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The Edge of Dawn

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Accused of her father’s murder, a young woman is out to prove her innocence with the help of a mysterious stranger in this African American romance.The beautiful daughter of a prominent Michigan doctor, Narice has never strayed anywhere near the wrong side of the law. Then her father is brutally murdered—and suddenly federal agents are swarming around her like flies, making accusations about a stolen North African diamond. But before they can interrogate her, she is wrested from their grasp at gunpoint by a shadowy figure—and Narice Jordan is on the run.But is this dark, good-looking stranger who calls himself Saint her kidnapper or her savior? Narice knows nothing about any missing gem, yet there are two things she knows for Only at Saint's side can she find her way to her father's killers.And she'll have to trust this dangerous, ruthless, and deadly mystery man . . . if she wants to keep breathing.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2004

81 people are currently reading
434 people want to read

About the author

Beverly Jenkins

70 books4,803 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 78 reviews
Profile Image for KBeautiful1.
690 reviews67 followers
March 5, 2020
Ohhhhhh Weeeeeeee!!!! Saint is the Real Deal!!!!!

So I have had this last book for a long while now, I have read the rest of the books in this series and it's truly been an exciting and wild ride.

Narice comes home to bury her dad, at first it appears it was a house fire, electrical gone wrong but upon closer inspection it was declared arson, someone deliberately murdered her father and she didn't understand why. He didn't bother anybody, got along with everyone, raised her on his own when her mother died when she was a child, she just couldn't understand who would do this. As she gets ready to return back to her home and life, Narice prays that they find the monster who did this to her dad and to her.

Saint is the descendant of the Le Veq Family (the historical romance; "Through The Storm", "Winds of The Storm", "Captured", and "Rebel" (the brother of "Mykal Chandler" and "Drake Randolph", you can read their stories, "The Edge of Midnight" and "Black Lace") has been in the clandestine business (the secret branches that no one knows about except for the government and the President). Saint has been all over the world fighting the evils that never make it to public consumption, now he is more of a consultant, where he picks and chooses his jobs. This one he got called into was about recovering an artifact that goes back to King Solomon and Queen of Sheba, protecting Narice whose father was the one in last possession of it should be easy or so he hopes. But this case is anything but easy, it is dangerous and rescuing Narice from a kidnapping have put them both on the run and trying to stay a step ahead of the bad guys and trying to decipher the good from the bad.

Saint and Narice are intrigued with each other but trying to stay alive is the first thing on their list but the attraction and their draw to one another is undeniable. Saint will do everything to protect Narice even with his life what he wasn't banking on is that Narice will do the same for him. Theirs is a love that will not be denied, even when they try and deny it themselves.

Another stellar story from author Beverly Jenkins, full of historical facts with book titles for you to read regarding how the slaves were able to escape to freedom. A wonderful story and I am very sad that his whole series has come to an end but there is always re-reads Woot! Woot!

Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!
Profile Image for Laurie  (barksbooks).
1,947 reviews797 followers
April 5, 2010
This is a modern day Indian Jones type of romantic suspense. It’s set in contemporary times but has a fantasy adventure feel to it.

Narice is the headmistress at a prestigious school whose life is turned upside down. First her dad is murdered in a horrible way, then she is kidnapped by some nasty fellows, and finally she is kidnapped again by a man who claims he is saving her from the bad kidnappers. Head spinning yet? This is how the book begins but as the story unfolds things start to make a little more sense. Apparently her dad was the keeper of a sacred diamond that a country wants back and she is the “key” to finding it. Now she and her kidnapper who calls himself Saint must follow the clues and locate it to avoid political catastrophe and her death. In between all of this madness they fall in love.

The two hit it off despite the circumstances. It’s kind of crazy and this stuff could never happen in real life but if you throw reality out of the window and go with the flow it’s an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. The characters are well done, both in their late 30’s with life experience and a little baggage. He’s protective and sexy and has a potentially shady past, while she’s smart and independent but vulnerable too. Their banter feels realistic, despite the situation, but there are some little things that feel contrived. For instance, he has this nifty security thingy to find bugs but doesn’t use it on her until some spies AKA cockroaches discover their whereabouts. They then have to get all bad-ass on these cockroaches. It makes him look like a bit of a dummy and I thought it way too contrived that the little bug was hidden in a clothing item that caused him to think about her naked breasts. But I’m nitpicky like that.

All in all this is a decent romance but nothing I’d reread. I’m not a big action fan and for me to truly enjoy a book of this type it either has to be very emotional or extremely funny.
Profile Image for Pamela(AllHoney).
2,674 reviews377 followers
August 22, 2025
A book I apparently almost didn't get. lol. I received it with the wrapping burned and sootie. The book itself is readable though. Anyway, my first read by Beverly Jenkins. I've noticed her mentioned many times so I decided to finally try her out. This may not have been the right book to start with. It had wonderful strong characters and a good, if a little far-fetched, plot. Sort of a "James Bond meets Indiana Jones" type thing. But something in the execution didn't really appeal to me. I didn't hate it and I wanted to know how it played out but I felt it difficult to stay with it. It just didn't grab me. I will admit, however, that the historical information, regarding the Underground Railroad, was interesting.

The basic plot is there is a missing diamond that Narice's father took possession of back in WWII for safekeeping. Well, her father is killed and people are looking for it and grab Narice in hopes that she will be able to find it. Enter "hero" Saint to the rescue. He rescues her from the "baddies" and kidnaps her himself and the chase is on...
Profile Image for SassyMama.
1,016 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2016
EXCELLENT, what else can I say! A PAGE-TURNING, thrilling romantic ride from start to finish. Saint is SEXY-AS-ALL-GET-OUT. And Narice went from "damsel in distress" to vibrant and TEMPTING side-kick. I was once again CAUGHT UP in the chase, the mystery and the HOT & SPICY romance. Mrs. Jenkins DEFINITELY has a way with the written word! And I truly enjoy the skillful way she incorporates loads of historical tidbits into her romantic adventures. I can't wait to the read the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Keeping.Volumes.Harris.
249 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2025
Awww! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 This was just adorable! 😍 It really made my busy Monday feel brighter. The story was full of action and had just the right amount of steam 🌶🌶🌶, plus the banter was absolutely hilarious! I had such a good time reading it, and I can’t wait to see if the next book is available on Libby! 🤞🏾
4 reviews
September 12, 2019
O always love the Black History woven into the story. This was an enjoyable read as always.

I would recommend this book to all my reading buddies I didn't like all the violence. But I'm looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Sophie Sealy.
379 reviews21 followers
January 4, 2014
This is my second book written by Beverly Jenkins and I know I'm a slow started but I aim to read all her available books this read.

Romance with heart racing suspense at its best. I understand why she sits on the top of many readers and writers list for she's sitting on mines.
Profile Image for Marilyn Diamond.
710 reviews43 followers
September 3, 2016
If you love a mystery who done it and a love story this book is for you.
It was rather long but once I got into it I could not put it down.. bravo for BJ's early work..
Profile Image for Aisha Oaktree.
653 reviews38 followers
April 18, 2019
Originally Reviewed on Bewitching Bibliophile

Going into this one I wasn't sure who the characters were going to be. I finished the first book then went right into this one with only a few hours of break in between. I was pleasantly surprised that Saint got his story and I couldn't wait to see what he was going to share with us.

Starting with Narice who is on the way home after her father passes away in a fire, she's quickly brought into an intriguing world that she's left unprepared for because she has no idea her father had any connections to this kind of life. As the story got started I was so anxious for her and wondering how she was going to get out of this situation because OMG who wouldn't freak out a little?? Then the next round of craziness pops off and the story is off and running.

I felt myself trying to read as fast as possible to get to what was happening; because what a world of intrigue. We get Narice who is in the middle of mourning her father, she's been rescued and told that her father's death may not be an accident and he was involved with the transport of piece that would aide in the fight for a monarch's place in her country. Narice is a successful teacher who has founded her own exclusive school back home isn't really someone built for a world of intrigue, spies and hunts for treasures, but to have her father's murderer exposed she's willing to become a Bond girl. Saint is a member of the shadowy group NIA who are trying to bring Detroit back from the brink by any means necessary, he also works for the government doing this and that, this is one of the cases the government can't have their fingerprints on.

This is for those who love history like I do a great journey through the south using a part of the Underground Railroad and it's hidden maps. I loved learning more about the history of these maps and of course I have put those books on the tbr pile for later in the year.

Narice and Saint meet with a Queen who gives them a mission and lays out the alternative in a way that let Narice know she really needs to do this. As the adventure gets started and we are rolling through the south and heading towards the hidden treasure we have choppers trying to drive people off the road, missiles from hidden compartments, two or three other villains working to get to the treasure before Narice and Saint do. And with many missions, as the danger levels rise so too does the attraction between Narice and Saint. Saint has been doing these missions for a while and he's never been this attracted to a woman before, as the danger rises and she rises to the different challenges to help him stay alive he realizes he might have met his match. It's interesting to watch them try to navigate a relationship that fits the scenario while working towards claiming the prize before their enemies do.

As Narice is held to the fire each time the danger climbs she's discovering parts of herself she didn't realize were hidden. While as a person who believes a gun is a girls' best friend I understood her hesitancy but girl it's your life or theirs, and they won't be pulling their punches. I loved how she and Saint discussed things and while he wanted to coddle her, he was also real about their options.

This story was a great mix of treasure hunting while making our way through some of America's history. The chemistry between the two was good to read. We do get a glimpse of characters that will be in later books and of course we get to see the characters from the first book The Edge of Midnight. I highly recommend for those who love adventure stories, history, kick-ass female lead and hot romantic moments between gun battles.

★★★★☆
Books In Series

The Edge of Midnight (1)
Deadly/Sexy (4)
Sexy/Dangerous (5)
Happy Reading my loves,

Profile Image for L..
599 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2021
Another great story from Ms. Beverly Jenkins! This series reads like Jason Borne or James Bond adventures. I know this is supposed to be a romance novel and there is romance but there's a lot more action and excitement. Narice Jordan has just buried her Dad and learned the fire he died in was arson. The Detroit police are investigating but she can't think of anyone who would do such a thing. While she's waiting for a cab to take her to the airport to return home she's abducted and she manages to get away when someone starts cleaning the windshield while the car is stopped. As she is running away she realizes she's being chased by a different man and he manages to catch her. He tries to explain he's trying to help her but she doesn't believe him. When he gets her into his car he introduces himself as Saint and explains that her father had a large diamond, called the "Eye", that he was entrusted to keep safe since the end of WW II. Now the Queen wants the "Eye" back and so do many others but Narice doesn't know anything about it.
After Saint and Narice meet with "The Majesty" Narice decides to help find the diamond thinking it will lead to whoever killed her father. This is where the excitement really begins.
There's car bombs, helicopters exploding, secret hideouts, even a drive through a convenience store to save Saint during a getaway.
This is a great story that isn't easy to put down.
Thank you Ms. Jenkins and keep the stories coming please.
Profile Image for Brandan WH.
651 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2023
A history lesson with a side of romance

4.5 stars
One thing about a Ms Bev book, you’re going to learn something! This book shared information about the importance of quilt making and how it helped to direct enslaved people to safety.
Narice is mourning the death of her father, especially when she learns it was by arson. She’s then caught up in a whirlwind of intrigue that she wasn’t expecting. She’s the headmistress of a private school! She’s not ready to shoot guns and evade helicopters.
But that’s where Saint comes in to help. He’s been brought in by the President to assist with retrieving a jewel that is needed by The Majesty as they seek to reclaim their African country. Of course, there are individuals who want them dead and Saint has to keep those people at bay, keep Narice safe and fight the temptation to want more from her.
This story is nonstop. It starts off quick and never lets up. I enjoyed it immensely, especially learning more about the importance of quilts, tunnels created to move enslaved people without being detected and various small towns in the south with Native American connections. Add in the obvious attraction between Narice and Saint, two grown folks who are very clear on what they want (or don’t want) in life and you won’t be able to put this book down. Another winner from Ms Bev.
Profile Image for Dona.
388 reviews11 followers
May 13, 2018
Beverly Jenkins never disappoints!
Narice Jordan, has just buried her father, when she is kidnapped and then rescused by a man who says that he is the "good guy." Thus begins the rollcoaster ride that Narice's life takes. Her father's death was ruled arson by the police and now she learns from Saint, the "good guy," that the her father was the keeper of a valuable relic and symbol of a small African nation. His possession of the relic is what led to his death.
Simon Jordan killed by opposing forces who seek to steal the artifact for their own nefarious purpose. As Simon's daughter, they believe that Narice knows the location of the artifact; she doesn't. Thus, Narice is pulled into a dangerous race to find the artifact so that it can be returned to its rightful owner. However, with the handsome and formidable Saint, who is responsible for recovering the artifact and keeping Narice safe, by her side, Narice and her heart, embark on a quest she never could have imagined.
Profile Image for Naika.
332 reviews19 followers
January 6, 2021
Narice finds herself in a world of trouble after her father's suspicious death. Much to her surprise, her father was in possession of a very precious gem and some prickly characters are intent on retrieving it. Saint is tasked with the job of protecting Narice from these people. But he springs into her life with no warning - just like the other guys - leading her to not know who or what to trust. But one thing is for sure. Narice has got to find this diamond and put an end to all the chaos.

The Edge of Dawn comes at you fast and does not let up until the end. This was both a strength and drawback of the story. Every time we have an opportunity to see Saint and Narice grow closer, in comes barging in someone hellbent on taking them out. But hey, this is a romantic suspense after all.

3.5 stars
456 reviews8 followers
September 20, 2021
Another romantic suspense novel from the fabulous Ms. Bev. This book features Narice, a school principal, and Saint, one of the three brothers at the core of this series, on a hunt to retrieve a lost diamond before others can find it. They get into all sorts of (mis)adventures with danger ever-present on their quest to find the mysterious diamond and return it to its "rightful" owner. There's lots of action in this one, maybe too much at times. But, through it all, Narice and Saint find their time to be together.

I enjoyed listening to this one, performed by Myra Lucretia Taylor. I really wish Aunt Camille and Portia would get their own books because those are two amazing women. Alas...
Profile Image for PurpleLadi.
541 reviews7 followers
May 17, 2020
OMG! What A Captivating Story

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. This story had everything: action, drama, history and romance. I love reading Ms. Jenkins' books because I learn so much about African -American history, much of which is not taught in schools. I love reading about strong women who, when the chips are down, are NOT afraid to stand with and help their men. Also, the chemistry between Saint and Narice was off the charts. I truly hated reading the last line, because it meant the book was finished.
Profile Image for Chivon.
133 reviews
October 31, 2021
I love any thing Beverly Jenkins, this story was fine not as great as her others but still a nice hearted cosy read. It is action packed all the way in a *Hart to Hart* sort of way.

Why I love everything Beverly Jenkins (so far); her lead characters are never broke, they are independent, smart and successful, that means a lot to me to see this about Black people as a black lady myself. I like stories that are not filled with, enslavement, addiction, poverty and black trauma all the time and enjoy the prosperity stories too as those stories are also real.
Profile Image for Jewlsbookblog.
2,209 reviews74 followers
December 9, 2024
Continuing this series, Saint is so darn lovable! He’s a bad ass, inspector Gadget, super spy/assassin…I really don’t know what to call him, but he’s a jack of all trades with special White House access. He and Narice shouldn’t work well together, but their chemistry definitely belied the formula and they were so much fun to read! Their madcap adventure to find the Eye for the Queen lead to a history lesson of hidden codes in quilts during the Underground Railroad-I’m so finding the recommended book Ms. Bev mentioned- and a motley group of baddies that really got their comeuppance.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,286 reviews14 followers
March 1, 2025
I was delighted to get Saint's book, since he made such an impact in The Edge of Midnight as a side character, and he was great. And Narice is absolutely his match. This is such a suspenseful romp, and I'm not sure how that goes together, but Ms. Bev continues to be a legend. There's a bit about a diamond, an African monarch, two adorable dogs, and some swamp content (of course) but the real beating heart of the story was the reluctant romance between our leads. They knew it wouldn't work, but the danger + forced proximity combo makes fools of us all. Anyway, this was fun, I learned historical stuff (of course), and I want to see someone in a Saint cosplay.
Profile Image for Edith.
268 reviews13 followers
August 6, 2019
I genuinely really liked the suspense that this novel brought, it was another little treat by Beverly Jenkins.
It definitely caught my attention very early on and I could
Hardly put it down once it started. Saint was definitely a character and he was so interesting that I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. I loved how resourceful he was and learning a little more about him was absolutely great.
Profile Image for Dosha (Bluestocking7) Beard.
619 reviews46 followers
May 13, 2020
I enjoyed it but I like her historical romances more. This is an adventure/murder/thriller/romance. Way too much going on. With that being said, the main characters are well flushed out and the backstory is great, which involves quilts from the Underground Railroad. It inspires me to want to read more about that. This book left me wondering what happens to Narice’s Aunt Camille. I was a bit disappointed with the unbelievable action scenes-they would play much better in a movie.
6 reviews1 follower
Read
March 17, 2021
Excellent

Classic Ms. Jenkins. No one does it better. Loved the nod to the past learning Saint is a descendent of Galen Vachon and Ms. Hester Wyatt of Ms. Jenkins' book "Indigo", one of my favorites! Excited to learn exactly what Saint did for a living and how she tied it in, continuing with "his" story from the Edge Of Midnight. Loved the action and suspense as much as the come-to-life characters. Absolutely love her writing and this was no disappointment!
349 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2022
Another Great Read

I love Beverly Jenkins books and even more so after reading them a couple of times. Thus is probably the 3 rd time I've read this book and it's still good. Its packed with suspense, action, mystery and romance. It reads like a perfect action thriller movie. Saint was so mysterious yet the perfect hero and Narice was the smart feminine sidekick. Great Story.
82 reviews
October 11, 2018
I thought I was in a action pack movie

This book wasn't what I expected it's was so much more ..The suspense and what was going to happen next keep me on the edge. And how the romance between Saint and Nartice felt nature because of the situation they where put in, love the book ...you did it again Beverly
Profile Image for Kristina Green.
11 reviews
September 11, 2020
Just WOW!! FANTASTIC!

This book along with all the other Beverly Jenkins books that I’ve read is EXCELLENT!! I love and enjoy every part of this book. This one had mystery, a bit of chaos, beautiful relationships and of course romance. I can’t read enough of Beverly Jenkins’ books. I always want another one to read. I love how she ties in the history of our people. BRAVO!!
Profile Image for Janelle.
2,222 reviews75 followers
March 20, 2022
This was such a fun romantic suspense romp that reminded me of National Treasure, Indiana Jones, and all the best 90s spy/action movies. It was such a cinematic, nostalgic, and over the top good time.

The chemistry and relationship were great, but honestly I was living for all the fun (and dated) spy gadgets 🧨
Profile Image for Day A.
110 reviews
August 31, 2024
This was not for me the action heavy books never are. I am usually enamored with Jenkins characters but I was never really invested in either one of the main characters. I know they were older characters that were supposed to have lived life so they come with baggage but it just never really hit for me and things just seem so unbelievable.
134 reviews
February 2, 2025
DAWN

Read this book years ago and it was top notch then and still top notch now! Find me a Saint, Oh wee. Sarina was the perfect side kick. As always Mrs. Jenkins know how to write a story, throw in history making it hard to put the book down and leave you wanting more after your done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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