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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Drake?! That man?! Whewww!!! That’s legit all I have to say because WOW
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Prior to reading Rebel, I'd heard of Beverly Jenkins's work; I'd even begun compiling a list of her earlier novels for later reading; that said I wasn't in a rush to read anything of hers yet because, while I do enjoy a good romance every (on occasion), my recent forays into the genre weren't nearly as promising as I'd hoped.
Enter this gem.
Rebel is the first in the Women Who Dare Series and follows the love story of Valinda and Drake LeVeq. It's set in New Orleans during the time of Reconstruction.
Valinda Lacy travels to New Orleans to teach former slaves. While waiting on the man she's intended to marry--a childhood friend whom she respects and loves but for whom she houses no romantic intentions, and vice versa--to return from an overseas trip; at which point the two will settle into a marital life centered on convenience and respect, not love.
Valinda is resigned to that life until a chance encounter leads her, quite literally, into the arms of Drake LeVeq. A man who is immediately drawn to Valinda's fierce independence and obvious need to go against the grain of what society, at that time, believes women are entitled.
The attraction of these two is OFF. THE. CHARTS. and you can feel the heat between the pages.
I found Valinda to be a marvelous woman of character and strength and felt her attributes played well against LeVeqs masculine prowess--and the overwhelming kindness he showed to those he held dear.
While this story takes place during the Reconstruction Era--a time just after slavery when everything was still new and uncertain but hope was not yet lost--the historical details within are interwoven so beautifully that the story still feels organic. It never felt like you were being hit over the head with the injustices of the time (racism, colorism, classism, etc.) but it wasn't sugarcoated either.
There were a fair number of moments where the problems within the Era's transitioning period shone through and it became crystal clear that those forced to deal with the rebuilding process weren't getting the help they were promised--and in many cases were still being relegated to second class citizenry.
Anyone not familiar with Reconstruction will likely walk away a bit more enlightened, while those who are versed in how tenuous that time was--for both the newly freed and those born free--will better appreciate, and admire, Valinda, Drake, Cole (Valinda's intended), and Julianna (Drake's entrepreneurial mother) for how strong they truly were.
Overall, this was a story that whet my appetite for finding more of Jenkins's work to devour: the story of Drake and Valinda will not disappoint and you may step away having learned a thing or two as well.
Enter this gem.
Rebel is the first in the Women Who Dare Series and follows the love story of Valinda and Drake LeVeq. It's set in New Orleans during the time of Reconstruction.
Valinda Lacy travels to New Orleans to teach former slaves. While waiting on the man she's intended to marry--a childhood friend whom she respects and loves but for whom she houses no romantic intentions, and vice versa--to return from an overseas trip; at which point the two will settle into a marital life centered on convenience and respect, not love.
Valinda is resigned to that life until a chance encounter leads her, quite literally, into the arms of Drake LeVeq. A man who is immediately drawn to Valinda's fierce independence and obvious need to go against the grain of what society, at that time, believes women are entitled.
The attraction of these two is OFF. THE. CHARTS. and you can feel the heat between the pages.
I found Valinda to be a marvelous woman of character and strength and felt her attributes played well against LeVeqs masculine prowess--and the overwhelming kindness he showed to those he held dear.
While this story takes place during the Reconstruction Era--a time just after slavery when everything was still new and uncertain but hope was not yet lost--the historical details within are interwoven so beautifully that the story still feels organic. It never felt like you were being hit over the head with the injustices of the time (racism, colorism, classism, etc.) but it wasn't sugarcoated either.
There were a fair number of moments where the problems within the Era's transitioning period shone through and it became crystal clear that those forced to deal with the rebuilding process weren't getting the help they were promised--and in many cases were still being relegated to second class citizenry.
Anyone not familiar with Reconstruction will likely walk away a bit more enlightened, while those who are versed in how tenuous that time was--for both the newly freed and those born free--will better appreciate, and admire, Valinda, Drake, Cole (Valinda's intended), and Julianna (Drake's entrepreneurial mother) for how strong they truly were.
Overall, this was a story that whet my appetite for finding more of Jenkins's work to devour: the story of Drake and Valinda will not disappoint and you may step away having learned a thing or two as well.
I loved this book. I read the preview and couldn’t peel my eyes away, so I immediately purchased it on amazon and finished the book within 6 hours today. I loved how captivated I was by the book, how I couldn’t put it down, and how the book ended. Trying not to give spoilers! Lol! This was my first Beverly Jenkins book but it most definitely will not be my last! :)
How is her pen still this fire over 25 years later?! Beverly Jenkins is legendary, iconic, a literary treasure. I loved how modern this felt while still being grounded in its time period. The LeVeq men and the women they love will always have my heart.
Less than 20 pages into this book, and I knew I had found a treasure -- this book has everything an amazing historical novel could ever want. Read this book -- you will be moved, leave knowing more history, and have a new family to fall in love with (and the hero is absolutely dream worthy!)
This book is only 200 pages, but only felt thin at the end. I honestly don't know though, if it was simply because I didn't want the book to end!
Highly recommended!
This book is only 200 pages, but only felt thin at the end. I honestly don't know though, if it was simply because I didn't want the book to end!
Highly recommended!
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-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:
No
My first Beverly Jenkins book and I get the hype! The audiobook was great. Drake was such a rascal and I loved it!
This was so good! Drake was the most charming of heroes - I adored him and the way he treated his queen Valinda. Their chemistry, the banter, the way they absolutely complemented each other. Goodness this was such a great read.
Rebel by Beverly Jenkins is a diverse historical romance set after the Civil War. Valinda, a teacher helping freed slaves in New Orleans, faces opposition and danger. Captain Drake LeVeq comes to her rescue and teaches her about love and intimacy. The book includes historical elements, though some felt like a lecture. The romance between Valinda and Drake is touching, and Valinda's journey of empowerment is inspiring.