From the Publisher
Jenkins has not disappointed with the second installment in her Old West series. Her writing is both sexy and smart, and her characters come to life as real people the reader will want to know better. A thrilling and enjoyable read.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Readers will delight… in the lovely romance between two intelligent, deserving people… Jenkins cleverly layers this captivating love story with subtle observations about race and women’s rights.” — Booklist (starred review)
“This is another stellar entry in Jenkins’ continuing exploration of the African-American experience. She expertly combines classic romance with snippets of little-known history that will keep readers returning for more. The second entry in the Old West trilogy is full of the love that fans have come to expect, even as the dangers of life in the 19th century play out.” — RT Book Reviews (top pick)
“exquisitely written... soars with passion between scenes of gritty action as a feisty heroine and down-to-earth hero shape their future against race, class, and gender expectations... This heartfelt story and its endearing characters and gratifying ending will leave readers breathing a sigh of pure contentment.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“another stellar entry in Jenkins’ continuing exploration of the African-American experience. She expertly combines classic romance with snippets of little-known history that will keep readers returning for more. [...] full of the love that fans have come to expect...” — RT Book Reviews (top pick)
RT Book Reviews (top pick)
This is another stellar entry in Jenkins’ continuing exploration of the African-American experience. She expertly combines classic romance with snippets of little-known history that will keep readers returning for more. The second entry in the Old West trilogy is full of the love that fans have come to expect, even as the dangers of life in the 19th century play out.
Booklist (starred review)
Readers will delight… in the lovely romance between two intelligent, deserving people… Jenkins cleverly layers this captivating love story with subtle observations about race and women’s rights.
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2016-10-19
In the Old West, a contented spinster rethinks her future plans when a handsome brown-skinned cowboy rides into town.Portia Carmichael has everything she wants. She has a position of responsibility running the Fontaine Hotel owned by her aunt and uncle near Tucson in the Arizona Territory. Her sister Regan is her closest friend. And any day now she'll get up the nerve to start her own business as a bookkeeper catering to other business owners of color. She has no need for a man in her life, though Regan chides her, "Numbers won't keep you warm at night, sister mine." Then Kent Randolph, an old family friend, turns up at the hotel and Portia's uncle offers him a job. Kent has been a drifting ranch hand, but he's looking to settle down. He's even given up his womanizing ways. Far from looking askance at Portia's business acumen, he encourages her to strike out on her own. And it doesn't hurt that he's smoking hot, "dangerous to a woman determined to keep her heart guarded and buttons done up." Portia and Kent's romance has just the right amount of trouble, from Portia's unwanted suitors to Kent's father showing up with a bride he's picked out for his son. Even more than that, Portia must open herself up to the idea of a different kind of life than she had dreamed about for herself and begin to trust that life as Mrs. Randolph will still allow the independence she needs to be happy. Jenkins (Forbidden, 2016, etc.) has not disappointed with the second installment in her Old West series. Her writing is both sexy and smart, and her characters come to life as real people the reader will want to know better. A thrilling and enjoyable read.
