Catalina is younger and softer than Nevada, but that doesn't mean that she is less bada$$. Alessandro returns, still determined to win Catalina, but he is a new man now and no longer the smiling, murdering man we've come to love. Catalina may be one of my favorite heroines, and by the end of this she deserves a big nap and for Alessandro to feed her ice cream while rubbing her feet. You'll definitely want to read this series in order, but I can't wait for the next one!

Catalina Baylor is the titular Prime of House Baylor, where she and her crew, including her dangerous cousin Leon, engage in detective work. She’s also secretly the Deputy to the Texas Warden, charged with keeping the potent serum that creates magical powers out of the hands of evildoers.

She’s just picked up the pieces of her broken heart and set her mind to keeping her extended family safe, when a new challenge disrupts her life. Four of Houston’s most powerful houses have a business deal with a nasty old codger by the name of Lander Morton. The focus of it is the swampy Pit, which is full of magical hazmat. Once it’s cleaned up, there’s a fortune to be made in real estate development. When Lander Morton’s son is tortured and killed onsite of the Pit, Morton is convinced one of the other Houses is behind it. In addition to hiring Catalina to conduct the investigation, he also hires a suave Italian assassin to kill whoever Catalina identifies as the preparator. The problem—the assassin is Alessandro, Catalina’s ex, who walked out on her without warning and left her bereft.

Now Alessandro claims he took the job with Morton in order to protect her. But can she believe him?

An entertaining and fun read with romantic sizzle.

This second book in the Catalina Baylor trilogy surpassed all expectations: it was a roller coaster of action and emotion, as Catalina and Alessandro race to solve a murder and protect Houston. The Baylor family continues to delight, Alessandro breaks your heart, and Catalina continues to mature and grow into an amazing power. Although some threads are complete by the end, Ilona Andrews leaves tantalizing teasers and so many questions that keep the reader on edge for the next book. Always a pleasure to read a well-crafted story!

I absolutely ADORED this book, like all of Andrews's installations. My favorite part was us readers getting to learn more about Alessandro's motives and true feelings, which weren't explored much in the first book of Catalina's story.
This makes me all the more excited for the finale of Catalina's trilogy! Awesome world-building, and incredibly lovable cast of characters and the Andrew team's well-researched details make this another hit for me.

Ilona Andrews has the ability to write in different series/genres without skipping a beat. Their flair for character development and world building has changed the game. Their writing always amazes me.
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In this novel we continue the epic love saga of a foreign prime, Alessandro Segrado and emerging prime, Catalina Baylor (sister to Neveda Connor.) Throw the woes of their typical but atypical love affair, a group of psychotic prime assasins and a creature created from the arcane realm and you have a perfext receipe for disaster.
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Does the dashing duo have the finese to handle all their obsticles and deal with family crisis on both sides? Read on and find out. This is a book you do not want to miss. And of course die hard urban fantasy fans will fall in live with the intricate details of the Andrews writing team!
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Warning: if you are new to the series please read them in order starting from Connor and Nevadas trilogy. Like I said. Very detailed. Very intricate but worth all the swooning.
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5 stars and a tip of my Nerd Girl hat!! Can't wait for the next book in the series.
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*This review was done in conjunction with 𝕹𝖊𝖗𝖉 𝕲𝖎𝖗𝖑 𝕺𝖋𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖎𝖆𝖑 book blog.

I say this every time there is a new Ilona Andrews series - but this is the best Ilona Andrews series! I had a lot of fun reading this book - and I think anyone would enjoy it!

Thank you so much to HarperCollins Publishers for granting my wish for this eArc! This series has become one of my absolute favorites, and each book just builds and builds on these beloved characters and this amazing world and magic system. Emerald Blaze continues with Catalina and Alessandro's story, with all the wit, sexiness, and danger that we've all come to expect from them. This book was so immersive, and I devoured it in one sitting.I thought no-one could top Rogan but Alessandro definitely gives him a run for his (tons of ) money! I cannot wait to continue on in this fantastic series!

It starts off slow and kind of dense, but once the action begins, it's hard to resist the story as it drives forward. It reads as a true epic, one that makes you feel the world really has been reshaped as you read it. Would recommend.

What isn't there to like about EMERALD BLAZE!?!

Nevada was a fantastic character and Catalina is doing a great job of following in her footsteps and worming her way into my heart.

This series always has some great investigative work happening. Catalina's work as Deputy Warden of Texas always brings another twist to things.

I enjoy the romance of the series. Alessandro and Catalina are so stubbornly perfect for each other and I enjoy their back and forth relationship.

Ilona Andrews are one of my favorite writing teams and I look forward to every book they bring into the world.

2nd in a series (or fifth in a series if you are being specific) When Felix Morton, heir to a powerful magical family, is found dead. Catalina Baylor of House Baylor is hired to track down his killers. Unfortunately for her peace of mind, her “ex” Alessandro Sagredo, has been hired to execute the killer once she has found them. This was fast paced novel that didn’t leave a lot of breathing room and honestly required an immediate re-read. The "mystery" piece wasn't too hard to figure out but it was entertaining. The dialogue was hilarious and you can definitely see the authors putting together more pieces of a larger puzzle, which can be both satisfying and frustrating. But long time readers will enjoy seeing Catalina’s growth as a character and checking in on the Baylor family. I am definitely looking forward to seeing where this series goes next.

This was an excellent addition to a great series. We talk about all of the Hidden Legacy books on the When in Romance podcast regularly, especially during recommendation request episodes.

This series is my all time favorite and Emerald Blaze fits wonderfully within the world Ilona Andrews created. Magic, action, romance, humor...it has it all!

Another excellent book from the Ilona Andrew's team. Their world building is always on par and really makes you feel submerged in the world. Catalina is a great character and I can't wait to follow her on her next adventure.

Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews
For the romantic who needs a great stocking stuffer.

Although better known for the popular Kate Daniels series, the Ilona Andrews team (husband and wife Ilona and Gordon) has knocked it out of the park with the most recent installment in their “Hidden Legacy” series. There are now five novels and a novella in the series, with Emerald Blaze as the second book of a second arc, but while the book is most likely to resonate with readers already introduced to the character, it’s also a stand-alone magic-spy-action-adventure-romance. Despite that blend of genres, Team Andrews melds it all together in a world with both super cool magic and an alternate-reality Instagram, featuring characters you want to hang out with regardless of the stakes. The mass-market size also makes it perfect to slip into a stocking!

The next volume in the Hidden Legacy series finds Catalina stepping forward to keep her family safe and protect the secrets of the Baylor family. This series has truly been an awesome journey so far. The characters all work towards one goal, the use of their magic to defeat those who would harm the family. Each sister must use the resources they have while growing in strength and ability. Throw in the romantic interests....yes, please....and the stories become sigh worthy all over again. There is a definite reason why Ilona Andrews has legions of fans....the books are fantastic.

Catalina Baylor, Head of House Baylor and Deputy Warden of Texas has two problems. One, the mangled corpse of a Prime, which may, or may not be connected to the theft of the Osiris serum, a serum that either has a small chance of unlocking someone’s power, but a larger chance of turning them into a monster. Two, Alessandro Sagredo. The man who broke her heart, but is now back and seemingly intent on protecting her from the monsters.

If you’ve been following us here at Under the Covers for any length of time, you’ll probably know that Ilona Andrews is my favourite ever author. Any favourites lists I make, one of their books will be on there, in the top spot if I can swing it. So, when you continue on with this review, just remember this is not unbias. I went into this book fully expecting to give it 5 stars, because Ilona Andrews has cast their magic on me and I am but their helplessly devoted servant.

But, when I say “their magic”, what I mean is, a well constructed, fascinating world that gets more intricate as the series builds; characters that are complex, funny and well developed; story lines that are interesting, well paced and assist in building the world and the characters. Then there’s that extra sprinkle of romance added on top of this, and I am a goner.

In Emerald Blaze we see Catalina and Alessandro, with some assistance from the Baylor family, face off against a powerful adversary with Catalina still having to balance the politics of being a brand new House. There’s a lot going on, which means that there is quite a bit of information to take in; however, Andrews does it with a relatively light touch, mixing it with humour and witty banter so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Combined with the fast pace and some pretty epic battles, this book flies by and before you realise it you’re on the last page.

Now, lets get to the delicious part of Emerald Blaze; the romance stuff. Catalina and Alessandro have been building up since White Hot, when we first see them on the page together. In Sapphire Flames we see their connection really spark, but both of them have secrets, especially Alessandro, that keep them apart. In this book, secrets are revealed, decisions are made and I ate it all up and still want more. If you’re in this series for the romance, this book won’t disappoint.

If you haven’t read this series yet and my review has peaked your interest don’t start here, this isn’t a book that stands alone. It needs to be enjoyed as part of a series, go back to book one, Burn For Me, you’ll be in for a real treat or romance, action and magic. Otherwise, enjoy the latest installment in the Hidden Legacy series, it is my favourite read of 2020 so far and I have now got another 12 bleak months of waiting for Ilona Andrews next book!

Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews is the most engaging romance fantasy novel I have read. The cast of characters each play an important role in this book. Catalina and Alessandro are a power couple. They kick ass and do it well. Never a dull moment with these two fighting together. Catalina is very protective of her family and takes her job seriously. Alessandro is just as protective when it comes to Catalina. This novel is action-packed and full of suspense as the danger towards Catalina rises. Ilona Andrews writes in a way that immediately takes readers further into the book and holds their undivided attention. I was hooked. Once I was in, I did not want to leave. With magic involved, the deadly situations grow more intense with every page.

Another one loved! I get engrossed everytime I pick up a book by Ilona Andrews. Alessandro and Catalina are at odds for most of the story. Circumstances come to light that I would have never foreseen. I can't wait to find out what's next!

Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews is the newest in the Hidden Legacy world. Continuing Catalina's story as the new family head and now running the family business. Catalina is not only trying to support and protect her family, she is playing a dangerous game of chess with her Grandma and trying not to show how much her heart belongs to Alessandro, the man she can never have.

Overall any Andrews book picked up is enjoyable in my humble opinion. While I am not a particular fan of Catalina I still enjoyed the story, The plot was mostly predictable but its all the characters in this world that really sell it. I devoured this book and I did not even love it. The writing skills and pacing of this book and of all the duo's books make for an easy read. Also not forgettable. I read this a month ago and still remember this plot. Four stars from me. I really enjoy this world.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers. This is an honest review.

Emerald Blaze (Hidden Legacy #5). By Ilona Andrews. 2020. Avon. (ARC eBook).

Catalina Baylor, Head of House Baylor, Deputy Warden of Texas, and investigator with Baylor Investigative Agency finds herself involved in two cases that may be connected. First, is the theft of the outlawed power-generating Osiris serum which could prove devastating in the wrong hands. Second, a mangled body of a Prime has been found at the site of a multi-million dollar construction project in the middle of a swamp. Now she finds herself in the cross-hairs of a third party and partnered up with Prime Alessandro Sagredo, the man who broke her heart.

Alessandro is the Artisan, the assassin who ends assassins. He’s been after Arkan for a long time. Now Arkan is targeting Catalina, so Alessandro returns to Houston determined to protect the woman he loves.

The Hidden Legacy series has complex, fully developed characters in a well-constructed world. The magic system is fascinating and the action and drama is expertly woven with witty humor and tender romance. Each installment gets better and better but Catalina and Alessandro are my absolute favorite of this series! To get the beginning sparks of Catalina and Alessandro, start with Sapphire Flames (book 4), but the novella Diamond Fire (book 3.5) is also recommended if you want to see how Catalina first started coming into her siren-like Prime power.