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The Edge of Midnight: An African American Romantic Suspense – Stolen Diamonds, a Sassy Heroine, and a Covert Agent

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Sarita Grayson is desperate. That's the only explanation for her late night rendezvous with a bag of stolen diamonds. But then a handsome stranger stands between her and a clean getaway. In the struggle for freedom, she accidentally shoots him.

Mykal Chandler, head of a covert government agency NIA, can't believe he's been shot. He's shocked, he's furious, but he's also attracted to this sassy woman. Unfortunately, Sarita has stumbled unto a smuggling plot and he'll need to protect her, even if he has to kidnap her to do it. But Sarita isn't one to go quietly into the night...

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2009

125 people are currently reading
510 people want to read

About the author

Beverly Jenkins

71 books4,839 followers
Beverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the 2016 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for historical romance.

She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured both in the documentary “Love Between the Covers” and on CBS Sunday Morning.

Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for inclusive romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR. Her critically acclaimed Blessings series has been optioned for film by John Legend’s and Mike Jackson’s production company Get Lifted, and Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Deborah Martin Chase. 

To read more about Beverly and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Leo.
4,995 reviews629 followers
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September 19, 2021
I almost always really enjoy Beverly Jenkins books, true that I've mostly read her historical romances. But I wanted to try some little different from her, a suspenseful romance. But sadly I have to DNF it. She is a good writer even in 2007 but the characters, plot nor romance didn't appeal to !e. Didn't find the romance between characters particular intriguing and romantic. Even the heroine fell flat and I usually love love her female heroines.
Profile Image for Keeping.Volumes.Harris.
277 reviews5 followers
November 4, 2025
This book was such a delightful read! It took a little while to get going, but once it did, I was hooked. There was a wonderful blend of action, suspense, and romance to keep things exciting. I really had a great time with the fake marriage storyline—it made the whole experience so much fun!
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,597 reviews165 followers
February 19, 2021
Are we surprised? Not at all! Beverly Jenkins is a genius no matter the genre!

Waywardathon Prompt: Phantom Traveler (MC goes under cover)
Black Author Readathon Prompt: Romantic suspense
Profile Image for Dawn ♥ romance.
1,830 reviews29 followers
March 6, 2017
This romantic suspense had an exciting beginning and end but I didn't like the romance in the middle especially the controlling hero. She gave token resistance then complied. Architect and secret agent Mykal catches Sarita with stolen diamonds and she shoots him.
Profile Image for Barbie Pomales.
145 reviews19 followers
July 27, 2020
What a ride . This book is an amazing showcase of Ms. Beverly's talent for writing engaging heroines and alpha heros. The meet cute was so unusual and I loved how it set the tone for this book that I cant wait to read the next in this series .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for KBeautiful1.
690 reviews66 followers
September 20, 2015
I really hate when my reading is interrupted, especially when in the middle of an incredible story.

Sarita Grayson is a fighter for the underprivileged, under-served and the forgotten. She runs a center that is barely hanging on and now with an eviction notice if $17,000 isn't paid the center is bound to close. Sarita is desperate to keep the center open, it is a safe haven for the children and a place for the seniors plus they also serve meals to the shut in. But desperate times calls for desperate measures and in this case it was a case of doing business with the devil.

Mykal Chandler is a rich, successful architect with his own company and runs an organization called NIA with the help of the government, they strategically and in a calculated way take down drug houses, drug dealers, murderers and everything in between. Mykal has his eye on one person in particular but before he can make his move, an alarm goes off and in his investigation he is shot. He thinks its a young teen who did it but will find out days later in fact it was a grown woman.

Mykal is in need of a fake wife, he has talked his brothers into believing that he needs this so that he can fully concentrate on NIA and keep the women away from him. Low and behold the woman who is brother brings to him is none other that the person who shot him and now he sees she is not some young teenager but a full grown woman. Now things have just went south with all of his plans.

Mykal and Sarita will have to be in each other's lives, the diamonds she stole for the devil has now been murdered so she needs the protection. And Mykal furious as ever still needs the pretend wife which Sarita has no choice but to agree too. This story was full of intrigue, suspense, murder and of course serious romance. Author Beverly Jenkins sure knows how to write a book. I also love how she ties her historical stories in with her contemporaries because the present characters are the descendants of the historical characters. Now I have to start reading those stories now because I need to know the stories of the ancestors.

This is an amazing story that I guarantee you will not be able to put down. I loved every minute of it and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
Profile Image for Rbeey.
52 reviews97 followers
October 20, 2010
Whummmp! Ms. Jenkins WORK Is Fantastic..A true Romantics' idea of fun..liking to Love and romance..enjoying your Lover playing on a beach In the sun..What a Jewel..for you're a Peach..for you teach Ms. Jenkins..Historical..sweet love combine..ooh what joy and appreciatively cherished MOST ..Devine..Time after Time!

Ms. Jenkins' does an outstanding JOB on.."THE EDGE OF MIDNIGHT!"
The spice, the power pack magic..was NICE,and Is earth shattering.. enthrallment incinerated Into..Fire tiny titbits..of delicious PIECES. Liking to the taste of candy In your Romantic mouth.. Reeses pieces.

The Romantic Genre air most heavenly far fair,and truly It's catching!unique and REALISTICALLY.. far fetching.
For her work Is MOST..Desired,Gifted,and Fired.. ... Wow did I ever enjoy Mykal!

A delicious.. hunk..Yummmme,yummy..yum...MMMH! More..pleaseeee!(MS. JENKINS) I think Fans,and I alike would LOVE to see MORE of the larger than life characters,from.."THROUGH THE STORM" whose lives continue to reach beyond the Sensual,sexy,and sultry pages.

Educating and quenching OUR Romantic stages for all ages.
Ms. Jenkins'WORK speaks boldly,loud and clear...I fear..OOOh Ms.Jenkins..my dear!

The names Fontaine,and Le Veq..Is entwine In..the past and SHOULD continue.. present time...In your WORK now forever at Last!
Profile Image for Tiffany Parker.
Author 27 books13 followers
August 21, 2010
Saint and Narice couldn't be more different or better made for each other. Saint is my kind of man, dark and mysterious but will kick ass for the woman he loves.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,315 reviews15 followers
February 20, 2025
I love a modern marriage of convenience, and Ms. Bev has nested this one inside of a romantic suspense. Mykal needs a wife to keep the ladies away from him and his influence and wealth while he runs a secret task force, and Sarita needs to keep her community center open. Never mind that she shot him the night before during a mission gone wrong. Sarita is firmly working class, she lives on a pension from her late uncle, and pours herself into the inner city community center she runs on less than a shoestring. Mykal is rich, influential, and mad as a hornet about being shot by her, but when he commits he really goes for it. There are shopping sprees, elaborate gifts, and more time spent together than is really wise unless you want to catch feelings.

I love class difference romances, especially when a man is the rich one. There is something so validating about seeing powerful people being brought low by love, and watching them realize that their life is so much richer now. It's poetry, and I really enjoyed this one. Mykal has to really get his hands dirty, and show up for Sarita more than just monetarily, because she isn't about to settle. And not only does he need to, he wants to. It's all so good.

I listened to this on audio and I enjoyed it so much I jumped right to the next in the series, even though that's not normally how I read Ms. Bev. And it's all romantic suspense. I'm not even sure who I am right now.
Profile Image for Nichelle.
117 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2022
*book read via audiobooks*. My reading history consists of any and everything and recently I’ve gotten into mystery/thriller/romance novels beyond my favs of Mosley and Dickey. I can never get enough of Gideon nor Easy Rawlins (sometimes it’s good to be bad for the right moral reasons). I’m adding Mychel Chandler and Saint (saint is the quiet storm) to my list.

Yes Surita at times was headstrong and defiant however history has showed us time and time again, black women just “get it done”. No time to wait for others to “decide” of the brown and black elders and babies are fed, housed and educated; can’t wait for a board to decide if the grant will be approved and let’s not forget sometimes that dime is ‘squeezed’ to have a penny for the next day.

Faye was a force to be reckoned with and “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” was the saving grace for both women who struggle in a testosterone laden and lead world.

Prior to reading Ms. Jenkins, I read another mystery/thriller/romance novel and by FAR enjoyed BJ erotic sex scenes so much better! I’m ready to invest in a no tie string, no lace enclosure Kimono and a Swarvorski encrusted bustier to up my bedroom game.

I think. Well I hope that Ms. Jenkins future Shero can take the time, hang up her cape for awhile and be open to the possibilities of the man who wants to be by her side. That wouldn’t make the SHERO annoying, whiny or stereotypical. It will show her vulnerability and ability to work together from the onset and vanquish their enemies.

GREAT READ! The author’s usage of intimate language is divine. Her ability to paint scenes and settings without profanity and use of vulgar names for genitalia only enhanced this novel.
Profile Image for Naika.
332 reviews19 followers
November 14, 2020
As much as this pains me to admit, “The Edge of Midnight” was not for me. I didn’t read the blurb beforehand so I wasn’t aware that this had a captive storyline and that trope has never been one I like.

Myk was possessive, arrogant, and controlling and had very little character growth in my opinion. Sarita was an ok character, but she wasn’t able to meet her full potential due to being under the thumb of Myk. I hated her lack of agency. Myk often denied or excused away the fact that she was his captive, all under the guise of “I’m protecting you”.

Yes, Sarita was in danger due to some choices made earlier on in the book. But I didn’t feel the angst or suspense of the mystery of who was after her until the last few chapters. That’s when all the action appeared and everything was quickly and neatly tied up. This wouldn’t have bothered me as much if the romance was something I could root for and invest myself in.

Content warnings: physical abuse, rape / sexual assault, violence, death
Profile Image for L..
607 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2021
What a page turner! I started this yesterday morning and had to force myself to stop reading when I realized it would soon be finished before bed time then I would have nothing to read today. I've read other stories by Beverly Jenkins and have enjoyed them all but so far this one is the best. It was mentioned by another Goodreads member in her comments and I was lucky to get it when GR obtained one (1!) copy.
Lately I've been disappointed with the books I've read. I was so happy our library had reopened and I could go inside and browse the new releases. I checked out three new books and was eager to begin reading. All three were awful as have been others I've read recently. I was beginning to dread starting another book.
"The Edge of Midnight" was exciting. It is a romance novel but the action keeps the story moving. The plot was tight, nothing in the writing was unnecessary to the story. This is how I like my stories.
Thank you Ms. Jenkins, it was a wonderful feeling to get lost in a book again.
460 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2021
After reading Black Lace, I knew I needed to go back to the first book in this series to learn more about this family and also to read more by the fabulous Ms. Bev. This book did not disappoint. Sarita Grayson is such a strong, lovable character. Her work for the community makes her a local hero plus she doesn't take crap from anyone, including Mykal Chandler who is used to being the one in charge and making the rules. Probably because of how wealthy he is, a wealth which he throws around despite knowing how uncomfortable it makes Sarita. The way Sarita slowly warms up to him and how she repeatedly puts him in his place are amazing to see. Their romance slowly blossoms and, in the end, it's clear just how much they mean to one another despite what they've gone through separately and together. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook, read by Myra Lucretia Taylor.
Profile Image for SassyMama.
1,016 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2016
Mrs. Jenkins has yet to disappoint! I have read many of her novels and she continues to WOW and ENTERTAIN me. I was TOTALLY caught up in the storyline from page one. She kept me enraptured with ALL the mystery and intrigue. And the SEXY excitement of the budding romance between Mykal Chandler and Sarita Grayson is simply AMAZING. I love the way she incorporated her historical characters within this contemporary treat by making them descendants of the main characters. I DEFINITELY look forward to reading and ENJOYING more of her contemporary romances.
Profile Image for Deena.
540 reviews11 followers
November 14, 2012
What an amazing storyteller!!! I've read all but 3 of her historical romances, and was somewhat hesistant to read her contemporary novels - that is, until I read Rhythms of Love - and loved it!. How could I doubt this woman's skills?

This was a really good story; sexy, suspenseful and funny. Mykal was yet another sexy hero, and Ms. Sarita was as tough and strong-willed as her 'many greats-grandmother'. I really like that she tied these new characters to the characters in her historical novels. Absolutely great cast of characters. Can't wait to read St. and Drake's stories.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
523 reviews11 followers
January 22, 2023
I'm love Bev Jenkins historical romances, so finally decided to try one of her suspenseful romance novels. Turns out are descendants of characters from two of my favorite books. Sarita (Vivid) and Mykal (Indigo).

This story was entertaining. Sarita the smart mouth, independent woman and Mykal, the rich man who only wants a wife to keep other woman from bothering him while he saves the hood. He forces her to marry him and of course they fall in love
Profile Image for Harisa- EsquiredToRead.
1,309 reviews26 followers
May 16, 2021
Finishing 2 books in one day? Rating both of them well? Who am I???

This was good, one of the more original plot lines and I liked the romance. The book felt like it slightly dragged a bit too much as it overly focused on the romance for a time period in my opinion and that's the only reason it lost a star.
Profile Image for Susan Knott.
36 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2022
Sadly disappointed! I read and loved her 'Blessings' series, and was expecting the same caliber of story. Instead,this read like a harlequin romance..lots of heavy breathing, groping, descriptive passages of body parts....adolescent attitudes. Sigh. Read at your own risk...it could have been so much better.
Profile Image for Tamyka.
385 reviews11 followers
April 28, 2023
Typical Jenkins hot steamy romance with a very slight thriller (cat and mouse and random rats chase). I feel like I’ve read this before though. Either from Jenkins or Howzell Hall but it was still an enjoyable romance
Profile Image for Nikki.
323 reviews31 followers
November 2, 2008
Great Read. Just as I expect from Beverly Jenkins but I still love her african american historical romances the best.
Author 6 books210 followers
May 3, 2015
The strengh of this female lead was amazing and the story kept me engaged until the end. Love it!
Profile Image for Brandan WH.
655 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2025
Another engaging book by Ms Bev

This is my first finished read of the New Year and it seems fitting that it’s by Ms Bev! I’m used to her historicals but I do enjoy the contemporary books as well.
We meet Sarita who is a Detroit native and is managing the local community center. Like most centers in the inner city, funding is hard to come by and every dollar is spent as soon as it comes in. She’s in a financial situation and the only way she can see out of it is to help a shady man do a shady job. Against her better sense she agrees and shenanigans ensue.
Mykal (Myk) is a well established businessman. He’s rich beyond words but it’s a cover to hide his real purpose of driving out the drug dealers from the city’s neighborhoods and attempting to rehabilitate the kids that are involved. In the midst of one of his assignments, he and Sarita meet in less than ideal circumstances. He knows she’s gotten involved in something well over her head and proposes a fake marriage to keep her safe and to keep people out of his business.
Sarita is not pleased with being cooped up “for her own protection” even if her prison is a beautiful mansion near the water. Myk is not too happy about having Sarita in his house, especially because she doesn’t listen and always wants to be right. The fact that there is some sexual tension only adds to drama.
This story takes its time in revealing all the players, twists and turns, etc. It can take a while to get invested but once it picks up, hold on! There’s family drama, other women trying to stake a claim, villains from a past life, neighborhood vigilantes. But there’s also a tenderness between Sarita and Myk that grows the longer they spend time together. And Ms Bev knows her way around a sex scene. They’re tender and sexy and raunchy all at the same time.
There are other books that focus on Myk’d brothers. I didn’t know that so I’ve read these books out of order. It didn’t impact my enjoyment though and I like how characters from her historicals are referenced in the modern books.
Profile Image for Samantha.
671 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2025
Ms. Bev writes well, and I love how she has her own universe where her contemporary characters have connections to her historical ones. This is set in Detroit in the early/mid-2000s, and it shows when it comes to how crime is depicted and discussed. The villain in this romantic suspense is fat, older, and disabled. This hasn't aged great, but as always, there are great characters, action, and a compelling love story between Sarita and Myk after their marriage of convenience. Glad I read this, but wouldn't recommend it widely unless you know what you're getting into due to the dated material.

CW: sexual assault brief mention on page for a side character and historical mentions (not the heroine but it is a threat to her), gun violence
Profile Image for Jewlsbookblog.
2,210 reviews74 followers
December 9, 2024
How did I miss the fact that this series follows three half brothers who just happen to be descendants of Hester and Galen from Indigo!! Gah! Smacking myself for not picking these books up sooner 😂

Mykal and Sarita were eventually a delight-yes, it did take me a hot minute to like both characters-but if anyone could do it, it’s definitely Ms. Bev! The whole fake wife, jewel theft, kidnapping issues had to be absorbed first….the history lessons intertwined that I devour…the romance-Mykal had a lot to learn about wooing an actual woman instead of airheaded bimbos…overall, good read!
76 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2025
Just finished this amazing book! I love the heroine, Sarita and the Hero, Mike is a dream! Beverly Jenkins is masterful in telling these romantic suspense stories. Great side characters and a story that is timeless! Loved the connection to her historical romances as well! I gave this book 5 Stars and can wait to continue the series.
134 reviews
February 7, 2025
Midnight

Loved this book when it first came out and it still rings as a strong read today. Mykal (the strong warrior) was the perfect match for Sarita (the general). Excellent series.
Profile Image for Lori Payton.
5 reviews
August 30, 2024
I was not convinced in the first chapter, but this turned out to be a delightful surprise!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews

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