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In this action-packed second historical paranormal in her Darkest London series (after Firelight), Callihan tells the tale of Daisy Ellis Craigmore, sister to Lady Miranda Archer, the heroine of the first installment, and Ian Ranulf, Marquis of Northrup, a lycan living in exile after his younger brother assumed the alpha role in their pack. A crazed syphilitic werewolf is hunting women who bear the scent of Daisy's perfume, and honorable Ian refuses to allow the creature to kill any more innocents. Both broken in their own ways, Daisy and Ian forge a deep bond as they search for the identity of the sick werewolf. After a loved one is attacked by the creature, the two step up their efforts, leading to a finale replete with shocking twists-including who the werewolf is and who is leading him-and Daisy is forced to make a series of unthinkable choices which could destroy her relationship with Ian. This richly textured tale of 19th-century London interweaves intricately imagined and historically accurate scenes with red-hot sensual interludes. Like the first, a deeply compelling and imaginative story.
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Moonglow (Darkest London Series #2)by Kristen Callihan
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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 . . .
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
In this action-packed second historical paranormal in her Darkest London series (after Firelight), Callihan tells the tale of Daisy Ellis Craigmore, sister to Lady Miranda Archer, the heroine of the first installment, and Ian Ranulf, Marquis of Northrup, a lycan living in exile after his younger brother assumed the alpha role in their pack. A crazed syphilitic werewolf is hunting women who bear the scent of Daisy's perfume, and honorable Ian refuses to allow the creature to kill any more innocents. Both broken in their own ways, Daisy and Ian forge a deep bond as they search for the identity of the sick werewolf. After a loved one is attacked by the creature, the two step up their efforts, leading to a finale replete with shocking twists-including who the werewolf is and who is leading him-and Daisy is forced to make a series of unthinkable choices which could destroy her relationship with Ian. This richly textured tale of 19th-century London interweaves intricately imagined and historically accurate scenes with red-hot sensual interludes. Like the first, a deeply compelling and imaginative story.
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
Product Details
- 9781455508587
- Publisher:
- Grand Central Publishing
- Publication date:
- 07/31/2012
- Series:
- Darkest London Series , #2
- Pages:
- 432
- Sales rank:
- 242,332
- Product dimensions:
- 4.20(w) x 6.60(h) x 1.30(d)
Read an Excerpt
By Kristen Callihan
ForeverCopyright © 2012 Kristen Callihan
All right reserved.
Art thou pale for weariness
Of climbing heaven and gazing on the earth, Wandering companionless
Among the stars that have a different birth…
London, April 1, 1883
Lord above, was there a better sight than a woman flush with passion, her skin dewy and pink, her breasts bouncing from the force of his thrusts? The woman beneath Ian moaned and arched up to meet him, her red-gold hair catching the afternoon light as it spilled over white linen. What could be better than tupping a woman? A paid woman. Did she truly want to be here? Want him? He frowned as his concentration slipped a notch, and with it, the thick knot of pleasure in his balls eased.
Bugger. Stay on point, lad! His locked arms wobbled once. Once. Enough to put him off rhythm. Enough that the smell of penny perfume and stale sheets drifted up to him. Then came the foul scent of oft-used woman and boredom. His pleasure ebbed like seawater off sand. Shit!
The whore stilled, her fine red brows pinching in confusion.
Head in it! Head in it! Alas, neither head was listening. More like retreating. Horror washed cold and sure over his skin as little Ian died a quick, limp death.
"My lord?" The whore was lifting her head now, her green eyes bewildered. So close to the original, she looked. But not enough. It wasn't enough anymore. "Something amiss?"
For a moment, Ian couldn't answer. Really, what did one say? He'd didn't have the experience to know. Her confusion faded, replaced by something worse: gentle pity.
"Aw, now, love. 'Tis all right." She patted his arm as he remained frozen in shock, save his cock. The lazy bastard slid out of her, shrinking back like a frightened turtle. She had the good grace not to visibly take note, but held his gaze. "Happens to everyone."
Not to me! He wrenched away and rolled onto his back to face the gilded ceiling. Perhaps the mattress would open up and swallow him whole. "I've been tired, ah…?" Did she have a name? Had he asked? His skin grew clammy, crawling along his frame. Ian wanted nothing more than to close his eyes and sleep for a few decades. Oblivion was getting harder to find.
The woman leaned on one elbow to regard him. In the cool light, the lines around her eyes and mouth deepened, betraying a hard life burned far too quickly. "Yes, tired is all." Another pat, like pacifying a lame dog, and then she sat up. The bed creaked as she put her legs over the side of the bed and tossed the thick mantle of her hair over a bony shoulder. "We needn't speak of it again."
He flew upright and rounded on her. "No. We needn't."
Her brows lifted, a tremor of fear making her perfume sharper. Ian relaxed his expression and forced himself to breathe. He'd growled. Damn it all. Control. But the wolf within him was getting harder to hide away lately. He tried for a pleasant expression as he reached for his coat. "I didn't please you, lass, and I'm sorry for it."
A sound of shocked amusement left her lips and the corners of her mouth twitched. "To speak plainly, sir, it isn't your job to please me, now is it?"
Ian laughed shortly. "Ah, now, Jeanine, your honesty is a humbling thing."
Jeanine. That was her name, though more likely Jenny. Despite certain techniques, she was about as French as a pint of blue ruin. He pulled out far more notes than planned and handed them to her. "Consider that my apology."
Her fingers curled around the money as she eyed him. She was a shrewd one. He didn't like them stupid. Made things harder in the end. They got ideas of becoming mistresses. Fortunately, with a reputation as a profligate, no one much cared what Ian did as long as it was outrageous. Good entertainment always calmed the savage beast that was London society.
Jeanine-Jenny's mouth curled into a friendly smile. " 'Tis a fine apology, me lad."
Now that they were done, she'd let her Irish show.
Jeanine-Jenny slid from the bed and gathered her things, giving him a flash of firmly rounded arse. Not even a stir of appreciation. Trying not to think of little Ian, the bastard turncoat, he rested his hands upon his knees while she dressed in thick silence. His contentment almost returned as she reached for the door. But her green eyes flashed at him from over her shoulder at the last moment. Every muscle in his body tensed as he read that look.
"I'll be as quiet as the grave," she assured.
The door shut with the muted thud of a lid being placed upon a coffin.
Chapter One
London, April 18, 1883
Three hundred sixty-six days, ten hours, fifteen minutes, and… Daisy glanced down at the heart-shaped gold watch pinned to the dip in her bodice, a strategic placement designed to draw the eye. Strategic placement, perhaps, but it made it a bugger to read the time. The tiny face flicked in and out of shadow as the carriage lantern swayed gently overhead.
Seconds needn't be counted anymore regardless. She was free. Daisy looked out into the boiling gray fog that shrouded the streets of London. Moreover, three hundred sixty-six days, ten hours, fifteen minutes, and however many seconds was quite sufficient a time to stay in mourning over a man one hated. Even if that man had been one's husband. Especially if, she corrected, smoothing out a wrinkle in her azure silk skirt. Azure. Lovely word. It rolled over the tongue, promising adventure and foreign climes. She loved azure. Loved color. Though, for a time, she had loved black too. Black had been her banner of freedom. A marker announcing the shift from the bondage of marriage to the emancipation of widowhood.
Daisy was finished with black now. One ought to curse the queen for her dogged devotion to mourning, thus causing countless widows to guiltily follow suit. Only it was quite romantic, and Daisy could not fault a romantic heart. As for herself, she'd done her year of mourning, enough to satisfy wagging tongues. Now it was her time.
Barnaby, her driver, called out to the horses. The carriage made a sharp turn down a narrow lane that would take her to her future. Amusement, laughter, life. A place where women did not wear black, unless one wished to be thought of as mysterious. No one had ever thought of her as mysterious. Infamous, perhaps.
Suddenly, her insides clenched with such force that she trembled. Loneliness and fear urged her to shout at Barnaby to turn round. Her bed was safe and warm. What if she was all talk? What if the infamously fun-loving Daisy Margaret Ellis—she refused to call herself Craigmore—was nothing more than a coward?
"Why don't we get a bit of fresh air?" The man nuzzling Daisy's neck let out a small laugh at his jest. "Fresh" air being a myth in London. Daisy refrained from rolling her eyes. After all, his lips felt wonderful as they made a soft, slow circuit over her skin. It had been over six years since she'd been touched in passion. He nipped the tender juncture at the base of her neck, and she shivered, her nipples tightening in anticipation. Wine coursed through her veins, heating her blood and painting her world in soft, nebulous colors.
Around them, couples had paired off, finding their own dark corners in the overcrowded town home to do what they might. Men with the single-minded purpose to win congregated around gaming tables, barely noticing the women who adorned their shoulders. A few danced to the endless tunes played by the orchestra Alexis had hired for the night. As for Alex, Daisy hadn't yet spotted her.
Being newly widowed herself, Alex had chosen to live among the demimonde. The ton, Alex declared, was too tiresome. Daisy agreed. The ton had all but turned their backs on Daisy when Craigmore died and left her nothing by way of monetary support. Surely the bloody man had assumed she'd end up in the streets as a destitute wretch. Little had he known about her own resources.
Daisy eyed the man before her, a well-formed youth with a slightly coltish way about him. "Fresh air would be lovely."
A languid heaviness stole over her as she leaned into him. He smelled of cheroots, fine wool, and young male. His hard body against hers was a wonder. What did it matter that she'd forgotten his name?
His arm locked around her shoulders as he led her through a maze of corridors. Gaslight flickered low. Blue smoke and hot flesh turned the air hazy.
Daisy stumbled, and his grip tightened. "Careful. Don't want you on your back. Yet."
A true wit, this one. She cleared the thought away. She didn't need to think, only to feel.
With a laugh, they burst through the back door. Daisy caught a breath of dank, coal-tinged air and saw the flash of wet pavers glistening in the moonlight, and then her companion shoved her against the wall. Thick ivy rustled against her ear as he leaned in and took, his mouth brutal. Daisy opened to it, ignoring the pain, looking for the pleasure. So elusive, pleasure. So easy to remember one's self and lose the feeling. His tongue thrust past her lips, cool and thick. Ought a tongue feel cold?
Clouds scuttled overhead, and the bright disk of the moon shone down, setting the dismal little alleyway to glow like blue daylight. Daisy blinked up at the moon as her lover's hands drifted lower, catching up her skirts, his breath hot and damp above her breast. Daisy strained against his questing hand as it groped her. This is what she'd been waiting for. Six years of living in hell, she'd waited to be wanted, to be looked upon as a desirable woman and not a thing of disgust.
Temptress of man, harbinger of lust. You are a worthless vessel whose only use is to receive man's sin.
Anger coiled with her revulsion. Forget Craigmore, he is dead. His words cannot touch you. Follow the pleasure. But it skittered away as the wind shifted, brushing ice cold against her bare arms. Ah, but this alley smelled. Queer, like sticky sweet rot, and copper mixed with dirt. The stench sent a finger of ice over her spine. She murmured a protest. They were too exposed here, and she no longer wanted this.
"Easy, pet." Hard fingers raked her thighs.
"I want to go inside."
"Relax," he said.
She pushed at him. "Inside."
"I'm trying," he said with a laugh.
She turned her head to get away from him and caught the sight just to the left of his shoulder. A spill of gray satin skirts, the ruffled edges kicking up in the wind, a pale length of arm extended outward as if begging for help, the sparkle of diamonds on a white throat, large, glassy eyes staring. And blood, so much blood. Black and shining in the moonlight. Daisy's mind pulled the shapes, rearranging them to form a story. Alex. Alex's torso torn open. And something bent over Alex, its face buried in the gore, nosing about as if sniffing the body. A scream locked in Daisy's throat, so hard and cold that she could not get it out. Terror uncoiled, giving her the strength to push her lover away.
"What the devil?" he said.
A whimper broke from her lips as she tripped over her skirts and her companion turned. As if called, the thing lifted its head. A drop of crimson blood dripped from its jaw, and Daisy screamed. It snarled, rising on hind legs that were long as any man's. Her would-be lover scrambled back, bellowing in fear as the monster charged.
Daisy's head smashed against brick. Something hot and wet splashed over her cheek and neck. A body fell upon her, jerking and thrashing, grinding her into the hard ground, and then the screams, screams upon screams, pure unadulterated terror. It washed over her, taking her wits, sucking her down into the cool embrace of darkness.
Not far away…
Six whores and six failures were enough to make even the most optimistic of men throw in the sponge, as the Americans would say. There was fortitude, and there was humiliation. Ian knew he crossed that line around whore number three. So then, no more tupping. Fornicating as his father would have called it.
"Bloody, buggering, fucking, hell!" Ian's curse was lost to the night, dissipating like heated steam in the cool, clean air of Hampstead Heath.
Sweating and swearing, he ran faster, his feet pounding into the soft earth. Defeat never sat well with him. Worse, there was nothing left to him other than this. Running, pushing his body to the limits of endurance. Biting back another foul oath, he ran harder, his blood pumping through his veins like molten glass, as his legs screamed for mercy. Only here did he feel alive.
The great black dome of the night sky soared overhead. Beyond lay London, a jagged landscape of church spires and haphazard buildings bathed in the silver light of the moon. A shiver of feeling danced over him. The moon. That glorious seductress. Her power pulsed through him like so much wine. She fueled him, and in return, the beast stirred.
For decades, Ian had ignored this part of himself. He'd kept his beast so tightly leashed it had become nothing more than a faint echo in his mind. And he had suffered for it. Grown weak and apathetic. Now its howl rattled about in his skull, growing louder and stronger.
Part of him reveled in the beast. Why not? He'd lost all other sources of pleasure. Why not let the beast at last have its fun? Why not let it out to play? Even as the thought rolled over him, an innate sense of self-preservation protested. He had not struggled through one hundred and thirty years of life to let a little thing like temptation suck him into total annihilation.
Swearing again, Ian turned toward London, away from the wild things that called to the beast, the small scurrying rabbits and the fearful does that, even now, Ian could scent. A bitter laugh escaped as his feet ate up the ground, leading him into London with uncanny speed. Perhaps one day he'd be back to take down a deer with freed claws. Would he soon find himself muzzle deep in hot, wet blood, eating warm flesh with mindless pleasure?
Earth gave way to stone, clean air turning thick and fetid as he pushed into the city. Around him, the buildings were a blur, the odd pedestrian little more than a streak of color and the stir of air as Ian ran past. He was that fast. Faster than he would be all month now that the full and glorious moon fed him.
A dray loomed before him, plodding along with its load of coal. He leaped, arcing over it, to land on quick feet and run onward. It was more populated here, throngs of idle humans mixing with street traffic. He wove around them without care, his feet splashing through some unholy muck and kicking up the scent of rot.
His shoulder brushed past a coffee monger pushing his cart along. What would he see? A man in leather moccasins brought back from the American West? The loose gray trousers and cotton shirt of a laborer? Items Ian Ranulf, newly titled Marquis of Northrup, would not be caught dead wearing. Surely not that trussed-up dandy. Lord Northrup would never be confused with this wild man running amok.
All at once, the strength left him, and he slowed. His breath puffed even and steady. The beat of his heart was as strong as ever in his chest. Unstoppable. Unending. The thought nearly brought him to his knees. Around him, the chatter of men and women enjoying the clear night scraped against his nerves.
Slowing to a stroll, Ian wandered down a twisted street where the press of bodies thinned out to lighter foot traffic. To his left, yellow light poured in wide blocks from the windows of an older town home, still beautiful but shabby in this unfashionable neighborhood. The strains of a reel and feminine laughter rose above the din of London nightlife.
Ian moved away from it, into the shadowy mouth of an alley, when through the thick mash of human sweat, rotting water, and sewage came the distinctive tang of blood. Human blood. Just below that, a finer note, that of wolf.
It was that scent, the wild, rangy stamp of wolf that had his hackles rising and a growl rumbling deep within his throat. Seventy years of doggedly keeping away from his kind was almost lost as he instinctively turned toward the scent, ready to tear into whoever dared to encroach upon his territory. He came to an abrupt halt. It wasn't his territory. Not anymore.
Fight or flight, it warred within him until his chest felt ready to rip in two. A trickle of sweat rolled down his neck. He nearly moved away when a sharp feminine scream rent the air, followed by a snarl of rage. A man bellowed in pure terror. The snarls grew and then came the distinctive sound of tearing flesh, a man gurgling as though drowning. Blood, the perfume of it washed over Ian, making his knees buckle.
"Bugger!" He ran toward the scent without another thought.
Men were already spilling into the alley as Ian charged headlong into the fray. Someone shouted in shock. A woman fainted. A ripple of terror went through the throng of onlookers, heightening the sharp smell of fear. Men both retreated in horror and shoved forward in fascination. Women were quickly ushered away.
Ian shouldered a rotund man aside. The scent of wolf overpowered his senses. Wolf and blood. Jesus.
When yet another gentleman stepped in his way, Ian found his voice and said words he hadn't uttered in years. "Move aside! I'm a doctor." Though from the overwhelming amount of blood he smelled, he rather thought his rusty services would not be needed.
The crowd parted, and Ian took in the scene. Bile surged up his throat. Blood was everywhere, coating the walls of the town house, pooling upon the ground, and running along the cracks between the cobbles. A man—what was left of him—lay in a tangled heap against the wall, his face an unrecognizable hash of claw marks, his torso eviscerated. Just beyond, a woman suffered the same fate, though her face was unmarred. She'd died first. He'd bet his best walking stick on it. Already the stench of decay crept over her, and the body was stiff and white in the moon's glow.
Ian crouched low and inhaled. Scents assaulted him. He let them come and sorted through the mix. Beneath the rot, terror, and blood was the rangy scent of wolf imbued with something off, bittersweet yet sulfuric. Sickness. What sort, he couldn't tell, but it was well-developed. An odd fact indeed, given that werewolves weren't susceptible to disease.
"He's past help," said the man beside him. Ian held up a staying hand and inhaled deeper.
Beyond the filth came a fainter scent—rose, jasmine, vanilla, and sunshine. Those notes held him for one tense moment, pulling the muscles in his solar plexus tight and filling them with warmth. It was a fresh, ephemeral scent that made the beast inside him sit up and take notice.
A small groan broke the spell. Someone shouted in alarm. The dead man moved, rolling a bit, and the crowd jumped back as if one. Ian's pulse kicked before he noticed the soft drape of blue silk beneath the man's twisted legs.
"Bloody hell." He wrenched the body aside. It pitched over with a thud to reveal the crumpled form of a woman covered in blood and, oddly, vines, thick and deep green as they flowed down from the town house wall to envelop her.
"Step back," he said sharply as one wayward man tromped forward.
"Lud! Is she alive?"
Ian made quick work of the vines, extending only the very tips of his claws to rake through them, but his hands were gentle as he touched the woman's wrist to check her pulse. Slow, steady, and strong. It was from her that the scent of flowers and vanilla arose. Her features were lost under a macabre mask of crimson blood. Ian cursed beneath his breath and ran his hands over her form in search of injuries. Despite the blood, she appeared untouched. It was the man's blood, not hers. She'd seen the attack, however. Of that, he was certain. She'd been the one to scream. Then the man.
He glanced about the alley and imagined the events unfolding. This couple had seen the first victim. They shouted, and then they were attacked. Ian brought his attention back to the woman.
She was a handful, lush curves, neat waist. He gathered her up in his arms, ignoring the protests of those around. Her head lolled against his shoulder, releasing another faint puff of sweet scent. A curling lock of hair, red with blood, fell over his chest as he hefted her higher and stood.
"She needs medical attention." He moved to go when a gentleman stepped in his way.
"Here now." The gentleman's waxed mustache twitched. "You don't look like any doctor I've ever seen."
The crowd of men stirred, apparently taking in Ian's odd attire for the first time.
Ian tightened his grip on the female, and she gave a little moan of distress. The sound went straight to his core. Women were to be protected and cherished. Always. He stared down the gathering crowd. "Nor a marquis, I gather. However, I am both." He took a step, shouldering aside the man with ease. "I am Northrup. And it would do you well to get out of my way."
Another murmur rippled among the men, but they eased away; not many wanted to risk tangling with Lord Ian Ranulf, Marquis of Northrup. Those who weren't as convinced, he pushed past. He'd fight them all if he had to. This woman wasn't getting out of his sight. Not until he'd questioned her. And he certainly wasn't letting her tell the whole of London that she'd just survived an attack by a werewolf.
Chapter Two
There now, that's a good lass. Wake up, dear."
Daisy was warm. Warm and heavy of limb. It felt wonderful. The thought formed, and then confusion chased it away. Beyond her dark cocoon came the comforting sound of tinkling water, like that of a bath being drawn. Where was she? Who was that crooning? And what had happened… Her eyes flew open on a gasp. The flickering light of gas lamps wavered above her. She caught a glimpse of mahogany paneling before a woman's face came into view, wrinkled and kind, a gray halo of hair about her head.
"Easy, lass." The woman clasped Daisy's shoulder.
Daisy blinked down at her shoulder and realized that she was naked. Swaddled in eider down, but naked. "Where…" She swallowed. "What…" Her throat closed.
The elder woman gave her a little pat and then turned to adjust the taps on the enormous copper tub sitting in the center of the room. A man's bathing room, with velvet brocades and a silver shaving kit gleaming on a nearby table. A masculine fragrance of wool, linen, and vetiver lingered in the warm air.
"You've had a terrible fright, I suspect." The woman closed the taps and dipped a hand in the water to test it. Neither plump nor thin, the woman's frame was sturdy. "Just right."
The woman looked Daisy over. "You're in the Marquis of Northrup's home. His Lordship found ye and brought ye here." She moved to Daisy's side and gave her a kindly smile. "I was of a mind to wake ye before I got you in the bath. Bit of a nasty shock to be awakened by a bath, eh?" The woman's eyes went soft. "Ye need cleaning up, lass."
Daisy followed the direction of the woman's gaze and saw her hair cascading around her naked shoulders in a red tangle of dried blood. So red it reminded her of her sister Poppy's hair, and then she remembered. "Oh, God…" Her breath came in dry pants, the urge to gag, to scream making her shake. "That thing… my… friend…"
Her pants became rasps, and the woman wrapped a strong arm about her. "Hush, child, hush. You're safe." Work-worn palms soothed her arms. "Ease yerself before you become ill."
Like a child, Daisy let herself be led to the bath. The water was blessedly hot, smelling of lavender and chamomile, and Daisy let out a sigh. The woman smiled in satisfaction before reaching for a pitcher and a bar of soap. "Let's get ye clean, then." Her movements were brisk, and Daisy relaxed under the efficiency until the woman hit a spot at the back of her neck. She hissed at the sting and reached up to feel a row of punctures in her skin. A violent shudder wracked her body.
"It bit me," she whispered. She did not want to remember what it was. Her insides lurched and swayed, and she swallowed convulsively.
"Let me have a look." Gentle fingers probed the wounds. " 'Tis not very deep," the woman said soothingly as she washed it clean. " 'Twill heal in a tic, to be sure." Even so, the woman got up and came back with a jar of ointment. Her fingers were strong and sure as she smeared the pungent stuff on Daisy's neck.
The sting receded, and Daisy relaxed a bit more. "What is that?" she asked.
"An old recipe. Helps speed the healing." She sat back down behind Daisy and took up washing her hair. "I'm Mrs. Tuttle," the woman said. "You may call me Tuttle if ye like." She let out a short laugh. "I havena been called anything else in an age."
Daisy stared at the small coal fire glowing at the other end of the room. "I'm Daisy."
The sound of her own name felt wrong. She felt wrong. Numb.
"Would you send word to my sister?" The sudden need to see one of her sisters was almost painful. Poppy, however, would ask too many questions and make her feel like a goose for recklessly attending a party with the fast crowd. No, she needed Miranda, who would offer comfort without judgment. Her voice cracked when she spoke again. "She is Lady Archer."
"Of course, dear. I'll send a messenger out directly."
Strong fingers massaged Daisy's scalp, and creamy cascades of foam slid over her breasts and arms, the foam pink with old blood. In the dim of the elegant dressing room, she could almost believe the blood to be a trick of light. Only it wasn't. Bile rose in her throat. She drew her knees up and closed her eyes to the sight.
"Tuttle? The…" She licked her dry lips. "The man?"
Tuttle's movement stilled for only a moment. "Passed on." She crossed herself and then picked up the pitcher.
Warm water eased over Daisy's head as she squeezed her eyes shut. "I don't even remember his name." Her mouth trembled. She'd only been looking for a bit of amusement, harmless pleasure. She felt sick to her soul.
Tuttle made a soft sound. " 'Tis a terrible business, ma'am. Bless the Lord that yer unharmed."
Daisy curled into herself as another round of water flowed over her, taking the gore away. "And Alex." She swallowed down bile. "Alex was my friend."
Tuttle washed her with neat economy and then gently helped her to her feet to wrap a thick towel about her. The quiet movements were oddly comforting, and when Daisy was settled again on the green-velvet settee, she felt a bit more clearheaded. Unfortunately, it also led her to realize that she'd let Tuttle see her unclothed. Unease tightened the muscles on her back. She glanced at Tuttle. The light was dim here, and Tuttle hadn't remarked on anything. So perhaps she hadn't seen.
Daisy adjusted the towel higher up her back as Tuttle handed her a glass of brandy. "The master sent this for you. It ought to be whiskey, but he thought that might be too strong for ye."
Daisy took a sip of brandy as Tuttle bustled about. Liquid fire melted the ice in her belly, and her thoughts turned to her kind host. She couldn't recall meeting Lord Northrup. Then again, it had been a year since she'd been out in society, and she hadn't run in such lofty circles. Names, titles, and faces filtered through her mind, and she finally remember that the Marquis of Northrup was an old title belonging to some lord in Scotland for at least sixty years now. The man must be ancient.
Tuttle came near, holding up a rather flashy dressing gown of celadon green satin. The color would suit her sisters but most likely make Daisy look peaked. However, as it was that or go around swathed in a towel, Daisy slipped it on. Unfortunately, the garment, which smelled of cheap violet water perfume, puddled on the floor, the arms of it flopping far past Daisy's hands. Made for a woman of Miranda's stature too, Daisy thought grimly as Tuttle helped her hook up the front. The hooks strained over her breasts, and Daisy grimaced at the ill fit. Lord Northrup, the randy old goat, apparently favored tall redheads who wore harlot's perfume.
Ian fiddled about with the decanters on his drinks table. He'd already poured himself a measure of scotch and had no real purpose for pulling out the random crystal stopper only to put it back in. With a sound of disgust, he pushed away from the sideboard.
The woman was above, getting bathed by Tuttle. If he closed his eyes, he could hear the gentle tinkle of water and smell the fragrance of his bath soap enveloping her.
He blew out a breath and plopped down in his chair by the fire. Grabbing his glass from the side table, he took a hearty swallow before scowling down into the amber liquid.
The woman. He had exactly one glimpse of her pale throat before Tuttle had shooed him away.
"I'm a physician," he'd protested, when an implacable Tuttle had batted him back from undressing his patient.
"Oh, are ye?" Tuttle's expression had been dubious. "I thought ye'd given that all up."
Fine, he hadn't practiced since 1865 but the knowledge was still there. "Cheeky woman, do not split hairs now. I've seen countless nude females in that capacity, and it doesn't affect me in the least."
"Aye," Tuttle had snapped back. "An' when ye can look at her with the detached politeness of a healer and not leer like some randy lad, I'll let you examine her. Until then, out you go."
This is what he got for treating his staff like pack instead of servants, and while he craved the close familiarity of others, now wasn't one of those times. "Blast it, woman, I need to ascertain whether she is injured."
"Ascertain, eh?" She shoved him toward the door. "Is that what you're callin' it now?"
With only a harried assurance from Tuttle that she'd check the lass for damage, he'd been banished from his own room as though he were some deviant incapable of basic professionalism.
A grumble sounded in his breast. Very well, he could admit that part of him had been looking at the woman with the interest of a man, and damned if he knew why. The poor thing had been covered in blood, and in all likelihood, was traumatized. That his breath had begun to quicken as his hands undid her top buttons suddenly made him feel small and wrong, a right cad.
"Bloody hell," he muttered and took another long drink. The liquor sent a pleasant path of warmth down his throat and into his twitching gut. But it did not calm him. The silence in the library irritated the hell out of him. It struck him that silence was fast becoming his constant companion. Certainly he heard many things, talked to people on a daily basis, but on the inside he was alone.
Ian sank farther into his chair, and the twitchy, itchy weight of his situation intensified. As he looked at the door, his ears pricked up at the sound of the woman's tread coming down the main stair, and his heart kicked within his chest. A pleasant jump along with a tightening of his gut. Although he hadn't felt the sensation in months, years really, Ian realized the feeling for what it was: anticipation.
A sense of the surreal settled over Daisy as Tuttle led her through Northrup's elegant town house. She ought not be walking. She ought to be dead. That she lived, breathed, felt the slip and slide of silk over her legs with every step was at once so normal yet so abnormal that she almost laughed. Her friend was dead. And her own would-be lover? She was prepared to shag him, for really she couldn't call it making love, and now the man—whose name she still could not remember—was gone, slaughtered.
Temptress of man. Harbinger of a man's lust and destruction.
God help her, her late husband's words rang too close to the truth. Were it not for her going into the alleyway with that poor man, he might still be alive.
Her heartbeat sped up as Tuttle opened the door to a cozy library and ushered Daisy forward. What had her rescuer seen? Her steps faltered because suddenly she resolutely did not want to know.
As soon as she stepped into the room, he rose up from the leather wing chair by the fire in one fluid move. His eyes narrowed, taking her in just as she studied him.
Her breath gave a little catch as she moved closer. Most certainly, this was not the elderly Lord Northrup, but perhaps his heir. Good God, but this man was beautiful. Distractingly so. His was a masculine beauty that artists often replicated. Lean of face, saved from femininity by the sharp V of his jaw and the strength of his chin, with high cheekbones so defined they might have been cut from marble. Only his mouth was soft. Soft and mobile, the corners twitched as if wanting to smile.
However, there was nothing soft about his eyes. Deep set under dark brows that were currently slashed in a scowl, they pierced into her, their light color indistinguishable until she came close. A chuff of air escaped her. "Azure."
One brow lifted a notch. "Pardon?" His voice was at once lilting and light, yet rough. Silk over gravel.
Daisy stopped and let her gaze travel from the tips of his polished shoes, over his lean form dressed to perfection, and up to those azure eyes that now danced with amusement. She would have remembered this man had she seen him before. "You are too pretty to be a noble."
A bark of a laughter shot out, and Daisy felt a quirk of irritation. Damn her loose tongue.
Lord Northrup stepped closer, bringing with him the heady scent of vetiver and clean male. "I don't think I've ever been called pretty before, lass."
Very correctly, he caught up her hand and bent over it, his lips brushing her knuckles. His dark hair was the one wrong note in his otherwise flawless attire. It flowed in shining waves to the top of his shoulders. Barbaric. "If you're not careful," he said, "I'll soon be blushing."
Neither of them wore gloves, and his skin was dry and very warm. A stir of feeling wisped through her insides, and she fought the urge to back away. "I doubt that. I am certain you are quite used to such accolades." She gave a careless shrug as she retracted her hand. "In truth, I should take care not to stand too close or risk being eclipsed by your splendor."
He flashed a quick, practiced smile. "Oh, I don't know." He reached out and tugged a curl dangling by her cheek, the action making her insides jump. "You exude quite a shine yourself."
No, she would not blush. Daisy never blushed. Not over a man's attention. Yet her cheeks felt suspiciously warm as she turned away from him and wandered around the room. "Nonsense."
He strolled near. "Ah, but sometimes speaking of nonsense is the best cure." The gentleness in his tone made her heart skip a beat. He knew what she was about. He knew she strove to ignore the panic welling up like acid in her belly.
"Pay no mind to me, sir. There are times when my mouth and brain forget to hold a conversation."
His mouth quirked, true amusement making him appear almost boyish. "Happens often, does it?"
Cheeky sot. Daisy gave him a repressive look from over her shoulder, and he chuckled, clearly unperturbed by her annoyance.
"I see you are quite well, physically, at least. But let us sit." Catching hold of her hand once more and ignoring her murmur of protest, he tugged her gently toward the settee by the fire. He folded his long length next to hers. "I'm intrigued. If not by beauty, how then does one spot the garden-variety nobleman?"
He was too close, his gaze too warm for her comfort. Sliding her clenched fists under the borrowed dressing gown, she shrugged.
"Easily," she said. "One need only look for the promise of beauty not quite fulfilled, a nose too large, eyes a bit too close together, or ears ready to set sail."
Northrup's head snapped back, his eyes widening. "You, madam, are a snob."
She bit back a laugh. "Oh, to be sure. As I am certain you men are not cataloging a woman's every feature from the moment she steps in the room."
He grinned with the ease of a man who did so often. "As you did with me, you mean?"
Her lips tightened. "Pray, do not hold your tongue on my account."
"Said one spade to the other." He was smiling again, leaning in as if he might gobble her up. Damn the man, he had an infectious smile. She resisted the urge to return it.
Among the ton, Lord Northrup's type of charm was as prevalent as weeds in a meadow. Light, amusing, and devoid of any true meaning. She used to long for such interactions. But after tonight's horror, even that small amusement had lost its flavor. Yet she appreciated his efforts to distract her. Despite the bath and the bracing effect of the brandy, residual shivers of panic clung to her. She wanted to rub her arms until the feeling was gone.
Northrup rested an elbow on the seat back, and the light reflected in his long hair, turning it auburn. Wine and chocolate. Delicious. The look in his eyes said he had at least some sense of her line of thoughts.
"You wear your hair longer than fashion," Daisy blurted out. "Why?" The question was in poor taste, but the cornered often react in haste. At least that was the reasoning she used on herself as she felt her cheeks prickle with embarrassment.
Obviously as surprised at her bluntness as she was, he took a moment to address her. "I'm in mourning for my father." The corners of his lush mouth turned down as he glowered at some unseen thing before his expression cleared. "It is the Ranulf custom for a man to let one's hair grow for three years after the death of a close family member."
"Oh, I had no idea." Her discomfort grew.
"How could you?" he answered with unexpected kindness.
Daisy found herself reacting to it. Her hand settled on his forearm for a brief moment. "I am sorry for your loss."
He looked at the spot she had touched. "Thank you. Your concern is unnecessary, but kind." He went back to studying her, and a look of bemusement wrinkled his brow. "You remind me of someone. Though I cannot place it."
The feeling was mutual. He seemed at once utterly familiar yet completely foreign to her.
His look of concentration grew. "But I have never seen you before tonight. I would have remembered." His tone was soft now, a confession that moved beyond small talk.
She had to smile at that bit of odd logic. "Certainly." She meant to say it lightly yet her voice caught and faded as she met his gaze. Everything within her stilled and warmed. As if similarly affected, his smile slipped and his expression grew unguarded. Daisy's breath hitched, for she saw in the depths of his eyes something that looked like longing.
It mirrored feelings she'd rather not think on, and so she sought to turn the conversation back to the benign. "Were you living in Scotland before the previous Lord Northrup's passing?"
His straight brows drew together. "How did you know that my grandfather passed on?"
It was Daisy's turn to frown. "Your title… Was Lord Northrup not your father?"
The current Lord Northrup's look of confusion faded. "Ah," he said with a little smile, and then sat a bit straighter. "My father was Lord Alasdair Rossberry. It is a bit of a muddle, I grant you, but he and my grandfather both passed"—a strange look flashed in his eyes before he continued—"around the same time. Thus I inherited two titles."
The tips of his ears reddened as he grimaced. "I beg your pardon for not making a proper introduction. Ian Alasdair Ranulf, previously known as Viscount Mckinnon, at your service… Hell, I haven't even asked your name." One side of his mouth kicked up. "I'm usually much better at this sort of thing, only I confess—"
"I distracted you," she finished wryly, but her heart had started to pound. Mckinnon, the name was familiar. Why? Alarm bells clanged within her tender skull.
"You're very good it," he admitted in a low voice.
"Only when I'm trying." Daisy licked her dry lips and inclined her head. "Daisy Ellis Craigmore."
Whatever she expected of him, it wasn't the sudden shock in his eyes or the way he straightened and stepped away from her. "You are Miranda's sister."
Apparently shock was catching. All the warmth within her left as though she were caught in a draft, and then she knew. "You!"
Northrup's slanting brows furrowed, but his tone was light when he spoke. "Me? Whatever do you mean?"
Daisy's elbow slipped a bit as she scrambled to sit up straight. "You're the beastly man who tried to poison Miranda's mind against Archer." Miranda had told Daisy all about it months ago, how Mckinnon had tried his best to convince Miranda to carry on an affair with him. And now Daisy was sitting in the parlor with the vile man.
He scowled. Whether it was toward the veracity of her statement or the fact that he'd been caught out, Daisy couldn't be sure. The only certainty was the feral gleam in Northrup's eyes and the way it made Daisy feel unaccountably nervous. However, having lived with much worse, intimidation did not easily cow her. She returned his look pound for pound, and his irritation seemed to grow.
" 'Beastly' is it?" he all but growled. "I'll kindly ask you to remember who took you in and saw you set to rights."
A qualm of guilt lit through her, and he must have seen it for he stepped closer to loom over her in righteous indignation. "And I don't recall you thinking me so beastly a moment ago."
No, she'd rather liked him, damn the man. It made her cheeks burn to realize he had noticed this as well. In the heavy silence, she heard the clatter of a carriage pulling up beyond the front windows. A coach door opened and shut. Northrup's nostrils flared as if catching a scent, and a strange look passed over his features. "Well, won't this be cozy?" he said, as he straightened his coat. "I believe the lady in question has come to call."
Chapter Three
She was here. Miranda. He hadn't seen her in months. And then it had been only a glimpse at some ball. He had wanted to speak to Miranda one more time. To apologize. Not for warning her about Archer—the bastard had no right to marry a woman without telling her the truth of what he was—but for putting the wariness in her eyes whenever she looked his way. Despite what others thought, Ian did not hold with frightening women. He had played out his dance with Miranda poorly.
He heard Miranda's voice in the hall, sharp with worry as she asked his butler Diggs where to find Daisy. How she knew to come here Ian did not know, but her presence plucked at the nerves on the back of his neck. Ian closed his eyes for a moment and pictured Miranda, golden-red hair, her long, willowy form, and alabaster skin.
At one time, he'd fancied himself in love with her. And now? Seeing her was the last thing he wanted. He was thoroughly tired of redheaded women.
Beside him, her sister gathered herself together. She looked nothing like Miranda. Curling hair of morning sunlight mixed with polished gold. Enormous doe eyes, not the color of celadon but of summer skies. Daisy. A preposterous name. Frivolous. And yet he could not think of her as Mrs. Craigmore. The name did not fit.
Ian's gaze slid lower. The unfortunate dressing gown she wore, a sad little orphan of some long-ago mistress's wardrobe, did not fit but most certainly highlighted her undulating curves and that plump arse that practically begged a man to take hold of it. She surely was built for frivolity.
Ian resolutely tore his eyes from her lush form as the door opened and Miranda appeared, so beautiful it made a man's chest hurt to look upon her. She spared him but a glance before rushing to her sister's side.
"Panda. Oh, God." Daisy pulled her close and shuddered so hard that Ian feared the woman might faint.
Miranda hugged her sister tight. "I was so worried. When you sent word that you'd been hurt…" She said nothing further but held on as if she might never let go.
They stayed like that, their bright heads close, glowing like sunrise and sunset, their slim arms locked in an embrace. Too pretty a picture for him. Damn, but he did not want this woman to be Miranda's sister.
"Where is Archer?" Ian asked. The man usually hung about her skirts like an overgrown shadow.
Miranda lifted her head. Her words came out halting and reserved. "Home. Given the way you two are apt to get at each other's throats, I thought it best that I come alone."
He couldn't help but laugh a little. "I am surprised he let you go."
She gave him an admonishing look that was much like the one her sister had given him earlier. "It is you whom Archer does not trust, not me."
Touché. He inclined his head in deference.
Miranda turned back to Daisy. "Are you harmed?"
Daisy shook her head, which made the wild tumble of her curls tremble. "I am well. Only frightened."
A pair of green eyes turned to Ian, and he found himself bristling. "Because I get such joy in frightening innocent women."
Miranda blanched. "Of course not. I am simply curious as to how my sister came to be in your care."
"Then let us sit," he said.
The sisters immediately curled up together on the settee, Miranda clasping Daisy's hand in a show of comfort. Oddly, this made Ian want to smile. The temptation faded when Miranda pinned him with her green gaze. "Well then, how did you come across my sister?"
He hesitated. Hell, it was one thing to coax a story out of a frightened young lady. It was another to give up his secrets. Archer knew them. At least some. What was not clear was how much Archer had told Miranda. Right now, she was looking at him with a mixture of weariness and impatience. As to Daisy, he rather thought that if he revealed himself at this moment, she'd up and flee the room. He would not resent her one bit if she did.
Ian ran a hand through his hair. "I was in the area. I heard a scream and caught the scent of blood and ran to help. I found Mrs. Craigmore—"
"Daisy," interrupted the very woman. She glanced around, taking in their shocked looks. "Don't go reading anything into it. Given the choice between having to hear that name in reference to me and shocking society, I'll take the latter every time, thank you."
Ian admired her nerve. "For the sake of fairness, you must call me Ian."
Miranda's eyes narrowed a fraction. Good. He ignored her, or did his best to appear that he was. "At any rate, I found Daisy, saw that she was overcome, and took her to safety. End of the story."
It was clear that Miranda didn't believe that was all to the story, but she held her tongue, and Ian took advantage of the moment to turn to Daisy. "I am more interested in knowing what you saw, Daisy."
Daisy took a deep breath and her breasts strained against the tight confines of the hideous green dressing gown. Ian found he couldn't stand the sight of the gown. It shamed him that she should wear a whore's clothes.
"I fear you will not believe me," she whispered.
"Be assured, madam," Ian said, "I will."
Her bright blue eyes surveyed him as if checking for any sign of insincerity. "You seem so certain"—a bitter laugh escaped her—"when I wouldn't believe myself."
Ian leaned against the settee back. "What you saw appeared as something out of a fantasy, yes?"
"More likely a nightmare," Daisy said with a burst of breath. But she would not continue. Her golden brows drew together as she glared down at her tight fists.
Ian looked at Miranda. Initially, he had wished she hadn't come. But now he wondered if her presence might help. "I do wonder," he said to Miranda, "how close a family you are."
Fortunately, she read the question lurking there. Miranda touched Daisy's hand. "Daisy, Lord Northrup knows about me."
Daisy's eyes flew to Ian in horror. Indeed, what Miranda could do was equally fantastic, and Ian suspected her family had kept her sister's secret for a lifetime. After all, what would society say if they knew the lovely Lady Archer was a fire starter?
"And about Archer as well," Miranda added.
"Which is why," Ian said, "you can tell us what you saw without fear of judgment."
Daisy cleared her throat, and as she recounted her tale, rage and the urge to do violence tumbled about in Ian's chest. Hells bells, he knew too well the terror of confronting a fully turned werewolf. That this woman had faced one made the hairs rise upon the back of his neck and gave him an unsettling sense of helplessness. Yet he remained outwardly calm.
"I did not get a long look at it," Daisy said, finishing her tale. Her eyes squeezed shut. "But that muzzle, the fangs, and the claws. It was a wolf. And yet it moved in an almost human way…" With a grimace, she shook her head and went quiet.
Ian sighed and told her the truth. "A werewolf is what you saw."
It was almost comical the way her mouth opened and shut as if trying to form words and failing. All the color leached out of her soft cheeks. Her mouth kept working as she looked from Miranda to Ian and back around again. A little laugh escaped, but it died when she swallowed with visible effort. "A werewolf." Her tone was scathing. She laughed again. "Right, then. A werewolf. Some fantasy beast of lore."
"You think those claws and fangs nothing more than an elaborate costume, do you?"
"No! Although I… I suppose it is what I had hoped."
"Unfortunately," Ian said, "hope and reality are often at odds."
The words settled like a shroud over the room. He regarded them for a moment. "I must ask a favor of you, Daisy."
Gold curls coiled atop of her shoulder as she tilted her head. "What, pray tell, do you want?"
Ian crossed his arms in front of his chest. "I want you to refrain from telling anyone else what you saw." He gave Daisy a small smile. "Given your reluctance tonight, I gather that you aren't likely to say a word, but I need to be sure."
"Consider yourself assured," Daisy said with a touch of asperity. "I have no desire to be pronounced a raving lunatic."
Her candor made him want to chuckle, and he wondered if this woman would ever hold back her opinion. "That is most sensible of you, madam. I have no doubt you would find the accommodations in Bedlam beneath your standards."
Despite the insults she'd hurled his way earlier, Daisy slanted an amused look from beneath the bronze fan of her lashes, which set off an answering stir within Ian's gut. Beside her, however, Miranda's eyes narrowed in suspicion, and Ian fancied he could see the cogs turning in her brain.
"I well understand why Daisy would be reluctant to speak," she said, "but it seems to me that your concern goes a touch beyond casual."
Beneath the fold of his arms, his hands curled to fists, but he answered her easily. "Were the good people of London to hear that a werewolf is roaming the city, there would be panic. I don't believe any of us want that outcome."
"Understandable," Daisy agreed, but she was frowning. "Only, well… ought they not be warned? What if it…" Her pretty lips parted on a strangled breath and she went pale. "What if it bites someone, and… well, turns them into one too?"
Myths indeed. His mouth twitched but he kept a straight face. "You cannot be infected by a bite, luv. A man is either born with the capability to become a werewolf or he is not."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." He could see the questions forming on the sisters' faces; they gathered and brewed like clouds over a darkening sea. Ian stood, needing to quell the storm before it broke. "Look," he said. "Go home, get some rest. All will be well. I swear to it."
Daisy did not look so sure. Miranda, however, nodded as if his word, while not good enough for her, would have to do for now. Ian rather thought she would like to get as far away from him as possible. He did not like the Ian Ranulf that Miranda saw, but he had been that man for so long that he almost forgot who he had been before. The suffocating feeling was back, threatening to swallow him down. Because he did not know how to climb out of the abyss and walk with the light steps of his old, true self.
Miranda's skirts rustled as she stood. "Well, then, thank you, Northrup, for looking after my sister. It was good of you." Steeling herself, she offered him a hand in friendship.
Between her haughty look and Daisy's earlier disdain, the devil in Ian could not resist coming out to play. They thought him a cad, did they? Then he would be one for them. He clasped Miranda's hand and pulled her close. "Will you not call me Ian?" he murmured, bending over her hand to lightly kiss it. "After all we've been through? Together?"
He could hear her back teeth meet. He ignored it and leaned in until her scent surrounded him. A familiar, pleasant scent but surprisingly not enough to excite him anymore. "You know, the hero usually receives a boon in such circumstances. A kiss perhaps?"
Her mouth slanted. "Are you quite through?"
Ian gave her an innocent grin and let Miranda believe that he still wanted her. He didn't, but bloody hell, her suspicions irritated. "Well, you know where to find me, sweet, should you feel the need to visit. Or perhaps I shall call on you."
Daisy too had risen. The sight of her sent a qualm of disappointment through his gut. Beastly man was he? She had no idea. He turned his smile on her, refusing to look apologetic. He bent over her hand and murmured pretty words of some sort or other. It didn't matter what he said; he just wanted them gone.
Miranda headed toward the door, her slim back straight and proud. Ian moved to follow when, through the buzzing within his ears, he realized that Daisy had not stirred.
He stopped, and seeing the action, Miranda did too. Daisy clasped her hands tightly before her. "I would like a private word with Lord Northrup." Her blue eyes sought his. "If I may?"
Miranda scowled. "Daisy, it really isn't necessary."
Her sister's expression was implacable. "I believe it is." A soft blush colored her cheeks. "It may take more than a moment. If you do not want to wait, I will understand."
Surprise had Ian rooted to the spot, but hearing those words spurred him out of his frozen state and he found the ability to speak. "She may take my coach home." He made a small bow. "It is at your disposal, as am I."
Daisy gave the smallest of smiles. "Good." She turned back to her sister. "See? It is all arranged. Now stop mothering me. That is Poppy's manner of deportment. I am fine, really."
Annoyance colored Miranda's high cheeks and pinched at her mouth. "Of course I shall wait for you." She gave Ian a glare that promised swift death should he try anything untoward, which made him want to laugh. He managed to appear benign as he escorted Miranda from the room, while inside his heart pounded.
What did Daisy want? And why had she stayed? He had a fairly good idea. A smile spread over his lips, one that he feared looked rather wolfish. As it should be, for the wolf had a delectable morsel of prey waiting in his den. It was time to play.
The door clicked quietly shut as Northrup returned to the library. In Daisy's mind, it might was well have been the slamming of a cage door. She pressed her damp palms against her thighs and tried to steady her erratic breathing.
Northrup set his hunter's gaze upon her, and her heartbeat tripped with a pained thud. She knew why he believed she had stayed behind, and damn if some small part of her didn't agree with him.
"All alone, my dear. As requested." He strode back to her, his gait loose-limbed and sure. A predator's stride. One might try to run, but it would be useless.
She drew her shoulders back and faced him head-on. He noted the gesture, for a contented smile oiled over his features. She ignored it, and the little flutters that were running riot in her belly. "Thank you for letting me stay."
He sat next to her on the settee, and the fresh, wild scent of him hit her anew. "I've never been one to deny a beautiful woman." He looked her over slowly, as if contemplating how to start a particularly fine meal. "Especially when she is so eager for a moment alone with me."
He was so sure she would melt. And for some reason, that spark of confidence in his eyes made her want to take him down a peg. She ought to flirt. Flirting was a well-loved cloak that fit her perfectly. Only now, the very idea of flirting made her ill. Still, she would do it, if it laid a trap for him.
"Hmm. A penny compliment. I'm all astir."
Sharp canines flashed in the firelight. "Immune, are you?"
"Only when flattery is given by rote."
"Then I shall have to try harder."
"Or give up."
Northrup dimpled, his teeth clicking as his smile grew wolfish. "I never give up."
He said it lightly, yet a flash of something dangerous, almost feral, lit his eyes, and Daisy wondered at the notion of truly being the object of this man's obsession. A chill chased over her skin. Rather like being hunted, she thought.
She shrugged, lest he see her disquiet. "There is a fine line between persistence and being a pest, my lord."
He chuckled, the wild light in his eyes shifting to genuine amusement. "Now why do I suspect you've crossed that line more than a few times, my dear?"
Daisy didn't know whether to laugh or be shocked. "Perhaps you'll find tonight to be one of those times."
"Will I now? Then it is my turn to be stirred."
He was making it too easy. A bubble of disappointment rose within, for she thought he'd be harder to lure, but then his blue eyes ran over her as heavy as a caress, and she became aware of the globes of her breasts straining against the deep V of the ill-fitting dressing gown.
"That gown is a tragedy on you," he murmured in a low growl that rasped against her skin.
"So sorry," she managed to say past the flush that left her oddly breathless. "You'll have to take your objections up with the man who provided it for me."
He grunted in amusement, his gaze not shifting from her body. "He is a fool. He is of a mind to take it off, lest it offend him further."
Heat blossomed over her skin and settled between her legs. Such a shock, she almost choked on it. Her breasts rose and fell over the edge of her bodice in cadence with her breathing, and his eyes followed the movement.
"Oh, you are good," she whispered as all that heat turned to delicate throbbing. Here was the excitement she'd craved earlier. Only now that she'd found it, she felt disoriented, as if she were a rider about to be unseated. Were he not possessing a tendre for her sister, she might have considered giving in to his charm. "I suppose this is you trying?"
One corner of his mouth kicked up. "Is it working?"
Yes. "If you need to ask, it probably isn't."
A snort escaped him. "Probably?" His eyes lifted to meet hers, and she almost crossed her legs against the unwelcome onslaught of feeling. Good God, he was potent. She'd underestimated him entirely. In heavy silence, they stared at each other.
His nostrils flared as if scenting her, and he suddenly grinned outright, a wolfish grin that set off tremors of alarm in her belly. "Liar," he said. "I can almost taste your wanting, it's so thick in the air."
And then she knew; he'd been toying with her as well. Her pulse jumped, but she merely returned his look with one of bland disinterest, refusing to lose this game. "You, sir, are a bore."
Something near a growl rumbled deep in Northrup's chest. "If this is you bored, I cannot wait to see you excited."
Slowly, oh so slowly, the blunt tip of his finger lifted to trail under her sleeve and along the bare crook of her arm with infinite care. Goose bumps rose in its wake, a pleasurable chill that had her yearning to lean into the warmth of his lean, strong body. Why did it have to be this man who made her breath quicken?
She smacked the finger away and stared into his too-blue eyes. "Do not mistake me for some witless hen who follows whatever cock is thrown into the roost."
His chiseled features froze for a moment and then a smile slowly spread over his mouth, lighting him up from within. Dimples pulled at his cheeks, and Daisy caught her breath. No, she would not be moved.
"Cock?" he intoned, a hairbreadth from laughing. Blue eyes twinkled. "My dear, I'm the wolf." He leaned in, bringing all his tempting warmth and masculine strength closer. His voice rumbled over her skin. "I eat the hen," he murmured, "before I carry off what's left of her."
She laughed. She hadn't meant to, but she could not stop it from rolling out, full and thoroughly unladylike. Lord Northrup scowled down at her, his expression so put out that she laughed again.
Daisy fought for a breath. "I'm sorry. It's only… You are so… practiced."
"Practiced," Northrup repeated faintly, his fine features twisting into a male glower. He wiped a tired hand over his face. "Well," he muttered as he slumped back against the settee, "if that doesn't drive the final nail in the proverbial coffin."
Her laughter died as abruptly as it had started, and she turned away from him. Daisy blinked up at the ceiling and suddenly a tear leaked from her eye. She whisked it away but he had seen. Something shifted in his eyes. "Ah, now, lass," he whispered.
"You must think me a lunatic," she said.
His voice stayed soft and soothing. "You have no idea what I'm thinking."
She continued to gaze up at the coffered ceiling. "I always do that. Laugh when I ought to cry, cry when I ought to laugh." She shook her head and a curl fell over her eye. She was too weary to bat it away. "My father died last year. When I heard the news, I just laughed and laughed." A sigh left her. "I loved him, despite his faults, but I…" Daisy turned and gave Northrup a watery smile. "It wasn't until a week later that I cried. Ridiculous, isn't it?"
How she wished she could truly cry now, the messy bawling sort of cry. She felt it bottled up within her throat, but it wouldn't break free. The dead deserved tears. She was making hash of everything this night.
Northrup settled down in a comfortable sprawl of long limbs and then looked up at the ceiling as she had done. "Oh, I don't know. My father was murdered. When I heard the news, I did not cry, didn't say a word actually."
Northrup's words tugged at her memory. Archer had known his father. The mad woman who chased after Archer had killed old Lord Rossberry, Daisy realized with a jolt. She cleared her throat and tried to sound calm. "What did you do?"
Northrup turned his head to peer at her. "I shagged a dozen whores."
"All at once?" she muttered, which made him laugh. Flushing, Daisy looked away, but she could feel his knowing smile. Unfortunately, his nearness and the heat of his body made him impossible to ignore, or to stop from picturing him engaging in the act. She flushed again.
"No, luv." His eyes crinkled at the corners as he watched her, but his voice was soft and serious when he spoke. "And it wouldn't have mattered. Distraction works for only so long, you know."
The room blurred before her as the tears finally came. Slowly, as if he feared startling her, Northrup reached out and took her hand. It was a shockingly intimate thing to do, and yet she felt comforted. His palm did not possess the smooth, cool skin of a gentleman but was rough and very warm. All that warmth seeped through her arm and up into her chest, and she found herself lacing her fingers with his. With his free hand, he passed her his kerchief and sat silently while she wiped her tears.
After a moment, he expelled a tired sigh. "You wanted time alone with me, lass. Now, why is that?"
Daisy turned and the springs of the couch groaned in the quiet. Northrup's mouth parted on a breath, but his eyes held a hint of wariness. And rightfully so. She smiled a little sadly, suddenly wishing she hadn't started down this road. She hadn't expected to like him. "I want you to leave my sister alone. She isn't for you."
Her words hit him with visible effrontery. A laugh burst from his lips even as they twisted in a snarl of irritation. He let her hand go, but did not retreat into denial as a gentleman might. Instead he lifted a brow in challenge. "And if I do not?"
Northrup closed the small distance between them until she could see the ice-blue striations in his irises. "What shall you do then? Hmm?" His lips almost touched hers as he spoke. "Stomp one of those dainty feet in protest? Take me over your knee and rap me with one of your little evening fans?"
Daisy shook her head, and the tip of her nose brushed his. Northrup made an odd sound but did not pull back. She hadn't expected him to. "As much as it would surely disappoint you, no. I don't have to do any of those things. My sister is safe from you. She loves Archer and always will."
His eyes narrowed to slits. "Then why warn me off?"
"As I said before, there is a fine line between persistence and being a pest. You, sir, have crossed it, and it paints you a fool."
Dull crimson washed over his high cheeks as a growl rumbled low in his throat. Time to go. Daisy calmly gathered up her skirts and brushed against him as she rose. "You did me a kindness this evening, despite your unfortunate behavior toward my sister." Northrup outright snorted at this, and she let her voice rise a touch. "The least I can do is return the favor and set you to rights before you make an even greater ass of yourself."
It was rather gratifying the way his mouth hung slightly open, his body seemingly frozen upon the settee. "Good night, Lord Northrup. I thank you for your assistance."
Her hand closed over the door latch when suddenly he was there, his big hand coming down on hers and holding it. "D'ye think ye can dress me down and simply leave, lass?" His Scots burr thickened with his agitation, rolling so deep and luscious that she shivered. Northrup crowded in, pressing against her hip, and she felt the hard length of him in crude detail. "I'm thinking you'd prefer I'd play with someone else."
She eyed him over her shoulder. "Me, you mean?" she asked coolly, as if her heart was not bounding like a frightened rabbit within the cage of her ribs.
His square jaw bunched as he gave a sharp nod. Speechless for once. What a thought.
"You're welcome to try, my lord." She shoved him with her shoulders, catching him off balance, and he faltered back a pace. Daisy opened the door but stopped to look at him.
Northrup's broad chest heaved with the rapid breath of a man in a temper, his vivid eyes flashing while his fists clenched at his sides. It ought to have frightened her, but it served only to send an unwelcome bolt of heat straight to her sex.
"However, I doubt that you could handle me. Somehow I think you prefer your women either unavailable or subservient. I am neither."
Chapter Four
Bout time you got here." Henry Poole shifted on his small feet, looking left and right down the street as though expecting to be set upon by thieves before glaring up at Ian. In the distance, the soft chimes of church bells sounded. "Adele will be wondering where I've gone any moment now. We have breakfast together. Usually."
"I am precisely on time, old boy," Ian said as he strolled toward Poole. Despite the casual stride, edginess plucked at Ian's spine. In all these years, he had never made peace with death. And avoided it whenever he could.
He eyed the small, rectangular outbuilding that made up Poole's surgery. Not even the broad, well-trafficked streets of central London could blot out the subtle, sticky sweet smell of decay wafting from the building's high crescent windows. He shifted his weight away from the building.
"And the hour was picked by you," Ian reminded.
"Hmm…" Poole extracted his pocket watch to frown down at it in accusation.
Short, round, and turned out like an Antarctic penguin in his immaculate morning suit, Henry J. Poole was not the image one would picture for London's foremost forensic surgeon. And though his round eyes and snub nose appeared childlike, the man had a sharp mind and a near vicious tenacity when it came to the study of human anatomy.
"Been avoiding Inspector Lane for hours," Poole said, "on account of your little request. That man wants to view the bodies something fierce. Have you any idea the lies I've had to tell?"
"I'm certain they were quite inventive, Poole."
"Bah. I don't need the hassle. Ought to be concentrating on my practice, getting fifty quid to diagnose Lord Something- or-other's dizzy spells." He glared at Ian as if to make sure Ian was following his rant. "I don't need to be helping the police. Or you either. I've got better things to do."
"By all means," Ian said, "let me incommode you no longer. I am certain Lord Something- or-other would be happy to pay for your services."
Poole harrumphed. As well he should. The police needn't use his services. There were other surgeons who were more than happy to oblige. But like most geniuses, Poole was fiercely competitive and thus protective of his unofficial role as the CID's pathologist, lest some crack charlatan fill the position. It was a little-known specialty and did not receive the recognition it should. Something that irked Poole to no end.
"Let's get on with it then," Poole muttered.
"Not quite yet," said a deep voice from behind them.
Ian silently cursed as Benjamin Archer strode forward, his gray eyes flashing equal parts amusement and censure. The nosy blighter.
"Planning a bit of fun without me, Northrup?" A smug smile stretched his face.
"As fun and you are generally at odds," Ian said, "then yes, yes, we were." He turned to glare at Poole who had made himself appear as small and unnoticeable as possible. "Ratting me out to Archer, are you?"
At this, Poole drew himself up. "So happens I owe him a favor or two as well."
Ian snorted as Archer drew abreast of him. "Which includes," said Archer, "letting me know the moment you contacted him to view the victims of this attack."
Ian's teeth ground together. Damn but this was work to be done by delegates of the lycan clan. And yet, after sending his man Talent to scout, Ian discovered that not a single clan representative had come out of the woodwork. Why? Ian feared he knew the answer, and he did not like it in the least. So now he was here. Where he least wanted to be.
Poole tucked away his watch. "Let's get on with it, then."
Excerpted from Moonglow by Kristen Callihan Copyright © 2012 by Kristen Callihan. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Meet the Author
USA Today bestselling author Kristen Callihan is a writer because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewers' Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book, Firelight, received RT Book Reviews' Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.
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This story takes place in 1883. I will say I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I actually got very involved with the characters of this book. I was a bit lost at times, as I never read the first book, which is based on Daisy's sister (Miranda), and Daisy is the main character in this one I got ARC copy from NetGalley to review, so I had to wing it without reading the first book (Firelight by Kristen Callihan). The story starts with Daisy finding herself free of the constraints of mourning the cruel husband she hated. She has been so unhappy and gone without for so long. She has a lust for life that is frowned upon by society. She finally goes out to enjoy some life, when at a friend's party, she is making out with a young man on a balcony, and gets a huge shock, she sees her friends dead body, and ends up living to tell the tale, as the diseased killer attacks her, but gets the young man instead and she gets roughed up a bit. Ian Ranulf is an exiled Lycan. He knows his behavior is not acceptable, and I am assuming his behavior in the first book towards Miranda (Daisy's sister) and Archer (old friend and married to Miranda) was even worse. He seems to have a jealousy of Archer, but it's for a different reason that you would first think, I will leave that as a surprise. He is running from ghost of his past and keeps his wolf mollified. Then one night he scents a werewolf and blood—lots of blood with the overlay of disease. Ian works it out quickly that Daisy is in danger from the diseased werewolf, but talking Daisy into accepting his protection is a whole other thing. Daisy has trust issues and she has no intention of trusting him or the attraction she feels for him. Ian would not allow them to have more than a fling, as he will not get into a deep relationship with a mortal again-not ever. Although we will see, there is more to Daisy than we initially think. She has a power all her own. They soon discover greater forces are play than just a mad, sick werewolf, and Ian and Daisy must work to expose them before more people are killed and worse things happen. We get some revelations from Ian's past which is dangerously close to catching up to him and a few other plots twist that have devastating ramifications that left my heart twisting and aching for Ian and Daisy. The relationship that finally develop between Ian and Daisy is all that I hoped for because of their similar love of adventure and feisty fun along with their great capacity to experience passion. Lots of back and forth on the relationship developing, but it finally happened. We get some twist and turns, and some big discoveries, but all in all, a great story, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes Paranormal Romance's, especially historical ones. As long as the erotic scenes won't bother you. The passion that grows between Ian and Daisy is very sweet, and came to really care about them. The ending is sad, but satisfying too. I find myself looking forward to book 3 Winterblaze when it comes out, because it will continue with a plot that was left very open that had to do with Poppy and Winston (Poppy is Daisy's other sister, and Winston her husband)
Forgive me but I'm going to gush for a moment. Kristen Callihan's Darkest London series is a fantastically dark, dangerously fun, sexy thrill ride. I enjoyed Moonglow, the second book in the series, just as much as Firelight, the first. The characters are not perfect. They are flawed in the best way possible. They are interesting, and hold my attention to the extent that I am reading each page like I eat a piece of chocolate cake, savoring each bite and disappointed when my plate is clean. I had loved the brief moments that Daisy appeared in Firelight. She was funny, irreverent, brassy, and I thought, stole the show from her sister, Miranda, who that book was centered around. I am very happy to say that she was just as interesting in Moonglow, and I loved how the author didn't hold anything back. Her love interest in Moonglow was the evil character from Firelight, Ian Rathburn, the Marquis of Northrup. We find out that he isn't so evil after all. He is a Lycan, who has given up his pack to live a "normal" life, tortured by the death of his wife and son. Daisy and Ian had instant chemistry, but their dialog was what I enjoyed the most. They had a delicious sense of humor that was a joy to read, the author describing every lift of an eyebrow or coquettish glance through eyelashes. The mystery in Moonglow was thrilling. A mad werewolf is hunting down women who wear Daisy's one of a kind perfume. Daisy, playing Sherlock to Ian's Holmes, very smartly follows the clues that ultimately lead them into the path of the werewolf. Ian, protective of her from the start, pits himself against that villain, as well as facing off against his brother, now the Alpha of clan Ranulf, a subplot that gives the reader insight into Ian's background. The conclusion to this story is a satisfying end, leaving the reader looking forward to the third novel in this series, which will revolve around the third sister Poppy and her husband the officer investigating this crime. Luckily for me, this is an old series, and there are six books already published, with the seventh to be released in June.
Loved this book!!!
I am disappointed in this nook. I loved the first book in the series and couldnt wait to read this one. It was nowhere near as good as the first. Characters werent as interesting, storyline bland, just never grabbed me. I'll give book three a try and hope for better.
This was an interesting book. It was rather uneven towards the end. In fact, the end was rather a let down as it felt a bit too contrived. The beginning and middle were good. It was not as compelling (making you want the next page more than sleep) as other books; but it did make you return again and again until you were done. The characters were a bit too blind. Too many hints about past trials and not enough present. The author needed to stop hinting and to spell it out. She made too much of a mystery about things that should have been told in full sooner than what she did. You were almost more in the dark than the characters. Still, I've read worse and the author shows a lot of promise. She has a great story idea in this book. The editor should have worked with her more.
As much as I adored the story of Archer and Miranda from Firelight, I was equally as taken with Ian and Daisy in Moonglow. Even though Ian had the propensity to act like a cad in Firelight, there was something about him that I was very intrigued with. Ian has a lot of dark secrets, and a lot of charm and personality, too. He was a character I liked in Firelight, and a character I grew to love in Moonglow. 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. For one, the supernatural aspect is increased almost exponentially. Where it was once just Miranda and her fire-starting capabilities, the mystery that was Archer, and the reveal of Ian as a werewolf - now it is a veritable monster-mash. Some of said supernatural are the usual fare, and some were... utterly unique and unusual. And had me going, "Huh. Well, that's interesting." But it almost became a case of too much all at once. There is a lot of mythology thrown at you in one novel. You're learning about werewolves, their clans and rules and customs, and then vampires enter the picture and then something else and something else and then two or three others. It made me long for the simplicity of Firelight and yet... I really want to learn more about two of the new supernaturals. I mean, move over vamps and weres - I want more GIMs. The story does bring back Archer and Miranda as well as Poppy and Winston in minor roles which was nice to see them all again. Moonglow, the second Darkest London book, has a different texture than its predecessor Firelight, which was slower-paced yet sizzled with sexual tension. What you'll find in this second installment is nice balance of mystery, murder, romance, and expanded world-building set in alternate reality Victorian England. Secrets and monsters are underlying themes. So, in my humble opinion, this one was as good as or better than book one. They both are some of the best blend of historical and paranormal out there. I am eager to get to book three, Winterblaze when it comes out because it's going to continue with a plot thread that was left jarringly open to do with Poppy and Winston.
Rating: R Spoilers: Nope Coffee Beans: 3.5 Cover: Pretty cool Instalove Factor: None My Personal Recommendation: Worth the read Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for this honest review Oops. So, I've had this book since about June, I think. Read it and then completely spaced writing the review. So, here I go. Moonglow is the second book in the Darkest London series, after Firelight. I loved the first in the series sooo much that I hopped on NetGalley to request this one. I wanted to know what happened to the sister. I think the thing I especially liked about this book was the relationship between Daisy and Ian. They hate each other and are forced to work together to solve a crime and keep her alive, but they don't like it. One bit. Okay, maybe they like it a little. Okay, a lot. But that's the fun. We know they like each other, but refuse to let the other one know it. As body counts rise, Daisy realizes she has to trust and rely on Ian to keep her safe, and Ian has to let down his guard and be brave enough to love again and strong enough to make the hardest decision he's ever had to make. Moonglow is a good, fast read with an interesting plot and fun characters. Pick it up and fall in love with Daisy and Ian.
The "Darkest London" series continues with Daisy's story. Daisy is a widow who is flying free for the first time, and she hasn't even fully extended her wings when she witnesses a werewolf attack. Marquis Northrup, Ian Ranulf just happens to be strolling in the vicinity when he catches the scent of the unknown werewolf. When Ian realizes the werewolf is after Daisy, and his secrets are in danger of being revealed, he resolves to keep her safe. Both Daisy and Ian who initially dislike each other, find that they are drawn to each other as they spend more time together. But will the killer werewolf separate them, and what secrets are they keeping from each other? The second book in the "Darkest London" series by Kristen Callihan, and her sophomore release, is a fantastic book. Kristen Callihan does a phenomenal job of taking what she started with Firelight and elevating it to new heights. She manages to seamlessly not only tell Daisy and Ian's story, but also build another world as well, without overloading the reader with information. The story flows freely and never hits a low point, but keeps Daisy and Ian were wonderful people to read about and relate to. Daisy bears both mental and physical scars, as does Ian. Both hide the pains of the past under veneers of joie de vivre or ennui. It's a treat to watch them realize that there is more to them beyond what they see and know. Daisy is weary of Ian because she knows he wanted Miranda and doesn't want to be his consolation prize. Ian is fighting his true nature and leaving his duties as an alpha of his pack. Miranda and Benjamin appear in this book as supporting characters and it is good to see them as more than a fleeting mention. Winterblaze, the third book in this series is due to be released at the end of February 2013, and having been given hints as to what the book will be about, I find that waiting for it to be released will be the hardest part. Kristen Callihan has found a way to make her second book as equally spectacular as her first book and so my expectations for the third book are high.
While I did enjoy reading Moonglow, Kristen Callihan's second book in her Darkest London series, I was never as engaged in the story as I was in her first book, Firelight. The couple in this story is Daisy, Miranda's older sister, and Ian, the lycan who was trying to win Miranda's heart in Firelight. I didn't find the couple or their story as interesting as Miranda and Archer. The second half of the story was more engrossing than the first half and I found myself actually looking forward to reaching the conclusion and solving the mystery. If this had been the first book in the series I doubt that I would have read another of this author's books. However, given the quality of her first book, Firelight, I will pick up the third book in the series and hope that it is as refreshing as the first.
"Moonglow" by, Kristen Callihan Daisy Ellis is finally free of her abusive marriage and she just wants to enjoy being a widow; but when a night out turns into a nightmare, Daisy's life quickly spins out of control. After witnessing a grizzly attack and narrowly escaping death Daisy is rescued and taken to safety by Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup. Daisy and Ian are both hiding dangerous secrets and with a mysterous killer on the loose they have to decide weather or not to trust one another. "Moonglow" is the second book in the "Darkest London" series. (The first book is called "Firelight") In this series you will find immortals, magic, shifters, werewolves, and other supernatural characters. The setting for this series is early London and it has a steampunk feel to it that I enjoy. However, what really drew me into this story was the sexual tension between Daisy and Ian (steamy doesn't begin to cover it). This couple had a great back and forth banter throughout the story and the tender moments were extremely satisfying. I am a big fan of strong female characters. Daisy walks with confidence and isn't afraid to kick some butt. I am also drawn to the strong damaged male character, but I appreciated that Ian was able to say that he was scared and that he needed Daisy (instead of just wallowing in a dark corner). I am also really excited to read more about some of the characters that were introduced in "Moonglow" (Winston and Talent). This series is great for anyone who loves historical or paranormal romance books. I eagerly await the next book in the series!
I was provided the Galley from grand Central Publishing for my honest review. I was really hesitant to start reading this because I loved Firelight and didn't want to be let down. Let's just say that I cannot believe that thought even popped into my head because this book was amazing. I definitely will not wait to start any other book by Kristin Callihan. So, do you want to know what I thought about it? There was action right off the bat. Daisy is tired of mourning the loss of a husband that she never loved. She wants to feel wanted again and goes out to have a little fun. What turned out to be a fun night turned drastic when she finds one of her friends in the alley dead. She is then attack by whatever killed her friend, but what is it? Enter Ian. From there on they try to figure out who is killing all these women, who wear the same perfume as Daisy and why they are doing it. If you want love triangle, you won't find it in this book. The romance was stop on, not too much, not too little, it didn't dominate the story. Daisy is the kind of woman that doesn't have a filter. She just says whatever pops into her head…Kinda like me. I think that's what I like the most about her. At first, I thought she was going to be one of those pushovers that talk a lot of smack. As the story progressed, I could tell that she wasn't having that. Ian: During this book he has become dear to my heart. I despised him in the first one. I don't know how she done it but she made me love him. Ian has a secret that he would rather keep hidden, but there is something about Daisy that makes him want to strip off his entire amour. He is a confident man but Daisy makes him nervous. Why? You have to read it to find out. I'm also glad that they put Miranda in this book. I mean she is her sister but I thought it was just going to be about her. I really liked Miranda in Firelight but I have to say that I think I like Daisy better. Miranda is more of a hardcore girl and isn't afraid to use it. Daisy is sweeter and doesn't let you see that she is deadly. I just have to say that I loved this book!!! It has all my favorite things in one small package and it works. If you know anything about me, then you know what I love, if not then you are in for a surprise. Overall, this book kept me interested from the beginning and didn't falter. 5 STARS!!!!
8/11/12 Great addition to the series. Looking forward to the next.
You have to read "Firelight" first to read about Miranda's story. This story is about Miranda's sister, Daisy. Finally free from a horrible marriage, Daisy is enjoying her freedom too much and feeling nothing as she dates several men. Then one night, she is in an alley with a gentleman & then are brutely attacked. She is knocked unconscious. Ian was first introduced in "Firelight" and I have to admit that I liked his character then, even though he was trying to win Miranda from Archer. In this story, we get to know Ian & how lonely he is. He stumbles upon several people who are attacked in an alley and finds Daisy to be the only surviving victim. He takes her home to protect her and learns she is Miranda's sister. I loved this story. It did drag on in some parts, but I was really rooting for Daisy & Ian to make it work for them. There were some suprising twists and more characters introduced. If you like Paranormal romances, then you will like this book and series. If you haven't read "Firelight" yet, I recommend reading it and it's prequel "Ember" first and then "Moonglow".
After being attacked in an alley by a creature that resembles both man and wolf, Daisy Ellis Craigmore finds herself in the arms of Ian Ranulf, Marquis of Northrup. Daisy soon finds out that this thing that attacked her was a werewolf, a sick, dying werewolf that has been killing women that carry her personalized perfume scent upon their skin. And just who is this Ian Ranulf that is determined to keep her within an arms length and safe from this vile creature? A Lycan, who can't help but find the recently widowed Daisy Craigmore attractive & all his. Wheew. Okay. Totally stepping away from my vampire addiction and tooootally falling for this Lycan business! This book was extremely good & aside from me reading this series out of order (and hating myself for going against my OCD self), I didn't feel that I was missing anything while I was reading. Given, there are certain things that were said that totally gives away the first book, but nothing that will keep me from reading it, as I still want to know the details of what happens. Ian Ranulf *sigh* Ian is a Lycan and a mighty sezzy Lycan at that. After living the last 30 some years bedding whores with the resemblance to his late wife, Ian finally finds a woman who awakens him and makes him feel all over again. The problem? She's human & he doesn't want to lose her. Ian will keep her safe and away from this sick werewolf that has her sent stuck up his nose. How? Pure alpha male force of course... Okay, maybe not so forceful, but her options sure are limited with him. Daisy on the other hand will have none of this nonsense from Ian and battles him back wit for wit when the overbearing, sezzy lycan tries to corner her. This book.. If I could go back in time... and jump into a carriage to get down and dirty... I SO WOULD! What I liked about this book is that there's not just lycan's and werewolves, but GIMs, elemental witches, and... well, that's giving away too much. Now, I wouldn't really be into all this, as I've only read one series I absolutely loved with more than one kind of supernatural being in it, but this one really worked out. You knew there were supernaturals at work here, but it was really subtle and not overbearing like "I AM DRACULA AND I WILL SUCK YOUR BLOOOOOD" kinda nonsense on every page. What I didn't like was the slow trot to the sezzy scenes. *sigh* I felt like I was feeling all the tension and build up that Daisy was going through too! Practically screaming for Ian to "Huuur up and stick it in!!" Okay, not all that.. but you know what I mean. Definitely recommending this book. BUUUUUUUT before you read this book, go on ahead and pick up Firelight (Book #1 in the Darkest London series) There's also a third book in this series called Winterblaze, release date: sometime in 2013.
Grade: B+ or solid 4 stars Moonglow, the second Darkest London book, has a different texture than its predecessor Firelight, which was slower-paced yet sizzled with sexual tension. What you'll find in this second installment is nice balance of mystery, murder, romance, and expanded world-building set in alternate reality Victorian England. Secrets and monsters are underlying themes. Defining monsters is an underlying theme in this story. Ian sees a monster in the mirror and is haunted by piercing tragedy. You ruin everything, Ian. You and your beast. In this alternate world, lycan are evolved men containing a wolf spirit, while a werewolf is a damaged wolf in control. A were hungers for the kill. Ian represses his wolf feeling it is a shameful beast. He will be a monster! Daisy is critical to resolving his self-hatred. In turn, Ian heals Daisy's legacy of shame imparted by her late husband. The one major criticism is the way the characters are introduced. Ian and Daisy seemed shallow. Initiating the reader with their sexuality did not feel endearing nor did it seem to add depth of character. Perhaps it was to draw a parallel to their sexual appetites. I don't know. Luckily, they are revealed soon enough. Ian and Daisy's scabs are ripped off to reveal their torment and fear. They are a couple who have had darkness in their lives, yet they are not depressing characters. It was fun reading their flirtatious dialogue and zing each other as they fenced words. The moments when Ian and Daisy offered each other comfort and loving words were romantic. Secrets also play a large role in this novel. We see the proverbial skeletons in the closet. There are also revelations, a mysterious supernatural leader, new secondary characters, and fallout of various kinds. It is all good stuff! It has me longing for the next book! Moonglow's mystery leads Ian and Daisy on a trail that introduces readers to interesting new supernaturals. The GIMs(Ghosts in the Machine) insert an element of science fiction, almost like steampunk. The S.O.S. (Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals Secondary) has potential, too. Let's not forget the vampires! Secondary characters are expanded, but not to distraction. Ian Ranulf was an enticing character in Firelight, and his character does not disappoint in Moonglow! Daisy Ellis is also appealing as the heroine. Her experiences demonstrate the sexual double standards of the time and, in some minds, present time. This hero and heroine are an ideal match! I'm anxious for Poppy's story, Winterblaze. There also seems potential for the following secondary characters: Lucien Stone, Mary Chase, and Jack Talent. Overall, despite the imperfect start (for me), the characters, plot, world, emotion, romance, and sexy times made this book a very gratifying read! **ARC courtesy of Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley**
After reading the first book in the series, Firelight, I was so excited to get a chance to find out what happened next to Miranda and Archer in Moonglow. Unfortunately, this book is about her sister, Daisy, and the werewolf, Ian Northrup. It's not a bad book, but what made me rate Firelight so high was the chemistry and mystery between Miranda and Archer. That and Archer reminded me of Phantom of the Opera, which is my favorite musical. Knowing that Northrup is a werewolf from page one took away his mystery and no matter how hard I tried I could not get attached to him or Daisy. I know it's not the writing, as Kristen Callihan created a pretty cool Victorian setting for her cast of characters. The paranormal world is expanded in this book too, including vampires and a were-coven or something and other creatures. Although the paranormal aspects were present throughout the novel, it was far too heavy on the romance for my liking. It definitely felt like an urban fantasy but with a heavy emphasis on romance between the lead pair. But I think that after the first book, my expectations were too high. And typical of a sequel, my expectations were shattered. Daisy is a typical damsel in distress for much of the book and Northrup predictably saves her time after time. I also felt like the danger was missing from the novel. At no point did it seem like the author was willing to risk any of the main characters. And that really ruins a book for me. On a positive note, at least Miranda's gift with fire is explained as is the gifts of several other characters. As for the ending, the identity of the killer werewolf did catch me off guard, which was good. What wasn't good was how a certain character was saved from certain death at the end. Totally cheap move. *I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.