Month: February 2018

Agnes Moor knows her place in the court of King James IV—as one of the “exotics” in his employ. When the king makes a kiss from Agnes the prize of a tourney, a mysterious knight plows through his opponents to claim it. But it isn’t chance. The Wild Knight has come for her, and her champion is after the most elusive prize of all: her heart.

Alright, so, I’ve had this book in my TBR pile for probably a year! I don’t know why I haven’t read it before now, but I hadn’t and I finally did! And I just…I think I melted a bit when I read it.

First of all, you need to know this is a novella. I did not know this…I probably forgot because It’s been a year since I first bought it. But gosh dang-it I want this to be longer! Now, for a novella, it’s super cute and a well told story, I was just expecting a full-length novel.

For me, novellas sometimes don’t quite hit the mark. The premise is good, the idea is wonderful, but it’s just missing something because there isn’t a whole lot of room to tell a fully formed story. And I get it. It’s a novella. It’s short. That’s what it is. But sometimes you get some novellas that just really hit the spot and this was one of them. Cole did a fantastic job telling this story.

I was really excited when I found this book because you have Medieval-historic romance with a black woman as the female protagonist. How often do you get that? Like…just this once. This book is it. One book. But I was so excited to read it. Because, let’s be honest, I’m guessing most of you think Medieval times and think it’s pretty white. And yes, as a white woman, I’m guilty of that. Which is why I was excited for this book. It helps remind me of…you know…reality.

The Lovers

I feel like well-rounded characters aren’t often found in novellas. Since the story is so short, the characters aren’t as fully developed. However, that’s not the case here. Agnes and Gareth were both fantastically, rich characters

Agnes was a wonderful, vibrant character. She was funny and witty and smart. She had wonderful moments of being so graceful while putting down members of the court who impugn her honor. And it was great. I loved reading it! She was smart and graceful, well able to hold her own in court. I so enjoyed her.

Gareth was equally wonderful. He’s confident, willing to work for what he wants, and smart. I picture him as Gerard Butler in all the Scottish regalia, which just…give me a piece of that! And when he first meets Agnes, he’s enraptured. Gareth is stunned by her beauty and mind. I love a man who loves his woman’s brains and much as her beauty. Gareth, in short, is amazing.

The Romance

One thing I really liked was that Agnes and Gareth weren’t strangers to each other. It wasn’t a love-at-first-sight-oh-my-gosh-I-gotta-tear-your-clothes-off type romance. They had spent time in each other’s company prior to the tournament and there was a genuine respect and attraction for each other. It was the respect between these two characters that I really appreciated about this story.

You have Agnes who is a black woman in a white man’s court. She’s unique, mysterious, and seen more as an object, not a person. Then there’s Gareth, a Scottish highlander who is seen as little more than an uneducated barbarian. These are two people who are seen as outsiders that find and understand each other. They have respect for each other as human and that respect turns into love. When they first meet, they’re intrigued by each other, which then leads to some amazing flirtation.

Now let me tell you, Gareth is all in. Gareth is full on ready to woo Agnes the moment he meets. But he waits. She leaves Scotland and she thinks he’s forgotten her. But oh no! Not that man! He remembers her and remembers her fondly. Gareth enters the competition for the sole reason to win her hand. He’s going to be her champion and then he’s gonna marry her. It’s fantastic! He’s just a swoon-worthy character.

And Agnes, while hesitant, finds Gareth too good to be true. He treats her like a person. He enjoys her conversation and humor and he meets her word for word. Agnes and Gareth are equally matched and it’s so wonderful to see. And she also finds a champion in Gareth. Not just as the tourney champion, but as someone who will stand up for her and defend her honor when she cannot. She wasn’t expecting to find love, but it found her.

Also, for such a novella, the love scene is surprisingly sexy.

Fin

If you want a short, sweet, and sassy romance, grab this book! It is such a treat!

Quotes

Just once, but it had left an indelible mark on her. She’d thought herself foolish – month of pining away for some Highland chief determined to thwart James’s plans for unification – but as MacAllister bowed deeply and strode off the field, she understood that her instinct had been correct: The Wild Knight had come for her. Maybe once had been enough.

“…But I believe it would be quite easy for a man to care for you.”

“I will always champion you,” he said simply. “If you will have me.”

His plaid had flow up when he’d leapt across the table, revealing a muscular ass and the hint of something thick and veined.

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When a silly, impulsive decision lands free-spirited India Shaw behind bars in San Francisco, she has no choice but to call the only person she knows in the unfamiliar city—the very man she abandoned after a steamy two-day fling. The fact that she’s pregnant with his child is something she’d rather not divulge.

Tech executive Michael Black never thought he’d hear from the quirky beauty after she left his bed four months ago, much less be called upon to post bail. He’s got his hands full with a corporate merger that could make or break his career, but his honorable nature—and an overwhelming need to see her again—means he can’t just leave her in jail. And when India reveals the truth about her pregnancy, Mike insists she stay with him until the baby is born.

India doesn’t want to depend on him for anything, but their constant proximity stirs up feelings she can’t ignore. She’s never desired a family before and she knows a future with Mike isn’t possible . . . but then along came love to shake up all her plans.

Along Came Love was abso-freakin-loutly adorable! It was such a fun opposites attract romance that had me riveted to the pages. If I had my way, I would have spent a good day with this book, sadly, work got in the way.

This was my first introduction to Tracey Livesay. I found this book through one of Kindle’s gazillion book deals. It sounded adorable, so I bought it. And I’m so very glad I did. This is the second book in the Shades of Love series, and it may have been even better had I read Love On My Mind first. I know we meet both Mike and Indi in those books, so there is a chance I would have had a better grasp on both their characters if I started there. I didn’t, however, and still enjoyed the book!

What I Loved

• I loved the differences in personality between Mike and Indi. They were such a great yin and yang couple, balancing the whimsical and the serious.
• I do appreciate that Mike more or less took Indi’s word that the baby was his. He knew she had no reason to lie and, once he had time to process, took her at her word.
• Mike caring for Indi, especially during her various bouts of morning sickness, was tooth-achingly adorable.
• Indi’s ability to charm and make friends, especially with Mike’s sister, Morgan, was so wonderful.
• The fact they call the baby Nugget.
• The chemistry between the two was on fire!

What I didn’t Love

• The fact that Mike was still in a relationship with Skylar when he started fooling around with Indi. I almost DNFed the book when this happened, to be honest. I really didn’t like the way Mike handled the situation with Skylar and how he reasoned, “well, she saw the picture and hasn’t returned my calls, so we’re practically broken up.” It didn’t feel respectful to either Indi or Skylar.
• The Black Family Drama at the end was overwhelming. I’m not surprised that Indi got out of dodge when she could. I get the excitement of a new grandbaby, but it really felt as though they didn’t care what Indi thought. It made me angry for her.
• The end of the story felt rushed and as though some of the main obstacles hadn’t been resolved by the time the lovers get back together.

Beyond the Romance

One thing I really appreciated was the conversation Indi and Mike had regarding what it would mean for Mike, a white man, raising a biracial child. It was poignant and an issue I’m not sure too many people would think about.

“You want to raise him, but you don’t even realized what it’ll mean.” “What are you talking about?” A tiny cynical smile marred the perfection of her mouth. “Do you understand he won’t be like you?” He narrowed his eyes. “Explain.” “He’ll be biracial. Half black, half white.” “I know that,” he said insulted by her insinuation. “But do you understand what that means? He may have some of your features, but superficially, he may not look like you. Are you ready for that? For the stares you’ll get, the assumption that he isn’t yours or that you adopted him? Will you be ready to answer his questions about why he looks different and how that makes him feel?”

Fin

I really enjoyed Along Came Love! I loved the characters, the dialog was so witty, and the romance made me blush! However, because of the whole thing between Mike, Skylar, and Indi (and the fact I almost DNFed because of it), I am dropping the rating down. It’s one of those trope/plot points that just makes me angry and I don’t want to deal.

That isn’t going to stop me from grabbing the other books in this series. My TBR pile is now larger because I NEED to read the rest of Tracey Livesay’s books. It’s a priority. A necessity!

If you’re a fan of pregnancy plots and opposites attract tropes, grab this book! You won’t be disappointed!

Quotes

“When a woman moves to a new city, one of the first things she does is get recommendations for a hairstylist and an ob-gyn. We only trust those body parts to exceptional practitioners.

“You don’t have the right to be jealous.” “Whether or not I have the right to be doesn’t mean the feeling ceases to exist.”

She would never get tired of this feeling. Of receiving pleasure from this man and giving it in return. What would it be like to have access to these sensations any time she wanted?

Did getting turned on by a yoga session make him a pervert?

“No more running away from me. I’m in this for the long haul and we’ll figure it out. Together.”

“He moved closer to her. “I’ll always take care of you.” “I don’t need you to.” “I know. But taking care of you isn’t a way to control you, and it doesn’t mean I don’t think you’re capable of taking care of yourself. It just means I care about you and I want you to be safe.” He paused. “Because I love you.”

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Synopsis

Rhine Fontaine is building the successful life he’s always dreamed of—one that depends upon him passing for White. But for the first time in years, he wishes he could step out from behind the façade. The reason: Eddy Carmichael, the young woman he rescued in the desert. Outspoken, defiant, and beautiful, Eddy tempts Rhine in ways that could cost him everything…and the price seems worth paying.

Eddy owes her life to Rhine, but she won’t risk her heart for him. As soon as she’s saved enough money from her cooking, she’ll leave this Nevada town and move to California. No matter how handsome he is, no matter how fiery the heat between them, Rhine will never be hers. Giving in for just one night might quench this longing. Or it might ignite an affair as reckless and irresistible as it is forbidden…

I know Beverly Jenkins just released Tempest. It looks great! It looks wonderful! But my TBR pile is huge and my broke ass needs to wait a little while to read it. So, instead, I’m talking about the first book in this Old West series, Forbidden.

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!

There is a part of me that just wants to stop there. That’s all you need to know about this book. It’s amazing. Though, if any of you have read any of Jenkins’ previous books, this probably isn’t a surprise.

The storytelling is amazing, the characters are fantastic, and the historical research all help bring this book to life! I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS ONLY THE SECOND BEVERLY JENKINS BOOK I’VE READ! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?

So, let’s talk about the characters

There is a depth and richness to Jenkins’ characters, both the two protagonists and the supporting cast. Eddy and Rhine were such wonderfully written characters, equally strong in their own convictions. While I normally wax eloquent about the men in romance books (because they make me swoon), I’m going to focus on Eddy instead.

Eddy was such a compelling character. She had a quiet determined, strength and stuck to her convictions. Getting to Virginia City wasn’t easy. It was filled with trial after tribulation, but she kept going. She didn’t back down or give up. She kept finding a way to make her dream become a reality. Eddy also allowed her self to dream again. I love that she was able to make room in her plans for the surprises life threw at her. She “dusted off” old dreams she never thought would be reality and allowed space for them in her life once again.

But one thing I loved most was Eddy’s decisions when it came to Rhine. Even though she felt a pull towards him, she knew a romantic involvement could only go so far. She stuck to her convictions even when he was flirting and charming. Every time she turned him down, I cheered a little. She kept him humble and didn’t let his flirtations sway her, especially while he was still involved with Natalie.

The side characters were also wonderful! The whole community of Virginia City was beautiful. However, Sylvia, Vera, Doc, and Jim were a wonderful support for the two lovers. Jim, always there to keep Rhine grounded. Sylvia, giving Eddy a home and a friendship she didn’t know before. And Doc and Vera, supporting Eddy and Rhine as friends.

The Romance

The romance between Eddy and Rhine was so sweet. Like, I might have a toothache now because of their story. From the moment they meet, there is a tension between the two of them. They’re attracted, but because of the (seemingly) racial differences, nothing can happen. Plus, Rhine’s engaged (though it’s more of a business arrangement).

Through it all, Rhine is an incorrigible, endearing flirt who cares deeply for the people of his community. He shows himself to be a man of character and hopes for the future. It’s no wonder Eddy falls in love with him. And Rhine doesn’t stand a chance against falling for Eddy. Eddy is smart, compassionate, strong, and fierce. No matter how he tries to stay away from her, he keeps being pulled into her.

Theirs is, for obvious reasons, a slow courtship. Their attraction to each other is shared and acknowledged, but not freely acted on. And not acted on till all the cards are on the table. Yet through their day-to-day interactions, they discover more and more reasons why they are falling in love with each other. Why Rhine is willing to turn his life up side down for Eddy. Why Eddy is willing to take a chance on Rhine.

This is a mostly closed-door romance. There is no sex in the book, but they do share intimate moments. There are lots of kisses, both sweet and sexy, and there are a few moments that get a little steamy (a little bit of fingering).

Beyond the Romance

There was a moment in my life when I considered becoming a history major. “There’s no money in that!” I said. So, logic prevailed and I switched to social work instead (side-eyes my past self’s decision making abilities). I love history. I love knowing about the past and how it’s shaped the future. This is part of why I love historical fiction. And I love when authors intertwine their stories with actual historic events.

Beverly Jenkins has blown me away with how she has blended history with her story. There is such a great depth of historical research that adds to the richness of Forbidden. Where most historical romance novels provide a general idea of the time period, Jenkins adds in actual historic places and events. It helps provide context for what is happening, the social/political climate, and the other trials and tribulations the characters are facing (beyond their romantic entanglements).

Fin

Since I am fairly new to the romance genre, this is only the second Beverly Jenkins book I’ve read. I can’t wait to get my hands on more (especially some of her pirate books!!). I know I said it before, but it bears repeating: this book was stunning. You absolutely must grab a copy and read it.

The audiobook is equally fantastic. The narrator, Kim Staunton, does a wonderful job of giving voice to the characters. If you don’t have time to read the book, grab the audio version to enjoy.

Quotes

“Will you at least give me a chance to prove myself?” “To what end? A few days ago you were engaged to marry, and now you want me to believe you’re genuinely interested in me as something other than a dalliance.” A smiled played around his lips. “You don’t plan to make this easy, do you? “Why should I?”

“Men do tend to complicate things.”

“I should go before Sylvie comes home and finds you spread out on the table like dessert.” … “Why would you kiss me on the table?” She whispered. He smiled at the innocence the question held. “Because desire sometimes happens in the oddest places, little queen. You’ll see.”

“With yours, I want to put it on your lips and spend the night tasting it…And if that isn’t clear enough. I want you, Eddy Carmichael, in a way that has nothing to do with race, but everything to do with me being a man and you being a beautiful woman.”

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Quick Summary

Nerdy and awkward undercover FBI agent falls for the nerdy and awkward data analyst whom he is investigating. Sparks fly!

Bookish Thoughts

Nerdy and brilliant data analyst, Cassie Howard, has worked hard to achieve her career. She doesn’t need help with her work, especially not from the new too-sexy-too-be-true data analyst. No man will take credit for her work, thank you very much. Now she just needs to tell her brain to stop thinking about him so much.

Undercover FBI agent, Drew Kerrigan’s investigation has led him right to Cassie’s (work) door. She’s his best shot at discovering who is responsible for insider trading…and she just happens to be his lead suspect. He needs to get close to her, and all he seems to manage is to push her away.

However, as suspicious as they both are of each other, they can’t deny their attraction either.

I love a good nerd falls in love with “popular” person as much as anyone. But what I love about this story is that we have two nerds falling in love with each other! And they’re so…awkward! Cassie and Drew are both computer geniuses. They’re good with computers, not so great with people. Drew talks with people like he’s interrogating them. Cassie has a bad habit of unconsciously speaking out-loud what she’s thinking. And between the two of them, there are a number of different moments when their computer talk sounds more like innuendos.

Which is part of what makes this book so much fun.

This book was witty and cute. From the moment these two meet, they stumble over each other, tripping over words and miscommunication. It makes for an automatic antagonistic relationship (which is one of my favorite tropes) yet, they can’t seem to resist each other either. Their constant fumbling and bickering combined with the “forbidden attraction” adds a great push and pull to their relationship. They’re cute. They’re nerdy. They’re each other’s CSS to HTML.

There are some absolutely adorable and laugh out loud moments, and, as with all romance books, moments that had me hiding my face in my hands screaming, “NNOOOOO!!” By the middle of the story, I just wanted to bang their heads together and make them start kissing.

The second book in the series is now in my TBR pile and I have high hopes it’ll be just as great as this one.

Beyond the Romance

Outside of the romance, I appreciated Scott’s acknowledgement to the struggle women have in the STEM/Computer Sciences world. One of the reasons Cassie is so antagonistic towards Drew at first is because she’s worried the company brought Drew in to take over her job. “Why?” you might ask, because he’s a man.

I’m married to a web-developer and through him have become friends with several women in the field. Sexism is an issue they all face. It’s become so much of an issue it has started to be prevalent in the news (Google Manifesto or Susan Fowler formerly of Uber). Women often get overlooked for jobs like Cassie’s because of their gender.

On a side note, if you’re a woman at all interested in coding opportunities, take a look at these:

Women Who Code

Girl Develop It

Fantastical Quotes

-Holy smoking hotness, Batman. No computer nerd has a right to look like that.

-Yep. The FBI would be documenting his technique for training purposes: What Not to Do with Women, A Study in Three Parts.

-She gave a brisk nod, turned, and pulled the door open. Then she angled back toward him. “Try to appear contrite and browbeaten like I’ve just been drilling you.” She clapped a hand over her mouth as the implications set in. “Mother trucker. Strike that last comment.”

–“I’d like to unzip your files.”

-Drew reluctantly pulled back and smiled as she stood for a moment, eyes closed, face tipped up to him like a flower to the sun. It struck him that he’d like to be her sun—the guy that drew her closer with the force of gravity, who lit her up, who heated her to the core.

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