I hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of the Baylor family.

This unlikely series has quickly jumped to one of my all-time favorites. To the point where the pending release for Ruby Fever was my most anticipated book of 2022. That’s crazy! But these authors have earned their place in my top spots by dazzling me again and again between their many series.

Two things about this series make it stand out to me: the cool structure for a magic system, where these competing houses pass magic down through their lineages, and said magic takes on all sorts of interesting forms. It’s everything you love about superhero powers, but in a much more accessible (and less cheesy) presentation. The wide variety of magics turns every book into a discovery process, and I lovelovelove the world building component.

The second thing is the characters themselves. This family is a hoot. Spending time with them reminds me of being included in the family festivities of my best friend growing up (who had 10 siblings… welcome to Utah), and the crazy sorts of dynamics and arguments that ensue with that many people under one roof. But at the end of the day, they support and love one another and work together to build their house into something to be proud of. Reading these books feels like tapping into the hopeful part of me I don’t see very often, and I love that. And considering how many fun family members there are to keep track of in this series, I’m impressed at how complete and well-developed most of them feel. The grandma is a riot.

Although these books are marketed as romances, they more closely resemble traditional urban fantasy than many others that I’ve read. The point of a paranormal romance is to see if the two are going to get together in the end (amidst some supernatural squabbling). The point of an urban fantasy is to see if they’re going to defeat the bad guy, with romance as a secondary arc. This last book had practically no romance development at all, but you wouldn’t know that from the covers. It’s why I have such a hard time recommending this amazing series to anyone, save those who have already read Ilona Andrews and know how brilliant they are. Take it from me, ignore the covers. This series is legit.

The only thing I found disappointing about the book was that it didn’t resolve a plot point I was most interested in seeing continued from the first two Catalina books. It kind of touched on it, but nowhere near where I think it could’ve gone given all the good setup. Given rumors on how annoying this book was to write for the authors (well, not really rumors considering I read it repeatedly on their blog), I wonder if at the end of the day they only had so much room to try to cram all the elements in and some things just didn’t make the cut.

The highlight of the book was actually the epilogue. I found in it the spark I love so much about the series and promises of more to come. I hope the writing duo do indeed continue the series, even if they go the self-pub route (I’ll be buying!).

Recommendations: as this is the second arc to the Hidden Legacy saga, I’d suggest starting back with Burn for Me (that title, though). And if you can’t get past the covers, I understand (although I actually really like the vibrant covers and pretty dresses of the newer ones, but you get my point). Start with the Kate Daniels series instead (the first book is meh, but then it grows into something amazing!) and maybe once you see how good they are, you’ll find your way back here. :)

Niki - The Obsessive Bookseller

I enjoy reconnecting with Catlina and Alessandro Sagredo. The escaping spider gave me the willies. The killing of a powerful political figure and the shock that her mentor the Warden of Texas has been attack and may not make it and the arrival of an Imperial Russian Prince and it just a Monday.
This stories had me on the edge of my reader i had the could not wait to find out what happen but I did not want to finish the book. The ending was so shocking that I did not see coming but made perfect sense. I have to admit i was in a book funk after reading it was so good that i did not want to leave this world even after I had finished the book.

An exciting conclusion to Andrews' latest magical trilogy. This entry was full of fast-paced action, steamy romance and compelling world building, with a blockbuster finale.

4 stars

After an attack on the Warden of Texas, Catalina Baylor becomes the acting Warden and must work fast to figure out who tried to kill Linus. That on top of a missing magical spider, a Russian prince showing up, and the assassination of a powerful figure, Catalina and her family have a lot to face. But they soon find out something worse is coming and they need to be prepared.

It’s funny to me that these books are marketed as romance when to me, they are very much urban fantasy. While I love the romance in these books, they feel like 10% of the plot and the other 90% is urban fantasy action sequences. I think the publishers could have passed this off in a broader market with just a cover change but maybe that’s me.

I love the writing style of Ilona Andrews, my attention gets grabbed quickly and I get sucked into the story. Even though it’s been a while since I read the last book I was able to get the hang of things again fairly quickly and enjoyed the ride. I’m sad this is Catalina’s last book, but hopefully we will get Arabella books soon? Because she’s an awesome character and deserves center focus if there are to be more.

Overall a great urban fantasy series with a sprinkle of a great romance, there’s a reason why I keep coming back to books written by Ilona Andrews.

5 stars! What a perfect way to wrap up this trilogy! Everything about this book was perfect and what you have come to expect from Ilona Andrews. This writing couple is on fire! From the family interactions, the interesting powers of all the characters that keep evolving and growing, to the interesting and "cant look away" fight scenes that keep you so engaged, and of course, to the continued romance of Catalina and Allesandro. It was all just so so good. We also get a few new players in this one that open the door for futures stories, that I truly hope get to be written. Either way, I am so happy and satisfied with this conclusion. One of my favorites!

Included as a top pick in bimonthly August New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached)

***

I have zero objectivity regarding this author/series and won’t pretend otherwise. I’m emotional — so many mysteries from the first five books (Conspiracies! Grandparents! Siren secrets!) got wrapped up, but there are still lingering questions. 😭 I know IA doesn’t have plans to write more, but they set up Arabella and her potential love interests (yes, plural) SO WELL. My neighbors could hear my shrieking after the epilogue. I’m sailing on the [Michael from the Office of Records (hide spoiler)] ship and no one can stop me.

FYI: Catalina’s third book does have less romance than, say, WILDFIRE (Nevada’s third book), so set your expectations accordingly. I still enjoyed the hell out of the ride, but this definitely reads more like a romantic urban fantasy with an established/secure relationship and no major romantic conflict. Understandable because they’ve been together for thirteen months at this point (in contrast to Nevada, who has no time jump between WHITE HOT and WILDFIRE).

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Ruby Fever is the 6th installment in authors Ilona Andrews Hidden Legacy series, and the final installment in Catalina Baylor's trilogy. Let's briefly summarize: This story is set in a futuristic/alternative USA, mostly Texas. 22-year-old Catalina has been the Head of House Baylor for 5 years. She has dual powers which I won't spoil since they are important to the story itself. Magic users of each State are governed by an assembly which answers to the national assembly. Each assembly appoints a Warden to each state. The Warden's identity is always kept confidential. Wardens investigate crimes committed by the magical elite.

Against the wishes of her grandmother Virginia Tremaine, who has been tutoring Catalina, Catalina has been Linus Duncan's deputy for 18 months, while her fiancé Alessandro Sagredo, a very powerful anti-stasi mage, has also been roped in by Linus Duncan to serve as Sentinel. With her eldest sister Nevada and brother in law Connor having major issues of their own by a rival faction, as well as their son having some pretty impressive powers, House Baylor is beset on all sides by their enemies-some obvious and some not.

After an attack on a powerful member of the Assembly, followed by an attack on Linus's home, Catalina and Alessandro will have to reach deeply into their abilities to prevent a catastrophic collapse of Houston’s elite. Catalina will also need to dig deep to unlock her hidden powers and outwit her opponents. She will have to accept her powers and be someone other than an introvert who cooks when she's stressed and keeps her problems bagged up. She will have to make sure that everyone knows that as the head of the Baylor House, she's got their backs and can't run away to avoid facing her responsibilities.

As usual, the cast also includes Arabella, who has taken over the family's finances, cousins Bern and Leon, as well as Grandmother Frida, and Penelope, their mother. Nevada and Connor make appearances, but as previously stated, this is Catalina's world now. They are there to offer support and guidance if needed. This story really is an unraveling of different secrets. From Catalina's own unique powers, to a surprising family revelation, to the fact that for a time, Catalina has to assume the title of Acting Warden after Linus is sidelined which grants her even more powers over law enforcement.

To make matters even more twisted, you have an evil villain who is much more dangerous than Catalina and her family has encountered before. Arkan, an assassin trained by the Russian Imperium, has stolen something so priceless that he's been labeled a black tag threat. Catalina fears losing Alessandro as he seeks to avenge his father's killing by Arkan. You also have the Russians getting involved by sending Prince Konstantin of House Berezin which means the highest levels of the Russian Imperium are involved. It also means that you have to sit on the edge of your seat waiting to see if he is an ally, or enemy.

Alessandro's backstory and family relations are unraveled and yet another alleged fiancé chosen by his grandfather tries hard to intimidate Catalina, only to find that nobody puts baby in the corner. Several questions that arose throughout the series, including the identity of Caesar, were answered, and while the ending wrapped up the series nicely, it still left a door open for future installments. I love Matilda. She faces off against Konstantin and walks away giggling. The whole Tremaine - Baylor twist finally comes full circle.

I am looking forward to seeing if the authors will keep their promise and write a storyline featuring Arabella even knowing that their contract with Avon is finished. I think at this point, she deserves to have her own storyline, and find a bit or romance at the same time. I am also curious if a certain character who arrives at the end of this story could be someone that Arabella might eventually care for.

Thank you Netgally and Avon Harper Voyager for access to this arc.

There’s a connection to Arkan and the stolen Osiris serum and over the course of the book all the threads come together. The identity of the Baylor sisters’ grandfather is revealed. I’m not going to say here who it is but I think most of us guessed anyway. The identity of Caesar (remember him? from Nevada’s trilogy?) is also revealed. (As to Caesar, I’d have to re-read the entire series Hidden Legacy series from Burn for Me to really know how well it all fits together; I’ve forgotten so much), but my feeling right now, based on what I remember from earlier, is that the resolution to the Caesar story is a little too convenient.

Some things felt a little rushed or underdeveloped (Penelope & Benjiro’s relationship for instance). I missed that there was not much Grandma Frida or really much Arabella in this book. There’s not much Augustine. Only a little Leon. I’m happy about Bern and Runa though. I suspect some of it was because of the limitations of word count but not all of it. I suspect that other bits were about trying to wrap everything up in this book because a book or trilogy for Arabella is not a foregone conclusion.

Nevada and Rogan were in this book at critical (and, again, convenient) times but also, were (conveniently) unavailable at other times so that Alessandro and Catalina had to do the heavy lifting. I mean, of course. This is Catalina’s trilogy so it’s not a criticism exactly. If Nevada and Rogan turned up and just fixed everything that would be very unsatisfying so you had to come up with ways to keep them out of the picture. It’s a tricky bit of prestidigitation to pull off and sometimes it felt a little bit like I saw the authorial hand rather than just the magic.

I’m not super happy with how the storyline with Victoria ended up. She is not a good person and I’m not all that into trying to make her seem less bad. I’m very team Nevada on this.

I loved the way Catalina and Alessandro’s relationship has grown. I loved their trust in one another and I liked the ways you had to show there are other challenges a relationship can have without splitting a couple up. There are also, of course, threats to life and limb for both of them but this is a romance series so I was never seriously worried about the HEA.

Even though the Hidden Legacy story arc is wrapped, you did tantalise with the glimpse into what might be in store for Arabella. Some might call it mean. Some might merely call it whetting the appetite. Whatever you call it, there will be vibrant speculation about her future. I’m sure you’ll be rubbing your hands together with glee over that. :)

I raced my way through Ruby Fever. It was exciting and the action kept me turning the pages when I ought to have gone to bed.

I have a feeling I missed some things because my memory of the earlier books – Catalina’s and Nevada’s – is, after all this time, a bit fuzzy. I am totally up for a re-read to see what I may have missed/forgotten. Maybe if/when I do that it will change my thinking about Ruby Fever; who knows?

Ruby Fever had a lot to do and for the most part it kept its promises but I can’t help but feeling at least some of what was in it was originally intended for Arabella’s book/trilogy and to wrap up the arc you needed to leave some other things out or smush them together too fast. Fortunately, the romance parts were not underdone at all so overall I’m calling it good.

I’ve wavered on how important I think the things that didn’t quite work for me were versus the things that did and for that reason I still can’t decide between a B and a B+.

Reading the latest Ilona Andrews novel is always such a relaxing experience. I never doubt that a solid, enjoyable read is in store, and this was certainly the case with Ruby Fever! This book definitely felt like an end to the storylines built up over the past few novels, and we get a lot of resolution to long-standing questions from the previous book. With all the wrapping up, however, the central conflict that has been building over the series was engaging and provided a satisfying conclusion. I particularly enjoyed all the lore and worldbuilding elements that were fleshed out...loved to see Catalina come into and understand her abilities. In every novel, we get to see new abilities and the magic system in this world is truly fascinating and here we get an even deeper understanding of how it works. Anyone who has read the series up to this point will need no urging to read this installment. Overall, this was another excellent read, although a bit bittersweet to see everything being neatly tied up as it very much felt like a conclusion to the previous books in the series! The world here is rich and I hope there are more works in store. I think I could read another six books and still not be ready to leave! (maybe an Arabella trilogy? Leon? someone new?? I'll take anything haha).

Wow it was extremely well written loved the character’s and how much Alessandro and Catalina relationship has developed.the twist and turns are epic won’t spoil it for you but the past is explained and surprises await. One of the best part was seeing the changes in the family and how it has grown to include Cornelius and other secondary characters. There some major hints of who the next character will be possibly be and of who the youngest sister may end up with and questions are opened of how powerful some of the characters are and we get a glance at Nevada’s new life and I feel that only real gripe I have is I never wanted the book to end so great book and hopefully a new one is in the works so I can hopefully see who Arabella ends up with and for Alessandro’s cousins to get their just desert’s.

Outstanding is what this story is. It was a wild ride with outstanding, really creative world buildings. And Catalina and Alessandro were the best, main characters. Their love story was unique and kept my interest throughout. The battles that they had in their " world of supernatural business" was just another area where they had each other's backs.
Catalina's family were a strong unit who ALWAYS had each other's back, no matter what. They also had varying "talents", strong personalities and quirks. Even the ones who were welcomed into the family by unofficial adoption.
Now, Alessandro's family was a different kettle of fish. His grandfather has been busy time after time arranging marriage agreements that Alessandro wanted no part of. It didn't stop his grandfather from trying to sell him for the money he so desperately wanted. It was also an issue of control, something that the grandfather definitely didn't have when it came to him. Grandfather is definitely holding some secrets that I never saw coming. But they were good for the story but not so good for a lot of people.
To say that this story was unpredictable would be an understatement. But it made the story SO yummy.
I liked how their enemies bite the dust, even though it wasn't easy. The ending was really good but it also left a couple people on a form of family probation. I say that because, it's not a sure thing that they are going to be forgiven right away.
I want to read a story about Catalina's youngest sister, Arabella. She is one firecracker and has a really interesting power.

" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

A new house, a mystery to solve, a magical baby and a spider. What’s not to love.

A really great end to Catalina’s trilogy. It was great to finally get confirmation on A couple of things. If your like me, you have already guessed, and you finally get the whole story. Also, there is a glimpse at what’s to come with Arabella.

Over all I absolutely recommend this book. It’s a walk on the magical side.

My Thoughts
Buckle up and hold on tight because this time the ride is bumpier, action is faster and rougher!

So much action takes place that at times one has to stop and catch their breath, which rarely happens for Catalina and the rest of House Baylor.

Once again we pick up where previous story left off and at first my mind refused to get in the groove as memory did not kick in on who was who in relation to certain characters being discussed.

When everything gelled could not put down the book for long.

Lots of secrets are cleared up, relationships are solidified, old and newer plot points are tied up and Catalina comes into her own as she at last embraces the magic inside without reservations like she never could in past trials.

I will be honest the plot points within plot points can be somewhat overwhelming but once it all comes together they make it worthwhile for anyone who has followed this series from the beginning.

Had to mull this one over as it is complicated to say the least but as a way to conclude Catalina’s trilogy found it very satisfying.

Hoping for Arabella to get her chance next but we will see what is decided when Author lets fans know if series will continue.
[EArc from Netgalley]
On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Ruby Fever is book six in the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews.

If you haven’t read the series then I recommend you do and you'll want to start from the beginning. It’s a great Urban Fantasy with lots of action, mystery, amazing world and character building plus a little romance.

Ruby Fever is a non-stop action packed adventure that concludes Catalina and Alessandro's story ARC. Catalina is the second daughter and took over leading House Baylor in Sapphire Flames, but her story really starts in the novella Diamond Fire.

I loved the prequel, the story, and of course our epilogue. Theirs murder, mayhem, a stressed out spider, a Russian Prince, all the characters we have come to love and enjoy, plus the ever looming battle with Arkan; which comes to a head.

Fans of the Hidden Legacy series will not be disappointed. Much is revealed and questions are answered. Of how glorious the reveals are. I loved it!! We finally learn what Catalina’s black wings mean. Oh My God! And, yes more questions pop up: like will Arabella get her own story? Only the author knows!

As always the Andrews team delivered. So much happens, lives are at stake, and Alessandro and Catalina have to work together along with the Baylor family to keep everyone safe. It’s a roller coaster ride from start to finish.

We are also treated to a wonderful short story at the end called A Happy Goodbye. It’s an adorable short that features a wedding, (not saying who's), where we learn a little more about everyone and what is happening in their lives. It’s a nice treat and a sweet HEA.

I couldn’t put Ruby Fever down. After I finished I wanted to listen to the audio. I love reading this series, but I also love the audiobooks for it as well. I’m never disappointed when I pick up an Andrews book and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Rated: 5 Stars

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

This world is just so fun. I love the Baylor family and how they have grown and changed over the past 6 books. Ruby Fever is the conclusion of Catalina and Alessandro's story. Their love and their battle to defeat Arkan has spanned three books and reaches it's super satisfying conclusion here.

My favorite things about this series:

The Stephanie Plum style family dynamic. The cast of characters is so funny and has depth and heart that keep me coming back for more.
The adventure/monsters/magic. Urban fantasy doesn't always work, but this is just unique enough that it's fun and page turning at the same time.
The HEA is always a winner for me.

That said, this book felt very magic/monster heavy and relationship light. When we got A & C on page, it was perfection, but those moments were not as frequent as I wanted. I do love the glimpse of what could come next and am crossing my fingers in hope for it!

BOOK REVIEW: Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews
I'm happy and relieved to report that Ruby Fever is a stellar conclusion to the exceptionally delightful Hidden Legacy series by husband and wife duo Andrews. The last book of a beloved series is always a perilous venture - readers are quivering with excitement and expectation, and it's hard to write a story that will please all fans, but Ruby Fever exceeded my expectations.
If you've read any Ilona Andrews, you'll know that their books have a certain predictability. Their heroines will be competent and likable, their heroes will be hot and powerful, their family dynamics will be familiar and endearing, and their battle scenes will be inventive and exciting. That predictability is what makes these such great comfort books, and why people read them over and over - you know the elements of the story, but the execution is perfection.
Ruby Fever is the final book in Catalina's trilogy, in which she evolves from her shy adolescence into a hypercompetent head of House. Ruby Fever also had the unenviable task of wrapping up a million plot lines from the previous five books. And, House Andrews decided that this would be a great time to dump in several additional plot points around the Russian Imperium and Alessandro's family drama. It's a bold choice.
It shouldn't work, but it does. The cast of characters is huge and the action is sprawling, but the book makes room for Baylor family banter, Texan stress cooking, illusion mage egos, the world's scariest grandma, and everything else. It's totally delightful. I loved it and read it too fast and then sulked because it was over.
Like all of Hidden Legacy, the book makes me want to read more - but it also felt like it had found a sweet spot to close. There were plot points left unresolved and I'm desperately hoping that means the authors will revisit the world of Hidden Legacy again. 
Thank you to Avon books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 what’s a long-running romance series that’s still releasing books that you’re still loving?

Honestly it was *so* fun to be back in the world of the Baylor family, the Baylor Investigative Agency, the magic-wielding heroes + heroines & the monsters, the loving relationships, etc etc with Ilona Andrews’s Ruby Fever.

Ilona Andrews’s Hidden Legacy series is one I recommend again & again (like in yesterday’s Trope Tuesday post) & it’s sooo good whether you’re a reader of urban fantasy or not.

The first three books in the series focus on Nevada Baylor, & these last three, including Ruby Fever, focus on her sister Catalina, who’s head of the Baylor House in the cutthroat world of magic & Houses & power.

I don’t want to ruin the plot of this one but suffice it to say that baddies are back & we learn some secrets related to Catalina & Alessandro…not to mention a couple of enticing pages concerning the last sister, Arabella. (Pleaseeee let there be more books!!).

If you haven’t read these books yet please please put them on your list!

5 ⭐️. Out 08/23.

Lots of CWs, including murder (including a reference to a woman who was pregnant at the time) & violence. Catalina’s grandmother had an unconscious woman serve as her surrogate without her consent.


[ID: an ebook sits on an open hardback with a red dress as it’s backdrop. All items are on a wooden table strewn with different colored sunflowers & other red & yellow flowers.]

Are we surprised that Ilona Andrews stuck the landing on this trilogy? No, no we are not. It was so satisfying to see most of my theories come true and see this chapter of the story wrap up! We got so much page time with Alessandro & Catalina together, and still had plenty of time with our favs, as well as some INTRIGUING new characters! My standout side character was Matilda, can't wait for her to grow up, and it looks like we're getting set up for the third trilogy starring Arabella which YESSSSSSSSSSS, I cannot wait! All in all, a worthy finale & cannot wait for more in this world! I think quality wise Hidden Legacy is the best series they have written.

So good!

If you want a book that will take the reader on a wild ride you need to read Ruby Fever or read all of the Hidden Legacy series because it is that good!

I’ve read the book several times because there are so many tidbits of information that you notice the second or third time around reading the book. So be prepared to take the day off to read Ruby Fever because it is worth waiting for!

Now I really want Arabella or Leon’s book but that will be up to the authors because nothing was as I expected but that is the mark of a great author team.

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

This was hands down my most anticipated book of 2022 and y'all, it did not disappoint. This book DELIVERED such an intense and wild ride. I was so stressed and so concerned about all of my favorites, because basically ALL of them are my favorites. The Arabella content has me DYING for her to have her own trilogy. The Nevada/Catalina scenes made me want to call my sisters and tell them I love them. The scenes with Victoria and Linus? I literally cycled through every emotion like I was one of the Baylor sisters. Like... I cannot cope with all of the things we found out in this book. And all of the Alessandro/Catalina scenes? I LOVE THEM. I could spend a million pages with them and it wouldn't be enough.

So yes, even though I tried to make this a coherent review, it turns out I am still on Cloud 9 that I got to read this book and cannot say anything that makes sense. Just know that this book fully delivers. It is perfection. It is worth the wait. And I cannot wait to read it again and again while I wait impatiently for IA to get everything they want from Avon so that I can have Arabella's trilogy.