This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
About The Book
#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews is back with the newest book in the exciting Hidden Legacy series—the thrilling conclusion to her trilogy featuring fierce and beautiful Prime magic user Catalina Baylor.
An escaped spider, the unexpected arrival of an Imperial Russian Prince, the senseless assassination of a powerful figure, a shocking attack on the supposedly invincible Warden of Texas, Catalina’s boss… And it’s only Monday.
Within hours, the fate of Houston—not to mention the House of Baylor—now rests on Catalina, who will have to harness her powers as never before. But even with her fellow Prime and fiancé Alessandro Sagredo by her side, she may not be able to expose who’s responsible before all hell really breaks loose.
My Review
First Impressions
Ruby Fever is the most recent release from the Hidden Legacy series and I had such a fun time with this book. I was gifted the ARC in exchange for an honest review and I am so happy that I could get a copy of this one. I do feel bad though because I just was never in the mood for this one (darn my mood reading) but this week I was able to read it just in time for the release week of it. I have to say that I stayed up pretty late reading this one. I just love how this series can easily so sweep you away into the story. I also adored the way in which this story was developed and to be able to get back to Alessandro and Catalina. I have to say that they are my favorite couple from this couple. And yes I know I know, how can they beat the infamous Curran and Kate, well honestly, this heroine I like way more than Kate. There is something so relatable and open and honest with Catalina. From their first book “Sapphire Flames” I was stunned by their instant chemistry and what a perfect pair they make together.
Summary
The gist of this story is that Catalina mentor and friend, has been incapacitated and her friend was murdered, her family is being attacked, and we have a Russian prince getting involved where his intentions are blurry, and this all happens in one day. And it’s up to Catalina to protect her family and her fiancee and get to the bottom of who is after her family and bring them to justice. She is also having the burden of fully coming into her abilities, there are some secrets that Alessandro is being burdened with and they have an enemy that is out for her family and there are some political and government connections that are coming into play. But Catalina and Alessandro are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and bring justice to those who have harmed those that they love.
What I Loved
There is so much that I loved about this one here, I was stunned by what happens so quickly within the story. It was such a delight to get back to the Baylor family again, and most especially Alessandro and Catalina. This is the finale to their story, and it was also bittersweet because I believe this might be the last book that this couple writing team will be with a traditional publisher, as I believe they are planning on going self-published. In typical fashion, Ilona Andrews is so talentally able to capitalize on the magical abilities, intrigue, and mystery but also deliver on a powerful romantic intimacy that is so deeply entrenched upon its pages. I just love how well-balanced they are able to write a story that can deliver a UF with a strong focus on the romance (I NEED more of this haha). It’s actually rare to see a book in a UF world with such romance being focused, and they do this so brilliantly. I honestly think part of it is, is that we get the male and female writing styles that are blended together so harmoniously. I just adore Alessandro and Catalina together. Alessandro has SO much mystery behind him, but what I adore about him is his faith in Catalina and always standing by her no matter his relationship with his family and how it torments him. He knows exactly what needs to be done and what she needs and they have this almost psychic bond that has such a natural way about it. Then we have Catalina, who has her weaknesses and vulnerabilities, but she doesn’t deny them. She is open and honest about her capabilities. She is willing to express her fears and reservations while also not being afraid of embracing her talents that almost terrify her of what she is becoming. But another quality I became most endeared to is her FAITH in Alessandro. Even when it becomes evident that Alessandro is keeping something from her, she knows how deeply he loves her and she trusts in him so completely that it will leave you breathless. They are the perfect pair because of how intertwined they are, and how well they have a trust in each other and can work so well together no matter the danger.
What I Struggled With
There wasn’t much I struggled with, as this was a finale, I wanted a little bit more in the epilogue that we were given though.
Overall View
Ruby Fever is a breathless finale that delivers on every front of a powerfully enhanced Urban Fantasy. It’s a book that will tug at your heartstring, keep you on the edge of your seat and stun you in its simple perfection. UTTERLY BRILLIANT!
Title: Ruby Fever
Author: Ilona Andrews
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Format: eARC
Source: Avon Books
Length: 320 Pages
Book Links
Amazon| Barnes and Noble| Kobo| Goodreads| LibraryThing| StoryGraph| Literal Club
Book Evaluation
Storytelling Quality: 4.5
Story Itself: 4.5
Character Development: 5
Writing Style: 4.25
World Building 5
Feels + The Romantic Heart 4
Pacing 4.25
Plot 5
Cover Art 5
Ending 5
Book Ratings
Overall Rating of the Book
Steam Level
Simmering—soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warm- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin’ up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Series Order
Hidden Legacy
Burn For Me-Pub 2014 #1 in the Series
White Hot-Pub 2017 #2 in the Series
Wildfire-Pub 2017 #3 in the Series
Diamond Fire-Pub 2018 #3.5 in the Series
Sapphire Flames-Pub 2019 #4 in the Series
Emerald Blaze-Pub 2020 #5 in the Series
Ruby Fever-Pub 2022 #6 in the Series
About The Author
Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
One of my friends LOVES Ilona Andrews and I have to let her know this next book will probably make her very happy.I haven’t read anything from the duo yet, but if she gets her way that will change sooner or later haha. Great review!
You can never go wrong with an IIona Andrews novel!
Catalina was very easy to love, you’re right. I’m holding out for at least one Arabella book before I feel I can call this series done. 🙂
I’ve got the first three books sitting on my bookshelves and now I can’t wait to read them in order to get to this one. Fabulous review! xoxo
Great review. I agree 100%. IA write such a tight storyline filled with action, intelligence, and romance!