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A review by loverofromance
To Catch a Raven by Beverly Jenkins
4.0
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:πππππ
Cover:ππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: ππππ
Heart & Feels:ππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πππ
Page Turner Level:πππ
Narration:π§π§π§
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨
First Impressions
To Catch a Raven is the finale in the "Women Who Dare" trilogy. This is also the last book that most likely we will receive from this author as I believe the author released Avon would no longer be publishing historical's for her (and they are doing this to many authors currently) So it was truly bitter sweet knowing this would probably be my last book by this author that is recently published. To Catch a Raven I was kinda on the fence on, I wasn't a fan of the cover change that much, although I found the original cover that they have----Isn't it SO much better and actually matches the rest of the series and her books? The story was very solid though. I still think the first book is my favorite though from this trilogy. But this one has the similar setting of sorts and some unique dynamics.
First Line
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Braxton
The Heroine: Raven
Summary
Braxton and Raven are both blackmailed to do a fake relationship with each other to recover the declaration of Independence which has been stolen and it needs to be recovered. They have no choice in the matter, as the Pinkerton's have a lot of Government power and will ruin both of their families if they don't fall in line with what they choose for them. Raven is a known grifter and thief of sorts, and Braxton has very little trust in her as they have had interactions previously. My heart went out to Braxton though. He is a man of honor and good intentions and makes the best of a bad situation. Raven hasn't had the best life, but a good life surrounded by her family and has a heart of gold despite her past. Raven and Braxton find a love unexpected, but Raven will have to face some challenges to embrace what loving Braxton would mean for her future.
What I Loved
To Catch a Raven was such a powerful story. I found the story to be so engaging and I just had a entertaining time with Braxton and Raven and seeing their interactions in play here. We see a prologue of their first interaction where Raven attempts to deceive Braxton and Braxton sees through it lol So they definitely don't care for each other in that way. I did find a fascinating though with them seeing how they work on slowly resolving their issues and the chemistry that builds between them. As they are posing as husband and wife, there are situations where they have such a close connection to one another.
I loved the forced proximity and some scenarios where they are forced to share a bed. I did wish that there were more intimate moments when they were forced in that situation. The romance truly doesn't blossom until after their undercover adventure. It did leave some solid breadcrumbs and we see how well these two just click for each other. I found it interesting how the story was developed a bit though. I honestly didn't know about the Declaration of Independence and so fascinating to see how rich the historic aspects of the story are relayed. I was intrigued to see how things would fare for Braxton and Raven once their "job" was over. The actual mission they are on isn't the whole story. We still have the conflict of their relationship to resolve as Braxton is from a different state from Raven and a different type of life as he is in high society and she isn't. So we get to see how she has to face up to that challenge and learn what she is capable of. The romance does have its swoony moments and I loved how all in the hero was in the relationship once he fell for Raven.
What I Struggled With
While this story had some fabulous moments and the romance was very well done, I felt like there was just something missing from it. Their connection wasn't as deep as the previous books and I felt like their relationship felt a bit sluggish at times and not enough focus in certain areas of the story. I also would have liked to see Raven show a bit more investment in the relationship. Its portrayed as Braxton doing most of the leg work and I would have liked to see Raven show more heart into it like what Braxton was willing to give to her.
Narration
Very powerfully done. I feel like the narrator really knows the writing style of this author and was able to really portray the emotion and the heart just right and the historical aspects were well focused on.
Overall View
To Catch a Raven was a splendid historical romance that really takes it deep into the era of reconstruction in the America's, how both white and blacks were effected, and how they worked together in unique ways to rebuilt. We see a love tale that builds on deep connections, conflict and resolutions. If you love this authors pen style, get ready for a thrilling adventure to make your toes curl.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, Reconstruction Era
Character Types: Thief, Mr. Moneybags
Themes: Heart/Emotional Touching, Pining, Angsty
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Class Difference
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Rosanne Bittner
Alyssa Cole
Heather Graham
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Kim Staunton
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:πππππ
Cover:ππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: ππππ
Heart & Feels:ππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πππ
Page Turner Level:πππ
Narration:π§π§π§
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨
First Impressions
To Catch a Raven is the finale in the "Women Who Dare" trilogy. This is also the last book that most likely we will receive from this author as I believe the author released Avon would no longer be publishing historical's for her (and they are doing this to many authors currently) So it was truly bitter sweet knowing this would probably be my last book by this author that is recently published. To Catch a Raven I was kinda on the fence on, I wasn't a fan of the cover change that much, although I found the original cover that they have----Isn't it SO much better and actually matches the rest of the series and her books? The story was very solid though. I still think the first book is my favorite though from this trilogy. But this one has the similar setting of sorts and some unique dynamics.
First Line
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Braxton
The Heroine: Raven
Summary
Braxton and Raven are both blackmailed to do a fake relationship with each other to recover the declaration of Independence which has been stolen and it needs to be recovered. They have no choice in the matter, as the Pinkerton's have a lot of Government power and will ruin both of their families if they don't fall in line with what they choose for them. Raven is a known grifter and thief of sorts, and Braxton has very little trust in her as they have had interactions previously. My heart went out to Braxton though. He is a man of honor and good intentions and makes the best of a bad situation. Raven hasn't had the best life, but a good life surrounded by her family and has a heart of gold despite her past. Raven and Braxton find a love unexpected, but Raven will have to face some challenges to embrace what loving Braxton would mean for her future.
What I Loved
To Catch a Raven was such a powerful story. I found the story to be so engaging and I just had a entertaining time with Braxton and Raven and seeing their interactions in play here. We see a prologue of their first interaction where Raven attempts to deceive Braxton and Braxton sees through it lol So they definitely don't care for each other in that way. I did find a fascinating though with them seeing how they work on slowly resolving their issues and the chemistry that builds between them. As they are posing as husband and wife, there are situations where they have such a close connection to one another.
I loved the forced proximity and some scenarios where they are forced to share a bed. I did wish that there were more intimate moments when they were forced in that situation. The romance truly doesn't blossom until after their undercover adventure. It did leave some solid breadcrumbs and we see how well these two just click for each other. I found it interesting how the story was developed a bit though. I honestly didn't know about the Declaration of Independence and so fascinating to see how rich the historic aspects of the story are relayed. I was intrigued to see how things would fare for Braxton and Raven once their "job" was over. The actual mission they are on isn't the whole story. We still have the conflict of their relationship to resolve as Braxton is from a different state from Raven and a different type of life as he is in high society and she isn't. So we get to see how she has to face up to that challenge and learn what she is capable of. The romance does have its swoony moments and I loved how all in the hero was in the relationship once he fell for Raven.
What I Struggled With
While this story had some fabulous moments and the romance was very well done, I felt like there was just something missing from it. Their connection wasn't as deep as the previous books and I felt like their relationship felt a bit sluggish at times and not enough focus in certain areas of the story. I also would have liked to see Raven show a bit more investment in the relationship. Its portrayed as Braxton doing most of the leg work and I would have liked to see Raven show more heart into it like what Braxton was willing to give to her.
Narration
Very powerfully done. I feel like the narrator really knows the writing style of this author and was able to really portray the emotion and the heart just right and the historical aspects were well focused on.
Overall View
To Catch a Raven was a splendid historical romance that really takes it deep into the era of reconstruction in the America's, how both white and blacks were effected, and how they worked together in unique ways to rebuilt. We see a love tale that builds on deep connections, conflict and resolutions. If you love this authors pen style, get ready for a thrilling adventure to make your toes curl.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, Reconstruction Era
Character Types: Thief, Mr. Moneybags
Themes: Heart/Emotional Touching, Pining, Angsty
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Class Difference
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Rosanne Bittner
Alyssa Cole
Heather Graham
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Kim Staunton