Reviews

Indigo by Beverly Jenkins

Only show reviews with written explanations

nia_williams's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional medium-paced

4.5

jenjen_0713's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Where to begin…? Pros: Indigo was a beautifully written story with characters you love and a couple you root for right out of the gate. (Added bonus: Hester and Galen’s banter was top notch!) Cons: This book was overhyped to me. While it was great, it was SO SLOW. I wondered so many times what the main drama was supposed to be; yes slavery, but that threat felt very minimized in the town that they lived it. It felt like very little happened until the last 15%. Also, Shoe and his goons gave me very rapey vibes every time they were on page and that alone wanted me to DNF the book.

I read to escape the ugliness of our world and this was just too real to really relax and fully enjoy. I would still recommend this book to a friend, but I would give fair warning that it’s a slow plot with a true American History background.

For a full review of my thoughts, watch Who Picked This Book? Club’s discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/live/hacFpg5ODzk?si=EwszN863SpJ29ncG

mgeldred's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

beverly beverly beverly oh my lord. one of the most beautiful romances i’ve read in awhile.

while it definitely has some pacing issues, the romance and the story and the passion both Hester and Galen had not only for one another, but for the cause, made this novel spectacular. i love a romance that i also learn SO much from

myyyka_26's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

briandagutierrez's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This was a good way to spend a day and I enjoyed Galen’s persistence in the face of Hester’s fears.

glavo's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

she_readthat's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional funny informative inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book was EVERYTHING! I've read a few historical romances by other authors, but this one will forever stand out. The romance between Hester and Galen was so beautifully written. I loved how Galen was willing to move heaven and earth to be with Hester. I shed actual tears reading the last chapter!

The historical aspect of this book is very detailed and well-written. I learned so much by reading this! This is a book I would definitely be open to re-reading as well.

antigoni002's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

One of the best romance books I've ever read . Beverly Jenkins is a very talented author managing to craft a love story so tender and beautiful with a couple that had electrifying chemistry and at the same time filled with history and culture. I loved how fiercely brave and strong the heroine was and how ultimately and proudly in love hero was with her. They were both very interesting characters with a painful past , especially the heroine who was born a slave , and they stood on equal grounds as a couple with their strong personalities and commitment to the cause. I really loved that the author had them build a life of joy and fulfillment with people they loved despite of how harrowing the times were for black people. Apart from the romance I am so thankful that I learned so much about the era since honestly I was taught so little to school about the atrocities of slavery and the underground railroad. It was so heartbreaking yet a very important part of history that everyone should be educated about. The book truly took me on a journey with many unexpected turns especially towards the end that I wasn't bored for a minute. I can't wait to dive to more books by the author ❤

vyadkins's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

felt a little rambly at times, but honestly in my top 3 Beverly Jenkins’ romances!

belle13's review against another edition

Go to review page

slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

❤️1850s Michigan

❤️Interesting & captivating historical details

❤️Boy (man) absolutely obsessed

❤️Sweet and gentle romance

❤️Black MMC & FMC

❤️Compelling supporting characters

❤️Underground Railroad

I listened to this on audio which was wonderful. I really felt like I was completely immersed in the story and the narrator was fantastic. There’s something so special about Beverly Jenkins FMCs. They are intelligent, strong willed and incredibly loveable and Hester is no exception and Galen was so much fun - his personality complemented Hester’s perfectly. Beverly Jenkins included so many interesting and heart-wrenching historical details which was fascinating.

I think the romance started really strong and I was very curious to see where it would go but it fell flat towards the end, in my opinion. It did however have a beautiful and emotional ending.

I would recommend Indigo if you are new to Beverly Jenkin’s writing and want to dip your toes into her literary world or if you love a strong, intriguing FMC that you can’t help but love.

Amount of spice: 🔥🔥🔥

Explicitness: 🌶️🌶️ Open door but not overly descriptive

Content Warnings

More...