Bingo Square: UnCannon
I picked this one up because it came up a while back on The Ripped Bodice’s Instagram as a recommendation for one of their summer bingo categories (I am not participating in that bingo, one is enough). I read Indigo a few years ago, and appreciated how well researched and educational it was; since then I have seen Beverly Jenkins comment once in a while on Twitter and have always meant to check out another one of her novels.
This one was fine – it was a marriage of convenience plot which are always fun, but I am definitely not the target audience for her novels. While the heroines are strong and independent, there is something traditional or almost old fashioned about the relationships? It just feels like romance novels that are targeted towards women born a decade or two before me.
The initial set up was interesting as Noah Yates and Pilar first meet when she steals his boat in Cuba. It’s the late 19th century and Pilar is among the rebels working to free Cuba from Spain, and Noah happens to be in possession of the perfect boat for gun running. While Noah has some family obligations to take care of first, he returns to Cuba to track down the pirate, and when he finally finds her, realizes he wants even more from this passionate woman.
The marriage of convenience happens quickly, and after that, they seem to settle into an idyllic home life at his family ranch rather quickly. There is some friction, as Noah is haunted by his past when he was shanghaied and pressed into service on a boat, but for two strangers that marry, there wasn’t much tension as they quickly resolve any potential issues.
Overall, this was fine, but I wasn’t the target audience so I am sure others would find more enjoyment from this than I did.
Bingo Square: UnCannon
