ARC Review: White Hot by Ilona Andrews (Hidden Legacy #2)

White Hot
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #2
Release Date: May 30, 2017
Get it Here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Synopsis:

The Hidden Legacy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews continues as Nevada and Rogan navigate a world where magic is the norm…and their relationship burns hot.

Nevada Baylor has a unique and secret skill—she knows when people are lying—and she’s used that magic (along with plain, hard work) to keep her colorful and close-knit family’s detective agency afloat. But her new case pits her against the shadowy forces that almost destroyed the city of Houston once before, bringing Nevada back into contact with Connor “Mad” Rogan.

Rogan is a billionaire Prime—the highest rank of magic user—and as unreadable as ever, despite Nevada’s “talent.” But there’s no hiding the sparks between them. Now that the stakes are even higher, both professionally and personally, and their foes are unimaginably powerful, Rogan and Nevada will find that nothing burns like ice …

Note: This is the sequel to Burn For Me, but the review will not have major spoilers for the series.

Thank you Edelweiss and Avon for the review copy!

This sequel to Ilona Andrews’s Hidden Legacy series was seriously smoldering. The title is White Hot, and it is SERIOUSLY hot. *fans self* The Andrews team always has successful Urban Fantasies, and this one is no different! You’ll definitely have to pick up the first book, Burn For Me, before starting this one, though. Not only does Andrews explore family dynamics with Nevada’s loving and large family, but it also focuses on the slow burn romance with Mad Rogan, as well as a discovery of Nevada’s power that could change the path of her life. The world is really intricate, and so is the magic system, making for a compelling read that will never have a boring moment.

In White Hot, we follow Nevada Baylor’s story as a private investigator in a world where magic-wielders are at the top of the hierarchy. Her power is to discern whether people are telling the truth or not, which works well with her occupation. But throughout the series (and especially in book 2), Nevada discovers that her power might be a bit more… and sees changes in her simple PI life because of these discoveries. However, what stays consistent is the love and support she receives from her family, who are absolutely rambunctious and brimming with energy and optimism. Whether it’s Nevada’s lovable younger cousin who craves for adventure or grandma that is full of boundless enthusiasm, each member was drawn out pretty well and you can really tell the depths of their love to each other.

Another relationship that is explored really well in the book is the rather slow burn romance with Nevada and Rogan. Rogan is a Prime – basically at the zenith of the magic hierarchy who has a bunch of money and influence. Nevada comes into contact with him through her investigation, however, and their relationship just progresses from there. They both provide the other with services for the investigation that will benefit them both, so it all works out. I also really love their couple dynamics. Nevada is fierce and loyal, which is clearly evident by the discreet ways she does her investigations. Rogan is more reticent, and drawn within himself. But he also finds himself gravitating near Nevada’s quiet and rather humble power and her blunt personality that allows for no lies to get past her. There is a push-and-pull dynamic between the two, as Rogan wants to respect Nevada but can’t help feeling protective, even as Nevada tries to keep her independence to herself, without heavy reliance on Rogan. The authors have been leading us up since book 1 though, and sparks pretty much explode in this sequel. The smexy scenes are ooh so delicious and will definitely satisfy readers who have been waiting while reading their hilarious banter.

I always adore Ilona Andrews’s books because of the complex world and how the magic system is set up. There are Houses, which are families that have influential magic, depending on how strong one’s magic is. The magical properties range from physical to mental abilities, and there is an interesting way to get multiple abilities through breeding certain powers (or people) together. These Houses are ruled by Primes, who are basically celebrities (see: Rogan) because they have so much influence in society. There is good discussion on the sacrifices that come with becoming a Prime, though, and the ways that it’ll change a person – for better or for worse.

This was a seriously satisfying sequel for the Hidden Legacy series. Nevada’s upbeat personality, quiet strength, and familial love was such a treasure to see. I adored exploring the kids and adults in her family, as well as the friends and enemies alike who are much more than stereotypes of characters. The romance was SERIOUSLY HOT, as Rogan and Nevada find themselves drawing closer to the other, even with the chances of getting burned. Fans of Urban Fantasy should definitely pick this one up! It’s a trilogy, so only 3 books planned and a much easier read than the 10+ book series out there. I personally enjoy them as mindless romantic reads, but White Hot definitely has more to offer with Nevada’s growth, and the wonderful exploration of relationships throughout the story.