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scoodle42's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-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
5.0
Cara Lee Henson is a school teacher who needs to keep her reputation intact, but Chase Jefferson makes that very hard to do. Chase is a soldier who knows he can't offer Cara anything permanent. But even that isn't enough to keep him away from her.
When I tell you my heart melted. Cara and Chase are my favorites! Ms. Bev painted a wonderful picture of the small town lives of Black people migrating westward and the troops assigned to try to rein in some of the Post Civil War lawlessness. Cara and Chase trying to fight what they were feeling tugged at me, and the way they gave in to each other and were so caring when they did it. Cara's fallout with the town was expected, but I hated her plan to try to push through on her own, and what happened to her after. But if Ms. Bev is gonna do one thing, she gonna write a woman who don't have time to wait on a man. Cara's refusal to stay where she wasn't cared for came from a real place. But Chase Jefferson? Chase. Jefferson. He stepped all the way up to the plate, and didn't stop until he was sure Cara was protected. His feelings on their loss almost made me cry, and him being a former slave and the shame other people attached to it felt real as well. The way he was a good husband even when he wasn't sure about it was almost cute, lol. I loved the way they eventually settled into care and happiness, even their migration to finally sleeping in the same bed was nice, lol. I wanted more of them. I honestly would read about them all day.
When I tell you my heart melted. Cara and Chase are my favorites! Ms. Bev painted a wonderful picture of the small town lives of Black people migrating westward and the troops assigned to try to rein in some of the Post Civil War lawlessness. Cara and Chase trying to fight what they were feeling tugged at me, and the way they gave in to each other and were so caring when they did it. Cara's fallout with the town was expected, but I hated her plan to try to push through on her own, and what happened to her after. But if Ms. Bev is gonna do one thing, she gonna write a woman who don't have time to wait on a man. Cara's refusal to stay where she wasn't cared for came from a real place. But Chase Jefferson? Chase. Jefferson. He stepped all the way up to the plate, and didn't stop until he was sure Cara was protected. His feelings on their loss almost made me cry, and him being a former slave and the shame other people attached to it felt real as well. The way he was a good husband even when he wasn't sure about it was almost cute, lol. I loved the way they eventually settled into care and happiness, even their migration to finally sleeping in the same bed was nice, lol. I wanted more of them. I honestly would read about them all day.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Miscarriage
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
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