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Night Hawk: A Blistering African American Romance – Old West Bounty Hunter and High-Stakes Love Story
Outlaw. Preacher. Night Hawk. He's had many names, but he can't escape the past.
Since Ian Vance's beloved wife was murdered years ago, the hardened bounty hunter knows he'll never feel love or tenderness again, so he's made it his mission to ensure others get their justice. But when he's charged with delivering a sharp-eyed beauty to the law, Ian can't help but feel he may still have something left to lose.
Orphaned at twelve, Maggie Freeman has always found her way out of trouble. But now there's a vigilante mob at her back who would like nothing more than to see her hang for a crime she didn't commit. Maggie may have to accept help for the first time in her life . . . even if it's from the one man standing between her and freedom.
As the past closes in, the sassy prisoner and toughened lawman may just find a passion between them that could bring blinding happiness . . . if they'll let it.
371 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 25, 2011
170 people are currently reading
1640 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Jenkins
70 books4,819 followersBeverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the 2016 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for historical romance.
She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured both in the documentary “Love Between the Covers” and on CBS Sunday Morning.
Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for inclusive romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR. Her critically acclaimed Blessings series has been optioned for film by John Legend’s and Mike Jackson’s production company Get Lifted, and Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Deborah Martin Chase.
To read more about Beverly and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.
She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured both in the documentary “Love Between the Covers” and on CBS Sunday Morning.
Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for inclusive romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR. Her critically acclaimed Blessings series has been optioned for film by John Legend’s and Mike Jackson’s production company Get Lifted, and Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Deborah Martin Chase.
To read more about Beverly and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
August 14, 2020
The first half of this book was just SO GOOOD and I was loving every second of it. We have Maggie, who is a headstrong women, but she accidentally killed a man protecting herself, so she is taken into custody. Ian is a US Marshall and charged with taking her to the Sherriff so she can go on trial. I loved how Ian started to fall for her and she had to figure out how to get away before she was unjustly punished.
Once the halfway mark hit, though, the rest of this book was pretty boring until the final conflict at the end. I love romances, but I love the journey of getting together. Once a couple is together and happy and just going along with their lives, I'm not as invested anymore. This is definitely a me thing, so I had a hard time really connecting and focusing when reading the last half of this book.
Once the halfway mark hit, though, the rest of this book was pretty boring until the final conflict at the end. I love romances, but I love the journey of getting together. Once a couple is together and happy and just going along with their lives, I'm not as invested anymore. This is definitely a me thing, so I had a hard time really connecting and focusing when reading the last half of this book.
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July 17, 2018When I find myself in times of trouble Mother Mary says to me, speaking words of wisdom, read Ms B.
Seriously. Thank heaven for Beverly Jenkins, I can read her kickass heroines and tough yet loving men and her take-no-prisoners brutal approach to American history more or less forever. Off to get the linked book with Neil July right now, seeya.
Seriously. Thank heaven for Beverly Jenkins, I can read her kickass heroines and tough yet loving men and her take-no-prisoners brutal approach to American history more or less forever. Off to get the linked book with Neil July right now, seeya.
April 28, 2018
4 solid stars!
Small town Kansas in 1889 would be a tough place for anybody, but as a single woman of color with no family, life is particularly hard for Maggie, who's been living a rootless, hand-to-mouth existence since she was orphaned at the age of twelve. Over the years she's endured a lot, but it was her Kaw Nation mother and Black father who shaped her into the strong, take-no-prisoners woman that she is today.
So, wow! Beverly Jenkins knows how to write a strong heroine. The way Maggie's firey attitude was balanced with her vulnerable side was superb; I LOVED her. And Ian was the perfect man for her with his steady and calm demeanor.
Where the story lost me a bit was in the way these two finally realized they were in love. It seemed to lack . . . emotion, I guess. Plus, the love scenes were pretty old-school, filled with cringe-worthy euphemisms and vocabulary.
BUT that didn't detract from the overall quality of the writing that rang with intelligence. Real historical events and the underlying themes of injustice, inequality, and the fight for human rights for all minorities were woven flawlessly into the narrative.
I'll definitely be reading more by this author!!
Maggie was like a kick of raw tequila.Happy Dance! Is there anything better than finding a quality author with a huge back log of books?!!
Small town Kansas in 1889 would be a tough place for anybody, but as a single woman of color with no family, life is particularly hard for Maggie, who's been living a rootless, hand-to-mouth existence since she was orphaned at the age of twelve. Over the years she's endured a lot, but it was her Kaw Nation mother and Black father who shaped her into the strong, take-no-prisoners woman that she is today.
Melancholy be damned, she was still standing, and still fighting to hold on to who she was in her heart and mind.Through events that start the story, Maggie finds herself in the custody of US Marshall, Ian Vance.
So, wow! Beverly Jenkins knows how to write a strong heroine. The way Maggie's firey attitude was balanced with her vulnerable side was superb; I LOVED her. And Ian was the perfect man for her with his steady and calm demeanor.
It was Ian's response that meant the most and he was viewing her with a subtle delight that put heat in her blood.Besides the wonderful characters, it was the adventure that made Night Hawk so much fun to read. Imagine a historical 'road trip,' where one of the participants is under arrest and trying to escape, while the other is trying to do the honorable thing. There was lots of tension and outside distractions that kept me smiling over the course of the novel.
Where the story lost me a bit was in the way these two finally realized they were in love. It seemed to lack . . . emotion, I guess. Plus, the love scenes were pretty old-school, filled with cringe-worthy euphemisms and vocabulary.
BUT that didn't detract from the overall quality of the writing that rang with intelligence. Real historical events and the underlying themes of injustice, inequality, and the fight for human rights for all minorities were woven flawlessly into the narrative.
I'll definitely be reading more by this author!!
January 28, 2023
Captivating characters that grab you from the first chapter along with authentic history make Jenkin's historical romances top notch.
May 2, 2022
A speechless Ian stared down at the woman who’d caused it all. She met his gaze with a raised eyebrow.
Gosh, what a fucking great romance. Is there anything I like more than a romance with a tough as nails love interest who is just completely baffled and astounded by someone they find themselves falling head over heels with?
Maggie is great, I love how she thwarted Ian left and right and kept him on his toes. Also the way Ms. Bev shows menstruation in her books is goals - more of this please (and her heroes are always caretakers for their lovers, the best).
Ian tried to make amends. “Man like him just wants to put you behind a plow, give you a bunch of babies, and work you to death.” “And what will you give me besides a date with the judge?” “If things were different, books.”
And this line!? Marry me.
Perfect romance, perfect cover, loved every minute of this read.
March 25, 2012
Things I liked:
* Both characters were people of color! This is actually the first historical romance I've read where that was the case.
* The characters faced overt and seriously harmful racism, and not just from the Evil Villain.
* Maggie was a really strong character who was intelligent and perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
* Ian was also a strong character who respected Maggie's intelligence and ability to take care of herself.
* This is probably the most historically accurate romance novel I have ever read.
Things I didn't like:
* The author's habit of ending questions with a period. There was one place in the book where three sentences in a row were questions, and only the middle one had a question mark. WTF? She could figure it out once but not the other times? So confusing.
* The fact that the plot was basically a series of smaller incidences that illustrated the difficulties of being a woman of color (or, at one point, Chinese American of any gender) in the American West. I would've liked the story better if there were one villain who dogged the characters rather than a series of evil racists.
* The fact that anytime someone tried to be a racist idiot to Ian, he just whipped out his Marshall star and BAM! everyone was embarrassed and falling over themselves to help him. That might've happened sometimes, but I seriously doubt a star would've halted racism in its tracks. I would've expected some people to be all, "Which Marshall did you steal that star from, and did you kill him to do it?" and/or, "Which idiot deputized a black man? I sure don't recognize anyone with dark skin as having authority over me."
Overall, one of the better romances I've read, especially in the Western subgenre.
* Both characters were people of color! This is actually the first historical romance I've read where that was the case.
* The characters faced overt and seriously harmful racism, and not just from the Evil Villain.
* Maggie was a really strong character who was intelligent and perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
* Ian was also a strong character who respected Maggie's intelligence and ability to take care of herself.
* This is probably the most historically accurate romance novel I have ever read.
Things I didn't like:
* The author's habit of ending questions with a period. There was one place in the book where three sentences in a row were questions, and only the middle one had a question mark. WTF? She could figure it out once but not the other times? So confusing.
* The fact that the plot was basically a series of smaller incidences that illustrated the difficulties of being a woman of color (or, at one point, Chinese American of any gender) in the American West. I would've liked the story better if there were one villain who dogged the characters rather than a series of evil racists.
* The fact that anytime someone tried to be a racist idiot to Ian, he just whipped out his Marshall star and BAM! everyone was embarrassed and falling over themselves to help him. That might've happened sometimes, but I seriously doubt a star would've halted racism in its tracks. I would've expected some people to be all, "Which Marshall did you steal that star from, and did you kill him to do it?" and/or, "Which idiot deputized a black man? I sure don't recognize anyone with dark skin as having authority over me."
Overall, one of the better romances I've read, especially in the Western subgenre.
May 28, 2023
She is the Most Interesting Person In The Room
I can’t get enough of Beverly Jenkins’ Historical Black Romance Novels, I love the artful ways she weaves Black history and culture into love stories that make you swoon. I love that no matter the time period—Black People get their slice of happiness. Black People are falling deeply in love, and reveling in the joy and fullness that love brings.
I can’t choose which character I love the most, Maggie or Ian. Maggie is so much more than meets the eye & both Ian and the reader get the opportunity to peel back layer after layer of who Maggie is & the life that she lives.
One of my favorite quotes from this book:
“Who’s the most interesting character you ever encountered?” “You’re sitting next to her.” Justin choked on the water he’d taken from his canteen. Maggie shot Bigelow a look that was part disbelief and part amusement.”
Maggie is absolutely the most interesting character. Ian is such a strong man of character, andI love how he protects Maggie. I knew he was a goner when the glimpses of his smiles started to come more frequently & Maggie was the cause.
Maggie is wild, bold, outgoing and Ian not only loves all of her but he encourages her & only wants to give her whatever her heart desires. He never judges her for the things she’s done to survive and I love him forever for that.
This book had me smiling, giggling, and grinning at my kindle. I highly recommend reading this love story.
I can’t get enough of Beverly Jenkins’ Historical Black Romance Novels, I love the artful ways she weaves Black history and culture into love stories that make you swoon. I love that no matter the time period—Black People get their slice of happiness. Black People are falling deeply in love, and reveling in the joy and fullness that love brings.
I can’t choose which character I love the most, Maggie or Ian. Maggie is so much more than meets the eye & both Ian and the reader get the opportunity to peel back layer after layer of who Maggie is & the life that she lives.
One of my favorite quotes from this book:
“Who’s the most interesting character you ever encountered?” “You’re sitting next to her.” Justin choked on the water he’d taken from his canteen. Maggie shot Bigelow a look that was part disbelief and part amusement.”
Maggie is absolutely the most interesting character. Ian is such a strong man of character, andI love how he protects Maggie. I knew he was a goner when the glimpses of his smiles started to come more frequently & Maggie was the cause.
Maggie is wild, bold, outgoing and Ian not only loves all of her but he encourages her & only wants to give her whatever her heart desires. He never judges her for the things she’s done to survive and I love him forever for that.
This book had me smiling, giggling, and grinning at my kindle. I highly recommend reading this love story.
January 26, 2013
Before I read Night Hawk I’d been holding out for a hero. I’d been holding out for a hero until the morning light. He had to be strong, and he had to ride his horse into a saloon and he had to have a Scottish brogue that he brought out on special occasions. Ian Vance aka Ian Bigelow aka Preacher? NAILS IT. He gets the job done. That is, when Maggie Freeman wasn’t taking matters into her own hands. She didn’t wait around for Ian to swoop in and save her, although she has no doubt that he would. They complimented each other perfectly and I loved watching them fall in love. I wish there had been more focus on the romance and less awkward info dumps, though.
“…I do most of the doctoring for the race around here, deliver all the babies too. Learned my doctoring during the war.”
“Where are you from?”
“South Carolina. Trained under Susie King Taylor.”
Maggie was unfamiliar with the name and it must have shown on her face because Lola explained. “Susie helped nurse the Black troops of South Carolina’s Thirty Third Regiment. She was fairly well known back during those days.”
…as Maggie listened she told how Susie’s family…escaped slavery on a Union gunboat and joined the Union Army. “She was about fifteen when the Yankee officers came to St. Simon Island to recruit soldiers. She was hired to be a laundress at first…
And it continues on from there, pulling me completely out of the story. Sure, I’d love to know more about Susie King Taylor and Big Nose George Parrot (holy crap!) and Jim Beckworth, but surely there was a way to be a little less obvious when introducing an Important Moment in History to a scene that has been running along so nicely, and I’m all invested.
All in all, a lovely book. More like 3.5 stars.
“…I do most of the doctoring for the race around here, deliver all the babies too. Learned my doctoring during the war.”
“Where are you from?”
“South Carolina. Trained under Susie King Taylor.”
Maggie was unfamiliar with the name and it must have shown on her face because Lola explained. “Susie helped nurse the Black troops of South Carolina’s Thirty Third Regiment. She was fairly well known back during those days.”
…as Maggie listened she told how Susie’s family…escaped slavery on a Union gunboat and joined the Union Army. “She was about fifteen when the Yankee officers came to St. Simon Island to recruit soldiers. She was hired to be a laundress at first…
And it continues on from there, pulling me completely out of the story. Sure, I’d love to know more about Susie King Taylor and Big Nose George Parrot (holy crap!) and Jim Beckworth, but surely there was a way to be a little less obvious when introducing an Important Moment in History to a scene that has been running along so nicely, and I’m all invested.
All in all, a lovely book. More like 3.5 stars.
May 2, 2022
4.5/5
Modern day romance writers take note!!
As someone who does not enjoy romance novels ngl I was kinda obsessed with this one? It's because Ms. Jenkins is the master of her craft and knows how to write a great romantic build up.
The way I was like "yea this romance slaps" even though our MCs had only known each other for a week!!! Like!!! Also, the care with which Jenkins writes her novels is so apparent, the research she does to make it historically accurate and everything... Iconic...
I loved the first half which was action and us learning about Maggie and Ian and their respective traumatic pasts, the second half is what the girlies would call ~domesticity~... all the people wailing on the various book social medias about wanting to see their couples living a domestic life SHOULD read this novel because that's EXACTLY what we get... anyways LOVED IT
Modern day romance writers take note!!
As someone who does not enjoy romance novels ngl I was kinda obsessed with this one? It's because Ms. Jenkins is the master of her craft and knows how to write a great romantic build up.
The way I was like "yea this romance slaps" even though our MCs had only known each other for a week!!! Like!!! Also, the care with which Jenkins writes her novels is so apparent, the research she does to make it historically accurate and everything... Iconic...
I loved the first half which was action and us learning about Maggie and Ian and their respective traumatic pasts, the second half is what the girlies would call ~domesticity~... all the people wailing on the various book social medias about wanting to see their couples living a domestic life SHOULD read this novel because that's EXACTLY what we get... anyways LOVED IT
November 16, 2021
4.5 Stars
“Set in Kansas, during 1880’s, bounty hunter Ian Vance is sent to find Maggie Freedman, who was accused of murder, and return her to face justice. During their travel, sparks begin to fly, will the lawman give into his attraction to the accused?…”
NO ONE writes historical romances like the legend Beverly Jenkins. Her books are both romantic, sweet, educational and most of enlightening.
Her heroines are always strong and resourceful black women. Maggie is no different as she refuses to hang for a crime that she didn’t commit.
This book is another 5⭐️ read. I always feel a sense is pride when I am transported into the past via her novels. If you haven’t read Beverly Jenkins, then you are missing out on one of the best writers to tell a love story.
“Set in Kansas, during 1880’s, bounty hunter Ian Vance is sent to find Maggie Freedman, who was accused of murder, and return her to face justice. During their travel, sparks begin to fly, will the lawman give into his attraction to the accused?…”
NO ONE writes historical romances like the legend Beverly Jenkins. Her books are both romantic, sweet, educational and most of enlightening.
Her heroines are always strong and resourceful black women. Maggie is no different as she refuses to hang for a crime that she didn’t commit.
This book is another 5⭐️ read. I always feel a sense is pride when I am transported into the past via her novels. If you haven’t read Beverly Jenkins, then you are missing out on one of the best writers to tell a love story.
October 11, 2021
I haven't read anything by Beverly Jenkins in some time and decided to read this story. I started this a few days ago and what started out as a very good read began to slow in pace at some point. I have finished the read and I can say that Ms. Jenkins did a wonderful job with this story. It is well-written and I loved both Ian and Maggie. They were likeable, strong characters. Enjoyable and recommend the read.
February 13, 2025
Rating: 4/5
This was really fun! I loved the road trip prisoner sequence in the first half, and only felt like it lost steam for me in the second half as things settled down considerably. There isn't really a relationship conflict, and that was disappointing coming off Indigo, which had a really layered relationship conflict that I loved. I also felt like the female main character was fully developed on page one, which is fun to read sometimes (she's a great character!) but I enjoy seeing the growth on page. Recommended for those who enjoy high-stakes external plots (she's wanted for murder, he's a retired bounty hunter, she's technically his prisoner, multiple kidnappings, etc) and enjoy low-angst relationships.
This was really fun! I loved the road trip prisoner sequence in the first half, and only felt like it lost steam for me in the second half as things settled down considerably. There isn't really a relationship conflict, and that was disappointing coming off Indigo, which had a really layered relationship conflict that I loved. I also felt like the female main character was fully developed on page one, which is fun to read sometimes (she's a great character!) but I enjoy seeing the growth on page. Recommended for those who enjoy high-stakes external plots (she's wanted for murder, he's a retired bounty hunter, she's technically his prisoner, multiple kidnappings, etc) and enjoy low-angst relationships.
August 19, 2024
“His name’s real and so’s his Bible but it’s his gun you have to worry about” goes crazy actually
December 28, 2024
Ian Vance lost the two women he loved most. Not at the same time. His wife was murdered and his mom died thanks to a hard life. He quitted Scotland years ago for America. He became an outlaw, some kind of reinvented preacher, he studied law and now he's a deputy marshal. Such an interesting life for an interesting man.
Maggie Freeman also have mix-heritage. Daughter of a Black man and a woman from the Kaw tribe. They died when she was only twelve and she's been on her own ever since. Pension and until recently she were a cook at her aunt's whorehouse. But no nice relatives for Maggie and a bad man gets her in trouble with the law.
The two meet when Ian, wanting to help with a dangerous and tricky situation, find himself having to escort the pretty prisoner to Kansas City.
Night Hawk was one hell of a ride!
A fast pace story, lots of traveling, history facts and spirited characters I couldn't help fall in love with! Ian is such a good man and it was a delight to see him fall for the spunky and spirited Maggie. She haven't had an easy life but she never back down from the challenges and continued to embrace life. This book have plenty of diversity with Black, Indigenous and Chinese characters.
"Did your mother's people have a name for wind?"
"Waucondah," she replied, and stared up at him with mild astonishment. " Few people would know to ask such a question."
"What am I going to do about you?"
He shrugged. "Wondering the same thing about you."
"And have you come to a conclusion?"
"Not yet."
"Neither have I."
Maggie Freeman also have mix-heritage. Daughter of a Black man and a woman from the Kaw tribe. They died when she was only twelve and she's been on her own ever since. Pension and until recently she were a cook at her aunt's whorehouse. But no nice relatives for Maggie and a bad man gets her in trouble with the law.
The two meet when Ian, wanting to help with a dangerous and tricky situation, find himself having to escort the pretty prisoner to Kansas City.
Night Hawk was one hell of a ride!
A fast pace story, lots of traveling, history facts and spirited characters I couldn't help fall in love with! Ian is such a good man and it was a delight to see him fall for the spunky and spirited Maggie. She haven't had an easy life but she never back down from the challenges and continued to embrace life. This book have plenty of diversity with Black, Indigenous and Chinese characters.
"Did your mother's people have a name for wind?"
"Waucondah," she replied, and stared up at him with mild astonishment. " Few people would know to ask such a question."
"What am I going to do about you?"
He shrugged. "Wondering the same thing about you."
"And have you come to a conclusion?"
"Not yet."
"Neither have I."
March 4, 2024
Beverly, woman that you are. My god. What a genius.
This story follows Maggie, who was assaulted and accidentally killed the man responsible. And Ian, the bounty hunter and US Marshal in charge of transporting her to face her fate. They do a fair bit of traveling, so there are a lot of “one horse” and “one bed” situations and it was simply delightful. Maggie is such a spitfire and Ian is immediately intrigued by her, WHICH WE LOVE.
This book, like all of Beverly’s books however, is so much more than the romance. This story in particular, I found special for a lot of factors, but I was especially intrigued when I learned of the inspiration of Maggie’s character. Maggie is Black and Native American, & she is a member of the Kaw tribe. Maggie was inspired by one of her readers, who is also Black & a member of the Kaw nation, and helped Beverly with her research for this book. Never skip her authors notes, guys.
Maggie is such a strong character and the way Ian falls for her is so beautifully done. He gets so protective over her but never in a way that is domineering. He loves her fire and attitude and never tries to diminish it. I’m telling you, I was so immersed in this book, I could not put it down.
This story follows Maggie, who was assaulted and accidentally killed the man responsible. And Ian, the bounty hunter and US Marshal in charge of transporting her to face her fate. They do a fair bit of traveling, so there are a lot of “one horse” and “one bed” situations and it was simply delightful. Maggie is such a spitfire and Ian is immediately intrigued by her, WHICH WE LOVE.
This book, like all of Beverly’s books however, is so much more than the romance. This story in particular, I found special for a lot of factors, but I was especially intrigued when I learned of the inspiration of Maggie’s character. Maggie is Black and Native American, & she is a member of the Kaw tribe. Maggie was inspired by one of her readers, who is also Black & a member of the Kaw nation, and helped Beverly with her research for this book. Never skip her authors notes, guys.
Maggie is such a strong character and the way Ian falls for her is so beautifully done. He gets so protective over her but never in a way that is domineering. He loves her fire and attitude and never tries to diminish it. I’m telling you, I was so immersed in this book, I could not put it down.
October 14, 2012
Another winner. Ian was fantastic, but Maggie? Maggie is my favorite Jenkins heroine so far. She was such a fighter, but without being stripped of her humor and her humanity. Great story, great action, and there's sex on a train. Who doesn't love train sex. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys romance. :)
May 18, 2024
This was a fun book, Maggie and Ian were both such strong characters and I love all the added history.
June 26, 2020
Peeps, meet Preacher (aka Ian)! He’s a Scottish/Black, green eyed, quiet cutie who’s been a lawyer/outlaw/Bible-thumping bounty hunter/widower/US Marshal/cattle owner. He has the patience of a saint and brains to match the beauty. He was definitely awesome sauce with an extra side of heat! It’s no wonder Maggie threw him for a loop!
Maggie for all her roadblocks in life-orphaned, discriminated for being Kaw/Black, single, and female-turned out to be an extremely resilient, very intelligent, sometimes quite amusing, and highly stubborn spitfire with a penchant for finding trouble...through no fault of her own. Her honesty sometimes provoked hilarious results-wait until you read what she did to the man who did her wrong🤣, but also gave insight in to who she truly was without the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Night Hawk was heartbreaking yet redeeming story all in the same breath. There were just so many feels happening! I also thought there was more humor in this book. That or Maggie just had a knack for making Ian crack a smile when least expected! Ms. Bev also touched on Black, Native American and Chinese history points as Ian and Maggie swept across the Plains on the railway towards their final destination and I happily devoured every single word.
Maggie for all her roadblocks in life-orphaned, discriminated for being Kaw/Black, single, and female-turned out to be an extremely resilient, very intelligent, sometimes quite amusing, and highly stubborn spitfire with a penchant for finding trouble...through no fault of her own. Her honesty sometimes provoked hilarious results-wait until you read what she did to the man who did her wrong🤣, but also gave insight in to who she truly was without the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Night Hawk was heartbreaking yet redeeming story all in the same breath. There were just so many feels happening! I also thought there was more humor in this book. That or Maggie just had a knack for making Ian crack a smile when least expected! Ms. Bev also touched on Black, Native American and Chinese history points as Ian and Maggie swept across the Plains on the railway towards their final destination and I happily devoured every single word.
September 3, 2020
I absolutely loved this. It's hard to believe this is the authors first published book.
I adore historical fiction with Black main characters. Especially stories with interesting, true history, complex characters and a happily ever after romance.
Original review:
I liked this but I dislike the narrative that Indigenous Peoples of the Americas are gone. They aren't that's just white supremacy.
I adore historical fiction with Black main characters. Especially stories with interesting, true history, complex characters and a happily ever after romance.
Original review:
I liked this but I dislike the narrative that Indigenous Peoples of the Americas are gone. They aren't that's just white supremacy.
August 13, 2018
46% Done: UGH! Beverly Jenkins makes me yearn for a love and sex life that frankly does not exist. Jealous, lol
56% Done: I need a book about Bunny!
75% Done: I think this is my favorite so far. I've found myself laughing out loud in spots. So much fun.
56% Done: I need a book about Bunny!
75% Done: I think this is my favorite so far. I've found myself laughing out loud in spots. So much fun.
June 29, 2021
Review to come soon. A reread of my first Beverly Jenkins novel many years later, and it was a pleasure to revisit it. I actually finished this a while ago (about two weeks now) but I need to collect my thoughts for the review. I'll likely rate this 4.5 stars.
February 3, 2022
So good! I have a girl crush on Maggie and a crush, crush on Ian. He was so smitten and also such a bad ass. Happy reading!
November 23, 2025
Queen Bev!! 🤗it’s always a great time reading one of her books!
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January 27, 2023Read for The Loose Cravat book club! Not reviewing in solidarity with the HarperCollins Union.
November 9, 2011
Wow! Is all I can say right now as I type remembering how much I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. I didn't want it to end. I will be forever grateful to my sister for exposing me to her Historical Romance Novels that at first, I had refused to read. Many of Beverly's books were out of print so, to complete my sister's collection I had to pay quite a bit for them through Amazon's Marketplace. Most times paying $20-30 dollars for a $3-4 book! This was before ereaders, unfortunately. I myself just purchased, in the Marketplace, Belle and the Beau and Josephine and the Soldier, for a hefty sum. I have no complaints or regrets because her books/ stories are worth it! In my opinion, because Mrs. Jenkins shares a bit of Black History in her books, not only are you getting a fabulously written story but a lesson in history that you probably didn't receive in school. I enjoy the lesson. All it takes is to read just one of Mrs. Jenkins stories and you undoubtably will want to read them all.
In Night Hawk, I fell in love with Ian. What a backstory to this incredible man. As I read, I kept saying to myself, " I want a Preacher too". I often like to ask "Where are the real men of the old day"? Not, this new Metrosexual man that doesn't like to get dirty, spends more time in the bathroom than a woman, and gets mani- pedi's. When I need a refresher of what I desire, I turn to a book from Beverly Jenkins or Brenda Jackson who both write about strong Alpha Male "yummy" characters that will get any woman's blood boiling! Now back to Ian, his love for his birth land (Scotland), his new community of people and Maggie were incredible to read about. Maggie was an orphaned, mistreated child who endured terrible misjustices as an adult as well. She is a smart, gun shooting, quill poking, fierce woman who fell head over heels for the Night Hawk, but trusted no one. I don't want to give anything away, but these two lost people found solace in one another that transpired into a wonderful love story. Kudos to Beverly Jenkins, she's done it again!!
In Night Hawk, I fell in love with Ian. What a backstory to this incredible man. As I read, I kept saying to myself, " I want a Preacher too". I often like to ask "Where are the real men of the old day"? Not, this new Metrosexual man that doesn't like to get dirty, spends more time in the bathroom than a woman, and gets mani- pedi's. When I need a refresher of what I desire, I turn to a book from Beverly Jenkins or Brenda Jackson who both write about strong Alpha Male "yummy" characters that will get any woman's blood boiling! Now back to Ian, his love for his birth land (Scotland), his new community of people and Maggie were incredible to read about. Maggie was an orphaned, mistreated child who endured terrible misjustices as an adult as well. She is a smart, gun shooting, quill poking, fierce woman who fell head over heels for the Night Hawk, but trusted no one. I don't want to give anything away, but these two lost people found solace in one another that transpired into a wonderful love story. Kudos to Beverly Jenkins, she's done it again!!
July 31, 2011
4.75 out of 5. A brand new novel that deals overtly with racial prejudice and the plight of women of color in the post Civil War era. Not only was Maggie 1/2 Native American, her father was black. With the death of her father and mother in her early teens, Maggie had to somehow survive. She was given every possible horror job that no other human would do, and found that if it was particularly heinous, she was told to do it. Now she has been arrested for the accidental death of a man who was attacking and molesting her--he hit his head when she struck him and died--and expected to be hanged. The deputy marshall given the responsibility for seeing that she reached Kansas City by train was himself 1/2 Scots and 1/2 black, but his reputation was legendary--"The Preacher" was one of the most famous bounty hunters. Now Maggie's life and that of Marshall Ian Bigelow were inextricably linked and their story moves forward from there. It is a compelling look at the racial prejudice that was rampant in the American West and while women and men of color were given the vote already in Wyoming territory, there was still tremendous resentment toward Native peoples and blacks, orientals and hispanics. Not a nice world, but in the midst of that mess of human misery and anger comes a love story that is like a break in the clouds, and it shines brightly. Maggie is a woman of incredible determination and a person who, even with the social constraints she had to live with, never allowed others to speak down to her. She suffered for that, but she kept on anyway. A marvelous story and one I feel privileged to have read. You don't want to miss this one.
November 5, 2011
This book touched my heart and soul.......
Where to start.....This is the first book by Beverly Jenkins I have ever read, and honestly, I would have missed out on an amazing read, had I not attended the Fall in Love Tour and heard her speak. To be BRUTALLY honest, I bought books by the other two authors and that is all I planned on buying UNTIL I heard Ms. Jenkins speak. After hearing her discuss her journey to becoming a writer, her passion for historical accuracy and her FANS speak. I was intrigued. I bought Night Hawk, because she said after 10 years of fans begging, demanding the Preacher get his story, she finally gave it to them, the HOT COVER didn't hurt my decision either. I am so glad I went to the FILT and bought this book, I never would have bought it otherwise. Reason being I burned myself out as a young adult reading every historical I could get my hands on. After reading Night Hawk I will be reading more of Ms. Jenkins books, as well as dipping my toes in the historical genre again.
Now about Night Hawk - I loved this book so much I could go on and on. So to keep my review from turning into a book about how much I loved Night Hawk, I will try to keep it simple.
Night Hawk is a historical western set in 1889 and clearly demonstrates the lure of the Old West, how people could go West and start over, improve their lives.
to see my complete review click this link
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
Where to start.....This is the first book by Beverly Jenkins I have ever read, and honestly, I would have missed out on an amazing read, had I not attended the Fall in Love Tour and heard her speak. To be BRUTALLY honest, I bought books by the other two authors and that is all I planned on buying UNTIL I heard Ms. Jenkins speak. After hearing her discuss her journey to becoming a writer, her passion for historical accuracy and her FANS speak. I was intrigued. I bought Night Hawk, because she said after 10 years of fans begging, demanding the Preacher get his story, she finally gave it to them, the HOT COVER didn't hurt my decision either. I am so glad I went to the FILT and bought this book, I never would have bought it otherwise. Reason being I burned myself out as a young adult reading every historical I could get my hands on. After reading Night Hawk I will be reading more of Ms. Jenkins books, as well as dipping my toes in the historical genre again.
Now about Night Hawk - I loved this book so much I could go on and on. So to keep my review from turning into a book about how much I loved Night Hawk, I will try to keep it simple.
Night Hawk is a historical western set in 1889 and clearly demonstrates the lure of the Old West, how people could go West and start over, improve their lives.
to see my complete review click this link
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
May 13, 2022
Night Hawk is the romance between a sassy prisoner and the toughened lawman tasked to bring her in. I had seen Preacher make an appearance in other Beverly Jenkins books, like in The Taming of Jessi Rose, and I couldn’t wait to read his story!
Outlaw, Preacher, Night Hawk…he’s had many names, but he can’t escape the past. After his beloved wife was murdered years ago, Ian Vance knew he’d never feel love again. So instead, the hardened bounty hunter has made it his mission to bring others to justice. Maggie Freeman, orphaned at 12, has always found her way out of trouble and taken care of herself. But now with a vigilante mob on her back, she has to accept help for the first time in her life from the man standing between her and freedom.
I loved this romance! Ian is gone for Maggie pretty early in to their meeting and he just cannot believe it himself. He loved how tough and spirited she is and she was just always keeping him on his toes. Ian is 38, Maggie is 25 so we do get a bit of an age gap here as well. Ian spent the first 20 years of his life in Scotland before moving to America and living there since. We follow Maggie from Kansas to when Ian eventually invites her back to Wyoming where he lives. Their adventure together along the way when he is supposed to turn her over to authorities was so much fun. Their chemistry and passion was just so believable and good! I loved seeing Ian get a little possessive and how he just wants to take care of Maggie. The latter half of the story did start to slow down, but I just love the way Beverly Jenkins crafts a story.
Outlaw, Preacher, Night Hawk…he’s had many names, but he can’t escape the past. After his beloved wife was murdered years ago, Ian Vance knew he’d never feel love again. So instead, the hardened bounty hunter has made it his mission to bring others to justice. Maggie Freeman, orphaned at 12, has always found her way out of trouble and taken care of herself. But now with a vigilante mob on her back, she has to accept help for the first time in her life from the man standing between her and freedom.
I loved this romance! Ian is gone for Maggie pretty early in to their meeting and he just cannot believe it himself. He loved how tough and spirited she is and she was just always keeping him on his toes. Ian is 38, Maggie is 25 so we do get a bit of an age gap here as well. Ian spent the first 20 years of his life in Scotland before moving to America and living there since. We follow Maggie from Kansas to when Ian eventually invites her back to Wyoming where he lives. Their adventure together along the way when he is supposed to turn her over to authorities was so much fun. Their chemistry and passion was just so believable and good! I loved seeing Ian get a little possessive and how he just wants to take care of Maggie. The latter half of the story did start to slow down, but I just love the way Beverly Jenkins crafts a story.
December 15, 2023
Audiobook- narrator was uneven. Hated the way he voiced the FMC.
Ahhh a road trip, a morally grey gun toting MMC wearing a trench duster type coat with a moniker! Be still my romance loving heart. Ian "The Preacher" is a bounty hunter and also a marshall. The man is many things, one thing he is not is looking for love. Luckily for us he runs across a bedraggled prisoner and is tasked with bringing her to a safe jail away from the mob that wants to end her. Road trip and close proximity and these two begin to get feelings in their pants.
The first half is non stop. There's action sexual and romantic tension, danger lurking in every corner. Ian does sexy outlaw/lawman things and says swoony romance hero thing and it's beautiful. But then the romance gets resolved after they marry about halfway into the book and the tension is lost completely. After that the book basically turns into a long epilogue. They meet loads of side characters. And when I say loads I mean like half the wild West. It slowed down the pace for me and I lost interest for a while. Until the last bit where we get some action and kidnapping. I think I may have enjoyed this one more if I'd read it with my eyes.
Overall a solid read and I highly recommend for anyone in their Western romance era. The vibes were *chef's kiss*
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥/5
Tropes:
Road trip
Morally grey
Age gap
Forced proximity
Ahhh a road trip, a morally grey gun toting MMC wearing a trench duster type coat with a moniker! Be still my romance loving heart. Ian "The Preacher" is a bounty hunter and also a marshall. The man is many things, one thing he is not is looking for love. Luckily for us he runs across a bedraggled prisoner and is tasked with bringing her to a safe jail away from the mob that wants to end her. Road trip and close proximity and these two begin to get feelings in their pants.
The first half is non stop. There's action sexual and romantic tension, danger lurking in every corner. Ian does sexy outlaw/lawman things and says swoony romance hero thing and it's beautiful. But then the romance gets resolved after they marry about halfway into the book and the tension is lost completely. After that the book basically turns into a long epilogue. They meet loads of side characters. And when I say loads I mean like half the wild West. It slowed down the pace for me and I lost interest for a while. Until the last bit where we get some action and kidnapping. I think I may have enjoyed this one more if I'd read it with my eyes.
Overall a solid read and I highly recommend for anyone in their Western romance era. The vibes were *chef's kiss*
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥/5
Tropes:
Road trip
Morally grey
Age gap
Forced proximity
December 6, 2023
A half-Black Scottish bastard US Marshall holds an indigenous and Black woman under arrest...and they fall in love on their feisty road trip via train and pony from Kansas to Wyoming in 1889.
I love that reading a book from Jenkins feels like a well researched history lesson! You'll always leave her books feeling like you've learned something.
Her style is a little too tell-not-show and a little too panster for me overall, but knowing that about her work made me really appreciate this one a lot more than the last book of hers I read.
Also, audiobook is narrated by the Murderbot narrator, Kevin R Free, which was a TRIP for my brain!
I love that reading a book from Jenkins feels like a well researched history lesson! You'll always leave her books feeling like you've learned something.
Her style is a little too tell-not-show and a little too panster for me overall, but knowing that about her work made me really appreciate this one a lot more than the last book of hers I read.
Also, audiobook is narrated by the Murderbot narrator, Kevin R Free, which was a TRIP for my brain!
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