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Chantilly Lace #1
Frivolous Magic
When Lacey finds a trunk full of magical tomes in her attic, she just assumes that it's all fun and games.
You know what happens when you assume?
Chantilly Lace Ashcraft is a typical college student who is trying to define herself in this big world. While dabbling with the spells from her attic books, she draws more attention than she ever expected. A robed figure who calls himself, Ajax, warns her that her magic use is going to get her in trouble. He offers to help, but wary of the mysterious man, Lacey rejects his offer.
Lacey can't stop using the spells once she learns more about her ability. When she saves a friend from certain death with that magic, she finds out that Ajax was right. They come for her. All of them.
Lacey's focus turns from passing geology to running for her life. Is Ajax friend or foe? Does she have enough knowledge to save herself? How are her closest friends involved? To what lengths will her enemies go to contain or siphon her power?
Frivolous Magic is book one in the Chantilly Lace Series by Kimbra Swain. It's a New Adult magical adventure based in the south.
Frivolous Magic will release on May 6th, 2019.
You know what happens when you assume?
Chantilly Lace Ashcraft is a typical college student who is trying to define herself in this big world. While dabbling with the spells from her attic books, she draws more attention than she ever expected. A robed figure who calls himself, Ajax, warns her that her magic use is going to get her in trouble. He offers to help, but wary of the mysterious man, Lacey rejects his offer.
Lacey can't stop using the spells once she learns more about her ability. When she saves a friend from certain death with that magic, she finds out that Ajax was right. They come for her. All of them.
Lacey's focus turns from passing geology to running for her life. Is Ajax friend or foe? Does she have enough knowledge to save herself? How are her closest friends involved? To what lengths will her enemies go to contain or siphon her power?
Frivolous Magic is book one in the Chantilly Lace Series by Kimbra Swain. It's a New Adult magical adventure based in the south.
Frivolous Magic will release on May 6th, 2019.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2019
About the author
Kimbra Swain
73 books333 followersFrom early in life Kimbra Swain was indoctrinated in the ways of geekdom. Raised on Star Wars, Tolkien, Superheroes and Voltron, she found herself immersed in a world of imagination. She started writing in high school, and completed her English degree from the University of Alabama in 2003.
Her writing is influenced by a gamut of authors including Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, L.M. Montgomery, Timothy Zahn, Kathy Reichs, Kevin Hearne and Jim Butcher.
Born and raised in Alabama, Kimbra still lives there with her husband and 5 year old daughter. When she isn't reading or writing, she plays PC games, makes jewelry and builds cars.
Please visit my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Also if you sign up for the newsletter at my website to receive a FREE book: www.kimbraswain.com
Her writing is influenced by a gamut of authors including Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, L.M. Montgomery, Timothy Zahn, Kathy Reichs, Kevin Hearne and Jim Butcher.
Born and raised in Alabama, Kimbra still lives there with her husband and 5 year old daughter. When she isn't reading or writing, she plays PC games, makes jewelry and builds cars.
Please visit my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Also if you sign up for the newsletter at my website to receive a FREE book: www.kimbraswain.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 24, 2019
I wasn't feeling it
I liked this book ok but I wasn't feeling it. It drags a bit and the speech is so formal and stilted, I just couldn't get into it. The storyline has good bones and potential but as is its not for me, I'm sorry.
I liked this book ok but I wasn't feeling it. It drags a bit and the speech is so formal and stilted, I just couldn't get into it. The storyline has good bones and potential but as is its not for me, I'm sorry.
September 5, 2019
This one just doesn't work for me. The idea of a love triangle is a cliched, played out trope. What makes it worse is the characters are STUPID. I don't mean the idea of the characters, but the way they act.
The main character is being chased and harassed by a secret society that means to either drain her magic or kill her. She's offered protection, multiple times, but just shrugs it off and ignores the threat. I can't speak for anyone else, but if I was being threatened and someone offered me help, I'd take the help.
The main character is being chased and harassed by a secret society that means to either drain her magic or kill her. She's offered protection, multiple times, but just shrugs it off and ignores the threat. I can't speak for anyone else, but if I was being threatened and someone offered me help, I'd take the help.
June 27, 2019
Juno has magic
I stopped at about the 70% mark. At that point I was hoping that the main character would end up sacrificed in some black magic ritual.
I was not sure what the book is supposed to be. This book isn't urban fantasy, as much as teen-angst-supernatural-romance maybe with a touch of magical danger.
The characters are students and a teacher or two at a Community College. Somehow wealthy students go to the local community college???
The main character's entire circle are all connected to magic unknown to her and to each other.
The MC doesn't need any help until she does. She avoids the people who are offering aid or at least information but seems to accept that the danger from the others is real. She hasn't taken Survival 101 yet, so it makes sense that she didn't see how stupid her response was.
She's every victim in every slasher film ever. Where is Jamie Lee Curtis when we need her (only us readers, writers are on their own). In fairness if I had looked at the covers of any of her other books, I would have passed on this freebie. It seems that she has a following and she's working her formula with style. It's just not the book that I expected.
I stopped at about the 70% mark. At that point I was hoping that the main character would end up sacrificed in some black magic ritual.
I was not sure what the book is supposed to be. This book isn't urban fantasy, as much as teen-angst-supernatural-romance maybe with a touch of magical danger.
The characters are students and a teacher or two at a Community College. Somehow wealthy students go to the local community college???
The main character's entire circle are all connected to magic unknown to her and to each other.
The MC doesn't need any help until she does. She avoids the people who are offering aid or at least information but seems to accept that the danger from the others is real. She hasn't taken Survival 101 yet, so it makes sense that she didn't see how stupid her response was.
She's every victim in every slasher film ever. Where is Jamie Lee Curtis when we need her (only us readers, writers are on their own). In fairness if I had looked at the covers of any of her other books, I would have passed on this freebie. It seems that she has a following and she's working her formula with style. It's just not the book that I expected.
May 8, 2019
Awesome awesome awesome!!!
I love many of Kimbra's books and had no doubt going into to this one that I would love this series just as much!! Lacey and her crew are intriguing and the storyline is so rich, in depth an spell binding that it grips you in pretty quickly. It may fell like a little to much in the first chapter but i promise its all important an will quickly make ao much more sense! I love that this is not an RH nor does it have any explict sex like so many on the market. Sure those can be great but this comes of so fresh, new an fun because it isnt what is typically on the market. Lacey is feisty but likeable. Kimbra as always has this special recipe of loads humor, some great feels, a little steam mixed with well plotted intense action. It will have you laughing at the snark and yelling at the bad guys before you even realize it! If you havent already done so I highly recommend her Fairytales Of A Trailer Park Queen series!!! Also on KU an soooo totally worth the read!!!
I love many of Kimbra's books and had no doubt going into to this one that I would love this series just as much!! Lacey and her crew are intriguing and the storyline is so rich, in depth an spell binding that it grips you in pretty quickly. It may fell like a little to much in the first chapter but i promise its all important an will quickly make ao much more sense! I love that this is not an RH nor does it have any explict sex like so many on the market. Sure those can be great but this comes of so fresh, new an fun because it isnt what is typically on the market. Lacey is feisty but likeable. Kimbra as always has this special recipe of loads humor, some great feels, a little steam mixed with well plotted intense action. It will have you laughing at the snark and yelling at the bad guys before you even realize it! If you havent already done so I highly recommend her Fairytales Of A Trailer Park Queen series!!! Also on KU an soooo totally worth the read!!!
July 31, 2020
Kimbra did it again!
I was introduced to Kimbra in her trailerverse series (which if you haven't read I HIGHLY recommend). Once i finished that I moved onto the Dog River Wolfpack series which I also heartily suggest reading. Now, I'm also in love with Chantilly & her friends. Kimbra has the amazing ability to weave her stories in such a way that her characters become your friends and you are vested in their lives. I often laugh, sometimes cry & ALWAYS love her work.
I don't have much discretionary income, so Im very thankful that so far everything is available on KU. I will say if I come across something she has written that is not, then I will find a way to purchase it anyway. Covid-19 has left me with a LOT of free time & luckily Kimbra has given me an enjoyable way to spend it. If you've not read her works before I seriously suggest you start as soon as possible because you are MISSING OUT!
I was introduced to Kimbra in her trailerverse series (which if you haven't read I HIGHLY recommend). Once i finished that I moved onto the Dog River Wolfpack series which I also heartily suggest reading. Now, I'm also in love with Chantilly & her friends. Kimbra has the amazing ability to weave her stories in such a way that her characters become your friends and you are vested in their lives. I often laugh, sometimes cry & ALWAYS love her work.
I don't have much discretionary income, so Im very thankful that so far everything is available on KU. I will say if I come across something she has written that is not, then I will find a way to purchase it anyway. Covid-19 has left me with a LOT of free time & luckily Kimbra has given me an enjoyable way to spend it. If you've not read her works before I seriously suggest you start as soon as possible because you are MISSING OUT!
May 4, 2019
I am OBSESSED!!! I love that Kimbra is branching out and creating a more action packed series. I love Lacey and how even when she was insecure and doubting herself, she was still strong. This has all the feels. Shes got her pick of love interest and they're all great, in their own way. But it's clear her heart belongs to only one. Her story is deep with connections to everyone, connections she has no idea about. I love how Kimbra can create and build worlds and storylines, and you cannot predict where she is going with it. You think you've figured something out, and boom... not even close. I cannot wait til book 2 comes out!
August 3, 2019
This is an excellent foundation book for an exciting new series. Lacey believes she’s just a normal orphan in college, living with her elderly aunt. She dabbles in doing magic tricks from an old book her parents left her. That dabbling puts her on a lot of magical radar screens for societies she never knew existed and plunge her into a whirlwind rescue mission!
I enjoyed the character development during the story. As with other Kimbra Swain books, there is a huge cast that’s bound to grow as the series progresses. Lots of intrigue and adventure despite its short length. I’ll definitely continue on—especially as it is a Kindle Unlimited book series!
I enjoyed the character development during the story. As with other Kimbra Swain books, there is a huge cast that’s bound to grow as the series progresses. Lots of intrigue and adventure despite its short length. I’ll definitely continue on—especially as it is a Kindle Unlimited book series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2019
I absolutely love Kimbra's books. This first installment of Chantilly Lace is excellent. Introducing really interesting characters. At the core of most of Kimbras books is a strong female lead, but they don't feel repetitive or like the same story with different character names. A female lead that even if we aren't magic we can relate to. I'm a major fan of "Kota", he's a good, occasionally flawed man.
I like the magical mix with the college life. This was a great first book and I absolutely can not wait for book 2 !
I like the magical mix with the college life. This was a great first book and I absolutely can not wait for book 2 !
May 6, 2019
College life is challenging enough. But Lacey, a dabbler in magic since finding some books left in the attic after her parents' death, is about to face the real challenges in her life. Facing a greater conspiracy within a medium that isn't supposed to exist, she'll watch her whole world upturned while unable to distinguish friend from foe. But she finds it difficult to plan her next steps when even the people she's been hiding her ability from seem to know more than her.
A beautifully crafted and interesting start to a brand new series.
A beautifully crafted and interesting start to a brand new series.
May 7, 2019
Another amazing magical tale!
Magic, evil, and excitement, oh my! Frivolous Magic is full of all that and so much more. Kimbra Swain is an amazing author and never disappoints when sharing her wonderful magical worlds with us readers. This book is full of the awe of discovering burgeoning magic as well as the deep loyalty of friends and protectors. Of course you add in the evil mage and you have the recipe for a dynamic and magical book that you will have you impatient to devour all the way through. I can't wait for more!
Magic, evil, and excitement, oh my! Frivolous Magic is full of all that and so much more. Kimbra Swain is an amazing author and never disappoints when sharing her wonderful magical worlds with us readers. This book is full of the awe of discovering burgeoning magic as well as the deep loyalty of friends and protectors. Of course you add in the evil mage and you have the recipe for a dynamic and magical book that you will have you impatient to devour all the way through. I can't wait for more!
May 6, 2019
Diving deep!
Yet another book from Kimbra Swain I am intrigued and captivated by.
My favorite hung about Kimbra’s books are the depth of the characters. No one character is perfect, but her world building is!
Lacey is what you’d expect from a young lady her age. Until she isn’t!
This book had be intrigued. Then it had be cursing! Then it had me hooked.
The magic and world. Yielding behind Lacey and her crew is just beginning and this first installment definitely makes me want more!
Yet another book from Kimbra Swain I am intrigued and captivated by.
My favorite hung about Kimbra’s books are the depth of the characters. No one character is perfect, but her world building is!
Lacey is what you’d expect from a young lady her age. Until she isn’t!
This book had be intrigued. Then it had be cursing! Then it had me hooked.
The magic and world. Yielding behind Lacey and her crew is just beginning and this first installment definitely makes me want more!
October 4, 2019
Wow... Just wow!
So..... I think that we all realize that not every book works for everyone, and God knows I’ve read, or tried to read some lousy stuff in my day. But this book, in this genre, is AWESOME! I really wasn’t sure about it when I first picked it up, but, I’ve not been disappointed yet any anything that Kimbra Swain has written, and that statement includes this book! It’s well written, there are great characters, aisle humor, some sadness, and a great plot. If I had three thumbs, I’d give it three thumbs up!!
So..... I think that we all realize that not every book works for everyone, and God knows I’ve read, or tried to read some lousy stuff in my day. But this book, in this genre, is AWESOME! I really wasn’t sure about it when I first picked it up, but, I’ve not been disappointed yet any anything that Kimbra Swain has written, and that statement includes this book! It’s well written, there are great characters, aisle humor, some sadness, and a great plot. If I had three thumbs, I’d give it three thumbs up!!
May 3, 2019
Chantilly is a college student, an occasional user of magic, and in a whole heap of trouble. Just how much she's about to find out.
The urban fantasy story is fast-paced and fun. Author Swain gives readers information on this new world and magic system while telling a fun yarn. While the start of the series and building a new world, this book can be read as a standalone.
I read an ARC of the book and have chosen to review it.
The urban fantasy story is fast-paced and fun. Author Swain gives readers information on this new world and magic system while telling a fun yarn. While the start of the series and building a new world, this book can be read as a standalone.
I read an ARC of the book and have chosen to review it.
May 5, 2019
I was skeptical on this book, once I found out it was geared toward a younger audience. I’m not typically a fan of YA/NA books, the characters are college students.
For a first book in a series, there is a lot going on in Frivolous Magic, it makes the book less back story and more action, which is highly enjoyable for me, but others might not feel so intrigued by the story line.
It’s a solid 3.5 star read, enough to be excited for the second installment.
For a first book in a series, there is a lot going on in Frivolous Magic, it makes the book less back story and more action, which is highly enjoyable for me, but others might not feel so intrigued by the story line.
It’s a solid 3.5 star read, enough to be excited for the second installment.
May 8, 2019
Magic, evil, and excitement, oh my! Frivolous Magic is full of all that and so much more. Kimbra Swain is an amazing author and never disappoints when sharing her wonderful magical worlds with us readers. This book is full of the awe of discovering burgeoning magic as well as the deep loyalty of friends and protectors. Of course you add in the evil mage and you have the recipe for a dynamic and magical book that you will have you impatient to devour all the way through. I can't wait for more!
May 9, 2019
There is a lot packed into the pages of this first book in a new series. The characters are interesting and I can't wait to see how they develop. The story is unique and a take on magic abilities we haven't seen. The intro to the mythology is a great addition and I hope to see more of it in future stories. Chantilly is an unexpected heroine and her life is crazy. You can't help but be drawn into the story.
May 13, 2019
Her Power Is Ascending
Lacey has magic but she just has fun not knowing the danger it puts her in. The characters are well written and formulated. Chantilly Lace is a powerful yet vulnerable character. The men in her life are drawn to her. However, who can she trust when so many want to use her and kill her. I like the action, humor, and convoluted romance. I look forward to the next book.
Lacey has magic but she just has fun not knowing the danger it puts her in. The characters are well written and formulated. Chantilly Lace is a powerful yet vulnerable character. The men in her life are drawn to her. However, who can she trust when so many want to use her and kill her. I like the action, humor, and convoluted romance. I look forward to the next book.
May 25, 2019
Great start to the series
No cliffhanger, but there is an overall story arc this book progresses.
I loved Lacey and felt bad for her and how she felt betrayed by basically everyone. She is a mage, from a family of mages. There are those that want to help her and those that want to take her magic. Lacey is more important than she knows and will have to learn to trust the right people and stay on the side of the light.
No cliffhanger, but there is an overall story arc this book progresses.
I loved Lacey and felt bad for her and how she felt betrayed by basically everyone. She is a mage, from a family of mages. There are those that want to help her and those that want to take her magic. Lacey is more important than she knows and will have to learn to trust the right people and stay on the side of the light.
October 26, 2019
Is this book about children? Why write an MC who is so daft she denies what's in front of her face continuously and ends up in trouble over and over again? Maybe some people enjoy that. Lacey just doesnt have any common sense. The story was more about her acting like a petulant child than it was about magic or world building. None of the characters were even given depth, they all just act like angsty teenagers. No thanks. I couldn't even finish it.
May 4, 2019
Being such a fan of Kimbra's books, I knew I had to read this one.......
I was not disappointed!
I started it and couldn't put it down. Great character building as the first book in a series, some good twists and turns, and plenty of room for lots more of this story. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I was not disappointed!
I started it and couldn't put it down. Great character building as the first book in a series, some good twists and turns, and plenty of room for lots more of this story. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
May 4, 2019
Amazing beginning to what has the promise of another great Kimbra Swain series. I can hardly wait for the release of book number 2. The action in this book just sucks you in and before you know it, it’s over. I, personally, can not wait for the next visit with Lacey, Kota, Gil and the rest of the gang!
May 6, 2019
I need more
Why are you making me wait over 2 months?!?! I need more Lacey, Brax, Kota and Gil!!! I love them all and their individuality, but also how they kick butt. I should've seen a lot of the twists coming, but I was so wrapped up in it, I didn't even try to guess. With how much I read, that's an accomplishment. Thank you, Kimbra, for another amazing book
Why are you making me wait over 2 months?!?! I need more Lacey, Brax, Kota and Gil!!! I love them all and their individuality, but also how they kick butt. I should've seen a lot of the twists coming, but I was so wrapped up in it, I didn't even try to guess. With how much I read, that's an accomplishment. Thank you, Kimbra, for another amazing book
May 7, 2019
Holy Cow!!
What an amazing start to a new series! I loved meeting all of the new characters and getting to know them and what makes them tick. The story was very well done and very fast-paced. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how the book would end. Thank you Ms. Swain for inviting us into a great new world. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
What an amazing start to a new series! I loved meeting all of the new characters and getting to know them and what makes them tick. The story was very well done and very fast-paced. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how the book would end. Thank you Ms. Swain for inviting us into a great new world. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 20, 2019
This is a young lady's fantasy. It's well written, but it's a bit disappointing in that it's predictable. There's several things that should be a surprise, but while it's not hinted at, the surprise is painfully obvious. This should be targeted toward YA audience, not to anyone else. Other than that problem I had with this, good job.
November 11, 2019
Interesting
Interesting story line and world. This first book feels a bit incomplete as it doesn’t really have a complete arc, but it does a good job introducing the world and most of the characters. Good enough to keep me interested enough to read book 2.
Ends on... not really a cliffhanger but more of a direct lead in to the next book.
Interesting story line and world. This first book feels a bit incomplete as it doesn’t really have a complete arc, but it does a good job introducing the world and most of the characters. Good enough to keep me interested enough to read book 2.
Ends on... not really a cliffhanger but more of a direct lead in to the next book.
May 4, 2019
I think this is a good intro book. It is a little superficial but that leaves us with so much more to come. I think it's got an interesting use of magic and a good crew of characters. Definitely read the book quickly and looking forward to the next
May 4, 2019
I think this book has a very slow start with mostly character introductions. I was 60% into it before it established a good plot. Things did pick up, action and surprises. The second book should be fun. My advice....stick with it.
May 5, 2019
Truly enjoying yet another Kimbra Swain book. I'm not done yet, sadly work gets in the way of my reading, but I believe she has another hit series on her hands and I can't wait to finish this review so I can get back to it. 🙄
May 6, 2019
Great read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the series. As always, the twists and turns in the plot, along with Kimbra Swain’s imaginative characters leave you wanting more. Can’t wait for the next book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the series. As always, the twists and turns in the plot, along with Kimbra Swain’s imaginative characters leave you wanting more. Can’t wait for the next book!
May 7, 2019
Fast paced
An enjoyable urban fantasy. There was a lot of information put out in the book. It may have done better for the story and seem less rushed to expand certain areas of the storyline. It is nice to read a book with a slightly different take on magic.
An enjoyable urban fantasy. There was a lot of information put out in the book. It may have done better for the story and seem less rushed to expand certain areas of the storyline. It is nice to read a book with a slightly different take on magic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews