It's the late 1800s in San Francisco. Beautiful young Raven Moreau and her two male cousins have just swindled a jeweler out of a clutch of diamonds, so it's back to New Orleans to continue working for the family. Because in a difficult, segregated world, the matriarch of this extensive Black family is trying to lift all boats, and all members contribute, whether through hard manual labor, passing as a white student at a medical school, or swindling, extorting, or blackmailing. When Raven returns home, her mother Helen is visited by an FBI agent, who brings Helen's old love and his adult son with her. The agent blackmails Raven and the son, Braxton, into posing as a married couple going to work as servants for a corrupt senator who has stolen an original of the Declaration of Independence. Either they get the document back, or she'll send them to prison.

To Catch a Raven is a forced-proximity, fake marriage situation in a historical setting that's richly drawn. This is a whip-smart steamy romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I enjoy how Jenkins brings in mostly unknown Black American and other history into her novels. I learn something new all the time from her novels. However, when I think of a heist of novel, I'm picturing Six of Crows or even National Treasure. There was so little of it in this book it was a little disappointing.
The banter, romantic chemistry, and characters were really good. Now I just need to make my way through her backlist now.

Can we start by saying that Ms. Bev’s pen is insane. Let’s just start there.

I got an advanced copy of this book from Net Galley. I want the series is paperback for my collection. The Women Who Dare series was so good.

Raven was an amazing character. From the opening scene, she was awesome. Braxton piqued my interest from the beginning as well. The situation they find themselves in is far from ideal but they quickly make the best of it. Their chemistry was amazing.

I loved Dorrie. From her introduction to the end of the book, she was one of my favorite characters.

This was a great love story, as I have come to expect from Ms. Bev. I also enjoyed the history lesson attached to it. The tie-in with other books was seamless and a wonderful surprise.

This is absolutely a five-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read. It also wins my sexual chocolate award.

To Catch a Raven is the final book in the Women Who Dare trilogy by Beverly Jenkins. Raven Moreaux is a self-proclaimed proud grifter. She comes from a long line of liars, cheaters, thieves and conmen. She's a little too good at what she does; her crafty work acknowledged by the government. So much so that Raven is hired and forced to do a job.

Raven is tasked with going undercover to recover one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence stolen by a former Confederate official. She poses as the housekeeper while the oh so handsome Braxton Steel is her husband, working as the driver. They both hold their families fate in their success of completing this job while also fighting to protect their hearts and opposite ways of life.

Let's be clear...Ms. Bev never disappoints! She shows up and shows out. I know when I get my grateful hands on an advance copy of a Beverly Jenkins release, that I will be in bliss reading for a couple days, preoccupied with the romantic storyline, taking notes and googling historical references (such as The Mississippi Plan, yellow fever, Black soldiers of the Massachusetts 54th, etc.) and ending with the notion that love happens when you least expect it.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this Women Who Dare series. It features fierce independent women in circumstances that seem impossible to survive. To Catch a Raven is no exception and sadly concludes this trilogy with a pang of passion. Braxton and Raven fell into a deep steamy romance but the development of their relationship along with a side of suspense was the real treat.

Even if romance is not your thing but history and a good plot is your jam, then I highly recommend reading To Catch a Raven. Go ahead and add to your reading lists and pre-order now.

Happy Early Pub Day, Ms. Beverly Jenkins! To Catch a Raven will be available Tuesday, August 23.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

~LiteraryMarie

Beverly Jenkins is definitely in my top favorite authors, not only for historical romance, but probably of all time. And so much of my love for her writing comes from her inclusion of such rich history woven throughout the story. I honestly feel like her author’s notes are the biggest treat to read after finishing one of her books.

To Catch a Raven is set in 1878 and sort of has two love stories! We get a lot of family moments as a result. There’s also the whole mission of this book which is a heist to recover a stolen copy of the Declaration of Independence, but it doesn’t happen until later in the book. They do a lot of traveling and sex in the mean time though…

Braxton Steele is a man to behold. He likes to spoil and lavish praise and I’m all in for that. I love him and Raven together and normally I’m iffy about nicknames/terms of endearment but I think it’s sweet that he calls her Corvus. Probably because it makes me feel like he really thought it out.

Thank you to Avon Romance for the eARC of this book.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

I’m always here for a thief/con artist romance rec & if it’s paired with an uptight lead: SOLD. Like with every other Beverly Jenkins book I’ve read To Catch A Raven has a standout, resourceful, & irrepressible heroine, an intriguing amount of historical detail & info, & a hero who goes “what just happened?!” when the heroine blazes into his life.

This book has an interesting premise: Raven Moreau & Braxton Steele must pretend to be husband & wife—& servants—to a South Carolinian Senator & his wife. Meanwhile they’re actually there to search for a stolen copy of the Declaration of Independence.

They’re not there by choice, either. Instead, they’ve been forced to engage in this dangerous plan by the Pinkertons, who are aware of the activities Raven & her family, & once-upon-a-time, Braxton’s father, are/were up to.

Fascinating layers abound in this book. Braxton is a wealthy, law-abiding tailor from Boston; Raven, an ex-convict who’s fiercely devoted to her family, frequently runs cons with the rest of the on-the-edge-of-a-respectable-life Moreaus in Jim Crow New Orleans.

Braxton doesn’t take to the con/heist life right away & that nicely builds up some tensions between the two leads.

As they travel throughout the South & then make their way North & Jenkins explores what their expectations are of each place—like, for example, how safe it’s expected to be for the Black leads—& the complicated people inhabiting each locale.

These “older” leads are fun to watch & there are many poignant moments too, like when Braxton—who isn’t accustomed to manual labor—takes on extra tasks like washing because he knows it will help Raven. He has a real tender, loving side, & so does Raven for him.

Really the only quibble I have is how Braxton’s almost engagement is incorporated into the story.

But overall, To Catch a Raven is lovely historical romance!

4 ⭐️. Out 08/23.

CWs: Jim Crow trains. Reference to human trafficking. Reference to attacks against Black people, especially in South Carolina. White supremacist parade. Miss Helen wants them to “pretend as if you weren’t” free before the war. Miss Helen’s husband, Aubrey, trashes the house they’re living in & their things. Reference to some of Braxton’s war experiences. Reference to death, including from yellow fever. Helen murders her husband.

[ID: the ebook rests on a piece of white, pink, & orange floral fabric. Above & to the right is a vase holding pink roses. On the second pic, the image is arranged the same but the pic is titled left & there’s a yellow wall in the background.]

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: racism, discrimination, blackmail, death of a loved one (past)

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f historical romance
-fake marriage
-forced proximity
-only one bed
-a bit of adventure
-so much sexual chemistry

While this was my first Beverly Jenkins it won't be my last. It was so easy to tell that this book was meticulously researched and effortlessly executed. I loved the adventure aspects of Raven and Brax being sent on a mission. Attracted to each other immediately, but neither wanting to admit it with their different upbringing the chemistry was palpable.

Raven was independent, taking care of everyone around her and just waiting for Brax to come in and be the other half she didn't realize she wanted. Not obvious matches but I adored Brax so much. Soft and quiet, he was a dirty talkers teamster in the sheets and just gone on Raven. They were so evenly matched.

Steam: 3.5

Braxton Steele enjoys his fairly privileged life living in Boston and working as a tailor. When a Pinkerton agent comes to his home, telling Brax and his father Harrison that she’ll send them to jail if they don’t help with her plans, Brax learns that his father once made a living as a conman.

Harrison takes the trio to New Orleans, where he introduces the agent to his former love, Hazel Moreaux. They are to send her daughter, Raven, and Brax into the home of a South Carolina senator to steal a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence which the senator stole, or she’ll put them all in jail on false charges.

To Catch a Raven is the third and final, standalone story in the Women Who Dare historical romance series which features strong Black heroines and their feisty matches. Each is loosely related to an earlier book/series in Ms. Jenkins’s catalog.

I really enjoyed To Catch a Raven (and the previous two books). I love how the author gives readers details of her characters’ every day lives so we experience how they live and eventually grow to love one another. I enjoy and appreciate that Ms. Bev includes a rich history of the times and setting of Black lives: something that wasn’t taught in my school. The story is filled with common, everyday tasks, but is also a dangerous adventure. I feared for the couple a few times as they worked in a dangerous situation under threat of jail and even death.

Brax and Raven have a beautiful, well-balanced relationship, and I love their dialogue and actions. They support one another in all aspects and don’t run over one another. They start out as two individuals on opposites sides of life in many ways: economically, morally, and even in their home cities, and end in the union of two evenly-yolked individuals who become one.

My Rating: B+

Ravens can fly anywhere to live, but one Raven chose to make a home with an unlikely person in “To Catch a Raven” by Beverly Jenkins, last of the Women Who Dare trilogy!

Braxton Steele learns of his father’s criminal past when a Pinkerton agent pays Harrison a visit. Ruth Welch does not give them much of a choice and they travel to New Orleans to connect with the family they will work with, a family who banished Harrison long ago. An important document is missing and the Moreaux family’s skills are needed. In order to secure their freedom and to keep all relatives safe, Braxton and Raven must act like a loving couple.

The prologue makes you wonder who exactly is the villain and when it becomes clear, you will not want to put the book down. The story just flows and you will be done within a flap of a wing.

I love the double romance in this book as well as the love of family! There is a second chance romance and opposites attract during a fake relationship romance.

The female main character is a fierce anti-heroine. The male main character is judgmental in the beginning, however he learns from Raven and changes, but he really is a cinnamon roll. I love that she let her guard down and they work on a sensitive subject for her. Plus, their scenes are entertaining to read. The banter is sassy, and their intimate moments are wicked yet polite and fun.

I highly recommend reading this book if you love Ms. Bev’s history laden writing style, anti-heroines, and multiple plot twists that have you saying “what??... But so good!”

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon, and Harper Voyager US for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Beverly Jenkins really knows how to pull you into a story! She writes such witty, smart banter between the main characters and always incorporates the main elements I love: fun, romantic, sexy, fully fleshed out characters, with engaging plots. While this is the third book in a series, I dont think you have to read the first too. You will immediately be sucked in to the story of Raven and Brax. Highly recommend!

I’ve been struggling with historical romance for a couple of years. For the most part it hasn’t appealed to me except for a few authors. Beverly Jenkins is one of those authors. With Jenkins, I know I’m going to get strong women, great characters who are supportive of each other, and an honest representation of history.

Raven Moreau is a grifter from a family of grifters, con artists, forgers, and thieves. Braxton Steele’s father was an art forger a long time ago. Ruth Welch, a Pinkerton agent, brings Raven and Braxton together when she threatens to throw them and their families in jail if they don’t work with her to recover a stolen copy of the Declaration of Independence.

One of my favorite things at the beginning of a romance is when characters have a plan for how their life is going to go, and even better when they think they’ve got the whole love, marriage and family thing figured out. Brax has very definite ideas about how his life is going to go, and pretending to be married to some con artist thief isn’t part of the plan. He pretty quickly realizes he needs to set aside his judgements and learn to work with Raven if he wants to get out from under the Pinkerton’s threat.

To Catch a Raven takes place in 1878, 13 years after the Civil War ended and a year after the end of Reconstruction. White supremacists are snatching back power and the Mississippi Plan (disenfranchising Black people through terror and violence) is becoming more common. Even in Boston, Braxton and his father know they are not safe from trumped up charges made by a white Pinkerton agent. Within this setting, Jackson’s characters are supportive of each other and protect each other. The Moreau family works together to make sure future generations are more secure financially. Braxton uses his time and money to support his Black community in Boston and the people who come into his orbit. The way he quietly takes care of and pampers Raven is lovely.

If you haven’t read Beverly Jenkins, I strongly recommend her books.

CW: Racism, segregation, threats of violence, threats of racial violence, blackmail, incarceration, memories of war, one use of the n word, discussions of slavery.

I received this as an advance reader copy from Avon via NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

Included as a top pick in bimonthly August New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
To Catch A Raven grabbed my attention from the beginning and didn’t let go until the final sentence.
The characters, writing, and romance within the pages were perfection. Braxton and Raven are strangers thrown together to retrieve the Declaration Of Independence. Braxton and Raven have different motives for completing the task. What Braxton and Raven didn’t expect was the sensual pull toward each other and the passion that ignited the page.

Braxton is wealthy, handsome, and has a sensuality about him that is pure fire. Braxton is respected in his community. What made Braxton stand out was his giving heart and kind nature. Raven is a grifter. Raven and her family are, for lack of a better word, criminals with morals and purpose. Even though Raven steals and deceives for a living, she has a moral compass and cares for her large family dearly. Raven is a fascinating character; she is complex and intriguing.

Braxton and Raven shone brightly through the backdrop of the plot. Their passionate sensuality was pure fire. At first, the couple seems opposites, yet as the story unfolds, the couple finds common ground. This story moved quickly; the secondary characters added depth and charm.

To Catch A Raven is the third and final book in the Women Who Dare series. Beverly Jenkins has written a sensual and exciting romance that will enthrall the reader from page one. This book is passionate romance at its best.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
To Catch a Raven is the third and final book in Beverly Jenkins’ Women Who Dare trilogy. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of book one for me, it’s an improvement on the second book, which unfortunately did not keep my attention.
Jenkins once again interweaves real history in a fun, engaging way, and I was particularly drawn to the fact that it was about the recovery of a copy of the Declaration of Independence, especially when I dug into the history that inspired Jenkins to write it, not to mention the fact that multiple copies existed to begin with (history education in schools is sorely lacking, I swear).
Jenkins also continues to expand on the little world that all her books are set in. While it’s not necessary to read all of them (or even the previous books in the series) to enjoy this one, I liked the little Easter eggs and references I did recognize, as well as getting pointed to where I should go next to find stories I missed at the end.
I liked the romance between Raven and Brax. Raven is such a delightfully feisty, capable heroine who has been raised by her grifting family with tools of the trade. Brax, meanwhile, has lived a pretty comfortable life by comparison, so it’s fun to see them come together and challenge each other and their worldviews before ultimately falling for each other.
I did initially think the family history was a little odd, especially when Raven’s mother said something like, “If I’d married him, you’d be siblings.” But the reunion between his father and her mother was ultimately quite sweet.
The blurb sounded a bit National Treasure-esque, but the actual stealing of the Declaration is very much a subplot. I’m not too upset, as Jenkins provides a compelling romance, and the external elements just help enrich that.
Beverly Jenkins once again proves why she’s the Queen of Black historical and Western romance with this well-researched, engrossing story. If you’re a fan of Jenkins, this will surely be another winner for you. And if you somehow haven’t read Ms. Bev, I’d absolutely recommend picking up one of her books (this one is as good a start as any) and giving it a go. You won’t regret it.

I love the history and the characters that Beverly Jenkins brings to her books. I always learn so much and enjoy an excellent romance at the same time. The story hit a lull for me and was slower paced than my brain needed, but the characters and the setting and the story have so much life in them!

I can't say enough good things about this book - it was full of sparkling, witty characters, an engaging and thrilling plot, historical facts that made my history buff heart giddy, and a romance that had me swooning by the end. The author had me going for a bit in the beginning, since these two main characters could not be more different on the surface. One wealthy, the other grew up poor, one straightlaced, the other bending the rules, one looking to marry for connections, the other looking to marry only for love. They were certainly not what you would call a match made in heaven...at first. However, as the story progressed, I became more and more convinced that this couple may be one of my favorites yet...and I was not wrong. It's easy to see why Beverly Jenkins has remained one of the top romance authors for so long.

Raven Moreau's family has grown up knowing a life of...well, crime. They have done this all in the name of making a comfortable life for future generations and ensure their bills could be paid in the meantime. Never one to shy away from a challenge, they are more irritated than frightened when a lady Pinkerton comes to call, threatening them with jail if they don't do one last job - retrieve a stolen original copy of the Declaration of Independence. Raven is nominated for this task, given her recent jewel heist, and along with her for the ride is uptight tailor Braxton Steele, a man who has known little struggle and has no stake in the game except to keep his father out of jail. Posing as husband and wife, they infiltrate the home of a state senator in South Carolina and begin their search, Although they begin their time together in New Orleans bickering, by the time they reach South Carolina things have changed somewhat. However, Brax has full intention of marrying a suitable woman back in Boston, and Raven refuses to marry for anything other than love. They may be able to enjoy each other's company in the short term, but their romance has no future unless they can see a way to build a life together.

Raven was an absolute firecracker, someone I could see being friends with while at the same time shaking my head at her antics. She had no trouble sticking up for herself and calling Brax out on his hypocrisies, and when she was wrong, she was strong enough to own up to it. Brax didn't know what hit him when she blew into his life. He thought he had everything planned out for his future, but Raven soon had him wishing for more. They had immediate physical chemistry, and as they learned the layers beneath the skin, they saw in themselves kindred spirits. Brax was a gentleman with a naughty side, and Raven was not afraid to meet him halfway when it came to seduction. Once they came together, the steam exploded off the page, and I found myself reaching for a fan and a glass of water. While the intimacy was steamy, the romance wasn't lost at all, and I found myself so engaged emotionally. They clearly cared about each other, and Brax would do little things to show Raven what a good husband he would be. He was such a sweetheart, and I loved seeing Raven soften towards him. Her walls broke down a bit, and Brax began to see that Raven was who he needed in his life. What society thought no longer mattered to him, and his growth was exceptional throughout the book.

I was sad to see this is the last book in this series, but what that means is now I get to go back and read the earlier books! And of course I never run of Beverly Jenkins backlist to devour. So excited to read more.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Raven has grow up doing what is necessary to survive. She and her family are skilled in the arts of deception and a swindle, but they are now forced into a con they would rather avoid. Raven is paired with Braxton Steel, a tailor from Boston who has never broken the law or dared to be disreputable. The two are tasked with recovering a stolen copy of the Declaration of Independence from a former Confederate official. Charleston has many threats, including the ever-looming fear of supremacists, yet they work together to navigate their job and their growing feelings for each other, before heading back to their respective cities.

I should not have waited so long to finally read a Beverly Jenkins novel! This was incredible from start to finish as it paired a dangerous and intriguing con with a forced proximity romance. Raven and Brax are each strong, compassionate, and smart characters, and when put together they were beautiful, witty, and engaging. I was hooked by the plot and development of the relationship, and impressed with the pacing throughout. I laughed, I cried, I was in love the whole way through. I have not read any of the other Women Who Dare books, but I will be looking them up immediately!

Thank you to Netgalley, Avon Books, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!

4.5 stars
I have always heard whisperings about how wonderful Beverly Jenkins is as a romance author, so when I saw her newest available for preview I had to jump at the opportunity. What a wonderful surprise! To Catch a Raven mixes the thrill of a con-artist’s swindle with the unexpected forced proximity romance between two head strong characters, Braxton Steele and Raven Moreaux. This is the first romance I’ve ever read that takes place in the deep south post-Civil War during Reconstruction with the emancipation of slaves and I could not be more enthralled with this setting. Jenkins masterfully describes the time and place (and how very different yet similar New Orleans, Charleston, and Boston can be for African Americans) and gives her characters a true sense of place and home.

Beholden with the impossible task of retrieving a stolen document from a Southern diplomat’s home, Raven and Brax are forced to act as husband and wife house servants as their cover. If they do not succeed, both families could end up with prison time and the schemes of the Moreaux family will be brought to light. As both parties are unwilling, but know their job is necessary (an entire plot line deals with Srs. Steele and Moreaux), the tension and chemistry between Raven and Braxton quickly becomes palpable. Add in a child with the gift of seeing the future and making predictions about Braxton and Raven’s future once the job is finished and the connection between them thickens. I found the romance scenes to be top notch and appreciated characters that expressed themselves clearly. Although this is the final book in this series, it is easily read as a standalone. Overall I think the fact that this historical did not fit the traditional mold of white, high-society Londoners, kept my interest peaked throughout. I know I have a huge backlog of Jenkins’s books to go read. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for a copy of an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

A surprise to no one, I really enjoyed this! Almost stayed up too late to read it but didn’t want to fall asleep and miss a crucial moment. I know a lot of us romance readers don’t want a black moment but some authors out here really turn that moment into a gloriously romantic grand gesture and proof of everlasting love. Just… settle in and enjoy this one!

Can’t wait to see what Ms. Bev has coming up next!

To Catch a Raven
Book 3 in the Women Who Dare Series
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

*****SPOILER AHEAD******

To Catch a Raven was almost a three star book. For a minute I thought I was going to be bored because the hate they had for each other didn't last too long. I thought I was going to see some intense bantering and bickering while trying to pretend to be a married couple...but no. They decide that they could have fun with each other while pretending to be married and in search of the missing document that they were blackmailed into looking for.
I really enjoyed their story. What made it gain one more star was how the more time they spent with each other the better they got to know each other and those prejudices they thought of each other were soon rid of since each was proven wrong. Also, I loved how Brax showered and pampered Raven with gifts and kind gestures. While she surprised him with her high knowledge of investigative skills.