Review: “The Taming of Jessi Rose” by Beverly Jenkins
Sep 1st, 2008 by Michelle Lauren
About the Author
Beverly Jenkins, a two time winner of Romantic Times magazine’s Career Achievement Award, has authored sixteen historical and contemporary novels to date. The Taming of Jessi Rose was published by Avon Books October 1999.
About the Book
After the murder of her father by corrupt town Mayor Reed Darcy, Jessi Rose swears never to sell her land to the man now determined to claim it and her. Although this Texas spitfire knows her way around a Winchester rifle, she is outmanned and fast running out of resources and hope. Help comes in the unlikely form of outlaw Griffin “Griff” Blake, a man whose freedom depends on protecting Jessi. But he doesn’t plan on falling for her…
Why I Love the Book
While this isn’t exactly a May-December romance (Jessi Rose is 32 and Griff is 25), this was a refreshing change of pace from many other romances where the man is older and more experienced. Jessi Rose is a Renaissance woman: she’s educated, strong-willed and protective of her family, and in the words of Griffin, she “can shoot the wings off a fly at fifty paces.” Exactly the kind of woman I want on my side when the chips are down. More than that, she is also a dedicated caregiver raising her nephew and trying to provide a better future for him.
Griff is a reformed train robber from humble means. Despite his unethical occupation, he uses the proceeds from his robberies on philanthropy, building churches and schools. He is also the only man in Jessi Rose’s life to put her needs before his own. That more than anything makes him a hero in my book. Not only is he willing to give up his former lifestyle, he takes a stand against seemingly insurmountable odds for the woman he loves.
He’s also so steamy it makes me want to take a trip back to 1888 Blanco County, Texas where the story is set.
The chemistry between these two literally jumps off the page, a match of two iron-willed individuals with hearts in desperate need of mending.
Favorite Scene:
Griff winced. “Not too many men come courting around here, do they?”
“Meaning?” she [Jessi Rose] answered coolly.
“…You’re as ornery as a she-cat with a thorn in her paw.”
“I am a she-cat with a thorn in her paw, Mr. Blake. It’s called Darcy. And now I have another thorn—you.”
Additional Kudos for
Avon Books: This cover is gorgeous. It captures the lush landscape as well as the attraction between hero and heroine (Note: in the book Jessi is described as having hair cut short like a boy’s; however, I understand why the Art Department went with a more traditional woman’s hairstyle). Kudos to Avon for this. Never underestimate the value of a great cover.
To Ms. Jenkins: I emailed her a few days ago when I received this book to congratulate her on her 2008 Emma award for Romantic Suspense (she won for Deadly Sexy). She very kindly emailed back. As I told her, before seeing her books on the shelves, I had never heard of another historical romance writer of color. So when I found her books, it really encouraged me to pursue my dream of writing fiction and proved that if you can imagine a story, you can write it.
In addition, I have to say that I loved the side characters, especially the Preacher. This green-eyed bounty hunter is a religious man prone to quoting scriptures in the middle of dangerous situations. It provided enormous comic relief and made me want to read a story about him. I hope to see his story in the future.
Recommendation
Add this to your book shelf pronto! I finished this book in two days. Absolutely riveting, great characterization and intensity between the hero & heroine. I’m definitely even more of a Beverly Jenkins fan girl now. As you see on my wishlist, I really want to read Topaz, which introduces us to Dixon Wildhorse, another minor character in this book.
Michelle Lauren notes : There is a link to buy The Taming of Jessi Rose at Ms. Jenkins’ website (you can click on the picture of the book above to purchase it). Additionally, you can contact Joyce from Mitchie’s Gallery (512.323.6901), a store in Austin, Texas that stocks new and older titles from Ms. Jenkins. If you can’t find what you need, just let Joyce know but it’s definitely a site to check out.
Good words.
Hi Leoma. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed the review!