Urban fantasy author Ilona Andrews immerses readers in a magic-drenched Houston, Tex., with Sapphire Flames. In this, the fourth entry in the Hidden Legacy series (easily read as a stand-alone installment although readers are certain to enjoy the prior three, as well), the Baylor Investigative Agency is being led by Catalina Baylor, the Head of her House and a Prime who possesses an unusual magic that she has long attempted to conceal. When a friend's mother and sister are killed, however, Catalina can't walk away, despite warnings from other Primes. Much to her surprise, her investigation soon has her crossing paths with her teenage crush, the handsome and wealthy Alessandro Segrado. He has a carefully cultivated reputation as a jet-setting playboy, but the Alessandro who saves Catalina from attempted murder is clearly an experienced and lethal assassin. She's not convinced she can trust him, but she desperately needs his help.
Following clues to solve her friend's case leads to uncovering a conspiracy at the highest level of their world and exposes a horrifying potential for disaster. Warped biomagical research, magic-capable monsters, a murder-for-hire corporation--there seems to be no end to the dangers that loom over them. Now Catalina and Alessandro must think quickly and act even faster, for their investigation has run them afoul of people so corrupt that everyone they love is threatened. Despite the aid of a powerful friend and their best efforts, there is no guarantee they will survive. Even if they do, can there be a future for two people with prior commitments to family and their Houses?
This well-plotted story shines with an engaging cast of characters, creative world building and nail-biting action scenes that are lightened by often hilarious dialogue. Fans of urban fantasy won't want to miss this one. --Lois Faye Dyer, writer and reviewer