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FrInnDay: Augustine

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George: Mr. Montgomery, welcome.  My name is George Camarine and I will be your interviewer today.

Augustine: It’s a pleasure.

George: Coffee? Dessert?

Augustine: Yes, to both, thank you.  The entremet looks delightful.

George: Doesn’t it? Raspberry and white chocolate with mascarpone mousse.  The chef here is truly heavenly, and apparently a certain someone told him you are fond of these particular flavors.

Augustine: Ah, yes, the infamous Arabella interview. I’m surprised the inn survived.

George: How did this mentor-mentee relationship come about?

Augustine: We had contracted a job out to the Baylor Investigative Agency, and they sent her to quibble about our referral fee. You might say I recognized a kindred soul. One could easily mistake her primary motivation being money, but it’s deeper than that.  She strives for personal excellence. Money is simply a tangible measure of winning. Being successful isn’t enough. She wants to be so successful that she becomes a household name. Her sisters hide from fame, but Arabella seeks it out.

George: That can be a dangerous inclination.

Augustine: Very.  Which was one of the reasons I took an interest. She needed guidance.

George: The situation with the Baylors is rather complicated, isn’t it?

Augustine: An understatement.

George: Or perhaps an opening to a discussion.

Augustine: Very well. I met Nevada at a difficult point in my life. I had just fended off a particularly vicious attack on House Montgomery. My brother was taken. I had been stabbed several times. There was extensive blood loss, and it wasn’t clear at the time if I would regain the full use of my left arm. It’s not a particularly prudent thing to admit for a man in my field. I was at the end of my rope and maintaining an illusion of perfect health and working arms proved quite challenging.

I had to return to the office, to reassure our employees, to send a message to our enemies, and most importantly to coordinate the search for my sibling. We had to find Tarquin at all costs.

Instead, I’d arrived at my office that morning to be greeted by House Pierce having histrionics in my waiting room. Not taking the case wasn’t an option. We owed Peter a favor, and he’d come to collect.  In Prime society, business runs on favors, and you are only as good as your ability to pay up. This is something that I had to impart onto Arabella.  Raw power matters, but base matters more.  Can you pick up the phone and call someone you haven’t spoken to in two years and compel them to do something that wouldn’t be profitable for them either to balance the books or to owe them a favor?  Would they take that call?  That’s what being a Prime power means.

I was the only one among the MII personnel who could’ve taken down Adam, and it would’ve been very difficult. I had to buy time, so I asked for the subcontractor with the best performance and got the Baylors. I gave them a cursory glance, because my time was in short supply, and they seemed to fit the bill. The plan was never to have them take down Pierce.  I simply needed the appearance of an active investigation and I counted on them being smart enough to keep from getting hurt.

Had I known Nevada would take this at face value, I would have…  No, you know what, I would have done everything the same. In that particular state of mind, with what I knew at the time, I would’ve still made that decision, because that’s who I was back then.

George: But you are not that man now?

Augustine: My priorities have undergone a certain shift. The old adage says that if you beat a dog long enough, it will become vicious. I had been beaten for years in many ways. I had sunk very deep into the cycle of retaliation and preemptive measures. It took a catastrophic event to spark some self-awareness.

George: Connor threatening to kill you?

Augustine: Not that. That I had expected at the time. No, it was the fact that Nevada came to me. In her place, I would’ve eliminated me. It was cleaner and safer, while the alternative was messy and had questionable chances of success. She sat in my office, and I could tell that she was deeply conflicted.  That woman genuinely didn’t want to hurt me. It was another way to be. A way I used to be a long time ago and had forgotten.  I used to be idealistic. I used to be very sure in the kind of man I wanted to be. Alas, House warfare doesn’t suffer idealists.

George: Do you like yourself more now?

Augustine: I’d like to think so. I have drawn some lines, which I will not cross.

George: Did you recover your brother?

Augustine: Yes.  He survived.

George: And your father’s killer.

Augustine: smiling.

George: I see. Can you tell us a bit more about your family?

Augustine: I have two siblings and a cousin, whom I’ve taken in.

George: Are you romantically involved with anyone.

Augustine: Yes.

George: Is that all we’re going to get?  No details?

Augustine: Yes.

 George: In that case, let’s move on to a less sensitive subject.  Konstantine Berezin.

Augustine: laughs.

George: Is he as good as he claims to be?

Augustine: Yes.

George: As good as you?

Augustine: No.

George: Why?

Augustine: Konstantin maintains his illusions sporadically during missions and in his spare time, for fun. I spent two years of my life pretending to be my dead father in front of high level Illusion mages on our payroll. I’ve had significantly more practice and my stakes were a lot higher.

George: Will we ever learn more about that?

Augustine: If they give me a book, you will.  Without any false modesty, I believe I would be quite profitable for them.

George: False modesty serves no one.

Augustine: Indeed.  So, tell me about yourself.  What is it like to be married?

George: It is bliss. Let us conclude this interview and I will tell you all about it. Dear readers, thank you for joining us for another addition of FrInnday.

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Comments

  4. Very nice! Once again House Andrews takes a character on a 180 degree turn with the back story. But this is a lot to digest.

    (I hope Augustine does get a book)

  8. Aaiieeeeeeeee!!!! *chortling in absolute delight! George must have leapt at the chance to talk to his counterpart! And Nevada’s mercy being a pivotal point for Augustine! I love this! Love your worlds, Ilona and Gordon! ADORE these crossovers! SQUEEE…!????????

  10. GEORGE?!
    “Let us conclude this interview and I will tell you all about it”?!!!

    I would have voted for George over Augustine any day. But nice to know he is somewhat redeemed.

    thanks for another fun Friday. what a tease.

    now waiting for Tapas to drop. . . enjoying that so much more than I thought.

  11. So now I know two things.
    1 – I Need a book for Augustine.
    2 – I must vote George for next Friday so we can know what’s it’s like to be married!!!

  12. ahhhh. ok an Augustine book please at some point. I don’t care if its a decade from now, I would gladly pay!

    • I wholeheartedly agree!

      I love how a few paragraphs change someone’s whole perspective on a character.

      I totally want to reread and see if there’s any hint of Augustine weakness in Burn for Me now!

      • If you read carefully, you can see that he is uncharacteristically distracted, and he allows Rogan to get him to lose control (sure, Rogan knows the right buttons to push, but Pancakes makes his whole life about not losing control in front of unknown quantities).

  23. OMG. That was really good! I didn’t see how it could be worth reading about Augustine, but you proved me wrong! No wonder he’s grown into a better, kinder character. Surprise! Guess background info is important. Thanks for this. I think it was the best of the interviews so far!

  24. Awesome! Thank you! As usual, you provide us with more in-depth info, I love it!

    (I will still vote Erra every chance I get 🙂

  27. look, you keep teasing us with possible books. please please please, Augustine book! Leon book! Arabella book! please!

  28. so good. thank you. and yes if and when you decide to tell Augustines story in full and spill the beans in the romantic relationship… you will definitely be in profit (so says my crystal ball aka the BDH).

  29. Squee George!!! I voted for Augustine so was looking forward to his installment, but George!

    so excited I had to come leave a comment here before I go back to read it.

  30. Oh.
    Oh!
    OH!

    Different interviewers every week??
    Amazingly appropriate interviewers each week?
    Be still my heart.
    I eagerly await Gaston. Wait! Could we possibly get Her Grace asking questions?

    Of course all the juicy, married-George details are after the interview.

    Thanks HA for such delightful treats.

  31. I like this backstory. It’s a little bit like the redemption you gave Hugh after being a villain. Makes me much more interested in Augustine (I wasn’t previously).

    As always, thank you for writing this for your fans 🙂

    • +11

      Augustine started as an a**hat for me. He’s been getting more and more interesting/ layered. Now he’s in a relationship and asking George what it’s like to be married? And he is giving Nevada credit for re-humanizing him to the point where he will mentor Arabella? Colour me shocked and sign me up for more 😀

  33. YES to an Augustine book! A novella, perhaps, if the author lords don’t have too much time away from other projects?

  34. So glad it was Augustine, and George this time. Two of my favorites. However, there were so many stories hinted at, but little actually revealed. I hope this means at least another collection of novellas and short stories.

  36. Thank you thank you thank you!!!! I now am dying to know if he’s involved with Diana Harrison or is it someone else. You rock House Andrews!

  37. Thank you! Well, that certainly answers why Augustine had Nevada and crew hunt down Adam. If it wasn’t for Augustine doing that, Nevada and Connor would have not met.

    Augustine matchmaker extraordinaire. 😀 😉

  38. I feel like I need to re-read again now ????
    I just finished re-reading both these series, plus listening to the Graphic Audio Innkeeper (that one was very well done!), and now I feel like I missed stuff!

    Thank you for posting these, I’m enjoying the tiny little insights.

  39. Another fun read exploring another character. Augustine chose to change which is impressive. Also he’s romantically involved with someone. Is it a character we know or someone we haven’t been introduced to yet? He did sit with Cornelius family at the wedding.

    • And he arrived with Diana Harrison (same car) somewhere else in the series. ???? Augustine dealing with cat hair on his perfect clothes …. Even with the illusion covering it up, he’ know it was there.

  40. What an utter delight to read! All about George and Augustine (and yes he is correct about the book being absolutely popular). He had so much more going on than we had known and that changes everything. What a good egg!

    Always a delight!

  41. Omg, your secondary characters are so awesome, we want them to have books, too! =) Thanks for this wonderful interview!

  42. Holy hell!!!!!! I can’t even. Best one yet and what a pairing! I wanna know who is lady luuurve is!! Thank you !!

  44. Now this piques my tell me more, insatiable curious side. Definitely worth at least a novella, and I bet a book would be even better. Involve Grandma Frida and I’m in! Thank you both for doing this. I know it’s a lot when your schedule is so hectic.

  45. Woooooowww! What a delicious dish session! George and Augustine are a treat in a room together.

    Of course we’d devour a book about Augustine. And currently in a relationship? Hmmm!! Will now have to re-read, although there’s a possibility it is someone we have not yet met. Thank you for another great session.

    Speaking of devouring and hungry BDH, any updates on the store? Trying very hard to be p*atient.

  46. “If they give me a book, you will.” Yes, please. I will buy this book.

    Loved this insight into Augustine.

    On a separate note, every time I see Percy in The Legend of Vox Machina I think of Augustine. Anyone else picture him that way?

  47. Wow! Now I want an Augustine book and a George book! So many wants….

    Work has been disheartening this week, thank you HA for the smile.

  50. This was pure bliss. I had to read it in parts to make it last longer.

    You do realise that you’re just feeding the Augustine fever right? Like we’ll just want him more. And more. Viva la Frinnday!!!

  52. awesome thank you….if penelope reads it i am sure she will try to shoot him less..
    and who is she?? pls tell me diana

  59. So, do you have a link to a recommendation recipe for the entremet? Sounds yummy and my husband accuses me of reading food porn, but if he benefits from my walk on this particular wild side, who cares?

  61. *Heart Eyes* I always wondered why Augustine was the way he was in Nevada’s books. I would love to see him get his own novel.

  62. Oh wow, backstory on Augustine. And interviewed by George. House Andrews is so kind to the BDH. And yes, if you write, we will buy it and read it.. and read it.. and read it.. and then beg for more!

  63. That was wonderful!!! Until today, I was ambivalent about an story from Pancakes. But now? I think I’d vote for him over Arabella. Never thought I’d say that.

    I REALLY love this format. It was really nice to hear from George today. Thank you!!!

  64. Oh ????????. Well now Ive just realised I want more of Pancakes and a peek at George and [Spoiler! Edit: Mod R] marital bliss…

    Thank you though that was enjoyable!

  65. I love these interviews.

    I hope House Andrews knows that they could publish books of short stories in any (all) of their worlds and the BDH would gobble them up. You know Runa and Bern first date, Desandra and Uncle stupid head first non violent encounter, what Helen and Arland got up too that left twigs and sap behind as evidence, that weird thing that Conlan and baby B found and the can we keep it conversation that follows. Stories/snippets/tiny peeks.

    Of course I’m speaking mostly for myself. But I’m pretty confident I’m not alone. ????

  69. This is the best yet!! I laughed out loud more than once! Augustine does love himself. And it’s glorious. So many hints. It’s almost mean, but I know House Andrews will deliver. I think I can see this story will be fun. For you. Which means it will be fun for us. So looking forward to where this goes!

  73. Okay, that was just mean. All that promise of 2 juicy stories, and the interview ends. I need more; much more. I am hoping that this means we can expect at least 1 book for Augustine, but I dreaming of a spin off trilogy, b cause a do NOT ship Arabella and Augustine.

  83. Illuminating and enticingly short!

    Thanks for a great FrINNday treat.

    ((Hope you have a restful weekend next week))

  84. OMG YES AUGUSTINE WE WILL DEMAND A BOOK!

    BDH has loss all sense of patience now!

    Thank you so much and Happy Frinnday!

  85. An Augustine book sometime in the future? Yes, please! Take my money! 🙂 House Andrews, I love your talent!

  86. House Andrews – I hope this is as much fun for you as it is for us! Thanks for another great FrInnDay. ????

  87. Considering he was not my pick I sure loved it!!
    And George doing the interview was such a surprise.
    Thanks so much ????

  88. Pretty sure Augustine’s lady is Dianna, Cornelius’ sister and head of their house. Augustine sat with them at the wedding and when Diana sent a friend to pick up Matilda, it was Augustine.
    Also, I think a book based on Pancakes would sell like hotcakes! 😉

  90. I could imagine an Augustine/Arabella book. Not as a couple but as he is her mentor the story could cover both. With how she keeps secrets ( knowing about Linus and V and not spilling the beans) she may already know Augustine’s romantic interest.

  94. All the interviews are fabulous and informative about the delicious world’s created by our authors. This is the most amazing so far. As someone already mentioned , two favorite characters in one ! WIN WIN ! Grateful thanks for the Friday treat. Was missing the Inn chapters. Pre-ordered the book of course !

  98. Thank you for a fascinating interview. Yes, an Augustine book could be quite interesting, but with this new insight, I need to read Nevada’s books again!

  99. In Orro terms, that was an excellent appetizer – perfect as what it was while still leaving you hungry for the meal. I was puzzled at Augustine’s progression from antagonist to ally. Still not sure I’ll end up liking him (not sure I quite like Rogan either tbh) but I’d be delighted to read a book featuring him.

  102. Bliss. Pure bliss.

    When Grace Draven lets her worlds collide, and the characters talk across their relative genres to offer advice or commiserations, one just sighs. (Grace was the first author that I read, who did this)

    I know that you have let your storylines cross, usually in support of a contest, in ways both argumentative and humorous. But these FrInterviews are in a class by themselves.

    Putting Augustine with George, and having their pre-interview awareness of each other revealed through the interaction is charming. Delightful. Thank you so much for this.

  103. Oh, that was wonderful! Thank you so much. I particularly love this look into what was going on with him at the beginning of Nevada’s story.

  105. LOVE LOVE LOVE this. George is a favorite and now Augustine has opening to a new and exciting segue..
    Happy weekend y’all..

  109. That was nice, filling in some blank spaces for Augustine. Although naming his brother Tarquin? That’s unusual. I though Augustine has only one brother, is his other sibling a boy or girl? And what about the cousin?

    Thanks again!

    • “Tarquin” is a very common name amongst the English upper class. So common, it’s used almost stereotypically as a stand in whenever we try to invoque someone posh. Given the “Montgomery”, that may well be the family ancestry.

  111. “I believe I would be quite profitable for them.”
    he must have heard about the horde..lol

    how do you come up with this stuff..tiny backstories and characters worth a whole book
    no don’t tell me .. just don’t stop writing
    and if paper publishing becomes too much and you need to charge for paid serials on line.. please share where we can sign up

    friday tease.. another thing to be thankful for.

  112. WOW! This puts a different spin on everything!

    Was this always Augustine’s backstory or is this something our brilliant House Andrews invented for this interview?

    If it was always the backstory— with all this DETAIL— I don’t know how they managed to hold it back from us. It is such a juicy story on its own, I would have been tempted to drop hints and tidbits. It is so much more effective the way they did it, but as a reader I’m now fascinated to know if every non-POV character gets this much attention.

    House Andrews stories are always so rich in depth and detail, maybe having the detailed reasons behind everyone’s motivations is what it takes for that to happen.

    Color me even more impressed than usual!

    • This has always been Augustine’s backstory 🙂 , there are hints in Burn for Me if you read carefully, and ofc the incident he refers to with Rogan threatening and Nevada sparing his life is in White Hot.

      His siblings and dad were referenced in Catalina’s books, when she traded the name of his father’s killer middleman for information.

      • Hmmm I thought when Nevada came to him and made a deal to hide his mind from evil Grandma that was book 2 not 3 . Regardless he was already showing done change as early as book two

  113. Nooooo, no, no, you can’t tease and hint at “possible” future books to the BDH, you KNOW we take that as a signed in blood promise. So when will we get Augustine’s story?????

  114. Thank you for sharing this with us. I have a 3 week old and this was the perfect pumping read. Augustine is so fascinating and dang who knew all that was going on when he brought in The Baylor’s for Adam.

    • congratulations and good luck. I have a 7 week old I’m feeding right now. I discovered House Andrews when the last kid was born and their books & blog have gotten me through so many pumping & nursing sessions. it’s nice to have an escape to look forward to.

      seriously, when it is the second or third feeding of the night/early morning & I’m so exhausted I’m shaking & worried about nodding off and dropping the baby, I check the blog or pull up an Ilona Andrews book on the Kindle app on my phone and I wake right up. . . or I’m at least engaged enough to ensure I don’t drop or smother the baby. Saves his life & my sanity.

      love all the side characters and second the suggestion of a collection of short stories.

  116. Anyone else beyond curious about who Augustine is dating???
    And why did my brain just suddenly tell me that he’s with Pierce’s sister…

  117. I’m not going to hold out for an “Augustine book” or a “George book” … however stories … yum. Like the Curran POV and Rogan POV stories, so much could be told about what was going on on the inside of those characters during pivotal times during the books.

    Thank you for another fun interview at the Inn.

  118. I love Augustine. It’s the tortured hero thing!! He’s just complex and layered ( yes, like an onion ????)

    A Montgomery book please ????????????????

  119. Oh! Oh! What a tease! I don’t know if that was awesome or tormenting! Great background, but so little explanation. I can almost hear Ilona’s evil chuckle.
    Thank you for the look into Augustine’s history.

  120. “Augustine: An understatement.

    George: Or perhaps an opening to a discussion”

    Brilliant.

    Tarquin: Are you SURE there’s not a more stick up the a– name for him?

    A book about Augustine would be very profitable; he’s one of your most interesting characters.

    • According to previous comments, it doesn’t carry the same connotations in the US. It may be a family name?

      • IIRC there’s kind of a risqué classical painting with a Tarquin in it. In Sarah Monette’s Doctrine of the Labyrinths series, it’s slang for a particular sexual inclination. It’s also the name of a deceased relative of main character Flavia de Luce in Alan Bradley’s mystery series, starting with The Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie (which is flat-out awesome if you’ve never read it). That last has the connotation you’re talking about.

  121. Heck Yeah a book would be lucrative! Just the hints of story you gave made me sit up take notice and go. WOW! Wow! It explains so much. Especially about the improvement in attitude that was already showing in book 2. Yummm!

  123. Soooo, when’s Augustine’s book coming out? ???? Next month you said, right? ????
    Gertrude Hunt will broadcast that conversation for every Earth’s version on zoom, right?

    (thank you HA ????????)

      • Definitely! ????
        And didn’t mention next week because we’re going to have Luther! ????
        …a meeting between Augustine and Luther… Let’s dream even bigger!

        ???? We’re all in this together ???? ????

  124. This is so wonderful.
    Yes Augustine needs a book. I also want to hear more of George and wedded bliss.
    I am crawling my way back from COVID. I thought I had escaped but alas. This is just what I needed
    Thank you

  125. Love Auggie’s backstory! I enjoyed watching him change from a lonely hard man back to Pancakes, a guy with good friends (when he doesn’t have to be a Prime).

    I was surprised to find out he was mentoring Arabella, but that also is in line with the man he became/is becoming.

    I’m so greedy! With all the delight before me, I still can’t wait until next week! Although, will there be a Frinnday since it is the day after Thanksgiving?

  128. AAAARghhhhh, need more!! More more more! About each of them! Also need raspberry entremet.
    Y’all are the best.

  129. I love that we got to see a different side to him he was very ruthless or so it seemed in the first book but a lot more going on would love to read more.

  130. Love the interview. Makes me want to read these books over again( 3 times a charm). They are so much fun! It’s as though you read again and learn things you missed the first time around. Any chance for further sequels?

  131. Voted for Augustine and this was even more fun than I expected. Looking forward to paying for whatever stories you choose to tell, whenever you choose to tell them, in whatever format you choose. Thank you for being such a reliable (but still surprising!) autobuy.

  132. These are delightful. They also encourage me to read other books I haven’t yet explored because the character sounds intriguing. Thanks for all the months of sheer enjoyment from your novels.

  134. Another fabulous interview! So nice to get a glimpse of Augustine’s backstory, can’t wait to learn more. He was right, take my money!!! 🙂

  135. I am not quite buying Augustines reason to send Nevada after Adam. He might have changed later but at the point he was entirely mercenary.

    • If you reread the scene carefully, you can pick up that all is not Business as Usual at the International Pancake House 😉

      This has always been Augustine’s backstory 🙂

  136. Oooh! To be a mouse in the corner to hear Augustine and George’s off the record diacussion.

    And, no surprise, I’d read a book with Augustine as the main character.

    Thank you for the Fri-Inn-terview! It’s so lovely to have it as the official start of my weekend.

  141. I so need an Arabella book. I need to see who can corral that lady. I would love for her to be Ausgstine’s match.

  142. Thank you again for another great FrINNday interview!
    I love the changing interviewers!
    The BDH is insatiable! Keep bringing it on! ❤️

  143. Ok. Thought I was a good fan. Just read all the Sweep series in print but I have one question…who is George? Is he a character introduced in the latest SWIP in December? Or do I have dementia?

    • George is the Arbitrator who holds the Nexus negotiations in Sweep in Peace. He is also the one who intercedes Maud’s rescue from Karhari.

      He, together with his brother Jack, and their cousin Gaston are all crossover characters from the Edge series, also by Ilona Andrews.

    • Thank you for asking this!

      I just read The Edge series for the first time and recognized George was from there. (More love needs to be shown for The Edge BDH. **Amazing cast of characters**) I totally forgot there was a George in the Inn Keeper series, let alone that it is the same person! It makes me so happy to have the opportunity to read more about George, Jack, and Gaston’s story.

  147. Thank you! Masterful…an unexpected background highlight, and the person reads and looks so different … once done with Hugh, it’s such a pleasure to come across those turnarounds. HA imagination and character building skills are unparalleled.
    Happy Holidays!

  148. Wow! I love seeing how Nevada’s empathy and kindness had such powerful effects. So many of her family see her as “soft” that it feels good to have this affirmation as to how being ethical and caring can be stronger than threats.

    • I agree 10000+%.

      I do have a picture in my head of moderator R’s boyfriend, Hugh, and Derek glaring at Augustin while Leon stands off to the side with several other characters. Arabella standing behind Augustin, is grinning.

      sorry all…names and spelling not my thing, I hope you know who I mean.

      regardless thanks Ilona-andrews for making excellent worlds and characters that I love so much, and want more

  150. Lovely, as usual.
    Looking forward to what you do with all this wonderfully rich backstory.
    Yummy!

  151. I am delighted by all this interviews but also don’t know which character’s story to beg for next because every snippet is so intriguing…although I think Hugh and Elara may edge in front of the pack for me. OTOH I’m never disappointed about which story HA decided to write next 🙂

  153. I feel like the FrInnterviews are leaving us with more questions than answers!

    Thanks for another great installment!

  154. Thank you thank you thank you!! Making a snowy wet day enjoyable! Hope A and G and family and Mod R and her family all have a great Thanksgiving. ???? ???? ????????????????

  155. interesting, but not as informative as I would have liked. Those Primes and Heads Of Houses sure do keep things close to the chest.

  157. Right… so this deep and profound soul searching and realization didn’t stop Augustine from trying to trap Nevada into being his vassal even after the whole Pierce situation was finished.
    Then he tried to do the same thing to Catalina. Neither time worked out as he planned
    So I think it’s more likely, that being an intelligent villain Augustin just changed tactics. Now Arabella, this bright and powerful Prime sees him as her friend and mentor and will come running any time he needs a favor.
    As an added bonus, she can ask her sisters for help if necessary, without Augustine having to lift a finger.

  159. I love Fridays. You all rock! Thankyou for another interesting interview. My one question is what was the desert

  162. Lovely – and it makes me happy that Augustine didn’t look at the employee rolls of Baylor Investigations before forcing the case on Nevada.

  163. Perfect pairing for the interview!! Aaand now I want to read Augustine’s story. And George’s!

  165. Omg I loved this!! Thank you! Hello George! Such a very interesting backstory to Augustine. If a book doesn’t seem a possibility, maybe a novella? Pretty please? This made him seem a more sympathetic character, too. It would be a seller, given the BDH’s extreme fascination with pretty much every character that HA has created heheheh.

    And of course I had to look up entremet. I’ve seen them and even had one, it just wasn’t given a group name. And when I googled it, up popped a raspberry Nutella example.

  166. I sincerely hope these little snippets are as fun to write as they are to read because they are utterly delightful and I look forward to them every week.

  168. Some of the mystery of Augustine revealed. Btw I liked the comments about if “they” give him a book and how profitable it would be for “them.” It’s like the opposite of metafiction: instead of the author inserting their perspective into the writing, the character inserts themselves into the authors’ lives. 🙂

  172. Read. Returned. Read again. Wow.

    Also want to repeat ruby fever is wonderful. Like Magic Teiumphs, a re-reading delight.
    Preordered new sweep, but also long for the audible version. Maybe Xmas time?

    • It will be announced as soon as we know ????- part of the process is getting Amazon to approve the file once it’s uploaded and that is a time variable.

  174. Oh my gosh – George as the interviewer is a perfect choice!

    But dang was this filled with so much tease!!

    tyty!!

  175. Augustine would be profitable, oh so, so profitable. It’s the solemn oath of the BDH. Please give him a book!! ???? ????????????

  176. Interview one, two lovely badass ladies.
    Interview two, two veterans.
    Interview three, two Maccivellian schemers, male.

  177. Whooooo! A loot of Augustine info!! Truly a man if intrigue…. And, for my 10 cents, I was think it’s Leonora ????

    • This is who I want/think… I don’t know why more people don’t think that, they clearly have history!

  180. You damnable teasers! Now I want not only Arabella’s book, but Augustine’s and George’s too. Well, damn! I would not mind to read about Roman’s escapades too.
    Hopefully there will be at least that Innkeeper audio before Christmas…

  181. So enjoyable! I would totally buy an Augustine book. His life has been a tease throughout the series. And I really ship him and Diana. There were a lot of hints at a possible relationship there.

  182. Yaaaaayyyy!!!!

    We, the book-devouring Horde, salute you and are falling in LURVE with Augustine, whom we pretty much previously wanted to kick in the ankle with our Dingo riding boots.

  184. I want the book. I would buy the book. I would promote the book with everyone… thinking more practically, I want Arabela’s book and many parts of Augustine… Nop, best three of Arabela and one of Agustine after that trilogy to close all the story arcs of Agustine… Better stop dreaming. I hope for many FrInnDay and that IA decides. I am happy to read everything.

  188. For realz? Augustine intended to go after Adam after getting some recovery time? Interesting. Who’s he dating? Ohhh I wanna know!

  190. Such a fun way to end the week and start the weekend…thank you for another great interview!

    P.S. This is very important: Where do I send my pre-order money for the Pancakes book? ????

  192. “What’s it like to be married?” Hmmmmm I wonder if that is a more than casual question…..

    Also I LOVE the choice of George Camarine for this interviewer.

  194. Wait!! Goerge says yes to question about marriage and that’s all we get?? Dangle an idea of maybe maybe a book on Augustine? I would never be one of those whiner people but -whine- sad eyes, little lower lip quiver. ????

  196. Oh Augustine isn’t so bad after all. I knew it! thanks for shining some light on the mystery man.Love it. He does need a book. he is too complex not to have his own book

  198. I will personally pledge to help with the profitability if we have an Augestine book. I would be perfectly happy if it started years before the Pierce case so we can see him impersonating his dad and everything.

  199. That was so much fun. I’m always amazed at the way HA can change the perception of a character without it feeling false or jarring. Just a new perspective that whacks you in the head. And Augustine has a sweetie????? We need a book.

    • also this is completely unsolicited so feel free to ignore my (quite possibly terrible) suggestions.

      I know kinsmen is all about the cliches with a twist and the last one was fated mates, right.? And now the only couple left are already married. So… what about amnesia?? if anyone can make soap opera amnesia work, I believe in you house Andrews! xD

  206. If Augustine doesn’t get a full book, maybe a short or two? His romance *sigh..* Or why he’s better than Konstantine in an illustrative short?? Shorts are good too… We BDH will devour it all…

  207. You kill me! Had a really tough week. Was wonderful to have a belly laugh. Was a wonderful to learn a little more about Augustine. Thanks you! Have a wonderful weekend!

  209. You know, I really don’t care which series book you write next. IA is one author(s) I buy every book and reread.

    Having said that, I wait with baited breath and ready credit card for the next book.

  210. It’s like they read my mind. So often after reading one of IA’s books I will allow my imagination to continue playing out the characters’ day-to-day lives. I do it so often that I’ve actually awoken from a dream where I see the conversations in print just before I open my eyes. I have come to love all the characters and IA has the talent to make each book seem like the first read no matter how many times I’ve reread it.

  213. I have always wondered where Augustine Montgomery lived, as in where is his House’s estate. Little bit north of Houston is the town of Montgomery which happens to also be located in Montgomery county. I always thought this would be the place where his House would at least have land with the importance of names and all that for primes.

  215. Scrolling through the comments, I see I’m not the only one expecting (hoping for) Luther Dillon next Friday.

    As I recall, you did the #1 and #2 choices from the first poll before putting up a second.

    Luther next, please. Please?

  219. These Friday interviews are so much fun! Thank you ???? I have always been curious about Augustine. The world building and character development you all do is amazing! I am with other commenters — you write it and I’ll buy it!

  220. an Augustine book? um, yes please! You know…if that is what you want to write….and whenever you get the time. lol

    These interviews are great. They are whetting my appetite for more of these characters and I will take the small glimpses you share with us. Happy Frinnday!

  221. Whoa! This FrInnDay dropped so many surprises about Augustine’s backstory. I kept bursting into laughter. What a rush!

  222. I can’t decide if I want Arabella to be his love interest or not
    It’s such an happy dilemma ????????????

    I just can’t wait for another hidden legacy book
    it feels like it’s been too long ????

      • Thank you for the reply????????

        I’m new here so it takes a bit time to catch up. I LOVE the community we have and I can feel your (Mod.R, Ilona& Gordon) dedication. you are all very appreciated ❤️❤️

  223. Loved this, it cements some of my feelings about Augustine! I got the feeling, particularly with the “lady in green” episode, that Augustine was a bit at war with himself. There’s the ruthless business man and house leader / prime that he’s been forced into out of necessity versus his natural inclination to be more of a big brother/ mentor. I think Nevada was too independent and self possessed to see the hints of this side of his personality and it’s wonderful that Augustine has found a kindred spirit and receptive mentee in Arabella.

    I also saw the business overture he made to Nevada working on two levels: prime Augustine: he gets control of a powerful truth seeker and her family & big brother Augustine: he can protect the crazy Baylor clan from themselves. I felt like he had an emotional response to Nevada’s refusal that was more rooted in the latter.

    I don’t ship Arabella and Augustine romantically but I think their interactions would be a lot of fun to read on page. They both ooze that confident take the bull by the horns attitude that’s backed up by intelligence and competency and it would be neat to see that interplay.

    • I think I learn more about the characters from the insightfulness of the BDH after I’ve read the books. I’ve reread the books so many times and still I learn new things, so thank you for your thoughts!

  226. Wonderful! I have always been intrigued by Augustine. I really hope he does get a book! It would be a great story! Loved this interview. Thanks!

  228. ::: smiling ::;

    wie ein Honigkuchenpferd
    (Like a honey cake horse)

    German expression for having a big big smile on my face.

    LOVE IT

  231. What I got out of that is that an absolute, hard commitment for ans Augustine book.

    That’s everyone else’s takeaway too, right?

  232. I love me some pancakes and that means Augustine too… I’ve had a soft spot for him since that epic showdown (with Conor) in Nevada’s office…

    Also thanks for the Raspberry and white chocolate with mascarpone mousse idea. It sounds heavenly and since it’s my birthday Thursday, I’m collecting dessert ideas.

    Another book to look out for, yay ????

    Thanks HA

  236. I actually snort-laughed out loud when I saw that we have George running the interview. Excellent combination! I do enjoy how we’re getting “bonus views” of other characters via who runs our interview!

  239. Augustine was my first choice, really hope he gets his own book. With his love interest or just in any subsequent books, I hope HA uses this as an opportunity to include more diversity in prominent characters in their books. Thank you for the Friday’s at the Inn

    • House Andrews always write diversity into their books, as they always say “When I go out, I see a lot of people who are Caucasian, a lot of people of Latin American heritage, a lot of African-American people, a few people of Far Eastern heritage, and some people whose heritage isn’t readily apparent. Texas cities, in particular Austin and Houston, are melting pots. There are 90 languages spoken in Houston. It has the third largest Hispanic population in US and one out of five people is an African American.” This informs the worldbuilding and characters in their stories, in a natural way.

      That’s why the central family and its beloved characters in Hidden Legacy series are multiracial, Kate Daniels has Middle Eastern descent, Fated Blades has an Indian main hero, Dali’s books feature Indonesian-American community and their culture, LGBTIA characters and couples, even gender discourse are present in most of the books.

      Looking at your comment history, which persists in this request, I believe you are interested in stories that centralise someone’s sexual identity and racial minority experience. Ilona and Gordon have explained they will not be telling their stories in this way, as these narratives aren’t theirs to tell or monetize on. There are wonderful LGBTQIA or POC authors who write books informed by their belonging to those communities and first hand experience of the challenges, please let me know if you need recommendations, there are several posts promoting them on the blog 🙂

  240. OMG! What an intricate back story they’ve given Augustine! I want to read that book! Impersonated his dead father for 2 years ! Wow what a teaser this was! I loved it!

  241. Random thought. On the Arabella romance line. Arabella + Tarquin Montgomery = Tarbella.
    Happy Thanksgiving Everyone. ????

  244. I’ve always thought there was more to Augustine, why would Connor be friends with a terrible person, though what he did to Nevada in Burn for me was terrible but this definitely adds some clarity as to the why. I love that he’s taken such a mentorship role with Arabella. I’m looking forward to both stories.

    I do feel for our authors though. We have such a backlog of stories, I’m hoping they don’t feel too pressured. With Julie, Arabella, Roman, Hugh, Augustine, and any new projects the list keeps getting longer. I have lots of love and patience for the genius they share with us.

  245. Oh, can I say “not fair” to dangle 2 prospective stories?
    I’d love to see an Augustine book, but now I’d also appreciate a George snippet!
    You are truly the best, and if this was all we got, it would (almost) be enough.
    Thank you!

  246. I love this world so much. Such a tease of information. I can’t wait to reread everything.

  247. I honestly think that House Andrews could write a compelling novel on any of their minor characters.

    Also, in my brain I’m imagining how the interview would have gone if pancakes were served. Maybe I need more happy juice aka coffee

  248. Ah! I loved it but I need the rest of the conversation – is George and [Spoiler! Edit Mod R) going to be an option on the next poll?! I didn’t even know am Augustine book was potentially on the cards – as with anything House Andrews – take my money!

  250. I’m personally holding out hope for Augustine + Leonora… they went to school together, she’s a badass, and he said something like “She hates you less than me” in the first book…. Thus I ship a complicated history!

    • OMG yes!! this is genius!

      initially, I thought about Arabella because in her interview she kind of hinted that Jiang won’t be more and Augustine tallked about the mentoring thing going between them????

      but girl leonora and Augustine! that would be amazing too
      your awesome for linking them????????

  251. Oooh yes please! A book on Augustine, Leon and a trilogy for Arabella!!!! Not that we’re asking for much!!!

  253. So many little hints and interesting possibilities!! I would love to read a book with lots more info on Augustine 🙂 Thanks for this.

  254. Sometimes I dream about an alternate universe where House Andrews are high fantasy writers in the context that they would not be limited in their word count and they could write all these extra character backstories in the books themselves. Ah well, good thing there is this blog where they gift us all these goodies.

  255. Oh fabulous, fabulous, fabulous !!!! Absolutely stoked, thrilled, delighted, enraptured and enthused by this interview with Augustine. I love the resurrection by Nevada. And what a hideous situation he was in, and such a forgiveable mistake he made … it put the Baylors thru Hell, but it was a Hell that lead to such a powerful profitable path for the whole family to grow and prosper on. Wowser, I was totally blindsided by this peek into Augustine, and absolutely delighted. Magnificent!!! House Andrews, rocking it.

  256. These two together? Crazy Cool!! I think you just love to tease us! Seems I remember in this blog awhile ago you said in a few years you might have to do an Augustine book. So…is time up????❤️

  257. This was very interesting and I enjoyed it a lot. I am curious about Augustine’s romance. I would very happily buy and read an Augustine book. But I want Arabella first!

  258. OMG I LOVE Augustine!! Please, please, please give him a book. I think I can say that I’m one of many in the BDH who would love to read his story.

    Also thank you for these FrInnday snippets. These are awesome!!

  259. I remember reading a conversation between Catalina (I think?) and Cornelius about his strength, and how animal mages work. Now I can’t find it. Please help me find it again.

    • Could it be the conversation in Ruby Fever, page 105? It starts with:

      “ Cornelius smiled. “It’s not that. Animal mages have degrees of power like any other magic discipline. At the very bottom of that power ladder are those who can bond with a single species. Then we start climbing up the hierarchy of zoological classification. Those with Average abilities typically can affect an order like Rodentia or Carnivora. At Significant and Prime levels, most of us are capable of affecting the entire class, meaning there are Primes specializing in Mammals, or Birds, or Reptiles. Those with remarkable power can affect more than one of these classes.”

      It’s more around Matilda’s power but it explains how the talent works and levels of power so it’s the first one I thought of ????. Let me know if it’s not it and I’ll keep searching!

      • He was talking about Matilda, but based on what we know of his own animals, most of it applies equally to him. He connects with birds, mammals AND arcane creatures, just not arachnids. So he has “remarkable powers.”

        Since his sister and Matilda can “feel” Zeus, they also may or may not be able to connect with arcane creatures.

        A side note: His sister knows about his birds, mammals and Zeus, so she KNOWS what level of power he has, and still allows him to register as a Significant instead of forcing him into the open to increase her family status.

        Interesting family.

  260. Augustine’s book would be a good kickstarted because I would cheerfully give you money now so you could spent time writing it in peace. Take my money.

  263. yes yes yes booooook! Book to devour! Horde likes.
    Also: will we be able to get Orro’s delicacies via the shop? 😉

  266. GEORGE!!! How have you and that wonderful-yet-slightly-deranged family of yours been doing? Tell me EVERYTHING!

    Please say hi to Dina and congratulate her on her upcoming book release for me – did she happen to mention anything about what Maud and Helen have been up to? That child is terrifying, Maud’s done such a startling job of raising her I feel like I’ve seriously under-performed.

    I’ve got to check on the baking, but I’ll be back with a fresh pot and perhaps you might ask D if Gertrude could make a conference call?

  267. *And with the tea party cartoon in mind*
    Now we of the BDH collectively screech “WHERE IS AUGUSTINE’S BOOK?!!?!?!!?!!?! WHO is he dating ?!! Take my money! Take it and give me the BOOK!!”

  268. Incredible. George and Augustine. I almost fainted when I saw their names.

    And George married?! I’m guessing this is in the new book that I have been desperately waiting for. Now I’m extra excited! I hope it’s Sophie! Oh please let it be her.

    Is it December 13th yet? haha

  271. I will add to the general clamor for an Augustine book….or two…. He’s obviously got hidden depths.

  273. Love the chance to learn what is up with George Camarine. What is going to happen with George and his sister Maud, the Maven of the House Krahr. That was quite a cliffhanger that the Authors left us with at the end of Sweep of the Blade. Any hope that we get to learn what has happened with Arland, Maud, and George?

    • Maud isn’t George’s sister, I think there’s a little confusion there ????. but yes, there will be more Maud in the future.

  274. Just saying, but I would LOVE an Augustine story. I read this “interview” when I came out last week and promptly reread/listened to the series in light of the new info (your Hidden Legacy ebooks are a comfort listen for me) and it was very interesting. And Arabella’s story would be good too. And whatever is going on with the Keeper and Michael and Linus no longer objecting. And Allesandro’s family. Soooo…….. yeah, please write more about this universes characters. If you have time. Hope you have a good week!

    (The cat pic is just bc it’s cute and she looks the same kind of guilty I feel like when I’m reading instead of doing stuff).

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