Burn for Me

This series start from popular author Andrews serves up a refreshing new magical society, excellent world-building, beguiling characters, and strong storytelling. The Osiris serum, discovered in 1863, activated latent human magical talents. In the novel’s alternate present, families with strong magical lineage are now dynasties called Houses, and they rule the world. Nevada Baylor of Houston’s Baylor Investigative Agency is from an ordinary family, meaning she has little magical talent and thus must rely on more mundane abilities to survive. Under contract to an influential House, she reluctantly accepts a mission that will make or break her family’s company. Along the way, she tangles with Mad Rogan, an incredibly powerful scion who renounced his House. Fighting her attraction to Mad Rogan at every step, Nevada must capture the bad guy, unsnarl layers of deception, and come to terms with her own magical heritage if she is to survive. The pace and plot start slowly but soon quicken. Romantic sparks and a tangled mystery make this a lively, impressive series debut. Agency: Nancy Yost Literary Agency. (Nov.)