Destiny's Embrace

Not being all that interested in romance novels, I'm glad I was able to let down my guard some and enjoy this. To be sure, the plot is mind-bogglingly simplistic, real tension almost nil, the historical details not always accurate, and the characterization somewhat inconsistent and intentions suspect. But I really liked reading a historical romance by an African American author about African American characters, that the steamy scenes mostly used correct terminology over cheesy euphemisms, and, of course, the whole late-19th century California rancho setting. And that in using the Western setting, Jenkins didn't fall back on likening women to horses during intercourse, which really bothered me when reading Annie Proulx's Open Range (I show more get that they're operating in two separate genres, but still...*shudder*). If I need some word candy when I get a little more personal-reading-choices time here, I would definitely turn to the second in this trilogy.

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Counting as my Romance for the Read Harder challenge. show less

This book just did not make sense. The plot didn't work. The characters were contradictory. Most of the time, I was scratching my head, trying to figure out what the conflict was because it would evaporate after a couple of chapters.

First of all, Mariah's mother and aunt don't talk. But after one argument, she runs away to her aunt's. Again, these women haven't talked in years, yet the aunt lives in the same town, and Mariah knows exactly where it is. Not only that, it's clear she's visited her aunt before. How can she do that and have never asked why the two don't get along? She waited 30 years, until the reader opens the book, to ask that question. Without giving too much away, I can assure you, it was the dumbest reason.

So, Mariah show more leaves for California and vows to never be a pushover ever again. Here's the thing: when someone's been verbally and physically abused for their entire life, they don't magically get better and never have another issue. Mariah just decided she wasn't going to be depressed anymore, and then she wasn't. Truly miraculous without the help of drugs, and I don't buy it for a second.

This is a pattern throughout the book, and it's disappointing because I can't get invested in their growth. There's also no growth, except the miracle turnaround of Mariah. What's even more obnoxious is that there isn't a climactic moment! There's no point where you think the hero and heroine won't end up together. Nothing to make you clench the book and wonder how on earth they're going to resolve it in 30 pages. And then no payoff. It was all very bland.

Logan's mom was the only cool part of this book. I'd read more with just her in it. She single-handedly saved this book from getting only 1 star. show less

You *know* I have to read a historical romance series with my name in it. Lucky me, I thought this was great! It was surprisingly lacking in drama. Every time I thought there was a barrier rising up between Mariah and Logan, I was wrong. Instead things work out pretty smoothly and there’s really interesting true history woven in to boot. So no soap opera here. Just true love in a sort of cowboy Cinderella setup.

I really enjoyed Destiny's Embrace, even though I usually do not like American historical romances. Mariah was a great heroine, Logan was a bit too hard-headed of a hero, and I want to read more about Alanza.

The book begins in late 19th century Philadelphia, with a focus on the cruelty of Mariah's mother. We learn that Mariah is not spoiled, she is very hard-working, and has almost no one in corner. Luckily, she has a friend who lives nearby, and an Aunt who supports her emotionally.

Mariah is a clothes designer and skilled seamstress, who is exploited by her mother. Drawing was a an escape as well as a way to earn money, although her Mother claimed the credit and most of the money. I liked that she had that creative escape, and think show more it helped her find her strength and confidence. Her Aunt answers an advertisement for a housekeeper in California for Mariah, and she heads off West! Logan is a bit too alpha for my tastes, but seems suitable historically.

Very well written, with an extremely likable heroine, and interesting secondary characters. Not too angsty, even with the dark beginning, because Mariah takes control, escapes and triumphs.

There is a teaser for the second book at the end, and I want to know what happens next. Right now, books 2 and 3 are $1.99 at amazon!

[b:Destiny's Captive|20452171|Destiny's Captive (Destiny's, #3)|Beverly Jenkins|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1395032951s/20452171.jpg|31828911]
[b:Destiny's Surrender|17331377|Destiny's Surrender (Destiny's, #2)|Beverly Jenkins|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1365435192s/17331377.jpg|24034657] show less

Ohh la la. Seriously though I am loving these historical romances by Jenkins. This one is the first book in her "Destiny" series. I loved the hero and heroine and cannot wait to read more books featuring the Yates brothers.

In "Destiny's Embrace" we follow Logan Yates and Mariah Cooper. Mariah Cooper is living in Philadelphia with her rage filled mother. Mariah wants to get married, but is shunned due to the color of her eyes (golden) and the fact that her mother refuses to let anyone too close to her. When Mariah suffers one more beating by her mother, she flees to her aunt who tells her her mother's past. Mariah's aunt pushes her to answer an ad for a housekeeper in California. Logan causes his mother fits. His house is a mess (and it show more smells) and all she wants is for him and his two brothers to settle down and give her grand babies. When Mariah come along the two go together like oil and water. She pushes his buttons and vice versa. Since Logan is up front about never marrying and only wanting a woman long enough to be a mistress, we get to follow him as he is shut down by Mariah and her not wanting to be another notch on his bedpost.

I loved the transformation of Mariah from cowed to queen in this one. She also made me laugh about her matter of fact way of enjoying Logan's kisses, but not being foolish enough to think he means anything by it. I also loved her relationship with his mother.

Logan and his brother and best friend's fits at him not knowing what to do about Mariah was hilarious. That's all I got.

The setting in this time period is interesting. I liked that Logan's mother Alanza (step-mother really) is descended from a different side of California that many don't think of When California was a Spanish and Mexican colonial at some points during the decades. You get to see how that place seemed to be more forward thinking of mixed race people.

The ending was great though it felt a bit rushed. I can't wait for book #2! show less

Another great read by Beverly Jenkins. We're introduced to a new set of characters and they immediately come to life. Ms. Bev (what we call her on facebook) has again done her homework and infused California history into the story. I can’t wait for the other two books in the series.

I loved the historical aspect. The history about California was interesting.
I don't care much for romance.