I hate that this is possibly the last book i the series. But Ms Bev can do absolutely no wrong. Raven was so strong and compelling, cunning and funny. And Braxton! WHEW! WHat a love interest. The sex scenes had just the right amount of spice for me. I mean, if you get know Beverly Jenkins world of historicals, you know what you are getting into there. I loved the heist aspect of the plot as well. It was outlandish but hey, that is fiction

There are so many Beverly Jenkins series to love, and the Women Who Dare series--which concludes with this book--is one of my favorites. In To Catch a Raven, there are more Women Who Dare than you can count, but the primary one is Raven Moreau. Like the other members of her wide extended family, Raven has been running grifts since she was a child: taking on new identities to squirrel away funds so that future generations of Moreaux can emerge more educated and better positioned than the generation before.

Raven is forced into a con by a shady Pinkerton agent who learns about the Moreaux from Raven's mother's former love, Harrison. The Pinkerton lady forces Harrison and his son, Braxton, to travel to New Orleans to join forces with the Moreaux; there, Raven and Braxton begin posing as a married couple in a grift that will take them to Reconstruction Era Charleston to recover a priceless document.

This is a road trip and caper rolled into one. While the search for the priceless document is a little underwhelming, the circumstances surrounding it are so delightful and exciting that it almost doesn't matter how they find it. Raven and Brax fall in love despite themselves, because Raven is certain she will not marry anyone who doesn't love her totally (I won't spoil her exact demand, but it is a showstopper of a line) or to whom she will be unequally yoked. That's not to say she doesn't understand her value--she does--but that she will not entertain a relationship where she and her partner want too different of lives. While she and Brax seem on different paths, they are exactly what the other needs.

The tension is ratcheted up throughout the novel by the menacing, untrustworthy Pinkerton, so even when the caper is over, the danger remains. It makes for an interesting dynamic in the final stages of the novel.

Bev Jenkins continues to rule the historical romance realm with this one, and I hope we get to see more of the Moreaux in future books--like the LeVeqs, they are a family full of potential romances and adventures.

There's a reason why Beverly Jenkins is the queen of romance. You have your key tropes: enemies to lovers, fake marriages, forced proximity and, one of my favorites, ONLY ONE BED!

I flew (pun intended) through this and for good reason. I fell in love with Raven and Braxton. Their chemistry was amazing and so was their banter. Again, there's a reason why Beverly is the vanguard of this genre: she really knows how to write a couple.

This has inspired me to revisit her previous work because unfortunately, I'm not well-versed in it. But that's changing now!
•••
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Reading the synopsis I expected a suspense filled adventure focused on the finding of the Declaration of Independence. Instead that is a minor part of the plot sandwiched in the middle of a rather typical story about two very different people forced to work together towards a common goal. Raven comes from a family of hustlers, skilled with disguises and determined to forge a better path for future generations. Braxton has never worried about money and lives as a successful tailor in Boston. When the two are brought together to find the stolen document and save their families from a blackmailing Pinkerton they find it much easier than expected to put their differences behind them. In fact they find that they quite enjoy those differences.

I adored the first two books in this series and went into this one with high expectations. While Beverly Jenkins is likely incapable of writing a bad book, I didn’t love this one. It could be because it was not the story I thought I was starting. The love story was sweet was not surprising and the main characters didn’t seem very surprised by it either. The history I always love in Jenkins books didn’t seem as seamless a part of this story either. I enjoyed my time reading this but won’t be revisiting it the same way I enjoy re- reading other books by the author.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Find us a bed and I'll give you dessert." Braxton Steele I would eat the leftovers off your plate SIR!! I am convinced heaven is just a place full of Beverly Jenkin's fictional characters and Raven Moreaux and Braxton Steele from 'To Catch A Raven' were no exception!

Raven is from a family of grifters from New Orleans who have been pulling epic cons for generations and Braxton is a tailor from Boston and has lived a pretty cushy life. Raven is daring, funny, and full of spirit. Braxton was the perfect blend of sweet with some spice. He was a gentlemen but knew how to take charge when a woman would want! The banter between these two was TOP NOTCH!!

This book follows Raven and Baxter as they work together with the help of Baxter's father, Raven's mother and family to retrieve the stolen Declaration of Independence with the looming threat of jail time if not found. With such an interesting, over the top mission I thought it would be more of a focal point but it didn't start happening till half way through the story. The background of both characters seemed to be a bigger focus which was fine by me they both had compelling background stories.

To Catch A Raven is the 3rd book in the Women Who Dare trilogy and the first book I read in this series. These books are stand alone but do have some character cross over in the trilogy which I'm sure is extra fun if you read them all. I can't wait to catch up on the first two books in this series!

I highly recommend you read this book out when it comes out August 23rd, 2022!

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for this eARC in exchange for and honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Publishing: August 23, 2022
Series: Women Who Dare #3
Pages: 368

It never fails when I get the chance to read a Beverly Jenkins novel that I totally fall in love with her writing. She is one of my favorite authors and it doesn’t matter how I read her books in their series, it doesn’t matter because they are so very good.

“To Catch a Raven” is the third book in the series. Raven Moreaux is from a family of grifters and Braxton Steele is a tailor in Boston whose father has turned over his life as an expert forger of art. The two families collide when his father and her mother use to lovers in the past. In order to prevent jail time for members of their families, Braxton and Raven are forced to help the Pinkertons by going undercover as husband and wife to retrieve a stolen copy of the Declaration of Independence. Both Braxton and Raven must play the part, however they have an alternative motive with revenging the Pinkertons for blackmailing them into the roles they now play.

Both characters were very likeable for me…especially Braxton that exuded sexiness on the pages. I too enjoy they way the author writes the love that both the hero/heroine have for one another and taking care to develop their relationship towards one of love. The heat and steamy between the characters (totally look for in my historical romances) was the right amount for my taste. Not having read the others in this series, it is my goal to do so as this was such a wonderful historical romance that was thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend this book.

4 stars - It was really good

Raven Moreaux comes from a long line of grifters and she couldn’t be prouder, until she is blackmailed into helping the government. Now she has to infiltrate a former Confederate official's house to find a stolen copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Like all of Jenkins’ books, I was instantly sucked into Raven and Braxton’s story. Raven is a smart, independent, and snarky woman. She has spent her life doing whatever is necessary to take care of her family. I really loved her. Braxton was born with wealth but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know hard work. He has no problem helping around the house or doing hard manual labor. Braxton was so sweet and caring. I loved how he was always trying to take care of Raven and giving her presents.

Raven and Braxton’s relationship starts as a fake marriage as a cover story but it quickly turns into both of them falling for each other, like usual. Their relationship was filled with a lot of tension though because there is a class difference there and Raven has an issue with that. She struggles with their relationship because she is afraid her lack of knowledge will negatively impact his social standing. This comes up frequently in this book but she does eventually see how that isn’t a great argument against love.

The mission in this was interesting. It did feel like a very quick mission but I know they were in that house for many days. I really enjoyed seeing the Moreux family’s many disguises and tricks. Also, the Moreaux family were all great characters and seem like a great family to have. They had each other's backs and took care of their own. Also I loved that we had a second love story in this because it was nice seeing more than one happy ending.

Overall, while I am sad this will be the last book in this series, I really enjoyed it and think it was a great conclusion. I highly recommend this book if you like fake relationships, treasure hunts, and sweet and steamy romance.

✨The vibe of Braxton Steele: I am a sex god but I’m going to worship YOU.✨

All I’m gonna say is that I would do very questionable things in order to obtain 1. Braxton Steele. Just kidding I’ll say more but that’s where my head’s at right now I cannot tell a lie.

This book is very odd (in a good way) (just kissing the line of slightly unhinged lol). The recovering the Declaration of Independence plot is very very minimal, someone got axed, and their relationship is at the forefront. I can’t say that I’m extremely bothered by any of this because I do love the main couple to just be happy and getting it on for the entire book.

I just think the summary is a bit off the mark or the pacing is. Basically they don’t start this heist until 40-50% through and he starts the book being like hey let me sex you up out of the gate (I do not mind this just being clear). So there’s not a lot of pining and they’re together together pretty early on. So that coupled with the delayed heist is just kinda odd all together but it still works?

Because I felt sad and kind of adrift after finishing the book, as I wanted to just spend more time with Braxton and Raven. And I basically got the entire book of them just being together! So while the plot wasn’t necessarily what I expected, I’m not disappointed. It was pretty low angst with the end of the heist being perfectly satisfying but not drawn out. We love revenge yes we DO!

Their relationship was just so peaceful and easy and I loved it. There’s a major spoiling kink and my god please I want it. He gave her so many things: dresses, bath salts, love, orgasms. She had worked herself had over the years and he was like NOPE not on my watch and I don’t know it was just really done here. And really hot. Sex god status unlocked. Also the reading scenes melted by soul.

As for the sex, foreplay was real giver here too. One of the first couple scenes he was like round two let’s go and it was so hot. I love when that happens in books because I’m just assuming the scene is done and we’re moving on but nope! I can’t remember which book recently did it (was it Diana Quincy’s? Lorraine Heath’s? Whatever it is I’m sure I’ll listen to the audiobook soon enough) where he was cleaning her up and then just decided to get her off again and wow my love language is suddenly acts of service!

The beep beep sex itself was relatively lackluster because most of it was vague or summarized but I was there for the atmosphere of it all and can’t really complain about it. He was a tailor which is just very sexy in and of itself, but he was also obsessed with her undressing herself for him. (There was also a really hot moment where he was like lift up your skirt for me this is why I bought it for you.) We got enough of the sex god and pampering that I was adequately seduced.

We also got these two lines and really, how much more can I ask for: “May I have some cock now please?” and “Would you like a quick orgasm before breakfast?”

I loved the mother/daughter father/son relationships we were gifted here. I love seeing healthy and happy parental relationships and I especially loved seeing the secondary love story unfold. Also Dorrie was a great addition to both the story and the romance. Predicting Brax and Raven’s marriage was the cherry on top of their forced proximity. They were both side-eying each other like…”well you are hot…”

Overall, if you want to feel all warm and fuzzy over a fictional relationship, this is the book for you! This is my second romance by Beverly Jenkins and it obviously won’t be my last. For starters, I’m going to go back and reread the first two books in the series. I will also be hoping that Lottie gets her own book in a new series!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶.25*/5

Taylor Swift song association: Dress

Jenkins is in TOP form with this book. I thought I was getting a stuffy hero who needed to relax and all the sudden out of nowhere, Jenkins hit me with a smoldering dirty talker and it was a surprise in the best way. Raven was a fabulous heroine, there was real heat and the larger plot of servants/investigators worked. Jenkins always does such a good job detailing the African American experience and concerns in a historical context and this was great.

In reconstruction era New Orleans, Raven Moreaux comes from a family of grifters. Braxton Steele is a Boston tailor whose father used to be an art forger who once worked with the Moreaux family. In order to keep his father from jail, Braxton agrees to help the Pinkertons with a mission. Raven is also blackmailed and neither of them are pleased to be going undercover to help recover a stolen copy of the Declaration of Independence from a former Confederate official.

Posing as a married housekeeper and driver—and eager to ruin the Pinkerton who forced her into this role—Raven knows she has to get along with Braxton. He has no respect for someone who he thinks is a schemer and she has no interest in working with a novice.

I liked Raven’s determination and drive that hides her insecurities and I liked Braxton’s quiet strength. Their banter was fantastic. There was a lot of family backstory and the undercover mission didn’t start until about halfway. Between the family history and the actual history, there was more “tell” than “show” in certain sections.

From the description I expected the heist to play a significant role. I thought they’d get to know one another during the mission, not mostly before and after. The character development was good, I liked the real history blended in, and I felt the chemistry between Raven and Braxton. I just expected more action and tension from the heist and the plot ended up being too dull for me, but I’d try another one of this author’s books.

Another winner from Ms. Jenkins! Raven and Braxton's meeting, courtship and marriage was told and unfolded very intricately. And the way the capture and demise of Pinkerton Ruth Welch went down was so good! In addition, the black history facts Ms. Jenkins always gives are valuable and highly anticipated! Can't vwait to see what adventure she has for us next!

Gosh, this book is a delight. I love Beverly Jenkins’ books more with each one I read, and this one is especially good.

Raven is part of a family of grifters who are very skilled at what they do. When her mom, Hazel’s ex returns to town with Pinkerton detective Ruth Welch, she gets coerced into going to South Carolina to pose as a domestic and find a stolen copy of the Declaration of Independence. While playing the role of domestic, Raven is also playing wide to Braxton, the son of the man her mother once loved. Much to Raven’s chagrin she finds Brax to be a beguiling man who dotes on her. Because she’s always had to work hard, he takes great delight in giving her nice things like bath salts and pretty dresses.

One of the things I always love in a Ms Bev book is the way the men adore the women, but I also love the way the women love and challenge their men. There is so much care and love given to the romantic relationship, and always a heavy emphasis on family and community. I really loved everything about the relationship between Braxton and Raven, especially the way he gave her room to be vulnerable and he treated that vulnerability as a gift.

All in all, this is such a great romance and a fascinating historical story. Ms Bev always does splendid research and build stories that perfectly fill the heart and the imagination. I highly recommend this if you love historical romances where the heroine is savvy and I’m afraid to call the hero out, and a hero who is utterly besotted and wants to give her the world. Just, all around such a sweet book and probably my new favorite Ms Bev historical!

[review will post to Cannonball on Aug 23]

I loved this book!! Beverly Jenkins writes wonderful books. Her characters are well developed and this book continues that trend. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book Ms. Jenkins writes.

To Catch a Raven is the 3rd and last book in the Women Who Dare series. I have loved this series so much, honestly everything Beverly Jenkins writes I will read! I always love the history and insights I learn while reading one of her books and of course the romance was superb as well. This story is a fearless grifter who goes undercover to reclaim the stolen Declaration of Independence!

Raven Moreaux comes from a long line of grifters and couldn’t be prouder…until she’s forced to help the government. Born into a family full of grifters, counterfeiters, gamblers, swindlers, imposters; Raven ends up posing as the housekeeper to the man suspected of stealing the Declaration of Independence and is tasked to try and get it back. She gets partnered up with Braxton Steel as her partner, he masquerades as the valet and driver, as well as Raven’s “husband”.

The first half of this book is learning the history and backgrounds of Raven and Braxton’s families, more so Raven’s extensive family. We learn that Braxton’s father was an art forger in the past and had once been in love with Hazel, Raven’s mother. They actually get their own little second chance romance in the story which was sweet to see. I did like all the time spent with Braxton and Raven getting to know one another before they head to the house to pose as fake spouses. The romance and steam was heavier in this book (which I loved) and I’d say the action of searching for the item was less the focus of the story, which I expected it to be more of the story with how the blurb is written. That said, I love Beverly Jenkins writing, her strong heroines and the heroes who worship them is always so fun to see!

Of course, Bev’s books more often than not have connections to other books she’s written and this book has no different. Ties to the LeVeq family, distant ties to Pilar’s family (Destiny’s Captive), and a character from Winds of the Storm.

3.5 stars/rounded up on GR. Thank you to the publisher (Avon Books) for an e-ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own. To Catch a Raven has a publish date of August 23, 2022.

I really enjoyed the premise of this story. A swindler and a law abiding man forced to pretend marriage to get back a stolen copy of the Declaration of Independence?! This is some drama I need in my life.

And at 50% when we haven’t even started the mission, I’m wondering what the heck I’m reading. This book is a slower pace that wasn’t doing it for me. I enjoyed reading about Raven’s family and their past swindles, but I found myself putting it down more than picking it up. By the last 25%, I found myself skimming completely.

I received an ARC from the publisher, review is my own

Once again, Beverly Jenkins has produced another entertaining book that kept my attention throughout the entire story. Under normal circumstances, Raven and Braxton would have never met each other. Raven descended from a family of con artists, forgers, and opportunists. The setting of this book was written just after reconstruction.

A Pinkerton agent named Ruth Welch forced Braxton’s father, Harrison Steele, to give her the name of a person who could recover a stolen historical document so that it could be returned to its owner. She threatened Harrison by asserting that she would falsify evidence to have him and his son imprisoned if he didn’t give her a name. Harrison gave her the name of a woman that he had fallen in love with a long time ago when he was a young man. Unfortunately, because of her mother’s plan, they could not marry.

The agent also threatened Raven's family with prison. Raven and Braxton agreed to pretend to be a married couple so that they could work in the home of the person who stole the document where they could search and find the document.

The events in this book were well-written and informative. I loved the romances portrayed in this book which will be appreciated by any reader. I enjoyed this wonderful book and I recommend it to anyone who needs motivation to strive and achieve your goals.

Reconstruction-era heists! Adversaries-to-lovers! Black family of con artists! Badass heroine! What else could it be but a Ms. Bev romance?

This book is so fun. It's sexy and exciting and chock full of obscure, essential American history. It's profoundly connected to many of her past series (so much so that I'm not even 100% sure which ones), so if you're an avid Ms. Bev fan, you're going to love this. The story is snappy and the characters are so full and dynamic and the relationships (romantic, familial, adversarial) are all so compelling.

Definitely recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for this ARC.

CW: racism, kidnapping, blackmail, gun