What do you think?
Rate this book
Wildefire #1
Midnight Secrets
For fans of Cherry Adair and Karen Robards, a thrilling new romantic suspense novel from Ella Grace...
AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, THE HEAT BEGINS
On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.
Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own.
AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, THE HEAT BEGINS
On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.
Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own.
418 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 26, 2013
65 people are currently reading
2678 people want to read
About the author
Ella Grace
62 books250 followersElla Grace is the pseudonym for NYT Bestselling author Christy Reece. Ella's Midnight series is based in her home state of Alabama. The first book, MIDNIGHT SECRETS, is scheduled for release April 2013 and includes steamy romance, mystery, and suspense set in the small fictional town of Midnight, Alabama.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
April 30, 2013
Full review posted 4/29/13
Christy Reece won adoration and praise with her Last Chance Rescue series and now, writing as Ella Grace, she lures and captures readers with the debut of her new “Wildefire” romantic suspense series, focusing on triplets, Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde. While the LCR series is more plot-driven with action-packed darker storylines, readers will find the Wildefire series is more character-driven, emphasizing the relationships and romance with a blend of mystery and suspense.
The timeline spanning eighteen years provides a look at both the past and present. It adds a depth to the storyline that often times goes undiscovered. At the young age of ten, the girls lose their parents in an apparent murder/suicide and are placed in their grandfather’s care. At the time, no one questioned the ruling in the case. Nothing is as it seems and what really happened that night was a double murder. Eight years later, Savannah and Zach meet on prom night. A summertime romance leads to first love. Promises are made but broken. And then secrets keep them apart for years. Forgiveness must come from both sides.
“Midnight Secrets” is a reunion and second chance at love story. It reunites Savannah with her high-school crush and the man who later broke her heart, Zach Tanner, and takes place in their small southern hometown of Midnight, Alabama. After ten years away, Savannah returns home when forced to take a leave from her job as a prosecuting attorney in Nashville. The family home has remained empty since her grandfather’s death. It’s time to clean house, so to speak, and put it on the market for sale. When Savannah finds evidence among her grandfather’s things indicating he never believed that his son was responsible for killing his wife and then himself, she calls upon the now Chief of Police in Midnight, Zach Tanner, to help her further investigate the deaths of Maggie and Beckett Wilde.
The romance between Savannah and Zach is an emotional one. Even though first love went astray, the fire has continued to simmer through the years. Although they are struggling with some heavy issues between them, the chemistry is still explosive and bubbling to the surface. The second time around will be filled with sensuality and passion. Count on a great romance between these two.
The book is overflowing with an introduction to an eclectic and broad range of new and captivating characters. You’ll meet all three triplets, who share almost identical physical features, but instantly notice the unique qualities in each of their personalities. Zach Turner will definitely draw your attention with his gorgeous good looks. But it’s his personality of gentle devotion and hard-working attitude that shines through. Aunt Gibby will tickle your funny bone with her matchmaking and so-called cooking skills. At first glance, Midnight appears to be quiet and friendly, with the familiar small town atmosphere and politics - where everyone knows everyone. But things aren’t always as they seem. Among the good folk of Midnight walk adulterers, liars and murderers. Throughout the investigation, a variety of long-ago buried secrets surface creating danger for Savannah when she becomes the target of a killer. The pages are filled with intrigue and buried secrets. This book delivers a well-hidden crime and it’s not until near the end when the real murderer is revealed. This is pure delight for any romantic suspense lover who enjoys the hunt in a nail biting case to solve.
Whether or not you find yourself in the company of an LCR operative fighting international crimes or involved with a family searching for justice in a small southern town, the true talents of this author, writing as either Christy Reece or Ella Grace, continue to shine through. There’s real magic in her books and I’m irrevocably hooked!
If you’re looking for something new and refreshing to read that combines steamy romance with great suspense, you’ve found it. Ella Grace has written an emotional and riveting story and it’s a terrific read from start to finish. “Midnight Secrets” is sure to fulfill even the most demanding romantic suspense reader’s criteria.
“Midnight Lies” is the second book in the series and will be released on September 24, 2013, featuring Samantha Wilde and Quinn Braddock, followed by Sabrina’s story in “Midnight Shadows.”
Christy Reece won adoration and praise with her Last Chance Rescue series and now, writing as Ella Grace, she lures and captures readers with the debut of her new “Wildefire” romantic suspense series, focusing on triplets, Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde. While the LCR series is more plot-driven with action-packed darker storylines, readers will find the Wildefire series is more character-driven, emphasizing the relationships and romance with a blend of mystery and suspense.
The timeline spanning eighteen years provides a look at both the past and present. It adds a depth to the storyline that often times goes undiscovered. At the young age of ten, the girls lose their parents in an apparent murder/suicide and are placed in their grandfather’s care. At the time, no one questioned the ruling in the case. Nothing is as it seems and what really happened that night was a double murder. Eight years later, Savannah and Zach meet on prom night. A summertime romance leads to first love. Promises are made but broken. And then secrets keep them apart for years. Forgiveness must come from both sides.
“Midnight Secrets” is a reunion and second chance at love story. It reunites Savannah with her high-school crush and the man who later broke her heart, Zach Tanner, and takes place in their small southern hometown of Midnight, Alabama. After ten years away, Savannah returns home when forced to take a leave from her job as a prosecuting attorney in Nashville. The family home has remained empty since her grandfather’s death. It’s time to clean house, so to speak, and put it on the market for sale. When Savannah finds evidence among her grandfather’s things indicating he never believed that his son was responsible for killing his wife and then himself, she calls upon the now Chief of Police in Midnight, Zach Tanner, to help her further investigate the deaths of Maggie and Beckett Wilde.
The romance between Savannah and Zach is an emotional one. Even though first love went astray, the fire has continued to simmer through the years. Although they are struggling with some heavy issues between them, the chemistry is still explosive and bubbling to the surface. The second time around will be filled with sensuality and passion. Count on a great romance between these two.
The book is overflowing with an introduction to an eclectic and broad range of new and captivating characters. You’ll meet all three triplets, who share almost identical physical features, but instantly notice the unique qualities in each of their personalities. Zach Turner will definitely draw your attention with his gorgeous good looks. But it’s his personality of gentle devotion and hard-working attitude that shines through. Aunt Gibby will tickle your funny bone with her matchmaking and so-called cooking skills. At first glance, Midnight appears to be quiet and friendly, with the familiar small town atmosphere and politics - where everyone knows everyone. But things aren’t always as they seem. Among the good folk of Midnight walk adulterers, liars and murderers. Throughout the investigation, a variety of long-ago buried secrets surface creating danger for Savannah when she becomes the target of a killer. The pages are filled with intrigue and buried secrets. This book delivers a well-hidden crime and it’s not until near the end when the real murderer is revealed. This is pure delight for any romantic suspense lover who enjoys the hunt in a nail biting case to solve.
Whether or not you find yourself in the company of an LCR operative fighting international crimes or involved with a family searching for justice in a small southern town, the true talents of this author, writing as either Christy Reece or Ella Grace, continue to shine through. There’s real magic in her books and I’m irrevocably hooked!
If you’re looking for something new and refreshing to read that combines steamy romance with great suspense, you’ve found it. Ella Grace has written an emotional and riveting story and it’s a terrific read from start to finish. “Midnight Secrets” is sure to fulfill even the most demanding romantic suspense reader’s criteria.
“Midnight Lies” is the second book in the series and will be released on September 24, 2013, featuring Samantha Wilde and Quinn Braddock, followed by Sabrina’s story in “Midnight Shadows.”
May 11, 2013
Midnight Secrets is the first book in Ella Grace’s Wildefire series, and opens with a tragic scene that absolutely broke my heart. Right from the start I was completely invested in the Wilde family, and desperate to know the truth of what happened that horrible night.Zach Tanner
From the Cover:I really enjoy ‘second chance’ romances, especially when they’re written the way Midnight Secrets is. What I mean is that instead of just being told about the past through character reflection or dialog, we actually watch it unfold. We see the ‘murder-suicide’ as it takes place, and even though it was heartbreaking to watch, I was glad those details were given to us because it saved me a lot of anxiety throughout the rest of story. Then years later - but not yet in the present - we get an up close and personal glimpse at Savannah and Zach’s relationship, how it begins and how it ends too soon. I loved that it was written this way because, as I said, it pulled me in and I became connected to the family, invested in them and the learning the truth. And as much as I loved those parts, the present day story is just as good, just as compelling. This is such a well written mystery/romance, with wonderful characters and a storyline loaded with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing right to the very end.
At the stroke of midnight, the heat begins...
On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.
Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own.
Interestingly enough, I’ve been meaning to read Christy Reece’s writing ever since Pamela Clare – a truly amazing romantic suspense author, herself – recommended her to me, but there’s always been one thing or another cropping up, and I just never got around to it. When I decided to read and review Midnight Secrets, I had no idea that Ella Grace is Christy Reece, but knowing it now, you can bet I’ll be picking up Ms. Reece’s Last Chance Rescue books, very soon.
The bottom line: Fast paced, intriguing, and sexy, romantic and fun, Midnight Secrets is an exciting story that no romantic suspense fan should miss! Savannah and Zach are fantastic together, and now I’m anxiously awaiting Samantha’s and Sabrina’s stories.
My thanks to Ballatine Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2018
Full Review on NetGalley
October 8, 2015
Sweet, sexy, suspenseful second chance romance. 17 and 20 was so young but the love Zach and Savannah felt was by far on a very mature level. Then horrible events rip Zach away and one thing after another keep these two apart for over a decade. I loved that even though there was anger and pain thus didn't stop Zach from wanting to make things right. He realized his feelings had never gone away. I loved Zach so much. The suspense took a very big part in this story which did get a little slow at times. But when this couple was on the page together it was either emotional or explosive. I really want to jump into Sam's story asap but I'm worried about another separation.
Solid 4 star read
Safety info :
Both dated with nothing serious during the separation but Zach told her right away that she was the only woman he ever felt serious feelings for.
There was one lady in town who seemed to want Zach but it turned out to be nothing. He didn't date anyone from their hometown. No drama.
Solid 4 star read
Safety info :
Both dated with nothing serious during the separation but Zach told her right away that she was the only woman he ever felt serious feelings for.
There was one lady in town who seemed to want Zach but it turned out to be nothing. He didn't date anyone from their hometown. No drama.
May 2, 2013
Savannah
Zack
I was a huge fan of Christy Reece’s Last Chance series, so when I saw that she had plans on releasing a new Romantic Suspense series under the pen name of Ella Grace, I’ll admit to doing a little happy dance.
The woman can write the hell out of Romantic Suspense.
Midnight Secrets starts off with the mysterious murder of Maggie and Beckett Wilde that is assumed a murder suicide, leaving their triplet daughters to pick up the pieces of what once was a happy family.
The first half of the book was a bit slow. There is a significant amount of background that is given, and a good chunk of it is retelling the relationship that took place between Savannah and Zack Tanner, the town’s “bad boy”.
Ten years ago, Savannah, the studious and shy one of the 3 sisters, and Zack had a sweet youthful romance.
With thoughts of forever, Savannah is getting reading to begin college while Zack is going into the army.
Savannah, now a successful ADA, is living in Nashville and Zack Tanner is simply a painful memory for her.
When a a grueling case forces her to seek shelter in her old home in Midnight, Alabama, she is forced to finally face her first love who is now the town’s Police Chief. There is a lot of mystery from both sides as to what really caused the demise of their relationship, and a good deal of the book is spent on finding out what happened between them. But like 2 moths to a burning flame, the attraction and feelings still left between them is undeniable and draws them together once more.
The story really takes off after the 50% mark. Savannah stumbles on evidence that bring to question the gruesome event that took place 18 years ago with her parents and she is determined to find out what really happened.
It is very rare that a story keeps me in such suspense I truly don’t know up from down. There were so many twists and revelations that just kept on coming and coming. I was truly floored when the villain’s identity was finally revealed at the end.
What I really enjoyed is that the romance between the hero and the heroine was wonderfully interwoven into the story. It never seemed out of place or took a back seat to the mystery. It was also steamy as hell!
The murder mystery is resolved at the end of the book along with a HEA and a very satisfying Epilogue. It looks as if each book in the series will focus on a different mystery. After having read too-many books that have a story stretching over several books, I was so happy to find out that this was not the case here.
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Zack
I was a huge fan of Christy Reece’s Last Chance series, so when I saw that she had plans on releasing a new Romantic Suspense series under the pen name of Ella Grace, I’ll admit to doing a little happy dance.
The woman can write the hell out of Romantic Suspense.
Midnight Secrets starts off with the mysterious murder of Maggie and Beckett Wilde that is assumed a murder suicide, leaving their triplet daughters to pick up the pieces of what once was a happy family.
The first half of the book was a bit slow. There is a significant amount of background that is given, and a good chunk of it is retelling the relationship that took place between Savannah and Zack Tanner, the town’s “bad boy”.
Ten years ago, Savannah, the studious and shy one of the 3 sisters, and Zack had a sweet youthful romance.
With thoughts of forever, Savannah is getting reading to begin college while Zack is going into the army.
Savannah, now a successful ADA, is living in Nashville and Zack Tanner is simply a painful memory for her.
When a a grueling case forces her to seek shelter in her old home in Midnight, Alabama, she is forced to finally face her first love who is now the town’s Police Chief. There is a lot of mystery from both sides as to what really caused the demise of their relationship, and a good deal of the book is spent on finding out what happened between them. But like 2 moths to a burning flame, the attraction and feelings still left between them is undeniable and draws them together once more.
The story really takes off after the 50% mark. Savannah stumbles on evidence that bring to question the gruesome event that took place 18 years ago with her parents and she is determined to find out what really happened.
It is very rare that a story keeps me in such suspense I truly don’t know up from down. There were so many twists and revelations that just kept on coming and coming. I was truly floored when the villain’s identity was finally revealed at the end.
What I really enjoyed is that the romance between the hero and the heroine was wonderfully interwoven into the story. It never seemed out of place or took a back seat to the mystery. It was also steamy as hell!
The murder mystery is resolved at the end of the book along with a HEA and a very satisfying Epilogue. It looks as if each book in the series will focus on a different mystery. After having read too-many books that have a story stretching over several books, I was so happy to find out that this was not the case here.
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
October 30, 2025
At the age of 10, Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina’s life was forever changed while they were away at camp. Their father was accused of killing her mother and then committing suicide. Lovingly Raised by their grandfather in their family’s mansion in Midnight, Alabama helped but still their lives’ paths were altered by this tragedy.
At the age of 18, Savannah Wilde gave her heart to Zach Tanner. Zach was the misunderstood bad boy of Midnight. Heartbreak , loss and miscommunication rip this young love apart. Ten years later, Savannah returns to pack up and sell the family’s mansion only to discover Zach Tanner has returned and is now Midnight’s Sheriff.
The magical chemistry explodes once again between Savannah and Zach, but the hurt and heartbreak is almost too much to face. If that wasn���t enough, someone is very unhappy about Savannah's reappearance in Midnight and they definitely have malevolent intentions toward Savannah Wilde.
This was a brilliant story about rekindling lost love, returning war heroes and repairing one’s soul. Yes, I cried, cheered and clawed my kindle in anticipation. What can I say, I loved Midnight Secrets.
Take
1 really spicy romance,
1 incredible murder mystery,
1 fabulous grandfather,
3 beautiful, smart, sweet triplets,
1 small home town
then stir in the vivid imagination of Ella Grace’s writing and you’ve got a perfect romance! This book is being added to my favorite shelf.
This ARC copy of Midnight Secrets was given to me by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date April 30, 2013.
At the age of 18, Savannah Wilde gave her heart to Zach Tanner. Zach was the misunderstood bad boy of Midnight. Heartbreak , loss and miscommunication rip this young love apart. Ten years later, Savannah returns to pack up and sell the family’s mansion only to discover Zach Tanner has returned and is now Midnight’s Sheriff.
The magical chemistry explodes once again between Savannah and Zach, but the hurt and heartbreak is almost too much to face. If that wasn���t enough, someone is very unhappy about Savannah's reappearance in Midnight and they definitely have malevolent intentions toward Savannah Wilde.
This was a brilliant story about rekindling lost love, returning war heroes and repairing one’s soul. Yes, I cried, cheered and clawed my kindle in anticipation. What can I say, I loved Midnight Secrets.
Take
1 really spicy romance,
1 incredible murder mystery,
1 fabulous grandfather,
3 beautiful, smart, sweet triplets,
1 small home town
then stir in the vivid imagination of Ella Grace’s writing and you’ve got a perfect romance! This book is being added to my favorite shelf.
This ARC copy of Midnight Secrets was given to me by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date April 30, 2013.
May 11, 2013
4 ½ stars – Romantic Suspense
July 30, 2018
30/7 - Finally mustered the motivation to write this fully. The romance side of the story was quite good, above average; the suspense side was too easy to work out. The two big reveals -Savannah's and the identity of her parents' killer were a bit anti-climatic. I had already pegged as being involved in the deaths due to when she first arrived . Then the emphasis Grace put on before he left for the army immediately implied to me that there would be and the fact that nothing was mentioned was what surprised me the most (until the vague hints started to come up and I realised I'd been right all along).
Since I finished this I've been debating with myself whether I want to keep it, or donate it to my local Brotherhood of St. Laurence - it's the first in a trilogy and I'm a stickler for reading series in order. Yes, I have just read it, but if it was going to be months or even years before I read the next one it's likely I'll have forgotten what happened in this one and will need to reread it before continuing on with the series. Fortunately my library has both of the sequels and they are now on hold, so I can let this one go to someone who will hopefully enjoy it more (i.e. someone who hasn't read/watched so many murder mysteries that she's near-impossible to fool).
Sometimes I pity that poor shop. I go in on Mondays (not every Monday, just when I have a book to donate or I'm looking for something specific and decide to check their selection) and I often see books that I've donated to them, sitting on the shelf waiting to be bought. I only donate crap books - if it was good I'd be keeping it - so what they get from me has almost exclusively been ex-library copies of three star or under reads and they have a really hard time moving them on. When I went in today (to donate my most recent read, a rubbish one star book) they had three of my previous donations sitting (no, languishing) on the shelves and I felt guilty (though, not guilty enough to NOT give them that new crap book) about the new one I was bringing them and had to tell them how sorry I was about the quality of books I'd been offloading onto them. There are many more unfortunately crap books still on my shelves, so on I go.
November 20, 2013
A lite romance suspense with many good pages of sexy fun moments, but sadly with a predictable and over-the-top ending.
I didn't love it, didn't hate it.
Zach and Savannah were first loves, broken apart when Zach left for the military. Ten years later, both of them find themselves back in the small town of Midnight, and with a lot of hurt feelings to overcome. There are also a few mysteries a foot, including the possible murders of Savannah's parents 20 years ago.
The romance between Zach and Savannah was fun and hot, and I always love a story where unrequited lovers overcome their obstacles. Zach never stopped loving her or feeling guilty about the way he left without ever saying goodbye. I loved his passion for her, but it got a bit clingy and possessive at times. Still, these two together felt right and boy could they burn up the sheets (and stairs...)
The mystery was not a favorite part of this book for me. I had trouble caring about it as anything other than fodder to keep the hero and heroine together. I felt it became obvious fairly early who was a main culprit, so the red hearings didn't through me much. But the ending of the mystery? Sorry, but it was pure eye-rolling, info-dumping, confession-purging craziness.
Compared to Christy Reece's Last Chance series (a series I absolutely loved, and who is Ella Grace's alter-ego), this series is more simple, down-to-earth, relationship focused without all of the superhero spies, worldwide terrorist organizations, and bullets flying.
I liked the small town feel and a more simple mystery to solve for the most part, but I don't know if this series is going to cut it for me. I may try another, but if it ends with the massive info-dump Q&A style confession just to help us discover the bad guy, I will be done.
Review also posted at Booklikes.com
I didn't love it, didn't hate it.
Zach and Savannah were first loves, broken apart when Zach left for the military. Ten years later, both of them find themselves back in the small town of Midnight, and with a lot of hurt feelings to overcome. There are also a few mysteries a foot, including the possible murders of Savannah's parents 20 years ago.
The romance between Zach and Savannah was fun and hot, and I always love a story where unrequited lovers overcome their obstacles. Zach never stopped loving her or feeling guilty about the way he left without ever saying goodbye. I loved his passion for her, but it got a bit clingy and possessive at times. Still, these two together felt right and boy could they burn up the sheets (and stairs...)
The mystery was not a favorite part of this book for me. I had trouble caring about it as anything other than fodder to keep the hero and heroine together. I felt it became obvious fairly early who was a main culprit, so the red hearings didn't through me much. But the ending of the mystery? Sorry, but it was pure eye-rolling, info-dumping, confession-purging craziness.
Compared to Christy Reece's Last Chance series (a series I absolutely loved, and who is Ella Grace's alter-ego), this series is more simple, down-to-earth, relationship focused without all of the superhero spies, worldwide terrorist organizations, and bullets flying.
I liked the small town feel and a more simple mystery to solve for the most part, but I don't know if this series is going to cut it for me. I may try another, but if it ends with the massive info-dump Q&A style confession just to help us discover the bad guy, I will be done.
Review also posted at Booklikes.com
October 15, 2014
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
I knew I wanted to read this book as soon as the series was announced. My only concern was whether it would meet my expectations or was my excitement going to build them up too high. It was needless worry.
The Set Up
Triplet sisters Savannah, Samantha and Sabrina Wilde lost their parents in a brutal "murder-suicide" in Midnight, Alabama when they were 10 years old. It was blamed on their father but we know that's not so from the prologue. Their paternal grandfather is left to raise them and when Savannah was 18, she fell in love with Zach Tanner, a noble boy from a troubled home.
The Conflict
It's 10 years later and Savannah returns to Midnight for a couple of months, not having seen Zach in all that time. He's hoping for forgiveness for what tore them apart and she's not sure she can handle seeing him again. Both have secrets that they've held back.
The Mystery
Somebody murdered Beckett and Maggie Wilde 18 years ago and they killer or killers are still out there with no one really aware someone other than Beckett committed the crime. The suspense element slowly elevates as the story evolves.
What I Loved
Zach and Savannah. I felt like I knew exactly who they were in their teens and again ten years later. They were always true to character, and awfully appealing ones at that. There's a humble nobility about Zach...he's not perfect but he comes close. And, Savannah epitomizes beauty, grace and Southern elegance. Having the undiscovered and unsolved murder as a backdrop added a subtle edge to the entire story. Their romance was poignant, tragic, lovely, steamy...all of that. And, it was always at the forefront of the story. The Southern element was pitch perfect, too..no caricatures here, just a realistic portrayal of what's true about the culture.
What Didn't Work
Nada. This is the complete package.
What's Different
There are three timelines in the story: the parents' murder when the girls were 10 years old; Savannah at 18 when she begins seeing Zach; and, Savannah at 28 when she returns home.
Bottom Line
This is a strong start to what promises to be a really good series. The romance was utterly satisfying, the suspense creepy enough, the mystery puzzling and the Southern setting appropriate to the story. We already know enough about the other two Wilde sisters, Samantha and Sabrina, to anticipate their stories and there are a couple of other characters whose stories would reel me in. I really liked this book. 4.5 stars!
I knew I wanted to read this book as soon as the series was announced. My only concern was whether it would meet my expectations or was my excitement going to build them up too high. It was needless worry.
The Set Up
Triplet sisters Savannah, Samantha and Sabrina Wilde lost their parents in a brutal "murder-suicide" in Midnight, Alabama when they were 10 years old. It was blamed on their father but we know that's not so from the prologue. Their paternal grandfather is left to raise them and when Savannah was 18, she fell in love with Zach Tanner, a noble boy from a troubled home.
The Conflict
It's 10 years later and Savannah returns to Midnight for a couple of months, not having seen Zach in all that time. He's hoping for forgiveness for what tore them apart and she's not sure she can handle seeing him again. Both have secrets that they've held back.
The Mystery
Somebody murdered Beckett and Maggie Wilde 18 years ago and they killer or killers are still out there with no one really aware someone other than Beckett committed the crime. The suspense element slowly elevates as the story evolves.
What I Loved
Zach and Savannah. I felt like I knew exactly who they were in their teens and again ten years later. They were always true to character, and awfully appealing ones at that. There's a humble nobility about Zach...he's not perfect but he comes close. And, Savannah epitomizes beauty, grace and Southern elegance. Having the undiscovered and unsolved murder as a backdrop added a subtle edge to the entire story. Their romance was poignant, tragic, lovely, steamy...all of that. And, it was always at the forefront of the story. The Southern element was pitch perfect, too..no caricatures here, just a realistic portrayal of what's true about the culture.
What Didn't Work
Nada. This is the complete package.
What's Different
There are three timelines in the story: the parents' murder when the girls were 10 years old; Savannah at 18 when she begins seeing Zach; and, Savannah at 28 when she returns home.
Bottom Line
This is a strong start to what promises to be a really good series. The romance was utterly satisfying, the suspense creepy enough, the mystery puzzling and the Southern setting appropriate to the story. We already know enough about the other two Wilde sisters, Samantha and Sabrina, to anticipate their stories and there are a couple of other characters whose stories would reel me in. I really liked this book. 4.5 stars!
May 17, 2013
Ella Grace pulled me in from page one and never let go. What a start to her new series, Midnight Secrets was intriguing, emotional and just plain ole GOOD!! Zach and Savannah WOW! Dyin to read the next one!
Full Review
WOW...Ella Grace's Debut MIDNIGHT SECRETS Sizzles and left me wanting MORE!!
You better be ready to spend the whole day reading, because I swear, a few paragraphs in...and I was HOOKED!! And might I just say....Zach Tanner....YUMMOOOOOOO!! Fans of Christy Reece will understand when I say that there are just some authors who know how to write a HERO...and Ella Grace sure knows how to write a HERO!!
Zach, the town "bad-boy" and Savannah Wilde "good-girl" start a "burn hot and fast" kind of romance after he rescues her at the school prom. Promises are made and broken and ten years later, with some pretty big SECRETS between them, they are somewhat forced together again in hopes of cracking open a 20 year old murder. But let's just say that the town of Midnight and the people who call it home, have no plans on letting that happen, especially the people who have been keeping the SECRET since that horrific night.
First, I can't even imagine being in Savannah, or her sisters places, with what they went through as children and then to find out it all could have been a lie. Well, that is just some serious shit right there! Let me just say...LOVED Savannah Wilde...her sisters, Sammie and Bri are great too and I can't wait to see where Ella takes their stories, but Savannah was just sweet and pure and just SO IN LOVE...it broke my heart. Ella keeps you guessing the WHOLE time, dropping little hints here and there....keeping you on the seat on your chair. I was DYING to know what happened ten years ago between Savvy and Zach, and I was shocked to find out the truth...it's a definite OMG moment!
The chemistry between Zach and Savannah...whew....I don't think it could have burned any hotter...and it was NOT because they live in Alabama where it was 100+ degrees...believe me...they made PLENTY of heat on their own!! Yeah...be prepared to fall head over heels for Zach Tanner...I already have him on my Top Heroes 2013 list, cause he is ONE FINE MAN!!
The suspense kept me on my toes, the romance was heartbreaking and addicting, and the sex...well....that was just "Cold Shower Required" Smoking HOT!! Ella Grace is bringing "Romance" back to the Romance Suspense Genre. Just LOVED IT!!
Full Review
WOW...Ella Grace's Debut MIDNIGHT SECRETS Sizzles and left me wanting MORE!!
You better be ready to spend the whole day reading, because I swear, a few paragraphs in...and I was HOOKED!! And might I just say....Zach Tanner....YUMMOOOOOOO!! Fans of Christy Reece will understand when I say that there are just some authors who know how to write a HERO...and Ella Grace sure knows how to write a HERO!!
Zach, the town "bad-boy" and Savannah Wilde "good-girl" start a "burn hot and fast" kind of romance after he rescues her at the school prom. Promises are made and broken and ten years later, with some pretty big SECRETS between them, they are somewhat forced together again in hopes of cracking open a 20 year old murder. But let's just say that the town of Midnight and the people who call it home, have no plans on letting that happen, especially the people who have been keeping the SECRET since that horrific night.
First, I can't even imagine being in Savannah, or her sisters places, with what they went through as children and then to find out it all could have been a lie. Well, that is just some serious shit right there! Let me just say...LOVED Savannah Wilde...her sisters, Sammie and Bri are great too and I can't wait to see where Ella takes their stories, but Savannah was just sweet and pure and just SO IN LOVE...it broke my heart. Ella keeps you guessing the WHOLE time, dropping little hints here and there....keeping you on the seat on your chair. I was DYING to know what happened ten years ago between Savvy and Zach, and I was shocked to find out the truth...it's a definite OMG moment!
The chemistry between Zach and Savannah...whew....I don't think it could have burned any hotter...and it was NOT because they live in Alabama where it was 100+ degrees...believe me...they made PLENTY of heat on their own!! Yeah...be prepared to fall head over heels for Zach Tanner...I already have him on my Top Heroes 2013 list, cause he is ONE FINE MAN!!
The suspense kept me on my toes, the romance was heartbreaking and addicting, and the sex...well....that was just "Cold Shower Required" Smoking HOT!! Ella Grace is bringing "Romance" back to the Romance Suspense Genre. Just LOVED IT!!
April 15, 2013
4 Stars
Midnight Secrets is the first book from the Wildfire Series by Ella Grace. The series presents us with the stories of 3 sisters: Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde who lives has been destroyed after they parents death 18 years ago that has been classified as murder-suicide and they trying to carry on with they lives being brought up by they grandad.
In the first book we have presented the story of Savannah Wilde the most quiet, serious and shy of the 3 of them who buried her had in books and concentrated at school after the death of her parents.
The book begins with the murder of they parents, the senior prom of the girls before graduation and Savannah's crushed on Zach Tanner the wild bad boy that doesn't end up well at all.
Than the book takes us 10 years later when Savannah is a successful assistant prosecuting attorney who is forced to take a holiday by her boss after a gang threatens her and she decides to go back to Midnight. The first person she runs into is no one else than the police chief, Zack Turner her childhood crush who decides to do everything possible to get her back. But Savannah has stumbled on a big secret around her parents death and she will do anything to discover the truth.
I really liked this book, good story and a good plot. The beginning was amazing and intriguing and the story had me captivated almost the whole length of the book with some exception when the story was going very slowly.
I definitely look forward to the second book of this series and if you like a good contemporary romance book you will be happy with this one.
ARC courtesy to Random House Publishing Group and Net Galley
Midnight Secrets is the first book from the Wildfire Series by Ella Grace. The series presents us with the stories of 3 sisters: Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde who lives has been destroyed after they parents death 18 years ago that has been classified as murder-suicide and they trying to carry on with they lives being brought up by they grandad.
In the first book we have presented the story of Savannah Wilde the most quiet, serious and shy of the 3 of them who buried her had in books and concentrated at school after the death of her parents.
The book begins with the murder of they parents, the senior prom of the girls before graduation and Savannah's crushed on Zach Tanner the wild bad boy that doesn't end up well at all.
Than the book takes us 10 years later when Savannah is a successful assistant prosecuting attorney who is forced to take a holiday by her boss after a gang threatens her and she decides to go back to Midnight. The first person she runs into is no one else than the police chief, Zack Turner her childhood crush who decides to do everything possible to get her back. But Savannah has stumbled on a big secret around her parents death and she will do anything to discover the truth.
I really liked this book, good story and a good plot. The beginning was amazing and intriguing and the story had me captivated almost the whole length of the book with some exception when the story was going very slowly.
I definitely look forward to the second book of this series and if you like a good contemporary romance book you will be happy with this one.
ARC courtesy to Random House Publishing Group and Net Galley
June 11, 2013
"You were my first love, my only love, and you'll be my last. Till the end of time, I'll be yours forever."
Ella Grace has my attention, lol. This book was really, really good and I can't wait for the next in the series. I had got this book a month, maybe 2, as an arc. I'm really bad about letting myself get distracted with other books, It doesn't really matter, sometimes sparkly, shiny popular releases everyone else is reading and loving, sometimes books I've been waiting on forever, I can't ever really determine how it happens, I just get distracted. This time, I can't believe I let myself get so distracted. LOL
Meet Zach...
"I love you Savannah. You're my sunshine when there are only clouds, light when there is only darkness."
Know as the bad boy from the wrong side of town, Zach has never been the most liked guy. He's been blamed more than once for crimes he hasn't committed and a few times for other crimes he has, but as a teenager having to support his family he did what he had to do. Everything changes the night he meets Savannah.
"Sometimes I think this is the most beautiful place on the planet, and then I think that it's only that way because you're here."
Savannah and her two sisters are triplets. They have to be the most popular family in town, but not for reasons they want to be. When they were ten both of their parents died in a murder-suicide. The girls since have been raised by their grandfather. Yes, they have lots of money and live in a mansion, but they are still very down to earth even though the town has been gossiping about them most of their lives. On the night of the girls senior prom, Savannah has decided just to ditch and go home, her date is not going like she wanted it to. Just when things are going from bad to worse Zach showed up and saved her, after that they were together almost every day until the day before Zach was supposed to go to boot camp. Promises were made, forever discussed, and innocence given. Everything seemed like it would be okay between them, until promises were broken, and forever never happened.
Ten years have gone by, Zach and Savannah have "moved on" with their lives. But things in Nashville have become tense. Her boss thinks it would be best for her safety to take some time off, which means going back to Midnight, where Zach will be. Everything is tense at first, but as time goes on and it seems to start getting better. As she starts cleaning out the mansion, Savannah finds letters her grandfather had written to her grandmother. Some of the letters start making Savannah question everything she has believed. As she starts asking around it seems she has hit another radar and is being made a target all over again. Zach makes his move to protect her and also win her back at the same time.
This book had everything. Suspense, romance, sexual tension, secrets, a dose of southern hospitality, and even a few twists thrown in there. The town of Midnight is much like any small town, including the town I grew up in. Everybody knows everybody's business, sometimes, before you even know it yourself. Zach is the chief of police and I loved how he made something of himself despite the whole town being against him. He didn't do it because of them, but sure as hell came back and proved himself. I hated the way Zach had to grow up but loved the guy he was and the man he grew up to be. He's honorable, brave, protective of everyone he loves, and a hero. He made mistakes in the past but more than proved himself later on when given the chance and I ached for his story. I did think he went about some things the wrong way, but I get it when people are hurt and just need to do certain things sometimes you end up hurting people that you never meant to hurt. He admitted he was wrong and completely learned from his mistakes.
"Do you know how many nights I dreamed of this?" she whispered softly.
Surprised he looked up at her. "You dreamed of me?"
"So many nights."A sad smile tilted her lips.
His heart clenched. "I promise to make up for every one of those nights."
Savannah was so sweet. She had dealt with so much her entire life. From her parents deaths, the towns continuous gossip about her and her family, losing the love of her life and other things that if I spill will be a huge spoiler. At times, I did get a little aggravated at her because I wanted her to be honest with Zach about things, but understood that once someone breaks your trust it's so hard for them to earn it back. I really love how close her and her sisters were, and how they always confided in each other about everything. Savannah was strong, independent, brave, and confident. Even though she had a shy personality and was a little unsure of her relationship with Zach, she never was whiny or annoying.
I had so many people as suspects. I will admit I ended up being partially right, but the truth Zach confided was not what I expected. At times, the story was a little slow, I will admit, but the author was very good at building up to the end. I did expect a little more out of the climax, but was still semi-shocked when the truth came out. I definitely recommend the book and can't wait for more from the series.
ARC was provided by Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Ella Grace has my attention, lol. This book was really, really good and I can't wait for the next in the series. I had got this book a month, maybe 2, as an arc. I'm really bad about letting myself get distracted with other books, It doesn't really matter, sometimes sparkly, shiny popular releases everyone else is reading and loving, sometimes books I've been waiting on forever, I can't ever really determine how it happens, I just get distracted. This time, I can't believe I let myself get so distracted. LOL
Meet Zach...
"I love you Savannah. You're my sunshine when there are only clouds, light when there is only darkness."
Know as the bad boy from the wrong side of town, Zach has never been the most liked guy. He's been blamed more than once for crimes he hasn't committed and a few times for other crimes he has, but as a teenager having to support his family he did what he had to do. Everything changes the night he meets Savannah.
"Sometimes I think this is the most beautiful place on the planet, and then I think that it's only that way because you're here."
Savannah and her two sisters are triplets. They have to be the most popular family in town, but not for reasons they want to be. When they were ten both of their parents died in a murder-suicide. The girls since have been raised by their grandfather. Yes, they have lots of money and live in a mansion, but they are still very down to earth even though the town has been gossiping about them most of their lives. On the night of the girls senior prom, Savannah has decided just to ditch and go home, her date is not going like she wanted it to. Just when things are going from bad to worse Zach showed up and saved her, after that they were together almost every day until the day before Zach was supposed to go to boot camp. Promises were made, forever discussed, and innocence given. Everything seemed like it would be okay between them, until promises were broken, and forever never happened.
Ten years have gone by, Zach and Savannah have "moved on" with their lives. But things in Nashville have become tense. Her boss thinks it would be best for her safety to take some time off, which means going back to Midnight, where Zach will be. Everything is tense at first, but as time goes on and it seems to start getting better. As she starts cleaning out the mansion, Savannah finds letters her grandfather had written to her grandmother. Some of the letters start making Savannah question everything she has believed. As she starts asking around it seems she has hit another radar and is being made a target all over again. Zach makes his move to protect her and also win her back at the same time.
This book had everything. Suspense, romance, sexual tension, secrets, a dose of southern hospitality, and even a few twists thrown in there. The town of Midnight is much like any small town, including the town I grew up in. Everybody knows everybody's business, sometimes, before you even know it yourself. Zach is the chief of police and I loved how he made something of himself despite the whole town being against him. He didn't do it because of them, but sure as hell came back and proved himself. I hated the way Zach had to grow up but loved the guy he was and the man he grew up to be. He's honorable, brave, protective of everyone he loves, and a hero. He made mistakes in the past but more than proved himself later on when given the chance and I ached for his story. I did think he went about some things the wrong way, but I get it when people are hurt and just need to do certain things sometimes you end up hurting people that you never meant to hurt. He admitted he was wrong and completely learned from his mistakes.
"Do you know how many nights I dreamed of this?" she whispered softly.
Surprised he looked up at her. "You dreamed of me?"
"So many nights."A sad smile tilted her lips.
His heart clenched. "I promise to make up for every one of those nights."
Savannah was so sweet. She had dealt with so much her entire life. From her parents deaths, the towns continuous gossip about her and her family, losing the love of her life and other things that if I spill will be a huge spoiler. At times, I did get a little aggravated at her because I wanted her to be honest with Zach about things, but understood that once someone breaks your trust it's so hard for them to earn it back. I really love how close her and her sisters were, and how they always confided in each other about everything. Savannah was strong, independent, brave, and confident. Even though she had a shy personality and was a little unsure of her relationship with Zach, she never was whiny or annoying.
I had so many people as suspects. I will admit I ended up being partially right, but the truth Zach confided was not what I expected. At times, the story was a little slow, I will admit, but the author was very good at building up to the end. I did expect a little more out of the climax, but was still semi-shocked when the truth came out. I definitely recommend the book and can't wait for more from the series.
ARC was provided by Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
May 14, 2013
Rating 3.5 stars
I've always enjoyed Christy Reece's writing, so when I heard she was launching a new series under a different name, I was excited and my excitement proved right. Midnight Secrets is a solid start to what I predict will be a great series.
The book begins with a murder and then jumps ten years forward to when the three triplets who were left orphaned by their parents apparent murder-suicide, going to their high school prom. The heroine of this book is Savannah, the shy, bookish sister who we see blossom and fall in love with the town bad boy Zach.
Now, the hero Zach is not actually a bad boy, he is just a guy who has struggled to support his brother and a mother who only cares about men. He is about to go into the army when he meets the heroine and falls for her. They have different backgrounds and life experiences and yet they click and we see them fall in love and then the book jumps ahead a decade again.
The heroine is now an attorney and it is apparent that the hero and heroine are not together and slowly we learn how, when the heroine goes back to her hometown where the hero is now the Sheriff.
I found the characters appealing though the hero's reason for leaving was dumb and the dragging on of the heroine's secret which could be easily guessed was annoying but otherwise I liked the book quite a bit. The heroine's reticence to open up again, to keep her cards close to her chest rang true, and so did Zach's regret over what happened between them when they were teenagers. Plus the revelation of her parent's murder was shocking, I didn't guess who the culprit was at all.
All in all this is one book I would recommend.
ARC provided by the publisher through Edelweiss.
I've always enjoyed Christy Reece's writing, so when I heard she was launching a new series under a different name, I was excited and my excitement proved right. Midnight Secrets is a solid start to what I predict will be a great series.
The book begins with a murder and then jumps ten years forward to when the three triplets who were left orphaned by their parents apparent murder-suicide, going to their high school prom. The heroine of this book is Savannah, the shy, bookish sister who we see blossom and fall in love with the town bad boy Zach.
Now, the hero Zach is not actually a bad boy, he is just a guy who has struggled to support his brother and a mother who only cares about men. He is about to go into the army when he meets the heroine and falls for her. They have different backgrounds and life experiences and yet they click and we see them fall in love and then the book jumps ahead a decade again.
The heroine is now an attorney and it is apparent that the hero and heroine are not together and slowly we learn how, when the heroine goes back to her hometown where the hero is now the Sheriff.
I found the characters appealing though the hero's reason for leaving was dumb and the dragging on of the heroine's secret which could be easily guessed was annoying but otherwise I liked the book quite a bit. The heroine's reticence to open up again, to keep her cards close to her chest rang true, and so did Zach's regret over what happened between them when they were teenagers. Plus the revelation of her parent's murder was shocking, I didn't guess who the culprit was at all.
All in all this is one book I would recommend.
ARC provided by the publisher through Edelweiss.
May 20, 2024
Reread. Still 5 star rating.
Loved the beautiful romance between theses two. It was sweet and sensual. And sooo love a forever kind of love like these two had!! Definitley recommend this book!!!!
Loved the beautiful romance between theses two. It was sweet and sensual. And sooo love a forever kind of love like these two had!! Definitley recommend this book!!!!
April 30, 2013
A new series from Christy Reece writing as Ella Grace! Tone down the creepy elements, add in a small town feel with interesting characters that have their own secrets and you've got Midnight, Alabama.
Savannah, one of three sisters, comes home on leave to take care of family business and runs into her old flame Zach. You know 'Zach' the boy from the wrong side of the tracks and the town's favorite "Juvenile Delinquent". Together they find love and there is a mystery to be solved.
What I Loved:
The world building of Midnight and its characters. The reader was able to see the town come to life whether it was Aunt Gibby, Faye of Faye's Diner or the grocer.
The Romance. The reader saw it from its beginning to the present with all its challenges and victories.
The mystery. The reader could see as Grace weaves her tale through the town and the peoples lives. And you could even come up with your own (Spooky old house. Ghost?)
What I hated:
That I have to wait until September to get the next book. :(
Savannah, one of three sisters, comes home on leave to take care of family business and runs into her old flame Zach. You know 'Zach' the boy from the wrong side of the tracks and the town's favorite "Juvenile Delinquent". Together they find love and there is a mystery to be solved.
What I Loved:
The world building of Midnight and its characters. The reader was able to see the town come to life whether it was Aunt Gibby, Faye of Faye's Diner or the grocer.
The Romance. The reader saw it from its beginning to the present with all its challenges and victories.
The mystery. The reader could see as Grace weaves her tale through the town and the peoples lives. And you could even come up with your own (Spooky old house. Ghost?)
What I hated:
That I have to wait until September to get the next book. :(
March 21, 2018
Favorite Quote:
You were my first love, my only love, and you’ll be my last. Till the end of time, I’ll be yours forever.
Feedback on the Story:
3.5 Stars
I like how the story started however the story was a little slow for me. I like how brave and smart Savannah is and as for Zach he is very honorable. What captivates me here was the suspense on who killed their parents.
You were my first love, my only love, and you’ll be my last. Till the end of time, I’ll be yours forever.
Feedback on the Story:
3.5 Stars
I like how the story started however the story was a little slow for me. I like how brave and smart Savannah is and as for Zach he is very honorable. What captivates me here was the suspense on who killed their parents.
Want to read
October 5, 2012HOLD THE PHONE PEOPLE!!!!!!
Another new series from Reece as Ella Grace!!!!
Hyperventilating kicking in right now!
I loved Reece with her Last Chance Rescue series and was absolutely devostational when it ended.
The only issue is I have to effin wait 7 months for the book!
Another new series from Reece as Ella Grace!!!!
Hyperventilating kicking in right now!
I loved Reece with her Last Chance Rescue series and was absolutely devostational when it ended.
The only issue is I have to effin wait 7 months for the book!
February 21, 2013
I am so thankful that I won an early copy of this book from Goodreads. Wow!!! Talk about a steamy hot romance with suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Ella Grace hits it out of the ball park!! Zach and Savannah are two incredible characters that come so alive that even after you read the last page they stay with you for days. It was a nail biting suspenseful story that had me in tears one minute and shouting for joy the next. Ella Grace could not have done a better job. I'd give it more stars if possible. Great book....
April 26, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B+
Savannah finds herself back in her hometown of Midnight, Alabama, ten years after she left to go to college. She’s on leave from her position as a prosecutor after receiving threats related to her current case, so she decides to come back to Midnight and pack up their family home. The home has sat empty since their Grandfather, the man who raised the triplets Savannah, Samantha and Sabrina after their parents were killed in a murder-suicide, passed away. As Savannah is packing up her Grandfather’s belongings, she finds letters he wrote to his wife from the day he met her, through their marriage and even long after she died. In those letters, there’s doubt as to how Savannah’s parents really died and she starts asking questions around Midnight and in turn, puts herself in danger when the real killer targets her.
What I really enjoyed about Midnight Secrets right off the top was the story starts out on the night that the girls’ parents were killed. Time then jumps ahead 8 years to when Savannah and Zach meet for the first time and fall in young love. Zach is from the wrong side of town with a mother who’s known as the town slut. Zach has had to be the man of the house his whole life taking care of his mom and younger brother, stealing food when he needed to and doing whatever it took to provide for them. The stealing part didn’t make him a town favorite and he was always the first suspect in any crime. He pushed on, signed up to join the army and was ready to get his life on track, far away from Midnight. What he didn’t expect was to meet and fall in love with Savannah. They had a summertime romance, gave each other promises that they would stay together, even being potentially a world apart. But Zach never did keep his promise to stay in touch as he was dealt a nasty blow on his last night in town. It’s something he kept from Savannah and when he finally tried to contact her, Savannah was hurt and dealing with her own tragedy and refused to see or talk to him. I loved getting a good chunk of the story told during this time when both characters were younger and it really set up their relationship and made me believe that these two people found something with each other that had been missing in both their lives. It made their 10 year separation hurt a little more and that’s the next and last time jump the story takes.
The majority of the story is centered around not only Savannah and Zach trying to find their way back together, but they’re also trying to piece together clues about what really happened to Savannah’s parents. As far as the killer storyline goes, once all the details and the truth comes out, it did feel like the killer came out of left field a little bit. Not necessarily a completely random person, but I still felt like, huh, ok. I really liked the buildup of the story however and because the bad guy is a bit of a surprise, everyone I pegged as the killer wasn’t it, so it did keep me on my toes and guessing.
Pressed up against the wall, Savannah watched as he moved in for another devouring kiss. This time, his mouth molded over hers, sipping and drawing deep groans of need from deep within her. Her only thought to get them skin-to-skin as soon as possible, one of her hands tugged at his shirt buttons while the other went for his zipper. Zach grabbed both her wrists and, with one hand, held them above her head.
“What are you doing?” The breathless, needy voice barely sounded like her.
“I’ve waited too long to rush this.” His mouth roamed over her face and neck as he murmured softly, “We’re going to take it slow and easy and it’s going to last all…” He punctuated the last words with a hot kiss to her mouth. “Night.” And another deep kiss. “Long.”
The heart of the story is the romance between Savannah and Zach. They’re such a sweet couple and have a ton to get through and talk about. First, they’re super sexy but the emotional, tender moments between them stood out the most. My one issue with their relationship was it was filled with a lot of (mostly on Savannah’s side) needing to tell the other the truth about what happened to each of them during those 10 years they were apart. Especially when it came to Savannah, she kept thinking and saying, I need to tell him, it has to happen now, but of course it dragged on until almost the end of the book before she got the truth out. I wished she would have come out with it sooner instead of just thinking about telling him during every chapter.
Savannah’s sisters both come back to Midnight in the end to help with the murder case and while they don’t get a ton of page time, their stories are built up just enough to make me more than curious about what’s going on in their lives. Samantha specifically gets singled out as going through something deep, but no details are given. I can’t wait to find out what her story will entail.
I was engaged and caught up in Midnight Secrets from the start. I like the different time jumps and getting to know both Savannah and Zach as young adults first, seeing their relationship grow and then seeing them reconnect as adults. It’s a very easy story to get into and I’m hooked on the Wilde sisters and excited to see what’s next.
Blog rating: B+
Savannah finds herself back in her hometown of Midnight, Alabama, ten years after she left to go to college. She’s on leave from her position as a prosecutor after receiving threats related to her current case, so she decides to come back to Midnight and pack up their family home. The home has sat empty since their Grandfather, the man who raised the triplets Savannah, Samantha and Sabrina after their parents were killed in a murder-suicide, passed away. As Savannah is packing up her Grandfather’s belongings, she finds letters he wrote to his wife from the day he met her, through their marriage and even long after she died. In those letters, there’s doubt as to how Savannah’s parents really died and she starts asking questions around Midnight and in turn, puts herself in danger when the real killer targets her.
What I really enjoyed about Midnight Secrets right off the top was the story starts out on the night that the girls’ parents were killed. Time then jumps ahead 8 years to when Savannah and Zach meet for the first time and fall in young love. Zach is from the wrong side of town with a mother who’s known as the town slut. Zach has had to be the man of the house his whole life taking care of his mom and younger brother, stealing food when he needed to and doing whatever it took to provide for them. The stealing part didn’t make him a town favorite and he was always the first suspect in any crime. He pushed on, signed up to join the army and was ready to get his life on track, far away from Midnight. What he didn’t expect was to meet and fall in love with Savannah. They had a summertime romance, gave each other promises that they would stay together, even being potentially a world apart. But Zach never did keep his promise to stay in touch as he was dealt a nasty blow on his last night in town. It’s something he kept from Savannah and when he finally tried to contact her, Savannah was hurt and dealing with her own tragedy and refused to see or talk to him. I loved getting a good chunk of the story told during this time when both characters were younger and it really set up their relationship and made me believe that these two people found something with each other that had been missing in both their lives. It made their 10 year separation hurt a little more and that’s the next and last time jump the story takes.
The majority of the story is centered around not only Savannah and Zach trying to find their way back together, but they’re also trying to piece together clues about what really happened to Savannah’s parents. As far as the killer storyline goes, once all the details and the truth comes out, it did feel like the killer came out of left field a little bit. Not necessarily a completely random person, but I still felt like, huh, ok. I really liked the buildup of the story however and because the bad guy is a bit of a surprise, everyone I pegged as the killer wasn’t it, so it did keep me on my toes and guessing.
Pressed up against the wall, Savannah watched as he moved in for another devouring kiss. This time, his mouth molded over hers, sipping and drawing deep groans of need from deep within her. Her only thought to get them skin-to-skin as soon as possible, one of her hands tugged at his shirt buttons while the other went for his zipper. Zach grabbed both her wrists and, with one hand, held them above her head.
“What are you doing?” The breathless, needy voice barely sounded like her.
“I’ve waited too long to rush this.” His mouth roamed over her face and neck as he murmured softly, “We’re going to take it slow and easy and it’s going to last all…” He punctuated the last words with a hot kiss to her mouth. “Night.” And another deep kiss. “Long.”
The heart of the story is the romance between Savannah and Zach. They’re such a sweet couple and have a ton to get through and talk about. First, they’re super sexy but the emotional, tender moments between them stood out the most. My one issue with their relationship was it was filled with a lot of (mostly on Savannah’s side) needing to tell the other the truth about what happened to each of them during those 10 years they were apart. Especially when it came to Savannah, she kept thinking and saying, I need to tell him, it has to happen now, but of course it dragged on until almost the end of the book before she got the truth out. I wished she would have come out with it sooner instead of just thinking about telling him during every chapter.
Savannah’s sisters both come back to Midnight in the end to help with the murder case and while they don’t get a ton of page time, their stories are built up just enough to make me more than curious about what’s going on in their lives. Samantha specifically gets singled out as going through something deep, but no details are given. I can’t wait to find out what her story will entail.
I was engaged and caught up in Midnight Secrets from the start. I like the different time jumps and getting to know both Savannah and Zach as young adults first, seeing their relationship grow and then seeing them reconnect as adults. It’s a very easy story to get into and I’m hooked on the Wilde sisters and excited to see what’s next.
Read
April 25, 2013Rhayne‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 Stars
If you are a fan of the Last Chance Rescue series by Christy Reece, you will love her new Wildfire series writing as Ella Grace. Ms. Grace has such a unique and engaging writing style I will follow her around just like a puppy dog no matter which name she writes under. I am totally hooked.
Intriguing mystery, small town cover ups, murder plots, surprise endings, and absolute true ~ melt your heart and curl your toes ~ love is what you will experience between these pages.
Zach and Savannah fell in love just before they were both ready to make some major life changes. She was heading to law school, and he had signed up for the Army. They knew it wouldn’t be easy to make their relationship work, but they were both going to try. That is until Zach leaves town and she never hears from him again.
10 years later Savannah needs to lie low for a while and heads home to Midnight AL. Zach has moved back as well and is the new police chief. Her plan is simple…avoid him at all costs. Her good plan goes to hell when she uncovers information about her parent’s deaths and has attracted the attention of the real killer. She needs Zach more now than she ever has before. It’s a long journey for them to work through the betrayal and heartbreak. However, it’s an engaging one to follow.
Where this is the first story in the series, there is a lot of back story and character introduction. It took me a few chapters to get pulled in completely, but once it happens, you can’t stop until you know the truth. There are a lot of different plot lines going on. The reason Zach left town and Savannah behind, the murder of her parents, and a big secret that Savannah has kept from Zach. Mix all that with a small town full of gossip and conspiracy and you have one exciting book that is hard to put down. Even though it may seem like there is a lot going on, the beautiful way she writes and entwines it altogether is nicely done. The flow between mystery and romance is balanced perfectly.
I love a good mystery, especially the ones that I think I have all figures out and them BAM! Not even close. This book delivers that and so much more. There’s laughs, heartbreak, romance, hot sweaty sex, suspense, a cast of lovable characters (which of course means many books, I hope) and long overdue honesty and forgiveness. If you love a good romantic suspense book that has more twists and turns than an old country road, Midnight Secrets will definitely need to go on your TBR list.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4 Stars
If you are a fan of the Last Chance Rescue series by Christy Reece, you will love her new Wildfire series writing as Ella Grace. Ms. Grace has such a unique and engaging writing style I will follow her around just like a puppy dog no matter which name she writes under. I am totally hooked.
Intriguing mystery, small town cover ups, murder plots, surprise endings, and absolute true ~ melt your heart and curl your toes ~ love is what you will experience between these pages.
Zach and Savannah fell in love just before they were both ready to make some major life changes. She was heading to law school, and he had signed up for the Army. They knew it wouldn’t be easy to make their relationship work, but they were both going to try. That is until Zach leaves town and she never hears from him again.
10 years later Savannah needs to lie low for a while and heads home to Midnight AL. Zach has moved back as well and is the new police chief. Her plan is simple…avoid him at all costs. Her good plan goes to hell when she uncovers information about her parent’s deaths and has attracted the attention of the real killer. She needs Zach more now than she ever has before. It’s a long journey for them to work through the betrayal and heartbreak. However, it’s an engaging one to follow.
Where this is the first story in the series, there is a lot of back story and character introduction. It took me a few chapters to get pulled in completely, but once it happens, you can’t stop until you know the truth. There are a lot of different plot lines going on. The reason Zach left town and Savannah behind, the murder of her parents, and a big secret that Savannah has kept from Zach. Mix all that with a small town full of gossip and conspiracy and you have one exciting book that is hard to put down. Even though it may seem like there is a lot going on, the beautiful way she writes and entwines it altogether is nicely done. The flow between mystery and romance is balanced perfectly.
I love a good mystery, especially the ones that I think I have all figures out and them BAM! Not even close. This book delivers that and so much more. There’s laughs, heartbreak, romance, hot sweaty sex, suspense, a cast of lovable characters (which of course means many books, I hope) and long overdue honesty and forgiveness. If you love a good romantic suspense book that has more twists and turns than an old country road, Midnight Secrets will definitely need to go on your TBR list.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
February 25, 2017
A little too slow in pacing for me as a romantic suspense hence the 3 stars. I see this one more of a CR with a bit of suspense thrown in.
For triplets, Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina, their world came toppling down on the night that their parents were killed in a murder-suicide. Believing that their father killed their mother then took his own life, they lived not knowing the truth.
This story spans the teenage years focusing on Savannah before she went off to become a prosecutor, how she met Zach Tanner, and the romance that grew and the missed chances they had from their circumstances and inability to communicate. I think the last part really irked me. They could've come clean with their secrets early on in the book but it took three-quarter of the book to have them tell each other the truth. They dragged their feet too much that I felt it slowed the story down.
The romance bit was sweet and sexy. The interest I had was finding out who killed their parents, and turns out, it was a bit anticlimactic and over the top. There's a bit of intrigue with the other sisters so I'll continue with their stories.
For triplets, Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina, their world came toppling down on the night that their parents were killed in a murder-suicide. Believing that their father killed their mother then took his own life, they lived not knowing the truth.
This story spans the teenage years focusing on Savannah before she went off to become a prosecutor, how she met Zach Tanner, and the romance that grew and the missed chances they had from their circumstances and inability to communicate. I think the last part really irked me. They could've come clean with their secrets early on in the book but it took three-quarter of the book to have them tell each other the truth. They dragged their feet too much that I felt it slowed the story down.
The romance bit was sweet and sexy. The interest I had was finding out who killed their parents, and turns out, it was a bit anticlimactic and over the top. There's a bit of intrigue with the other sisters so I'll continue with their stories.
May 2, 2013
Midnight Secrets is the first book in the Wildefire series by Ella Grace (aka Christy Reece.) Unlike her renowned Last Chance Rescue series, in which the books are driven by action-packed plots, Midnight Secrets is a character driven book with the emphasis more on romance and relationships with elements of mystery and suspense.
Midnight Secrets is an excellent book due to the proficient writing of Ella Grace.
Everyone in the small southern town of Midnight, Alabama knows that Beckett Wilde killed his wife, Maggie and then hanged himself. Following the scandalous deaths of their parents, ten year old triplets, Savannah, Samantha and Sabrina, are raised by their protective grandfather, Daniel Wilde. Each girl deals with the trauma in her own way but the support each has for her sisters never waivers.
Midnight Secrets is Savannah Wilde's story. When she is 18, a shy, innocent college bound Savannah meets her crush, 20 year old Zach Tanner, when he saves her from a dangerous encounter. Savannah and her wealthy family treat Zach, the town's bad boy, as a hero for reasons he cannot fathom. Savannah and Zach fall in love. Zach promises that although they will be separated with her in college and him in the Army, he always will return to her.
Ten years later Savannah is a confident and successful prosecutor in Nashville who is threatened by a convicted killer. Her boss orders her to take two months off. Since their grandfather's death two years earlier, none of the sisters have been back to the family mansion in Midnight. Deciding that this is the opportunity to pack up the house for sale, Savannah returns to Midnight, despite knowing that the Chief of Police is Zach Tanner, the man who broke his promise to her.
Both of them have matured based upon their experiences over the last ten years. Ms. Grace gives them time to discover who they are as adults. An indulgence rarely given to the reader. Savannah and Zach still are attracted to each other and begin a hot physical relationship. Savannah has trust issues with Zach. He never explained the reason that he vanished from her life. But, Savannah has a secret of her own that she never shared with Zach. Although he does not tell her, he knows that he always has loved her and is determined that they will spend their lives together.
When Savannah discovers that her grandfather never believed that her parents' deaths were a murder/suicide, she investigates with Zach. When Savannah is injured in an attempt on her life, Savannah realizes that she is in love with Zach and finally trusts him. The question they face is who Savannah has known her entire life is a murderer and why?
In uncovering who committed the crime of killing her parents, Savannah and Zach realize that Midnight is not as it seems and some of its inhabitants are not either. Ms. Grace manages to make a small southern town of about 1400 people one of the characters of the book, not an easy feat. The town and its inhabitants have good points but also flaws, secrets, gossips, adulterers and killers. There is sufficient deceit, betrayal, unknown killers and sufficient twists to keep the reader captivated.
The characters of Savannah and Zach are very likable, and you find yourself hoping that they have a second chance at love. All the while knowing that they will spend the rest of their lives together.
I highly recommend Midnight Secrets to any reader who genuinely enjoys Romantic Suspense, that is, a balance between the two genres.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Midnight Secrets is an excellent book due to the proficient writing of Ella Grace.
Everyone in the small southern town of Midnight, Alabama knows that Beckett Wilde killed his wife, Maggie and then hanged himself. Following the scandalous deaths of their parents, ten year old triplets, Savannah, Samantha and Sabrina, are raised by their protective grandfather, Daniel Wilde. Each girl deals with the trauma in her own way but the support each has for her sisters never waivers.
Midnight Secrets is Savannah Wilde's story. When she is 18, a shy, innocent college bound Savannah meets her crush, 20 year old Zach Tanner, when he saves her from a dangerous encounter. Savannah and her wealthy family treat Zach, the town's bad boy, as a hero for reasons he cannot fathom. Savannah and Zach fall in love. Zach promises that although they will be separated with her in college and him in the Army, he always will return to her.
Ten years later Savannah is a confident and successful prosecutor in Nashville who is threatened by a convicted killer. Her boss orders her to take two months off. Since their grandfather's death two years earlier, none of the sisters have been back to the family mansion in Midnight. Deciding that this is the opportunity to pack up the house for sale, Savannah returns to Midnight, despite knowing that the Chief of Police is Zach Tanner, the man who broke his promise to her.
Both of them have matured based upon their experiences over the last ten years. Ms. Grace gives them time to discover who they are as adults. An indulgence rarely given to the reader. Savannah and Zach still are attracted to each other and begin a hot physical relationship. Savannah has trust issues with Zach. He never explained the reason that he vanished from her life. But, Savannah has a secret of her own that she never shared with Zach. Although he does not tell her, he knows that he always has loved her and is determined that they will spend their lives together.
When Savannah discovers that her grandfather never believed that her parents' deaths were a murder/suicide, she investigates with Zach. When Savannah is injured in an attempt on her life, Savannah realizes that she is in love with Zach and finally trusts him. The question they face is who Savannah has known her entire life is a murderer and why?
In uncovering who committed the crime of killing her parents, Savannah and Zach realize that Midnight is not as it seems and some of its inhabitants are not either. Ms. Grace manages to make a small southern town of about 1400 people one of the characters of the book, not an easy feat. The town and its inhabitants have good points but also flaws, secrets, gossips, adulterers and killers. There is sufficient deceit, betrayal, unknown killers and sufficient twists to keep the reader captivated.
The characters of Savannah and Zach are very likable, and you find yourself hoping that they have a second chance at love. All the while knowing that they will spend the rest of their lives together.
I highly recommend Midnight Secrets to any reader who genuinely enjoys Romantic Suspense, that is, a balance between the two genres.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2013
Overall I LOVED this story and am happy I was able to add another series to my list. Zach and Savannah are the perfectly quintessential childhood sweethearts, forced apart due to their own naiveté and bad choices, but thankfully they are able to come together again as adults to form the lasting bonds they always desired. The connection between the triplets was fun to read as well and I am seriously looking forward to reading their stories. The mystery surrounding the death of their parents, one that changed all three Wilde girls in ways they never foresaw, was full of twists and turns, and I was completely surprised when the real killers are uncovered I found my draw dropping at the unexpected identities. Great job once again Ms. Reece…er… Ms. Grace. :) I look forward to many more novels in this series and written under this name. Thanks for reminding me why I love living in a small southern town.
Rating: 4.25 stars
for full review see my blog at:
http://romancewitchreviews.blogspot.c...
Rating: 4.25 stars
for full review see my blog at:
http://romancewitchreviews.blogspot.c...
April 10, 2013
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not really into mystery/suspense genre but as a reader who often judge the book by it's cover, I just couldn't let this one pass. ^_^
This is the first book in the Wildfire series and the story is about Savannah and Zach. Their story is told in a series of flashbacks and present day. First half of the book is about Savannah and Zach when they were young and in love but eventually broke up. 10 years later- She's an assistant district attorney in Nashville and Zach is the police chief in Midnight. Savannah returns home and she meets Zach again....
The book isn't perfect- it was slow and dragging at times but I loved the characters specially Zach.
Over all, this is not a bad read. The story will keep you suspense and I was on the edge the entire time.
Will I read the second book in this series? maybe....
I'm not really into mystery/suspense genre but as a reader who often judge the book by it's cover, I just couldn't let this one pass. ^_^
This is the first book in the Wildfire series and the story is about Savannah and Zach. Their story is told in a series of flashbacks and present day. First half of the book is about Savannah and Zach when they were young and in love but eventually broke up. 10 years later- She's an assistant district attorney in Nashville and Zach is the police chief in Midnight. Savannah returns home and she meets Zach again....
The book isn't perfect- it was slow and dragging at times but I loved the characters specially Zach.
Over all, this is not a bad read. The story will keep you suspense and I was on the edge the entire time.
Will I read the second book in this series? maybe....
December 22, 2013
The first book in Ella Grace's (aka Christy Reese) Wildefire series. The books feature triplet sisters who are wealthy and lost their parents when they were children. They were raised by their grandfather and went their own way after high school. First up is Savannah, who is a prosecutor in Nashville and is forced to take a 2 month break. She takes this time to return to Midnight, Alabama, to get their mansion ready to sell. There she is reunited with Zach Tanner, her ex-boyfriend. Zach left for the army and broke Savannah's heart but he is back now as the chief of police.
Perhaps not as action packed as the previous books I've read by Christy Reese by still good reads, in my opinion. The story seems more focused on the relationship but there is still plenty of suspense and action for my personal taste. I think Christy Reese fans will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.
Perhaps not as action packed as the previous books I've read by Christy Reese by still good reads, in my opinion. The story seems more focused on the relationship but there is still plenty of suspense and action for my personal taste. I think Christy Reese fans will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.
May 26, 2013
4.5 for a strong new series debut! this is probably my fave genre so I don't have too much negativity to add! Savanna Wilde is one of the uppercrust Wilde triplets being raised in their affluent home by their grandfather after their mother was murdered by their father who then hung himself...or did he? Savanna falls for local nobody Zach Tanner who breaks her heart at the age of 18 when he leaves town and never looks back. 10 yrs later Savannah is back in town to take care if family business and Zach is the Chief of Police...you know where this is going! Filled with small town gossip, drama, demons of past and a murder/suicide that just doesn't add up, Savanna and Zach reconnect and set the small town on fire! Good start...looking forward to more from the series!
April 30, 2013
Finally! Our long awaited trip to Midnight can begin!
Savannah and Zach's story crosses many years and lots of heartache before we reach the present day issues they encounter. What a ride!
The writing in MS is certainly as strong as Ella's counterpart, Christy Reece. The characters, like in a Reece book, are intriguing. But, unlike Christy, Ella's books are set in the small-town South, and I love the atmosphere there. Not to mention Faye's Diner. To anyone who hasn't gotten their own copy of Midnight Secrets yet, I can only Bless your heart.
Savannah and Zach's story crosses many years and lots of heartache before we reach the present day issues they encounter. What a ride!
The writing in MS is certainly as strong as Ella's counterpart, Christy Reece. The characters, like in a Reece book, are intriguing. But, unlike Christy, Ella's books are set in the small-town South, and I love the atmosphere there. Not to mention Faye's Diner. To anyone who hasn't gotten their own copy of Midnight Secrets yet, I can only Bless your heart.
Want to read
June 3, 20186/2/18 - 99 cents on Kindle
April 28, 2013
Midnight Secrets is the first book in Ella Grace’s new Wildefire Series. This debut novel is well-developed, combining mystery, suspense, and romance that covers a time span of eighteen years. Through flashbacks and ample exposition, the author immerses readers into the fictitious lives of the prominent Wilde family and prepares them for the rest of the series.
The setting for this series is Midnight, Alabama, a small, overall, peaceful southern town, until Beckett Wilde apparently kills his wife Maggie, and then commits suicide. Left behind and forever emotionally scarred are ten-year-old triplets: Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina who are raised by their grandfather, Daniel Wilde.
The suspense-filled prologue takes readers back eighteen years ago to the night of the alleged murder-suicide, describing the event as it actually occurred and establishing the mystery behind the couple’s deaths that serves as one of the main conflicts explored throughout the remainder of the book.
Midnight Secrets is Savannah’s story and starts with a flashback to the Wilde sisters’ teenage years, where Savannah is depicted as quiet and reserved. Unlike her sisters, Savannah doesn’t have much experience with boys until Zach Tanner enters her life by rescuing her from a dangerous situation. Their immediate attraction to each other leads to a sweet, tender romance between this unlikely couple. Zach’s lower socio-economic background and his reputation as a town troublemaker make him feel unworthy of being with someone like Savannah. However, she is wise enough to look beyond the gossip and see the goodness in Zach.
When Zach leaves for a stint in the U.S. Army, Savannah is crushed when he leaves without saying goodbye or staying in contact with her. The flashback ends with Savannah questioning why Zach would behave in this unexpected manner. Although, the beginning of the book starts off slowly with this back story, it is needed to transition to the present where Savannah and Zach will meet again, thus establishing a second major conflict in the book.
Savannah, now an assistant district attorney in Nashville, is forced to take time off from her job and she reluctantly returns home to Midnight to settle the Wilde estate, since her grandfather has died. She dreads going home because of the sadness from her childhood that still haunts her and because she knows she will inevitably run into Zach Turner, Midnight’s new police chief.
Their initial meeting is awkward and tense. However, alternating between Savannah’s and Zach’s point-of-views, the author makes it evident that both characters still care deeply about each other and deep down wish there could be a second chance. Zach seeks redemption for abandoning Savannah, but her wounds are deep. Both have kept surprising secrets from the other that must be revealed before their relationship can truly move forward.
Circumstances are presented that lead Savannah and Zach to work together, first to solve a series of break-ins and vandalism around town, and then to uncover the truth behind the death of Savannah’s parents. As they spend more time together, the sexual tension between them leads to the rekindling of a more mature, sexier, and steamier romance.
The pace of the story picks up after Savannah begins investigating how her parents really died. Samantha and Sabrina are brought back into the story, along with some of Zach’s former Army buddies as they all work together to unravel the mystery. Unexpected twists and turns keep readers engrossed in the story and guessing about the outcome. Although the resolution of the parents’ deaths is somewhat predictable, the author did keep me on my toes by trying to figure out who was involved. I was disappointed, however, by the underlying motivation for killing, which I thought to be petty and shallow.
Overall, this was a satisfying read because of the in-depth plot and well-rounded characters that bring the story to life. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The setting for this series is Midnight, Alabama, a small, overall, peaceful southern town, until Beckett Wilde apparently kills his wife Maggie, and then commits suicide. Left behind and forever emotionally scarred are ten-year-old triplets: Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina who are raised by their grandfather, Daniel Wilde.
The suspense-filled prologue takes readers back eighteen years ago to the night of the alleged murder-suicide, describing the event as it actually occurred and establishing the mystery behind the couple’s deaths that serves as one of the main conflicts explored throughout the remainder of the book.
Midnight Secrets is Savannah’s story and starts with a flashback to the Wilde sisters’ teenage years, where Savannah is depicted as quiet and reserved. Unlike her sisters, Savannah doesn’t have much experience with boys until Zach Tanner enters her life by rescuing her from a dangerous situation. Their immediate attraction to each other leads to a sweet, tender romance between this unlikely couple. Zach’s lower socio-economic background and his reputation as a town troublemaker make him feel unworthy of being with someone like Savannah. However, she is wise enough to look beyond the gossip and see the goodness in Zach.
When Zach leaves for a stint in the U.S. Army, Savannah is crushed when he leaves without saying goodbye or staying in contact with her. The flashback ends with Savannah questioning why Zach would behave in this unexpected manner. Although, the beginning of the book starts off slowly with this back story, it is needed to transition to the present where Savannah and Zach will meet again, thus establishing a second major conflict in the book.
Savannah, now an assistant district attorney in Nashville, is forced to take time off from her job and she reluctantly returns home to Midnight to settle the Wilde estate, since her grandfather has died. She dreads going home because of the sadness from her childhood that still haunts her and because she knows she will inevitably run into Zach Turner, Midnight’s new police chief.
Their initial meeting is awkward and tense. However, alternating between Savannah’s and Zach’s point-of-views, the author makes it evident that both characters still care deeply about each other and deep down wish there could be a second chance. Zach seeks redemption for abandoning Savannah, but her wounds are deep. Both have kept surprising secrets from the other that must be revealed before their relationship can truly move forward.
Circumstances are presented that lead Savannah and Zach to work together, first to solve a series of break-ins and vandalism around town, and then to uncover the truth behind the death of Savannah’s parents. As they spend more time together, the sexual tension between them leads to the rekindling of a more mature, sexier, and steamier romance.
The pace of the story picks up after Savannah begins investigating how her parents really died. Samantha and Sabrina are brought back into the story, along with some of Zach’s former Army buddies as they all work together to unravel the mystery. Unexpected twists and turns keep readers engrossed in the story and guessing about the outcome. Although the resolution of the parents’ deaths is somewhat predictable, the author did keep me on my toes by trying to figure out who was involved. I was disappointed, however, by the underlying motivation for killing, which I thought to be petty and shallow.
Overall, this was a satisfying read because of the in-depth plot and well-rounded characters that bring the story to life. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews