CAPTURED by Beverly Jenkins

Published: Avon
Date published: September 2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-154779-9
Romance Multiracial
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained via publisher
Pam


Dominique LeVeq, a notorious French born pirate, destroys an enemy’s ship and takes all the cargo he can carry, plus the slave crew. Entranced by a beautiful slave, he also takes her enraging her owner, Violet.

Clare Sullivan is devastated as it means she may never see her children again. Dominic falls in love with her and when she realizes he’s interested in giving all slaves their freedom, she succumbs to his advances.

On his Caribbean home island of Libertè, all the people have been freed and life is hard but happy. They ready their ship and take off for Savannah to try and rescue Clare’s children. Danger, death, slave traders and a war, are what they have to surmount. Dominique, his brother and friends combine their skills learnt navigating the high seas to achieve their objective.

CAPTURED is an interesting tale set in the 1700’s, where people were bought and sold with no rights of their own. The characters were an interesting mix of many nations which was different, although it was a little confusing figuring out who belonged to whom sometimes. The tale was based on real life and the pirates who roamed the seas and rested on the islands back then. The settings were quite visual, giving the reader a glimpse of life back then, plus the hardship run-away slaves went through. The romance was well done, but the sex scenes a little repetitive also the characters inner thoughts. I enjoyed the actual story and the historical notes giving some background was very interesting. I’m sure Ms. Jenkins fans will enjoy Dominique and Clare’s story.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW.

JEWEL by Beverly Jenkins

Publisher Avon
Date published May 2008
ISBN 978-0-06-116135-3
Genre African American Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam



In the township of Grayson Grove, confirmed bachelor Eli Grayson is known as a ladies’ man. With his silver tongue, good looks and charm added to being a member of the founding family he finds it hard when his career looks as if it may be over.
Jewel Crowley, lives with her father and brothers, and treats Eli as one of the boys. When he comes and practically begs her to pose as his wife, she finally agrees for the sake of friendship. What neither of them realized was it could end his new career and also paint her as easy. When the townspeople find out, they are forced to marry, to save her reputation and his career. When his ex-girlfriend, Cecile comes to town, even more trouble breaks out as she goes on a manhunt causing trouble and mayhem in Grayson Grove.

As Eli and Jewel find sharing a bed is a wonderful feeling, their friendship turns into passion and love. The town had put on a grand wedding, bringing them all together in this interesting tale set in 1881 America. The characters are interesting and the murderous Cecile who seems to change beds as quickly as she changes her clothes is an ideal scarlet woman.

JEWEL is a story which brings to life the struggles any colored person encountered after slavery was abolished. I enjoyed the tale as life in small town America unfolded, a place where everyone watches. From the first few pages where a murder sets the scene for further mayhem, this was an historical tale with a difference. There is pathos and passion, mixed with some really funny scenes as the book unfolds. As the past impacts on the future this is an interesting tale with a satisfying ending.