Blood Moon by Lisa Kessler
Series: Moon #3
Published by Entangled
Published on: December 15, 2014
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Werewolves
Pages: 243
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
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A lone wolf...
Gareth Takoda is the last surviving member of his family. Guilt, grief, and bitterness have isolated him from his Pack, and driven him into his own private purgatory.
A new Pack member...
Nadya Dalca was bitten by a genetically-altered werewolf from Nero's top secret Lycan Squad, a death sentence for every wolf in the project. Her empathic abilities and fighting spirit have helped her survive her first full moon, but the poison in her veins is pushing her body to its limits.
'Til death do they part...
In an effort to save Nadya's life, the door is opened to Nero. But will the experiment save her life, or push the Pack in deeper with the enemy? One kiss and Gareth's course is changed forever. He'll face down death once more, but this time, he's planning to win.
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BLOOD MOON had a lot going for it including terrific characters, innovative boinking, and a sweet romance, however it did have one significant flaw that was impossible to overlook: the rushed story. Gareth’s action/reaction turnaround time was too quick, and the mythology was glossed over which made Nadya & Gareth’s tale difficult to buy into, and as a result their HEA came off as uninspired. I’m sad that I didn’t enjoy this novel as much as I’d hoped because Kessler wrote it as a tribute of sorts to her mother’s recovery from cancer, and that resonated with me, I just wish I could say the same about the book.
I enjoyed reading from the heroine’s POV quite a bit; Dalca’s positive attitude and courage were remarkable given her looming expiration date. Instead of dwelling on her impending doom, she’s decided to live in the moment, and to make every second count. For the most part, Nadya stayed true to her course, although she did hit a couple of emotional hurdles which was to be expected, but that only further endeared her to me. It also made her mate bond with Gareth easier to accept, and justified the rapid progression of their relationship. I was happy that she found someone to spend her final days with who would hold her hand through it all.
My issue with this novel was the male protagonist’s POV; the moment he discovered that Dalca was his one true match, he ran for the hills. I was ok with that seeing how his entire family was lost to him, and he didn’t think he’d be able to survive another death. However, he came to his senses entirely too swiftly in my opinion, I wanted to witness more of Gareth’s internal struggle. Then, he discovered that he has a rare ability, visits his godmother to gain some insight, and what should have been a lengthy dialogue was dumbed down to a few sentences. Two missed opportunities for character and world development that were very noticeable.
The plot could have used more oomph as well; it was extremely linear with no curves or surprises to speak of, except for maybe the ending, and even it was foreseeable. Also, there were a lot of sex scenes; some of them were creative, I’ll give the author that, but after a while they just screamed filler. I wasn’t a big fan of Jason either because a seemingly brilliant doctor was reduced to instigating romantic drama via a mock love triangle. I did like that we got to reconnect with the two previous couples in this series, and getting to attend Sasha & Aren’s wedding was a nice perk, their twins were cute too.
BLOOD MOON was a respectable Paranormal Romance, but nothing to howl at.
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I tried the 2nd one in this series and DNFd it. It wasn’t terrible but it didn’t keep me engaged. I will say this though—I love the covers 🙂
Felicia the Geeky Blogger recently posted…Book Blog Walkers: Weekly Check-in Dec 12 2014 & Vote
Book 2 was actually my favourite installment, but that being said, I don’t think I’ll be continuing this series.
At least there was the creative boinking. 😉 I’m sorry this one wasn’t such a satisfying installment, Carmel. I get what you’re saying – a little more show than tell goes a long way towards believability. I like character development and plot development…a lot. I’m glad you found some enjoyment in the story though.
Happy Friday!
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…New Adult Review ~ Sweet ~ Erin McCarthy**
There’s one scene in particular where they get it on on a motorcycle, and that feat could only be accomplished with werewolf strength. I knew there was a reason why they are my fav supe. 😉
I’m sorry this felt rushed, that is never a good thing.
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Under Different Stars by Amy Bartol
The publication date was pushed back a few times, now I know why…
Too bad. A rushed storyline and glossing over mythology are two things that don’t really work for me as a reader.
Megan recently posted…Review: Emerald Green
I read a REALLY good werewolf PNR after this book, so I know it’s not genre burnout. *phew*
hahahhah! What does innovative boinking entail? Please elaborate.
Joy // Joyousreads recently posted…[469]: Saga Deluxe Edition
They do it on a Harley. 😀
I like her other series, I think it’s called the Night series, but I haven’t read these yet. Sorry this was just an ok installment, I hate when a story line is rushed.
Lori recently posted…Book Blitz + Giveaway: Caress of Darkness by Julie Kenner
Lorna’s read at least one of her vamp books I think while as I’ve only experienced Kessler’s writing through these.
Not heard of this series, but it looks interesting. 😉 To bad this one just wasn’t up to snuff with the others.
Stormi recently posted…Book Review: Landline by Rainbow Rowell
The covers don’t lie! They are smexy!
“innovative boinking”
*dies* That might be my favorite phrase ever, I’m going to try and work it into my next review (and give you credit of course) 🙂 It’s too bad Gareth’s internal struggle didn’t last as long as it should have given the weight of his issues, but I’m glad this was a fairly solid read for you:)
Hehe! Glad you liked it! I try to be as creative as romance authors when it comes to talking about sex in my reviews.
I’m all for some innovative boinking, Carmel! But not so much for instalove… Especially if there is a token ‘no I don’t want you’ to start with.
Not sure this would work for me – but hey, innovative boinking 😉
I hope you’re having a fantastic Friday! Enjoy your weekend.
Lexxie recently posted…Review: Magic Strikes – Ilona Andrews
I’ve come to expect insta-love in werewolf books, so that’s never a mark against these titles for me, just so long as the author does the relationship justice. Have a fab weekend, Lexxie!
That is definitely true, Carmel. Shifters deal differently with love than we do 🙂 However, I can often fall for that if it’s done well – and the characters are adults.
Lexxie recently posted…Review: The Navy SEAL’s Christmas Bride – Cora Seton
I doubt I’d feel the same way if it happened to me in real life, but it’s fine in PNR. 😉
I stupidly thought that insta-love was only a problem in YA. Guess not. See I don’t understand how you can be told that someone if you true match and you’re okay with it. Isn’t it in our nature to fight “destiny?”
Thanks for the review Carmel, loving the Christmas spirit on the blog!
Amber Elise @ Du Livre
Insta-love comes in many shapes & sizes, but it’s definitely more prevalent in YA. Werewolf fiction is the only time it’s 100% acceptable though IMO.
This is why I love you guys, this might sound mean but I won’t be running to see if this is on audio. I have heard good things about some of her books, sounds like this one is not her best effort 🙁 although I have to say, I’m a little curious about the “innovating boinking” …Could I be surprised?…LOL
Thanks Carmel 🙂
Lupdilup recently posted…Into The Shadows Audiobook by Carolyn Crane (review)
Hmm… I suspect that you’ve pretty much seen it all given your penchant for reading smut. LOL! I even apologized to the author on Twitter for not being able to give this novel more than 3-stars. I’m so Canadian. Hehe!
It sounds like an interesting book, but it sounds like there’s a lot of missed opportunity to really develop Gareth and the plot, which would really detract from the book for me. I doubt I’ll be picking this one up. Great review, Carmel!
Kris recently posted…Review: Centaur Rising by Jane Yolen
Unfortunately, the story just felt like it was missing a lot of somethings. It’s still getting good reviews on GR, but I’m not the type of reader that can overlook such obvious holes.
…innovative boinking…”? LOL! Not good when it is filler however. Too bad, this one sounded like it had promise. I don’t care for rushed stories either.
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…My Puppy’s B-day!
It’s a good choice if you can turn your brain off while reading, but unfortunately that’s not something I excel at.
3 paws is very generous for a book that lacked major stuff. I think I can deal with a rushed story as long as the character development is somewhat there and a flat world building is almost a cardinal sin for fantasy right?
Braine Talk Supe recently posted…Loved It: Wickedly Wonderful by Deborah Blake + Baba Yaga & Giveaway
It’s still getting a lot of 5-star reviews from other readers, so I thought it might have been a case of it’s me, not you.
Well the characterization besides that pov sounds well done.
I like that this series is told from both the male & female’s POV. It’s a great way to go!
I won’t be howling at this one. 🙂
Good luck on your exam tomorrow.
BookaholicCat recently posted…Early Review: Storm Fall by Tracy Banghart
I didn’t expect you to, but thanks for stopping by all the same & for sending positive vibes my way!
Maybe when I am over my pnr slump
blodeuedd recently posted…Romance Friday: Historical and Xmas
Perhaps I’m suffering from one of those too.
Hmm, but nothing to howl at you say? Btw, lol, loved the wording 😀
I’ve wanted to try out this series, but I somehow never get to it. I’m leaning a bit more toward the more action & building, less smexing part of PNR lately, so I’d most likely agree with you.
Awesome review, even if the read wasn’t as exciting as it might have been 🙂
Livia recently posted…Why Adults Should Be Reading YA Books by Briana North
Thank you! Maybe I’ve just been reading too much Urban Fantasy lately, that I couldn’t appreciate this novel for what it was. *shrugs* It’s hard to say for sure.
That’s best that she wrote it as a tribute. I have to admit I don’t always look to find out author personal details behind a book.
Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…Early Review: Shutter by Courtney Alameda
I make a point of reading every single page because there’s often something interesting in the acknowledgements, or end note.
I haven’t heard of this series, but those covers seem really appealing. However I love how great the story sounds and the romance too, and it’s a shame that it was rushed. I hate it when that happens. I hope that you’re next read is much better. Great review, Carmel 🙂
Tanja recently posted…The Empyrean Key by J.L. Tomlinson
I understood the need for urgency given the heroine’s situation, but I still think the author could have spent a little more time on details.
Stories that feel rushed never fulfil me as a reader. If anything, they cloud my enjoyment of the book. I’m sorry this one wasn’t as great as a sequel as you were hoping 🙁
Lily recently posted…{Blog Tour} Amour Amour: Teaser Poster
I almost didn’t have time to squeeze this title in because the pub date kept getting pushed back. It’s too bad.
Oh I like this series and didn’t realize that another book would be out soon. Thanks for the heads up, looking forward to reading it.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Review: Jason by Laurell K Hamilton
It’s actually on sale right now for only $0.99. 🙂
It’s always sad when you feel like a book could have been better even and you feel like you wanted to like it more, but somehow it just failed to really click. At least you get to see previous characters that you loved and the whole “innovative boinking” is quite interesting too! 😉
Pili recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday #72!!
There were definitely some enjoyable aspects about this book, however the main romance didn’t deliver, and that’s a biggie.