Burning For You - Lila Veen (#COYER)

Blackwater Series - Book 1

When Leah Holt returns to Blackwater, she crashes into Ash Lavanne. He is her catalyst, a fire elemental from a strange family of crafters who control the Blackwater Coven. Leah is ignited by Ash. She can build, destroy, create and damage, making her one of the most dangerous crafters in existence. Blackwater is a town with a dark past. Four hundred years ago, the witch trials that happened have left a deep impression on today’s inhabitants, splitting the town into two rival groups – the Coven and the Order. Then Leah discovers that Ash isn’t the only one who ignites her. She is torn in half in a love triangle and learns just how powerful she has the potential to become, but could lose Ash if she dares to find out.

Leah literally crashes into Ash, she rear ends him at the lights while flipping off police cameras when running a yellow/red light. It was in that moment I knew I was going to love Leah and this book. When Ash kidnaps Leah from a date with weirdo Gabe, I knew I was going to like him too. They both have a lot of reckless energy, sass and their chemistry is ridiculous. I loved Veen's world of crafting - it's another way of saying magic - and the way she has created the powers revolving around the four elements. It's not your typical I have the power of fire, burn baby burn. Veen relates the elements to how they interact with the world so fire is the power to change - build, destroy, create etc. I LOVED this new take on elemental powers but Veen doesn't stop there she adds catalysts to the mix! Catalysts are like the magic version of a werewolf mate - it's them or no one and once you find them, you just know - but there is an added twist - children of catalyst's usually inherit crafts, children of random couples can turn out evil.... Dun dun DUUUUUUHHHHN. The twists and turns the story takes makes Burning for You a literary rollercoaster I was waving my hands in air screaming, "THIS IS AWESOME." All the characters are well thought out, layered, imperfect humans. You felt like you knew them even as they continued to surprise you and the relationships are realistic while still holding on to a fantastical edge. Veen creates complexity in her characters and their relationships which rules out typical emotional extremes of love and hate - Veen allows them to have back stories, to have reasons and to have the best intentions while committing heinous deeds.


If you can't tell I truly loved this book! I adored the world, the crafts, Ash and Leah, everything! I was a little thrown by the triad relationship and the connection to Olivia. I couldn't feel comfortable with how quickly Leah shifted to someone else but I guess that comes with being a catalyst. I was super mad at Ash for being a coward but you'll have to read to see what I'm talking about. The ending is definitely a cliffhanger type - you will WANT to buy the second book to have some closure unless you care nothing for Ash and Leah (which I 'm sure you will) so just be aware. This book is a breath of fresh air in the world of paranormal witch romance and it's like nothing I've read before. I highly recommend Burning for You and the Blackwater series, it is worth every cent! Click the buy link - you know you want to!

5/5
xxx
Literary George - See my review of Book 3
A HUGE THANK YOU to Lila Veen for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
Buy: Amazon, B&N
Is this review helpful? Vote YES on Amazon