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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
“Love with the right person makes us stronger, not weaker.”
Beverly Jenkins continues to enamor me with her passionate love stories full of rich, historical detail that always teach me something of our nation’s history.
This story takes place in New Orleans during the Reconstruction and is filled with fascinating storylines about the Freedmen’s Bureau, the Battle of New Market Heights, and the New Orleans segregated streetcar system all while providing a passionate, sexy, believable romance between Valinda Lacy and Drake LeVeq. I loved the banter between them and the way they were always on even ground with one another. Drake is a new book boyfriend for the ages: hot, caring, generous, and selfless. Yes, please.
Beverly Jenkins continues to enamor me with her passionate love stories full of rich, historical detail that always teach me something of our nation’s history.
This story takes place in New Orleans during the Reconstruction and is filled with fascinating storylines about the Freedmen’s Bureau, the Battle of New Market Heights, and the New Orleans segregated streetcar system all while providing a passionate, sexy, believable romance between Valinda Lacy and Drake LeVeq. I loved the banter between them and the way they were always on even ground with one another. Drake is a new book boyfriend for the ages: hot, caring, generous, and selfless. Yes, please.
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
2023: 4.0 (Audio)
2025: 4.5 (Paperback)
= 4.25 Overall
2025: 4.5 (Paperback)
= 4.25 Overall
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Really enjoyed this romance. I loved Valinda’s strong, independent character. It was a quick, easy read. Set itself up nicely to have future stand alone books, which I love!
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
I don’t know if historical romance placed in this time frame is especially for me because of the hardships Black peoples had to go through. However, Beverly Jenkins is a thorough writer. Her attention to detail, story telling and research are superb. I almost wish it was a badly written book so it wouldn’t have been so profound or the imagery would have been askew. But it was good.
I would be wrapped up in their love story and be pulled right back out because of their real life dire situations after the civil war. And though it’s realistic and makes sense, it left a really bitter sweet taste in my mouth.
I especially liked the fact that Val and her sister confronted their parents! So many books aren’t giving the readers or the characters the closure needed for these toxic situations that are perpetuated by parents.
I enjoyed that Val was able to realize that love exists. After reading this, I want a Drake. I believe the romance was so cute and engaging for the time period.
I would be wrapped up in their love story and be pulled right back out because of their real life dire situations after the civil war. And though it’s realistic and makes sense, it left a really bitter sweet taste in my mouth.
I especially liked the fact that Val and her sister confronted their parents! So many books aren’t giving the readers or the characters the closure needed for these toxic situations that are perpetuated by parents.
I enjoyed that Val was able to realize that love exists. After reading this, I want a Drake. I believe the romance was so cute and engaging for the time period.
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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:
No
