Sunday, May 19

Book Review: Rebel by Beverly Jenkins


Rebel (Women Who Dare, #1)Author:  Beverly Jenkins
Title: Rebel
(Women Who Dare #1) (The Le Veq Family #4)
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: ebook
Expected to be Published:  May 28th 2019
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)



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.

I was drawn in right away with this. Look at that dress! So pretty! And plus this a fresh of breath air from the atypical HRs. Unquie and different!

This is book 1 of a series, but also book 4 of another series. There are some references to the older books, but the author did well to have this be standalone. I am curious about the other ones now. 

The story follows Valinda who wants to teach the children and those adults who never had a chance to learn and read. New Orleans is beautiful, but there is also danger especially for an unmarried African American woman. This is where Drake comes in. He saves her from these jerkfaces. He is a good guy and wants to help rebuild the city from after the war. 

I loveeeddddd Drake. He was such a good guy! Sure he was a rogue, but he was such a gentleman! He was so sweet and kind. Loved him. I liked Val too even though I wanted to shake her! DRAKE IS THE ONE FOR YOU FOOL! *shakes fist*

I also loved Drake's family! I would love to be a part of his family ;) Julianna was such a wonderful role model!! Strong and not messing around, but a heart of gold. 

Honestly, the story had me hooked from page 1. The characters were so intriguing and yes I loved the romance. But I also loved the nod to the social issues of the times. Kuddos to Drake and his pals for not rolling over and taking the abuse. A certain scene made me cheer! Good! That guy was a jerk. 

Now...the last 15% was rough. It seemed to drag on and I was SO annoyed with Val still being pig-headed. C'mon woman! You know you want Drake! Fine. I'll take him if you don't want him ;) 


Overall though...I really did like the story even with the last few pages making me yawn and annoyed. I want to read more about this family. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 






6 comments:

Sophia Rose said...

This was my first encounter with the author and I had the same desire to read the earlier Le Veq family series. Oh man, she was so stubborn there in the end. :)

Melliane said...

Oh this one looks so good! I want to try!

Blodeuedd said...

WOmen can sure be stubborn sometimes in HR, lol

Carole Rae said...

Sophia, same here!!!!

Melliane, yesss!

B, ugh I know. LOLL but better than those weak-spined betties.

vvb32 reads said...

LOL, fun review.

Carole Rae said...

^_^