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.

I received a free copy for an honest review from Netgalley.

Ok, so first off, I’m a HUGE fan of their work. I’ve read everything that I can get my hands on, so I did a happy dance when I got a chance for this. So, I’m both super happy I got read it and sad, as I just realized the wait will feel so much longer for the next.

But, this book picks up several years after the wedding novella, so now mad Rogan and Nevada are still in the story, but not the stars. From there we still have a wonderful conspiracy to unravel, but the Caesar threat is not what’s going on right now. But, I still want to know some time who it is- I feel like it’s going to come back around. Arabella has turned into a reluctant but amazing head of the family, now in the place Nevada was before, although I don’t want to spoil it, becomes an absolute badass. Basically, once you hit chapter 10-12, don’t put it down. The epilogue makes me want a novella or at least a book about THAT backstory, but I’ll leave it here, and let you know it’s just so awesome you will want to read it too.

I wasn't sure what to expect with the viewpoint changing from Nevada in the first trilogy to Catalina in this one, but I loved it! Catalina has a lot more going on beneath the surface than we ever knew, and she'll make a great head of house. I can't wait to learn more about Alessandro and the other characters.

Sapphire Flames is the fourth novel in the Hidden Legacy series, but it doesn't follow Nevada anymore. Instead it follows her younger sister, Catalina. Like Nevada, Catalina is an amazing investigator, one with unique abilities. Unlike Nevada, Catalina is afraid of her powers. She doesn't trust herself with them, and one can hardly blame her for that.
Also like Nevada, Catalina has a way of taking on cases that are significantly more dangerous than they first appear. In this case, it's a house war with so much at stake. To make matters worse, House Baylor's three year period is almost over, making the family fair game for attacks. It's a lot for any one family, or person, to handle.
Before starting Sapphire Flames, make sure to read the novella Diamond Fire. This is the first piece written in Catalina's perspective, and it really sets the scene for the rest of her series. Plus it's fine, so why would you want to miss out on that?

Sapphire Flames was so much better than I had even dared to hope it would be. Catalina is an amazing main character. She's strong, determined, and conflicted. She fears her abilities, but loves her family and her job more, and will do anything to take care of them.
There was so much to love about this novel. Everything from Catalina herself (and the cameos from the rest of the Baylor family, of course), to the romantic subplot, and the antagonists. It was so perfectly written, and a brilliant follow-up to Nevada's series.
Honestly, at first I was heartbroken at the idea of moving on from Nevada's series. Even while being excited to see more of her sisters. This novel? This erased any lingering concern I had about Catalina's series. It was perfect.
The antagonists in this novel were...dare I say bone chilling? There were brutal, dangerous, and more than a little bit crazed. I think in a way Catalina needed to face somebody like them. Best of all, this whole plot established a longer running plot for Catalina to chase down.
I adored the reason for Catalina taking on this case. It was so her. Actually, I believe that almost any member of her family (not counting her grandmother, of course) would have made this decision. Speaking of her grandmother...ouch. I don't think I need to say more than that. I don't want to spoil things, and if you've read the novel then you'll know exactly what I mean by that.
Nevada herself doesn't make a physical appearance in this novel, nor does Rogan. But that was for the best. It would be too easy for them to take over the plot, so they had to be out of the way the whole time. I do like the reason behind their absence though.
The romantic subplot was...intense. At first I wasn't on the ship train at all, but by the end the writers had managed to win me over. I can't wait for the next novel to see how that plot progresses.
I'm almost sad that I'm already finished with Sapphire Flames. Part of me wishes I had savored it more. The rest of me is pretty pleased that I binged it. Of course, the downside to that is it's going to be at least a year before the next novel is out...

This new spinoff of the Hidden Legacy series did NOT disappoint! The husband wife team who are Ilona Andrews consistently delivers. Sapphire Flames brings new intrigue, deeper insight into the HL world and a return of the characters I adore (Leon and Arabella will always first rate supporting roles!) if you enjoy action, a hint of romance and magic then Ilona Andrews is the author for you. 5 stars! Can’t wait to read the next in this incredible series!

**ARC

This book was everything I wanted and more. A continuation of the Baylor family’s story that began with the trilogy of Nevada and Rogan, this is Catalina’s show. The authors built a fascinating world of magic, family, love, and violence and this entry in the saga expands that world while also bringing in new characters. The interplay between the family members, the threats they face, and the romance Catalina experiences was all so expertly woven together. The husband and wife duo of Ilona Andrews is one of the best Urban Fantasy/Romance writers in the business and this book is another example of that.

All about Catalina!

Sapphire Flames starts with Catalina Baylor doing a favor for House Etterson saving Runa’s brother. But describing the book any further would take forever and the authors do a much better job than I ever could with so much happening so quickly. This book is all about Catalina coming into her own as head of House Baylor and it is very good!

Sapphire Flames answers so many questions but raises so many more that I can’t wait until the next book which we hopefully get more about Catalina and Alessandro Sagredo and it can’t come soon enough, but tomorrow would be really nice! I can reread the series until that happens whenever the author lords finish the book and it is scheduled for publication.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

So, what can I say – I LOVED IT!

One word – UNPUTDOWNABLE!!!

At this point there is no other author that clicks with me the way Ilona Andrews does.

As expected, the author wrote one fantastic first book about Catalina and Alessandro.

The feelings, the action, the humor – Sapphire Flames had it all.

And although Catalina’s magic is more defense than offense, the action wasn’t missing in the slightest. Catalina grew so much over the last three years, that’s how much time went by since Nevada’s wedding, and wow there were some pretty interesting changes happening during those years. Catalina really impressed me. I had an inkling that she would turn into a fascinating character, but I had no idea how kick-ass that girl would become. Strong, business savvy, with a spine of steel and not hesitant to make hard choices when needed – Catalina has become a woman not to be messed with. And consequently my kind of heroine.

Alessandro on the other hand was as swoony as I remembered him. Not all was as it seemed. He had some interesting facts hidden behind his too gorgeous for his own good facade – and there is so much more I want to find out about him. He knew how to steamroll Catalina when needed. Supported her without question. Stood by her side without care for his own safety – all in all he was the perfect guy for her. And easily as awesome as Connor “Mad” Rogan, just a tad more realistic – lol. One word – yummilicious!!!

I loved that the world was so familiar to me. The supporting characters were beloved. And their banter and personalities so dear to me. The intricate plots were as fascinating as ever. And a recurring character had me questioning everything I thought I knew.

I can’t wait to see how it all will end. I have so many questions.

Overall, I didn’t want Sapphire Flame to end. I wanted to read book 2 & 3 immediately. That’s how awesome and addicting this story was. And I can guarantee that the next two books will be even more awesome. Because that’s just how it goes with an Ilona Andrews series. They pull you in and never let you go.

After getting her first star turn in the novella "Diamond Fire," Catalina kicks off her own trilogy. Three years have passed, and Catalina has taken over as head of House Baylor, just as their House nears the end of the grace period it was granted at the end of the first trilogy. This means that Catalina is in charge as the family tries to find new clients to protect (and pay the bills), while also preparing to be a legitimate target of House warfare for the first time. Just to make things more complicated, her longtime impossible crush, Alessandro, appears on the scene in an unexpected role. The story kicks off at full speed and never stops for breath until the end. It's a great continuation of the Hidden Legacy series, and I'm already impatient to find out what happens next!

I already have this on pre-order, but was glad I could preview it. The author gods fan base, the BDH, will be quite happy and slightly frustrated at the same time.
The story is great and the insight into Catalina's magic makes me hungry for more details on the rest of the family.
The frustration will come at the end because it is over, but know that there will be more to come in the next book of the series and there are hints of what may come in the future.

There is nothing more satisfying AND frustrating when you finish a book and you want MORE. Especially if you love the characters like you love your own family!!!

Of course every good book leads you to want more, and Sapphire Flames is one of those excellant five star books that dangle theories and fandom thoughts in front of you. So what did I do immediately after I read the last page.  I scrubbed the sleep out of my eyes and pulled the first 4 books in the series off my shelf. Yes...  The book hangover was bad. 

In this novel, we have an older Catalina who has taken over Baylor Investigations from Nevada. I love Nevada don't get me wrong but this blooming flower named Catalina had my old heart a fluttering.  She had grown up a strong mature young woman. If you remember back to the earlier books you remember a shy teenager wishing to hide in the corner of the room. 

Three years later, mentored by Arrosa Conner and now head of House Baylor, Catalina is a formidable force. Keeping this in mind, do not despair as the authors didn't skimp on futher character development.

A friend of the family flew home to a call from the police department that their mother, a prime, and her sister, also a prime, has died in a fire.  Suspicious only to those who know the pair, Runa decides to hire an investigator. Trouble is heading to the House Baylor but Catalina was ready.

What she wasn't ready for was Alessandro Sagredo!  Sexxxxyyyy with a capital S, he waltzes into her life and leaves her with dreams of love and hazy confusion regarding his actions.

Sapphire Flames is a 5 star read and I tip my Nerd Girl hat to the writing duo yet again!! I can not wait until the next book.

*This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official book blog. www.NerdGirlOfficial.com

This is the kind of ARC that everyone wants and I almost feel guilty for having...but then again, it was SO GOOD. Catalina is a great heroine, and getting to spend more time with the entire Baylor clan (except Nevada and Connor, of course) was a real treat. I think Alessandro felt a little underdeveloped and mysterious, but that is similar to how Mad Rogan was in the first Hidden Legacy book. I was worried that Catalina would be too much like Nevada, but she's pleasingly different and her own character. I loved reading it and I can't wait for everyone else to get their hot little hands on it in August!

Catalina, now head of House Baylor, as she investigates the murder of the head of a house of poisoners. (If you haven't read the short story, Diamond Fire, you really need to do that before starting this book. Not so much to fill in gaps, but the novella does fill in some background and really establishes Catalina as her own independent person and will give you more details about some of the other characters - plus Rogan and Nevada's wedding.) Once again, Andrews starts and finishes strong. Excellent action scenes, an intriguing mystery all with a side of steamy romance. And then there is the cliff hanger. If you enjoyed Rogan and Nevada, then you will love Catalina and Alessandro. Not to mention Arabella, Bern, Leon, Penelope and Grandma Frida.

While some might be disappointed that Nevada only appears briefly, you won't be disappointed in who Catalina has become. I look forward to reading more about her and hope Arabella will get her turn as well. Preorder this book, it's worth it.

Full review to be published online in late August.

SAPPHIRE FLAMES is the fourth book in the 'Hidden Legacy' series by Ilona Andrews; but the first in the three book arc about Nevada's sister Catalina, and her adventures as a powerful Prime and (now) head of the family house. I was bit worried that this book might not be able to meet my high expectation after Nevada and Rogan. In the previous books Catalina was portrayed as really smart but introverted and shy. I had hoped with being older in the new book she would have some confidence being a Prime, and she definitely does. Catalina grew in controlling her powers and her general 'kick-assability' throughout the book as she solved her case and got her House on less shaky ground. And her budding relationship with Alessandro...wow.

Definitely looking for more from Catalina. That being said, the book had a few similarities to 'Burn For Me'. There were a few places where it felt like Nevada and Rogan with the names changed. Not an issue, though; it was fantastic no matter who the characters remind the reader of.

I've really enjoyed this series, and was excited for this new entry in the Hidden Legacy. I follow the authors on social media, and they discussed on their blog how they had to do a lot of editing and cut back on word count for this title and I think it shows. I found the story a little choppy and hard to follow, which is unusual for an Ilona Andrews book. They generally write very strong female leads and I found Catalina to be a little disappointing. Her love interest was a little off too. I think the part of the story that explains his weird secondary powers got cut, and his motives for doing pretty much anything were never really explained. Overall it was still an engrossing read and I definitely want to see where the story goes, it just wasn't the strongest entry in the series.