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Black Lace: A Magnetic Romantic Thriller of Dangerous Investigation and Murder in Motown
The last thing Lacy Green needs is trouble—and handsome Mayor Drake Randolph has "danger" written all over him . . . especially when "His Fineness" accidentally runs her off the road. Despite Drake's sensuous charm, irresistible magnetism, and unwavering determination to make amends, she's thinking it might be smart to play it safe and keep her distance . . . if only his lips weren't so inviting. But trouble comes from a different source when Lacy, as the head of Detroit's Environmental Protection Department, launches an investigation into the activities of a ruthless developer. Suddenly, Lacy becomes a target, dragged down into a swamp of greed, corruption . . . and murder. Now Drake Randolph might be the only one in Motown who can keep Lacy alive . . .
378 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 25, 2005
71 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Jenkins
70 books4,834 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 63 reviews
July 6, 2021
Read for The Swoon Sisters’ Book Club
Definitely not as suspenseful as her other romantic suspense that I’ve read, nothing really thrilling happened until 3/4 of the way through the book, but it’s Beverly Jenkins so it’s still amazing!
Definitely not as suspenseful as her other romantic suspense that I’ve read, nothing really thrilling happened until 3/4 of the way through the book, but it’s Beverly Jenkins so it’s still amazing!
June 28, 2022
Classic Jenkins love story with strong female lead and a man designed after God himself. This isn’t a Black historical fiction romance just a Black romance which is fine but I do LOVE Black historical fiction romance Jenkins best.
July 30, 2021
Actual rating: 2.5/5 stars
Read for the Swoon Sisters' Book Club: June (romantic suspense)
I really enjoyed the writing but I didn't really feel any suspense and the mystery really fell flat for me. I also thought that the relationship between Lacey and Drake was very insta-lovey which normally doesn't bother me, but their chemistry wasn't super convincing to me.
I still overall had a good time reading this book but it definitely won't stick with me, because I feel very apathetic about the book in general.
Read for the Swoon Sisters' Book Club: June (romantic suspense)
I really enjoyed the writing but I didn't really feel any suspense and the mystery really fell flat for me. I also thought that the relationship between Lacey and Drake was very insta-lovey which normally doesn't bother me, but their chemistry wasn't super convincing to me.
I still overall had a good time reading this book but it definitely won't stick with me, because I feel very apathetic about the book in general.
October 27, 2018
This is another amazing story by dynamic author Beverly Jenkins.
Mayor Drake Randolph's personal driver (his uncle) was hurriedly trying to get his nephew to a meeting, it was practically a white out and he is zig-zagging on the highway through cars. Lacy Green has moved to Detroit to start anew, little did she her life was about to change in a matter of minutes, by having her car rammed from behind and pushed into a ditch, the passenger and his bodyguards go down the embankment to rescue her, take her to the hospital and just like that the quiet life that Lacy Green thought she was going to have is going to be anything but.
Lacy Green is divorced, in a new state and with a new job, the last thing she is looking for is romance with any man, especially Mayor "His Fineness" Drake Randolph. Lacy learns she works a few stories down from the Mayor and getting away from him won't be so easy. Mayor Randolph feeling wholly responsible to what has happened to Lacy takes it upon himself to make sure she is alright, and he does with conversations, lunch, and dinner.
As Mayor Randolph and Lacy grow closer, a looming threat lands at Lacy's door, she is looking to clean up Detroit and the crooked powers that be aren't going to stand by and allow her to do it. And Mayor Randolph has some things up his sleeve as well that helps to fight the dirt that has captivated his hometown long enough and he is making strides on getting it all done but now that threats have landed on his door, it is up to him with help to protect the woman he has fallen in love with Lacy and himself from the very dangers that have held Detroit hostage in its clutches for too long.
Great story all the way through, I highly recommend this read and any other book by author Beverly Jenkins.
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao Bellas!
Mayor Drake Randolph's personal driver (his uncle) was hurriedly trying to get his nephew to a meeting, it was practically a white out and he is zig-zagging on the highway through cars. Lacy Green has moved to Detroit to start anew, little did she her life was about to change in a matter of minutes, by having her car rammed from behind and pushed into a ditch, the passenger and his bodyguards go down the embankment to rescue her, take her to the hospital and just like that the quiet life that Lacy Green thought she was going to have is going to be anything but.
Lacy Green is divorced, in a new state and with a new job, the last thing she is looking for is romance with any man, especially Mayor "His Fineness" Drake Randolph. Lacy learns she works a few stories down from the Mayor and getting away from him won't be so easy. Mayor Randolph feeling wholly responsible to what has happened to Lacy takes it upon himself to make sure she is alright, and he does with conversations, lunch, and dinner.
As Mayor Randolph and Lacy grow closer, a looming threat lands at Lacy's door, she is looking to clean up Detroit and the crooked powers that be aren't going to stand by and allow her to do it. And Mayor Randolph has some things up his sleeve as well that helps to fight the dirt that has captivated his hometown long enough and he is making strides on getting it all done but now that threats have landed on his door, it is up to him with help to protect the woman he has fallen in love with Lacy and himself from the very dangers that have held Detroit hostage in its clutches for too long.
Great story all the way through, I highly recommend this read and any other book by author Beverly Jenkins.
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao Bellas!
September 28, 2018
Lacy recently moved to Detroit from Atlanta. She is an activist and is focused on cleaning up the environment. She's been married and divorced.
Drake is a doctor and now mayor of Detroit. Drake is also very attractive. Both are intelligent, driven people with the goal of making things better for the average person.
While I liked both main characters, I hated the "Big Bad" and his henchman, just as I was supposed to. They were awful people.
I was disappointed with the suspense, I don't think this was suspenseful at all. Suspense-wise, the last quarter was where all the suspense was. A positive- Lacy was not kidnapped nor did she need to be rescued!
Halloween Bingo (Booklikes) Diverse Voices
Drake is a doctor and now mayor of Detroit. Drake is also very attractive. Both are intelligent, driven people with the goal of making things better for the average person.
While I liked both main characters, I hated the "Big Bad" and his henchman, just as I was supposed to. They were awful people.
I was disappointed with the suspense, I don't think this was suspenseful at all. Suspense-wise, the last quarter was where all the suspense was. A positive- Lacy was not kidnapped nor did she need to be rescued!
Halloween Bingo (Booklikes) Diverse Voices
March 4, 2018
Very good book! It is my favorite of the three.
February 26, 2014
Sweet, but definitely the weakest in the series; the ending was quite lackluster.
July 24, 2022
this audiobook was interesting, in that it was suspense but both MCs were normal people? it felt like nothing I'd read before! I also found the interworkings of both MCs jobs to be pretty compelling— the book never felt like it was dragging. I will say i was almost more interested in the secondary suspense plotline than the romance? but still a good time, probably a 3.5-3.75 read
Content Notes: Lacey is a Black straight cis woman in her 30s? She works for the city of Detroit in the environmental sector. Drake is a Black straight cis man, the mayor of Detroit. Book contains depictions of on-page sex, of corrupt politicians, murder, threats of violence, arson, vigilante justice
Content Notes: Lacey is a Black straight cis woman in her 30s? She works for the city of Detroit in the environmental sector. Drake is a Black straight cis man, the mayor of Detroit. Book contains depictions of on-page sex, of corrupt politicians, murder, threats of violence, arson, vigilante justice
January 26, 2023
Wasn’t my favorite, I think I just really love her histroms more. But I was delighted to discover the hero is a descendent of Galen and Hester Vachon!
Read
February 29, 2016I really enjoyed this story line. It was one of those type of novels I didn't want it to end. I really got the feel of being in Detroit while scandal, murder and mysterious love was going on. So realistic. I loved Lacy and "his fineness" story line. I can really see being thrown off of a major highway and rescued by "the Mayor" happening. Would love to see a sequel. I'm a Jenkinite for life...
January 23, 2016
These books about Galen and Hesters great grandsons Myk, Drake and Saint are great reads.
It is really good that Beverly goes back into history and comes to the present with such finesse with her characters.
If you have not read about the half brothers you don't know what you're missing.
The Edge Of Midnight Mykal and Sarita
The Edge Of Dawn Saint and Narice
Black Lace Drake and Lacy
It is really good that Beverly goes back into history and comes to the present with such finesse with her characters.
If you have not read about the half brothers you don't know what you're missing.
The Edge Of Midnight Mykal and Sarita
The Edge Of Dawn Saint and Narice
Black Lace Drake and Lacy
September 18, 2022
Beverly Jenkins really knows how to pack a punch in this series. You have a strong man and strong woman fighting for supremacy in a messed up situation. The drama and passion in this book is phenomenal. Beverly Jenkins never disappoints that for sure.
June 1, 2014
In a medium where much is ivory and blue, it is refreshing to witness romance in the hues of mahogany and brown. Let us applaud Ms. Jenkins for her portrayal of black being not only beautiful but vitreous as well. Lacy Greens and Drake Randolphs exist and reAding their story is a pleasure.
January 22, 2016
It's not your conventional love story, but it works. I love the chemistry between Drake and Lacy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
January 24, 2021
This is the third book following one of the (many) great grandsons of Hester and Galon, whom we met in the famed Indigo.
In a rush to make it to a meeting, Drake, the Mayor of Detroit's, driver accidentally hits and runs off the road Lacy, a fellow city employee (Asst. Director of the Environmental Protection Department). Seeing it as his mayoral duty, Drake makes it his mission to ensure that she is ok, personally taking her the hospital and remaining by her side the whole step of the way.
Lacy, coming off of a unpleasant divorce and a new move, as well as being fully aware of Drake's player history, she does not want to find herself in a position to be enamored by him. But who can resist Drake's good looks and Vachon charm? The don't call him His Fineness for nothing.
But it's not just the allure of Drake that bring him and Lacy together; there is quite the nefarious character who is wreaking havoc throughout the city, impacting Drake's job (as both mayor and a member of the covert operation: NIA), Lacy's job, and all the people in their community.
I like the romance between the couple, but it did take me a bit to warm up to Drake. I really liked Lacy, but could have done without the persistent inexperienced trope - especially since it did not seem to really match her character in my opinion. As much as I enjoyed them working together to solve this collective problem (which was pretty interesting and unique), at times this subplot seemed to overshadow the building of the relationship, causing some romantic moments to move too quickly for me.
But, I can fully recognize that I was reading this when the US was in yet another social/political dumpster fire so my timing probably wasn't ideal for this type of book.
3.5 stars
In a rush to make it to a meeting, Drake, the Mayor of Detroit's, driver accidentally hits and runs off the road Lacy, a fellow city employee (Asst. Director of the Environmental Protection Department). Seeing it as his mayoral duty, Drake makes it his mission to ensure that she is ok, personally taking her the hospital and remaining by her side the whole step of the way.
Lacy, coming off of a unpleasant divorce and a new move, as well as being fully aware of Drake's player history, she does not want to find herself in a position to be enamored by him. But who can resist Drake's good looks and Vachon charm? The don't call him His Fineness for nothing.
But it's not just the allure of Drake that bring him and Lacy together; there is quite the nefarious character who is wreaking havoc throughout the city, impacting Drake's job (as both mayor and a member of the covert operation: NIA), Lacy's job, and all the people in their community.
I like the romance between the couple, but it did take me a bit to warm up to Drake. I really liked Lacy, but could have done without the persistent inexperienced trope - especially since it did not seem to really match her character in my opinion. As much as I enjoyed them working together to solve this collective problem (which was pretty interesting and unique), at times this subplot seemed to overshadow the building of the relationship, causing some romantic moments to move too quickly for me.
But, I can fully recognize that I was reading this when the US was in yet another social/political dumpster fire so my timing probably wasn't ideal for this type of book.
3.5 stars
May 28, 2021
Another enjoyable chapter in the Brothers Randolph saga. This seems to be the last of the brothers stories and its about Drake Randolph and Lacy Green. Drake is the mayor of Detroit and Lacy is the new head of Detroit's Environmental Protection Dept. She has a tough job trying to clean up a city that has had problems with illegal dumping, blight, asbestos in so many old buildings and landlords not wanting to spend the money to clean up their properties. Her clean up plan is strongly opposed by one of the city councilmen who owns a disposal company and is one of the worst violators of its proposals.
Drake is very impressed with her plan and so are most of the other councilmen who quickly approve the plan. Drake is also very impressed with Lacy, personally. Lacy tries to keep her distance due to a bad previous marriage but Drake is intrigued by her ability to keep him at bay and gently dissolves her reluctances.
There is romance but as usual the meatier story is with Lacy and Parker the councilmen. There are threats and attempts on her life as well as several murders in the story that create tension and page turning excitement.
Thank you Ms. Jenkins for another great read. Keep them coming!
Drake is very impressed with her plan and so are most of the other councilmen who quickly approve the plan. Drake is also very impressed with Lacy, personally. Lacy tries to keep her distance due to a bad previous marriage but Drake is intrigued by her ability to keep him at bay and gently dissolves her reluctances.
There is romance but as usual the meatier story is with Lacy and Parker the councilmen. There are threats and attempts on her life as well as several murders in the story that create tension and page turning excitement.
Thank you Ms. Jenkins for another great read. Keep them coming!
August 28, 2017
An exciting romance
Ms Jenkins never fails to deliver the drama and this story was no exception.
Lacey is a recent transplant to Detroit. She's still getting used to her surroundings (namely the snow ) but loves her job with the Environmental Agency. However, she starts to reconsider when she's hit from behind during a snow storm and ends up in an embankment.
Drake can't believe his driver hit someone but he's quick to get out and rescue the person. What he is met with is a woman who is a beautiful as she is sassy and who doesn't seem to care that he's the mayor. She's just pissed about her car. Surprising to him, he finds the disinterest a turn on.
These two dance around their interest in each other but soon give in. They both have doubts; Lacey is still hurting from a high profile divorce and Drake can't have a 'normal' relationship as mayor. Add in some outside forces that are trying to cause them harm and you've got an addictive read.
Ms Jenkins never fails to deliver the drama and this story was no exception.
Lacey is a recent transplant to Detroit. She's still getting used to her surroundings (namely the snow ) but loves her job with the Environmental Agency. However, she starts to reconsider when she's hit from behind during a snow storm and ends up in an embankment.
Drake can't believe his driver hit someone but he's quick to get out and rescue the person. What he is met with is a woman who is a beautiful as she is sassy and who doesn't seem to care that he's the mayor. She's just pissed about her car. Surprising to him, he finds the disinterest a turn on.
These two dance around their interest in each other but soon give in. They both have doubts; Lacey is still hurting from a high profile divorce and Drake can't have a 'normal' relationship as mayor. Add in some outside forces that are trying to cause them harm and you've got an addictive read.
April 19, 2022
I wish these books were listed as a series. The main characters in The Edge of Midnight, The Edge of Dawn, and Black Lace are all based on three half brothers who are descendants of Galen Vachon/The Black Daniel from Beverly Jenkins' historical romance novel Indigo.
I love that all Beverly Jenkins' contemporary romance novels are somewhat related. And that the characters a related to characters from her historical romance novels.
Though this was my least favorite book out of the three, I still really enjoyed it. It was my least favorite because it was somewhat anticlimactic. I really enjoyed the topic of environmental issues in minority communities. This is a topic that isn't discussed enough. And as always Ms. Jenkins delivered on the steamy romance and passion topics!
I love that all Beverly Jenkins' contemporary romance novels are somewhat related. And that the characters a related to characters from her historical romance novels.
Though this was my least favorite book out of the three, I still really enjoyed it. It was my least favorite because it was somewhat anticlimactic. I really enjoyed the topic of environmental issues in minority communities. This is a topic that isn't discussed enough. And as always Ms. Jenkins delivered on the steamy romance and passion topics!
August 7, 2019
I really liked how Charming Drake was, I honestly was never super interested in Mr. Mayor but after reading his book I was very pleasantly surprised. He’s smart, funny and I loved that while he did have a painful past with his father, he still had the support he needed form his family and later his half siblings. I love the family dynamics it was definitely interesting to see all the different people who influenced his life.
I think that the suspense of this book was definitely well constructed and thrilling, it was well written and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. Definitely recommend.
I think that the suspense of this book was definitely well constructed and thrilling, it was well written and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. Definitely recommend.
August 30, 2023
Drake and Lacy are two who authentically like and eventually love each other. No games or pretense. They are genuinely interested in knowing the other person. Lacy is honest about her terrible first marriage and being cautious but that didn’t stop her from giving Drake a chance. Drake is patient and understanding like the Doctor he is. He knows Lacy is special and he’s willing to take the time to court her.
Lacy’s Mom is her biggest cheerleader and support. She’s a full woman and I love the conversations between those two just like the conversations between Mykal and Drake.
This was a good read.
Lacy’s Mom is her biggest cheerleader and support. She’s a full woman and I love the conversations between those two just like the conversations between Mykal and Drake.
This was a good read.
June 29, 2020
This book is amazing. The characters have great chemistry, the humor is laugh out loud funny, the suspense is superb, and the sex is hot and steamy.
The only thing I dislike is that lack of sexual experience and the virginal qualities that seemed to be pressed upon. Made little sense since the female character was married previously. It’s an issue I have with lots of romance novels. That women need to keep this child like virginal quality in order for the men to be attracted to them or find them more attractive
The only thing I dislike is that lack of sexual experience and the virginal qualities that seemed to be pressed upon. Made little sense since the female character was married previously. It’s an issue I have with lots of romance novels. That women need to keep this child like virginal quality in order for the men to be attracted to them or find them more attractive
April 14, 2023
Beverly Jenkins never ceases to amaze me with her writing.
His Fineness Dr. Mayor Drake Randolph & Lacey Greene
Romantic suspense indeed.
Tropes:
Meet Cute
Political
He falls first
This book has murder, stalkers, political sabotage and greed, secret organizations, vigilantes, and romance 🥰.
There’s mamas who behave like you would think a mama would, you have a sense of community, and you have love that blossoms after hurt.
I enjoyed this book tremendously and if you like Auntie Beverly Jenkins books, here’s another🙂🙃🙂
His Fineness Dr. Mayor Drake Randolph & Lacey Greene
Romantic suspense indeed.
Tropes:
Meet Cute
Political
He falls first
This book has murder, stalkers, political sabotage and greed, secret organizations, vigilantes, and romance 🥰.
There’s mamas who behave like you would think a mama would, you have a sense of community, and you have love that blossoms after hurt.
I enjoyed this book tremendously and if you like Auntie Beverly Jenkins books, here’s another🙂🙃🙂
February 26, 2025
I normally love Beverly Jenkins but so far this one is falling flat. (I’ve only read her historicals before, this is the first of her contemporaries I’ve read. But I do love contemporary in general.)
I feel like, so far, Lacy is Not Like Other Girls TM and Drake is just a douchey modern day reformed rake (nobody has ever turned him down! So he’s extra interested bc she did?!?!?) kind of guy, and I am not actually feeling the chemistry? Maybe it gets better, but I’m thinking about a DNF.
I usually love this author :(
I feel like, so far, Lacy is Not Like Other Girls TM and Drake is just a douchey modern day reformed rake (nobody has ever turned him down! So he’s extra interested bc she did?!?!?) kind of guy, and I am not actually feeling the chemistry? Maybe it gets better, but I’m thinking about a DNF.
I usually love this author :(
January 12, 2022
I was expecting a little more mystery and suspense but overall I enjoyed it. This is the first time I’ve read a Beverly Jenkins book and not listen to the audiobook. She has a way of making things that normally wouldn’t be so hot, kind of dirty and I appreciate that. I didn’t love this as much as I have all her other works but all the other works I read were historical romances so maybe that’s why.
September 9, 2019
An overall enjoyable read, however I prefer her historical novels. I enjoyed the story of Lacey and Drake although the ending was a bit weak. I would love to know if Drake ran for another term.
My favorite part of this series are the references to Galon and Hester Vachon. I’m glad we learned more about Roland Vachon and his tragic story.
My favorite part of this series are the references to Galon and Hester Vachon. I’m glad we learned more about Roland Vachon and his tragic story.
April 19, 2022
Loved it
Loved the mystery and the romance combined. I liked the fact that a second marriage for Lacy was happy and life gets better the second time around.
I'm glad all the characters were tied in with the other previous books I was wondering how the brothers fit together.
Loved the mystery and the romance combined. I liked the fact that a second marriage for Lacy was happy and life gets better the second time around.
I'm glad all the characters were tied in with the other previous books I was wondering how the brothers fit together.
August 17, 2023
Another Oldie But Goodie
Murder, mayhem, trash, a sense of needing justice, and love are the themes of Ms Bev’s, Black Lace. Mayor Drake Randolph and Lacy Green meet literally by accident. Their love affair is marred by greed and corruption (not their’s). Several tense moments make this a set it down and take a reading break type story. Enjoy
Murder, mayhem, trash, a sense of needing justice, and love are the themes of Ms Bev’s, Black Lace. Mayor Drake Randolph and Lacy Green meet literally by accident. Their love affair is marred by greed and corruption (not their’s). Several tense moments make this a set it down and take a reading break type story. Enjoy
March 23, 2025
Another installment in Ms. Bev's contemporary romantic suspense novels, Black Lace has a more interesting subplot about environmental racism and corrupt systems than the fairly straightforward romance it was wrapped around. I think I would have liked this more as an audiobook than an ebook, but it was fine.
March 4, 2020
Black Lace
Interesting and informative read with a sweet romantic twist. It’s about survival of the fittest and the reality of the times we live. Well done to the author and thanks!
Interesting and informative read with a sweet romantic twist. It’s about survival of the fittest and the reality of the times we live. Well done to the author and thanks!
July 14, 2020
I hated having to put it down! Ms. Beverly has taken my heart by storm so many twists and turns. The characters were strong women not the least bit male dependent. Made me love them all the more! So much more for me to read ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews