Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I borrowed a copy of this on audiobook from my library.

Thoughts: For the most part I really enjoyed this. I loved all the history that is covered here and the relationship between Hester and Galen is respectful and steamy.

This story follows Hester, who was born into slavery and then sold into freedom at a young age. Hester was raised by her aunt who helped run the underground slave railroad; transporting escaped slaves from the south to Michigan and steps into this role when her aunt dies. Things have been going smoothly until a famous conductor named the "Black Daniel" ends up under her care. Sparks fly as Hester and the Black Daniel get to know each other. Hester backs off when she finds out that the Black Daniel is actually a wealthy man named Galen Vachon. When Galen is forced to flee, Hester goes on with her life not expecting him to turn up ever again.

I really loved all the history here. I learned more about the US during the slave era than I had previously known (or maybe I had known it but forgotten it). While this is primarily a romance, Jenkins does focus on the political events happening at the time and delves into the trials and tribulations these black families went through.

The romance between Hester and Galen is well done. It's a relationship that develops over time and is founded on respect, which I really enjoyed. There are many steamy scenes in here that are decently done, not super creative and sometimes the flowery descriptions made me roll my eyes, but well done.

There is a nice side story about a bounty hunter that comes up from the South that is pestering Hester. This adds a touch of danger to the story. Things never get really dire or dangerous but this does make the story more engaging.

My main issue with this story was with Hester as a character. She was just too naive and good to be real and comes off as way too perfect throughout. She has been through a lot in her life but she acts as if she hasn't. Her excellent composure under high stress situations is at odds with her supposed naivete and I struggled to understand her character.

I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook was well narrated. The narrator did sound a bit stiff but I got used to that over time.

My Summary (4/5): Overall I really enjoyed this. There is some excellent history in here and the two main characters have excellent chemistry together. I enjoyed the blend of historical events, romance, and the danger of having to evade the attention of a bounty hunter. The only thing I didn't enjoy was Hester as the main character, she came off as way too naive and perfect throughout. I will definitely look at picking up more of Jenkins' books when I am in the mode for a good historical romance. ( )

Sadly, I'm going to have to bail on this one. The author head-hops between the two main characters nearly constantly when they're together and it is driving me up the wall. I was the first scene into the third chapter, only 8% into the story. I'm glad It's a library book.

Sometimes you read the right book at the right time, and in the right format. I think that was important here, because I could take my time, I had pauses for processing, and I snaked my way through this over a week rather than my regular "inhale first, think later."

There was so much to love in this novel; though admittedly, while I loved the overall backdrop - and a book in another Midwest state with excellent geographic details, the way some of the work that Hester dedicated her life to was peppered in didn't work as well as some of the slices of the Galen-Hester encounters did. I love the style in general, but it could feel quite abrupt. Again, today that worked for me. In her other works, it hasn't always.

BUT...I LOVED THIS! LOVED. This couple is unforgettable and wonderfully drawn. I really enjoyed this read. ( )

A rescued slave, Hester Wyatt lives as a free woman in Michigan, helping others to freedom as part of the underground railroad. One night, she takes in a seriously wounded fellow member of the railroad, known as The Black Daniel, and her world will never be the same.
I enjoyed this one a fair amount, although I do have a few quibbles. Some of the prose is a bit clunky, the sex scenes are a bit repetitive and sometimes don't seem to fit smoothly into the story, and the end goes on a little too long - the climax and resolution felt like it was a tagged-on fan fic chapter. So, I liked it fine, but I think it could have been a step or two up on the engaging scale, with a few fixes here and there. ( )

This was my first Beverly Jenkins and it will certainly not be my last. While it's definitely a romance (and a great one at that!), it is equally a historical novel. I learned so much about pre-Civil War American history reading it and she gave me just enough info to want to continue studying the time period without weighing down the enchanting love story. I enjoyed every moment and the end pay-off was perfect! ( )