A week or so ago, in the need of some decent brain candy, I put out a plea for urban fantasy recommendations. I can’t remember which kind Cannonballer came up with this one, but I’m grateful nonetheless.
Nevada Baylor is a private detective in a small ‘family’ business, albeit one that’s been bought out by a much bigger business – in this case one of the many ruling Houses that make up this world. This is a world where magic exists, with different types and various strengths, and the powerful Houses are essentially the most magical families who have risen to the top thanks to their talents and selective breeding (much like aristocratic marriages). One of the sons of these families, a pyrokinetic named Adam Pierce, has gone rogue and his House want him brought in alive. Which is where Nevada comes in.
Unfortunately for Nevada, she’s not the only one on Adam’s trail. The police would quite like a word, as would ‘Mad’ Rogan, a Prime (the highest level of magic user) from a rival House with a terrifying past (hence the nickname). Being nowhere near Prime level herself, Nevada finds herself having to team up with Mad Rogan, and insanely attracted to him despite her misgivings.
This was an entertaining read and I enjoyed learning about how this world and magical system works, as well as Nevada’s family dynamic which accounts for a lot of her motivation. I also rather enjoyed the tension between her and Mad Rogan and, while I’m sure they’ll end up together over the course of the books, I’m also interested to see how we get there.
The book cover is bloody terrible though.
It’s kind of running joke among Ilona stans that they get stuck with the worst covers, and this series is particularly egregious. White Hot (#2) is probably the worst of the lot.
I’m pretty sure White Hot has the worst book cover of any book I own or have ever read.
I’ve just downloaded it, me eyes!! Thank crepes it’s on kindle so people don’t judge me on the bus.