This was clumsy in places but in the end I really loved this first novel that started the career of who is is now undoubtably my favorite historical romance writer, well romance writer full stop! ( )

Five stars for the history and one for the romance - that averages out to about 2.5 in my book.

There are definite signs that this is Ms. Bev's first turn around the rodeo (the history is a little info-dumpy, the villain is a bit too mustache-twirly, the inclusion of an unnecessary kidnapping), but as with all of her work, the bones are good, and the story is worth reading. The history in this book revolves around the exodus of Black people from the south to colonies in Kansas during the 1870s/1880s, with a heavy splash of the buffalo soldiers (hero Chase is one) and the conflicts with the Native peoples (Chase's BFF is a Lakota). This was fascinating, as always, as was the mention of HBCU Howard University and Oberlin College, where our heroine Cara was educated.

The love story left a lot to be desired, IMO. There are definite shades of 1994, but at its base, the hero is an arrogant alpha jackass with a huge jealousy and possessiveness problem. He didn't even like for Cara to have male friends, which only told me that his emotions are rooted in insecurity. While he certainly had reasons for that, his treatment of her was horrendous in some places and there was pretty much no grovel. It took him more than half the book before he realized that maybe sleeping with her and leaving her the next day was not a good idea *eyeroll* I have no patience for these kinds of alpha males, but people who like them will love the romantic element of this novel. There is also enough steam to heat up entire houses made of glass, to the point where I was skipping all the sex near the end. Ms. Bev has modulated her love scenes in her books since, which I, personally, greatly appreciate.

She touches on elements of story here that she later explores in other novels, like "passing" (Forbidden]), the fates of former slaves after the Civil War, and the "colonies" of Black people as they headed West looking for better lives than the Redemption offered. I continue to love the fact that she throws in lots of interesting history into her books, and that she started doing this right from the start. In an era where historical romance writers are basically writing fanon instead of canon (based on previous fanon that they've read), this is especially welcome and refreshing. Some of us enjoying learning something interesting along with our romances.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend that someone start with this book to do a dive into Ms. Jenkins's backlist, I would consider this book worth reading for the history alone. A fitting Book #100 on my 2019 Reading Challenge. ( )

I was introduced to Beverly Jenkins in 2008 by my book club. “Wild Sweet Love” was the selection. I have never been a romance novel reader, but after reading “Wild Sweet Love”, my interest was peaked. I love history mixed with fiction for exciting reading, but I never thought that a romance novel could combine history with a little romance.

Jenkins gives you a wealth of historical knowledge regarding the reconstruction and subsequent Jim Crow period in our history. She even provides a bibliography for more informational research. Jenkins is also a local resident.

My second novel read by Jenkins is “Night Song.” The story of characters Cara and Chase is well written and the love scenes are well scripted, not overly done and the historical background of the Ninth and Tenth Calvary was informative and there were some mystery and suspense also, it was well worth my time.

I am now a fan and plan to read all of her books. ( )