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jackiehorne's review against another edition
3.0
See review at http://romancenovelsforfeminists.blogspot.com/2015/07/romancing-independence-juneteenth.html
timitra's review against another edition
4.0
Amazing Grace- 4 Stars
I love when a book engages my emotions, makes me think and look at things differently, Amazing Grace did that. It's my first by this author but it most certainly won't be my last. I love how beautifully the love story between Gracie and Logan was told also loved the use of the apple.
Drifting To You- 3.5 Stars
This story tugged at my heartstrings especially what the heroine went through. I love that she was so strong and was able to find happiness in spite of what happened to her. I also loved the hero, he was strong but also sweet and caring. This was a first for me by this author as well and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of her work.
A Sweet Way To Freedom- 4 Stars
This story had me intrigued from the start and didn't disappoint. I really Missy and Arlo's journey, loved the banter between them. As with the previous stories this is a first for me by this author but it most certainly will not be my last as I can't wait to read Ruby's story.
Let It Shine- 4.5 Stars
This story worked for me on so many levels, from the characters to the writing to everything in between just resonated with me.
ARC provided by authors
I love when a book engages my emotions, makes me think and look at things differently, Amazing Grace did that. It's my first by this author but it most certainly won't be my last. I love how beautifully the love story between Gracie and Logan was told also loved the use of the apple.
Drifting To You- 3.5 Stars
This story tugged at my heartstrings especially what the heroine went through. I love that she was so strong and was able to find happiness in spite of what happened to her. I also loved the hero, he was strong but also sweet and caring. This was a first for me by this author as well and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of her work.
A Sweet Way To Freedom- 4 Stars
This story had me intrigued from the start and didn't disappoint. I really Missy and Arlo's journey, loved the banter between them. As with the previous stories this is a first for me by this author but it most certainly will not be my last as I can't wait to read Ruby's story.
Let It Shine- 4.5 Stars
This story worked for me on so many levels, from the characters to the writing to everything in between just resonated with me.
ARC provided by authors
leslielikesthings's review against another edition
5.0
I gave this five stars just for Alyssa Cole's Let it Shine, which was phenomenal. It was definitely the best of the collection, though I found something to enjoy in all the stories.
cdb393's review against another edition
Let It Shine by Alyssa Cole was by far the best novella in the collection. It was great. All the rest were just okay with Drifting to You by Kianna Alexander being the weakest.
eemms's review against another edition
4.0
Overall good collection of short stories, though the first one was IMO by far the weakest. My favorites were Drifting to You (Kianna Alexander) and Let it Shine (Alyssa Cole).
crystalisreading's review
3.0
This collection of short stories was my first time reading African-American historical romances, and my first time really learning about Juneteenth. As with any collection, I enjoyed some stories (the first and last ones) more than others. Being new to the subgenre, I was surprised how many stories featured an at least partially Caucasian love interest, but once I got used to that idea, I was sold on most of the romances. I especially liked the smart, fiesty, independent ladies of Amazing Grace and Let it Shine (and have a hold on another book by Alyssa Cole already). The young ladies were smart and independent, but for the most part not distractingly/ unrealistically so. Having limited familiarity with the fine points of African American cultural history also probably helped me with the suspension of disbelief and constant suspicion of anachronism that I usually struggle with while reading historical fiction. The stories gave me a lot of perspective on various points in African American history, as well as some sense of the role of Juneteenth celebrations throughout it, and left me wanting more, at least by Alyssa Cole and Lena Hart. Kianna Alexander's story was full of one-dimensional characters, especially the "villain" and I really couldn't get into it. and then I actually disliked Piper Huguley's story, characters and plot, so much that I had to struggle to get through it and finish the collection. When I finally pushed through it, I was happy with the ending, and even happier to get to Let It Shine, which I then enjoyed. I'm glad I read this, not only on its own merits, but also as an introduction to a new (to me) subgenre and some good authors to check out again in the future.
cakt1991's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
mariepiperbooks's review
4.0
A beautiful and romantic collection of tales centering around the Juneteenth holiday, which I'll admit I didn't know much about before reading. All four stories are well done and interesting and could stand alone. Alyssa Cole's LET IT SHINE won awards, in fact, and is the collection's stand out story. Recommended for historical romance buffs.
rach_simone's review
4.0
Excellent collection of historical romance novellas.
My personal favorite was Let It Shine. It's set during Civil Rights and this young woman who has always followed the rules wants to be part of it. She runs into a boy from her past (he's Jewish) and sparks fly. It was steamy and emotional. Stuff happens in a boxing ring. Of course there are issues with race and growing up and moving on from tragedy.
I plan on reading more from each of these authors.
My personal favorite was Let It Shine. It's set during Civil Rights and this young woman who has always followed the rules wants to be part of it. She runs into a boy from her past (he's Jewish) and sparks fly. It was steamy and emotional. Stuff happens in a boxing ring. Of course there are issues with race and growing up and moving on from tragedy.
I plan on reading more from each of these authors.