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Hidden Legacy [Dramatized Adaptation] #1

Burn For Me [Dramatized Adaptation]

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In this spellbinding first dramatized audiobook in #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews's urban fantasy Hidden Legacy series, private detective Nevada Baylor navigates her way through an alternate world where dynasties, built on inherited wealth and magic, guide the course of humanity.

Nevada Baylor runs a small-time detective agency in Houston, Texas, busting scammers, exposing cheaters, and dealing with petty criminals. She's very good at her job–helped by a magical ability to sense when someone tells the truth or lies. But when she's forced into accepting a case to find a radical pyrotechnic who can conjure heat and fire at will, Nevada knows she's out of her league. To bring him to justice, she'll have to join forces with someone who wields an even more dangerous power.

Connor “Mad” Rogan is a former combat mage, a telekinetic singularly responsible for mass destruction in war-torn countries, and a member of one of the most powerful magic families in the world. His nephew has been kidnapped by the fugitive pyromaniac, and Nevada is his best chance at finding them both. But unlike Nevada, Connor could care less about societal law and order, and has no qualms about extinguishing his family's enemy.

Bound by their mission, Nevada and Connor clash over their tactics and moral beliefs, even as things undeniably heat up between them. But the man they're chasing is involved in a darker conspiracy that threatens to destroy the city–and destabilize the balance of power the elite magical families use to influence every nation on Earth.

Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!

9 pages, Audiobook

Published April 25, 2025

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About the author

Ilona Andrews

156 books35.5k followers
Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)

Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.

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5 stars
197 (51%)
4 stars
131 (34%)
3 stars
49 (12%)
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4 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Melindam.
908 reviews439 followers
January 21, 2026
Just for the record: the 3 star rating is for the Graphic Audio production and not for the book itself, which is a strong 4-4,5 stars. (Book review)

As IMO Graphic Audio did a really great job with all the Innkeeper books by Ilona Andrews, I had high hopes for Hidden Legacy as well.

And now I feel, well, gently let down, I guess.

The production as whole is quite good, but the choice for 2 crucial characters -Rogan and Augustine- is a complete mystery to me. The production managed to come up with 2 of the blandest, most nondescript male voices imaginable. Leaping off the recording they aren't.
I kept struggling with imagining those 2 powerful primes with their strong, distinct personalities, while listening to the voices of 2 average, basic American dudes who could have been car salesmen or ticket inspectors. Hardly what would give you shivers one way or another.

The choice for Cornelius Harrison was also baffling: he was the one who had a distinct, deep, rich voice, incongruous to his personality.

Nevada and Family were OK.

I'm not sure I will buy the next production in the series after this start, but never say never.
Profile Image for Mai ༊*·˚.
341 reviews452 followers
June 11, 2025
4.0 ★— As I’ve already read the story and absolutely love it, I’m just going to review this as a Graphic Audio.

This was a fun listen, but there were a few noticeable little gripes I had.
For one, I enjoyed Nevada’s voice enough, but I sometimes found that the voice actress was laying it on a little thick and overacting. It took me out of a few of the more serious moments, though usually only for a short time.

Now, Rogan’s voice wasn’t a great match, in my opinion. He wasn’t gruff enough, not authoritative. I almost thought he sounded a little too smooth, and that the voice actor would have been a better fit for Augustine.

And Augustine himself sounded far too feeble and old, as opposed to someone who’s supposed to be Rogan’s age mate.

The rest of the cast was great and enjoyable to listen to. I loved hearing the banter between Nevada and Rogan and hearing their little interactions come to life.

Though I did find the more sexy moments a little awkward to listen to, because the voice actress was, once again, overacting a lot. I mean, sensual moments are generally quite awkward in graphic audios, but I found it a little more awkward than usual compared to other productions, because there was a certain amount of breathiness… that was just a lot.

But again, I still had a great time listening to the story that I already enjoy so much, so I’m definitely going to listen to the other installments when they’re released!
Profile Image for Lucie V..
1,409 reviews3,813 followers
April 19, 2026
✅ Characters
✅ Nevada's family
✅ Witty banter & sexual tension
✅ Slow burn
✅ Magical powers
✅ Pace & Plot
✅(🆗) Villain
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: shootings, explosions, fire, and deaths
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️ / 5

4.5 stars

Ilona Andrews never disappoint.

Also, those dramatized adaptations are insanely good. They’re like drugs, and the more I listened to them, the harder it is to enjoy good old “regular” audiobooks. 😬

The magic system is nothing too complicated or original, but it worked well. Some people have magic: it can be elemental, telekinesis, empathy, etc., and their magic is classified according to their level of power. What I liked is how, even though there is still government in place, the world is ruled by the Houses with the most power. They have to adhere to the laws, but they are still the ones ruling the city, and they can get away with a lot, thanks to their money and powers.

The action scenes are good, and I liked seeing the different powers. It had an X-Men vibe at times, and I really enjoyed this book. I flew through it (having the dramatized adaptation also helped, because those are soooooo good). The book has a brisk pace and a good plot that is neither overly complicated nor too simple. I have to say that Adam ended up being a little disappointing, though. He was very intriguing at first, but then,

I can’t find anything to complain about when it comes to Nevada. She is strong, fierce, protective of her family, clever, and badass, but not to the point where she puts he life in danger pointlessly. She knows when to pick a fight to help others, and she knows when to get away and flee. She is the main provider for her family, and it shows in her decisions. She can’t just think about herself; she has people depending on her, so she can’t take too many risks, and she can’t make too many enemies because it could put her family in harm’s way. I like that this protectiveness and the responsibility she bears show in her work. Her family is not a nice accessory to add some cute moments to the book; they truly affect how Nevada thinks and behaves, and they do impact the story, because they will fight to the death to protect her, just as she would for them.

The one thing I still wonder about is why Nevada decided to hide her powers. I get that she was not interested in working with the army or the police and spending her life questioning people, but why the need to keep it such a secret? Would there be such pressure that she would have no choice but to cave?

I was not sure about Mad Rogan at first, but he won me over. I can’t do him justice in this review; you have to read the book to understand just how intense, sassy, and dangerous he is. The nickname seemed silly, but he fully embraces it, so I guess it works. I enjoy that he is more than a grumpy recluse in lust with the heroine. He is a hard nut to crack, but he did show some layers in this first book, and I'm glad to see that he is more than abs and a sexy face on legs. We still don’t know much about him, but just like every other strong, powerful, broody alpha man written by Ilona Andrews, I know he will be awesome.

I like the slow-burn. It is obvious from the start that Nevada and Mad Rogan are attracted to each other, but Nevada does not want to get involved with him. To begin with, he did kidnap and mildly torture her, and it made me smile how she would scream at herself that he was not nice every time her body would react to him. She also knows having a relationship with Mad Rogan will only end with her feelings being hurt, because she doesn’t do casual sex. She needs emotional connection, and he is so out of her league, because of his power, his name, and his money, that there is no way he could ever want more than to toy with her. She knows he only wants her because she resisted him, and she is trying really hard to tamp down her own attraction to him, because it will lead nowhere good. to

“Yes, I’m a hermit. Mostly I brood,” Mad Rogan said. “Also I’m very good at wallowing in self-pity. I spend my days steeped in melancholy, looking out the window. Occasionally a single tear quietly rolls down my cheek.” Arabella and Lina snickered in unison.


The witty banter between Nevada and Rogan is awesome. They are both strong, stubborn, and quick, and it led to great snark and sarcasm, mixed with a good dose of sexual tension, and I loved it. The way Mad teases and interacts with Nevada’s family is so cute and wholesome. I love that he is a grumpy hermit, but can also be self-deprecating, and he shows a kinder side when he is with them, proving to Nevada that he is more than a cold-hearted killer… But only when he cares to put in the effort. 😅

Nevada’s family is amazing. They so obviously love each other to death and have such a fun dynamic. Her mom and grandma are strong, badass women, and her sisters and cousins just add some chaos to the mix. It is nice to see a strong heroine in a paranormal series who is close to her family. Too often, the heroine is alone or has estranged family members that are only mentioned or brought in as plot devices, then are forgotten again (like Mercy Thompson, Alice Worth, or Kate Daniels).

I knew I would probably enjoy this series, seeing as Ilona Andrews has yet to disappoint me, but I am pleasantly surprised with how engaging this book was and how quickly I devoured it. I can’t wait to get more of Rogan, Nevada, and her awesome family.


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Profile Image for steph.
420 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2025
3.75 stars

I enjoyed this a lot and it was a lovely accompaniment to my day out yesterday, but I will admit that the casting choices didn't really work for me. I couldn't help but feel that Marissa Clay would have worked better as the middle sister, Catalina (who gets her own trilogy later), rather than the eldest, Nevada. Something about her voice and acting here just telegraphed someone a little younger, with less experience than Nevada has. I was also perplexed by the choice for Rogan, as the actor lacked the power and authoritative sound I imagined for a character like him.

Someone on Reddit also commented that the voices are not very distinct despite this being a full cast production, and I have to agree. Unlike in Innkeeper and Kate Daniels, no one here had a voice that's particularly memorable, and sometimes I wasn't always entirely sure who was speaking. I will still listen to the other books in the series though, and I'm definitely looking forward to hearing more of the Baylors!
Profile Image for Therése.
172 reviews7 followers
December 22, 2025
2.5
This didn't work for me. I read the e-book until about 30% where I started the GraphicAudio. Which was a mistake. I love all of IA's other GraphicAudios but this one was not great.

Nevada was mostly shouting, like all the time. Given the circumstances, it's totally fair but it's not very pleasant to listen to. She's overacting and laying it on way too thick and it just took me out of the story. Other voices are too similar and honestly I can remember maybe 5 characters tops.

Rogan sounds like a generic american man and he's a huge asshole. Most male leads are assholes in IA's stories but Rogan did absolutely nothing for me. Nevada is constantly horny for him (narrated in great detail every chapter) but always backs away for very real reasons. He's like "Hmmm I see you're playing hard to get, don't worry you will soon beg for more" and if that's your thing, you'll like this. I just found it cringy this time, and it's entirely possible it's only because of the actor.

I can't really tell if I would have enjoyed this if the production was better or if I just don't like this series. It feels like a washed out version of Kate Daniels who has a family.
Profile Image for Sharon.
547 reviews22 followers
July 3, 2025
This is one of my favorite all time books. The two stars is for the dramatized audio, not the book itself.

The casting was all wrong and it just destroyed the book for me. Rogan’s voice was so annoying and there was zero chemistry between he and Nevada. Nevada was better but she punched like every other word she said.

All the humor was gone. Oh, and the added moaning during the sexy parts was just disturbing. I was literally grimacing.

I’m so sad!!! But the good news is I can just go back to reading my favorite book and enjoying it just as much as I always have.
Profile Image for Amanda Grace.
875 reviews60 followers
July 28, 2026
Relisten January 2026. I didn't think I could love this series more, but I do. This is a comfort read/listen for me in any format, but there is something special about the Graphic Audio version. I am beyond excited for Wildfire to release on January 20th. Highly Recommend!

Original Review:

Graphic audio continues to impress with their casting. They brought one of my favorite UF books to life in a spectacular way. I cannot wait for the rest.
Profile Image for Daisy Delfin.
1,580 reviews185 followers
January 25, 2026
Thank you Helen and Cee for doing a br with me. We are reading the whole series.

Reading Hidden Legacy Nevada Baylor #1-#3 was a lot of fun.
It took me the first 20% of Burn for me to get into the book. But after that I was hooked. I love the Main Characters Nevada and Rogan but also the side characters. I love the Baylor family, because they are close and thick as thieves.
So the 80% of book were finished as fast as I could, but you know life, work and stuff gives me sometime little or no reading time. But it was very good.

I like that Rogan as a character has so many facets that Nevada has different names for them: there is Conner, Rogan and Mad Rogan. He became very protective of Nevada and her family. At first he didn't show much emotions but after Nevada and Rogan meet this changes. She is the partner in crime he was looking for. Nevada is loyal and such a good person. She takes care of her family.

While it feels like the story is finished with book 1 it's only Adam's story that ends badly. The next two books are about other people, but a conspiracy which isn't unraveled after book 3.

Edit 2025: Recently Burn for me was released as a graphicaudio with many narrators. I wanted to wait till all are out, but I also wanted to know whether I like it or not. I do not like it, I looove it. It's really great. And now I have to wait till the other two books will be released.

Book 3 -6 is about Catalina, but I want books for so many sidecharacters: Arabella, Leon and Bern.
Profile Image for book bruin.
1,599 reviews358 followers
April 11, 2026
I've been looking forward to rereading this series via GraphicAudio, but sadly this dramatized adaptation wasn't the best. The original audiobook with Renee Raudman was OK overall, but I didn't love all of her accents/character voices and had high hopes for this. Unfortunately, the casting choices for Augustine and Rogan confused me. Augustine especially sounded much older than I imagined his character to be. No disrespect to both voice actors and the hard work they put into this audiobook. They just weren't what I was expecting and that impacted my enjoyment of the book (even though I love this series).

My rating for the book remains 4 stars, but this 3 star rating is for the GraphicAudio. You can find my original review of the book (read November 2023) here.
Profile Image for Meredith.
1,453 reviews
April 30, 2025
Full cast narrations are fantastic. However the narrator/Nevada actor was a bit overly dramatic at times with the pronunciation.
Profile Image for alicat ♡➹♡.
897 reviews6 followers
May 10, 2025
5 stars for Burn for Me -1 because I don't love Rogan's narrator :( he's not bad, just not as intense as I imagined.
Profile Image for Lauren Bander.
40 reviews
August 11, 2026
2.5⭐️ I’ve heard great things about Ilona Andrews but I was pretty disappointed in this one. I almost DNF’ed at 90% because the dialogue was so cringy and the developing relationship was so toxic. Not to mention the lack of worldbuilding—telling us about the world we’re in rather than showing us. Andrews threw in some narrative about whatever background info when it was relevant instead of setting it up beforehand. I don’t really like that it was set in an alternative 2010s Houston, Texas, but that’s just a personal preference. If it had been done well, I could’ve looked past it. Adding .5 stars because I did enjoy the plot and they did set us up for the next book in an intriguing way, and if it were better written I might read the next one.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
573 reviews42 followers
July 31, 2026
Funny, enjoyable, problematic MMC, etc. If that's what you're looking for, you'll likely enjoy this. Plus the narration/dramatization is nice.
Profile Image for Angela (Angel's Book Nook).
1,716 reviews979 followers
June 24, 2025
I’m a big fan of Ilona Andrews and love what Graphic Audio has done with the Innkeeper Chronicles and Kate Daniels series. However, someone on the GA team dropped the ball for this one.

I’ve read and listened to the Hidden Legacy series a million times. The story is outstanding and I really enjoyed the Audiobook, but the GA was a bit of a disappointment.

You can read my original reviews for the Novel & Audiobook, plus see my thoughts on the GA.

*****

Graphic Audio 2025: The Graphic Audio is a Movie In Your Mind. I’m disappointed in the GA for Burn For Me.

The story has so much potential, but the conversion seems to have been done for efficiency over characterization. This stinks because we miss out on knowing the characters better, getting the full impact of the story, and if someone is finding this story for the first time they will miss out. The GA could have been so much more.

The casting choices didn't really work for me. Most of the voice actors did great, but a few voices I didn’t care for. Like the voice choice for Rogan. It lacked the power and authoritative sound I imagined for a character like him. Also the voice choice for Nevada. It comes across screechy and hysterical.

Burn For Me is now only good for people who have already read the book. I can’t in good conscience recommend the GraphicAudio to anyone trying this story for the first time

Graphic Audio Version: 3 Stars

*****

~ 5 Burn for Me Stars ~
**(Spoiler Free)**

Original Review 2014: I am a BIG FAN of the writing team Ilona Andrews. I can always count on them to pull me into a magical world full of new dangers and fantastically interesting characters. They are my F*A*V*O*R*I*T*E authors and one of the few I will automatically purchase their books as soon as it’s available.

Burn for Me is book one in the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews and what a magnificent start to a new series. I have been looking forward to reading Burn for Me and I was not disappointed. We get humor, action, adventure, and romance.

Nevada is everything a lead heroine should be. Loyal, smart, witty, and kick ass even with the little power she has. She has been working hard to keep the family PI business going and is very protective of her family. I loved Nevada right off.

Connor “Mad” Rogan, a Prime (off-the-charts magic), rich, powerful, and head of House Rogan. He is pure sex walking on a stick. The House’s rule this world, in a way with their own rules. As for Connor I never could figure him out even at the end and I am hoping more is revealed about him. He is a sociopath (Yes a sociopath) and I don’t know if Nevada should love him or run screaming.

What can I say? This is one you don’t want to miss reading. The author creates instantly likable characters that are hilarious and have great dynamics between them. Nevada’s grandmother was a hoot. The world-building is awe-inspiring and original. We are spared no shortage of action or plot developments. The writing flows nicely and they do an extraordinary job of describing things in great detail. Burn for Me was a delightful, hilarious, and action packed read.

If you have not picked up Ilona Andrews, I highly recommend you do. I have loved and enjoyed all of Ilona Andrews' written works. They have not once let me down and I wait with great anticipation for the next installment.

*****

Aug. 2017 Audio Review: I tried out the audiobook and I found it to be entertaining, enjoyable, & a fun listen. I did have trouble with the female narrator and her male voices at first, but I got used to them. She had a lot of characters she needed to voice and I felt she did a good job.

Audio Version: 4 Stars
Profile Image for Meredith.
669 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2025
There aren’t enough words for how much I love the Hidden Legacy series and Nevada and Rogan’s world. Burn for Me is the only book ever that I’ve re-read immediately after finishing it. This series (along with all of the authors’ work) is a comfort read for me. But this is my first go with the Graphic Audio version, and I couldn’t be happier with the adaptation!

The beautiful world building is adeptly explained and expounded on naturally throughout the narrative with the signature dry humor and wit of Ilona Andrews. Nevada is a smart, capable and strategic FMC and her inner dialogue is hilarious. Mad Rogan is everything we love in a MMC - too tough, maybe too alpha, sexy, and still capable of being put in his place by Nevada. We’re introduced to so many of the side characters that really shine - Cornelius (who I come to adore later in the series), Bug (always hysterical), and Nevada’s family - her mom, grandmother, sisters and cousins.

Two things really shine through in the story. The first is that family is everything. Nevada will do anything for her family, even taking a job that is certain to either kill her or take away their business. Even ally with Mad Rogan for the best chance of keeping them safe.

The other theme is the cost of power and what we’re willing to sacrifice in order to keep it or take it from others. Although the immediate conflict is resolved at the end of the story, we’re left with so many questions about the shadow-y organization behind the nefarious plan.

Narration: Marissa Clay voiced Nevada in a way I didn’t expect but really loved! In my head, Nevada is dryer and more sarcastic. Her delivery is more deadpan in my brain. Clay’s narration made Nevada so much more than I imagined! She showcases the character’s doubts, vulnerabilities and desires in a way that I never imagined. Henry W Kramer’s portrayal of Rogan is just as impressive. The determination and arrogance rolls off of him, and you can still hear his complete bewilderment when Nevada doesn’t react how he wants. The production quality is what I’ve come to expect from Graphic Audio - excellence in action. Everything from the sound effects to the background noise to overhearing distant voices is done superbly.

If you’re not reading Hidden Legacy, what are you even doing?
Profile Image for Kat.
2,573 reviews116 followers
April 29, 2025
Basic plot: Nevada Baylor is tapped to find a rogue Prime and discovers the situation is far more complicated than expected.

This is one of my favorite series of books. It is a comfort read that I reread just about every year. The world is superbly created and unique: magical dynasties made by powerful people with lots of money and questionable ethics. Normal people trying to survive the mayhem those families cause. There is heart and humor and snark and action, and I just love the whole thing. This is the book that starts it all.

I love Graphic Audio, so I'm stupid happy that the two things have come together. That said, I have 1 major complaint about this particular book: the actor playing Mad Rogan falls flat. He doesn't capture the intensity of the character and feels really bland, which is disappointing. He may grow on me over time, but right now I'm skeptical.
Profile Image for ROMEOISNOTFUNNY.
898 reviews14 followers
June 7, 2025
The book itself is great. But the Graphic Audio version is a little disappointing. The narrators chosen for the male parts and some of the side characters didn't work very well.
I switched from the original audio to the Graphic version because the book was so good, and I found the "Kate Daniels" audio version was great and made even better by the dramatized Graphic version, I expected the same for "Burn for Me".

So to clarify, the book is great, world build is complex and interesting, same with the characters. There's heat (no smex), action, kidnapping, guns, magic and friend family working banter.

For the Dramatized audiobook, 3 stars
Profile Image for Sabine.
1,049 reviews12 followers
January 24, 2026
I was waiting so long for the damatized adaptation and was not disappointed. This series is the best of all Ilona Andrews series and now the last to be adapted. I cannot wait for the next one and hope that they immediately start with Catalina after the first 3 books. The narrators were doing a fine job and it was all I had hoped for. Already one of my favorite audiobooks. If you haven't tried Graphic Audio or, as they call it, a Dramatized Adaptation, then you should give it a try. Wonderful experience and even better than the normal (and really great) audiobooks.
Profile Image for Jayme.
438 reviews22 followers
May 11, 2025
I love this series, it’s one of my favorites. But I HATE dramatized audiobooks! Do people need background road sounds to imagine two characters riding in a car? I just don’t understand the appeal.

Anyway, the original audiobook has way more personality than this version. 5 stars for the book itself, but do yourself a favor and listen to the original for a better performance.
Profile Image for Austin (Weird).
271 reviews9 followers
to-be-published
April 6, 2025
AHHHHHHHHH BRO I LOVED THIS BOOK


I CAN"T WAIT FOR THE DRAMATIZED ADAPTATION VERSION!!!!!


description
Profile Image for Lori.
494 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2025
I enjoy everything by Ilona Andrews. I first read this book long ago when it first released in paperback. I was super excited to get to enjoy it in GraphicAudio! This version is amazing!!
Profile Image for Erika.
246 reviews7 followers
April 26, 2025
I loved this version just as much as when I read it. But I need the next book now!!
Profile Image for Kris.
16 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2025
This dramatized book kept me hooked through the whole story . love it !
54 reviews
September 26, 2025
Second time reading this book however did the graphic audio. Fantastic!!! Can’t wait til they produce the next book with graphic audio.
Profile Image for Rina.
335 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2026
A little old and no smut BUT pretty good and the FMC is badass.
Profile Image for J.
107 reviews
July 14, 2026
I enjoyed most of the voice actors except for Augustine. I feel his voice would be closer to Rogan’s commanding tone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews