Book Review: Kensington's Soul, by Faith V. Smith
Crack open this book and be prepared for a sensuous story with engaging characters, a soul-fulfilling love story between a mortal and vampire, set in the mysterious Savannah, Georgia.
First, I have to admit: this isn't my go-to genre. I'm not a big fan of vampires, nor do I read many novels labelled romance. So, knowing that about me, it may seem strange that I not only read this book but LOVED it. Ahh, but this is more than the typical run-rampant vampire tale.
Faith V. Smith is a wonderful author (penning 9 novels and counting). I met her several years ago, and when she asked if I'd like to read her book, I agreed and shared my confessions about the genre.
Well, a good story is a good story, regardless of the genre.
It wasn't long into the story, and I forgot about how I "don't read" those genres. I fell in love with the main characters, Zacke Kensington, the determined but private Savannah police detective who fiercely protects the innocent, and Dr. Miranda James, a hospital trauma surgeon who is dedicated to her new city and patients.
As the story unfolds, we discover Zacke has a dark side, kept hidden. He is an anguished vampire, turned against his will by an evil female vampire, mad about her advances being squashed.
Unfortunately, keeping his unworldly side a secret makes for a lonely life.
Except for a friendship with his best friend and fellow detective, Gideon, Zacke knows that he will never be able to share closeness with anyone. He'll certainly never fall in love or enjoy a 'normal' life again. Huge emotions, such as lust and love, will unleash his uncontrollable side, so he keeps himself focused on upholding man's law.
But then his path crosses with Miranda, who was being attacked after her car breaks down. Zacke saves her from the attempted rape and murder, but the incident sets something greater in motion: an attraction that the Miranda wasn't prepared for and that Zacke promised himself would never happen.
I know my plot review may make it sound like a typical romance, but it's more than a love story. Smith does an excellent job of setting the scene -- Savannah becomes a character itself --and particularly in creating characters that are fun, sensual, and believable. I loved the dialogue, plus the inner and outer conflicts keep the story moving. I ended up flipping pages and staying awake because I just couldn't put it down.
Luckily, Kensington's Soul is part of a series, named Bound by Blood, with four novels total. I'd highly recommend this book as an introduction to Smith's work, and she writes novels in other genres as well.
Although I read this novel a few years ago, I've never forgotten the characters. They jumped from the page into a virtual existence in my head, and I've loved them ever since.
Regardless if the genre is your favorite, Kensington's Soul tells a good story with memorable characters.
Book Trailers for author Faith V. Smith. Check out the other books from Smith - all are fun with intriguing story lines and characters you'll fall in love with.
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