Given by Lisa G. Riley & Roslyn Hardy Holcomb
Loose Id
African American Historical Paranormal
ISBN: 978-1-60737-520-3
Reviewed by Nellie




Jacob Adams is an extraordinary carpenter by day and a guiding light to those escaping the cruelties and ravages of slavery by night. Despite his many responsibilities, Jacob always has time to woo the headstrong, feisty,  independent and soon to be his very reluctant wife, Mary.

Life for Mary Katherine Day has never been better, she marches according to her own beat and is not accountable to anyone. Mary sustains her livelihood by operating the family’s boardinghouse and general store by day and is Stationmaster for the Underground Railroad at night. Meeting Jacob shatters Mary’s ordered life.

The passion and chemistry was undeniable as Mary Katherine eventually succumbs to the seduction of Adam, an alpha male used to getting his way.

I applaud the authors for being very creative and innovative in the approach of Given, it was grounded with both African and Chinese (yin yang) folklore. I was drawn and engrossed with Given and found my self asking ‘what if ’, there was a shifter to lead the slaves during the underground movement. Well done to the dynamic duo of Ms Holcomb and Ms Riley for a story that will be a constant repeat read.