ARC Review: Midnight Exposure by Melinda Leigh

Midnight Exposure
Author: Melinda Leigh
Publication: Montlake Romance (August 21, 2012)

Description: Point, click, die.

When two hikers disappear, their hometown in Maine blames the blinding storms. But the truth is far more sinister. Unaware of the danger, tabloid photographer Jayne Sullivan follows an anonymous tip to find the most reclusive sculptor in the art world. Instead, she finds sexy handyman Reed Kimball—and a small town full of fatal secrets.

Five years ago, Reed buried his homicide detective career along with his wife. But when a hiker is found dead, the local police chief asks Reed for help. Why was a Celtic coin found under the body? And where is the second hiker? Avoiding the media, Reed doesn’t need a murder, a missing person, or a nosey photographer. Then Jayne is attacked, and her courage is his undoing. Reed must risk everything to protect her and find a cunning killer.

Don’t miss this sexy thriller from the author of International Thriller Award nominee She Can Run.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this romantic suspense title. It had great pacing and was filled with suspense. The tension just kept ramping up and it kept me guessing until almost the very end. 

Jayne Sullivan travels to Huntsville, Maine, on the trail of recluse sculptor R. S. Morgan. She is working for a tabloid despite her moral reservations because she needs to make money to help her brother who was injured while serving in Iraq. Jayne is also the survivor of an attack by a man who attacked, raped and killed two other women. She ended up scarred and with her confidence battered but she is a survivor. She has learned to shoot a gun and do martial arts but she hasn't learned to trust her heart.

Jayne didn't expect to meet Reed Kimball who is both sexy and reclusive. He has some major secrets. He has come to Maine to find a quiet life for himself and his seventeen-year-old son. His was a police detective in Georgia when his wife was murdered. He was briefly suspected of her death and became the focus of a media frenzy. He certainly doesn't trust the media now. He is completely determined to keep his second career as a sculptor hidden.

While she is looking around the town and taking pictures, she accidentally shoots a picture that brings her to the attention of a local crazy who is planning a Druid ritual that involves human sacrifice. This crazy has already killed a young man who was hiking in the area. His body was found during a warm spell but there was so much damage that the police can't confirm murder. Jayne is kidnapped by this guy but manages to escape and stumble into the path of Reed who was out searching for her. Since they are in the midst of a blizzard, Reed takes her home where their attraction grows. The sexual tension is increasing but both characters' issues keep them apart.

Jayne is determined to leave town to get back to the relative safety of her big city life and the care of her brothers. She is also afraid that her stalker might hurt Reed or his son. Reed doesn't want her to go but can't open up enough to ask her to stay. It takes gunfire to force them to acknowledge their attraction.

This was a great story. As I was reading it, I was already planning which of my friends to pass this book along to. I know fans of romantic suspense will really enjoy this one. 

Favorite Quote:

The beam from the flashlight flickered again, then went out. He tapped it with his palm.
Taking advantage of the momentary diversion, Jayne grabbed the ankle next to her hip. She simultaneously shot both feet into his pelvis and yanked his legs out from under him. He fell backward onto his ass. Before he could recover, she dropped a heel onto his groin.

I got this ARC through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.