Originally posted in July of 2012 at Fiction Vixen by Angela.

Moonglow by Kristen Callihan
Darkest London #2
Paranormal Historical Romance
Originally published July 31, 2012 by Forever

After finishing the first book in this series, Firelight, I immediately went looking for when the next installment would be released. I loved Firelight. It was so different, part paranormal, part historical, and I hadn’t read a heroine written that well in a long while. It takes a lot of skill to write a heroine who is smart, strong and funny AND who you don’t want to smack upside the head at some point, especially in a historical romance, but Kristen Callihan manages to do that. I found out that Moonglow would be out only about 6 months after the release of the Firelight, which was exciting to say the least. I was keeping my fingers crossed that, as often happens, the second book wouldn’t fall down on it’s face after the rave reviews of the first book. The crossing of the fingers seems to have worked because Moonglow was just as good if not better than its predecessor.

Daisy Craigmore is finally free from the prison that is her marriage and has thrown off her widow’s weeds. While attending a party one evening where she is attempting an assignation with a young man she witnesses a brutal werewolf attack. Ian Ranulf is running from his past and trying to escape who he is, while out carousing through London one evening he hears the screams and scents the smell of blood and werewolf mixed. He comes to the rescue of Daisy and in the process learns that she is in fact the sister of Miranda, whom he had a brief interest in in Firelight. Ian starts to investigate and realizes that the werewolf is involved in several murders and there is a link between them and Daisy. He is then determined to protect her, even if she doesn’t have any desire to be.

First let me say the writing of Kristen Callihan is beautiful. It’s not just the words she uses, it’s the way she puts those words together that make me as a reader enthralled with her stories. This series isn’t just historical or paranormal, it’s got some parts that are almost gothic, with touches of humor here and there. I remember clearly in Firelight how much I enjoyed the sexual tension between the H/h, and how wonderfully written the love scenes were. I enjoyed the love story of Daisy and Ian even more than Miranda and Archer (Firelight). She is strikingly brave and witty, he is lost and broken and tends to put on a face for the public so they won’t be able to tell how sad his life truly is. She has fears she has brought from her first marriage and he has decided never to trust again because of the pain of his past. To witness them falling in love was lovely. It seemed to me that once Ian decided to protect Daisy he put everything he had into it. Even going as far as becoming something he had chosen to leave behind because he didn’t see any other way. Someone who we witnessed as being nasty and rude in Firelight becomes a loving and tender man when he and Daisy start to heal each other.

Kristen Callihan has created a rich, layered world that continues to grow. In Moonglow we meet many different and new characters who add excitement and mystery to an already fantastical world. There are no superficial characters thrown in just to solve a plot issue or confuse the reader, every element has meaning and when all the plot threads wove together, I was genuinely surprised at the conclusion. This is very much a character driven story, and there are so many whom I want to see in upcoming books. Lucien and Mary Chase for one, and Ian’s valet Talent for another. Many new species of supernaturals are introduced and their appearance can only bode well for the rest of the series.

Poppy and Winston’s book, Winterblaze, is up next and I’ve been wondering how Ms. Callihan is going to tell a story about an already established couple who are married and have a history. From the events that take place at the latter part of Moonglow, and from reading the sneak peek I can honestly say I am eagerly anticipating finding out. If you’re looking for something different, with an exciting mystery to solve and a beautifully told love story look no further. I would start with the first book Firelight, as this just builds on an already delightful start to a new series.

Favorite Quote:

“We are all imperfect creatures, love. I don’t want perfect, I only want you.”

And

“My mind is filled.”

Her free hand, heavy with languor, drifted along his arm and he trembled softly.

“With what?” she whispered.

“You. All the time. You.” He sighed. “Diasy has taken up residence here.” Yet it was to his heart he pressed her hand, to feel it’s pounding. “How to keep you safe. How to keep you out. How to keep …. you.” His grip tightened a fraction. “It is madness. I want….” His breath hitched when she turned and pressed her lips against the back of his neck.