Member Reviews
This is one of the few novellas in the author’s oeuvre; essentially a quick bite of a romantic suspense caper.
The McGuffin here–a rare, centuries-old manuscript stolen from Timbuktu, sold in the black market, and eventually making its way to the U.S.–is actually based on the very real fall of Timbuktu in 2012-2013, and the thousands of missing ancient Islamic texts from its libraries.
Beware: sexual abuse of a minor in a character’s past; copaganda.
Ms Bev’s writing voice has a unique rhythm that always takes me a minute to get used to; once I’m, however, I’m wholly in. Her characters tend to be overachievers, but they come across as real people, with quirks, fears and issues like everyone else.
The prologue immediately establishes just how high the stakes are, setting the stage for later shenanigans; in the same way, the protagonists’ first meeting builds their characterization very effectively: Jasmine is very much a no-nonsense woman with a strong sense of her own worth, and quite a bit of common sense; Torr has been, as they say, “raised right”, and has genuine respect for women in general.
When they meet again, the flirting between them is delicious, with so much unspoken behind the words they actually say out loud.
“Kelvins. Books. A stick. Why isn’t some man sending you roses daily?”
“Because I’m not a size two, I’m smart, I refuse to settle, my parents are retired cops, and I don’t play the two-backed beast right out the gate” (Chapter 2)
“On the verge of going full harpy, she drew a deep breath to calm down” (Chapter 4)
The dialogue, between the leads and with other people, flows like actual conversations do; there’s witty banter and shared jokes and obvious affection, and a deep sense of family and community packed into too-tight a package to contain it properly.
The story moves along quickly from romance to action to climax, and then it’s over; even the love scene is basically fade-to-black, though that fits both the pace and general tone.
My main problem is that I wanted a longer book, with enough space to develop the relationships and characters that are sketched here in a few broad strokes; I wanted to get to know both Jasmine and Torr much better, and to really see them with all their families and friends.
A secondary problem I have is that cops and other law enforcement are presented as incorruptible forces for good, which given the world we live in, makes my entire body twitch.
So, where does that leave me? Well, I read it in one gulp the first time around, and then again just now to review it, because Ms Bev sucks me in every time.
“Rare Danger” gets a 7.75 out of 10.
This is a contemporary romance suspense book by the amazing Beverly Jenkins. It’s got her hallmarks of an alpha hero and an intelligent heroine. I love that a thriller aspect of the story never leave the romance behind. It’s got action plus enough chemistry between the characters to make me happy. All in all a fun read.
Jenkins return to romantic suspense was glorious fun. Those who adored “Deadly Sexy” will love this quick paced novella. 4 stars!
Beverly Jenkins can do no wrong! This was thrilling especially because of its length. The fast pace added to a heightened sense of mystery and urgency. This is a faultless book about a librarian who goes from shelving riveting stories to living one herself - a story of adventure, romance, and murder.
Thank you Montlake for providing an eARC for review.
"When in need, call your local library."
How can a novella be so good? Beverly Jenkins wrote it is the answer. I was introduced to the writing of Beverly Jenkins around 2009 by my sisters. I have only read her historical romances and LOVE them. I have not read her suspense/mystery novels. My sister has told me many times to pick them up and that I will love them just as much.
Rare Danger was indeed a treat. A story about a voluptuous confidant librarian, a hardbodied handsome pilot/airman, nods to black authors and history and black excellence with a side of kidnapping and antiquarian theft. This little book has it all!
I highly recommend to mystery and romance lovers. You won't be disappointed.
You can never go wrong with a book by Ms. Bev. I love her historicals, but I also really love her contemporaries, and this was a fun read.
Rare Danger by Beverly Jenkins gives readers the perfect amount of intrigue and romance.
The novella follows Jasmine and Torr’s meeting to romance as they get entangled in a dangerous situation involving Jasmine’s business and a family friend. Beverly Jerkins always gives her readers novels that just can’t be put down until the last page is read. Rare Danger by Beverly Jenkins is a perfect suspense romance novella to read on a cozy Saturday evening—or any other day of the week.
This was so good. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I couldn't put it down! I loved Jasmine and Torr and definitely need to read more Beverly Jenkins.
Jasmine Ware was a librarian and lead a calm life. It was very mundane life. She was involved with her family . A person that she dealt with who was a collector of rare books goes missing and his associate is murdered. Enter Torr Noble to help solve the case. He is a private eye. The rest of book has mystery, romance and many surprising developments. An entertaining quick read.
My first book by this author. It's a well written, insta-romance/suspense novella. There were lots of detailed situations happening very quickly, but to my mind It would have benefited the story if the word count had been expanded and the plot slowed down just a bit. As it was, it didn't hold my full attention. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Realms Of Murder And Mayhem..
What happens when a librarian’s usually calm, quiet and contented life spirals out of her control? Jasmine Ware suddenly finds herself thrust into the realms of murder and mayhem and, ultimately, into a convoluted plot that may put her own life in danger. Fast paced and gripping novella with a well crafted cast and an immersive storyline.
Super fun, especially in regards to the jobs of the main characters BUT WHO CARES with the sparks between them? Tight black t-shirt appreciation, helicopter, danger, yes please. Also I now have goals to be either a librarian who buys books for people to fill up their shelves OR to be able to hire someone like that for myself.
I hope to see more rom-suspense like this from Ms. Bev.
Rare Danger is romantic suspense done fairly right. There are a few instances, such as a HUGE Falcon and Winter Soldier spoiler, a really fun-but-ridiculously-implausible chase scene, and the fact that all of Hawaii's beaches are public, but Ms Jenkins is such a fun writer that it's easy to lose yourself in the story. It's a fun, short (novella length) romp well worth the read.
Jasmine Ware has an amazing business (seriously - such a dream) putting together libraries and tracking down rare books for an exclusive clientele. After an epically bad date - she runs into Air Force veteran and private security company owner Torr Noble. Torr and Jasmine spark in major way - and they have to figure out how to navigate a new fiery relationship in the midst of a lot of external drama. I loved how they communicated and particularly Jasmine's no BS attitude. I basically want to be Jasmine when I grow up!
Beverly Jenkins is a queen of romance - and this novella length story is a true delight. I adored it.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
This book by Beverly Jenkins was very Excellent and amazing. This book was a great and fun novella to read.
I love Beverly Jenkins and pretty much every book she writes and this book was no different. I was glad to read a suspense from her because it's been a while. The romance was balanced well with the suspense and I really loved it.
** Recieved ARC in exchange for honest review”.
I was intrigued by both characters but don’t feel like I got enough of either of them to like them. Most of the people felt very one dimensional.
The suspense parts were okay but nothing felt like it had real pressure behind it. Even when the big thing happens it felt relatively low stakes.
As a whole the book was enjoyable but not something I’d be likely to recommend to others.
BeverlyJenkins is a fabulous author. She can craft a fantastic book that captivates and entertains a reader. I loved this book! I found the characters to be interesting and the plot to be interesting. I look forward to the next book I can read by Ms. Jenkins.
I asked for this book because I wanted to read something by this author. I must say that this book did not work for me, I found the dialogue and a lot of the scenes felt forced, I couldn't immerse myself in the story and that made me not enjoy it as much as I hoped I would. But I must say: this is just me, I'm sure others will love this novella.
Beverly Jenkins can do no wrong. I loved every word on every page. Always a home run author for me. Great characters. I didn’t want this one to end.