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Dissent
1571. France is in stasis. The peace struck after the latest War of Religion between Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots) is fragile and desperately needs more support to sustain it. The monarchy proposes a royal wedding joining a Catholic princess to a Huguenot prince as the needed bulwark. Negotiations are set in motion. All is good. Or so it appears.
On another front, France has fallen far behind other European nations in its quest to expand its empire overseas. Expenditures from civil wars have sapped her coffers, her energy and have stunted her economic dreams.
Could another marriage remedy the problem by mixing religious unity with the possibility of increased commerce?
Enter Awa, the daughter of a visiting, Roman Catholic, Wolof diplomat from the elite ranks of the Jolof Kingdom in West Africa. She embodies the best of her land in her manner and in her education. She is dutiful, proud, and respectful of her family, but after living a portion of her formative years at the French court, she has become outspoken and a tad willful.
Enter Blaise, the nephew of the most powerful leader of the Huguenot faction in the country. An aristocrat. Learned. Traveled. Haunted. Ladies’ man. Rarely sees a sunrise, unless he is going to bed at that hour. He abhors responsibility of any kind. And Catholics.
Two persons of noble lineage. Strangers. Foes. Pawns. Allies? Lovers?
If Awa and Blaise can cease fighting long enough, could their marriage quell domestic unrest, bring riches and stability to France, but most importantly deliver true love to them before the realm implodes over religious matters again?
On another front, France has fallen far behind other European nations in its quest to expand its empire overseas. Expenditures from civil wars have sapped her coffers, her energy and have stunted her economic dreams.
Could another marriage remedy the problem by mixing religious unity with the possibility of increased commerce?
Enter Awa, the daughter of a visiting, Roman Catholic, Wolof diplomat from the elite ranks of the Jolof Kingdom in West Africa. She embodies the best of her land in her manner and in her education. She is dutiful, proud, and respectful of her family, but after living a portion of her formative years at the French court, she has become outspoken and a tad willful.
Enter Blaise, the nephew of the most powerful leader of the Huguenot faction in the country. An aristocrat. Learned. Traveled. Haunted. Ladies’ man. Rarely sees a sunrise, unless he is going to bed at that hour. He abhors responsibility of any kind. And Catholics.
Two persons of noble lineage. Strangers. Foes. Pawns. Allies? Lovers?
If Awa and Blaise can cease fighting long enough, could their marriage quell domestic unrest, bring riches and stability to France, but most importantly deliver true love to them before the realm implodes over religious matters again?
- GenresRomance
ebook
Published November 15, 2016
2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Dean
11 books9 followersP. J. Dean has always loved making up stories for as long as she can recall. Fiction book writing was a no-brainer. Scribbling stories since childhood, she put away the thought of becoming a published writer as she got older and as life’s responsibilities beckoned. Work, ill family members and other distractions of lesser urgency stayed her dream. But through it all she never stopped writing. Writing was her escape. It kept her dream alive. After a job loss and after the family illnesses ended, she concentrated on writing with an aim to be published. She finally did, at first on her own, then through an early e-pub and now with Extasy Books. She thanks Extasy for picking her up. The publisher has given her the freedom to create what she wants without pigeon-holing her into writing in a certain way, as many traditional Big Five publishers expected her to do.
She writes historical and paranormal romances with diverse characters. Her interest in history coupled with a B.A in French Civilization helped her write her first book, a historical romance set in late 16th century France with the court of Charles IX as the backdrop. The need to see people of color in more romance books led her to create her own paranormal romance series with an interracial duo and lots of different people. In addition to the aliens.
She hails from the mid-Atlantic USA and enjoys the change of seasons there. Sometimes. When heavy thunderstorms or 45-inch snowstorms or 100-degree summers with matching humidity hit, she dreams of Bermuda. Otherwise, the rest works for her.
She writes historical and paranormal romances with diverse characters. Her interest in history coupled with a B.A in French Civilization helped her write her first book, a historical romance set in late 16th century France with the court of Charles IX as the backdrop. The need to see people of color in more romance books led her to create her own paranormal romance series with an interracial duo and lots of different people. In addition to the aliens.
She hails from the mid-Atlantic USA and enjoys the change of seasons there. Sometimes. When heavy thunderstorms or 45-inch snowstorms or 100-degree summers with matching humidity hit, she dreams of Bermuda. Otherwise, the rest works for her.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 2, 2019
This is the first time I have reviewed in the genre of romance. I have always enjoyed reading love stories, but since becoming a mom, I find my bookshelves (and time) filled with picture books instead. After this indulgent read, though, I know I need to make time for myself. I so looked forward to bedtime, after the baby was down, and I could be swept up in Awa and Blaise’s journey.
When the author, P.J. Dean, sent me a blurb, I was instantly hooked on this novel’s concept. It. Is. So. Unique! I was quite backlogged on other review requests, but finally, I got around to breaking into this genre. It felt like coming home. The heart-pulls, shared excitement, blush-worthy moments, crestfallen characters. . . all the twists and turns of a great emotional roller coaster . . . this story is chock-full of them.
I use the term “chock-full” because it is a very long read, which is pretty atypical of a romance book. I was fine with that, though. It is a historical romance, and Dean paints a very detailed backdrop of 1500s France (and Africa). The cast of characters is large, too, but all of their rolls are important to drive the plot.
The length is not the only atypical feature of Dissent. The premise is founded on an African woman in an arranged marriage with a protestant Frenchman (when Catholicism was the majority religion). You don’t see that match-up very often in romances, do you? When you read this book, though, it is very evident that Dean did her research. The setting is intricately described all the way down to the renaissance era’s politics, phraseology, etiquette, clothing, foods, and other tidbits of culture. Bravo!
All in all, a good book. Thanks for sending it my way, Ms. Dean! I wish other authors would change things up and break down the usual cliches of the genre. It makes for an exquisite read!
When the author, P.J. Dean, sent me a blurb, I was instantly hooked on this novel’s concept. It. Is. So. Unique! I was quite backlogged on other review requests, but finally, I got around to breaking into this genre. It felt like coming home. The heart-pulls, shared excitement, blush-worthy moments, crestfallen characters. . . all the twists and turns of a great emotional roller coaster . . . this story is chock-full of them.
I use the term “chock-full” because it is a very long read, which is pretty atypical of a romance book. I was fine with that, though. It is a historical romance, and Dean paints a very detailed backdrop of 1500s France (and Africa). The cast of characters is large, too, but all of their rolls are important to drive the plot.
The length is not the only atypical feature of Dissent. The premise is founded on an African woman in an arranged marriage with a protestant Frenchman (when Catholicism was the majority religion). You don’t see that match-up very often in romances, do you? When you read this book, though, it is very evident that Dean did her research. The setting is intricately described all the way down to the renaissance era’s politics, phraseology, etiquette, clothing, foods, and other tidbits of culture. Bravo!
All in all, a good book. Thanks for sending it my way, Ms. Dean! I wish other authors would change things up and break down the usual cliches of the genre. It makes for an exquisite read!
August 11, 2017
Dissent
I don't know what to say about this story; I'm torn. It was not bad, it was actually intriguing and captivating. But I felt that the author bombarded us readers with too much unnecessary detail. I found myself skipping pages so I could get to the meat of the story. I could care less about Catherine and Charles, I wanted, no I needed, to know about Awa and Blaise.
They keep me glued to this story. They frustrated me, angered me, made me smile, and at times, they made me want to cry. Awa had to grow on me, her stubbornness made me want to strangle her. But I enjoyed Blaise the moment that he graced the pages. He was humorous, gentle, and charming.
I will admit that the palace shenanigans made the story flavorful, and I couldn't wait to see how all of it would affect Blaise and Awa. So I would give this story 4 stars, and I hope that the author decides to write a story about Louise. I think she deserve some happiness after all that sorrow. And I was hoping it would be Babacar.
I don't know what to say about this story; I'm torn. It was not bad, it was actually intriguing and captivating. But I felt that the author bombarded us readers with too much unnecessary detail. I found myself skipping pages so I could get to the meat of the story. I could care less about Catherine and Charles, I wanted, no I needed, to know about Awa and Blaise.
They keep me glued to this story. They frustrated me, angered me, made me smile, and at times, they made me want to cry. Awa had to grow on me, her stubbornness made me want to strangle her. But I enjoyed Blaise the moment that he graced the pages. He was humorous, gentle, and charming.
I will admit that the palace shenanigans made the story flavorful, and I couldn't wait to see how all of it would affect Blaise and Awa. So I would give this story 4 stars, and I hope that the author decides to write a story about Louise. I think she deserve some happiness after all that sorrow. And I was hoping it would be Babacar.
September 25, 2021
I think I would've liked this novel better if Awa isn't a spoiled or sheltered brat. She thinks of the situation with naivete. Instead of thinking with a head like everyone does, she thinks with her horny hormones, especially during confrontation with Rene.
To be honest, I have nothing against spoiled brat trope of a character as long as I see the development and growth, you know, like Whitney from A Different World. (I love Whitney from A Different World, just FYI). Awa is just absolutely childish and sophomoric.
I must admit, this may be the first time that I am so frustrated with a female protagonist. I like the family better than Awa. Even Babacar with 0 character development.
Set aside that, I feel that there is lack of development for secondary characters like Awa's brother, Babacar. While the readers like me know about the motivation and development of Lord Yoro and Rama, there is barely any development or motivation about Babacar, other than he is interested in black servant during a conversation and nothing after that. Also, it's very strange that Babacar isn't there to comfort Awa prior to her arrange marriage with Blaise. You would think that a brother would be there to comfort the sister, but no, there is nothing happening.
I know this is the intention of PJ Jean, but it would've saved alot of troubles in storyline
To be honest, I have nothing against spoiled brat trope of a character as long as I see the development and growth, you know, like Whitney from A Different World. (I love Whitney from A Different World, just FYI). Awa is just absolutely childish and sophomoric.
I must admit, this may be the first time that I am so frustrated with a female protagonist. I like the family better than Awa. Even Babacar with 0 character development.
Set aside that, I feel that there is lack of development for secondary characters like Awa's brother, Babacar. While the readers like me know about the motivation and development of Lord Yoro and Rama, there is barely any development or motivation about Babacar, other than he is interested in black servant during a conversation and nothing after that. Also, it's very strange that Babacar isn't there to comfort Awa prior to her arrange marriage with Blaise. You would think that a brother would be there to comfort the sister, but no, there is nothing happening.
I know this is the intention of PJ Jean, but it would've saved alot of troubles in storyline
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews