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I was fortunate to come across this little book. I don't remember where I picked it up, only that I was intrigued because I was in the mood for a romance novel but not in the mood to read about more white people. I love the descriptions and depictions of their appearances and the passionate scenes are so classy! Good read!
This is a borderline pick. The pirate/adventure portions of this book are really fun - which is the beginning and ending of the book. The romance feels very old school, and is a bit cringey. I really enjoy the LeVeq family stories and will continue the series (this is book 3 but can be read alone) 3.5⭐️
Okay pirate romance might not seem like the most intelligent thing to read but man it is enjoyable.
No shame and what a ride.
Predictable in a good way and yet unexpected in other.
Steamy and all the feels.
Really enjoy Jenkins' writing and I didn't know this was part of series. Worked great as a stand alone but I will read more from Jenkins in the future. Her books are just such a wild rides.
No shame and what a ride.
Predictable in a good way and yet unexpected in other.
Steamy and all the feels.
Really enjoy Jenkins' writing and I didn't know this was part of series. Worked great as a stand alone but I will read more from Jenkins in the future. Her books are just such a wild rides.
Give me all the sexy pirate heroes!
Dominic is the bastard son of a French lord and his former slave. When his father dies, the estranged wife and legitimate son claim Dominic gets nothing in the will and they now own all of the people living on the island of Martinique even though his father freed them years ago. In defiance of his half-brother, Dominic hides everyone and becomes a pirate who targets slave ships.
Clare, our heroine, is the well-educated slave of a Savannah debutante traveling from Britain to America. When Dominic and co. board their ship, he abducts Clare who absolutely captivates him. They get to know one another on the journey to Dominic's island safe-haven. The sexual tension is on point and there's tons of drama toward the last quarter of the story.
The only thing that frustrated me was the way that some of the villains were kept on the playing field even though Dominic had an opportunity to do away with at least one (the slave trader).
Dominic is the bastard son of a French lord and his former slave. When his father dies, the estranged wife and legitimate son claim Dominic gets nothing in the will and they now own all of the people living on the island of Martinique even though his father freed them years ago. In defiance of his half-brother, Dominic hides everyone and becomes a pirate who targets slave ships.
Clare, our heroine, is the well-educated slave of a Savannah debutante traveling from Britain to America. When Dominic and co. board their ship, he abducts Clare who absolutely captivates him. They get to know one another on the journey to Dominic's island safe-haven. The sexual tension is on point and there's tons of drama toward the last quarter of the story.
The only thing that frustrated me was the way that some of the villains were kept on the playing field even though Dominic had an opportunity to do away with at least one (the slave trader).
I really wanted to like this book. I've really wanted to like both the books I've read by this author. I mean, historical romance with POC leads, written by an African-American writer! Something that is rare in the historical romance world. But I felt like I was reading a history lesson with lots of sex. (And in this case, creepy power dynamics of the slave being captured by the pirate and basically being his slave instead but it's okay somehow?) Very sad to say this author is not for me.
Who doesn't enjoy a good pirate tale? A sweet story that at times was a bit awkward but overall a decent read.
Rating & Review: 4.5 stars
Beverly Jenkins is an author who doesn’t disappoint with her work. Talk about educating while entertaining. I learned about Powder Boys from this book. Never heard of them before.
Dominique Le Veq is one from that storied family but he’s a “privateer” who roam the seas where he came upon the ship that held Clare. He liberated their jewels and money…and then Clare. Clare told Dom that she would rather be when her white mistress because it’s easier to be with the Devil you know.
But Dominique was determined Clare will never be at the whims of her slave mistress again.
So he decided to show her what life was like for a freedwoman (and man)
I am so thankful to have an author who clearly uplifts women and gives them agency even in harsh circumstances. She writes stories that makes me proud and entertains me.
Beverly Jenkins is an author who doesn’t disappoint with her work. Talk about educating while entertaining. I learned about Powder Boys from this book. Never heard of them before.
Dominique Le Veq is one from that storied family but he’s a “privateer” who roam the seas where he came upon the ship that held Clare. He liberated their jewels and money…and then Clare. Clare told Dom that she would rather be when her white mistress because it’s easier to be with the Devil you know.
But Dominique was determined Clare will never be at the whims of her slave mistress again.
So he decided to show her what life was like for a freedwoman (and man)
I am so thankful to have an author who clearly uplifts women and gives them agency even in harsh circumstances. She writes stories that makes me proud and entertains me.
adventurous
emotional
I've enjoyed several of Beverly Jenkins' historical romances. This one was promising, but it gave me mixed feelings, to be honest. The premise was interesting, and the story had several likeable characters and some really good scenes. Still, there were a couple of things that bugged me, especially the trope "innocent-damsel-gets-saved-by-an-experienced-hero-with-an-evil-ex". To be fair, though, I am picky at times, and most readers won't be hung up un stuff like that. Overall, it was an entertaining book, it was sweet, romantic, and hot. Before reading this book, it could be wise to check out the content warnings. There are several scenes that can be triggering, especially with racism and violence. I don't regret reading this book, though. Learned quite a bit from it.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
I really wanted to love this since I've been enjoying Beverly Jenkins' books lately and I'm always down for a pirate romance. Sadly, the pirate part only lasts for about a third of the book and they go from enemies to lovers too quickly for my taste. Plot felt all over the place and I didn't like the way the sex scenes were written (mostly in summary and using lots of metaphors or euphemisms). Historical details were nice and there's some good character moments, but unfortunately my least favorite Beverly Jenkins so far.