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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
TW: racism, attempted sexual assault, general misogyny
Rep: Black MCs, gay side characters
Whist I enjoyed the story and the setting (as much as one can enjoy reading about former slaves’ lives being constantly threatened by white suprematists in 1867 New Orleans), I didn’t love the writing, it was a bit flat to me, I didn’t make me wanna know more. The characters were interesting enough but again, I think the writing stopped me from appreciating them more. Let’s just say, for a historical romance, the historical part was well written and a must-read if you don’t know much about that part of American history like myself; the romance part was unfortunately tepid and not memorable in the least.
Rep: Black MCs, gay side characters
Whist I enjoyed the story and the setting (as much as one can enjoy reading about former slaves’ lives being constantly threatened by white suprematists in 1867 New Orleans), I didn’t love the writing, it was a bit flat to me, I didn’t make me wanna know more. The characters were interesting enough but again, I think the writing stopped me from appreciating them more. Let’s just say, for a historical romance, the historical part was well written and a must-read if you don’t know much about that part of American history like myself; the romance part was unfortunately tepid and not memorable in the least.
Why did it take me this long to read a Beverly Jenkins romance?? This was a truly historical historical romance that had a strong, researched sense of place and time. It is sent in New Orleans soon after the Civil War where an aspiring teacher is rescued from ruffians by a handsome carpenter. After being kicked out of her rented rooms, Val moves in with Drake's family. Though they flirt frequently, both have a lot going on in their personal lives and neither of them are free as Drake has a mistress and Val is engaged to a friend who is due to come back to New Orleans for her.
Though the ended was a bit convoluted for me and I could have done without the last chapter (why do the women always have to get pregnant at the end??? & assaulted, like c'mon??), I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will probably start book two immediately.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Beverly Jenkins is masterful at creating a world of characters to fall in love with. The family dynamics with the LeVeq family was the best part of this story.
Unfortunately, I don't think her writing style is for me. A little too much telling versus showing and the pacing was off for me.
Unfortunately, I don't think her writing style is for me. A little too much telling versus showing and the pacing was off for me.
I started out enjoying this, but it dragged on for a bit too long. I really appreciated all the history woven in, especially since it added to rather than distracted from the story. Very vivid setting.
3.5 stars
I always love how much research Beverly Jenkins always puts into her books. I always learn a new fact or two. Val is a bit more daring than Beverly’s other female leads. I love it. I love the Le Veq clan. Enjoyable read.
I always love how much research Beverly Jenkins always puts into her books. I always learn a new fact or two. Val is a bit more daring than Beverly’s other female leads. I love it. I love the Le Veq clan. Enjoyable read.
emotional
tense
medium-paced
lighthearted
medium-paced
Rebel
Beverly Jenkins
Like Bridgerton? Then you’ll love Rebel. Seriously I found it to be so much more of everything. The characters have depth, the setting is ideal, the plot is impeccable and the men!!!!!
It’s more romance then steam but when the steam comes it literally comes.
I really enjoyed this new to me author and will definitely be picking up more of Jenkins works while encouraging others to do so as well.
adventurous
hopeful
Loved it but forgot to review when read.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, War
Minor: Sexual content
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence