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Luna Duet #1
Lunamare
“Is it true…that you pulled a lion from the ocean and fell in love with him?”
ASLAN
The sixteen-year-old boy named after a lion.
A boy with his entire life ahead of him.
A boy running from a terrible secret.
All it takes is one awful night to change everything.
One secret, one smuggler, one boat, one storm.
And he wakes in an entirely different existence.
Staring into the ocean-blue eyes of his twelve-year-old rescuer.
NERIDA
The twelve-year-old girl named after a sea nymph.
A girl with lofty dreams and absolute faith that she’ll achieve them.
All it takes is a bright, sunny morning to change everything.
One boy clinging to wreckage, one sea cradling him close, one chance at keeping him safe.
He’s illegal and unwanted.
She’s stubborn and so sure.
He’s lost absolutely everything.
And she’s found the only thing she ever wanted.
They begin as rescued and rescuer.
Slowly growing from twelve and sixteen.
He’s not allowed to touch her.
She’s convinced he is the one.
But as each day dawns on his illegal existence, Aslans’s secrets creep ever closer, the death he ran from hunts ever faster, and the darkness that he can’t get free of finally finds him.
And it costs him…
everything.
A true coming-of-age story that spans a lifetime. This book deals with heavy subjects and is advised you check the Content Warnings on the Author’s website.
Lunamare is a tangled romance that fans of The Ribbon Duet will love. Combining the beautiful drama of Nicholas Sparks with the brutality of dark romance, Pepper Winters has created a tale of soulmates, secrets, cruelty, and heart-wrenching love.
Tropes: Age Gap, Angsty, Childhood Sweethearts, Close Proximity, Coming-of-Age, Fish Out of Water, Forbidden Love, Found Family, Interracial/Multicultural, Love at First Sight, Main Character in Peril, Orphan, Soul Mate, Tragic Past, Secrets, Longing, New Adult
ASLAN
The sixteen-year-old boy named after a lion.
A boy with his entire life ahead of him.
A boy running from a terrible secret.
All it takes is one awful night to change everything.
One secret, one smuggler, one boat, one storm.
And he wakes in an entirely different existence.
Staring into the ocean-blue eyes of his twelve-year-old rescuer.
NERIDA
The twelve-year-old girl named after a sea nymph.
A girl with lofty dreams and absolute faith that she’ll achieve them.
All it takes is a bright, sunny morning to change everything.
One boy clinging to wreckage, one sea cradling him close, one chance at keeping him safe.
He’s illegal and unwanted.
She’s stubborn and so sure.
He’s lost absolutely everything.
And she’s found the only thing she ever wanted.
They begin as rescued and rescuer.
Slowly growing from twelve and sixteen.
He’s not allowed to touch her.
She’s convinced he is the one.
But as each day dawns on his illegal existence, Aslans’s secrets creep ever closer, the death he ran from hunts ever faster, and the darkness that he can’t get free of finally finds him.
And it costs him…
everything.
A true coming-of-age story that spans a lifetime. This book deals with heavy subjects and is advised you check the Content Warnings on the Author’s website.
Lunamare is a tangled romance that fans of The Ribbon Duet will love. Combining the beautiful drama of Nicholas Sparks with the brutality of dark romance, Pepper Winters has created a tale of soulmates, secrets, cruelty, and heart-wrenching love.
Tropes: Age Gap, Angsty, Childhood Sweethearts, Close Proximity, Coming-of-Age, Fish Out of Water, Forbidden Love, Found Family, Interracial/Multicultural, Love at First Sight, Main Character in Peril, Orphan, Soul Mate, Tragic Past, Secrets, Longing, New Adult
452 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2023
1369 people are currently reading
8530 people want to read
About the author
Pepper Winters
99 books17k followersPepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 651 reviews
July 26, 2024
Whew - what a ride this book was!
3.75 Stars
I had to sit on this one for the night and really let my thoughts marinate. I'll admit, I've always been a huge Pepper Winters fan. I think the first book I read from her was about 10 years ago, but I've really only read a couple and while they were dark romance, they didn't necessarily walk the line of taboo.
The two most recent books that I've read from Pepper are very much taboo, and if I'm 1000% honest with all of you, there's been a couple of times that I thought I was going to bow out. With this book and with The Boy and his Ribbon.
╰┈➤ Both are coming of age taboo stories with age gap. Pepper walks a fine line (for me) between- I might cringe, this is a little uncomfortable but she always seems to swing it around to pure enjoyment. Clearly she's extremely talented- I'm a tough critic. Once and author starts to lose me, they usually don't redeem themselves. But let me go ahead and focus in on this one for you.
The story opens up with a boy and his family ending up in an accident - they're in the ocean and drowning. The boy's family doesn't survive and the boy- our MMC Aslan, is rescued by our FMC Nerida and her family, who are marine biologists (why they happened to be in the right place at the right time in/near the ocean)
There is a secret that Aslan is keeping, and no one knows what it is, not even us as readers- but he's is in a very precarious position. He's in a foreign country (Australia), no documentation, identification, no money. No family left. Clearly traumatized and vulnerable.
He's just a boy of 16 years old who has just lost his family, has no where to go and nothing but the clothes on his back - err. Not even that as he went to the hospital. So, Nerida's parents take him in with a few conditions and to start, on a week to week which turns into a year by year and eventually permanent basis.
That's about as far as I want to go with a brief description as to what the book is about, and I will say this- I loved the beginning of the book. I found the characters all very real and well rounded. The story was engaging and entertaining.
In the middle chunk of the book though, I feel like Winters could have benefited from some editing. The book didn't need to be as long as it was and could have cut out much of the back and forth between Aslan and Nerida.
╰┈➤ I found it so frustrating and annoying. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the author was trying to convey her age even more at this point? (She starts out at 12 years old but is 16 or 17 in this reference) I often feel that when the girl is the younger one in an age gap novel, she begs and pleads for the MMC to admit he has feelings for her.
This is exactly what happened here and it just grates at me. I don't find enjoyment in the begging and pleading for a man's attention. That is a me thing, take it with a grain of salt.
╰┈➤ The ending, while predictable was no less a punch to the gut. I was left with all kind of questions as secrets are revealed, memories are shared and emotions fly high.
Winters leaves you hanging on a huge cliffhanger, screaming in frustration. Thankfully, I already have book 2 downloaded.
So, while I did have a few issues here and there, the story came through for me as a whole and I did enjoy it immensely. I can't wait to crack on with the second book.
I would say that this book is comparable to Nicholas Sparks as stated in the blurb only in the fact that the story portrays a bone deep and soul connecting kind of love that stands the test of time - please don't forget that this is a dark, taboo and age gap romance. I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys this brand of tea 💙
˖*°࿐ •*⁀➷ Lunamare is a tangled romance that fans of The Ribbon Duet will love. Combining the beautiful drama of Nicholas Sparks with the brutality of dark romance, Pepper Winters has created a tale of soulmates, secrets, cruelty, and heart-wrenching love.
➷🤍 Age Gap
➷💙 Angsty
➷🖤 Childhood Sweethearts
➷🤍 Close Proximity
➷💙 Coming-of-Age
➷🖤 Fish Out of Water
➷🤍 Forbidden Love
➷💙 Found Family
➷🖤 Interracial/Multicultural
➷🤍 Love at First Sight
➷💙 Main Character in Peril
➷🖤 Orphan
➷🤍 Soul Mate
➷💙 Tragic Past
➷🖤 Secrets
3.75 Stars
I had to sit on this one for the night and really let my thoughts marinate. I'll admit, I've always been a huge Pepper Winters fan. I think the first book I read from her was about 10 years ago, but I've really only read a couple and while they were dark romance, they didn't necessarily walk the line of taboo.
The two most recent books that I've read from Pepper are very much taboo, and if I'm 1000% honest with all of you, there's been a couple of times that I thought I was going to bow out. With this book and with The Boy and his Ribbon.
╰┈➤ Both are coming of age taboo stories with age gap. Pepper walks a fine line (for me) between- I might cringe, this is a little uncomfortable but she always seems to swing it around to pure enjoyment. Clearly she's extremely talented- I'm a tough critic. Once and author starts to lose me, they usually don't redeem themselves. But let me go ahead and focus in on this one for you.
The story opens up with a boy and his family ending up in an accident - they're in the ocean and drowning. The boy's family doesn't survive and the boy- our MMC Aslan, is rescued by our FMC Nerida and her family, who are marine biologists (why they happened to be in the right place at the right time in/near the ocean)
There is a secret that Aslan is keeping, and no one knows what it is, not even us as readers- but he's is in a very precarious position. He's in a foreign country (Australia), no documentation, identification, no money. No family left. Clearly traumatized and vulnerable.
He's just a boy of 16 years old who has just lost his family, has no where to go and nothing but the clothes on his back - err. Not even that as he went to the hospital. So, Nerida's parents take him in with a few conditions and to start, on a week to week which turns into a year by year and eventually permanent basis.
That's about as far as I want to go with a brief description as to what the book is about, and I will say this- I loved the beginning of the book. I found the characters all very real and well rounded. The story was engaging and entertaining.
In the middle chunk of the book though, I feel like Winters could have benefited from some editing. The book didn't need to be as long as it was and could have cut out much of the back and forth between Aslan and Nerida.
╰┈➤ I found it so frustrating and annoying. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the author was trying to convey her age even more at this point? (She starts out at 12 years old but is 16 or 17 in this reference) I often feel that when the girl is the younger one in an age gap novel, she begs and pleads for the MMC to admit he has feelings for her.
This is exactly what happened here and it just grates at me. I don't find enjoyment in the begging and pleading for a man's attention. That is a me thing, take it with a grain of salt.
╰┈➤ The ending, while predictable was no less a punch to the gut. I was left with all kind of questions as secrets are revealed, memories are shared and emotions fly high.
Winters leaves you hanging on a huge cliffhanger, screaming in frustration. Thankfully, I already have book 2 downloaded.
So, while I did have a few issues here and there, the story came through for me as a whole and I did enjoy it immensely. I can't wait to crack on with the second book.
I would say that this book is comparable to Nicholas Sparks as stated in the blurb only in the fact that the story portrays a bone deep and soul connecting kind of love that stands the test of time - please don't forget that this is a dark, taboo and age gap romance. I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys this brand of tea 💙
˖*°࿐ •*⁀➷ Lunamare is a tangled romance that fans of The Ribbon Duet will love. Combining the beautiful drama of Nicholas Sparks with the brutality of dark romance, Pepper Winters has created a tale of soulmates, secrets, cruelty, and heart-wrenching love.
➷🤍 Age Gap
➷💙 Angsty
➷🖤 Childhood Sweethearts
➷🤍 Close Proximity
➷💙 Coming-of-Age
➷🖤 Fish Out of Water
➷🤍 Forbidden Love
➷💙 Found Family
➷🖤 Interracial/Multicultural
➷🤍 Love at First Sight
➷💙 Main Character in Peril
➷🖤 Orphan
➷🤍 Soul Mate
➷💙 Tragic Past
➷🖤 Secrets
June 15, 2025
PWs ribbon series is the kind of story that will make you forever chase the feeling you experienced when reading it for the first time. and nothing has come close for me, but i honestly thought i might get lucky with this new series.
when i read the synopsis, it seemed like there were a lot of similarities between the two - both are coming of age stories about two souls who are destined for each other, even when circumstances, age, and timing forbid it. so i got excited that i might be able to experience that magic all over again.
and while there were a lot of things i enjoyed about this first installment, PWs earlier ribbon series still reigns supreme at breaking my heart and putting it back together again. this just feels a bit too long-winded, all while the romance feels very superficial. which is unnecessary considering how long the book is - so many chances for it to have developed more!
that being said, i never wanted to put this down. i was actively drawn into the story and did feel invested in aslan and neridas connection. PWs writing is also super bingeable, which makes reading go by in a flash. there were just some things that didnt quite meet my (unfairly) high expectations.
↠ 4.5 stars
when i read the synopsis, it seemed like there were a lot of similarities between the two - both are coming of age stories about two souls who are destined for each other, even when circumstances, age, and timing forbid it. so i got excited that i might be able to experience that magic all over again.
and while there were a lot of things i enjoyed about this first installment, PWs earlier ribbon series still reigns supreme at breaking my heart and putting it back together again. this just feels a bit too long-winded, all while the romance feels very superficial. which is unnecessary considering how long the book is - so many chances for it to have developed more!
that being said, i never wanted to put this down. i was actively drawn into the story and did feel invested in aslan and neridas connection. PWs writing is also super bingeable, which makes reading go by in a flash. there were just some things that didnt quite meet my (unfairly) high expectations.
↠ 4.5 stars
June 23, 2023
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
ღ 𝐋𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐄 ღ is a coming-of-age romance that fans of The Ribbon Duet will love. Combining the beautiful drama of Nicholas Sparks with the brutality of dark romance, Pepper Winters has created a tale of soulmates, secrets, cruelty, and heart-wrenching love.
OMG I adored the shit out of this book, the storyline, and the characters were beyond unique, this was everything I could’ve wished for.
'𝑨𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏' The sixteen year old boy named after a lion.
'𝑵𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒂' The twelve year old girl named after a sea nymph.
The story played out in techno colour as though I was right there, the marine ecosystems were brought to life. Their overpowering bond was everything I craved and more. Yet again Pepper cemented why she’s my unicorn 🦄 author. Days later and this book is still on my mind, in my heart, Pepper came out swinging and took me hostage, and I hope she never lets me go. This stole my every breath, captured my soul, and took me on such a unique beautiful journey which I never want to get off.
Imagine plucking your soul mate out of the ocean, the person created just for you, your protector, your everything, your one true love, the very same one what would kill for you. He was her soul reason of existence. She was his soul reason for surviving.
'𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒂 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆. 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒆𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.'
The cliffy (yes there’s a cliffy) broke me, my heart got shattered, how good intentions turned disastrous which has me begging/anticipating the next book like no other!!
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *
August 28, 2023
3 😢😢😢⭐️s
If you only knew how much I wanted to love it!!!!
I, who has read the Ribbon duet twice and adored! 🤩🤩🤩🤩
The author’s writing style was incredible and captivating!!! 💯💯
It was a heartbreaking, emotional and consuming part, filled with a variety of feelings and emotions.
BUT!!! The sexual aspect reached high levels and spoiled my mood and expectations... 💔
And Neri was only 17 y.o.!!!! Immature, whinny and spoiled.
Furthermore, it was tooooooo lengthy with too many repetitions that became tiring.
I wish Aslan and Neri find their hea in the next part, unfortunately I am not going to be there to see it...
If you only knew how much I wanted to love it!!!!
I, who has read the Ribbon duet twice and adored! 🤩🤩🤩🤩
The author’s writing style was incredible and captivating!!! 💯💯
It was a heartbreaking, emotional and consuming part, filled with a variety of feelings and emotions.
BUT!!! The sexual aspect reached high levels and spoiled my mood and expectations... 💔
And Neri was only 17 y.o.!!!! Immature, whinny and spoiled.
Furthermore, it was tooooooo lengthy with too many repetitions that became tiring.
I wish Aslan and Neri find their hea in the next part, unfortunately I am not going to be there to see it...
June 29, 2023
Lunamare is so much more than I expected it to be. It's a story that seeps into your bones and lives on forever in your marrow. It captures your heart and holds it hostage. Your every thought is consumed by the events unfolding on the page. I forgot I was sitting in my bed reading as the story unfolded as vivid in my mind as a memory.
Aslan and Nerida's journey is one no part of my being will ever let me forget. These characters owned my soul. Between their love which is forbidden for a multitude of reasons and Aslan's personal history, every page was a shot of angst and emotional torture that consumed me.
This is a book I recommend to anyone that considers themselves a lover of romance. It's an absolute must read and a damn good story, one that is sure to captivate you, make you FEEL a kaleidoscope of emotion, and take your breath away. That being said, check the trigger warnings, because there are some heavy scenes that play out in detail on page.
Prepare yourself for a cliffhanger that's going to torment you every single day until the next half of Aslan and Neri's story is released, but it's totally worth it. Pepper Winters is releasing Cor Amare, the second half of the Luna duet, in a few weeks, so thankfully, you won't have to suffer long. The characters will keep you company from their spot permanently imbedded in your heart until then.
Forbidden romance fans, this one's for you!
Currently reading
June 29, 2023I just ADORE these two together.
The push.
The pull.
The angst.
The need.
The explosion when they finally give in...
LUNAMARE
Ebooks
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Amazon.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Amazon.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Paperbacks & Hardbacks
Paperback US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C87SHRDR
Paperback UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C87SHRDR
Paperback CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C87SHRDR
Paperback AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C87SHRDR
Alternative Paperback US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C91GX3F4
Alternative Paperback UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C91GX3F4
Alternative Paperback CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C91GX3F4
Alternative Paperback AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C91GX3F4
Hardback US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C91KG1KC
Hardback UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C91KG1KC
Alternative Hardback US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C91DKNVM
Alternative Hardback UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C91DKNVM
Audio
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Lunamare-A...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lunamare-Luna-...
iTunes: https://apple.co/46mEr2Z
The push.
The pull.
The angst.
The need.
The explosion when they finally give in...
LUNAMARE
Ebooks
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Amazon.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Amazon.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Paperbacks & Hardbacks
Paperback US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C87SHRDR
Paperback UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C87SHRDR
Paperback CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C87SHRDR
Paperback AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C87SHRDR
Alternative Paperback US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C91GX3F4
Alternative Paperback UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C91GX3F4
Alternative Paperback CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C91GX3F4
Alternative Paperback AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C91GX3F4
Hardback US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C91KG1KC
Hardback UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C91KG1KC
Alternative Hardback US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C91DKNVM
Alternative Hardback UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C91DKNVM
Audio
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Lunamare-A...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lunamare-Luna-...
iTunes: https://apple.co/46mEr2Z
June 28, 2023
Gorgeous. Breathtaking. Immersive.
Painful in the very best way.
It's no secret I'm a huge Pepper fan. The Ribbon Duet is my all-time favorite story written to date. When I heard this had similar vibes (forbidden, angsty, found family), I was even more desperate to read Lunamare.
Through brilliantly structured storytelling and stunning world-building, Pepper sets the reader up for more than a tale, but for a true journey. I fell for Aslan and Nerida just as quickly as they fell for each other. The tension was white-hot, the atmosphere laden with darkness and foreboding, and the character development is what you would expect from this author: layered, detailed, and no less than perfection.
I have a feeling book two will sink me deep in tumultuous waters before allowing me to come up for air. And I will gladly hold my breath as I wait for the conclusion to this tortured love story.
Painful in the very best way.
It's no secret I'm a huge Pepper fan. The Ribbon Duet is my all-time favorite story written to date. When I heard this had similar vibes (forbidden, angsty, found family), I was even more desperate to read Lunamare.
Through brilliantly structured storytelling and stunning world-building, Pepper sets the reader up for more than a tale, but for a true journey. I fell for Aslan and Nerida just as quickly as they fell for each other. The tension was white-hot, the atmosphere laden with darkness and foreboding, and the character development is what you would expect from this author: layered, detailed, and no less than perfection.
I have a feeling book two will sink me deep in tumultuous waters before allowing me to come up for air. And I will gladly hold my breath as I wait for the conclusion to this tortured love story.
June 22, 2023
Yazar ilk bölümü mail bülteninde reveal etmiş.
ERKO KARAKTER TÜRK ARKADAŞLAR.
Ekleyelim listeye lütfen 🙏🏼
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O kitap orada bitirilir mi be kadın? İkinci kitap için kıvranıyorum burada :( Kitabın arka kapak yazısı paylaşıldığında ekleyeceğim buraya ama şimdilik kendime tutuyorum detaylı yorumumu sjhdkfg
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YORUM GELDİ!!
Erkek karakterimiz Aslan Avcı (16), ailesiyle birlikte bir şeyden/birilerinden kaçarken başlıyor kitabımız. Kaçakçı teknesiyle giderken bir fırtınaya yakalanıyorlar. Uçsuz bucaksız denize çekilen Aslan kendine geldiğinde bir çift mavi gözle karşı karşıya gelir. Ve hikayenin diğer ana karakteri ile tanışır: Nerida.
Nerida adını bir deniz perisinden alan, deniz biyologu anne babası ile Avustralya’da yaşayan, 12 yaşında bir kız çocuğu. Hayaller kuran ve hayallerine ulaşacağına dair mutlak inancı olan cıvıl cıvıl bir kız. Hayran olduğu ve aşık olduğu deniz ona Aslan’ı getiriyor ve kader ağları örmeye başlıyor.
Aslan’ın ailesini alan ve onu yalnız bırakan deniz… Nerida’ya yaşama sevincini, merakını veren deniz… Tamamen zıt bu iki çocuğun yasaklarla, engellerle ve acılarla dolu hikayesini; büyüme süreçlerini okuyoruz.
Zaman zaman kahkahalar attırarak okumaya başlasam da bir noktada her şey tepetaklak olunca gözyaşlarımı tutamadığımı itiraf etmeliyim. Pepper’ın acımasızlığını daha önce deneyimledim ama yine her seferinde beni hazırlıksız yakalıyor.
İkinci defa bir yabancı yazardan Türk hero okudum ve Türkçe cümleler okumak çok keyifliydi. Böyle bir kitap yazdığı, Türkçe hassasiyetini değerlendirmem için kitabı benimle paylaştığı ve geri bildirimlerimi alçakgönüllü bir şekilde kabul ettiği için Pepper Winters’a bir kez daha teşekkürlerimi iletiyorum.
I read about a Turkish hero from a foreign author for the second time, and it was very enjoyable to read Turkish sentences. A big thank you to Pepper Winters for writing such a book and characters, sharing Lunamare with me so I could check over its Turkish sensitivity, and humbly accepting my feedback.
ERKO KARAKTER TÜRK ARKADAŞLAR.
Ekleyelim listeye lütfen 🙏🏼
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O kitap orada bitirilir mi be kadın? İkinci kitap için kıvranıyorum burada :( Kitabın arka kapak yazısı paylaşıldığında ekleyeceğim buraya ama şimdilik kendime tutuyorum detaylı yorumumu sjhdkfg
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YORUM GELDİ!!
Erkek karakterimiz Aslan Avcı (16), ailesiyle birlikte bir şeyden/birilerinden kaçarken başlıyor kitabımız. Kaçakçı teknesiyle giderken bir fırtınaya yakalanıyorlar. Uçsuz bucaksız denize çekilen Aslan kendine geldiğinde bir çift mavi gözle karşı karşıya gelir. Ve hikayenin diğer ana karakteri ile tanışır: Nerida.
Nerida adını bir deniz perisinden alan, deniz biyologu anne babası ile Avustralya’da yaşayan, 12 yaşında bir kız çocuğu. Hayaller kuran ve hayallerine ulaşacağına dair mutlak inancı olan cıvıl cıvıl bir kız. Hayran olduğu ve aşık olduğu deniz ona Aslan’ı getiriyor ve kader ağları örmeye başlıyor.
Aslan’ın ailesini alan ve onu yalnız bırakan deniz… Nerida’ya yaşama sevincini, merakını veren deniz… Tamamen zıt bu iki çocuğun yasaklarla, engellerle ve acılarla dolu hikayesini; büyüme süreçlerini okuyoruz.
Zaman zaman kahkahalar attırarak okumaya başlasam da bir noktada her şey tepetaklak olunca gözyaşlarımı tutamadığımı itiraf etmeliyim. Pepper’ın acımasızlığını daha önce deneyimledim ama yine her seferinde beni hazırlıksız yakalıyor.
İkinci defa bir yabancı yazardan Türk hero okudum ve Türkçe cümleler okumak çok keyifliydi. Böyle bir kitap yazdığı, Türkçe hassasiyetini değerlendirmem için kitabı benimle paylaştığı ve geri bildirimlerimi alçakgönüllü bir şekilde kabul ettiği için Pepper Winters’a bir kez daha teşekkürlerimi iletiyorum.
I read about a Turkish hero from a foreign author for the second time, and it was very enjoyable to read Turkish sentences. A big thank you to Pepper Winters for writing such a book and characters, sharing Lunamare with me so I could check over its Turkish sensitivity, and humbly accepting my feedback.
June 15, 2023
Gimme a few hours to regroup. My emotions are all over the place.
Update: it took 3 days to regroup.
Do you ever find yourself staring at nothing and being swamped in this well of emotions and despair?
Because that's how I feel after finishing this book. I kid you not, I felt physical pain while reading this and that's not me talking figuratively.
This is way out of my league. I don't do emotions really well. I can withstand the darkest of dark books, but when you add the emotional component that's when I have a hard time going forward. You can tell I have low EQ. Part of my amazing personality type.
Back to the book, Lunamare is a coming of age dark contemporary romance. It is an emotional tale that will leave you grasping for air and feeling like your heart is being torn apart. This is the story of Nerida and Aslan. The sea Nynph and her sea lion.
As per common knowledge, this book is for fans of The Ribbon Duet. It is set In Australia, Port Douglas.
Aslan and Neri share a connection that transcends time. Theirs is a forbidden love that have a lot of obstacles to overcome. While everything plots against them, you can't help but feel the inevitability of their relationship.
Nerida Taylor is the daughter of the sea. She was born to two marine biologists and the sea is her house. She is a force and a ball full of determination. She was raised loving the sea and one day the sea brings her and Aslan into the same paths and after that a series of events unfolds plotting to both bring her and Aslan together and also apart.
Taken under The Taylor's wing, Aslan Avci is alone in the world. He survived a dangerous storm after being saved by Nerida. He understands his circumstances and fights tooth and nails to not fall into temptation. But such is life. And fate.
What makes me love Pepper Winters books is the fact that we can relate heavily to her characters. Both Neri and Aslan are flawed characters that make a lot of mistakes and they bear the consequences of said mistakes. They are so good at not communicating and just bottling up every thoughts and emotions. But it made me love them even more.
I love how Pepper did her due diligence with research and sensitivity. For someone that is surrounded by Turkish people, I could naturally hear Aslan speaking Turkish and it added for the beautiful experience that this book was.
I can not wait for Cor Amare. Lunamare ended in a such explosive cliffhanger and all I can think about is what is yet to come. Will we survive the conclusion to this duet? I only know that we wont come out unscathed.
I want to thank Pepper Winter for this incredible opportunity to read the ARC. It was the best thing to have happened to me this year even tho I am terribly wounded by this story.
Update: it took 3 days to regroup.
Do you ever find yourself staring at nothing and being swamped in this well of emotions and despair?
Because that's how I feel after finishing this book. I kid you not, I felt physical pain while reading this and that's not me talking figuratively.
This is way out of my league. I don't do emotions really well. I can withstand the darkest of dark books, but when you add the emotional component that's when I have a hard time going forward. You can tell I have low EQ. Part of my amazing personality type.
Back to the book, Lunamare is a coming of age dark contemporary romance. It is an emotional tale that will leave you grasping for air and feeling like your heart is being torn apart. This is the story of Nerida and Aslan. The sea Nynph and her sea lion.
As per common knowledge, this book is for fans of The Ribbon Duet. It is set In Australia, Port Douglas.
Aslan and Neri share a connection that transcends time. Theirs is a forbidden love that have a lot of obstacles to overcome. While everything plots against them, you can't help but feel the inevitability of their relationship.
“I mean...that raw spark between us. That stinging hum whenever we hovered our hands close but didn’t touch was more than just our bodies connecting, it was us. The part of us that exists within our bodies and our minds. The part that’s immortal and destined to find its missing half, no matter what shell it wears in this life.”
Nerida Taylor is the daughter of the sea. She was born to two marine biologists and the sea is her house. She is a force and a ball full of determination. She was raised loving the sea and one day the sea brings her and Aslan into the same paths and after that a series of events unfolds plotting to both bring her and Aslan together and also apart.
Taken under The Taylor's wing, Aslan Avci is alone in the world. He survived a dangerous storm after being saved by Nerida. He understands his circumstances and fights tooth and nails to not fall into temptation. But such is life. And fate.
"The doctors may have patched up your broken bones, but I’ll be the doctor of your broken heart.”
What makes me love Pepper Winters books is the fact that we can relate heavily to her characters. Both Neri and Aslan are flawed characters that make a lot of mistakes and they bear the consequences of said mistakes. They are so good at not communicating and just bottling up every thoughts and emotions. But it made me love them even more.
“I already knew who I was: I was his. And I already knew what I couldn’t have: him.”
I love how Pepper did her due diligence with research and sensitivity. For someone that is surrounded by Turkish people, I could naturally hear Aslan speaking Turkish and it added for the beautiful experience that this book was.
I can not wait for Cor Amare. Lunamare ended in a such explosive cliffhanger and all I can think about is what is yet to come. Will we survive the conclusion to this duet? I only know that we wont come out unscathed.
I want to thank Pepper Winter for this incredible opportunity to read the ARC. It was the best thing to have happened to me this year even tho I am terribly wounded by this story.
July 6, 2023
Urghhhh…. This was like twice longer than it should have been. I mentally checked out about halfway through. It got boring with long and repetitive inner monologues and a very whiny FMC. The MCs were supposedly soulmates and this an epic love story but I just didn’t feel it. And of course the narrators did not help.
This is probably a case of it’s me and not the book 🤷🏽♀️
This is probably a case of it’s me and not the book 🤷🏽♀️
June 14, 2023
I was very honored to receive an early copy of an ARC directly from Pepper Winters. I had been following all of her updates throughout her writing process and had a pretty good idea of what to expect. And I could not wait! Going into Lunamare, I was prepared for a long and heart aching journey and was so happy to have that delivered beautifully! Pepper Winters does low and slow magnificently.
Aslan, oh my gods. He was everything! I loved, no, I am obsessed with him! His morality, his viciousness, and above all, his loyalty. He was just all the things I love seeing in my tortured MMC’s; his entire character broke my heart and I instantly attached myself to him.
Nerida, she’s a bit trickier. I found myself falling hard for her wild and free spirit in the beginning. But, as she got older she challenged me with her naive choices that frustrated me at times. I have mulled over her character for a bit and am eager to see what happens with her character growth in Book 2!
I did tear up with Peppers Dedication and the Prologue. There is so much power and awe in those pages, it made me feel this overwhelming amount of love and emotion. Overall this story was exactly what Pepper advertised it to be🖤. I think she accomplished what she set out to achieve with this first book in the Duet! I am so eager for the conclusion in Book 2.
Aslan, oh my gods. He was everything! I loved, no, I am obsessed with him! His morality, his viciousness, and above all, his loyalty. He was just all the things I love seeing in my tortured MMC’s; his entire character broke my heart and I instantly attached myself to him.
Nerida, she’s a bit trickier. I found myself falling hard for her wild and free spirit in the beginning. But, as she got older she challenged me with her naive choices that frustrated me at times. I have mulled over her character for a bit and am eager to see what happens with her character growth in Book 2!
I did tear up with Peppers Dedication and the Prologue. There is so much power and awe in those pages, it made me feel this overwhelming amount of love and emotion. Overall this story was exactly what Pepper advertised it to be🖤. I think she accomplished what she set out to achieve with this first book in the Duet! I am so eager for the conclusion in Book 2.
June 23, 2023
Luna Mare (The Luna Duet #1) by Pepper Winters is one of my top reads of 2023. I'm lost in a sea of the feels after reading this book. I finished Luna Mare a few weeks ago and can't stop thinking about Aslan and Nerida. This coming-of-age, forbidden romance is both breathtaking and unputdownable. Pepper pulled on my heartstrings and still has them in her grip with that cliffhanger ending. The ending hit me like a rogue wave, and I can't come up for air until I read Cor Amare (The Luna Duet #2) when it releases on July 25th. Please go into this book blind and experience this heart-wrenching story without anyone spoiling it for you. If you read The Ribbon Duet by Pepper, you will undoubtedly devour this new duet. June 27th release.
June 12, 2023
A LOVE FOR THE AGES
“Canim … a term of endearment that means my life, my soul.”
[NO SPOILERS]
This incomparable duet is Pepper Winters’ definitive masterpiece – a true romantic masterpiece of soul mate love. If the poignant beauty and tragedy of The Ribbon Duet mated with the author’s O.G. trademark darkness a la Monsters in the Dark or Dollar Series, the offspring would be this duet. It brought me to my knees with gutwrenching tears of happiness and sadness throughout the entire duet. It will rip your heart out in anguish and euphoria and I dare it not to become your favorite love story. I was out of control reading this book. Slow and savoring, sweet and endearing, passionate and all-consuming, wincing with trepidation, dragging my feet in fear of turning pages.
Lunamare is in a realm of its own -- like no other love story that you will ever read. In a single stroke of creative genius, Pepper Winters delivers the first half of a duet in a visceral tale of first and forever love that spans a lifetime, but begins with a single electric spark of “knowing” that instantly binds intuitive Neri (a 12 year old girl who lives wild and free as one with the sea … more fish and sea nymph than ordinary girl) with 16 year old, half-drowned Aslan whom she fishes out of the moonlit sea and saves his life, though he would never be free. Her marine biologist parents take him into their home and protection, and the angst begins. Her name means sea and his name means lion. A tiny hurricane and her fierce protector with the power of a riptide. That’s all the detail that you should know before having the pleasure of unfolding this spellbinding, angsty and totally uplifting and beautiful tale of interplay between darkness, light and love. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Their young love comes at a hefty price with forbidden yearning, age gap, tragedy, heartbreak, mistakes, danger and fear, death and guilt, dreams and nightmares, promises and vows, denial and acceptance, total surrender, plot twists and surprises … and so much more before the love and romance finds footing and will rock you to your core in this book and the next. Aslan and Neri were soulmates before they ever met and are forever etched in my heart and soul with tears shed just by remembering their story, but the true test comes for them in Cor Amare.
“She was my nemesis and savior. My dream and tormentor. My canim.”
Fate, destiny and the heart are as important to this soul mate love, as the role that the moon and sea play in their turbulent journey. There are numerous special qualities that both Neri and Alsan possess that will amaze and fill your heart with awe, terror, and happiness, and even more obstacles that will nearly destroy everything. I want to scream from the rooftops about such romantic perfection, but you MUST experience it as I did without knowing anything. Spoilers only do a disservice to the reader. But this is the part of the tale that builds their love into existence and tests it in forbidden and crushing ways that no one could foresee.
“I believed the sea had chosen him to be mine. A shipwrecked boy delivered to me by a pod of dolphins that I’d grown up swimming with. Aslan is Aslan. And everyone else … isn’t. My other half. My mirroring piece.”
“Canim … a term of endearment that means my life, my soul.”
[NO SPOILERS]
This incomparable duet is Pepper Winters’ definitive masterpiece – a true romantic masterpiece of soul mate love. If the poignant beauty and tragedy of The Ribbon Duet mated with the author’s O.G. trademark darkness a la Monsters in the Dark or Dollar Series, the offspring would be this duet. It brought me to my knees with gutwrenching tears of happiness and sadness throughout the entire duet. It will rip your heart out in anguish and euphoria and I dare it not to become your favorite love story. I was out of control reading this book. Slow and savoring, sweet and endearing, passionate and all-consuming, wincing with trepidation, dragging my feet in fear of turning pages.
Lunamare is in a realm of its own -- like no other love story that you will ever read. In a single stroke of creative genius, Pepper Winters delivers the first half of a duet in a visceral tale of first and forever love that spans a lifetime, but begins with a single electric spark of “knowing” that instantly binds intuitive Neri (a 12 year old girl who lives wild and free as one with the sea … more fish and sea nymph than ordinary girl) with 16 year old, half-drowned Aslan whom she fishes out of the moonlit sea and saves his life, though he would never be free. Her marine biologist parents take him into their home and protection, and the angst begins. Her name means sea and his name means lion. A tiny hurricane and her fierce protector with the power of a riptide. That’s all the detail that you should know before having the pleasure of unfolding this spellbinding, angsty and totally uplifting and beautiful tale of interplay between darkness, light and love. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Their young love comes at a hefty price with forbidden yearning, age gap, tragedy, heartbreak, mistakes, danger and fear, death and guilt, dreams and nightmares, promises and vows, denial and acceptance, total surrender, plot twists and surprises … and so much more before the love and romance finds footing and will rock you to your core in this book and the next. Aslan and Neri were soulmates before they ever met and are forever etched in my heart and soul with tears shed just by remembering their story, but the true test comes for them in Cor Amare.
“She was my nemesis and savior. My dream and tormentor. My canim.”
Fate, destiny and the heart are as important to this soul mate love, as the role that the moon and sea play in their turbulent journey. There are numerous special qualities that both Neri and Alsan possess that will amaze and fill your heart with awe, terror, and happiness, and even more obstacles that will nearly destroy everything. I want to scream from the rooftops about such romantic perfection, but you MUST experience it as I did without knowing anything. Spoilers only do a disservice to the reader. But this is the part of the tale that builds their love into existence and tests it in forbidden and crushing ways that no one could foresee.
“I believed the sea had chosen him to be mine. A shipwrecked boy delivered to me by a pod of dolphins that I’d grown up swimming with. Aslan is Aslan. And everyone else … isn’t. My other half. My mirroring piece.”
June 16, 2023
Lunamare by Pepper Winters is the first instalment of the Luna Duet, "a true coming-of-age story that spans a lifetime". This is a contemporary romance with themes of childhood connection, friends to lovers, forbidden love, and fated love, combined with trauma, drama, angst and darkness.
Nerida Taylor is a twelve-year-old girl from Port Douglas, Australia. Born to two marine biologists, she has been raised with an intense love of the ocean and all its wonders. One day, Neri follows her favourite pod of dolphins to a young boy washed ashore; Aslan Avci, sixteen years old and alone, has survived a terrible wreck after a long, and dangerous journey. This moment will change the course of their lives, tangling their hearts into fate's sticky web.
Meeting both of these characters so young melted my heart. I instantly fell in love with Neri’s free spirit and Aslan’s tortured little soul. Their dynamic is magnetic and their banter is so sweet. I wanted to protect them at all costs.
As I’ve come to expect from Pepper, her characters are perfectly imperfect. Aslan and Neri grow to be flawed and even frustrating at times, but this made them feel so human to me. I adored them; their intense feelings for one another so pure, organic and exceptional. I couldn’t help but get my own heart tangled up in their fight against the severe obstacles threatening to keep them apart.
This book is an emotional journey and it completely captivated me. It ends with a heart-wrenching cliffhanger, and to say I'm desperate for Cor Amare would be an understatement. I need to know what happens to these precious souls and I cannot wait to see how they grow and change through the challenges that lie ahead.
I would recommend this to all romance readers that enjoy angsty stories, love with high stakes, the idea of soulmates, and immersive and emotional stories. There are potential triggers and it does get quite dark at times, so please review content warnings if necessary.
I am so grateful to Pepper Winters for providing me with an early advanced copy for review.
"We loved one another, all while despair did its best to break us apart."
Nerida Taylor is a twelve-year-old girl from Port Douglas, Australia. Born to two marine biologists, she has been raised with an intense love of the ocean and all its wonders. One day, Neri follows her favourite pod of dolphins to a young boy washed ashore; Aslan Avci, sixteen years old and alone, has survived a terrible wreck after a long, and dangerous journey. This moment will change the course of their lives, tangling their hearts into fate's sticky web.
"She was definitely a force.
A tiny hurricane.
A tropical cyclone far more terrifying than the storm that’d smashed apart my world and left me clinging to life because I had an awful, awful feeling if she ever smashed apart my life like that storm did... I wouldn’t survive the wreckage."
Meeting both of these characters so young melted my heart. I instantly fell in love with Neri’s free spirit and Aslan’s tortured little soul. Their dynamic is magnetic and their banter is so sweet. I wanted to protect them at all costs.
As I’ve come to expect from Pepper, her characters are perfectly imperfect. Aslan and Neri grow to be flawed and even frustrating at times, but this made them feel so human to me. I adored them; their intense feelings for one another so pure, organic and exceptional. I couldn’t help but get my own heart tangled up in their fight against the severe obstacles threatening to keep them apart.
"All it took was for our eyes to touch and our hearts to beat, recalling the song we'd always known, slipping into sync where we belonged."
This book is an emotional journey and it completely captivated me. It ends with a heart-wrenching cliffhanger, and to say I'm desperate for Cor Amare would be an understatement. I need to know what happens to these precious souls and I cannot wait to see how they grow and change through the challenges that lie ahead.
I would recommend this to all romance readers that enjoy angsty stories, love with high stakes, the idea of soulmates, and immersive and emotional stories. There are potential triggers and it does get quite dark at times, so please review content warnings if necessary.
I am so grateful to Pepper Winters for providing me with an early advanced copy for review.
June 27, 2023
Nerida + Aslan
We first meet Nerida when she is very old and about to tell her life and love story to two journalists.
When she was twelve years old, she was out on the ocean with her marine biologist parents to check on the whales.
That's when they saved a boy from certain death.
16 year old Aslan has been on the run with his family for almost a year. Something happened at home in Turkey and they all had to leave - or be killed.
Now they were almost safely in Australia when the little boat didn't make it throught that last storm. Aslan was the only survivor. He lost his parents, his little sister and his cousin.
He's not legally in Australia obviously, but he can't go back home. He's relatively happy living with the Taylors and working on their boat for now.
But little Nerida has grander ideas. She knows that this boy will one day be her husband.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OUR DARLINGS?
A LOT .... that's all I can tell you ....
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT MORE ...
Although we might get a tiny little huge cliffy - but no worries - book #2 will be here soon!
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Well. I loved this.
I was afraid that this book would be way more paranormal. There's nothing paranormal here. A tiny little bit maybe where Nerida feels things a bit more than other people. But I didn't mind that at all.
The tropes or rather more the trigger warnings scared me as well...
But I survived that stupid party scene (I mean how can she be so stupid to even go there in the first place - not that I want to say that any of what happened is her own fault - but she should've just never gone there!) And I also did not care much for the kinda cringey teenie BDSM-ish porny moments! A bit weird.
But anyway. I really enjoyed reading this.
You cry a lot and you just want there to be a happy end for them. But it doesn't look good. Especially if you listen to what 'old' Nerida is telling us. Ugh. I just wanted to fast forward to the end of book 2! LOL.
Can't wait to see where these two books will take us.
LUNAMARE was such a great start for this coming-of-age duet.
Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Scary. Dangerous. Mysterious. Sexy. Sweet. Water-y. Australian. National Geographic-ish. And alll the things. READ IT! And hurry book 2 - I need to know how it all ends!
💜
💜
June 14, 2023
Oh...
"He was my reason for existing. Thanks to him, my lips had been kissed beneath a million sunsets. Our blood had turned to salt from a thousand moonlit swims. And our love gleamed brighter than all the stars."
Lunamare... there is so much to say, but at the same time; no words are the right words. One of the most compelling and immersive tales of star-crossed soulmates is within these pages. It is the first installment in the Luna duet, a truly heart-wrenching and gripping contemporary romance.
Pepper Winters has solidified herself a master storyteller, with an incredible ability to engage readers from the first page. Lunamare is filled to the brim with emotion: passion, joy, grief, longing, heartache, angst, love, betrayal, sadness and hope. This childhood friends-to-lovers, coming-of-age story swept me away.
"I was a slave to her every desire and wish. A protector to her every terror and tragedy. A partner to her every hope and dream."
The character development of both Nerida and Aslan is incredible. Their story, their love, woven with insurmountable grief and sorrow gripped my heart and has yet to let go. Pepper has crafted incredibly realistic and believable characters that have left a lasting imprint. Their flaws and imperfections lend a credibility that I have very rarely found in other novels.
Wrapped in "touch-her-and-die", found family and forbidden love, Lunamare is perfectly paced and a truly indescribable experience. Both of the MCs have darkness they carry, secrets and I am aching for the conclusion of their incredible story in Cor Amare.
"He was my reason for existing. Thanks to him, my lips had been kissed beneath a million sunsets. Our blood had turned to salt from a thousand moonlit swims. And our love gleamed brighter than all the stars."
Lunamare... there is so much to say, but at the same time; no words are the right words. One of the most compelling and immersive tales of star-crossed soulmates is within these pages. It is the first installment in the Luna duet, a truly heart-wrenching and gripping contemporary romance.
Pepper Winters has solidified herself a master storyteller, with an incredible ability to engage readers from the first page. Lunamare is filled to the brim with emotion: passion, joy, grief, longing, heartache, angst, love, betrayal, sadness and hope. This childhood friends-to-lovers, coming-of-age story swept me away.
"I was a slave to her every desire and wish. A protector to her every terror and tragedy. A partner to her every hope and dream."
The character development of both Nerida and Aslan is incredible. Their story, their love, woven with insurmountable grief and sorrow gripped my heart and has yet to let go. Pepper has crafted incredibly realistic and believable characters that have left a lasting imprint. Their flaws and imperfections lend a credibility that I have very rarely found in other novels.
Wrapped in "touch-her-and-die", found family and forbidden love, Lunamare is perfectly paced and a truly indescribable experience. Both of the MCs have darkness they carry, secrets and I am aching for the conclusion of their incredible story in Cor Amare.
July 11, 2023
My lord, Pepper Winters has done it AGAIN! Lunamare is utterly epic, brilliant, moving and heart breaking at the same time. At the back of the book she explains she wrote this one without any beta readers. And I hope she will do that a lot more from now on! This book contains a story that bursts from its seams and swallows you whole right from the first page onwards. Bloody, bloody brilliant.
Lunamare is the story of Aslan and Nerida. It starts with Nerida talking to two journalists. They are there to talk about her accomplishments but soon she starts to tell them her love story. And Margot and Dylan are quickly mesmerized by her story and start writing down her life story.
When Neri was 12 she found a boy drifting in the sea. And she and her parents saved him.
Aslan and his family are escaping a horrible danger and try to cross the sea in an overcrowded boat. When a storm hits the boat, the boat breaks apart and Aslan loses his entire family. He is saved by Neri and her parents Anna and Jack. They quickly figure out he is a fugitive and on the run and they decide to 'hide' him in their home. They integrate him quickly in society, so that he has some freedom. But he has no official papers whatsoever. If he gets caught, he'll be transported back to Turkey instantly. And almost instantly killed as well.
Right from the moment their eyes meet Aslan and Neri are connected. She is 12 and he is a 16-year old boy. But they instantly are able to see inside the other one's soul. Jack sees it as well and forbids Aslan to ever touch his daughter. Aslan is so grateful that they saved him, that he promises he'll never touch her. But Neri doesn't agree with her father at all. And passionately declares he'll be her future husband and that nothing will prevent that from happening. Her father is firm. But also admires his daughter's strength and strong will.
And that is where the story kickstarts. We meet a passionate young girl who knows what she wants. She wants to live underwater, she trains her breathhold underwater, and she wants Aslan.
But this book isn't a weird novel. About an underage girl. But it's a beautiful story about how two people grow together but they also grow as individuals.
We see their love. But also their pain. The misunderstandings, the angst and hurt. And the oh so deep longing.
I devoured this novel from start to finish and just couldn't stop reading. I got immersed in their world and their love story and I just absorbed every single word.
I love how far the both of them are willing to go to put the other one first.
And that ending! My lord! I need the second book ASAP!
If you want to read a beautiful, gorgeous coming of age novel then pick this one up! It's gut wrenching and hot and so damn powerful.
6/5 stars from me! A billion burning stars for Aslan and Neri! They will live in my heart forever.
Lunamare is the story of Aslan and Nerida. It starts with Nerida talking to two journalists. They are there to talk about her accomplishments but soon she starts to tell them her love story. And Margot and Dylan are quickly mesmerized by her story and start writing down her life story.
When Neri was 12 she found a boy drifting in the sea. And she and her parents saved him.
Aslan and his family are escaping a horrible danger and try to cross the sea in an overcrowded boat. When a storm hits the boat, the boat breaks apart and Aslan loses his entire family. He is saved by Neri and her parents Anna and Jack. They quickly figure out he is a fugitive and on the run and they decide to 'hide' him in their home. They integrate him quickly in society, so that he has some freedom. But he has no official papers whatsoever. If he gets caught, he'll be transported back to Turkey instantly. And almost instantly killed as well.
Right from the moment their eyes meet Aslan and Neri are connected. She is 12 and he is a 16-year old boy. But they instantly are able to see inside the other one's soul. Jack sees it as well and forbids Aslan to ever touch his daughter. Aslan is so grateful that they saved him, that he promises he'll never touch her. But Neri doesn't agree with her father at all. And passionately declares he'll be her future husband and that nothing will prevent that from happening. Her father is firm. But also admires his daughter's strength and strong will.
And that is where the story kickstarts. We meet a passionate young girl who knows what she wants. She wants to live underwater, she trains her breathhold underwater, and she wants Aslan.
But this book isn't a weird novel. About an underage girl. But it's a beautiful story about how two people grow together but they also grow as individuals.
We see their love. But also their pain. The misunderstandings, the angst and hurt. And the oh so deep longing.
I devoured this novel from start to finish and just couldn't stop reading. I got immersed in their world and their love story and I just absorbed every single word.
I love how far the both of them are willing to go to put the other one first.
And that ending! My lord! I need the second book ASAP!
If you want to read a beautiful, gorgeous coming of age novel then pick this one up! It's gut wrenching and hot and so damn powerful.
6/5 stars from me! A billion burning stars for Aslan and Neri! They will live in my heart forever.
July 6, 2023
I just finished one of the most incredible audiobooks I’ve read in a while. It’s not for the faint of heart and there are trigger warnings, but dear God, this is why I’m a romance reader!! Full review to come. I highly recommend not starting until book 2 releases in 3 weeks. Holy forking shirtballs!!!
June 27, 2023
“I believed the sea had chosen him to be mine, you see. A shipwrecked boy delivered to me by a pop of dolphins that I’d grown up swimming with.”
“His every breath is mine now, and I think I have a right to know where he’s gonna live while taking those breaths.”
“She was my nemesis and saviour. My dream and tormentor.”
Known for her dark and unforgettable romance, author Pepper Winters dives into an unforgettable Nicholas Sparks-style, coming-of-age, love story. Nerida and Aslan’s story will captivate readers and leave them begging for book #2.
16-year-old Aslan has the entire world ahead of him. His past has him on the run and all it takes is one night to turn his world upside down. Discovered by Nerida, after a storm at sea, Aslan is given a second chance at life, away from the darkness that haunts him.
Lunamare is a very unique and haunting tale of soul mates and first love. I went into this story 100% blind and to be completely honest with you, there were times that I wasn’t sure this book was for me. For the first 50% of this story, it was really slow going. Slow enough that I wasn’t sure I would continue on. Thankfully, I stuck with it and after the halfway mark, things completely turned around for me. Aslan and Nerida’s story won me over and left me utterly intrigued.
Lunamare is a story of fate, soulmates, and intense love that spans Nerida and Aslan’s lifetime. This coming-of-age story tugs at your heartstrings and has twists this reader never saw coming. Lunamare explores heavy issues with respect and grace and is a story I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. I’ll definitely be waiting with bated breath for the conclusion to Nerida and Aslan’s story.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
“His every breath is mine now, and I think I have a right to know where he’s gonna live while taking those breaths.”
“She was my nemesis and saviour. My dream and tormentor.”
Known for her dark and unforgettable romance, author Pepper Winters dives into an unforgettable Nicholas Sparks-style, coming-of-age, love story. Nerida and Aslan’s story will captivate readers and leave them begging for book #2.
16-year-old Aslan has the entire world ahead of him. His past has him on the run and all it takes is one night to turn his world upside down. Discovered by Nerida, after a storm at sea, Aslan is given a second chance at life, away from the darkness that haunts him.
Lunamare is a very unique and haunting tale of soul mates and first love. I went into this story 100% blind and to be completely honest with you, there were times that I wasn’t sure this book was for me. For the first 50% of this story, it was really slow going. Slow enough that I wasn’t sure I would continue on. Thankfully, I stuck with it and after the halfway mark, things completely turned around for me. Aslan and Nerida’s story won me over and left me utterly intrigued.
Lunamare is a story of fate, soulmates, and intense love that spans Nerida and Aslan’s lifetime. This coming-of-age story tugs at your heartstrings and has twists this reader never saw coming. Lunamare explores heavy issues with respect and grace and is a story I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. I’ll definitely be waiting with bated breath for the conclusion to Nerida and Aslan’s story.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
November 15, 2023
Tropes: Age Gap, Angsty, Childhood Sweethearts, Close Proximity, Coming-of-Age, Fish Out of Water, Forbidden Love, Found Family, Interracial/Multicultural, Love at First Sight, Main Character in Peril, Orphan, Soul Mate, Tragic Past, Virgin Hero
You’re never the same after you read a book by Pepper Winters. I had this entire spiel that I wanted to write about this duet but at the end of the day, there isn’t enough words to explain how truly beautiful this book is.
This duet is stunning. It’s mythical, mystical, mysterious, almost feels uncharted…and in true PW style, it has a little “wildness” that makes it raw, unadulterated and genuine. It has such heartbreak, such fear, such strength.
I have always adored Pepper Winters books. The first time I read her Indebted series, I was enamoured but after the Ribbon Duet, I knew she would be my go to author. It’s been almost a decade and to this day, she has and I think, will always be one of my favourite authors.
The Luna Duet is beautiful, heartbreaking and hopeful love story so visceral that transcends logic, a love story so strong that gives such hope.
You’re never the same after you read a book by Pepper Winters. I had this entire spiel that I wanted to write about this duet but at the end of the day, there isn’t enough words to explain how truly beautiful this book is.
This duet is stunning. It’s mythical, mystical, mysterious, almost feels uncharted…and in true PW style, it has a little “wildness” that makes it raw, unadulterated and genuine. It has such heartbreak, such fear, such strength.
I have always adored Pepper Winters books. The first time I read her Indebted series, I was enamoured but after the Ribbon Duet, I knew she would be my go to author. It’s been almost a decade and to this day, she has and I think, will always be one of my favourite authors.
The Luna Duet is beautiful, heartbreaking and hopeful love story so visceral that transcends logic, a love story so strong that gives such hope.
July 29, 2023
I truly do not understand all of the five star reviews. Did I read something completely different? It started out promising with the ship wreck and I even got emotional when Aslan lost his family, but then we went downhill from there. Lots of things that weren’t for me:
The dual POV. If this is older Neri recounting the story to reporters then why are we getting Aslan’s (very detailed) POV, as well? Are we assuming that she’s just reliably telling his side?
Speaking of the story — why are the reporters being told it? The reasoning is loose to me. Neri wants us to know the full love story to understand why she built an underwater society but we got one small connection during a quick exchange at a bar. I was also starting to get annoyed with how she was really dragging this shit out.
The age gap. Four years between two consenting adults is nothing. Four years between a 12 and 16 year old and watching their obsession grow with each other for years is a problem. At one point 18-year-old Aslan says about 14-year-old Neri: “The past few months, puberty had kicked in, and I cursed the curve of her new breasts beneath her swimming costume.” Y’all are telling me you’re into this????
The FMC was immature and selfish. This is probably just because I didn’t enjoy reading the mind of a teenager obsessed with an older dude but what can ya say.
The dialogue was melodramatic and very over the top. No one talks like that IRL; it kept taking me out of the story and I found myself skimming through it often.
The inner monologues were highly repetitive, especially Aslan’s. We get it. You want her but you can’t have her. You go back and forth. You’re so torn. You can’t get it up with another girl. But you can’t have her. But you want her. You’ve done horrible things that we aren’t allowed to know about. This isn’t angst, it’s just tedious.
All in all, I had high hopes based on the reviews and was really disappointed. I have to stop listening to booktok… I blame myself.
The dual POV. If this is older Neri recounting the story to reporters then why are we getting Aslan’s (very detailed) POV, as well? Are we assuming that she’s just reliably telling his side?
Speaking of the story — why are the reporters being told it? The reasoning is loose to me. Neri wants us to know the full love story to understand why she built an underwater society but we got one small connection during a quick exchange at a bar. I was also starting to get annoyed with how she was really dragging this shit out.
The age gap. Four years between two consenting adults is nothing. Four years between a 12 and 16 year old and watching their obsession grow with each other for years is a problem. At one point 18-year-old Aslan says about 14-year-old Neri: “The past few months, puberty had kicked in, and I cursed the curve of her new breasts beneath her swimming costume.” Y’all are telling me you’re into this????
The FMC was immature and selfish. This is probably just because I didn’t enjoy reading the mind of a teenager obsessed with an older dude but what can ya say.
The dialogue was melodramatic and very over the top. No one talks like that IRL; it kept taking me out of the story and I found myself skimming through it often.
The inner monologues were highly repetitive, especially Aslan’s. We get it. You want her but you can’t have her. You go back and forth. You’re so torn. You can’t get it up with another girl. But you can’t have her. But you want her. You’ve done horrible things that we aren’t allowed to know about. This isn’t angst, it’s just tedious.
All in all, I had high hopes based on the reviews and was really disappointed. I have to stop listening to booktok… I blame myself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
4+ "Fated" Stars!
This book was a little slow, but when it took off, it was one explosive tragedy after another, and ended in heartbreaking devastation... I absolutely loved both Aslyn and Neridat. They are truly fated mates. On to book two. Thank goodness it is already out. Happy reading!
This book was a little slow, but when it took off, it was one explosive tragedy after another, and ended in heartbreaking devastation... I absolutely loved both Aslyn and Neridat. They are truly fated mates. On to book two. Thank goodness it is already out. Happy reading!
Want to read
April 12, 2023Aşüfteler koşun ikinci kez herosu Türk bir kitap geliyor.
İlan olunur.
Tutmayın beni.
_______________
Giiiiiirlllzzzzz, for a 'second' time, the hero is a Turkish man. I can't wait to experience.
Oh boy oh boy oh boy!
İlan olunur.
Tutmayın beni.
_______________
Giiiiiirlllzzzzz, for a 'second' time, the hero is a Turkish man. I can't wait to experience.
Oh boy oh boy oh boy!
April 24, 2023
Brilliantly Beautiful! A love story like no other! Ms. Winters is masterful and magical! Come immerse yourself in a story like no other. Tragically mind blowing. THE book to read of 2023!
July 1, 2023
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4.5 / 5 Stars
Cliffhanger : Yes
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 5/10
Overall Opinion :
I have been reading for over 7 years now and I don't think there will ever come a day when I will find an author who matches the level of angst this author has. She was one of my first ever dark romance author through her debt inheritance series and I haven't looked back since then!! Jethro and Nila are love and I absolutely trust this woman as she never stops creating her masterpieces. There is literally not a single book of hers that I don't love. All of them are crazy good and pretty much my top reads.
Which is why even though I am not a huge fan of cliffhangers , and not this authors because she has the most brutal ones 😂😂 I put myself through that torture and read this book because the allure is simply too much for me. I was craving a very good angsty romance and why Would I chose someone else when I have the very queen here with her brand new duet.
Lunamare is definitely something you guys should read. It's like a dream come true for a dark romance author. Pepper is the only author who balances perfectly between dark crazy romance and the angst that comes with it. All the other authors try to make the book and the hero seem cold and in turn their books are less angsty. Pepper never does that. She has CRAZY DARK HEROES , who will make your bow to them and you'll love every moment of it 😂😂
But now I am back to square one with an even bigger issue as it is tough to wait for the next book of this duet. The only thing that makes it easier is that I know pepper will make the wait worth it!
Definitely recommending this one to all the dark romance loving people out there!
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August 4, 2024
Lunamare is the first book in the upcoming Luna Duet by Pepper Winters, and it is a contemporary romance set in Port Douglas, Australia filled with angst, “dark sparks,” passion, secrets, and trauma. Fans of the “childhood friends-to-lovers” trope will most likely love this duet as this is one of the main tropes, but be warned, this is anything but a light, breezy read. In Lunamare, you’ll also get vibes such as true soulmates, “touch her and you die,” a life story, secrets, betrayal, longing, lust, coming-of-age, and truly forbidden love.
Neri is a stubborn young girl from Port Douglas, Australia, and finds Aslan out in the open ocean with her marine biologist parents. She instantly feels a connection to Aslan - a young man fleeing from the dangers in his homeland of Turkey. Aslan is very closed off and wary of others (for a very good reason).
As their story unfolded, I found their chemistry explosive and beautiful. Neri is very clear on her feelings toward Aslan, and Aslan is the more practical one of the two, understanding the dangers that they both could face if they give in to each other. You’ll be rooting for Neri and Aslan and their forbidden love story and feel their pain alongside them in your very soul as every circumstance and societal norm screams at their love story to fail from the moment Aslan survives his shipwreck.
Neri and Aslan are both very endearing characters to me, but this doesn’t mean that they are perfect. They both made mistakes, but I was rooting for them as they learned from them and grew together. Character growth is one of my favorite things to read, and it was handled so beautifully and with care.
As with any other book I have read from Pepper Winters, the writing is immaculate, poetic, and detailed. I felt like I could see the things the characters saw, taste the food that they ate, and feel the things that they did. The writing is just that good. The story was incredibly beautiful and I cannot wait for book two, Cor Amare, to be released so I can continue Neri and Aslan’s story!
~
A little side note to the review - I was so impressed that Pepper credited her Translation & Authenticity reader, and her Sensitivity reader, as well as including a Turkish Glossary of words. This was so well done, and it shows even more how much Pepper Winters truly cares about her stories and readers.
~
Thank you so much for the early ARC. This book was a gift to read! This review and my thoughts are honest and all my own.
Neri is a stubborn young girl from Port Douglas, Australia, and finds Aslan out in the open ocean with her marine biologist parents. She instantly feels a connection to Aslan - a young man fleeing from the dangers in his homeland of Turkey. Aslan is very closed off and wary of others (for a very good reason).
As their story unfolded, I found their chemistry explosive and beautiful. Neri is very clear on her feelings toward Aslan, and Aslan is the more practical one of the two, understanding the dangers that they both could face if they give in to each other. You’ll be rooting for Neri and Aslan and their forbidden love story and feel their pain alongside them in your very soul as every circumstance and societal norm screams at their love story to fail from the moment Aslan survives his shipwreck.
“And I made a promise. Right there. Painted in blood and cursed by fate, that no matter what happened in the future. No matter who tried to keep us apart or what circumstances got in our way, I would always, always find her. Always go to her. Protect her. Love her.”
Neri and Aslan are both very endearing characters to me, but this doesn’t mean that they are perfect. They both made mistakes, but I was rooting for them as they learned from them and grew together. Character growth is one of my favorite things to read, and it was handled so beautifully and with care.
As with any other book I have read from Pepper Winters, the writing is immaculate, poetic, and detailed. I felt like I could see the things the characters saw, taste the food that they ate, and feel the things that they did. The writing is just that good. The story was incredibly beautiful and I cannot wait for book two, Cor Amare, to be released so I can continue Neri and Aslan’s story!
~
A little side note to the review - I was so impressed that Pepper credited her Translation & Authenticity reader, and her Sensitivity reader, as well as including a Turkish Glossary of words. This was so well done, and it shows even more how much Pepper Winters truly cares about her stories and readers.
~
Thank you so much for the early ARC. This book was a gift to read! This review and my thoughts are honest and all my own.
July 30, 2023
Wow, this is such a beautiful atmospheric read. It follows Aslan 16 and Neri 12. Neri saved Aslan's life and her family took him in and kept him safe but Aslan is always on guard but hidden in plain sight. Her father had one rule never touch my daughter. Aslan is so far from home but he can never go back to where he is from. Also he is not allowed to love the one person who feels like home but maybe it’s too late for that..
This is such a heartfelt, intimate and soul-crushing story. Neri and Aslan are soulmates and are drawn to each other by the sea. Go in as blind as possible as I have no words to describe my journey with this book. It was bueatifully written and these two are on a coming of age journey with many challenges. The audiobook is duet narration by Tor Thom and Fiona Clare and it was fantastic. Both narrators draw you in to the wonderful world and writing of Pepper Winters. Highly reccommend the audiobook.
Just a couple of things between chapters 46-53. I was like what is going on. I struggled with them being out for hours after Aslan took the car I thought he would of got in trouble when getting home. The shark scene was just wild and left me confused. The intimate spice and connection was great but just before turning 18 and asking for punishment as a fantasy it just didnt sit right with me and lastly the forceful nature of Aslan towards the end in two scenes just gave me the ick as he was pushing after the traumatic event Neri went through. These two loved hard and fast for their ages.
Overall really enjoyed this read one of the most atmospheric and beautifully written books I have experienced this year
If you love:
🔹Forbidden Love
🔹Two Fates Collided Together
🔹Atmospheric World
🔹Soulmates
🔹Touching & Heartbreaking Story
🔹Intimate Spice
Genre/Type: Forbidden Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ARC
Audio Length: 18hrs 11mins
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book 1 In The Luna Duet
Tropes or Themes: Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Age Gap (4 Years), Coming Of Age, Slowburn, Interview Style, Ship Wreck, Ocean, Australia, Tragic Incident, Medical Content, Grief, Loss, Cliffhanger, Trauma, Violence, Murder, SA, SH, Drugs & Alcohol
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Scribd | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
This is such a heartfelt, intimate and soul-crushing story. Neri and Aslan are soulmates and are drawn to each other by the sea. Go in as blind as possible as I have no words to describe my journey with this book. It was bueatifully written and these two are on a coming of age journey with many challenges. The audiobook is duet narration by Tor Thom and Fiona Clare and it was fantastic. Both narrators draw you in to the wonderful world and writing of Pepper Winters. Highly reccommend the audiobook.
Just a couple of things between chapters 46-53. I was like what is going on. I struggled with them being out for hours after Aslan took the car I thought he would of got in trouble when getting home. The shark scene was just wild and left me confused. The intimate spice and connection was great but just before turning 18 and asking for punishment as a fantasy it just didnt sit right with me and lastly the forceful nature of Aslan towards the end in two scenes just gave me the ick as he was pushing after the traumatic event Neri went through. These two loved hard and fast for their ages.
Overall really enjoyed this read one of the most atmospheric and beautifully written books I have experienced this year
If you love:
🔹Forbidden Love
🔹Two Fates Collided Together
🔹Atmospheric World
🔹Soulmates
🔹Touching & Heartbreaking Story
🔹Intimate Spice
Genre/Type: Forbidden Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ARC
Audio Length: 18hrs 11mins
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book 1 In The Luna Duet
Tropes or Themes: Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Age Gap (4 Years), Coming Of Age, Slowburn, Interview Style, Ship Wreck, Ocean, Australia, Tragic Incident, Medical Content, Grief, Loss, Cliffhanger, Trauma, Violence, Murder, SA, SH, Drugs & Alcohol
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Scribd | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
April 29, 2023
Ms Winters has delivered another timeless tale of love eclipsing all circumstances. This is one for fans of The Ribbon Duet and the utter heartbreak that is Ren and Della.
However in saying that Luna Mare is not the Ribbon Duet these are two entirely different stories. BUT the similarities are in the epic story, the evolvement and the inevitability of the main characters relationship.
Aslan and Neri are clearly destined for each other but they have the trials and tribulations of life ahead of them. Luna Mare is a book that will consume you, turning page after page wanting to know their story. I'm not one for spoilers but this is a story that will test you, have you smiling in one instance and cursing at the next.
I am fully invested in their love and it has the same draw as when I was reading Ren and Dellas story, the same compulsion to know what's coming and to suffer with them and share in their fated love.
Prepare yourself, get attached, feel everything and enjoy the ride!
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beyond the Pages Charli xx
However in saying that Luna Mare is not the Ribbon Duet these are two entirely different stories. BUT the similarities are in the epic story, the evolvement and the inevitability of the main characters relationship.
Aslan and Neri are clearly destined for each other but they have the trials and tribulations of life ahead of them. Luna Mare is a book that will consume you, turning page after page wanting to know their story. I'm not one for spoilers but this is a story that will test you, have you smiling in one instance and cursing at the next.
I am fully invested in their love and it has the same draw as when I was reading Ren and Dellas story, the same compulsion to know what's coming and to suffer with them and share in their fated love.
Prepare yourself, get attached, feel everything and enjoy the ride!
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beyond the Pages Charli xx
d-n-f
January 20, 2024DNF 29%
So this was a DNF for me but let me explain as there is nothing wrong with this book. The writing had its usual engaging narrative I just don't think I was in the headspace for such an emotional saga type journey that this was definitely shaping up to be. I'm still sure this will be an excellent read and I might revisit it in the future as such I will not be giving this one a rating. I've read this author previously and always enjoyed the few I have experienced by her so it's definitely a me thing. Another reason may be that I'd just consumed another highly emotional book so perhaps needed something a bit lighter anyway whatever the reason what I did read was shaping up to be good so my 29% could be a placeholder if I do decide to revisit this again.
So this was a DNF for me but let me explain as there is nothing wrong with this book. The writing had its usual engaging narrative I just don't think I was in the headspace for such an emotional saga type journey that this was definitely shaping up to be. I'm still sure this will be an excellent read and I might revisit it in the future as such I will not be giving this one a rating. I've read this author previously and always enjoyed the few I have experienced by her so it's definitely a me thing. Another reason may be that I'd just consumed another highly emotional book so perhaps needed something a bit lighter anyway whatever the reason what I did read was shaping up to be good so my 29% could be a placeholder if I do decide to revisit this again.
August 13, 2023
Pepper Winters is far from being a cookie cutter author. She is a master storyteller, and I appreciate that about her work. When I read one of her stories, I can count on being sucked into a gripping and unique story. Lunamare was no different in that regard. The setting, the plot, the characters, the vivid writing - all of these were great. Reading a quality romance that is truly original these days is such a breath of fresh air. So why wasn’t it a 5 star read for me? I think the issue is that there was so much buzz about this being the next Ribbon Duet, and my expectations were incredibly high because of it. You really can’t compare the two.
I must admit, I found this book to be quite a bit more melodramatic. The constant foreshadowing of bad things to come was over the top. For context, the story alternates between the past when Nerida and Aslan were growing up and falling in love, and the present when an elderly Nerida is giving an interview on her love story with Aslan. Nearly every single chapter ended with something like “if only I knew what terrible tragedies were to come” or “I should have known that darkness was around the corner”. But then the subsequent chapter may or may not have actually had anything ‘bad’ happen, rinse and repeat for hundreds of pages until said tragic event actually occurred. Now, I love a good build up to a story, but this tactic felt like a forced way to keep the readers engaged during the less dramatic parts of the story when the stage was still being set, so to speak (which was 80% of this book). I think one or two dramatic statements like that would have been enough, but they were way overused and made an otherwise poignant tale feel cheesy at times. Ultimately, this, and the fact that this book was primarily just setting up the second book and dragged on at times, didn’t work well for me.
I must admit, I found this book to be quite a bit more melodramatic. The constant foreshadowing of bad things to come was over the top. For context, the story alternates between the past when Nerida and Aslan were growing up and falling in love, and the present when an elderly Nerida is giving an interview on her love story with Aslan. Nearly every single chapter ended with something like “if only I knew what terrible tragedies were to come” or “I should have known that darkness was around the corner”. But then the subsequent chapter may or may not have actually had anything ‘bad’ happen, rinse and repeat for hundreds of pages until said tragic event actually occurred. Now, I love a good build up to a story, but this tactic felt like a forced way to keep the readers engaged during the less dramatic parts of the story when the stage was still being set, so to speak (which was 80% of this book). I think one or two dramatic statements like that would have been enough, but they were way overused and made an otherwise poignant tale feel cheesy at times. Ultimately, this, and the fact that this book was primarily just setting up the second book and dragged on at times, didn’t work well for me.
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