A fantastic later in life romantic suspense novella by none other than Beverly Jenkins. I've been a huge fan of her historical romances and have begun to make my way through her romantic suspense titles.

Although this is short is packs a hell of a punch. It keeps moving forward which is what I love about romantic suspense. The characters were interesting and believable in their attraction to one another.

Jasmine has found herself in a peculiar situation. She is linked to the disappearance of an ancient artifact. She connects with security expert Torr to find out what's actually going on.

I did enjoy this book. I just wish that there was more to it. It was too short. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. I feel like there could have been so much more development if it was longer!

*eARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

2,5 stars

I was looking forward to reading one of Beverly Jenkins´s books. Unfortunately, this one´s not been for me. This novella is too short to develop a good story. All happens too fast, even the love story. This hasn´t been a good debut with the author but I´ll give her a second chance.

Although it's a short read, it was action packed and very entertaining. I read through this book in a couple of hours. Not one part of it was predictable to me and it kept me guessing right until the very end of the book. I love the author's romantic suspense stories as much as I love her historicals. Great job as always.

I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Thanks so much for my copy of Rare Danger, it was a fast paced exciting read and about my favourite subject ever - books! I love finding little gems like this. It was a shorter read then I expected but I thought the story was well paced and the characters really well developed within the 120 pages! A must read if you’re a bibliophile!

She turned back to look at him, offering another smile. "You can come sit. This is your porch and bench, after all."
"I didn't want to crowd you."
"Crowding allowed."

Jas met Tore under unusual circumstances. He happened to be there at the end of her very bad blind date. She had no idea she would see him again. Then things go awry. Bad guys show up her place of business. Family friends are on the run. And Tore gets involved -which leads to Jas and Tore getting INVOLVED.

I loved the twist and turns of this story and the flow of this awesome relationship!

***Thanks to NetGalley, I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.***

Until now, I’ve only read Beverly Jenkins historical romances (they’re amazing!) and this is my first time reading one of her contemporary works and no surprise, Ms. Bev does not disappoint!

The book is set mostly in Detroit and starts off with a whodunit that sets the framework for the adventure and romance to come. The heroine, Jasmine, is a Rubenesque librarian turned entrepreneur and our hero, Torr, is a hot, security consultant.

It’s practically insta-love from the get and the pacing of this book feels like a high-speed car chase. The story is full of action and it moves quickly!

Ms. Bev makes delightful references to Shakespeare and Marvel Comics, and one of her hallmarks is writing strong, highly competent, intelligent women characters.

This book was a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read by one of the most important voices in romance.

Initial reaction: This was the first contemporary read of Beverly Jenkins's that I've read in a while, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. What made it work for me was the chemistry between Jas and Torr, which was a great dynamic to watch in this short read. Probably rating 4.5 stars overall.

Full review:

Beverly Jenkins's "Rare Danger" was the right read at the right time for me in more ways than one. If I had to describe the experience myself in three words, it would be "cozy romantic suspense", though the tone isn't so much cozy given the circumstances the two leads find themselves in. Main reason I say "cozy" is because I'm familiar with a lot of action-based tales where the leads find themselves in dangerous situations and have to work together to solve the common mystery while keeping themselves and those they love safe. It's one of my favorite types of stories, so I'm familiar with the themes and tropes of it at the bare bones, so I don't mind sinking my teeth into a quick read in that vein.

"Rare Danger" felt like a warm return to that theme in a shorter format with characters and a scenario I loved watching unfold. Take a story set in Detroit - featuring a Black heroine who is a self-made rare book seller. Add in a Black hero who is an Air Force vet and private security runner, bring them together in a series of events that place them in tense-for-different-reasons encounters. Add an intriguing collective cast of family and friends to the mix and you get the experience that is this novella. This was just the right length to bring a satisfying romantic tale to the forefront, though I could have easily appreciated a full length novel of this for a deeper dive.

Much of the novella works in watching the unfolding relationship between Jasmine (Jas) Ware and Torr Noble. If you like character-driven tales with sweet romantic chemistry, this is definitely one that works on that front. Jas and Torr's stories begin with a chance encounter after Jas's blind date goes horribly wrong. They share a connection that doesn't appear to cross at first but by coincidental encounters. (Learning the backstory behind Torr's name was cute, too. I also believed in the affectionate names they had for each other and a few well placed cultural references that even further brought their dynamic together.)

Jas and Torr become further intertwined within the mystery of a man who goes missing after his partner is murdered, partner's noted severed hands to boot. The prologue touches a bit on the circumstances and the crime case is developed through the story as the primary dynamic for the mystery. When it becomes clear this is a case that ties their paths and families together, they have to determine the circumstances to stop the killer from striking again. The story is self-contained, giving context to the unfolding mystery and crimes that have occurred which lead to the disappearances and Jas's life coming into danger through her connections, alongside old problems for Torr.

Readers expecting more of a deeper dive into the mystery and progression to action may be left wanting more because a lot happens in short succession. So fast at a point for the action that it doesn't have the same steady build as the relationships. That would probably be the one main critique I could give in the thick of this. But in taking the larger context of the story, I appreciated the steadily building moments of conflict and dynamic that developed between Jas and Torr. As quickly as they were thrown into the same circumstances, it was a connection that came to be palpable and believable.

I really enjoyed this return to reading contemporary romance from Ms. Bev and could see myself revisiting it for the heroine/hero dynamic alone. Looking forward to reading more from the author as well.

Overall score: 4.5/5 stars.

Note: I received this novella as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.

There's a misconception that librarian's lead a quiet life. In Rare Danger, this theory is put to the page-turning test as book curator, Jasmine Ware, is led on an adventure of suspense, murder and romance. Jasmine has an exclusive clientele and her work is her passion. Until an old friend of the family, a dealer of rare books, goes missing and his partner is murdered. Jasmine is drawn deep into a plot that could cost her life.

Torr Noble is a handsome Air Force veteran now working private security. He is used to adrenaline-pumping situations. Through a recommendation for his private library, he meets the intriguing Jasmine Ware. Soon their connection turns sexy hot and high stakes as they work together to find the missing book dealer. Their attraction leaps off the pages!

Romance AND mystery...what a treat! My one gripe is I wish it were longer. As a result, the romance was a bit rushed. A novella was simply not long enough with these memorable characters. Fingers crossed they make a cameo in upcoming releases. Not too many authors have the writing skill to develop characters, tell a full story and create suspense in as little as 100 pages, yet Ms. Bev Jenkins masterfully does the job in Rare Danger.

Many thanks for playing in the romantic suspense sandbox and for the perfect setting of Detroit, Michigan. We Hustle Harder!

~LiteraryMarie

Is there anything Beverly Jenkins can't write? I love her historicals and contemporary series, and am delighted by this page turning Rare Danger.
A sexy librarian who can shoot well and run her own business, Jasmine Ware is a force to be reckoned with. Former Air Force veteran, Torr knows she is the woman for him almost as soon as he meets her to help solve a mystery.

I was continuously surprised by the terrific cast of minor characters and plot twists in this one. I sincerely hope she writes more romantic suspense when she can, in between all her other wonderful series.

Rare Danger was the first book I've read by Beverly Jenkins and I really enjoyed it . I finished this book in one sitting, This was a fun, fast paced read with great characters. I love books about books and this definitely checked that box. The ending was a little rushed but overall, it was a good time. I look forward to reading more from Beverly Jenkins in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the chance to read an early copy of this book!

This book was really fun, and the heroine has a job to die for. Creating personalized book collections for rich people? Yes please! The exposition around the suspense plot can be a bit clunky--I almost wanted to stop reading after the prologue--but I like the romantic relationship and the short length keeps things zipping along.

Jasmine and Torr's story was very enjoyable. I loved the unexpected twists and turns as Jasmine and Torr get caught up in the search for a missing ancient artifact. The family and friend relationships add a lot to this book. I also loved the touch of romance that makes this book one lovers of romance will enjoy.

That cover is absolutely perfect for the book! Lots of books, a woman who looks like she knows what she’s doing, just perfection. I’ve never read a novella from Beverly Jenkins before, let alone one of her romantic suspense books, so while I’m a huge fan of the Queen of Romancelandia, this was a new experience for me. Even with a shorter word count, she still delivers lots of humor, heat and action.

“Good grief, I go away for ten days, and you get involved with all kinds of stuff. Fine-as-frog-hair jet pilots. Missing old folks. Town cars. Suspect foreigners.”


Jas left her job as a librarian to run her own business providing custom libraries tailored to her high-earning clients’ reading interests, from local authors to rare first editions to, uh, monochrome backgrounds for Instagram. A first date disaster ends in epic karma when her date’s car gets repossessed, and a very handsome bystander waits with her until her ride arrives. It’s even more of a surprise when that man turns out to be a new client. But a family friend – and one of Jas’s suppliers – has ended up in hot water, and Torr is also inextricably involved. Can they trust each other – and their attraction – long enough to find the supplier?

“I know that kelvin is a temperature measurement. But no idea what torr refers to.”
“A measure of pressure.”
The response held such a sensual tone, her pressure climbed like a cartoon thermometer on a hot day.


Jas was a wonderful character, confidant and self-assured. And with two retired cops for parents, Jas knows how to defend herself. She knows her own worth and refuses to settle for anything less, and even if Torr is charming and hot, that doesn’t mean their attraction has to go anywhere. Torr runs a private security firm, and while he usually has a good idea of a person’s character, that doesn’t mean he can trust Jas off the bat, especially if his family might be involved. But he’s confidant that he can handle whatever comes up. I loved the banter between them, how Jas gave as good as she got, and their chemistry sizzled off the page. I also loved that when an issue cropped up in their relationship, rather than ghosting him, Jas instead insists on talking to him in person. They’re able to talk it out with a minimum of angst, and it was just so refreshing.

Overall, a very enjoyable novella, though of course I wish it was longer! I’m definitely going to have to put some of Ms. Bev’s contemporaries higher up on my TBR.

I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

“They cut off his hands.” Yes, boys and girls, that’s the first line of the prolific Beverly Jenkins’ latest Romantic Suspense Novella. I’m telling you that it only gets better from there. We’re back in the “D”, Detroit, Michigan, for those of you who don’t know. Librarian and curator, Jasmine Ware, the heroine of this story is caught up in a sinister plot that is life threatening. Coming to her aid is the fine, Torr Noble, private security expert. There’s a story behind his first name, and I’ll allow you to discover what it is. Torr and Jas have a meet-cute on a parking lot after Jas’ date from hell. It’s a great scene!
Torr the Brave (you’ll get that when you read the story) is the perfect BJ hero, one smooth operator. Likewise, Jas is the epitome of the fearless, smart-as-a-whip heroines we have come to love in Ms Jenkins’ contemporary stories. Plus, they are a hot couple!
While Ms Bev is known for her incredible Historical books, there’s something about the Contemporary stories, usually set in Detroit, that are everything for me. RARE DANGER is no exception. I highly recommend it for your reading pleasure. My only regret is that it is a novella and not a full-blown novel, but I’ll take it. RARE DANGER is a winner, but don’t take my word for it, read it for yourself. You can thank me later!

This book is definitely a romantic suspense every girl should have in her library. Ms. Bev always delivers with her action packed contemporaries and she did missed the mark with this story. But I think it was the bad ass librarian that sealed the deal for me. Like sis is definitely my shero. I do hope to see more of the secondary characters in the future especially the heroine’s best friend. This story has found its way into my reread rotation.

I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley. Rule #1 of Romancelandia is that Ms.Bev is sacrosanct, and with good reason. This little novella was a gem, and I adored the entire experience of reading it. One of the signatures of a Beverly Jenkins book is that the heroine is a strong, independent, self-confident woman, and Jasmine Ware is no exception. She has the coolest business as a private library acquisitions department, she is supremely confident in her own talents and gorgeousness, she's very smart, and she has amazing shoes. (I want to be her when I grow up.) And when her long-term family friend leaves a huge mess on her door, her handsome meet-cute steps in to help her solve the mystery.
Jasmine and Torr have fantastic chemistry from the very beginning, and they actually communicate like adults. It is so refreshing for two characters to basically say that I don't have time for a Big Misunderstanding or to take risks for the sake of my ego; instead, let's sit down and have a discussion about what to do. They work well together, they listen to each other, and they are fire together. My only complaint about this book is that I wanted it to be longer, but I will accept this as the perfect snack that it is, and be fine with what I was given.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
This is my first attempt reading a romantic suspense from Beverly Jenkins, and I more or less enjoyed it. It is a bit heavier on the romance than the suspense, which is often my pet peeve with the genre and the book is a little too short to really develop the characters to the point of feeling attached. However, Ms. Bev is a master of her craft, and manages to write an engaging bite of a story that kept me consistently engaged throughout.

I've read many of this author's books, so I was excited when I saw she was writing romantic suspense. Once I read the blurb, this went to the top of by tbr shelf. The fast pace made it a quick and intriguing read. However, I felt like the romance would've been better in a full length novel. It felt somewhat rushed. I would've liked more time for the romance to develop considering it ended in marriage. I had a hard time buying that level of seriousness based on their limited interactions.

I did really enjoy the suspense aspects as well as learning about both characters' jobs. I enjoyed them both as characters and would be interested in reading more books set in their world.

I love Beverly Jenkins' historical and was so excited to read a novella featuring a librarian/curator! But the mystery/suspense seemed ill-suited for the novella format. I wanted a slower pace to build tension and more details to get into the plot.