Ilona Andrews was one of the first urban fantasy authors I read so many years ago and I continue to pick up their books because they are so good!! This is the sixth book in the Hidden Legacy series and the third book following Catalina Baylor. This is the conclusion to Catalina's books and the next one will start the story centering on the youngest Baylor sister, Arabella. The first three books follow the oldest sister, Nevada. Its really hard to talk about this series without spoiling it because this is book 6 but in this one we are following Catalina and her fiancé Alessandro as they try to save their House and the city of Houston. I really can't say enough good things about this series and if you haven't read it before and like Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance then I would check them out. This isn't one you can just pick up but you can start with book 1 of the series which is Burn For Me. Or you can start with book 4 which is the first in this trilogy following Catalina and it is called Sapphire Flames. Catalina and Alessandro are so much fun to read about and the Baylor family is such a great representation of a found family and I love it so much! Again I can not recommend this series enough! Thank you Avon for my #gifted copy for review!

RUBY FEVER concludes Catalina Baylor's arc of stories and is an action-packed thrill ride from the first page to the last.

From a missing exotic, endangered and very expensive spider in their offices to a final all-out attack by Arkan who wants them all dead problems are showing up on all sides. When a Prince from the Russian Imperium arrives, it adds still more complications. And when Alessandro's evil grandfather tries again to sell him to another House and his would-be fiancée arrives, it doesn't help.

But the biggest issues are the murder of the Speaker of the Texas State Assembly and the near-fatal attack on Catalina's boss Linus Duncan who happens to be the Warden of Texas. With LInus comatose, maybe permanently, the office of the Warden becomes Catalina's responsibility with the Speaker's Death being one of the biggest problems.

However, the Arkans misuse of the Osiris serum which he stole and has been selling to Prime families is also a big problem. He has tweaked the formula, but it still kills one in five of those who take it. Those who survive suddenly have Prime magical abilities but no training in their use. Still some families are willing to try it on their duds and less powerful House members.

The story was fast-paced and gave most of the characters we've come to love in earlier books in the series time on center stage. I really like Catalina both in her relationship with her family and in her relationship with Alessandro.

Fans of the series won't want to miss this story.

4.5

After an attack on a prominent Texas House leader and the Warden of Texas, Catalina and House Baylor will be called upon to untangle the web of conspiracy to save themselves and those they care about.

Ruby Fever is truly the culmination of everything built in Catalina's trilogy. The stakes are high and very personal, especially for Alessandro who will finally face the man he's been targeting since his father's death. But none of this comes without challenge.

Whenever I start a new Ilona Andrews novel, I just find myself falling into the story. I realize how much I've missed their writing and the characters and world they've built. I will read any and everything they write. Period. The writing team of Ilona Andrews are my favorite authors. Full stop.

If you're a long-time reader of theirs, you will recognize all the things that make them great at what they do.

I won't say that Ruby Fever is without its flaws. There were quite a few times while reading that I felt like things were progressing too quickly and there were moments that could have been fleshed out a little broader with some things I felt thrown in off the cuff in a nostalgic way seeing as how this is the final book of Catalina's trilogy.

Even with those qualms, Ruby Fever is a fun, entertaining read. I love that we're still learning new things about this family and their powers. Catalina has grown so much from the slightly meek young woman in the previous trilogy to the take-no-sh** head of her House.

I loved that, after the previous book, we get to see Catalina and Alessandro in an established relationship and see them working through the tough times that will inevitably continue to follow them around. The tying up of the story threads and how those threads also extended from the first trilogy into this one has been done exceptionally well.

I do wonder where this leaves things for youngest Baylor sister Arabella. My fingers are crossed that she'll get her own trilogy (I mean it would only be right). There are some very interesting encounters with some Imperial Russian Princes that Arabella finds herself enmeshed within and I always love seeing her get to flex her power.

Overall, another action-packed entry in the series for a pair of authors who have never let me down!

I got totally engrossed in the book. One of my favorite authors that just spirit you away to a wonderful world of magic and adventure. I save her books for a day off, knowing I won't put it down.

4.5 Hearts
SJ, Romance Junkies

#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews ends the bestselling Hidden Legacy series with RUBY FEVER. And it's a blast! There's a lot going on, so readers should really start at the beginning of this trilogy with SAPPHIRE FLAMES to get Catalina Baylor's full story arch. Though the publisher has tied all six stories in the Hidden Legacy series together, the first three following Nevada Baylor, Catalina's older sister. So to get the full picture, start the whole series with BURN FOR ME.

When we last left the Baylors, Catalina was in charge of House Baylor and is working as the Deputy Warden. She had recently paired up, romantically, with handsome, anti-stasi Prime Alessandro (swoon!) The enemy—Arkan—had been revealed. Nevada, Catalina's sister, had recently given birth. And their evil grandmother, Victoria, remained in prison, a kind of forced mentor for Catalina.

RUBY FEVER has a lot to live up to, and I'm happy to say it delivers! There's an awful lot going on though, with a bevy of characters and plot points needing resolution. So though the story is wonderful and resolves everything needing a resolution, it's... a lot. The romance definitely takes a backseat to all the action, and it would have been great to see more of the family working together--Leon and Bern, Arabella, Grandma Frieda--but with so much going on around Catalina, I understand why the authors stuck to her and Alessandro. 

This book will satisfy Ilona Andrews's fans for sure. It's a terrific end to an incredible series built on magic and world-building with rich characters you can't help but root for. I'm only sorry the series had to end. Also, I read this twice and got so much more out of it, along with a greater appreciation, the second time. And I'm sure I'll be reading it again and again in the future. The authors create such wonderful characters!!!!!

Well worth it, fun, and satisfying, House Andrews delivers with RUBY FEVER!

Ruby Fever is the sixth book in The Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews, and it is the third book focusing on Catalina Baylor. I think this was an exciting end to Catalina’s story arc, but I wish the novel had focused more on romance instead of action.

While the prologue does a good job of reminding readers of the setting and stakes of the Hidden Legacy series, it might feel like a bit of an info dump for readers who have just finished re-reading all the previous books in the series. Still, I think these reminders are necessary because there are several storylines that get resolved in this novel. This leads to fast-paced storytelling and plenty of action, but the trade-off is that Catalina and Alessandro’s relationship is only explored in small chunks. This was disappointing to me because I loved their dynamic in Emerald Blaze, and I was hoping to see more of it in this book. Instead, they spend a lot of the novel apart. Still, I think their story ultimately has a satisfying conclusion.

I am also excited for the future of The Hidden Legacy series. The end of Ruby Fever sets up Arabella to become the focus of the series if it continues, and I think I spied two potential love interests for our ferocious future heroine. I’ll definitely keep reading the series if there are more books.
I recommend Ruby Fever to readers of The Hidden Legacy series. While I don’t think new-to-the-series readers should start with this book, I do think it is possible. Personally, I think new readers should start with Burn for Me because the whole series is worth reading. I think the series would appeal to both urban fantasy and romance readers, though romance readers should be aware that the HEA isn’t guaranteed until the final book of each sister’s arc.

Finally, after two years, the team of talented Ilona and Gordon Andrews return with the conclusion of Catalina and Alessandro story with Ruby Fever. I have no problem immersing myself with this WONDERFUL world of magic - of Primes and Significants and Big Bad Villains - although I admit that I sort of already forgotten the villain names from the previous books.

There are a number of things going on in this book. It seems that the Andrews want to tie up everything as much as they possibly can, so if there are no more books in this universe then most of the questions have been answered.

The problem with Alessandro and his family and his father's murderer, done. The problem with the thorn of that is Ignat Orlov (or Arkan), who stole the Osiris serum and provides bad guys with it) done. Problem with Xavier and Adam Pierce, done. Slight intrusion from the Russian Imperial Dynasti, done. Heck, we even finally get the identity of Caesar (which confirm my initial guess of the person) and the whole story behind the Baylor's grandparents. The stance of Catalina in the House Baylor and the land of politic is also clear.

Catalina has definitely matured up ... if you start the series with Nevada's trilogy, Catalina there is not the Catalina here. She evolves very nicely. She is the Head of the House, and probably one of the strongest siren/harpy Prime. She embraces the good side and the bad side of her power but also able to control it.

But unlike Nevada and Arabella, Catalina's heart is always the best of her. It shows when she has to deal with her grandmother, Victoria Tremaine. She's excellent there. Catalina is a woman of her own, no longer need to hide behind Nevada or struggles with her shyness. The journey of Catalina is complete in this book.

However, in terms of her romance with Alessandro, I admit that I am not as engaged or charmed as I am with Nevada and Connor. Alessandro is good for Catalina, sure, but his charisma is slightly paled if compared with Connor. I wonder if it is because Alessandro keep things for himself for far too long, being a "fake" persona rather than the real him, the Artisan.

Even in this book, there are still times that Alessandro doesn't tell Catalina about a problem that he's facing. I am quite annoyed at Alessandro for this, because it gives a surprise to Catalina that she doesn't need. So I am not completely 100% behind Alessandro being Catalina's partner, even if I believe that he really loves her and vice versa. I find myself more intrigued with a new character here, Konstantin Leonidovich Berezin, of Blood Imperial, to be honest.

In anycase, if this is the last book, I am quite satisfied. Although I sincerely hope that it's not the case because HELLO, ARABELLA, THE BEST BAYLOR OUT THERE! SHE NEEDS HER OWN STORY!! And there are so many possibly delicious potential love interest for her! Including one Russian prince.

First things first as I feel as though this is the most important to thing to be said, if we don’t get Arabella’s love story, I will RIOT. I am hoping by that one little snippet in her POV, there will be Arabella’s trilogy, but the fact that we don’t already know is slowly killing me inside, I’m not gonna lie. It’s something that I wondered off and on throughout this book.

However, this story was phenomenal. As if it could be anything different.

This book wrapped up everything from the previous six books so there was a lot going on at ALL times. I did miss more of the little family moments that this crew is known to have. They have the BEST banter and family dynamic I’ve ever read. In general, these characters just feel so real to me and you cannot convince me otherwise.

There was NOT enough of grandma Frida. Y’all have no idea how much I missed her. There was ONE moment and that was it and I’m dramatic enough to say that I’m heartbroken over it because that woman gives me life. Leon though was in full supply and I couldn’t get enough of him. He cracks me up.

As I said there was a lot going on in this book, so there was a lot of information thrown our way and I have to say, some of it I was taken aback. It was thrilling to say the least. Chapter 18 I had to bust out the popcorn because I was like “it’s about to go down”. Seriously y’all I ate popcorn while reading that chapter. It was like a movie scene playing out in my head. And that’s one of my favorite things about Ilona Andrew’s and this story, it’s so descriptive it feels real…like I could go to Texas and meet the Baylors.

I will say I wanted to see Catalina and Alessandro get married cause ya know, we’ve been waiting for it so I was a little bummed about that.

Other than that, it was absolute perfection and I’m praying that it doesn’t end here because I will be seriously bummed as this is easily my top favorite fantasy series.

Rating: 4.75

Ilona Andrews fans are some of the most ferocious, loyal fans out there. We take any and all words put forth by this duo and say thank you, cannon or not. This particular series by them has not been my favorite since Catalina took over, there is just a disconnect that I can't shake off. IDK if it is Alexandro, I don't quite vibe with him, or the overarching plot. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE the entire family, and Catalina has grown on me immensely. If Ilona decides to continue with Arabella I'll be there to pre order.

The mystery of Caesar has been highly debated in the Ilona Andrews fan groups, and while it was less of a mystery and more of a given by this point, it still disappointed me the way it is revealed. It wasn't my favorite, as I expected a higher payoff. There was just a LOT of threads that NEEDED to be resolved in this one book, in case the authors are not able to follow up with the Arabella trilogy, and thus I felt like it hurt the book because they weren't able to prolong some plot lines and give them more time to breathe.

One of my favorite parts of the book included more family drama, this time pertaining to Alexandro and his relations. It was great to be given further information on his family and the inner workings, including his mother.

The epilogue was a tad bait and switch, which I didn't love. Left me with more questions than anything. I feel like the side characters need their own short stories in order to flesh out the world, as I often think they are living these interesting lives we don't get to see because we are in the POV of Catalina.

I am dearly hoping for more from this world in the future, but don't mind the break. Right now there are more stories being told in the Innkeeper world (my favorite) as well as Kate Daniels still has Julie and Hugh stories coming (as well as any other original characters/world they might write). Thank you Ilona for putting in the time/sweat/tears into this one.

I love everything written by House Andrews and this book didn't fail what I've come to expect from this fantastic writing team. It has action, romance, surprises and a drop of mystery for what might come next for the members of House Baylor (will Arabella get her own trilogy?) This final book of Catalina's story arch does well to tie up most of the loose ends that started from the beginning of Nevada's trilogy.

The style of writing flows easily, in fact so easily that like their previous installments of this series, I finished this ARC in under 24 hours....sleep was optional apparently.

A few spots were more descriptive than others, but it fits for the character point of view and the level action going on in the scene.

As always, a 10/10 and will definitely read it again. I'm looking forward to comparing this copy to the release in a month and it hasn't diminished my anticipation for the arrival of my preorder.

Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews is the 6th book in her Hidden Legacy series, the 3rd book in Catalina’s trilogy. Once again, I couldn’t wait to read this book, as I love this series, and this was the final arc for Catalina’s trilogy. I devour everything written by our illustrious duo, Ilona and Gordon Andrews. Upon completing this book, all I can say is WOW! To no surprise, I loved Ruby Fever. Brief Refresher: The Hidden Legacy series is a fantasy paranormal romance, with families that have magical powers and control society, with each family having their own Prime members (high magical ability). The entire Baylor family returns, and they are all such wonderful characters; besides Catalina, there is Arabella, Alessandro, Mom, Grandmother, Leon, Berg, and so many additional characters (Linus, Cornelius, Runa, Augustine, Victoria Tremayne, Matilda, etc) that played a huge part in this trilogy, including Nevada and Connor (the original couple that started Hidden Legacy).

Ruby Fever concludes Catalina’s arc, as all hell breaks loose, with Catalina stepping up, with help from Alessandro to stop a major villain from destroying Texas and the Baylor family. Catalina is the head of House Baylor, and has become a very powerful Prime, as she has learned more of her powers (siren, persuasive magic, harpy, wings, etc). With Linus unconscious due to an attack, Catalina becomes the acting Warden, and together with Alessandro (powerful anti-stasi mage), her entire family, and amazing House Baylor team fight the terrible evil that threatens all their lives. I have said this before, I love this family, who were all so wonderful.

What follows is an exciting, thrilling, intense nonstop action with Alessandro and Catalina, as well as the Imperial Russian Prince, Konstantin working together to stop the many evil villains, with Arkan running the show. Catalina worries about Alessandro and his grudge against Arkan, who had murdered his father. This was an amazing edge of your seat story line that kept us glued to each page, with everyone in the middle of the chaos.

Ruby Fever is a thrilling finale and resolution. To tell too much more would be spoilers, and I do not want to ruin it for you. Ruby Fever is a fantastic mind-boggling story that had me holding my breath so often. I thought would never love anyone better than Nevada and Connor (Rogan), but Catalina and Alessandro were equally as wonderful. Bravo for Ilona Andrews for constantly reeling us into their amazing stories; and always giving us fabulous couples and wonderful secondary characters. I do hope that we will get Arabella’s arc. If you have not read Hidden Legacy, you need to start from the beginning. It is not to be missed.

I absolutely loved this series but I do have to say that this book really lacked romance and connection between the hero and heroine. I almost forgot I was supposed to be reading romance a couple of times. Still, I have recommended and will continue to recommend the Hidden Legacy series to anyone and everyone. Cannot wait for Arabella's story!

Finally, finally the wait was over and I got to read the last book in Catalina's trilogy - and what an ending it was. I read it at one go (Sorry, family. Gotta get my House Baylor fix).

The story clears up quite a few things - the Sagredo family, the Arkan situation, Linus and evil grandma Victoria; but wait - it left me with a lot more questions.

There are some surprises in store - the story starts with an attack on Linus (who stays in a self-induced coma for much of the book), making Catalina the warden of Texas. Subsequent events throw up some questions : are Cornelius and Matilda more powerful than the earlier stories suggested? How are the new entrants to the story from the Russian imperium going to affect the story arc? Has Augustine finally met his match in a rival illusion prime? What is up with the Record Keeper of the houses and his magic-eating sidekick Michael?

We do get some answers to questions raised in previous books in the hidden legacy series. Catalina's bête-noire and Arkan's blue-eyed boy Xavier, makes several appearances and we get an inriguing peek into the lives of Connor, Nevada and their son Arthur.

Having said this, I have to say that there was too much going on in the entire Catalina trilogy. Nevada's trilogy is still my favourite as the story line was very focussed and though the world building was incomplete, it was very satisfactory as far as her story was concerned. In Catalina's story, the world building is almost complete but there is a lot happening and I felt that it drew the focus of the story away from Catalina and Alessandro.

It may seem that the authors could conclude the series here, but I feel that the story is going to continue with Arabella (and Michael?)'s trilogy - their have been hints peppering the entire series thus far. Augustine's destiny is still undetermined. Here's hoping that Arabella's trilogy will answer these questions and more.

Thanks to NetGalley for making a temporary copy of the book available for review.

Catalina head of her house is in love with a hot Italian man, Alessandro. and he loves her. Both powerful primes, both from complicated families. If that isn’t enough there is a mega maniac trying to kill him, the Russian Federation prince in town, someone indestructible is taken out, and there is that pesky family thing. Poor Catalina, she really got dumped on in this book, Alessandro too.
I love them as a couple, strong, independent and devoted. They are a dream team. When their work threw everything at them, they fought side by side till..We got a little visit from a previous famous couple in the Ilona Andrews bookverse. :D
Intense, fun, action packed, snarky, good time reading ! The Ilona Andrews team delivers again !

Sooo, I've been in a terrible reading slump for a while now and most books I tried only induced hate and boredom in me. I honestly don't know if the problem was with the books or I was simply incapable of feeling joy, but I suspect it was a bit of both. But then I started Catalina’s trilogy and for the first time in a while I actually managed to enjoy books! I binged the first two books and then requested the ARC of this one and I was lucky to get approved, so yay for me!

For those of you who don't know, Hidden Legacy is an urban fantasy series with strong romantic elements. The first trilogy in this world focused on Nevada Baylor ( starting with Burn for Me ) and the second one focuses on her sister Catalina. If you haven't already, you should absolutely start with Nevada's books and work your way to this one.

I'll be honest, I am absolutely in love with this world. I love how rich and expansive the whole world is, I love how in each book we get to see new cool powers and new aspects of the whole craziness surrounding primes and their house politics. I wish IA would abandon all of their other projects and write Arabella's story right now.
Because by the end of this book I was completely shipping her with a certain Russian prince and I'm dying to read more about this world.

While I'm always here for the romantic plot lines, that's not the only thing that keeps me reading. I love the Baylor family soo so much. I love how large and crazy the whole family is. I love that every once in a while they 'adopt' new people who happen to need their help. I even love their evil grandma. Also, I always enjoy each new character that gets added to the mix.

All in all, I really enjoyed this one. The book has a strong thriller aspect which makes it difficult to put it down. We also got answers to some questions I had from the first trilogy ( we got the whole Cesare thing finally ) and we get to see the final boss

P.S. I really really need to read Arabella's story. Like, right now.

This is another installment in the hidden legacy series and it does not disappoint. This is the third book in Catalina and Alessandro’s arc. It’s a roller coaster ride and I don’t know how Ilona Andrews manages to make each book in the series better than the previous book. We get to see old enemies and somewhat surprising new allies as well. It’s a world that is so well written and it’s easy easy to disappear into while you are reading. It’s also fun to see glimpses of Nevada and Rogans infant son. I am also highly intrigued to see what the future holds for Arabella. All in all this book managed to tie up some old storylines yet set it up that the future also looks intriguing. I cannot wait until the next book that Ilona Andrews releases so that I can go back into there amazing world.

Ruby Fever

by Ilona Andrews

Love these books!! Great action! Fast-paced! Funny! Great characters...

Keep them coming! Please.

I have waited, not quite patiently for the conclusion of Catalina’s trilogy and was so excited to receive an ARC from Netgalley
There are so many questions still left unanswered at the start of the book and Ruby Fever jumps right into the action as Catalina faces new challenges as a Warden and attacks on House Baylor. The action does slow down for the big reveals, that did seem somewhat glossed over, but it didn’t lessen the story for me.
I have enjoyed this series from the start and have really enjoyed Catalina’s growth, the development of her relationship with Alessandro and how she has come into her own as a Prime and Head of House, while still maintaining loving and supportive relationships with her family and friends.

All the books in this series are wild and exhilarating roller coaster rides, but Ruby Fever was far and beyond the most intense. It was going from peak to peak and the stakes were raised higher and higher. An expensive and rare spider, the Russian Imperium, and family drama galore. This was a lovely ending the Catalina's story arc and what I hope is the begining of Arabella's.

Holy. Moly.

I can't even.

The plotting. The PLOTTING. The secrets revealed. I mean, I was reeling when Catalina discovers what's on the USB drive and that REDACTED is really REDACTED.

AND THEN, to find out all the stuff that REDACTED and REDACTED reveal which goes all the way back to Nevada and Rogan's trilogy. HOLY MOLY.

One day very soon I'm going to have to make time and reread the whole series from beginning to end. Oh! And REDACTED admitted that he was REDACTED! WHAT EVEN!

I get that this review is terrible and has the word REDACTED more than it should but honestly, you don't want to be spoiled for this one, you want to go in unknowing, the twists are AMAZING and you don't ever see them coming.

I am SO happy I waited to read this entire trilogy all in one go. I loved bingeing Catalina and Alessandro's trilogy, loved the side characters so much and can't wait for the next trilogy and what I suspect will be the story of Arabella and REDACTED who is REDACTED's REDACTED.

ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley. Review is all mine.