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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The story was moving a little too quickly for me and I wasn’t connecting with the characters. May try again or try another of this authors works.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
hopeful
informative
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was one of those books where I liked it but didn't enjoy it that much.
The beginning was extremely slow.
Something bothered me about Drake. He wants to pursue her even though Val stated she has someone else. I liked the slow-burn aspect of it (where sex is concerned). But Drake came on strong. The pirate talk had me wondering if they'll ever sail the seas. They did not.
I will say the Cole situation surprised me. I would have never guessed for that to be included in a historical romance. But that settled some things for me. I wish he had stayed and met Juliana.
However, the book felt like it had many unfinished scenes. I wanted to see things fleshed out. Her interactions with the locals, watching her navigate with the racists and a few more scenes like she had with the white-passing woman. Their post-marriage. Her friendship with Rai and Sable and the orphanage. Many scenes felt like a summary of events—especially the sex scenes. They had some solid chemistry moments, but that didn't happen until near the end.
The beginning was extremely slow.
Something bothered me about Drake. He wants to pursue her even though Val stated she has someone else. I liked the slow-burn aspect of it (where sex is concerned). But Drake came on strong. The pirate talk had me wondering if they'll ever sail the seas. They did not.
I will say the Cole situation surprised me. I would have never guessed for that to be included in a historical romance. But that settled some things for me. I wish he had stayed and met Juliana.
However, the book felt like it had many unfinished scenes. I wanted to see things fleshed out. Her interactions with the locals, watching her navigate with the racists and a few more scenes like she had with the white-passing woman. Their post-marriage. Her friendship with Rai and Sable and the orphanage. Many scenes felt like a summary of events—especially the sex scenes. They had some solid chemistry moments, but that didn't happen until near the end.
Val is the type of heroine you want to root for, and you want her to have whatever she wants because what she wants in life is good and equitable for all people. Luckily for her, the very handsome Drake is ready to give her everything she needs.
Set during Reconstruction in New Orleans, Jenkins doesn't shy away from the realities for Black people at that time and in that place and also for women and gay men. Val comes from New York City to teach literacy to adults and kids, and upon meeting Drake, they realize their kindred spirits in how they orientate themselves in the world to make life better and easier for their community.
I loved how Drake's family, especially his mother Juliana and his sister-in-law Sable, serve to unlock Val's understanding of love and how anyone can find romance, no matter their lot in life. They also serve as templates for Drake to understand how to be a good man (and a pirate!).
There is racist and sexist violence in Rebel that reflects the Reconstruction era, and Jenkins so carefully weaves the thread to continue to show Drake's goodness and Val's bravery. Drake protects Val at points, and in other situations, he's so proud of her that she can fight her own battles.
This was my first Jenkins romance and will not be my last!
Set during Reconstruction in New Orleans, Jenkins doesn't shy away from the realities for Black people at that time and in that place and also for women and gay men. Val comes from New York City to teach literacy to adults and kids, and upon meeting Drake, they realize their kindred spirits in how they orientate themselves in the world to make life better and easier for their community.
I loved how Drake's family, especially his mother Juliana and his sister-in-law Sable, serve to unlock Val's understanding of love and how anyone can find romance, no matter their lot in life. They also serve as templates for Drake to understand how to be a good man (and a pirate!).
There is racist and sexist violence in Rebel that reflects the Reconstruction era, and Jenkins so carefully weaves the thread to continue to show Drake's goodness and Val's bravery. Drake protects Val at points, and in other situations, he's so proud of her that she can fight her own battles.
This was my first Jenkins romance and will not be my last!
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence
Minor: Sexual content
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
My first Beverly Jenkins but will not be my last!
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
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