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Be Not Afraid
Brooklyn, 1776 *New, revised edition, with bonus epilogue!* Elijah Sutton is no fool, despite his love of a country that enslaves people like him. When he's offered land, livestock, and—most importantly—his freedom if he fights in his Patriot owner's stead, Elijah believes he'll soon have everything he ever wanted...and then he meets Kate. The Crown has promised freedom to slaves who escape their Patriot masters and join the British side, and Kate intends to take them up on it. She's eager to leave America—and the painful memories it holds for her—far behind...and then she meets Elijah. Their attraction is undeniable, but their goals couldn’t be further apart. When Elijah is captured by the British while helping Kate, they're thrown into close proximity and forced to choose between their hopes for the future and their hearts. Be Not Afraid originally appeared in the anthology For Love and Untold Love Stories of the American Revolution.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2016
30 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Cole
42 books6,415 followersAlyssa Cole is an award-winning author of historical, contemporary, and sci-fi romance. Her Civil War-set espionage romance An Extraordinary Union was the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award’s Best Book of 2017 and the American Library Association’s RUSA Best Romance for 2018, and A Princess in Theory was one of the New York Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2018. She’s contributed to publications including Bustle, Shondaland, The Toast, Vulture, RT Book Reviews, and Heroes and Heartbreakers, and her books have received critical acclaim from The New York Times, Library Journal, BuzzFeed, Kirkus, Booklist, Jezebel, Vulture, Book Riot, Entertainment Weekly, and various other outlets. When she’s not working, she can usually be found watching anime or wrangling her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
August 22, 2022
4.5 stars!
“Be not afraid, my love,” he said, glancing up at her with hope and something much stronger burning in his eyes.”
This book was too short, and I desperately want more of Elijah & Kate. Just a couple slaves wanting to be free, and getting to that freedom. They’d been through so much in their lives. The ending was just perfect. It was after the war, they were in New York and free!
I am falling in love with Alyssa Cole’s words with each book that I read of her’s.
“She knew now that love could drag you under, but it could buoy you as well.”
“love wasn’t a static thing that you accepted and moved on from—it was wild like the ocean, with dips and swells that would always surprise her.”
“Be not afraid, my love,” he said, glancing up at her with hope and something much stronger burning in his eyes.”
This book was too short, and I desperately want more of Elijah & Kate. Just a couple slaves wanting to be free, and getting to that freedom. They’d been through so much in their lives. The ending was just perfect. It was after the war, they were in New York and free!
I am falling in love with Alyssa Cole’s words with each book that I read of her’s.
“She knew now that love could drag you under, but it could buoy you as well.”
“love wasn’t a static thing that you accepted and moved on from—it was wild like the ocean, with dips and swells that would always surprise her.”
January 22, 2025
2023 Fall Bingo (#FallInLoveBingo🍂): Black Love
Read via audio (narrated by Karen Chilton).
Read via audio (narrated by Karen Chilton).
March 5, 2022
3.5 stars. A quick read. it was interesting to see the American Revolutionary War through the eyes of slaves. A decent read, although it did suffer from the typical novella issues of all the action and romance being a bit rushed and compressed. Still, I enjoyed the read.
This was a March 2022 BOTM for HRBC - 'All's fair in love and war' theme.
This was a March 2022 BOTM for HRBC - 'All's fair in love and war' theme.
March 16, 2018
A deeply moving work full of visceral sorrows and the joy of a happy ending. Cole infuses her two main characters with such a vibrant realness.
This is, as you can probably tell from the subject matter and setting, not fluff. (In case you're seeing this review somewhere other than Goodreads: hero and heroine both seek to leave slavery, but his plan is to fight for the American side thereby winning his freedom from his American master, and her plan is to work for the British side because they made the same claim.) But it was such a pleasure to bear witness to the operatic nobility of her hero and heroine, strong Black people who have reacted to their past traumas with contrasting impulses of hope (him) and self-preservation (her.)
One of my favorite things about the story was that even though the heroine had completely walled herself off from thoughts of love and family because of her past losses, life found a way to gift a new path to both, back to her. I adore the idea that the light will shine even on the hopeless; too often do we parrot the destructive idea that we have to fake happiness in order to create it. I have lived otherwise.
My other favorite thing was how intensely sensual some of the sexy parts were, like when he's thinking about her towards the beginning of their relationship. I can imagine the kind of raw pleasure that would beam into his physically dingy circumstances.
And he's a kind man. There's a lovely scene where he comforts a dying soldier that it turns out he didn't even know. She helps. They bond.
I should have taken better notes so you'll have to rely on other reviews for adequate trigger warnings. What I do remember is that when they first meet, she's just killed a white walk-on in self-defense and that she's a survivor of past assault. Also, another Black woman dies in an accident on-screen. But yes, this story has a HEA.
(Also, this is very silly, but there's a choral piece with "Be Not Afraid" in the lyrics -- Mendelssohn's Elijah? -- and I had it in my head The. Entire. Time. I was reading this. But it's a Crispus Attucks quote.)
This is, as you can probably tell from the subject matter and setting, not fluff. (In case you're seeing this review somewhere other than Goodreads: hero and heroine both seek to leave slavery, but his plan is to fight for the American side thereby winning his freedom from his American master, and her plan is to work for the British side because they made the same claim.) But it was such a pleasure to bear witness to the operatic nobility of her hero and heroine, strong Black people who have reacted to their past traumas with contrasting impulses of hope (him) and self-preservation (her.)
One of my favorite things about the story was that even though the heroine had completely walled herself off from thoughts of love and family because of her past losses, life found a way to gift a new path to both, back to her. I adore the idea that the light will shine even on the hopeless; too often do we parrot the destructive idea that we have to fake happiness in order to create it. I have lived otherwise.
My other favorite thing was how intensely sensual some of the sexy parts were, like when he's thinking about her towards the beginning of their relationship. I can imagine the kind of raw pleasure that would beam into his physically dingy circumstances.
And he's a kind man. There's a lovely scene where he comforts a dying soldier that it turns out he didn't even know. She helps. They bond.
I should have taken better notes so you'll have to rely on other reviews for adequate trigger warnings. What I do remember is that when they first meet, she's just killed a white walk-on in self-defense and that she's a survivor of past assault. Also, another Black woman dies in an accident on-screen. But yes, this story has a HEA.
(Also, this is very silly, but there's a choral piece with "Be Not Afraid" in the lyrics -- Mendelssohn's Elijah? -- and I had it in my head The. Entire. Time. I was reading this. But it's a Crispus Attucks quote.)
May 30, 2020
Alyssa Cole has the ability to bring substantive themes to her romance and this novella is no different. Be Not Afraid is set during the American Revolutionary war and explores the complicated state of Black people during that time. Elijah Sutton is fighting as a Patriot in hopes of gaining his freedom while Kate is working for the British soldiers in exchange for her freedom, wanting nothing to do with the country that facilitated her abuse. But when Elijah meets Kate and is captured by the British, their love might break down walls.
This was definitely not a light story, but it was a beautiful one, proving that love can prevail even through the darkest of circumstances. If you need trigger/content warnings, you should check out the list below because there are a number of them. That said, I thought this love story was beautiful and appreciate the education you get along the way.
CW include slavery, discussions of beatings of slaves, racism, violent loss of a child, a scene of attempted sexual assault (not the hero) and discussions of past sexual abuse by a slave master, death, mistreatment of prisoners, wartime violence.
This was definitely not a light story, but it was a beautiful one, proving that love can prevail even through the darkest of circumstances. If you need trigger/content warnings, you should check out the list below because there are a number of them. That said, I thought this love story was beautiful and appreciate the education you get along the way.
CW include slavery, discussions of beatings of slaves, racism, violent loss of a child, a scene of attempted sexual assault (not the hero) and discussions of past sexual abuse by a slave master, death, mistreatment of prisoners, wartime violence.
February 18, 2017
I don't really know what to say about this because it was way too short for me to develop any real feelings about it or towards the characters. It was super instalovey, no denying that. I think that kind of took away from the romance, which had an overall effect on the story, because that's the main aspect of it. Even the characters themselves all felt rather flat to me. Kate had some personality, but Elijah didn't feel like he did at all. He was just kind of there. (They both were, but him most of all.) Sure, I knew parts of their pasts and histories, but I never really got to know them. And maybe that's why I didn't find their story all that amazing. I never really felt like I connected with the characters or the story.
The thing that annoyed me of the most, though, had to do with a minor character. Lettie.
The writing wasn't awful, nor was there anything that really offended or angered me. For that reason, I will be trying other books by Cole. This book wasn't horrible, but I'd recommend not going in with super high expectations or with the hope of a tale of epic proportions or anything.
The thing that annoyed me of the most, though, had to do with a minor character. Lettie.
The writing wasn't awful, nor was there anything that really offended or angered me. For that reason, I will be trying other books by Cole. This book wasn't horrible, but I'd recommend not going in with super high expectations or with the hope of a tale of epic proportions or anything.
February 13, 2019
Well, I know what all the fuss is about when it comes to Alyssa Cole (I'm behind, I know). I loved this book so freaking much.
February 7, 2016
Compelling read
From the get go this story had me compelled and anxious to see how it would all turn out. Although short it packs quite a punch and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
From the get go this story had me compelled and anxious to see how it would all turn out. Although short it packs quite a punch and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
Read
February 8, 2016Lovely romance set in the Revolutionary War. Elijah is fighting for the Colonials and his promised freedom; Kate is siding with the British because she doesn't think America will ever offer her anything. The backstory is sketched in with great skill: it's horrific but not dwelled on. Short but highly satisfying read.
Also, the cover. /heart eyes/
Also, the cover. /heart eyes/
March 17, 2017
“She’d been wary of love before Elijah, and still was in many ways. One thing she hadn’t realized when she’d stopped trying to evade the emotion was that love wasn’t a static thing that you accepted and moved on from---it was wild like the ocean, with dips and swells that would always surprise her. That, even after all this time, a few simple words from Elijah could have joy sprout up in her fast and strong, like a sapling stretching toward the sunlight. She hadn’t realized he could make her fall in love with him every day, and that she’d enjoy falling.”
Be Not Afraid was one of those rare novellas that are filled with such emotional depth and fully developed characters that you end up forgetting it’s only so many pages long. Now obviously I would have loved for this to have been a full length novel, but considering what was presented and in the way it was presented…WOW. Alyssa Cole is another new to me author who will definitely be added to my ever growing favs list.
Set in Brooklyn, New York during the Revolutionary War (a sadly ill explored era in historical romance), our hero and heroine have each chosen a side in the ongoing conflict. Elijah has decided to take up with the Continentals as he considers America his now homeland worth and thereby worth fighting for, while Kate has aligned herself with the British on their oath to free her from slavery once the war is over. That’s what it all came down to really: freedom. And though their paths to that long awaited dream would appear to drive a permanent wedge between them, Alyssa Cole was able to believably convey Elijah and Kate’s complicated and just reasons for why they chose the side they did. It was both fascinating, heartbreaking and oh so real.
I loved Elijah. He was full of hope and optimism for the future, even though past experiences and Kate told him it was a fool’s cause to be so, he never once wavered in his unshakable resolve. His gentleness and kind heart would melt any icy exterior, even Kate’s as it turns out. Kate was completely the opposite of Elijah, as her viewpoint was set firmly in pessimism and bitterness. A spine of steel, but a heart of glass, Kate was a sad, but beautiful contradiction. On one hand, she refused to trust anyone, which wasn’t much of a surprise given all that she had been through, and yet she found she couldn’t close herself off completely. When it came to Elijah, and later little Charlotte especially, she almost felt too much and it frightened her because feeling led to suffering. It seemed Kate and Elijah had every reason to believe that they were just not meant to be, but their souls knew better: they were one and the same. And together, they realized that they could weather any storm because they had each other to fight for and come home to after everything was said and done. I’m getting all teary-eyed just thinking about it, apologies, but these two really got to me..
The romance was obviously very brief given the word count and all, but I don’t think anyone can deny that what Elijah and Kate had went well beyond the simple. They found hope in each other and love followed naturally, if quickly, thereafter. I as the reader meanwhile wanted their HEA more than anything else so I’d say, mission accomplished Ms. Cole. AND OH MY GOSH CAN I SCREAM A LITTLE ABOUT THAT LOVE SCENE IN THE WOODS AND THE ACHINGLY SWEET EPILOGUE???? ALL THE FEELS Y’ALL, ALL. OF. THE. FEEEEEEELS.
January 9, 2019
I was lucky enough to notice this in the Audible Romance Package. I've read a couple of Cole's historical romances and really enjoyed them so finding this one, which I hadn't previously been aware of, was a treat. Unlike the other histroms I've read by Cole, this one is set in the Revolutionary War, not the American Civil War. The hero is an American soldier and the heroine is a Loyalist who has been promised her freedom by the British. Even though this book is short, the conflict is ample and we get to know the characters well. I also thought it resolved satisfactorily and didn't feel rushed at all. It was helped by an epilogue that takes place three years after the war. Highly recommend this short listen.
December 30, 2019
I love the history covered - how often do we hear about the role of slaves in the Revolutionary War? - but as a love story I wanted something longer and more fleshed out. Short novellas can be perfect for part of a romance, such as friends to lovers, or meet cute to 'let's date seriously'. First meeting to you're the only one for me? Not so much.
July 3, 2020
Rep:
Black hero, Black heroine.
TW/CW:
Violence, war, slavery, grief, rape attempt, murder, racial slurs, mentions of past rape, death, loss of child.
This wasn’t bad at all but I would’ve like to see more action within the plot, as well as more chemistry between the characters.
Black hero, Black heroine.
TW/CW:
Violence, war, slavery, grief, rape attempt, murder, racial slurs, mentions of past rape, death, loss of child.
This wasn’t bad at all but I would’ve like to see more action within the plot, as well as more chemistry between the characters.
July 1, 2022
A short novella - which I’ll be honest, bought because of the cover. I knew nothing about the book so I was surprised to get a pretty serious story set during the US War of Independence. Our hero is on the side of the US and our heroine was on the British side which set up a natural conflict which I don't think a novella length could do full justice.
It was very interesting to see the reference to Patriot African Americans and a reminder of the rich history that we do not get to see in media. That historical interest made this book worth picking up for me - which is why I like reading diverse books for me because it provides the spark to do more research.
However, as a romance this was less successful for me given the length of the novella. The book was more interested in discussing the merit of the American vs. British causes - which made sense for the couple since it literally meant deciding which side of the war would potentially let them be free. Unfortunately, it made less sense as a romance as I was not clear as to how or why these two people fell in love (lust yes - I mean look at that cover - but love?)
Also, as a non-American the ramming of the US view of the war was amusing and not particularly fun for me. It felt more like blinkers more than a genuine exploration of politics in fiction. I wasn’t particularly invested in either outcome in the story and without the American context / baggage (?) it left me kind of un-invested in the story.
I chalk most of my problems to the novella length because Ms Cole’s writing is clear and has a good voice. The novella was “cute” for what it was but too short to be meaningful or emotional for me. Pleasant read and more interesting for the portrayal of an underrepresented time period in romance (from my reading's perspective). I will say I would definitely read a full length version of this novel or any starring the hero. He was a great character, driven but hopeful - I would have loved to follow him on his adventures instead of the romance itself.
So 2 stars for the book - it was fine and 1 cheat star added for Elijah.
It was very interesting to see the reference to Patriot African Americans and a reminder of the rich history that we do not get to see in media. That historical interest made this book worth picking up for me - which is why I like reading diverse books for me because it provides the spark to do more research.
However, as a romance this was less successful for me given the length of the novella. The book was more interested in discussing the merit of the American vs. British causes - which made sense for the couple since it literally meant deciding which side of the war would potentially let them be free. Unfortunately, it made less sense as a romance as I was not clear as to how or why these two people fell in love (lust yes - I mean look at that cover - but love?)
Also, as a non-American the ramming of the US view of the war was amusing and not particularly fun for me. It felt more like blinkers more than a genuine exploration of politics in fiction. I wasn’t particularly invested in either outcome in the story and without the American context / baggage (?) it left me kind of un-invested in the story.
I chalk most of my problems to the novella length because Ms Cole’s writing is clear and has a good voice. The novella was “cute” for what it was but too short to be meaningful or emotional for me. Pleasant read and more interesting for the portrayal of an underrepresented time period in romance (from my reading's perspective). I will say I would definitely read a full length version of this novel or any starring the hero. He was a great character, driven but hopeful - I would have loved to follow him on his adventures instead of the romance itself.
So 2 stars for the book - it was fine and 1 cheat star added for Elijah.
February 16, 2016
In this short novella that is probably more of a novelette, Alyssa Cole tells a Revolutionary War romance unlike your typical Revolutionary War romances because, my God, it's about black people! It's a fascinating look at the time, showing the conflict between Elijah, a Patriot and soldier who fights for the same men who enslaved him, and Kate, a woman who scoffs at his idealistic hypocrisy and points to the British who promise to free them. They meet under unusual circumstances and learn who each other is through their actions; in a reversal of usual gender tropes, Kate is introduced as a fighter and Elijah is shown to be a tender caregiver. Their romance is swift but believable in the sense that it feels like neither one has ever met someone like the other, and they cling to each other in these troubled times. For such a short piece, I got rather attached to these characters and I wish them all the best.
Read
July 19, 2018Reason #1739002 I want a time machine: so I can fast-forward to the time when Alyssa Cole has a gigantic backlist of historical novellas for me to glom. She packs a lot of emotion (and history) into these short works, but even with the high-stakes and high-tension of this one (she's a post-Dunmore proclamation Loyalist camp follower! he's a Patriot fighting in his owner's place, with the promise of freedom after the war--only now he's been taken prisoner!), things didn't get melodramatic, and Cole focused really engagingly on two people being kind and strong and opening themselves up to one another.
November 12, 2019
This was exceptionally well done.
A romance story featuring the recently enslaved during the US War for Independence from Britain.
We commonly refer to this as a revolution but really it's more of a civil war.
Anyway, well done.
A romance story featuring the recently enslaved during the US War for Independence from Britain.
We commonly refer to this as a revolution but really it's more of a civil war.
Anyway, well done.
February 7, 2016
Too short - but for what we get in this novella - it's engaging with a good romance.
Wish it was loooooooonger :)
Full review coming
Wish it was loooooooonger :)
Full review coming
December 28, 2018
Between 4 and 5 stars. This novella has been on my TBR list for a couple of years, and I'm so glad I finally read it. It's a very straightforward story, and I found the happy ending really heartwarming. I have not read many books set during the Revolutionary War, so I liked the novelty of that. I was surprised at how easy it was for me to get caught up in Elijah's idealism about the promise of America.
My only criticism is that the writing style is a little bit stilted, which took me out of the story a few times. But I haven't noticed that problem in this author's other work at all, so maybe this was one of her first published stories, or maybe I'm just grumpy.
Overall, this is a good and comforting read.
My only criticism is that the writing style is a little bit stilted, which took me out of the story a few times. But I haven't noticed that problem in this author's other work at all, so maybe this was one of her first published stories, or maybe I'm just grumpy.
Overall, this is a good and comforting read.
June 9, 2020
I thought it was a good story. The situations the protagonists were in in their present time and had been in in their pasts were grim, but I felt that was very realistic for enslaved and formerly enslaved characters during a war. The historical events seemed fairly accurate to me, from what I remember of Revolutionary War history. There was a little bit of anachronistic language that I noticed, like the use of "okay," for instance. While I'll sort of forgive that in quasi-historical fantasy or steampunk settings, I have more trouble with that in straightforwardly historical stories. I hold authors of historical fiction to high standards. Maybe it's not fair, but it's how I am. I'm sure Ms. Cole did a lot of research, and especially into the details about some of America's Founding Fathers being slaveholders, which gets elided in many factual history books.
September 28, 2017
Tightly written historical romance with a satisfying balance of romance and history. Elijah and Kate, both enslaved, seek different paths to freedom: he, by fighting in his master's stead, and she by aligning with the British. When a chance encounter brings them together, they must find middle ground, to save themselves and those who depend upon them, as danger mounts.
Alyssa Cole brings the world of the American Revolution to vivid life with two strong characters who each have plausible reasons for their differing views, and discuss rather than argue, all while grappling with the risk that comes with trusting their hearts.
Alyssa Cole brings the world of the American Revolution to vivid life with two strong characters who each have plausible reasons for their differing views, and discuss rather than argue, all while grappling with the risk that comes with trusting their hearts.
January 6, 2019
This is one of those novellas that I wish were a full length novel so that I would have had more time to spend with the characters to develop more of a connection with them. I definitely don't think this is as strong as Cole's novella in Hamilton's Battalion, but I love the way she shines light on people ignored by the people who wrote the history books I used in school. Also, the older I get the more I want a full, in depth explainer of how our international relations got us from the Revolutionary War to Britain being one of our closest allies. (That word looks wrong, is it wrong? Idk.) Anyway, I'm going to stop rambling now. If this is your first Alyssa Cole, don't let it be your last!
August 13, 2019
I read this for an American Revolution aspect of a challenge, and I have to admit, it really had me thinking! I liked how it detailed each of their motivations for their decisions, and have to say the story had me really enraptured from the get go. I found it easy to connect with Elijah and Kate, and enjoyed most of their romance. It was a bit insta-lovey for me, a trope I strongly dislike in romance, but due to the shortened nature of the book, I understood it. I would highly recommend this for an Independence Day read!
July 25, 2019
3.5 - historically ground and refreshing perspective.
January 31, 2021
Rep: Black mcs
CWs: descriptions of slavery, implied past rape
CWs: descriptions of slavery, implied past rape
March 29, 2022
Quick but lovely novella!
December 26, 2018
I found this book to be quite interesting. It is an African-American romance, but from the point of view of a runaway slave and a slave who agreed to take his master's place in order for him to gain his freedom and land. Although out of all great tragedy there will be romance, in a few in parts of this story, I said to myself, "That would never have happened". I would recommend this book to someone who would like to read/ listen to something different.
July 24, 2017
4 Stars
Why I Read It...
I have been wanting to read an Alyssa Cole book for awhile and also am continuing my efforts to read historical romances that are not set in Regency/Victorian England. So, when it came time to pick a book to start off the 2017 TBR Challenge with the January theme of Short Shorts, I decided to give Be Not Afraid a try and I was not disappointed.
What I Liked About It...
1. I have always been into the American Revolution as a time period so the setting automatically grabbed my attention. I thought the idea of having the protagonists be on opposing sides of the conflict due to their individual beliefs on who could offer them a better life out of slavery was a unique and important aspect. I knew a little about the various promises the British and the Patriots gave to slaves during the war, but really felt like I came away from this book knowing more and wanting to know more.
2. Elijah was such a sweet guy! He has been through a lot in his life as a slave, but, somehow, maintained a gentle personality that paired well with his protective instincts. I liked reading about his convictions and also that he was willing to rethink them when he was presented with other ideas. It is always great to read about stand-up heroes in difficult situations who definitely deserve their happy ending.
3. Kate was the pricklier side of the romance, but that doesn't mean I didn't like her. Her life has been difficult and she learned to survive by shutting her emotions out. I admired her ability to keep going after the tragedy she suffered while trying to run away years ago. Like Elijah, she had strong opinions about who would provide her with the best opportunity to succeed after the war. It took some coaxing, but she also showed that she was intelligent enough to rethink her ideas when presented with evidence to the contrary.
4. The romance was full of tension, but also had plenty of sweet moments. With Elijah and Kate being on different sides, there was a forbidden aspect that amped up the drama which I liked. I enjoyed reading about their conversations and how much they respected one another. It became obvious how much they wanted to rely on the other for happiness and I spent much of the book wondering how they would get their happily ever after which is always a good sign for me.
What I Disliked About It...
1. The only thing I didn't care for regarding Be Not Afraid was the page length. It is pretty short and has a lot to pack into those few pages. I thought Alyssa Cole did a good job with the pacing early on and towards the end. I did feel like the middle part was out of place especially when the story jumped forward in time. I think that time was important to the development of the romance and I would have enjoyed seeing more of it.
Would I Recommend It...
I definitely would recommend Be Not Afraid to readers who want a different type of historical romance and an introduction to Alyssa Cole's writing. I definitely want to read more of her backlist and I am happy that this was my first experience.
Why I Read It...
I have been wanting to read an Alyssa Cole book for awhile and also am continuing my efforts to read historical romances that are not set in Regency/Victorian England. So, when it came time to pick a book to start off the 2017 TBR Challenge with the January theme of Short Shorts, I decided to give Be Not Afraid a try and I was not disappointed.
What I Liked About It...
1. I have always been into the American Revolution as a time period so the setting automatically grabbed my attention. I thought the idea of having the protagonists be on opposing sides of the conflict due to their individual beliefs on who could offer them a better life out of slavery was a unique and important aspect. I knew a little about the various promises the British and the Patriots gave to slaves during the war, but really felt like I came away from this book knowing more and wanting to know more.
2. Elijah was such a sweet guy! He has been through a lot in his life as a slave, but, somehow, maintained a gentle personality that paired well with his protective instincts. I liked reading about his convictions and also that he was willing to rethink them when he was presented with other ideas. It is always great to read about stand-up heroes in difficult situations who definitely deserve their happy ending.
3. Kate was the pricklier side of the romance, but that doesn't mean I didn't like her. Her life has been difficult and she learned to survive by shutting her emotions out. I admired her ability to keep going after the tragedy she suffered while trying to run away years ago. Like Elijah, she had strong opinions about who would provide her with the best opportunity to succeed after the war. It took some coaxing, but she also showed that she was intelligent enough to rethink her ideas when presented with evidence to the contrary.
4. The romance was full of tension, but also had plenty of sweet moments. With Elijah and Kate being on different sides, there was a forbidden aspect that amped up the drama which I liked. I enjoyed reading about their conversations and how much they respected one another. It became obvious how much they wanted to rely on the other for happiness and I spent much of the book wondering how they would get their happily ever after which is always a good sign for me.
What I Disliked About It...
1. The only thing I didn't care for regarding Be Not Afraid was the page length. It is pretty short and has a lot to pack into those few pages. I thought Alyssa Cole did a good job with the pacing early on and towards the end. I did feel like the middle part was out of place especially when the story jumped forward in time. I think that time was important to the development of the romance and I would have enjoyed seeing more of it.
Would I Recommend It...
I definitely would recommend Be Not Afraid to readers who want a different type of historical romance and an introduction to Alyssa Cole's writing. I definitely want to read more of her backlist and I am happy that this was my first experience.
May 8, 2020
This is another of Alyssa Cole’s novellas, with the audiobook available on Audible Escape. Be Not Afraid takes place during the Revolutionary War. It’s one of those condensed stories that takes place over a few days.
In exchange for fighting in his slave-owner’s stead, gifted horse-trainer Elijah Sutton gets freedom and the land and lifestock to start his own horse farm. Kate, and a number of other formerly enslaved people are helping the British in exchange for their freedom and a potentially better life in Britain once the war is over.
Captured by the British after attempting to help Kate, who’s been lured into the forest by an amoral British officer with rape on his mind (don’t worry, Kate defends herself rather lethally), Elijah rally’s the other captured soldiers and plans an escape. He and Kate are thrown together, sparks fly, and they each try to convert the other to their cause.
Elijah recognizes the problems and hypocrisy of the fledgling USA, but believes in the ideals of the Constitution and feels he can do more in the fight for freedom and equality if he stays. Kate initially thinks the USA is a lost cause, but will Elijah change her mind? She’s not just concerned for herself, she’s also responsible for the orphaned daughter of a friend, so she has more than her own future to contemplate.
This is a wartime story that gives a taste of life in 1776, so there’s some violence, both war and slavery related, there’s attempted rape, murder as self-defense, violent accidental death (Kates’s friend is trampled by a freaked out horse), poor prison camp conditions, racism, sexism and illness. It’s frank without being overwhelming. There’s also a great escape scene, a fair amount of sexual tension and some steamy sex on the page.
I highly recommend this excellent novella!
In exchange for fighting in his slave-owner’s stead, gifted horse-trainer Elijah Sutton gets freedom and the land and lifestock to start his own horse farm. Kate, and a number of other formerly enslaved people are helping the British in exchange for their freedom and a potentially better life in Britain once the war is over.
Captured by the British after attempting to help Kate, who’s been lured into the forest by an amoral British officer with rape on his mind (don’t worry, Kate defends herself rather lethally), Elijah rally’s the other captured soldiers and plans an escape. He and Kate are thrown together, sparks fly, and they each try to convert the other to their cause.
Elijah recognizes the problems and hypocrisy of the fledgling USA, but believes in the ideals of the Constitution and feels he can do more in the fight for freedom and equality if he stays. Kate initially thinks the USA is a lost cause, but will Elijah change her mind? She’s not just concerned for herself, she’s also responsible for the orphaned daughter of a friend, so she has more than her own future to contemplate.
This is a wartime story that gives a taste of life in 1776, so there’s some violence, both war and slavery related, there’s attempted rape, murder as self-defense, violent accidental death (Kates’s friend is trampled by a freaked out horse), poor prison camp conditions, racism, sexism and illness. It’s frank without being overwhelming. There’s also a great escape scene, a fair amount of sexual tension and some steamy sex on the page.
I highly recommend this excellent novella!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2019
Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge 2019
Task #16 A historical romance by an author of color
I am not a fan of romance. At all. But if I have to read romance, Alyssa Cole is a good writer who creates believable historic scenarios. Yes, the typical “engorged members” make an appearance, but, since it’s a novella, they only appear briefly.
Task #16 A historical romance by an author of color
I am not a fan of romance. At all. But if I have to read romance, Alyssa Cole is a good writer who creates believable historic scenarios. Yes, the typical “engorged members” make an appearance, but, since it’s a novella, they only appear briefly.
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