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  Discussion: Captured by Beverly Jenkins

  Hello Everyone,
  
  I know you're all excited about todays discussion so please chime in with your questions and comments. Make yourselves at home and have a good time.
  
  Thanks to Beverly Jenkins for writing this fantastic novel and for coming to chat with us on such short notice we really appreciate you.
  
  Beverly, if you could do a little introduction of yourself when you come in, I'd greatly appreciate it.
  
  Have fun everyone,
  
  Peace
  Dee

  Deatri King-Bey started this discussion 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Deatri King-Bey 

  From Sweet n Sassy:
  Mrs. Jenkins:

  How did you become interested in writing historical romance? Because I think it's SIMPLY wonderful we get a bit of our history wrapped up in a beautiful romantic tale...what more could a romance junkie want...LOL

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    I did historicals because thats' what sold first. My first submnission was a contemporary suspense that was rejected so fast it almost beat me home from the post office. It was supposed to be rejected. It was terrible - BUT- it went on to become Edge of Midnight ten years later. Life sure is strange.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Deatri King-Bey 

  From Sweet n' Sassy

  Sweet n' Sassy
  I know it's probably a stretch...considering the MANY books you've written over the years...but of all your characters do you have a FAVORITE(S)?

  Which book was the most difficult for you to write?

  Which character was the most challenging for you?

  Are your characters created totally from your imagination or are they based on people you know?

  And what can we look forward to reading in the hopefully very NEAR future?

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Favorite characters hmm. Chase jefferson. Mykal Chandler. Max Blake. Saint. We could be here all day. LOL Teresa July and the entire July clan. How's that for a start???

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Diificult books. All of them. Nothing comes real easy but it's fun which makes the procress not a pain. Most difficult book had to be EOD because I didn't know Drake well enough. That's one book I'd like to do a do over on. My characters are from my imagination. If i can find a character to be the history of some aspect of AA history such as: the Julys adn Dix represent the Black Seminoles. Vivid Lancaster represents the af/am female 19th century drs. The LeVeqs represent the gens de coleur of Lousisana. etc

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    In the pipeline - 2 movellas for Kimani. The sequel to Blessings comes out in Jan. Another historical which is due to the publisher in Jan. Looks like the readers will get four books from me next year. Sleep is in there too somewhere. Just not sure where. okay. Going to get coffee. Be right back

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Cilla 

    Hallelujah.. 4 books in one year... then we have to back those up with signings.. count me in as coordinator if you want to head this way... I'll hoook up my posse :-)

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    GwynethBolton 

    Can't wait for the sequel to Blessings. I love the cover. Can you tell us a little about the Kimani books? Will they be historical or contemporary?

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    will do! I owe the east coast a trip just don't know when, but I'll get with ya.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Carlotta C 

    Yes you do and I am waiting patiently :).

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• Sweet n' Sassy removed this reply 1 month ago.

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  Sweet n' Sassy 

  Mrs. Jenkins...I probably won't make it to the discussion due to work and the kiddies after school activities...but I just had to let you know how much I ENJOY your books...I'm pretty much caught up with all your novels...I just have to read Bring On The Blessings...Belle...and Josephine...and then I'll be straight...whether it's your contemporary romance or your historical romance (which happens to be my favorites) your stories simply stated read like I'm watching a HIGHLY entertaining and CAPTIVATING movie...I mean it's so good I can't put it down...but oh how I hate when I come to the end...and we have to wait for the next book (boo-hoo)...but each book has been well worth the wait...and I DEFINITELY look forward to reading your next novel...wishing you much continued success...and as always Happy Reading & Writing :-)

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Thanks so much for the love sis. You have a great day. B

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  GwynethBolton 

  I just want to say that I really enjoyed Captured and I love me some Dominic. I just have three words: "Inside. Outside. Midday." LOL. Seriously, though he was such a wonderful hero. If all pirates were like him, I wouldn't have minded being Captured myself. He was strong, smart, sexy... I could go on all day. I love that he realized she wanted to go back for her kids and that he had a desire to free others. He could have just went about his own free and privileged life and not cared about the others. But the man went back and liberated a whole plantation. He liberated Clare... And that scene of him carrying her from that ship is priceless... And he went back for her children. And speaking of her children... Benjamin stole my heart. I can already see he's going to grow up and be a strong, fierce, protective man! I also loved that Clare's owner got what she deserved. And so did the other bad guys. I love that you found a way to bring them all to horrible ends! It's always nice when you can kill off a bad guy. I can't wait for the discussion to see what everyone else has to say. Thanks for another great read!

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    You are most welcome sis. B

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Cilla 

    Gwyneth.. take a breath you said everything soo quickly LOL... but you are right on every account

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    GwynethBolton 

    Cilla... that's because I love me some Dominic. ;-)

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Roxanna H 

    You are the only!

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Deatri King-Bey 

    Gwen, you've said it all.

    I just love, love, love Beverly's heroes.

    Though they are all strong Black men, they are also each unique. I'm truly impressed. There are some authors who when you read their novels, you could just pick of the hero from one of their novels and swap him out for a hero in another of their novels. It's like the only real difference between them in is their names.

    All of her characters and plots are unique enough to see what she's up to next, yet stay consistent in the areas that keep you coming back for more.

    Great job.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Thanks D. Good to know my men aren't interchangeable - that would be tooo boring. LOL B

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Deatri King-Bey 

    I must admit I was down right angry for a lot of the book. Slavery just pisses me off. People are so evil. Y'all know I love a good killing and I sooooooo wanted everyone who died to die. And that Eduard's mom killed him--priceless. Thank you, Beverly, for not disappointing me SMILE.

    Now what about Yves, he wasn't in long, but I really liked him. He's the stong silent type, literally. Be nice to have a romance on him someday. And of course Benjamin. He was such a sweetie. Gonna help save him mom. Too cute.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    yves started out as just a throw away character, then as he began to speak to me I went - whoa! Glad we had him around to rescue Clare and do what needed to be done at the end. Off with their heads!!! LOL

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Cilla 

    @Gwyneth.. like those Hightower men.. That's for next week :-)

    Love all of Ms. Bev's men - especially DIXON (Y'all know I have to throw that in every discussion) :-)

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Carlotta C 

    Dominic is mine :)

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Deatri King-Bey 

    Mine is Galeno, but Dixon is an extremely close second

    All of her men are to die for. Whew lawdy.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    beachlover20855 

    Dee -

    I agree with you
    And I really something bad to happen to Violet and was wondering how she got hers.
    And of course Ms. bev surprised me with the way she died - I just wished she suffered a little bit before she died (I know it not nice but Violet was special)

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Deatri King-Bey 

    Forget being nice. Evil heifer. LOL. Had me cheering when she died. And I didn't like Victor either. Self centered jerk. You know he actually expected Clare to want him though he breeded her out like some horse and sold off her children? Oh I was mad quite a bit during that book. Had me wanting to create a time machine to go back and jack some folks up.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Carlotta C 

    I hear that. Don't forget me in your time machine.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    GwynethBolton 

    I was cheering when all of the bad guys got theirs. Had me talking to the book.

    And Carlotta, didn't you get the memo? Dominic is mine... ;-)

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Wandra W 

    OK Deatri - I was like Victor really got some nerves to even expect her to have any type of feelings for him - The Aunt wanted to 'purchase' her and he needed the money but for his own selfish reasons he wouldn't... I didn't like his 'sympathy' or 'empathy' for her at all because it wasn't even pure.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Get 'em ya'll! LOL

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Louise B 

    You to I was so HAPPY when they FINALLY GOT THEIR.....................CHEERING, AND LAUGHING. THE HALF BROTHER AND STEP MOTHER WAS PRICELESS. JUST LOVE IT.....

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Velicia T 

    You know I felt sorry that he stayed on the island alone. I felt that Dominic would have taken him with them still after he put the heads on a steak. He was so smart that they ignored him because he was black and couldn't talk.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    dom would have built him a house and anything else for saving Clare, but Yves chose his own fate. Why did he stay on the island - I have no idea.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  BeverlyJ 

  Morning. I'm awake and here. Haven't had my coffee yet but that will be remedied shortly. Just wanted to check in and let De know how much I appreciate her support and the support of readers like you all. B

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  • 

    Deatri King-Bey 

    And a good morning to you too SMILE.

    I woke up last night and realized I hadn't started the string. YIKES. But it's all good. Have a great time everyone.

    Peace
    Dee

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  Cilla 

  GM everyone... Ms. Bev .. I am here for ya...I would like for you to explain the double meaning of the title of the book.. I was surprised when many people did not pick up on it adn that is such a big part of the story ... LIke DUH!!! It was soo right in your face.. a few at the PJ party did not catch it either

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Great question. The word Captured stands for the way Clare was taken from the ship and the romance that grew out of that but the word captured also stands for Clare's status in life. I dislke using the word slave because that doesn't do it for me. Our ancestor were CAPTIVES, held against their will! So I thought it was an appropriate title that could speak to the story on many levels. Hope that was clear. ?? B

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Carlotta C 

    Well, Dominic can capture me anytime :)

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    GwynethBolton 

    Me too...

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Cathy A 

    Yes, Clare refers to herself as a captive several times in the book.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Patricia Sargeant 

    I'm sorry I'm so late to the party.

    Ms. Beverly, I absolutely loved Captured. Thank you for setting an African American romance during the Revolutionary period. I also like the multiple meanings for the title.

    I love the cover, but I wonder whether it gave you pause at all that the Dominic and Clare's picture were markedly different from your description of them?

    Best wishes for continued writing success!

    Patricia

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Cathy A 

    @Patricia I agree, that's why I try to ignore the book covers. Ms. Bev told us a story at the BJPJ about the the cover for Before the Dawn. Ryder Damien was supposed to have braids not cornrows. LOL! Apparently the publisher didn't know the difference. I've been told by a couple of writers, that they don't always have control over what goes on the cover.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Roxanna H (edited)

  Ms. Beverly,

  I would like to apologize for all the questions, but I got excited. Dominic almost made me take a cruise. I can only agree with what everyone else said! First of all I just wanted to say that I love your books. The first contemporary book I read by you was Black Lace and wow Drake; I love me some Drake. Then I researched you and read Wind of the Storm. I was outdone by the history lesson that your book gave me. I have found that I your historical books are rich with history, suspense, comedy, and romance. I like how you link your books together. Can you tell me if you will have a family tree showing how the books are linked together? Also can you tell me if you a book about Archer and Raimond's brother coming out in the future? I know that Night Song was reissued; will you have other books being reissued as well? Can you tell what the next historical will be about or who will be in it, since Captured have so many sequels that can be developed? At the end of Black Lace it left open that another brother maybe out there somewhere; do you think that you will have another brother coming out of the woodwork?

  Thank you;

  Roxanna Haddley

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Hey sis. Thanks for the love. A family tree is something we really need. Many have offered to do one but so far nothing concrete. As for future leveq books. I know that at this point Phillipe is the only one I can for sure say yes. There are so many other characters waiting - like Preacher and Rhine. I'm hoping to get back to the suspense story line and yes, there is another brother out there. His book will be next, I hope. As for reissues, the one I'm working on trying to get back into print is Jessi Rose. Hope these answers help and thanks so much for the support.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Velicia T 

    Will Esteban de Silva and Dot get a story line - If I am not incorrect Juliana's father. I really love the Leveq family.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Esatban is indeed the Old Pirate, not sure if he and Odessa wll get a story. Got a ton of folks in line ahead of them storywise. Dot probably will not get a story but who knows what the future may bring.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Velicia T 

    I knew I had the name wrong. Esteban and Odessa that will be a story.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    I knew who you meant, thus my reply.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  Conseula 

  Hi Ms Jenkins--I loved this book and I absolutely adore Dominic. I have to admit iwas a little skeptical about how you were going to weave a priate romance plot into a story about slavery, but you pulled it off so beautifully and brilliantly. So much so, that I'm badgering anyone who listen about to read it. My favorite scene (besides the ones with Dominic and Clare on the island) is back in Savannah at the party when the fiddler plays her song and she's knows she's loved and protected, not just by Dom, but by the whole crew. I just about died. Lovely, lovely work.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    GwynethBolton 

    That was a wonderful scene, Conseula!

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Wandra W 

    I really liked that scene too - I may have gotten a little weepy.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  Wandra W 

  Hello Ms Jenkins - I can not wait to meet you on the RSJ cruise. I absolutely loved Captured. When I got it in the mail - I just carried it around for a couple of days because I wanted to make sure when I started reading I would not be interupted. I love that Clare was not a weak minded woman (your heroines are not) and that Dominic was strong and sexy but so kind and considerate. I have every one of your book except A Chance at Love and was introduce to them by the staff at the Lincoln Library in Peoria, IL. They are so proud of the time you visited them here - I was not a part of the book club then but I can not wait til you come back. Thanks for writing such wonderful books.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    hey. Cynthia and Brenda and the ladies at the Peoria PL are some of my best buds. i had a ball hanging out with them and hope to drop in on them again sometime soon. Please give them my love if you would, and thanks for taking the time to drop in and play with us today.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  BeverlyJ 

  Hey sis. I had my reservations as well because I didn't want to trivialize slavery, but I let the characters guide me and I think the story came out great as well. So many readers had favorite scenes and it's interesting how many different scenes are focused on. Thanks so much for coming over and playing with me today and thanks for support. B

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  BeverlyJ 

  Consuela's question is a great discussion starter , so here's my q to you all. What was your favorite scene in Captured???

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 19 replies

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    Wandra W 

    One of my favorite scene was when he tripped over Benjamin and recognized him immediately. You really have to be paying attention to a woman to recognize her children simply by their eyes.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Cilla 

    the scene when Clara refused to allow Dom to sleep with her...Strong woman. We later learned that she was forced to sleep with the other slaves .. she had a choice. I think it was one of the reasons Dom fell in love with her

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Amen!

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Thanks C.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Carlotta C 

    I loved when Dominic went to see what Clara's daughter looked like. He just turned back around b/c her daughter looked just like her. I like when he recoginized her son too.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Deatri King-Bey 

    I'm with you Wanda, that meant a lot to me that he loved her so much he saw her in her children. Simply beautiful.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Cilla 

    another favorite is when Dom and Clara went to the private section of the island near the waterfall... Ms. Bev has thing for water and rain LOL (Dixon and katherine in the rain on the porch ) Priceless

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Wandra W 

    I like the waterfall honeymoon suite too. The idea of the sponges was kind of creepy for me - aren't those living speices or are they just a plant?

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    GwynethBolton 

    My favorite scene was when they were at the party and that evil Violet said she would sell his child if Clare was pregnant. I could just feel his barely contained anger through the pages.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Hey. Hubby had a thing for rain and thunder. Lordy! LOL Sorry. TMI LOL

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    They are living until they are taken from the water. You don't have sponges in your house?? LOL

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Wandra W 

    None that I'm inserting anywhere. LOL!!!

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    LOL. I heard that! LOL

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Cilla 

    How I soo wish I could have met your Hubby... I bet you two were a pair no matter the situation... :-)

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Cilla 

    weren't they selling those back in the '80's?

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Velicia T 

    Dominic had such special qualities, from the very beginning I could see that Clare would have a place in his heart. I really like when he got the crew together to go over their plans for going back to Savannah and getting her kids. You could tell he really loved her as he ranted and raved in getting the ship back on water once she was taken. His eyes followed her all night and only the aunt figured out what was going on when they went back to Savannah. He was a man of action. I adored him when at the end of the marriage ceremony he adopted all of the children. He is after all a LeVeq.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Guurl. We were a mess. LOL

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    I believe so. Haven't seen any sponges like that in decades.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Cathy A 

    I agree. The honeymoon place was so exotic. That was one of the most romantic scenes I've ever read.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  Maria J 

  Good Morning Ms. Jenkins! I have been reading your books since I saw you in People magazine talking about Night Song--I'm never disappointed when I read one of your books. Captured was great--I loved the way he just claimed her kids as his--made me love him more. I always wondered how do you get your ideas for new stories? You probably already answered this quesiton.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Hey there. I haven't answered the question so thanks. Stories come to me from the history, old diary entries, old pictures and sometimes as in the case of Captured my love of old movies. Captain Blood starrring Errol Flynn was one of my favorites growing up. Now, forty or so years later it's kinda cheesy but I loved it back then. Topaz was sort of based on the old movie Westward the Women. So the inspriations vary.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  Sheree B 

  Hi Ms. Jenkins. Thank you, thank you , thank you for writing such wonderful and informative books..Since I read Indigo, I have been hooked. I saw an interview and you were discussing Indigo and how you came up with the idea for the book. I had to find the book and I did and I could not put it down. Of course I discovered all the other novels you had written and loved those as well. Captured was wonderful. I loved all of the strong characters and I must say I was a little skeptical about the pirate thing, but I knew the book would be excellent and I was not disappointed. Please continue to bless us with your fabulous historical romance novels and I can't wait until the next one. Also, thank you so much for including some of the books that you get your research from at the end of your books... I have actually gotten a few of them and they provide a great wealth of knowledge about our history...Thank you again for bringing such great novels to me and everyone else to enjoy...Happy, happy reading and writing from Florida!

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Thanks Sheree.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Velicia T 

    Ms Bev - I really appreciate the historicals. They have caused me to do so much more research. How do you know where in history you would like to write about and research. I remember reading Winds of Storm and Through the Storm, then one night researching the CIA website on black agents who contributed to the Civil War. You really have a lot of wisdom and I really thank you for placing a thirst for history in your readers.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    You are welcome. That CIA site freaked me the hell out! Had no idea that was where the research would take me but if you want to know about af/am spies, they are the place to go. Using their info for the next american revolutionary historical. Doing another spy woman.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Sheree B 

    Can't wait for that one!

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  beachlover20855 

  Hello Ms. Bev -

  Like everyone else I so enjoyed Captured as well of all of your other books.
  I thought you did a great job of telling what it was like for Clare as she explored what "freedom" was and what the little things were that she discovered.
  The scene when she gets to sleep in a bed for the first time was just so beautifully written to me. And her was a slave that had traveled and educated and up to that point had never been given the opportunity to sleep in a bed. So something as simple as that was one of the most memorable scenes in the book.
  As Clare discovered these simple things that freedom meant you knew she was going to try to give her kids an opportunity to experience this freedom.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it and that it moved you. If you think about it we all take the small things in life for granted such as sleeping in a bed or watching the sunset. She hadn't had that luxury.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Cathy A (edited)

    I agree, the scene where Dominic prepares a bath for her and places flowers in the water for her is also touching. It was her first real bath.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  Cilla 

  Ms. Bev .. you are known not only for the history but for including little unknown facts in your stories. In Captured, it was the sponges the Dom used to protect her...How do you uncover these facts?

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    BeverlyJ 

    Just from reading. When you do historicals, you have to immerse yourself in every aspect from speech to money to sexual practices. The info on the sponges and other contraception was found when doing reserach for Vivd. Sometimes the historical facts I find wait a while to be used. The sponges was on of those things.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Carlotta C 

    Cilla' that was a great question because Ms. B. always seems to slip these things in.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Velicia T 

    I had forgot about that, I was wondering where you came up with that. This was the first time I even figured out that in 1700's they were using some forms of contraceptives.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  BeverlyJ 

  ok. Gonna get me some lunch. Haven't eaten today. Be back in a sec. Keep those questions and replies flowing.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  Carlotta C 

  I have a question for the group. Which heroine do you like the most? I have to say I like Hester from Indigo, but I love Indigo so that's nothing new.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 10 replies

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    Deatri King-Bey 

    Hester is mine also, but Jewel is a close second.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Wandra W 

    Indigo is my favorite but I really Like Hester and Jessi Rose - she was so dedicated to her family.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Maria J 

    I loved Katherine from Topaz--she was determine to make it as a reporter. And from her contemp novels Max Blake from Sexy/Dangerous.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Sheree B (edited)

    I must say Hester is my favorite...I loved Indigo...Very strong, independent and determined woman!

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Rhea Alexis 

    Hester then Katherine

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Erin S 

    Jessi Rose and Teresa July are my favorite because they both are determined to make it on their own and can both handle a gun. All the heroine's in her books are that way

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    GwynethBolton 

    I'd have to go with Teresa July! Loved her.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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    Deatri King-Bey 

    I have a funny story about Hester and my love of Indigo.

    In my first book I named the heroine's mom Hester. Well I reckon the copy editor didn't like that name and changed it to Harriet (at least I believe that's the name) Anywhoooo, I was already too busy and didn't take the time to carefully read through the production copy before it went to print. I just skimmed through it.

    After printing I read the first few pages and was like, who the hell is Harriet. LOL. No biggie. Harriet, Hester. Who would know? I set the book to the side and went about my business.

    My mom calls and asked me why I changed the name from Hester to Harriet. FYI, my mom is my first reader of my rough drafts. I explained that the publishing house changed the name and it was my fault for not doing the final read through. Then she proceeds to remind me that I referred to Indigo and the heroine's mother being named after the heroine in the book. LOL. I'm so shocked not a single reader has pointed out the error. When they do, all I can do is say, "my bad."

    Do y'all think Galeno will divorce me now? He he he

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Velicia T 

    Sable would be my first choice, Strong, Endurance and Caring
    Viveca and Hester are neck in neck
    I loved Sarita

    There are so many that I really like them all.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    love that. it's amazing what can slip through. My favorite booboo is in Before the Dawn, the statue of that crazy woman's daughter started out as April but by the end of the story her name was Alice. I missed the name snafu as did my editor the copy editor and everybody else.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  BeverlyJ 

  ok. I'm back. Fueled up and ready to rock and roll for the rest of the afternoon. Been spinning a lot of plates this morning but got everything done, so now I can settle in with you all and have some fun.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Cilla 

  what other stange and unknown facts have you uncovered - you don't have to share all cause I'm sure they will show up in a story or two :-)

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 3 replies

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    BeverlyJ 

    Not sure, but I'll let you know. You have no idea how much unused history I have here. Oh here's one. A slave killed her mistress by scraping the arsenic off of the backs of the house mirrors. Fed her the arsenic and up jumped one dead mistress.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cilla 

    LOL..:-)

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Velicia T 

    Now that sounds like a story in the making.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Cilla 

  Another fact that suprosed everyone was the Lesbian relationship... I love those two women. was it your interntion to show this relationship?

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  • 

    GwynethBolton 

    Great question, 'Cilla. I loved that part of it too.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    Yep. Women have been loving women since the beginning of time. Teddys' character came to me as she was. I didn't say, okay, let's make these two lesbians. She stepped into mind just as she was. It was another Whoa! moment for me.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cilla 

    Loved Teddy 'cause she didn't take no Stuf from noone and she said what she had to say... reminded me alot of Sophie

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    beachlover20855 

    I enjoyed her storyline and such a contrast to her other relatives.
    It was well done and reminding everyone how woman did not have many rights back then.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    Absolutely no rights, even free white women.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Cilla 

  have you considered doing a story set during the Harlem Renaissance period?

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 4 replies

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    BeverlyJ 

    Technically, the HR isn't historical, but I'd love to do something on the Black gentlemen gangsters of that era.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cilla 

    Oooo .. that would be GREAT.. Gangsta!! :-)

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    msbbw 

    Hi Everyone. That would be great!! The inspiring writer in me has always wanted to see a story set in that time period since watching Harlem Nights.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Rhea Alexis 

    That would be good.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  BeverlyJ 

  In response to Wanda's great question about the sponges. I'm almost 60 and the sponges my grandparents had back in teh 50s were these really soft almost cottony feeling sponges. They were brown had huge holes and were soft to the touch, so when you think about the sponges that Dom had, think those, not the prefab mechanically formed green and blue and yellow sponges we have today. Dom sponges weren't hard and rough going in. Mighta be kinda nice if you think about it. LOL Now that I've raised everyone's inner temperature, on to the next question.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 6 replies

  • 

    msbbw 

    LOL!!!

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Cilla 

    wish we had pictures :-)

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Wandra W 

    I was picturing them more like diaphragms but I thought it was rather 'nice' that he inserted it - I think it made a sister a little moist! WAY TMI!!! LOL!

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    See?! You are as bad as me, but yeah, what Wanda said. LOL

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Roxanna H 

    Wanda,

    I agree with you, when I read the part about Dominic inserting the sponge, I was like dang do it again lol.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    LOL

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Cilla 

  Estabian... everyone assumed that Dom was the famous LeVeq Pirate but he is not ... I know you have tons of stories on the burners. .. will we get a short on him maybe settleing or setting up shop in New Orleans?

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Erin S 

  I love Ms. B books. I found her by chance a about 8 or 9 years ago and have been hooked ever since. I minored in African American studies in college and I love the history that she put in her books. My great, great, great grandmother was full blooded Cherokee and I so enjoy how she also put in Native American history in her books. There is so much out there that I wasn't aware of and she helped me to learn something new. I enjoyed Captured and enjoyed the story very much. I thought that may be the way Eduard and Nancine died...I felt it was very quick and. It was over so soon and the same with Vanweldt and Sylvie. Its really hard to explain I felt it was over so fast and kind of anti climatic

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 4 replies

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    Hey. I always kiill them quick, but I appreciate the comment. Will keep that in mind for the next time I whack somebody. Thanks sis!

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Erin S 

    I know your not gorey. Thank God. Maybe I read it to quick but you really good with suspense and I didn't feel it this time. What made you decide to write about Dominic and not Esteban? You may have answered already but I missed it

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    I did Dom because of the LeVeq question. I had no idea Estaban was even in teh story until I started writing it, that's when i figured out the Old Pirate connection. In hindsight, Gaspar could have easily been the Old Pirate as well, but Estaban walked into the story and claimed his spot, so what could I say but, welcome and take a seat. LOL

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Velicia T 

    I did not consider Gasper as the old pirate. Esteban will probably be funnier. Have to pull out Through the Storm. Time for a reread.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  BeverlyJ 

  okay ladies. It'a about 230 eastern time here and got a few things i need to handle this afternoon. So, I'm going to bow out for now and return around oh, 7 this evening to hang out with the left coast folks and those who are presently at work. I've had a great morning and afternoon. Please continue to leave your thoughts and questions. I will reply to all. Thanks so much for all the support and love. You have no idea how much being with you inspires me! Makes me want to write. No lie. So, I'll back this evening. C U then. Be blessed. B

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Erin S 

  I was wondering what do you enjoy writing more? Historical or contempory?

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    I like them both but I LOVE the historicals. Great question. Thanks

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  ReadinDiva 

  Hi Ms Bev!
  Just wanted to let you know that I was here. I think that Captured is now one of my favorite historicals, right behind NIGHT SONG and TOPAZ of course. I read it in one sitting because I did not want to put it down. I am reading all the posts on the blog .

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    Thanks for dropping in.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  BeverlyJ 

  ok. I'm back. A little ahead of schedule but that's ok, too. Holla!

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Louise B 

  Like all of the comments before this book was so good I couldn't put it down once I start reading and LAWD YES Dominic CAPTURED ME. This is so many memorable scene it is hard to pick but like Gwyneth---inside, outside, midday....................as I read that part it put me in the mind of when Dix Wildhorse told Kate "count for Chica"..............from Topaz. Another scene I love was when Dominic ran her bath water and she saw the roses in the TUB....that fact of that little act brought tears to my eyes as well....................

  Wheeeeeeee I can say is DOMINIC

  Smooches

  Louise

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

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    BeverlyJ 

    smooches back Ms. L. Thanks for stopping in.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Conseula 

  Speaking of bad guys getting theirs, I love that Vanweldt and Sylvie got what was coming to them without Dominic having to disappoint Clare. I didn't mention this before, but Gaspar is running a pretty close second for my affections. The companionship and brotherhood between he and Dominic was fun to read.

  I have a writing question--do you always start writing a novel at the beginning, or can you start at any point in the story?

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 3 replies

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    Depends on the story. They sometimes start all over the place. I put down what I see and then go back and start at the beginning -which sometimes changes dependign on how the story morphs.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Velicia T 

    That is really good information because I was wondering how you did it. If you just sat and the computer and the words just flowed. Now I understand why sometimes you give a tid bits as you are writing and how changes arise. I really enjoy reading your books.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    Glad that helped. Sometimes i have no idea how the story will end, but I've learned not to worry. It always shows up. It may make go wow! but it always shows up.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sheree B (edited)

  I loved the scene too when Dominic ran her bath water and added the flowers..What woman wouldn't want that..especially a woman who never really had a true bath before.. I couldn't even imagine.. We definitely need to thankful for all the little things we enjoy..

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    Amen to that.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Velicia T 

    I love the way Ms. Bev gives us rememorable scenes. Bath scenes, waterfalls. Who would not like to have their own pirate on their own island and be able to spend time at a lovers waterfall. I those ideas really stick in our memories for our heroes and heroines.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    Always wanted to live on water. Cant' swim well but I have this affinity to water. Maybe I was a mermaid in one of my previous lives. LOL

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  BeverlyJ 

  I want to welcome you all to the evening session of my visit. Glad to have you here.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  BeverlyJ 

  Shameless plug time. If you enjoyed Captured, please go over to www.historicalromancereleases.com and vote for Captured as favorite historical of the month. Many of you already have, and I thank you much. If not, please help Clare and Dom's story get the recognition it deserves by placing your vote. Thanks.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 3 replies

  • 

    Deatri King-Bey 

    The poll is a little hard to find.

    Here is a direct link:
    http://www.historicalromancereleases.com/theseason_octoberpoll.html

    Peace

    Dee

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    Thanks De!

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    Wandra W 

    I don't know if anyone follwed up but Captured was at the top of the list

    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )

• 

  BeverlyJ 

  Hey all. Thanks so much for having me. Gonna head out. if you have any responses please post and I'l check in here tomorrow to reply. You all have a great evening. I had fun. Hope you all did too. Thanks De! B

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    Deatri King-Bey 

    Thank you, again, for taking the time to come play with us. We had BALL.

    Love you
    Dee

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Sheree B 

  I will definitely cast my vote for Captured as favotie historical of the month...Can't wait for the next one..Have you ever considered writing about a historical romance about an interracial couple...I know a lot of french men had relationships with women of African decent ..My great-great grandfather was a frenchman and was married to an African-American woman....They lived a very reclusive lifestyle on hundreds of acres of land in Florida in the late 1800's and early 1900's. He died in 1925 and left my great-great grandmother acres of land. My great-great grandmother died in the 1950's before I was born, so I don't know much about their lives...but I'm sure it was very interesting..Even my great-great grandfather's brother married an African-American women as well...Intersting to say the least.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  show 2 replies

  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    You never what the future holds. We'll see.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

  • 

    C Denise T 

    Hi, Ms. B. I missed the forum, but went through and read every last reply. I had a blast just reading them! It has been a minute since I read Captured, of course I had to have it as soon as it hit the book store. I was so happy to get another historical by you. I loved it. My favorite scenes were him recognizing the children just because he studied her face so intently. Ms. B., you are like none other for weaving a story so captivating.

    Sorry i missed being online with you and the others, but I love your work, keep on blessing us with your talent. see ya whenever you come back out to the Houston area.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Chelece W 

  Hey Sistah Bev,

  Sorry for being late! Captured is an awesome love story about my second husband, Brotha Dominic. I will never look at caves and waterfalls without thinking about him. The historical experiences from the other pirates brought tears to my eyes!

  Keep up the great work, you are truly called to educatue our people!

  
  

  Lastly, I also agree with Erin's comment about Jessi Rosi & Teresa July. You can't leave out JT & Max!

  Be Blessed,
  Chelece, N.CAL

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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  • 

    BeverlyJ 

    You be blessed as well. Send your sis my love. Hoping to see you both when I come to LA in Sept.

    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

• 

  Cathy A 

  My final comment. No one writes like you, Ms. Bev. You are in a class by yourself. Captured is another winner. The history, the romance, the characters, just the sheer quality of your writing. Absolutely, outstanding. You keep writing and we'll keep supporting you. So happy to have had the opportunity to meet you.

  posted 1 month ago. ( reply )

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