"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!

FANTASTIC! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the first in this new arc of the Hidden Legacy world. With Nevada safely married to Mad Rogan we get Catalina’s story. Catalina is a siren and can make people love her till they want to love her to pieces so she has to use her powers carefully. Catalina is now the head of House Baylor and their grace period is coming to an end. Thus starts a high energy romp that will keep you enthralled. The excitement is non-stop. Action, adventure and love. Can’t wait for the next installment.

I received an advanced reader's copy of Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I read the other Hidden Legacy novels by Ilona Andrews previously so I did have high expectations for a great novel that centered around Catalina Baylor and, happily, was not let down by Sapphire Flames! The world that the previous books began is explored further and the House politics explored in Sapphire Flames are much more murky....and treacherous.

Without a doubt, I loved Sapphire Flames. Catalina's story and how her character is written is so different than Nevada's novels were, but in the best way possible. The first three Hidden Legacy novels about Nevada and Rogan were fantastic and I thought they were great characters in their own right, it's simply that Catalina and her love interest, Alessandro Sagredo, are very different (again, in a good way).

Sapphire Flames picks up three years after Wildfire (Hidden Legacies #3 - final book of Nevada and Rogan's saga) and without bogging down the story, the author summarizes the challenges that House Baylor has faced in that time since forming and what the Baylor sisters - and by extension, House Rogan - have been up to during their grace period from war with other Houses. While summarizing that time, Sapphire Flames also engrosses the reader in Catalina's current challenge. Without giving away plot details, Catalina agrees to take on a new client to unravel a mysterious death and that leads to a huge conspiracy with action, intrigue, and uncertainty for House Baylor....and Catalina running into her teenage crush, Alessandro.

Aside from hilarious, witty banter, wonderfully three dimensional secondary characters, and a solid, fast paced plot, I loved this novel for its primary characters - Catalina and Alessandro.

Catalina went from a shy, quiet girl who was afraid of her own powers to a steadfast young woman who will do anything (even wielding her considerable powers) to keep her family, loved ones, and House safe. She seems to feel deeply, which makes my heart break when she's sad or hurt by someone who should care about her, and is intensely loyal to those she cares for. She's grown up so much in the past three years and is more confident in herself, but she's vulnerable and even flawed in a realistic way.

Alessandro is incredibly charismatic and so handsome that he seems to be nothing more than everyone's darling playboy who wants for nothing. That facade is a great cover for what he really is - dangerous and intense. Unfortunately, Sapphire Flames did not go into detail of Alessandro's back story, why he has made certain lifestyle choices, or even what is ultimate end game is; it's obviously setting the stage for the next novel and more will be revealed. Without knowing those details though, I STILL really like Alessandro. He's complex and has so many layers, but Catalina sees him for who he really is and their connection is kind of brilliant.

I give Sapphire Flames 5 stars, but wish I could give it like 12 stars; it's that good!

Reader's note: I really cannot wait until the next novel is released and I have my fingers crossed that the final Baylor sister, Arabella - queen of snark, gets her own series in the future. Also, if Ilona Andrews would ever write a novel or novella about our favorite Prime Illusionist, Augustine Montgomery, I would happily snap that book up as well!

Thank you netgalley and Avon books for my advanced readers copy of Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews.

The minute this book hit my kindle I devoured it. Ilona Andrews (husband and wife writing duo) is one of my favorite authors and I’ve read every single of the book they’ve written.

Sapphire Flames is book 4 of the Hidden Legacy series and moves away from Nevada’s story line and follows Catalina and her story arc. The book takes places 3 years after the events of Diamond Fire and Catalina is 21 and now the Head of House Baylor.

Ilona Andrews world building skills are everything and I am so happy they decided to explore and expand this world. The sexual tension between Catalina and Alessandro was sizzling! As always, I loved the family dynamics and I like how Catalina stand as her own character. The wait for the next book is going to be unbearable!

If you haven’t read Ilona Andrews I 💯 Recommendation any of their series!!! This book is set to release on August 27,2019!

Action-packed magic, mayhem, and a very compelling story. Andrews' books are always a creative mishmash of tropes, characterizations, and impeccable world-building; Sapphire Flames doesn't disappoint, and I'm eager to see where they end up next.

I loved jumping back into the Hidden Legacy world. This magic system is so interesting. I felt like there were several similarities between this book and book one. The family is having money troubles again, Montgomery is trying to con them into a vassal type contract, the romance is really slow burn, etc. None of that is bad just in the way that Force Awakens was still a great Star Wars movie. My favorite part was Catalina's use of her power. The language Andrews uses is so beautiful. I just saw the new Godzilla movie this week and my first thought was that Catalina is like Mothra (but in a good way as new Mothra is so pretty.)

The plot was interesting. The mystery wasn't so mysterious that you felt lost. All of the steps Catalina took in her investigation were very deliberate and made sense. The same for the villains; once you had some information about them, the motivations were very straight forward.

All in All, a really great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next book!

Ilona Andrews continues to build on the series this time we get middle sister Catalina and Alexi as the focus but don't worry all the other characters we loved from the first 3 books also make appearances.

Another Gem in the in the Hidden Legacy Series. I love the continued story line of Catalina's rise as Head of House Baylor. Lots of action, lots of intrigue, lots of hot Alessandro. What can I say its exactly what anyone who loves the Hidden Legacy Series is looking for. Loved it can't wait for the next one!

I have been a fan of Ilona Andrews from her Legacies series and for Cat to have her own book I JUMPED!
Catalina Baylor is now head of her house after her sister Nevada married Rogan and since you can't belong to two houses....Catalina has taken over the role of trying to keep her family afloat by taking on investigation cases, paying bills and keeping her sister in line when she is awoken at 3 am with a distress call to help a young victim off of a ledge of a roof. Cat has siren magic which means she can make anyone lover her so much they will eventually want pieces of her and she is terrified of, but the young victim on the roof is her friends brother and from there she learns that her friend's mother and sister were killed. Catalina want's badly to help her friend find out the mystery behind her friends family murders but when she has a run in with the one man whom she has crushed on for years, the Instagram hottie that everyone loves, and the one person who she can never have because of her magic, all things change.
Alessandro is known as a lot of things, playboy, Count, Instagram famous and hot but Catalina see's a different side that not many know about..Killer?

Through all the twist and turns of this story, It felt at times that Cat was in over her head and
Alessandro was there to pull her out. There was so much action and plot twist it kept me reading and trying to figure everything out before it was revealed(which I never did). The ending gutted me but it was a great segway into what I assume will be another(or two other) books.

Great world building and story for new and seasoned readers of Ilona's work!

I didn't read this immediately because I knew I would read through it quickly. This of course happened. I always love everything written by this author. I will not spoil it but must say you will enjoy this if you have liked anything else they have written.

I was highly anticipating this book and seeing what would happen between Alessandro and Catalina and how she would mature as a character. I really like how things turned out in the book and Alessandro is freaking awesome! My only disappointment is the ending and being like what the heck because it leaves off perfectly making you want more and then you have to wait. No fair! Great read.

Prepare to stay up past your bedtime - I could not put this book down, but now I'm sad that I finished it. Ilona Andrews has created a story with rich and fully-developed characters and a unique story line that I've not seen in other urban fantasy / paranormal romance books before. I don't have a single bad thing to say, except about how long I have to wait until the next installment.

Catalina is very different from Nevada - since this is the fourth book in the series, it would be easy for Ilona and Gordon to reuse old plots or muddle characters. But, impressively, each character in the novels has a distinct voice.

The Hidden Legacy universe is vast and Sapphire Flames sets the foundation for an awesome new perspective into the world. I'm very excited to see where this trilogy goes and I can't wait for the next book! Definitely purchasing for my library's collection!

5 stars. Biased? Possibly. Do I care? Hell no.
*Thank you, Avon & HarperCollins publishers for this baby two months early*
**I should have posted this weeks ago but grad school can be a smidge demanding**
Catalina Baylor: the middle sister, a siren, and currently under massive amounts of pressure as the official Head of her house. I adore her completely. In HL 1-3 I always appreciated Catalina for being the sweet middle sister but her desperation to keep her talents buried and Nevada's take charge personality always overshadowed Catalina's presence, with only a few glimmers here and there of her backbone. I can happily say that she's finally found her voice.
I was at first confused and a little frustrated that Nevada was no longer the Head of the House Baylor, given what she's sacrificed for her family and how strong of a person she is... but then I understood. And my girl definitely deserves to let that pressure go. She's been under it for too long and should absolutely be able to just enjoy her life with Rogan without all that worrying. The only problem with that scenario is that it'll be up to Catalina to deal with House Baylor's lack of grace period protection.
I needn't have worried though.
Without a lot of history to go on, no one really knows exactly the extent of Catalina's abilities. I'm not sure even Catalina knows. But the abilities she's obviously been practicing with... may actually be cooler than Nevada's. I like that she's obviously had more time in Sapphire Flames to practice and hone her talents than Nevada had in Burn for Me, as it gives us more opportunity to see how totally badass the Baylor ladies are.
Now I don't want to go into too much detail about the actual story because some elements surprised the nonsense out of me. Alessandro is (view spoiler) not at all what I expected from our few minutes with him at the trial. I ain't mad, tho.
I can't wait to see exactly how Arabella convinces people to pay their bills. I've missed that little sassmouth more than I expected. Also, the Warden element is quite... interesting. We'll have to wait and see how that unfolds.
Loving Catalina's story so far.

Another great addition to the series! I love the characters, they're very engaging. The narrative is well-paced and fun!

This was my first Ilona Andrews and what have I been doing with my life?! This is also not my normal sub-genre so I wasn't sure what to expect but I was sucked in immediately to the story and the characters. It felt like a Paranormal version of Scandal and I was here for it. I can't wait for their story to continue in the next book!

As entertaining and fast-paced this new instalment is, it just doesn’t live up to the first three books in the series. My main problem with Sapphire Flames is that too many situations, scenes and passages read like carbon copies of the initial Hidden Legacy trilogy. I might not have minded, had the leads in this story been as charismatic as Nevada and Rogan, but that isn’t the case, unfortunately: Catalina is nothing but a pale copy of her sister, and Alessandro is exasperating in his childish smugness in a way Rogan never was. (Then again, there is a distinct lack of character development in this instalment as far as he is concerned, and a little complexity would probably go a long way towards turning him into a more interesting, likeable character.)

Admittedly, the fact that I am not a fan of stories with younger characters probably didn’t help here, and neither did the romance-heavy storyline. Catalina and Alessandro’s relationship is just too YA for me and feels somewhat off. The relationship seems to be nothing more than a teenage crush, and doesn’t feel real at all.

But it’s not all bad, and of course there are great things in this story: the ever-fascinating Hidden Legacy world, the awesome action scenes, and the wonderful array of delicious pets and creatures…And what will always drive me back to this series, no matter how I feel about its new leads: its secondary characters. Grandma Frida, Leon, Augustine, Runa, Bug, Matilda, Cornelius, Bern…The Andrews excel at creating the best, most irresistible casts and you would love nothing better than for Ilona and Gordon to come up with individual spin-off series for each and everyone one of them. Zeus included.

Yes, this is my least favorite instalment in this series so far, but does that mean I won’t continue with it? Nope nope nope. Why? Because whatever Ilona Andrews writes, I read. It’s as simple as that.

This was really delightful!! I loved seeing Catalina having come into her own and the subtle differences between her and Nevada, as well as the slow reveal of the main mystery. My one criticism was I feel a bit too much happened offscreen between Diamond Fire and here? For example I wish Catalina didn’t have such perfect control over her powers, given her struggle for control was such a big part of the prequel novella and last trilogy? Seeing the uncontrollable nature of her power vs Nevada’s more learnable magic or watching Catalina still learning to master her Siren magic would have added a nice edge. I also would’ve loved more insight into how Alessandro fell for her, given their limited prior interactions.