Favorites From... Kristen Callihan

Kristen Callihan

When Jen asked me to share some book recommendations, my first thought was, where to begin? My tastes are so varied. Even within romance, I tend to like just about all subgenres. On top of that, I read about four or five books a week, so the list can get fairly long. So what to pick?

I thought I’d chose two books that stood out for me this summer.

The first book is The Taken by Vicki Pettersson. I would call this an Urban Noir Fantasy with strong romantic elements. And since I’m utter crap at summarizing, here’s the book copy! 

“Griffin Shaw used to be a PI, but that was back when gumshoes hoofed the streets . . . and he was still alive. Fifty years later, he's an angel, but that doesn't make him a saint. One small mistake has altered fate, and now he's been dumped back onto the mortal mudflat to collect another soul—Katherine "Kit" Craig, a journalist whose latest investigation is about to get her clipped.

Bucking heavenly orders, Grif refuses to let the sable-haired siren come to harm. Besides, protecting her offers a chance to solve the mystery of his own unsolved murder—and dole out some overdue payback for the death of his beloved wife, Evie.

Joining forces, Kit and Grif's search for answers leads beyond the blinding lights of the Strip into the dark heart of an evil conspiracy. But a ruthless killer determined to destroy them isn't Grif's biggest threat. His growing attraction to Kit could cost them both their lives, along with the answer to the haunting question of his long afterlife . . .”

What I love about this book is the fresh story line –hello? guardian angel PI and a Rockabilly investigative reporter- the great banter between the characters –both the main characters and the secondary ones. Excellent sexual tension (always a plus) And the stakes! Here we have a man committed to discovering his wife’s murderer, all he has to do is take Kit’s soul to heaven and he can get back to his quest, and yet his growing feelings for Kit keep Grif from doing just that.

What you end up with is a great murder mystery and a surprisingly intense love story. Which is a win-win for me!

The second book I have to recommend is Meljean Brook’s Riveted.

A century after a devastating volcanic eruption forced Iceland's inhabitants to abandon its shores, the island has become enshrouded in legend. But the truth behind the legends is mechanical, not magical--and the mystery of the island a matter of life and death for a community of women who once spilled noble blood to secure their freedom.

Five years ago, Annika unwittingly endangered that secret, but her sister Källa took the blame and was exiled. Now Annika serves on an airship, searching for her sister and longing to return home. But that home is threatened when scientific expedition leader David Kentewess comes aboard, looking to expose Annika's secrets. Then disaster strikes, leaving David and Annika stranded on a glacier and pursued by a madman, with their very survival depending on keeping the heat rising between them--and generating lots of steam...

Ah, how much did I love this story? Let me count the ways. I adored David, sensitive, brave, yet pragmatic David...Sigh. Annika is at once strong, loyal, and yet vulnerable. It was a treat to see these two come together. The world building is fantastic, but more importantly, it supports the story Meljean’s telling –as opposed to creating a lot of flash in order to impress.

Riveted is an over-the-top adventure, a sensitive love story, and underlying it all, a clever social commentary that makes you think. In short, Riveted is everything a great steampunk romance should be. And did I mention the Trolls? The Whale? The freaking rocket? Did I? Why aren’t you reading this right now?

Thank you so much to Kristen Callihan for these recommendations! I asked Kristen to be a part of this feature because, frankly, Firelight is one of the best books I have read this year.   It's part historical, part paranormal, part faerie tale and all good.  It appears to be just a marriage of convenience between Miranda and the enigmatic Lord Archer... but it's so much more. Our hero, Archer, is dark and mysterious. He wears a mask covering his face and he is deliciously tortured. The heroine is strong and loyal and the perfect woman to help tear down his walls and save him in every way that matters. I loved this book!!! If you have not read it, you must give it a try.

In the meantime, you can enter to win one of Kristen's recommendations. Just fill out the Rafflecopter forms below for a chance to win Riveted by Meljean Brook or The Taken by Vicki Pettersson. US Only.

Be sure to check out all of the Favorites From My Favorites posts and giveaways this month, by clicking here.
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