Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Series: Women Who Dare #3
Published by Avon on August 23, 2022
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 304
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Lying and cheating may be sins to some people, but for Raven Moreaux, it is a way of life. She comes from a long line of grifters and couldn’t be prouder…Until she’s forced to help the government.
A former Confederate official is suspected of stealing the Declaration of Independence, and Raven, posing as his housekeeper, is tasked with getting it back. Her partner is the too handsome Braxton Steel. Masquerading as a valet/driver, Brax is also supposed to be her “husband.” He has his own reasons for doing this job, but when their pretend marriage ignites into fiery passion, they’ll have to put everything—including their hearts—on the line.
The enemy of my enemy is… well, not her friend, but she’s blackmailed into a job for the Pinkertons all the same and the disapproving man beside her is just an added attraction, erm, nuisance. As the third in a series about strong, courageous women set in the post-civil war era from an African American perspective, this book was on my must reads this year.
To Catch a Raven is the third in a series, but it is easily standalone. There are mentions of characters from past series, but the plot, romance, and main characters are all new to this book as far as I know.
Raven Moreaux comes from a long line of shady types who are good at what they do on the wrong side of the law, but she is none too pleased when the Pinkerton Agency, namely a specific agent strong arms her into a job where her skill is required to keep family safe. And, she’s been saddled with a handsome, attractive man who is legit and looks down on her family legacy.
Unfortunately, Braxton Steele’s father was not always an upright person and he gets blackmailed into the job right next to Raven because of his father. They must pose as a married pair to get close to the former Confederate who holds a copy of the Declaration of Independence. They need to finish the job and Raven wants revenge on that Pinkerton, but somewhere along the way, real feelings and respect develop and meanwhile, an older pair get a second chance at romance.
To Catch a Raven raised certain expectations in me when I read the blurb. I thought the book would mostly be about them working together in their roles and doing the heist. And, this does happen eventually. Just not for a while. The book opened with attention to the family background and then they spent more time getting ready for the big job and fun banter is exchanged when they are a tad hostile.
I did enjoy this pair. Raven is loyal to those she loves, strong and feisty, but Braxton is one smoldering gent who knows how to get them both hot and bothered and is also a good, hard worker and protector. By the time they pose as housekeeper and driver married pair, it was obvious that the fake becoming real was what I was rooting for.
Like with most books by the author, the history is a strong authentic element. I like learning historical details as part of the overall enjoyment in a historical romance and I appreciate how it is blended into the story.
I’ve heard rumor this is the last of the Women Who Dare series, which were all excellent stories, but I am not sad because I have the author’s backlist and I see plenty more stories from bygone eras within Raven’s family alone. Those who want American History from the African American perspective or simply love a larcenous heroine and sexy hero on a heist, snatch this one for your reading pile.
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I have only read a couple of Jenkins books but I really would like to read more of her work. I am always a fan of romances with good banter. I could see myself enjoying this one.
I’ve read the Women Who Dare trilogy and one other historical plus a couple contemporaries. I’ve been enjoying her writing more and more. Glad she has a long backlist already. 🙂
I like Beverly Jenkins’s books, but I haven’t read one for a while. Nice review, Sophia!
I’m a latecomer. I started with the first Women Who Dare so read this trilogy and a few other books now, but I still have most of her backlist.
I really enjoyed this one as well. You know, your review reminded me that I too thought the undercover part would last longer and be of more significance. I guess it is the driver for them being together and getting to know one another, but the actual time there is short. Still, I did really enjoy it.
The family background, their parents and all the living down in her hometown wasn’t disappoint, but yeah, I was all tuned up for infiltration and heist stuff right away.
Another author whose work I need tp explore.
I second that. She writes lots that standalone just fine if you want to sample her writing without a series commitment. Any of the Women Who Dare series count with that.
I feel like I read book 1….mmmm
It’s very possible. They are all about standalone couples that have slight connections to other older series.
Fake relationships are fun and I liked that the history bits felt authentic. Nice that you enjoyed the story, Sophia!
I agree with both your points, Rachel. 🙂