When it comes to Ilona Andrews, you're either a fan who keeps a new release calendar or you haven't read any of their books yet.

This is the fourth installment in a series, but the first novel with this protagonist. Catalina is the younger sister of Nevada, the heroine of books 1-3, and she has taken over the management of House Baylor from Nevada after the stress of managing it becomes too much.

Catalina is immediately likable, and the banter between her and the obvious-love-interest Alessandro is reminiscent of the early Kate Daniels books. It was an exciting action adventure. and fans of Ilona Andrews won't want to miss it.

Another strong book for the Andrews team!

Thankfully, I like Catalina and Allesandro in different ways from how I like Kate and Curran or Nevada and Rogan. While strong and competent people, they are recognizably different people with different motivations, actions, and voices. Some authors that do PNR/UF don't make the voices or characters of their MCs different enough and it really makes their work a chore after a while. This was NOT an issue here. It was good to see practical strong action from an Andrews female character who wasn't as experienced or trained as Kate or Nevada are. Catalina overcame her insecurities and I really felt her inexperience as well as her growth. The pain of some of her growth really stung me as a reader.

Another strong thing in this series is the world itself. I haven't seen a magical/urban fantasy world handled in this fashion before -- but then, world building is one of the Andrews' strengths and long time readers have come to know they're in good hands with this duo.

Now, my one niggle that was happily subverted! After all the Kate books, and the Edge, and the Innkeeper series, I've gotten, well, tired of one of Ilona's major tropes -- The female MC finds the male MC attractive but fights that attraction viciously. As if admitting it will mean she's got to hand in her "strong woman" card or give up her soul or something! In the end none of her women roll over and brainlessly submit or become less than themselves, so I don't understand all the fighting. Catalina, however, has good reasons for fighting her interest in Alessandro. The main one is the realistic and decent concern that what makes her a Prime may make him her emotional puppet, forcing him to "love" her whether he actually does or not. Secondarily, she witnesses him performing his hidden profession (and recognizes his incredible skill at it), and realizes he isn't who she thought he was -- and he could very well be a true monster! (Not that I believed that for a second!)

This was a great read! If only life hadn't been hectic, I absolutely would have plowed through this in one sitting!

While I don't enjoy Catalina as a main character as much as I enjoy Nevada who headed the previous novels, this series continues to grow in complexity and it is a joy to watch the characters grow with it as they meet each new challenge. The Baylors are a family worth following.

If you’re worried about how Catalina’s series will be after getting so used to Nevada’s point of view, don’t be! The transition between the series was really well done. I would definitely recommend reading the novella in between, Diamond Fire, as characters from that book return and you might be confused otherwise. This was a wonderful follow-up with so many of the things that made us fall in love with the first part of the series (while still being new and exciting in its own right), including the family dynamic and the humor, which has always felt so genuine. I love them all, and Grandma Frida had some small but hilarious moments. The love and affection they have with each other as well as the way they tease and exasperate each other is always so well written. The authors were smart here because Nevada was mentioned, it would be weird if she wasn’t since she’s an important part of the family and Catalina’s life, but was also away so that Catalia could shine on her own.

As always, Ilona Andrews delivers by having a fun action-packed book that is funny, involves a creative magic system, and a nice romantic tension.

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!!! This was a can't put it down awake all night great read!! A fantastic continuation of a great series by one of a kind writers!!! Read this book!!!!

brief summary
Three years following the events of Wildfire, Catalina Baylor is forced to come into her own as Head of House when she takes on an investigation which begins with arson and murder, then escalates, while at the same time dealing with the unexpected and not-quite-unwelcome arrival of her teenage crush, Alessandro Sagredo, who turns out to be more than just a devastatingly pretty face.

full review
Returning to the Hidden Legacy world, Ilona Andrews' focus shifts to the second Baylor daughter, Catalina, now head of House Baylor and running the family investigation business in her sister's absence. Catalina's role in the first three books was fairly subdued, likely due to her age, personality, and the nature of her abilities, but in the novella Diamond Fire readers were first introduced to Catalina's point of view, and she was shown to be delightful. Thus, it was wonderful to learn that Sapphire Flames would be told from her perspective.

The book opens up just as House Baylor's three-year grace period is about to expire and Catalina is dealing with many responsibilities as Head of House and acting head of their investigation business, already raising some questions for readers of the series regarding her older sister's whereabouts, but never fear - Nevada is just in Spain with her husband. The authors' deft handling of her older sister and her husband give Catalina a plausible reason to shift into the spotlight, and later on we learn about how Catalina ended up as the head of House Baylor, but this information is dealt out in measured doses, always built into the story in a very organic way, and never in a cumbersome info-dump. At any rate, Nevada is temporarily out of the picture and Catalina gets a new case.

Predictably, the case escalates, proving part of a larger scheme that places everyone who touches it in life-threatening peril. Catalina demonstrates that she has grown and matured in the intervening three years, but her approach and her manner is still rooted in the fact that she is a very young, if powerful, woman, and just about out of her depth as she must protect her family and their client. Catalina's voice reads Millennial, and many Millennial interests and favorites are name-checked in this book. Everything from Sailor Moon to Instagram. These familiar references make this magical world seem more believable and grounded in reality, and make Catalina read as a more enjoyable, believable protagonist.

The action flows seamlessly, with well-timed breathing spaces for readers to catch up and follow the characters' thoughts and emotions. Andrews' thorough research shines, as always, conjuring not only a real-as-real version of Houston, but giving it a history that almost makes the setting its own character. It is easy to see their research in the recipes their characters use, their equipment, their clothes, and all the little details that form a complete and true picture, and yet these details are never overwhelming, and never seem like the result of a quick Google search. The writers' attention to detail is also what makes the ever-expanding cast of characters so much fun to read about and worth making the effort to remember. In learning more about the setting and the supporting characters, readers are given the treat of entering a magical world that is more than a backdrop for fantastic adventure and romance.

As this is technically a romance novel, I feel it's important to mention that although there is no actual sex, there is some steamy foreplay-like goings-on, but Ilona Andrews' books are stellar examples of the slow burn romance. The physical attraction between our leads is heady, and their interactions give them opportunities to be brave and vulnerable and funny and short-tempered, and that, even more than the scintillating build-up of romantic tension between them, is part of what makes Ilona Andrews' writing so addictive. Earlier books in the series have hinted at Alessandro Sagredo's sex appeal, but Ilona Andrews' prose makes it clear how extreme his polished good looks are, and it is easy to understand Catalina's reaction to him, and to admire her for denying it in order to behave as a responsible adult and Head of House. She deserves so many chocolatey rewards for her restraint.

As an unrelated aside, I am vastly amused that the main characters keep acquiring more clothing in the cover art as the series progresses.

This book gets all the stars! Ten plus stars!

Excellent addition to the Hidden Legacy series with a new twist. I love how Catalina's POV is different from Nevada's, but just as compelling and engaging. It's nice to see the family growing into their powers and dealing with new challenges.

Of course, Alessandro is just to die for in all of his scenes. His character has gone beyond my expectations and delivered something so enticing that I just have to know more. NOW!

Great cameos from veterans of Nevada's trilogy! Victoria Tremaine is one of the most fascinating characters in the series and I can't wait to get more insight into her psyche. The small taste we get in Sapphire Flames was amazing.

Looking forward to what the next book has in store for Catalina!

I absolutely loved the Hidden Legacy series with Nevada Baylor and Mad Rogan, so I was VERY excited to get a copy of Sapphire Flames starring Nevada's sister Catalina (one of my favorite characters from the first books). It's almost impossible to start the series with this book. There's just too much information missed from the first three, so reading them prior to starting this one is HIGHLY recommended. It starts off three years after the last book, we are now following Catalina taking over House Baylor and taking on a murder investigation.

Catalina is such a strong character in this book, and I love her abilities so much. Alessandro was super surprising in this book (in a good way), and I finished it in a day. I CANNOT wait for the next one!

What I love best in this series is the interaction and love in the Baylor Family. And once again that comes through loud and clear in this book. I had a lot of high hopes going into this book and almost all of them were fulfilled -- which is a great thing! (just think how many times have you gone to the movies or read a book with high expectations, only to have them all dashed! That is by far the more common IME) And the move to Catalina POV (from Nevada in previous books) was well done too. I really feel for Catalina, possibly even more than I did for Nevada. My one caveat would be that I feel the romance was a little too over the top for 2 people who have barely interacted. It was apparently love at first tweet -- ok, I am being a bit facetious there but it just strikes me as especially ironic since one of the themes of the book seems to be that the public figure is not the private figure (i.e everyone has secrets). But don't let that stop you from reading this book -- because the interactions in this star crossed love was just another home run. And lastly, I've just got to add that the authors seemed to be hint dropping all over the place in this one -- it will be interesting to see if it all plays out the way the hints seem to be leading us.

I liked this book. I haven't read the series that started this spinoff, this book can be read as a standalone, however I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had the background story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel

Little sister Catalina comes out swinging in her spinoff story. Sapphire Flames is full of excitement, action and plenty of magic and most of all, it leaves us desperate for more.

Catalina was noted as a Prime when House Baylor underwent the trials to be declared a House and her designation was noted as a Siren.  Simply, Catalina can draw anyone in under her spell. It is dangerous to her because those she draws in become obsessed with her to the point that they would tear her apart to have a piece of her. Catalina has spend the majority of her life trying to bury that part of her and keep it from leaking out. As a child, adults and children alike were obsessively drawn to her.

Sapphire Flames takes place three years after the trials which declared them, House Baylor. A lot has changed in three years, Nevada is no longer head of House Baylor (and that will be be explained in the story) and Catalina at 21 is now head of the House.   Three years is also how long a new, emerging House is protected so they have time to built itself before other House can attack. This is especially noted when the insurance company cancels all their policies as their deadline comes closer. Everyone is waiting to see what comes next now that House Baylor is no longer under the protection of emerging Houses.

We saw a glimpse of grown-up Catalina in the novella Diamond Fire. Now in Sapphire Flames, after years of hiding away to protect herself, Catalina, with the guidance of Connor Rogan's mother, has learned how to control her Siren abilities. She has also learned what it means to be Head of a House.

Augustine Montgomery needs Catalina's help and then tries to coerce her into becoming a vassal House to House Montgomery. This is the same thing he tried with Nevada and failed, and now he is trying it with Catalina. She turns him down flat and she also finds out that he turned away Runa Etterson, the Prime Venenata who removed the poison from her sister's wedding cake. Runa's mother and sister have been killed, and no one believes it is an accident. It is House warfare and Montgomery won't help. Catalina considers Runa a friend and without her help, everyone at Nevada's wedding would have died so she offers the help of Baylor Investigations.

With their probation period over and God knows what about to descend on them, now isn't a good time for House Baylor to step in the middle of someone else's House War, but Catalina can't just walk away. What she didn't expect was that Alessandro Segredo would also be involved somehow.

Alessandro had been brought in for Catalina's trial because he is able to negate other magics. Alessandro was also rich, handsome and the subject of Catalina's teenage crush. Nothing makes sense in this case, so why not another mystery why the Alessandro turns out to be more of an assassin than playboy. We also learn that Alessandro's powers are way more than just negating the magic of others and this throws a crazy new element that we haven't seen before.

As Catalina and Alessandro dig deeper, they begin to unearth someone's very dirty little secret, one they are very willing to kill to keep in the dark.   

I was spoiled as I was a late comer to the Hidden Legacy series and the entire trilogy was already released. This means I binged on the audiobook version for approximately 40 hours straight. Now I am left with just an introduction into Catalina's story arc and she has caught me in her siren song. I want more Catalina!!

Another hit by Ilona Andrews. I'm a big fan of her work, and she did not disappoint with this sequel. If you enjoyed the first 3 books of this series, then you will definitely enjoy this book. For those less familiar with Ilona Andrews, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance stories. Andrews is excellent at world building and creating dynamic characters that are flawed but you want to root for. This story is centered around a loving family in a contemporary alternate reality where magic is real. There's also plenty of action sequences and of course, a romance plot line. The romance is set up as a slow burn, but not as slow as her some of other series. Looking forward to the rest of this series!

I was ecstatic to receive this advanced reader's eBook for review and I am happy to say that Ilona Andrews continues to make me fall in love with their characters. Catalina, once shy, is now making her mark on the world and she is doing it in her own way. Alessandro left me happily surprised, as well as intrigued by his mysterious background. As always, the authors bring wit and humor to their action packed world and I loved every second of it, from the engaging introduction to the heartbreaking cliffhanger of an ending. I don't know how these authors do it, but they draw me in every time and leave me absolutely drooling over the next page. The depth of character was enchanting and the world-building was engaging on every level. Thank you again, Ilona Andrews, for one of the best books I've ever read.

I was so happy to be able to check in with House Baylor and continue Catalina's story that I devoured this book in one day! Going into it, I was nervous that I would miss the interactions between Nevada and Rogan with them not being the main characters but Catalina and Alessandro definitely kept me entertained. I loved their witty banter and I think Alessandro's mysteriousness drove me just as nuts as it did to Catalina. I will say that I was not ready for a cliffhanger ending but, the authors definitely made sure I would be back to continue her story.

I received this ARC via Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishers in return for an honest review. They did it again! The writing duo of Ilona and Andrew Gordon continue to write some of the best fiction available as Ilona Andrews. Sapphire Flames can be read as a stand-alone or as the next book of a series set in an alternate world Texas where magic is an inherited/genetic trait. The resulting Houses exert enormous influence and the political/social intrigues abound. Catalina Baylor is just turned 21 and the Head of her small House, following the marriage of her older sister, Nevada. Set three years after Nevada's story arc, Catalina is awakened in the middle of the night to rescue a teenage boy who is threatening suicide. Her resulting actions lead her, her family and friends into unforeseen dangers. They also bring her back into contact with Conte Alessandro Sagredo, the man whom she's idolized for three years. I'm trying not to give away any spoilers! So, do yourself a huge favor and set aside the three hours to devour this book. If it's your first introduction to the Ilona Andrews worlds, you'll be hooked and ready to join their legion of readers (known as the book devouring horde or BDH)! Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers for continued support of this writing team!

Ilona Andrews is incredibly skilled at creating a world where magic exists but is still completely believable. This is a continuation of the Hidden Legacy series and while it features different main characters than the previous books it is still just as thrilling and compelling as the other books in the series. One could probably read it without reading the other book in the series but why would you want to? It is such a good series!! If you haven’t read the other books don’t hesitate to pick them up. The characters are great and the pacing and plotting draw you in. The thing about Ilona Andrews books is that they are so good you just want them to churn out one every month but you know you just have to wait until the next one is skillfully crafted.

Best opening chapter ever!! Have to admit to having high expectations for this new series, and beyond happy that those expectations were exceeded! The action never stops....nor do the twist and turns. In this society of powerful magic families, Catalina has become the official head of House Baylor and has the magic to back it up. She doesn't expect the powerful, gorgeous and famous Prime Alessandro to be a part of this transition, but vexingly, her magic keeps luring him straight to her! What other possible reason could there be?

Many characters return from the previous Hidden Legacy books. If you haven't read them yet, it would greatly improve your experience of this latest novel. However, I think you would still enjoy it on its own merits. When Catalina’s magic was revealed in the Hidden Legacy series, I tried to imagine the shape it would take as she became an adult. I do my very best to avoid spoilers in reviews, but I loved the beautiful and imaginative imagery Ilona Andrews provided to us in this storytelling. You will enjoy the very visual descriptions of Catalina’s siren magic in action. One of my favorite features was learning more about the very mysterious Linus Duncan, the most powerful man in Texas!

Obviously, this story will continue in future books, and I was afraid of a major cliffhanger. Instead, the ending takes a definite strategic pause and did not leave me scrambling hysterically for infusions of chocolate. OK. Yes. Maybe some chocolate was involved. Can’t wait for more from this writing team....fabulous. My highest recommendation!

In Ilona Andrews’ latest installment in her Hidden Legacy saga, middle sister Catalina takes over older sister Nevada’s role of Head of House Baylor. Previously known as the shy sister due to her mistrust of others because of her magic qualities, Catalina struggles to sustain respect as she herself learns to trust her own self.
As a huge fan of Nevada, there were times I struggled with Catalina, as I felt that Catalina’s magic was too similar to Nevada’s. Also similar to Nevada, Catalina had a lot of similar thought patterns about family and work stress brought on due to keeping her family alive. There was also a lot A. Lot. of death and blood and gore. Definitely know that going in that the gore is real and first-time killers shake off their guilt-laced regrets abnormally soon.

Catalina met Alessandro at her magic trials when she was 18 years old; needless to say she has carried a torch for this handsome, seemingly dedicated world- traveling, idling lothario ever since.

As an invested reader of the Hidden Legacy series, I find it would be necessary to have read the 3 books and 1 novella prior to Sapphire Flames to fully immerse yourself in this book. To those of you devoted to this series, be prepared for typically funny Baylor family moments, love and violence galore in this fast-paced unputdownable book. I am definitely ready for the next one!

Side-note: I cannot wait to ‘lol’ whenever— if ever— Arabella’s book(s) are released.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I adore Ilona Andrews. I buy copies for our library and for my personal collection. One of the only authors that I will re-read multiple times and always make room on my bookshelves for.

Beautifully written! Sapphire Flames was an action packed adventure from the point of view of Catalina, the 2nd eldest sister in the Baylor family. The first 3 Hidden Legacy books told their stories through the eyes of Nevada and when I learned the world would then continue from the eyes of another sister, I wasn't too sure how I'd feel about it. Catalina in previous books was easy to overlook. She didn't grab you as a secondary character but having read Sapphire Flames, you see how intentional that was.
Catalina doesn't want to be noticed. She's spent her life flying under the radar because to draw attention to herself poses danger not only to herself but to those around her unable to fight the pull of her siren powers.
Her love interest is Alessandro who seems to do everything he can to draw attention to himself but only the version of himself he wants you to see.
He's a bit of an enigma and gah I want him to let Catalina help him with whatever mysterious problem it is that he is so intent in solving.
Like the first book in Nevada's character arc, our hero and heroine don't live happily ever after at the end of book one but there is strong potential and you can't help but root for them.
Sapphire Flames was un-put-down-able.
Catalina was every bit the heroine I wanted with her quick witted humor and Alessandro was swoon worthy.
If you're looking for an epic paranormal romance to dive into with a urban fantasy vibe, this one is for you.