MARCH 2017 - AudioFile
Kim Staunton narrates the second Old West novel with warmth and affection. Fifteen years after the events in FORBIDDEN, Portia Carmichael has vowed never to marry and, so far, has had absolutely no problem sticking to her decision. But when Kent Randolph—a handsome, if somewhat disreputable, cowboy—reenters her life, Portia begins to question her vow for the first time. While it’s obvious where the story is headed, Staunton makes the journey comforting and familiar, thanks to her heartfelt delivery. This audiobook can be heard as a stand-alone—or as part of the series. Fans of Western romance will enjoy. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
★ 11/14/2016
Jenkins’s exquisitely written second Old West romance (after Forbidden) 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 in the Arizona Territory during the 1880s. Despite a steady flow of suitors, no-nonsense Portia Carmichael stays focused on her job as the manager of her aunt and uncle’s luxurious Fontaine Hotel. Then the return of family friend Kent Rudolph starts playing havoc with her self-control. Kent is mesmerized by the Arizona landscape and by Portia, who has blossomed into an attractive, confident woman. He’s aware of Portia’s horrific childhood and knows he’ll need to be patient in courting her. When Portia boldly asks Kent for a kiss, he is delighted to introduce her to the joys of sensual pleasures. As their daily encounters build bonds of trust and stability, their sexual desires ignite their thoughts of a future together. Well-plotted story lines involving the rough-and-tumble west add richness and an authentic feel without overpowering the relationship. This heartfelt story and its endearing characters and gratifying ending will leave readers breathing a sigh of pure contentment. Agent: Nancy Yost, Yost Literary. (Jan.)
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.
MARCH 2017 - AudioFile
Kim Staunton narrates the second Old West novel with warmth and affection. Fifteen years after the events in FORBIDDEN, Portia Carmichael has vowed never to marry and, so far, has had absolutely no problem sticking to her decision. But when Kent Randolph—a handsome, if somewhat disreputable, cowboy—reenters her life, Portia begins to question her vow for the first time. While it’s obvious where the story is headed, Staunton makes the journey comforting and familiar, thanks to her heartfelt delivery. This audiobook can be heard as a stand-alone—or as part of the series. Fans of Western romance will enjoy. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
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.
