Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk

Everything has a price. Using magic is no exception; when you use it, it uses you back. It could be a migraine for a few days, or a week long flu, or it could take away your memories. Allie Beckstrom keeps a little black book to journal her memories because you never know what your going to lose when the magic stops.

Allie Beckstrom is a Hound. Many magic users offload the magic onto innocents so they don't have to pay the price. Allie identifies the spell caster of those that offload magic onto innocents so they can be held accountable. The pay stinks, but she enjoys her job. Her only other alternative is to work for her father, a very wealthy businessman, and she has no desire to. She hasn't seen him in seven years, but when she identifies her father's magic signature on a young boy dying from an offload, she goes to see him in a rage.

Zayvion Jones works for Allie's father. He follows Allie around, unbeknownst to her, then reports back. The day that Allie confronts her father with her findings, Zayvion follows her. Unfortunately, Allie's father is killed moments after they leave and Allie's signature is on the kill. She is now being hunted by the police. Zayvion is a Grounder, and his very touch soothes the magic in Allie.

Zayvion and Allie become close as they try and unravel who killed Allie's father and is trying to frame her. There investigations lead them to a young man named Cody the Hand, and his magic coupled with Allie's unleashes a fiery magical pool within Allie. Strange, but beautiful, psychedelic markings appear on Allie from her temple to her fingertips. Unsure of her new power and her feelings for Zayvion, Allie is bewildered when events spiral into Zayvion's betrayal.

MAGIC TO THE BONE is a thrilling, magical ride that will leave you breathless for more. Toss in a bit of romance with gritty characters, a magical world and a mysterious plot and you have a superb adventure. Devon Monk is original and exciting and I can't wait for more!