by Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #1
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
#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.
Have you ever started a book and within the first few pages, just knew you were going to love it? Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews the first in her new Hidden Legacy series was that kind of book. I consumed it with a smile on my face from its well-built world to the characters I was in book nirvana! Burn For Me is a must read for Urban Fantasy lovers this Fall.
Espresso review: brilliant, suspenseful and perfectly orchestrated
Caffeinated Breakdown of Burn For Me
World: This urban fantasy is set in an alternate version of Houston, Texas. Andrews has created a strong world with magic. World building is necessary for this curious reader, and she effortlessly gives us the back-story and explains all of the Houses. It is a simple foundation and allows them to expand upon it.
Characters: We meet Nevada Baylor, a human lie detector with hints of something more. She along with her family owns a private investigation firm. Nevada is my kind of female protagonist. She is kick-ass and protective of her family. Nevada does not whine when the shit hits the fan, nope she digs deep and gets things done. I adored her and cannot wait to see how she develops throughout the series. I loved her family from her teen siblings to her over the top oil-loving grandma. Did I mention her Mom is an ex-sniper? Loved it! Connor “Mad” Rogan was sculptured by the hands of God into a mouth-watering specimen! He is a bit of a recluse and a what is known as a Prime. A Prime is a high-ranking magic user, who rules a House. His powers will make your knees quake, or maybe it is his eyes. Either way, you will love the banter that develops and fall head over heels for Rogan.
Plot: Nevada is forced to take on a case involving a Prime who has committed a crime that left many injured and dead. He needs to be taken alive. This is Nevada’s toughest case, and it will push her, testing her limits and resources. Mad Rogan is also looking for this suspect when the two meet. Well, meet is not exactly the right word, but trust me you will want to be there!
Romance: Perfection complete with witty banter and snark that will have you laughing and begging for more. The tale is relatively clean, but that does not stop Andrews from creating delicious heat, romantic moments as she endears these characters to the readers. Rogan and Nevada have this chemistry that feels genuine. The snark and banter combined with Nevada’s thoughts had me laughing. I love that giddy feeling you get when a couple works so well. It reminded me a little of Reyes and Charley. *Oh yeah*
Caffeinated Conclusion: Burn for Me is like a perfectly blended cup of coffee. From the first taste, it is an orgasm for your mouth. You want to make it last but cannot stop drinking. The when your cup is empty you savor the memory and crave more.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Cyn
I just finished this and oh my gosh, this book cracks me up! I adore Nevada and her snark (and yes, her family is so awesome!)! And the romance! What a tease. Definitely can’t wait for more! Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..I am so happy you loved it. Yes I was laughing too.
Sophia Rose
I definitely need to make some time for this one. The new world sounds fab.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh this was brilly Sophia. I liked it so much I bought the audio version 🙂
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I’m so pleased you loved this too Kimba! It’s #1 for 2014 for me, it’s a wonderful start to the series and I completely agree with you about the romance – swoon.
A great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo! I have no doubt it will make my top ten list this year 🙂
Paij Slater
I love it when a book grabs me right away! Sounds fantastic!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh me too, this was such a great start!
Karen
Yup! This was a perfect set up for a new series. I can’t wait for the next one.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Karen..aaand now we wait. *passes over coffee and cookie*
Red Iza
Yay, a great new series with no catching up on older books ? I’m in !
kimbacaffeinate
Yes and as of now it is only a trilogy.
Alexa
Sigh I think you had me at witty banter in the romance. I love when there is that style of relationship in books so I shall have to check this one out. Plus many people love this author.
Thanks for the awesome review!
kimbacaffeinate
I am so glad I started reading her books this year Alexa. I am listening to the Kate Daniels series on audio.
Stephanie
I love Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series and am intrigued by this. The blurb ad the cover imply that it is more romancey than KD – is this true? That’s not a problem but I like to be prepared:0).
kimbacaffeinate
Yes and no. There is a lot of wooing, but the plot is well balanced. I would say this is UF with a healthy dose of romance on the side. Slow-burn though.
Berls
“Orgasm for your mouth” hehehe love it! Well you already put this on my radar, but there’s just so much to love based on the review. Snipper mom? Love! And I adore snarky banter and a well crafted world’s a must! Bumping it up my tbr!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh the secondary characters were wonderful. Enjoy Berls!
blodeuedd
Hopefully I will get it for xmas :/
kimbacaffeinate
Yes it is one you need to own:)
PurpleBook
I’m so excited about reading this book! I’m a huge fan of their Kate Daniels series and I know this has to be good, too. Glad you loved it, great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy. I am listening to the second Kate Daniels book now.
Katherine
A main character who doesn’t whine and a good dash of snark? Sounds like my kind of book! I’ve heard so many great things about this author and I’m heading towards MUST read territory. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try this Katherine. It flows wonderfully.
Angela Adams
“endearing characters” — always the best aspect of a book. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Angela. I look forward to continuing this.
Stormi
I haven’t read this author so I think this could be a good series to start with as it sounds great! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, this is perfect to introduce this duo.
Heidi
An orgasm in your mouth, now that is an interesting way to describe this. Christy was screaming high praise for this as well. I have it up soon and it is my first Andrews book. Can’t wait.
kimbacaffeinate
Ha..now remember I am comparing it to the perfect cup of coffee my friend.
Candace
I’ve been hearing amazing things about this one! I’ll definitely have to give it a read!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy! I am excited to read more.
Lauren H
After reading your review and Christy’s review, I’ve got to read this book! I’ve been in need of a good urban fantasy lately!
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..yeah we may have fan-girled a little. This rocked Lauren, enjoy!
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
Just skimming since I’m wanting to read this soon but YAY!! They’re such a fantastic writing team. SO glad to see this kicked off awesome.
kimbacaffeinate
No worries, I work really hard to avoid spoilers. Enjoy this one Anna..it rocked!
Anna Simpson
This sounds like soooo much fun. Can I read it as a stand-alone or do I have to wait for the series to end? I just gotta know 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
kimbacaffeinate
It is slated for three books, it ended well so but its up to you.
Rita
I’m guessing that you don’t have to had read any of the authors’ other series to understand/enjoy this one–this isn’t a spin-off? I am aware of the accolades for the Kate Daniels’ series, but never read it.
This grabbed me, maybe because of the alternate realism setting, hey it’s a real place, Houston, just with…more. And relatively clean..yay..always on the lookout for UF that is in my comfort zone, such as P. Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series, which I read most of and enjoyed.
kimbacaffeinate
This a totally new urban fantasy and is slated as a trilogy. I adore the Mercedes Thompson series too Rita.
Jenny
WOO HOO!!! My review of this one is going up Thursday, and like you Kim, I absolutely loved it!!! Nevada and her family were fantastic, and I’m madly in love with Mad Rogan. I foresee his, ahem, ability making things interesting for the two of them in future books 😉 *fans self*
Bea
I love the premise of this book and Nevada sounds fantastic! I don’t love the Kate Daniels series but it’s good and I did love Clean Sweep. I think I’d like this one.
kimbacaffeinate
I thought the first Kate Daniels book was just ok. I am listening to book two now and enjoying it more.
Lupdilup
Fantastic review Kimba! I’m only in the half mark but I already see all the elements I love in Ilona Andrews writing. What a team!!! They are masters at creating delicious sexual tension, and I LOVE THAT 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Are you listening? This is one I might want on audio too..LOL
Lupdilup
I devoured the audio Kimba…5 stars all around 🙂
Nick
Can you believe it, Kim? I have not read anything by Illona Andrews and I know you and a lot of readers are a huge fan. Love the sound of the banter and the snark between the couple. I think I’ll check this out at the library.
Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Until this year neither had I. I listened to book one of Kate Daniels and thought it was meh. Then I read an interview with the feminine side of Andrews and she told someone who asked a question to skip book one. So it got me thinking she wasn’t impressed either :snort:. Now I am listening to book 2 and loving it. Burn for Me is brilliant and you really need to try it.
kindlemom1
Yay! You and Christy both loved this, now I know for sure I have to read it!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh yes Ali..I am sure you will love the heck out of this too!
Kristin
I am freakin’ lovin’ this right now!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m only at 40% and it’s killing me to put it down!! BEST UF I’ve read in the longest time!!!! It’s killing me I’m so busy right now 🙁 btw – I’m not sick or anything, just doin’ a ton of other stuff that’s makin’ me a bad a blogger! I’m not protesting or anything 😉
I am so glad I saw a few weeks back on GR that you loved this or else I wouldn’t have picked this up so soon! I personally think the cover is kind of weak. But that’s just me… I really need the rest of their series!!!!!!!!!!!!! *pounds keyboard furiously*
Miss ya girlie!!! *hugs*
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo! I am so glad you snagged it. Yes the cover is kinda paranormal romance. You aren’t a bad blogger you are just busy, busy, busy. Happy Tuesday sweetie!
Jennifer Bielman
OMG, the characters sound so awesome. I can’t believe I didn’t grab this ARC. I was blind to it until it was too late. I am buying it of course. Andrews is my fav authors EVER!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy it made me giddy 🙂
Glass
I’ve just read Christy’s review and now yours, and both of you loved it. I guess I am adding another book to my endless TBR list.
I still haven’t read anything by Ilona Andrews, but I plan to start Kate Daniels soon.
Great review, Kimberly. Thank you for making me excited about discovering new author. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
I am listening to Kate Daniels on audio *book 2*
Christy
Yes! They have completely won me over, and now I fan-girl over Ilona Andrews. lol
kimbacaffeinate
aaand now we wait.
Kristin
Here, here!!! 🙂
Melliane
I’m so happy to see you had such a wonderful time with the book as well. I loved loved loved it! I’m glad it’s a trilogy about these characters because I totally fell in loved with them. Can’t wait for more! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh me too because I want more!