Emancipating James reveals the complicated facets of the human soul exposed against the backdrops of Civil War, slavery, and romance.

 

 

In this compelling third saga of the Black series, Joan Vassar returns to Upper Canada–1862. While on a mission with the legendary Black, James comes face to face with a dark beauty enslaved on the Mickerson plantation. Freedom and love are within his grasp, until ill-fated circumstances separate the two. When he is severely wounded in a violent uprising, James’ life is forever changed. Scarred, both physically and emotionally, he tries to put behind him the failures of the last year. 

 

When life at the fort is threatened, James and his brothers are called upon for a dangerous mission that could jeopardize their hard-earned freedom. The men embark on a treacherous journey that will take them to Union Capital and then on to their final stop: The Hunter plantation, where bitter enemies and reckonings await payment. As the men follow a path of murder and intrigue, who will live and who will die remains to be seen.
 

 

Canada, 1860—While on a mission for Black, Elbert notices the lovely Anna Baker for the first time. Unable to think of much else, he leaves Canada to pursue the beauty that has captured his thoughts. Anna is unnerved by the man with the lifeless eyes, who is relentless and forward in his approach. She offers nothing of herself to the intimidating stranger, but fate has a different plan.When Anna is assaulted by slave catchers on the streets of Boston, Elbert finds his manhood tested to the limit. He steps in to help, but the consequences prove devastating, and both are sold into bondage. As Anna learns the horrors of slavery, she comes to understand there is more to the foreboding stranger than meets the eye.

Elbert and Anna manage to escape—with the help of the legendary Black. But freedom is not enough to satisfy Elbert’s bruised ego. He wants the pound of flesh owed, and he will stop at nothing to collect.

 

Review Written By Keith Andes Woodard

After reading Joan Vassar's "Black" I didn't think that she would be able to write a better book. But she has proved me wrong!! "Elbert: The Uncaged Mind" was a page turner. I love how she was able to connect the dots between stories in "Black" and "Elbert". Read most of this book on a plane ride from Atlanta to Los Angeles and finished when I arrived at my hotel that night!! Engaging characters and well thought out scenes are laid out like watching a movie!!! Well done Miss Vassar. Can't wait for the continuation of the series with "James". Keep up the GREAT WORK!!

 

Review Written By Dee

Absolutely no disappointments with this book. I finished it in 2 days. I could not put it down. I thought the first book "Black" was a movie because the words formed a visual depiction of an actual film. This was definitely a sequel but gets better each chapter. The characters come to life right before your eyes. I'm a true fan of this series. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book. Who will be next?

 

Review Written By BySam Cherry

"Elbert" is NOT your typical slave story. Elbert, with ALL of his rough edges, is a man's man. I thought "Black" was good but, Elbert, Elbert was a whole nother story. Elbert appeared menecing but, there was a sweet side that he only shared with those that he loved. The characters vivid descriptions, were so life like, they literally came off of the pages. It was a great love story intertwined with the fight for freedom and unity. I love the cover, it's so fitting for this book. Joan Vassar has really outdone herself. I cannot wait to read the third installment of this series. It just gets better and better. I read this book literally in a couple of days it was a great read. -- EyeCU Book Club approved

 

Review Written By Michele Hallahan Ten stars for Elbert!!

I loved everything about this book, starting with the page count. We get hundreds of pages of fantastically written, heart pounding, heartwarming, tear jerking, swoon worthy, panty melting.....the book just gives us everything. So to me, the page count was just the opening act.

Elbert, Elbert, Elbert...I knew I'd love his character from first meeting him in the novel that started it all ''Black''. His menacing eyes, his powerful build and his dangerous ways made for a perfect character, add to it a softer side, hidden in the background and he's complete. In this story, he and Anna are both fighting inner demons, demons that make him even more dangerous and her, a frightened shell of her former self.

We get so much in this novel. Dangerous, heart stopping, can't-turn-pages-fast-enough action. We meet fantastic new friends and disgusting foes. Fort Independence is growing by leaps and bounds and it's a beautiful thing to see.

Also a beautiful thing to see is Anna and Elbert become a solid, loving family. Their relationship is sexy and hot as hell, even eating was something enjoyable to see. I use the word "see" because I can vividly see everyone and everything going on in this book. It's as clear as an HD movie to me, and that is why I absolutely love this brilliant author.

Although Elbert is my favorite and waiting to read this was eating me up, I can honestly say I'm already itching to get to James's story. Just with a few lines in a chapter I'm hooked. Thank you Joan for another fantastic novel, you've wowed me three times already and I'm excitedly waiting for more.

 

Purchase Elbert: The Uncaged Mind by Joan Vassar (Black Series Book 2)

Romance. Suspense. Adventure. Historical.

Sexy Black Men in love with Sexy Black Women

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M5H67VA

 

 

The main character, BLACK, is the fictional son of Nat Turner. Nat Turner (October, 1800 – November, 1831) was an enslaved African American who led a rebellion of slaves and free blacks in Southampton County, Virginia. Nat Turner is widely regarded as one of the most complex figures in American history and American literature.

REVIEW: The Black Series by Joan Vassar

New York native, Joan Vassar is an avid reader and storyteller. Joan graduated from the High School of Graphic Communication Arts in NYC, which heightened interest in journalism. She has always had the in-depth ability to astutely relate, interpret and bring words to life. Joan works as a software analyst by day, but her true passion is storytelling. She enjoys writing narratives that bring to life the African American experience both past and present. 

 

BPM: Tell us about your new books and the main characters. Available on Nook and Kindle?

The Black Series is a historical fiction/romance piece that takes place just before the American Civil War. The main character in book one is the fictional son of Nat Turner. The novels Black and Elbert: The Uncaged Mind are available on Kindle and in paperback.

 

BPM: What topics are discussed?

In the Black Series I attempt to personalize the stories of black folks living during the 1860’s. I unapologetically love black men and try to show it in my work. I explore black family, black love and black orgasm with no shame.

 

BPM: What was your hardest scene to write, the opening or the close?

The hardest scene to write was the closing scene of book one, because I felt remorse that sorry ended. I missed the characters, which led to book two and three.

 

BPM: Do you try to deliver to readers what they want or let the characters guide your writing?

I try to deliver what I believe my readers want–strong black male characters who are sexy, intelligent and who will do anything to protect the women they love. I have tried to give my readers a sense of pride in my characters.

 

BPM: Is there one subject you would never write about as an author?

I don’t want to write a story that belittles or tears Black people down.

 

BPM: Is there a certain type of scene that's harder for you to write than others?

Everyday life is hard to write about, but the small stuff is necessary. When a character ties his shoes or brushes his teeth, these actions make the story real. As a writer, it’s the mundane that is hardest to convey to readers.

 

BPM: What made you want to become a writer? How long have you been writing?

I have written since third grade, which is a long time. I love to tell a good story and capture the imagination of others–I love to write.

 

BPM: How has writing impacted your life?

Writing offers relief from stress. It also allows me to connect with my inner self, as well people I don’t know through art.

 

BPM: Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?

Yes, I view art as spiritual. When art is accepted or rejected both energies bring the work to life. Art lives on emotion.

 

BPM: What was one of the most surprising things you learned from this project?

Writing can be draining, because you have to be all the characters. Bringing your characters to life is important for the artist and the readers.

 

BPM: Share one specific point in your book that resonated with your present situation or journey.

In book one the moment when Black realizes love made him stronger resonated with me. In book two the moment when Elbert realizes that his manhood is not fragile after all also resonated with me. I have experienced defining moments that made me stronger like my characters and I am attempting to share these moments with my readers.

 

BPM: Is there a specific space that you find inspiration in?

My favorite space is my bedroom with my computer and my thoughts.

 

BPM: Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Writing both energizes and exhausts me, still I love it.

 

BPM: What are the top three things that make you feel happy and fulfilled?

My children, my family and writing a better book than my last, makes me happy and fulfilled.

 

BPM: What makes you forget about the world around you?

Writing helps me travel without leaving the room.

 

BPM: What strengths did you use to achieve two major goals in life?

Discipline helped me complete my novel “Black”. I made sure to write one page a day. I have raised four children and I consider it a major accomplishment.

 

Purchase The Black Series by Joan Vassar

Romance. Suspense. Adventure. Historical.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M5H67VA