The Only One for Me by Bridget Anderson

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I started reading this series last year and was excited to discover my library had it available via Hoopla. I love the idea of a Black family-owned bed and breakfast in Kentucky.

Corra is a single mother who has had to pick up the pieces ever since her ex-husband abandoned the kids a couple of years ago. She hasn't had the heart to explain to them what happened so she just tells them he's away for work. She's taken a job at the family-owned B&B and the family is working on expansion. 

Chris has returned home after years away in Philadelphia and he's now the owner of his own software company. A lot more successful and confident, he's ready to show out. He has purchased and is in the process of renovating the oldest mansion in town. He's also ready to pursue Corra after all these years though she's reluctant to get into a new relationship after her last one bombed. 

At first this story started off a little slow as it set up Corra's life as a single mother and she began to reconnect with Chris. It's revealed they both were crushing on each other but never acted upon those feelings.  Things really kicked into action when her ex-husband, Eric showed back up in town. Eric claims to have changed but he's clearly still struggling with his own demons and he and Chris have a history of animosity towards each other in addition to fighting for Corra's affection. 

Eric needed his ass kicked for just popping up trying to pretend he's father of the year with minimal effort. I liked seeing Chris treat Corra to fancy trips and gifts. She deserved it! And she got to rediscover her sexy side I like how he made an effort to get to know the kids. Single parents are a package deal and it's important for the kids to be included. The Coleman family was very close-knit and one of the things I look forward to in Black romance is Black family representation. 

Now this is backlist Harlequin Romance so you won't find it new but if small town romance is your thing you can either purchase it used, purchase the ebook, or see if it's available via Hoopla through you're local library.

How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson

Welcome Back, Booklovers! The cover and the name of this rom-com intrigued me and I was lucky enough to receive a copy through Hachette/Forever. 

Bethany Lu is obsessed with Keanu Reeves and has been ever since his movies became a source of comfort to her after her brother died. When he finds out he's engaged to be married she's ready to have a meltdown. She must chase him down and convince him that she's his true soulmate. Bethany enlists the help of her best friend Truman and goes on a road trip determined to come face to face with her crush.

I started reading it physically and it wasn't really gripping me from the beginning so I ended up switching to the audiobook. I think the audiobook really made the difference for me. The narrator, Tyla Collier was great and really elevated the book in some parts where it fell flat. I don't think I would've had the same experience reading it physically. There were some scenes that were a little cringe for me especially the encounters with celebrities. Along the journey Bethany Lu runs into popular celebrities who are not Keanu and it just felt awkward and forced instead of fun. When Keanu does finally appear it's so heavy handed and really doesn't feel like the Keanu we know from interviews or even like the parodies he's played of himself. 

Tru carried this book. He was really the best friend a woman could have. And he had the patience of a saint to put up with Bethany Lu. While I appreciate seeing more characters in their 40s in romance this character did not feel like she was in her 40s. The concept is a hard enough sell but she was very immature and her reactions often came across as younger. And then she seemed to be at a stage in her career where she didn't seem to know where it was going or what her plan was. Most men would not accompany a woman on a trip to meet the guy she's crushing on when they want her for themselves. Tru was very supportive of her because he realized she needed to heal from her past trauma. I enjoyed the chapters from his POV. I like friends to lovers stories so seeing them fall in love with each other while on the road was a highlight for me. 

A slow starter and some rocky moments throughout but a quick listen and Keanu fans will love all the movie references. 

A Kiss at the Mistletoe Rodeo by Kathy Douglass

Welcome Back, Booklovers! It's officially the most wonderful time of the year! This year more than ever I'm really craving those happy feelings that the holiday season brings. And with a good selection of holiday books by Black authors this year I'm ready to experience all the feels. I interviewed Kathy Douglass earlier this year and I've been wanting to read one of her small town romances for awhile. 

Rodeo star Geoff Burris is back in his hometown of Bronco, Montano for the Mistletoe Rodeo. He finds himself in the hospital requiring surgery after an accident at a pre-rodeo press event. There he meets Stephanie Brandt, a sweet nurse who makes a strong first impression.

Sweet doesn't mean devoid of chemistry and Geoff and Stephanie have a strong spark from the beginning. Stephanie is skeptical when Geoff wants to see her outside of the hospital and though she's no rodeo fan she can't help but be impressed. She does struggle with his hoards of adoring fans especially the beautiful woman who make her feel like just a number. 

It has all the charm you expect in a small town romance with cute local businesses and a close community aspect. This one has that added country aspect so if cowboy romances are your thing check this out. I liked the Burris family and how close they all were. Some of Geoff's brothers also compete in the rodeo though they're not nearly as well known as him. 

Light and fluffy this is a good one to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and just relax and read. 

Magic Dark Magic Divine by A.J. Locke

Welcome Back, Booklovers! All year I've been craving a fantasy series with a Black cast that has stakes but still is able to bring the whimsy. And I wanted it to be set in a world similar to ours instead of a fantasy world inspired by Africa. So I was excited when I heard of an NYC set urban fantasy romance releasing in the fall. Luckily I was able to get an advanced copy from Entangled Publishing for review. And so Magic Dark Magic Divine kicks of the Warrior of the Divine Sword series by A.J. Locke.

Penn was asleep for almost 300 years and the world has changed drastically since her heyday of the magic-era. Since magic seems to be long gone Penn has been keeping a low profile as a karate instructor. But just because magic is gone doesn't mean the world has completely forgotten about it. There's even a company that offers DNA testing to help connect your family tree through your ancestors that had magical abilities. Penn's friend Gideon runs a shop selling magic era inspired items. There are five classes of talent magic which include tamers, temporals, conjurers, diviners, and shapers. 

The story opens with them attending a magic-era inspired fair. At the fair Penn feels real magic and she can tell it's not her own. What was supposed to be a fake fire conjuring demonstration turns into a deadly real one. Penn uses her Shaper magic to fend off an attack from a creature who feeds off magic. Soon Penn discovers magic isn't long gone like she thought.

If that wasn't complicated enough Penn has to deal with growing feelings for one of her fellow karate instructors Callan.

I saw a review that said that magical creatures in this book gave them darker Pokémon for adults vibes and I agree. That's exactly how they felt! Ashe in her true form is this large foxlike doglike mix with two tails. There's really cool water creatures that are basically like floating coral beds and gazelle like creatures the size of an elephant with jewel toned eyes that are used for transport. A glossary of characters included makes it easy to keep creatures and other characters straight. 

I really enjoy a romantic element in my fantasy stories when it's done well. Sometimes it's hard to find that balance and I thought this book did a good job making me root for Penn and Callan by giving their relationship just enough focus but also making sure to never loose sight of the danger at hand. From their first encounter I felt like I had been following their relationship for awhile. So it didn't seem too fast to me to watch them progress from rivals to lovers over the course of a few days. 

Fast-paced and engaging with just the right amounts of showing and telling when necessary, I look forward to reading book 2 in this series and seeing how everything develops within this world. 

Destroyer of Light by Jennifer Marie Brisett

 Welcome Back, Booklovers! I've been wanting to read more science fiction by Black authors so when Tor Books gave me the opportunity to read Destroyer of Light I took on the challenge. 

There's an alien race called krestge who invaded Earth and the remaining inhabitants of Earth fled to the planet of Eleusis. A woman named Deidra has her daughter, Cora kidnapped from her by the rebel army. The rebel army is kidnapping children and turning them into soldiers, sex trafficking them, and killing them. Dr. Aidoneus Okoni, the ruler of this army, plans to use Cora’s unique powers to shift into another dimension.

It follows a few different characters which include a set of twins investing the kidnapping of a missing child of mixed alien and human parentage. He has a special eye color which Okani is seeking. It also follows Stefonie who has genetic coding that can blend in with time and move around and experience other memories. I didn't really care about the twins and they weren't as heavily featured as Cora who despite all the sexual violence against her had a compelling story. The story flips back and forth between years, weeks, hours, and present day which makes it hard to follow along at times.

I thought the author did something very different than many authors are doing with their retellings of Persephone. Don't come into this book expecting a Hades and Persephone romance because you'll be greatly disappointed. This book instead goes dark with the myth of Hade's kidnapping of Persephone. There were frequent scenes depicting child rape and violence at the hands of child soldiers. The audiobook had great narrators who really brought this story to life by knowing when to inflict the right emotions. They kept me reading but up until the end it was a very confusing story. After I finished I was still in a bit of a haze trying to make sense of everything. 

Interview with AJ Locke

 Welcome Back, Booklovers! If you follow me on social media you've probably heard me buzzing about her book Magic Dark Magic Divine lately. I have good feelings about this series and we could always use more Black urban fantasy. So get yourself familiar with AJ Locke.

What drew you to writing urban fantasy?

I love the way urban fantasy mixes the real world with the magical. Especially when all the supernatural elements are already a part of the world. I enjoy those ‘hidden in the shadows’ stories as well, but I think it’s so fun when you get to just delve into a world where the fantastical is already integrated. Whether that’s a good thing or not, well that’s part of the journey you get to take with the story.

Have you always been interested in fantasy with strong romantic elements?

Absolutely. I love writing well-rounded books. The romantic elements are as important to me as everything else. I enjoy writing books that give you big world building, interesting plot twists, well developed characters, and a strong romance. 

When was your first book published and what was the process like?

My first published book was Affairs of the Dead in 2013. It’s the first of four books in my Reanimation Files series. It was your typical process with signing on with the publisher and putting the book through edits. It was the first time I’d worked on a book on a professional level, so it was a great experience learning to work with an editor and being involved in things like creating the cover. Hard work for sure but fun.

Is it hard to create a magic system and keep track of everyone’s abilities?

It is challenging! Especially because I love pushing myself to go big, to layer my magic system, to try to come up with a fresh take on an established trope or something new altogether, such as all the creatures I came up with in Magic Dark, Magic Divine. I would be flailing in the dark if I didn’t keep detailed notes to help me remember everything. But I absolutely love creating magic systems, it’s one of my favorite aspects of writing fantasy.

Why should someone pick up Magic Dark, Magic Divine?

Big world building! I really pushed myself with the magic system, I think it’s got a fresh, unique angle, and there’s so much more I can build on in books to come. I think readers will like my main character, Penn, who is a warrior and a strong Black woman, but not without her emotional layers. I really love the cast of characters around her as well, and I think readers would enjoy not just the romantic relationship but her friendships as well. Another character I loved writing was Penn’s Familiar, a creature named Ashe. She’s fun, and I love her interactions with Penn and the other characters. Magic Dark, Magic Divine will not only give you a fast paced, plot twisty urban fantasy, it will make you laugh, and maybe even cry. 

Is it a series or standalone?

There will be a second book coming out next year and hopefully more. I am definitely hoping for a long running series.

Any tips for balancing being a mother and an author?

Whew, I can probably write an entire book about this alone! The main thing I’ll say is never let anyone else tell you that you can’t do it – can’t be a parent and write. I got some comments like that when I had my daughter, questions about how I’d still be able to write and raise her, and before she was one I finished one book and wrote another. It will always be a balancing act. My daughter is seven so she’s a little more independent these days, so even though I’m very busy with her and my day job, I can still fit writing in at night. Bedtime is a God send! You will always find the time to do the things you want to do, so you just have to be mindful of carving that time out for yourself. And don’t feel like a failure when you can’t accomplish every goal. I didn’t write a full-length novel for several years, but I knew I would get back to it, and I did.

In your wildest dreams what is the author milestone you would love to meet?

Of course, hitting a best-sellers list and winning awards for my writing would be great! I would also love a successful adaptation of one of my books in whatever form that came in. Definitely putting that energy out there into the universe.

Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests in the past year?

I can’t say I’ve picked up anything new, but outside of writing I am also an artist so the past year I’ve continued to draw, paint, and be crafty. 

As a self-described caffeine addict, what’s your go-to coffee order?

I keep it simple most days, I love a good dark roast with a splash of creamer. If I’m feeling fancy on the weekend I might make it a mocha topped with some whipped cream. 

Are there any projects that you’re currently working on that you can talk about?

There’s a YA fantasy I’ve been working on that I’m itching to finish. But right now my focus is on the sequel to Magic Dark, Magic Divine. Time to put Penn and the gang through some more trouble!

If you're interested in following AJ Locke check out the links below:

Website: https://www.ajlockewrites.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maqueripe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_by_ajlocke/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAJLocke

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6883907.A_J_Locke

2021 Holiday Gift Guide Part 3

Welcome Back, Booklovers! It's been awhile but I'm back with the last installment of my holiday gift suggestions. Make sure to check out part 1 and part 2. I really like that idea of gifting books to friends. So I decided to think about what books I would gift friends and this list was born.

Couples Wanted sounds perfect for the friend who wants something sexy, suspenseful, and just a wild ride.

Adventurous and open-minded, newlyweds Bridget and Roman are determined to keep their relationship exciting. So, when they meet married swingers Corinne and Patrick, they’re instantly drawn to their carefree glamour and warm promise of friendship. And after swapping spouses for one passionate, exhilarating night, Bridget and Roman feel fulfilled and closer together than ever...

 

Until Corinne and Patrick start turning possessive, wanting more of them than Bridget and Roman can ever give. Soon, the young couple is plunged into a nightmare of suspicion, lies, and secrets in which they can’t trust each other—or what they think they know about themselves. Pushed to the breaking point, they must uncover the truth behind the other couple’s machinations. But when the dust settles, there’s no guarantee Bridget and Roman will have their love—or anything else—left to save...

For the friend who likes superhero movies and comics Hardears is an Afro-Caribbean graphic novel fantasy set on the fictional J'ouvert Island. 

 The story takes place in an alternative world on Jouvert Island; a magical analog of the island of Barbados and begins when a superstorm of unprecedented strength obliterates the island, leaving it totally defenseless.

As the island reels from the devastation, Mr. Harding, the head of the Merchant Guild, charges in and promises to rebuild the economy of the island by creating jobs in his giant corporation. However, it’s soon discovered that Harding is a parasite and is capturing people from the island and using their life essence or vibes to feed his factories.

Bolo, a local hero, saves his love Zahrah from Hardin and cronies but the lovers are then framed as rebels against the state. The state has been compromised by the factories and the workers who know the truth about Harding must go into hiding. If Bolo, Zahrah, and their allies don’t take down Harding and the corrupt government, all will be lost. Together, they must find the strength of their island and ancestors to fight the evil forces that have taken over their homeland.

For the friend who likes to throw down in the kitchen I Heart Soul Food: 100 Southern Comfort Food Favorites is a great gift with 100 recipes to enjoy.

Learn to cook comfort food the way Mom used to! Here Rosie shares all the secrets of southern classics like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and mac & cheese, plus soulful twists like Sweet Potato Biscuits and Fried Ribs. Authentic, approachable, and mouthwatering, these recipes use easy-to-find ingredients. Perfect for Sunday suppers and other celebrations as well as everyday favorites, these recipes are love on a plate!

Organized by meal, the cookbook starts with stick-to-your-ribs breakfast favorites like Blueberry Cornbread Waffles and Shrimp, and Andouille Sausage and Grits, plus plenty of main dishes and sides like Smothered Chicken, Oxtail Stew, Baked Candied Yams, Soul Food Collard Greens, and Sweet Cornbread. Don't forget drinks and desserts like Peach Cobbler, Pralines, and Sweet Iced Tea! Includes 100+ recipes, including 30 fan favorites and 70 never-before-seen recipes, and 90 photographs.

For the friend who is into both fantasy and romance Magic Dark Magic Divine has both in a NYC setting.

Pennrae Linbry’s done everything to make her life look as normal as possible. She’s a skilled karate instructor with a cute dog, great friends, and a sweet New York City loft. Her biggest nemesis is Callan, the gorgeous instructor at her dojo, because what’s not to loathe about a pompous jerk with perfect abs? But when a Brooklyn fair turns into a carnival of dangerous magic, “normal” disappears in a hot second.

Because Penn isn’t normal. Far from it. She’s a former warrior and Shaper from the magic-era who was punished with a 300-year-sleep. When she woke, magic was gone, along with her family and everything she knew. And now it looks like a dangerous Necromajin is in the present with her—and about to unleash a mess of magical hell upon the Big Apple.

Penn may have been asleep for a few centuries, but she’s still a fighter. With a powerful celestial alignment nearing and more questions than answers, she’s running out of time to save her city, her friends, and the love life she never saw coming from another magic apocalypse.

For the friend who is addicted to true crime podcasts Midnight Hour: A chilling anthology of crime fiction from 20 authors of color will satisfy their craving for crime stories while also introducing them to some great authors.

From a simple robbery gone horribly wrong to a grisly murder in a secret love dungeon, this stellar collection of crime fiction short stories showcases some of today's finest voices of color

Fans of the canceled Lovecraft Country should enjoy Bitter Root Volume 1: Family Business which contains the first 5 comics.

Once known as the greatest monster hunters of all time, the Sangerye family specialized in curing the souls of those infected by hate, but those days are fading. A terrible tragedy has claimed most of the family, leaving the surviving cousins split between curing monsters and killing them. Now, with a new breed of monster loose on the streets of Harlem, the Sangerye family must come together, or watch the human race fall to untold evil.

Where the Rhythm Takes You is a YA romance that gives warm and fuzzy feels, escapism to a Caribbean island, and a heartfelt tale about dealing with grief.

Seventeen-year-old Reyna has spent most of her life at the Plumeria, her family’s gorgeous seaside resort in Tobago. But what once seemed like paradise is starting to feel more like purgatory. It’s been two years since Reyna’s mother passed away, two years since Aiden—her childhood best friend, first kiss, first love, first everything—left the island to pursue his music dreams.

Reyna’s friends are all planning their futures and heading abroad. Even Daddy seems to want to move on, leaving her to try to keep the Plumeria running.

And that’s when Aiden comes roaring back into her life—as a VIP guest at the resort.

Aiden is now one-third of DJ Bacchanal—the latest, hottest music group on the scene. While Reyna has stayed exactly where he left her, Aiden has returned to Tobago with his Grammy-nominated band and two gorgeous LA socialites. And he may (or may not be) dating one of them…

Sometimes I Trip on How Happy We Could Be is entertaining from start to finish with essays about Southern Black girlhood, pop culture, and sexscapades galore.

Pop culture is the Pandora’s Box of our lives. Racism, wealth, poverty, beauty, inclusion, exclusion, and hope -- all of these intractable and unavoidable features course through the media we consume. Examining pop culture’s impact on her life, Nichole Perkins takes readers on a rollicking trip through the last twenty years of music, media and the internet from the perspective of one southern Black woman. She explores her experience with mental illness and how the TV series Frasier served as a crutch, how her role as mistress led her to certain internet message boards that prepared her for current day social media, and what it means to figure out desire and sexuality and Prince in a world where marriage is the only acceptable goal for women. 

 

Combining her sharp wit, stellar pop culture sensibility, and trademark spirited storytelling, Nichole boldly tackles the damage done to women, especially Black women, by society’s failure to confront the myths and misogyny at its heart, and her efforts to stop the various cycles that limit confidence within herself. By using her own life and loves as a unique vantage point, Nichole humorously and powerfully illuminates how to take the best pop culture has to offer and discard the harmful bits, offering a mirror into our own lives.

All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M Morris

Welcome Back, Booklovers! To close out October I decided to read one more thriller. All Her Little Secrets is a debut novel and I wasn't sure what to expect going in. 

Ellice Littlejohn is working as a corporate attorney for Houghton and sleeping with her married white boss. One morning when she goes to meet him at his office early she discovers his dead body and flees the scene as if it never happened. In the wake of Michael's murder the company needs to clean up their image. The next day she is promoted to the executive board which seem to be a good will move as the company is getting backlash for their lack of Black employees with protestors outside their doors chanting. Though Ellice feels uncomfortable among the white boy's club that is the executive board she's earned this promotion.

Then she finds out that her little brother Sam was hired by someone in her company to trail another employee who is now missing and is somehow involved in the murder of her boss. She's also receiving threatening notes.

There are interstitials throughout that flashback to life in Chillicothe, Georgia. Ellice tries hard to keep memories of her old life forgotten.  That life consisted of growing up in a poor rural town with an alcoholic mother and an abusive pedophile for a step-father. Ellice has separated herself from the past so much that even friends don't know she has a brother. She has the woman who raised her living in a nearby assisted living. As she tries to keep her past hidden she discovers more secrets and then all eyes are on her as a suspect for murder. 

All Her Little Secrets did what When No One is Watching, Ace of Spades, and The Other Black Girl failed to do for me. Which is actually be thrilling. If I'm going to read about a character's trauma I want to be engaged in the story. This book isn't filled with pages upon pages of mundane activity. Though there are racist white characters in this story this book never tries to appeal to the white gaze. Ellice admonishes herself for knowing what she knows about how these people operate and repeatedly letting her guard down but she didn't constantly explain what Black people already know about how racists operate. This book also had a clear direction and a twist I didn't see coming that was big enough to surprise me without feeling too unbelievable.