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aisling1998's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
allingoodtime's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
After reading my very first Ms. Bev book, Indigo, I couldn’t wait to read more. As is my usual compulsive way to do things, I went back to the beginning. This was Beverly Jenkins’ first published book. While there were some issues with flow and it didn’t quite measure up to Indigo (really, what could?), it’s still a wonderful and engaging story.
This author does such a beautiful job when it comes to banter. Cara Lee is no push over and Chase is used to being in charge. Their first meeting does nothing to endear Chase to Cara, but there is instant chemistry and I couldn’t wait for them to meet again.
There aren’t many things in romance better than the hero not understanding that he’s in love. The proclamations that he “isn’t built for commitment” yet he cannot even think of the FMC being looked at by anyone else. The ache in his chest or weird feeling in his gut that he doesn’t know what to do about. Chase has a lot of bluster, but he cannot stay away. On the other hand, Cara quickly recognizes that Chase can be dangerous to her. She knows he has the power to destroy her emotionally and tries to stay away herself. Spoiler: it doesn’t work!
I am a history buff and love how the author peppers her stories with history. Especially since it’s history dealing with minorities that we don’t get anywhere enough of in school. This writer does her homework and I’m a huge fan.
I keep asking myself why it took me so long to read this author. I will not be slacking on devouring all she has to offer, which is a lot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Miscarriage and Misogyny
Minor: Slavery
fringebookreviews's review against another edition
2.5
✨A thousand places✨
The conflict just turned into them refusing to be in love. Which was very confusing. They were being very stubborn. He gave restrictions to where she could move? But he won’t have her as a wife? They RA finally got married and then the book just turned into a marriage in trouble which isn’t my thing.
She was very oblivious when he was involved. She kept thinking he was wanting some other woman? Like he married you and kept coming back to you and got you pregnant. I didn’t like that she wasn’t going to tell him about the baby. Not because I even really think he deserved to know, but she just kept blaming herself and didn’t want to bother him. I think this was giving him too much credit. He’s the one who fucked her with no regard for the consequences.
There were many sex scenes but they were all pretty vague and quick. Don’t know if I got more than lust. Never love. I liked when he kept saying there were a thousand places he wanted to kiss her. There was consent which was great but overall the relationship was just kinda boring. Overall I think this is still a 90s baby and I’m more of a mid-2000s on type of romance reader. I’m glad I gave it a try but think I’m just gonna read some more recent Bev books instead of starting at the beginning.
⭐️⭐️.5/5
The conflict just turned into them refusing to be in love. Which was very confusing. They were being very stubborn. He gave restrictions to where she could move? But he won’t have her as a wife? They RA finally got married and then the book just turned into a marriage in trouble which isn’t my thing.
She was very oblivious when he was involved. She kept thinking he was wanting some other woman? Like he married you and kept coming back to you and got you pregnant. I didn’t like that she wasn’t going to tell him about the baby. Not because I even really think he deserved to know, but she just kept blaming herself and didn’t want to bother him. I think this was giving him too much credit. He’s the one who fucked her with no regard for the consequences.
There were many sex scenes but they were all pretty vague and quick. Don’t know if I got more than lust. Never love. I liked when he kept saying there were a thousand places he wanted to kiss her. There was consent which was great but overall the relationship was just kinda boring. Overall I think this is still a 90s baby and I’m more of a mid-2000s on type of romance reader. I’m glad I gave it a try but think I’m just gonna read some more recent Bev books instead of starting at the beginning.
⭐️⭐️.5/5
remigves's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kelswid's review against another edition
3.0
didn't grab me the same way Beverly Jenkins' other work has, but I really enjoyed the experience of reading the first novel of an author I love
booktothepointe's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars — great historical fiction, Personal preference, it’s hard for me to get into 19th century prairie stories; that said, these characters were intriguing as was their story in the part of history and racial elements included... thanks BJ for including such untold history in your book!
ylime620's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Everyone should read this book. It's absolutely bonkers. Half sex scenes, a quarter western adventure story, and a quarter Black reconstruction history. I need a first edition NOW.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Miscarriage
Moderate: Slavery, War, Rape, and Sexual content
joedean's review against another edition
5.0
This one started a bit slow but 10% into it and I was hooked. Cara and Chase will stay with me for a longtime.
I’ve said this before but I wish I was good at writing reviews. Sadly not but what I can say about this book, is that representation in literature matters. Healthy black and realistic relationships do exist. Beverly Jenkins and so many other black authors have made it so abundantly clear. I just wish there was more exposure.
Beverly Jenkins has this amazing ability to write a perfect romance novel with all our favourite trimmings- handsome ML, gorgeous FL, steamy times,swoon-worthy love, etc- however what makes her books so unique, is her ability to incorporate unknown history to the plot. Romance+education= deadly combination. So excited to delve into more of her work.
Ps. her reference lists shows the amazing effort she puts into her research. I’ve never read any author like her before. Ms Bev is In the running to be my favourite author of all time.
I’ve said this before but I wish I was good at writing reviews. Sadly not but what I can say about this book, is that representation in literature matters. Healthy black and realistic relationships do exist. Beverly Jenkins and so many other black authors have made it so abundantly clear. I just wish there was more exposure.
Beverly Jenkins has this amazing ability to write a perfect romance novel with all our favourite trimmings- handsome ML, gorgeous FL, steamy times,swoon-worthy love, etc- however what makes her books so unique, is her ability to incorporate unknown history to the plot. Romance+education= deadly combination. So excited to delve into more of her work.
Ps. her reference lists shows the amazing effort she puts into her research. I’ve never read any author like her before. Ms Bev is In the running to be my favourite author of all time.
elemomi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
aqtbenz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Gun violence, Sexual content, Death, and Kidnapping