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The Taming of Jessi Rose
No Man Could Tame Her Jessi Rose Clayton would do anything to keep the family ranch from falling into the wrong hands-even agree to take on a rough-and-tumble outlaw as her protector. With his rugged, handsome face and muscular bronze body, Griffin Blake can draw a sigh from a lady's lips almost as fast as his strong, sculpted arm can draw a gun from its holster. But Jessi Rose has no intentions of falling for his charms. No, her relationship with him is strictly business. Until He Came Along Robbing the railroad is Griffin Blake's game, but he has no choice. Either he agrees to help Jessi Rose or he gets sent back to jail-so he arrives at the ranch ready to help the ornery female protect her land. But underneath Jessi's all-business exterior is a femininity she's kept hidden for far too long-making Griffin think it might be time to tame this wild Texas rose.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
94 people are currently reading
849 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Jenkins
70 books4,818 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 146 reviews
April 29, 2022
3.5 stars
TW for infertility
Beverly Jenkins sure knows how to write a headstrong heroine! Jessi Rose is raising her nephew and will do anything to protect her family and her land. Griffin is a railroad robber who is hired to protect Jessi. Griffin finds himself on the right side of the law now and becoming closer to Jessi and her nephew. Jessi doesn't need Griffin to protect her, but once they meet, Griffin feels the need to protect Jessi, especially when the bad man in town decides he wants her lands. Like many of Beverly Jenkins books, the romance is pretty low angst and the hero and heroine get together pretty early on in the book. I found myself a little bored by parts of the plot, especially in the middle when they were together and just going through life. But it was still sweet with a bit of a bad boy heroine and a very strong heroine!
TW for infertility
Beverly Jenkins sure knows how to write a headstrong heroine! Jessi Rose is raising her nephew and will do anything to protect her family and her land. Griffin is a railroad robber who is hired to protect Jessi. Griffin finds himself on the right side of the law now and becoming closer to Jessi and her nephew. Jessi doesn't need Griffin to protect her, but once they meet, Griffin feels the need to protect Jessi, especially when the bad man in town decides he wants her lands. Like many of Beverly Jenkins books, the romance is pretty low angst and the hero and heroine get together pretty early on in the book. I found myself a little bored by parts of the plot, especially in the middle when they were together and just going through life. But it was still sweet with a bit of a bad boy heroine and a very strong heroine!
Read
August 28, 2018Every time I read a new Ms Bev I think 'ooh this may be my favourite' but this actually may be my favourite. An early one introducing my beloved Neil July and gang, a wonderfully hard-yet-soft heroine, a roguish outlaw turned marshal, a great capitalist villain, loads of entertaining banter, and all with a brutal undercurrent of realism and cruelty to anchor the romance. A triumph. If you haven't read Jenkins then a) get to it and b) this might well be the place to start.
November 10, 2020
I really love this book! I want to say that this is one of my favorites by BJ. I don't know what is was but it just really touched deeper, it felt more in-depth with the characters. I loved everything about it. Especially the twins.
January 10, 2021
so sensual and so romantic. jessi and griffin were the perfect couple! this book is now competing with indigo and captured as my favorite jenkins novel. i love reading westerns so much and this has got to one of the best, if not theee best of the genre i've read. i have never loved banter,so much the ultimate ingredient to any good romance, as i do here. so, so funny. and of course the history, i have learned more from jenkins' novels than i have sitting in a classroom and i'm grateful for the references listed at the end of all her stories, chapter 9 was a difficult and enlightening read. happy to see the preacher (before he meets maggie) and dixon wildhorse again. and the twins two shaft and neil july were so funny, i had tears reading abt their shenanigans. and i just have to say that dexter clayton and reed darcy are the most evil parental figures i have ever read in fiction. i hope maybe to see a story abt a reformed and healed roscoe darcy some day. 5/5 stars.
April 2, 2022
Beverly Jenkins is always a winner for me, I adore her historical romances so much and have been making my way through her backlist. In most Bev books you will see familiar characters again, in this one we see Dix Wildhorse (Topaz) as well as see Preacher (Night Hawk) and Neil July (Something Like Love).
Griffin Blake is out of jail for train robbing and mayhem and gets tasked with a trip to Texas to try to find another outlaw. He meets the heroine, Jessi Rose when they have to work together. Griffin is a flirty hero and I loved his and Jessi’s chemistry. She’s a little bit older than him (she’s 32, he’s 26) and I loved seeing them together. They have a lot of really hot times together and just deliver on the steam. 🔥
After her sister died during childbirth, a newly widowed Jessi Rose gave up her teaching position in New York to come back home to Texas and raise her nephew. Jessi went through a severe case of the measles when she was young which left her sterile/unable to have her own children. I loved her relationship with her nephew, seeing her raise him and all of her hopes for his future. While Jessi is widowed, she was only married for 2 years and they had married for convenience over love, her late husband needed a wife for his political aspirations and she needed a husband to keep her teaching position (at the time her school board frowned upon unwed women teaching). I loved seeing Griffin’s and Jessi’s nephew bond and the suspense in this story was entertaining!
Griffin Blake is out of jail for train robbing and mayhem and gets tasked with a trip to Texas to try to find another outlaw. He meets the heroine, Jessi Rose when they have to work together. Griffin is a flirty hero and I loved his and Jessi’s chemistry. She’s a little bit older than him (she’s 32, he’s 26) and I loved seeing them together. They have a lot of really hot times together and just deliver on the steam. 🔥
After her sister died during childbirth, a newly widowed Jessi Rose gave up her teaching position in New York to come back home to Texas and raise her nephew. Jessi went through a severe case of the measles when she was young which left her sterile/unable to have her own children. I loved her relationship with her nephew, seeing her raise him and all of her hopes for his future. While Jessi is widowed, she was only married for 2 years and they had married for convenience over love, her late husband needed a wife for his political aspirations and she needed a husband to keep her teaching position (at the time her school board frowned upon unwed women teaching). I loved seeing Griffin’s and Jessi’s nephew bond and the suspense in this story was entertaining!
June 5, 2020
This was a reread and it was just as enjoyable and what I needed to break a reading funk.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
September 3, 2020
I forgot how cute this was.
Original review:
Charming, funny and sweet.
Original review:
Charming, funny and sweet.
August 5, 2025
What another lovely Bev Jenkins read 👏🏽💕 and I had a good time listening to the audiobook per usual.
I loved that Jessi Rose wasn’t your average heroine. She was truly a rootin tootin lady who didn’t take no bs. And her romance with the train robbin Griffin Blake was sweet. I especially loved how he came in thinking she needed rescuing, only to realize she already had most of it handled.
What really stood out to me was how Griffin’s goal wasn’t to take over, but to take burdens off Jessi’s plate so she could finally relax. He quickly became someone both she and her nephew could rely on, and that trust allowed her to truly open her heart and fall in love with him.
I loved that Jessi Rose wasn’t your average heroine. She was truly a rootin tootin lady who didn’t take no bs. And her romance with the train robbin Griffin Blake was sweet. I especially loved how he came in thinking she needed rescuing, only to realize she already had most of it handled.
What really stood out to me was how Griffin’s goal wasn’t to take over, but to take burdens off Jessi’s plate so she could finally relax. He quickly became someone both she and her nephew could rely on, and that trust allowed her to truly open her heart and fall in love with him.
May 13, 2024
3.75 stars rounded up
June 18, 2023
4.25 ⭐️
This one was delightful! There are so many historical facts and fun side characters, just what I need from Mrs. Jenkins! Extra points for the older woman / younger man pairing, I eat that shit up!
This one was delightful! There are so many historical facts and fun side characters, just what I need from Mrs. Jenkins! Extra points for the older woman / younger man pairing, I eat that shit up!
October 20, 2020
I loved this book. I don’t know how the author picks her narrators but I have yet to hear a book that the narrator let me down.
Jessi Rose was such a powerhouse. She took on the unfair town millionaire while the rest of the citizens quaked in their boots. I’m so glad that her nephew saw that she needed help and sent for reinforcements. Griffin was exactly what Jessi needed to take some of the load she has carried since her sister and father died. It was so wonderful to see a woman valued and appreciated not just for being a classic beauty. I felt like Grif saw her heart and soul. There was great chemistry and partnership that extended beyond the bedroom. Bravo!
I learned a good amount about the black and indigenous people in Texas. I didn’t know the role they played with Santa Anna and I ended up googling these events. I will share them with my kids.
Another classic from Ms. Beverly.
Jessi Rose was such a powerhouse. She took on the unfair town millionaire while the rest of the citizens quaked in their boots. I’m so glad that her nephew saw that she needed help and sent for reinforcements. Griffin was exactly what Jessi needed to take some of the load she has carried since her sister and father died. It was so wonderful to see a woman valued and appreciated not just for being a classic beauty. I felt like Grif saw her heart and soul. There was great chemistry and partnership that extended beyond the bedroom. Bravo!
I learned a good amount about the black and indigenous people in Texas. I didn’t know the role they played with Santa Anna and I ended up googling these events. I will share them with my kids.
Another classic from Ms. Beverly.
January 16, 2012
I feel like every Beverly Jenkins's novel I pick up is better than the last. I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Griffin is hilarious and Jessi-Rose is witty and charming. The secondary characters are equally as entertaining and I was so psyched out that the Preacher and Dix Wildhorse have their own books. I'm pretty sure I will buy all of Ms Jenkins's novels at this point. Taming of Jessi Rose sealed it for me.
June 19, 2022
Really enjoyed this story, from the tidbits about train robberies, to the historical accounts of Comanches, black seminoles scouts, and more. Love this author’s blend of history and romance! Definitely worth reading! 4.5 stars
March 15, 2025
When her father is murdered and they obvious can't count on the corrupt local lawman, Jessi Rose Clayton didn't expect her eleven years-old nephew would write to a deputy marshal and that he would send them an outlaw to help deal with the villain who's also trying to steal her land. Fiercely independent, straightforward and a little bit of a hellion, Jessi doesn't need a protector. But she can't deny that despite the danger still present, her all-too-harsh life seems a little bit more lighter since Griffin Blake arrived in town. But can she trust a man who used to robbed trains?
Beverly Jenkins have a knack for grabbing our heart with poignant beginnings. This time, with a hero who became an orphan and had to dig his mother's grave when he was just a young boy. Robbing trains is how he tried to avenge his ma's death, becoming some kind of Robin Hood outlaw. Helping the Claytons investigate the patriarch's death and put a villain behind bars was the only way for him to escape prison, but I do think he would have give his help anyway because that's what honorable men do. Jessi Rose was as equally amazing with her fierce attitude. You can feel her love for Jotham, her nephew and vice versa. Her life in Texas was a tough one so it was a pleasure to see the hero flirty charm bring out her playful side. I love reading about her and Jotham finding a new clan because the cast of characters was an interesting bunch.
I cannot end my review without talking once again about how fascinating it is to read about history tidbits and the pioneers African-American and Native American the author always add to her stories. I dare anyone who thinks that romance novels are just fluff to read a Beverly Jenkins!
Beverly Jenkins have a knack for grabbing our heart with poignant beginnings. This time, with a hero who became an orphan and had to dig his mother's grave when he was just a young boy. Robbing trains is how he tried to avenge his ma's death, becoming some kind of Robin Hood outlaw. Helping the Claytons investigate the patriarch's death and put a villain behind bars was the only way for him to escape prison, but I do think he would have give his help anyway because that's what honorable men do. Jessi Rose was as equally amazing with her fierce attitude. You can feel her love for Jotham, her nephew and vice versa. Her life in Texas was a tough one so it was a pleasure to see the hero flirty charm bring out her playful side. I love reading about her and Jotham finding a new clan because the cast of characters was an interesting bunch.
I cannot end my review without talking once again about how fascinating it is to read about history tidbits and the pioneers African-American and Native American the author always add to her stories. I dare anyone who thinks that romance novels are just fluff to read a Beverly Jenkins!
September 20, 2014
Loved this book, it was another good one by Beverly Jenkins; filled with more history, as her period books are known for. I really do love a tough but vulnerable female lead, and Jessi Rose was it. She was smart, tough, stubborn, and kind even though she'd had so many unfair bumps in her life that would have made a lesser woman bitter. Griffin, on the other hand, was a train-robbing lady charmer with a sense of humor, who was gentlemanly, and surprisingly tenderhearted. They were both good characters and I loved how they first met. I loved reading as they became more and more aware of one another and their attraction began to grow; surprising them both. I enjoyed the other characters in the book as well; the Terrible Twins, who were indeed a terrible mischievous pair, Joth, and Preacher, who was a character I actually would have liked to know more about. Enjoyable read!
July 18, 2024
Please, I’m begging, put me in the middle of a Griffin Blake and Neil July sandwich. And while you’re at it, throw Two Shafts in there too. As the lead, Jessi was so admirable throughout so much pain in her life from such an early age onward. I’m not sure anyone would have been able to keep a strong head on their shoulders as much as she did, and her heart is to die for. Her nephew was perfect and I love the relationship he built with Griffin. Griffin himself, ridiculous and astonishing. It was so great seeing the love of my life Neil, and his brother Two Shafts, after reading his story Something Like Love, and now I know why they’re called the Terrible Twins. They’re actually quite insane and I’m so down bad for them. As always, Beverly Jenkins delivers an amazing romance western sprinkled in with history of the people and time of this age. Loved it! Second favorite Jenkins so far!
July 12, 2023
What a fabulous way to end my #YearofMsBev challenge. I adored Jessi Rose - she was fierce and tough, absolutely no-nonsense and fighting like hell to preserve her ranch for her nephew. And then along comes outlaw Griffin, a former train robber who is released from prison under the condition that he bring in this villain and the sparks just flew and I loved both of them. The romance was hot and sexy, tender and sweet, and I loved the fact that the Twins and Preacher showed up!
CN: off page reference to rape, on page murder, slut shaming, infertility
Reread via audio and it was just as fantastic the second time around. So thrilled when the Twins and Preacher and Dixon Wildhorse showed up!
CN: off page reference to rape, on page murder, slut shaming, infertility
Reread via audio and it was just as fantastic the second time around. So thrilled when the Twins and Preacher and Dixon Wildhorse showed up!
April 30, 2022
(4.5 stars)
I enjoyed this book! It is an incredibly soft low-angst romance. No deception, very little miscommunications, and no 80% break up. The lack of conflict with the romance was actually a nice break from the high angst romance that I’ve read recently.
This book has A LOT of Texas history focused on Black and Indigenous people. I really really loved this part of the book. I have learned more Black history from Ms Bev’s books than my entire K-12 education.
But, if you are more interested in a romance than a historical… you may prefer a different Beverly Jenkins.
Notes: Set outside of San Antonio TX in 1880s. Rep: Both MCs are Black.
I enjoyed this book! It is an incredibly soft low-angst romance. No deception, very little miscommunications, and no 80% break up. The lack of conflict with the romance was actually a nice break from the high angst romance that I’ve read recently.
This book has A LOT of Texas history focused on Black and Indigenous people. I really really loved this part of the book. I have learned more Black history from Ms Bev’s books than my entire K-12 education.
But, if you are more interested in a romance than a historical… you may prefer a different Beverly Jenkins.
Notes: Set outside of San Antonio TX in 1880s. Rep: Both MCs are Black.
December 4, 2017
The closer I get to piecing together the history of the characters in Bring on the Blessings, the more excited I become. Finding out about the Mexican Robin Hood was a great treat but it has raised questions that I thankfully have been given the tools to answer.
March 15, 2020
Beverly Jenkons is beginning to be one of my favorite female authors.
July 17, 2020
Jessi Rose Clayton will do anything to keep her family ranch from falling into the wrong hands, including have an outlaw help her. Griffin Blake, former train robber, has agreed to help Jessi to stay out of jail.
I adored this book. Jessi was a tough, smart, and determined woman. She is a widow who has raised her nephew and taken care of her family ranch, all while being put down by her father. Life has beaten her down but she continues to be strong. She is my favorite kind of woman.
“You’ve been in the dark too long…let me be your light.”
Griffin was a train robber but was also a good man. He may steal but he also gives back to those who need it. I really liked this duality about him, especially since it leads to him starting this new life away from crime. He falls hard for Jessi but his past does cause some problems for them, which was sometimes funny. I really loved their relationship. Griff teaches Jessi how to loosen up and be a woman again. I also loved that he instantly bonds with Joth and treats him like a son.
Not only did I love the couple in this book, but I also loved the side characters. The Twins (Neil July and Two Shanks) and Preacher were so fascinating and I really couldn’t get enough of them. I have actually already read Preacher's book, Night Hawk, which I loved. I will be reading Neil’s book, Something Like Love, next! I don’t know if Two Shanks has a book yet but I will read it if he does. These four men together wreaked havoc yet still were good men. I loved seeing them all work together and their crazy ideas throughout the books.
Overall, this was another amazing historical romance from Jenkins! I cannot wait to read more of her books.
Reader Warning:
- Infertility (referenced)
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
____________________
Romanceopoly 2020 Sun - Armour Avenue
I adored this book. Jessi was a tough, smart, and determined woman. She is a widow who has raised her nephew and taken care of her family ranch, all while being put down by her father. Life has beaten her down but she continues to be strong. She is my favorite kind of woman.
“You’ve been in the dark too long…let me be your light.”
Griffin was a train robber but was also a good man. He may steal but he also gives back to those who need it. I really liked this duality about him, especially since it leads to him starting this new life away from crime. He falls hard for Jessi but his past does cause some problems for them, which was sometimes funny. I really loved their relationship. Griff teaches Jessi how to loosen up and be a woman again. I also loved that he instantly bonds with Joth and treats him like a son.
Not only did I love the couple in this book, but I also loved the side characters. The Twins (Neil July and Two Shanks) and Preacher were so fascinating and I really couldn’t get enough of them. I have actually already read Preacher's book, Night Hawk, which I loved. I will be reading Neil’s book, Something Like Love, next! I don’t know if Two Shanks has a book yet but I will read it if he does. These four men together wreaked havoc yet still were good men. I loved seeing them all work together and their crazy ideas throughout the books.
Overall, this was another amazing historical romance from Jenkins! I cannot wait to read more of her books.
Reader Warning:
- Infertility (referenced)
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
____________________
Romanceopoly 2020 Sun - Armour Avenue
May 14, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Jessi Rose Clayton, is a fighter and is just as capable at running a ranch as anyone. She is determined to keep the family ranch from falling into the hands of the local tycoon who is taking property left and right. Her father has been murdered, but not even the sherrif who was her fathers best friend, will help her. She is the caretaker of her nephew who is the heir of the ranch. Then they reach out for help an outside source. A native seminal US Deputy Marshall Dixon Horse, who is a friend of Griffin. Griffin finds himself in jail for seven years for the train robbing that has become a life profession. Griffin has his own reasons for being a train robbers, including getting revenge for his mothers death. When Dixon gives him an offer to help out a lone woman and her nephew and in exchange he will get freedom and become a US deputy. Griffin is appalled in the beginning, but knows he has little choice in the matter. So he heads to Texas to help out Jessi Rose Clayton, a firecracker of a woman. At first Griffin's job is to aid Jessi in bringing a certain man to justice, but he is soon enthralled by Jessi and her fighting spirit and the little boy who needs a safe haven, not being threatened day and night. But a love blooms between Griffin and Jessi, a love they learn is worth fighting for!
Plot and Story Line
The Taming Of Jessi Rose is one of my all time favorites, I had so much love for this book and boy can Beverly Jenkins write a story. She wows me each and every time and we get another somewhat connected book here. This time we have Griffin's book. Griffin is the brother of the hero in Always and Forever. I just had a blast of fun with this book, and since this was free through my library, I grabbed it up. Because honestly what a treasure of a read this is, and I am really loving the progression of this book.
We get some fun characters that really added some more lighthearted fun to the more serious toned plot that brought about a balance I wasn't expecting to find. We of course have Dixon Horse, who I have seen in three different books and want his book so badly!! :) Then we have Preacher---now he was fun. His story I am looking forward to (at least I am hoping he has a book) He loves his bible but also can be very rugged. Now for my favorites The TWINS!!! Now I was first introduced to these boys in Something Like Love which features Neil's story. Now these two are a riot and so outrageous at times, and loved their humor and certain "games " that they like to play with bad men. *grins* those who have read this already know exactly what I am talking about here. But what I adored was seeing these characters come together to help out one woman and a little boy and get some justice.
Jessi Rose was a very unique heroine and loved her to pieces. She is strong, resilient but has her own vulnerabilities that seemed realistic and believable. She has suffered through some horrors in her past, and now is fighting with everything she has to protect her nephew and keep the land her father died to protect. She can be quite stubborn at times but I like that she accepts help when she knows that she needs it.
Now Griffin was a cool hero and I wanted more of him. He is a bit of a bad boy, because HELLO---he is a outlaw and robs trains. Although to his credit has never killed anyone and does it in a very playful and mischievous way so I was cool with his past especially when you see what he went through when his mother died which just about broke my heart in the beginning.
The plot of the story is so engaging and I got so wrapped up in this book, I just didn't want to put it down, I listened to it every moment I could!! I loved the villain of the story, because wow is he cunning and greedy. This element of the story I think was pretty vital and added some tension to the story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. The romance between Griffin and Jessi Rose is so tender and sweet at times, it almost made me cry. Once they come together, it is just perfect seeing them find contentment and happiness that neither of them ever has had before. Especially for Jessi Rose. She has been dealt a very bad hand in life, but it hasn't broken her and I loved seeing her find a happy ending she deserved.
Narration
This narrator, Thomas Penny, is slowly winning me over. I am loving his voice. Normally male narrators it takes me a while to like since they aren't as common as female narrators. But I felt he handled every aspect whether big or small of the story so brilliantly. I adored the way his tone of voice altered with change in emotion and keeps you engaged.
The Cover
I have much love for this cover!! I love the pink dress, its so pretty. I do love this romantic pose though, it just fits this pair so well. Love the horse in the background!!
Overall View
The Taming Of Jessi Rose is a spectacular read that had me enthralled from the very beginning. It's heartwarming, witty, with a taste of mystery and danger and some passion rolled in----creates a work of art!!! It shows the history of what blacks had to go through in this era and setting and it kept me raptured and learning something new. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Summary
Jessi Rose Clayton, is a fighter and is just as capable at running a ranch as anyone. She is determined to keep the family ranch from falling into the hands of the local tycoon who is taking property left and right. Her father has been murdered, but not even the sherrif who was her fathers best friend, will help her. She is the caretaker of her nephew who is the heir of the ranch. Then they reach out for help an outside source. A native seminal US Deputy Marshall Dixon Horse, who is a friend of Griffin. Griffin finds himself in jail for seven years for the train robbing that has become a life profession. Griffin has his own reasons for being a train robbers, including getting revenge for his mothers death. When Dixon gives him an offer to help out a lone woman and her nephew and in exchange he will get freedom and become a US deputy. Griffin is appalled in the beginning, but knows he has little choice in the matter. So he heads to Texas to help out Jessi Rose Clayton, a firecracker of a woman. At first Griffin's job is to aid Jessi in bringing a certain man to justice, but he is soon enthralled by Jessi and her fighting spirit and the little boy who needs a safe haven, not being threatened day and night. But a love blooms between Griffin and Jessi, a love they learn is worth fighting for!
Plot and Story Line
The Taming Of Jessi Rose is one of my all time favorites, I had so much love for this book and boy can Beverly Jenkins write a story. She wows me each and every time and we get another somewhat connected book here. This time we have Griffin's book. Griffin is the brother of the hero in Always and Forever. I just had a blast of fun with this book, and since this was free through my library, I grabbed it up. Because honestly what a treasure of a read this is, and I am really loving the progression of this book.
We get some fun characters that really added some more lighthearted fun to the more serious toned plot that brought about a balance I wasn't expecting to find. We of course have Dixon Horse, who I have seen in three different books and want his book so badly!! :) Then we have Preacher---now he was fun. His story I am looking forward to (at least I am hoping he has a book) He loves his bible but also can be very rugged. Now for my favorites The TWINS!!! Now I was first introduced to these boys in Something Like Love which features Neil's story. Now these two are a riot and so outrageous at times, and loved their humor and certain "games " that they like to play with bad men. *grins* those who have read this already know exactly what I am talking about here. But what I adored was seeing these characters come together to help out one woman and a little boy and get some justice.
Jessi Rose was a very unique heroine and loved her to pieces. She is strong, resilient but has her own vulnerabilities that seemed realistic and believable. She has suffered through some horrors in her past, and now is fighting with everything she has to protect her nephew and keep the land her father died to protect. She can be quite stubborn at times but I like that she accepts help when she knows that she needs it.
Now Griffin was a cool hero and I wanted more of him. He is a bit of a bad boy, because HELLO---he is a outlaw and robs trains. Although to his credit has never killed anyone and does it in a very playful and mischievous way so I was cool with his past especially when you see what he went through when his mother died which just about broke my heart in the beginning.
The plot of the story is so engaging and I got so wrapped up in this book, I just didn't want to put it down, I listened to it every moment I could!! I loved the villain of the story, because wow is he cunning and greedy. This element of the story I think was pretty vital and added some tension to the story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. The romance between Griffin and Jessi Rose is so tender and sweet at times, it almost made me cry. Once they come together, it is just perfect seeing them find contentment and happiness that neither of them ever has had before. Especially for Jessi Rose. She has been dealt a very bad hand in life, but it hasn't broken her and I loved seeing her find a happy ending she deserved.
Narration
This narrator, Thomas Penny, is slowly winning me over. I am loving his voice. Normally male narrators it takes me a while to like since they aren't as common as female narrators. But I felt he handled every aspect whether big or small of the story so brilliantly. I adored the way his tone of voice altered with change in emotion and keeps you engaged.
The Cover
I have much love for this cover!! I love the pink dress, its so pretty. I do love this romantic pose though, it just fits this pair so well. Love the horse in the background!!
Overall View
The Taming Of Jessi Rose is a spectacular read that had me enthralled from the very beginning. It's heartwarming, witty, with a taste of mystery and danger and some passion rolled in----creates a work of art!!! It shows the history of what blacks had to go through in this era and setting and it kept me raptured and learning something new. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
January 20, 2024
Another Western from Beverly Jenkins. This was a lot of fun and I loved the side characters but the pacing threw me off at times. Also, is it just me or that foreshadowing was odd? Griffin’s dream made me think there would be one final obstacle that never materialized.
I have just a few of Jenkins historicals left from her backlist and I am trying to pace myself to make them last but I’m looking forward for Teresa and Preacher’s books.
I have just a few of Jenkins historicals left from her backlist and I am trying to pace myself to make them last but I’m looking forward for Teresa and Preacher’s books.
December 18, 2025
4.5 Stars ✨
One of my faves by Queen Bev! This was heartfelt, funny, and entertaining. There was the perfect balance of romance, town drama, and historical elements.
One of my faves by Queen Bev! This was heartfelt, funny, and entertaining. There was the perfect balance of romance, town drama, and historical elements.
March 7, 2024
And Period… the world Lu thing is that Jessi is too forgiving !! Cause girl I would have been stomping on these people 🫠
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August 5, 20254.5.
beverly you are a gem! beautifully written. i wouldn’t say this book is a quick read at all, i definitely had to take multiple breaks but it kept you entertained and wanting to continue to finish. jessi and griff although different backgrounds were similar in many ways. it was a bit slow for me in some parts and tiniest bit fast in others but solid overall the ending was perfect in my eyes. my first book by her n im so excited to dive deep in her catalog
beverly you are a gem! beautifully written. i wouldn’t say this book is a quick read at all, i definitely had to take multiple breaks but it kept you entertained and wanting to continue to finish. jessi and griff although different backgrounds were similar in many ways. it was a bit slow for me in some parts and tiniest bit fast in others but solid overall the ending was perfect in my eyes. my first book by her n im so excited to dive deep in her catalog
June 11, 2018
If you need a badass, take no shit heroine, pick up a Beverly Jenkins book. The heroes meet their matches every time. I'm thoroughly enjoying my sojourn through her backlist. Every damn book is excellent.
October 21, 2024
As always, I love the history in Bev’s books and there were some cute moments in this one!! But I didn’t really feel a connection between the MCs and the plot was just okay for most of it….but I will be continuing to read her, of course 🫶🏻
July 22, 2020
This is a rollicking late 19th century western involving former train robbers and reformed outlaws. It almost has an Oceans 11 heist sort of vibe.
The beginning is a bit grim. Our hero, Griffin Blake, looses his mom when he’s 10 and swears vengeance on the railroads, since he holds them responsible for her death. He grows up to be a charming outlaw, albeit more of a modern Robin Hood, who only targets rich railroad companies and hates guns (tho he’s very skilled when he has to be.) He’s also quite the ladies man. His favorite cohorts are the “terrible twins,” Black-Indigenous brothers with different mothers who were born on the same day. Languishing in jail, he’s offered a deal: become a US Marshall and help take down Reed Darcy, a real estate and banking con man who’s threatening a young boy and his aunt, or stay and spend years in prison.
Jessie Rose loses her father at the beginning of the book; he’s shot in the back during a stampede. She’s committed to saving the ranch and protecting her nephew, and can outshoot and outride pretty much anyone. She’s not particularly thrilled when Griffin shows up, but reluctantly agrees to let him help, since Darcy is an important public figure in her town, and has turned almost everyone against her.
Griffin asks the twins and his bounty hunter friend The Preacher (my favorite MC in Nighthawk) to help out. He and his friends have a great sense of humor, and there is the best banter! I laughed so much during their conversations! They also cook and help around the house when they’re not terrorizing people who deserve to be terrorized.
Griffin and Jessie spark interest in each other but this is a slow build romance. Jessie is a widow who had a marriage of convenience when she was a teacher out in San Francisco, and she had a dark experience with her nephew’s outlaw father that’s got the town labelling her “whore,” so she’s got baggage. At first, Griffin just wants to finish the job and retire in Mexico, but Jessie grows on him. He’s a total flirt, but he courts her with gentleness and respect and is never pushy, which is a refreshing switch from pushy alphaholes.
In another refreshing twist, Jessie is older and can’t have kids. Her nephew is her family. Griffin comes to love her nephew too (it’s really easy to do, he’s adorable) and loves Jessie just the way she is.
I really enjoyed this book!
CW: death of parents, near starvation, unpleasant jail situations, racism, Jim Crow, betrayal, gun fights, murder, infidelity (other characters), robberies, bullying, ostracism, brawls, blackmail, alcoholism, gaming hall/saloon, genocide (Native American treatment by US), arson, animal cruelty, fortune telling, precognitive dreams, mild torture (mostly of bad guys), age gap romance (32/25), prostitution, neglectful, verbally abusive father, rape (inferred), lots of sexual tension and mildly explicit sex on the page.
The beginning is a bit grim. Our hero, Griffin Blake, looses his mom when he’s 10 and swears vengeance on the railroads, since he holds them responsible for her death. He grows up to be a charming outlaw, albeit more of a modern Robin Hood, who only targets rich railroad companies and hates guns (tho he’s very skilled when he has to be.) He’s also quite the ladies man. His favorite cohorts are the “terrible twins,” Black-Indigenous brothers with different mothers who were born on the same day. Languishing in jail, he’s offered a deal: become a US Marshall and help take down Reed Darcy, a real estate and banking con man who’s threatening a young boy and his aunt, or stay and spend years in prison.
Jessie Rose loses her father at the beginning of the book; he’s shot in the back during a stampede. She’s committed to saving the ranch and protecting her nephew, and can outshoot and outride pretty much anyone. She’s not particularly thrilled when Griffin shows up, but reluctantly agrees to let him help, since Darcy is an important public figure in her town, and has turned almost everyone against her.
Griffin asks the twins and his bounty hunter friend The Preacher (my favorite MC in Nighthawk) to help out. He and his friends have a great sense of humor, and there is the best banter! I laughed so much during their conversations! They also cook and help around the house when they’re not terrorizing people who deserve to be terrorized.
Griffin and Jessie spark interest in each other but this is a slow build romance. Jessie is a widow who had a marriage of convenience when she was a teacher out in San Francisco, and she had a dark experience with her nephew’s outlaw father that’s got the town labelling her “whore,” so she’s got baggage. At first, Griffin just wants to finish the job and retire in Mexico, but Jessie grows on him. He’s a total flirt, but he courts her with gentleness and respect and is never pushy, which is a refreshing switch from pushy alphaholes.
In another refreshing twist, Jessie is older and can’t have kids. Her nephew is her family. Griffin comes to love her nephew too (it’s really easy to do, he’s adorable) and loves Jessie just the way she is.
I really enjoyed this book!
CW: death of parents, near starvation, unpleasant jail situations, racism, Jim Crow, betrayal, gun fights, murder, infidelity (other characters), robberies, bullying, ostracism, brawls, blackmail, alcoholism, gaming hall/saloon, genocide (Native American treatment by US), arson, animal cruelty, fortune telling, precognitive dreams, mild torture (mostly of bad guys), age gap romance (32/25), prostitution, neglectful, verbally abusive father, rape (inferred), lots of sexual tension and mildly explicit sex on the page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2024
Oh Beverly Jenkins, how I adore you. This is an absolutely fearless western, filled with danger, corruption, outlaw heroes, a tough as old boots heroine, and a gorgeous love story.
The setup here is so unique, Griffin has been sprung from prison by his friend, a Marshall, and sent to a ranch in Texas to help Jessi and her nephew defend their ranch from the evil men who seek to take it from them. Only, Jessi doesn't want his help. She's struggling with her own issues, an undeserved bad reputation in town, dealing with the murder of the father who didn't love her enough, and trying to raise her nephew to be a good man. It's all so compelling and juicy, and sets the story up perfectly.
Jessi and Griffin clash, with sparkling banter and so much sexual tension you can't help being charmed by them. And this might be the sexiest Ms. Bev I've read yet! They get together at like 30% and stay hot and heavy through the whole book. Their couple journey is more about deepening intimacy and trust outside the bedroom, and it's gorgeous. Jessi has been worn down by the world for a long time, and while Griffin has his own issues to tackle, he brings a necessary light into her life, helping carry her burdens.
The side characters are fantastic, and I'm salivating to get some of their stories. Reading her books in publishing order has been such a good idea because I get to see how her world sprawls out, with characters brushing up against each other, and it feels fresh while also feeling like home. And I always learn so much about Black American History reading her books, which is the best bonus.
The setup here is so unique, Griffin has been sprung from prison by his friend, a Marshall, and sent to a ranch in Texas to help Jessi and her nephew defend their ranch from the evil men who seek to take it from them. Only, Jessi doesn't want his help. She's struggling with her own issues, an undeserved bad reputation in town, dealing with the murder of the father who didn't love her enough, and trying to raise her nephew to be a good man. It's all so compelling and juicy, and sets the story up perfectly.
Jessi and Griffin clash, with sparkling banter and so much sexual tension you can't help being charmed by them. And this might be the sexiest Ms. Bev I've read yet! They get together at like 30% and stay hot and heavy through the whole book. Their couple journey is more about deepening intimacy and trust outside the bedroom, and it's gorgeous. Jessi has been worn down by the world for a long time, and while Griffin has his own issues to tackle, he brings a necessary light into her life, helping carry her burdens.
The side characters are fantastic, and I'm salivating to get some of their stories. Reading her books in publishing order has been such a good idea because I get to see how her world sprawls out, with characters brushing up against each other, and it feels fresh while also feeling like home. And I always learn so much about Black American History reading her books, which is the best bonus.
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