★ 2020-12-15
After the Civil War, a woman rancher in Wyoming rescues a visiting newspaperman from back East and her life changes forever.
Spring Lee had a rough beginning, losing both of her parents, being thrown out by her grandfather at the age of 18, and prostituting herself to a White rancher and his son in order to avoid starving. Now Spring has found contentment, if not peace. She owns a ranch and breaks wild mustangs for a living. But life is still hard for a Black woman in Paradise, Wyoming, during the Reconstruction era. When she finds Garrett McCray, a greenhorn in new boots, limping along in a blizzard after being thrown from his horse, she’s wary about taking him home with her. But she knows if she doesn’t, he’ll die. Garrett is a Black man from Washington, D.C., come to interview Spring’s brother for a newspaper article. Although Garrett stands up for Spring when an old enemy insults and attacks her, he’s a milder hero, willing to stand back and let Spring take care of herself. This is part of what makes Jenkins’ novel so refreshing. It’s a tale of the American frontier that is lacking in the usual misogyny, anti-Indigenous racism, and idealization of White settlers that plague fiction about this era. Although it’s the second book in Jenkins’ Women Who Dare series, it’s also a crossover to her Old West series, incorporating characters from Tempest (2018). This book has all the hallmarks of Jenkins’ fiction—meticulous historical research, a frank look at social conditions for Black people of the time, masterful pacing, and complex, likable characters.
Jenkins' story reminds us that true love doesn’t require sacrificing our independence. You shouldn’t miss it.
"One of romance’s finest writers." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Jenkins (Rebel) continues her streak of writing sensual, hopeful historicals about people who often don’t make it into the history books… Jenkins’s excellent storytelling skills, paired with fascinating American history, makes the narrative shine.”
— Library Journal (starred review)
“Wild Rain will linger in your thoughts for its remarkably likable hero, spirited heroine, beautiful horses, scenery, adventure, and romance. It's the kind of excellent storytelling that keeps us coming back for more, again and again from Beverly Jenkins." — NPR
“Jenkins is a historical romance legend — and if you haven’t yet gotten your hands on the USA Today bestselling author’s work, you should do so immediately.” — Shondaland
“Jenkins knows how to craft a romantic yarn against a historical backdrop with all the attendant power and punch befitting her status as a romance icon.” — Entertainment Weekly
“Legendary historical romance author Jenkins brilliantly touches on painful, significant historical and cultural references... the amusing dialogue, lively characters, and vivid descriptions of the Old West make this even-paced romance a winner.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Jenkins makes her hero and heroine vivid, nuanced creations... Another smart, entertaining historical romance from Jenkins.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"This book has all the hallmarks of Jenkins’ fiction—meticulous historical research, a frank look at social conditions for Black people of the time, masterful pacing, and complex, likable characters." — Kirkus (starred review)
“Post–Civil War New Orleans comes to violent life in the hands of a veteran writer and delivers a vibrant, instructive, totally romantic historical tale that will resonate with many readers today. Beautifully done.” — Library Journal (starred review)
"Memorable characters and fun, if fraught, dialogue make the highly anticipated second book in romance star Jenkins' Women Who Dare series a refreshing and keenly innovative historical romance. Readers will be clamoring for more well-researched and inclusive love stories featuring strong women in the American West." — Booklist (starred review)
"Jenkins once again proves why she’s a giant of the genre." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Wild Rain is a perfect, touching and romantic tale... An excellent romance with a wonderful and memorable heroine..." — All About Romance (DIK)
