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theowrites 's review for:
Rebel
by Beverly Jenkins
Val is the type of heroine you want to root for, and you want her to have whatever she wants because what she wants in life is good and equitable for all people. Luckily for her, the very handsome Drake is ready to give her everything she needs.
Set during Reconstruction in New Orleans, Jenkins doesn't shy away from the realities for Black people at that time and in that place and also for women and gay men. Val comes from New York City to teach literacy to adults and kids, and upon meeting Drake, they realize their kindred spirits in how they orientate themselves in the world to make life better and easier for their community.
I loved how Drake's family, especially his mother Juliana and his sister-in-law Sable, serve to unlock Val's understanding of love and how anyone can find romance, no matter their lot in life. They also serve as templates for Drake to understand how to be a good man (and a pirate!).
There is racist and sexist violence in Rebel that reflects the Reconstruction era, and Jenkins so carefully weaves the thread to continue to show Drake's goodness and Val's bravery. Drake protects Val at points, and in other situations, he's so proud of her that she can fight her own battles.
This was my first Jenkins romance and will not be my last!
Set during Reconstruction in New Orleans, Jenkins doesn't shy away from the realities for Black people at that time and in that place and also for women and gay men. Val comes from New York City to teach literacy to adults and kids, and upon meeting Drake, they realize their kindred spirits in how they orientate themselves in the world to make life better and easier for their community.
I loved how Drake's family, especially his mother Juliana and his sister-in-law Sable, serve to unlock Val's understanding of love and how anyone can find romance, no matter their lot in life. They also serve as templates for Drake to understand how to be a good man (and a pirate!).
There is racist and sexist violence in Rebel that reflects the Reconstruction era, and Jenkins so carefully weaves the thread to continue to show Drake's goodness and Val's bravery. Drake protects Val at points, and in other situations, he's so proud of her that she can fight her own battles.
This was my first Jenkins romance and will not be my last!