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Women Who Dare #1
Rebel
The first novel in USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins' compelling new series follows a Northern woman south in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War...
Valinda Lacey's mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. When thugs destroy the school she has set up and then target her, Valinda runs for her life—and straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq.
As an architect from an old New Orleans family, Drake has a deeply personal interest in rebuilding the city. Raised by strong women, he recognizes Valinda's determination. And he can't stop admiring—or wanting—her. But when Valinda's father demands she return home to marry a man she doesn't love, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.
Valinda Lacey's mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. When thugs destroy the school she has set up and then target her, Valinda runs for her life—and straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq.
As an architect from an old New Orleans family, Drake has a deeply personal interest in rebuilding the city. Raised by strong women, he recognizes Valinda's determination. And he can't stop admiring—or wanting—her. But when Valinda's father demands she return home to marry a man she doesn't love, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.
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First published May 28, 2019
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About the author
Beverly Jenkins
71 books4,842 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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June 13, 2025Oh good grief this was just perfect. I loved this book.
It's set in the 1860s, Reconstruction, as people are putting New Orleans back together after the Civil War and trying to cope with the massive change in society caused by the freeing of the enslaved. The book doesn't shy away from the difficulties of this--so many people desperately seeking loved ones who were sold away, or trying to survive in a ravaged economy with a wildly incompetent government failing to help, and the poisonous hydra of white supremacy and violence. The ongoing cycle of anger and violence and prejudice is very clear, as is the sickness at America's heart that is yet to be healed.
It's a brutal setting, and the book makes the extremely wise decision to counter it with one of the kindest romances I've ever read. Val is a teacher, trying to help newly freed people learn to read and educate children, Drake is a builder. Both people who try to make, not destroy, and that's no accident. Val is passionately committed to doing the right thing, fiercely determined and independent, but not to a fault because she's sensible. Drake is a big powerful man who is the absolute cinnamonest roll. He gives. He thinks. He cares. He wants, and does not act on that wanting when it's not his place to. He understands that he should put Val's needs and happiness before his own without having to be told. He takes rejection. *And* he's also a kickass hero when need be, as part of a deeply and profoundly kind heart with no toxic masculinity or fear of his own emotions.
This is a book where men talk about feelings, and women have a sisterhood, and friends of whatever race stand together. And--and!!!--I think for the first time but correct me if wrong, Ms Bev has written an on page gay couple too, who are low key lovely, with a deep friendship with one of the MCs. It's a quiet, almost casual recognition and acceptance of Black queer love and queerness in the past as well as now, and it's extremely good to see.
*And* a white supremacist gets fed to alligators, so this is actually the perfect book.
It's set in the 1860s, Reconstruction, as people are putting New Orleans back together after the Civil War and trying to cope with the massive change in society caused by the freeing of the enslaved. The book doesn't shy away from the difficulties of this--so many people desperately seeking loved ones who were sold away, or trying to survive in a ravaged economy with a wildly incompetent government failing to help, and the poisonous hydra of white supremacy and violence. The ongoing cycle of anger and violence and prejudice is very clear, as is the sickness at America's heart that is yet to be healed.
It's a brutal setting, and the book makes the extremely wise decision to counter it with one of the kindest romances I've ever read. Val is a teacher, trying to help newly freed people learn to read and educate children, Drake is a builder. Both people who try to make, not destroy, and that's no accident. Val is passionately committed to doing the right thing, fiercely determined and independent, but not to a fault because she's sensible. Drake is a big powerful man who is the absolute cinnamonest roll. He gives. He thinks. He cares. He wants, and does not act on that wanting when it's not his place to. He understands that he should put Val's needs and happiness before his own without having to be told. He takes rejection. *And* he's also a kickass hero when need be, as part of a deeply and profoundly kind heart with no toxic masculinity or fear of his own emotions.
This is a book where men talk about feelings, and women have a sisterhood, and friends of whatever race stand together. And--and!!!--I think for the first time but correct me if wrong, Ms Bev has written an on page gay couple too, who are low key lovely, with a deep friendship with one of the MCs. It's a quiet, almost casual recognition and acceptance of Black queer love and queerness in the past as well as now, and it's extremely good to see.
*And* a white supremacist gets fed to alligators, so this is actually the perfect book.
March 29, 2021
I was so engrossed in this book that I didn't even stop to save quotes like I usually do. 😂 As someone who is still very new to the historical romance genre, I've been branching out with some of the seemingly fan favorites, since I haven't been sure where to start. Beverly Jenkins name continually comes up as a giant in the genre, and I can certainly see why. Her writing is equal parts powerful narrative and comforting bear hug, and her words have a smoothness like literary butter that is intelligent and accessible to all. This was a stressful week for our family, and being able to escape into an atmospheric novel during a time period I haven't read much of was wonderful.
Please be aware, as I'm sure is expected, there are many inclusions of racism specific to the time period, which could be a trigger for some readers. I thought this aspect was incredibly well-rounded, as the author shows just how many areas racism can arise from, even after slavery was "abolished" following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The narrative of a country trying to rebuild following the Civil War, and essentially the truth in how a piece of legislature could never abolish racism, is front and central to the story. I personally enjoyed reading the author's note at the conclusion showing the copious amounts of research that went into ensuring this book was historically accurate.
Going in, I had no idea that this book featured some of Beverly Jenkins's former characters, but was delighted to find out that I have many more adventures ahead of me with the Le Veq family. The author has such a way with creating a memorable cast, and I found her expression of the secondary characters to be so well done, some of the best I've encountered to date. My only *minor* complaint is that it seems the romance was mostly reserved for the last third of the book, and I would have loved to have seen it a bit more front and center throughout. This is just a personal preference, though, and I completely understand why the author chose to structure her story the way that she did, especially due to the fact that Valinda is promised to another man for a majority of the story.
In short, this may have been my first Beverly Jenkins novel, but it certainly won't be my last. Thanks to Sarah for buddy reading this one with me!
Please be aware, as I'm sure is expected, there are many inclusions of racism specific to the time period, which could be a trigger for some readers. I thought this aspect was incredibly well-rounded, as the author shows just how many areas racism can arise from, even after slavery was "abolished" following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The narrative of a country trying to rebuild following the Civil War, and essentially the truth in how a piece of legislature could never abolish racism, is front and central to the story. I personally enjoyed reading the author's note at the conclusion showing the copious amounts of research that went into ensuring this book was historically accurate.
Going in, I had no idea that this book featured some of Beverly Jenkins's former characters, but was delighted to find out that I have many more adventures ahead of me with the Le Veq family. The author has such a way with creating a memorable cast, and I found her expression of the secondary characters to be so well done, some of the best I've encountered to date. My only *minor* complaint is that it seems the romance was mostly reserved for the last third of the book, and I would have loved to have seen it a bit more front and center throughout. This is just a personal preference, though, and I completely understand why the author chose to structure her story the way that she did, especially due to the fact that Valinda is promised to another man for a majority of the story.
In short, this may have been my first Beverly Jenkins novel, but it certainly won't be my last. Thanks to Sarah for buddy reading this one with me!
June 17, 2020
To the surprise of, erm, no-one, Ms Bev has done it again. This book was an absolute banger from the very first scene, when I fell head over heels in love with Val (a queen, a badass, an icon). Then we got a blast from the past via Sable, plus the appearance of our frankly delicious hero, Drake (ugh, even his name is yum), who won my affection forever. Things only went up from there.
This book is such a visceral experience, with so many little adventures and truly loveable, fascinating MCs. You will feel the heat, you'll actually snicker at the banter, and you'll adore all the characters, old and new. I am so excited for the next in the series!
This book is such a visceral experience, with so many little adventures and truly loveable, fascinating MCs. You will feel the heat, you'll actually snicker at the banter, and you'll adore all the characters, old and new. I am so excited for the next in the series!
April 21, 2024
5 ⭐️ So. I am a historical romance girlie now!
This was fun, cute and CHARMING! But it was also raw and I appreciated the facts and references to how hard life was during that period.
It’s set in New Orleans during the 1800s, just after an influx of newly freed ‘Freedmen’, people who were previously enslaved. Tensions are high with white supremacists roaming the area trying to intimidate those who are now free. And everything is mess with funding. There’s no money for schools to educate black people who are now free to learn, and there’s no money to help integrate them into new lives. On top of that, many are trying to locate family who were sold and enslaved. Nothing is easy but this story gives us some hope and charming pockets of happiness. There’s so much more history mentioned in this book that I need to personally follow up on. Just about the internal battles between the enslaved race and those who were born free. Also about the creole culture…and so much more!!
Valinda ‘Val’ Lacy, our badass heroine, comes from the North to help teach older black students how to read and write. She’s got that sass and determination to do what’s right all thanks to her amazing grandmother who always fought for justice and independence. Val faces a bunch of obstacles and there are some major bumps in the road but that’s okay cause she has the AMAZING Captain Derek LeVeq and the whole LeVeq family in her corner (I didn’t know Sable and Raimond had their own story from when Sable was enslaved - need to add to my TBR ASAP but I digress, let me continue this review… sorry).
Derek LeVeq…wheeew. That is a MAN. This author was writing ROMANCE OKAY?!?!? He’s a take charge, problem solver who is doing everything he can to help make the world a better place for the race. He stumbles across a traumatised Val one day and comes to the rescue in a way only a fictional man in a historic romance can 😂😍🫠. Derek is sincere and sweet and his way with words? Oh Val, I UNDERSTAND.
This was proper intersectional. Val didn’t just face problems as a black person. She faced problems as a black woman and being a woman in general. The idea of her having an education and wanting to educate others made a few people (including her trash father) unhappy. But OH WELL. SUCKS FOR THEM.
For such a raw, dark period and state of the world, Beverly Jenkins managed to blend in some happiness and charm. For that, I am grateful.
A few gems in question:
“You’re supposed to be on your best behavior.”
“I’ll be on my very best behavior, when I kiss you, cheri. Promise.” 🫠😍😭
“Were she his, he’d make love to her from sunset to sunrise, then pray for more hours in the day, and two extra days in the week. And that still might not be enough.” CRYING AND HEALING.
“Is it okay for me to tell you I love you?”
“Only if I’m allowed to tell you the same” 🥹🫠❤️
It’s a 5⭐️ mood rating for sure! Couldn’t care less about writing style and the intricacies of the plot. This was just so feel good 👏🏾🤷🏾♀️
————————-
My first proper historical romance!! Let’s go!!
This was fun, cute and CHARMING! But it was also raw and I appreciated the facts and references to how hard life was during that period.
It’s set in New Orleans during the 1800s, just after an influx of newly freed ‘Freedmen’, people who were previously enslaved. Tensions are high with white supremacists roaming the area trying to intimidate those who are now free. And everything is mess with funding. There’s no money for schools to educate black people who are now free to learn, and there’s no money to help integrate them into new lives. On top of that, many are trying to locate family who were sold and enslaved. Nothing is easy but this story gives us some hope and charming pockets of happiness. There’s so much more history mentioned in this book that I need to personally follow up on. Just about the internal battles between the enslaved race and those who were born free. Also about the creole culture…and so much more!!
Valinda ‘Val’ Lacy, our badass heroine, comes from the North to help teach older black students how to read and write. She’s got that sass and determination to do what’s right all thanks to her amazing grandmother who always fought for justice and independence. Val faces a bunch of obstacles and there are some major bumps in the road but that’s okay cause she has the AMAZING Captain Derek LeVeq and the whole LeVeq family in her corner (I didn’t know Sable and Raimond had their own story from when Sable was enslaved - need to add to my TBR ASAP but I digress, let me continue this review… sorry).
Derek LeVeq…wheeew. That is a MAN. This author was writing ROMANCE OKAY?!?!? He’s a take charge, problem solver who is doing everything he can to help make the world a better place for the race. He stumbles across a traumatised Val one day and comes to the rescue in a way only a fictional man in a historic romance can 😂😍🫠. Derek is sincere and sweet and his way with words? Oh Val, I UNDERSTAND.
This was proper intersectional. Val didn’t just face problems as a black person. She faced problems as a black woman and being a woman in general. The idea of her having an education and wanting to educate others made a few people (including her trash father) unhappy. But OH WELL. SUCKS FOR THEM.
For such a raw, dark period and state of the world, Beverly Jenkins managed to blend in some happiness and charm. For that, I am grateful.
A few gems in question:
“You’re supposed to be on your best behavior.”
“I’ll be on my very best behavior, when I kiss you, cheri. Promise.” 🫠😍😭
“Were she his, he’d make love to her from sunset to sunrise, then pray for more hours in the day, and two extra days in the week. And that still might not be enough.” CRYING AND HEALING.
“Is it okay for me to tell you I love you?”
“Only if I’m allowed to tell you the same” 🥹🫠❤️
It’s a 5⭐️ mood rating for sure! Couldn’t care less about writing style and the intricacies of the plot. This was just so feel good 👏🏾🤷🏾♀️
————————-
My first proper historical romance!! Let’s go!!
June 12, 2019
I continue to be a Beverly Jenkins fangirl in the extreme, but one thing about Rebel that really stuck out for me was just how romantic it is. Drake is so dreamy and he treats Valinda like a princess from the moment they meet and he never lets up. I'm definitely adding him to my book boyfriend list.
June 26, 2020
Audio: 5 STARS!
Story: 3.75 STARS!
The real focus of the story, however, was the setting; the harrowing post-civil war/post-emancipation world of the freedmen and women in New Orleans was brought to life so vividly. So vividly in fact, that it felt like Drake and Val were there to showcase the history . . . instead of the other way around.
As always, though, a solid read by Ms. Jenkins!
Story: 3.75 STARS!
"You proved love does exist, and it changed my life."A sweet, VERY low angst read in terms of the romance. Drake was entirely swoon-worthy . . . everybody needs a man like Drake LeVeq. 😍😍😍
The real focus of the story, however, was the setting; the harrowing post-civil war/post-emancipation world of the freedmen and women in New Orleans was brought to life so vividly. So vividly in fact, that it felt like Drake and Val were there to showcase the history . . . instead of the other way around.
As always, though, a solid read by Ms. Jenkins!
February 5, 2024
4.5 stars!
I am swooning over Drake LeVeq. It felt good to see the fam again, and be back in New Orleans. This book went by way too fast, but I loved every minute of it. The lush descriptions of the land made me miss Mississippi, which is not too far from LA.
“She’d been the balm his spirit had been craving seeing that red sky.”
Drake & Valinda were everything. Ms. Bev just writes black romance at its finest. Her books feed my historical romance loving soul.
I loved the innocence Val had, and her curiosity as she watched the other LeVeq men and their spouses.
“Aren’t you late for a meeting?” she asked, looking partly skeptical and partly amused. “They’ll wait. How about after we come home from Henri’s dinner, I get down on my knees and—beg your pardon.” She met his eyes, and said to Valinda, “Be glad you’re not marrying into the House of LeVeq. The men are incorrigible.” Rai walked over to where his wife sat. “Would you like that? Me, on my knees?” he asked again. A blush bloomed over Sable’s golden cheeks. “Go to your meeting, Rai.” “You’re going to be very pleased when I’m done begging your pardon.”
Swoon upon swoon. I loved this book so much! I even loved the surprise character that showed up in this book. What a surprise!
I am swooning over Drake LeVeq. It felt good to see the fam again, and be back in New Orleans. This book went by way too fast, but I loved every minute of it. The lush descriptions of the land made me miss Mississippi, which is not too far from LA.
“She’d been the balm his spirit had been craving seeing that red sky.”
Drake & Valinda were everything. Ms. Bev just writes black romance at its finest. Her books feed my historical romance loving soul.
I loved the innocence Val had, and her curiosity as she watched the other LeVeq men and their spouses.
“Aren’t you late for a meeting?” she asked, looking partly skeptical and partly amused. “They’ll wait. How about after we come home from Henri’s dinner, I get down on my knees and—beg your pardon.” She met his eyes, and said to Valinda, “Be glad you’re not marrying into the House of LeVeq. The men are incorrigible.” Rai walked over to where his wife sat. “Would you like that? Me, on my knees?” he asked again. A blush bloomed over Sable’s golden cheeks. “Go to your meeting, Rai.” “You’re going to be very pleased when I’m done begging your pardon.”
Swoon upon swoon. I loved this book so much! I even loved the surprise character that showed up in this book. What a surprise!
May 25, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Rebel is the first book in the Women Who Dare series and is also part of the Le Veq Family series as well. I was super excited to see that this book is set in New Orleans, in the reconstruction era. Beverly Jenkins is pure talent when it comes to writing historical's, especially intensely accurate ones. What I really appreciated about this book is how much you learn in such a short period of time. Ms. Bev surely knows how to write such fantastic books that blends a delightful romance with great authentic historical facts that comes alive on the pages.
Rebel begins with our heroine, who has come down to New Orleans as she waits on her fiancee who is in France for a printing press to start his newspaper shop. Valinda is a teacher and is hoping to help those that are in need of a education both children and adults. But when she finds her school trashed, and she is almost raped and then rescued by a military officer...Captain Drake Le Veq. But now Valinda has seen the kindness from Drake and when she is tossed out of her current living residence, she goes to the only person she knows....Drake and his family's home. Valinda has never known such graciousness or generosity or love that she has seen in the Le Veq home or felt such a strong connection to anyone like Drake. She is about to be married to a friend but has never felt passion like she feels with Drake. Valinda will have to make a decision to marry her friend to protect him so he can be with the man he loves or.....be with the man she loves and live in a place that calls to her.
Rebel is such a well-written story that had me in TEARS especially towards the end. There was so much heartfelt emotion that we see in this book and you know I never expect it but Bev Jenkins surely knows how to work me in a story and boy she worked my emotions so well in this book. I first want to discuss the setting that we have in this book. Its set in New Orleans shortly entering in the Reconstruction Era and boy the things that we see are heartbreaking and it really brings bigotry and racism so close to home for me. The way in how seeing the social injustices and seeing the fight that these people had to gain their independence, freedoms and education and more. To fight for a chance to live their own lives and not to be raped, abused, or murdered for it. It really made me realize that there is so much work today that needs to be done.
So we get to see so many delights from the Le Veq family and now I know I just need to re-read this series because boy I love them all...such a hoot. I love the bantering between the brothers and we finally get DRAKE's book. I have been wanting it ever since I fell in love with Indigo and got my first introduction to this family. I love the way that this family works together and how they defend their own. I honestly had so much love for Drake as the hero of the story, because is the epitome of a hero. If you are looking for an AVENGER of the Reconstruction era, he is that. He does what he can with the people in his life.
Our heroine is such a passionate and full of life character and I just loved her so much and all that she does here. She is so strong willed and a fighter. She is a teacher, and has such a drive for education and helping others. I love what she wants to do with her knowledge and see what she is capable of. She never gives up on what is right, no matter how hard or challenging it is. Valinda (such a gorgeous name) has never really seen love or passion in her life and doesn't believe it exists in a marriage. But her world gets turned upside down when she meets the Le Veq family and I loved seeing this change in her.
The relationship between Drake and Valinda is pretty insta lust, there is a powerful chemistry that sparks between them from the very beginning and I adored the growth from the sexual sparks and which developed into something more vibrant and full of emotion. The adaption of their relationship was so poignant at times, and love seeing how their relationship deepens through their challenges and seeing what they both overcome.
Rebel is powerfully portrayed love story that takes us back to New Orleans, a story of sacrifice, passion and what love can do at the right time, right place and with the right person!! TRULY A TREASURE TO HOLD ONTO!
Rebel is the first book in the Women Who Dare series and is also part of the Le Veq Family series as well. I was super excited to see that this book is set in New Orleans, in the reconstruction era. Beverly Jenkins is pure talent when it comes to writing historical's, especially intensely accurate ones. What I really appreciated about this book is how much you learn in such a short period of time. Ms. Bev surely knows how to write such fantastic books that blends a delightful romance with great authentic historical facts that comes alive on the pages.
Rebel begins with our heroine, who has come down to New Orleans as she waits on her fiancee who is in France for a printing press to start his newspaper shop. Valinda is a teacher and is hoping to help those that are in need of a education both children and adults. But when she finds her school trashed, and she is almost raped and then rescued by a military officer...Captain Drake Le Veq. But now Valinda has seen the kindness from Drake and when she is tossed out of her current living residence, she goes to the only person she knows....Drake and his family's home. Valinda has never known such graciousness or generosity or love that she has seen in the Le Veq home or felt such a strong connection to anyone like Drake. She is about to be married to a friend but has never felt passion like she feels with Drake. Valinda will have to make a decision to marry her friend to protect him so he can be with the man he loves or.....be with the man she loves and live in a place that calls to her.
I blame you and your pirate kin. I was fine until I met your family with all its love and passion.
Rebel is such a well-written story that had me in TEARS especially towards the end. There was so much heartfelt emotion that we see in this book and you know I never expect it but Bev Jenkins surely knows how to work me in a story and boy she worked my emotions so well in this book. I first want to discuss the setting that we have in this book. Its set in New Orleans shortly entering in the Reconstruction Era and boy the things that we see are heartbreaking and it really brings bigotry and racism so close to home for me. The way in how seeing the social injustices and seeing the fight that these people had to gain their independence, freedoms and education and more. To fight for a chance to live their own lives and not to be raped, abused, or murdered for it. It really made me realize that there is so much work today that needs to be done.
So we get to see so many delights from the Le Veq family and now I know I just need to re-read this series because boy I love them all...such a hoot. I love the bantering between the brothers and we finally get DRAKE's book. I have been wanting it ever since I fell in love with Indigo and got my first introduction to this family. I love the way that this family works together and how they defend their own. I honestly had so much love for Drake as the hero of the story, because is the epitome of a hero. If you are looking for an AVENGER of the Reconstruction era, he is that. He does what he can with the people in his life.
Our heroine is such a passionate and full of life character and I just loved her so much and all that she does here. She is so strong willed and a fighter. She is a teacher, and has such a drive for education and helping others. I love what she wants to do with her knowledge and see what she is capable of. She never gives up on what is right, no matter how hard or challenging it is. Valinda (such a gorgeous name) has never really seen love or passion in her life and doesn't believe it exists in a marriage. But her world gets turned upside down when she meets the Le Veq family and I loved seeing this change in her.
“What’s your dream, cheri?”
“To head up a school where girls who, like me, have no interest in embroidery or playing the piano, can learn as much about whatever they want: mathematics, botany, the stars. They can study animals or anatomy. And I’d have the money to provide excellent teachers who don’t believe learning will damage them.”
The relationship between Drake and Valinda is pretty insta lust, there is a powerful chemistry that sparks between them from the very beginning and I adored the growth from the sexual sparks and which developed into something more vibrant and full of emotion. The adaption of their relationship was so poignant at times, and love seeing how their relationship deepens through their challenges and seeing what they both overcome.
If you do leave New Orleans, I’m keeping your smile so I can pull it out and look at it whenever I think of you
Rebel is powerfully portrayed love story that takes us back to New Orleans, a story of sacrifice, passion and what love can do at the right time, right place and with the right person!! TRULY A TREASURE TO HOLD ONTO!
May 3, 2020
Link to Live-Tweeting: https://twitter.com/ardentlyaarya/sta...
Midway through reading this book, I took a brief break from the book and tweeted, "Halfway through Rebel by Beverly Jenkins and I’ve learned more about Reconstruction in the past 150 pages than I have in 16 years of education (12 in public school, 4 in college)... Tbh I’m pretty sure I could just read Ms. Bev’s historical romance backlist and do fine in the APUSH exam. It’s a lot more fun than freaking Richard Hofstadter (I’m getting flashbacks to THE AMERICAN POLITICAL TRADITION)."
I wish that was a joke. I've never been more serious in my entire life. We spent half a lecture in 11th grade discussing the period between the Civil War and the Gilded Age, and all I can remember is that "Northern soldiers went to the South for a decade and took charge of things until Reconstruction ended." That's it. Beverly Jenkins is educating me whereas the public school system has failed me for my entire life.
I sometimes use romance novels as a form of escapism - to completely escape from my stressful 21st century life and soak into the romance. I do that here, too. But I do something else as well: reading Beverly Jenkins makes me angry and righteous for the the injustices in American history. Every paragraph is a new revelation and a new reason to burn with indignity and shame. To be clear: I've always known that American history isn't something to be particularly proud of. But to read about these events in such vivid detail is another experience altogether. It's an odd feeling - to simultaneously root for the romance and protagonists, but also feel a little ashamed and angry about your country's history. But it's only right to feel that way, because it's the truth and any attempt to rationalize those feelings are efforts to wipe away the past. I don't want to forget the past - I want to learn every last detail and watch my two protagonists earn their happily ever after. In REBEL, I was able to do both.
I don't want to spoil much about the plot, so I'll be brief: Valinda is a Northerner who comes down to New Orleans in order to be a teacher. She has a "fiance" (I say fiance in quotation marks because it's more of a convenient arrangement without love) in France. Drake rescues her one night from an attack, Valinda gets evicted from her lodgings, and Drake's mother offers Valinda a place to stay. It's pretty much insta-love from the very beginning, and both characters struggle to resist their attraction because of Val's engagement.
“I blame you and your pirate kin. I was fine until I met your family with all its love and passion.”
I love Valinda. She's my favorite kind of heroine: responsible and caring, with a lot of hellion thrown in. As Drake once admirably points out, she climbed trees when she was young! And no matter all the obstacles in her way, she always responds with grace and kindness. Her commitment to her work and teaching is admirable, especially when circumstances go out of their way to deprive her of professional work.
“What’s your dream, cheri?”
“To head up a school where girls who, like me, have no interest in embroidery or playing the piano, can learn as much about whatever they want: mathematics, botany, the stars. They can study animals or anatomy. And I’d have the money to provide excellent teachers who don’t believe learning will damage them.”
I appreciate how considerate Drake is to Valinda. He has a lot of power - both physically and his overall presence - but he never pressures Val into having a relationship with him. The consent lines are drawn very clearly. Even after Val's fiance comes back, he doesn't outright beg her to stay in New Orleans because he doesn't want to put that kind of pressure on her. He wants Val to make the decision for herself and without emotional manipulation because it's her choice and he wants her to be happy - with or without him.
“If you do leave New Orleans, I’m keeping your smile so I can pull it out and look at it whenever I think of you.”
There is some really dark content in this book - racism, white supremacy, the murder of black people, mentions of past slavery, current unfair/discriminatory practices, etc. It was sometimes painful to read, but important. But despite the dark content, the book still doesn't feel dreary. There is plenty of humor, love, and lightness from the main couple's romance. And the book ends on an optimistic and hopeful note for the couple, even if the world around them isn't utopia.
If you love Beverly Jenkins, you'll definitely love this book. If you've never tried her work before, then this is an excellent place to start. I am looking forward to the next entry in the series.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Midway through reading this book, I took a brief break from the book and tweeted, "Halfway through Rebel by Beverly Jenkins and I’ve learned more about Reconstruction in the past 150 pages than I have in 16 years of education (12 in public school, 4 in college)... Tbh I’m pretty sure I could just read Ms. Bev’s historical romance backlist and do fine in the APUSH exam. It’s a lot more fun than freaking Richard Hofstadter (I’m getting flashbacks to THE AMERICAN POLITICAL TRADITION)."
I wish that was a joke. I've never been more serious in my entire life. We spent half a lecture in 11th grade discussing the period between the Civil War and the Gilded Age, and all I can remember is that "Northern soldiers went to the South for a decade and took charge of things until Reconstruction ended." That's it. Beverly Jenkins is educating me whereas the public school system has failed me for my entire life.
I sometimes use romance novels as a form of escapism - to completely escape from my stressful 21st century life and soak into the romance. I do that here, too. But I do something else as well: reading Beverly Jenkins makes me angry and righteous for the the injustices in American history. Every paragraph is a new revelation and a new reason to burn with indignity and shame. To be clear: I've always known that American history isn't something to be particularly proud of. But to read about these events in such vivid detail is another experience altogether. It's an odd feeling - to simultaneously root for the romance and protagonists, but also feel a little ashamed and angry about your country's history. But it's only right to feel that way, because it's the truth and any attempt to rationalize those feelings are efforts to wipe away the past. I don't want to forget the past - I want to learn every last detail and watch my two protagonists earn their happily ever after. In REBEL, I was able to do both.
I don't want to spoil much about the plot, so I'll be brief: Valinda is a Northerner who comes down to New Orleans in order to be a teacher. She has a "fiance" (I say fiance in quotation marks because it's more of a convenient arrangement without love) in France. Drake rescues her one night from an attack, Valinda gets evicted from her lodgings, and Drake's mother offers Valinda a place to stay. It's pretty much insta-love from the very beginning, and both characters struggle to resist their attraction because of Val's engagement.
“I blame you and your pirate kin. I was fine until I met your family with all its love and passion.”
I love Valinda. She's my favorite kind of heroine: responsible and caring, with a lot of hellion thrown in. As Drake once admirably points out, she climbed trees when she was young! And no matter all the obstacles in her way, she always responds with grace and kindness. Her commitment to her work and teaching is admirable, especially when circumstances go out of their way to deprive her of professional work.
“What’s your dream, cheri?”
“To head up a school where girls who, like me, have no interest in embroidery or playing the piano, can learn as much about whatever they want: mathematics, botany, the stars. They can study animals or anatomy. And I’d have the money to provide excellent teachers who don’t believe learning will damage them.”
I appreciate how considerate Drake is to Valinda. He has a lot of power - both physically and his overall presence - but he never pressures Val into having a relationship with him. The consent lines are drawn very clearly. Even after Val's fiance comes back, he doesn't outright beg her to stay in New Orleans because he doesn't want to put that kind of pressure on her. He wants Val to make the decision for herself and without emotional manipulation because it's her choice and he wants her to be happy - with or without him.
“If you do leave New Orleans, I’m keeping your smile so I can pull it out and look at it whenever I think of you.”
There is some really dark content in this book - racism, white supremacy, the murder of black people, mentions of past slavery, current unfair/discriminatory practices, etc. It was sometimes painful to read, but important. But despite the dark content, the book still doesn't feel dreary. There is plenty of humor, love, and lightness from the main couple's romance. And the book ends on an optimistic and hopeful note for the couple, even if the world around them isn't utopia.
If you love Beverly Jenkins, you'll definitely love this book. If you've never tried her work before, then this is an excellent place to start. I am looking forward to the next entry in the series.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2020
Rebel by Beverly Jenkins
Women Who Dare book 1. Historical romance. Diverse.
After the end of the Civil War, teacher Valinda travels to New Orleans to help freed slaves learn to read. But freedom isn’t recognized by everyone in the South and Valinda is soon the target of vandals and thugs. Fortunately she’s met Captain Drake LeVeq Whois more than happy to rescue Valinda. He’s also willing to teach her a few things about marriage games, aka petting and sex.
A lot of history is included in Ms Jenkins books. Some of it is ugly and brutal. Most of the tellings are done well within the story and on-point but a few times it felt more like a history lecture.
I’m in it for the romance which was touching and lovely. Valinda had quite a history from a fiancé who is actually in love with another man, to her father that tries to sell her. The best part was her rising against all opposition to win the love of Drake while learning about her own power in the community and her own sexuality.
A powerful black independent female making a stand and finding love.
Women Who Dare book 1. Historical romance. Diverse.
After the end of the Civil War, teacher Valinda travels to New Orleans to help freed slaves learn to read. But freedom isn’t recognized by everyone in the South and Valinda is soon the target of vandals and thugs. Fortunately she’s met Captain Drake LeVeq Whois more than happy to rescue Valinda. He’s also willing to teach her a few things about marriage games, aka petting and sex.
A lot of history is included in Ms Jenkins books. Some of it is ugly and brutal. Most of the tellings are done well within the story and on-point but a few times it felt more like a history lecture.
I’m in it for the romance which was touching and lovely. Valinda had quite a history from a fiancé who is actually in love with another man, to her father that tries to sell her. The best part was her rising against all opposition to win the love of Drake while learning about her own power in the community and her own sexuality.
A powerful black independent female making a stand and finding love.
February 26, 2021
The history in this novel is so much better than the romance
April 3, 2022
Loved everything about this. This has a classic Beverly Jenkins feel with a super strong heroine who has a practical marriage in mind and the man who is out to win her love.
CW for racism, slavery, death
CW for racism, slavery, death
September 13, 2022
Set in New Orleans after the Civil War, this historical romance is rich in characterization. It has just the right amounts of angst, family ties, social mores and love. The author notes at the end were especially helpful to me as I'm new to this author and started reading the series out of order. There are some great books listed Ms. Jenkins used as source material.
May 15, 2019
Rebel
Beverly Jenkins
Rebel is the first book in the Women Who Dare series by Beverly Jenkins. Ms. Jenkins is renowned for her bestselling romance novels and Rebel did not disappoint.
Valinda Lacy has come to New Orleans to educate former slaves. Captain Drake LeVeq is a volunteer at the New Orleans Freedmen Bureau. They are both passionate about their work, and they’ve found passion with each other. Can they find love?
Rebel is not a simple romance novel. Well it is, but it’s so much more. This novel is set during the Reconstruction Era, and it is realistically detailed. Beverly Jenkins has managed to convey the contentious nature of race relations following the emancipation of slaves, while relaying a beautiful love story. She accomplished this without trivializing either one. The true beauty of this work is that the author touches on varied racial situations, but still injects humor into the dialogue. I give Rebel 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all lovers of romance novels. Be advised there is some explicit sexual content.
My thanks to HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Beverly Jenkins
Rebel is the first book in the Women Who Dare series by Beverly Jenkins. Ms. Jenkins is renowned for her bestselling romance novels and Rebel did not disappoint.
Valinda Lacy has come to New Orleans to educate former slaves. Captain Drake LeVeq is a volunteer at the New Orleans Freedmen Bureau. They are both passionate about their work, and they’ve found passion with each other. Can they find love?
Rebel is not a simple romance novel. Well it is, but it’s so much more. This novel is set during the Reconstruction Era, and it is realistically detailed. Beverly Jenkins has managed to convey the contentious nature of race relations following the emancipation of slaves, while relaying a beautiful love story. She accomplished this without trivializing either one. The true beauty of this work is that the author touches on varied racial situations, but still injects humor into the dialogue. I give Rebel 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all lovers of romance novels. Be advised there is some explicit sexual content.
My thanks to HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
June 24, 2019
4.5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
Despite this story being very heavy on the historical themes for a majority of the book in the end I really enjoyed it. I crave the historical aspects that Beverly Jenkins brings to her storytelling because she does an amazing job of setting the scene without being super heavy. However, this story is very heavy in the historical aspects of slavery, white supremacy, and arranged marriage for most of the books so I almost DNFed this book. I am happy that I finished it.
This specific video review will be included in the June 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Despite this story being very heavy on the historical themes for a majority of the book in the end I really enjoyed it. I crave the historical aspects that Beverly Jenkins brings to her storytelling because she does an amazing job of setting the scene without being super heavy. However, this story is very heavy in the historical aspects of slavery, white supremacy, and arranged marriage for most of the books so I almost DNFed this book. I am happy that I finished it.
This specific video review will be included in the June 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
April 4, 2019
I want you to be happy, Val. You’ve always wanted to conquer the world. Love with the right person makes us stronger, not weaker.
On my blog.
Rep: black mcs, gay side character with physical disability
Galley provided by publisher
This book is probably the most it’s-not-you-it’s-me book that I’ve read so far this year. It was a good book, I could tell that, but the writing just wasn’t my kind of style, so I struggled to get through it.
Rebel is a romance between Valinda Lacy, a schoolmistress from New York teaching in New Orleans, and Drake LeVeq, an architect (who doesn’t seem to do a whole lot of architect-ing) from a prominent New Orleans family. After Drake saves Valinda from an attack, she stays with his mother and they slowly fall in love with each other.
WHAT I LIKED:
> I loved Valinda. She was such a great heroine and she took none of Drake’s shit. Her chapters were the ones I found most readable in the whole book, and I kind of wish it had only been from her POV for that reason.
> The angst when Valinda’s betrothed arrives in New Orleans was zilch, which I really appreciated. They had an arrangement of convenience but I didn’t realise just how convenient until he showed up and no one was angry or shouting. It was a lovely change from a lot of romances.
> Also the fairly rapid writing-out of Drake’s mistress. Admittedly I would have liked to have seen more of her, but also I appreciate that there was no pitting women against each other going on.
> The plot was great. If I’d liked the writing more, I would absolutely have loved this book because of the characters and plot. It was just the writing that let it down for me.
WHAT I DISLIKED:
> I wasn’t the biggest fan of Drake’s and his brothers talking about “staking a claim” on Valinda. And no one called it out. The blurb is all about Drake being brought up around strong women, but they just let this talk fly? Huh.
> The writing – which I already mentioned a lot, so I won’t say much more here. Just that I found it clunky and occasionally too purple-prosey. Tied into this was that, while I could see the relationship development happening, I didn’t feel anything about it.
> Nitpicking a little for this one, but whenever Drake used a French endearment for Valinda I cringed (another thing that’s just me though, really). Also the French was wrong. It was cheri but Valinda’s a woman. It should have been cherie.
> It felt like some overarching plotlines were just added as backdrop and then dropped by the wayside somewhat unresolved. But then again, the focus is the romance, so that’s understandable.
> Valinda casually outing Cole to Drake at the end, to explain why theirs was an arrangement of convenience. Like. Who are you to do that? Who knows what Drake’s thoughts are on that? You don’t need to explain the specifics of the arrangement, especially not if it could conceivably endanger the other person. But alright.
So, yeah. This was just one of those where I struggled with the writing, even though the book itself was good.
December 5, 2020
A re-read for me, as I realized Beverly Jenkins's next in the series (Wild Rain) is out this spring--don't know why I forgot to note and rate it before! Just as good as a reread; a charming heroine & hero in the midst of a fresh, thought-provoking historical setting. Looking forward to the next.
January 22, 2021
I wish I could say that I enjoyed this book more than I did. I was so looking forward to reading my first Beverly Jenkins, because I have heard nothing but good things about this author. Perhaps this book was just not the one to begin my Beverly Jenkins journey, because this novel was merely okay for me.
It’s a weird one to review, because on one hand, I did thoroughly love the story. The setting of Reconstruction-era South was brought vividly to life with Beverly Jenkins’ attention to detail. The characters were compelling and memorable. Drake and Valinda were both incredible characters who were brave, honest, and kind. Their romance developed nicely. There was also quite a bit of action and intrigue to keep me turning the pages.
However, the main reason why I did not rate this book comes down only to the writing style. This novel felt more like an unfinished outline than an actual, fully-fleshed novel. The writing was too spare and blunt for me. I never felt like I was able to get into the characters’ heads, because their inner monologue was sparse to nonexistent. We skipped over whole scenes that would have added so much to the story, and the action was barely brushed past. There was one action scene that merited only a paragraph, and that was basically the climax of the entire novel! The epilogue also contained action that was resolved in less than five pages. So many things were glossed over, including the sex scenes. I just wanted more depth to the writing. If that were present, I have a feeling I would have given this book a much higher rating.
I am still definitely interested in reading more of Jenkins’ work, because she has undeniably made an incredibly important contribution to historical romance and she is pretty much universally loved. Pretty sure I just started with one of her weaker works but I am going to get to more of her other works soon.
It’s a weird one to review, because on one hand, I did thoroughly love the story. The setting of Reconstruction-era South was brought vividly to life with Beverly Jenkins’ attention to detail. The characters were compelling and memorable. Drake and Valinda were both incredible characters who were brave, honest, and kind. Their romance developed nicely. There was also quite a bit of action and intrigue to keep me turning the pages.
However, the main reason why I did not rate this book comes down only to the writing style. This novel felt more like an unfinished outline than an actual, fully-fleshed novel. The writing was too spare and blunt for me. I never felt like I was able to get into the characters’ heads, because their inner monologue was sparse to nonexistent. We skipped over whole scenes that would have added so much to the story, and the action was barely brushed past. There was one action scene that merited only a paragraph, and that was basically the climax of the entire novel! The epilogue also contained action that was resolved in less than five pages. So many things were glossed over, including the sex scenes. I just wanted more depth to the writing. If that were present, I have a feeling I would have given this book a much higher rating.
I am still definitely interested in reading more of Jenkins’ work, because she has undeniably made an incredibly important contribution to historical romance and she is pretty much universally loved. Pretty sure I just started with one of her weaker works but I am going to get to more of her other works soon.
July 21, 2020
"Rebel" It's my first Beverly Jenkins book, but I guess it wasn't for me.
It wasn’t a bad story but I found it boring.
It wasn’t a bad story but I found it boring.
February 10, 2022
I guess now I need to go back a read the rest of the books in the LaVeq series
I love these fearless women Beverly Jenkins writes about but damn the hero in this one was amazing..
I love these fearless women Beverly Jenkins writes about but damn the hero in this one was amazing..
August 18, 2020
GoodRead But a little tamed for Jenkins but good Nonetheless
December 7, 2023
Ok I adored EVERY minute of this.
It’s set in 1860’s New Orleans, and Beverly doesn’t shy away from the difficulties faced as they rebuilt after the civil war. She masterfully blends this brutal setting with a beautiful romance.
Val is a teacher and is fiercely independent. She works to help newly freed people learn and read. Drake is a builder (he literally builds her a schoolhouse at one point and it’s the sweetest thing). He deeply respects, honors and values her independence. Seriously, he’s a top historical romance hero for me wow.
It’s set in 1860’s New Orleans, and Beverly doesn’t shy away from the difficulties faced as they rebuilt after the civil war. She masterfully blends this brutal setting with a beautiful romance.
Val is a teacher and is fiercely independent. She works to help newly freed people learn and read. Drake is a builder (he literally builds her a schoolhouse at one point and it’s the sweetest thing). He deeply respects, honors and values her independence. Seriously, he’s a top historical romance hero for me wow.
June 21, 2019
I loved this book. What a brilliantly written story full of everything I love in a novel: romance, love, danger, tension, character growth and family/community.
Beverly Jenkins is one of my favorite authors because she doesn't just tell a story, she educates the reader. It is so apparent that she really researches the era and crafts the story in a way that the reader will leave knowing a few more things about our American History. This story moved a fast pace, had drama and that familial ties that embraced people who don't have loved ones around.
In this new series set in the 1860's, Valinda Lacey moved to New Orleans to work with Nuns to educate newly empanciated slaves. She was met with some resistance from one of the nuns as well as some white supremacists who attacked her carriage. Luckily, Captain Drake LeVeq and his sister in law were on the road and rescued Valinda. It eventually led to Drake's mother to offer Valinda a place to stay and a job. Valinda was compassionate and was clear as to she wanted to spend her life as an educator. Drake was a contractor who also volunteered at the Freedmen's Bureau. Drake and Valinda had qualities that the other admired but there was hinderance.
Even though Drake was attracted to Valinda and vice versa, but she was engaged to be married to a man whom she didn't love. The marriage was important to Valinda because it guaranteed her freedom from her father and the protection of her fiance's name. Drake had his work cut out for him to show Valinda that she could have it all: freedom, family protection as well as passionate love.
I expected a well written story and I wasn't disappointed. I listened to this story and I smiled, laughed, felt sympathy, anger and hope. These characters were resilient in spirit despite the financial or societal circumstances. This author clearly values family because the LeVeq family has been a pillar in the community for several of her books. Another thing that amazed me was the way she wrote passionate sex scenes. They weren't crass and overly descriptive, just enough to make you feel butterflies in your belly but not look over your shoulder in embarrassment for your Pastor. Bravo!!!
I am excited for this new series Women Who Dare and I can't wait for the next installment.
Beverly Jenkins is one of my favorite authors because she doesn't just tell a story, she educates the reader. It is so apparent that she really researches the era and crafts the story in a way that the reader will leave knowing a few more things about our American History. This story moved a fast pace, had drama and that familial ties that embraced people who don't have loved ones around.
In this new series set in the 1860's, Valinda Lacey moved to New Orleans to work with Nuns to educate newly empanciated slaves. She was met with some resistance from one of the nuns as well as some white supremacists who attacked her carriage. Luckily, Captain Drake LeVeq and his sister in law were on the road and rescued Valinda. It eventually led to Drake's mother to offer Valinda a place to stay and a job. Valinda was compassionate and was clear as to she wanted to spend her life as an educator. Drake was a contractor who also volunteered at the Freedmen's Bureau. Drake and Valinda had qualities that the other admired but there was hinderance.
Even though Drake was attracted to Valinda and vice versa, but she was engaged to be married to a man whom she didn't love. The marriage was important to Valinda because it guaranteed her freedom from her father and the protection of her fiance's name. Drake had his work cut out for him to show Valinda that she could have it all: freedom, family protection as well as passionate love.
I expected a well written story and I wasn't disappointed. I listened to this story and I smiled, laughed, felt sympathy, anger and hope. These characters were resilient in spirit despite the financial or societal circumstances. This author clearly values family because the LeVeq family has been a pillar in the community for several of her books. Another thing that amazed me was the way she wrote passionate sex scenes. They weren't crass and overly descriptive, just enough to make you feel butterflies in your belly but not look over your shoulder in embarrassment for your Pastor. Bravo!!!
I am excited for this new series Women Who Dare and I can't wait for the next installment.
April 7, 2022
This book was so good it almost made me long to know love in 1867....that's a gigantic almost. Even though the white supremacists then are damn near identical to the white supremacists of today, some things never change.
The story of Valinda Lacy and Drake LeVeq is a dreamy straightforward romance. Valinda is an independent and caring young educator that has traveled South to New Orleans from New York where she was born free with hopes to teach the newly emancipated through a Freedmen's school.
Drake LeVeq is the man that rescues Val when the vandals that destroyed her school attempt to teach her a lesson about fighting back. Drake is a handsome veteran and architect whose familial ties to New Orleans run deep.
As their paths cross, passion and desire builds. I loved the historical backdrop and attention to detail in regards to events of the time. I also liked reading about black love way back then. Romantic and tasteful but erotic and steamy in the most proper of ways until the bed games really begin. 😊 Lol!
The story of Valinda Lacy and Drake LeVeq is a dreamy straightforward romance. Valinda is an independent and caring young educator that has traveled South to New Orleans from New York where she was born free with hopes to teach the newly emancipated through a Freedmen's school.
Drake LeVeq is the man that rescues Val when the vandals that destroyed her school attempt to teach her a lesson about fighting back. Drake is a handsome veteran and architect whose familial ties to New Orleans run deep.
As their paths cross, passion and desire builds. I loved the historical backdrop and attention to detail in regards to events of the time. I also liked reading about black love way back then. Romantic and tasteful but erotic and steamy in the most proper of ways until the bed games really begin. 😊 Lol!
May 7, 2019
This book was so hard to get through, the first one ever by this author I’ve had this problem with.
Viviana and Drake’s chemistry was non existent. They had a thought about each other and then it morphed into this relationship.
It didn’t materialize onto the pages. It also felt like an unfinished outline, not a pulled together book.
There were so many times I wanted to put it down, but I kept going hoping the story would pick up, but it did not..
I don’t recommend this installment even though it’s the first book in the series.
PLEASE, don’t let this book be the defining reason you choose not to read her other works. They are jus simply PHENOMENAL, I promise, this is a fluke 🙂.
Viviana and Drake’s chemistry was non existent. They had a thought about each other and then it morphed into this relationship.
It didn’t materialize onto the pages. It also felt like an unfinished outline, not a pulled together book.
There were so many times I wanted to put it down, but I kept going hoping the story would pick up, but it did not..
I don’t recommend this installment even though it’s the first book in the series.
PLEASE, don’t let this book be the defining reason you choose not to read her other works. They are jus simply PHENOMENAL, I promise, this is a fluke 🙂.
August 25, 2019
Oh my goodness. This book was just wonderful. I mean it was everything. I was ALL in my feelings! I already love historical fiction but I’m not really a romance kinda girl. It’s to mushy. Lol. But geez, now that I have finished reading this book, I’m reconsidering this stance. Maybe I was just reading the “wrong ones”. I’ve always heard that Beverly Jenkins’ love stories will have you swooning. And I definitely was . It was just perfect.
May 19, 2019
Dear Ms. Jenkins,
I would like Cole's story, even if just as a novella.
Please and thank you.
Billie
I would like Cole's story, even if just as a novella.
Please and thank you.
Billie
May 10, 2019
In the time of Reconstruction after the American Civil War, New Orleans is a roiling city. An intrepid Northern woman comes south to fight her own brand of independence and follow her dreams of teaching her own race and being her own woman like her grandmother. Valinda encounters Drake Le Veq and learns that passion and love are possible and she can dream of that for herself, too. My first read with this author and it won't be my last the way history came alive and sensual romance made me swoon.
Rebel is the first book in the Women Who Dare series, but it is also the fourth book in the Le Veq series. I had no trouble beginning with this story as a first in series, but now I want to go back for the three earlier Le Veq stories and the closely related Indigo.
Valinda comes south from NYC to teach school under the auspices of a Convent and the Freedman's Bureau. She comes alone and only with her father's dubious blessing. She grew up free and educated in a fine upstanding family, but she never felt truly free knowing her father saw marrying her off as a business transaction at best. But, she has no intentions of marrying into a cold, arranged marriage and plans to marry a friend who won't hinder her plans or have expectations. Right now, Cole is in Paris trying to get start-up help for his newspaper and she is temporarily in New Orleans to teach school.
But, it is dangerous times and she is set upon by three men who started squatting in the barn she was using as a school. A handsome man comes to her rescue and she is pulled into the intriguing world of the House of LeVeq descendants of pirates and their fierce, strong independent loves.
Captain Drake LeVeq is a catch around New Orleans and he isn't intimidated by a courageous woman with plans. He is attracted to Valinda and is frustrated that she is intended elsewhere. He understands dreams with his work as a builder and architect and volunteer work in the Freedman's Bureau and other organizations that protect and aid his own race and all people get a leg up after the war. Naturally, there are bigoted and prejudiced men who resort to threats and violence to have his way and his own Lieutenant is one of them. He tries to avoid Valinda, but finds her sweet innocence paired with the respect he feels for her capability and intelligence a heady combo to resist.
I went into this one eager because I've been meaning to try this author's work for years. I even have a couple on the shelf, but this latest was the one that finally got me. The Reconstruction Era South and old New Orleans is something of a favorite period and setting for me. I was thrilled to discover shortly into the book that the author did her homework and painted the background and setting well. She brought in a free Northerner's perspective, long-time free wealthy black business women, the sometimes snooty Creoles and the vibrant times and troubles for people trying to get their lives back after war and many starting over with nothing.
As to the romance, that is where I was on iffy ground. I loved both characters and thought they were great for each other. Respect and understanding was as important as the sexual attraction which was great to see.
However, I'm not a fan of my romance pair starting something even if its just kisses and spending time together with each other on their minds when they come with encumbrances. Valinda was engaged and Drake had a mistress. He eventually didn't have the mistress, but it wasn't because he left her- she took a better offer. I would have felt better if he had set the mistress aside earlier, but to be fair, he thought Valinda was going to leave and marry her intended.
It was Valinda who niggled me more. She was attracted to Drake and wanted to get rid of her own innocence so she kept up a light seduction to get him to show her and teacher her things. He was the gentleman who said no and kept his distance and she came onto him. It had a whiff of using him since she wasn't planning to pursue him and that I found disappointing.
There was some late inning conflict when Valinda is forced to come to terms with whether she can trust that there really is such a thing as a love match between equals. Her waste of air father did some damage to her that now has to be handled. I get that, but at this point in the book after she's been in intimate contact with three couples who are in love and are equal partners all from Drake's family, her resistance to him felt a tad contrived.
I loved Valinda's choice to provide education as her help to others and later realizing that practical skills paired with a fine education would serve people better than just handouts. The darker side of rape and pillaging from both sides, secret groups protecting their own and wrecking revenge, militant segregation, and evil people and opportunists taking advantage of the after-war chaos was also there and helped make up some of the book's suspenseful moments.
Overall this was a splendid first outing with the author. I enjoyed her writing and will definitely be going back for more particularly the Le Veq family series and related stories. Historical Romance fans should definitely give this authentic-feeling, sensual, and engaging book/series a go.
I rec'd this book via Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Rebel is the first book in the Women Who Dare series, but it is also the fourth book in the Le Veq series. I had no trouble beginning with this story as a first in series, but now I want to go back for the three earlier Le Veq stories and the closely related Indigo.
Valinda comes south from NYC to teach school under the auspices of a Convent and the Freedman's Bureau. She comes alone and only with her father's dubious blessing. She grew up free and educated in a fine upstanding family, but she never felt truly free knowing her father saw marrying her off as a business transaction at best. But, she has no intentions of marrying into a cold, arranged marriage and plans to marry a friend who won't hinder her plans or have expectations. Right now, Cole is in Paris trying to get start-up help for his newspaper and she is temporarily in New Orleans to teach school.
But, it is dangerous times and she is set upon by three men who started squatting in the barn she was using as a school. A handsome man comes to her rescue and she is pulled into the intriguing world of the House of LeVeq descendants of pirates and their fierce, strong independent loves.
Captain Drake LeVeq is a catch around New Orleans and he isn't intimidated by a courageous woman with plans. He is attracted to Valinda and is frustrated that she is intended elsewhere. He understands dreams with his work as a builder and architect and volunteer work in the Freedman's Bureau and other organizations that protect and aid his own race and all people get a leg up after the war. Naturally, there are bigoted and prejudiced men who resort to threats and violence to have his way and his own Lieutenant is one of them. He tries to avoid Valinda, but finds her sweet innocence paired with the respect he feels for her capability and intelligence a heady combo to resist.
I went into this one eager because I've been meaning to try this author's work for years. I even have a couple on the shelf, but this latest was the one that finally got me. The Reconstruction Era South and old New Orleans is something of a favorite period and setting for me. I was thrilled to discover shortly into the book that the author did her homework and painted the background and setting well. She brought in a free Northerner's perspective, long-time free wealthy black business women, the sometimes snooty Creoles and the vibrant times and troubles for people trying to get their lives back after war and many starting over with nothing.
As to the romance, that is where I was on iffy ground. I loved both characters and thought they were great for each other. Respect and understanding was as important as the sexual attraction which was great to see.
However, I'm not a fan of my romance pair starting something even if its just kisses and spending time together with each other on their minds when they come with encumbrances. Valinda was engaged and Drake had a mistress. He eventually didn't have the mistress, but it wasn't because he left her- she took a better offer. I would have felt better if he had set the mistress aside earlier, but to be fair, he thought Valinda was going to leave and marry her intended.
It was Valinda who niggled me more. She was attracted to Drake and wanted to get rid of her own innocence so she kept up a light seduction to get him to show her and teacher her things. He was the gentleman who said no and kept his distance and she came onto him. It had a whiff of using him since she wasn't planning to pursue him and that I found disappointing.
There was some late inning conflict when Valinda is forced to come to terms with whether she can trust that there really is such a thing as a love match between equals. Her waste of air father did some damage to her that now has to be handled. I get that, but at this point in the book after she's been in intimate contact with three couples who are in love and are equal partners all from Drake's family, her resistance to him felt a tad contrived.
I loved Valinda's choice to provide education as her help to others and later realizing that practical skills paired with a fine education would serve people better than just handouts. The darker side of rape and pillaging from both sides, secret groups protecting their own and wrecking revenge, militant segregation, and evil people and opportunists taking advantage of the after-war chaos was also there and helped make up some of the book's suspenseful moments.
Overall this was a splendid first outing with the author. I enjoyed her writing and will definitely be going back for more particularly the Le Veq family series and related stories. Historical Romance fans should definitely give this authentic-feeling, sensual, and engaging book/series a go.
I rec'd this book via Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2021
This was definitely my favorite Beverly Jenkins that I’ve read so far! The romance felt more central to the plot than some of her others, and Drake was such a swoony big bear of a hero!
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