Midnight Shadows
3 Stars

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. ( )