Regardless of whether Ilona Andrews writes a Kate Daniels or an Edge book, know that each time you will be getting a quality, action-packed novel. There's just something about their writing style that captures you - hook, line and sinker. The Ilona Andrews name on a book is like a guaranteed seal of fantastic entertainment. A must-read for sure!

Ilona Andrews takes a leap of faith with GUNMETAL MAGIC. This is the first time the writing duo is devoting a full- length book to a secondary couple. Andrea Nash is Kate Daniels' best friend. After being kicked out of the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea is at a low point. Her entire existence revolves around the fact that she is a Knight. With that taken from her, she needs to find a new purpose in life. Andrea takes a small hiatus where she leaves everything she holds dear to her behind. However, when she returns, nothing is quite as she left it. Her lover and alpha of Clan Bouda, Raphael Medrano is furious that she left him without a second's thought. In retaliation for her callous decision, Raphael does the exact same thing Andrea did to him -- he moves on, and now, Andrea's heartbreak is just one other problem that she must deal with upon her return.

When several shifters working for Raphael die at a dig site, Andrea is forced to investigate, even though she would do anything to avoid Raphael at this time. This brings their relationship onto the table, where neither one of them is able to ignore the problem that lies between them. Even as Raphael dangles his latest conquest before her, Andrea remains strong despite her shattering heart. This particular scene made the book for me. It broke my heart and angered me all at the same time. I frowned at the pages, then clutched the book and cursed Raphael's name all in the span of seconds and I have to give it to Ilona Andrews, any author who can evoke those types of emotions in me is a great one. Ilona Andrews simply writes the best heroines out there. Kickass where it counts, yet vulnerable when it matters, Andrews is always able to maintain that perfect balance of characteristics that makes their heroines relatable to readers. It takes true talent to be able to not only grab a reader's attention for a particular book, but keep them entertained over a number of books in a series, especially one focused on secondary characters.

GUNMETAL MAGIC is a guaranteed good read. Ilona Andrews skillfully mixes action, suspense, and humor with heady romance in their alternate reality Atlanta. It makes me wish I were a bouda's mate!