Known as the wild child of Midnight, Alabama, Sabrina Wilde has worked hard to earn that reputation. But beneath the tough girl façade lies a hurting, vulnerable heart. Fiercely loyal and protective of those she loves, Sabrina will do whatever it takes to keep her loved ones safe.
Private Investigator Ian Mackenzie has loved Sabrina for years. Understanding her pain and wariness of commitment doesn’t stop him from hoping that someday she will trust him with her heart. When Sabrina puts herself in jeopardy, willing to sacrifice her life to save others, Ian has no choice but to foil her plans. He never knew what it would cost him.
As evil descends upon Midnight and Sabrina’s worst nightmares are realized, she is forced into an impossible position—trust her loved ones with her shameful secret or forever live in the shadows of the past.
One man is determined that she doesn't survive to do either.
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.
In the third and final installment to the Wildefire Series, Christy Reece, writing as Ella Grace, gives readers a tasty helping of Southern-fried magic. It includes a well-balanced blend of romantic suspense, along with all those touchstone “feel” elements that will certainly appeal to readers. There’s also a generous helping of steamy heat to complete the package.
Both Sabrina Wilde and Ian Mackenzie are captivating characters.
Sabrina Wilde was ordained the “wild” triplet at an early age. She’s a private investigator, determined, stubborn and strong-willed. Up until this point, she’s been reluctant to show a fragile or broken side of herself. Finally, some of those inhibitions slip through her armor and readers will see the insecurities within her. A former relationship has done a number on her trust issues and she has built walls around herself. More importantly, Sabrina is holding a secret buried so deep inside that she’s afraid to tell anyone for fear she’ll lose the love of all those who are so dear to her.
As all the pieces begin to fall into place, you’ll see exactly why Ian Mackenzie is the perfect match for Sabrina.
Ian Mackenzie is a bit different from most of the alpha males you’ll read in Reece’s LCR/Elite books. He served in Iraq, but he wasn’t a special operative and he hasn’t been under deep cover in the horrendous conditions most attribute to covert operations. He came home to Florida where his adopted family raised him. He has a close-knit family that he loves dearly. He earns his alpha status though. I liked this different kind of hero. He carried his own unique set of characteristics that I found more than attractive and honorable. He stood his ground and stuck by his decisions where he needed to, as well as giving Sabrina time to stick with her decisions – which he found difficult to do at times. He knew exactly when to give and when to take. He was a protector and a lover – and her friend. And he hit a brick wall in his pursuit. His work was cut out for him and he stepped up to the task.
Readers will find so many positives to enjoy from start to finish. There’s a great mix of family ties and hometown pride all wrapped in Southern charm. The setting of Midnight, Alabama gives these characters and their stories a more homegrown/hometown feel and it’s really a comfortable feeling throughout when times aren’t always so easy.
Some very worthwhile surprises are hidden within the pages and don’t surface until near the end, making this read all the more exciting, too. Topping it all off, you won’t find a better villain in romantic suspense than those written by this author. Midnight Shadows is proof of just such a villain – maybe even more than one!
Each book in the Wildefire Series can be read as a standalone. But why stop at just one when you can triple the pleasure by reading the entire trilogy? All three books have been distinctly different in storylines as well as characterizations but still linked by family ties and a horrific personal loss shared by the Wilde triplets. Each one is a cleverly crafted page-turner. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense – this series is a must read!
Quick summary Sabrina (Bri) Wilde returned to her hometown of Midnight inexplicably six months ago. Now we learn the reason why as she's been vigilant daily in monitoring the town for unwelcome visitors. Of course it's related to work she was conducting in Florida, sort of with her former partner and still current lover, Ian Mackenzie.
What I loved There's much more tension and suspense in this story compared to the first two books in the series. That doesn't mean the romance takes a back seat because I can't think of too many men more romantic and sexier than Ian. He's constantly challenged by the commitment phobic Sabrina and never fails to meet them beautifully. He's always got her back and saves her hide on numerous occasions.
The villains are truly awful, scary and always in the background whenever they weren't an immediate threat. It wasn't always clear, either, who were the good guys. I had to forsake sleep to finish the book in order to lower my anxiety (in case you're wondering...that's the way I like it).
The bottom line Sabrina's story is a wonderful close to a really great series. While her angst and recklessness was at times frustrating, she's an admirable character that I liked a lot. Ian is now a member of my book boyfriend hall of fame...he's that wonderful. But, I'm hoping there's a spinoff or at least a novella for a couple of the men showing up in this story. I'd wait in line to read it. Well done. 4.5 stars
So sad that this steamy southern suspense trilogy is completeted. I would have enjoyed having the series continue with the male PI colleagues of the sisters. That probably isn't in the cards, though; as Grace's Christy Reece alter ego has a new series just started, and it took forever for her to get this last book out.
A little OTT at the end, and the reason behind Sabrina's 'issues' was a bit of a dud; but the the overall story was well worth the read. Great evil, smarmy villain. Good book, good RS series.
Had the timing for Bri's big secret been quicker in the book, I would have given this a higher rating. But by the time we had the big reveal, Ian and I were both sick of her wishy washiness. Ian you did the right thing by kicking her to the curb and you should have made her grovel a bit more before you took her back. But that is ok, I know which head was in control. :-)
The final book in Ella Grace’s (aka Christy Reece) Wildefire series, Midnight Shadows continues the secondary plotline from the previous installment when Sabrina Wilde goes undercover in an attempt to protect a client from a notorious crime boss. Things do not go has planned, however, and Sabrina soon finds herself in over her head...
Although the suspense plot is stronger than in the first two books, Ian and Sabrina’s romance does not live up to expectations primarily due to the fact that Sabrina is an unappealing heroine. Her apparent death wish, TSTL moments, and constant rejection of Ian despite his obvious love for her contribute to the negative impression of her character. Moreover, she is also keeping a secret (an exceedingly annoying trope) that turns out to be rather ridiculous and not worth the angst it causes.
Ian, in contrast, is a fantastic hero and it is impossible not to admire his devotion to Sabrina even if she is not always worthy of it. The other secondary characters are engaging as we get updates on the lives of Savvy & Zach, Sam and Quinn as well as a couple of new characters who have definite hero potential.
The organized crime story line has promise, but there are several underdeveloped plot points and anti-climactic scenes that undermine the overall effect. Despite extensive build up to certain situations, the author leaves the reader hanging with glossed over details and unfinished elements. There are also one or two obvious twists that, if handled better, could have been more surprising and satisfying.
All in all, a disappointing conclusion to the trilogy although the possibility of additional books it there and I would read them if Grace elected to continue the series.
22/12 - Pros: I only picked up two editing errors. The hero, Ian, wasn't an arsehole.
Cons: The heroine, Sabrina, was foolhardy and reckless. She was also an idiot - her excuse for being hyper vigilant about the safety of her family (and the entire town) was ridiculous. She treated Ian like crap (I think in an attempt by Grace to turn the whole 'women want commitment, men want a one-night stand' thing on its head, but that's no excuse as it's crap coming from either gender). I saw the twist coming from the moment we met the character who brought it about. I never felt much for Ian and Sabrina's relationship, they felt lukewarm together and I wouldn't have been bothered if they'd decided to go their separate ways by the end. I really only finished reading this so that I could put an end to the series. For me the series got worse the longer it went on and this should be rated lower than the two stars I gave #2, but with only two editing errors I don't feel it honestly deserves only one star, so two will have to do. Won't be rushing out to read more Ella Grace anytime soon.
The third book in Ella Grace's (aka Christy Reese) Wildefire series. Sabrina Wilde is the third triplet from the small Alabama town of Midnight. The story begins the day she meets Ian Mackenzie, another private investigator, while she was on a case. (A woman suspected her husband of cheating.) They hook up and have a casual relationship through the years. Forward to present day, Sabrina/Bri gets into a bit of a pickle while undercover on a case and Ian manages to save her. She returns to Midnight but the case she was on comes back to haunt her.
I loved Ian but I have to admit I wasn't loving Sabrina. Even when the reason for some of her stupid actions was revealed, I thought it were a flimsy excuse. Nonetheless, she gets her HEA. I just thought it took too long for her to come to her senses. But truly, I loved this series and I do recommend it!
When I give a book 5 stars it must be something special. I want to be moved by a story and that is exactly what you get with this Ella Grace book. I had so many emotions while reading it, but at the end of the book I realized I didn't want it to end, that is when you know you have read something great.
I loved the chemistry between Sabrina and Ian and the fact their HEA wasn't an easy road. Their struggle was so real and the bond was so well written. I also loved that the entire family was featured, they weren’t front and center but getting to catch up with their lives and see what was happening since the last book.
I don't know what is next for Midnight, but I do know that it will be on my must buy list!!
The final instalment of the Wildefire Trilogy was well worth the wait.
Book three focuses on Sabrina (Bri) Wilde and Ian Mackenzie. It starts with how the two meet, and then jumps forward to 'now' and revolves around they tying up of lose ends with regards to Lauren Kendall, a client of the girls Wildefire Security company.
This book had me going through every emotion from laughter at Bri's favourite saying "lowlife, scum sucking..... (Insert appropriate insult here)", to holding my breath when the unexpected happened and almost tears when Bri finally opens up to her sisters and Ian.
It was a great conclusion to the series, full of twists and turns and had me not wanting to put my kindle down. I can only hope that the author decides to do a spin off series so that we can go back and visit everyone again. There are a couple of secondary characters that I would love to know more about and see them get there own HEA.
This is a great finish to the Wilde sisters story. It brings out all the emotions that any reader wants during a great story. I highly recommend this story. If you've not read 1&2 in this series.... Don't wait another minute. You'll love them as much as this one. I'm a HUGE fan of Ella Grace aka Christy Reece. I know I will always get a story that has me cheering, crying and ending with a sigh of happiness, when I read the last line. She always write evil villains and scary scenarios that make me triple check that my doors are locked at night. Great read!!
I loved catching up with Sabrina and her sisters again. We get to catch up with the whole family in Midnight Shadows. I love seeing past couples still happy and in love.
Sabrina and Ian have amazing chemistry. Ian especially stole my heart with his desire for more in their relationship, too often the guy is the last one to jump on the relationship train.
Sabrina and Ian must work together to protect Midnight from an evil villain. Ella knows how to give us a villain to hate. I was so happy to see him go down!
I don't know if there is more to come from Midnight, but I know I will be first in line to read the book if there is.
This book is the 3rd in a series and the reader might benefit from reading them in order. Sabrina Wild returned to her hometown 6 mos ago and has been watching for unwelcome visitors. These visitors are connected to her former work with her partner and lover Ian.
There is plenty of tension, romance and suspense in this book. It isn’t always easy to tell who the good guys were. I recommend this series to readers of romantic suspense.
Favorite Quote: No sweetheart. All of you, your heart, your beauty. That indestructible, courageous spirit. It’s all there for me to see. It’s all there for me to see. Nothing’s hidden. Everything you are. It’s mine.
The third and final installment of Wildefire Series This one is about Sabrina Wilde and Private Investigator Ian Mackenzie. Ian Mackenzie has been in loved with commitment phobic Sabrina ever since he met her. Sabrina always puts herself in danger and Ian always saves her. One of the cases Wildefire Security took caused Sabrina to enter a very dangerous mission that made Sabrina very vigilant when she came back to Midnight, Alabama. Ian had to protect Sabrina from the enemy and from herself at the same time fight for his love for her.
Four stars :)
This book is pack with suspense and action. The plot was more interesting than the first two books. I like the way there were parts I was not able to predict. And you will surely love Ian here, the way he loves Bri was very intense. However, Bri is very frustrating you will both love and hate her. I was also a little perturbed about Sabrina’s secret although I understand its importance in the story. As for one of the best things in these series is the people in Midnight, Alabama how close they are and how they help each other in times of crisis. You will surely wish to live there. The series was well-written; readers will be captivated from start til the last page.
I found myself more than a little bored when reading this one and not sure why as I enjoyed the first 2. Part of it might be the way that Sabrina held herself back from everyone including her family. It seemed odd to me, but sort of made sense after she confessed all to her sisters. Being that Sabrina held herself back it was hard to see her and Ian as anything long term, even though they had been together for years. It didn't help that they didn't live in the same town, let alone the same state.
The "bad guy" was horrible, but even he was a bit blah, although I did laugh when he was finally taken down.
The series started off strong, though the second book stalled out somewhat for me. I was still invested enough in the series and curious enough about Sabrina to finish out the trilogy with Midnight Shadows, but at 63% into the book, I can't take the stupidity of the main characters any longer. The overall plot is great and the villain is exceptionally well-written, but Sabrina is a complete idiot.
Sadly, DNF.
Partial [SPOILER] that honestly you could mostly guess on your own:
Sabrina starts the book out worried over bad guys finding her family even though her cover and security were very good. Good for her! Then she goes back to the bad guy, revealing her real appearance, taking three emotionally-abused women home, giving said emotionally-abused not only her real name but also her family's house/location, and then releasing said emotionally-abused women back into their previous lives. It's at this point that Sabrina is relieved and feels she no longer has to hide and that everything will be fine. ... W. T. F. She just did some *massively* stupid things, and now everything will be fine? It will come as no surprise that this is where things go downhill supremely fast. I couldn't force myself to finish it, even to find out what her problem was.
This one was a little bit more slow and boring for me which stunk because I was most excited for Sabrina. I found myself just wanting to read to finish and move onto a new book/series. It had action but also dragged with the struggles between Sabrina and Ian. I guess after the same structure and dynamics and plot lines of the other two novels, this was kind of redundant.
Sabrina's secret that she had been holding for nineteen years - and all novel - was weak. I don't like when authors tease something and it lingers literally throughout the novel. Just tell the reader so they know, you can drop it on the other characters later. OR not let us know there was a secret until the drop.
In terms of Sabrina's secret, I get the guilt factor but come on, I thought she assisted somehow in her parents murder, knew it wasn't a murder suicide, etc. Yes, never leave loved ones angry - always say I love you. But that guilt she carried around... mentally there's something wrong with Sabrina. She should see a councilor.
I liked the little plot twist of Marsh and Walker wearing vests to survive. When Marsh was shot I even said to myself "You'd think he would have worn a bullet proof vest!" That was favorite scene in this novel. Everything else felt like we were going in circles.
At the end I said, "Thank heavens it's over!" This, in my opinion, was the weakest of all the novels which was disappointing.
WOW! OMG! I didn’t expect this book to be what it was. I knew from the other books that Sabrina and Ian had been partners for years, but I must have missed if it was said they were lovers too. So many twists and turns. Bad guys, shootings, kidnapping. This book reminded me why I love the romantic suspense genre as much as I do. Ella Grace nailed it. I am so sad this was the last books about the Wilde girls, because I would read anything else that was set in this world in a heartbeat.
Having read all three Midnight books, this was unfortunately my least favorite. I was sad because I really like Ian, but Sabrina just got on my nerves. Frankly, Ian is a saint for putting up with her. It was nice to see the whole Wilde story line get wrapped up though. Everyone got their HEAs.
Unfortunately this is the last glimpse at the Wilde sisters. The entry gives Wilde child Sabrina all the time in the spotlight she wants and she makes the most of it. Each book has been better than the last and each mystery more intricate and satisfying.
Sabrina's trying to wrap Lauren's case that has been teased out since book one and finds herself face to face with Lauren's depraved and desperate torturer before getting in the crosshairs of someone even worse. Luckily, Ian MacKenzie, Sabrina's off and on business and bed partner, is still watching her back every chance he gets.
Ian's determination to break down Sabrina's commitment phobia flexed every alpha muscle he had being friend, lover, helper and everything else Sabrina needed in this thrill filled outing. He did really well in hero mode and was as vital as Sabrina though it was her story.
Sabrina's heroine showed intelligence, cunning and strength and went to the limit trying to help her former client. She also showed groan inducing bouts of self-sacrifice. I really disliked the rationalization for Sabrina's actions and expected more from the too neat (IMO) ending.
There's a great blend of steam and chemistry between the leads and enough suspense, tension and danger to keep the pages moving at a perfect pace. The deliciously demented evildoers make good villains and are perfectly woven to give urgency and danger to Lauren's problem.
It was good that favorite characters got a chance to wave goodbye. However, I still want more of this series because there is much more going on in Midnight, Alabama than three reads possibly could hold.
With the repercussions of a case that Sabrina Wilde and Ian Mackenzie worked together a few months back coming to haunt the small town of Midnight, both Bri and Ian have to work together to protect their families. But it's also catalytic enough for the both of them to reevaluate the kind of relationship that they've been having for the past few years.
Midnight Shadows is Sabrina's and Ian's story and unconventional in a way that it really isn't about 2 people getting together, but rather, the friction of sustaining a 4-year relationship that's more than friendship but never going further than that because of Sabrina's inability to pull down her own walls. I liked Ian Mackenzie immediately; his openness and laid-back and utterly un-screwed up ways just proved so different from the genre's typical manwhores with abuse childhoods/PTSD and how ironic is it, that this normalcy is suddenly proving so attractive?
I thought that tighter editing could make the book a little more believable; there were choppy bits that I felt compromised the urgency/gravity of the case and the constant switching of POVs did get distracting. Some scenarios that were meant to be heart-pounding made me grimace and snort in disbelief instead and there were some rash, TSTL moments, but thankfully, Sabrina did manage to work her issues out at the end, even though her 19-year old secret really wasn't that big a deal though - despite how much of a dealbreaker Ella Grace had made it out to be.
Reading an author from my home state is always a lot of fun. Roll Tide! I absolutely love this author. Her LCR series (under the name Christy Reece) is one of my favorites, as is this series. I adore the spunky Wilde triplets and the strong willed men who are challenged by them. Sabrina and Ian have been the story I've been waiting on for a while. I was thrilled to find it was finally out. Ian and Sabrina are already a couple when this novel starts. It can be read as a standalone, but I don't recommend it. Parts of the history are in the first two books. As a couple, Sabrina and Ian are completely in love and faithful to each other, but Sabrina had secrets which keep her from voicing a commitment. Ian is ready for forever with her, but her issues are sending him the wrong messages. They are also the reason she feels like she needs to save the world and frequently puts herself in grave danger to do so. This time, Sabrina is trying to save a former client. Ian completely objects, but like the amazing guy he is, he helps her anyway. Things get rough, and Ian has to wonder if he can save both her body and her heart.
This story was very exciting, and the action started right off. The villian was sadistic and completely out of control, and the plot was believable. Ian was completely sexy and one of the best leading men I've read in a while. I absolutely loved the story.
This is the 3rd book in the Wildefire series by Ella Grace (aka Christie Reece), and this story captivated me from the first page! This book is non-stop adventure, suspense mixed in with a beautiful romance between Sabrina and Ian. Sabrina is a triplet and very different from her two sisters. I love that Ian adores her and considers her his soulmate, and she is afraid to commit. The reason is a mystery that we don't fully learn about until the very end. All of the stories by this author are well-written with fully developed characters that I couldn't help rooting for throughout the book. There were so many undercover characters that I couldn't completely tell who was good or who was bad until the end. There were was one character who completely surprised me by the end of the story. The "bad guy" in this book presented himself as a normal likeable person to the outside world, but was a such a monster that I started rooting for his death. This was a terrific read, and I find it very difficult to put down. I know lots of people have been waiting for Sabrina's story, and it will definitely not disappoint! It is not necessary to have read the first two books before you read it since the author does a great job of filling you in on the backstory. However, to fully enjoy this book and this series, I would suggest you get all of the books and read them in order.
Midnight Shadows is the last book in the trilogy about the Wilde sisters, triplets born and bred in Midnight, Alabama. At last, we finally get private investigator Sabrina’s story, including her history with her (former) business partner Ian Mackenzie. It is of no surprise to the readers who read the prior 2 books that there is more than “just business” between these two! I do not like to give spoilers, but the tragedy that left the 3 sisters parentless all those years before left each sister with painful scar. Sabrina’s belief in her role in shaping that tragedy has crippled her emotionally. It has continued to shape her personal relationships with her sisters, and with Ian as well.
Some of the events, including a villian, from Midnight Lies carries into this book. Those scenes are intense (I physically flinched), but extremely well-written. Watching Sabrina physically battle the living demons while internally fighting her emotional demons was riveting. This book gets an “A” in every single requirement I have for a book: it is well-written, with engaging characters, edge-of-your-seat suspense, romance (steamy at times) and the HEA I always demand! I highly recommend the Midnight Trilogy!
While I enjoyed this book, it took a while for me to get into the story. I really liked Ian, but Sabrina likes to play the martyr. She must pay for one act she committed at 10 years old for the rest of her life. When you find out what it is you understand how a 10 year old could feel responsible, but not how a 29 year old woman thinks she needs to put herself in harm's way constantly because of it. The constant on-again off-again nature of Ian and Sabrina's relationship has you feeling like a ping pong ball at times. At one point I couldn't bring myself to feel sorry for Sabrina when Ian walked away. By the end the action and suspense of the story was more worthwhile than the romance and that I enjoyed.