ย ~ ELLA GRACE ~

Maidens, we are extremely excited to have here with us the talented Ella Grace.ย  We are getting for the release of MIDNIGHT SECRETS, which is a must read, the first book in her Wildefire series.ย  You may know her better as Christy Reece and her Last Chance Rescue series.ย  Please help us welcome her to UTC today!
Hi Ella, welcome to Under the Covers! We are very excited to have you here today celebrating the release of MIDNIGHT SECRETS.

I was very excited about this series from the moment I saw the cover (hehe) and after reading the book, I can’t wait for more. Can you tell our readers a bit about Midnight?

Thank you so much! I’m delighted to be here.

Midnight, Alabama has a population of around 1500 people and is located in the southern part of the state, not far from Mobile. Rich with history and traditions, it was founded in the late 1800’s by five families out of Mobile. The weather is steamy and the residents are friendly but can be downright nosey, too. They love to gossip almost as much as they love their college football. On the surface, Midnight appears to be a quaint, charming and uncomplicated little town. Looks are deceiving. The town is filled with secrets, lies, murderers, and adulterers, but also includes fun and slightly off-centered characters along with a few rednecks. It’s also home for some strong, sexy men and courageous, determined women.

MIDNIGHT SECRETS read a bit like a small town romance with the suspense element entwined. Also, it’s a second chance romance. Love that! Why did you choose to introduce the series with this trope?

First , I adore reunion romances. Several of my Christy Reece Last Chance Rescue books are reunion romances. There’s just something about rekindling a lost love that makes me smile. I love second chances!

I’ve wanted to write a story set in my home state for a long time. I had originally planned for this to be a spin-off series from the Last Chance Rescue books, with one of the operatives coming back to her hometown and solving her parents’ murders. When my publisher decided they wanted something unattached to LCR books, it changed the story.

And small towns fascinate me. Everyone thinks they know each others’ secrets but there’s always a few that stay hidden until something unexpected happens. When Savannah Wilde comes back to put her former home up for sale, she never anticipated learning that the deaths of her parents was a huge lie and cover-up. Nor did she expect to fall back in love with the man who’d broken her heart ten years before.

It was very interesting to see the growth of both Zach and Savannah. I fell in love with them from when they were teenagers. How do you think they’ve changed?

I think Savannah changed the most. She was shy, bookish and naive. As an adult, she’s gained confidence and is no longer an innocent. She has to be tough to handle her job as an assistant district attorney and her broken heart has made her wary. She doesn’t trust easy.

Zach became stronger and even more heroic, in my opinion. He returns home a war hero and as police chief, he’s determined to make Midnight a better town. However, he’s far from perfect. Years ago, he made a major mistake and lives with that regret daily.

You are well known for your novels as Christy Reece! How would you say your writing as Christy will be different in your Midnight series as Ella?

Christy Reece books are dark, gritty, and sexy, with some incredibly evil villains. They’re very plot driven. The main characters are focused on rescuing victims and in the midst of their operation, they fall in love or fall in love again. Ella Grace’s books are character driven, concentrating more on the romance and relationships of the characters. They still have suspense and mystery but both are more subtle than my Christy Reece books. And both series have plenty of steam.

Did you have to do any special research for this book? Is there anything that stands out?

Having been raised in Alabama and back living here again, I felt qualified to create an authentic southern atmosphere. However, small town politics wasn’t something I knew a lot about. Fortunately, I had a wonderful gentleman in South Alabama who was a former mayor of a small town, much like Midnight. He was incredibly kind to give me all sorts of advice on the dynamics of small town politics, police procedure, and a thousand other nuances and features that enabled me to build the kind of southern town I wanted Midnight to be.

What would you say is your favorite thing about Zach and about Savannah?

I adored Zach’s sense of honor and responsibility. He took on so much at such a young age. He was forced into maturity and had to do a lot of things he wasn’t proud of but had no choice. Taking care of his younger brother, Josh, was his number one priority.

I loved Savannah for never thinking she was better than anyone else. Her family’s wealth and status in Midnight never made her feel superior or different. She saw Zach as her equal. His humble background meant nothing to her and she was infuriated for anyone to insinuate that Zach wasn’t good enough for a Wilde girl.

The series will center around the Wilde sisters. What can we expect in book two, MIDNIGHT LIES?

MIDNIGHT LIES is Samantha (Sammie) Wilde’s story. Former cheerleader and homecoming queen, Samantha is a homicide detective in Atlanta. Near the end of MIDNIGHT SECRETS, you’ll learn that something devastating is going on in her personal life. Quinn Braddock, the hero of MIDNIGHT LIES, is a doctor in Atlanta and one of the sexiest men I’ve ever created. I fell in love with him. And once again, there are murders, lies, secrets, and plenty of steam.

Do you have a favorite quote from this book?

I have many favorites but here’s one that really stuck with me. These are Zach’s thoughts the day after he saved Savannah from being attacked at her senior prom. She invited him for breakfast and he’s standing on the front porch of the Wilde mansion, calling himself a fool for coming but unable to turn around and leave because of how she made him feel.

In his whole life, heโ€™d never had anyone refer to him as a hero. Heโ€™d been sneered at, laughed at. Had people call him everything from bastard and sleaze, to the town slutโ€™s son. Had even seen people cross the street to avoid him. The very idea that even for a moment someone as pure and sweet as Savannah Wilde could consider him a hero amazed him. The temptation of experiencing that feeling again was hard to resist.

If you could collaborate with another author, who would it be?

Stephen King. He’s brilliant and so wonderfully twisted!

If you could write a warning to others for yourself what would it be?

Reader beware: Bumpy roads and tears ahead but continue on for a sigh inducing HEA.

Any upcoming projects you are working on that you can share a bit with us?

Yes, I’m putting out my first self published book in a few days. CHANCES ARE, A Last Chance Rescue Novel. I’m thrilled to be able to continue the LCR series through self publishing. This is the story of Angela Delvecchio, LCR’s researcher and Jake Mallory, a former military man and ex-Chicago cop, who is now an LCR operative. They’re out to trap a serial killer and Angela is just his type.

cover_chances

She is his dream come true. He is her nightmare.

Angela Delvecchio has always dreamed of being an LCR field operative. As LCRโ€™s main researcher, sheโ€™s helped rescue victims, but always from the sidelines. Until now. Last Chance Rescue has been asked to assist the authorities in apprehending a serial killer terrorizing London. Angela knows this is her time and her mission.

After the murder of his wife, Jake Mallory stopped believing in anything good. Now, as an operative for Last Chance Rescue, he’s found a new purpose but heโ€™ll never let his guard down again. The beautiful and much too vulnerable Angela is a temptation like no otherโ€”one he dare not take. Hearing that she’s going to be an operative is a surprise but Jake is stunned to learn her first assignment will be to bait and trap the Red Rose killer. Assigned to be her partner, Jake knows he wouldnโ€™t have it any other way. He failed the last woman he cared aboutโ€ฆhe wonโ€™t fail Angela.

Angela thought going undercover as an exotic dancer would be the toughest part of the job and Jake thought keeping his hands off his partner would be his biggest challenge. They were both wrong. Taught to expect the unexpected, Angela faces events she never anticipated and Jake must allow the unthinkable. Now itโ€™s a fight for survival because evil has more than one face and to stay alive, death may be the only option.

And we always like to know what our favorite authors are reading. Anything good you’d like to share?

I have several I’m in the middle of and thoroughly enjoying: On my Kindle, I’m reading Dangerous Secrets by Lisa Marie Jones and on my bedside table, I have Laura Griffin’s Snapped, No Easy Day by Mark Owens and Kevin Maurer, and Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell.

Thanks so much for letting me hang out at Under The Covers!

Thank you for stopping by!ย  And we hope everyone picks up a copy of MIDNIGHT SECRETS coming out April 30, 2013!

midnightsecrets

For fans of Maya Banks, Allison Brennan, and Lori Foster, a thrilling new romantic suspense novel from Ella Grace

AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, THE HEAT BEGINS

On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughtersโ€”Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wildeโ€”go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.

Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her familyโ€™s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow faรงade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the townโ€™s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now itโ€™s his job to keep her safe, even though he isnโ€™t sure who her enemies areโ€”or which ones might be his own.

About the Author

Ella Grace is the pseudonym for NYT Bestselling author Christy Reece. Ella’s Midnight series is based in her home state of Alabama. The first book, MIDNIGHT SECRETS, is scheduled for release April 2013 and includes steamy romance, mystery, and suspense set in the small fictional town of Midnight, Alabama.

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Ella is generously giving away a signed copy of MIDNIGHT SECRETS.
Open to everyone!

 

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110 Comments

  1. Hi Ella….I have to be honest, I don’t know what I am more excited for, Midnight Secrets or Chances are. I have been a fan for a LONG time and love the LCR group, so I feel like I have a vetted interest in Angela, but I have read some awesome reviews about Midnight Secrets as well. I can’t wait!!

  2. I have not had the pleasure of reading your books “yet” but I have them in my must read section. Thanks for such a great giveaway, good luck to everybody. But I will be honest I have my fingers crossed and hope my luck will change.

  3. I’ve never read any of her books, but Midnight Secrets sounds good. I’ll have to add it to my must read list.

  4. Midnigh Secrets sounds like a great book, I love Christy Reece’s other. Books. I slso love second chance romances and small tpwns as settings.

  5. Great interview with Christy/Ella!

    Waiting anxiously for the arrival of Ella Grace’s new “Wildefire” series. I just love a smalltown settings and even better, a second chance at love trope. Looking forward to sharing all those nasty little lies and secrets, along with the murder and mayhem that Savannah, Samantha and Sabrina find themselves surrounded by.

    Christy’s Last Chance Rescue books are among my favorite treasures. Since the release of “Rescue Me,” I’ve read abd loved each and every one. And I’m so excited for the arrival of CHANCES ARE! Our dear Angela has waited a long time for her HEA and I’m hoping Jake Mallory will be just the one to finally make all her dreams come true!

    I highly recommend her romantic suspense stories to one and all. She’s an amazingly talented writer and her books are among the best on the market.

    1. Hey Anne! There you go putting tears in my eyes again. Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m thrilled you’re looking forward to both books! And I sincerely appreciate your recommendation. ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Hi Ella/Christy!
    I wish you a huge success for the Midnight series als well as Chances are. I am so glad the waiting for your new books is almost over.

  7. Midnight Secrets has been on my to buy list since I first saw it!! Can’t wait till I can my hands on a copy. I love, love your books and I know I will love Ella Grace’s books just as much!! Going to Amazon now to order Chances Are. Thanks for the chance to win.

    1. Hey Martha! It’s so good to hear from you again! I’m thrilled that MS is on your list! And thank you for your kind words, I love, love you for loving my books!

      Since CHANCES ARE is a self-published book– and my first, it isn’t up for pre-order. However, the instant it’s up on all the buy sites, I’ll be announcing it everywhere possible. Stay tuned! And thanks so much for wanting to pre-order it. You make my heart smile. ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. I really enjoyed the interview and learning about these new projects. After all the talk about the story, I am eager to read Midnight Lies and the other stories in the series. I’m a big fan of stories where the hero or heroine returns back to their roots. Yum!

    Thank you for sharing thoughts in the interview and for the giveaway opportunity.

    1. Hi Sophia! Thank you! If you get the chance to read MIDNIGHT SECRETS, I hope you enjoy it. And I love coming home stories, too. There’s always more than one surprise waiting for the characters.

  9. Hello Miss Ella! You are a “new to me” author and I enjoyed the interview and the excerpts you shared. I look forward to to viewing your website and thank you so much for the giveaway!

    1. Hi Barrie! There are 9 books in my Christy Reece Last Chance Rescue series, with #10 coming soon. So far, there are 2 books in the Wildefire series. MIDNIGHT SECRETS releases on April 30 and MIDNIGHT LIES releases on 9/24.

      I hope to write at least 3 or 4 more of my LCR series and four more for the Wildefire series.

      Thanks so much for stopping by. If you read either series, hope you enjoy them!

  10. Hi Christy,

    I just finished Midnight Secrets an it is great. Itis very different from the LCR sereies but just as good. I enjoyed the fact the it is a character driven RS book. This enables the reader to become invested in the main characters and their relationships but also in some unique people as well as the town itself. The characters are very likable so you do care about them and the predicaments in which they find themselves.

    It is fun to read a book of yours from a different perspective. By the way, it is definitely hot!

    1. Hi Marijane! Thanks so much! I’m thrilled you enjoyed MIDNIGHT SECRETS! You’re right, it is very different from the LCR series. I enjoyed exploring a different side of my writing personality.

      LOL Yes, it’s hot. And just wait till you read MIDNIGHT LIES. It’s even hotter! ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. I for one am SOOOOOO excited for CHANCES ARE and as someone who was LUCKY enough to read MIDNIGHT SECRETS early…WHOA BABY! Watch out ladies…Zach Tanner is SMOKIN!!

    1. Hey Lisa! Thanks so much! I can’t wait for you to read CHANCES ARE. And I’m so happy you enjoyed MIDNIGHT SECRETS. I agree, Zach Tanner is smokin’! ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. Ella, the cover ROCKS! The story don’t sound to bad either. Would love a chance to read this one!

  13. This sounds like a great start to a new series. I love the suspense, how the hero & heroine have a second chance, and the mystery of her parents’ deaths. This book is going on on my TBR list ๐Ÿ™‚

  14. I’m so excited for the new Ella Grace series. I’m sure this series will fast become comfort reads for me. As a longtime fan of the LCR series, I highly recommend everyone move any and all books written by Ella/Christy to the very top of your TBR pile!!!

  15. Love the interview. I also love adding new authors to my reading list. Can’t wait to read this series.

    Thanks for the giveaway,

    Elizabeth Gray

  16. I’ve never read any of Chtisty’s books but I definitely want to now…Congrats to her on self publishing a book this year and on her upcoming release.

  17. I haven’t read this book yet. It sounds like an awesome read. I will be adding it to my TBR stack.
    Thanks:)
    Lori

  18. Hi Ella, I loved your interview with Under the Covers. I haven’t read any of your books yet, but they are on my TBR list. Your Midnight series sounds FABULOUS! I love southern mysteries. Wishing you much success in your future releases.
    Lori

  19. i am behind on the blog i am trying to read up to 4 or 6 book week but i love to read and then the book will attarct attention with the cover it stands out

  20. This looks like a really good read! I love finding new authors and new books! I get to learn a whole new writing style.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    mestith at gmail dot com

  21. Wow! This book sounds really, really good. How is this my first time hearing about it?? I’m totally swooning over the hero already! ๐Ÿ™‚

  22. This series sounds great and I can’t wait to read this first book.. You will be a new author for me..

  23. I have not read anything by you yet but that will soon change ๐Ÿ™‚ Great interview! Midnight Secrets looks like a great read and I can’t wait. Thank you for the giveaway!

  24. Hello, i am new to you book, and i never read any your book until now, so i don’t know what to say. I very curious with your books, i always like that when i know about new author. I looking forward to read your book. Thanks for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚

  25. I found you are a new-to-me author. I found you on Goodreads…. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    I haven’t started reading the LCR series yet, but I will soon….I just bought the first book for my nook. I am looking forward to reading much more.

    Midnight Secrets sounds very, very good and I hope to read it soon too.

  26. This book looks awesome. Love the cover. Ella is a new to me author. I love to read and always looling for new authors to read. Thanks for the chance to win. I love reading series and this one looks like it is going to be a good one.

    1. Hi Susan! Thank you. Hope you enjoy MIDNIGHT SECRETS! And I’m thrilled you’re an LCR fan, too. CHANCES ARE came out a couple of days ago. Hope you enjoy the new addition to the series!