Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #1
Published by Avon
Published on: October 28 2014
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Edelweiss
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews launches a brand new Hidden Legacy series, in which one woman must place her trust in a seductive, dangerous man who sets off an even more dangerous desire…
Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile case. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.
Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run or surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.
Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.
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For those of you who have been living under a rock don’t already know, Ilona Andrews is my F-A-V-O-R-I-T-E.
Has been since I first read Magic Bites (Kate Daniels #1) 5ish years ago. After I binge-read all the available Kate books, I moved onto The Edge, which I also loved, and knowing that the Ilona love was not a fluke, the internet stalking began, in which I discovered Curran POV extras and Kinsmen sci-fi short stories, etc.
And the Andrews, have never, not once, let me down.
Burn for Me, the first installment of the Hidden Legacy series, takes place in a world where a few hundred years ago, a serum was discovered that could awaken a myriad of different types of magic in humans. Eventually the serum was destroyed, but the damage had already been done, and the newly awakened magical gifts were passed on genetically. Fast forward to the present, and the highly magical families guard their bloodlines the same way the real world Western European blue bloods do.
Enter Nevada Baylor, who at 25 is the oldest daughter, and has been running the family PI business since her father died of cancer six years ago.
The family PI business whose mortgage was sold to one of the Big Deal magical families in order to pay the medical bills. The family PI business the Big Deal magical family is offering up as a sacrificial lamb when our story begins.
Baylor Investigative Agency looks great on paper, you see, and Montgomery International Investigations (MII) has been asked by another Big Deal magical family to bring in their prodigal son, a Prime (the highest level of magic user) pyro(FIRE)kinetic, who just recently burnt up a bank, which resulted in the death of a cop amongst other things. MII, being unable to refuse such a request without risking unpleasantness, weighed the risks, deemed an honest attempt too expensive, and decided to make use of the clause in the mortgage agreement that allows them to contract out Nevada’s services.
If she refuses, she breaks the contract, and the business is forfeit. If she fails, she breaks the contract, and the business is forfeit. If she dies, MII gets to recoup their loses, and the business is forfeit.
And this was the point where I shrieked my vicarious frustration and scared the crap out of my cat. Seriously. He sat on the floor in front of the bed for the rest of the day. Wouldn’t come near me . . .
Such was the level of emotion the book was able to pull out of me, and that was in the first 8%.
That’s one of my favorite things about the Andrews—their ability to create instantly likable and/or interesting characters. Slews of them. Nevada is a perfect example of this. She’s snarky and fantastic, so much so, you don’t even mind, or begrudge her, her super special snowflake status.
Nevada’s family is the “slew” and her grandmother especially is a hoot, and then there’s Mad Rogan . . .
Mad Rogan, a Prime with off-the-charts magical abilities . . . Mad Rogan, the wealthy and powerful head of House Rogan . . . Mad Rogan, pure sex walking around on two legs . . .
Mad Rogan, the borderline sociopath.
Yes, you heard me—SOCIOPATH.
I can only hope more is revealed about him in future installments to make him a more sympathetic character, b/c right now, Mad Rogan is my only real issue with this book.
Oh, there was also some slight disbelief with the Big Reveal at the very end, but that was small potatoes. Mad Rogan, on the other hand . . . he’s downright scary. Like Ted Bundy scary. And I can see Nevada being hot for him, but eventually in love with him . . . ? As it stands, she should run screaming, in the opposite direction.
Literally Mad Rogan aside, Burn for Me is positively delightful. The world-building is fresh and original. The characters are hilarious, and the sense of family will give you the warm-fuzzies. Those of you who stalk follow the Andrews like I do will particularly enjoy a scenario with Nevada’s high school-aged sisters that very closely resembled something that happened with one of their daughters—the pen is mightier than the high school coach. *wink* Overall, an excellent start to a wonderful new series. Nevada Baylor is now second to only Kate Daniels. Highly recommended.
My name is Jessica and I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I’m trying my hand at writing, but mostly I read. My favorite genres are Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, and the YA versions of those genres, but if there is a book of a different color getting lots of buzz, I’ll read it too, just to be informed. If I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably on Goodreads or Pinterest or baking blueberry pies because I love them.
yes Mad Rogan is quite something right? I really loved this story and I’m always so impatient for more of her writing. I’m glad you had a great time as well. Great review Jessica!
Sorry it was my comment, I sometimes forget to add ma name and all.
That sounds interesting. I need to read more of this author’s books because I’ve read a lot of good things about them.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…What is Serotonin Syndrome?
I’m waiting for the audio. I always listen to anything by Ilona Andrews because I love their narrator Renee Raudman. You better believe I’ll be downloading first thing Tuesday morning. 🙂
Melanie Simmons recently posted…Hunger Untamed Audiobook by Pamela Palmer (review)
oh my thank you for the warning i will keep my cat in another room when i get and read this oen because with his siamese blood he would not just brood a day but that revenge if i get that passionate when reading ( and from what happened with some kate daniels i can really see it happening again^^)
i do hope Nevada will come to meet a good ( =not sociopath”) character to have a love interest^^;;
thank you a lot for this passionate review!
miki recently posted…Deadly Curiosities ( Deadly Curiosities 1) by Gail Z. Martin
I am reading this right now!! only a few chapters in though 🙂 So far loving it. I also have been a die hard Ilona Andrews fan.
Sharon Stogner recently posted…Sheep N”ewe”s and stuff
Hopefully I will get it for xmas
blodeuedd recently posted…Carole Reviews: Pandemia – Jonathan Rand
I grabbed this one from Edelweiss too but like Melanie I’ve decided to wait for the audio book. I love Renee’s narration of Andrews’ books.
Jennifer recently posted…BEP! Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones
I’m pretty sure the narrator is going to push this story into the 5 stars category for me 🙂 I’m excited! Although, I’m really trying to keep myself in check so my expectations don’t get too high 🙂
Lupdilup recently posted…Hunger Untamed Audiobook by Pamela Palmer (review)
Oh this book was so good, that I was in shock for a while. I don’t even know what to say about Mad Rogan, and I laugh out loud when I saw what you said, about her running. lol It’s true, and at the same time, we want to know what comes next, right now! So crazy! That’s the bad part about getting books for early reviews, now we have to wait god knows how long until we can read the rest.
Great review, thank you! 🙂
Isabelle recently posted…Birthday Party: 8th post
I have seen so many great things about this I am excited to start it!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Stay by Alyssa Rose Ivy
lol – Yeah, I’m just now crawling out from under that rock. I have seen the light! I loved this book. It was my favorite first book of an UF series. Did that make sense? 😀
Christy recently posted…Harder by Robin York
Oh Ilona Andrews, how can you do this to me. I’ve only JUST started your Kate Daniels series and now you’re coming out with another one? How will I EVER catch up?!
Mogsy recently posted…Book Review: Dreamer’s Pool by Juliet Marillier
WOAH the concept of this book sounds utterly amazing! I mean serums and magic, a PI and a sociopath, sounds freaking compelling. Thank you for introducing yet another awesome book to us Jess! Lovely review!
Jeann recently posted…The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey Review: Sci-fi Zombie Overload
I can’t wait to get my hands on Burn for Me! *looks at calendar and rubs hands together* This sounds like another great start to their series 🙂
kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Young Adult Book Review: Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis
I’m already on my library’s hold list for this one-can’t wait!!
Finley Jayne recently posted…{Halloween Special} Creepy Crawly Worm Cupcakes!
Haha. Ilona Andrews always makes me think of you 😀 Ok so this sounds totally unique and different and I love the sound of this series! Totally going to try it sometime when I’m in the mood for a UF series. I love the sound of Nevada but really.. I’m not excited about Mad Rogan though the synopsis totally hints like I should love him. Hmmm.. I hope he’ll grow loads and the reader and Nevada can happily swoon 🙂 So happy you liked it, Jess!
Siiri recently posted…Blog Tour and Giveaway: Addicted After All by Krista and Becca Ritchie
Jessica, you’ve reminded me that I’m behind in the Kate Daniels series, and that seems very, very wrong. Though I’m also intrigued by Mad Rogan here. Because… hmmm.
Amanda recently posted…On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn {Amanda’s Review}
Oh I hadn’t heard of this one but the plot alone has me interested in it! Okay you’ve convinced me Jessica.. i’m going to give this one a shot.
Lily recently posted…Hothouse Flower (Calloway Sisters #2):Review
Smart and funny with kick ass characters sounds great to me
*jumping up and down* I’m so excited for this new series, Jessica. And I may have scared a cat or two with my excitement over your review. *winks* I’ve always been impressed with the world building and characters that the Andrews’s can create and I’m thrilled to hear they did it again. Well, minus Mad Rogan, I suppose. 🙂 I know the high school incident you reference – does that mean my stalking…I mean following of them is on par with yours?
Anywho, fantastic review and I’m happy I go to work tomorrow so I can pick up the book! 🙂
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**Teaser Tuesday ~ #42**
I’ve seen so much mad live for this book already, so I’m not surprised you love it too (I do not live under a rock and am very aware of your obsess- erm love for the Andrews hehehe). I STILL need to read Kate Daniels though – I am trying to catch up! Seeing as that series is still #1 for you, I’ll do it first and maybe by time book 2 or 3 comes for this one, I’ll be caught up!
Berls recently posted…Top Off Tuesday | Riding Home
lol poor kitty! I hate it when the character is put in an impossible situation, but this world sounds so cool! The male lead is a sociopath?! That’s… unique.
Molly Mortensen recently posted…Cipher By Aileen Erin
I have always been meaning to read her and still haven’t yet – heck I think I even own a bunch of the Kate ones and still haven’t gotten around to it. That’s the nature of things I guess. I definitely should read Kate since those are binge worthy. But this one sounds fabulous as well and sometimes I want something more on the pnr side which seems like this is. And hey I could use some walking sex sociopath to oogle.
LOL at “Literally Mad Rogan,” that’s just too good. I’m a big time Ilona Andrews fan too – although clearly not as big as you since I have NO CLUE what the high school coach incident was – and I just know that this series is gonna be great. My only fear is that Kate and Nevada will be too similar…but really, most UF protagonists share the sexy/snark/snowflake/ trifecta, so that wouldn’t bother me too much. My copy’s on its way and I’m super excited about it!
Danya recently posted…Review: Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
Oh well, Dexter is a sociopath and we love him 🙂 That guy just needs to be taken down a few notches – he is way too arrogant, and he’ll be alright. If you remember Andrewses Kingsmen weren’t bag of rainbows and unicorns either. I agree on this being a second favorite to Kate Daniels. They created a brilliant new series and I’m really happy for them! Loved your review! 🙂
kara-karina recently posted…November Book Releases I’m Dying to Read!
Since I haven’t yet read any Ilona Andrews and I know that’s something you wouldn’t personally approve of, I’m pretty sure this is the perfect book to start with, since it’s the first in a new series!
As always, fantastic review Jessica!
Pili recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday #67!!