Maggie Blackbird

Today, I’m reviewing Wild Rain, book two in the Women Who Dare series, a historical romance by USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins.

Title: Wild Rain
Series: Women Who Dare, Book 2
Author: Beverly Jenkins
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon Books
Publication Date: February 9, 2021
Word Count: 384 Pages

The second novel in USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins’ compelling new Women Who Dare series follows a female rancher in Wyoming after the Civil War.

Blurb:  A reporter has come to Wyoming to do a story on doctors for his Black newspaper back east. He thinks Colton Lee will be an interesting subject…until he meets Colton’s sister, Spring. She runs her own ranch, wears denim pants instead of dresses, and is the most fascinating woman he’s ever met.

But Spring, who has overcome a raucous and scandalous past, isn’t looking for, nor does she want, love. As their attraction grows, will their differences come between them or unite them for an everlasting love?

****

This is my first time reading Beverly Jenkins.  I must say I selected this novel because the character of Spring in the blurb captured my attention, and the author did not disappoint.

Spring is a strong heroine.  She has lived through so much at her age, and having an independent heroine in a historical novel was refreshing.  Although life hasn’t been kind (and that’s an understatement) to Spring, she shows how tough she is by making lemon out of lemonades.  She not only made one pitcher of the stuff, she made four.  This is one tough woman who doesn’t wallow in self-pity.  She take the bull by horns and goes for it.

As for Garrett, he’s had his share of rough times, too.  Not only does he have his overbearing father demanding he marry a woman Garrett doesn’t know, his father has visualised a life for the poor guy.  But Garrett has a tough interior, and he’s determined to make it on his own.

I liked how the two characters played off of each other.  They give one another what the other is lacking.  Spring needs to soften up, and Garrett needs to find his voice and stand up.  This was well done.  I always enjoy when characters balance each other.

There is also a nice surrounding of family entering the picture.  I did not read the first novel, but it was nice to meet Spring’s brother and her sister-in-law.  The community was built with great secondary characters.  Naturally, the villains are present, too.

The action is also painted realistically.  There is a fair amount of it that ties in with Spring and Garrett’s romance.  I also enjoyed how their backgrounds were unveiled bit by bit and used appropriately in each scene.  Wonderfully done, author.

As for the dialogue, the author excels here.  She really knows how people speak, and the speech was very appropriate for historical times.

The story did get heavy on the narrative which did slow things down.  I did at times with the author would hurry it along.

All in all, this is a wonderful read and a book I recommend.

Have you read Wild Rain?  If so, do you agree with my review?  If you haven’t read the novel, would you be willing to now?