Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace

Title: Midnight Secrets
Author: Ella Grace
Rating: 4 Stars


Synopsis: Who says you can't go home again? Savannah Wilde travels back home to Midnight, Alabama to pack up her grandfather's house and must confront not only the man who broke her heart but the specter of her parents' murder as someone is not pleased about Savannah's return.

Review: Although enjoyable, Midnight Secrets reads like a contemporary romance with a little mystery and suspense tacked on.

Zach and Savannah are an engaging couple with sizzling chemistry and their early romance is sweet and endearing. This is the point, however, where things takes a negative turn as each character keeps a secret that contributes to the wedge between them both past and present. There is much repetitive procrastination in their desire to share but it takes forever for the details to emerge, and neither secret is particularly dramatic. In fact, they only serve to highlight just how unnecessary and silly Zach and Savannah's separation really was - why didn't they just talk to each other?

The suspense plot moves along rapidly and the murder mystery has a strong foundation. That said, the investigative techniques are inadequate and implausible, the suspect pool is underdeveloped and the clues to the killer's identity are virtually non-existent.

On a more positive note, the small town vibe is fantastic and Grace has managed to capture all the nuances of a tightly knit southern community where neighbors share their lives but still waters run deep. The secondary cast has potential although the triplets' relationship is a little too saccharine for my tastes - three girls living under one roof and the NEVER argue - no way!

In sum, a worthy read for fans of sexy southern heroes and sweet sultry heroines just don't expect too much from the tension or suspense.