Review: Tempest (Old West #3) by Beverly Jenkins

The Blurb

From USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins comes a new novel in a mesmerizing series set in the Old West, where an arranged marriage becomes a grand passion . . .

What kind of mail-order bride greets her intended with a bullet instead of a kiss? One like Regan Carmichael—an independent spirit equally at home in denims and dresses. Shooting Dr. Colton Lee in the shoulder is an honest error, but soon Regan wonders if her entire plan to marry a man she’s never met is a mistake. Colton, who buried his heart along with his first wife, insists he only wants someone to care for his daughter. Yet Regan is drawn to the unmistakable desire in his gaze.

Regan’s far from the docile bride Colton was expecting. Still, few women would brave the wilds of Wyoming Territory for an uncertain future with a widower and his child. The thought of having a bold, forthright woman like Regan in his life—and in his arms—begins to inspire a new dream. And despite his family’s disapproval and an unseen enemy, he’ll risk all to make this match a real union of body and soul.

My review

Ms. Jenkins is a master when it comes to writing romance. Tempest has the perfect balance of humor, action, drama, and of course romance. I liked Regan when I first met her in Breathless. Strong willed and adventurous I knew her story would be amazing and it was. Regan’s speak-her-mind and get-it-done attitude and Colton’s prideful, and reserved personality brought out the drama in the story, but eventually they merged quite well. 

Colton’s daughter added the right touch and drive to their relationship. His daughter helped show Colton’s more tender side which also softened Regan’s heart toward him.  I enjoyed watching the child come out of her shell throughout the story. The book wouldn’t be complete without a bit of historical education which I very much enjoyed.

I give this book five out of five wagon shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from AmazonUK.

Review: Breathless (Old West 2) by Beverly Jenkins #AARomance

The Blurb

A strong-willed beauty finds herself in the arms of the handsome drifter from her past, in this second book in the sizzling series set in the Old West, from USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins

As manager of one of the finest hotels in Arizona Territory, Portia Carmichael has respect and stability—qualities sorely missing from her harsh childhood. She refuses to jeopardize that by hitching herself to the wrong man. Suitors are plentiful, but none of them has ever looked quite as tempting as the family friend who just rode into town…and none has looked at her with such intensity and heat.

Duchess. That’s the nickname Kent Randolph gave Portia when she was a young girl. Now she’s a stunning, intelligent woman—and Kent has learned his share of hard lessons. After drifting through the West, he’s learned the value of a place to settle down, and in Portia’s arms he’s found that and more. But convincing her to trust him with her heart, not just her passion, will be the greatest challenge he’s known—and one he intends to win…

My Review

Oh my goodness, this was a fan yourself kind of story. As Ms. Jenkin’s books tend to be, it was steeped in history, this time about women’s suffrage so learning took place while I became enamored with Portia and Kent. They were spectacular, each possessed a strength of will and an ability to bend and grow. The heat between them sparked immediately, but there was a slow build to the blaze. A perfect romance between two remarkable characters.

I give this book five out of five horse shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from Amazon.

Review: NightHawk by Beverly Jenkins #HistoricalRomance

The Blurb

Outlaw.Preacher. Night Hawk. He's had many names, but he can't escape the past.

Since Ian Vance's beloved wife was murdered years ago, the hardened bounty hunter knows he'll never feel love or tenderness again, so he's made it his mission to ensure others get their justice. But when he's charged with delivering a sharp-eyed beauty to the law, Ian can't help but feel he may still have something left to lose.

Orphaned at twelve, Maggie Freeman has always found her way out of trouble. But now there's a vigilante mob at her back who would like nothing more than to see her hang for a crime she didn't commit. Maggie may have to accept help for the first time in her life . . . even if it's from the one man standing between her and freedom.

As the past closes in, the sassy prisoner and toughened lawman may just find a passion between them that could bring blinding happiness . . . if they'll let it.

My Review

Ms. Jenkins hits me once again with a huge helping of romance mixed with history. Not just African American, but this time she also threw in some Chinese American, and Native American, too. I hope I never get tired of reading her books because I sure would miss all the education I gain from her.

Maggie had me laughing and admiring her resilience and spunk after the hard life she’d lived. I fell in love with Preacher, aka Ian, aka Night Hawk, aka Delicious (that’s mine). What’s not to love about a hot man (did you see the cover?) who used to be a bad boy outlaw and reformed into a catch the bad guys bounty hunter and deputy Marshall. Now that’s a man.

I give this book five out of five shotgun shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.

Review: Midnight by Beverly Jenkins

I read this book as part of the Around the World in 80 books 2014  reading challenge for February, African-American History Month.

The Blurb

In a time of peril, she fears nothing—except the forbidden passions of her heart.

In Boston, revolution is in the wind—yet none would ever suspect Faith Kingston of treason. But under cover of darkness, the beautiful daughter of a Tory tavern owner becomes the notorious spy “Lady Midnight,” passing valuable secrets to the rebels. Dedicated to fighting British tyranny, she’ll let nothing distract her— until a dark, mesmerizing stranger enters her life. 

A reckless, worldly adventurer, Nicholas Grey has returned to troubled Massachusetts seeking revenge for the death of his rebel father. He suspects a local innkeeper, but it’s the man’s breathtaking, ebony-skinned daughter who has truly captured his interest. Nicholas burns for the sensuous, secretive lady—and Faith cannot mask her own blazing desires. But when destiny unites their causes, the passion that draws Midnight into Nicholas’s arms is as dangerous as it is glorious—and it could spell disaster for them both.

My Review

Ms. Jenkins has a gift for interweaving romance, history, and intrigue in a way that keeps the reader flipping the pages not wanting to put the book down, while learning at the same time. Faith, a strong female with courage that had me gasping at times made me proud. Nicholas, well, is there anything to say about a wealthy, attentive, intelligent, strong man whose courage rivals that of the woman he will fall in love with? Put these two characters together and you have instant attraction with sparks flying everywhere.

I had no idea African Americans had any involvement before or  during the American Revolutionary War. My eyes are now open to how important they were in driving the British out.

Midnight is a wonderful novel that I am so happy I got the opportunity to read.

I give Midnight four out of five chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.com.

Book review: Indigo by Beverly Jenkins

If I resided in the US I would hunt down author Leslie Wright and give her a high five and a hug for introducing me to Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. I asked her a few months ago for a book recommendation and without hesitation she mentioned Indigo.

I have no idea how I could have missed such a tremendous African American writer for so many years of my life. 

Indigo was a touching romance novel. Ms. Jenkins blends history, action, and true love. I learned so many things about slavery that I never knew before, and it was all captivating. Ms. Jenkins has a way of dispersing the information within the story that gives the novel a greater depth.

The romance between Galen and Hester was classic. The story was told in such a way that I really wanted them to get together, but because of the circumstances I wasn’t sure if they would end up together (even though I knew that they would be). Their love was beautiful to read about. Ms Jenkins can weave a romantic scene (translate as sex) with such fluid sensuality  that it almost reads like poetry.

I will shout it out to the world (in the privacy of my home of course) that I am in love with Beverly Jenkins’ writing and will definitely be ordering and reading more from her.

I give Indigo five chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy at Amazon.com

The Blurb

As a child Hester Wyatt escaped slavery, but now the dark-skinned beauty is a dedicated member of Michigan's Underground railroad, offering other runaways a chance at the freedom she has learned to love. When one of her fellow conductors brings her an injured man to hide, Hester doesn't hesitate even after she is told about the price on his head. The man in question is the great conductor known as the "Black Daniel" a vital member of the north's Underground railroad network, but Hester finds him so rude and arrogant, she begins to question her vow to hide him.

When the injured and beaten Galen Vachon, aka, the Black Daniel awakens in Hester's cellar, he is unprepared for the feisty young conductor providing his care. As a member of one of the wealthiest free Black families in New Orleans, Galen has turned his back on the lavish living he is accustomed to in order to provide freedom to those enslaved in the South. However, as he heals he cannot turn his back on Hester Wyatt. Her innocence fills him like a breath of fresh air and he is determined to make her his, but traitors have to be found, slave catchers have to be routed and Hester's refusal to trust her own heart has to be overcome before she and Galen can find the freedom only love can bring.