Audiobook Review: Burn for Me(Hidden Legacy #1) by Ilona Andrews

11/20/2014

Audiobook Review: Burn for Me(Hidden Legacy #1) by Ilona Andrews

#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.

Audiobook

Published October 28th 2014 by HarperAudio
Source: Purchased

Four and a half stars: Exciting, Thrilling, funny and oh so good!

Nevada Baylor at twenty five, is the primary investigator and main bread winner for her family and their business: Baylor Investigations. When Nevada is given a suicide mission by the man who holds the business mortgage, she has no choice but to go after the crazed, pyromaniac Adam Black, otherwise her family will lose everything. Just when things can't get any worse, Nevada is kidnapped by Mad Rogan, a man with immense power and a dangerous reputation. Nevada unexpectedly finds herself working with Mad Rogan to track down Adam Black, and no matter how hard she tries to convince herself that Mad Rogan is insane and dangerous, she can't squelch her inexplicable attraction. Can Nevada and Mad Rogan survive the suicide mission?

What I Liked:

Just what I needed.... a breath of fresh air with this solid, exciting and highly entertaining first book in a new series. I am ashamed to admit this is my first foray with Ilona Andrews, but after this exceptional read, it won't be my last. If you are craving a terrific Urban Fantasy book, grab this one.
This book has exceptional world building. It is set in our world, with one big difference. Back in the 1800s, a serum was developed that gave humans magical powers. Fast forward a couple hundred years, and you have world with humans who have some interesting talents. I enjoyed the detail with the world building, and I especially liked exploring this alternate version of the United States. The trip to the swampy portion of Houston was fascinating. The world building is expertly laid out with enough explanations to give you the big picture, but not so much that it burdens the story and slows the pace.
Along with outstanding world building you have an entertaining cast of characters. Nevada is a fierce, courageous, altruistic and kick butt heroine who is easy to like. I admired her determination, and I especially appreciated that she refused to let go of the reins and let some man sweep in and take care of her and all her problems, even though it was so tempting. Mad Rogan is a bad boy with lots of shades of gray. He may be a bit crazed, and he doesn't hesitate to kill when necessary, but underneath all the hype is a kind heart and someone who takes care of his own. I liked that he was complexed and layered. The secondary cast is just as entertaining as Nevada and Mad Rogan. I loved Nevada's family especially Grandma Frieda. It was nice to see the strong family bond. Even the villain is interesting, and at times a bit likable.
Lots of action and thrills in this one. I liked that the story moved quickly with plenty of danger. There is not a dull moment in this book.
I liked that there were bits of humor sprinkled throughout that lightened up the read.
I was pleasantly surprised with the romance or lack thereof. From the cover, I was expecting a steamy romance, but don't let the cover fool you, this one is a solid UF. There are the hints of a romance in the works and lots of sparks of attraction, but nothing concrete yet. Instead it is a tantalizing dance of antagonistic banter. I can't wait to see how this one plays out, and I so admired Nevada for the way she handled things.
Even though this is the first in the series, I was pleased to find that it had a solid conclusion. The main story line is concluded, but then at the end, there is a jaw dropping reveal that left me itching for the next book. I want it now!

And The Not So Much:

What is up with the cheesy cover? I actually hesitated requesting this one because it gave offa trashy romance vibe, but thankfully the cover is misleading. This is not a paranormal romance it is solid Urban fantasy. There is a hot kissing scene but nothing more, no ripping off of clothing or smexy time. So if you are going into this looking for a romance that matches the cover, you will be sorely disappointed.

I listened to the audiobook version and it took me awhile to settle in with the narrator. Renee Raudman narrates this book, and she does an excellent job, but for whatever reason, it took me some time to click with her voice. I also found that there was a lot of information to take in, and I struggled a bit keeping everything straight, I think this would have been a book better suited for reading for me rather than listening to it. Just a personal issue. If you are a visual learner, you may do better reading vs. listening.

Burn For Me was exceptional and outstanding read. I loved this action packed Urban Fantasy with terrific characters, exceptional world building, an exciting story line, and just a touch of romance. If you are on the hunt for something thrilling and wonderful, do yourself a favor and get this one immediately. Ignore the cheesy cover, it is an amazing read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

Posted on 11/20/2014 at 12:00 AM in Audiobook Reviews | Permalink

Comments

#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.

Audiobook

Published October 28th 2014 by HarperAudio
Source: Purchased

Four and a half stars: Exciting, Thrilling, funny and oh so good!

What I Liked:

Just what I needed.... a breath of fresh air with this solid, exciting and highly entertaining first book in a new series. I am ashamed to admit this is my first foray with Ilona Andrews, but after this exceptional read, it won't be my last. If you are craving a terrific Urban Fantasy book, grab this one.
This book has exceptional world building. It is set in our world, with one big difference. Back in the 1800s, a serum was developed that gave humans magical powers. Fast forward a couple hundred years, and you have world with humans who have some interesting talents. I enjoyed the detail with the world building, and I especially liked exploring this alternate version of the United States. The trip to the swampy portion of Houston was fascinating. The world building is expertly laid out with enough explanations to give you the big picture, but not so much that it burdens the story and slows the pace.
Along with outstanding world building you have an entertaining cast of characters. Nevada is a fierce, courageous, altruistic and kick butt heroine who is easy to like. I admired her determination, and I especially appreciated that she refused to let go of the reins and let some man sweep in and take care of her and all her problems, even though it was so tempting. Mad Rogan is a bad boy with lots of shades of gray. He may be a bit crazed, and he doesn't hesitate to kill when necessary, but underneath all the hype is a kind heart and someone who takes care of his own. I liked that he was complexed and layered. The secondary cast is just as entertaining as Nevada and Mad Rogan. I loved Nevada's family especially Grandma Frieda. It was nice to see the strong family bond. Even the villain is interesting, and at times a bit likable.
Lots of action and thrills in this one. I liked that the story moved quickly with plenty of danger. There is not a dull moment in this book.
I liked that there were bits of humor sprinkled throughout that lightened up the read.
I was pleasantly surprised with the romance or lack thereof. From the cover, I was expecting a steamy romance, but don't let the cover fool you, this one is a solid UF. There are the hints of a romance in the works and lots of sparks of attraction, but nothing concrete yet. Instead it is a tantalizing dance of antagonistic banter. I can't wait to see how this one plays out, and I so admired Nevada for the way she handled things.
Even though this is the first in the series, I was pleased to find that it had a solid conclusion. The main story line is concluded, but then at the end, there is a jaw dropping reveal that left me itching for the next book. I want it now!

And The Not So Much:

What is up with the cheesy cover? I actually hesitated requesting this one because it gave offa trashy romance vibe, but thankfully the cover is misleading. This is not a paranormal romance it is solid Urban fantasy. There is a hot kissing scene but nothing more, no ripping off of clothing or smexy time. So if you are going into this looking for a romance that matches the cover, you will be sorely disappointed.

I listened to the audiobook version and it took me awhile to settle in with the narrator. Renee Raudman narrates this book, and she does an excellent job, but for whatever reason, it took me some time to click with her voice. I also found that there was a lot of information to take in, and I struggled a bit keeping everything straight, I think this would have been a book better suited for reading for me rather than listening to it. Just a personal issue. If you are a visual learner, you may do better reading vs. listening.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.