'An interesting and captivating twist on a genre that is so complex, giving us a story that everyone can get behind and be invested in.'
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for my Advanced Reader's Copy (ebook) for me to read and leave an honest review. This review does not contain any spoilers, so it is safe to read for anyone who would like to pick up this novel.
I picked up this novel as it was one of my goal's this reading year, to dive into genres that I haven't either touched for a long time or haven't yet touched at all. Paranormal romance. More specifically, Lycanthropy. This novel goes above and beyond the human-to-wolf shifter romances we read about, and dives into the Lycan corner of the paranormal.
It took me a tidy bit of time to get used to this change, and to grip the storyline as a whole (no fault to Zoe), but once my head was wrapped around what Zoe had laid down, I was officially invested.
My mind was trying to constantly get one step ahead of the characters. We're all guilty of doing this either with every read, or the occasional read. Working out the meaning--or rather person--behind Nova's motives in the opening (and dotted throughout) chapters of the story, what was going to happen between the two of them, when their coming together would finally happen, where they'd be at the end of the story and hoping and praying to the bookish gods that despite all the suspense, drama and holding of my breath, that there would be a happily ever after.
I won't, however, answer that question now. You'll have to read the novel to see if my prayers were answered. I promise you, it's worth a shot.
Zoe does a fantastic job of keeping the story fresh in your mind with the constant, fast-paced nature of the story, with the scenes and settings changing as fast as Roman could shift into his Lycan form. I was half-expecting to loose track of where Nova and Roman (and the numerous characters that popped up here and there) had been, but I was pleasantly surprised to remember where they had been and where they were going to be, as verbally dictated at times by either character. Zoe takes us to places outside of the US, which is again a change compared to quite a few shifter/paranormal romances that are usually set within the country, giving us a change of scenery while adding in a dash of culture here and there, as well as capturing and enhancing the allure of the country that the characters are in at the particular point in the story.
By far and large my favourite thing about the entire novel--fascinating storyline aside--is the ease yet tense nature between Nova and Roman. Bear in mind that this isn't the typical 'fated mates' story that once a pair of eyes set upon one another, they know they're meant to be together by the wolf gods or fate. This is a story that brings about that awareness in a whole new way. There's no eureka moment, zing or bring-them-to-their knees hallelujah teamed with a gospel chorus, but instead there's a storyline and a chemistry between the two that allows for us to discover and realise at the same time as to when the moment of realisation that the two of them are 'it' for each other, hits. The two played off each other so well, and were written not to be lacking or less than the other, but were instead crafted to be the equal half. Kudos to Zoe for writing such a dynamic and literary-ly (I know that's not a word) pleasing pair!
Though there are a few unanswered questions and loose ends not tied up, that did not deter me from liking this novel any less, and neither am I mad at Zoe for this as we as readers would be when authors write and include moments like these. The overall story and ending to this novel more than makes up for that and I truly hope that there is a novella where we get to see those loose ends and unanswered questions tied up. Thank the bookish gods that this is book 1 in the series, because I will definitely be back for more!
Happy to say that despite this being my first Zoe Forward read, it won't be my last.
The moon has risen and contrary to the title of this novel, it is most certainly good!
Bad Moon Rising ended up being a blast to read from the very first word! We know that our heroine has no memory, but she's got to find our hero Roman before time runs out. From that point on, we're in a fast speeding car of a richly told urban fantasy plot of deceitful kings, evil multinational corporations, and legions of supernatural beings fighting wars.
We discover that Nova is a Lycan female, which is something rare--and the fact that she has the skills of an assassin and mage is even rarer. She is whip-smart and does not hold back from telling Roman precisely what she thinks, even if she doesn't have a memory.
The story is breezily complex as the author builds the world this series will inhabit as we hope our heroes will take apart the curse that binds Roman and his brothers to the Crown. What has happened to two of the brothers? Where are they? How has this multinational corporation been experimenting on the supernatural beings in the world?
I have so many questions, but more importantly, I had so much fun reading this novel. I am having so much fun reading Paranormal Romance these days. I love the urban and high fantasies. I love slipping inside the imaginations of these authors as they weave science fiction and fantasy into the romance genre. I love the serious ones, but I enjoy the mess out of these books fling humor to offset the dark. This book pulled out laughs but also had me tearing up--and let me tell you, that angel that made an appearance? He's a hero in the making. I can't wait for the next in the series!
What an interesting start to this new series. This first book lays the groundwork for the overall arc that will connect the books. Finding their missing brother and putting an and to the sure that binds them to the crown.
Roman and his brothers are bound to serve the Crown but without their permission the oath spell became a curse, binding them to the point that if they refuse orders there will be dire consequences.
Nova woke up not remembering who she is and with instructions to get a man named Roman out of the club or she'd never regain her memory. She manages to fulfill her task but they both want to understand why she needed to find him. Why is his name tattooed on her body?
Roman finds Nova intriguing. She's the first woman to catch his attention in some time but he's sure it's just moon madness.
When the crown orders him to kill Nova, he tries resisting the order. But how long will he be able to resist? Can't wait for the next book in the series!
A really good start to a PNR series with an interesting concept, and lead characters with a ton of chemistry, and one really big problem - one of them is going to die. While the story seemed to get a bit scattered a time or two, the overall story and concept were actually pretty well done, and did keep my interest with a resolution that wasn’t entirely predictable and the lead in to a series that definitely feels like one worth continuing with.
Nova wakes up in a car with no memory of who she is, only a cell phone with a timing counting down and a mission to get a man out of a club’s sub basement before the timer ends. And the man’s name happens to be tattooed on her wrist. She also has a lighter, which she is supposed to flick twice if she thinks he might try to attack her. Roman is a lycan, one of four who were tricked and cursed by a witch to work for the crown, killing supernaturals who are a threat to humans or other supernaturals. He’s immediately intrigued by Nova, but when he sees the lighter, he’s suddenly even more so. And when she puts herself in harms way to keep him from getting shot, he can’t seem to make himself stay away from her. But then he gets an order from the Crown to kill her, claiming she’s a threat to the king (which he doesn’t believe) - and the longer he goes without doing the job, the more pain is inflicted by the curse. It’s an interesting race against time, trying to find a way to clear her to lift the order against her life, and for the two of them to fight the very clear attraction they have for each other.
I don’t know that I’d really call this enemies to lovers, because even though he technically is supposed to kill her, it’s something he fights against from the beginning, something he never wants to do. Maybe more along the lines of forbidden romance, but that’s more on his side, he doesn’t feel like he should have a relationship when he has no control over his life thanks to the curse. For her, she just wants to remember who she is. She has no memories of her life, she doesn’t even remember that she, too, is lycan, and that female lycan are very rare. She seems to remember skills and other pieces of random information that seem to come in handy, and as she finds out piece by piece, it’s an intriguing journey for her and the reader. She’s also attracted to Roman, and wants to help him with his curse, no matter what it takes. There are some interesting side characters, and there are moments of fun, playful banter that add lighter moments to what could be an otherwise very dark and somber story, which is nice. And the chemistry is great between Nova and Roman, with enough spice that doesn’t overwhelm the story. The ending is definitely more open ended, leaving us with a revelation that will set up the next book quite nicely. Looking forward to more of this story.
'An interesting and captivating twist on a genre that is so complex, giving us a story that everyone can get behind and be invested in.'
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for my Advanced Reader's Copy (ebook) for me to read and leave an honest review. This review does not contain any spoilers, so it is safe to read for anyone who would like to pick up this novel.
I picked up this novel as it was one of my goal's this reading year, to dive into genres that I haven't either touched for a long time or haven't yet touched at all. Paranormal romance. More specifically, Lycanthropy. This novel goes above and beyond the human-to-wolf shifter romances we read about, and dives into the Lycan corner of the paranormal.
It took me a tidy bit of time to get used to this change, and to grip the storyline as a whole (no fault to Zoe), but once my head was wrapped around what Zoe had laid down, I was officially invested.
My mind was trying to constantly get one step ahead of the characters. We're all guilty of doing this either with every read, or the occasional read. Working out the meaning--or rather person--behind Nova's motives in the opening (and dotted throughout) chapters of the story, what was going to happen between the two of them, when their coming together would finally happen, where they'd be at the end of the story and hoping and praying to the bookish gods that despite all the suspense, drama and holding of my breath, that there would be a happily ever after.
I won't, however, answer that question now. You'll have to read the novel to see if my prayers were answered. I promise you, it's worth a shot.
Zoe does a fantastic job of keeping the story fresh in your mind with the constant, fast-paced nature of the story, with the scenes and settings changing as fast as Roman could shift into his Lycan form. I was half-expecting to loose track of where Nova and Roman (and the numerous characters that popped up here and there) had been, but I was pleasantly surprised to remember where they had been and where they were going to be, as verbally dictated at times by either character. Zoe takes us to places outside of the US, which is again a change compared to quite a few shifter/paranormal romances that are usually set within the country, giving us a change of scenery while adding in a dash of culture here and there, as well as capturing and enhancing the allure of the country that the characters are in at the particular point in the story.
By far and large my favourite thing about the entire novel--fascinating storyline aside--is the ease yet tense nature between Nova and Roman. Bear in mind that this isn't the typical 'fated mates' story that once a pair of eyes set upon one another, they know they're meant to be together by the wolf gods or fate. This is a story that brings about that awareness in a whole new way. There's no eureka moment, zing or bring-them-to-their knees hallelujah teamed with a gospel chorus, but instead there's a storyline and a chemistry between the two that allows for us to discover and realise at the same time as to when the moment of realisation that the two of them are 'it' for each other, hits. The two played off each other so well, and were written not to be lacking or less than the other, but were instead crafted to be the equal half. Kudos to Zoe for writing such a dynamic and literary-ly (I know that's not a word) pleasing pair!
Though there are a few unanswered questions and loose ends not tied up, that did not deter me from liking this novel any less, and neither am I mad at Zoe for this as we as readers would be when authors write and include moments like these. The overall story and ending to this novel more than makes up for that and I truly hope that there is a novella where we get to see those loose ends and unanswered questions tied up. Thank the bookish gods that this is book 1 in the series, because I will definitely be back for more!
Happy to say that despite this being my first Zoe Forward read, it won't be my last.
The moon has risen and contrary to the title of this novel, it is most certainly good!
Bad Moon Rising is the first book in the latest series by Zoe Forward, I will be honest, I had never heard of this author until I saw this book on Netgalley offered and I was like ....YES because I just love trying new authors especially in the paranormal genre (since I kinda feel its a dying genre and these authors need all of our support) but this cover, I really love how Entangled put it all together especially with all the "Halloween" like vibes for it. I wanted to read it this week and it seemed to be just perfect but NOW you know what I need all the other books in the series because I was blown away by this book, it was so different than I was expecting and it just tore my heart out, but yet gave me everything I didn't know that I was looking for.
Bad Moon Rising is a fierce, intense filled story that will keep you on the edge of your seat that features:
Roman Lanzo- A Lycan, a soldier for the Queen of England, loyal to his family and a survivor
Nova-Kick ass heroine, has no memory of who she is but can fight and has psychic abilities and feels connected to Roman.
Bad Moon Rising is a story that sets off with our heroine, who wakes up with no memory of who she is, but she knows she must reach a man named "Roman" and to save him from a threat she is not sure of but she knows she is capable of fighting and protecting him if necessary. When she arrives, she knows the man that she is looking for and he is a man that she feels a strong attraction to and she knows he is "danger" personified and not one she should ever mess with. But the trick now is to get him to trust her and how to get him to leave the danger that is ahead of them. But when it is proven that she can take care of herself and is a woman to trust, Roman knows that there is something more to Nova and that she is a woman that he is captivated by. But there are secrets and when he is brought in to the new King and his boss now and orders him to kill Nova, he is torn in two. Roman and his brothers were cursed years ago that they had to obey all orders by the leader of England, or he could die. And now he must make a difficult choice, but there is more going on here than meets the eye. Nova and Roman are determined to find out the truth before one of them dies, but their story won't be what is expected, and it may come at the ultimate cost....
Bad Moon Rising is a wonderful story that I simply loved and I couldn't put it down, I didn't know what to expect from this book and I didn't even look at the blurb for this one. I'm not sure why I didn't since I always do, but I just wanted to immerse myself into a paranormal. I quickly found myself drawn into this heartbreaking paranormal romance that gave me everything I needed and more. Both of these characters were simply amazing and captures the heart in the small moments. You will find that Nova and Roman to be a perfect team. I don't always vibe with kick-ass heroines, but I absolutely devoured Nova's character. She was tough, could fight (in the way you would expect of James Bond), but she has such a good heart and I truly related with her so much. And seeing her devotion to Roman was epically beautiful in every way. Roman is such a unique hero, and my heart just broke for him. He is such a tough alpha male, he is the oldest of his brothers and highly protective of them, and sacrifices so much for them. And seeing his love for Nola will just pierce the deepest parts of you. I will be honest that there will be parts of this book that will tear you apart. Their story while they get a HEA, it's a tough journey in getting there.
I was really surprised in how much I enjoyed this author's writing and definitely wanted more and more of it. I can't wait to start delving into some of her other works and see how I like them. The premise of this series is fascinating and I can't wait to see what happens with the other brothers, find out about this secret organization working against their people, and see them all find their mates.
Overall I found Bad Moon Rising to be a thrilling, edge-on-the-seat adventure that will work through your emotions, stun you in the action-packed moments, and deliver a deeply satisfying conclusion.
I've read quite a few of Zoe Forward's books so I am familiar with her and fond of her books. For me, this book somewhat departed from other books I've read by her. I'd been very much looking forward to reading this book since I saw my friend was reading it and especially after reading the blurb.
I dove into this book with gusto but spent the first half confused about where there book was going. Was Nova going to get her memory back? Would Roman kill her or would he give in to the feelings he head for her? And which ones? The feelings that compelled him to kill her or the ones that compelled him to want to get her alone and explore the desires he feels for her. And where in the heck was Ky and why weren't they more concerned? Their brother was missing! Even their mother's reaction is tame.
I felt this book lacked soul. It seemed to be on repeat. And it seemed to pack the worldbuilding into the back half instead letting it evolve with the book. It also took the lycanthrope mythology and turned it on its side. I can't say I was 100% on board with it. I like my werewolves wolfy.
I did like really like the whole aspect of Nova's amnesia, the tattoo of Roman's name, and Shane's lighter.
The Epilogue set up the series to be worth giving the second book a read. I just hope the second book has a better flow.
I'm really giving this a 3.5.
As an aside, I realize naming a book is often difficult in that there are billions of books out there. There are about 5 books with the title Bad Moon Rising. I'm sure the author has a theme and it will carry through the series hence the name of the first book. Again, an aside that I noticed when looking up the book on Amazon.
In this new series by Zoe Forward, Nova enters the story remembering nothing about herself. She does know that she must find the man in the picture on her phone and get him out of the night club. Roman, the man from the night club, is highly suspicious of Nova. He's also attracted to her. However, his job prevents him from having a personal life and he simply cannot become entangled with her. Nova knows no one else and clings to him while she regains bits of information about herself and her abilities. Together, they end up seeking out how what happened to her all the while trying to keep them both safe and alive from an unknown enemy. Opinion This book is an absolute must read for any fans of the Jason Bourne series who also happen to love paranormal. The story was right up my alley. From start to finish, I was completely immersed in what was happening. There were several parts that made me do a double take to see if that really happened. I cannot recommend this book enough. Run, go get this book. You can thank me later. Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this novel.
*received this as an ARC for an honest opinion** So this is my first time reading from this author and I must say that I enjoyed it. This is the first book in this series. So Nova wakes up and cannot remember anything at all just that there is a mobile phone that tells he to do things and a name on her wrist. She see Roman and he is hot man to look at, she knows that he can hurt her but he doesnt. Roman and his brothers are to serve the Crown (through magic). Roman is attracted to Nova and has a need to protect her (he knows what she is even if she doest). The Crown doesnt want Nova to exist because she is a danger to them and they want Roman to get rid of Nova, yet will he do that or go against the Crown?
