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Shadow and Moonlight #1.5
Tipped in Frost and Blood
It's never easy taking a life, no matter how tainted their soul had been.
But what if it was against your will?
With winter's approach comes longer nights, and in the dark of night, Cassie's horrors come to life. Sleep evades her, and when rest finally comes, she finds herself trapped, forced to face the death of the one person she thought she'd wanted to kill. Though it was by her hand that he died, it was not her will.
The threat of war with the darklings drives Cassie to grow stronger, and while losing herself in the training and companionship of her friends may help avoid the reality of what she'd done, it isn't a cure. With every step, she finds herself shadowed by a strange presence, a voice filling her mind with corruption... and she struggles to separate its desires from her own.
Watching the one you love suffer is worse than suffering yourself, and while Damien fights to protect his people from the darklings, he struggles to help Cassie fight her own demons. Winter Solstice nears, and he and the brothers work together to help Cassie through therapy, celebrations, and traditions, in hopes that they might pull her from the darkness holding her and help her find her place in their world and her new home.
But can a human truly find a place amongst immortals?
But what if it was against your will?
With winter's approach comes longer nights, and in the dark of night, Cassie's horrors come to life. Sleep evades her, and when rest finally comes, she finds herself trapped, forced to face the death of the one person she thought she'd wanted to kill. Though it was by her hand that he died, it was not her will.
The threat of war with the darklings drives Cassie to grow stronger, and while losing herself in the training and companionship of her friends may help avoid the reality of what she'd done, it isn't a cure. With every step, she finds herself shadowed by a strange presence, a voice filling her mind with corruption... and she struggles to separate its desires from her own.
Watching the one you love suffer is worse than suffering yourself, and while Damien fights to protect his people from the darklings, he struggles to help Cassie fight her own demons. Winter Solstice nears, and he and the brothers work together to help Cassie through therapy, celebrations, and traditions, in hopes that they might pull her from the darkness holding her and help her find her place in their world and her new home.
But can a human truly find a place amongst immortals?
130 pages, Paperback
First published December 19, 2023
56 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
About the author
Luna Laurier
15 books509 followersLuna Laurier is the Amazon and Barnes & Noble’s Bestselling author of Of Shadow and Moonlight. She lives in the south with her husband and son on their little farm. She has a Bachelor’s in Business, and when she’s not writing you can find her reading, filming cheesy book humor and bookish cosplay Tiktoks, and buying more books when she already has more than she can read. She is currently working on her debut series, and cannot wait to see where it leads.
social media: @authorlunalaurier
www.lunalaurier.com
social media: @authorlunalaurier
www.lunalaurier.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
December 12, 2023
This novella pivoted toward a slower pace to amplify and exacerbate where the story will be progressing in further convictions. It showed the unrelenting truth that Cas had to go through. The book also shared the camaraderie of all the friendships that she has gathered. I throughly enjoyed this little book and look forward to reading book three!
I want to thank Luna Laurier for the opportunity to read her work and me giving an honest opinion of it.
I want to thank Luna Laurier for the opportunity to read her work and me giving an honest opinion of it.
December 28, 2023
4.25🌟 - 'Tipped in Frost and Blood' is Luna Laurier's novella #1.5 of her Shadow and Moonlight Series.
'Tipped in Frost and Blood' begins 2 weeks following 'Of Shadow and Moonlight' was sweet, while briefly touching on some of the heavier subjects/situations from the previous book, for Content/Trigger Warnings see list below. The MFC, Cassie 'Cas' Hites, is still suffering from her captivity, torture and final standoff with Marcus. Cas is still bottling everything up and hiding her secret from everyone. She is hiding her medication and keeps putting off telling her mate, MMC Damien, and I absolutely found it to be frustrating. Damien and crew are teaching Cas how to defend herself, fight and use her powers. They are worried about her, all without truly knowing the true stakes and consequences.
I did enjoy this Christmas/Winter Solstice novella and rated it 4.25 ⭐️. It ends on a cliffhanger, no spoilers, and look forward to reading Tipped in Frost and Blood and more from Luna Laurier.
I want to thank Luna Laurier for providing me a ARC copy of Tipped in Frost and Blood, book #1.5 in her Shadow and Moonlight Series, for an honest review.
Of Shadow and Moonlight
1st Edition: December 6-17, 2022 ~ 4🌟
Revised Edition - August 2023: December 1-2, 2023 ~ 4-4.25🌟
Tipped in Frost and Blood
ARC Edition: December 28, 2023 - 4-4.25🌟
Content Trigger Warnings ⚠️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2023
I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to ARC read Tipped In Frost and Blood! This book does a great job at what it's intended to do - bridge the gap between books 1 and 2 in the Of Shadow and Moonlight series. It offers explanation for some things that are already happening when you start book two and helps you see the behind-the-scenes character development happening!
I really enjoyed that while this book can essentially be viewed as the "Hallmark Christmas Special" of the series, and absolutely has those cute and cozy scenes you'd expect (hello snowball fights!) it also doesn't shy away from addressing Cas' trauma and her experience with that or tensions between characters.
Overall this was a very solid read and a fantastic, quick, cozy addition to this series!
I really enjoyed that while this book can essentially be viewed as the "Hallmark Christmas Special" of the series, and absolutely has those cute and cozy scenes you'd expect (hello snowball fights!) it also doesn't shy away from addressing Cas' trauma and her experience with that or tensions between characters.
Overall this was a very solid read and a fantastic, quick, cozy addition to this series!
October 19, 2024
This book was good. Even though it was a short novella it still took me about 4 days to read because work kept getting in the way.
This series is good but there's a medical condition that the FMC has that is getting dragged out longer than necessary, in my opinion. It starts out strong in book 1 for the first half then in the second half it just disappears and then tries to come back but then it fizzles out again. Same thing happens in book 1.5. The series is good other than that part.
Tropes: fantasy romance, new adult, vampires, past lives.
Favorite quote: "I will always find you, no matter how tightly the darkness holds you. I will always be there to pull you out."
This series is good but there's a medical condition that the FMC has that is getting dragged out longer than necessary, in my opinion. It starts out strong in book 1 for the first half then in the second half it just disappears and then tries to come back but then it fizzles out again. Same thing happens in book 1.5. The series is good other than that part.
Tropes: fantasy romance, new adult, vampires, past lives.
Favorite quote: "I will always find you, no matter how tightly the darkness holds you. I will always be there to pull you out."
January 15, 2025
Love myself a little holiday novella
December 1, 2023
Book Review:
Tipped in Frost and Blood by Luna Laurier
This is Book 1.5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
It’s a little Christmasy Novela
This novela is not just about Christmas or Winter solstice as they celebrate it. It’s about Cassie mentally struggling with events that happened in ‘Of Shadow and Monlight”. We get to see her push herself to become stronger physically and build deeper connections with more characters. We get to see Cassie’s parents interact with her new friends, and let just say Barrett has some things to say 👀. This book has all the warm and cozy holiday feels and I love it.
Reading ’To Ashes and Dust’ first does make it sad going back and reading about beloved characters (I won’t spoil it). I loved seeing Cassie make those deeper connections with her new family. This book it literally the calm before the chaos that happens in ‘To Ashes and Dust”. Now knowing the end to this book and book 2 I’m even more worried for these characters that I’ve attached to.
Please Please Pleas read in timeline order!! I’ve been lucky enough to be a ARC reader for this author since ‘Of Shadow and Moonlight’ so I read them in publication order and it hurt more reading knowing the events the transpired in Book 2.
Tipped in Frost and Blood by Luna Laurier
This is Book 1.5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
It’s a little Christmasy Novela
This novela is not just about Christmas or Winter solstice as they celebrate it. It’s about Cassie mentally struggling with events that happened in ‘Of Shadow and Monlight”. We get to see her push herself to become stronger physically and build deeper connections with more characters. We get to see Cassie’s parents interact with her new friends, and let just say Barrett has some things to say 👀. This book has all the warm and cozy holiday feels and I love it.
Reading ’To Ashes and Dust’ first does make it sad going back and reading about beloved characters (I won’t spoil it). I loved seeing Cassie make those deeper connections with her new family. This book it literally the calm before the chaos that happens in ‘To Ashes and Dust”. Now knowing the end to this book and book 2 I’m even more worried for these characters that I’ve attached to.
Please Please Pleas read in timeline order!! I’ve been lucky enough to be a ARC reader for this author since ‘Of Shadow and Moonlight’ so I read them in publication order and it hurt more reading knowing the events the transpired in Book 2.
December 8, 2023
Perfect for the holiday season! Short little novella before book 2 or after whenever you choose to read it! Cas and Damiens story is beautiful!! Luna definitely knows how to write a love story! That epilogue, what does it mean!!! Luna, I have questions, lol. I can't wait for book 2.5 and book 3!! This story just becomes better and better as it goes on! The writing is beautiful! Everything flows together, no tears for this one but many smiles and aww moments!!
November 5, 2023
I was selected to Beta read this novella in exchange for my honest review.
I thought this novella was so heart warming and fun. It was a quick and easy read and I loved the holiday feel of this novella! This novella picks up right where book ended so if you know you know…. I felt like this was such a happy and uplifting read and it really came at the perfect time for me. I loved the flashbacks that were incorporated in the novella and I feel like they are super important going forward. One thing I truly loved was that we got to see Cass really struggle after a traumatic event occurred and I loved how the entire group was so supportive of her and her journey. I read this novella right after book 1 so my experience may be different from someone who has already read book 2.
I thought this novella was so heart warming and fun. It was a quick and easy read and I loved the holiday feel of this novella! This novella picks up right where book ended so if you know you know…. I felt like this was such a happy and uplifting read and it really came at the perfect time for me. I loved the flashbacks that were incorporated in the novella and I feel like they are super important going forward. One thing I truly loved was that we got to see Cass really struggle after a traumatic event occurred and I loved how the entire group was so supportive of her and her journey. I read this novella right after book 1 so my experience may be different from someone who has already read book 2.
December 20, 2023
This is one of my favorite series, hands down, but I absolutely adored this wintery novella 1.5 in the series.
I was so happy to see a cozy, heartfelt addition with a deeper look and connection with all our favorite characters. I was happy to see little seeds of information that branch book 1 to book 2. The banter between characters made me smile and, at times, want to tear up. I missed this world and characters. I can't wait for book 3. If you haven't read these books yet, what are you waiting for? It is full of banter, adventure, secrets, romance, and lore. You won't regret starting it. I wish I could reread it for the first time again.
I was so happy to see a cozy, heartfelt addition with a deeper look and connection with all our favorite characters. I was happy to see little seeds of information that branch book 1 to book 2. The banter between characters made me smile and, at times, want to tear up. I missed this world and characters. I can't wait for book 3. If you haven't read these books yet, what are you waiting for? It is full of banter, adventure, secrets, romance, and lore. You won't regret starting it. I wish I could reread it for the first time again.
December 2, 2025
Review: Tipped in Frost & Blood
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tipped in Frost & Blood is the perfect little novella to slide into before book 2. It digs deeper into Cassie’s emotional fallout, and I loved seeing her relationships with Damien and the brothers grow as she tries to find her place among immortals.
The mix of training, therapy, and cozy winter traditions gives it that perfect Christmas-season vibe, even as Cassie’s inner darkness keeps things tense. It’s a quick read, but it sets up the next book really well and adds just enough character development to make you even more invested.
It ends on a cliffhanger, and will leave you anxious to dive right into the next installment!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tipped in Frost & Blood is the perfect little novella to slide into before book 2. It digs deeper into Cassie’s emotional fallout, and I loved seeing her relationships with Damien and the brothers grow as she tries to find her place among immortals.
The mix of training, therapy, and cozy winter traditions gives it that perfect Christmas-season vibe, even as Cassie’s inner darkness keeps things tense. It’s a quick read, but it sets up the next book really well and adds just enough character development to make you even more invested.
It ends on a cliffhanger, and will leave you anxious to dive right into the next installment!
December 13, 2023
ARC REVIEW
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5/5
🌶️🌶️/5
This novella is a short little holiday story of Winter solstice. It shows the crew coming together and celebrating Winter Solstice after the trauma Cassie was put through in book one, ''Of Shadow and Moonlight''. We really get to see Cassie’s character growth in this novella after all the trauma in book one. I really can’t get enough of Cas, Damon and the whole crew. I absolutely loved being back in this world. It was a quick and easy read, and I loved the holiday feel of this story. Calm before the storm.
Please read in order. This story continues right after book one and gives some information for book 2. I enjoyed getting back into this world and can’t wait until book 3.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5/5
🌶️🌶️/5
This novella is a short little holiday story of Winter solstice. It shows the crew coming together and celebrating Winter Solstice after the trauma Cassie was put through in book one, ''Of Shadow and Moonlight''. We really get to see Cassie’s character growth in this novella after all the trauma in book one. I really can’t get enough of Cas, Damon and the whole crew. I absolutely loved being back in this world. It was a quick and easy read, and I loved the holiday feel of this story. Calm before the storm.
Please read in order. This story continues right after book one and gives some information for book 2. I enjoyed getting back into this world and can’t wait until book 3.
December 19, 2023
4.5/5⭐️ // 🌶🌶 - She has done it again, bringing back all the feels and giving us a look into those months following the tragic events at the end of Book 1. And making me fall in love with Damien and all the brothers all over again! I can not wait for BOOK 3!!
Thank you, Luna, for letting me an ARC reader for you again! 😘
Thank you, Luna, for letting me an ARC reader for you again! 😘
January 21, 2025
This was so cute! Perfect little read to get through for the holidays.
October 23, 2025
~ 4.5 stars
I literally dreamed about this! I’m so excited and interested in the plot and wherever this story may go… such a cute kind of Christmas read
I literally dreamed about this! I’m so excited and interested in the plot and wherever this story may go… such a cute kind of Christmas read
January 27, 2024
A breath of crisp winter air that warms the soul! Love getting some more background on our favorite characters!
December 16, 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive an eARC of this book and guys this just warmed my heart ❤️
It bridged the short amount of time between Of Shadow and Moonlight and To Ashes and Dust. We got to see the group around the Winter Solstice - Cas is training (dealing with the events from book 1), Damien is fighting at night and everyone is preparing for the festivities.
Without giving too much away, one of my favorite scenes featured fantastic banter between Barrett, Zephyr and Damien 🤣
“𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙪𝙩.”
I loved seeing the illustrations again and if you are missing these characters like I am, you are going to love Tipped in Frost and Blood ❤️
It bridged the short amount of time between Of Shadow and Moonlight and To Ashes and Dust. We got to see the group around the Winter Solstice - Cas is training (dealing with the events from book 1), Damien is fighting at night and everyone is preparing for the festivities.
Without giving too much away, one of my favorite scenes featured fantastic banter between Barrett, Zephyr and Damien 🤣
“𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙪𝙩.”
I loved seeing the illustrations again and if you are missing these characters like I am, you are going to love Tipped in Frost and Blood ❤️
December 21, 2023
Everything you could want in a winter novella! I fell in love with these characters all over again!
December 11, 2023
Book 1.5 in The Shadow And Moonlight series. “With winter's approach comes longer nights, and in the dark of night, Cassie's horrors come to life. Sleep evades her, and when rest finally comes, she finds herself trapped, forced to face the death of the one person she thought she'd wanted to kill. Though it was by her hand that he died, it was not her will.” I love this series hands down! Book 1.5 immediately follows the events of the 1st book, it is a novella but still has a lot of good story. I waited to read the 2nd book in the series knowing this was coming, so now I need to read book 2.
December 23, 2023
A very quick ARC read. I truly love this series and the characters. I loved the bridge in this book connecting 1 & 2 and just giving you a bit more insight into the turmoils each character is facing. We get to see more growth and context into their family. Especially with the aftermath of Marcus.
December 20, 2023
I was so excited to be able to arc read for Laura! I absolutely adore her series!! It is an easy and quick read. This was also very cute, cozy,and winter themed novella. All my favorite characters got together & we’re happy. Can’t get enough of this world Laura has created!
November 29, 2023
ARC Review -
Gods, this series!
Luna has a way of writing that just makes you FEEL. The love, the romance, the pain, the spice 🥵🔥🌶️
I seriously love Damien and Cassie.
Their love is so deep and transcends time. I love that they always find each other no matter how many lifetimes it takes to be together again.
Damien will do anything to support/protect her & the way he loves her… ugh we all need a Damien in our life lol.
We get to see a bit more of Cassie in this book & learn more about how her magic/life changes affected her.
She has such a strong support system/found family. They see her struggling & band together to lift her spirits after a traumatic event in her life.
Knowing what I do after reading book 2, then reading book 1.5 definitely hurts my heart (no spoilers) but I still love it so much. We get to see certain characters more & it’s a cute winter novella between book and 1&2. If you haven’t read book 2 yet. Read this one first!
Read in timeline order - not publication order otherwise things will be spoiled for you.
I was wreaked in the best way after book 2. Now I’m even more excited to see where this goes…. 1000 stars ⭐️
Gods, this series!
Luna has a way of writing that just makes you FEEL. The love, the romance, the pain, the spice 🥵🔥🌶️
I seriously love Damien and Cassie.
Their love is so deep and transcends time. I love that they always find each other no matter how many lifetimes it takes to be together again.
Damien will do anything to support/protect her & the way he loves her… ugh we all need a Damien in our life lol.
We get to see a bit more of Cassie in this book & learn more about how her magic/life changes affected her.
She has such a strong support system/found family. They see her struggling & band together to lift her spirits after a traumatic event in her life.
Knowing what I do after reading book 2, then reading book 1.5 definitely hurts my heart (no spoilers) but I still love it so much. We get to see certain characters more & it’s a cute winter novella between book and 1&2. If you haven’t read book 2 yet. Read this one first!
Read in timeline order - not publication order otherwise things will be spoiled for you.
I was wreaked in the best way after book 2. Now I’m even more excited to see where this goes…. 1000 stars ⭐️
December 6, 2023
4 -⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I will always be there for her...I promise."
Tipped in Frost and Blood is the novella for the NA Paranormal Romance series, Shadow and Moonlight. Taking place in between the first and second novel in the series, we follow Cas and Damien in the winter after surviving the harrowing events of book one. Cas struggles to shake the horrors of what she went through and she is desperate to be strong enough to fight the beings threaten her world and loved ones and a voice speak to her, egging her every move. Damien yearns to support and comfort Cas during her struggles and what better time of year than leading up to Winter's Solstice?
This book definitely slowed things down a bit after the intensity of book 2. I really appreciated be able to see Cas' struggle and show the realness of impact book one had on her. She is such a resilient character and those moments of vulnerability helped me connect so much. We also see more secrets unveil that make things going forward oh so interesting.
Damien...I love him. The prologue along had me in its grip. He love for Cas is powerful but he gives her the space she needs to work through things. I found his was to provide her support was adorable with the Winter Solstice.
Also, we get to see some characters that if you know, you know. It was incredibly sweet to see them in this calm before the storm and I treasured it.
The book does contain spice - I would say 2.5 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. The characters are in an established relationship and so spice is present in the first half of the book. I find Luna has a romantic feel to her spice that I enjoy. It highlights the characters connection and it sprinkled throughout the book.
"Oh, I'm not done with you yet...I'm going to show you what I can do that a fictional male cannot."
In terms of plot and story, this isn't as strong as the books but it does a good job of giving us a slice of life and time with our beloved characters. For me it was all about being with characters. That said we do get some nuggets that are very curious for the world to come. Throw in some action, heartwarming scenes, and camaraderie of the gang together, and you have a sweet winter novella.
If you have been enjoying the Shadow and Moonlight as a series this book is the perfect read to help assuage the wait for book 3!
Thank you to Luna for this arc!
"I will always be there for her...I promise."
Tipped in Frost and Blood is the novella for the NA Paranormal Romance series, Shadow and Moonlight. Taking place in between the first and second novel in the series, we follow Cas and Damien in the winter after surviving the harrowing events of book one. Cas struggles to shake the horrors of what she went through and she is desperate to be strong enough to fight the beings threaten her world and loved ones and a voice speak to her, egging her every move. Damien yearns to support and comfort Cas during her struggles and what better time of year than leading up to Winter's Solstice?
This book definitely slowed things down a bit after the intensity of book 2. I really appreciated be able to see Cas' struggle and show the realness of impact book one had on her. She is such a resilient character and those moments of vulnerability helped me connect so much. We also see more secrets unveil that make things going forward oh so interesting.
Damien...I love him. The prologue along had me in its grip. He love for Cas is powerful but he gives her the space she needs to work through things. I found his was to provide her support was adorable with the Winter Solstice.
Also, we get to see some characters that if you know, you know. It was incredibly sweet to see them in this calm before the storm and I treasured it.
The book does contain spice - I would say 2.5 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. The characters are in an established relationship and so spice is present in the first half of the book. I find Luna has a romantic feel to her spice that I enjoy. It highlights the characters connection and it sprinkled throughout the book.
"Oh, I'm not done with you yet...I'm going to show you what I can do that a fictional male cannot."
In terms of plot and story, this isn't as strong as the books but it does a good job of giving us a slice of life and time with our beloved characters. For me it was all about being with characters. That said we do get some nuggets that are very curious for the world to come. Throw in some action, heartwarming scenes, and camaraderie of the gang together, and you have a sweet winter novella.
If you have been enjoying the Shadow and Moonlight as a series this book is the perfect read to help assuage the wait for book 3!
Thank you to Luna for this arc!
December 4, 2023
I was selected as an ARC reader for Tipped in Frost and blood. I read it directly after reading Of Shadow and Moonlight and I have not read to Ashes and Dust.
Tipped in Frost and Blood picks up right after a Shadow and Moonlight ends. Continuing the story of Cas and how she is dealing with everything that happened to her in Shadow and Moonlight. It goes in depth about what she’s facing and doesn’t sugar coat it or diminish it. I really loved how the author stayed true to what I believe it would be like after surviving those events. We see Cas struggle, we see her grow and we see her seek the help she needs. She still however has some secrets that need to be revealed but I’m excited to see how the story continues in book 2. I also loved that the author took the time to really develop Cassie and Damian’s relationship and show what a wonderful partner he is and how he never pushed her to just get better, how he allowed her to take it one step at a time. The story’s setting is perfect for this time of year (winter/christmas) as it is staged during winter solstice. So you get to see the characters try and find some happiness all while still facing trials and tribulations. I really loved how they came together and formed a really supportive family for Cas and each other. Book 1 definitely shows how close they are but I think book 1.5 really sends it home how close they become and what they are willing to do for one another. There are definitely some funny scenes that will make you laugh out loud with what the characters do and say. I don’t want to spoil it but at one point preparing for the solstice there is a really heartwarming few pages that just hits you in the feels and makes you love the characters more. Trust me you won’t regret reading this. I devoured it in a few hours. I am reading this in timeline order so if you haven’t started this series I recommend reading book 1 first and waiting just a little longer for book 1.5 before you start book 2.
Tipped in Frost and Blood picks up right after a Shadow and Moonlight ends. Continuing the story of Cas and how she is dealing with everything that happened to her in Shadow and Moonlight. It goes in depth about what she’s facing and doesn’t sugar coat it or diminish it. I really loved how the author stayed true to what I believe it would be like after surviving those events. We see Cas struggle, we see her grow and we see her seek the help she needs. She still however has some secrets that need to be revealed but I’m excited to see how the story continues in book 2. I also loved that the author took the time to really develop Cassie and Damian’s relationship and show what a wonderful partner he is and how he never pushed her to just get better, how he allowed her to take it one step at a time. The story’s setting is perfect for this time of year (winter/christmas) as it is staged during winter solstice. So you get to see the characters try and find some happiness all while still facing trials and tribulations. I really loved how they came together and formed a really supportive family for Cas and each other. Book 1 definitely shows how close they are but I think book 1.5 really sends it home how close they become and what they are willing to do for one another. There are definitely some funny scenes that will make you laugh out loud with what the characters do and say. I don’t want to spoil it but at one point preparing for the solstice there is a really heartwarming few pages that just hits you in the feels and makes you love the characters more. Trust me you won’t regret reading this. I devoured it in a few hours. I am reading this in timeline order so if you haven’t started this series I recommend reading book 1 first and waiting just a little longer for book 1.5 before you start book 2.
November 6, 2023
Tipped in Frost and Blood was the book I didn’t know I needed! This book starts off shortly after Of Shadow and Moonlight’s ending, and deals with the aftermath of the events that took place during the first book in the series.
This book bridges the gap between book 1 and book 2 seamlessly. I really enjoyed seeing all of the crew together. There was a lot of character development in this book that undoubtedly propels To Ashes And Dust, and future books in the series even further.
We get to access, in depth, how Cas copes with her experiences from Of Shadow and Moonlight, her thought processes and how Damien and Cassie’s relationship progresses in those moments. I loved how much Damien allowed Cas to deal with things how she felt she needed to while simultaneously giving her the gentle nudges she needed to try to help her heal. We also get to see certain relationships grow and others go sideways. Tipped in Frost and Blood takes place leading up to Winter Solstice, so readers get a lot of fun and uplifting moments with everyone. Barrett had me howling more times than I could count.
I loved seeing how the foreshadowing was weaved into this book. If you’ve read To Ashes and Dust already, there’s still so much more that this book gives, especially with what is to come in.
This was a solid 5 star read and I can’t wait for the next instalment in the series!
Sidenote: I have read this series in publication order so fair warning if you’ve read To Ashes and Dust, some of these scenes really reopened the wounds. I came out of that book battered, broken and still wanting more. Tipped in Frost and Blood somehow made me feel both better and worse all at once!
This book bridges the gap between book 1 and book 2 seamlessly. I really enjoyed seeing all of the crew together. There was a lot of character development in this book that undoubtedly propels To Ashes And Dust, and future books in the series even further.
We get to access, in depth, how Cas copes with her experiences from Of Shadow and Moonlight, her thought processes and how Damien and Cassie’s relationship progresses in those moments. I loved how much Damien allowed Cas to deal with things how she felt she needed to while simultaneously giving her the gentle nudges she needed to try to help her heal. We also get to see certain relationships grow and others go sideways. Tipped in Frost and Blood takes place leading up to Winter Solstice, so readers get a lot of fun and uplifting moments with everyone. Barrett had me howling more times than I could count.
I loved seeing how the foreshadowing was weaved into this book. If you’ve read To Ashes and Dust already, there’s still so much more that this book gives, especially with what is to come in.
This was a solid 5 star read and I can’t wait for the next instalment in the series!
Sidenote: I have read this series in publication order so fair warning if you’ve read To Ashes and Dust, some of these scenes really reopened the wounds. I came out of that book battered, broken and still wanting more. Tipped in Frost and Blood somehow made me feel both better and worse all at once!
December 3, 2023
Tipped in Frost and Blood is a great bridge book between book 1 and 2 of the Shadow and Moonlight series. It gives you a slowed down breathable amount of time with leaning into the process of living through the aftermaths of trauma and how to cope and the strengthening of the characters roles and relationships in the story. What I truly appreciated about this novella was seeing how Damien allowed Cas to heal and work through her experience while simultaneously supporting her and giving helpful nudges toward techniques or outlets that may help her heal.
What I also enjoyed about this novella was that it was a sort of (Christmas) Solstice special, which is the big event the story was leading toward while still driving the over arching plot of the world forward. The foreshadowing that was woven into this book was excellent without being overly obvious.
This was light, quick, and a must read for the story, I was both delighted and upset to see certain characters within this book. Because I had read this in publishing order, which means having already experienced To Ashes and Dust which is the second book and already released.
If you enjoyed the series so far you definitely need to pick up this novella, if you've read book 2, it will give you some comfort while also making you mad. If you haven't, I can't yet recommend a deviation to the reading order and liken this to the great Throne of Glass reading order debate. If you want to follow the story timeline you should read this before book 2, but I believe Luna published them this way for a reason.
Thank you Luna Laurier for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review! I am excitedly awaiting the next installment!
What I also enjoyed about this novella was that it was a sort of (Christmas) Solstice special, which is the big event the story was leading toward while still driving the over arching plot of the world forward. The foreshadowing that was woven into this book was excellent without being overly obvious.
This was light, quick, and a must read for the story, I was both delighted and upset to see certain characters within this book. Because I had read this in publishing order, which means having already experienced To Ashes and Dust which is the second book and already released.
If you enjoyed the series so far you definitely need to pick up this novella, if you've read book 2, it will give you some comfort while also making you mad. If you haven't, I can't yet recommend a deviation to the reading order and liken this to the great Throne of Glass reading order debate. If you want to follow the story timeline you should read this before book 2, but I believe Luna published them this way for a reason.
Thank you Luna Laurier for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review! I am excitedly awaiting the next installment!
December 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
Tipped in Frost and Blood takes place after the events of the first book, Of Shadow and Moonlight. We catch up with Cassie, Damien and their friends during the Solstice celebration.
Cassie is still processing her trauma from the events of the first book but her greatest fear is what she’s capable of and how much time she has left. Will she finally confide in Damien? What does their future hold?
Tropes/themes:
🌙 Dual POV
☀️ Immortals
🌙 Training
☀️ Fated mates
🌙 Magic
☀️ Banter
🌙 Found family
☀️ Mental health journey
🌶️
Cassie’s journey is complex and evolving- she’s struggling with the darkness that haunts her and the secrets she keeps close to her heart. She’s adjusting to her new life and the memories that are resurfacing. Damien is just heart meltingly supportive. I’ve missed the entire gang so much 🥺
This was a refreshing holiday novella that helps prepare your heart for To Ashes and Dust (Book 2). I loved being back in this world with all these characters and cannot wait for Book 3!
Tipped in Frost and Blood is a perfect spicy holiday fantasy romance read. A sweet reprieve from the storm that is coming 😫
**I received a free e-ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Huge thanks to Luna Laurier for the opportunity to read this e-ARC!**
Tipped in Frost and Blood takes place after the events of the first book, Of Shadow and Moonlight. We catch up with Cassie, Damien and their friends during the Solstice celebration.
Cassie is still processing her trauma from the events of the first book but her greatest fear is what she’s capable of and how much time she has left. Will she finally confide in Damien? What does their future hold?
Tropes/themes:
🌙 Dual POV
☀️ Immortals
🌙 Training
☀️ Fated mates
🌙 Magic
☀️ Banter
🌙 Found family
☀️ Mental health journey
🌶️
Cassie’s journey is complex and evolving- she’s struggling with the darkness that haunts her and the secrets she keeps close to her heart. She’s adjusting to her new life and the memories that are resurfacing. Damien is just heart meltingly supportive. I’ve missed the entire gang so much 🥺
This was a refreshing holiday novella that helps prepare your heart for To Ashes and Dust (Book 2). I loved being back in this world with all these characters and cannot wait for Book 3!
Tipped in Frost and Blood is a perfect spicy holiday fantasy romance read. A sweet reprieve from the storm that is coming 😫
**I received a free e-ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Huge thanks to Luna Laurier for the opportunity to read this e-ARC!**
December 10, 2023
I loved this novella so much I feel like it was brought out at the best time to read really enjoy it. I love that it showed more of the aftermath between what happens in book one and shows how Cas deals with the trauma/ aftermath of events in the first book and how supportive and patient Damien is as her partner. It showed so much growth in their relationship and dove into more of their previous memories and tradition. It really bridges a gap from book one into book two. There are some things said and moments that brought me back into my feels knowing what we know from book two (to ashes and dust I’m looking at you cough cough), but really this novella was beautiful it really brought out the dynamic and relationship between Cas and Damien and other characters. I love the setting,it is a cute winter novella really gives the light warm and fuzzy feelings. I appreciate that it had the perfect sprinkle of spice throughout 🌶️. I really enjoyed this novella and I can’t wait for the series to continue!
Thank you Luna for having me on your arc team♥️
Thank you Luna for having me on your arc team♥️
December 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this novella and everything we got to see/experience throughout it! It’s a super sweet novella that can easily be read in one sitting.
Getting to watch as Cas overcame and grew, both mentally and physically, since the events of the first book was inspiring. I love that her experience/struggle in this novella is realistic and something that I personally could relate to.
I also just loved getting more time with Cas, Damien, and all of the beloved side characters. The Winter Solstice setting was a great break after the first book. I haven’t read the second book yet, but from what I’ve heard it seems like this is also going to be a calm before the storm situation so I’m very excited to dive into the second book next!
The final line absolutely has my heart! 💗
“I will always find you, no matter how tightly the darkness holds you. I will always be there to pull you out.”
Also the epilogue? 👀
VERY intrigued to learn more about that.
Thank you so much to Luna Laurier for the opportunity to read this early in exchange for my honest opinion.
Getting to watch as Cas overcame and grew, both mentally and physically, since the events of the first book was inspiring. I love that her experience/struggle in this novella is realistic and something that I personally could relate to.
I also just loved getting more time with Cas, Damien, and all of the beloved side characters. The Winter Solstice setting was a great break after the first book. I haven’t read the second book yet, but from what I’ve heard it seems like this is also going to be a calm before the storm situation so I’m very excited to dive into the second book next!
The final line absolutely has my heart! 💗
“I will always find you, no matter how tightly the darkness holds you. I will always be there to pull you out.”
Also the epilogue? 👀
VERY intrigued to learn more about that.
Thank you so much to Luna Laurier for the opportunity to read this early in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 17, 2024
This is one of my favorite series, hands down, but I absolutely adored this wintery novella 1.5 in the series. This novela is not just about Christmas or Winter solstice as they celebrate it. It’s about Cassie mentally struggling with events that happened in ‘Of Shadow and Monlight”. We get to see her push herself to become stronger physically and build deeper connections with more characters.
One thing I truly loved was that we got to see Cass really struggle after a traumatic event occurred and I loved how the entire group was so supportive of her and her journey. We get to see Cassie’s parents interact with her new friends, and let just say Barrett has some things to say. I loved the flashbacks that were incorporated in the novella and I feel like they are super important going forward. This book it literally the calm before the chaos that happens in ‘To Ashes and Dust”. Now knowing the end to this book and book 2 I’m even more worried for these characters that I’ve attached to. I highly recommend reading this series!!
One thing I truly loved was that we got to see Cass really struggle after a traumatic event occurred and I loved how the entire group was so supportive of her and her journey. We get to see Cassie’s parents interact with her new friends, and let just say Barrett has some things to say. I loved the flashbacks that were incorporated in the novella and I feel like they are super important going forward. This book it literally the calm before the chaos that happens in ‘To Ashes and Dust”. Now knowing the end to this book and book 2 I’m even more worried for these characters that I’ve attached to. I highly recommend reading this series!!
December 6, 2023
ARC REVIEW
Tipped in Frost and Blood is novella/book 1.5 in the Shadow and Moonlight Series. This novella is timed between book 1 and 2 and it follows the events of book 1 and how Cassie is dealing with the aftermath of everything that happened.
I enjoyed this novella so much and is setting me up to start book 2 ASAP. I liked that this novella has enough material to keep you engaged and wanting to see what happens next but its also chill enough to let you see Cassie go about a “mundane” life while leaving with Damien. I feel for her, honestly, she has gone through so much and she is holding on to so much, it’s a wonder she hasn’t lost her sanity. I liked how this novella shows her getting more comfortable with life alongside Damien and the little family she has found but also dealing with everything. I liked how in the middle of everything they still find time to enjoy themselves and celebrate. I cant wait to dig into book 2 and find out what happens next.
Thank you Luna for providing me an ARC for this novella. I enjoyed it so much.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Tipped in Frost and Blood is novella/book 1.5 in the Shadow and Moonlight Series. This novella is timed between book 1 and 2 and it follows the events of book 1 and how Cassie is dealing with the aftermath of everything that happened.
I enjoyed this novella so much and is setting me up to start book 2 ASAP. I liked that this novella has enough material to keep you engaged and wanting to see what happens next but its also chill enough to let you see Cassie go about a “mundane” life while leaving with Damien. I feel for her, honestly, she has gone through so much and she is holding on to so much, it’s a wonder she hasn’t lost her sanity. I liked how this novella shows her getting more comfortable with life alongside Damien and the little family she has found but also dealing with everything. I liked how in the middle of everything they still find time to enjoy themselves and celebrate. I cant wait to dig into book 2 and find out what happens next.
Thank you Luna for providing me an ARC for this novella. I enjoyed it so much.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
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