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aqtbenz's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Kidnapping, Slavery, Death, and Sexual content
dinipandareads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
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? No
4.5
4.5 stars rounded up!
Before I get into my review I just want to say: can we get the clinch cover back for this romance, please!? It's stunning and I want and need it in my life, please and thank you. 🥹
TL;DR: I've found another new favourite Jenkins romance! Even set against the tension-filled backdrop of a time of slavery, fugitive slaves and the dangers of being a conductor in the Underground Railroad, Jenkins manages to write a heartfelt and sensual romance full of yearning and I loved it. I was pulled in from their caustic first meeting to the tender blooming of their feelings to their intense chemistry and hot-as-hell sexual tension. I loved Hester and Galen so much!
I appreciate how much I learn about history with each Bev Jenkins book I read. Reading about slavery, slave catchers, and fugitive slaves was at once eye-opening, angering and heartbreaking. I loved the inserts of prominent historical figures, such as abolitionist John Brown and I admit that after reading, I went down a bit of a rabbit hole reading up more about a few of these people. I admire how reading her historicals never feels like lessons but I still walk away with so much knowledge. Plus, she writes everything so well that it's hard to not be reeled in by her stories!
I adored Hester! She's a very sensible good egg and though she's all about logic and being practical, she also doesn't hesitate to speak her mind. She has no issue standing her ground against persistent rakes like Galen and evil scum like Shoe. I love how Galen brings out the saucier and more playful side of her. I enjoyed reading about her role as a conductor for the underground and I do wish that we'd seen more of that part as the story went on, but it made for a very unique first meeting between her and Galen. And as much as I adored Hester, I was smitten with Galen! Having always been a free man and coming from one of the wealthiest families, he couldn't have been more different from Hester. He had an interesting backstory and I enjoyed learning how he became the notorious slave rescuer, Black Daniel. Although his arrogance was astounding at times, I didn't find his actions irritating because he was genuine, had a big heart and cared a great deal.
Ngl, the man had me swooning all over the place with his persistent charm, devotion, respect and all-consuming love for Hester. He was a complete simp for her and I mean, I get it! He wouldn't give her up without a fight and it was such a fun time watching him try to continuously woo her in his arrogant rakish way and see her rebuff him time and again. 😍 Their banter only got better as the story continued and the intensity of their burning sexual tension pretty much set my Kindle aflame! Although they catch feelings rather quickly, their romance (more or less) takes place over a year and I enjoyed the slow burn of their romance. I loved that Hester makes Galen work to prove himself to her! But although it's a slower burn, there were some delightfully steamy moments throughout. 🔥 Their chemistry was something!
I have to admit that the baddies got off way too easy and I did find the ending a bit too cheesy. It tracked with Galen's character though! Overall, this was another successful romance for me and I'm so excited to learn that the Le Veq brothers have a series cos I want their HEAs, especially Raymond's.
Before I get into my review I just want to say: can we get the clinch cover back for this romance, please!? It's stunning and I want and need it in my life, please and thank you. 🥹
TL;DR: I've found another new favourite Jenkins romance! Even set against the tension-filled backdrop of a time of slavery, fugitive slaves and the dangers of being a conductor in the Underground Railroad, Jenkins manages to write a heartfelt and sensual romance full of yearning and I loved it. I was pulled in from their caustic first meeting to the tender blooming of their feelings to their intense chemistry and hot-as-hell sexual tension. I loved Hester and Galen so much!
I appreciate how much I learn about history with each Bev Jenkins book I read. Reading about slavery, slave catchers, and fugitive slaves was at once eye-opening, angering and heartbreaking. I loved the inserts of prominent historical figures, such as abolitionist John Brown and I admit that after reading, I went down a bit of a rabbit hole reading up more about a few of these people. I admire how reading her historicals never feels like lessons but I still walk away with so much knowledge. Plus, she writes everything so well that it's hard to not be reeled in by her stories!
I adored Hester! She's a very sensible good egg and though she's all about logic and being practical, she also doesn't hesitate to speak her mind. She has no issue standing her ground against persistent rakes like Galen and evil scum like Shoe. I love how Galen brings out the saucier and more playful side of her. I enjoyed reading about her role as a conductor for the underground and I do wish that we'd seen more of that part as the story went on, but it made for a very unique first meeting between her and Galen. And as much as I adored Hester, I was smitten with Galen! Having always been a free man and coming from one of the wealthiest families, he couldn't have been more different from Hester. He had an interesting backstory and I enjoyed learning how he became the notorious slave rescuer, Black Daniel. Although his arrogance was astounding at times, I didn't find his actions irritating because he was genuine, had a big heart and cared a great deal.
Ngl, the man had me swooning all over the place with his persistent charm, devotion, respect and all-consuming love for Hester. He was a complete simp for her and I mean, I get it! He wouldn't give her up without a fight and it was such a fun time watching him try to continuously woo her in his arrogant rakish way and see her rebuff him time and again. 😍 Their banter only got better as the story continued and the intensity of their burning sexual tension pretty much set my Kindle aflame! Although they catch feelings rather quickly, their romance (more or less) takes place over a year and I enjoyed the slow burn of their romance. I loved that Hester makes Galen work to prove himself to her! But although it's a slower burn, there were some delightfully steamy moments throughout. 🔥 Their chemistry was something!
I have to admit that the baddies got off way too easy and I did find the ending a bit too cheesy. It tracked with Galen's character though! Overall, this was another successful romance for me and I'm so excited to learn that the Le Veq brothers have a series cos I want their HEAs, especially Raymond's.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, Slavery, Kidnapping, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Violence and Gun violence
awebofstories's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Deportation, Racial slurs, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Racism, and Slavery
sarcasticlive's review
emotional
informative
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
This book was swoon-worthy! I've never read anything set in this time period and it was so eye opening and also so romantic??? I loved it. The plot is strong and the steam is there. Amazing read, 10/10. Will absolutely be checking out more of her books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Slavery, and Racism
Moderate: Hate crime, Misogyny, Violence, and Murder
sailormar's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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? No
5.0
Dear god how did this take me so long to read. Ms. Bev is an artist. A revelation. A genius. A gift to us all.
Read the content warnings - it’s a book about slavery and the Underground Railroad so it’s not a light read in many spots. But GOD does it rise out of the pain and deliver joy and beauty and pleasure, the things intended for and deserved by all people, no matter the limits of the time. Hester and Galen are a dream couple. Only Galen Vachon could have pulled off that church scene and had me on his side.
I don’t feel I’m exaggerating in the slightest to say this feels like Austen - sumptuous, beautiful, sweeping, discussion of class and the struggles of the time, different, rich characters all struggling over the same tough questions. What is love and what makes us risk it all for it? If we are lucky enough to find and to recognize true love, are we brave enough to grab it with both hands, in spite of our baggage, our insecurities, our past, all the stories we tell ourselves about how we do not deserve the love we seek and the love we find?
Also I have never been so aroused by vanilla in my whole life and I don’t think I’ll ever smell it again without thinking of Galen Vachon tracing that Madagascar vanilla extract all over La Petite Indigo (in case you were wondering - yes it bangs and DOES IT EVER BANG!!!).
Just go get this book. I’ll buy it for you, I’ll drive you to the library, I’ll ship it to you. Just read it!!
Read the content warnings - it’s a book about slavery and the Underground Railroad so it’s not a light read in many spots. But GOD does it rise out of the pain and deliver joy and beauty and pleasure, the things intended for and deserved by all people, no matter the limits of the time. Hester and Galen are a dream couple. Only Galen Vachon could have pulled off that church scene and had me on his side.
I don’t feel I’m exaggerating in the slightest to say this feels like Austen - sumptuous, beautiful, sweeping, discussion of class and the struggles of the time, different, rich characters all struggling over the same tough questions. What is love and what makes us risk it all for it? If we are lucky enough to find and to recognize true love, are we brave enough to grab it with both hands, in spite of our baggage, our insecurities, our past, all the stories we tell ourselves about how we do not deserve the love we seek and the love we find?
Also I have never been so aroused by vanilla in my whole life and I don’t think I’ll ever smell it again without thinking of Galen Vachon tracing that Madagascar vanilla extract all over La Petite Indigo (in case you were wondering - yes it bangs and DOES IT EVER BANG!!!).
Just go get this book. I’ll buy it for you, I’ll drive you to the library, I’ll ship it to you. Just read it!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking, Hate crime, Kidnapping, Slavery, Violence, and Racism
Minor: Racial slurs, Classism, Death of parent, Violence, and Pregnancy
arthur_pendrgn's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
There really are logic errors in this book.
1. How is Hester, educated and land rich, so poor? No chickens or garden? How is she feeding all of these passengers on the underground railroad? Is she buying that much food and no one is suspicious?
2. Why is Galen, who helps slaves escape, insistent on going outside knowing slave catchers are in the area hunting him?
3. Why would Hester leave her papers in an empty house?
4. What is the purpose of meeting Ginette or the entire ball scene in terms of the plot?
5. Nothing happens to Bea, who betrayed all of the townspeople, but Lem is killed?
6. Why would Hester trust Jenine / Foster in that climactic scene?
7. Why does Gerrold, who knows someone is trying to kidnap Hester, leave her?
8. What information could Gerrold get at the house that he couldn't get by going with Hester to the jail?
9. Hester believes that love makes you lose your mind, yet has no problem with a man who humiliates her into marriage / ruins her reputation if she doesn't say yes and keeps sneaking into her house at night?
Then the suspension of disbelief is strained to the point of breaking that Hester, at 9, did not realize the evils of slavery or what enslavement meant as well as Galen's "Christmas surprise."
1. How is Hester, educated and land rich, so poor? No chickens or garden? How is she feeding all of these passengers on the underground railroad? Is she buying that much food and no one is suspicious?
2. Why is Galen, who helps slaves escape, insistent on going outside knowing slave catchers are in the area hunting him?
3. Why would Hester leave her papers in an empty house?
4. What is the purpose of meeting Ginette or the entire ball scene in terms of the plot?
5. Nothing happens to Bea, who betrayed all of the townspeople, but Lem is killed?
6. Why would Hester trust Jenine / Foster in that climactic scene?
7. Why does Gerrold, who knows someone is trying to kidnap Hester, leave her?
8. What information could Gerrold get at the house that he couldn't get by going with Hester to the jail?
9. Hester believes that love makes you lose your mind, yet has no problem with a man who humiliates her into marriage / ruins her reputation if she doesn't say yes and keeps sneaking into her house at night?
Then the suspension of disbelief is strained to the point of breaking that Hester, at 9, did not realize the evils of slavery or what enslavement meant as well as Galen's "Christmas surprise."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery and Racism
Minor: Racial slurs, Death, Gun violence, and Kidnapping
onlyonebookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Slavery, Racial slurs, Gun violence, and Violence
cantfindmybookmark's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Racism, and Sexism
karty_v's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
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? No
4.5
Never read any Beverly Jenkins books, this was my first and honestly no complaints.
Can't say that I liked the time period (slavery is triggering for me) BUT ik what I was getting into prior to reading so it wasn't like it was a shock.
Can't say that I liked the time period (slavery is triggering for me) BUT ik what I was getting into prior to reading so it wasn't like it was a shock.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Racism and Slavery
readwritemads's review
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Racism
Moderate: Gun violence and Slavery
Minor: Rape