Sometimes it just seems so redundant to keep giving these 5 Star rating to Ilona Andrews, this was just another riveting, "can't-put-it-down" novel, add it to the string of 5 star + novels they write. there was no way I could go to sleep after starting this so at 2 AM I finally finished and it was worth every minute of lost sleep .

This one about Catalina and to a a slightly smaller extent Alessandro was unbelievably entertaining and the things that happen that you don't expect plus the bits of humor thrown in at unexpected times just make these books exceptional.

We have finished mainly with Nevada and Rogan but the family has to go on and while the main plot is taken care of (no cliffhangers) the romance part is definitely in the "WTF now?" category. I wonder where this series (trilogy?) is going to go now but the only thing I know for sure is that I will be there to grab a copy as soon as I can get my hot little hands on it, they are still in a class to themselves.

Just so you understand, there is humor, action, evil, romance (sorta) and a lot of soul searching and surprisingly not a lot of political BS subtle or otherwise which seems to be the bane of many good authors. So once again, 5 Stars because that is all I can give.

When the Baylor family became a house, they all quickly realized that Nevada, the oldest, was not going to be a good head of house. So, Catalina stepped up. She's only 21 and her entire family is about to lose their three year stay of execution, the time when no other houses can come at them. So it's a very awkward time for her to take on the case of Runa Etterson whose mother and sister have been murdered. But Runa is a friend, of sorts, and Catalina wants to help both her and Runa's brother discover who would want to murder their mother and take out anyone else in the vicinity.
One big wrinkle, her teenage crush, Alessandro Sagredo is trying to stop her from investigating. He is more than the social media star that he seems and rushing Catalina and Runa out of the morgue where they went to test the DNA of the corpses found in the fire that destroyed the Etterson family mansion.
A wild ride, this book has some soft spots but was a fast read and will be enjoyed by regular Andrews readers.

Four stars
This book comes out August 27th
ARC kindly provided by HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Sapphire Flames is the first full novel in the Hidden Legacy series transition from the story of Nevada Baylor, to that of her younger sister, Catalina Baylor. I do recommend that you read the novella, Diamond Fire, first. The novella serves as a nice bridge between the two series arcs, and we get to see Catalina before she becomes the Head of House Baylor, while she is still growing into her confidence and power.

Catalina Baylor has taken over as Head of House Baylor after Nevada married Connor Rogan. The transition period for the new house (3 years) is coming to an end, and the fledgling house can expect to start being challenged, possibly even with House Warfare. So not only is Catalina running the family's investigative agency, she must also deal with house politics and potential danger. This is a lot to handle for a young maturing woman, particularly one who has kept her rare Siren powers hidden for most of her life. So to say her life is stressful is an understatement. I am very intrigued by Catalina's powers, and I love seeing her practice and flex her wings to see what she can really do when necessary. After becoming very wrapped up in Nevada's character and life, I was a bit worried about the shift to a new heroine. However, I quickly became invested in Catalina's character. I liked her humility and vulnerability. She has matured very quickly and is extremely self-sacrificing for her family. All served to get me emotionally invested in this story and the series progression.

While the series is centered around our heroine in this first book, we do get an introduction to our potential future hero, Alessandro Sagredo... an Italian playboy and Prime. Not to mention, he was the subject of Catalina's adolescent crush! Alessandro is quite the intriguing character. While his Instagram paints him in one light, we quickly see that things may not be as they seem. Alessandro has some interesting powers of his own, and he keep showing up in the middle of Catalina's very dangerous investigation. I loved his playful and flirty behavior, and when combined with his dangerous bad boy demeanor, he had me wrapped around his little finger. I can't wait to see what happens with these two in the future.

Speaking of Catalina's dangerous investigation, we see her assisting Runa Etterson, who we first met in Diamond Fire. I also liked Runa's magical abilities dealing with poisons, and I hope she continues to play a big part of this series going forward. I think an alliance between House Baylor and House Etterson would benefit both families.

As always, the Andrews write dynamic action-packed stories that hook you from the beginning. Sapphire Flames is no different. I highly encourage you to give this series a shot if you have not already. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.

A lot has happened since the events of Wildfire, three years before the opening of Sapphire Flames. Nevada Baylor has stepped down as head of House Baylor and is in Spain with her husband, Conor Rogan and his mother. Catalina has stepped up to lead the house, even though that was nothing she ever wanted. When Augustine Montgomery contacts her to investigate the deaths of a woman and her daughter in a housefire, Catalina at first refuses the job. It smells like House warfare, and Catalina wants no part of it. But the victim's daughter who was not at home and therefore survived was a friend. The fact that Alessandro Segredo, Catalina's teenage crush is involved makes her even more reluctant.

What follows is the Andrews' signature blend of action, humor, and romance. A lot of stuff gets blown up, the body count is high, and Catalina is targeted by a very creepy mind-mage. It's a fun read with a well-built magical world and great characters. One of the more minor characters in previous novels steps to center stage, Since I don't entirely trust him, I'm looking forward to future developments.

Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for an advance digital copy. I highly recommend the Hidden Legacy series and all of the Andrews' books.

RATING- 4 Stars

Sapphire Flames is the 4th book of the Hidden Legacy series, but the first full length book since the narrator shift from older sister Nevada Baylor, to middle sister Catalina. In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalin is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and now the Head of her House. She has always been afraid to use her unique 'siren' powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

However, behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who has spent years as Catalina’s crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, his true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina and seems genuinely invested in keeping her alive. To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her dearly.

Once again, the husband and wife writing duo of Ilona Andrews have published a fantastically fast paced, sexy, snarky and fabulous novel. The characters are well written and unforgettable. The is substance to the plot and readers are hooked from the first sentence. Bravo!

It’s nearing the three-year mark that House Baylor was given after they declared themselves an official House—kind of a neutral time period as they establish themselves without threat of being challenged by other Houses. Once they pass that point, however, all bets are off and since Catalina has stepped up as Head of House, she’s feeling the pressure to ensure everyone’s survival.

But when a friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina cannot help but step in to find the motive and murderer despite being a surefire way to paint a target on all their backs. It seems like there are some secrets the Houses have been keeping close to the chest and with the mysterious appearance of Alessandro Sagredo wading into the mix, we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg of a conspiracy that could completely upend the House system as we know it.

So Sapphire Flames takes place roughly three years from the end of Wildfire. Nevada and Rogan are off living in wedded bliss visiting relatives in Spain with his mother. It’s a good choice as it moves them out of the narrative, leaving room for Catalina to take center stage, but they’re not completely forgotten either.

Sapphire Flames takes the world Ilona Andrews started in Burn for Me and expands it. We get glimpses of more varied powers and, especially, we get some insight into the history of those powers and the House system in general.

You could really feel the change in Catalina’s character from Diamond Fire to this book. In the intervening years she’s been working with Rogan’s mother on her confidence, not being afraid to take charge, and growing comfortable in using her power. I wish we could have seen a little more of this development on the page, but we do get a pretty good idea of how far Catalina has come just in the fact that there are still moments where she’s not sure she’s up to the job at hand.

Nowhere else do you see her second-guessing herself moreso than when it comes to her interactions with Alessandro. But what fabulous interactions they were. Mixing the best parts of all iterations of Ilona Andrews’ heroes and heroines, but still standing out from the crowd. Honestly, I liked how, dare I say, besotted Catalina is with Alessandro. It’s the classic girl crushes on hot seemingly unobtainable boy, except in all her attraction to Alessandro, Catalina never loses sight of what she has set out to do in exposing a murder and ensuring her family’s protection along the way.

Alessandro also has quite the mystery surrounding him that of course we’re only given hints at by the end. I honestly cannot wait to see how everything we learn with Sapphire Flames—as well as things we have yet to learn—ties into that intriguing open ending of Wildfire.

You’ll want to go ahead and schedule that vacation day now.

Sapphire Flames is the fourth book in the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews , and the first full length book focused on Catalina. I do recommend reading this series in order, but if you are going to jump around starting here would be your best bet because of the shift in point of view. It is currently scheduled for review on August 27 2019.

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery. But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame. To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.

Sapphire Flames is utterly fabulous. If you have been reading all things Ilona Andrews then you will not be surprised with the quality of the writing, the feels, and the danger that make up this book. If you are new to it all- hold on to the seat of your pants. I loved to read about Catalina coming into her own and fighting for her families future much like Nevada did in the earlier books. Catalina is such a great character, I love her balance of strength, vulnerability, and pragmatism. Alessandro is so much more than he seems, and I cannot wait to see what happens next, because I know there is so much more to come for them and House Baylor. The investigation and twists of this story were stellar. My complaints are only the best kind, that I want more and will now have to wait extra long for the next one since I got my hands on the ARC of this from Netgalley and read it so fast.

Sapphire Flames is a must read for Andrews fans. The balance of sweet and deadly was practically perfect.

The writing duo of Ilona Andrews takes their Hidden Legacy saga in a new and exciting direction with Sapphire Flames, their first full length novel starring Catalina Baylor, Prime Siren and Head of House Baylor.  Readers got a taste of what to expect in the short story Diamond Fire and will be delighted with how the authors proceed  in this newest installment.

This is the fourth book in the Hidden Legacy series and I strongly recommend reading the other novels - and the short story Diamond Fire - first. They contain information that will be crucial to the full understanding of this tale. This review will contain spoilers for those stories.

In a world where magical families engage in open warfare for supremacy, Catalina Baylor is in a precarious position. Her House was protected by law from attacks for the first three years of its formation, giving the members time to strike alliances and build a secure base from which to function. But their time of clemency is up and they must find a way to survive in an extremely hostile and competitive environment. With their sister Nevada now a part of House Rogan - and out of the country visiting in-laws with her powerful husband and mother in law - they are especially vulnerable. They lack the wealth of most of Houston’s magical elite, which limits their ability to hire protection, and has forced them to be cautious in establishing alliances. As Head of the House, Catalina must find a way to keep them afloat financially and most importantly, keep them alive - and she must do all of this while presenting a strong front to society and serving as lead agent for their private detective company, Baylor Investigative Agency.

Needless to say, all this responsibility means Catalina doesn’t get much rest. Which is why she’s really not pleased when Augustine Montgomery shows up at her house at two o’clock in the morning looking for her aid in an urgent matter. A young boy is on the roof of a hospital, contemplating suicide. Catalina’s Siren power gives her the ability to compel others to do what she wants them to, and Augustine needs her to use that ability to coerce the boy away from the edge. She does and this simple act of kindness launches her and her family into the heart of a very dangerous case.

It turns out that Ragnar Etteson, the boy on the roof, is the brother of Runa from Diamond Fire  and one of the last two remaining members of his family following the deaths of the others in House warfare. Determined to help Ragnar and Runa get justice, Catalina agrees to investigate the murders and tell them who is trying to eliminate their House. Along the way she will tangle with a villain with a rare, terrifying magical ability; warped assassins, and her teenage crush Alessandro Sagredo. Not surprisingly, the latter proves to be the most dangerous.

Fans of the series will find this book a pleasure to read. The plotting is tight, the action enticing and exciting and all our favorite characters make appearances. The story captures the exact essence of all the previous Hidden Legacy novels.

Which is what kept this book from DIK status. Marvelous as it is, Diamond Fire felt more like a redux than an original tale. I was excited to see where the series would go as it followed a character who wasn’t Head of the House and Balylor Investigative Agency’s prime agent. Instead, Nevada was neatly removed from those positions so that Catalina could take her place. There is an effort made to show how Catalina handles things differently, but it fell a bit flat for me. It’s true she does delegate more but that has to do with timing rather than personality issues. Nevada had little help with the company because all the other family members were in high school. They have now graduated and it makes sense for them to work in the family business.

Catalina and Nevada are even similar in their responses to the jobs. Their primary concern in being a House is protecting their family, who are all adorable and lovable.(Seriously, you would beg the Baylors to adopt you if they were real!)  They both feel just awful after killing people who are trying to kill them. They act strong around almost everyone but their love interests; Rogan and Alessandro get to see their mushy sides. There are a few contrasts: Catalina is more likely to spout facts, while Nevada is more snarky and funny. Catalina is also far more romantically insecure. Nevada knew her value, Catalina, on the other hand,  is constantly afraid that the only reason people like her is for her magic. Catalina is more aware of her magic than Nevada ever was but since her abilities are dangerous both to her and the people she uses them on, she’s very reluctant to rely on them. She is every bit as courageous as her sister though, and every bit as determined to find answers, solve mysteries and deliver justice.

Alessandro, like Rogan, is scary talented, with magical fighting abilities that make him an extremely formidable opponent. He’s smooth, sophisticated, charming and a hero to die for. His secondary magical ability wasn’t revealed in the previous novels, so I won’t spoil it here except to say it's amazing.

Sapphire Flames serves as an introduction to our hero and heroine as a crime fighting team and doesn’t contain an HEA.  There’s lots of heat between them and lots of flirtation, some passionate kissing and petting but the focus is on solving the mystery and overcoming the evil villain. There’s also a lot keeping them apart by the end of the book and honestly, I can’t wait to see how that works out in future novels. I think other fans will be as delighted with this tale as I was and be as anxious for the sequel as I am.

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I loved this book. The world building is amazing. Catalina comes across as always a bit scattered but that is just wrong. She thinks things through in rapid succession. Her teenage crush made me smile! The warped assassins were things from nightmares. The characters and twists in this story were top-notch. I just go back and read the previous books in this series.

5 Hearts, Recommended Read
SJ, Romance Junkies

SAPPHIRE FLAMES by Ilona Andrews is set in the Hidden Legacy world. This trilogy follows Catalina Baylor's point of view, as she is now House Prime and leading her family's PI firm.

Catalina is head of her house and has a power she's spent her life keeping contained. With no effort, she can make people love her. So much that they won't stop until they've consumed every part of her. She has spent the majority of her life fading into the background, being invisible. But now as head of her House, she is called on to use her powers to help a friend solve a murder.

In the course of her investigation, she runs into danger, and into the path of her teenage crush, Alessandro Sagredo, an Italian Prime with dangerous secrets.

Bound to help her client get to the bottom of a conspiracy laden with very powerful people, Catalina and her funny, quirky family navigate danger as they strive to solve the case. In the process, Catalina learns more than she bargained for. And if she's not careful, she won't survive to see how the case turns out.

This book is off-the-charts enjoyable. Fast-paced, funny, and with sexy leads who never fail to entertain, SAPPHIRE FLAMES is one scorching-hot must-read.

Catalina and Alessandro are far from perfect, and they know it. Their chemistry is wonderful to see. Catalina's family is back and in raring form, and they absolutely make the story shine. My only complaint about this novel was that it had to end, and I can't wait to see in what direction Andrews takes this next trilogy of the Hidden Legacy world.

Recommended Read

HIDDEN LEGACY SERIES (Nevada Baylor)

BURN FOR ME
WHITE HOT
WILDFIRE

DIAMOND FIRE: A HIDDEN LEGACY NOVELLA (Catalina)

SAPPHIRE FLAMES

Fans of Illona Andrews are going to enjoy this book! This is such a great series. This book shifts from Nevada's story to her younger sister, Catalina Baylor, as she tries to establish her family's house while dealing with House politics, murder, and her former teenage crush constantly showing up.

It felt like there was a lot going on plot-wise towards the end of the book, and I didn't love it as much as Nevada books. However, it was a good book overall and I definitely look forward to the next one in the series!

Eep! From page one Andrews hooked me and the story just kept getting better. Hell yes! From the double-murder to the freaky assassins who want Catalina dead I was all in. The world-building is stellar, and I loved the surprises from secret societies to learning more about our Italian Prince. Even I have a crush on Alessandro.

Full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer on August 26th. A review will be cross-posted to Amazon and Goodreads. Review link will be uplifted on social media. Review link for 26th provided.

I love almost everything Ilona Andrews writes. My favorite part about this book, is the grandmother. She is equally strong as her granddaughter, but highly amusing and spunky at the same time. She can go to talking about fashion to getting her tank ready to protect her family. This book followed the other books in the series nicely and it made me want to go back and read the first 3. If you have not read the first 3, then this book will still be good, but you are missing crucial details. I came to know the main character's mother a bit more through this book and I am enjoying her growth. However, I think what I like best about these books is that the characters are easy to relate to, They aren't perfect, but you can still respect their determination to be good people in a bad world.

Catalina Baylor is now head of House Baylor at just turning twenty-one so their grace period of three years is ending; she has to hit the ground running because other Houses will now be allowed to attack them. Managing the House and their detective agency places quite a burden on Catalina though she has the backing of her family. Nevada and Rogan are off on an extended trip plus she knows that to be a successful House, Catalina and the rest of the family have to make it on their own. When a friend’s mother and sister are attacked and their house burned down, Catalina puts it all on the line to help Runa find vengeance.

Italian Count Alessandro Sagredo has been Catalina’s teen crush for years and now as a young woman, fantasy has the potential to become reality. Alessandro’s debonair, playboy persona hides the real man who as a Prime, carries a deadly magic. He pledges to help House Baylor saying they have a common enemy. It is all Catalina can do to resist his considerable charms while they work together seeking their adversary and discovering a secret that could devastate the magic and mundane world. Despite his feelings for Catalina, Alessandro has an agenda he will not share binding him to a cause he cannot or will not turn from no matter the consequences.

Considering Catalina’s age, this tale has a bit of a new adult vibe as she lacks the maturity and experience of her older sister, Nevada. Catalina has so many things coming at her all once while trying to bear the burdens of high office, and the intense emotions for a man she continues to resist for much of the story. Alessandro has own dilemmas causing him to make a difficult choice. Fourth in the Hidden Legacy Series and the beginning of a new trilogy, this story has plenty of action, adventure, magic, and high body count readers have come to expect from this writing team. And just to keep things spicy, the romance element adds to the drama, angst, and tension of SAPPHIRE FLAMES. Fans of the series will enjoy this new story arc as Catalina becomes another powerful Baylor to be reckoned with, and a head of a House to be taken seriously.

This is the fourth book in the Hidden Legacy series, but the first book in Catalina’s story (which is supposed to be a trilogy within this series). I really loved this start to Catalina's story. This is such a well done world with amazing characters. There's a lot of action and intrigue and a bit of romance as well.

Catalina Baylor is now the Head of House Baylor and a Prime in her own right. For the last year House Baylor has been protected by their status as a new House, but that’s about to end. To make things even more complicated Catalina is asked to assist another House and in doing so ends up drawn into what could potentially be a war between houses.

This is a complicated world that I really enjoy. While I wasn’t a huge fan of the novella featuring Cataline that preceded this story, I really loved this story. Catalina’s magic is unique and intriguing and she was a strong heroine facing a lot of challenges. I also enjoyed Alessandro as a character. He is unpredictable and capable, I am intrigued to see where things go between him and Catalina.

Overall I loved this story and it was a very nice start to a new storyline in the Hidden Legacy series. I would recommend this whole series to those who enjoy urban fantasy with solid world-building, unique characters, action, and some light romance.

It KILLED me every single time I had to put this book down. I couldn't gobble it up fast enough
...but you know. Kids.

I've only come to the Hidden Legacy series within the last year but I am very much the smitten kitten. Nevada and Rogan are so glorious and I think Catalina and Alessandro promise to be just as irresistible. Every minute they were on the page together crackled and sparked.

But really though, this book has just about everything. Family. Loyalty. Danger. Humor. Sexual tension for days. And powerful women!

Can't wait for the next one. Thank you Netgalley and Avon for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A worthy sequel to the original trilogy, with enough recurring characters to indulge those of us loathe to let go, and enough new characters to keep things fresh.

The chemistry between Catalina and Alessandro wasn't quite as beguiling as Nevada and Rogan's relationship, but there's so much potential for growth. As always, the action scenes are exciting and vivid.

The story wraps up in a satisfying way, but there are still a lot secrets and mysteries to be revealed in the following books, keeping anticipation super high.

Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews

Catalina Baylor is a powerful prime who has always preferred to stay in the background and rigidly control her unique magic. After her recent 21st birthday, she is head of her house and responsible for the well being of her family. But when her good friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina has to decide if she is willing to help her friend and how she will play in Houston’s dangerous magical world.

Complicating her choices is the appearance of Alessandro Sagredo, her teenage crush. What does his presence mean? And, is Catalina strong enough to guard her friends, her house and her heart?

As a long time Ilona Andrews fan, I looked forward to the continuation of the Hidden Legacy series and must admit I was a bit worried that Catalina would not be able to stand on her own but would be a shadow of Nevada. Not so. In this tense magical drama, Catalina emerges as a unique character in her own right --one with her own powers, strengths, personality and problems.

As with any novel by Ilona Andrews, there is marvelous world building, wonderful beasts, great fight scenes and just enough romantic tension to smolder the pages. The story starts a new arc with interesting characters and situations that made me invested in the story and anxious to see where the authors take the characters, the romance, the story and the magic users of Houston. A very engaging read. Highly recommended for fans of Ilona Andrews. 5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

So good! I am sorry I am finished because now I begin the long wait for the next one. Thank you #netgalley for letting me read and uncorrected proof early. This book picks up with Nevada visiting her in-laws and Catalina heading House Baylor. Alessandro is more than he seems and things are warped in the land of magic. Can Catalina save the world and House Baylor? What will she have to give up to save the ones she loves? This story will hold you to the very end..

I'd be lying if I didn't say my hype level for this book wasn't through the roof. The first three books of the Hidden Legacy series are some of my favorites and Catalina's keeps the bar high for great reads. We're back in Texas where the House Baylor, now headed by Catalina, is facing some growing pains. It's been a few years since the events of Wildfire so all our favorite characters are a few years older. When asked to take on a case that no one else will touch with a ten foot pool and the unexpected reappearance of the guy she's been in lust with for years the mystery take shape.