'Indigo' by Beverly Jenkins is a historical romance novel set during the darkest times in U.S. history, focusing on passion, love, hope, fear, faith, deception, and friendship. The story follows Hester Wyatt, a rescued slave living as a free woman in Michigan, who becomes involved in the underground railroad. When she takes in a wounded fellow member known as The Black Daniel, her life takes a dramatic turn. The book beautifully combines romance with real history, providing accurate historical references and weaving in details about the Underground Railroad. The characters, especially Galen and Hester, are strong, well-developed, and their relationship is engaging and captivating.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Hester depicted as a strong heroine and Galen as a charming yet flawed hero.

Writing/Prose:

The writing combines engaging storytelling with rich historical context, though some descriptions may come off as overly elaborate or disconnected.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Hester, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and her evolving relationship with Galen, showcasing themes of love, liberation, and historical struggle.

Setting:

The setting in pre-Civil War Michigan enhances the story, effectively integrating historical elements with the characters' personal journeys.

Pacing:

While the pacing has inconsistencies, it generally allows for character development and slow-burn romance.

Three loud thumps echoed through the floor beneath Hester's feet—a signal that her guests had finally arrived. She quickly moved aside the rocker, positioned as always in front of the big bay window, ...

Notes:

Indigo is set in pre-Civil War America, focusing on the Underground Railroad.

The main character, Hester, is a former slave who helps others escape.

Hester earns her nickname 'Indigo' from working on an indigo plantation, which stains her hands permanently.

Galen, the male lead, comes from a wealthy Creole family and has a secret superhero identity as an Underground Railroad conductor.

The book features themes of love, bravery, and social activism.

The romance includes elements of tension and 'forced marriage' tropes.

Many side characters are well-developed and are desired for their own stories.

The writing combines history with romance, making it educational and entertaining.

Sex scenes are described as somewhat flowery and can feel a bit dated to modern readers.

The story highlights the dynamics of class and colorism within the African American community.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of racism and historical violence related to the context of slavery and the Underground Railroad.

Has Romance?

There is a significant presence of romance, characterized by strong chemistry and emotional connection between the main characters.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

*** Now with new material - Hester and Galen's favorite Mud Pie Recipe ***

As a child Hester Wyatt escaped slavery, but now the dark skinned beauty is a dedicated member of Michigan's Underground railroad, offering other runaways a chance at the freedom she has learned to love. When one of her fellow conductors brings her an injured man to hide, Hester doesn't hesitate...even after she is told about the price on his head.

The man in question is the great conductor known as the "Black Daniel" a vital member of the North's Underground railroad network. But Hester finds him so rude and arrogant, she begins to question her vow to hide him.

When the injured and beaten Galen Vachon, aka, the Black Daniel awakens in Hester's cellar, he is unprepared for the feisty young conductor providing his care. As a member of one of the wealthiest free Black families in New Orleans, Galen has turned his back on the lavish living he is accustomed to in order to provide freedom to those enslaved in the South.

However, as he heals he cannot turn his back on Hester Wyatt. Her innocence fills him like a breath of fresh air and he is determined to make this gorgeous and intelligent woman his own...

Yet...there are traitors to be discovered, slave catchers to be evaded and Hester's heart to be won before she and Galen can find the freedom that only true love can bring.

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Indigo

Beverly Jenkins