her characters do. Research led to her life’s passions – jewelry making, orchids, Japanese maples, bones, travel, white-water kayaking, and writing.
Jewelry-making was the occupation of two of her characters: Thorn St. Croix, the Rogue Mage, and the main character of BloodStone, written by her pen name, Gwen Hunter. She fell in love with the art form. Though she doesn't have time for jewelry as much as she used to, Faith makes, wears, and sometimes gives away her jewelry as promo items to fans and as prizes in contests. See her FaceBook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/official.fait... for pics.
Faith loves orchids. Her favorite time of year is when several are blooming. Pictures can be seen at her FaceBook page. And yes, she collects bones and skulls. Many of her orchid pics are juxtaposed with bones and skulls —a fox, cat, dog, cow skull, goat, and deer skull, (that is, unfortunately, falling apart) and the jawbone of an ass. She just received a boar skull, and the skull of a mountain lion (legally purchased from a US tannery) hit by a car in the wild.
Her latest love is Japanese maples, and she has managed to collect over thirty in one year.
She and her husband RV, traveling to whitewater rivers all over the Southeast.
And that leads Faith to kayaking – her very favorite sport. Faith discovered whitewater paddling when she was researching her (Gwen Hunter) mystery book, Rapid Descent. She took a lesson and—after a bout of panic attacks from fear of being upside down trapped in a boat—discovered she loved the sport.
Faith is a voracious reader.
Under other pen names, notably, Gwen Hunter, she writes action adventure, mysteries, and thrillers. As Gwen, she is a winner of the WH Smith Literary Award for Fresh Talent in 1995 in the UK, and won a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2008. As Faith, her books have been on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists, been nominated for various awards and won an Audie Award with Khristine Hvam, among other awards. Under all her pen names, she has more than 40 books, anthologies, and complications in print in 30 countries.
For more, including a list of her books, see www.faithhunter.net , www.gwenhunter.com , and www.magicalwords.net. To keep up with her daily, join her fan pages at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/official.fait...
Faith's Jane Yellowrock series is a dark urban fantasy. Jane is a full blooded Cherokee skinwalker and hunter of rogue-vampires in a world of weres, witches, vampires, and other supernats.
The Soulwood series is a dark-urban fantasy / paranormal police procedural /para-thriller series featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram, an earth magic user and Special gent of PsyLED.
Her Rogue Mage novels—Bloodring, Seraphs, Host, and the RPG Rogue Mage—feature Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage in a post-apocalyptic alternate reality.
Faith writes full-time, tries to keep house, and is a workaholic. She gave up cooking for lent one year and the oven hasn’t been turned on since. Okay – that’s a joke. She does still make cold cereal and sandwiches. Occasionally, she remembers to turn on Roomba (that she named Duma$$ because it fell down the stairs once.)
Faith researches in great detail, and tries most everything her characters do. Research led to her life’s passions – jewelry making, orchids, Japanese maples, bones, travel, white-water kayaking, and writing.
Jewelry-making was the occupation of two of her characters: Thorn St. Croix, the Rogue Mage, and the main character of BloodStone, written by her pen name, Gwen Hunter. She fell in love with the art form. Though she doesn't have time for jewelry as much as she used to, Faith makes, wears, and sometimes gives away her jewelry as promo items to fans and as prizes in contests. See her FaceBook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/official.fait... for pics.
Faith loves orchids. Her favorite time of year is when several are blooming. Pictures can be seen at her FaceBook page. And yes, she collects bones and skulls. Many of her orchid pics are juxtaposed with bones and skulls —a fox, cat, dog, cow skull, goat, and deer skull, (that is, unfortunately, falling apart) and the jawbone of an ass. She just received a boar skull, and the skull of a mountain lion (legally purchased from a US tannery) hit by a car in the wild.
Her latest love is Japanese maples, and she has managed to collect over thirty in one year.
She and her husband RV, traveling to whitewater rivers all over the Southeast.
And that leads Faith to kayaking – her very favorite sport. Faith discovered whitewater paddling when she was researching her (Gwen Hunter) mystery book, Rapid Descent. She took a lesson and—after a bout of panic attacks from fear of being upside down trapped in a boat—discovered she loved the sport.
Faith is a voracious reader.
Under other pen names, notably, Gwen Hunter, she writes action adventure, mysteries, and thrillers. As Gwen, she is a winner of the WH Smith Literary Award for Fresh Talent in 1995 in the UK, and won a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2008. As Faith, her books have been on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists, been nominated for various awards and won an Audie Award with Khristine Hvam, among other awards. Under all her pen names, she has more than 40 books, anthologies, and complications in print in 30 countries.
For more, including a list of her books, see www.faithhunter.net , www.gwenhunter.com , and www.magicalwords.net. To keep up with her daily, join her fan pages at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/official.fait...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 12, 2023
This review is based only on the following stories.
Liz and Eli Sitting by Faith Hunter
I really like Liz and Eli as a couple, but it seems like maybe they aren't quite that solid yet. I think both of them want it, just aren't sure about the other. With this adventure it seems like they end up more sure, but man...it was one thing after another coming at them. Just when they thought they got things figured out, the realized they didn't. And they had great help in Brute, a grindy and Chewy, who was very funny! Would love to see more of him. I was glad to see how this one ended, fingers crossed for those that were hurt.
Magic School for Geezers by Faith Hunter
This one was weird for me. I ended up DNF'ing it.
Oak and Ink by Devon Monk
This one was ok for me. Ericka really had to face a lot, had to decide if she should help people from her past that have hurt her. Being a good person she did, it was the right move to make for herself. I'm intrigued by the changes that happened and what that will bring her going forward. I'm also glad that she figured out what she needed to ask when handing back what was lost.
Heart Stings by Jennifer Estep
I liked that with this one we got to see more of the secondary characters in the Gin Blanco world. Lorelei is a favorite of mine. It was fun to see her stand up to an enemy, better to see her spar verbally with Hugh. I do like how this one ended in more than one way. Loved that Lorelei has one less enemy, love that Lorelei and Hugh know where they stand with each other and love Lorelei's new assistant.
Liz and Eli Sitting by Faith Hunter
I really like Liz and Eli as a couple, but it seems like maybe they aren't quite that solid yet. I think both of them want it, just aren't sure about the other. With this adventure it seems like they end up more sure, but man...it was one thing after another coming at them. Just when they thought they got things figured out, the realized they didn't. And they had great help in Brute, a grindy and Chewy, who was very funny! Would love to see more of him. I was glad to see how this one ended, fingers crossed for those that were hurt.
Magic School for Geezers by Faith Hunter
This one was weird for me. I ended up DNF'ing it.
Oak and Ink by Devon Monk
This one was ok for me. Ericka really had to face a lot, had to decide if she should help people from her past that have hurt her. Being a good person she did, it was the right move to make for herself. I'm intrigued by the changes that happened and what that will bring her going forward. I'm also glad that she figured out what she needed to ask when handing back what was lost.
Heart Stings by Jennifer Estep
I liked that with this one we got to see more of the secondary characters in the Gin Blanco world. Lorelei is a favorite of mine. It was fun to see her stand up to an enemy, better to see her spar verbally with Hugh. I do like how this one ended in more than one way. Loved that Lorelei has one less enemy, love that Lorelei and Hugh know where they stand with each other and love Lorelei's new assistant.
June 14, 2022
Another anthology. Brought this one for R.J Blain story. Apart from Jennifer Estep, the rest are new to me. Should’ve read the series first.
1) 101 ways to die by R.J Blain. Another one for the romantic comedy with a body count series. The only series I’m up to date with. I liked Josefina, she was a strong likeable character, who could handle the angels and incubi with ease. Alec was pretty much the background boyfriend and the story was gate crashed by the Quinns and Lucy. 3 stars.
2) Putting the Chic in Psychic. Everyday disasters by Diana Pharoah Francis. Sequel to Putting the fun in funeral. A lot of spoilers and I don’t think I’ll be reading the first book. Crappy mothers really get me down. Almost immediately Damon is out of the picture, leaving girl power and Stacey’s admirers. Didn’t like the cop but curious about Luke. Deals with abuse. Felt sorry for Lindsey, Beck didn’t seem to get the urgency until the end. 3 stars.
3) Liz and Eli sitting by Faith Hunter. A Jane Yellowrock world novella. Fits between books 13 and 14. I have yet to read book 1. I liked this one. Liz and Eli were interesting. I liked chewy and I’m curious about Brute and Grindy. Definitely a series I’ll give a go. 4 stars.
4) Magic school for geezers by Faith Hunter. Two in a row. Huh, feels a little like cheating but okay. This was a strange one but interesting. The powers were cool, the favourite being the dragons but I did like Marvin. So much swearing. Felt prison like. 3 stars.
5) Oak and Ink by Devon Monk. A sounds of the road novella. Another series I’d be interested in giving a go. I liked most of the characters apart from the mentor. Val was cool as was Crossroads and how possessive the house was. 4 stars.
6) Heart stings by Jennifer Estep. An Elemental assassin novella. Takes place after book 19. I’m kind of gutted I read this one before continuing the series, as I’ll have to read enemy Hugh. I liked the duo and did give myself massive spoilers. It was fun with some interesting powers being thrown around. 4 stars.
1) 101 ways to die by R.J Blain. Another one for the romantic comedy with a body count series. The only series I’m up to date with. I liked Josefina, she was a strong likeable character, who could handle the angels and incubi with ease. Alec was pretty much the background boyfriend and the story was gate crashed by the Quinns and Lucy. 3 stars.
2) Putting the Chic in Psychic. Everyday disasters by Diana Pharoah Francis. Sequel to Putting the fun in funeral. A lot of spoilers and I don’t think I’ll be reading the first book. Crappy mothers really get me down. Almost immediately Damon is out of the picture, leaving girl power and Stacey’s admirers. Didn’t like the cop but curious about Luke. Deals with abuse. Felt sorry for Lindsey, Beck didn’t seem to get the urgency until the end. 3 stars.
3) Liz and Eli sitting by Faith Hunter. A Jane Yellowrock world novella. Fits between books 13 and 14. I have yet to read book 1. I liked this one. Liz and Eli were interesting. I liked chewy and I’m curious about Brute and Grindy. Definitely a series I’ll give a go. 4 stars.
4) Magic school for geezers by Faith Hunter. Two in a row. Huh, feels a little like cheating but okay. This was a strange one but interesting. The powers were cool, the favourite being the dragons but I did like Marvin. So much swearing. Felt prison like. 3 stars.
5) Oak and Ink by Devon Monk. A sounds of the road novella. Another series I’d be interested in giving a go. I liked most of the characters apart from the mentor. Val was cool as was Crossroads and how possessive the house was. 4 stars.
6) Heart stings by Jennifer Estep. An Elemental assassin novella. Takes place after book 19. I’m kind of gutted I read this one before continuing the series, as I’ll have to read enemy Hugh. I liked the duo and did give myself massive spoilers. It was fun with some interesting powers being thrown around. 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2022
A fine collection of stories with a supernatural twist. Most of the authors were new to me, but I am sure that more of their work will turn up in my library soon.
May 15, 2023
Rating for Monk and Hunter's stories: (✮✮✮✮☆)
* Unread "Putting the Chic in Psychic" by Diana Pharaoh Francis, "101 Ways to Die" by R.J. Blain and "Heart Strings" by Jennifer Estep
Liz and Eli Sitting by Faith Hunter (Jane Yellowrock #13.5)
This story fits into the Jane Yellowrock timeline between books 13 and 14, and after Bound Into Darkness, (novella in the anthology DIRTY DEEDS 2021 and also in the compilation OF CLAWS AND FANGS, 2022). (✮✮✮✮½)
Magic School for Geezers by Faith Hunter
Hi fans. This story is not set in the Jane Yellowrock universe. It’s not a cutie pie “kids in magic school,” story. This is not an “action-packed, wham-bam-shoot-you-ma’am,” story. This story is just for fun and because I promised this particular story to the fans. It has cussing. It has romance. It has mystery. And it’s about Geezers who solve crimes. Not your cup of tea? Hmmm. It also has dragons. And blowing things up. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Faith (✮✮✮☆☆)
In Oak and Ink by Devon Monk (A Souls of the Road Novella), Erica/Ricky/Crossroads helps Cardamom "Card" Oak retrieve three coins taken from Fate. In the process, they reconcile events of the past and move forward together. (✮✮✮✮½)
* Unread "Putting the Chic in Psychic" by Diana Pharaoh Francis, "101 Ways to Die" by R.J. Blain and "Heart Strings" by Jennifer Estep
Liz and Eli Sitting by Faith Hunter (Jane Yellowrock #13.5)
This story fits into the Jane Yellowrock timeline between books 13 and 14, and after Bound Into Darkness, (novella in the anthology DIRTY DEEDS 2021 and also in the compilation OF CLAWS AND FANGS, 2022). (✮✮✮✮½)
Magic School for Geezers by Faith Hunter
Hi fans. This story is not set in the Jane Yellowrock universe. It’s not a cutie pie “kids in magic school,” story. This is not an “action-packed, wham-bam-shoot-you-ma’am,” story. This story is just for fun and because I promised this particular story to the fans. It has cussing. It has romance. It has mystery. And it’s about Geezers who solve crimes. Not your cup of tea? Hmmm. It also has dragons. And blowing things up. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Faith (✮✮✮☆☆)
In Oak and Ink by Devon Monk (A Souls of the Road Novella), Erica/Ricky/Crossroads helps Cardamom "Card" Oak retrieve three coins taken from Fate. In the process, they reconcile events of the past and move forward together. (✮✮✮✮½)
June 11, 2022
An anthology of six stories in the urban fantasy/paranormal romance genre in which the gloves are off and simply surviving might just be the dirtiest, most difficult deed of all.
The Series
"101 Ways to Die" (Magical Romantic Comedies, 15.5)
"Putting the Chic in Psychic" (Everyday Disasters, 1.5)
"Liz and Eli Sitting" (Jane Yellowrock, 13.2)
"Oak and Ink" (Souls of the Road, )
"Heart Stings" (Elemental Assassin, 19.5)
The Stories
R.M. Blain's "101 Ways to Die"
This was weird. If you want a total nonsense story, this is it. I did appreciate the theme counteracting racism with an encouragement (and promotion) of a mixed race woman.
Once you get far enough in and figure out what is going on and who is what, it is fun and made me wish that police departments were all as giving, lol.
Diana Pharaoh Francis "Putting the Chic in Psychic"
I'm ambivalent about the main character, Beck Wyatt, as she's so passive-aggressive in her thoughts. To be fair, Beck did have a HORRIBLE childhood. As for the police reaction to complaints from women without power, yeah. That figures.
Francis uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Beck's perspective, so we know everything that she experiences and thinks.
I did like how supportive the friends are of each other and other women.
Francis needs to have another look at the difference between "Suit vs Suite vs Sweet".
Faith Hunter's "Liz and Eli Sitting"
It's another camping trip for Liz and Eli with Chewy coming along. I laughed at Hunter's description of the drama queen; it was so picturesque and portrayed her brilliantly. There was a weird bit in here with Brute expressing his attraction to Liz. Cia has a new gig that utilizes her magic.
Hunter is using third person quadruple protagonist point-of-view from Liz's, Eli's, Chewy's, and Brute's perspectives. Liz is mostly angsting over her relationship with Eli and how much she (unreasonably) hates Jane. Eli alternates between admiring Liz's skills and concern about his vampire blood intake.
The Characters
Liz Everhart is a stone witch who runs a magical investigative business with her twin. Cia, a moon witch, is Liz's twin who is engaged to country music star Ray Conyers. Molly Everhart Trueblood is another sister who's married to Big Evan Trueblood, an air sorcerer with a Gift for music. Regan and Amelia are more sisters without any magic. Seven Sassy Sisters is the Everhart restaurant. Evangelina had been her oldest sister seduced by the dark side in Raven Cursed , 4.
Eli "Hoss" Younger, a.k.a. Captain America, a former Ranger, is a partner in Yellowrock Securities along with his younger brother, Alex "the Kid", who is a computer genius. Both brothers have been adopted by Jane Yellowrock, the Dark Queen of the Mithrans, whose headquarters is the Inn. "Chewy", another former Ranger and teammate of Eli's, likes the challenge. Gee DiMercy is the New Orleans Mercy Blade, who can stop a person from becoming a werewolf, if called in time.
Brute is a man who's been forced into his white werewolf shape by the angel Hayyel. Sarge is a werewolf in Blood in Her Veins: "Beneath a Bloody Moon", 6.5. Rick LaFleur heads up the local PsyLED office ( Raven Cursed ).
Charles Drake, Mr. Moneybags, and Felicity Hogg Drake, are distraught at the slaughter of Felicity's chickens. Sugar BooBoo is Felicity's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This Dwayyo, a half-form wolf-bear-human hybrid and nearly indestructible, has air and death magic.
Faith Hunter's "Magic School for Geezers"
It's an interesting perspective on magic with old folks suddenly coming into their powers and needing help in handling it. If only greed hadn't reared its ugly head. I gotta confess, that this didn't have Hunter's usual professionalism in the writing although I did appreciate that most of the good guys were nicely set financially and that they're all old and still rockin' it.
Hunter uses third person quadruple protagonist point-of-view from Dani's, Sandra's, Mable's, and Marvin's perspectives. Yeah, Hunter needs to take a look at the difference between "Suit vs Suite vs Sweet" as well.
Devon Monk's "Oak and Ink"
There is quite a bit of back history in this harking back to previous Souls of the Road stories. It is a great way to provide background for "Oak and Ink". There's quite a bit of angst as Ricky goes over and over about Card's past betrayal. It does have an interesting cast of supernatural characters, and Monk crams quite a bit in and uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Ricky's perspective.
Jennifer Estep's "Heart Stings"
It's only fair that Mallory and Stuart get an incident-free wedding reception, especially after events in Last Strand , 19, but it's rather tacky of them to do it now. Especially with what Mallory reveals at the end. There's plenty of back story in here about Lorelei and Hugh Tucker, but Estep has way too many info dumps in this.
Hugh Tucker's character is an enigma. He puts his cold intelligence to work for crime bosses and yet he does do good deeds now and again. Ya just never know which way he'll swing.
Estep uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Lorelei's perspective — I know, shocking, lol. I do wanna know why Lorelei doesn't move the danged filing cabinet when she keeps banging her knees on it.
The Characters
Lorelei Pike with a weak Ice Gift used to smuggle but now sources items for demanding clients. Lily Rose Pike had been Lorelei's abused mother who kept trying to get away. Renaldo Pike had been her very abusive father. Raymond Pike had been her equally bad brother. Dario Valdez is one of her watchmen at the warehouse; his wife, Karlotta, is Lorelei's personal assistant. Jack Corbin had been her right-hand man.
Mallory Parker, a dwarf, is Lorelei's many-greats-grandmother who recently married Stuart Mosley, another dwarf and president of First Trust Bank.
Gin Blanco, a.k.a. the Spider, is the Elemental Assassin, current Queen of the Underworld, and the owner of the popular Pork Pit restaurant. Sophie Deveraux, a dwarf with an Air Gift, is the head cook. Silvio Sanchez, a gay vampire, is Gin's essential personal assistant; Liam Carter, with his blend of dwarven and giant blood, is Silvio's significant other and provides protection services. Fletcher Lane, a.k.a. the Tin Man, had been Gin's foster father and an assassin who had taught Gin the trade. Owen Grayson is Gin's significant other. Finn Lane is Gin's foster brother. Detective Bria Coolidge is Gin's sister. Xavier, a giant, is Bria's partner on the police force. The murdered Eira Snow had been Gin and Bria's mother. She'd also been loved by Tucker.
Jo-Jo Deveraux, Sophie's sister and also with an Air Gift, runs a beauty salon. Roslyn Phillips is the vampire owner of the Northern Aggression nightclub and a friend of Gin's. Underwood's is a fancy and expensive restaurant. The Rhododendron Inn is a luxury resort built by Marisol Patton in the early 1900s. Vaughn Constructions will redo Lorelei's office — and be the triggering incident.
Clyde O'Neal had been partners with Dimitri Barkov ( Spider's Trap , 13); now O'Neal is plaguing Lorlei. Hugh Tucker, a vampire, works for all the worst criminal bosses. Emery Slater, a female giant, had crashed the first reception. Mason Mitchell, Gin's uncle with a powerful Stone magic, had been a vicious longtime leader of the Circle, a secret crime society. Alanna Eaton had been a cannibalistic vampire ( Venom in the Veins , 17). Dierdre Shaw had been Finn's bad mother ( Bitter Bite , 14). Walter Butler is a hit man.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a neon glow of an angled royal blue billboard with the title in a pale yellow and to the right of (I'm guessing) Rhi or Lorel with her long and flowing blonde hair wearing a leather jacket bathed in fuchsia and purples, holding a fuchsia knife in her left hand. Starting at her right wrist is the number 2 in a pale turquoise with the shadow of a wolf crossing its lower half. At McMarin's hip is an info blurb in pale yellow and the authors listed below it in a darker yellow.
The title refers to Dirty Deeds 2 being the second anthology.
The Series
"101 Ways to Die" (Magical Romantic Comedies, 15.5)
"Putting the Chic in Psychic" (Everyday Disasters, 1.5)
"Liz and Eli Sitting" (Jane Yellowrock, 13.2)
"Oak and Ink" (Souls of the Road, )
"Heart Stings" (Elemental Assassin, 19.5)
The Stories
R.M. Blain's "101 Ways to Die"
This was weird. If you want a total nonsense story, this is it. I did appreciate the theme counteracting racism with an encouragement (and promotion) of a mixed race woman.
Once you get far enough in and figure out what is going on and who is what, it is fun and made me wish that police departments were all as giving, lol.
Diana Pharaoh Francis "Putting the Chic in Psychic"
I'm ambivalent about the main character, Beck Wyatt, as she's so passive-aggressive in her thoughts. To be fair, Beck did have a HORRIBLE childhood. As for the police reaction to complaints from women without power, yeah. That figures.
Francis uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Beck's perspective, so we know everything that she experiences and thinks.
I did like how supportive the friends are of each other and other women.
Francis needs to have another look at the difference between "Suit vs Suite vs Sweet".
Faith Hunter's "Liz and Eli Sitting"
It's another camping trip for Liz and Eli with Chewy coming along. I laughed at Hunter's description of the drama queen; it was so picturesque and portrayed her brilliantly. There was a weird bit in here with Brute expressing his attraction to Liz. Cia has a new gig that utilizes her magic.
Hunter is using third person quadruple protagonist point-of-view from Liz's, Eli's, Chewy's, and Brute's perspectives. Liz is mostly angsting over her relationship with Eli and how much she (unreasonably) hates Jane. Eli alternates between admiring Liz's skills and concern about his vampire blood intake.
The Characters
Liz Everhart is a stone witch who runs a magical investigative business with her twin. Cia, a moon witch, is Liz's twin who is engaged to country music star Ray Conyers. Molly Everhart Trueblood is another sister who's married to Big Evan Trueblood, an air sorcerer with a Gift for music. Regan and Amelia are more sisters without any magic. Seven Sassy Sisters is the Everhart restaurant. Evangelina had been her oldest sister seduced by the dark side in Raven Cursed , 4.
Eli "Hoss" Younger, a.k.a. Captain America, a former Ranger, is a partner in Yellowrock Securities along with his younger brother, Alex "the Kid", who is a computer genius. Both brothers have been adopted by Jane Yellowrock, the Dark Queen of the Mithrans, whose headquarters is the Inn. "Chewy", another former Ranger and teammate of Eli's, likes the challenge. Gee DiMercy is the New Orleans Mercy Blade, who can stop a person from becoming a werewolf, if called in time.
Brute is a man who's been forced into his white werewolf shape by the angel Hayyel. Sarge is a werewolf in Blood in Her Veins: "Beneath a Bloody Moon", 6.5. Rick LaFleur heads up the local PsyLED office ( Raven Cursed ).
Charles Drake, Mr. Moneybags, and Felicity Hogg Drake, are distraught at the slaughter of Felicity's chickens. Sugar BooBoo is Felicity's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This Dwayyo, a half-form wolf-bear-human hybrid and nearly indestructible, has air and death magic.
Faith Hunter's "Magic School for Geezers"
It's an interesting perspective on magic with old folks suddenly coming into their powers and needing help in handling it. If only greed hadn't reared its ugly head. I gotta confess, that this didn't have Hunter's usual professionalism in the writing although I did appreciate that most of the good guys were nicely set financially and that they're all old and still rockin' it.
Hunter uses third person quadruple protagonist point-of-view from Dani's, Sandra's, Mable's, and Marvin's perspectives. Yeah, Hunter needs to take a look at the difference between "Suit vs Suite vs Sweet" as well.
Devon Monk's "Oak and Ink"
There is quite a bit of back history in this harking back to previous Souls of the Road stories. It is a great way to provide background for "Oak and Ink". There's quite a bit of angst as Ricky goes over and over about Card's past betrayal. It does have an interesting cast of supernatural characters, and Monk crams quite a bit in and uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Ricky's perspective.
Jennifer Estep's "Heart Stings"
It's only fair that Mallory and Stuart get an incident-free wedding reception, especially after events in Last Strand , 19, but it's rather tacky of them to do it now. Especially with what Mallory reveals at the end. There's plenty of back story in here about Lorelei and Hugh Tucker, but Estep has way too many info dumps in this.
Hugh Tucker's character is an enigma. He puts his cold intelligence to work for crime bosses and yet he does do good deeds now and again. Ya just never know which way he'll swing.
Estep uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Lorelei's perspective — I know, shocking, lol. I do wanna know why Lorelei doesn't move the danged filing cabinet when she keeps banging her knees on it.
The Characters
Lorelei Pike with a weak Ice Gift used to smuggle but now sources items for demanding clients. Lily Rose Pike had been Lorelei's abused mother who kept trying to get away. Renaldo Pike had been her very abusive father. Raymond Pike had been her equally bad brother. Dario Valdez is one of her watchmen at the warehouse; his wife, Karlotta, is Lorelei's personal assistant. Jack Corbin had been her right-hand man.
Mallory Parker, a dwarf, is Lorelei's many-greats-grandmother who recently married Stuart Mosley, another dwarf and president of First Trust Bank.
Gin Blanco, a.k.a. the Spider, is the Elemental Assassin, current Queen of the Underworld, and the owner of the popular Pork Pit restaurant. Sophie Deveraux, a dwarf with an Air Gift, is the head cook. Silvio Sanchez, a gay vampire, is Gin's essential personal assistant; Liam Carter, with his blend of dwarven and giant blood, is Silvio's significant other and provides protection services. Fletcher Lane, a.k.a. the Tin Man, had been Gin's foster father and an assassin who had taught Gin the trade. Owen Grayson is Gin's significant other. Finn Lane is Gin's foster brother. Detective Bria Coolidge is Gin's sister. Xavier, a giant, is Bria's partner on the police force. The murdered Eira Snow had been Gin and Bria's mother. She'd also been loved by Tucker.
Jo-Jo Deveraux, Sophie's sister and also with an Air Gift, runs a beauty salon. Roslyn Phillips is the vampire owner of the Northern Aggression nightclub and a friend of Gin's. Underwood's is a fancy and expensive restaurant. The Rhododendron Inn is a luxury resort built by Marisol Patton in the early 1900s. Vaughn Constructions will redo Lorelei's office — and be the triggering incident.
Clyde O'Neal had been partners with Dimitri Barkov ( Spider's Trap , 13); now O'Neal is plaguing Lorlei. Hugh Tucker, a vampire, works for all the worst criminal bosses. Emery Slater, a female giant, had crashed the first reception. Mason Mitchell, Gin's uncle with a powerful Stone magic, had been a vicious longtime leader of the Circle, a secret crime society. Alanna Eaton had been a cannibalistic vampire ( Venom in the Veins , 17). Dierdre Shaw had been Finn's bad mother ( Bitter Bite , 14). Walter Butler is a hit man.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a neon glow of an angled royal blue billboard with the title in a pale yellow and to the right of (I'm guessing) Rhi or Lorel with her long and flowing blonde hair wearing a leather jacket bathed in fuchsia and purples, holding a fuchsia knife in her left hand. Starting at her right wrist is the number 2 in a pale turquoise with the shadow of a wolf crossing its lower half. At McMarin's hip is an info blurb in pale yellow and the authors listed below it in a darker yellow.
The title refers to Dirty Deeds 2 being the second anthology.
August 1, 2022
101 Ways to Die A MAGICAL ROMANTIC COMEDY (WITH A BODY COUNT) R.J. Blain
Not sure if series with the Chief Quinns as main characters could be my cup of tea but as secondary ones to give McMarin and Alec a break I can fully embrace their particular appeal.
Putting the Chic in Psychic EVERYDAY DISASTERS Diana Pharaoh Francis
Novella with Beck Wyatt and friends that proves to be more complex than I expected it to be but just as entertaining as I hoped for when started the story.
New to me characters would like to spend more time with.
Liz and Eli Sitting A JANE YELLOWROCK WORLD NOVELLA Faith Hunter
New magic use and possibly a turning point for Eli and Liv with a lot of fast action taking place in a short period of time.
Magic School for Geezers Faith Hunter
The name is not misleading exactly but it does not fully describe what one is getting into either.
Magical Mayhem abounds and these particular older characters prove to be worthy adversaries to their younger foes.
Oak and Ink A SOULS OF THE ROAD NOVELLA Devon Monk
A bit of this and a bit of that make up the second chance reunion romance between two interestingly different characters.
I enjoyed the particulars that magic plays in this story and think it was executed well.
Heart Stings AN ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN NOVELLA Jennifer Estep
Finally a story featuring Lorelei and Hugh Tucker with a very satisfying plot line and also resolution for both.
I have long been a fan of the last five authors for years and have enjoyed several of Blaines works as well so overall a great collection of works for me in series I know and those new-to-me in this box set.
Not sure if series with the Chief Quinns as main characters could be my cup of tea but as secondary ones to give McMarin and Alec a break I can fully embrace their particular appeal.
Putting the Chic in Psychic EVERYDAY DISASTERS Diana Pharaoh Francis
Novella with Beck Wyatt and friends that proves to be more complex than I expected it to be but just as entertaining as I hoped for when started the story.
New to me characters would like to spend more time with.
Liz and Eli Sitting A JANE YELLOWROCK WORLD NOVELLA Faith Hunter
New magic use and possibly a turning point for Eli and Liv with a lot of fast action taking place in a short period of time.
Magic School for Geezers Faith Hunter
The name is not misleading exactly but it does not fully describe what one is getting into either.
Magical Mayhem abounds and these particular older characters prove to be worthy adversaries to their younger foes.
Oak and Ink A SOULS OF THE ROAD NOVELLA Devon Monk
A bit of this and a bit of that make up the second chance reunion romance between two interestingly different characters.
I enjoyed the particulars that magic plays in this story and think it was executed well.
Heart Stings AN ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN NOVELLA Jennifer Estep
Finally a story featuring Lorelei and Hugh Tucker with a very satisfying plot line and also resolution for both.
I have long been a fan of the last five authors for years and have enjoyed several of Blaines works as well so overall a great collection of works for me in series I know and those new-to-me in this box set.
November 19, 2023
I initially wanted to read this for the new story about characters from Jane Yellowrock’s world. It turned out to be a nice view of Eli Younger, Liz Everheart & even Brute all doing & thinking in interesting ways that I hadn’t gotten to see in the series. While it’s natural that the series shows the first person POV of Jane in the books, since she’s the focus of the series but as the other people have become more familiar and interesting as they also grew within the stories I appreciate learning more about the way that they see the world. I’m fairly certain that other fans of the Clan Yellowrock will feel the same!
I enjoyed the Crossroads story as well, as the protagonist was definitely interesting with her magical abilities and connection to the entity known as the Crossroads.
While I have read some of Jennifer Esteps’ books and stories I haven’t read any of the Elemental Assassins books. But the story here is about a close friend of the Spider rather than about her. So I don’t yet know if she is in more stories as the protagonist instead of her being involved with Gin.
If nothing else, this anthology is a great way to introduce a new reader into the excellent works of these fine writers, so I can definitely recommend this book to them, while current fans will enjoy the expansion of the familiar characters we already like to read about!
I enjoyed the Crossroads story as well, as the protagonist was definitely interesting with her magical abilities and connection to the entity known as the Crossroads.
While I have read some of Jennifer Esteps’ books and stories I haven’t read any of the Elemental Assassins books. But the story here is about a close friend of the Spider rather than about her. So I don’t yet know if she is in more stories as the protagonist instead of her being involved with Gin.
If nothing else, this anthology is a great way to introduce a new reader into the excellent works of these fine writers, so I can definitely recommend this book to them, while current fans will enjoy the expansion of the familiar characters we already like to read about!
June 11, 2022
Absolutely a Fantastic Anthology
From the first story, R J Blain's, to the last, Jennifer Estep's, the stories are all a combination of fascinating characters, interesting settings, and intriguing and sometimes scary plot lines with delightful touches of humor at perfect times. I've read stories written by each author at one time or another, and each is superb. Having followed Faith Hunter's Jane Yellow rock series since the first book, " Skinwalker," I totally enjoyed reading about another adventure involving two of the supporting characters, Liz Ever hart and Eli Younger. However, Ms. Hunter's next story, a different world and characters, is delightful, and I do hope she'll expand by writing more about it. So much fun. Diana Pharoah Francis' and Devon Monk's contributions are equally excellent. This is, perhaps, the first anthology in which I've enjoyed reading every story, partially because I am drawn into them as if I were there. Congratulations to the authors!
From the first story, R J Blain's, to the last, Jennifer Estep's, the stories are all a combination of fascinating characters, interesting settings, and intriguing and sometimes scary plot lines with delightful touches of humor at perfect times. I've read stories written by each author at one time or another, and each is superb. Having followed Faith Hunter's Jane Yellow rock series since the first book, " Skinwalker," I totally enjoyed reading about another adventure involving two of the supporting characters, Liz Ever hart and Eli Younger. However, Ms. Hunter's next story, a different world and characters, is delightful, and I do hope she'll expand by writing more about it. So much fun. Diana Pharoah Francis' and Devon Monk's contributions are equally excellent. This is, perhaps, the first anthology in which I've enjoyed reading every story, partially because I am drawn into them as if I were there. Congratulations to the authors!
July 12, 2022
Where were the editors for this book?!
"101 Ways to Die" - this one is clearly designed for people who've read other books in the series. I haven't, and definitely don't plan to - it reads like an improv act so concerned with hamming it up that they forget they're there for the audience.
"Putting the Chic in Psychic" - the main character gets a little bit of a pass. I'm debating about reading the first book in the series, because the backstory sounds interesting, but I'm a little leery of the voice.
"Liz and Eli Sitting" - I don't remember Eli being this sexist in other short stories from his point of view?
"Magic School for Geezers" - I really liked this one!
"Oak and Ink" - Premise is interesting, not a fan of the love interest.
"Heart Strings" - Main character is interesting, but spends too much time comparing herself to Gin. Sadly, even though she's NOT Gin, the annoying foodie descriptions are still there.
"101 Ways to Die" - this one is clearly designed for people who've read other books in the series. I haven't, and definitely don't plan to - it reads like an improv act so concerned with hamming it up that they forget they're there for the audience.
"Putting the Chic in Psychic" - the main character gets a little bit of a pass. I'm debating about reading the first book in the series, because the backstory sounds interesting, but I'm a little leery of the voice.
"Liz and Eli Sitting" - I don't remember Eli being this sexist in other short stories from his point of view?
"Magic School for Geezers" - I really liked this one!
"Oak and Ink" - Premise is interesting, not a fan of the love interest.
"Heart Strings" - Main character is interesting, but spends too much time comparing herself to Gin. Sadly, even though she's NOT Gin, the annoying foodie descriptions are still there.
June 12, 2022
1. 101 ways to die- It was great to see the Quinns again but as fun as they are, plot was a bit light & thin
2. Putting the Chic in Psychic - Holy cow this story drew me in. Great to see these old characters again plus fully drawn out new people to meet. Add in a few plots that weave together & you have a very satisfying read.
3. Liz & Eli Sitting - love, love, love these characters & the world & her stories never disappoint.
4. Magic School for Geezers - fun read
5. Oak & Ink - I have to be honest, I didn't make it far into the first Souls of the Road book & put it aside. But after reading this story I think I have to give it a second chance. Story & characters drew me in & kept my attention all the way through.
6. Heart Strings - always great to visit Ashland & I'm happy we got Lorelei & Hugh's story
Overall, another great collection full of interesting reads
2. Putting the Chic in Psychic - Holy cow this story drew me in. Great to see these old characters again plus fully drawn out new people to meet. Add in a few plots that weave together & you have a very satisfying read.
3. Liz & Eli Sitting - love, love, love these characters & the world & her stories never disappoint.
4. Magic School for Geezers - fun read
5. Oak & Ink - I have to be honest, I didn't make it far into the first Souls of the Road book & put it aside. But after reading this story I think I have to give it a second chance. Story & characters drew me in & kept my attention all the way through.
6. Heart Strings - always great to visit Ashland & I'm happy we got Lorelei & Hugh's story
Overall, another great collection full of interesting reads
June 23, 2022
I bought this HUGE collection for the two Fath Hunter stories - one from the Jane Yellowrock world featuring Liz and Eli and the other a completely new world. The non-Yellowrock story was called Geezers. When magical abilities appear late in life, seniors go to a retirement home-type magic school to learn to use their powers. When people go missing, a team of Geezers goddess undercover to investigate! Fabulous story! I hope to see the Geezers again!
I have read a number of R J Blain's books, so I enjoyed her story, featuring the cindercorns, as well. I think some people might be a bit confused or overwhelmed by Satan, angels, were creatures, etc., if they haven't read any of the series though.
The other authors were new to me, but I enjoyed their stories, as well.
I have read a number of R J Blain's books, so I enjoyed her story, featuring the cindercorns, as well. I think some people might be a bit confused or overwhelmed by Satan, angels, were creatures, etc., if they haven't read any of the series though.
The other authors were new to me, but I enjoyed their stories, as well.
June 13, 2022
I read the Jennifer Estep Spider series part of the collection which was called "Heart Stings"
Finally we got Lorelei and Hugh's story. I was waiting for it ever since it was hinted that they both were interested in each other. The way they always call each other formally by their last names :)
It was also great to catch up on our other favorite Ashland Bosses and some of the Spider Crew :D
Hopefully we get more of Gin's story and maybe other small stories like this keep on coming :)
Finally we got Lorelei and Hugh's story. I was waiting for it ever since it was hinted that they both were interested in each other. The way they always call each other formally by their last names :)
It was also great to catch up on our other favorite Ashland Bosses and some of the Spider Crew :D
Hopefully we get more of Gin's story and maybe other small stories like this keep on coming :)
August 3, 2022
There are some great stories here.
I really enjoyed the short novellas in this collection, the first story from R.J. Blain a continuation of her characters first introduced as the cinder corn and her mate, the chief of police. The second characters from a story by Diane Pharaoh Francis, and then stories from my favourite author Faith Hunter who wrote two new stories, it was a fun read.
I really enjoyed the short novellas in this collection, the first story from R.J. Blain a continuation of her characters first introduced as the cinder corn and her mate, the chief of police. The second characters from a story by Diane Pharaoh Francis, and then stories from my favourite author Faith Hunter who wrote two new stories, it was a fun read.
November 29, 2022
2.5 stars.
I am not usually a big fan of compilations, and bought this book predominantly for one author's contribution. However as I enjoyed volume 1 more than I thought I would, I had strong hopes for this volume. Unfortunately I found it quite hard to get through, and found that some of the entries dragged. I'm really not sure whether it was my current reading mood or the book itself. At some point I will revisit the stories and see if I can enjoy them more given a different brain space.
I am not usually a big fan of compilations, and bought this book predominantly for one author's contribution. However as I enjoyed volume 1 more than I thought I would, I had strong hopes for this volume. Unfortunately I found it quite hard to get through, and found that some of the entries dragged. I'm really not sure whether it was my current reading mood or the book itself. At some point I will revisit the stories and see if I can enjoy them more given a different brain space.
Shelved as '0-tbr'
February 6, 2023note from R.J. Blain's newsletter dated: 2/5/2023--" In June, 101 Ways to Die will release. The primary story will be the same (beyond a few inclusions/edits) but there will be a few new stories added to the book involving McMarin and her partner. The new stories will not be ‘end game’ critical to the series, so it’s entirely optional if you get the stories if you already have Dirty Deeds 2."
June 18, 2022
Fun read
I was leery when I got this because so often when I get books like this, the favored author in it is the only one whose story I enjoy. This was not the case with this. I of course loved my favorite authors the most but truly enjoyed them all. Makes me really happy I got this!😍😍
I was leery when I got this because so often when I get books like this, the favored author in it is the only one whose story I enjoy. This was not the case with this. I of course loved my favorite authors the most but truly enjoyed them all. Makes me really happy I got this!😍😍
June 18, 2022
So Good!
Just added some new authors to my list! Ack! More titles to go on my TBR pile! Diana, and Jennifer, you are in really good company, for I have been reading Devon from the beginning and added RJ and Faith over the last two years. Such great stories and vivid imaginations always get five stars from me!
Just added some new authors to my list! Ack! More titles to go on my TBR pile! Diana, and Jennifer, you are in really good company, for I have been reading Devon from the beginning and added RJ and Faith over the last two years. Such great stories and vivid imaginations always get five stars from me!
June 9, 2022
Entertaining
Every author absolutely knocked it out of the park. I can quite honestly say that I loved each and every contribution and I was kept thoroughly entertained from the first contribution to the last. Fantastic!
Every author absolutely knocked it out of the park. I can quite honestly say that I loved each and every contribution and I was kept thoroughly entertained from the first contribution to the last. Fantastic!
June 12, 2022
Great book!
All of the stories are amazing!! I hadn’t read all of the authors before, but I will be getting some of their other books now. All the authors were able to bring you into the worlds they created and leave you wanting more. You won’t regret purchasing this book!!
All of the stories are amazing!! I hadn’t read all of the authors before, but I will be getting some of their other books now. All the authors were able to bring you into the worlds they created and leave you wanting more. You won’t regret purchasing this book!!
June 14, 2022
Sequels can be better than the original
Dirty Deeds 2 lived up to its predecessor with great stories bt wonderful authors. Every story was great with action, suspense, danger and finally an HFN.
Dirty Deeds 2 lived up to its predecessor with great stories bt wonderful authors. Every story was great with action, suspense, danger and finally an HFN.
June 19, 2022
If you look at the authors included in this collection, it is obvious that one can't really go wrong expecting good things. I loved that it started out with a Magical Romantic Comedy from R.J. Blain. While I am familiar with all the authors, the MagRomCom is one of my very favorite series.
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June 19, 2022Great Arthur's writing wonderful stories!
Each of these writers presenting a new treasure to add to your keeper shelf! Creative world building with inventive story lines and characters that engage and enchant! Never miss a Dirty Deeds anthology!
Each of these writers presenting a new treasure to add to your keeper shelf! Creative world building with inventive story lines and characters that engage and enchant! Never miss a Dirty Deeds anthology!
July 1, 2022
Great collection of stories
Enjoyed all of the stories in here and read 4 out of 5 of the authors. Enjoyed the adventures of characters that know and love and getting to know new characters
Enjoyed all of the stories in here and read 4 out of 5 of the authors. Enjoyed the adventures of characters that know and love and getting to know new characters
July 31, 2022
I only read the Faith Hunter story. I liked this one. It gave some insight into what is going on with Brute which I really enjoyed. We also learned more about Eli and Liz. I like getting some insight into our main supporting cast.
March 19, 2023
Rarely has an anthology had me wanting to read ALL OF THE BOOKS in each series, but this was fantastic! It gave me way more things that I want to read and was a great stepping stone. I read this one for Heart Stings-but I’m glad that I read the whole thing!
June 8, 2022
This is a great combination of some great authors!!
June 9, 2022
Great
This is an amazing collection by a bunch of amazing authors working together! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
This is an amazing collection by a bunch of amazing authors working together! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
June 11, 2022
A fantastic collection of some of my favorite authors. Really enjoyed the entire book
June 19, 2022
I love all these authors, but I hate that these are all short stories!
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