I received this ARC yesterday afternoon. I meant to read a few chapters last night, but I ended up staying up WAY too late because I could not put it down. These authors never disappoint. I knew this continuation of the Hidden Legacy series was going to be excellent, because everything Andrews writes is, but they have truly outdone themselves.

A few years have passed since we last saw these characters, and now Catalina is the Head of her House, Nevada having married Rogan. In the time since we've seen her, she's grown into the role, receiving mentorship from Rogan's mother and Linus Duncan, two formidable Primes who are each in their way experts at dealing with the elites of their society. Catalina can now easily fit in with other powerful Primes, and she can handle the many dangerous and violent situations that she and her House will find themselves in. She's definitely come into her own, although pieces of the unsure, socially shy young girl we first met are still in there.

She takes her responsibilities as head of her House extremely seriously, and she does things a little differently than Nevada did. Things get complicated when the only real "girlfriend" she has suffers a personal tragedy that looks more like murder than an accident, and Baylor Investigations agrees to take the case.

Enter Alessandro, Catalina's childhood crush, Italian billionaire Prime playboy...or is he? There is a lot of mystery surrounding Alessandro, but one thing is sure: he is every bit as dangerous as Rogan was, in his own way. He's also on a mission of his own, one that for now, coincides with Catalina's. The two of them have to work together and it's clear from the moment they meet again that Catalina is NOT over him, and he is definitely still interested in her. I don't want to say more about how this progresses because I don't like spoiling people in my reviews, but suffice to say: the next book cannot come soon enough!

I have a book hangover this morning, and it's not just from staying up most of the night to read. It's also because this book was so amazing, and I can't stop thinking about it, about these characters, and where the story will take them next.

As usual, all of the side characters were every bit as engaging and interesting as the main characters. Highlights: a tiny thread that will likely become more involving Catalina's Mom, Leon's ever evolving brand of....sociopathy? Returning favorites, even if only for small glimpses, and of course, Grandma Freda. There is also a very interesting development regarding Catalina's relationship with one of her two mentors that has me wondering some things, but again, spoilers, so I won't speculate here.

Just trust me: read this book! If you're a fan of Ilona Andrews, it's amazing, one of her stand out best. If you've never read one of hers before, start now! I recommend picking up Burn for Me and going from there. You won't be disappointed.

I loved this book so much! Catalina and Alessandro are very different leads from Nevada and Rogan. Catalina's powers and history make her growth from the earlier books compelling, and Alessandro's mysterious past is intriguing. Also, this new plot direction in the Hidden Legacy series looks like it's going to be a lot of fun. I can't wait to read about more of their adventures.

LOVE THIS SPIN-OFF! Catalina is so wonderful! She is the new Baylor Prime and she is doing a fantastic job. She is forced to work with Alessandro, the Prime that tested her abilities, to find out what happened with a friend's family. Alessandro plays the stereotypical Italian Playboy to the hilt and has me dying! If Catalina won't take him I sure will! LOVED IT, can't wait for the next installment.

House of Baylor was formed 3 years ago, when Catalina, Nevada and the other Prime family members faced their magical trials. Their grace period is ending in days and then the other Houses will be on the hunt. Catalina's magic is scary stuff and she must find a way to use it for the protection of her family without losing or hating herself. And their family business has just started a case to find the reason behind her friend's mother and sisters deaths.

Why I started this book: I've been stalking NetGalley since Andrews announced that ARCs were available. Burn for Me is one of my favorites and the series has just gotten better with each new book.

Why I finished it: Sleep is for wusses. Baylor family dialog was perfect, their love and exasperation clear with each conversation. Catalina is such a wonderful character and I can't wait for more of Alessandro Sagredo. Like always, finishing the book is torture as I reset the clock, anxiously waiting for more. (No cliffhangers, just enough teasers to whet your appetite for the next installment.)

Scene: my house:
Me: (goes into bedroom, falls face down on pillow): Groooooan.
Husband: what.....?
Me: I just finished the book and it was utterly amazing and it took them six months to write and it took me four hours to blow through and now I'm going to have to waaaaaaaaaaiiiiiit.
Husband: honestly, that sounds like a good review.

This newest Hidden Legacy book is an excellent introduction to the series, accessible to new and existing readers alike. Catalina Baylor has stepped up to act as the head of House Baylor, but with their new House's grace period set to expire, she and her family are facing a fight for their very survival.

It's the worst possible time to get involved in a murder investigation. But even though Catalina is now moving in the world of Houston's magical elite, she is determined not to compromise her principles, and unwilling to abandon a friend in need. Even if her investigation uncovers things some people would prefer to be left in the dark--and even if it means working with Alessandro Sagredo, the man she wants more than she should.