Moonglow (Darkest London) [Mass Market Paperback]

Kristen Callihan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 2012 | Series: Darkest London (Book 2)

Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .
Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .
Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .
Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This richly textured tale of 19th-century London interweaves intricately imagined and historically accurate scenes with red-hot sensual interludes...a deeply compelling and imaginative story." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"Dark, violent, and addictively enthralling, this exceptionally steamy tale is a worthy sequel to Callihan's stunning Firelight and a perfect lure for Winterblaze." (Library Journal)

"Top Pick! 4 12/ Stars! Darkest London glows with the light of Callihan's creativity...Callihan sets the mark for a new style of paranormal historical." (RT Book Reviews)

"Callihan has a great talent for sexual tension and jaw-dropping plots that weave together brilliantly in the end." (Diana Gabaldon, New York Times bestselling author)

About the Author

Kristen Callihan is a child of the eighties, which means she's worn neon skirts, black lace gloves, and combat boots (although never all at once) and can quote John Hughes movies with the best of them. A lifelong daydreamer, she finally realized that the characters in her head needed a proper home and thus hit the keyboard. She believes that falling in love is one of the headiest experiences a person can have, so naturally she writes romance. Her love of superheroes, action movies, and history led her to write historical paranormals. She lives in the Washington, D.C., area and, when not writing, looks after two children, one husband, and a dog-the fish can fend for themselves.

You can learn more at:
KristenCallihan.com
Twitter @Kris10Callihan
Facebook.com/KristenCallihan

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Forever (July 31, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455508586
• ISBN-13: 978-1455508587
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.2 x 6.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (94 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #205,143 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kristen Callihan is a child of the 80's, which means she's worn neon skirts, black-lace gloves, and combat boots (although never all at once) and can quote John Hughes movies with the best of them. A life long daydreamer, she finally realized that the characters in her head needed a proper home and thus hit the keyboard. She believes that falling in love is one of the headiest experiences a person can have, so naturally she writes romance. Her love of superheroes, action movies, and history led her to write historical paranormals. She lives in the Washington D.C. area and, when not writing, looks after two children, one husband, and a dog -- the fish can fend for themselves.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Moonglow is unique, sexy, and wholly entertaining July 31, 2012

By Kimberly

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Finally free of her abusive marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore wants to fully live life once more. But when taking her first step into her "new" life, Daisy narrowly misses being attacked by a werewolf. Daisy's brush with death lands her in the arms of Ian Ranulf, Marquis of Northrup, a genial rake who is far more than he seems.

Drawn together by chance, Daisy and Ian must work swiftly to uncover the identity of the werewolf. The hunt grows deeply personal as Daisy and Ian begin to fall for one another. And with that newfound intimacy comes increased danger. For both Daisy and Ian possess dangerous secrets. Secrets that endanger for more than their hearts...

Return to the thrilling, imaginative world of Kristen Callihan's Darkest London series with Moonglow. Ms. Callihan takes readers deeper into the vision of paranormal Victorian-era London she introduced in Firelight. The result? A unique, dazzling romance that'll leave you hungry for more Darkest London books.

Daisy is a bright, beautiful woman whose abusive husband left her with physical and mental scars she's working to overcome. I respected Daisy's inner strength and, what's more, adored her truly joyful personality. Quite simply, Daisy was a delight throughout Moonglow. Ian, in turn, is an utterly delicious hero. He's got scars of his own, ones that will tug on your heartstrings. Because of his past, he is now a man at war with himself. Ian's a lycan, but he has given up his birthright and suppressed his true nature after the death of his son. Because of this, Ian's constantly pulled into many different directions.... And though he struggles against it, the string of werewolf killings will soon force his hand; Ian will have to take up the mantle of Alpha he turned his back on so many years ago or risk losing everything. As a couple, Ian and Daisy are never anything less than engaging. I loved how well they fit one another emotionally, intellectually, and physically. Truly, they're a fantastic pair. While it isn't an easy road to happily ever after -- not by a long shot -- Ms. Callihan makes it a journey worth taking.

Turning from romance to world building... All I can say is wow. Ms. Callihan expands on the world she created in Firelight, but she does it so smoothly, so flawlessly that I was amazed. I loved learning about the lycans, the politics of the clan, and all that Ian's struggle entailed. And I cannot write about Moonglow without mentioning the GIMs. What are the GIMs? Alas, I wouldn't dare spoil the fun of Moonglow by describing them here. Suffice it to say the GIMs are a fascinating supernatural species I am dying to see more of. Ms. Callihan balances world building and romance like a pro in Moonglow and that alone makes her an author to watch.

Moonglow is the second book in the Darkest London series, but Ms. Callihan provides enough information for readers new to the Darkest London world to follow along. That being said, Archer and Miranda (the hero and heroine of Firelight) are strong supporting characters and Moonglow does contain major spoilers for Firelight. Though it's possible some readers may find Moonglow is less original than its Beauty and the Beast-like predecessor, I honestly enjoyed Moonglow far more. The only downside to Moonglow was the cliffhanger Ms. Callihan ended the story with; it made me want to read the next Darkest London book, Winterblaze, right now! Aside from that one complaint from an over-eager reader, I thought Moonglow was simply incredible. I think Ms. Callihan is an author who's only going to get better and better at her craft, and considering how amazing her first two novels are... Well, watch out world ;)

Kimberly
Review courtesy of Wit and Sin Read more ›

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but didn't live up to Firelight July 31, 2012

By A. W. Brewster

Format:Kindle Edition

I admit it: My favorite scenes of this book were the love scenes. They were long, sexy, and just explicit enough. I also loved Daisy, who was a great combination of sweet and strong. I appreciate that the author gave me a new protagonist who was so unlike the protagonist in the first book but just as lovable.

Sadly, it took me about 35% into the book before I appreciated Ian Ranulf as the love interest. In the first book of this series, Ian was painted as a bad guy--someone standing between the two main characters. And then, all of sudden, in this book, I'm supposed to just forgive all of that. Ian has regrets about how he behaved toward Miranda and Archer; he "wasn't himself." I found this difficult to swallow and thus had a hard time liking him early in the book. I did, however, learn to like him eventually as his fun, tormented, and intense personality became more apparent.

The plot is nice; I didn't love it or hate it. A werewolf was killing ladies who shared a similar scent. The werewolf attacks toward the beginning of the book were interesting. I was less interested in the ongoing search for the werewolf. And the big reveal at the end--about why the werewolf attacked these ladies--was a bit of a let-down for me. I just wanted there to be more to it than there was.

I look forward to the next book in the series, but not with as much enthusiasm as I looked forward to reading this one after Firelight.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars This series just keeps getting better. September 25, 2012

By J. Markovic

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.

Given the events at the end of FIRELIGHT, I had assumed book two would continue to explore the magic and changes of Miranda Ellis. The change of focus to Ian and Daisy was a surprise that I soon grew to appreciate. From the opening chapter with Ian's little "bedroom failure", I knew I was going to love MOONGLOW. Once again, Callihan has found the perfect mix of history, romance, and magic to keep me captivated the whole way through.

While Ian as a hero was no surprise, Daisy as his love interest was an exciting choice. Callihan quickly and effectively resolved the whole "I hit on your sister" elephant in the room, and Daisy developed as an interesting heroine without betraying her initial characterization (i.e. - she was the funny, flighty, foot-in-mouth sister in FIRELIGHT, and while I learned more about her troubled marriage, she didn't transform into a completely different woman as soon as the spotlight was upon her). Of course, midstory there was a significant development with Daisy, and it was not at all one that I expected.

Twisty and exciting, in plot and character and world building, MOONGLOW was a surprising delight all the way through. Callihan doesn't give just one climax or development, but rather she explores and uncovers new ground the entire length of the book. MOONGLOW was a well crafted book that delivers on all fronts, and the world of Darkest London grows more interesting and complex with each book. The characters made it oh so easy for me to get emotionally invested in their fate, the romance was scorching hot, and the plot managed to surprise me on several occasions without ever losing my credulity.... I put down MOONGLOW eager to read Poppy's story, and I hope Callihan isn't shy about bringing us back into the lives of the other Ellis sisters, if only for brief glimpses.

Sexual Content: Sex scenes. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A historical romance with a twist August 13, 2012

By Pamerd

Format:Mass Market Paperback

London 1883
Daisy Margaret Ellis (Craigmore) had been in morning for 366 days and she is done. She believes she has wasted plenty of time on a husband that she hated. She is ready to wear colors and do something infamous and mysterious, so she sets her sights on a man she does not know, but who will hopefully fulfill her needs. Unsure if she can go through with her plan she is surprised when the man is killed in front of her by a creature that looks surprisingly like a wolf. She is rescued by Ian Ranulf, who is the Marquis of Northrup, but not before she is injured by the creature.
Ian Ranulf was at one time, attracted to Daisy's sister Miranda and tried to turn her against Archer before they were married. Ian and Archer were good friends at one time until Ian's father died and blame was laid on Archer who had brought Ian's father into a secret society called the West Moon Club. The club was obsessed with immortality and when Ian's father wanted to leave the group a demon named Victoria tried to burn him alive and scarred him badly, making him weak and unable to lead his clan. Ian comes from a family of werewolves or Lycan and should have lead his clan however he had left the clan years before when his wife and son died. Ian let his younger brother Conell take over, however many in the supernatural world are unhappy with Ian's decision.
Daisy is what is considered a "nose", a person with exceptional smelling abilities and knowing her husband would never provide for her after his death, started working with a perfumer to make a future for herself. She developed a signature perfume however someone took the recipe and sold it to other men to purchase for their ladies.... This seems to be the connecting piece between the women who are being targeted by the crazed beast around London. Ian notices that the beast (who he knows is a werewolf) has the smell of sickness about him and that could be why he has let the wolf side take over his body.
The Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals (SOS) has a duty to be kept informed of all supernatural beings and their activities. The SOS, along with most supernaturals want Ian in control of his clan, he is the true alpha and they do not believe his brother Conall is a good choice and his right hand man Lyle has made some suspicious choices.
As Ian and Daisy investigate the murders, they seek help from others in the SOS and visit a man named Lucien who is a GIM, ghost in the machine, an individual that has chosen to live forever after taking over another body. GIM's are the spies of the supernatural world. Ian ends up employing a GIM to spy on Conell to find out if he is hiding the werewolf in order to frame Ian.
The story is steady and fast paced with wonderful suspense as it comes to a roller coaster ending when they try to find who is behind the attacks, who is hiding the sick werewolf and why the werewolf is attacking these women. The conclusion is surprising and fascinating as they search for answers. As Ian and Daisy fall in love they must find the courage to fight one more conflict to find true happiness. Read more ›