Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews

April 16th, 2015 Kimberly Review 54 Comments

16th Apr
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
Clean Sweep
by Ilona Andrews
Series: Innkeeper Chronicles #1
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Narration: 5 cups

On the outside, Dina Demille is the epitome of normal. She runs a quaint Victorian Bed and Breakfast in a small Texas town, owns a Shih Tzu named Beast, and is a perfect neighbor, whose biggest problem should be what to serve her guests for breakfast. But Dina is...different: Her broom is a deadly weapon; her Inn is magic and thinks for itself. Meant to be a lodging for otherworldly visitors, the only permanent guest is a retired Galactic aristocrat who can’t leave the grounds because she’s responsible for the deaths of millions and someone might shoot her on sight. Under the circumstances, "normal" is a bit of a stretch for Dina. And now, something with wicked claws and deepwater teeth has begun to hunt at night....Feeling responsible for her neighbors, Dina decides to get involved. Before long, she has to juggle dealing with the annoyingly attractive, ex-military, new neighbor, Sean Evans - an alpha-strain werewolf - and the equally arresting cosmic vampire soldier, Arland, while trying to keep her inn and its guests safe. But the enemy she’s facing is unlike anything she’s ever encountered before. It’s smart, vicious, and lethal, and putting herself between this creature and her neighbors might just cost her everything.

Audiobook magical scifi urban

Clean Sweep by writing duo Ilona Andrews is the first in the Innkeeper Chronicles series and once again, I listened with narrator Renee Raudman. A cross between science fiction and urban fantasy, Clean Sweep, was an absolute blast on audio.

What is interesting is how this series began. Longtime fans of the Innkeeper Chronicles will know that this was originally a serial on Gordon and Ilona’s website. I would have loved to be a part of reading it and interacting with them. Having said that, I adore Raudman on audio and I am glad that the Andrews team published it on audio. At just under eight hours, I quickly consumed this and I am eager for more.

The world is fascinating in that magic on Earth is contained in these magical inns scattered all over the Earth. Supernatural creatures come from space to visit Earth and stay at these inns. Cool right?!? I love magical homes, inns, and castles that become almost characters themselves. A keeper runs each inn and Dina our protagonist, is an innkeeper. They protect the guest, keep humans from learning about them and remain neutral during times of dispute, war etc. Poor Dina does not have the luxury when her town is threatened. Oh boy!

“…Something isn’t right with you and this property. Strange things happen around it. I don’t know what is going on, but I will find out. You could make it easier on yourself by coming clean.”
“Sure. This is a magic bed-and-breakfast and the two guys in my kitchen are aliens from outerspace.”

“You will show that thing to me and from now on, I will deal with them.” I opened my eyes really wide and fluttered my eyelashes at him. “I’m sorry, I must’ve missed your coronation ceremony. Silly me.”

We get a little romance with two suitors. One might infer a love triangle, but it is not developed enough to cast labels and Dina clearly lets us know whom she favors with a running thought commentary in her head that I found hilarious. We have Arland and Sean, an alpha werewolf vying for her attentions and aiding with the threat to both inn and community. Andrews weaved in snark, made the male figures alluring and humorous for our benefit. In typical Andrews fashion, they are taking their time developing the romance and that is just fine by me. I look forward to seeing how it all develops.

“I have spent my spare time studying literature popular with young women of this planet. One should always study the battlefield.”
Sean glanced at him. “And?”
“I suggest you give up now. According to my research, in a vampire-werewolf love triangle, the vampire always gets the girl.”

“That suit has gone to your head.” “It’s not the suit, buttercup.” “I don’t do pet names.” “Do you do werewolves?” “Okay, I’m not talking to you anymore.”

Clean Sweep was a winner and further confirmation that I adore the Ilona Andrews writing team and their spectacular world building.

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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

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54 Responses to “Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews”

  1. Olivia

    I think it is pretty cool that this book started as being written on the website and then transformed into something else – it being published as an actual book. I know how much you loved Ilona Andrews other series so I will be trying out this one as well.

  4. Cyn

    Yay! I’m happy to see you enjoyed this one!! I thought it was quite hilarious and I loved that Dina was pretty baddass and didn’t rely on the boys. Also, the vampire/werewolf pop reference, fantastic!

    Can’t wait for the next book! Great review, Kim!

  5. Benish

    Wow you must have really liked the authors work – the premise does sound refreshing though. Lovely review.

  6. kara-karina

    It was a beautiful read, Kimba! So glad you are enjoying the heck out of Andrewses 🙂 Can’t wait until they publish the next one!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree…I love the audio versions and cannot wait

  7. Lauren

    Ooh I need to read these! I need to catch up on Kate Daniels first. Sounds like audio is the way to go when I’m ready to move on to this series!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hopefully by the time you catch up book two will be out 🙂

  8. Bookworm Brandee

    I’m so happy you’re continuing to love the Andrews, Kimba. I started off reading Clean Sweep on their blog but got behind because of life, so I was glad they published it as well. I think the thing I love the most about them is their snark. I know I’m in for a good time when I read them. 🙂 I may just have to give them a shot in audio, though. Great review!

  9. Christy

    Yup, I need to read this one. I think I’ll save it for after I’ve read all the available KD books.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, smart idea…cause now I am anxious for more. Did you read Burn for Me?

      • Christy

        Mmmhmm.. so I’m waiting for the 2nd book. I’ll eventually start the other series … The Edge once I run out.

  12. Megan McDade

    I have never read anything by these authors together or separately but this sounds so so good! Like as in so good I need it NOW!!

  13. Red Iza

    Already on my list, but I moved it up on the “next” shelf 😉

  14. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    Obviously these two can do no wrong. I loved this book and I loved Dina’s voice so much. I chose not to read book 2 as a serial, but wait for it all to come out instead. I just know I can’t handle waiting for the next part to be written. I’d rather wait for the whole thing.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I haven’t either, I prefer the audio so I will be waiting too

  15. Sophia Rose

    I didn’t know about this series. Oh thank you, thank you!

    Their creative minds are so amazing to come up with stuff like this. It would have definitely been fun to read and interact with the serials.

  16. Mary

    I adore this writing pair and everything they create. Loved this new series…I think there’s the second one on their blog, maybe? (Haven’t had time to look for it but I saw something about it on Twitter.)

    • kimbacaffeinate

      There is but I am waiting for audio. I adore their books on audio

  19. Heidi

    I am looking forward to listening to the audio, Thanks again! I am currently on book four of Kate Daniels so once I am through those, I will check this out. I am up for lots more humor and snark. I wish I had gotten in on this when it was a serial as well.

  20. Sarah

    I still have a new-ish book from Ilonna Andrews sitting on the TBR list in my bedroom waiting for my attention and now I have to add this one to the list! It sounds so good, I am always excited when I see the duo has started a new series 😀 Omg, I love that quote though: “That suit has gone to your head.” “It’s not the suit, buttercup.” “I don’t do pet names.” “Do you do werewolves?” “Okay, I’m not talking to you anymore.”
    Sooo much giggling ensued. I am so purchasing this book ASAP.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh there are so many lines worthy to be quoted. I have loved everything I have listened to or read by them Sarah.

  22. Ramona

    One word on this: awesome! The concept is unbelievable, right? A good unbelievable, obviously made in fact highly believable by a team of experienced storytellers who are very good at what they do. I’m looking forward to exploring this series, it sounds like a blast. Lovely review, Kimba.

  23. Nick

    Seriously, it seems like every book that this duo writes is a winner for almost everyone, Kim! You’re making me so impatient about starting the Kate Daniels series. I’m glad you liked this book as well. It sounds very exciting. I might wait to hear your thoughts on the next book to really confirm that there’s no triangle. I’m just sick of them these days.
    Lovely review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am not at all worried by the triangle, and it is so different when presented in adult novels

  24. kindlemom1

    Glad the love triangle aspects are fleshed out, I’m so tired of those lately! I have this and now I just need to make time to read it, especially after reading your review.

  25. Jenny

    I can’t wait to read this Kim! While love triangles drive me absolutely batty in YA, they don’t bother me nearly as much in UF, and it sounds like this one isn’t really a true triangle since she has a definite preference:) Ilona Andrews can do no wrong for me!!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I feel the same way Jenny and it didn’t bother me..just healthy competition.

  26. Lexxie

    This series is so good! I have been keeping up with the 2nd book in the series, which is being published in instalment on the authors’ website once more.
    And I need to check out the narrator, too. Your review made me want to re-read, but that’s just impossible with all the new books I have on my kindle.
    Happy Thursday, Kim.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am waiting for the audio..but I bet you are having a blast with the installments

  27. Renee

    I have just started reading this author team, and I am loving the writing style so far, I really liked the quotes that you shared.

  29. Melliane

    Oh yes I really enjoyed this one as well! It was the first book excepr the Kate Daniels I’ve tried and it made me want to everything that they wrote. I really loved it and I can’t wait for the second to be out now! Great review!