Blood Moon

Star Touched: Wolf Born #1

by Michelle Madow

Step into a world of rejected mates, wolf shifters, and dangerous secrets in Blood Moon, the captivating first book in USA Today bestselling author Michelle Madow’s Wolf Born series.

Ruby Grace is just an ordinary girl. Or so she thought.

During a ski trip in the Adirondack Mountains, she discovers just how different she is. One night, she’s chatting with friends when she glances up and sees the moon turn blood red. Suddenly, Ruby shifts into a wolf and takes off, running through the woods like a creature possessed.

When she’s herself again, she seeks refuge in the house of Connor Ward, the mysterious and devastatingly gorgeous guy whose party she attended the night before.

But Connor offers her more than a place to hide out. He has answers. About her, her powers, and the undeniable attraction between them.

But discovering she’s a shifter is only the beginning. Despite her ability to shift, she’s unable to use shifter magic, which relegates her to the lowest tier of shifter society. As she tries to adapt to this new world, strange things start happening in Pine Valley. Humans begin disappearing. Ruby’s eyes change color overnight. And a new kind of magic emerges.

With Connor by her side, Ruby digs into the dangerous secrets of Pine Valley. As she delves deeper into this mysterious place—and its even more mysterious residents—Ruby discovers that the biggest mystery of all is her, and her newfound abilities.

The biggest challenge, however, comes when the mate bond ignites between Ruby and Connor. He’s torn between his loyalty to his girlfriend and his undeniable connection to the new girl in town.

Will he reject his fated mate and keep his promise to his girlfriend?

Or will he risk everything to be with Ruby?

Full of romance, mystery, and twists that will keep you guessing until the very last page, Blood Moon is a must-read for fans of shifters and paranormal romance. Don't miss this thrilling new series that will keep you up all night!

Genres: Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Romance, Werewolves, Magic, Urban Fantasy

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 12, 2023

About the author

Michelle Madow is a USA Today bestselling author of romantasy novels filled with forbidden love, elemental magic, and epic twists that readers never see coming. With over four million books sold and translations in multiple languages, her addictive stories have captured hearts around the world.

She wrote her first novel in college and never looked back. Now, with over fifty books published, she spends her time dreaming up magical realms and devastating romances that keep readers hooked from page one.

Originally from Maryland, she's lived everywhere from Florida to New York City. After a winding journey, she's back in NYC, where the city's magic rivals anything she could dream up on the page.

When she’s not writing, she’s likely getting lost in the magical world of reading, plotting her next big twist, or reminiscing about her travels to all seven continents.

Reviews

[Fatima · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was awful. Like really, really bad. The main character had no motivation except "he's my mate! he's ignoring me! I love him. No, I hate him! AHHHHH"

I can't say anything good about this book.

[Jsalt80 · Rating 3 out of 5]

the author messed this one up from the beginning

So, in the beginning of the book, Ruby has a revelation about what has happened to her and she says that she realizes it because of all the shifter books she’s read. And correct me if I’m wrong, but the majority of shifter books have one major feature in them as a recurring theme… mates. Whether it’s fated mates, crescent mates, alpha mates, truelove mates, soul mates, bonded mate or even rejected mates, they all feature mates. Right?

So, for the first two-thirds of this book, Ruby doesn’t make a connection to the mate bond that she’s feeling with Conner, despite taking note of her intense attraction, desire etc… not even when mates are brought up when Conner tells her about his grandparents and Abigail and the gang. Not one iota of any of her rambling thoughts about Conner does she think of it. Then suddenly, as she’s about to connect the dots (that have already been connected in light gray so all she has to do is trace it), the author has her think “I’ve been suspecting it for a while, but I didn’t want to think it”? Two-thirds of the book! Really?

Then there are other minor things, like the alpha command voice that Jax uses on her that she should know from the books. All of them don’t have it, but still, she said she read a lot of them.

Then we have Conner. If she didn’t ruin the book with her lack of brain cells in most everything, Conner’s internal struggle with his fated mate, chosen mate and wolf did. I mean seriously. This boy seems so bipolar in his dilemma about Ruby. One minute he’s praising her and thinking she might be his mate, the next he’s saying she’s using some kind of demonic magic on him. And it goes on and on, back and forth, over and over every time his POV comes out. I mean, we get it. He made a vow to Autumn, she’s his chosen, he will not leave her for Ruby, regardless if she is his mate. He went forever purposefully trying not to touch her so as not to ignite the bond, then suddenly he forgets about that part and pounces on her? The fact that he body slammed her was overkill. His character was already unlikable before that.

Then, it seems that everyone seems to be in agreement that mate bonds are special, blessed by the goddess, etc etc. They say that no one should come between a mated pair and it is frowned upon, right? So immediately after the two people that either said this out loud or thought it, they each try to figure out how to break a mate bond. 😐 They both also use the excuse of being future leaders of the pack to uphold the laws and traditions of shifters as their reason for trying to break said sacred bond. 🤔

Why was none of this bs written in a review? Why is no one honest about books these days? Oh well whatever. I’m going to be a sucker and read the next installment because …Kindle Unlimited. 🤷🏽‍♀️ Despite the first two chapters of the next one being at the end of this one and already sounding quite ridiculous…

See my notes, highlights and commentary on Goodreads. Happy reading!

[Alex(Books-In-A-Storm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dude what the absolute fuck is he thinking. That crazy bitch is going to be a big problem. I'm happy she got away from you at least until you get your head out of your ass. With that said I need to read the next book like yesterday.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too pg13 and FMC just seemed like she was going to be TSTL moments to come. For example, she’s housed with an omega family and told that she can’t go back to her friends or family as she’s a danger. She’s told and shown that her friend and family are ok and have been told she’s studying abroad. She decides to sneak out of the house and escape the pack. Her great “plan” is to go to her family, friend and police! Really!! Great idea. I really hope you can hear and smell the sarcasm here, lol. I already see where the future books ae going so I’m just going to stop at book 1 as it’s not roping me in enough to continue. It would be fine if I was looking for a somewhat clean book, like I think the book would be ok for 14+ and like pnr. There was mention about sex but nothing a 14 yr couldn’t handle. Oh and I just couldn’t get over the whole we can shift with our clothes and phones but not if it polyester because that’s not naturally made. Yup, that’s what they said. Yeah, ok. 👌

[ashley hamilton · Rating 1 out of 5]

ok

This book was so stupid First she turns into a wolf friend is nowhere to be found so u just leave your friend and yawl not even from the city secondly how yawl just make the girl stay there he asks like he hate the girl and her character is so weak she following behind him like a lost puppy.They couldn’t make her stay jax is not even her alpha I just couldn’t get into it it was to stupid for more parts

[Aisha Sarfraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me HOOKED! Once I started it I could not put it down and finished it in one sitting. Several of the twists took me by complete surprise. The illusion magic has me intrigued. I've never read anything like that before. Ruby seems to be a pretty fun character and I'm excited to see how she develops through the series. I was so NOT prepared for that ending. I mean, I liked how loyal Connor was to Autumn but seriously?!? To go that far? Blew my mind. Dying to find out what happens next. A wonderful start to a series I just know is going to be AMAZING. Can't wait for the next book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent start for this series with unique characters.
Ruby is thrown into a world she knows nothing about,the wolves don't want her, they ended her life as a human so now she's with the Witches because she's been blessed by a Goddess.
She found her fated mate Conner and been rejected by him and threatened by his girlfriend plus she's been told by the Goddess to keep her eye color a secret.
So much is going on and I can't wait to read more!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Michelle has written the beginning of a great world that I look forward to reading every time the next book is ready! She adds the perfect amount of romance so that it doesn’t detract from the story, plenty of twists to keep you guessing, and an engrossing plot so you don’t want to stop reading. Great job!

[Leaanne Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an okay read. There's just no character building. She needs training, but it doesn't happen. She's gonna be taught how to shift. Doesn't happen. She sees the woman who tells her not to tell anyone about her eyes. No other mention. Then, get held prisoner again.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginnings of what promises to be an exciting new series.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is bad. Everything about it is cliche, basic, amateurish. But I read the whole thing and the second equally bad book.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Sheila Murillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

addictive

I could not put this down. I’ve always loved Michelle’s books. So happy i finally read this book. Now onto the next book

[Myria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow is it possible could love at first sight really be a thing then Ruby sees the look on Connor’s face an realises that maybe what she’s feeling is completely one sided as it looks like he’d rather have nothing to do with her and besides judging by the way Connor’s girlfriend’s looking at Ruby she’d claw Ruby’s eyes out before letting her anywhere near him so Ruby drinks because isn’t that why Ruby went to the party with Luna well that and the hot boys who invited them.
However things get really weird after seemingly drinking way to much and running off into the woods (yea maybe that much drink wasn’t a good idea) having weird dreams and waking up alone lying on the ground in the woods surely things couldn’t get any weirder only problem is getting back to reality to her normality isn’t gonna happen for Ruby as the strange weird dreams weren’t really alcohol induced they were a blessing from a Goddess and Ruby’s wolf side emerging on the night of a blood moon yip you heard right a wolf she’s a frickin wolf shifter and mated to the hot boy she was drooling over at the party Connor but he’s basically rejected her as no matter how much he wants her he won’t give in to the mate bond. yip things are just getting started for Ruby her life is never gonna be the same again as her adventure has just begun

[CassDamm · Rating 2 out of 5]

The fact that this book was rated over 4 stars on here is wild.

I’ve never met a single person who enjoys a romance book where the male character is actively happily dating someone else and sleeping with her etc while the female Mc is just whining about their fated mate bond lol

The way they were going to treat her when they thought she was just an omega was gross.

[Yoyomaus Die Büchereule · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eine verhängnisvolle Party mit viel Alkohol.
Eine Begegnung, die dein Leben für immer verändern wird…
Und ein Geheimnis, welches du auf jeden Fall bewahren musst!

Zum Inhalt (Booklet):
„Du magst eine Wolfswandlerin sein, aber du hast keine weiteren Kräfte. Du stehst am Ende unseres Rudels, du bist eine Dienerin, ein Nichts.“

Ich hätte nie gedacht, dass mein Leben sich so ändern würde – von einer einfachen College-Studentin zur Ausgestoßenen in einer Welt, die ich nicht verstehe. Als der Blutmond sich am Himmel erhebt, verwandle ich mich in eine Wölfin, doch anstatt mich willkommen zu heißen, werde ich von Conner – meinem angeblichen Seelengefährten und Alpha – zurückgewiesen und verstoßen.

Ich bin jetzt eine Omega und lebe als Dienerin am unteren Ende der Rudel-Hierarchie. Doch ich werde nicht klein beigeben. Nicht, solange ich die Wahrheit über meine Herkunft und meine Kräfte herausfinden kann. Und nicht, solange die Gefühle für meinen Schicksalsgefährten, der sich dennoch für eine andere entschieden hat, weiter in mir brennen.

Cover:
Das Cover gefällt mir recht gut und hat mich auch direkt angesprochen, sonst hätte ich hier wahrscheinlich direkt weiter gescrollt, als mir das Buch auf dem großen Am**on vorgeschlagen wurde. Zu sehen ist hier die Protagonistin Ruby sowie ein Wolf und ein roter Mond. Damit verrät das Buch auch schon worum es sich handelt und das hat mich doch ein bisschen neugierig gemacht, da ich gern Fantasy-Romane lese.

Eigener Eindruck:
Ruby ist Studentin und auf Drängen ihrer Freundin Luna mit ihr in den Urlaub gefahren. Bei einer Hausparty von Fremden, welche sie spontan eingeladen haben, kommt es dazu, dass die beiden Frauen zu viel Alkohol trinken. Aus einem Impuls heraus torkelt Ruby irgendwann in den Wald, wo sie sich plötzlich einer geisterhaften Frau gegenübersieht und sich schlussendlich in einen Wolf verwandelt. Als sie im Wald mitten im Schnee aufwacht, weiß Ruby zuerst nicht, wo sie sich befindet, macht sich dann aber auf den Weg zurück zu dem Haus, wo sie von dem Hausherren Connor recht ungläubig empfangen wird. Als sie von ihrem verrückten Traum und dem Blutmond berichtet, wird dieser hellhörig und holt seinen Großvater hinzu. Was von nun an geschieht scheint für Ruby wie im Fiebertraum zu geschehen. Denn sie eröffnen ihr, dass sie ein Werwolf ist und sich dem Rudel der Stadt zu fügen hat, bis man herausgefunden hat, wer sie überhaupt ist. Als Omega, eine Art Sklavin der Werwölfe, soll sie nun ihren Platz finden und den Wolf in sich kontrollieren. Doch Ruby will sich mit ihrem Schicksal nicht abfinden und hat ihre ganz eigenen Pläne, ganz zum Verdruss ihrer „Mitwölfe“. Allen voran Connor, welcher sich mehr für sie zu interessieren scheint, als er zugeben will…

Bei diesem Roman, welcher aus der Feder der Autorin Michelle Madow stammt, handelt es sich um eine vierteilige Reihe rund um die Thematik Werwölfe, Hexen und Vampire. Letztere hatten noch keine große Rolle, werden sie aber sicher noch bekommen, denn darauf arbeitet die Geschichte ganz augenscheinlich hin. Der Start in die Story ist sehr sprunghaft und ich muss ehrlich gestehen, dass es mir bei der Geschichte auch im Verlauf an Tiefgang gefehlt hat. Zwar sind die Ideen echt gut, aber ich bin doch nicht ganz warm mit der Story geworden. Manche angesprochenen Tabu-Themen waren ruckzuck keine Tabu-Themen mehr – mit Geheimnissen haben es alle nicht so und manchmal wirkt das alles dann doch recht kindisch. Was ich persönlich beim Lesen auch sehr schade fand und was mir immer wieder aufgestoßen ist, ist dass die Rolle der Ruby in ihren Kapiteln als „Rubin“ bezeichnet wurde. Was ist da passiert? Schlussendlich war mir alle sin allem dann doch zu oberflächlich und ich muss sagen, dass ich die Emotionen in keiner Weise glauben konnte und wollte. Mir hat hier der Tiefgang gefehlt. Es hätte mehr knistern können – müssen! Es hätte mit viel mehr Drama gearbeitet werden können, es geschieht alles so schnell, so einvernehmlich – jeder normale Mensch würde mit seinem Schicksal, mit seinen auferlegten neuen Leben mehr hadern. Schade irgendwie. Ich bin gespannt ob mich der nächste Band mehr überzeugen kann. Freunde von Gestaltwandlergeschichten werden hier vielleicht ihre Freude dran haben, die Story plätschert langhin, wer hier aber auf mehr hofft, der könnte enttäuscht werden. Auch die Charaktere sind in meinen Augen nicht wirklich ausgereift. Ich konnte mich weder mit Ruby, noch mit einem anderen Charakter wirklich anfreunden, was wirklich schade ist, denn damit stehen und fallen Geschichten.

Idee: 5/5
Charaktere: 3/5
Logik: 3/5
Spannung: 3/5
Emotionen: 3/5


Gesamt: 3/5

Daten:
ISBN: B0D7ZVPJJV
Sprache: Deutsch
Ausgabe: eBook
Umfang: 213 Seiten
Verlag: Winterfeld Verlag
Erscheinungsdatum: 22.09.2024

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF’ing 10 chapters in to book 2..

TLDR; I read a lot of shifter books, and this one made me feel icky. Nothing felt genuine and I kept waiting for it to get better… but it hasn’t yet and I don’t care enough about these characters to keep waiting 😂

The rant: **SPOILERS**



There are a LOT of shifter/fated mate books where at least one of the mates in question is unhappy with the bond, at least initially. In many of those books, one of the characters is in a relationship already.

Though predictable and maybe cringy, in so many of those situations, there’s some sort of revelation about how the one in the relationship was never truly happy. (Like MMC had a political relationship but he never loved her…. Etc.). That’s kind of what was happening here except it seemed like there was never any doubt about his feelings for Autumn until Ruby showed up. Then he tries to force himself to love Autumn and kind of manipulated her, convincing her that Ruby meant nothing to him despite him seeing her face while they kissed? That’s gross lol.

Having an MMC leave a relationship for the FMC is one thing. Having an MMC deny the bond is another thing. But having chapters from his POV, so we know how he feels… then having him brutally reject and shun Ruby, continue to sleep with Autumn and deny feelings for Ruby, and try to hide and manipulate both women at different times? How do you ever expect me to root for their relationship? 😂 Morally gray is one thing, but this is a walking red flag!!!

On top of that, the inconsistencies in the story just made me lose any interest I had in it.

Example A: Though she thinks about her family a lot, it bothers me to no end that the beginning of the book started with her not being able to find Luna at the party and not answering her phone. Then suddenly she is told she can never see her again? I’d be losing my mind wanting some sort of proof that she’s okay, let alone that my family is okay.

Example B: They “blend with the human world” and go into town all the time with humans, are stationed all over the world as enforcers, yet Hazel’s family is told she’s dead? I know they explained that she’s NOT an enforcer and that they’re protected by thinking she’s dead… but like… tons of other supernaturals get to just walk around going to coffee shops and bars all the time? Seemed a bit of a leap to me.

Also, why was Jax (spelling unsure, I had the audiobook) such an ass?? Like as soon as she was discovered to be an omega, she’s instantly dirt to him. I’m surprised he even let her stay in his house. Like he got mad at her for going in the library? Despite the fact that she knows basically no one and has no phone or connection with the outside world and was told she could go anywhere in the house. Alphas are often controlling and brooding, but this felt unnecessary and made me dislike the entire dynamic of the wolves pretty much instantly.

So much of this book just felt like the big, main plot points were being tossed together and the “how” throughout the storyline was an afterthought. Like the author knew what she wanted to happen but didn’t care how it got there. It felt disingenuous and made me disconnect with the characters. Aside from that, it’s like every other shifter book in most ways.

Rant over.

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read almost all of this author’s books and loved them, so I was really excited about this book releasing and about it being the start of a brand new series and world! I received an ARC from the author and made it my next read! After reading, I can say that I enjoyed this book and I was hooked all the way through! The plot only took me a few sittings to read and it developed at the perfect pace to keep me intrigued! There was romance in the plot and it did develop at a slower pace, but this was the right way to do it because of how the characters met and there were a lot of complications that came into play! There was also a little bit of action and suspense in the plot, which added to the plot and I can see more action and suspense as this series progresses! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Ruby was the main female character, and I felt for her in this book! Her life completely changed when she discovered she was a wolf shifter and she did find it hard to adjust! Ruby tried her best and I admired her because she did go through a lot in a short space of time and she had to adjust quickly! Connor was the main male character and love interest of Ruby! Connor was a guy who was strong and a wolf shifter who knew his role! I was intrigued by Connor and wanted to know more about his background! He was also protective of Ruby and wanted to keep her safe! Connor was conflicted about his feelings for Ruby because he already had a girlfriend and then he had growing feelings for Ruby! This book was mainly written from Ruby and Connor’s point of views, which I was kind of expecting! The last chapter was written from a secondary character’s point of view as well and I can see more chapters being written through her eyes as this series continues! I loved that it was written this way because it helped me connect more with both characters and see how much the characters cared about each other and see their feelings for each other develop! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot as well, which helped as Ruby and Connor did spend time apart and went through some situations by themselves! I now can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I know that it’s going to release in June or July, which isn’t that long of a wait! I’m very excited to read it and continue the characters story, especially after the ending of this book! I also love the cover for this book a lot! It suits the book perfectly and what happens in it! It would draw me to the book as well if I didn't already know the author's name! Big thank you to Michelle for an ARC of Blood Moon!

[Nicole Thöne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Die Reihe „Die Tochter der Wölfe“ ist im Grunde das, was passiert, wenn jemand sich denkt: „Was wäre, wenn Familienleben… aber mit mehr Fell, Drama und absolut null Chill?“ 🐺

Schon im ersten Teil wird klar: Hier geht es nicht gemütlich zu wie bei einem Märchen-Nachmittag mit Tee und Keksen. Nein, stattdessen bekommt man eine ordentliche Portion Chaos, starke Emotionen und Charaktere, die ungefähr so entspannt sind wie ein Rudel Wölfe mit zu viel Koffein. Besonders die „Tochter“ selbst? Nicht auf den Mund gefallen, stur wie ein Esel (sorry, Esel 🫏) und gleichzeitig so liebenswert, dass man ihnen jeden impulsiven „Ich mach das jetzt einfach!“-Moment verzeiht.

Was die Reihe besonders macht: Familienprobleme werden hier nicht am Küchentisch geklärt, sondern gefühlt eher im Wald bei Vollmond – inklusive innerer Kämpfe, Identitätskrisen und der ewigen Frage: „Bin ich eigentlich mehr Mensch oder mehr Drama?“ (Antwort: eindeutig beides.)

Über alle Teile hinweg steigert sich das Ganze ordentlich. Beziehungen werden komplizierter, Entscheidungen schwerer und die Situation… sagen wir mal: eskaliert regelmäßig auf höchstem Niveau. Manchmal denkt man sich als Leser: „Leute, redet doch einfach mal miteinander!“ – aber seien wir ehrlich, dann wäre es nur halb so unterhaltsam.
Humor blitzt immer wieder zwischen den ernsteren Momenten auf, oft genau dann, wenn man ihn am meisten braucht. Und genau das macht die Reihe so angenehm: Sie nimmt sich selbst nicht immer bierernst, obwohl es eigentlich um ziemlich große Themen geht.

Fazit:
„Die Tochter der Wölfe“ ist wie eine Mischung aus Familien-Soap, Fantasy-Drama und einer Prise „Wer hat hier eigentlich die Kontrolle verloren?“ – schnell, emotional und mit genug Biss, um einen durch alle Teile zu tragen. Perfekt für alle, die starke Charaktere, Chaos und ein bisschen Wolfsenergie im Alltag brauchen. 🐺

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby is a normal girl that went on a ski trip with her bestfriend. While at a random house party Ruby starts feeling sick and goes off into the bushes just to look at the full moon and it be red then she shifts into a wolf. After the initial finding that she is now a wolf there’s many things happening. At first she doesn’t have magic but she actually does have magic just not the normal earth magic wolves usually have. She has an illusion magic. Make people see things that aren’t there. The alpha of the pac Jax is Connor’s grandfather and Connor was the one who threw the house party and there’s a strange pull and attraction to Connor. Come to find out he is Rubys mate. But Connor has a long time girlfriend who he has promised his life to, even if he is not mates with her. He decides to push Ruby away and show loyalty to Autumn instead. Ruby meets with the witches and leaves with them to learn more about her magic. In the end Connor proposes to Autumn even though he knows he is not mated with her but with Ruby.

Overall good book. I’m happy it’s a shorter book if I’m honest. I would say after taking a break from Michelle’s books and reading like murder mysteries and thrillers I’ve noticed that her writing is very adolescent. Which her books are basically young adult so it’s understandable. But once I’ve noticed it I can’t un notice it lol. I’m excited to see where Ruby goes and her secrets.

[thebooksuccubus · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start a new series. When Ruby goes away for a vacation with her friend she finds that she is not human as she has always been lead to believe. While at a party she meets Connor who may be all broody tall dark and handsome but lets focus on the broody part. Yes he sure seems like a major d-canoe. Their first interaction takes place playing beer pong and she land the shoot right on his crouch. He believes himself to be a prize but she informs him he isn't much of one. Things take a turn at the end of the night and by next morning she wakes alone in the woods with hardly a memory of what happened. When she is told what she is she is also informed that she is basically nothing more than and slave and is not permitted to leave. Ruby must try and figure out this new world while also trying to get away. The only problem is this new tattoo that she doesn't know how she got it and this pull she now feels for Connor but with his girlfriend things only seem to get worse. Connor continues to push Ruby away in the hurtful ways, he can deny things all he wants on the outside but his head tells a different story. Ready to see how Ruby will grow into this new person in the next book.

[Melissa]

I'm 66% in and honestly disgusted with this book so I have to call it. When I read the summary and it said he already had a girlfriend I thought it was going to be one of those arrangements where he wouldn't end it because it would save his pack or whatever. Cool, I can support that. Instead, he actually seems to love the girlfriend and all the intimate scenes we see are with him and OW. Even if the MMC and FMC end up together, I can't imagine a HEA or a HFN because I'm so pissed off by his relationship with the other woman. Some OWD/OMD is fine, but their relationship seems to last at least two books if the summary is to be believed and I'm not reading books for the MMC to have a serious, non-business only relationship with a whole other woman while continuously rejecting the FMC. ESPECIALLY after they took her life away from her without giving her even a tiny bit of choice. GTFO with all of this.

I avoided the KU ads of this book for week before giving in because I'd read enough rejected mate books where the partner was a business deal or unwanted so I thought maybe that was the case here. Maybe it's revealed later on that it is, but seeing him continuously go back to OW has pissed me off too much to find out if it is.

[PepperP0t · Rating 3 out of 5]

While on a ski trip with friends Ruby Grace meets handsome Connor Ward but she’s suspicious Connor and his friends invent rules to get the ending they want for a game they’ve made up. Taking a break, out for air Ruby, notices the moon’s unnaturally red and the next thing she knows, it’s morning she’s got twigs in her hair and she’s knocking on Connor’s door!

After sharing her story, with Connor, his girlfriend Autumn and alpha, Jax, they agree Ruby’s a shifter. They’re irritated she lacks their usual magic but proceed to closing her old life and prepare this one. The only change Ruby’s sure of is Connor’s part of her future, though he and Autumn disagree. Connor proceeds to ensure Ruby can’t have what she’s sure she wants.

There are interesting pieces as a new mythology is built for this world and the bones of the plot are good. But for my taste the read feels ‘Nick at Nite’, the core characters read as preteens. Per usual with this author this piece of the quartet ends on a cliffhanger with Ruby, Connor and Autumn not having what they want and disagreeing on what happens next.
Rating: 3stars

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a great new shifter/paranormal story with so many twists and turns you just can't put it down. Ruby and her best friend went to the mountains for a vacation before the semester starts again at school. With some crazy events, Ruby's life has changed. I love the strength of her character and how she copes with everything thrown at her. She finds she is not only a shifter but has witch powers as well. And the hurt is that she is dead to her friends and family back home. She can never return and survive in the non-paranormal world. And how will her new found relationship go with Connor? What exactly are her powers? With so many twists and turns in this book, you just can't put it down once you begin! I can't wait to see what will happen with Ruby and the search for who or what she really is besides a shifter and how strong her powers are and what does her future bring? I can't wait for the next book in the series! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Dinah's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ // Blood Moon — Michelle Madow
Blood Moon gave me that classic YA paranormal hit I grew up loving — the werewolf lore, the witchy magic, the whole supernatural vibe was genuinely captivating. The worldbuilding is solid, the pacing is quick, and the story has that addictive “just one more chapter” energy.

The characters? They’re fun, easy to follow, and written with enough personality to keep me invested. I liked the dynamic between the magic and the wolf elements — it felt familiar in a comforting way, like a throwback to early‑2010s paranormal but with a cleaner flow.

But listen… that cliffhanger?
Ay, Dios mío.
A HOT MESS in the most chaotic YA way. I was staring at the last page like, “¿En serio? That’s where we’re stopping?” It wasn’t bad — just wild, abrupt, and definitely designed to make you grab book two immediately.

Overall, it’s a fun, fast paranormal read with great supernatural elements. I just needed a little more depth and smoother landing at the end, but the vibes were definitely there.

[Sabrina Wannet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review about this book.

Blood moon is the first book in this shifters series. One of my most favourite kind of stories. I love how Michelle kept the Mythology and brings it closer to the `real´ world or what ever that is :D.

Ruby seems to be a shy normal girl going to a party. It seems like its not her normal scene and she perfectly gets the atmosfere of the room. Suddenly the blood moon arrives and her life changes for good.
Connor is a guy I would compair with a jock (popular, good looking and a boss). All I can say about him is that I have not formed my opinion about him enough. Do I like him or do I hate him? Right now I am close to the dislike part.

Autumn is Connors very jealous and powerfull girlfriend that I find entertaining.

And so there are many interesting characters and happenings in this book. I really recommend this book to all fantasy lovers and most if you like wolf shifter stories.

[Cass.Loves.2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another amazing book by Michelle Madow. I was hooked by the end of the first page and read this book in a few hours. It was so good that I just couldn’t put it down.

Blood Moon is the start of a new series and introduced us to Ruby. She is very likeable and I was invested in her story almost immediately. We are also introduced to her fated mate, his girlfriend and their alpha. I won’t say much about them at this stage except that I very quickly disliked 2 of them a lot and the third I’m still deciding if I like them or dislike them even though I do understand their turmoil with the situation they are in which is definitely affecting their behaviour.

This story has a lot of unexpected twists and turns and I was constantly surprised. Ruby faces a lot in a very short time. I’m hoping she has made a true friend that will be on her side towards the end of the book, it’s looking like she has so far.

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for book 2.

[Stephanie Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

And she's back ladies and gents! I started finding Michelle's work a bit predictable after a while, but this book is nothing like this.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters that have been created. My favorite character right now has to be Autumn, because she is a genuinely likable character defending whats hers, instead of the typical plot we see in books like this of playing females up against each other for a man. Very interesting to see the magic element with wolves, I haven't seen this in YA fantasy yet so keen to see where this goes.

My only issue with this book was the length. It was far too short, and didn't give me enough to be genuinely invested in the story. I am just starting to form some quesions I want answered and then the book abruptly ended.

The only reason why I am pushing through is because I enjoy Michelle's books, not necessarily because I need answers to the story.

I'm hoping the next book is a bit longer.

[Maghon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

oooooh boy!!

And it starts with a bang! I think I love ruby. She’s awesome. She’s smart and though she’s in a tough pickle right now, I definitely foresee something great for her coming. Of course we have to go THROUGH the dark tunnel before we can see the light at the end. I like Conner. A lot. I know I know… the rejection and all. But hear me out. He’s trying to do the right thing. He made promises, put effort, feelings, and thoughts into this. Yes he’s hurting himself and Ruby but he’s trying to be the good guy. I have a feeling things aren’t what they seems and there’s lots of secrets and mystery evolving. This is definitely a new take on witches and werewolves and goddesses and the bigger picture. I’m excited about the authors notes about this being a universe series. It means ima be hooked for quite a while! YEA!! I’m excited and I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us!

[Alix Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

not to yuck anyone’s yum—but not for me

This was enjoyable in many ways, and I went on to read books 2&3, but there are a lot of things that I’d like to note. The editing isn’t great, the MMC’s name is spelt Conner AND Connor at different points, and other basic issues crop up frequently. The writing relies on a lot of telling rather than showing, and characters are rather 1 dimensional. The FMC doesn’t stand up for herself much and throughout the series allows a fair amount of deplorable behavior from those around her. Some people don’t mind that kind of character but for me it makes for an insanely frustrating read.

All that being said, I was intrigued enough to keep reading. I didn’t think the books got materially better, but they’re extremely short and easy reading, so I kept going with them.