Burn for Me is the first book in a new Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews.  This came highly recommended (thanks to Danya at Fine Print!) and I’m certainly glad of the recommendation as I think the cover would probably have put me off reading this one as it looks more like a paranormal romance which is not really something I read a lot of.  Don’t be distracted by the cover though as this is more Urban Fantasy with the hint of a potential romance.

The setting is an alternate world where during the 1800s a serum was developed that basically unlocked previously unknown of magical capabilities in regular, everyday people.  Eventually use of the serum stopped but the damage had already been done and the magical capabilities unleashed passed down amongst families.  Powerful magical families arose and marriages between those with strong capabilities sought in order to increase magical capability.

Nevada is a private detective and whilst some members of her family have magical capabilities they are not powerful and do not have a high social standing and Nevada is believed to be without any magical talent at all.  This is of course incorrect as she is capable of detecting lies which is an incredibly useful ability given her line of work.  She keeps this capability secret in order not to become sought after by those who would use her as an interrogator and take over her life.

At the start of the story Nevada is strong armed into taking a case that she has little hopes of achieving success with.  To bring in a highly powerful magical man who is wanted for murder.  Nevada isn’t the only person searching however.  It seems that this young man’s family are anxious to find him before the police do so and have asked for help from one of the most powerful, unstable and notorious magic users – Mad Rogan.   Of course it’s sort of inevitable that the two will become embroiled together in the search and as they spend more time together it appears that Mad Rogan begins to develop a new interest in Nevada, an interest that although she tries to ignore she can’t deny her own underlying attraction to this man who is so totally out of her league and social standing not to mention incredibly dangerous and ruthless.  There is undeniable chemistry between the two and although, as I said above, this isn’t a paranormal romance, I can’t deny that the sexual tension between the two makes for compelling reading.

I won’t elaborate further on the plot.  What I will say is this was a very entertaining and quick read.  I really liked the character Nevada and will enjoy reading more of her exploits.  The world building is not overpowering and the plot keeps you focused.  I will definitely read the next in series and in fact enjoyed this so much that I’m more than tempted to go and back read some of this author’s previous works.  And, here is the cover!