cover image Where There’s Smoke

Where There’s Smoke

Karen Kelley. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $14.99 trade paper (304p) ISBN 978-1-4022-6386-6

Bestseller Kelley (the Princes of Symtaria series) launches a sultry paranormal series with this smoky, sweet, and surprisingly touching tale. Destiny Carter sold her soul to the demon Vetis, who sends her back to Earth to lure one last soul to hell within one week “or else.” She decides to ensnare handsome cowboy Chance—but he’s one of the half-angelic nephilim, who are tasked with saving souls like Destiny. As the wild attraction between the two heats up and the day of reckoning draws closer, Chance and Destiny (who is slowly reawakening to her humanity) must decide whether they’ll risk either taking on the forces of hell or losing each other forever. The plot is strong and fast-paced, and the romance as deeply sensual as it is playful and sweet. While the ending is too neat and the theology entirely laughable, readers will adore the delightful characters and celebration of love and friendship. (May)