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BENEATH THE DAWN: WILD ROSE POINT
On the rugged coast of Oregon, secrets wash ashore with the tide.
After learning that her ex-boyfriend, now serving time in prison, may have put a target on her back, Marti Goshay escapes to Wild Rose Point, a quiet seaside town where she’s inherited her grandmother’s home. She comes looking for peace, a place to hide, and enough distance to figure out what needs to be her next move in order to survive.
What she doesn’t expect is Dante Avera.
Nearly thirty years ago, Dante saved her life on the same dangerous stretch of beach where they met as children. Back then, he was all skinny limbs, crooked smiles, and braces. Now he’s devastatingly handsome, striking, and impossible to ignore. His very presence is as intoxicating as the ocean itself. Every morning, Marti finds herself watching him swim beneath the cold gray dawn, her body heating with a hunger she thought fear and mistrust had long ago stolen from her.
And Dante watches her right back.
Wild Rose Point is supposed to be his retreat from the dangerous world he comes from, a world tied to wealth, power, and a family legacy rooted deep within a powerful Sicilian Mafia family. Not sure what, but he knows Marti is hiding something. Dante has always had a sharp instinct for danger, and his gut feeling says the beautiful woman next door is treading on perilous ground.
The closer they become, the harder it is to resist the explosive chemistry building between them. And when someone comes to Wild Rose Point determined to silence Marti for good, desire turns deadly.
Now Dante will do anything to protect the woman he’s developed deep feelings for.
Anything.
Because where Dante comes from, threats aren’t handled with warnings.
They’re buried.
NOTE - Dante Avera was first introduced in A Montgomery Family Thanksgiving; and Marti Goshay was first introduced in Bachelor Unleashed, and featured again in Bachelor Unforgiving.
After learning that her ex-boyfriend, now serving time in prison, may have put a target on her back, Marti Goshay escapes to Wild Rose Point, a quiet seaside town where she’s inherited her grandmother’s home. She comes looking for peace, a place to hide, and enough distance to figure out what needs to be her next move in order to survive.
What she doesn’t expect is Dante Avera.
Nearly thirty years ago, Dante saved her life on the same dangerous stretch of beach where they met as children. Back then, he was all skinny limbs, crooked smiles, and braces. Now he’s devastatingly handsome, striking, and impossible to ignore. His very presence is as intoxicating as the ocean itself. Every morning, Marti finds herself watching him swim beneath the cold gray dawn, her body heating with a hunger she thought fear and mistrust had long ago stolen from her.
And Dante watches her right back.
Wild Rose Point is supposed to be his retreat from the dangerous world he comes from, a world tied to wealth, power, and a family legacy rooted deep within a powerful Sicilian Mafia family. Not sure what, but he knows Marti is hiding something. Dante has always had a sharp instinct for danger, and his gut feeling says the beautiful woman next door is treading on perilous ground.
The closer they become, the harder it is to resist the explosive chemistry building between them. And when someone comes to Wild Rose Point determined to silence Marti for good, desire turns deadly.
Now Dante will do anything to protect the woman he’s developed deep feelings for.
Anything.
Because where Dante comes from, threats aren’t handled with warnings.
They’re buried.
NOTE - Dante Avera was first introduced in A Montgomery Family Thanksgiving; and Marti Goshay was first introduced in Bachelor Unleashed, and featured again in Bachelor Unforgiving.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2026
About the author
Brenda Jackson
940 books3,721 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 25, 2026
I listened to the audiobook. Drama and romance are my two favorite things. When these tie together it makes a great read. I remember Marti from another book and I’m glad she was able to find love. It’s awesome how all Brenda Jackson’s characters tie in together some way or another. This was my favorite out of all her releases this year.
August 19, 2026
Wow
Ms. Brenda has done it again, with her characters and plot,,I almost read this book in one day. Ms. Brenda can't wait until the next one,
Ms. Brenda has done it again, with her characters and plot,,I almost read this book in one day. Ms. Brenda can't wait until the next one,
September 14, 2026
True love changes fears to faith!
I love that these two people knew each other as kids, yet lived their lives following separate experiences, careers, and dynamics that made each of them show up with strong values. Prior experiences had taught both Dante and Marti not to choose commitment when considering if, when, how, and who to commit their lives to, and with. True love over the course of their interactions over the month not just sexually began to change their perspectives and opened them up to allowing the love they began experiencing to permeate their hearts. Some of the secret things she shared about her past and his desire to protect her from impending violence drew them closer and allowed them to be non judgemental about the experiences that shaped their respective lives and determined how they moved forward in their lives. The storyline blended the real sides of both Dante and Marti into a scenario that readily encompassed their lives going forward. Watching love bloom and blossom between these two was heartwarming and beautiful to watch unfold. I loved their story and how they were willing to go to the wall for each other. Great job Mrs. J, thank you.
I love that these two people knew each other as kids, yet lived their lives following separate experiences, careers, and dynamics that made each of them show up with strong values. Prior experiences had taught both Dante and Marti not to choose commitment when considering if, when, how, and who to commit their lives to, and with. True love over the course of their interactions over the month not just sexually began to change their perspectives and opened them up to allowing the love they began experiencing to permeate their hearts. Some of the secret things she shared about her past and his desire to protect her from impending violence drew them closer and allowed them to be non judgemental about the experiences that shaped their respective lives and determined how they moved forward in their lives. The storyline blended the real sides of both Dante and Marti into a scenario that readily encompassed their lives going forward. Watching love bloom and blossom between these two was heartwarming and beautiful to watch unfold. I loved their story and how they were willing to go to the wall for each other. Great job Mrs. J, thank you.
August 29, 2026
A chance at love
This is a beautiful love story about 2 people who were determined never to fall in love due to past experiences. The h had suffered a very traumatic and horrible betrayal by her ex-boyfriend. She became very spiteful and vicious towards men. The H didn’t want love because he saw how his father was affected by his mother’s death. They met again at a childhood summer retreat. She was running from a stalker and he was on vacation. They discovered they were very compatible and had off the charts chemistry. Along the way love develops and they let go of their fears. Awesome plot and conclusion. Great ending.
This is a beautiful love story about 2 people who were determined never to fall in love due to past experiences. The h had suffered a very traumatic and horrible betrayal by her ex-boyfriend. She became very spiteful and vicious towards men. The H didn’t want love because he saw how his father was affected by his mother’s death. They met again at a childhood summer retreat. She was running from a stalker and he was on vacation. They discovered they were very compatible and had off the charts chemistry. Along the way love develops and they let go of their fears. Awesome plot and conclusion. Great ending.
August 29, 2026
Great read
Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Martina and Dante met as children one summer over twenty years ago. As adults they reconnected on vacation in Wild Rose Point. This is their journey to love bonding over past traumas and numerous interest they have in common.
Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Martina and Dante met as children one summer over twenty years ago. As adults they reconnected on vacation in Wild Rose Point. This is their journey to love bonding over past traumas and numerous interest they have in common.
October 7, 2026
Marti and Dante had a wonderful love story. They first met in Wild Rose Point as children. He saved her life.
Years later her is back for a much needed vacation. She is on the run from a stalker from her past. When he finally finds out about the situation, Dante saves her again. In the process they fall in love.
This book had a little bit of suspense and a lot of spice. I enjoyed it immensely.
Years later her is back for a much needed vacation. She is on the run from a stalker from her past. When he finally finds out about the situation, Dante saves her again. In the process they fall in love.
This book had a little bit of suspense and a lot of spice. I enjoyed it immensely.
August 22, 2026
Total Joy & Love ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
The full package, great love story that kept me glued to the pages. Very romantic with heartfelt emotion, steam, suspense and intensity. Both mature and boldly upfront characters have depth and they're perfect for one another. ❤️🩷🧡💛💚
The full package, great love story that kept me glued to the pages. Very romantic with heartfelt emotion, steam, suspense and intensity. Both mature and boldly upfront characters have depth and they're perfect for one another. ❤️🩷🧡💛💚
August 26, 2026
Beneath the Dawn
Loved the story of Dante and Marti. He was her protector. And had the means to keep her safe.The ending was great. Always love when the couple ends up happy and realize they were just waiting for the right person to show them that they could have love too.
Loved the story of Dante and Marti. He was her protector. And had the means to keep her safe.The ending was great. Always love when the couple ends up happy and realize they were just waiting for the right person to show them that they could have love too.
September 30, 2026
Love Wins Again
Who would have thought that you could go back in time and reclaim a piece of yourself and love all at the same time. I’m so glad Martina and Mario found their past, present and future with one another. 🌹
Who would have thought that you could go back in time and reclaim a piece of yourself and love all at the same time. I’m so glad Martina and Mario found their past, present and future with one another. 🌹
Read
August 21, 2026So very good!
Well you did it again. This was a read,kept your interest, please say there is more.! Your books never disappoint. Keep writing!
Well you did it again. This was a read,kept your interest, please say there is more.! Your books never disappoint. Keep writing!
August 26, 2026
Excellent
Really enjoyed this book. I love when there is an element of suspense in the story. Good read hah to slow down or I would have finished in one day.
Really enjoyed this book. I love when there is an element of suspense in the story. Good read hah to slow down or I would have finished in one day.
September 3, 2026
Fan of Brenda Jackson. I love how MC made Marti feel safe and loved; he handled the situation. It was a great read.
September 11, 2026
Wonderful
I absolutely loved this book. It was a true example of Mrs. Jackson's genius! She never fail to deliver and I have never been disappointed!
I absolutely loved this book. It was a true example of Mrs. Jackson's genius! She never fail to deliver and I have never been disappointed!
September 24, 2026
Beneath The Dawn
What can I say Dante Avera is truly a knight in shining armor and just what Marti Goshay needed to completely move pass the ugly incident of her pass
What can I say Dante Avera is truly a knight in shining armor and just what Marti Goshay needed to completely move pass the ugly incident of her pass
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews