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now_booking's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
I’m in total awe that this was Beverly Jenkins’ first published book. Not only is it 27 years old at the time I’m reading it, it stands up well to modern historical romances written now, and even is better than most in terms of historical accuracy, originality, diverse narratives, an empowered heroine who though not rich has agency, an alpha hero who listens and is respectful. Yes, there are a couple of scenes of dubious consent, but this novel does so much incredibly well.
The premise of this is that independent school teacher Cara, has had a lifetime taking care of herself and standing up for what she believes in, which is why she’s not quite sure what to make off the incredibly hot, incredibly sexy soldier, Chase, who comes to the small town where she’s a teacher. Sparks fly in a way that change both their lives forever, especially when a despicable criminal becomes obsessed with Cara.
This romance will be beloved by anyone who loves an alpha heroine especially one who is competent, independent, will save the day but is also willing to be vulnerable to love. I loved that love for Cara did not make her any less herself or make her give up her pride of her independence which were such significant parts of her identity as a character. I loved that when Cara and Chase fought, they were mature about it, never dirty or resorting to harsh words that couldn’t be taken back. This has a tinge of the secret baby trope to it but I think anyone who has a problem with this trope will love the way it is dealt with here. I think for once the father’s feelings are given space on the page and the emotions of men who are put in that position and the mothers who feel the need to hide paternity, are explored. I enjoyed the second wind of intrigue this story got about two-thirds of the way in with the danger and mystery and equally loved the resolution.
I picked up this book because I committed to reading Beverly Jenkins’ entire backlist in order of publication (skipping the ones I’ve already read) and this makes me excited about what is to come.
The premise of this is that independent school teacher Cara, has had a lifetime taking care of herself and standing up for what she believes in, which is why she’s not quite sure what to make off the incredibly hot, incredibly sexy soldier, Chase, who comes to the small town where she’s a teacher. Sparks fly in a way that change both their lives forever, especially when a despicable criminal becomes obsessed with Cara.
This romance will be beloved by anyone who loves an alpha heroine especially one who is competent, independent, will save the day but is also willing to be vulnerable to love. I loved that love for Cara did not make her any less herself or make her give up her pride of her independence which were such significant parts of her identity as a character. I loved that when Cara and Chase fought, they were mature about it, never dirty or resorting to harsh words that couldn’t be taken back. This has a tinge of the secret baby trope to it but I think anyone who has a problem with this trope will love the way it is dealt with here. I think for once the father’s feelings are given space on the page and the emotions of men who are put in that position and the mothers who feel the need to hide paternity, are explored. I enjoyed the second wind of intrigue this story got about two-thirds of the way in with the danger and mystery and equally loved the resolution.
I picked up this book because I committed to reading Beverly Jenkins’ entire backlist in order of publication (skipping the ones I’ve already read) and this makes me excited about what is to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Gun violence, Hate crime, Domestic abuse, and Racism
Minor: Rape
cakt1991's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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
Night Song was Beverly Jenkins’ debut, and like the previous classic Jenkins I read, Indigo, has aged remarkably well, and serving as an indicator of her talent that has only grown over the decades. And given that this was her first, it’s remarkable to look at the historical richness that has become a staple of her work and the inclusion of a bibliography that had previously been uncommon in the genre (and largely remains rare) and which she indirectly remarked on in her author’s note. Like always, I feel like I came away learning something, without having to be beaten over the head with the information.
As for the romance itself, it was enjoyable, although I don’t know if Chase and Cara are my favorite Jenkins couple. Cara is fierce and independent, and definitely the more endearing of the two in my opinion. Chase’s more “alpha” moments turned me off a bit, although in most respects he is a strong character who perfectly complements Cara.
This is another winner from Beverly Jenkins, and definitely a must read from her back catalog for any who have missed out on it.
lovelynovellas's review against another edition
5.0
This was absolutely amazing and my first Beverly Jenkins book. I wouldn't consider it dark but TW for lost of a child, slavery, death by hanging, racism and kidnapping.
I love when historical romances are educational!!!! I learned so much that I wasn't taught in high school. She leave resources at the end of the book too if you want to learn more.
I love when historical romances are educational!!!! I learned so much that I wasn't taught in high school. She leave resources at the end of the book too if you want to learn more.
bookishmichs's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sisithelyricist's review against another edition
5.0
Romance + Thriller
This book started slowly but quickly sped up, and had so many turns I wasn’t expecting. It’s perfect besides a few typos and the fact that it took Chase SO long to open up. I hated that. All in all, the added mystery and thriller aspect made this book 5x better for me. The story ended beautifully and I definitely wouldn’t mind a sequel.
This book started slowly but quickly sped up, and had so many turns I wasn’t expecting. It’s perfect besides a few typos and the fact that it took Chase SO long to open up. I hated that. All in all, the added mystery and thriller aspect made this book 5x better for me. The story ended beautifully and I definitely wouldn’t mind a sequel.
alexalovesbooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
This is my second Beverly Jenkins book, and I did enjoy it! The setting and the small town situations reminded me a little of similar books I read as a kid, but the romance definitely sets this apart as adult (and it is quite sweet!)
tesseliza's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
caitlinemccann's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A steamy read with fantastic character development set in a small town in Kansas in the wake of the American Civil War. Cara and Chase are such a dynamic couple that even the brief appearance of my least favorite trope (the miscommunication trope) couldn't derail my investment in this book. One of my favorite Beverly Jenkins books thus far!
Content Warnings
Minor: Slavery
rakeya's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! The chemistry between Chase and Cara is a mix of playful, passionate, and sweet. This was my first historical romance and I am absolutely hooked on Beverly Jenkins’s writing. If you’re hesitant about the genre I would start here. Jenkins does a great job of educating you about the struggles of African Americans during the period while giving you a cast of characters you’ll love and root for. The best thing for me, other than the sexiness of Chase, was that Cara was strong and determined. I’m not the biggest fan of stories where the woman is the damsel in distress and this certainly didn’t disappoint.
TW: Miscarriage, References to domestic violence, Slavery
* Triggers not heavily talked about, but mentioned in slight detail.
TW: Miscarriage, References to domestic violence, Slavery
* Triggers not heavily talked about, but mentioned in slight detail.