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Victory Cove #2
Endless Night
A woman hiding from her past.
A man searching for his.
Megan Summers has been on the run for over a year. After witnessing a murder, she fled as fast and as far as she could go, landing her in the remote coastal village of Victory Cove. Even with a new name, she knows it's only a matter of time before the murderer finds her.
Jake Grogan has come to Victory Cove to unravel the mystery of his heritage. Instead of finding his grandmother at Wakefield House, he discovers an attractive stranger who will do anything to get him off her doorstep. Trapped by a storm, he’s forced to stay the night with Megan—a recluse who keeps a handgun under her bed and closes herself off from the outside world.
As Jake tries to unearth his past, he’s distracted by his fear for Megan’s safety and his growing feelings for her. Danger is drawing near and he’ll do anything to protect her. Will it be enough, though? Will it be enough for them to survive the endless night?
A man searching for his.
Megan Summers has been on the run for over a year. After witnessing a murder, she fled as fast and as far as she could go, landing her in the remote coastal village of Victory Cove. Even with a new name, she knows it's only a matter of time before the murderer finds her.
Jake Grogan has come to Victory Cove to unravel the mystery of his heritage. Instead of finding his grandmother at Wakefield House, he discovers an attractive stranger who will do anything to get him off her doorstep. Trapped by a storm, he’s forced to stay the night with Megan—a recluse who keeps a handgun under her bed and closes herself off from the outside world.
As Jake tries to unearth his past, he’s distracted by his fear for Megan’s safety and his growing feelings for her. Danger is drawing near and he’ll do anything to protect her. Will it be enough, though? Will it be enough for them to survive the endless night?
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2011
5 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Maureen A. Miller
32 books1,274 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Maureen A. Miller worked in the software industry for fifteen years. She crawled around plant floors in a hard hat and safety glasses, hooking up computers to behemoth manufacturing machines. The job required extensive travel. The best form of escapism during those lengthy airport layovers became writing.
Maureen’s first novel, Widow's TALE, earned her a Golden Heart nomination in Romantic Suspense. After that, she became hooked on the genre. As hooked as she was, childhood fantasies still danced around in her head––little voices calling for her to write the young adult science fiction BEYOND series. To her, it was still romantic suspense…just on another planet!
Maureen is a wife. A mother of a crazy Corgi. A lover of mozzarella. And she truly believes there is a portal to outer space somewhere in her house.
Maureen’s first novel, Widow's TALE, earned her a Golden Heart nomination in Romantic Suspense. After that, she became hooked on the genre. As hooked as she was, childhood fantasies still danced around in her head––little voices calling for her to write the young adult science fiction BEYOND series. To her, it was still romantic suspense…just on another planet!
Maureen is a wife. A mother of a crazy Corgi. A lover of mozzarella. And she truly believes there is a portal to outer space somewhere in her house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 13, 2021
Endless Night is book #2 in the Victory Cove series by Maureen A. Miller and it is perfectly good to be read as a standalone.
The basic premise of the story is quite interesting, Megan has witnessed a crime and now she’s on the run hiding out in the crumbling Wakefield House in Victory Cove. The house with its eerie setting had a good potential for a gothic thriller coz the author uses the elements of the weather brilliantly. The storm, the biting cold, the rocky cliffs, the danger of the submerging bridge, and the prospect of murder waiting to happen all add to the tense atmosphere of the story. Jake Grogan in search of his birth roots has no reason to get embroiled in the mystery surrounding the resident of the Wakefield House but his plans take a nosedive as the weather plays spoilsport.
The central portion of the story however could have been crisper as the parts that revolve around Meg’s terror felt endless but I loved how the author showed the care and concern that turns to love between the couple. As it is fairly evident how the story is gonna shape up it would have been thrilling to have an extremely rapid pace for the story, but the relationship becomes the focus in the middle before it reverts back to the original plotline.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Meg and Jake as they both support each other in their journey. I loved how Maureen A. Miller has captured the haunting terror that Meg had living for the past year, the nightmares giving voice to the extremely dreadful situation she has been suffering.
If you are a fan of romantic suspense, go ahead and read Endless Night as it is sure to keep you engaged on a stormy night.
Many thanks to BookSirens and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
The basic premise of the story is quite interesting, Megan has witnessed a crime and now she’s on the run hiding out in the crumbling Wakefield House in Victory Cove. The house with its eerie setting had a good potential for a gothic thriller coz the author uses the elements of the weather brilliantly. The storm, the biting cold, the rocky cliffs, the danger of the submerging bridge, and the prospect of murder waiting to happen all add to the tense atmosphere of the story. Jake Grogan in search of his birth roots has no reason to get embroiled in the mystery surrounding the resident of the Wakefield House but his plans take a nosedive as the weather plays spoilsport.
The central portion of the story however could have been crisper as the parts that revolve around Meg’s terror felt endless but I loved how the author showed the care and concern that turns to love between the couple. As it is fairly evident how the story is gonna shape up it would have been thrilling to have an extremely rapid pace for the story, but the relationship becomes the focus in the middle before it reverts back to the original plotline.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Meg and Jake as they both support each other in their journey. I loved how Maureen A. Miller has captured the haunting terror that Meg had living for the past year, the nightmares giving voice to the extremely dreadful situation she has been suffering.
"That night..." she hesitated, "...was endless. It still hasn't ended."
If you are a fan of romantic suspense, go ahead and read Endless Night as it is sure to keep you engaged on a stormy night.
Many thanks to BookSirens and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
June 10, 2011
"After witnessing a murder, Megan Summers ran until she reached the remote coastal village of Victory Cove. She has a new name, but she knows it's only a matter of time before the murderer catches up with her.Jake Grogan has come to town to unravel the mystery of his heritage..."
Megan Summers is a wonderful heroine - sharp, funny and brave, the sort of girl you'd love to have as a best friend. Maureen Miller creates a wonderful setting around the remote village with weather so temperamental you can feel the wind in your hair and the rain on your face. And then there's the wonderfully strong and capable, utterly gorgeous Jake Grogan...
I loved this book! Highly recommended for all lovers of romantic suspense.
Megan Summers is a wonderful heroine - sharp, funny and brave, the sort of girl you'd love to have as a best friend. Maureen Miller creates a wonderful setting around the remote village with weather so temperamental you can feel the wind in your hair and the rain on your face. And then there's the wonderfully strong and capable, utterly gorgeous Jake Grogan...
I loved this book! Highly recommended for all lovers of romantic suspense.
April 9, 2020
Endless Night by Maureen A. Miller was a romantic suspense that kept me engaged from the first chapter to the end. Personal angst for both Jake and Meg, huge character growth as they got to know each other and a spine tingling ending kept me turning the pages.
June 2, 2011
A frightened woman with a GLOCK, a man looking for answers and the secrets that connect them is the premise behind the romantic suspense ENDLESS NIGHT by Maureen A. Miller.
Megan Summers is the recluse that lives alone at Wakefield House in the small town of Victory Cove. She rents the large victorian house nestled on an isolated cliff far from town and only has minimal contact with the local residents. Her cover story is that she is an author and likes her privacy, but the truth is she is a frightened young woman running from a terrible secret.
Jake Grogan has received a mysterious letter telling him to find his birth grandmother Estelle. He has always wanted to know about his birth parents and his search leads him to Wakefield House and Megan. When a storm traps Jake at the house, he and Megan are forced together and that's when the story takes off. Megan's fear of strangers is palpable and Ms. Miller is a master storyteller allowing the reader to feel Megan's every tremble. It is the way that Jake handles Megan, her nightly demons and secrets, that draw you in. As the secrets are unfolded, Megan and Jake slowly learn to trust each other and that's where the story shines.
The suspense and romance are blended so seamlessly in this story. One moment the reader is enjoying a tender moment between these two when a shrieking alarm goes off to remind us that there is evil lurking outside ready to pounce. Who is Megan afraid of? Will Jake find his birth mother? Will they survive the raging nor'easter that threatens to tear Wakefield House off it's foundation? The ending to this story is a page turner--just when you think you've got it all figured out, Ms. Miller throws another curve at you. If you enjoy romantic suspense stories, ENDLESS NIGHT should be at the top of your TBR list. Definitely Recommended.
Megan Summers is the recluse that lives alone at Wakefield House in the small town of Victory Cove. She rents the large victorian house nestled on an isolated cliff far from town and only has minimal contact with the local residents. Her cover story is that she is an author and likes her privacy, but the truth is she is a frightened young woman running from a terrible secret.
Jake Grogan has received a mysterious letter telling him to find his birth grandmother Estelle. He has always wanted to know about his birth parents and his search leads him to Wakefield House and Megan. When a storm traps Jake at the house, he and Megan are forced together and that's when the story takes off. Megan's fear of strangers is palpable and Ms. Miller is a master storyteller allowing the reader to feel Megan's every tremble. It is the way that Jake handles Megan, her nightly demons and secrets, that draw you in. As the secrets are unfolded, Megan and Jake slowly learn to trust each other and that's where the story shines.
The suspense and romance are blended so seamlessly in this story. One moment the reader is enjoying a tender moment between these two when a shrieking alarm goes off to remind us that there is evil lurking outside ready to pounce. Who is Megan afraid of? Will Jake find his birth mother? Will they survive the raging nor'easter that threatens to tear Wakefield House off it's foundation? The ending to this story is a page turner--just when you think you've got it all figured out, Ms. Miller throws another curve at you. If you enjoy romantic suspense stories, ENDLESS NIGHT should be at the top of your TBR list. Definitely Recommended.
June 16, 2011
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I’d hoped to. I thought it would be more suspenseful than it ended up being, and sadly, I was relieved when I had finally finished it.
After witnessing a murder Megan Summers has spent the last year on the run but no matter how far she goes she can’t escape the taunting phone calls “I know where you are Margaret.” Living in a secluded house in a remote town she has spent the last year by herself, but when a tall dark stranger knocks on her door can Megan trust who he claims to be--a man looking for his birth family--or has he been sent to kill her?
So the biggest complaint I have with this story was Miller’s writing style. I became extremely frustrated how she continually chose to interrupt a conversation with internal beratements, self doubt or describing a scene. I just wanted the dialogue to run between characters like a normal conversation, instead I either skipped over the interruption or had forgotten what was said casing me to re-read many scenes.
I only got partial enjoyment out of the characters. Millers writing style made it difficult to become attached to them. I found a lot of things just became repetitive, and with all the internal dialogue, I felt the story grew stagnant. The plot was interesting but it just didn’t seem to fulfill its potential. ‘Endless Night’ definitely lacked suspense, and become was predictable.
After witnessing a murder Megan Summers has spent the last year on the run but no matter how far she goes she can’t escape the taunting phone calls “I know where you are Margaret.” Living in a secluded house in a remote town she has spent the last year by herself, but when a tall dark stranger knocks on her door can Megan trust who he claims to be--a man looking for his birth family--or has he been sent to kill her?
So the biggest complaint I have with this story was Miller’s writing style. I became extremely frustrated how she continually chose to interrupt a conversation with internal beratements, self doubt or describing a scene. I just wanted the dialogue to run between characters like a normal conversation, instead I either skipped over the interruption or had forgotten what was said casing me to re-read many scenes.
I only got partial enjoyment out of the characters. Millers writing style made it difficult to become attached to them. I found a lot of things just became repetitive, and with all the internal dialogue, I felt the story grew stagnant. The plot was interesting but it just didn’t seem to fulfill its potential. ‘Endless Night’ definitely lacked suspense, and become was predictable.
July 28, 2011
Single sentence summary: Jake never really cared that he was adopted but when he receives a letter from a women stating to be his mother and that he needs to talk to his grandmother, he knows he needs to find out happened to the women who gave birth to him.
This is an enjoyable romantic suspense novel where Jake’s story is only part of the plot. The major part of it is really about Megan and the fact that she witnessed a murder a year ago and has been running ever since. I liked Megan’s character but the one that seemed more developed, I felt, was actually Jake. Megan is running from the murder she witnessed a year ago and but Jake seemed to have a little more depth and diversity of character to mean.
Megan was a bit of the damsel in distress and Jake is turns out being a bit of the knight in shinning. It was cute in the way. Jake had unexpected ways to help save Megan. I liked that. Megan thinks she can take of herself but I think Ms. Miller did a good job showing how hard it is to think of all contingencies.
I enjoyed Endless Nights and found it to be a quick and at times suspenseful romance. The main characters, for the most part, were entertaining. 4 Stars.
I received this book from Carina Press via Netgalley.
This is an enjoyable romantic suspense novel where Jake’s story is only part of the plot. The major part of it is really about Megan and the fact that she witnessed a murder a year ago and has been running ever since. I liked Megan’s character but the one that seemed more developed, I felt, was actually Jake. Megan is running from the murder she witnessed a year ago and but Jake seemed to have a little more depth and diversity of character to mean.
Megan was a bit of the damsel in distress and Jake is turns out being a bit of the knight in shinning. It was cute in the way. Jake had unexpected ways to help save Megan. I liked that. Megan thinks she can take of herself but I think Ms. Miller did a good job showing how hard it is to think of all contingencies.
I enjoyed Endless Nights and found it to be a quick and at times suspenseful romance. The main characters, for the most part, were entertaining. 4 Stars.
I received this book from Carina Press via Netgalley.
May 28, 2011
Very good romantic suspense. The beginning was a bit bumpy for me but once the story hit its stride I had a hard time putting it down.
Megan and Jake are very likable characters and they felt real. I liked that the author used both of their points of view so that as the reader you know much more than either one and can see how easy you can make mistakes when you only have certain information.
I loved that the ending was not what I thought it was going to be. I was actually a little afraid I was going to get there and be disappointed. Nope. Satisfying ending.
I'm also very intrigued about the possibility of faking a D cell battery with a C and three quarters...anyone know if this is true? Of course, I rarely use either but still intriguing!
Megan and Jake are very likable characters and they felt real. I liked that the author used both of their points of view so that as the reader you know much more than either one and can see how easy you can make mistakes when you only have certain information.
I loved that the ending was not what I thought it was going to be. I was actually a little afraid I was going to get there and be disappointed. Nope. Satisfying ending.
I'm also very intrigued about the possibility of faking a D cell battery with a C and three quarters...anyone know if this is true? Of course, I rarely use either but still intriguing!
August 24, 2011
~* 4.5 Stars *~
Fantastic Romantic Suspense
She witnessed a powerful man commit cold blooded murder, then fled when he turned the gun on her. Horrified, terrified for her life, she ran to the police, only to come face to face with proof that powerful men have long reaches. Megan Summers did the only thing she could do, she disappeared. Since then she's been hiding in the remotest location she could find, a weathered house on the outskirts of the coastal Maine town of Victory Cove. It's been a rough, lonely year, a year of tension and stress, of preparation, of living in seclusion and training herself, readying herself as best she can. Waiting for the phone call that she's always known would come.
When it rings, Megan knows. He's coming.
Receiving a letter from the woman who claims to be his mother shook electrical engineer Jake Grogan to his foundations. He'd known he was adopted since he was young but never wanted to give it much thought. Suddenly having a place to look, a source of information about his heritage, a name and location to start, meant more to him than he'd realized. With his adoptive sister's blessing, he dropped everything and left Boston to check out Victory Cove and find Estelle Wakefield. The woman who may be his grandmother.
He found Megan Summers and Wakefield House. The pretty but tense woman stirs a startling urge to protect within Jake, though from what and why he has no clue. When a nor'easter traps him at the house with her, the mystery of her obvious fear becomes just as tantalizing as his quest for his heritage.
They are strangers drawn together by circumstance, discovering an unwanted but irresistible attraction that could turn the most difficult times in their lives into the greatest happiness. But only if they can weather the threat of a man with no conscience and an intent to kill.
Fans of romance and romantic suspense should take note of Miller, because this is thrilling reading entertainment. There were so many great moments of pure, quality writing that I found myself in love early on, swept away by the lives of two characters who were exquisitely drawn and fit so very well together.
Miller's writing is a feast for the senses, with lyrical descriptive passages that paint startlingly clear visuals and evoke depth of emotion in sublimely subtle ways. Her grasp of the complexity of human reaction to difficult situations was well evidenced, translated into characters' actions and thoughts with a believablity that is too often lacking. Her characters were real, with their own faults and mistakes made, regrets and disappointments, but they were also both decent, good people at their core, and their actions and dialogue felt very organic and natural to situations of varying emotional intensity.
The romance was exceptionally well done, though it evolved over a very short period of time. That's a pet peeve of mine, so imagine my delight when I realized that the depth of the emotional connection and the surrounding circumstances were so well drawn and thoroughly developed that instead of feeling too rushed, it felt exactly right. I loved Jake and Megan together, and I loved them as individuals. Miller made them both three dimensional and real, and I was fully invested in them and their story as it progressed. I was actually a little stunned at how thoroughly I was able to understand and sympathize with the actions and decisions that led them to this juxtaposition of their lives, and what they do with themselves after it.
Miller made it all very believable and truly enthralling.
I wish I was as happy with the story elements surrounding the plot thread of the killer. That's the only thing in the whole of the book that didn't work for me. The suspense and the threat the killer posed throughout the book was exquisitely tense and nerve wracking, and every time the phone rang, I clenched my Kindle a little tighter, but the final conflict and the scene of the big reveal fell completely flat for me.
The killer's motivations for the murder didn't interest or shock me, so the mystery solution wasn't very compelling, and the scene of the big reveal was clichéd and trite. It did a disservice to the quality of the rest of the book to have the killer and the heroine act out a quintessential bad guy confessional scene while the hero maneuvers to save the day. An odd switch to a choppier narrative flow with jerky little jumps in the timeline during that big reveal scene and immediately following it just compounded the problem and seemed to serve no purpose beyond further obfuscation.
Frankly, though, I don't want to belabor those points, because so much of this book totally rocked my world. Jake was perfect as the nice guy with some issues, protective and intelligent, and Megan was a spectacular heroine. She's strong, and though she's been afraid for a year, she's worked with that fear, honing herself into a weapon and turning her home into a fortress in preparation for a conflict that she's always understood would be a battle for her life. Fear defined part of her character, and so did independence and steely intent. I found her fascinating and sympathetic. And the sexual chemistry and growing emotional intimacy between Jake and Megan was beautiful to read.
There were, in fact, a couple of passages that were so beautifully written that they literally hit me like soft body punches. One in particular sticks out in my mind. Megan has one of her guns in her hand, a gun she's taught herself to shoot and shoot well, one she keeps so close and has in hand so often that the impression of the grip is often found on her palm. She's speaking to Jake.
The wealth and depth of emotion in that one small passage was astounding. With one short bit of dialogue Miller wrenched my gut and made me feel with jagged clarity just how close Megan is to the end of her rope, how worn out she's become by a year of solitude and fear and grim anticipation, and how dangerously close she is to the breaking point. Really simple and subtle, but so layered and complex. And brilliant for it.
Passages like that, and a narrative chock full of different but equally impressive story elements guaranteed that even with the minor grievances I mentioned, Endless Night knocked it out of the park for me. Tripping over truly quality writing in a genre I favor is one of the best treats for me as a reader, and I felt like a kid at Christmas with this gem. Fans of romance will love Jake and Megan, fans of romantic suspense will appreciate the atmospheric tension that permeates the book. I loved both, and know that I'll be searching out more from Miller in the near future.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Carina Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Fantastic Romantic Suspense
She witnessed a powerful man commit cold blooded murder, then fled when he turned the gun on her. Horrified, terrified for her life, she ran to the police, only to come face to face with proof that powerful men have long reaches. Megan Summers did the only thing she could do, she disappeared. Since then she's been hiding in the remotest location she could find, a weathered house on the outskirts of the coastal Maine town of Victory Cove. It's been a rough, lonely year, a year of tension and stress, of preparation, of living in seclusion and training herself, readying herself as best she can. Waiting for the phone call that she's always known would come.
When it rings, Megan knows. He's coming.
Receiving a letter from the woman who claims to be his mother shook electrical engineer Jake Grogan to his foundations. He'd known he was adopted since he was young but never wanted to give it much thought. Suddenly having a place to look, a source of information about his heritage, a name and location to start, meant more to him than he'd realized. With his adoptive sister's blessing, he dropped everything and left Boston to check out Victory Cove and find Estelle Wakefield. The woman who may be his grandmother.
He found Megan Summers and Wakefield House. The pretty but tense woman stirs a startling urge to protect within Jake, though from what and why he has no clue. When a nor'easter traps him at the house with her, the mystery of her obvious fear becomes just as tantalizing as his quest for his heritage.
They are strangers drawn together by circumstance, discovering an unwanted but irresistible attraction that could turn the most difficult times in their lives into the greatest happiness. But only if they can weather the threat of a man with no conscience and an intent to kill.
Fans of romance and romantic suspense should take note of Miller, because this is thrilling reading entertainment. There were so many great moments of pure, quality writing that I found myself in love early on, swept away by the lives of two characters who were exquisitely drawn and fit so very well together.
Miller's writing is a feast for the senses, with lyrical descriptive passages that paint startlingly clear visuals and evoke depth of emotion in sublimely subtle ways. Her grasp of the complexity of human reaction to difficult situations was well evidenced, translated into characters' actions and thoughts with a believablity that is too often lacking. Her characters were real, with their own faults and mistakes made, regrets and disappointments, but they were also both decent, good people at their core, and their actions and dialogue felt very organic and natural to situations of varying emotional intensity.
The romance was exceptionally well done, though it evolved over a very short period of time. That's a pet peeve of mine, so imagine my delight when I realized that the depth of the emotional connection and the surrounding circumstances were so well drawn and thoroughly developed that instead of feeling too rushed, it felt exactly right. I loved Jake and Megan together, and I loved them as individuals. Miller made them both three dimensional and real, and I was fully invested in them and their story as it progressed. I was actually a little stunned at how thoroughly I was able to understand and sympathize with the actions and decisions that led them to this juxtaposition of their lives, and what they do with themselves after it.
Miller made it all very believable and truly enthralling.
I wish I was as happy with the story elements surrounding the plot thread of the killer. That's the only thing in the whole of the book that didn't work for me. The suspense and the threat the killer posed throughout the book was exquisitely tense and nerve wracking, and every time the phone rang, I clenched my Kindle a little tighter, but the final conflict and the scene of the big reveal fell completely flat for me.
The killer's motivations for the murder didn't interest or shock me, so the mystery solution wasn't very compelling, and the scene of the big reveal was clichéd and trite. It did a disservice to the quality of the rest of the book to have the killer and the heroine act out a quintessential bad guy confessional scene while the hero maneuvers to save the day. An odd switch to a choppier narrative flow with jerky little jumps in the timeline during that big reveal scene and immediately following it just compounded the problem and seemed to serve no purpose beyond further obfuscation.
Frankly, though, I don't want to belabor those points, because so much of this book totally rocked my world. Jake was perfect as the nice guy with some issues, protective and intelligent, and Megan was a spectacular heroine. She's strong, and though she's been afraid for a year, she's worked with that fear, honing herself into a weapon and turning her home into a fortress in preparation for a conflict that she's always understood would be a battle for her life. Fear defined part of her character, and so did independence and steely intent. I found her fascinating and sympathetic. And the sexual chemistry and growing emotional intimacy between Jake and Megan was beautiful to read.
There were, in fact, a couple of passages that were so beautifully written that they literally hit me like soft body punches. One in particular sticks out in my mind. Megan has one of her guns in her hand, a gun she's taught herself to shoot and shoot well, one she keeps so close and has in hand so often that the impression of the grip is often found on her palm. She's speaking to Jake.
Slowly, painfully, she lifted it in offering and managed a raspy plea. "Can you take this? It's grown so heavy."
The wealth and depth of emotion in that one small passage was astounding. With one short bit of dialogue Miller wrenched my gut and made me feel with jagged clarity just how close Megan is to the end of her rope, how worn out she's become by a year of solitude and fear and grim anticipation, and how dangerously close she is to the breaking point. Really simple and subtle, but so layered and complex. And brilliant for it.
Passages like that, and a narrative chock full of different but equally impressive story elements guaranteed that even with the minor grievances I mentioned, Endless Night knocked it out of the park for me. Tripping over truly quality writing in a genre I favor is one of the best treats for me as a reader, and I felt like a kid at Christmas with this gem. Fans of romance will love Jake and Megan, fans of romantic suspense will appreciate the atmospheric tension that permeates the book. I loved both, and know that I'll be searching out more from Miller in the near future.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Carina Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
April 30, 2011
Overall rating: 3.5 stars out of 5!
"That night..." she hesitated, "...was endless. It still hasn't ended."
One year ago while working late, Margaret Simmons witnessed a murder. Panicked by the sight, she fled Boston and found solitude & anonymity in Victory Cove, Maine. She changed her name to Megan Summers and picked up hobbies such as self defense, target practice, and superior nighttime navigation - skills she hopes will give her an advantage over anyone hunting her...
Curious to learn about his heritage, Jake Grogan is lured to Victory Cove by a letter written by his birth mother. At the suggestion of some of the townsfolk, Jake makes his way to Wakefield House - his grandmother's home. Instead of finding his grandmother, however, he comes face to face with a hauntingly beautiful Megan Summers and she's all too eager to force him from the porch into the unfriendly Maine storms.
Determined not to leave Victory Cove empty handed, Jake returns to Wakefield House and through divine intervention - or Mother Nature - he ends up stranded with the beautiful but hostile young Wakefield House resident. Extenuating circumstances thrust upon them, Megan and Jake find solace and strength in each other. Will these new discoveries protect them from the physical and emotional forces that threaten to destroy them?
Ms. Miller's thrilling tale was told dominantly from Jake's POV, adding to Megan's mysterious past and guarded present. Megan's narration, when voiced, was peppered with current thoughts/feelings as well as a combination of dreams and flashbacks, giving readers a glimpse into the nightmare Megan has been living.
The characters were developed extremely well and remained consistent throughout the novel. Megan, though terrified, was determined, brave, and self reliant. Jake was strong, caring, and resourceful (MacGyver, anyone?). Their relationship was a beautiful balance of wit, reluctant attraction, and restrained heat.
The writing was very well done; Ms. Miller created image provoking descriptions, humorous exchanges, and wonderfully crafted prose.
The passage I found most beautiful:
"There is a ghost at Wakefield House." Her lips parted, but he continued in a husky tone, "She's so haunting. So beautiful. Pure of heart. Something divine, yet cloaked in shadows. Rooted to this house as if chains were linked about her ankles. Her wings are spread, they pump and pump, but still she can't escape." His smile was sad. "And so she sits, as a sentinel-a prisoner, and waits for someone to come and release her."
Overall rating: 3.5 stars out of 5!
"That night..." she hesitated, "...was endless. It still hasn't ended."
One year ago while working late, Margaret Simmons witnessed a murder. Panicked by the sight, she fled Boston and found solitude & anonymity in Victory Cove, Maine. She changed her name to Megan Summers and picked up hobbies such as self defense, target practice, and superior nighttime navigation - skills she hopes will give her an advantage over anyone hunting her...
Curious to learn about his heritage, Jake Grogan is lured to Victory Cove by a letter written by his birth mother. At the suggestion of some of the townsfolk, Jake makes his way to Wakefield House - his grandmother's home. Instead of finding his grandmother, however, he comes face to face with a hauntingly beautiful Megan Summers and she's all too eager to force him from the porch into the unfriendly Maine storms.
Determined not to leave Victory Cove empty handed, Jake returns to Wakefield House and through divine intervention - or Mother Nature - he ends up stranded with the beautiful but hostile young Wakefield House resident. Extenuating circumstances thrust upon them, Megan and Jake find solace and strength in each other. Will these new discoveries protect them from the physical and emotional forces that threaten to destroy them?
Ms. Miller's thrilling tale was told dominantly from Jake's POV, adding to Megan's mysterious past and guarded present. Megan's narration, when voiced, was peppered with current thoughts/feelings as well as a combination of dreams and flashbacks, giving readers a glimpse into the nightmare Megan has been living.
The characters were developed extremely well and remained consistent throughout the novel. Megan, though terrified, was determined, brave, and self reliant. Jake was strong, caring, and resourceful (MacGyver, anyone?). Their relationship was a beautiful balance of wit, reluctant attraction, and restrained heat.
The writing was very well done; Ms. Miller created image provoking descriptions, humorous exchanges, and wonderfully crafted prose.
The passage I found most beautiful:
"There is a ghost at Wakefield House." Her lips parted, but he continued in a husky tone, "She's so haunting. So beautiful. Pure of heart. Something divine, yet cloaked in shadows. Rooted to this house as if chains were linked about her ankles. Her wings are spread, they pump and pump, but still she can't escape." His smile was sad. "And so she sits, as a sentinel-a prisoner, and waits for someone to come and release her."
Overall rating: 3.5 stars out of 5!
July 19, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It grabbed me from page 1 and didn't let go. The mystery in the prologue was just amazing, and it intrigued me enough to keep reading until the very end.
A woman on the run for her life who hides in an old mansion on a cliff far-removed from society in a tiny seaside town, just waiting for when her past life and the danger she is running from comes to call and she can't hide from it all any longer. Added together with a mysterious stranger on her doorstep who is looking for answers to his own unknown past, a huge storm that leaves them in the house for 3 days and wow! One great story.
The romantic scenes were written well, and I loved the easy way it flowed from page to page. I had a hard time putting it down, and the ending was spectacular. The only small problem I had with it (and why I'm rating it 4 stars) is because it did get a little bogged down in the middle of the book with some details regarding Megan's past that weren't really all that important to the story, and not enough details in Jake's. It was a very short read, and I wish it had been about 50 pages longer, with alittle more detail in there about Jake's Mother, Grandmother and Uncle.
All in all, I really loved the book. Thanks to Carina Press and netGalley for allowing me to read and review this book for free!
A woman on the run for her life who hides in an old mansion on a cliff far-removed from society in a tiny seaside town, just waiting for when her past life and the danger she is running from comes to call and she can't hide from it all any longer. Added together with a mysterious stranger on her doorstep who is looking for answers to his own unknown past, a huge storm that leaves them in the house for 3 days and wow! One great story.
The romantic scenes were written well, and I loved the easy way it flowed from page to page. I had a hard time putting it down, and the ending was spectacular. The only small problem I had with it (and why I'm rating it 4 stars) is because it did get a little bogged down in the middle of the book with some details regarding Megan's past that weren't really all that important to the story, and not enough details in Jake's. It was a very short read, and I wish it had been about 50 pages longer, with alittle more detail in there about Jake's Mother, Grandmother and Uncle.
All in all, I really loved the book. Thanks to Carina Press and netGalley for allowing me to read and review this book for free!
May 18, 2011
You'll be awake all night eager to continue reading this tale of two individuals ultimately seeking their own identity. While the plot is haunting, the setting eerily beautiful (and colder than death), I quite enjoy Ms. Miller's ability to provide an underlying sense of humor and light into her characters.
I felt the fear of Megan's nightly demon, the hurt Jake feels as an adopted son seeking facts, and ultimately the love they find together. Learning that we are there to help each other, and no one person is strong enough to fight their battles completely alone.
The author provides just enough romance for me. When it does go beyond a simple swoon, it is so tastefully done. So yes, the suspense trumps romance in 'Endless Night'. There is a well configured and thought-out plot here. Ms. Miller provides great attention to detail and description, covering any hole with researched facts. D Battery anyone?
Overall, it may not be your cup of tea, but for me personally it's exactaly what I want when I escape into a book at the end of the day.
I felt the fear of Megan's nightly demon, the hurt Jake feels as an adopted son seeking facts, and ultimately the love they find together. Learning that we are there to help each other, and no one person is strong enough to fight their battles completely alone.
The author provides just enough romance for me. When it does go beyond a simple swoon, it is so tastefully done. So yes, the suspense trumps romance in 'Endless Night'. There is a well configured and thought-out plot here. Ms. Miller provides great attention to detail and description, covering any hole with researched facts. D Battery anyone?
Overall, it may not be your cup of tea, but for me personally it's exactaly what I want when I escape into a book at the end of the day.
March 2, 2012
This was another great book by Maureen A. Miller! It was full of suspense and romance. I like how the romance is throughout the book - sometimes the little kisses or looks at one another are all at one part of the book (the end), but these were along the way which I like.
The suspense was definitely there because I was exhausted by the end of the book (in a good way) as I felt the storm and all the emotions from the characters. Meg was fighting for her life and felt the path she chose was the only way. I was relieved when she finally could let Jake in to help her unload some of her burden (even though she did not want to). I kept thinking more was going to be uncovered/said about Jake's past, but in the end I think the way everything turned out was appropriate. I would highly recommend this book.
The suspense was definitely there because I was exhausted by the end of the book (in a good way) as I felt the storm and all the emotions from the characters. Meg was fighting for her life and felt the path she chose was the only way. I was relieved when she finally could let Jake in to help her unload some of her burden (even though she did not want to). I kept thinking more was going to be uncovered/said about Jake's past, but in the end I think the way everything turned out was appropriate. I would highly recommend this book.
May 20, 2011
Reviewed at: Library of Lights
Date reviewed: 20 May 2011
Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=286
Endless Night is a very interesting and unique story. Not only it's fast paced, but the storyline is original and outstanding too. Initially I thought I wouldn't like the story, but boy was I glad to be proven wrong. I keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. And I was definitely raging with adrenaline as I read the book.
Anyone who loves a good thriller and a fast paced story should read Endless night by Maureen A. Miller. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed by this story.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
Date reviewed: 20 May 2011
Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=286
Endless Night is a very interesting and unique story. Not only it's fast paced, but the storyline is original and outstanding too. Initially I thought I wouldn't like the story, but boy was I glad to be proven wrong. I keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. And I was definitely raging with adrenaline as I read the book.
Anyone who loves a good thriller and a fast paced story should read Endless night by Maureen A. Miller. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed by this story.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
June 5, 2011
ENDLESS NIGHT is a well-written, gripping romantic suspense novel in the gothic tradition. Megan Summers is a woman with many secrets. Secrets which will more than likely get her killed. Jake Grogan is a man with secrets of his own, and mysteries he is determined to unravel. Bound together by determination, the weather, and Wakefield House, an old monstrosity of a mansion perched on the edge of the Atlantic in Victory Cove, Maine, these two people must learn to take the first steps towards trust and love. But can they hold on as the darkness from Megan's past comes swirling in to overwhelm them?
June 4, 2011
A well plotted, tense romantic suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing until the last page. Maureen kept cranking up the tension, making me live her heroine's fears and understand why she was tempted to lean on the hunky hero's broad shoulders.
I didn't want it to end. You won't either.
I didn't want it to end. You won't either.
June 12, 2011
Thoroughly enjoyed Endless Night, by Maureen A. Miller. Loved the gothic feel of the story and the growing, plausible attraction between Jake and Meg, each of whom has a secret, although Meg's may end up killing her. Great suspense, great fun. Maureen A. Miller
July 19, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: Rounded to 4 Stars. The intrigue, action scenes and characters grabbed & kept my attention through to the end. I enjoy Gothic novels and this has that feel. Endless Night reminded me of a Mary Stewart Classic Romance Suspense novel.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good & might or might not read it again; 3.5= I enjoyed it & might read it again; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT & might read it again; 5= I Loved this; it was great! & most likely will read again ((I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Winter, Victory Cove, Maine ~
It’s been a year since Megan Summers witnessed a murder, changed her name & went on the run from the man who promised to kill her next. When she stopped fleeing, Megan found herself retreating to a once elegant & secluded manor, now long deserted. Because of its isolated location, well above the small coastal village of Victory Cove, Maine, Megan hopes the old relic will provide safety while she quietly watches and waits.
Successful Bostonian Jake Grogan, 35, heads to Victory Cove after receiving a letter from a woman claiming to be his birth mother. She tells him to go to VC and look for his grandmother, Estelle, for answers. But a few weeks later when Jake arrives, the woman claiming to be his mother has died & his possible grandmother is in a memory care unit. An unwelcoming woman guards the door where they once lived.
Comments ~
1) Endless Night is a Standalone Contemporary Romance Suspense novel pub in 2011. It’s a Proximity Danger trope novel set in a remote, gothic-like coastal area. Book 1 in this series, Widow’s Tale, is another standalone book set in Victory Cove with the same secondary characters appearing in both books.
2) Endless Night was quick reading. I enjoyed the intrigue of Megan’s situation and how the 2 main characters’ separate stories crossed over and connected by the end. Readers who enjoy the following may like Endless Night:
> Romance Suspense novels.
> Seasoned MCs (mature in years and life situations).
> Conflict which stems from situations outside the couple rather than between them (such as misunderstandings or miscommunication).
> Strong characters who prevail through difficult times to discover a better future.
> Intimacy which fades to closed door fairly quickly (no extended scenes).
> Minimal angst & relationship drama.
> Minimal to none TSTL scenes by the heroine.
> Mary Stewart’s 1940’s-2000’s Romance Suspense novels.
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - PG-13. No dark or graphic scenes of violence.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Fading to Closed door.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good & might or might not read it again; 3.5= I enjoyed it & might read it again; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT & might read it again; 5= I Loved this; it was great! & most likely will read again ((I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Winter, Victory Cove, Maine ~
It’s been a year since Megan Summers witnessed a murder, changed her name & went on the run from the man who promised to kill her next. When she stopped fleeing, Megan found herself retreating to a once elegant & secluded manor, now long deserted. Because of its isolated location, well above the small coastal village of Victory Cove, Maine, Megan hopes the old relic will provide safety while she quietly watches and waits.
Successful Bostonian Jake Grogan, 35, heads to Victory Cove after receiving a letter from a woman claiming to be his birth mother. She tells him to go to VC and look for his grandmother, Estelle, for answers. But a few weeks later when Jake arrives, the woman claiming to be his mother has died & his possible grandmother is in a memory care unit. An unwelcoming woman guards the door where they once lived.
Comments ~
1) Endless Night is a Standalone Contemporary Romance Suspense novel pub in 2011. It’s a Proximity Danger trope novel set in a remote, gothic-like coastal area. Book 1 in this series, Widow’s Tale, is another standalone book set in Victory Cove with the same secondary characters appearing in both books.
2) Endless Night was quick reading. I enjoyed the intrigue of Megan’s situation and how the 2 main characters’ separate stories crossed over and connected by the end. Readers who enjoy the following may like Endless Night:
> Romance Suspense novels.
> Seasoned MCs (mature in years and life situations).
> Conflict which stems from situations outside the couple rather than between them (such as misunderstandings or miscommunication).
> Strong characters who prevail through difficult times to discover a better future.
> Intimacy which fades to closed door fairly quickly (no extended scenes).
> Minimal angst & relationship drama.
> Minimal to none TSTL scenes by the heroine.
> Mary Stewart’s 1940’s-2000’s Romance Suspense novels.
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - PG-13. No dark or graphic scenes of violence.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Fading to Closed door.
July 29, 2021
Jake Grogan came to Victory Cove, Maine, in search of answers about his heritage. He had always known he was adopted, and the mysterious letter saying he needed to see Estelle Wakefield at Wakefield House set him on his journey. When he arrived at Wakefield House, he learned that Estelle had moved to assisted living, and the young woman renting the house seemingly wanted nothing to do with Jake or his quest for information.
Megan Summers had created the perfect fortress at Wakefield House. She had two Glocks, one upstairs and one down, and she practiced diligently to ensure she kept her skills sharp. She also made sure she could move through the house silently, and practiced martial arts. After witnessing a murder, she ran, changed her name, and went into hiding, telling the townspeople of Victory Cove she was a writer. Once she allowed Jake into the house, and into her life, there was no turning back.
I’m a bit conflicted about this book. It didn’t seem logical to me that Megan would allow a strange man into her sanctuary if she truly believed someone would be sent to kill her. I figured the townspeople would be able to answer Jake’s questions about his birth parents, since Victory Cove was a small town, and Estelle’s contributions, though minor, helped Jake to form a more concrete picture of his heritage. There was a lot of drama, but overall I felt the storyline dragged in places and I occasionally lost interest.
My thanks to BookSirens and to the publisher and author for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Megan Summers had created the perfect fortress at Wakefield House. She had two Glocks, one upstairs and one down, and she practiced diligently to ensure she kept her skills sharp. She also made sure she could move through the house silently, and practiced martial arts. After witnessing a murder, she ran, changed her name, and went into hiding, telling the townspeople of Victory Cove she was a writer. Once she allowed Jake into the house, and into her life, there was no turning back.
I’m a bit conflicted about this book. It didn’t seem logical to me that Megan would allow a strange man into her sanctuary if she truly believed someone would be sent to kill her. I figured the townspeople would be able to answer Jake’s questions about his birth parents, since Victory Cove was a small town, and Estelle’s contributions, though minor, helped Jake to form a more concrete picture of his heritage. There was a lot of drama, but overall I felt the storyline dragged in places and I occasionally lost interest.
My thanks to BookSirens and to the publisher and author for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2021
Endless Night ~ Victory Cove bk.2 by Maureen.A. Miller.
Although this is book two in the series, I read it first,lol, this can also be a stand alone.
I was gripped from the very first page even though this is not my usual genre .I found Endless Night was so intriguing full of suspense that really did keep me glued to this book.The chemistry between the main characters was really good, it had you keeping your fingers crossed that it would end .
I found this book on book on Booksirens and I’m leaving this review as my honest thoughts no spoilers, you really do need to purchase this yourself.extremely very well eritten, back to book one for the start of the series! if it is as good as this one then it’s going to be an amazing series. I highly recommend Endless Night, please, add this to your To be read list.You will not be disappointed.
Although this is book two in the series, I read it first,lol, this can also be a stand alone.
I was gripped from the very first page even though this is not my usual genre .I found Endless Night was so intriguing full of suspense that really did keep me glued to this book.The chemistry between the main characters was really good, it had you keeping your fingers crossed that it would end .
I found this book on book on Booksirens and I’m leaving this review as my honest thoughts no spoilers, you really do need to purchase this yourself.extremely very well eritten, back to book one for the start of the series! if it is as good as this one then it’s going to be an amazing series. I highly recommend Endless Night, please, add this to your To be read list.You will not be disappointed.
August 9, 2021
Very enjoyable! Suspenseful with a touch romance.
Megan witnessed a murder while at work. She ran for her life and has remained hidden and self-trained in defenses.
Jake is on the search for his parents and lands on Megan’s doorstep.
The both have major issues in their lives and they come together to help each other.
Well written. You can truly feel the emotions that are being betrayed in the book. Fear, sadness, distrust, trust, love, caring, conflict; it’s all there and well written. It’s not a happy endings all around book. Not everything is nice and tidy and the world is all rainbows and unicorns. It’s real. It’s worth the read.
Megan witnessed a murder while at work. She ran for her life and has remained hidden and self-trained in defenses.
Jake is on the search for his parents and lands on Megan’s doorstep.
The both have major issues in their lives and they come together to help each other.
Well written. You can truly feel the emotions that are being betrayed in the book. Fear, sadness, distrust, trust, love, caring, conflict; it’s all there and well written. It’s not a happy endings all around book. Not everything is nice and tidy and the world is all rainbows and unicorns. It’s real. It’s worth the read.
August 21, 2021
Another wonderful story. I enjoy the characters that she has created some of which carried over from her last book, some new to this book. The storyline was well written with a good mix of suspense and romance.
Meg is hiding out in the middle of nowhere near a small town. Afraid of everyone and everything when a stranger shows up at her door in the middle of a storm she's expecting danger. The last thing she's expecting is help.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Meg is hiding out in the middle of nowhere near a small town. Afraid of everyone and everything when a stranger shows up at her door in the middle of a storm she's expecting danger. The last thing she's expecting is help.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
June 28, 2021
Great story. Fast paced, great characters, and kept my interest throughout. I would’ve like a little bit more backstory explained about the town, the history involving the house, and the grandmother/daughter. I’m hoping the author delves more into that in the next installments. I definitely recommend as a good summer read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 11, 2021
This book starts a little slow, but it more than makes up for it as it progresses. You get hints of what is coming for each individual protagonist and for the two together, there's a lot of foreshadowing, and the phone calls just build the suspense.
Altogether a good weekend book because it's hard to put down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Altogether a good weekend book because it's hard to put down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
July 15, 2021
Endless Night by Maureen A. Miller was a romantic suspense that kept me turning the pages from the first chapter to the end. After witnessing a murder Megan has turned into a recluse in a huge house on the side of a cliff. She rarely leaves the house, and waits for the time her old boss finds her. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Jake and Megan, and would recommend this book to others. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and the beginning really caught my attention and the rest kept me reading, In fact I could not put this book down until it was finished. This was a love story with so much more. I was also happy to have Serena and Brett in the story as well and to see them both happy. I would recommend this book and I will be looking for more from this author.
I received an advanced copy for free and the views and opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy for free and the views and opinions are my own.
July 2, 2017
I was expecting this to be more suspenseful than it actually was. It was a nice semi-suspenseful romance. I enjoyed the few MacGyver type moments that were included in it especially. Overall, I enjoyed the romance, but would have liked a bit more suspense. I'll have to try a few of the authors other books to see how I like other things she wrote.
July 2, 2021
This was a truly atmospheric and addicting book. It really pulled me in and I would come home from work wanting to jump right back into reading it. Maureen Miller is great at scene description and keeping the tension going right to the very end. Definitely on my read again list.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 13, 2021
This is the second book in the Victory Cove series. It’s even better than book one, Widow’s Tale. There’s plenty of action, drama, suspense and romance. This book is fast paced and the storyline is easy to follow. This is a very entertaining series. *this honest review is based on a complimentary copy via BookSirens
April 9, 2024
Witness to murder
Meg Summers had run for her life and was still terrified that the murderer would find her. Jake Grogram was in Victory Cove searching for his biological parents. And they meet. The writing causes fear, joy, anger and more. The characters are lovable and real. Advise reading this novel.
Meg Summers had run for her life and was still terrified that the murderer would find her. Jake Grogram was in Victory Cove searching for his biological parents. And they meet. The writing causes fear, joy, anger and more. The characters are lovable and real. Advise reading this novel.
June 22, 2021
Wow, another amazing romantic suspense novel by Maureen A. Miller! I loved the first one and this was just as fantastic to read. I recommend this book, I had a hard time putting it down. I was given an ARC and I'm voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
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