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Infected #11
Legacy
The werecat virus has altered society, and for Roan McKichan, a born infected ex-cop turned private investigator, life is a capricious landscape.
With all the unknowns of his mutating virus, Roan has relocated to Canada, and he should be enjoying early retirement, but his restlessness makes it impossible to walk away from being a detective. Taking on the case of a missing teenager gives Roan the chance to use his heightened senses to see through the deceptions—and reunites him with a few old friends.
As Roan and Dylan adjust to their new reality, everything shifts again… when Roan discovers he might not be alone in his exceptional abilities.
With all the unknowns of his mutating virus, Roan has relocated to Canada, and he should be enjoying early retirement, but his restlessness makes it impossible to walk away from being a detective. Taking on the case of a missing teenager gives Roan the chance to use his heightened senses to see through the deceptions—and reunites him with a few old friends.
As Roan and Dylan adjust to their new reality, everything shifts again… when Roan discovers he might not be alone in his exceptional abilities.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2020
3 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Speed
78 books511 followersSuper nerd. Former EIC at Cx Pulp. I've won Rainbow Awards, and still can't believe it. A small medicinal horse. The Meryl Streep of stunt corpses. Enby.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 1, 2021
So, one of the things I hate (0ne of many if I'm being honest) is when author's decide to wrap up a series and there's this big hoopla......blog tours, q & a's by the author, fans being upset etc and then down the road the author goes "jokes on you" and starts the series back up again. I hate it so much I've stopped reading other authors over it.
BUT.........sometimes hypocrisy rears it's ugly head and that's where we're at now. Cuz this author did everything I hate, had me on pins and needles as to how this series would end, made me feel all the feelz and made me all sad when she ended it. Then out of the blue she brought it back. BUT.....it's Roan. And I love Roan (and his band of misfit friends) to the moon and back so I bought it the second I realized it was out. Within the first few pages I was immediately drawn back in to the world and it felt like I'd never left. I hope she keeps it going this time because I could read this series for many more years. And I know this is a weird thing to say but I hope she writes up until
This was a good story. I liked the plots and the twist with the teen shifter was interesting and could open all kinds of interesting doors. Not happy with where the author is taking my boy Holden but I'm going to hold out hope for future books. Overall it was just really awesome to be back with these guys again.
BUT.........sometimes hypocrisy rears it's ugly head and that's where we're at now. Cuz this author did everything I hate, had me on pins and needles as to how this series would end, made me feel all the feelz and made me all sad when she ended it. Then out of the blue she brought it back. BUT.....it's Roan. And I love Roan (and his band of misfit friends) to the moon and back so I bought it the second I realized it was out. Within the first few pages I was immediately drawn back in to the world and it felt like I'd never left. I hope she keeps it going this time because I could read this series for many more years. And I know this is a weird thing to say but I hope she writes up until
This was a good story. I liked the plots and the twist with the teen shifter was interesting and could open all kinds of interesting doors. Not happy with where the author is taking my boy Holden but I'm going to hold out hope for future books. Overall it was just really awesome to be back with these guys again.
January 17, 2022
I had somehow missed this one when it came out, and was delighted to find myself back with Roan and Dylan. They have now relocated to the Vancouver area, but Roan is finding it impossible to keep his promise to Dylan to take it easy and stop diving into tough detective cases. This should be no surprise to anyone who knows him because seriously, what would that look like? Sitting around the house all day watching his health decline? That has never been Roan's style.
Even Dylan is unsurprised when Roan agrees to look into the case of a missing teenager. The 17-year-old disappeared on his way home from work months earlier. There are no good suspects to a murder, no clues to a voluntary departure or suicide, and not much expectation that Roan can help, but he can't say no. And so Roan digs in, with occasional help from old friends like Scott and Holden, and mostly with his lion senses at the forefront, guiding him. A new synesthesia he's developing complicates his life, but helps him detect lies.
The solution to the case depends on Roan's new paranormal talents, so the story isn't really a who-dunnit with clues for the reader. In fact, the mystery case is only part of the ensemble cast of Dylan's work, Roan's new problems, another teen who is Infected and may be a virus child something like Roan, and the reappearance of old friends (occasionally getting a POV for a chapter.)
For someone like me who loves Roan, this is a welcome chance to watch what he's doing now, and to see him interact with folks old and new. There are occasional moments when the author's politics (which I share) are layered onto the narrative in ways that felt gratuitous - but mostly they fit Roan and Dylan's longtime leanings and Roan's cynicism. Occasionally the narrative felt a little repetitive. But I was happy to spend more time with one of my favorite MM characters and the unique shifter world-building. And the ending left hope for another story with some added complications for Dylan and Roan. I will happily dive into that one if the author publishes it.
Even Dylan is unsurprised when Roan agrees to look into the case of a missing teenager. The 17-year-old disappeared on his way home from work months earlier. There are no good suspects to a murder, no clues to a voluntary departure or suicide, and not much expectation that Roan can help, but he can't say no. And so Roan digs in, with occasional help from old friends like Scott and Holden, and mostly with his lion senses at the forefront, guiding him. A new synesthesia he's developing complicates his life, but helps him detect lies.
The solution to the case depends on Roan's new paranormal talents, so the story isn't really a who-dunnit with clues for the reader. In fact, the mystery case is only part of the ensemble cast of Dylan's work, Roan's new problems, another teen who is Infected and may be a virus child something like Roan, and the reappearance of old friends (occasionally getting a POV for a chapter.)
For someone like me who loves Roan, this is a welcome chance to watch what he's doing now, and to see him interact with folks old and new. There are occasional moments when the author's politics (which I share) are layered onto the narrative in ways that felt gratuitous - but mostly they fit Roan and Dylan's longtime leanings and Roan's cynicism. Occasionally the narrative felt a little repetitive. But I was happy to spend more time with one of my favorite MM characters and the unique shifter world-building. And the ending left hope for another story with some added complications for Dylan and Roan. I will happily dive into that one if the author publishes it.
March 16, 2022
I last read Roan's book in 2014 (!) and I thought it was the final one. I didn't enjoy Holden's books as much since I didn't think that he could carry the series like Roan (and he's just too Holden, you know). I honestly had NO IDEA that Roan's books continued (and now he is in CANADA, now, with Dylan!) until I saw a re-tweet about the latest book Infected: Fallout. I thought, "wait a minute, it sounded like there was a book BEFORE that one!". So yeah, I went ahead and bought this one first.
Roan and Dylan has settled down in Vancouver, Canada, become one of those 'old-married-gay-couple' living at the end of the block. Dylan works in a gallery (he isn't happy there though), Roan continues working as private investigator (trying to lay low). Then Roan is hired to find a missing teenager (which actually will bring more attention to him when Roan closes the case). The cops have given up on the case, stating that the teenager is just up and leave, but the parents aren't willing to accept that explanation, so they hire Roan.
In the meantime, Roan has also been approached when there's another virus-child who can shift outside of the cycle. So yeah, Roan is not alone anymore. How about that?!
And as always, when I am in the company of Roan and Dylan - don't worry, Scott, Holden, and Gray all make appearance as well - I'm LOVING it! Roan is still on depression but he knows that he's lucky and he feels thankful about his life.
This case gives more thing for Roan to do (and he has a chance to team up with Scott when he visits as well as Holden who also visits). And the Asian female "virus-child" teenager, Maya, looks like going to be a new (temporary?) additional person in the McKichan-Harlow household.
Yes, I enjoy going back to the Infected universe with Roan and everyone ... another update on the gang is that well, Scott is making his coming out (as bisexual) public, Holden and Scott breaks up again, AND Dylan quits his job at the gallery and may venturing a new job as a cook (?). Let's see how that goes.
Now I'm ready for that new book.
Roan and Dylan has settled down in Vancouver, Canada, become one of those 'old-married-gay-couple' living at the end of the block. Dylan works in a gallery (he isn't happy there though), Roan continues working as private investigator (trying to lay low). Then Roan is hired to find a missing teenager (which actually will bring more attention to him when Roan closes the case). The cops have given up on the case, stating that the teenager is just up and leave, but the parents aren't willing to accept that explanation, so they hire Roan.
In the meantime, Roan has also been approached when there's another virus-child who can shift outside of the cycle. So yeah, Roan is not alone anymore. How about that?!
And as always, when I am in the company of Roan and Dylan - don't worry, Scott, Holden, and Gray all make appearance as well - I'm LOVING it! Roan is still on depression but he knows that he's lucky and he feels thankful about his life.
This case gives more thing for Roan to do (and he has a chance to team up with Scott when he visits as well as Holden who also visits). And the Asian female "virus-child" teenager, Maya, looks like going to be a new (temporary?) additional person in the McKichan-Harlow household.
Yes, I enjoy going back to the Infected universe with Roan and everyone ... another update on the gang is that well, Scott is making his coming out (as bisexual) public, Holden and Scott breaks up again, AND Dylan quits his job at the gallery and may venturing a new job as a cook (?). Let's see how that goes.
Now I'm ready for that new book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2025
I forget how much I love this series! I didn't realize a couple of new books had been added and I'm so glad I picked this one to read right now. I love Roan so much. For such a troubled guy, he just plain cares. His own life is a twisted mess because of the virus and yet he can't just live a quiet life doing nothing. Canada was supposed to be a new start and without all the craziness of his PI work, but he's bored out of his skull. Of course Dylan knows his man and supports him even as Roan finds himself getting sucked back into the PI life. Dylan knows that he won't just be able to let a case go, no matter how hopeless it might seem.
I love Dylan and Roan's dynamic. They're such a good couple. But I have to admit, I keep waiting for some twist in the series that somehow shows that Roans's werecat virus is stabilizing in his body, or something from working with the doctor that gives them more hope for a longer future. Roan's so different compared to most of those infected, will he be a catalyst for hope and a solution? Which leads me to the fact that I seriously enjoyed the Maya sidestory. Can't wait to see more of her.
The mystery here was interesting in that it really could only be solved with someone of Roan's abilities. His nose for lies and eye for details is all necessary to crack a seemingly unsolvable case.
I love this group of characters so much. Roan has surrounded himself with the most amazing group of friends and I'll happily return to this world anytime.
I love Dylan and Roan's dynamic. They're such a good couple. But I have to admit, I keep waiting for some twist in the series that somehow shows that Roans's werecat virus is stabilizing in his body, or something from working with the doctor that gives them more hope for a longer future. Roan's so different compared to most of those infected, will he be a catalyst for hope and a solution? Which leads me to the fact that I seriously enjoyed the Maya sidestory. Can't wait to see more of her.
The mystery here was interesting in that it really could only be solved with someone of Roan's abilities. His nose for lies and eye for details is all necessary to crack a seemingly unsolvable case.
I love this group of characters so much. Roan has surrounded himself with the most amazing group of friends and I'll happily return to this world anytime.
January 4, 2021
4 stars
I didn’t realize how much I missed Roan until I read this book. I was so happy to be reunited with my book boyfriend and so invested in the story, it ended before I was ready. I wanted more. More Roan. More Roan and Dylan. More Scott, Holden and Grey who make brief but welcome appearances. And definitely more of this new person with the same viral strain as Roan who is about to become a big part of Roan and Dylan’s life. I’m here for it. Waiting for the next book is going to be hard!
I didn’t realize how much I missed Roan until I read this book. I was so happy to be reunited with my book boyfriend and so invested in the story, it ended before I was ready. I wanted more. More Roan. More Roan and Dylan. More Scott, Holden and Grey who make brief but welcome appearances. And definitely more of this new person with the same viral strain as Roan who is about to become a big part of Roan and Dylan’s life. I’m here for it. Waiting for the next book is going to be hard!
May 18, 2021
4.5 stars
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Note: This book takes place quite far along in this series. There are a lot of prior characters and circumstances referenced in this book. While I supposed one could read it as a standalone, it’s best enjoyed as a continuance of the previous series books.
Roan and Dylan have moved to suburban Vancouver, BC. Dylan has a job in a gallery and Roan is back to his PI work – although he’s trying to be careful given the somewhat fragile state of his health. He’s trying to be better about taking care of himself, but he is of course a bit depressed at having to do that too.
Roan takes on a case of a disappeared teenager and that leads to some interesting discoveries. We get some visits from Scott and Holden, two of Roan’s favorite friends/sidekicks as well. He’s got some ideas, but he uses his friends to help him nail things down. But of course this brings him unwanted attention. Again.
In addition, there is a teenage infected (born-infected, like Roan), Maya, that Tank has sent their way via her social worker. She’s been thrown out by the uber-religious family that took her in to get points some how. She seems to have some of the traits that Roan has, and that has everyone scared – including Maya. When Simone, her social worker, brings her from Quebec to Vancouver to meet with Roan, things get really interesting. She’s a teenager who has been dealt a really crappy hand, and boy does Roan know that feeling. He does his best to help her out.
I don’t know how I missed that there was a new book out in this series in December, but I’m sure glad I found this! I could read about Roan and Dylan and the whole merry cast of misfits and offbeat characters in this fantastic alternate world probably forever (or as long as Andrea Speed decides to write them). This world continues to be as fascinating as it was in the first book! Roan and Dylan have settled into a good life together. And it’s great to see Roan still letting his hockey buddies and Holden keep him above the depression that dogs him. His super senses continue to set him apart from everyone, and despite his continued contempt for people – they are just awful – he still helps where he can. And his found family keeps him on the side of sanity 😉 I absolutely adore this seminal character and this world. Highly recommended!
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Note: This book takes place quite far along in this series. There are a lot of prior characters and circumstances referenced in this book. While I supposed one could read it as a standalone, it’s best enjoyed as a continuance of the previous series books.
Roan and Dylan have moved to suburban Vancouver, BC. Dylan has a job in a gallery and Roan is back to his PI work – although he’s trying to be careful given the somewhat fragile state of his health. He’s trying to be better about taking care of himself, but he is of course a bit depressed at having to do that too.
Roan takes on a case of a disappeared teenager and that leads to some interesting discoveries. We get some visits from Scott and Holden, two of Roan’s favorite friends/sidekicks as well. He’s got some ideas, but he uses his friends to help him nail things down. But of course this brings him unwanted attention. Again.
In addition, there is a teenage infected (born-infected, like Roan), Maya, that Tank has sent their way via her social worker. She’s been thrown out by the uber-religious family that took her in to get points some how. She seems to have some of the traits that Roan has, and that has everyone scared – including Maya. When Simone, her social worker, brings her from Quebec to Vancouver to meet with Roan, things get really interesting. She’s a teenager who has been dealt a really crappy hand, and boy does Roan know that feeling. He does his best to help her out.
I don’t know how I missed that there was a new book out in this series in December, but I’m sure glad I found this! I could read about Roan and Dylan and the whole merry cast of misfits and offbeat characters in this fantastic alternate world probably forever (or as long as Andrea Speed decides to write them). This world continues to be as fascinating as it was in the first book! Roan and Dylan have settled into a good life together. And it’s great to see Roan still letting his hockey buddies and Holden keep him above the depression that dogs him. His super senses continue to set him apart from everyone, and despite his continued contempt for people – they are just awful – he still helps where he can. And his found family keeps him on the side of sanity 😉 I absolutely adore this seminal character and this world. Highly recommended!
July 7, 2022
I loved Roan and this series originally. I liked this one, but I didn't love it. Mostly I think it had just been waaayyyy too long since I've been in this world. There were references to people I no longer had any idea who they were or how they were connected, and rarely were we given reminders. It was to the point that I was excited when we were told one of these minor characters was Dylan'ssister. I did remember some about Holden (probably because I'd read some of his series) and a little about Scott and Gray. More review of how these people became Roan's chosen family would have been helpful. I spent so much time trying to remember previous stuff and people, I could never settle in and enjoy this story. I also felt the ideology was extremely heavy handed even within the areas I agreed. It was not at all subtle, nor used to enlighten others with a deeper understanding of "why" etc...
I found the story of the infected teen interesting, and it would be the only reason I would read on, but for now I'm holding off.
I found the story of the infected teen interesting, and it would be the only reason I would read on, but for now I'm holding off.
October 7, 2024
Gah! I miss this series so much.
I've been holding onto these unexpected additions to the series...waiting to read, just because I don't want it to be over. But I had to have a visit to Roan.
I love that 11 books in, and Paris is still in Roan's thoughts. Never forgotten, always loved.
I like the possibility of other virus children being being able to tap into their cat's out of cycle.
This is still one of my all time favorite series.
Please write more. I'll even take some side characters having full stories. Prefer Roan, but I'd read anyone in this series.
I've been holding onto these unexpected additions to the series...waiting to read, just because I don't want it to be over. But I had to have a visit to Roan.
I love that 11 books in, and Paris is still in Roan's thoughts. Never forgotten, always loved.
I like the possibility of other virus children being being able to tap into their cat's out of cycle.
This is still one of my all time favorite series.
Please write more. I'll even take some side characters having full stories. Prefer Roan, but I'd read anyone in this series.
April 16, 2021
Why?
I loved previous books in this series, but this one? Chock full of current political propaganda that had nothing to do with the actual story. If I wanted to read about all that crap I wouldn't be reading fictional books
I loved previous books in this series, but this one? Chock full of current political propaganda that had nothing to do with the actual story. If I wanted to read about all that crap I wouldn't be reading fictional books
December 1, 2021
A real delight tolet Roan and Dylan have a little bit of the good life. Eceryone in the series seems to be growing up in one way or another. I hope the series will continue, because I would REALLY like at least afew of the charcters to get a much-earned HEA.
February 15, 2021
Rounded up to 4.5*.
It's amazing to revisit Roan and Dylan and all their friends, and I enjoyed spending the day with them.
It's amazing to revisit Roan and Dylan and all their friends, and I enjoyed spending the day with them.
July 25, 2025
Decent.
Roan kicks ass.
Roan kicks ass.
March 4, 2024
This book is one of my favorites in the series so far. Roan is still working on finding balance in his life, but he seems to be making some strides in the right direction. Several unresolved issues are dealt with for a few characters in the series. Some new characters are also introduced.
One interesting conundrum exists in this book that I am still contemplating. Law enforcement as a group is despised by several characters in this story in the same way the infected as a group are despised. Both groups have good and bad players. Both groups are being pushed by external influences to do things they might not want to do. I'm interested to see what develops in the next story.
One interesting conundrum exists in this book that I am still contemplating. Law enforcement as a group is despised by several characters in this story in the same way the infected as a group are despised. Both groups have good and bad players. Both groups are being pushed by external influences to do things they might not want to do. I'm interested to see what develops in the next story.
March 15, 2024
Roan is BACK! I, for one, am beyond thrilled that the focus of ‘Legacy’ has returned to Roan and Dylan. I was so sad when Roan retired and they moved to Canada at the end of ‘Epitaph’. Don’t get me wrong. I understand how serious Roan’s physical and mental issues are in regards to the lion who lives inside him. There seems to be no cure for the tumors that the virus has subjected him to and his medications are constantly being adjusted in an attempt to find something that works. On the other hand, he’s probably the oldest living virus child, and as far as Roan knows he’s the only one that can change certain parts of his body outside of his virus cycle.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
February 19, 2021
Roan felt more grown up in Legacy. He took more care in confronting people than before, as he should with his extraordinary strengths that could easily maim or kill when he doesn't mean to. As well as being excruciatingly painful for Roan. It was difficult to see how precarious his state of health seemed. And I often wanted to call out, "Remember to eat some food, Roan, not only doughnuts or cakes!" or text him at every meal time with a reminder.
(Oh, the desserts in this book sounded so good that while I was out for my weekly grocery run today, I bought an apple pie. I actually wanted a cake, but I'm trying to buy as little things wrapped in plastic as I possibly can, so all the cakes were right out, sadly.)
It shouldn't be legal for families to kick out their children before they grow up enough to stand on their own. Or at least they should have to provide their children with an ongoing monetary compensation and a safe place for the kids to stay in. In the whole Infected series, there's been so many sad stories with these discarded children who end up on the streets. Humans can be so f'ing awful.
(Oh, the desserts in this book sounded so good that while I was out for my weekly grocery run today, I bought an apple pie. I actually wanted a cake, but I'm trying to buy as little things wrapped in plastic as I possibly can, so all the cakes were right out, sadly.)
It shouldn't be legal for families to kick out their children before they grow up enough to stand on their own. Or at least they should have to provide their children with an ongoing monetary compensation and a safe place for the kids to stay in. In the whole Infected series, there's been so many sad stories with these discarded children who end up on the streets. Humans can be so f'ing awful.
September 24, 2024
Roan tried retirement and, well, he got bored and stir-crazy. So he's back! And it was so nice to visit with Roan and his 'family'. He almost feels like my family too.
While he's taking a case or two, he's promised not to overdo it. But with the occasional handling of neighborhood cats and cases that inevitably go nowhere good, he's gonna have to watch himself. On top of that, he's learned he might not be the only functional shifter in the world. What's that going to mean going forward? I don't know but I hope the next installment has more to say about it :D
While he's taking a case or two, he's promised not to overdo it. But with the occasional handling of neighborhood cats and cases that inevitably go nowhere good, he's gonna have to watch himself. On top of that, he's learned he might not be the only functional shifter in the world. What's that going to mean going forward? I don't know but I hope the next installment has more to say about it :D
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