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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. š„¹
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. š 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. š„ 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. š„¹
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. š 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. š„ 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
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 - itās a book about slavery and the Underground Railroad so itās 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 donāt feel Iām 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 donāt think Iāll 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. Iāll buy it for you, Iāll drive you to the library, Iāll ship it to you. Just read it!!
Read the content warnings - itās a book about slavery and the Underground Railroad so itās 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 donāt feel Iām 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 donāt think Iāll 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. Iāll buy it for you, Iāll drive you to the library, Iāll 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
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
hendrixpants's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Slavery
toffishay's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
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
3.75
I really loved this romance, I mean I read it all in a day! Hester, or as Galen calls her Indigo, is an amazing main character. She is strong and funny and kind! I love the relationship that she develops with Galen. Even though Galen is arrogant, I found him very lovable. It is certainly a romance of its time, and Galen can be a little hard to connect to at times because he can steamroll others at times. But overall, I really enjoyed this story. As a Black woman from Michigan, I also really appreciate the real history about Black life in the mid-late 1800s, the role that Michigan played in the Underground Railroad, and a slice of the political and social landscape at that time. I believe that fiction can be a great way to learn and Beverly Jenkins always does an awesome job balancing education with romance. It was all a piece of life at that time and books like this are an important part of telling that history and keeping it alive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Racism
Moderate: Kidnapping, Hate crime, Sexism, Infidelity, Classism, Misogyny, Bullying, Grief, Violence, Trafficking, Gun violence, Slavery, and Murder
Minor: Fatphobia, War, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Death of parent, Colonisation, Alcohol, Sexual assault, Murder, and Cursing
reading_historical_romance's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Racism, Violence, and Sexual content
Minor: Murder, Pregnancy, and Grief
allingoodtime's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
There is so much I want to say about this book, yet I feel I cannot do justice to the thoughts swirling in my head. Beverly Jenkins has been an author I meant to read for a very long time. While I now realize she writes both contemporary and historical, I was under the impression that she was a strictly historical author and I had stepped away from that genre for a while. Over the last year, I started incorporating historical romance back into my reading (Iām still not sure why I ever got away from it in the first place) and still hadnāt read one of her stories. WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG?!?
This author writes with such sensuality and intimacy, I was shocked to realize how far into the book it was before Hester and Galen actually gave in to their desires. The raw sexual tension and meaningful looks made it seem as though these two were much more physical with each other than they actually were. Ms. Bev has a true gift and I am going to happily delve into her library or work. Now that the seal has been broken for me, thereās no going back.
Iām the type of reader who is fascinated with the level of research a writer such as this puts into her work. Iām also a history buff so want to know all the things. As it is, when reading a historical romance I often look things up as I go along to find out more. When a book, whether historical or not, takes place in my neck of the woods I get even more invested. This story takes place, for the most part in Michigan. The Detroit area. In other words, my neck of the woods. I was thoroughly intrigued by this story of a conductor of the Underground Railroad and The Black Daniel, a man who took great risks to steal slaves and set them free.
The author does a wonderful job of weaving the story of Hester and Galen, aka The Black Daniel, with the history of the time and place. Itās never intrusive but gives such richness to the tale of these two and the town and surrounding areas. There are issues with class, gender roles, politics, and love. Most importantly love. To Hester, love leads to pain so she never desired to find love for herself. Sheās seen what love has done to those closest to her. The same can be said for Galen in a way, but growing up rich and light-skinned and free, he was more about having fun than thinking about love.
Whenever I go into a book that was written over 20 years ago, I go in with some expectation of the writing feeling a bit dated. Now, this doesnāt happen as often with an historical, but it still happens. I never felt that with this book. Gee, maybe because a black woman author knows how to write stories about black women. Even when itās being written about a time when slavery was still legal in much of the U.S. and racism was rampant even in places it was not legal.
As I said, my words cannot do this story justice. Just know that it blew me away and I cannot wait to read more by this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Racism
Moderate: Violence and Misogyny
brazenbookbabe's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
Fantastic read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Violence, and Slavery