Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher, Purchased. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews Narrator: Emily Rankin
Series: Hidden Legacy #6
Published by Avon, HarperAudio on August 23, 2022
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 320
Length: 12 hours, 26 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher, Purchased
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
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.
I don’t know what new I can say about how much I love this favorite author.  Every book in the Hidden Legacy series has been such a joy to read. There is such a depth of character development and world building and HUMOR! I would read the series in order. You don’t want to miss anything! I read and then listened to the audio, separately and fully.
Ruby Fever is the last book in Catalina’s trilogy. I was worried about a bunch of things left in the plot after the last book, that maybe Alessandro would step back now or some other new secret would blow everything up. Well, there were all ready enough irons in the fire and blow up they did.
The start is a bang with two events and more. The assassination of a powerful politician and an attack on Linus would be enough to handle, but Catalina also got the appearance of a Russian prince, and more attacks by Arkan. Really if I go into detail, it will be spoilers for those who have read the other books and nonsense for those who haven’t.
I will say I LOVE how smart and skilled Catalina is and what an adult. She has both political issues to handle and actual attempts to kill her or her loved ones. She also needs to learn more about her own powers and skills. She does it all with a maturity I admire. Even when Alessandro’s family sets up a new fiance for him.  The attack on Linus and other loved ones, the uncertainty about her own powers and having to handle the Warden job herself would be enough to send most women in their early twenties into an emotional meltdown.  I was so proud of her.
Everyone else, including Alessandro, are awesome as well. I was glad to see Catalina and Alessandro work together more closely and further advance their relationship. There ended up being family secrets they each had to face. But Catalina is their leader and coordinates their actions and the overall choices. She knows them and loves them; they have her back.  I love how smart and funny the stories are.
I wait excitedly for each new book by Ilona Andrews. I feel everything as I read; the book engages my heart and my mind. I am never disappointed. This will be one of my favorite books this year. I don’t know if there will be a trilogy for Arabella or anything for the others, but if they write it, I will buy it and read it ASAP (in every format).
Narration:
I really love Emily Rankin as Catalina. I was happy with Alessandro’s voice as well. The voices were distinct for the other characters.  In my head, I am probably co-mingling their voices from the way they were performed in Nevada’s books by Renee Raudman to how they are performed in this trilogy. I really enjoyed the performance. I was able to listen at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:Â HERE
Giveaway:
Enter to win a new print proof of Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews. US only
About Ilona Andrews
“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 Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats.
They have co-authored several bestselling series, including the #1 NYT bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, rustic fantasy of the Edge, paranormal romance of Hidden Legacy, and Innkeeper Chronicles, which they post as a free weekly serial.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 22-COYER
Like you, I was a bit worried after reading the last book, so now I am on pins and needles waiting to read Ruby Fever! Thanks for sharing your wonderful review and have a splendid day!
Thank you Eva. It’s my favorite author and they never disappoint me.
Catalina sounds awesome!
Catalina is awesome. Talented, caring, and mature for someone so young.
I agree. Catalina was something else in this book with all the big decisions and situations. I’ll have to try the audio for a later re-listen.
I read the book completely from ebook and then again the whole thing on audio. I often do this with Ilona Andrews.
Lol, yes if they write it, we will come. Great review.
yes I have preordered 9 months in advance without a cover. They are an auto buy, auto read, auto everything.
I haven’t read anything by Ilona Andrews, but I need to check her out. Fabulous review!
You are missing out Wendy. I strongly suggest this series as it has more romance, and to start at the beginning. It has more action and of course, paranormal than contemporary romance. I think it also has more humor.
Havent tried this author yet.
I highly recommend; they are my favorite author. If you are a romance fan ( rather than UF or scifi) I suggest this series specifically, and to start at the beginning.
I’ve read almost everything she’s written and love it all!
Same, my favorite.
I have read everything they’ve written. Did not love the one with the angels. It had a weird vibe for me. The kate Daniels series is probably tied for my #1 favorite series.
They’re my favorite. I think I’ve read everything. Angels?
I thought it was a full length book, but it looks like it was a novella in Angels of Darkness, the novella was titled Alphas: Origins. The title makes me think it was an attempt at a new series, but it wasn’t popular.
yes I’ve read that and forgotten about it. It was a new series idea which didn’t make it at the time.
I’ve read everything by Ilona Andrews and eagerly anticipate each new book! Kate Daniels will probably always be my favorite series, but I absolutely love the Hidden Legacy series as well. I hope Arabella gets her own trilogy and that this isn’t the end.
Well said. I feel the same.
Yes I have read and LOVED pretty much all of their books!
Of course! Me too. How can anyone not love their books?
Yes, it was so nice to see Catalina handling everything thrown at her in this book. I do hope that we see more stories featuring this family. I will have to get my hands on a copy of the audio for an eventual re-read.
It is excellent in every format.
Lovely review – I agree. So much talent. I like that everything is wrapped up, but Arabella’s story can still be shared. fingers crossed!
I want Arabella’s story. She’s smart and funny. I wouldn’t say no to a book/novella on Leon either.
I was rejected for this one, which was a total bummer, but I bought the physical copy, and I just downloaded the audio & e-copy. I can’t wait!
I hear you Rachel. I hate it when I don’t get the books I request because I am quite selective, although I read a lot.