Midnight Salvation

Rosewood #3

by Penelope Black

The thrilling conclusion to the bestselling Rosewood trilogy whisks you away into a gripping romance of page-turning suspense, addicting why choose romance, and jaw-dropping small-town secrets.

Just when I thought I could finally catch my breath, the secrets of Rosewood come crashing down like a house of cards, leaving me adrift. With danger lurking in every shadow, I’m caught in a tricky web of deceit tighter than ever before.

I couldn’t be more enamored with my three leading men. Nova’s charming wit, Bane’s unwavering presence, and Silas’s smoldering intensity have been a balm to my wounded heart. They’re my salvation in this town of secrets and whispers. As we navigate the treacherous path ahead to the truth, I cling to them like a lifeline.

But when the truth finally surfaces, will we withstand the storm, or will we crumble like sandcastles against an onslaught of devastating waves.

In Midnight Salvation, the bonds of love and loyalty will be tested, and only the strongest hearts will prevail.

Genres: Why Choose, Romance, Dark Romance, Suspense, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

304 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2024

About the author

Penelope Black lives in the Midwest with her husband and two tiny humans. When she's not writing, she enjoys over-the-top action movies, iced chai lattes, and soaking up the sun in her backyard with a good book.

Keep up with Penelope on all platforms:
Newsletter—>bit.ly/PensNL
Facebook—> facebook.com/author.penelope.black
Facebook group—> facebook.com/groups/penelopeblack
Instagram—> instagram.com/authorpenelopeblack/

Reviews

[Cdoc's Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

This whole series turned out to be wholeheartedly disappointing.

The concept of this series was great. A motorcycle club, single dad, small town, why choose romance, sounds like the perfect combination. Book one set the stage nicely, and I really thought the series as a whole was going to be a smash. When book 2 was rather boring to me, I gave it a pass because I thought this third book would give me a lot more action (especially with how book 2 ended)...but this didn't.

Such a let down in terms of plot. Throughout the series you gained so many questions as to what's going on in this town, what's happening with Evangeline's family, and what happening with this motorcycle club. These questions created this really nice build up and made you think eventually you'd get these big dramatic reveals and revelations. But that's just not what happened. The whole ending was thrown together quickly and in such an unsatisfying way. I'm still confused as to how it explains everything too, but I guess I'm just going to let it be at this point.

And what on earth is up with the teasing with her and these men with barely any payoff? Why were so many smut scenes turned into fade to black? I've read the authors previous series and they were almost downright flithy, but this was just not. If you want write a closed door romance that's fine, but give me some emotional scenes at least. Give me SOMETHING. Just a whole lot of nothing.

Overall, I'm mad I read this entire thing. I really wanted answers to all my burning questions I've had since book one, but the way this played out just pissed me off more than anything. I also think because I have loved this author's previous work that I thought this would be a smash, and it honestly feels like someone else wrote it entirely. I don't know what happened, but hopefully her future books will get back to that original magic that made me such a fan to begin with.

[Kursed Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stress levels were high as we waited to learn Eve’s fate in the final installment of the Rosewood series.

Midnight Salvation was worth the wait and didn’t disappoint. I’ll admit, I wouldn’t have been mad at a little more groveling out of Daddy Silas, but I was happy with the outcome!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Penelope Black.

I love this series.

And I loved the ending to this why choose small town romance.

[Carolyn Adams · Rating 1 out of 5]

The compulsive need to finish series is what made me finish this and my god I wish I hadn’t.

[fromthestudyof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come on release day <3

Update:
Crazy, fast paced conclusion to this series!

When Penelope left me on that cliffhanger after book 2, I was STRESSED. I had no clue where this book would pick up, but Penelope delivered & picked up the very next second. Thank god.

I think my heart was racing the entire first 30% of this book. And I never saw the identity reveal coming. This series is fun from start to finish.

Highly recommend for the girlies that like romance with a dash of danger

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read all 3 books in one day. I added the first book to my tbr months ago but wanted to wait til it was complete to read it

Honestly it was a let down. The why choose wasn’t done well at all, they didn’t gel well as a group and the 1 group scene we got in the whole trilogy was so awkward and I just can’t imagine them living happily ever after, more like she’d eventually choose one of them and it would more likely be Silas just because of Hunter even though she had more of a connection with either Nova or Bane.

Also what was the actual point of the cliffhanger at the end of book 1 when Nova thought that Eves mom was his birth mom but then the next book starts with them being normal together and we find out who his birth mom was at the end of book 3. Gross to imply they were siblings but then not bring it back up for ages.

Some of the suspense stuff was left so unresolved, like the stuff with her mom and sister just nothing came of it even after what her sister did.

The stalker thing was just so random and rushed.

I should have dnf the first book when I first had the urge instead of rotting in bed all day finishing the trilogy but we live and learn

[Kate - soberbookbabe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series started off really promising! I loved the solid sweetness of the guys all the way through. The author is awesome at creating palpable tension and heat too! What lowered the rating for me was the continued lack of communication and follow through. This unconventional love story is kind of like a car wreck. It felt like the author maybe didn’t know how to make the relationship dynamics believable, so none of the characters were ever willing to look at it directly or speak about it directly. They just kind of made vague statements around it and went with the flow.

Plus the entire story is a rip off of Sons of Anarchy. It reads like a fanfic for sure. I’d love to read something original from this author that includes the tough conversations and life bumps.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

WHEW! What a ride! I devoured this book in one afternoon. I loved this entire trilogy & I think this book was the perfect ending to it! It had the perfect mix of suspense, banter, & spice to really hook me in & we finally get ALL the answers to the questions that came with both books one & two. I’m honestly so sad that it’s over. I’m not ready to say goodbye to the St. James men — all three of them were absolute perfection.

Thank you to Penelope & VPR for the ARC! I can’t wait to see what’s to come next.

Tropes:
- Small Town
- Motorcycle Club
- Romantic Suspense
- Single Dad x Nanny
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Why Choose (MFMM)

[drew :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

— 4.5✨, firstly thank you so much @valentine_pr_ & the author for sending me a copy of this book (& a pr package) in exchange for an honest review. this book (& books 1 & 2) is available on amazon in paperback and on kindle unlimited. Midnight salvation is the third and last book in the rosewood trilogy, the books must be read in order. This series has been a WILD ride and has been so fun, I’m SOOO sad it over like I’m delulu thinking there will be a surprise next book (please👀, I need more of eve & her men). this book (& whole series) is a spicy small town why choose romance with forced proximity, single dad x nanny, and has lots of angst. this book specifically literally had me hooked from the beginning, since book 2 ended on such a cliffhanger, it was so intense and seeing the different povs of everyone was so perfect. I’m so sad the series is over and I need an epilogue from everyone’s povs! but ugh I love this series and loved this book, Ive absolutely fallen in love with these characters and don’t want to say goodbye. The reason I took off half a star was because I just wish it didn’t feel rushed over and I wish it had a slower ending. I definitely recommend this series if you’re looking for a spicy why choose romance that involves a bike club 👀

[Kersten, Vol 1 (Kert) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️

Rollercoaster from the GET GO following the chaos that was the end of Rosewood #2.

I loved seeing Evie and her relationship grow with these 3, especially Silas - I always have a soft spot for a single, grumpy dad. I do wish we could’ve seen more in the aftermath after Evie finally gets her revenge and how everything played out for the MC. Pen could’ve added another 100 pages to the end of this book before the epilogue and I would’ve eaten it UP. Actually it’s a request… PEN PLZ.

Also… I see your Easter egg, ma’am. Looking forward to the next books that come for your world!

Tropes: RH, MC, Touch her and you’ll regret it, found family, nanny, single dad, revenge, HEA (after 2 cliffys)

[dreamingofbookss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars ⭐️

I really enjoyed this book to the fullest! It reads like watching an exciting thriller with rival motorcycle clubs, ‘why choose romances’ and lots of mystery. 🏍️

The story continues into the third book and follows Evangeline, Silas, Bane and Nova. I recommend reading the previous books in order to fully understand the story.

This series has truly become a guilty pleasure, it surprised me!

I can't wait for the new book to come out with Caro and Jagger and to get to read more about Rosewood!

Thanks to Valentine PR, Penelope Black and the publisher for providing this copy. All opinions are my own.

[Haily Volk · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️
3/5🌶️

Tropes:
✨Small Town
✨Romantic Suspense
✨Single Dad x Nanny
✨Motorcycle Club
✨Why Choose
✨Grumpy x Sunshine

OMG! Penelope! This has been one heck of a ride. I devoured this book. After the first two books, it was torture waiting for Midnight Salvation. I NEEDED ALL THE ANSWERS, and we finally did. However, the epilogue? I NEED MORE OF THAT. This had the perfect mix of suspense, banter & spice to hook you in and let me tell you… you won’t be able to put this down. I am sad that its over. I feel like I can always live in rosewood with the St. James men. Honestly, don’t want to say goodbye to them.

Thank you Penelope & VPR for the ARC! I was literally screaming when I heard it will be hitting my kindle. That’s how long I’ve been waiting after that cliffhanger in Shadowed Obsession.

[shanelle maree · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give this series 4🌟 overall, but this third book kind of killed the high the other two books had me on.

One of my big issues was, for a lot of the series she messed around with Bane and Nova, but in the spicy scenes it was never actually described that they “had sex”. The scenes just kind of fade to black.. you find out later that they did through internal monologue. I’m not really sure why that was skipped over like that. She never had any actual sex with any of the guys until the end of the second book when Silas randomly fucked her.. I’m just so confused. Usually in why choose books, scenes like that are not glossed over. You have all of this build up, with zero payoff. Which was just incredibly annoying, imo.

Then comes the first and only group scene.. and the only one that got off was her before it faded to black and moved on. This confused me too. You had to wait for the last book to even get a group scene, then find it to be lackluster cause you read about only her reaching her happy ending and none of the guys get off. It was just so strange! Anyways.. 🙃

Besides all of that, there’s a lot of questions that are left unanswered. Like wtf is going on with Evangeline’s family..? This is why I have a problem with trilogies. It’s like authors forget to circle back on burning questions that develop over the course of the series.. which is just frustrating, honestly.

[Emily Draper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find myself rather disappointed after finishing this book/series. Other series by this author have been spicy as all heck and yet this one left much to be desired. Plus the resolution with Silas felt rushed, the whole kidnapping/stalker thing didn’t vibe at all, and what the hell even happened with her mom and sister?? So much of the language is overwrought, the guys are OTT cheesy when talking about how much they love her, and I found the pacing during her kidnapping and escape all over the place. Some parts needed to be fleshed out more and others felt like they went on for way too long. I was on pins and needles after the cliffhanger from book 2 and book 3 did not deliver.

[April | Aprilsbooknook_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay-- this was not only the absolute best way to end a series, but the absolute best set up for what's to come. And let me just say that I am SO EXCITED 😆😆

***This is the third book in The Rosewood series and it MUST be read in order. If you have not read the first two books, do not keep reading this review. It will spoil things ... 🫣***

😮‍💨 The first few chapters were a doozy after waiting on baited breathe to find out what happened with Eve. It was honestly SO INTENSE. But damn our girl is a BADA$$! I literally couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

The way that the men pulled together to find her was the best but honestly, our girl saved herself. I think she may be my favorite heroine this year. I freaking love her. The way her motherly instincts kicked in for Hunter.

AND THEN WHEN SHE WAS REUNITED WITH THE GUYS, STOP RIGHT NOW.

But the tension and fear didn't end there. There was still a man on the loose and these guys stopped at nothing to bring vengeance. When I say my JAW HIT THE DANG FLOOR over the plot twist. Guys. Suspense is my favorite because I love trying to guess the "who done it", and I had ZERO idea. Mind = Blown.

And then when they all finally agree to the messiness of what this relationship means. Eve, and her three guys. 🥵 But also, swooning hard. I absolutely love this little family.

And I cannnnot wait for what's to come next. 😈🫡

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pull on your boots and strap on your helmet because this series is one wild ride. All the suspense. All the questions. All the angst. Everything comes to light and what a way for this story to end. Penelope has created such an amazing world, with characters that I absolutely love so much.

What to expect:
🖤Small Town
💕Single Dad/ Nanny
🖤Why Choose
💕Hand Necklaces
🖤Romantic Suspense
💕MC/Biker
🖤Dirty Talking Heroes

I devoured this book, and boy did it keep me on edge wondering what was next. Evangeline, Silas, Lincoln, and Nova all had such phenomenal character growth throughout this book. Evangeline found her inner warrior and the way she took charge and became the woman she wanted to be had me cheering her on. And the guys…whew…get ready because if you thought they were protective and possessive before…boy oh boy do they up their game!!

This series has totally consumed me and was such a fun and addictive read that I never wanted to end.

[Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An end to another series! ☹️

After book twos cliffhanger I was happy to see that we picked up right where we left off. This book was mostly closing up loose ends, some spicy scenes, and getting answers to any questions that were left unresolved. Wasn't my favorite in the series but was still a great ending and a great read. Sad to see it end as I could read about these characters for a few more books. Definitely recommend picking this whole series up.

[bookspaced · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad this trilogy is over already!
I flew through this book. Literally.
These 4 characters have sucked me into their story and would not let me go at all!
I especially adored Eve and Hunters relationship!

Penelope has written another amazing novel in this trilogy! It takes off right after book 2 ends and it grips you so hard.

Definitely a must read for everyone who enjoys RH, MC and overprotective heroes!!


5 Stars

[Dearna (Words of the Roses) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For full review: https://wordsoftheroses.com/2024/05/1...

“In the labyrinth of my tangled life, she’s the map to my salvation. And I’ll follow her to the end of the earth, offering her every tattered piece of my soul.”

I will start by saying that I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank so much Penelope Black and the team over at Valentine PR for sending a copy my way!

This is a sequel; I will try and keep my review as spoiler free as possible but just be wary if you haven’t read the first two books.

Midnight Salvation wraps up the Rosewood series nicely. There is a lot of action and drama here which makes Evie, Bane, Nova and Silas’ HEA all that sweeter. 

The story picks up right where Shadowed Obsession left off – which thank god, because that ending just about destroyed me. I adore how strong Evie is when thrown into the MC world. She hasn’t grown up in the club but will do everything to save Hunter and the guys. While Bane, Nova and Silas do everything they can to protect her, I loved seeing her doing all she can to save herself. 

The romance does take a bit of a backseat here as the plot steamrolls ahead into reveal after reveal. I enjoyed that the guys have fully settled into their dynamic, helped by what Evie went through at the start. I adore how their relationships are different and personalised to them. We do get one stellar group steamy scene, which was the perfect emotional release among all the action. 

The plot here kept me hooked with all the reveals. The reveal surrounding Evie left my jaw dropping. I am 100% sure I missed all the little clues Penelope Black sprinkled throughout. I might need to do a reread to see if I can pick them up.

Overall, Midnight Salvation was a fantastic conclusion to this series. If you are in the mood for a small-town romance with a why choose romance and slightly dark vibes and features a motorcycle club – I know it, sounds confusing, but trust me, Penelope pulls it all together into a truly captivating read – I highly recommend.

[Christi Goodwin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This plot is all over the place!

Think of every troupe you've read and throw in about 5 more. This was a random mess... It even left unanswered questions. (Spoilers)...

What exactly was written in her grandma's black book?

Was there treasure or valuables hidden in her house?

Did the mother and sister just go away?

So the town has no concerns about both sheriffs missing/ dead?

Where was this stalker in book 1 and 2? No background story.

Who was the narrator, town gossip writer
In book one and why wasn't she in 2 and 3?

The FMC was never told about the affair, half brother situation!

So after a rival biker gang shoots up their compound and supports the stalker abduction, its just over? What happened to the possible drug stake out results. Everyone is just all of sudden peaceful now?

Who was this random girl in the gas station? Why was she on the run? Maybe a set up for another side character book? Just came out of no where and left hanging.

This " why choose" took three books for to all finally come together in the last half of a third book. And even then there was no full togetherness. Spice was not spiceing in this triology.

The only saving grace was the relationship with her friend and the boy.

Sorry to be so rough but this series just had me so frustrated and wasted hours.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/ 5 ⭐
3/5🌶
This book: RH, MC, angsty, small town

This was the final book in this trilogy and it was a wild ride from the very first pages.
This book picks up right where book 2 left off and we are immediately thrown into the action of an all out siege of the compound where our MC’s live. I absolutely loved the evolution of Evie’s relationship with all of the guys and I loved seeing how each of the MMC’s were able to overcome their struggles with the relationship. I especially enjoyed seeing Silas finally come around. The Epilogue was everything I needed and I am so glad that the characters had the ending they so justly deserved!


#penelopeblack #rosewood #RomanticSuspense #AlphaHero #BoyFallsFirst #CloseProximity #WhyChoose #TorturedLead #SmallTown #SingleDad #RomanticSuspense #GrumpySunshine #MCBiker #bookclub #bookish #booklover #booksta #bookstagram #bookworm #readersofig #readersofinstagram

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion of the Rosewood series is here!

This is a why choose romance, reformed MC, small town. Although this is a why choose, it is a slow burn. While there are scenes and steamy moments with each of the heroes, there is a long wait for the why choose moments.

Of all the books, the suspense element of this was my favorite, and as a whole, I wish this suspense would been developed and placed more throughout the three books.

But overall, I did enjoy the characters and the town of Rosewood. I'm excited for the next book in this world!

***ARC review

[Amandamay.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing trip to Rosewood!! I loved seeing more interaction with Eve and her men, Silas, Nova, and Bane. Eve started showing off her badass FMC self in book 2, and it just keeps going in this book. Silas, Nova, and Bane will do everything to get their girl back after she was taken from their MC compound, what they don't know is that Eve is just as willing to do whatever it takes to get back to them. I thought this series was over, but we'll be getting a fourth book about Cora, Eve's cousin, and her MC man, and I can't wait.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Salvation by Penelope Black is book Three in the Rosewood Book Series. This continues the story of Evangeline, Nova, Bane and Silas. Their story started in the first book 'Moonlit Temptation' then continues into the next book 'Shadowed Obsession'. S0 you will need to read those books before starting this one to fully enjoy this book. This trilogy has been so good. Evie gets the justice she needed and her men start to form their family. Enjoyed.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

this series is the definition of wasted opportunity. I was able to read all three books in a day for two reasons:

1. cliffhangers piss me off
2. they were so skimmable it hurt

tension with no payoff. tons of potentially great story lines that were either half assed or forgotten. cryptic clues to things that ended up meaning nothing. minimal and poorly executed spice. no investment in the dynamic of the group.

don't waste your time, folks.

[Maria Dassay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh I was so happy to be back in Rosewood. I missed all these men.

The love they all have for Evangeline is something else. They each have their own connection with her that I just love. I loved the twists and turns this one took us on. Totally here for all the suspense!

Overall I will definitely miss everyone but happy to see their happily ever after.

“In the labyrinth of my tangled life, she’s the map to my salvation. And I’ll follow her to the ends of the earth, offering her every tattered piece of my soul.”

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and final book in this trilogy and damn it sucked me in from the first page!

I’ve really enjoyed following Evie’s journey finding her men and her relationship with Hunter is the cutest!

I really didn’t want this story to end and I’m still curious about a few things but maybe we’ll find them out in future rosewood books I cannot wait to read Cora’s book I truly loved her relationship with Evie the sister she truly deserves.

[Caitsbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope does it again 😍😭 RTC🖤

[devita h · Rating 3 out of 5]

i didn't get the foursome moment, but cute nonetheless

[Jamie Wiseman · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF
Kept thinking the spice would get better by this 3rd book but it is just weird quick scenes that jump around and confusing.