Oh why did I read this so early? The sequel is a whole year away right now! Normally I wait until there's a whole series waiting, especially with Ilona Andrews' books. They're like eating Oreos - you WILL finish the whole pack in one sitting.

Nevada Baylor is on vacation, so little sis Catalina steps up into the heroine role. There's Andrews' usual mix of alpha romancing, dangerous enemies, and nifty superpowers as Catalina struggles to keep the fledgling Baylor House alive and out from under the thumb of more powerful Houses that would love to squash her flat.

It's a great world to revisit, and there's always action right around the corner. By "action", though, I only mean car chases and gunfights, obviously, because this is only book one in Catalina's story.

I received a review copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh Catalina! She is a heroine you can root for. Someone thrown into the deep end and left to be the Head of a magical family. If she fails her family is dead. Enter Alessandro. The man she has had a crush on since her teens. He is not at all what he seems at first glance. Throw in a murder, powerful people on both sides and you have a story that kept me at the edge.

Book 4 in the Hidden Legacy series is another excellent addition
in a chain of exceptional books in urban fantasy genre written by
Ilona and Gordon Andrews.
Intelligent and tough heroine, mysterious and delectable hero, magic and reality
masterfully bound together, witty banter, non-stop action, well developed impressive supporting characters make this breath-taking installment well-written, smart and engaging.

So happy the authors are continuing this series, which is my favorite of theirs as well as the Innkeeper series. The combination of action and humor make for great reading.

I'm a fan of all Ilona Andrews books. I haven't read them all but I'm enjoyed each of the ones that I have read.

I love the highly imaginative paranormal world Andrews creates and the stories are driven by well-written characters. It's been particularly interesting watching Catalina grow. She's burst out of Nevada's shadow and is easily proving herself worthy of her head of household role. She smart, dedicated, devoted and loving and up for every challenge thrown her way, and there are many!

Catalina must deal with the threats coming fast against their new house now that the initial protections are gone and in the process finds herself fighting side by side with her long-time crush, Allesandro. And what fun it is to learn who Allesandro really is. He's not the vapid royal Catalina and we the readers have thought him to be.

This book, like the others in the series, is full of highly engaging action, complex human emotions, monsters and magic. A good read from start to finish.

4.5 stars - surprising no one, I absolutely loved this first entry in the new arc of the Hidden Legacy series. I will post a full video review on my YouTube channel on the launch day, but for now suffice it to say: I am loving Catalina as our new POV character, I loved spending time back in this world overall, I loved the action/adventure plot & set up for a new political intrigue that we'll be exploring in the coming books, and I loved the ongoing family dynamics. Also the UST. Also a battle scene in a Sephora.

This made me so happy & I am PUMPED for more books! 2020, get here faster

Absolutely, positively, you will not be able to put this one down.

Clear your calendars for release day, folks, because Ilona Andrews nails another book in the Hidden Legacy series, and it is just as addictive as the rest!

I'm a superfan of Ilona Andrews, and I've loved each and every book in this series. I was beside myself when I found out that I got an ARC of Sapphire Flames, especially since I was in love with Diamond Fire. Just totally gagged. I tried to wait until closer to release day to read Sapphire Flames, but after a few meh books in a row, I knew I had to crack this one open.

And I didn't go to bed until the very last word, just before 3 am.

The plot? Exhilarating.
The danger? Cranked up to an 11!
The romance? Just getting STARTED.

I loved getting to know Catalina, who is a bad-ass in her own right, and seeing more of the extraordinary Baylor family. I loved getting to know Alessandro, who is SO much more than meets the eye. I loved the pacing, the energy, and the non-stop action. It is a must-read for those who have loved the other books in the series.

The book isn't technically a romance, but those of you who are familiar with Ilona Andrews know how they operate. I know there will be more Hidden Legacy books coming with how this one left off, and I'm WAITING ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT FOR MORE.

Ilona Andrews can't write fast enough to suit me.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

Note: This is the fourth book in a series that was previously a trilogy, focusing on a side character from the first three books. This review may contain slight spoilers! You can check out my review for the first three books here:
BURN FOR ME: https://onewayoranauthor.wordpress.com/2017/07/07/mini-reviews-urban-fantasies-with-magic-and-mayhem/
WHITE HOT: https://onewayoranauthor.wordpress.com/2017/06/05/arc-review-white-hot-by-ilona-andrews-hidden-legacy-2/
WILDFIRE: https://onewayoranauthor.wordpress.com/2017/07/17/arc-review-wildfire-by-ilona-andrews-hidden-legacy-3/

I first discovered the Hidden Legacy series a couple years ago, when the first two books were out. I waited patiently for book 3, which I thought would be the end. But of course, there was still so much to be explored regarding the explosive Baylor family, and well-constructed world, and even the authors couldn't let this story go. So here we are, with book 4 (after a novella as well), following the sister of the main character from the first three books: Catalina Baylor. And let me tell you - her story is as exhilarating, as action-packed, and as emotional as her sister's. Let's get to it!

"Here I am with all this power and I let everyone take care of me for most of my life, because it was too hard and scary and because I didn’t want the guilt of hurting people. It wasn’t fair. So, when Nevada decided to take a step back, I decided it was my turn to take care of everyone and do the ugly things nobody wants to do."

The book first starts with the introduction of Catalina as the head of the Baylor House. So... what exactly happened to Nevada? It turns out, she's helping Mad Rogan (her now-husband, then-love interest in previous books) with his own House matters and enjoying her own life, after being a leader of the family for years. Okay let's step back with some info... in this world, powerful magic-users inherit traits from their family, and they keep this magic preserved by grouping into "Houses" - mostly based on family - that pretty much control the inter-workings of the world. If you're born in a large, powerful house, you're set to go in life. If you marry into a House, you marry into their drama and politics. People are put in arranged marriages to create more powerful lineages. It goes on and on. In the Hidden Legacy series, the Baylor family was recently established as a House, and the 21-year old Catalina is the Head of it, as well as a powerful Prime (which you can probably guess what that means). And that's when the book starts: she's thrust into this role, while trying to navigate all the complex House politics and take care of her family. Things aren't helping when she finds herself involved in a murder mystery, and her old crush from high school coming back into her life...

And THAT is where the story starts. Nothing screams "CLASSIC URBAN FANTASY" more than a murder case to solve, right? Catalina's friend's family members are murdered, and it's up to her to get to the bottom of it. Not only because she can align that friend as her ally, but also because... it's the right thing to do. If there's anything about the Baylor family we know, it's that they fight for justice and make sure they can look themselves in the eye in the mirror at the end of the day. Secrets are revealed. City infrastructures become demolished. Assassins are uncovered. And the enemy they're looking for might have been next to them the whole time...

And yet, amonst all the action, the authors still manage to create a careful exploration of Catalina's experience and characterization. As the younger sister of Nevada, we saw her as a bit on the introverted side, and willing to blend into the background. But in Sapphire Flames, she really takes control of her fate and sets the tone down with other competing Primes. She grows into her skin as the Head of the House, and finds confidence in herself to do the right thing. And THAT is what character growth looks like. Along the way, she also finds herself reunited with a teenage crush, Mr. Alessandro Sagredo aka Italian Prime of his own House aka who called to her window in the middle night like ROMEO for a night drive three+ years ago aka who literally disappeared from her life ever since, aka who picked up and dropped two fiances as well, these past few years. So as you can see, that is a fun subplot in and of itself, and their banter was super fun. ALSO those secrets of Alessandro... yum. Can't wait to learn more about them in the upcoming books. 

All in all, Sapphire Flames was an excellent addition to the Hidden Legacy series (as are all of Ilona Andrews's books tbh...), and I highly recommend this Urban Fantasy series to readers looking for a flamin' hot adventure with scorching romance, and lovable characters! The Andrews team has a great way of exploring characters (after reading 10+ of their books... I would know HAHA), and this one was no exception. It just left me panting for the next book!

Content/Trigger Warnings: violence, physical abuse/assault

Rating: 4 out of 5

Thank you Avon and Netgalley for the review copy!

Ilona Andrews does it again. With compelling characters, a reality close enough to our own to be believable and a romance that leaves you wanting more, Sapphire Flames continues the enjoyable arc begun in Burn for Me.

I always enjoy stories by Ilona Andrews so I looked forward to reading this novel. Immediately diving into a world of magic, power, and romance, I was not disappointed. Catalina has come into her own as the head of her house and has to make life and death decisions daily. To make a living her house takes PI jobs but Catalina's latest job is so dangerous that it may be her last. When her secret crush from her teen years, Alessandro, shows up to help her she realizes he's more than a male model playboy. I can't wait for the next book in this trilogy!

This book is fantastic! It is the first one I've read in the series (although not the first by this author). The characters drew me in and I became very invested in them. I was so disappointed when the book ended just because I'd reached the end. I will need to go back and read the first 3 in the series.

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. - Amazing story! Looking forward to many more.

Sapphire Flames takes place three years after the end of Nevada's story in Wildfire. Catalina is now 21 years old and in charge of the Baylor Investigative Agency with her family after Nevada stepped down following her marriage with Rogan. In the years since we last saw Catalina, her family's new House is about the reach the end of the grace period given to new houses.
The shy girl afraid of her own shadow does not make an appearance in this book. In Sapphire Flames we get to see Catalina comfortable in her own skin and leading her family through investigations and death threats. She reminded me of Nevada at times, but still felt like her own well-developed character and honestly I'm pretty put out I have to wait for the next books even longer now.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. What a great book , I really enjoyed it. Highly recommend to everyone.

It was impossible to go into this book with anything less than the highest of expectations which is usually a recipe for disaster but I was not even remotely disappointed with this book. I may have been afraid that I would miss Nevada and Rogan but I honestly didn't. Catalina and Alessandro hold their own and make the change of focus onto them easy and intriguing. I liked them both so much and really loved their banter. Knowing that there are more books to come in this series just fills me with glee.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sapphire Flames arriving on my Kindle gave me a bit of a squee moment and it lived up to my expectations. When Andrews wrapped up the Nevada Baylor portion of the Hidden Legacy trilogy, there was hope left that the trilogy could become a series that turns to Nevada's sisters. And here it is! Sapphire Flames takes place about three years after Nevada's wedding to Mad Rogan and addresses Catalina Baylor, the world's only siren. She is also now Head of House Baylor and running the family's investigations business. Both of these things contribute to the case that is tossed her way. Warned off of it, Catalina is unable to stop herself from helping a friend, regardless of the danger and the interference of Alessandro Sagredo--after whom she has pined since her trials years before.

In all fairness, there will likely never be an Ilona Andrews book that I don't like. But in Sapphire Flames, the husband-wife duo have proven that they can create another full-blown mainstream urban fantasy series to fill in the gaping hole left by the well-timed ending of the Kate Daniels series. It is exciting, humorous, and, as always, insightful, and leaves no doubt that the next installment will be the same.

"Sapphire Flames" by Ilona Andrews
In this fourth installment of the Hidden Legacy novels, "Sapphire Flames," Catalina Baylor has become the head of her house and in charge of her family's investigation firm. Her sister, Nevada, is with Rogan in Italy and Catalina is leading the firm on her own. While investigating the murder of her friend's mother and sister, Catalina must face her teenage crush, Alessandro Segrado, and work with him to solve the case. The plot was fast-paced and full of action. I loved the interactions between Catalina and Alessandro; their encounters were both humorous and steamy!! I can't wait to see what happens next.

Catalina has really grown into her power, even though her comfort level is still a work in progress. And that’s a good thing, because it helps keep her grounded in why she’s doing what she does. She’s analytical, has a huge heart, and is fiercely protective of those she loves. She’s a serious person, but her sarcastic sense of humor was contagious.

Alessandro...he’s a sexy devil, with a liquid tongue and irresistible allure, but his magic kept me on my toes in surprise! His ability had me shaking my head in wonder... He’s a total package and I can’t wait to see what he has up his sleeves! I also loved his silly antics with Catalina, especially when paired with her crazy, but loving family. Talk about comic relief!

The romance takes a backseat to House dynamics, but believe me, it’s stewing to a steaming boil! Catalina and Alessandro’s romance is a very slow burn (the attraction established during Catalina’s trials), but I really wasn’t expecting the sheer force of their chemistry in action! These two may seriously give Nevada and Rogan competition in the combustible department ;)

The first book in a spin-off series from Hidden Legacies, I believe it could be read as a stand alone, but you’ll miss out on family dynamics and house politics, which give the story richer perspectives. Catalina’s book was a fast-paced, humorous, sarcastically-quipped, action packed with House warfare, and thought-provoking read... I loved it and happily skipped the lull of sleep just to finish!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book I received from Netgalley and Avon/HarperCollins. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For what it was I enjoyed the book for the most part. But this is the fourth book in the series and I have not read the first three, and I really should have, because I felt lost the majority of the time. I’m going to read the first three and then do a reread of this one so I can get the full experience.

As usual, I like the Hidden Legacy world, which is my second favorite of the Ilona Andrews worlds, after Innkeepers. The HL world gets a little more fleshed out in this book, which the pre-order blurb indicates is going to be the first of a trilogy.

I was a little nervous beforehand about a story focused on Catalina, and one where she somehow has become the head of House Baylor, but in the end the storyline works. I got hooked on finding out what was going on, and finished it the same day I started it. (Luckily, I started it on a weekend…)

I thought the character development was also pretty good, with the exception of the transition of the House Baylor leadership from Nevada to Catalina. The explanation for this comes part way into the book, and it just seemed a little forced to me. Still, it didn’t derail me from the story for too long, and in the end, it wasn’t a major issue – just a little bit of a hiccup.

I like the way Catalina’s character has developed. I especially like the way she relies on the House Baylor rules (once you have a client, stay with that client; try not to do anything illegal; have to be able to look yourself in the eye - NOTE: these are not spoilers since they are in the earlier books…) in making some of her choices, even while developing as a quite different character than Nevada.

I guess my only major disappointment is that this is apparently the first of a trilogy, and so the story arc is left somewhat hanging at the end. And, since I very much enjoyed this book, I’m bummed that I am going to have to wait for books 2 and 3 of the series to find out more about how things really turn out.

Finally, just a bit of guidance – if you haven’t read the earlier titles in the HL series, you’ll probably want to read them first. Although you could probably make it through Sapphire Flames without the background from the earlier books, I think it will be a lot more enjoyable with the background.

I am an atypical reader to this series, having not read the first three, but since this takes the POV of Catalina and not Nevada, I felt I was reading the first book in an exciting new urban fantasy romance adventure. Fans of the now-complete Kate Daniels series will feel right at home in the Hidden Legacy series, with witty dialogue, lightning chemistry, detailed world-building, and Ilona Andrews's signature talent for writing breathtaking, badass action. Catalina Baylor has many similar traits to Kate Daniels: She puts her loved ones before herself, taking on the burden of leadership despite wanting to run in the opposite direction. Her relationship with Alessandro builds and builds as the novel progresses, and I am already eager for the next book, wondering how Catalina and Alessandro's lives will intersect again. An overall fast-paced and fun summer read!