Forbidden (Old West #1) by Beverly Jenkins

 

About

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 . . .

My Thoughts

I have now officially found my new favourite author for romance. Rebel was good but Forbidden was GREAT. Rhine and Eddy was the most epic couple you can read about. I spent my entire weekend just reading this story. Yes it wad that good.

In Forbidden, we meet Rhine Fontaine an ex slave who started over his life passing for white. After amassing a great fortune and influence in his town, for the first time he questioned whether this was how he wanted to live when he literally stumbled upon Eddy.

Determined to make it on her own terms in life, Eddy set her sights on California, however some terrible circumstances left her almost dead in the desert. Being rescued by the handsome Rhine led Eddy to a life that she never expected.

Full of love, emotion and everything else. Forbidden is the type of book that makes you want to reread.

Excellent.

Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson

 

About

A Jamaican girl is determined to bake her way out of her dysfunctional family and into the opportunity of a lifetime.

Pumkin Patterson is a thirteen-year-old girl living in a tiny two-room house in Kingston, Jamaica with her grandmother (who wants to improve the family’s social standing); her aunt Sophie (who dreams of a new life in Paris for her and Pumkin); and her mother Paulette (who’s rarely home). When Sophie is offered the chance to move to France for work, she seizes the opportunity and promises to send for her niece in one year’s time. All Pumkin has to do is pass her French entrance exam so she can attend school there. But when Pumkin’s grandmother dies, she’s left alone with her volatile mother, and as soon as her estranged father turns up—as lazy and conniving as ever—the household’s fortunes take a turn for the worse.

Pumkin must somehow find a way to raise the money for her French exam. In a moment of ingenuity she turns her passion for baking into a true business. Making batches of sweet potato pudding, coconut drops and chocolate cakes, Pumkin develops a booming trade—but when her school and her mother find out what she’s up to, everything she’s worked so hard for may slip through her fingers.

My Thoughts

One word.

Brilliant.

I enjoyed this novel from start to finish. In Sweetness in the Skin we meet teenager, Akisha Patterson aka Pumkin. She was a girl with a dream to live in France which was born out of her aunt Sophie's love for everything French. But Pumkin's less than ideal life in Jamaica with an abusive mother, absentee father makes that dream almost impossible. That is until aunt Sophie gets an opportunity to work in France.

Determined to get to her aunt, Pumkin was prepared to fight against the odds to fulfill her dream. There were sad and emotional moments in the novel but there were equally joyous ones as well. I really enjoyed the story and highly recommend this book. One of my best reads for 2025 so far.

Rebel (Women Who Dare #1) by Beverly Jenkins

About 

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.

My Thoughts

Hands down an excellent book. It has been a long time that I enjoyed a romance novel. I dont really read this genre but my goodness where have Beverly Jenkins been my entire life?

This story had everything, drama, suspense and lots of passion. The historical part was definitely wonderful. It really went into detail depicting the era. I couldnt get enough.

Oh and that Drake Le Veq....OMG what a character. The chemistry between him and Valinda left me speechless. I am going to binge read this entire series and get my hands on all Jenkins' books. Excellent writing.