Rebel audiobook

I was so engrossed in this book that I didn't even stop to save quotes like I usually do. 😂 As someone who is still very new to the historical romance genre, I've been branching out with some of the seemingly fan favorites, since I haven't been sure where to start. Beverly Jenkins name continually comes up as a giant in the genre, and I can certainly see why. Her writing is equal parts powerful narrative and comforting bear hug, and her words have a smoothness like literary butter that is intelligent and accessible to all. This was a stressful week for our family, and being able to escape into an atmospheric novel during a time period I haven't read much of was wonderful.Please be aware, as I'm sure is expected, there are many inclusions of racism specific to the time period, which could be a trigger for some readers. I thought this aspect was incredibly well-rounded, as the author shows just how many areas racism can arise from, even after slavery was "abolished" following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The narrative of a country trying to rebuild following the Civil War, and essentially the truth in how a piece of legislature could never abolish racism, is front and central to the story. I personally enjoyed reading the author's note at the conclusion showing the copious amounts of research that went into ensuring this book was historically accurate.Going in, I had no idea that this book featured some of Beverly Jenkins's former characters, but was delighted to find out that I have many more adventures ahead of me with the Le Veq family. The author has such a way with creating a memorable cast, and I found her expression of the secondary characters to be so well done, some of the best I've encountered to date. My only *minor* complaint is that it seems the romance was mostly reserved for the last third of the book, and I would have loved to have seen it a bit more front and center throughout. This is just a personal preference, though, and I completely understand why the author chose to structure her story the way that she did, especially due to the fact that Valinda is promised to another man for a majority of the story. In short, this may have been my first Beverly Jenkins novel, but it certainly won't be my last. Thanks to Sarah for buddy reading this one with me!

To the surprise of, erm, no-one, Ms Bev has done it again. This book was an absolute banger from the very first scene, when I fell head over heels in love with Val (a queen, a badass, an icon). Then we got a blast from the past via Sable, plus the appearance of our frankly delicious hero, Drake (ugh, even his name is yum), who won my affection forever. Things only went up from there. This book is such a visceral experience, with so many little adventures and truly loveable, fascinating MCs. You will feel the heat, you'll actually snicker at the banter, and you'll adore all the characters, old and new. I am so excited for the next in the series!

I continue to be a Beverly Jenkins fangirl in the extreme, but one thing about Rebel that really stuck out for me was just how romantic it is. Drake is so dreamy and he treats Valinda like a princess from the moment they meet and he never lets up. I'm definitely adding him to my book boyfriend list.

Audio: 5 STARS!Story: 3.75 STARS! "You proved love does exist, and it changed my life." A sweet, VERY low angst read in terms of the romance. Drake was entirely swoon-worthy . . . everybody needs a man like Drake LeVeq. 😍😍😍 The real focus of the story, however, was the setting; the harrowing post-civil war/post-emancipation world of the freedmen and women in New Orleans was brought to life so vividly. So vividly in fact, that it felt like Drake and Val were there to showcase the history . . . instead of the other way around.As always, though, a solid read by Ms. Jenkins!

This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceRebel is the first book in the Women Who Dare series and is also part of the Le Veq Family series as well. I was super excited to see that this book is set in New Orleans, in the reconstruction era. Beverly Jenkins is pure talent when it comes to writing historical's, especially intensely accurate ones. What I really appreciated about this book is how much you learn in such a short period of time. Ms. Bev surely knows how to write such fantastic books that blends a delightful romance with great authentic historical facts that comes alive on the pages.Rebel begins with our heroine, who has come down to New Orleans as she waits on her fiancee who is in France for a printing press to start his newspaper shop. Valinda is a teacher and is hoping to help those that are in need of a education both children and adults. But when she finds her school trashed, and she is almost raped and then rescued by a military officer...Captain Drake Le Veq. But now Valinda has seen the kindness from Drake and when she is tossed out of her current living residence, she goes to the only person she knows....Drake and his family's home. Valinda has never known such graciousness or generosity or love that she has seen in the Le Veq home or felt such a strong connection to anyone like Drake. She is about to be married to a friend but has never felt passion like she feels with Drake. Valinda will have to make a decision to marry her friend to protect him so he can be with the man he loves or.....be with the man she loves and live in a place that calls to her. I blame you and your pirate kin. I was fine until I met your family with all its love and passion. Rebel is such a well-written story that had me in TEARS especially towards the end. There was so much heartfelt emotion that we see in this book and you know I never expect it but Bev Jenkins surely knows how to work me in a story and boy she worked my emotions so well in this book. I first want to discuss the setting that we have in this book. Its set in New Orleans shortly entering in the Reconstruction Era and boy the things that we see are heartbreaking and it really brings bigotry and racism so close to home for me. The way in how seeing the social injustices and seeing the fight that these people had to gain their independence, freedoms and education and more. To fight for a chance to live their own lives and not to be raped, abused, or murdered for it. It really made me realize that there is so much work today that needs to be done.So we get to see so many delights from the Le Veq family and now I know I just need to re-read this series because boy I love them all...such a hoot. I love the bantering between the brothers and we finally get DRAKE's book. I have been wanting it ever since I fell in love with Indigo and got my first introduction to this family. I love the way that this family works together and how they defend their own. I honestly had so much love for Drake as the hero of the story, because is the epitome of a hero. If you are looking for an AVENGER of the Reconstruction era, he is that. He does what he can with the people in his life.Our heroine is such a passionate and full of life character and I just loved her so much and all that she does here. She is so strong willed and a fighter. She is a teacher, and has such a drive for education and helping others. I love what she wants to do with her knowledge and see what she is capable of. She never gives up on what is right, no matter how hard or challenging it is. Valinda (such a gorgeous name) has never really seen love or passion in her life and doesn't believe it exists in a marriage. But her world gets turned upside down when she meets the Le Veq family and I loved seeing this change in her. “What’s your dream, cheri?”“To head up a school where girls who, like me, have no interest in embroidery or playing the piano, can learn as much about whatever they want: mathematics, botany, the stars. They can study animals or anatomy. And I’d have the money to provide excellent teachers who don’t believe learning will damage them.” The relationship between Drake and Valinda is pretty insta lust, there is a powerful chemistry that sparks between them from the very beginning and I adored the growth from the sexual sparks and which developed into something more vibrant and full of emotion. The adaption of their relationship was so poignant at times, and love seeing how their relationship deepens through their challenges and seeing what they both overcome. If you do leave New Orleans, I’m keeping your smile so I can pull it out and look at it whenever I think of you Rebel is powerfully portrayed love story that takes us back to New Orleans, a story of sacrifice, passion and what love can do at the right time, right place and with the right person!! TRULY A TREASURE TO HOLD ONTO! 

Rebel by Beverly JenkinsWomen Who Dare book 1. Historical romance. Diverse.After the end of the Civil War, teacher Valinda travels to New Orleans to help freed slaves learn to read. But freedom isn’t recognized by everyone in the South and Valinda is soon the target of vandals and thugs. Fortunately she’s met Captain Drake LeVeq Whois more than happy to rescue Valinda. He’s also willing to teach her a few things about marriage games, aka petting and sex.A lot of history is included in Ms Jenkins books. Some of it is ugly and brutal. Most of the tellings are done well within the story and on-point but a few times it felt more like a history lecture. I’m in it for the romance which was touching and lovely. Valinda had quite a history from a fiancé who is actually in love with another man, to her father that tries to sell her. The best part was her rising against all opposition to win the love of Drake while learning about her own power in the community and her own sexuality. A powerful black independent female making a stand and finding love.

The history in this novel is so much better than the romance

Rebel Beverly Jenkins Rebel is the first book in the Women Who Dare series by Beverly Jenkins. Ms. Jenkins is renowned for her bestselling romance novels and Rebel did not disappoint. Valinda Lacy has come to New Orleans to educate former slaves. Captain Drake LeVeq is a volunteer at the New Orleans Freedmen Bureau. They are both passionate about their work, and they’ve found passion with each other. Can they find love? Rebel is not a simple romance novel. Well it is, but it’s so much more. This novel is set during the Reconstruction Era, and it is realistically detailed. Beverly Jenkins has managed to convey the contentious nature of race relations following the emancipation of slaves, while relaying a beautiful love story. She accomplished this without trivializing either one. The true beauty of this work is that the author touches on varied racial situations, but still injects humor into the dialogue. I give Rebel 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all lovers of romance novels. Be advised there is some explicit sexual content. My thanks to HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

Loved everything about this. This has a classic Beverly Jenkins feel with a super strong heroine who has a practical marriage in mind and the man who is out to win her love. CW for racism, slavery, death

** spoiler alert ** After finishing Rebel, I promptly ordered another half dozen Beverly Jenkins novels. I got a lot out of this reading experience, especially as I began to appreciate how fully the supporting cast would feature in this Reconstruction-era historical, which often felt as much like a family saga or a small town ensemble piece as a romance. The largely untroubled courtship between sexually innocent but steely school teacher Valinda Lacy and virtually superheroic Civil War veteran Drake LeVeq organizes the action, and the story of Val’s gradual rebellion against her overbearing father’s expectations is satisfying. Initially, the two MCs are committed to other people: Valinda is headed for a loveless marriage of convenience to a newspaper man, and Drake has a hookup arrangement with a fabulous mistress. But when Val arrives in vibrant, multiethnic New Orleans to contribute to Reconstruction by setting up a school for free men and women, Drake saves her from a gang of thuggish soldiers and immediately becomes her protector. Val is quickly introduced to Drake’s family--the pirate-blooded and glamorous Leveqs, whose stories have featured in numerous earlier novels (now all lined up on my to-read shelf)--and Drake’s formidable mother Juliana and his badass, pistol-packing sister-in-law Sable take Val under their wings and begin the process of nourishing the free-spirited “Hellion” within her that her father has been intent on suppressing. The LeVeqs are a lusty and affectionate family, famous for marrying for love at a time when most marriages were practical affairs--a family trait that acquires an extra tang of defiance in the community of newly free men and women of color. The New Orleans of the novel, in which the powers of black family and community are especially concentrated, may be under threat from Confederate reactionaries, but make no mistake: this is Juliana LeVeq’s world, and if Jenkins has a fictional proxy in this book, it is certainly Juliana, whose benevolent gaze subtly controls the action. Small wonder that there is very little romantic conflict: as Drake is instantly and (except for one perfunctory moment of hesitation) consistently enthralled with Val; Val herself is instantly drawn to the larger-than-life pirate-blooded hero too. The only thing that slows them down is Val’s uncertainty about romantic love, an emotion she has never really experienced before. Val's erotic education and emotional awakening advance in unison in response to Drake's cheeky innuendos and patient, persistent, loving touch. The romantic rivals politely excuse themselves without fuss: Val’s betrothed is gay and has a boyfriend anyway, and Drake’s mistress has bigger fish to fry. With the path open for the lovers, Drake shows Val his childhood treehouse and his plans for a new romantic love nest in the treetops between steamy makeout sessions with her in the family gazebo and retrofitting old train cars to create classrooms for her new school.This is only half the story though--indeed, perhaps less than half, since the novel is equally interested in dramatizing the history of the Reconstruction period, particularly as it was lived by newly freed slaves. Secondary characters proliferate in the book: and all are given the dignity of names and backstories. Accounts of soldaway children and spouses and fractured black families left in their wake haunt the margins of the novel’s plot, as do the stories of young lovers of different races who flee into the night seeking new lives. Many of the incidents that Jenkins packs into this narrative resonate with contemporary politics and ongoing anti-racist struggle: making sure that black voters are registered, securing access to education for the recently freed, enduring the slow death of bureaucratic red tape that endlessly stalls the distribution of necessaries, finding justice for the victims of racist violence… It is a grim litany and a clear indictment of contemporary as well as historical injustice. Much of the novel’s main action is propelled by these issues, and it is to incidents like the murder of a former slave by a former plantation owner when the free man protests the latter’s exploitative contract, that Val and Drake’s romance sometimes plays second fiddle. There is a great deal of political intrigue and action around newly formed white supremacist secret societies in the novel, including a siege of the elder LeVeq manse and the burning of the hero’s own home. Perhaps most interesting, in a work that intertwines progressive racial uplift with the genre priorities of romance and family, is its darker turns towards revenge fantasy when a former slave-holder and the murderer of a free man is himself abducted in the night and fed to the alligators by a cloaked order of freedom fighters who--the novel is coy on this point--may or may not include the hero, an equivocation that allows gentler readers to savour the fantasy of vengeance without necessarily endorsing its counterviolence while giving more militant readers a narrative development that does justice to the rage and anguish systemic racism provokes. As a white reader, it’s not my place to comment on the “for us by us” reparative achievements of Jenkins’s fiction. But I will acknowledge how reading her work has impacted me. Jenkins describes her work as “infotainment,” and that is very much how I experienced it--though that maligned term does not do justice to the pedagogical cultural work that it performs. Jenkins writes about heroines who are teachers (Val is a self-taught educator in this novel)--and Jenkins, too, is a teacher. I know that it is common for fans of historical romance to celebrate the genre as not just pleasurable, but educational. I really felt that here. At this point in time, when learning about black history and reflecting on how the history of anti-black racism and oppression in the U.S. (and Canada) has fed contemporary forms of oppression is everyone’s responsibility, Jenkins’ fictional universe is a gift. In my own reading history, Rebel is something like romance’s answer to Octavia Butler’s Kindred--a work of speculative fiction that, like Rebel, finds in the tropes of popular genres a powerful idiom for critically anatomizing the violence of white supremacy and celebrating the power and bonds of love of those who have had to--and still do--find ways to resist and dismantle it.

A re-read for me, as I realized Beverly Jenkins's next in the series (Wild Rain) is out this spring--don't know why I forgot to note and rate it before! Just as good as a reread; a charming heroine & hero in the midst of a fresh, thought-provoking historical setting. Looking forward to the next.

I loved this book. What a brilliantly written story full of everything I love in a novel: romance, love, danger, tension, character growth and family/community.Beverly Jenkins is one of my favorite authors because she doesn't just tell a story, she educates the reader. It is so apparent that she really researches the era and crafts the story in a way that the reader will leave knowing a few more things about our American History. This story moved a fast pace, had drama and that familial ties that embraced people who don't have loved ones around. In this new series set in the 1860's, Valinda Lacey moved to New Orleans to work with Nuns to educate newly empanciated slaves. She was met with some resistance from one of the nuns as well as some white supremacists who attacked her carriage. Luckily, Captain Drake LeVeq and his sister in law were on the road and rescued Valinda. It eventually led to Drake's mother to offer Valinda a place to stay and a job. Valinda was compassionate and was clear as to she wanted to spend her life as an educator. Drake was a contractor who also volunteered at the Freedmen's Bureau. Drake and Valinda had qualities that the other admired but there was hinderance.Even though Drake was attracted to Valinda and vice versa, but she was engaged to be married to a man whom she didn't love. The marriage was important to Valinda because it guaranteed her freedom from her father and the protection of her fiance's name. Drake had his work cut out for him to show Valinda that she could have it all: freedom, family protection as well as passionate love. I expected a well written story and I wasn't disappointed. I listened to this story and I smiled, laughed, felt sympathy, anger and hope. These characters were resilient in spirit despite the financial or societal circumstances. This author clearly values family because the LeVeq family has been a pillar in the community for several of her books. Another thing that amazed me was the way she wrote passionate sex scenes. They weren't crass and overly descriptive, just enough to make you feel butterflies in your belly but not look over your shoulder in embarrassment for your Pastor. Bravo!!!I am excited for this new series Women Who Dare and I can't wait for the next installment.

Oh my goodness. This book was just wonderful. I mean it was everything. I was ALL in my feelings! I already love historical fiction but I’m not really a romance kinda girl. It’s to mushy. Lol. But geez, now that I have finished reading this book, I’m reconsidering this stance. Maybe I was just reading the “wrong ones”. I’ve always heard that Beverly Jenkins’ love stories will have you swooning. And I definitely was . It was just perfect.