I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley. I started this book at 9:30 at night, thinking, "I can definitely read some of this before bed, and then finish tomorrow." That....was not the case. I could not put this book down, even when my contacts begged me to close my eyes. Brace yourself, because this book is a lot.
In this conclusion to the trilogy, Catalina and Alessandro must rally their troops for the final boss fight against Arkan. There are battles against giant plants, rhinos, and fire mages, explosions, bratty murderers, and a surprise fiancee. They really packed a lot into one decently sized book, and I can't even begin to describe it all. While they do answer some questions I've had since the beginning of the series, they also started asking others, which gives me hope that there will be an Arabella trilogy. Overall, this was a wild ride, but it was a great deal of fun, and worth the sleep deprivation and need for more undereye concealer.

I loved this book! I am convinced that the writing pair of Ilona Andrews can do no wrong. That is the only explanation that makes any sense. This book had everything that I had hoped it would have and I enjoyed every moment that I spent reading it. The story was exciting, unexpected, funny, and sometimes touching. I am so glad that I decided to pick up this entertaining novel.

Catalina has a lot of problems to juggle in this book. There is a Russian Prince causing trouble and the Warden of Texas has suffered an attack. She needs to find out who is behind it all and try to figure out how to find a resolution that will keep everyone safe. There were some pretty big surprises worked into this story that left me speechless. I loved the magic and action in this story which kept me turning pages as quickly as possible.

It was great catching up with all of the key players in this series. Catalina and Alessandra are a wonderful couple and I loved how dedicated they were to each other. I love the way we have watched these characters grow as individuals and in their powers over the course of this series. The story was really serious at times but it had a nice dose of humor sprinkled through the book as well.

I would highly recommend this series to others. This is the sixth book in the Hidden Legacy series which I would read in order if at all possible. I do hope that we see more books set in this world featuring this group of characters at some point in the future.

I received a review copy of this book from Avon Books.

This is it! It's the conclusion of Catalina's story arc. I cannot put into words how desperately I wanted this book. I just have to know what sort of chaos and drama are packed into Ruby Fever. The book starts off with a concise summary of past events, while the Baylors are looking to purchase a new home/base of operations. With Runa and Bern going steady and the kids are mostly grown adults, everybody needs their own space. The story kicks off with a normal work day for Baylor Investigations. Unfortunately, one of their cases involves an expensive and smuggled spider, who escapes into the air vents after a botched hand-over. This becomes a humorous side quest for the kiddo consultants (Ragnor and Matilda). And then the sh*t hits the proverbial fan with a murder and an attack on the Warden of Texas. This sets off a chain of clashes and skirmishes between House Baylor and Arkan's organization. This book was packed. As in action-packed. Full of drama, love, and badassery. In the previous two books, Catalina comes into her own as a Prime Siren and Head of House Baylor. In this final book for Catalina, we delve into another facet of Catalina's Siren abilities. There were several plotlines that were neatly dealt with and some new ones were merely hinted at. We've seen in previous books that Cornelius may be more powerful than his Significant designation and in Ruby Fever, it's pretty clear that Cornelius is not only a strong animal mage but also a very observant and loyal friend. We also get a hint that Matilda may also be a Prime in her own right.

And then there is the whole Caesar subplot that was woven throughout the Hidden Legacies series, was revisited and we "finally" know the identity of Caesar. I had my suspicions for some time, but it was nice to get confirmation. Let's just say there are a lot of obvious details alluding to the identity of Caesar and the identity of their Grandfather (read the 'The Cool Aunt' deleted scene for clues). I did feel that Arabella was put on the back burner for a good chunk of the book. Since this pseudo-trilogy focuses on Catalina, it makes sense. Realistically, Arabella's powers should be kept secret, and involving her in a fight willy-nilly would not be in the best interest of the House. But on the same side, the epilogue kind of throws secrecy out the window (hint hint wink wink). I sincerely appreciate the fact that Ilona and Gordon hinted at a possible love interest for Arabella. If the writing duo ends up writing Arabella's story arc, they have some leeway and a place to start. With the arrival of an Imperial Russian Prince, Catalina and Alessandro's relationship is tested. The prologue included a lovely proposal with a ruby ring, but the engagement was hardly mentioned throughout the book. I found it a little odd, but given all of the action going on, it's understandable that some details would fall into the cracks. Overall, this book was the perfect conclusion to Catalina's story arc. And spoiler alert: there's a wedding to look forward to.

If I could choose a fictional family to visit, this family might well be it. Family is at the heart of the Hidden Legacy series, and I've re-read every book in this series multiple times. I've already read this book twice. It starts out with humor but it rapidly moves into suspense and then the story takes off like a rocket. This is the third book where Catalina has been the main character.

The fun begins with the family visiting a large estate, since their old home had been destroyed in a previous book. Arabella, Leon and Bern were not happy about it until they turned around and saw the *other* houses on the property - including free-standing towers. Next came a situation about an incredibly expensive and even rarer spider - one of seven in the world - that had gotten free in the Baylor's conference room and hid. Catalina (currently head of the family business) had refused to accept this job and someone on her team went over her head. Oops.

Then things get serious. Catalina gets a call about a murder, and she can't reach Linus - which isn't supposed to happen. The action is non-stop for the rest of the book. While Linus is not available, Catalina as his deputy has to step up in his place, and has to deal with a dangerous conspiracy, one powerful enough to reach even Linus. Arabella also shines in this book but I won't give any more spoilers. It needs to be enjoyed as it happens.

This is a fine addition to the Hidden Legacy series, and I can hardly wait to see what comes next. My thanks to publisher Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advance reading copy. These are my own opinions of the book.

Sometimes it just gets boring having to write reviews for books like this that are so good you want to try to say more than just a string of superlatives. I am not sure I can but here goes, first of all I have to say that grabbing the reader before you even get to chapter 1 was a nice hook, no way I was putting it down after that bite of action. We have the whole family involved including additions picked up along the way in this series. The mystery was good, the action was superb and the surprises keep coming (and I want to see more of Michael). A lot of plot twists and a great ending with some hooks that make me wonder since I kept reading things that this might be the last book but it looks more like it is just the end of Catalina’s branch of this story so I will hope for much more and I keep being amazed that this husband and wife duo can continue to churn out top quality novels that boggle the mind. I might as well end this here and say 5 Stars might not be enough but it is all I can give.

The Hidden Legacy series is one of my favorites. It’s the perfect combination of urban fantasy, action, romance, and family (found and blood related). If you haven't read this series, you need to fix that ASAP. Trust me, you need these characters in your life. The characters in this series hold a special place in my heart. I love the Baylor family and all of their interactions. I always highlight their conversations in my kindle because they’re so funny!

Ruby Fever is the perfect ending to Catalina and Alessandro’s trilogy. The writing in this book is top tier. Ilona Andrews ties and resolves things from the first trilogy (Nevada and Connor’s 3 books) and does the same for the current trilogy. And they somehow have time to plot seeds for the next trilogy *wink*. It hasn't been announced, but I cannot wait for Arabella’s books. I'm manifesting her trilogy right now.

The incomparable writing duo Ilona Andrews has written another delicious read with Ruby Fever. Every puzzle piece that Ilona Andrews has dangled about Catalina and Alessandro is resolved in spectacular fashion. Every bit of mystery, romance, and intrigue that Ilona Andrews has given us only whets the appetite for many more House Baylor stories. I anticipate and look forward to hopefully reading the next Baylor sibling, Arabella’s adventures.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Ilona Andrews, Avon and Harper Voyage for this amazing opportunity to read and review this ARC of Ruby Fever. I am looking forward to reading many more adventures in the worlds that House Andrews will weave in the future.

I must preface this review with: I am notorious for not reading follow up books for other characters in stories that are not the main couple. In fact, I was struggling so much with this trilogy because I loved Nevada and Rogan's so much, I reread their trilogy at least once every year, that switching to this older, wiser Catalina wasn't easy (at least that's what my brain kept saying). So when I was gifted the ARC for Ruby Fever I did the only sensible thing, I took a deep breath, pulled out my unread copies of Sapphire Flames and Emerald Blaze (book 1 and 2) and devoured all three as fast as I could.

This book, and this series was like returning home. All the characters we watched get introduced to their new lives are here with the same warm, silly family dynamic just with more, "touch my family and I remove your arm" mentality. In Ruby Fever, book 3 of Catalina's trilogy, the culmination of all the consequences/actions from the past 2 books are finally arriving to Catalina's doorstep. An assassin is waiting in the wings, ready to destroy Houston in his wake. With new characters, jaw dropping twists, and some of the best family interactions, the conclusion to Catalina's arc was action pact and thrilling. Both a warm hug and a stiletto to the neck.

Even now, weeks after I have finished reading this book, I still turn to it to reread my favorite parts. I cannot wait for future stories in this universe, as long as all the Grandparents are there!

“Ruby Fever” is everything I wanted and more.

One of the most difficult things in ending a series isn’t just closing loops and tying up loose ends—it’s doing them in an emotionally satisfying way while keeping the pace brisk and the plot moving. Ilona Andrews succeeds beautifully in “Ruby Fever.”

All the little mysteries are solved, everything is revealed, and the book even deliciously sets up—with fun ambiguity—a possible trilogy for Arabella, the youngest Baylor.

Catalina has grown so much throughout the series, especially considering she was introduced in a previous trilogy (her older sister’s) when she was just a teenager. Her journey has been so satisfying—and satisfyingly believable—over three books, that I honestly can’t think of anything that was missing for me. I ended up re-reading it twice after the first time, it was THAT good.

Five ecstatic stars!

I devoured this arc in a day! This was a satisfying ending to Catalina and Alessandro’s story. I love this world and can’t wait to get more when Arabella takes the spotlight.

I have been waiting for the end of Catalina’s story arc for quite some time and simply put, it was absolutely perfect. It encompassed all the action and fast paced complicated plot lines of the previous 5 books AND wrapped up some deliciously tantalizing plot thread easter eggs that had been left dancing in the wind over the whole series. To say that Ilona and Gordon have twisty, devious minds is an understatement. Simply put, this is an astounding ending to Catalina’s trilogy and also a possible end to the Hidden Legacy series. They managed to wrap everything up Ruby Fever in an amazing way, but also left a door open for more if they choose to do so that will not make anyone upset if it doesn’t come to fruition. I look forward to whatever they may choose or not choose to write in the future.

I usually do a short plot summary in my own words in the middle of my reviews, but I neither want to spoil the story nor reveal too much. Since this is book 3 of Catalina’s story, I can’t really go into too much detail. Alessandro and Catalina tackle an army sent to destroy them. We get to see all of Catalina’s family in action and also many new characters. The family pulls together as only Baylors can and do.

This story pulls you in and doesn’t let you go for one moment. You will simultaneously want it to know how everything ends, but also want to savor it as long as you can. It was the exact conclusion the series deserves. It was everything I wanted and even more than I could have imagined. The final showdown is as epic as they wrote in the Kate Daniels series. I love how Ilona and Gordon were able to take their characters and grow them into the powerhouses they were at the end. This series kept getting better with each book. I hope they eventually write more since it’s one of my favorite PNR series, but in the meantime, I will be rereading. Yes it’s that good. It’s also excellent in audio.

CAWPILE SCORE
C-7
A-8
W-8
P-8
I-9
L-8
E-10
TOTAL-8.29/10

A great book. Lots of interest here to delve into and lots to love. The magic deepening. The relationships, the reveals all of it culminates into what is another amazing book by Ilona Andrews.

<spoiler>
Oh boy another great book.
CAWPILE
<b>Characters</b>
I love that we are getting more depth to a lot of our side characters, because we know our main characters very well and while they need some work they are mostly done.
Victoria and Linus have a great amount of change, because while they don’t necessarily change or grow, we are given more insight into both of them that can rapidly change the way we view them. With Victoria wanting a family to love and wanting to be forgiven and Linus having a bit more of a dark past than we thought before. Their interactions and the way that Catalina can stay mad at them and still love them is truly a wonderful example of real life relationships.

The Family dynamic is strong and it is one of the best points of this series. The characters truly feel like a family with all the things that come with it. Arguments, discussions, Love its all there and quite visible.

Catalina and Alessandro. Their relationship doesn’t really change in this book and that’s ok, because they reached a pretty stable point last book, and it would feel weird to just remove that or give it unnecessary tension. But Catalina you should have finished the video much faster than you did. The Dynamic between Catalina and Alessandro about carrying each other burdens was so realistic and wholesome.

Konstantin was an interesting character to add. His need to be the best and then his desire for Catalina. The way he acts and works while “helping” the Baylors.

Arabella, Bern, Leon, Runa all participate and perform well their respective roles.

<b>Atmosphere</b>
This story was very immersive. Lots of great descriptions without being overbearing or purple in any way. The energy in the story was dynamic in the best way. Where the tension had ample time to inflate and deflate according to what was needed.

<b>Writing</b>
Ilona Andrews has a very accessible writing style, and they give enough info I could almost read this book as a standalone and be completely lost as to what is happening or why.

<b>Plot</b>
The Plot was a good thread going through. One of the people Arkan sold the Osiris drug to tried to kill Linus Duncan to protect the secret causing Arkan to retaliate and involving the Russians. House Baylor must protect itself from Arkan.

<b>Investment</b>
I was especially intrigued to figure out how they were going to beat Arkan with his Active talent and then learning about his passive talent even more. I was glad to see that the story didn’t devolve into a small love triangle even with the Russian Prince Konstantin making overtures that direction.

<b>Logic</b>
Catalina’s magic works through love both the Green and the Black Wings. The Green to protect herself and the Black to Protect others. Love this knowledge. We learn a little about how Hephaestus mages work which was nice to see.
The way that Nevada and Rogan were “blocked” from helping more in this book made sense and was realistic to this world. And they were still able to help so not a complete “write-out”
The Osiris serum wakens latent talent, if you have the ability to survive. Mages could be the weakest of potential outcomes from serum.

<b>Enjoyment</b>
I really love love this book and its definitely going up there with my favorites by Ilona Andrews.

<b>Misc</b>
Mihael is a Beast of Cologne as well
Linus was Caesar but was undercover the whole time
Arthur being Hephaestus telekinetic. Building a Rubberband gun.
Alessandro’s mom escaping
Franco Sagredo needed to die.
The Keeper of Records and Michael are scary. What is it That Linus will allow for Arabella.
Arabella and Mihael potential romance??
Xavier getting owned by Rogan and his own grinder.
Starting the book out with an assassination attempt. Bold way to start.
Cornelius stopping charging summoned Elephant immediately
Just how much Victoria did for the Family
All the quips and sass. I love it every bit of it
Leon’s Gun Magic, bouncing bullets.
Matilda the adult as a child.
</spoiler>

I will be talking about it on Libromancy https://libromancy.podbean.com/ on 08/23/2022

Ruby Fever is the conclusion of Catalina’s three book story arc, and all of the sub plots that have been in play are coming to a head. Arkan is out to destroy Alessandro and her family, and they are under constant attack. She is pursuing an investigation into who has attacked the warden, and Alessandro’s family is still trying to farm him out to save their family name and bring in some much needed dough. There was a LOT going on in this book and looking back on it, the plot is a bit of a jumbled mess in my head. Not that I’m going to spoil your fun in reading this novel but I’m having trouble deciding what to write about without giving anything away.

As with all Ilona Andrews books, I loved jumping back into the world they’ve created and Ruby Fever gave us more peek’s into some of her family’s lives than we’ve gotten in the previous two novels which focused more on Catalina and Alessandro’s love story. That story is a foregone conclusion in Ruby Fever and we are given action sequence after action sequence and good investigative moments for the Baylor family, including Nevada and Rogan. The whole family gets involved in the resolution of all of the problems they face, which is fun. We get a hint of a couple of possible love matches for Arabella which made me eager to read her story, but alas, this book concludes Ilona Andrews deal with their current publisher and we may have to wait until they are in the mood to write and self publish the next novel in the series which could take years to happen, if they do decide to write it. Regardless, Ruby Fever was a fun way to end the series.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest!

A really fun conclusion to Catalina Baylor's happily-ever-after story! The Ilona Andrews duo always write such engaging, readable books to escape into, and it's been fun to see how the Hidden Legacy world continues to develop. Also: I would love a standalone Cornelius book full of loveable beasties.

I am a fan of Ilona Andrews. I have read everything they have published and I always find their stories to be enjoyable. I have read Ruby Fever several times now to make sure that my opinion is not influenced by the fact that it is a new book by some of my favorite authors. Honestly, it stands up to the fever pitch of excitement, It delivers on all the fan expectations but also gives so much more. It is truly remarkable to me how they can write a story that is a satisfying conclusion to a trilogy while setting up an intriguing new installment in the series. Ruby Fever is such an enjoyable read and the payoffs are there, sometimes perhaps not in the way one thought which is just as it should be.

CW: Murder; blood; warfare; emotional/financial abuse; reference to the murder of a pregnant woman

I don’t even know where to start or how to summarize my thoughts on this book. I was literally speechless after reading it and feeling so many things. This book destroyed me in the best possible way. I’m just sitting here, days after finishing it, in awe of Ilona Andrews’ talents.

Honestly, I don’t know how to summarize this book without giving massive spoilers. Suffice to say, Catalina ends up investigating a murder that leads to a much bigger plot just like virtually every other book in the Hidden Legacy series.

Now, were there some things I wish had been given a bit more attention? Yes. Did I care? Nope.

The story and action picks up right out the gate and does not let up until the end. My lord, was this a wild, amazing, fun RIDE, and I was HERE for every second of it. Seriously, I could not put this down as THINGS were happening. I couldn’t wait to see what happens next. This book has some of the most epic magical fight scenes, and I feel like that’s saying something for this series. The stakes also felt higher than ever as I was on the edge of my seat and stressed out at times, hoping all my favorite characters would make it out safe by the end. But I did love how they wove in humor to break the tension.

Ilona Andrews had a lot of plot points and outstanding questions to wrap up in this book, and yet they managed to tie everything together seamlessly. Seriously, slow clap for them as I loved watching all the pieces from all the previous books come together. I’m in awe at their ability to plant the seeds for some of the big reveals ages ago. At every twist, turn and reveal, I kept having to put the book down to process everything that just happened as I was feeling all the emotions. At times, I was – dare I say – shook. Seriously, though, I couldn’t have been more satisfied with how they pulled all the plotlines together and wrapped everything up.

I also LOVED seeing so many familiar faces pop up again in this book. It kind of felt like in Avengers: Endgame when everyone shows up. The Baylors and everyone in their extended orbit have grown so much since we first met them in Burn For Me, and it was amazing to see the badass powerful magical House they’ve become.

One thing I would have liked a little bit more of would be the romance. While I still really enjoy Alessandro and Catalina as a couple, their relationship doesn’t hold a candle to Rogan and Nevada’s relationship. I feel like we didn’t see it develop and grow as much throughout Catalina’s books as we did with Nevada. Alessandro is a harder character to get to read on his thoughts and emotions. However, by the end of this, I had a much better appreciation for why he’s like that and understood him more than I did going into it.

Catalina’s also gone through a serious transformation in these books. I loved watching the evolution of her character. We learn some very interesting things about her powers, and I was fascinated what that meant for her. I feel like I understood her and some of her actions in previous books better at the end of this. I still cannot believe she is only 22, but I felt so proud to have watched her grow up over the last three books and step into the head of House role and own her power.

Despite this being the last book in Catalina’s arc of the Hidden Legacy series, I also loved that Ilona Andrews didn’t shy away from introducing new characters and even more types of magic. I really loved the addition of Konstantin, and that’s all I will say about that as explaining who he is feels spoilery.

I’m desperately hoping this isn’t the last book in the series. I’m not ready to say goodbye to this world and these characters. I do feel like Ilona Andrews left the door open for Arabella to take the reins as there were some new things at the end that could be explored, and a new character was introduced who would make an interesting love interest for her. But the status of those books seems a bit up in the air. And that last chapter, the only one with a title, almost feels like it was a goodbye. I’m going to keep my fingers and toes crossed that we will get Arabella’s books because I’m seriously going to be devastated if we don’t.

I honestly could keep going on about this book as I could gush about it for ages. Seriously, thank you to Ilona Andrews for writing such a fantastic book. I cannot wait for more people to read it as I need to talk about THINGS that happened! Run, don’t walk, to grab this book. If you love the Hidden Legacy series, definitely pick this one up. If you’ve never read this series, now is the perfect time to start as both Catalina and Nevada’s stories are wrapped up.

Thank you to Avon/Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts, ideas and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Can I say the prologue was my favorite part of the book?

Everything pulls together with this final book in Catalina and Alessandro's trilogy.  Secrets are revealed, rivals finally face off and Baylor House proves they're a force to be reckoned with.  It's action-packed, it's emotional and was the perfect ending.  Watch out for the secrets.  I'll admit, I didn't see certain secrets that came out.  They made total sense when they did, but never saw it coming.  

Loved Alessandro and Catalina.  Their partnership puts them in Nevada/Connor status.  They support each other and call each other out when it's needed.  They never try to change the other to fit into whatever preconceived notion they might have about their relationship.  They work together and their relationship just works.  I also love how Catalina's whole family embraces Alessandro.  He's not just the Warden's Sentinel, he's their brother.

Arabella needs a trilogy.  There is a story there and I sense a certain Russian might be key to that story.

Picking up about a year after the conclusion of Emerald Blaze, Ruby Fever opens with the Baylors moving into a new home (aka a huge compound where each person/couple can have their own space). Arkan has upped his pressure on Catalina and Alessandro, even sending an assassin into their new home. However when the Speaker of the Texas State Assembly is murdered and someone attacks Linus in his own home, putting him into a coma, Catalina finds herself in the middle of a sh*t show. Luckily she can rely on her family and friends to help because she’s getting no support from The National Assembly of Wardens.

Ruby Fever opens with a bang and the intensity never slows down. There are a number of emergencies, and Catalina must manage them all since Linus is out of commission. The story takes place over the course of only a couple of days, seeming impossible that so much happens in such a short time. While all of the chaos may seem difficult to follow, the authors have perfected their storytelling, revealing pertinent information over time and when needed.

Although Alessandro and Catalina have found their love and have a stable HFN, they cannot achieve their HEA until Arkan is eliminated. I love how in-sync the pair is as the live and work together. Their relationship was solidified in the previous book, taking away the “does he like me” aspect out of the conflict. They’ve gotten over their issues and present a united front and a nearly unstoppable force. Seeing them work side-by-side is a treat, making me fall in love with the couple all the more. They’ve learned to communicate, which gives the story some tender and poignant moments.

As the final story in the series (until Arabella’s story… someday), Ruby Fever wraps up both the Arkan storyline, as well as the Caesar plot from Nevada’s books, and all of the other little bits and pieces the authors have raised over the course of six books. We see pretty much everyone who has been a part of the series. It’s well done, with a couple cheesy (not really necessary for the plot) moments which fans will appreciate. The story isn’t worse for these moments, they just are and it’s nice because it’s the end.

All in all, Ruby Fever is a delightful, entertaining end to one of my favorite series. The story is part of the larger picture and should not be read as a standalone. The storyline is tightly written, as is always the case from the authors. The supporting cast is strong, and there are emotional moments. If you haven’t started this wonderful series, I highly recommend you pick up Burn for Me today!

My Rating: A-

I enjoyed Catalina’s books even with her frustrating me with her at times wishy washy ways. I love how this book answered some lingering questions from the first trilogy set but there are still some questions that need to be answered but maybe they will be answered by Arabella and whoever she ends up with. Personally I hope she ends up with Augustine and not either if the arrogant royalty snobs. But anywho the only real critique I have is the answers about Alessandro felt rushed and not completely answered but hey at least we have confirmation about Caesar although I had my suspicions since Wildfire….

What an awesome wrap up to this series! This tied everything up with a big fat bow and left me with a smile on my face. I have to say though. I want Arabella's story LOL