Rebel

Rebel is a historical romance set in New Orleans during the Reconstruction era. The story follows Valinda Lacy, a determined teacher from New York who arrives in the city to educate newly emancipated people. Captain Drake LeVeq, a prominent local architect and advocate for Black rights, crosses paths with Valinda when she faces danger in the volatile post-war environment. Their initial encounters spark an attraction despite their different backgrounds and approaches to navigating the social landscape of 1870s Louisiana. The narrative follows their relationship against the backdrop of political upheaval and social change in New Orleans. Jenkins incorporates historical details about the period's racial tensions, the struggle for education, and the complexities of life for free people of color in Louisiana. The novel examines themes of personal conviction, social justice, and the power of education as tools for change. Through its romantic storyline, Rebel presents a perspective on a pivotal moment in American history when individuals fought to define freedom and equality in their own terms.

Readers praise the strong character development between Val and Drake, with many highlighting their emotional chemistry and banter. The historical details about Black life in New Orleans during Reconstruction resonated with fans. Multiple reviews note Jenkins' research and incorporation of real historical figures adds depth. Common praise points: - Complex female protagonist who defies period conventions - Balance of romance with historical elements - Secondary characters add richness to the story Main criticisms: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - A few readers wanted more focus on the romance vs historical context - Minor historical details occasionally distract from the central plot Ratings: Goodreads: 4.36/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) BookBub: 4.5/5 (400+ ratings) "The perfect blend of history and romance" appears frequently in reviews. Multiple readers specifically praised Jenkins' portrayal of Val's independence while maintaining historical accuracy for the time period.

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🌟 Beverly Jenkins has written over 30 historical romance novels, making Rebel part of her extensive expertise in the genre 📚 The book is set during the Reconstruction era (1867) in New Orleans, a pivotal time when formerly enslaved people were building new lives after the Civil War 💕 Rebel is part of the Women Who Dare series, which focuses on strong female protagonists who challenge societal norms of their time 🎯 Jenkins extensively researches real historical events and figures, weaving them into her narratives to educate readers while entertaining them 🏆 Beverly Jenkins has received numerous awards for her contributions to historical romance, including the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award