It’s Kinda My Thing
By K.S Thomas
***** A must-read, work of art

The beautiful simplicity of It’s My Kinda Thing by K.S Thomas made it difficult put down. – finished in a day.  Thomas doesn’t mesh words when telling the contemporary tale of Rumor Davis and her no fuss life in Las Vegas.  That is until an old flame that was never fully extinguished shows up again, in of all places, his wedding to another woman.

Rumor and Brody Holmes have a history in Wyoming that was never quite resolved before she ran away to Vegas to start a new life, and a new life she definitely was able to create for herself.  Her hope was to make a life with her voice somehow, music being her passion.  But in the meantime she worked doing singing telegrams and it just so happened that she was sent to do one at Brody’s wedding to Hailey, something Rumor wasn’t aware of.  And it was one designed to destroy the marriage that was about to take place.

What happens next is a test of something Rumor had always hoped for, a chance with Brody Holmes back home in Wyoming.  During the trials and tribulations of trying to figure out if they’re truly meant to be she forgets about Shaun Penny, the man Brody named her “sugar daddy” out of jealousy.  And then there’s the shot at a career in music career in New York.  What’s a girl to do?

I hesitate to say much more about this page-turner because I don’t want to spoil it for you.  It’s My Kinda Thing is witty and unexpected.  You won’t want to put it down.  It being told in the voice of the three main players makes it relatable and deeply insightful.  My only caution is that it is definitely “R” rated.  There is adult language and adult content throughout.  I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone under the age of 18.

K.S Thomas' It’s My Kinda Thing is an unrestrained look into the life of a “real” woman living a real life with all its trials and tribulations.  I highly recommend this quick read and am super interested in learning if there are other books written byThomas because I definitely like the vibe of this contemporary piece

AF: First of all, I have to say how much I loved your book. I can't say that enough.   
BJ: Thank you. That means a lot to me.

AF: I read that you consider Seattle home. What about it made you decide to set the scene of Blood Prophecy there? 
BJ: I love the Northwest.  I'm from there and thought that Seattle was the absolute perfect setting for the series.  I really couldn't imagine it being elsewhere.

AF: I love the characters of Chloe and Amber. Did you intend for Chloe to be Amber's guide of sorts through things? 
BJ: I love Chloe and Amber together.  To me, they are the epitome of best friends.  Chloe would be Amber's guide into the Supernatural world because of their friendship and trust.  They are different but in many ways, they are alike.

AF: Where did you come up with the idea of the queen/king story line?  
BJ: It's funny when people ask me that.  Honestly, the whole idea of the story came from my dreams.  I think part of it is because I can't get enough of stories involving kings and queens and my overactive imagination, mixed with sleep, resulting in the story line.  Once I woke from my dream, I felt the urge to put it paper, so to speak.  The story just unraveled into something more.

AF: Most paranormal books featuring vampires use some type of old vampiric lore as a base to work from.What vampiric lore did you use as a base for your book? 
BJ: Honestly, I didn't.  I just wrote the prophecy to be something different, unique.  In many ways, after I started writing, I realized that I wasn't impressed with so many of the vampire stories out there today.  They are all well written but they didn't show the true nature of vampires.  Vampires drink blood.  Pure and simple.  They are sexy and violent.  But, they were also human once and I wanted something to hold onto that piece.

AFL What made you decide to write from the viewpoint of three paranormal creatures actually uniting? 
BJ: I don't think anything made me decide on that really.  As I was writing, I kept thinking "What would the witch think and do? What about the vampires?  What about this...and that...?"  So, I switched views as appropriate to say what they were thinking and doing.  It was as if a scene could tell what is happening from every point of view, which is really intense.

AFL The question I'm dying to ask is whether we're going to find out what happens next? Do you plan on writing another book to continue Chloe, Amber, Michael, and Marcus' story? 
BJ: The famous question!  The answer is YES!!  In fact, Queen's Enemy is already written and I had a lucky winner create a new character for that book from my book release party.  I'm just wrapping her in the story and it will be off to my publisher for editing!  That will be the second book.  The third book is Queen's Ascension.  I don't know how the series will end yet but it will be powerful!  There are also novellas coming out on the characters as well.  I just finished Marcus' novella and sent that in for editing.  I love the characters that it's hard to say if Queen's Ascension will be the final book or not.  Most likely not if people love the series so much.

Blood Prophecy
One: Queen’s Destiny
By Barb Jones
***** 5 Star Review!!!  Amazing Read!

I can readily admit that I am a huge fan of the paranormal.  However, that had nothing to do with the rating I gave Barb Jones’ Blood Prophecy.  The rating was solely based on the fact that from beginning to end it was an amazing read.  The characters were well developed and the story line was captivating throughout.

The story of a century-old vampire called Michael and a prophecy older than he draws the reader in as we read it unfolding in current times with the semi-genius new curator at a museum in Seattle, Amber Stone.  And although the two are destined to fulfill the prophecy they won’t have to do it alone.  By Michael’s side is Marcus-the loyal vampire consort-, and by Amber’s side is Chloe – one with her own paranormal secret; she’s a witch from a coven that is too waiting for the prophecy to be fulfilled.

Amber, unaware of the prophecy, begins her new life in Seattle with Chloe by her side.  Although initially Chloe is not certain that Amber is the queen they’ve all been waiting for, it is quickly revealed.  Now Chloe’s job is to guide Amber in fulfilling the prophecy that not only includes vampires and witches, but the wolves as well.  Iit isn’t until Michael becomes the benefactor of a huge amount of monies for Amber’s area of the museum that the pieces start falling into place.  And soon enough those that oppose the fulfillment of the prophecy will stop at nothing to destroy the queen.

I do have to caution that this book has quite a bit of implied sexual content that I feel is only appropriate for adults.  An audience of 18 and up would be my recommendation.

This dark paranormal romance is such an addictive page-turner that I hated for it to end.  Although I might assume from the full title (Blood Prophecy: One: Queen’s Destiny) that there will be another book, if my assumption is incorrect I might beg Ms. Jones to tell us more of Michael, Amber, Marcus, and Chloe..  I encourage my readers to grab this one as soon as you can, especially if you have the time to sit down, read, and not be able to put the book down.  Again, Ms. Jones, please write for us what happens next!!

 

Forever Dolls: A Novel
By Ci’Monique Green
**** Believable characters and a great cozy novel

Ci’Monique Green has given us a true-to-life cozy romance/mystery with her novel Forever Dolls.  Although just as with most of the books I read I try not to read too many blurbs beforehand about the book or rather much of anything that might give me any preconceived notions before I read it myself, I wasn't sure what to expect with this novel.  However, I’m pleased to say I was delightfully surprised.  This was one of those quick reads because I couldn't put it down.

In a cozy Gulf Coast town of Chatham Crest we meet our main character, Verona – often called Roni for short.  She and her 14-year-old daughter, Rainer, are deeply rooted in this community.  Verona is a business owner.  Her doll shop – not quite what it seems by name alone – Forever Dolls, is nestled in the heart of the town right down the way from the beauty shop where the women cluck, cluck all day while they’re getting their hair done, and down the way from the local grocer, Mr. Reynolds’ place.

Based on the name alone and my calling it a doll shop, you probably don’t imagine that Roni makes special types of dolls that typically are bought to memorialize the passing of a loved one.  People from all around the country contact her requesting a doll be made, many using the loved one’s own hair on the doll.  It’s what Roni is known for and she stays pretty busy. 

Other than the doll shop, this 40-something spends time with her daughter, who is a very gifted cello player. Oh wait!!!  And the biggest thrill in Chatham Crest is reading the Man Wire in the local paper where "Brent" answers letters mostly written in to ask about men and the ever elusive “love” word. Work, Rainer, and Man Wire is Roni's life. That is until the handsome and almost mysterious, Bradford comes to town.  Then begins a romance tailed by a mystery when many of the older single ladies in the community realize all their savings have been stolen.

Ms. Green’s writing is believable.  The characters in Forever Dolls are real, true to life.  It isn't often in a romance novel that a writer really identifies the vulnerability of the main character as she does with Verona.  She writes Verona as a woman with insecurities in her appearance – which as a fluffy woman I can appreciate. And the reality of oftentimes as a single mother you don’t get too many chances to date.  I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Verona, as well as her development throughout the novel.

 I loved the style in which Ms. Green wrote.  She obviously has a little knowledge about plants and birds, as she calls them by name often throughout the book.  However, I would have loved to have been able to “see” the scenery, especially since she is, for the most part, so very gifted in allowing the reader to “see” what her characters see at other times.  “…after unspoken pages of time pass, Bradford gradually drops his palms from his face. He keeps his body both rigid and fluid, swaying with my momentum like a melting statue."  There are also beautiful passages like, "Silence doesn't have to wait for long because as I stand in confusion's wake, Bradford spills his remaining mystery like water."

Although I’d characterize this book as a romance/mystery novel, there isn't a heavy amount of sexual content as one might expect.  Yes, there is some so I wouldn't recommend this for my younger readers without an adult reading it first and deciding what your young reader can handle.  In my opinion, I’m not sure I’d let my 16-year-old daughter read it for a couple more years.  It definitely isn't as much as you get with TV, but still.

In conclusion I have to say that I really enjoyed Forever Dolls.  It was one of those lazy, easy reading novels that had moments where I couldn't wait to see what happened next.  I, personally, am typically not a big romance fan so I was pleased that Ms. Green incorporated some mystery in this cozy novel.  I definitely would recommend this to romance and/ or mystery readers, and definitely anyone who likes a bit of chick lit.

Heart of the Sea

By Jasmine Denton

***1/2 Watery love story, but incomplete in my eyes


Jasmine Denton’s Heart of the Sea is an extremely creative paranormal romance.  She’s taken bits of Greek mythological characters and weaved them in to an exciting modern tale of adventure that focuses on the things we will do for love.

I have to admit that when I began reading this sea water love story I was a bit lost. I was unaware this was the third book in a series until the end.  Perhaps some felt that this was a stand-alone book, I felt as though I’d walked in to the middle of something and didn’t have all the facts to truly follow what was going on.  Now that I’ve read the third book in the series, I would find it pointless to read the others because I feel like I already know where they are headed.  That is a shame because the book was a pleasant read.

The story opens introducing us to the villainous sea-witch, Narissa.  We learn about a curse that has been put on Mykaela – our heroine – and about a battle with another supernatural entity named Kerr.  This was just the beginning of the confusion for me because there is truly not any information about Kerr other than him wanting to turn Mykaela into a siren and that his offspring is related to one of the other main characters.  I have to tell you I was so lost and that was just the beginning.

We learn that the small seaside town is mecca of sorts for supernatural creatures both from land and sea.  Mykaela’s brother, Jared, and friend are police officers by day and monster hunters by night.  One of the problems is they don’t really  know a secret Mykaela is keeping about her involvement in everything that is going on in town, that she is the reason the monsters are drawn there and why.

Heart of the Sea is definitely a love story that begs the question, how far would you go for the one you love?  Would you risk your soul for it?  You’ll have to read to find out how far Mykaela will go for Dylan.  And even the test of love for the evil sea-witch and the one she loves.   

Heart of the Sea was well written save for numerous proofreading errors.  I enjoyed the book, but wish I’d read the other two first because I did feel as though someone ripped the last part out of a book and gave it to me.  Some readers may not have a problem with that, which is fine; however, I don’t want to be left in the dark.  But Ms. Denton’s creativity and the building upon Greek mythological characters made the story intriguing to me.  I’d recommend this book only after reading the first two, Soul of the Sea and Song of the Sea.     

Kill It With Magic (The Liilim Callina Chronicles)
By J.A. Cipriano
*** Let’s just say, it’s complicated (PLEASE read the full review)

Kill It With Magibc (The Lillim Callina Chronicles) is a YA urban fantasy book by J.A. Cipriano.  No matter how hard I tried to truly invest myself in and enjoy the supernatural urban worlds and characters offered in Kill it with Magic I just couldn't seem to tear through the chaos long enough to do so. The discombobulating lineup of characters, creatures, and ideologies did little more than confuse things more, despite the book being well written.

 What appears to start out as a turf war between rivals ends up in a war over my sanity.  The entire first half of the book I found myself having to take notes just to keep up with who was who and what group was fighting the other (for instance a group of vampires called the Owls versus another group called the Bears, but you don’t know for a while if it’s really owls or bears) with poor Lillim somewhere in the mix.  Mr. Cipriano’s imagination is fantastic, but I felt like I needed a manual to follow the line-up of characters and such.   I can say though without a shadow of a doubt that once I was able to follow certain parts, the creativity of the developing world of his was spot on.

The dialogue in this supposed good versus evil, heroine versus her own demons story was fantastic. However, it took energy at times to figure out who was really evil; who, despite all appearances, was working for or against poor Lillim.  Or was she truly just up against herself?  "Isn't odd how your kind classifies things? For instance, dark is seen as bad and corrupt while white is seen as pure and safe. How very odd it is when you consider that darkness is the absence of all things while light is the whore of color. It is though the light could not be satisfied to contain just one color but felt an insatiable need to own them all. So is that how it is? The most pure is the most corrupt?" Not only are the words applicable to the other realms, you can understand their significance in our world as well.  The reader can actually see each character when the lines are being spoken. 

Although most people might not think of traditional magic as being based in Japanese, Mr. Cipriano totally enveloped most of the magical elements in it.  For instance, her weapons each had a name in Japanese.  She often did spells in what seemed to be Japanese.  The Japanese theme was quite present throughout the book, especially since there were so many battles.  I would guess now looking back on the book that there was a battle that lasted numerous chapters when or if the chapter wasn’t one full battle itself.  Gosh, it was exhausting.  I say that, but I will not deny how very well written Kill It With Magic

In summary I will say that my reason for giving this book three stars is based solely on how well written this book was.  I cannot recommend nor advise against this book because I know there is a group of readers who will truly adore this book – perhaps even I would as a YA.  However, I did not enjoy the story line nor the constant battles and confusing lineup of characters and places.

The Divine One
By Danielle R. Mani
**** Twists and turns like a rollercoaster – the kind you can’t wait to ride again and again!!

Danielle R. Mani takes her readers on a ride like no other in her YA romance book, The Divine One.  I’m super excited about this one.  Ms. Mani makes us question the everyday occurrences that happen to us and the true intention behind why they happen.  Shucks! It is so difficult to review this book without giving anything away.  It is a superb story and I dare say a word to ruin it for you.

The Divine One is most certainly a page turner.  I couldn’t put it down, so desperate to figure out what was really going on.  At one point it led you in one direction, and then at another point you’d be back where you started never the wiser.  The Divine One is one of those weekend books you can curl up on the couch with and finish within the day…and might even decide to read it again.

James Madison High School is not a joyous place for Delilah Simms.  Every day is torture, no exaggeration-poor girl.  Every day a group of girls, aptly named The Imitators, get great satisfaction out of tormenting D (as she’s known by her loved ones).  She finds herself alone and to the point where she’d rather not even go to school.  The sad part is that one of The Imitators used to be her best friend.  High school changes everything, she figures.

D’s mom, Susan, finds her daughter lamenting about having to go to school and allows D to stay home.  Susan wants D to find a way to deal with the situation. Good luck with that! D’s accepted that things will always be this way. And for whatever unknown reason The Imitators have chosen her to be the target of their insecurities.  Little does D know that nothing in life is set in stone and in a millisecond of time your destiny can be changed by not only the actions of another, or even something you unknowingly do yourself.

Yes, to some degree I am speaking in code and I apologize about that, but I can’t help it.  I refuse to give anything away and spoil it for perspective readers!  What I will say is that a very attractive guy named River comes into D’s life and opens her eyes to how quickly things can change even by simply stopping someone to ask the time.  Although River isn’t the person she thought him to be and perhaps a bit of an Imitator himself, he’s there for a reason.

 The Divine One is well written and edited.  It truly is an amazing read and something I’m looking forward to talking with Ms. Mani about in my interview that follows this review.  The only thing is that I have to be just as cryptic in my interview with her as I've had to be here.  My hope is that if you are one of those readers who like a bit of love – it’s not a mushy gushy love story romance – with your fiction or even just a reader who likes the unexpected and believes that life isn't by chance, you will give this book the shot is so deserves.  Ms. Mani has created a great work for all ages, not just the young adult readers.    

AF: Danielle, it's so hard to discuss your amazing YA speculative fiction book, The Divine One, without spoiling it for others but I haven't been able to stop discussing it with my mom and daughter since I read it. Did I read this is your first book?

DM: Hi Ashley. I'm so glad that you seemed to enjoy the book. Yes, this was my first.  I just finished writing the next book in the series.

AF:I read that you prefer speculative fiction in the books you personally read-as do I. What is it about the genre that draws you in?

DM: I love most anything supernatural. I was probably the only 8 year old whose favorite show was The Twilight Zone (which I still watch and enjoy). I love how speculative fiction is often times unpredictable and, truly, anything can happen.

AF: Although as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed The Divine One even though it is a YA book-and think many other adults will too- I was wondering why you chose to target the young adult reader?

DM: I always knew I wanted to write a YA book. I wanted to be able to touch on topics that Young Adults could relate with and, hopefully, help them to understand that a lot of what they are experiencing is a normal part of growing up. 

AF: The Imitators are your typical mean girls. How did Delilah come up with that name?

DM: I wanted Delilah to have a name for the girls in the clique but I wasn't sure what to call them. I had a few different ideas but then, decided on, "The imitators." I think the name suited them since they were fake and all tried to be like each one another in some way. I also think the name tied into River's character a bit too because, in the end, he was also pretending to be something he was not.

 AF: Up to over halfway through The Divine One I must have had a half-a-dozen suspicions as to what River's story was. There were so many twists and turns. Did you consciously decide to take your reader on such a joyride?


DM: Yes. I love books and movies that have a lot of twists and turns. Sometimes when I read, I wait for a twist that never comes. Or, I am able to predict the twist right from the beginning. In this story, I tried to keep the reader guessing. 





AF: Some might consider this a bit of a love story. Is that what you wanted your readers to get out of it?
DM: I knew I wanted to include a bit of a love story because I think that always makes a story a little more interesting, but I didn't want that to be the focus of the story.


AF: What's coming up for you now? What can we expect to see next?

DM: I just finished the second book in the series and I'm really excited about it. The book is not a sequel, although there will be a 'cameo' by one of the characters in the first book. The new book is based on a similar premise (that will be the focus of all the books in the series) but the story itself is different and has a lot of twists that I think will keep the reader guessing.