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max_pink's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 Stars
How does one debut with a banger like this? Beverly Jenkins, you absolute legend.
This is my second Jenkins, and what I love about her take on the genre is how grounded in history everything is. You can tell how much research she does and puts into her stories, and the result is really emotional stories about people that feel like they could have actually been in history.
Cara and Chase were great together. I loved how smart and driven and honest Cara was, and Chase was the perfect level of charming player to ruffle her feathers. Their relationship hits some wild bumps in the road, but I appreciate them actually deciding to talk things out and act like actual adults.
The overall plot of this gets unhinged. I feel like 90s historical romances aren’t complete without a mustache-twirling villain kidnapping someone. But I love those shenanigans, so this really worked for me. What a delight.
Shoutout to Kim Staunton for excellent audio narration.
How does one debut with a banger like this? Beverly Jenkins, you absolute legend.
This is my second Jenkins, and what I love about her take on the genre is how grounded in history everything is. You can tell how much research she does and puts into her stories, and the result is really emotional stories about people that feel like they could have actually been in history.
Cara and Chase were great together. I loved how smart and driven and honest Cara was, and Chase was the perfect level of charming player to ruffle her feathers. Their relationship hits some wild bumps in the road, but I appreciate them actually deciding to talk things out and act like actual adults.
The overall plot of this gets unhinged. I feel like 90s historical romances aren’t complete without a mustache-twirling villain kidnapping someone. But I love those shenanigans, so this really worked for me. What a delight.
Shoutout to Kim Staunton for excellent audio narration.
Graphic: Miscarriage, Violence, and Kidnapping
onlyonebookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
slow-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? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Gun violence, Miscarriage, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, and Pregnancy
allingoodtime's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
After reading my very first Ms. Bev book, Indigo, I couldn’t wait to read more. As is my usual compulsive way to do things, I went back to the beginning. This was Beverly Jenkins’ first published book. While there were some issues with flow and it didn’t quite measure up to Indigo (really, what could?), it’s still a wonderful and engaging story.
This author does such a beautiful job when it comes to banter. Cara Lee is no push over and Chase is used to being in charge. Their first meeting does nothing to endear Chase to Cara, but there is instant chemistry and I couldn’t wait for them to meet again.
There aren’t many things in romance better than the hero not understanding that he’s in love. The proclamations that he “isn’t built for commitment” yet he cannot even think of the FMC being looked at by anyone else. The ache in his chest or weird feeling in his gut that he doesn’t know what to do about. Chase has a lot of bluster, but he cannot stay away. On the other hand, Cara quickly recognizes that Chase can be dangerous to her. She knows he has the power to destroy her emotionally and tries to stay away herself. Spoiler: it doesn’t work!
I am a history buff and love how the author peppers her stories with history. Especially since it’s history dealing with minorities that we don’t get anywhere enough of in school. This writer does her homework and I’m a huge fan.
I keep asking myself why it took me so long to read this author. I will not be slacking on devouring all she has to offer, which is a lot.
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Miscarriage and Misogyny
Minor: Slavery
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