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ILONA ANDREWS

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Little snippet of Diamond Fire for you

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Blue Lilacs

“What is it?” I asked.

“She wants lilacs in her wedding bouquet.”

“Okay…” Nevada said she wanted carnations, but we could stuff some pretty pink lilacs in there. I didn’t see the problem.

“Blue,” Arabella squeezed out. “She wants blue lilacs.”

No and also no. “Nevada…”

“I had to hide in a bush of French lilacs yesterday and they were very pretty and smelled nice. The card on the branch said, ‘Wonder Blue: prolific in bloom and lush in perfume.’”

I googled French lilac, Wonder Blue.  It was blue. Like in your face blue. “Why were you hiding in a bush?”

“She was being shot at,” Arabella said with a sour face.

“So you stopped to smell the lilacs while people were shooting at you?” I couldn’t even.

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Comments

  4. Laughing so hard! Unique flower choosing Arrangements! Don’t know what to spice up your bouquet with, choose whatever plant you jump into when someone’s trying to kill you. Love it!

  6. Great snippet, really looking forward to this one.
    Juggling books! How do you keep them separate??

  7. Must take time to smell the lilacs before you die! Especially if some one is trying to kill you.

    • I think it’s Catalina’s POV, actually. Either way, I have a bad case of grabby hands. Thank goodness it’s less than a week until Iron and Magic!

    • Loved it! I think this is actually Catalina, not Rogan. Rogan would have just had someone breed a perfect Wonder Blue carnation for her. 🙂

      • I actually thought was Arabella, Nevada , and Catalina.
        Bride and Bridesmaids ..going over wedding details

    • That was sooo funny!
      I have no idea who she was speaking to, but that conversation was true to form for the family!
      Thank you Ilona & Gordon!

  11. Thanks for the snippet.
    Hope hands are better today.
    Looking forward the SotB segment tomorrow.
    (If your hands cooperate)

  13. Ha ha. Loving the visuals. Thank you for the single chocolate chip ….. it will keep my addication alive.

  14. Isn’t this how every bride chooses her flowers?
    Lol…much appreciated. Needed the smile.

  15. LOL What I wanna know is where she was when she did this bc lilacs don’t grow this far south (I’m in Houston). So either she’s in a greenhouse, or she’s someplace else, or somebody shipped a plant south, stuck it in the dirt and it hasn’t died yet, or given the world there might be a plant mage involved?? Just so many questions.

    Also it amuses me a lot. Lol

    • There are a few low chill varieties that some dedicated folks are succeeding with in Houston. One of them is called “Blue Skies,” nut French Blue Wonder wouldn’t grow there without a plant mage. Regardless I thought the snippet was funny, and I’m worried about poor Nevada.

      Here’s the Houston Chronicle article about lilacs where I got my information: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.houstonchronicle.com/life/gardening/amp/Lilacs-and-peonies-A-transplanted-gardener-s-5448978.php

      • Thanks for the link, Jo!! Having been a Northern gardener for 25+ years, I’ve acutely missed my old world Lilac’s and Peony’s, too!! Always looking for a way to make it happen in my gardens in The Woodlands, Houston!

    • She might have been at a garden center. Most labels don’t last long after the plant hits Houston weather. (Well, mine never did, anyway.)
      Alternatively, a botanical garden?
      Lilacs will grow as close as the Austin area, as my grandmother had them in the yard and the family cemetery on the family farm in Georgetown. I suspect she babied them some…

      • The issue is mostly how much cold they need to make buds. Some lilac varieties can take the heat, but most can’t.

      • Burn For Me had a whole secret meeting, chase scene, and sort of gunfight at the Houston Arboretum, unless it was called something else.

        • I’ve checked out those so-called southern tolerant lilacs. Professionals tell me that the article is really not correct. I live in Houston. Believe me, I’ve searched and researched. I got all excited about those varieties too, but could not find a reputable garden center who would recommend, or even stock them. Sob.

  17. I wanted lilacs in my wedding bouquet too! Unfortunately, the florist didn’t want to do it because they don’t stay fresh long after they’re cut. Wonder if she would’ve had the same problem if it was Nevada & Rogan asking. ?

  18. I just reread the Hidden Legacy series and I am desperate for more. Thank you for the snippet

  19. HA! Thanks for this. We all benefit from more opportunities to smile and laugh these days.

  24. Had a panic then but checked Amazon, it’s ok I’ve already pre-ordered it, phew ?
    Nov seems a long time away

    Thank you for the snippet and have a good weekend when it arrives

  26. I giggled and than had to read it to my office partner. So looking forward to this.

  28. Fabulous, can’t wait for it to release, thank you! If you’re stuck in a lilac bush, I don’t think you can avoid smelling them although if you’re me, your sinuses will immediately blow up like balloons!

  33. Ha, Ha, Ha! Thanks for the laugh!

    I could sure grow this lilac where I live. Have to look into where I can get one. Beautiful. 😀

  34. Just burst out laughing at this tasty tidbit!! It’s Categorized with Catalina so must be she and Arabella with Nevada in this snip. God, I love your posts!!! A highlight of ANY day!! But, especially since I’m dying for next Tuesday. Listening thru the entire Kate series on Audible this week as a lead up to Iron & Magic, and really poring over everything Hugh related as well as enjoying the whole blessed, beloved, crazy crew.

  36. Just thought today about how y’all spoil me. You write SO fast and SO much! Y’all are serious hard workers. I realize this is your livelihood but even taking that into account, I think y’all are super productive. Is it just drive and discipline? Is it love of the craft? A combo? Either way, THANK YOU!!
    Also I’m really really looking forward to reading Catalina’s POV. I have two sisters also, and I just feel like I’m really going to enjoy her

  37. Well, unless she stopped breathing altogether when she was hiding in the lilac bushes, it would be hard NOT to smell them. 🙂 Really looking forward to more about Nevada and Rogan and the rest of the Baylor clan!

  39. Just perfect. You do dialogue! No, you OWN dialogue! And how you describe reactions to the dialogue – outstanding!

  40. Lilacs, wisteria, and hydrangea… I love those. Though my allergies do not. Carnations also lay me out, though the smell is lovely. ???

    P.S. Thank you Ilona & Gordon for the tease. ?

  43. I want it in my greedy hands right now. ?
    I’m so glad you are writing more Hidden Legacy books. The characters are amazing and the world has such interesting potential.

  46. Wow just wow. You never disappoint. I grew up with a lilac bush next to my window. They smelled wonderful.

  49. I had carnations for my wedding bouquet! Small wedding – only 15 guests. Picked up a big batch the morning of the wedding. Wrapped up some for my bouquet and the rest for the table vases.

    A batch of carnations with lilacs would be lovely as well. Lilacs always smell so lovely 🙂 Thanks for the treat.

  50. The first thought….Yeah!! A snippet. More Neva and Rogan.

    This was a teeny, tiny baby snippet. That’s OK, it’s better than nothing.

    Now, to get through to November, deep breathing exercises. Sigh.

    Thank you.

  51. Thank you so much for the snippet. The world is making me sad and this made it some better.

    I can’t wait for next week 🙂

  52. Thank you so much for the snippet. You both are the best authors. I love all of your offerings.

  54. Of course she did … Nevada multitasks!
    And she is soooo not a pink girl. She loves her carnations, that spicy, snappy, lingering scent …
    But you know something borrowed, something- something- . . . blue is in there somewhere and isn’t it the color for boys and its my wedding, my only one shoulden I get something … … … what, why not!

  58. Goodmorning! I woke up early to go to the open market because it’s so hot later on. Thank you for your early-in-the-morning surprise.

  62. Lilac bushes? Amazing. I’m fascinated by the question of whose viewpoint this is.
    Love it; thanks so much!

  63. Lol! Arabella always cracks me up. Her reactions at her Prime trial still make me guffaw every time.

    I don’t know much about flowers and absolutely nothing about wedding bouquets. What’s wrong with blue and blue lilacs in particular, or am I misinterpreting Catalina’s “No, and also no”?

    • I think Mother Rogan and The Sister Bridesmaids had already decided the assigned color theme for the wedding, and Nevada came with this idea out of the blue ? and Catalina (POV described) doesn’ t deal well with changes… and I’m assuming she is facing huge omes everyday already so… the aforementionated ‘No also no’

      • Aha. I can see not wanting to mess with a color scheme.

        I’ve been picturing Nevada and Rogan’s wedding as an intimate affair with their immediate family, Rogan’s team(s), the siblings and children of House Harrison, Lenora Jordan, Augustus (and maybe members of House Montgomery), the Keeper and Michael, Linus Duncan (Caesar?), and select allies.

        • Why would the Keeper and Michael Latimer be included? Linus Duncan at least helped Nevada out in contacting Victoria, but I don’t seen the Keeper and Michael as being “select” allies.

  64. So excited! I just preordered it on Googleplay. Can’t wait to read about the wedding and venture back into Nevada and Rogan’s life.

  65. I googled wonder blue French lilac and this snippet popped up in the results! Can’t wait for this book.

  67. Me estoy riendo en voz alta por el fragmento Fire Diamond, la imagen de la situación es hilarante con todo de rosa y azul y solo 4 días antes del lanzamiento de Iron and Magic. También hoy podemos ver a Maud y Arland, espero, la declaración de amor. Estoy muy entusiasmado con este viernes.
    Thank you Ilona and Gordon.

    • I’m taking the liberty to translate your comment (the Spanish sentences) because if it was a language I’m not able to read I would have liked for somebody to translate it for me ☺: I’m laughing out loud due to this Fire Diamon piece. To picture this situation, all pink and blue and just four days before the release of Iron & Magic, is hilarious. Also today we may see Arland & Maud’s love declaration to each other, I hope. I’m eager this Friday…

  68. I love Nevada. Thank you for this snippet. It let me with a much needed smile and giggle.

  70. Speaking as a sister who adores annoying her sister (although I’m the younger in our case), I can’t help but wonder if Nevada and Arabella are messing with Catalina? It’s so something close sisters would do sand Arabella can barely get the words out (holding back laughter perhaps?).

  71. If anybody is reading this go to the blog and you’ll see that there is no innkeeper till maybe Monday. Gordon is taking Ilona on a lunch and yarn shopping date and giving her a break to recharge. Best husband (next to mine? )ever! You go gordon!
    Have a wonderful time Ilona!?????

  74. Just read my email from Party Jansen. She dictates her first draft using Scrivener on her phone. She says she will dictate 1000 words while walking home from the gym. Might be something to look into….a d would save your wrists/hands

  75. I would not be surprised by lilacs making an impression even mid-gunfight. The human mind is a strange place, and if you weren’t born with one I don’t recommend trying it out. The environment is highly unstable, often inhospitable, and requires a great deal of training to navigate safely.

    But at least we have flowers. Lol.

  76. I didn’t realize I needed a YA Catalina/Arabella novella until I read this. Two newly recognized primes back to school. 🙂 Thanks for this snippet Authorlords.

  77. So where the heck are they? Not at home, obviously. There are NO lilacs in Houston. None. Nada. Zip. I know this because they are my favorite plant in the whole world and when I got chained here I searched for any way to get them. Despite what a couple of specialty catalogs claim, they cannot survive in this climate. Maybe with an herbamagos, I suppose, which would make me intensely jealous. But it would take a Prime. Hell (all puns intended), it has been so hot even my Mandevilla tried to die. I had to bring it indoors! OK, I guess I will have to wait for the full book. Dammit, now I’m so homesick for lilacs I’m teary. Sob.

  80. Absolutely wonderful book. Could not put it down. Thank you so much for sharing the incredible gift of both your imaginations with us. It’s made my day

  82. Thank you for this! Looking forward to it. Just read the Innkeeper update. Had to just say; please ignore those rude people. Most of us are grateful for the treat, however it shows up. Sending a ton of positive energy for Ilona’s hands. Adore you guys. THANK YOU!

  83. Looking forward to Diamond Fire. I have just listened to the others in preparation for it?
    Hope you get your medical problems resolved quickly as it can’t be good feeling ill all the time. Take care both of you and thank you again for all you do.

  84. Yehaw! I am SO excited you are continuing with Hidden Legacy series. And feeling a little smug about the hint of Catalina and Alessandro Sagredo. Maybe not smug so much as happy. I felt a tell-tale spark of curiosity at the encounters described between these two – my imagination went into action considering how interesting it might be to have a “siren” and someone who can resist that power (whatever that power was called). Very fun possibilities.
    Still I love Rogan and Nevada. I can’t even place why exactly. I just discovered the trilogy this year (2018), and loved them, and all the other characters as well. I don’t know what can happen after “happily ever after” but I hope there’s something there to continue with. Or is it “with which to continue”? I read them back to back – rather I listened – and the only other hope I have is that the pace of future installments will be more like first two, and not the frenetic pace of third one. Wore me out, and didn’t feel like I got as much fun dialogue.
    And I’ve also wondered at possible hints I thought I caught between Mom and Heart. Something there, too? But the Catalina and Segrado connection should be adorable. Or more if they’ve grown up in meantime. P.S. I’m not sure I want to admit it, but this is first series I’ve read more than once. Again, I don’t even know why. Renee Raudman’s voices for the characters might also be part of it.
    (All of this love doesn’t mean I don’t also love Kate and Curran as well. And I’ve only made it just past Magic Breaks, so a ways to go to see what happens there.). Thanks!!!!

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