- Tempest: From Reagan accidentally shooting her intended to Ben learning to stand up for the women in his life against his father, and dealing with his own discomfort and attraction to headstong woman, I loved this story. Reagan’s connection with Ben’s daughter didn’t feel precocious or forced, and I enjoyed her friendship with Ben’s sister, Spring (from previously reviewed Wild Spring!), creating a women’s aid group and being able to get some closure about her neglected childhood by helping another little girl in the same situation.
- Forbidden: This ends square in the middle because there was divine tension and historical relevency with Rhine being able to pass throughout much of the book, the privileges it gives him as well as the risk and disconnection from the rest of society. Thus it was especially menaingful that Eddy’s reaction came from one of understanding but firmness that she won’t be a dirty secret to hide or risk his safety/finances if he has to reveal himself. Obviously, he realizes love is worth the danger, but it was delicious reading up to it. Plus I got to learn a lot about the free black towns in the West and the animosities of new settlers and pioneers after the Civil War.
- Breathless: As much as I love a couple that get each other, and forgo the miscommunication trope, the lack of internal or external conflict after Portia and Kent got together made it feel like it should have ended 70 pages earlier. Unfortunate as Jenkins does bring up Apache displacement and retaliation, and as one with some indigenous heritage Kent could have felt that he should learn more or get involved. Same with Portia and the black women’s movement and rights, but those events were just added as information rather than connecting to Portia and Kent’s characterization.
Rachel Reads & Reviews 
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