Something Like Love

In 1891 Wyoming Territory, notorious bounty hunter Olivia Dharma faces a life-changing assignment that brings her to the town of Paradise. Her work puts her in direct conflict with Neil July, a prominent local rancher and leader in Paradise's Black community. Neil and Olivia's initial antagonism evolves into an unexpected connection as they navigate the complexities of frontier life. Their individual commitments to justice and community development in Paradise intersect with growing tensions between ranchers and newly arriving settlers. The story encompasses themes of law and order in the Old West, the establishment of Black communities in Wyoming Territory, and the challenges faced by women in traditionally male-dominated professions. Through its historical romance framework, the novel explores ideas of personal transformation, justice, and the meaning of home in the American frontier.

Readers appreciate the chemistry between the leads and how the romance develops through both tenderness and humor. Many note the strong portrayal of Black life in the American West and Jenkins' attention to historical detail. Praise focuses on: - Well-researched depictions of frontier medicine and Native American customs - Complex female protagonist who defies period stereotypes - Natural dialogue that moves the story forward Main criticisms: - Some find the pacing slow in the middle sections - A few readers wanted more development of secondary characters - Occasional historical details feel inserted rather than organic Ratings: Goodreads: 4.32/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (150+ reviews) "The medical scenes and herbal remedies felt authentic to the time period," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader comments: "The historical elements enhance rather than overwhelm the central romance."

Forbidden by Barbara Pierce This historical romance features a Black woman doctor in the 1870s American West who falls for a US Marshal while fighting prejudice and establishing her medical practice.

Indigo by Beverly Jenkins A conductor on the Underground Railroad meets a wealthy freeman who challenges her independence in this pre-Civil War romance set in Michigan.

The Preacher's Promise by Piper Huguley A Black female teacher in Reconstruction-era Georgia forms an alliance with a minister to build a school while their relationship grows into romance.

When Morning Comes by Courtney Baker Set in 1883 Kansas, this romance chronicles the relationship between a Black female newspaper owner and a rancher amid frontier challenges.

The Sweetest September by Kianna Alexander Two entrepreneurs in post-Civil War North Carolina navigate business rivalries and family expectations while their attraction deepens.

🌟 Beverly Jenkins coined the term "Blistoric" for her historical romances featuring Black protagonists and their authentic experiences during key periods in American history. 🌟 The book is set in 1880s Kansas and features a Black female doctor - historically accurate, as there were several pioneering Black women physicians in the American West during this period. 🌟 Author Beverly Jenkins conducts extensive historical research for her novels, often incorporating real historical figures and events into her fictional narratives. 🌟 The book is part of Jenkins' "Old West" series, which highlights the often-overlooked stories of Black cowboys, lawmen, and settlers who helped shape the American frontier. 🌟 Beverly Jenkins began her writing career while working as a librarian, and she frequently includes historical details she discovered during her library research in her romance novels.