Edge of Night

NYPD detective Kyra Donovan transfers to the small town of Maplesville as its new deputy police chief following a traumatic case in New York. She discovers corruption within the local police force and faces resistance as an outsider trying to implement changes. Local businessman Trey Matthews has deep roots in Maplesville and initially clashes with Kyra over her reform efforts. Their antagonistic relationship shifts as they work together to uncover a criminal operation threatening the town's safety. A string of suspicious incidents forces Kyra and Trey to confront both professional and personal challenges while navigating their growing connection. The investigation pulls them into escalating danger as they get closer to exposing the truth. The story examines themes of trust, redemption, and the tension between protecting established community bonds versus pursuing justice. Through the intersection of law enforcement and small-town dynamics, it explores how both individuals and communities adapt to necessary change.

Readers report a fast-paced romantic suspense story with strong chemistry between the leads. Reviews highlight the balance of romance and thriller elements, with the relationship development and police procedural aspects receiving equal attention. What readers liked: - Authentic portrayal of police work - Detailed Black culture and history woven into narrative - Strong female protagonist who stands her ground - Secondary characters add depth to story What readers disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in middle sections - Several mentions of predictable plot twists - A few readers wanted more development of side characters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (300+ ratings) Sample review quote: "Jenkins knows how to write strong women without making them unrealistic. Mykia's struggles as a Black female officer felt genuine, and her relationship with the hero developed naturally." - Goodreads reviewer

Indigo by Beverly Jenkins Historical romance featuring a Black woman who poses as a male doctor in the American West while falling in love with a US Marshal.

An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole A Black woman spy works undercover in a Confederate household during the Civil War and finds romance with a fellow Union operative.

The Preacher's Promise by Piper Huguley A Black female teacher in post-Civil War Georgia starts a school and develops feelings for the town's preacher while facing racial tensions.

Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins A light-skinned Black woman passes for white in 1870s Nevada until she falls in love with a Black railroad owner.

Destiny's Embrace by Beverly Jenkins A seamstress leaves Philadelphia for California in 1885 to become a housekeeper on a ranch and clashes with the ranch owner's stubborn son.

🌟 Beverly Jenkins has written over 40 romance novels, making Edge of Night part of her extensive bibliography spanning multiple romance subgenres. 📚 The book combines romantic suspense with African American romance, genres that Jenkins helped pioneer in mainstream publishing during her 30+ year career. 🏆 Jenkins received the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the romance genre. 🗓️ Edge of Night was published in 2004 during a period when romantic suspense was experiencing significant growth in popularity among readers. 💝 Like many of Jenkins' works, this book features strong professional women characters, reflecting her commitment to highlighting African American achievement and success in her fiction.