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Something Like Love
Blackboard bestselling author Beverly Jenkins delivers another lush historical novel featuring brothers that were first introduced in her award-winning novel Always and Forever. This is the story that readers have been waiting for.
He was a wanted man.
But no one wanted him more than she did.
Desperate to escape an arranged marriage, Olivia Sterling flees Chicago and heads west. She dreams of setting up her own seamstress shop in Henry Adams, a small all Black town in Kansas. But her plans are derailed when her train is robbed by Neil July and his notorious band of outlaws.
Neil is enchanted by the headstrong and lovely Olivia. No woman has ever set his blood on fire before, and he suspects no other woman ever will. When they meet again, Olivia is the town's newly elected mayor and Neil is still the wanted outlaw. With bounty hunters on his trail, he would be wise not to linger, yet he can't seem to leave her. Will Neil be able to convince Olivia to ride off into the sunset with him? Or will he finally lay down his guns for love?
He was a wanted man.
But no one wanted him more than she did.
Desperate to escape an arranged marriage, Olivia Sterling flees Chicago and heads west. She dreams of setting up her own seamstress shop in Henry Adams, a small all Black town in Kansas. But her plans are derailed when her train is robbed by Neil July and his notorious band of outlaws.
Neil is enchanted by the headstrong and lovely Olivia. No woman has ever set his blood on fire before, and he suspects no other woman ever will. When they meet again, Olivia is the town's newly elected mayor and Neil is still the wanted outlaw. With bounty hunters on his trail, he would be wise not to linger, yet he can't seem to leave her. Will Neil be able to convince Olivia to ride off into the sunset with him? Or will he finally lay down his guns for love?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 26, 2005
101 people are currently reading
1262 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Jenkins
70 books4,818 followersBeverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the 2016 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for historical romance.
She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured both in the documentary “Love Between the Covers” and on CBS Sunday Morning.
Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for inclusive romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR. Her critically acclaimed Blessings series has been optioned for film by John Legend’s and Mike Jackson’s production company Get Lifted, and Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Deborah Martin Chase.
To read more about Beverly and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.
She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured both in the documentary “Love Between the Covers” and on CBS Sunday Morning.
Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for inclusive romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR. Her critically acclaimed Blessings series has been optioned for film by John Legend’s and Mike Jackson’s production company Get Lifted, and Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Deborah Martin Chase.
To read more about Beverly and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.
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July 25, 2018Glorious even by Jenkins standards. Olivia is an educated woman with her own business, a 30-something spinster who takes extreme measures without a qualm to protect her independence. Neil July is a full on train robber of the Butch Cassidy type! Olivia becomes town mayor! She proposes to Neil! He gets shot and she sorts him out! He is all about helping her even though she doesn't need it, and she's all about fighting for what she wants and the whole thing is an absolute romp of a book with two of the best matched and most enjoyable characters I've read in a while. I finished this and one clicked Theresa July's story. No, *you've* got a problem.
December 2, 2016
I liked this. Not as much as the author's previous ones, this one was a bit slower but I still enjoyed this. I liked Olivia, she is very strong and independent and it was nice seeing a reformed Neil
July after meeting him in all the previous books and I really liked seeing all the outlaws-who-became-Marshal's-and-turned-into-friends and townsfolk from previous books.
That said, the only thing that maybe would put other people off reading this is that this book had a lot of characters stop by from her previous books (as I mentioned above) and to a person who is not familiar with them, I can see where that could be off putting/confusing trying to keep everyone (and the mention of all their wives) straight. I think though, after reading through most of the books in this loosely connected series of fictional Henry Adams, Kansas (an all Black town set in the late 1800's) I have finally figured out what order a person should (sort of) read them in (hopefully).
1) Night Song: (Chase Jefferson & Cara Lee Hensen's story, 1st book by this author)
2) Topaz: Marshall Dixon Wildhorse & Kate's story (also first time we meet Jackson Blake, Grace Atwood, Loreli Winters, Griffin Blake and the Terrible Twins -Two Shafts and Neil July)
3) Always and Forever: Jackson Blake & Grace Atwood's story (We see much more of Loreli in here)
4) A Chance At Love: Loreli Winters & Jake Reed's story (the Terrible Twins - Two Shaft and Neil July, show up in here again)
5) The Taming of Jessi Rose:* Griffin Blake & Jessi Rose's story (Appearances by the Terrible Twins, Marshall Dixon, Preacher, and Jackson Blake, Griffin's older brother)
6) -THIS BOOK- Something Like Love: Neil July (half of the Terrible Twins) & Olivia Sterling's story (Two Shaft shows up here as well as Preacher, Marshall Dixon Wildhorse, Jackson Blake, Griffin Blake, Chase and Cora Lee Jefferson and of course many character's from Night Song because this book is actually set in Henry Adams unlike the previous titles. So for example, we get to see Rachel and Daisy again from Night Song. First time we also meet the lovely outlaw Teresa July, younger sister of Neil July and Two Shafts)
7) Wild Sweet Love: Teresa July's book. HAVE NOT READ YET
8) Night Hawk:Preacher's story . HAVE NOT READ YET
I hope this helps because this series is not really listed in order on here nor is it listed on her website in any order and I get it because this is a loosely connected series and don't HAVE to be read in any order but all the recurring characters make me want to read these books somewhat in a chronological order (because I am weird and anal like that) and if I can help even one person who was like me last year, trying to figure out in which order to read them this series in, then I did my job. Also, this is overall a really good series and more people should be reading it. :)
**On Beverley Jenkins's website, The Taming of Jessi Rose was published right after Topaz and before Always and Forever and The Marrying Kind but I put it on this list as #5 instead of #3 just because, speaking from personal experience you will finish Topaz and want to immediately start reading Grace and Jackson's story and then after finishing there story you will immediately want to start Loreli's story because their stories go back to back to back with a bit of overlapping (especially regarding Topaz and Always and Forever because both stories are occurring simultaneously at one point). And The Taming of Jessi Rose takes place a bit later chronologically even though it is published first so I think it works better being at #5. But if you would like to read them by publishing date, and read The Taming of Jessi Rose after Topaz that is fine too.
July after meeting him in all the previous books and I really liked seeing all the outlaws-who-became-Marshal's-and-turned-into-friends and townsfolk from previous books.
That said, the only thing that maybe would put other people off reading this is that this book had a lot of characters stop by from her previous books (as I mentioned above) and to a person who is not familiar with them, I can see where that could be off putting/confusing trying to keep everyone (and the mention of all their wives) straight. I think though, after reading through most of the books in this loosely connected series of fictional Henry Adams, Kansas (an all Black town set in the late 1800's) I have finally figured out what order a person should (sort of) read them in (hopefully).
1) Night Song: (Chase Jefferson & Cara Lee Hensen's story, 1st book by this author)
2) Topaz: Marshall Dixon Wildhorse & Kate's story (also first time we meet Jackson Blake, Grace Atwood, Loreli Winters, Griffin Blake and the Terrible Twins -Two Shafts and Neil July)
3) Always and Forever: Jackson Blake & Grace Atwood's story (We see much more of Loreli in here)
4) A Chance At Love: Loreli Winters & Jake Reed's story (the Terrible Twins - Two Shaft and Neil July, show up in here again)
5) The Taming of Jessi Rose:* Griffin Blake & Jessi Rose's story (Appearances by the Terrible Twins, Marshall Dixon, Preacher, and Jackson Blake, Griffin's older brother)
6) -THIS BOOK- Something Like Love: Neil July (half of the Terrible Twins) & Olivia Sterling's story (Two Shaft shows up here as well as Preacher, Marshall Dixon Wildhorse, Jackson Blake, Griffin Blake, Chase and Cora Lee Jefferson and of course many character's from Night Song because this book is actually set in Henry Adams unlike the previous titles. So for example, we get to see Rachel and Daisy again from Night Song. First time we also meet the lovely outlaw Teresa July, younger sister of Neil July and Two Shafts)
7) Wild Sweet Love: Teresa July's book. HAVE NOT READ YET
8) Night Hawk:Preacher's story . HAVE NOT READ YET
I hope this helps because this series is not really listed in order on here nor is it listed on her website in any order and I get it because this is a loosely connected series and don't HAVE to be read in any order but all the recurring characters make me want to read these books somewhat in a chronological order (because I am weird and anal like that) and if I can help even one person who was like me last year, trying to figure out in which order to read them this series in, then I did my job. Also, this is overall a really good series and more people should be reading it. :)
**On Beverley Jenkins's website, The Taming of Jessi Rose was published right after Topaz and before Always and Forever and The Marrying Kind but I put it on this list as #5 instead of #3 just because, speaking from personal experience you will finish Topaz and want to immediately start reading Grace and Jackson's story and then after finishing there story you will immediately want to start Loreli's story because their stories go back to back to back with a bit of overlapping (especially regarding Topaz and Always and Forever because both stories are occurring simultaneously at one point). And The Taming of Jessi Rose takes place a bit later chronologically even though it is published first so I think it works better being at #5. But if you would like to read them by publishing date, and read The Taming of Jessi Rose after Topaz that is fine too.
May 8, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Olivia Sterling seeks an escape. She has gone through an eduction, set up her own business as a dressmaker but when her father arranges a marriage with a much older man that only wants the money he can gain from their marriage. She flees into the night, with her savings sewn into her dress. On her travels to a new town, her train is robbed where she meets the famous twin train robbers and one in particular she has a chemistry with that she doesn't expect. She has never felt such a strong connection to anyone. She knows he is "forbidden fruit" and knows that nothing can come from it but doesn't expect to see him again. When she arrives in Kansas, to a small black town she settles in quite nicely. She gets involved in the community, and she ends up being mayor which is shocking and exciting. But what she doesn't expect is to find Neil July entering her life again. Neil excites Olivia in a way she has never known in her life, and even though he is an outlaw and bounty hunters are after him, she can't deny that she loves him and doesn't wish to waste one moment without him but will she lose him forever when his enemies close around him?
Plot and Story Line
Something Like Love is a single title, although from the author's notes in the book, there are quite a few other single titles that connect to this one that I am fully eager to read!!! So many fun side characters I want to know more and the women they fall in love with. Now the story begins a bit slowly, but it didn't take much for me to get into the story and I loved Olivia and Neil. These forbidden romances are amazing, and Beverly Jenkins did great with the outlaw theme for the hero. Now our hero is a bit of a bad boy, but still has a good heart beneath his recent robberies of trains hehe He is Seminole, he worked for the government during the Civil War, but his people are starving after the war, and certain government officials betrayed them with fake promises, and he must feed what is left of his people including his brother and sister. Our heroine is a wonderful match for Neil. She is feisty, spirited and strong. She stands on her own and fights for what is right. It was interesting to see how she was torn between what was right and her feelings for an outlaw. I found their relationship fun and sexy, and I always had a smile on my face while reading this. I think what I fell in love with was how every aspect of the story just came together in the end and the final scenes of the story were simply superb!! I couldn't have pictured a better ending and I felt a fascination with certain characters that have their own books. Quite a lovely love story with some historical authenticity to balance it out.
The Cover
LOVE this cover....such a western feel to it and yeah I adore the diversity of it. Love the field of wildflowers and her dress is so pretty, simple but I really like purple and it fits the setting.
Overall View
Something Like Love is brilliant, satisfying and sexy as sin from beginning to end!! I couldn't get enough of this pair and the setting that Beverly Jenkins gives us.
Summary
Olivia Sterling seeks an escape. She has gone through an eduction, set up her own business as a dressmaker but when her father arranges a marriage with a much older man that only wants the money he can gain from their marriage. She flees into the night, with her savings sewn into her dress. On her travels to a new town, her train is robbed where she meets the famous twin train robbers and one in particular she has a chemistry with that she doesn't expect. She has never felt such a strong connection to anyone. She knows he is "forbidden fruit" and knows that nothing can come from it but doesn't expect to see him again. When she arrives in Kansas, to a small black town she settles in quite nicely. She gets involved in the community, and she ends up being mayor which is shocking and exciting. But what she doesn't expect is to find Neil July entering her life again. Neil excites Olivia in a way she has never known in her life, and even though he is an outlaw and bounty hunters are after him, she can't deny that she loves him and doesn't wish to waste one moment without him but will she lose him forever when his enemies close around him?
Plot and Story Line
Something Like Love is a single title, although from the author's notes in the book, there are quite a few other single titles that connect to this one that I am fully eager to read!!! So many fun side characters I want to know more and the women they fall in love with. Now the story begins a bit slowly, but it didn't take much for me to get into the story and I loved Olivia and Neil. These forbidden romances are amazing, and Beverly Jenkins did great with the outlaw theme for the hero. Now our hero is a bit of a bad boy, but still has a good heart beneath his recent robberies of trains hehe He is Seminole, he worked for the government during the Civil War, but his people are starving after the war, and certain government officials betrayed them with fake promises, and he must feed what is left of his people including his brother and sister. Our heroine is a wonderful match for Neil. She is feisty, spirited and strong. She stands on her own and fights for what is right. It was interesting to see how she was torn between what was right and her feelings for an outlaw. I found their relationship fun and sexy, and I always had a smile on my face while reading this. I think what I fell in love with was how every aspect of the story just came together in the end and the final scenes of the story were simply superb!! I couldn't have pictured a better ending and I felt a fascination with certain characters that have their own books. Quite a lovely love story with some historical authenticity to balance it out.
The Cover
LOVE this cover....such a western feel to it and yeah I adore the diversity of it. Love the field of wildflowers and her dress is so pretty, simple but I really like purple and it fits the setting.
Overall View
Something Like Love is brilliant, satisfying and sexy as sin from beginning to end!! I couldn't get enough of this pair and the setting that Beverly Jenkins gives us.
June 12, 2020
5 stars. My 200th book of 2020 and it was a winner. I absolutely loved this book and it is now my second favorite by Beverly Jenkins. Love that.
This book is connected to Always and Forever which was my first book by Ms. Jenkins and it also is connected to and takes place before Wild Sweet Love which is my favorite book of hers so that was cool to see. Teresa from WSL is the sister of the hero in this book, Neil. I loved seeing her here. She's so spunky and feisty.
I absolutely adored the characters but that’s the standard when it comes to Ms. Jenkins work. They’re always so strong and charming and go through such terrific development. Olivia is on the run to get out of an arranged marriage and Neil is a train robber. It was wonderful. I loved their relationship and how they brought out the best in each other. Olivia made no qualms about voicing her disapproval of his criminal ways which was great. She still loved him just not that aspect of his life. Their romance is captivating and develops nicely. The ending really had me going because even though I knew everything would work out but it was intense. It ties up very nicely.
Overall, fabulous read with fantastic characters, swoon worthy romance, action and a sweet ending. Highly recommend it.
This book is connected to Always and Forever which was my first book by Ms. Jenkins and it also is connected to and takes place before Wild Sweet Love which is my favorite book of hers so that was cool to see. Teresa from WSL is the sister of the hero in this book, Neil. I loved seeing her here. She's so spunky and feisty.
I absolutely adored the characters but that’s the standard when it comes to Ms. Jenkins work. They’re always so strong and charming and go through such terrific development. Olivia is on the run to get out of an arranged marriage and Neil is a train robber. It was wonderful. I loved their relationship and how they brought out the best in each other. Olivia made no qualms about voicing her disapproval of his criminal ways which was great. She still loved him just not that aspect of his life. Their romance is captivating and develops nicely. The ending really had me going because even though I knew everything would work out but it was intense. It ties up very nicely.
Overall, fabulous read with fantastic characters, swoon worthy romance, action and a sweet ending. Highly recommend it.
September 6, 2025
What a great story! We return to Henry Adams, Kansas, which is where Beverly Jenkins’ first book, Night Song, was set. It’s ten years later and Olivia Sterling has just arrived after selling her business in Chicago to relocate and escape an arranged marriage. Chase Jefferson is still the sheriff and we get to see his wife, Cara Lee, again. Their child makes a brief appearance.
Olivia is held up on her train west by the Twins (Neil July and Two Shafts, from The Taming of Jessie Rose). She runs into him again after a stage coach accident and the twins escort some passengers to town.
The rehabilitation of Neil’s character is a major plot point. At the same time, we see Olivia running for mayor and confronting her father, who arranged her marriage. There’s a lot packed into this little book!
The cameos from most of the past male main characters in Beverly’s books is a highlight! Along with Chase, we see Dixon, the Blake brothers (Griffin and Jackson), and the Preacher.
Olivia is held up on her train west by the Twins (Neil July and Two Shafts, from The Taming of Jessie Rose). She runs into him again after a stage coach accident and the twins escort some passengers to town.
The rehabilitation of Neil’s character is a major plot point. At the same time, we see Olivia running for mayor and confronting her father, who arranged her marriage. There’s a lot packed into this little book!
The cameos from most of the past male main characters in Beverly’s books is a highlight! Along with Chase, we see Dixon, the Blake brothers (Griffin and Jackson), and the Preacher.
October 18, 2021
Holy shit this was good!
May 14, 2025
This was pretty cute ngl. Something like love follows Olivia, who recently ran away from home to escape an arranged marriage, and Neil July, a famous train-robbing outlaw. So this was very much good girl/bad boy trope and I truly ate it up. 🙂↕️💕
Like the heroines in Beverly’s other books, Olivia is a woman who wants to make her own path in life. She’s not afraid to speak her mind or ask for what she wants, and she refuses to settle for less than what she deserves. On the other hand, Mr. July is a lil different than her other male love interests lol. The fact that he was a legit outlaw was really wild to me lol but he was different than your average criminal. Like he actually had a heart and conscience. I also really loved learning about the Seminole people from him. I had no idea they actually existed and I enjoyed learning their history through July’s memories from before and after the war.
Like the heroines in Beverly’s other books, Olivia is a woman who wants to make her own path in life. She’s not afraid to speak her mind or ask for what she wants, and she refuses to settle for less than what she deserves. On the other hand, Mr. July is a lil different than her other male love interests lol. The fact that he was a legit outlaw was really wild to me lol but he was different than your average criminal. Like he actually had a heart and conscience. I also really loved learning about the Seminole people from him. I had no idea they actually existed and I enjoyed learning their history through July’s memories from before and after the war.
August 11, 2022
i cant finish this its so boring
enjoy your girlboss everybody clapped life olivia
enjoy your girlboss everybody clapped life olivia
January 16, 2016
Something Wonderful
Mrs. Jenkins has done it again! She CAN'T write a bad novel. As ALWAYS I couldn't put this book down! The storyline flowed effortlessly across the pages and the characters were well developed and UNFORGETTABLE as usual. I was TOTALLY caught up in the suspense of Neil and Olivia's romance. Not knowing what would happen with this couple, if they would even get together, let alone have any type of a future, kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole novel. I mean what kind of relationship could they possibly have, she was the mayor of Henry Adams and he was a WANTED outlaw?!! I love the way Mrs. Jenkins always makes her female characters not only beautiful, but intelligent, independent and full of passion. And the men, be they rich, poor, educated or not, outlaws or law abiding citizens, they're always the PERFECT gentlemen, and ALWAYS treat their women like QUEENS, and definitely know how to SATISFY their every desire. I enjoyed the family bond and loyalty of the July's, the way they take care of their own and the sometimes HILAROUS way they dispense their own brand of "justice". We also have the opportunity to get reaquainted with Chase and Cara Jefferson from "Night Song", Dix Wildhorse from "Topaz", Jackson Blake from "Topaz and Always and Forever", Griffin Blake, and the Preacher from "Taming of Jessi Rose" it was like one BIG family reunion, and I enjoyed every thrilling moment of it. I also hope if any of the above mentioned characters haven't had their own story written by Mrs. Jenkins, that one is in the works. A definite MUST READ!
Mrs. Jenkins has done it again! She CAN'T write a bad novel. As ALWAYS I couldn't put this book down! The storyline flowed effortlessly across the pages and the characters were well developed and UNFORGETTABLE as usual. I was TOTALLY caught up in the suspense of Neil and Olivia's romance. Not knowing what would happen with this couple, if they would even get together, let alone have any type of a future, kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole novel. I mean what kind of relationship could they possibly have, she was the mayor of Henry Adams and he was a WANTED outlaw?!! I love the way Mrs. Jenkins always makes her female characters not only beautiful, but intelligent, independent and full of passion. And the men, be they rich, poor, educated or not, outlaws or law abiding citizens, they're always the PERFECT gentlemen, and ALWAYS treat their women like QUEENS, and definitely know how to SATISFY their every desire. I enjoyed the family bond and loyalty of the July's, the way they take care of their own and the sometimes HILAROUS way they dispense their own brand of "justice". We also have the opportunity to get reaquainted with Chase and Cara Jefferson from "Night Song", Dix Wildhorse from "Topaz", Jackson Blake from "Topaz and Always and Forever", Griffin Blake, and the Preacher from "Taming of Jessi Rose" it was like one BIG family reunion, and I enjoyed every thrilling moment of it. I also hope if any of the above mentioned characters haven't had their own story written by Mrs. Jenkins, that one is in the works. A definite MUST READ!
January 29, 2022
I loved everything about this book, including the narrator. The story is pretty clean and although there are some juicy descriptions of lovemaking, there is no pornography. There is a lot of playfulness and intrigue so get ready to laugh and wonder what is going to happen next. Madam Jenkins has given another heartwarming story together.
July 1, 2024
i NEED ME A SUPER SIMP NEIL JULY.
My first Beverly Jenkins and i must say I'm pleasantly surprised and OBSESSED. i currently can't articulate how much this story means to me. To put it into context, my mind and life has felt so unstable and overwhelming recently, so being able to read this physically when I have not been able to do anything but hybrid read and consume manga was appalling to me. Reading this transported me into the book itself and consumed me.
Olivia was such a refreshing fmc to read from because she is genuine, has intellect, and stands her ground. Neil is by far her perfect match, no matter how unconventional it may seem as an outlaw, but they work. They weren’t a love at first sight match in the slightest, and I would love to see more stories where the couple are aware of their attraction toward one another and take genuine (believable) time to explore each other. And explore these two did, teehee!
Every single character felt so well realized and I’m glad to know that there are specific stories for characters we’ve met here in Something Like Love.
I’m embarrassed by how many scenes I highlighted between the two mains, but also so happy to have learned so many interesting things about all-black settlements and Seminole history. This story is fantastic and I need to purchase all her works immediately!
My first Beverly Jenkins and i must say I'm pleasantly surprised and OBSESSED. i currently can't articulate how much this story means to me. To put it into context, my mind and life has felt so unstable and overwhelming recently, so being able to read this physically when I have not been able to do anything but hybrid read and consume manga was appalling to me. Reading this transported me into the book itself and consumed me.
Olivia was such a refreshing fmc to read from because she is genuine, has intellect, and stands her ground. Neil is by far her perfect match, no matter how unconventional it may seem as an outlaw, but they work. They weren’t a love at first sight match in the slightest, and I would love to see more stories where the couple are aware of their attraction toward one another and take genuine (believable) time to explore each other. And explore these two did, teehee!
Every single character felt so well realized and I’m glad to know that there are specific stories for characters we’ve met here in Something Like Love.
I’m embarrassed by how many scenes I highlighted between the two mains, but also so happy to have learned so many interesting things about all-black settlements and Seminole history. This story is fantastic and I need to purchase all her works immediately!
August 7, 2021
4.5
Olivia Sterling was a successful seamstress and shop owner in Chicago but she left for Kansas to avoid marriage to a man she doesn't love and who would force her to abandon the work she loves. On the way to her destination, her train is robbed by two outlaws and Olivia catch the attention of one of them, who allow her to keep her money, if not her valuables objects.
Months later, Olivia is once again a shop owner and volunteer at many women's commitees. When a man that everyone in town despise apply to be the new mayor, someone propose Olivia's candidacy and that's how she end up being elected as Henry Adams' new mayor. She still doesn't want a husband. And it's not as if she could marry the outlaw that she see again and who can't seem to keep his distance from her ?
A love story full of thrill, heat and sass, Something Like Love was pretty entertaining from beginning to end! I disagree with some of the things the hero did (nothing major just me being a sensitive soul) but Beverly Jenkins makes for it with a spirited heroine and the hero's background story add another layer to a fun and sweet story. As usual, she also give good history lessons on Black and Indigenous people history. Like for example, Neil is a Black Seminole and he went to residential school and talk about it to Olivia.
Olivia Sterling was a successful seamstress and shop owner in Chicago but she left for Kansas to avoid marriage to a man she doesn't love and who would force her to abandon the work she loves. On the way to her destination, her train is robbed by two outlaws and Olivia catch the attention of one of them, who allow her to keep her money, if not her valuables objects.
Months later, Olivia is once again a shop owner and volunteer at many women's commitees. When a man that everyone in town despise apply to be the new mayor, someone propose Olivia's candidacy and that's how she end up being elected as Henry Adams' new mayor. She still doesn't want a husband. And it's not as if she could marry the outlaw that she see again and who can't seem to keep his distance from her ?
A love story full of thrill, heat and sass, Something Like Love was pretty entertaining from beginning to end! I disagree with some of the things the hero did (nothing major just me being a sensitive soul) but Beverly Jenkins makes for it with a spirited heroine and the hero's background story add another layer to a fun and sweet story. As usual, she also give good history lessons on Black and Indigenous people history. Like for example, Neil is a Black Seminole and he went to residential school and talk about it to Olivia.
November 4, 2019
This was cute and fun
November 19, 2020
AHHHHHHH I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! The sweetness, the comedy, the everything. I was so excited to read Neils's book and I'm not disappointed. He lived up to his name and it was so good to see him and Olivia fall for each other. I love Olivia (as with all the heroines). And it was fun to look in on the others that I've already read about. Now to go purchase the books for those I haven't!
July 7, 2012
I fell so in love with Neil July. His and Two Shafts' antics are hilarious. As always, I am fascinated by Ms. Jenkins' history lessons. This time I had the opportunity to learn about the Seminoles.
February 22, 2025
4.5 stars bumped up. Beverly Jenkins DELIVERS. Neil and Olivia seem incompatible — he’s an outlaw, she’s a college-educated proper woman who becomes mayor of the town — but these two are just so perfect for each other. I wanted Neil and Olivia’s HEA SO MUCH. I usually adore Beverly Jenkins’ heroines and grow to like the heroes, but I loved Neil and Olivia in equal measure.
I loved Olivia, she felt both entirely period-appropriate and completely modern (hmm it’s almost as though women have always sought agency and equality…), another Beverly Jenkins take-no-prisoners heroine but not at all a copycat or cookie-cutter character.
“ He didn’t need to change her life; he needed to change his own.”
Neil July!! A total cinnamon roll alpha — is that possible?! He’s fiercely protective and possessive, tender and deeply sensitive; there’s never a moment of arrogance or high-handedness from him. An outlaw who also has dinner waiting on the table for his woman and builds her an outdoor bathing room. I could feel Neil’s longing for Olivia and for a tranquil life with her. This is a low-angst story while still delivering the big feelings.
I loved Olivia, she felt both entirely period-appropriate and completely modern (hmm it’s almost as though women have always sought agency and equality…), another Beverly Jenkins take-no-prisoners heroine but not at all a copycat or cookie-cutter character.
“ He didn’t need to change her life; he needed to change his own.”
Neil July!! A total cinnamon roll alpha — is that possible?! He’s fiercely protective and possessive, tender and deeply sensitive; there’s never a moment of arrogance or high-handedness from him. An outlaw who also has dinner waiting on the table for his woman and builds her an outdoor bathing room. I could feel Neil’s longing for Olivia and for a tranquil life with her. This is a low-angst story while still delivering the big feelings.
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September 13, 2021Enjoyable as Beverly Jenkins' books always are. As if also often the case, I did feel like the historical and small town aspects were the best part, with the romance the weakest element. Neil and Olivia felt a bit instalovey to me, and they reconcile massive differences too easily. Thankfully, Jenkins writes the sort of romances where you don't have to be invested in the romance to enjoy the book overall.
July 20, 2025
This was so good!! Train robber MC and seamstress MC who runs away from home and casually ends up as the town Mayor.
There are so many twists and adventures happening in this small town. There's a little bit of dated language a la this being written in 2005 BUT ALSO this touches so heavily into the realities of Indigenous communitie's realities via the US government (boarding schools, reservations, treatment of Native children and women, etc) that was so heartbreaking-ly researched. Ahead of it's time.
Appreciated 30+ year old leads, having a hero that has more layers to him than just being a train robber, the justice system, and various characters in the small town.
There are so many twists and adventures happening in this small town. There's a little bit of dated language a la this being written in 2005 BUT ALSO this touches so heavily into the realities of Indigenous communitie's realities via the US government (boarding schools, reservations, treatment of Native children and women, etc) that was so heartbreaking-ly researched. Ahead of it's time.
Appreciated 30+ year old leads, having a hero that has more layers to him than just being a train robber, the justice system, and various characters in the small town.
May 11, 2022
This was so delightful. Adored the heroine, a feisty, independent seamstress turned town mayor named Olivia Sterling who escapes Chicago to avoid an arranged marriage and then gets robbed on the train by outlaw Neil July and then falls for him! It was SO riveting and good and also, so many familiar faces showed up (the brothers Blake! Preacher! Dixon!) and I just adored every single word of this story. It was funny and sexy and dramatic as all hell and so full of yearning and longing and I couldn’t put it down.
August 22, 2025
I’m halfway through BJ’s catalog of historical romances. This was good but a little slower paced. Loved the representation of women in a political position.
November 21, 2018
I think I can officially say that the July’s are the best. This was everything I was hoping it would be and I’m so relieved. My only issues would be the fact that there is ANOTHER (attempted) kidnapping plot thrown in at the very end. This is my seventh Beverly Jenkins book and out of those (if I remember correctly) this has been used 4 times. It was a surprise the first time, but by the fourth time I’m over it. And I’m bored with the “my parents are bringing over a husband for me from the east” plot point as well. It’s been done at least twice. But I really did enjoy this book though! I know Teresa isn’t the main focus of this book, but she is by far the best July, the best Beverly Jenkins character and is high on my list of favorite characters in general. I just want a whole series on her not just the one absolutely fantastic book.
August 8, 2020
I have enjoyed reading Ms. B’s backlist immensely, but Something Like Love takes the cake behind Indigo as my favorite! This one struck all the feels! The history was substantial, this time focusing on the Seminoles/US government and women’s roles and I appreciate the list of sources Jenkins included. Neil and Olivia made a striking couple, considering the chasm in their backgrounds, but the emotions pouring from those two every time they met had me loudly rooting for their HEA! And with a slew of previous characters making appearances, the story was like a homecoming party, full of quips, support, and so much love.
December 16, 2012
Another gem from Beverly Jenkins. This one reads a little more like a straight Western with the romance taking a secondary seat, but I still enjoyed the story.
Olivia was bad-ass and Neil was hilarious and in my mind, extremely hot. See: Lance Gross. It was nice to see characters from other books pop up as well.
Olivia was bad-ass and Neil was hilarious and in my mind, extremely hot. See: Lance Gross. It was nice to see characters from other books pop up as well.
April 9, 2019
One of the most boring books I've ever read. The Hero has the blandest personality.
The romance was nonexistent and and it felt like the Hero and Heroine were in instalove, since they barely had any interactions.
The romance was nonexistent and and it felt like the Hero and Heroine were in instalove, since they barely had any interactions.
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July 10, 2022Auntie Bev loves getting her mc’s shot 😭😂
May 9, 2022
Actually no! On one hand I did really like how dramatic this book was, like there was a lot going on and it kept things moving quite quickly but this also meant we didn't get to spend much time really exploring any one storyline, I much preferred the last half because it included some tropes I enjoy in a histrom and wished it had stuck to that as the main plot instead of having 15 because everything felt rushed. I think I enjoyed the couple when they were together much more than I enjoyed their courtship so another reason why I enjoyed the second half more.
I also really really liked Olivia, she was such an interesting character and the way her relationship with her father was portrayed in the latter half of the story was well done in my opinion especially when .
There was one character in this that was so cartoonishly the antagonist, like he had to consistently, every time he was on page make a sexist remark to remind you just in case you forgot, he's the antagonist! I don't doubt that this character could realistically have had this viewpoint during the time period but the way it was presented in the story was just a little too over the top. Another of my big gripes with the story is that while the couple are cute when in a relationship, I don't know if enough of an emotional connection is established in the courtship section to really justify the risks Neil and Olivia make to be together later on it just feels almost insta lovely? Also the smut in this book, just the number of times and level of focus Olivia's virginity is given, lets just say I was not a fan .
There were also moments where bits of historical context are dropped into the text in a way that could have been better integrated into the story or left in an authors note at the end instead of interrupting the slow of the perspective to deliver these bits of information.
Overall, its not a bad read if you want something quick and fun but it just didn't deliver enough with the courtship to really have me swooning over this couple but they were genuinely adorable once in a relationship and it was a very drama full read which left me intrigued enough to look around in Jenkins backlist to see what might be more up my alley!
I also really really liked Olivia, she was such an interesting character and the way her relationship with her father was portrayed in the latter half of the story was well done in my opinion especially when .
There was one character in this that was so cartoonishly the antagonist, like he had to consistently, every time he was on page make a sexist remark to remind you just in case you forgot, he's the antagonist! I don't doubt that this character could realistically have had this viewpoint during the time period but the way it was presented in the story was just a little too over the top. Another of my big gripes with the story is that while the couple are cute when in a relationship, I don't know if enough of an emotional connection is established in the courtship section to really justify the risks Neil and Olivia make to be together later on it just feels almost insta lovely? Also the smut in this book, just the number of times and level of focus Olivia's virginity is given, lets just say I was not a fan .
There were also moments where bits of historical context are dropped into the text in a way that could have been better integrated into the story or left in an authors note at the end instead of interrupting the slow of the perspective to deliver these bits of information.
Overall, its not a bad read if you want something quick and fun but it just didn't deliver enough with the courtship to really have me swooning over this couple but they were genuinely adorable once in a relationship and it was a very drama full read which left me intrigued enough to look around in Jenkins backlist to see what might be more up my alley!
September 6, 2021
I loved this book…outlaw hero and a Mayor heroine! This is the perfect example of a slice-of-life story that Beverly Jenkins does so incredibly well. All of her stories really have those everyday moments, but this one was pretty much all the everyday moments and I enjoyed it so much. You really feel like you are part of this Kansas community and get to know the characters so well. I loved seeing familiar characters from her other books in this one too…Night Song, Always and Forever, and Wild Sweet Love.
In this book we have another amazing Beverly Jenkins heroine. Olivia is educated, she’s a successful business owner (a dressmaker/seamstress) and when her father arranges a marriage for her with a much older man that only is interested in her money when they marry, Olivia flees Chicago! She takes off to Kansas and along her journey there her train is robbed by infamous train robbers…one of the men she is really taken with and they have a little flirty moment. After the robbery, Olivia arrives to Kansas and really settles into the small black town and community. She opens her own shop and even becomes Mayor of the town! Neil, one of the train robbers, shows up in town and quickly connects again with Olivia. And I loved this outlaw hero romance!
I loved the history woven into the story, Jim Crow, the history of Black and Indigenous people during the times (the hero is Seminole), the discussions of Indigenous children’s schooling conditions, and women’s roles in their towns and politics at the time.
In this book we have another amazing Beverly Jenkins heroine. Olivia is educated, she’s a successful business owner (a dressmaker/seamstress) and when her father arranges a marriage for her with a much older man that only is interested in her money when they marry, Olivia flees Chicago! She takes off to Kansas and along her journey there her train is robbed by infamous train robbers…one of the men she is really taken with and they have a little flirty moment. After the robbery, Olivia arrives to Kansas and really settles into the small black town and community. She opens her own shop and even becomes Mayor of the town! Neil, one of the train robbers, shows up in town and quickly connects again with Olivia. And I loved this outlaw hero romance!
I loved the history woven into the story, Jim Crow, the history of Black and Indigenous people during the times (the hero is Seminole), the discussions of Indigenous children’s schooling conditions, and women’s roles in their towns and politics at the time.
February 13, 2022
4 stars
I enjoyed this romance! At first, I wasn't expecting much plot from this book, based on the synopsis. Olivia flees from Chicago to escape an arranged marriage and sets up her seamstress shop in an all-Black town in Kansas. She and Neil July first meet when he robs her train on her way to Kansas. They continue to run into each other as he seeks her out. Olivia becomes mayor of the town, which holds her to a new standard, as a woman and as the mayor. Slowly, she and Neil fall in love, but Olivia is stuck deciding between loving an outlaw and maintaining her reputation.
There was so much more to the story, which has a slimy villain, bounty hunters out for Neil, and supportive friends and townspeople. I really enjoyed Olivia and Neil's relationship. They understood each other's hesitations, but also fell for the sparks forming between them. The relationships and support from the townspeople was also very fun to read about.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you're looking for a fun and light historical romance novel.
I enjoyed this romance! At first, I wasn't expecting much plot from this book, based on the synopsis. Olivia flees from Chicago to escape an arranged marriage and sets up her seamstress shop in an all-Black town in Kansas. She and Neil July first meet when he robs her train on her way to Kansas. They continue to run into each other as he seeks her out. Olivia becomes mayor of the town, which holds her to a new standard, as a woman and as the mayor. Slowly, she and Neil fall in love, but Olivia is stuck deciding between loving an outlaw and maintaining her reputation.
There was so much more to the story, which has a slimy villain, bounty hunters out for Neil, and supportive friends and townspeople. I really enjoyed Olivia and Neil's relationship. They understood each other's hesitations, but also fell for the sparks forming between them. The relationships and support from the townspeople was also very fun to read about.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you're looking for a fun and light historical romance novel.
February 14, 2023
I was already pretty sure that I wanted to read Beverly Jenkins's entire historical backlist, and this confirmed it. I recognized so many character names from synopses of her other books! While this fell a little short of my expectations after meeting Olivia and Neil in Wild Sweet Love, it was still a great read, especially in the end.
CW: gun violence, injuries, sexism, racism, discussion of residential schools
CW: gun violence, injuries, sexism, racism, discussion of residential schools
April 11, 2025
Another hit from Ms. Bev. I like her contemporary stuff, but her historicals really shine for me, and I'm so happy to be back in Kansas. Olivia is a great heroine, Neil is a great hero, and I wanted things to be just a little more complex between them. All their issues seemed to be external, and though there were plenty of barriers and shenanigans, I wanted them to work a little bit more for their relationship. Still, it was a great journey, I love how she grounds her characters in history, and I always learn more about American History from her than I ever did in school.
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