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Love In the Jim Crow South
Would you sleep with the enemy?
In 1920’s Louisiana, love is a dangerous game.
Even talking to a white man could get Eva LaLaurie killed.
But the richest man in town has his eye on her.
He wants to dominate her...claim her...posess her.
She’s going to risk it all for love- and he better do the same.
But in Klan Country nothing’s ever just black and white...
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2017
304 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 3, 2017
The title piqued my curiosity, and I wasn't disappointed. I read this story thinking it would be another BWWM ridiculously unrealistic romance set in time where black folks would be killed for just looking at a white person. Well, this was some real shit all the way to the end of the second epilogue.
I loved how the author fused romance, racial tensions, and life for black folks in the Louisiana swamps back in the not-so-roaring '20s. The picture she paints is candid and unapologetic and made you root for Eva's happiness all the more. She was so much more than the object of affection for the rich and cultured Renard, who was taken with Eva at first sight. Eva was a savior, in many ways, to her people; a healer, the resident "doctor", and throughout the entire story, when she fell in love with this forbidden man, suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of a vengeful adversary, and witnessed her town burned to the ground by white supremacists, she never lost her passion for studying medicine and wanting to become a real doctor.
If you like a little history and culture with your romance, I do recommend this story. The only thing that kept me from giving it five stars was the passive voice narrative and some minor editing glitches, but other than that, it was a good read.
I loved how the author fused romance, racial tensions, and life for black folks in the Louisiana swamps back in the not-so-roaring '20s. The picture she paints is candid and unapologetic and made you root for Eva's happiness all the more. She was so much more than the object of affection for the rich and cultured Renard, who was taken with Eva at first sight. Eva was a savior, in many ways, to her people; a healer, the resident "doctor", and throughout the entire story, when she fell in love with this forbidden man, suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of a vengeful adversary, and witnessed her town burned to the ground by white supremacists, she never lost her passion for studying medicine and wanting to become a real doctor.
If you like a little history and culture with your romance, I do recommend this story. The only thing that kept me from giving it five stars was the passive voice narrative and some minor editing glitches, but other than that, it was a good read.
January 4, 2018
I don't know
It was okay not great it was really slow pace read but I wanted to make it to the end. And it didn't get better at all this just my opinion but this book was missing many elements that could have made it good. The main characters were okay nothing amazing really about them. It's too bad because I wanted to like this book but it was a miss for me.
It was okay not great it was really slow pace read but I wanted to make it to the end. And it didn't get better at all this just my opinion but this book was missing many elements that could have made it good. The main characters were okay nothing amazing really about them. It's too bad because I wanted to like this book but it was a miss for me.
December 3, 2017
3.75. Started off great. I liked the fact that Eva was a healer in the black community, and Renard was nursing a serious war injury that conventional medicine wasn't helping. The way they meet is believable and well written, and their journey to each other is great. Somewhere around the middle the story falters a bit. For me, there wasn't enough build up of the relationship for Eva to side with Renard over her people's advice, especially with everything that was going on. I totally understand people being in love and making illogical decisions, but I felt it took away from the story as Eva would just acquiesce at the strangest times. One minute she's mad and then the next it's like ok. The inclusion of Amelie (Renard's evil 'wife') was too much. The author just barely saved her from being an over the top caricature. Having Amelie do the things she did because she was 'bored' gave her no depth whatsoever, and it was a missed opportunity. At least the circumstances surrounding her birth were interesting.
All in all, this is an interesting, well written story, with great sex, but the romance suffered from the lack of build up, and I didn't feel as strongly as I could have about this couple....possibly until the second epilogue which just ended abruptly. I love that Sam and Henri were included in the end.
I would read more by this author though, as I think she is extremely talented.
All in all, this is an interesting, well written story, with great sex, but the romance suffered from the lack of build up, and I didn't feel as strongly as I could have about this couple....possibly until the second epilogue which just ended abruptly. I love that Sam and Henri were included in the end.
I would read more by this author though, as I think she is extremely talented.
November 19, 2018
Somehow I've made it My mission to read all of Kendra Queen's books this week, and yet again she hasn't disappointed. Eva is the healer of her little bayou town of Rou Cher. Anne goes about her days helping her community with the skills passed down to her by her mother. Regard is a wounded soldier, with the dissatisfaction for his current life and unhealthy peers, and a witch for a wife (who's tried to kill him). He is recommended to Eva's care.
A friendship and then love blossoms amidst the hatred and disapproval of the white citizens of Roy Cher. And danger looms as his ex-wife and her father threaten the black citizens of Rou Cher to acquire their rightfully owned land. A very entertaining read that brings a bit of charm to a reality mired in the ugliness of the Jim Crow erra.
A friendship and then love blossoms amidst the hatred and disapproval of the white citizens of Roy Cher. And danger looms as his ex-wife and her father threaten the black citizens of Rou Cher to acquire their rightfully owned land. A very entertaining read that brings a bit of charm to a reality mired in the ugliness of the Jim Crow erra.
December 8, 2020
I dont like the title of this book but the rest of It...DAMN! I LOVED It! Both the Hero and the heroine. I LOVE the descriptions, the details, slow paced but in a good way! This Wont be the last time I read something from Kendra Queen!
January 24, 2025
Wow, this book was so good! To be honest, I was kind of hesitant about reading this book because historical romance is not really my thing and then especially the setting but this book definitely proved me wrong. It was very well written. The story was so great. There was action romance, drama and spice, which is a winning combination. I highly recommend this book.
November 18, 2017
Great, great writing!
Beautifully written book with wonderful descriptive writing that kept me entranced from start to finish. I loved Eva and Renard's friendship that soon turned to love. This book was not only a history lesson, but it was full of life lessons for all of us. Great story, and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Beautifully written book with wonderful descriptive writing that kept me entranced from start to finish. I loved Eva and Renard's friendship that soon turned to love. This book was not only a history lesson, but it was full of life lessons for all of us. Great story, and I can't wait to read more from this author.
November 10, 2017
The. book was very interesting , how did s he get out that room the healer left her in and was her baby a slaves babg?
The book was very good reading my kind of reading like very much, but, how did she get out room and was her baby a slaves baby how did get to have a black baby?
The book was very good reading my kind of reading like very much, but, how did she get out room and was her baby a slaves baby how did get to have a black baby?
September 11, 2022
This was a heart wrenching read
As a descendant of a Creole mother from South Louisiana, what was written in this story could actually be a story from my family. Black families everywhere in the South lost land when others wanted it by any means necessary. The name of the quaint village Rue Cher is an oxymoron. The word cher/ chere (fem.) is a term of endearment meaning "dear" or "darling". There was nothing endearing about Rue Cher. The people of the village were at the mercy of the rich and poor whites of the area who were determined to get their lands. The land that the villagers worked hard to acquire for themselves and family.
With Eva and Renard, the heart wants what the heart wants. Eva was in a quandary about her relationship with Renard, especially after his ex-wife confronted and threatened her. Evil isn't rewarded for its deeds. Amelia, Gaspard, and cohorts got just what they deserved. They found out the hard way that karma is a beotch.
Renard and Eva desperately wanted a life where they could live openly but unfortunately, that would not be stateside. The land of the free is not so free. At least baby Henri gets to live a life with people who love him and not an evil witch for a mother.
As a descendant of a Creole mother from South Louisiana, what was written in this story could actually be a story from my family. Black families everywhere in the South lost land when others wanted it by any means necessary. The name of the quaint village Rue Cher is an oxymoron. The word cher/ chere (fem.) is a term of endearment meaning "dear" or "darling". There was nothing endearing about Rue Cher. The people of the village were at the mercy of the rich and poor whites of the area who were determined to get their lands. The land that the villagers worked hard to acquire for themselves and family.
With Eva and Renard, the heart wants what the heart wants. Eva was in a quandary about her relationship with Renard, especially after his ex-wife confronted and threatened her. Evil isn't rewarded for its deeds. Amelia, Gaspard, and cohorts got just what they deserved. They found out the hard way that karma is a beotch.
Renard and Eva desperately wanted a life where they could live openly but unfortunately, that would not be stateside. The land of the free is not so free. At least baby Henri gets to live a life with people who love him and not an evil witch for a mother.
December 2, 2019
An Honest to Goodness Love Story!
Oooh where do I begin?There was so much to love about this book.Renard was everything.I liked him immediately from the beginning and it just grew over the rest of the book.I liked Eva Lalaurie too and couldn't help but cheer for them from the sidelines to get their HEA.Now it wasn't easy,and not just because of race.This book had some honest to God villians lol.That ex wife and her daddy were just plain sinister and creepy as all get out.And what they did to the African American community of Rue Cher made me so mad I couldn't see straight.This book was fiction but I feel pretty certain what those thugs did to that community has happened in real life multiple times in the past.This was a really,really good book.I was sad when it ended.Also this author never disappoints with her Epilogues.Read it you seriously won't regret the time you spend in this book!
Oooh where do I begin?There was so much to love about this book.Renard was everything.I liked him immediately from the beginning and it just grew over the rest of the book.I liked Eva Lalaurie too and couldn't help but cheer for them from the sidelines to get their HEA.Now it wasn't easy,and not just because of race.This book had some honest to God villians lol.That ex wife and her daddy were just plain sinister and creepy as all get out.And what they did to the African American community of Rue Cher made me so mad I couldn't see straight.This book was fiction but I feel pretty certain what those thugs did to that community has happened in real life multiple times in the past.This was a really,really good book.I was sad when it ended.Also this author never disappoints with her Epilogues.Read it you seriously won't regret the time you spend in this book!
August 1, 2022
Decent
I cannot bring myself to mentally be present for a romance where folk are being k1lled and r@ped and by majority of whites, the concept of falling for a white man during that time at that location is preposterous to me but I kept reading. It's a decent story, with good literary the story however I'm boy a fan of. Both on premise of the times and in storyline. If I was living back then I wouldn't fathom looking upon a white man for fear not only of myself but my family. I get it's historical fiction but the notion of. Love conquering despite all that is foolish. The racism and barbarianism is driven in the book time and again yet the reader is supposed to believe Love could win. Mind u, Renard was the ONLY good white person on that town, come one. Mentally I can't. I want a historical fiction with a black female lead WITHOUT racism in the mix. I want an alternative historical fiction. I hope this helps, I will reason 1 more book from this author for a total of 3 bur so far I'm not impressed, maybe the writing isn't for me.
I cannot bring myself to mentally be present for a romance where folk are being k1lled and r@ped and by majority of whites, the concept of falling for a white man during that time at that location is preposterous to me but I kept reading. It's a decent story, with good literary the story however I'm boy a fan of. Both on premise of the times and in storyline. If I was living back then I wouldn't fathom looking upon a white man for fear not only of myself but my family. I get it's historical fiction but the notion of. Love conquering despite all that is foolish. The racism and barbarianism is driven in the book time and again yet the reader is supposed to believe Love could win. Mind u, Renard was the ONLY good white person on that town, come one. Mentally I can't. I want a historical fiction with a black female lead WITHOUT racism in the mix. I want an alternative historical fiction. I hope this helps, I will reason 1 more book from this author for a total of 3 bur so far I'm not impressed, maybe the writing isn't for me.
August 23, 2023
Real Love
This story of Renard and Eva is as old as time, forbidden love. Those stories rarely have a happy ending, primarily on written pages. It was quite pleasing to read. The author seemed to put every effort in trying to create an authentic experience for the readers. She touched on the incestuous nature of some prominent southern households, deep rooted superstitions, and the fact that sometimes other forces are in control. Additionally, racism was prevalent everywhere and money does not always make it better. However, in this story, money helped the main characters eventually succeed. Overall great read!
This story of Renard and Eva is as old as time, forbidden love. Those stories rarely have a happy ending, primarily on written pages. It was quite pleasing to read. The author seemed to put every effort in trying to create an authentic experience for the readers. She touched on the incestuous nature of some prominent southern households, deep rooted superstitions, and the fact that sometimes other forces are in control. Additionally, racism was prevalent everywhere and money does not always make it better. However, in this story, money helped the main characters eventually succeed. Overall great read!
September 14, 2018
Another Great Read
As usual Miss Queen has delivered a powerful novel that had me gasping with nervous anticipation in parts, full of twist and turns. Beautifully told, an intense read with heavy subject matter. Brilliantly detailed and developed with a great cast of memorable characters who are so real and honest with their emotions and more than anything it felt real. An amazing storyline that flows easily, captivated me from start to finish, I have no hesitation what so ever in reccomending this novel. A MUST read.
Thank you KQ 😁
As usual Miss Queen has delivered a powerful novel that had me gasping with nervous anticipation in parts, full of twist and turns. Beautifully told, an intense read with heavy subject matter. Brilliantly detailed and developed with a great cast of memorable characters who are so real and honest with their emotions and more than anything it felt real. An amazing storyline that flows easily, captivated me from start to finish, I have no hesitation what so ever in reccomending this novel. A MUST read.
Thank you KQ 😁
July 29, 2020
Surprising read
It wasn’t what I was expecting. In a good way. The hoodoo aspect was a familiar angle for me culturally. This book was descriptive and riveting. Some parts I questioned like: “does Amalie just stop being a conjure woman?” “Could these dummies be just a touch more discreet before these white folks burn everything?” And “They need need to hug Henri more”
Also, all I could think about was their timeline, they were edging up to the depression. The calm before the storm. But that’s just my mind wandering around the story. In my opinion a definite recommend.
It wasn’t what I was expecting. In a good way. The hoodoo aspect was a familiar angle for me culturally. This book was descriptive and riveting. Some parts I questioned like: “does Amalie just stop being a conjure woman?” “Could these dummies be just a touch more discreet before these white folks burn everything?” And “They need need to hug Henri more”
Also, all I could think about was their timeline, they were edging up to the depression. The calm before the storm. But that’s just my mind wandering around the story. In my opinion a definite recommend.
March 19, 2021
Interesting and thought provoking story
I was surprisingly drawn in by this story and my interest was unwavering. It was traumatic and realistic having read about similar events that happened during this time of history. I also enjoyed the mystical elements of Sam and Eva’s stories. Hated Amelie with a vengeance, how could she be so cruel to her own child. I think there was a bit of self hate there. A very compelling story and I particularly liked the fact that Eva and Reynard’s story was not smooth sailing once they left Louisiana.
I was surprisingly drawn in by this story and my interest was unwavering. It was traumatic and realistic having read about similar events that happened during this time of history. I also enjoyed the mystical elements of Sam and Eva’s stories. Hated Amelie with a vengeance, how could she be so cruel to her own child. I think there was a bit of self hate there. A very compelling story and I particularly liked the fact that Eva and Reynard’s story was not smooth sailing once they left Louisiana.
November 27, 2017
Enjoyable read
I enjoyed Eva and Renard story. Their love affair was doomed from the beginning but they fought hard for their happily ever after. There were in an interracial relationship in the 1920 in the deep South. They had many obstacles, but found a way. I would love to come back to this couple with another book maybe a few years into the future to see how they are doing.
I enjoyed Eva and Renard story. Their love affair was doomed from the beginning but they fought hard for their happily ever after. There were in an interracial relationship in the 1920 in the deep South. They had many obstacles, but found a way. I would love to come back to this couple with another book maybe a few years into the future to see how they are doing.
August 12, 2020
Amazing
I read one of Ms. Queen’s westerns, which I liked, but it did not prepare me for Love in the Jim Crow South. This book was so powerful, yet sweet. The depiction of race relations show how far we have come yet remind us of the work still needed. It is disheartening that they had to leave the US to live more openly together. I loved the ending but thought Amelia got off too easy.
I read one of Ms. Queen’s westerns, which I liked, but it did not prepare me for Love in the Jim Crow South. This book was so powerful, yet sweet. The depiction of race relations show how far we have come yet remind us of the work still needed. It is disheartening that they had to leave the US to live more openly together. I loved the ending but thought Amelia got off too easy.
April 10, 2022
Not what I was expecting. It was a romance, but dang it pulled no punches. There was no gloss over and unrealistic things that happened to the couple that normally these type of settings make for IR stories. A more realistic approach was taken. I thought Amelie’s character could have been flushed out more. It was an enjoyable read, but it didn’t feel complete. Maybe there will be a continuous of Renard and and Eva’s story. I wouldn’t mind taken a journey with them in the future.
November 13, 2017
Okay
This was good and entertaining story only it felt as if there was something else missing.I love that the two main chat fought for what they wanted but I missed what there lives were actually like once they settled and what happens to Amelie I just can't see her going that quietly in the background. Yes this was a good story just could've been better.
This was good and entertaining story only it felt as if there was something else missing.I love that the two main chat fought for what they wanted but I missed what there lives were actually like once they settled and what happens to Amelie I just can't see her going that quietly in the background. Yes this was a good story just could've been better.
December 8, 2017
I loved every single word.
It was a different kind of read. One with a little witchcraft so to speak, but very entertaining. I loved How the Author didn't over do Renard and Eva's relationship. It was believable. Not the typical rich white man saves the poor black wench epic drama that so many of the books get caught up on. It was a real love affair.
It was a different kind of read. One with a little witchcraft so to speak, but very entertaining. I loved How the Author didn't over do Renard and Eva's relationship. It was believable. Not the typical rich white man saves the poor black wench epic drama that so many of the books get caught up on. It was a real love affair.
January 3, 2018
Highly recommend
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this novel, but was pleasantly surprised. This is a new author for me, and I am a fast fan. This book is extremely well written and thought out. Fair warning, there are brutal deaths, but not gratuitous violence. Very good read.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this novel, but was pleasantly surprised. This is a new author for me, and I am a fast fan. This book is extremely well written and thought out. Fair warning, there are brutal deaths, but not gratuitous violence. Very good read.
January 3, 2018
Historical fiction
This book was OK. I guess it was supposed to be historical fiction. I'm not a fan of historical fiction, but thought that I would give this one a try. I don't know how much of the story was based on truth and what was fiction. The characters were likeable, the story flowed, and the editing was sound.
This book was OK. I guess it was supposed to be historical fiction. I'm not a fan of historical fiction, but thought that I would give this one a try. I don't know how much of the story was based on truth and what was fiction. The characters were likeable, the story flowed, and the editing was sound.
January 7, 2018
Wow wow whoa!!
This was a great read. This book was so good I read it in two sittings. For a moment I traveled back in time to the backwoods of Louisiana. A forbidden love story. The danger! The suspense! The devastation! The triumphs! I wanted to kill Amelie and the love making scenes had me clutching my pearls. Bravo
This was a great read. This book was so good I read it in two sittings. For a moment I traveled back in time to the backwoods of Louisiana. A forbidden love story. The danger! The suspense! The devastation! The triumphs! I wanted to kill Amelie and the love making scenes had me clutching my pearls. Bravo
January 13, 2018
Love In Jim Crow South
Fascinating love story about prejudice in Deep South. What those people endured. I was impressed with the story and loved the characters. Renard and Eva were so suitable for each other. Their love was unlike any of that time. I commend the author for writing such an amazing story. Thank you
Fascinating love story about prejudice in Deep South. What those people endured. I was impressed with the story and loved the characters. Renard and Eva were so suitable for each other. Their love was unlike any of that time. I commend the author for writing such an amazing story. Thank you
February 11, 2018
Slow Read
This book was a very slow read for me and was tough to finish. It had nothin to do with the subject matter but the writing style. The pace was too slow and the book dragged too much. I didn't really find Eva or Renard fascinating in any way and his ex wife deserved a punch in the face. Just wasn't my cup of tea.
This book was a very slow read for me and was tough to finish. It had nothin to do with the subject matter but the writing style. The pace was too slow and the book dragged too much. I didn't really find Eva or Renard fascinating in any way and his ex wife deserved a punch in the face. Just wasn't my cup of tea.
March 3, 2018
Well... I don’t know where to begin. Should I talk about the world building? Should I talk about the vivid characters? Should I talk about the historical accuracy? Should I talk about the intense and believable love shared by the two MCs? A poetic rendition about a story of impossible/possible love. This was an awesome read. I couldn’t put it down. Well done!
July 13, 2018
I loved every minute of this book. The struggles Eva and Renard had to deal with were heartbreaking. Renard’s family was awful but the conflict they brought to the story forced Eva and Renard to fight for their relationship that much harder. I also enjoyed the diversity of the characters and the sense of community.
August 20, 2018
Nothing Change s
I enjoyed this book tremendously. If for no other reason than it told of the racism that still exists today. The love of money and power are over whelming. To some of us it is what defines us. There is a happy ending a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Telling it like it is is heart warming!!!
I enjoyed this book tremendously. If for no other reason than it told of the racism that still exists today. The love of money and power are over whelming. To some of us it is what defines us. There is a happy ending a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Telling it like it is is heart warming!!!
April 17, 2020
Really loved this story
Oh my god I ready loved this story it was beautifully written and I couldn't get enough renard and Eva a r e beautifully matched and their chemistry is amazing a n d not to mention seeing my Caribbean country Trinidad. My second read from this author in 3days now onto Tamed
Oh my god I ready loved this story it was beautifully written and I couldn't get enough renard and Eva a r e beautifully matched and their chemistry is amazing a n d not to mention seeing my Caribbean country Trinidad. My second read from this author in 3days now onto Tamed
July 2, 2020
Amazing read
This story of Eva and Renard living in r has a South in that time was hard. But when love presents itself you can always fight it but it will always win in the end. For that type of love if you truly want it you will do what ever it takes to keep it. Drama, deceit, loyalty, and respect.
This story of Eva and Renard living in r has a South in that time was hard. But when love presents itself you can always fight it but it will always win in the end. For that type of love if you truly want it you will do what ever it takes to keep it. Drama, deceit, loyalty, and respect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews