Firelight

Starred review from December 19, 2011
Debut author Callihan pens a compelling Victorian paranormal with heart and soul. Miranda Ellis has an unearthly talent for creating fire from thin air. Lord Benjamin Archer has lived for decades under the influence of a dark curse and wears a black mask over his disfigured face. After Miranda’s family is ruined, she weds Benjamin for his money and is surprised when passion and romance follow. Shortly after the wedding, Benjamin stands accused of a gruesome series of homicides. As he and Miranda hunt the true killer, Miranda soon sees the innocent, passionate man behind the mask, while wary Benjamin begins to trust in his wife’s love even though it endangers them both. Readers will cheer for the couple, especially when the obstacles piled in their paths appear unsurmountable. The compulsively readable tale will leave this new author’s fans eager for her next book. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary Agency.

Starred review from February 15, 2012

Still suffering for being the inadvertent catalyst of her family's financial downfall and tired of doing her conniving father's bidding, Miranda Ellis agrees to marry the wealthy, enigmatic Lord Benjamin Archer, a man who hides his secrets behind a black mask but will do anything to protect Miri from the killer targeting those he cares about. But fearless Miri has lethal, fiery secrets of her own. As the pair must deal with an ancient curse and an experiment gone wrong, Miri's powers may be the only thing that can save her love. VERDICT Beauty and the Beast meets Phantom of the Opera (with hints of Carrie and an abundance of Egyptian mythology) in this gripping, intoxicating story, simmering with incendiary sensuality and featuring a heroine who risks all to save the man she loves. An exceptional debut and the first of what promises to be a compelling series. Callihan lives in the Washington, DC, area.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.