The first novel in USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins’s 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.
In this gripping, passionate introduction to the Women Who Dare Series, Jenkins addresses some very sensitive topics, but does so with grace and style all while keeping the focus on the romance. Valinda is a strong heroine with a big heart and a desire to do what’s right, making her the perfect match for the handsome, chivalrous, romantic Drake.
Drake and Val first meet when he saves her from some would-be rapists and murderers. The book is set right after the slaves were freed, so tensions are still very high and threats and danger lurk around every corner. Val is from New York and is only in New Orleans to help with a new school for the freed, but the longer she stays, and the more time she spends with Drake, the more she wants to rebuild her life in the vibrant city. Val is promised to another, but she can’t deny the pull she has to Drake, who, unlike Val, believes in the power of love. Drake has a close-knit family and they welcome Val with open arms when she is evicted from her boarding room. Drake helps Val with her school and she captures his heart with her determination, wit, intelligence and beauty Drake is a swoon-worthy alpha male with a sensitive, caring side. He’s a loyal provider who’s admired by everyone who knows him. This is a must-read with charming, complex characters, steady pace, and a strong plot with a little of mystery and a lot of love.
Rating system: Cups of Coffee (the less the better)
0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.
My rating: 0 cups of coffee
Tour Wide Giveaway
To celebrate the release of REBEL by Beverly Jenkins, we’re giving away a paperback copy of Tempest by Beverly Jenkins to one lucky winner!
GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of Tempest by Beverly Jenkins. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Books. Giveaway ends 6/10/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Beverly Jenkins
BEVERLY JENKINS is the recipient of the 2018 Michigan Author Award by the Michigan Library Association, the 2017 Romance Writers of America 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 in both 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 multicultural 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. To read more about Beverly, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.
The first novel in USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins’s compelling new series follows a Northern woman south in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War . . .
