Breathless

Starred review from November 14, 2016
Jenkins’s exquisitely written second Old West romance (after Forbidden) soars with passion between scenes of gritty action as a feisty heroine and down-to-earth hero shape their future against race, class, and gender expectations in the Arizona Territory during the 1880s. Despite a steady flow of suitors, no-nonsense Portia Carmichael stays focused on her job as the manager of her aunt and uncle’s luxurious Fontaine Hotel. Then the return of family friend Kent Rudolph starts playing havoc with her self-control. Kent is mesmerized by the Arizona landscape and by Portia, who has blossomed into an attractive, confident woman. He’s aware of Portia’s horrific childhood and knows he’ll need to be patient in courting her. When Portia boldly asks Kent for a kiss, he is delighted to introduce her to the joys of sensual pleasures. As their daily encounters build bonds of trust and stability, their sexual desires ignite their thoughts of a future together. Well-plotted story lines involving the rough-and-tumble west add richness and an authentic feel without overpowering the relationship. This heartfelt story and its endearing characters and gratifying ending will leave readers breathing a sigh of pure contentment. Agent: Nancy Yost, Yost Literary.

Starred review from November 1, 2016
In the Old West, a contented spinster rethinks her future plans when a handsome brown-skinned cowboy rides into town.Portia Carmichael has everything she wants. She has a position of responsibility running the Fontaine Hotel owned by her aunt and uncle near Tucson in the Arizona Territory. Her sister Regan is her closest friend. And any day now she'll get up the nerve to start her own business as a bookkeeper catering to other business owners of color. She has no need for a man in her life, though Regan chides her, "Numbers won't keep you warm at night, sister mine." Then Kent Randolph, an old family friend, turns up at the hotel and Portia's uncle offers him a job. Kent has been a drifting ranch hand, but he's looking to settle down. He's even given up his womanizing ways. Far from looking askance at Portia's business acumen, he encourages her to strike out on her own. And it doesn't hurt that he's smoking hot, "dangerous to a woman determined to keep her heart guarded and buttons done up." Portia and Kent's romance has just the right amount of trouble, from Portia's unwanted suitors to Kent's father showing up with a bride he's picked out for his son. Even more than that, Portia must open herself up to the idea of a different kind of life than she had dreamed about for herself and begin to trust that life as Mrs. Randolph will still allow the independence she needs to be happy. Jenkins (Forbidden, 2016, etc.) has not disappointed with the second installment in her Old West series. Her writing is both sexy and smart, and her characters come to life as real people the reader will want to know better. A thrilling and enjoyable read.

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Starred review from December 1, 2016
Jenkins continues her historical Western series, begun in Forbidden (2016), about Rhine Fontaine, the son of a slave and her master, passing as white, and his love, Eddy Carmichael. This installment features Eddy's niece, 27-year-old Portia. The family was forced to leave Nevada, and they now run a hotel in the Arizona Territory near the Santa Catalina Mountains. While her sister, Regan, dreams of marriage and a family, Portia is busy using the skills she acquired at Oberlin College to manage the hotel. Family friend Kent Randolph reenters their lives, calling her Duchess and kissing her. Then a murder at a nearby ranch reminds Portia of how short life is, and she and Kent make plans for the future. Readers will delight in the further adventures of these characters and especially in the lovely romance between two intelligent, deserving people. The historical details are fascinating, as Jenkins brings Geronimo and other true-life figures in for cameo appearances. As Portia participates in suffragette meetings, Jenkins cleverly layers this captivating love story with subtle observations about race and women's rights. Fans of Lorraine Heath will enjoy Jenkins' superb Old West series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)