Angel’s Guilty Pleasures

** Note: I do feel you need to read the series in order. If you don’t start with book one, then you should start with the first book that features Catalina Baylor’s storyline (Diamond Fire). Each novel in the Hidden Legacy series continues an overall ARC besides having their own individual storyline.

Emerald Blaze is book five in the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews and narrated by Emily Rankin. It’s full of action, adventure, fun banter and romance.

Now the first time I listened to Emerald Blaze I had some trouble and was conflicted. After my second listen I still have some issues, but I enjoyed Emerald Blaze more and picked up on things I missed.

As always the Andrews team deliver incredible characters and a unique world. The world building is amazing and in this novel we get lots more details and information. The Prime magic users are in abundance and even with their strengths there is some sort of trouble bubbling.

Catalina Baylor is the middle sister in the Baylor household and is the Head of the House. In the beginning of the series she is shy and scared of her powers, but once they registered to be a Prime household her world changed. We see her blooming out of that shyness and into a more confident women and Prime. I like her and I don’t. The author does a good job showing us her doubts, the issues she has to deal with, and her thought patterns. We also get to see that she’s a smart and intelligent women and that she is thinking more like a Prime. I think what gave me pause in this novel with Catalina is all the self internal monologues we got. There are a lot of woo is me moments. The first few times of the monologues where ok, but eventually it became too much for me and dragged the story along.

Alessandro Sagredo isn’t your typical sexy Prime. He’s got secrets and in this novel we learn about those secrets and about him and his family. I like Alessandro’s ways. He left, but is now back. He wants to protect Catalina at all coasts whether he gets the women he cares about or not. He also shows us a venerable side besides the protect/assassin persona.

As for the romance it’s instant and intense. I’m not in love with Catalina and Alessandro’s romance. I feel its a bit to quick and not as well developed as (Kate and Curran) or (Nevada and Rogan). I think I feel this way; because in this novel they don’t spend much time together. In the last book he left and then 6mo later he’s back. Now he spends maybe two days around her, but most of the book he’s not with her, so to me it’s not as developed as I’d like. I still enjoy them together.

Audio: I adore Emily Rankin’s narration. Her voice for Alessandro is to die for. It’s got that sexy Italian accent to it. Catalina’s voice is perfect for her too. Emily Rankin keeps the story flowing; especially during those internal monologues that made me feel like things dragged. I was invested in the characters, action, and the outcome of the investigation. I highly recommend listening to the Hidden Legacy series.

All and all Emerald Blaze delivered another intense listen keeping us captivated and on the edge of our seats. I look forward to the next installment.

Rated: 3.5 Stars
Narration: 4 Stars

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Challenge (2021):

• Audiobook Challenge

Angela

I'm an outdoor sun loving reader living near San Fransisco. I’m a mother, wife, animal & book lover. I'm the owner, reviewer & mind behind Angel’s Guilty Pleasures. My favorite animals are horses & dogs. As for reading I love all things paranormal & urban fantasy & my favorite shifters are dragons.