Dissent: The Love Vanquishes All Series (Book 2)

dissent.jpg

This is the first time I have reviewed in the genre of romance. I have always enjoyed reading love stories, but since becoming a mom, I find my bookshelves (and time) filled with picture books instead. After this indulgent read, though, I know I need to make time for myself. I so looked forward to bedtime, after the baby was down, and I could be swept up in Awa and Blaise’s journey.

When the author, P.J. Dean, sent me a blurb, I was instantly hooked on this novel’s concept. It. Is. So. Unique! I was quite backlogged on other review requests, but finally, I got around to breaking into this genre. It felt like coming home. The heart-pulls, shared excitement, blush-worthy moments, crestfallen characters. . . all the twists and turns of a great emotional roller coaster . . . this story is chock-full of them.

I use the term “chock-full” because it is a very long read, which is pretty atypical of a romance book. I was fine with that, though. It is a historical romance, and Dean paints a very detailed backdrop of 1500s France (and Africa). The cast of characters is large, too, but all of their rolls are important to drive the plot.

The length is not the only atypical feature of Dissent. The premise is founded on an African woman in an arranged marriage with a protestant Frenchman (when Catholicism was the majority religion). You don’t see that match-up very often in romances, do you? When you read this book, though, it is very evident that Dean did her research. The setting is intricately described all the way down to the renaissance era’s politics, phraseology, etiquette, clothing, foods, and other tidbits of culture. Bravo!

All in all, a good book. Thanks for sending it my way, Ms. Dean! I wish other authors would change things up and break down the usual cliches of the genre. It makes for an exquisite read!