With five older brothers who scare away any suitors that
brave their doorstep, Jewel Crowley has relinquished her
dream of marrying and having children. Instead, she
concentrates on growing her beautiful roses and caring for
her brothers and father. When Eli Grayson appears at her
door begging a favor, Jewel cannot deny him. She has loved
Eli and had schoolgirl fantasies about him since she was
14. Jewel knows she cannot trust her heart to the man who's
known as the Colored Casanova of Cass County, but she can
enjoy being in his company.
Eli Grayson is a charming rascal and makes no pretense
about it. When he was younger, he loved women and alcohol,
taking no responsibility for his actions. Eli went as far
as sleeping with his cousin's wife. He lost his family and
self-respect for that shameful episode. It took several
years before he regained his family's trust. Running a
newspaper in the black town settled by free slaves, Eli
believes he can contribute to the black cause. One obstacle
stands in his way. The out-of-town financier refuses to
trust a bachelor.
Eli talks Jewel into pretending to be his wife during a
business meeting. It explodes in his face when they are
exposed by the town gossip. They marry in haste, but soon
see that their marriage has a chance. That likelihood
significantly decreases when Cecile, his cousin's ex-wife,
appears ready to cause trouble.
Bringing together two characters from her earlier book,
VIVID, Ms. Jenkins writes a marriage-of-convenience with a
new twist. She seamlessly weaves fascinating black history
facts regarding black hero David Walker and the importance
of the Black Press into the story. It gives added drama as
the beginning of separate-but-equal doctrine swirls around
Jewel and Eli.
A proposal she had no choice but to accept . . .
Though Eli Grayson is one of the most handsome, charming,
and intelligent men in Grayson Grove, no one will take a
chance on a confirmed bachelor. Unwilling to give up his
dreams, Eli convinces his friend Jewel to pose as his
wife. Their masquerade is to last just one night . . . but
when word gets out, Eli and Jewel must tie the knot to
save his career—and her reputation.
Became a love she never expected . . .
Angry at being forced to turn her life upside down, Jewel
never imagined that a white-hot passion would consume her
once she and Eli became husband and wife. Sharing a bed
has turned their prim friendship into a sensuous love
affair . . . but when a woman from Eli's past returns to
stir up trouble, he and Jewel will learn just how far
they'll go to protect the precious gem of their newfound
passion.
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