Forging a Nightmare by Patricia A. Jackson

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I've been wanting to read more urban fantasy so this instantly peaked my interest before I even saw the cover. Then I heard it combined different mythologies along with Christianity as a basis for the magic system and along with the NYC backdrop I knew I had to read it. I received an arc from Angry Robot in exchange for an honest review.

FBI agent Michael Childs has been assigned to a case where a serial killer is killing people who are born with 12 fingers and toes. At the crime scene there are letters written in a language Michael has never learned and he has to enlist his mother's help decoding it. She informs him that he was also born with 12 fingers and toes and that he is a Nephilim, the direct descendant of an angel. But Michael's father isn't just any angel. His father is Mikhael, one of the biblical archangels.

The case leads him to Anaba Raines who is a former marine thought to have been killed in action. Instead she's alive just no longer human. She has undergone a process called forging where she was tortured and blackmailed until she gave in to become a Nightmare. A nightmare is a mystical warhorse who can take on the powers of their owner. A skilled horseback rider and amateur jouster, Michael finds himself teaming up with Anaba to fight back against an army of angels. Before he knows it he's taking a spot as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and attending grand balls hosted by Lucifer himself. 

It reads very crime thriller at first which intrigued me but crime thriller can be hit and miss and the first few chapters felt lengthy. But I was happy with the way this book blended the crime thriller aspect with the fantasy. The book shifts from chasing the killer through the streets of New York to the streets of Hell.

Having attended years of Catholic school, I have a very basic understanding of the theology and mythologies that this book was inspired by for it's mythos. But because we never dove into the Book of Revelation there were new things I was learning about different gods and the archangels. Patricia A. Jackson also includes Greek Mythology into this tale. 

There's so many different moving pieces but it still manages to be entertaining. She knows at what points to speed up the action to keep the momentum flowing. And getting to know the characters in a story is just as important as the action and I liked that Michael and Anaba were fully rounded characters. I never questioned their motivations or was left wondering why they had certain reactions. Michael isn't just adjusting to all these secrets he also is working through his feelings of abandonment by his father. Anaba's fate was chosen for her and it's a lot to reconcile with knowing what she's endured. The relationship between them was also one that took me by surprise and I didn't expect to like them together as much as I did. Queue the riding innuendos!

Fans of shows like Supernatural and Lucifer will enjoy this. People looking for more Black fantasy stories but set in a contemporary setting will also enjoy. 

First Love, Take Two by Sajni Patel

Welcome Back, Booklovers! December has been such a hectic month. Haven't been able to read as much as I wanted but what I've read this month has been pretty good for the most part. This was one I was gifted the audiobook from Forever and the cover looked pretty so I decided to give it a shot.

Preeti Patel is working long hours at the hospital completing her residency and try to find a full time job. And if that wasn't stressful enough, she also needs to deal with some issues with her family and finding an apartment. Her family is hoping for an engagement with a man from her community but her touch aversion means Preeti can barely stand to be around him let alone get close to him. Then there's still some old feelings for her ex boyfriend, Daniel. 

Daniel is handsome, well educated, comes from a wealthy family, and can cook. So basically the perfect man, right? Well not according to Preeti's family who finds him beneath her because he's Black and not one of the men from their community. 

Preeti's friend let's her move into her apartment while she's working out of town but in an attempt to have them reconnect also offers it to Daniel. It's a small apartment and there's only one bed so it doesn't take long for those old feelings to resurface.

I liked that the couple being of two different races was acknowledged and that both families had their hang ups about it. I expected Preeti's family to have a problem with her dating a Black man and it was nice to see her call out her community for racism and colorism. Daniel's father had an issue with him dating Preeti feeling she was beneath him and wanting him to date an upper class Black woman. I love romance where the family is heavily involved so I liked seeing them interact with different family members. Preeti is friends with Daniel's sister and has a good relationship with his grandparents that she kept in tact despite their split. 

Now I did have a bit of an issue with this book reinforcing the stereotype of the strict Indian aunties that are old and backwards because they practice Hinduism. Often when I read traditionally published romance by Indian authors it feels like everyone but the main heroine is ultra conservative and pushing toxic old ideals. Preeti's parent's actually didn't come across as very conservative so I was confused as to why they were trying to push her into a loveless arranged marriage and refused to stand up to the aunties and uncles slut shaming her. 

One of the issues this book also discussed was breaking the stigmas against mental health. Preeti has anxiety and an aversion to touch that doesn't stem from a traumatic childhood event and she has to navigate with that on a daily basis. 

Even though Preeti's horrible communication skills got on my nerves a bit this was still an enjoyable slow burn romance read. The great narration really helped me feel the chemistry between Preeti and Daniel. I really enjoyed the banter between them as they got comfortable around each other again. Once Preeti gets past her issues and they open up to each other again it's a beautiful thing. I look forward to checking out future books from this author.

Holiday Playbook by Yahrah St. John

Welcome Back, Booklovers! It's officially Christmas week and time to squeeze in the last of my holiday reads. This was one where the cover made me pre-order and since it's a Harlequin Desire I was ready for it to bring the heat.

Giana Lockett is a marketing executive and a member of the esteemed Lockett family who own the  football team the Atlanta Cougars. All she wants for Christmas is to land an endorsement deal with the head of Starks Inc, Wynn Starks. After months of trying to land a meeting he blows her off and she's not having that. She shows up at his gym wearing and outfit that demands attention and from there he can't get his mind off her. Their instant electricity translates to some fun in the bedroom and a secured endorsement deal for the top player. Though they're both wary of mixing business with pleasure they just can't resist each other.

Wynn was celibate for a few years because he had a nasty divorce. His ex-wife leaving him made him relive what he felt when his mother left him decades ago. And Giana is really hoping to find a man she can settle down with who isn't intimidated by her career ambition. 

It felt extra long because some of the angst was redundant I would've actually preferred for the holiday stuff to be expanded. They have a family pajama party for Christmas Eve with treats and movies which was quickly recapped. And while they celebrated Christmas with Giana's family we got a quick run through of the feast. I would've loved to read about the family dinner in real time. Instead those events were sandwiched in between detailed sex scenes. I appreciate the sex scenes because they were hot but I was enjoying the moments with the family. They were so protective of her throughout and she has such a great relationship with them that I wanted to see more of their lighter side.

I am all for Black writers using words like chocolate and mocha to describe Black skin because we just come in so many different shades of brown we need a variety of words to describe us. And it's easier to describe using shades people are familiar with vs some of these open to interpretation words you have to Google that don't always fit the mark. However it was overkill here. I'm glad Giana is a beautiful dark skinned woman but I got tired of her reading about her mocha features over and over. It could've been done one of two times and been enough.

There was a 3rd act breakup that involved Wynn acting like a man-child because he caught Giana at a meeting with a rival that she didn't even initiate herself. There was more angst with his dealings with his ex-wife than his rival we don't meet until the 2nd to last chapter so really this whole plot point could've been scrapped for me. As explained earlier in the text they really can't stop the players from seeking out opportunities with other sports drink companies. While companies will often ask for exclusivity it was weird that their business dealing didn't seem to be an overall corporate sponsorship and instead seemed to be exclusive to the top player. The details with that could've been ironed out a little better.

So while there were things I liked about this story it left me wanting many moments to be expanded upon and some parts read a little clunky for me. 

Best Books of 2021

 Welcome Back, Booklovers! 2021 was a wild year and as much as some books frustrated me I also came across some really great reads. So I separated my top reads of the year into multiple categories.

Favorite Picture Book of 2021

Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham

This was such a great picture book about a Black family coming together for their Sunday dinner tradition. And I usually don't listen to picture book audiobooks but I first listened to this before physically reading it and it was so descriptive that I could sit and imagine how it all looked. 

Favorite Graphic Novel of 2021

Artie and the Wolf Moon by Olivia Stephens

I'm exploring graphic novels again and they're really a great format if you want a full length story but in less pages and a visual format. This was a fun fantasy read for that 12-14 age group that gets overlooked by publishing now that everything is split into such stringent age categories. It's a new take on vampire vs werewolf lore and a Black fantasy that acknowledges race without centering around it and making it a driver in the story. This coming-of-age story follows a girl who discovers she comes from a long line of werewolves and must deal with her new abilities and the threat of vampires.

Best Middle Grade

Josephine Against the Sea

This was a fun story about a little girl living in a fishing village in Barbados. She's not ready for her father to start dating again after her mother's death and does whatever she can to stop him from getting close to any new women. But then this mysterious new woman comes along and her usual pranks keep getting thwarted. Josephine realizes that there's no way this woman can be human and she needs to get her out of their lives before it's too late. This book was magical and funny. There were some laugh out loud moments. Jos Even though it did touch on moving on after loosing a parent it didn't feel heavy.

Best Young Adult

Bad Witch Burning

Katrell has this special gift that allows her to communicate with the dead and she uses this gift to make extra money in between working long hours at a fast food joint to support herself and her deadbeat mother along with her mother's boyfriend of the moment. After an altercation with her mother's boyfriend results in the death of her beloved dog, Katrell gains a new ability to make beings rise from the dead. And this new ability is about to be her ticket to a better life. But things start getting out of hand and Katrell finds herself in over her head. with This book was really nothing like I imagined. It was a very emotional read that dealt with abuse from a parent and parental figure. I cried! 

Best Romance

Careless Whispers

I started the Jackson Fall series this year and fell in love but my favorite in this series would be Elaina's story. Elaina has a reputation for being a cold-hearted bitch but deep down she's really a loving person who has is vying for her father's approval. Grant Robidoux is like a Black Victor Newman and always meddling in his grown children's lives. He fires Elaina and to be spiteful gives her position to her workplace nemesis Alex. Elaina decides she's going to start her own company and she sets her sight on acquiring land owned by Alex's family. And to secure the deal she's going to have to play nice. Who would've thought they'd have so much chemistry together? You get that soap opera drama with the family mixed with some really steamy scenes.

Best Fantasy

Son of the Storm

Danso is a historian who has grown up as an outsider among his own people because of his mixed ethnicity. His intended, Esheme faces similar issues of being looked down upon because of her caste and lack of present father. Both find their lives upheaved, when a woman from one of the lowest castes, the yellowskins of the Nameless Islands, appears in their city. She is looking for a magical family heirloom which Esheme's mother Nem has taken. They were always told yellowskins don't exist. Now one is running around Bassa displaying great power.

My mind just kept coming back to this one this year. And I actually read it twice in the same year! I first read it physically and then listened to the audiobook. And both formats are great! 

Best Thriller

All Her Little Secrets

Ellice Littlejohn is a corporate attorney working in Atlanta. She's got a good job, great friends and she's currently having a steamy affair with her married boss. One morning she heads to his office ready for a quick hook up and instead discovers him with a gunshot wound to the head. She decides to leave the scene without reporting it but her hopes to not be involved don't go as planned. His widow is well aware they were sleeping together and wants Ellice to find out what happened to her husband. Ellice gets promoted at work to make the company look more diverse but she's finding out just how much of an old white boys club it is there. Soon things are spirally out of control and she finds herself being framed for murder. 

Thrillers are hot right now and there are multiple thrillers being released by Black authors that deal with racism. But for me most of them haven't been done that well. This was one that took me by surprise because stuff was actually happening. 

Best Nonfiction

Sometimes I Trip on How Happy We Could Be

I didn't expect to like this as much as I did but Nichole Perkin's had a pop culture moment for every occasion and she's lived some life! She talks about her childhood growing up in the South dissecting stigmas placed on young Black girls to her adult days in NYC where she gets very candid about her sex life. It was interesting to read about how she related to certain tv shows, her experience with hbcus, why she left the church, etc. I felt this collection of essays explored so many different topics.

Best Historical Fiction

Libertie

Libertie was a story written in a very lyrical style about a young girl growing up during the Reconstruction era with a mother who is a prominent doctor. She and her mother have a complicated relationship as her mother wants her to follow in her footsteps and Libertie challenges her mother when she starts to work more and more with the white people who disrespect them. Libertie comes of age and falls in love with a Haitian man named Emmanuel who is promising her the world back in Haiti  I've been really enjoying more historical fiction lately and it's been inspiring me to deep dive into the stories we don't normally hear when we talk about Black history. And it also let me know we can talk about racism and history without getting overly graphic but still remaining true to the time period.

 

Best Audiobook

What the Hex

Catalina Cartagena returns to Isla Bruja for her sister's wedding but notices that the wedding party seems to be under a demon's spell. Well everyone except her childhood rival Diego who she must team up with to destroy the demon. I listened to so many great audiobooks this year but this witchy romance novella was by far the best. The narration hit all the right notes managing both the more sensual moments and corny jokes. It really brought the story to life.

Bayou Christmas Disappearance by Denise N. Wheatly

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I continued my holiday reading with yet another Harlequin new release. This time I decided to pick up an Intrigue. 

Mona Avery is an investigative reporter who has returned to her college town to cover the disappearance of a close friend. Detective Dillion Reed is assigned to the case but he's not happy to be working with her. He doesn't want his case to turn into media fodder for true crime lovers. Mona's attempts to leverage her connection to Olivia's family don't go as planned since the family outside of the mother don't want to cooperate. 

Different than my other romantic suspense reads this year, Bayou Christmas Disappearance leans heavily into the suspense aspect. And this made for some heart-racing scenes. And then Mona's background as an investigative journalist was used well. She did this sit down interviews that were shocking and had me distressed. I don't listen to true crime podcasts but I could easily see this book appealing to those who do as they try to figure out who kidnapped Olivia. 

And for my friends who aren't romance readers but want to start this is a good one too because the romance elements aren't that heavy. There's longing looks and thoughts throughout but the romance slow burns through the end.

This was also set during Christmastime and it had more mentions of the holiday season than other Intrigue titles I've read. I really liked the scenes early on in the local restaurant and at the inn. Those elements felt very cozy and they were a great way to see Mona and Dillion bond. 

Over all I thought this was great suspense that hit the right beats and I recommend it if you're looking for something quick and thrilling. My people expecting a strong romance will be a disappointed because the romance is definitely on the lighter side.

Interview with Katrina Jackson

Welcome Back, Booklovers! We are inching closer and closer to my favorite holiday and the end of the year. I've been lucky enough to interview so many incredible authors this year and I'm happy to introduce those of you who don't already know to Katrina Jackson, an erotica/erotic romance author who has made a name for herself in the world of indie romance.

What inspired you to start writing? And what made you decide to self-publish?

I’ve been a writer since I was a child and I write as part of my job as an historian. Writing is about the only consistent part of my personality.  

I don’t remember my exact decision to self-publish, but I remember first and foremost thinking that it made sense for my life. I have a full-time job and over the past few years I’ve mostly built a schedule that allows me to write and publish when I have time. I also like that there’s always some new facet of self-publishing to learn and make work for my schedule.

What advice would you give some interested in publishing but not sure what direction they want to take?

I always hesitate to give advice because I’m very aware that everyone’s path is different. I would say though that exploring both self-publishing, traditional publishing, and also publishers is the best way to think about the kind of career you might have. And I don’t mean the books. Understandably, most people focus on the books to make sure they’re writing to market or on the right path. But deciding between self-publishing and traditional publishing is about more than the book. It’s probably less about the book than people want to accept.

Do you ever feel pressure to write certain types of stories for money? 

Not really and that, for me, is the benefit of being self-published. I write exactly the book I want to write. If I want a book to make money, thinking about marketing comes later, but I don’t let that change the kind of stories I write. I cannot write to the market and I’m okay with that. This is also why I have a full-time job. Nothing I write has to pay my mortgage. 

How do you balance working as a college professor and being a writer? 

Even though I said I’ve spent years figuring out how to make time for writing with my job, the reality is that this is a struggle every semester. Some semesters are light and I have lots of time to write, but sometimes my job eats up every minute of free time. This semester has been jampacked. 

But when it works, it’s about a schedule. I try and protect my time for both jobs. I like to write in the mornings so I wake up early and give myself a couple of hours before I have to get ready to go to campus or open my work email. I also try not to let my job bleed into my weekends, so if I want to write then, I do.

As someone who is very vocal about the overwhelming whiteness in historical romance, do you have any stories published in the genre or any in the works?

I do. I love stories where the past and present blend and The Tenant and Back in the Day do both. In The Tenant I tell the story of a young man who inherits a Louisiana house haunted by the ghost of a 1930s sex worker who has a long history with his family. And in Back in the Day, I view a family at two moments in time, in 2010, when aging music journalist Alonzo is moving out of his house with his son’s help, and in 1967 when Alonzo met his future wife, Ada, at the Monterey Pop Festival. I have other stories coming, but I’m invested in telling stories that think about Black history in ways we don’t see enough of in the romance genre. 

If you could go anywhere in the world for a writing retreat where would you go and who would be there?

At this point, almost two years into a pandemic, I would literally go anywhere! But I’m hoping to go to Spain next year for a vacation and writing retreat. I would want any of my author friends to come, but technically I did invite Tasha L. Harrison, Lucy Eden, Zaida Polanco, and Jack Harbon. We’ll see if they show up!

What are your favorite types of romance?

I like romances that make me feel some combination of seen and challenged. I also love romances that imagine the world could be better than it is. I don’t read romance to be slapped in the face with more sexism and racism and I’m not personally invested in the thin veneer of watching characters overcome that (assuming they do). I want hope and friendship and that moment when you feel like the people in the relationship have all decided to protect their happiness together.

What’s your favorite part of the holiday season?

Sleep.

What would your power be if you could have any type of magical ability?

Again, almost two years into a pandemic, I wish I could teleport. I want to travel without having to get on a plane!

Can you reveal anything about your next project?

Not really. This year has been beating me and my deadlines up. As soon as I think I’m on the right path and can talk about what I’m working on, I hit a brick wall. So I’m not working on anything. No thoughts, just tweets and writerly vibes. 

Follow Katrina Jackson at @katrinajax on Twitter.

Christmas in Rose Bend by Naima Simone

Welcome Back, Booklovers! It's officially my favorite time of year! And it's been hella busy lately! But I'm still reading. And right now I'm in the Christmas mood. So I love a small town romance and this series looked cute so I decided to give it a try. I don't remember reading the synopsis before I decided to read and didn't realize it goes so in depth explaining things I initially thought were secrets being revealed. 

Nessa is now guardian to her half-sister Ivy after the young girl's parents have died. She's also still struggling to come to terms with the fact that the man she thought was her father wasn't actually her father. A trip to the town of Rose Bend prompted by the man she once thought of as dad has her searching for answers to her questions and hoping she and Ivy can mend the rift between them.

Rose Bend is the perfect cozy small town to visit if you love the holidays. Every day is a different Christmas related event for tourists. Ivy and Nessa aren't exactly used to all this holiday cheer. While staying at a B&B in town, Nessa meets Wolf, the son of the innkeeper who is instantly drawn to her and feels like it's his responsibility to help her heal.

So I was under the impression that this book would be a cute small town romance. And it does have some romance but the romance started getting lost for me in the plot about this family coming together that just required a lot more depth and would've best been played out over the course of a few months vs a couple of weeks. Nessa is also searching for her biological father and has feelings of abandonment she's working through from the man she thought was her dad.

Nessa and Wolf had great chemistry but the budding relationship between them was also bogged down but unnecessary drama with his ex-girlfriend and the overly perfect way he and his family were written. There just wasn't enough development on his end and he never had to learn to compromise in a relationship which is one of my pet peeves about Christmas stories. I don't like when the woman has to uproot her whole life for the small town man. Also it compares Wolf's family to the one in This is Us and seems to be trying to be that type of drama. He has a huge family that includes siblings that vary in ages some of whom are transracial adoptees. 

Basically it's a slow burn romance with heavily sexual tension that also tries to be a hard hitting family drama and doesn't quite find the balance to make it flow easily. This book actually gave me a little whiplash because I was enjoying the steamy sex between them one minute the next minute she was connecting with her biological father in a rushed Christmas reunion. 

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.