Black Lace

Black Lace follows the story of Lacy Green, a successful African American businesswoman who operates a lingerie shop in Kansas. When her world intersects with Philadelphia attorney Cole Harrison, she finds her well-ordered life taking unexpected turns. Their connection is complicated by Cole's high-profile career defending a controversial civil rights case in Kansas City. The case brings tensions to the surface in both the community and their developing relationship. The narrative moves between their personal relationship and larger questions about justice, racial equality, and identity in 1990s America. Cultural differences, professional ambitions, and family expectations create obstacles they must navigate. Black Lace examines themes of love, racial prejudice, and personal conviction against the backdrop of midwestern social dynamics. The story demonstrates how the personal and political remain intertwined in modern relationships.

Readers call this a refreshing take on contemporary romance, noting Jenkins' sharp dialogue and complex characters. Many appreciate the exploration of high-end fashion alongside family dynamics and corporate politics. Likes: - Strong character development of both leads - Authentic portrayal of the fashion industry - Balance of romance with business storyline - Representation of successful Black professionals Dislikes: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle - Several readers wanted more romance scenes - A few noted predictable plot elements - Complaints about rushed ending Ratings: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (300+ ratings) BookBub: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "The fashion details were spot-on" - Goodreads reviewer "Needed more heat between the leads" - Amazon review "Corporate setting felt authentic" - BookBub review "Strong start but dragged in places" - Goodreads reviewer

An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole A Black woman spy working for the Union Army during the Civil War falls for another undercover agent while gathering intelligence behind Confederate lines.

Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins A female rancher in the Wyoming Territory protects and falls for a Black reporter from the East while confronting dangers of the American frontier.

The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney Milan A Chinese-English duke returns to claim both his inheritance and the woman he left behind in a small English village.

Indigo by Beverly Jenkins An Underground Railroad conductor rescues and falls in love with a wounded fugitive while helping enslaved people escape to freedom.

The Brightest Day by Kianna Alexander, Piper Huguley, and Lena Hart Three interconnected romance stories follow Black couples building new lives in the post-Civil War Reconstruction era.

🎭 Beverly Jenkins was inspired to write this romantic suspense novel after watching the movie "To Catch a Thief" starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. 💎 The book's protagonist, Lacy Green, is a professional jewel thief who specializes in stealing from corrupt wealthy individuals - a modern-day Robin Hood character. 📚 "Black Lace" marked a departure from Jenkins' usual historical romance novels, for which she was already well-known, particularly those featuring African American characters in the American Old West. 🏆 Beverly Jenkins has received multiple awards throughout her career, including the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, while continuing to break ground with contemporary novels like "Black Lace." 🌟 The novel combines elements of romance, suspense, and crime fiction - genres that were less commonly written with African American protagonists at the time of its publication in 2005.