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Werewolves of Baltimore #1

The Moon's Dirty Light

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Is there ever a good time to tell the man with whom you just had mind blowing sex that you're a werewolf and, chances are, come the next full moon, he'll be sporting fur and fangs, too?

Police Officer Logan Robinson isn't sure. Logan's been in lust with his partner and best friend Dylan Reed for as long as he can remember. But Logan is a werewolf and after accidentally giving his partner the mating bite during sex Dylan will become one, too. Dylan is royally pissed when he finds out because Logan conveniently forgot to mention his little affliction until after they'd spent the night humping each other's brains out. As if turning into a creature of the night wasn’t enough, Logan and he are investigating murders that look suspiciously like dog attacks, but they're not.

Finding a killer is tricky enough. Now it will be almost impossible with their personal issues clouding the investigation. And if Dylan does turn into a four-legged freak at the next full moon, the fur will fly.

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2013

67 people are currently reading
327 people want to read

About the author

H.L. Holston

24 books66 followers
USA Today bestselling author Holly (H.L.) Holston is a dog walker by day and a sometimes author by night.

She admits she is a horrible blogger, even worse in keeping up on Facebook, and wishes she could retire to New Orleans and eat beignets every day at Café du Monde. Until then, she will write books about sexy men loving each other.

Previous pen name: Sue Holston.

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5 stars
80 (23%)
4 stars
123 (35%)
3 stars
108 (31%)
2 stars
31 (8%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Martin.
807 reviews603 followers
July 29, 2018
I know, I'm not a reader of shifter stories and while there have been a few werewolf romances I really enjoyed, I don't really know the genre at all.

So deciding to look into this novella about two Baltimore cops was more or less a test to see if my feelings for the genre have changed.
I can now safely say, they have not.

The story starts with Logan and his best friend and colleague Dylan having wild and raunchy sex. Why? How should I know, that's just how it starts. Logan is a werewolf, while Dylan is a human. Logan apparently really really really likes his best friend and bites him during sex, cursing him to become a werewolf with the next full moon - and his mate forever.

Just that Dylan doesn't know this and thinks they just had kinky sex.

On the force, they encounter several gruesome murders that Logan immediately recognizes as werewolf victims, so the cops have to track the murderer down before more innocent people get killed or before the 'paranormal community' gets exposed to mankind.

You can imagine Dylan isn't happy when he finds out about his own becoming a werewolf, not to mention about Logan having been a werewolf all along.
But - and this is my biggest issue with werewolf romances - their mating bond is so strong that Dylan soon stops asking questions and just wants to live happily ever after by his alpha's side.

And, oh yeah, probably have babies. Which is apparently possible among male mates. But very rarely. Thank God :-)

3 stars!
Profile Image for LiveYourLife BuyTheBook.
616 reviews58 followers
August 3, 2013
4.5 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review

What a great supernatural read that was! Vampires, werewolves, fae, witches... the lot! They all coexist, albeit secretly, in the human world. Although the story only dealt with the Weres and the Vamps we do know the others are there, so I am hoping for more! Lots more!

Logan is a 41 years old Police Detective, openly gay and he is an Alpha Werewolf. His Lieutenant knows his little secret, but his partner (and object of his desire) Dylan has no idea that Supernatural beings even exist! Well, outside of his comics - which are his point of reference for everything in life. Very cute!

Dylan trained under Logan and is also openly gay. He has always thought Logan was very handsome, but their profesional relationship started while Dylan was still married, so nothing was going to happen. Now divorced, and only into guys, their relationship has stayed on that initial footing - partners on the force and best friends, nothing more .... until one night Logan ups the ante. You know how it goes... a little bit of pushing and playful shoving, then some wrestling, then before you know it you've banged the guy and your inner wolf has claimed him for his own. Oh yeah. Sexy as Hell!!

However when dead bodies are cropping up all over the city with the telltale markings of a rogue werewolf it makes Logan's confession all the more tricky. Dylan has no clue why the bite on his neck gets itchier when Logan is close. Or why his sense of smell and hearing have escalated. But when Logan finally tells him the truth - and with the full moon getting closer he really couldn't put it off any longer - well, Dylan is royally pissed. And rightly so!

I liked the way the author handled it - these murders are scary. Going from not knowing anything about weres to seeing how strong and violent they can be, as well as the prospect of a newly turned wolf going insane is a real fear for Dylan. As much as he cannot deny the sexual chemistry between him and his partner, he has a failed marriage behind him - so the thought of mating for life - an extended supernatural life at that is daunting! So yeah, he has a lot to take in, and the author didn't rush it.

I really enjoyed this book! The whole world, with the Vamp and Were Councils and the peace treaty between the species, was classic paranormal fare. The author didn't invent any new angles, and the book was sparkle free. Thank. God! I suppose the rogue Were was a bit of a damp squib, but I didn't really mind - the book didn't take itself too seriously. It was fun, funny and sexy as anything! I am hoping like crazy that Kaden or Anatol gets their own books - not that Kaden's sexual orientation is even alluded to. But a girl can dream, can't she? I also want to mention my favourite Vampire from the BDB series... Rehvenge. If I said Logan has a similar anatomical feature. Would you understand why I was hooked? Go. Buy the Book. You"ll love it!
Profile Image for Deanna.
2,743 reviews65 followers
August 11, 2017
Sexy Men, Werewolves and Baltimore.

Two Alpha police detectives, long time friends and work partners now vying for personal dominance.

An unique start to their story. Dylan is finally having sex with his fellow detective. It is intense, but why did Logan, a werewolf, bite an unsuspecting human when they finally have sex. Logan and Dylan had been attracted to each other for years. They had not done anything about that attraction until Dylan was no longer married. No spoilers here. This was the start of the story.

Now Logan had to explain to Dylan about a paranormal world 🌎that most humans, Dylan included, had no hint existed. I like that the plot began with the two MCs both in emotional turmoil.

The start grabbed me immediately into their world. I was a part of their crisis, their passion and their doubts. I liked that. I liked Dylan and Logan. I was intrigued by other characters. I was ecstatic that Baltimore was where everything took place. I love Baltimore

This is an entertaining book that kept me reading. I want to know more. More in depth about Logan and Dylan. More about the other members of the pack. More about their police captain and police chief. That is a good reaction for a reader to have.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews127 followers
Want to read
April 2, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/1/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Christy.
4,440 reviews127 followers
November 14, 2014
Ahh, werewolves. Truly one of the top three of my favorite shifters. I mean, I love wolves, have since I was a little girl. They're gorgeous, and they're the ancestors of our domesticated dogs. What's not to love? Anyway, I read the blurb for 'The Moon's Dirty Light' and thought it sounded like something I would enjoy.

Dylan and Logan have been partners for awhile, but there's a huge secret Logan is keeping from Dylan. Until the night they both give in to their desires, though, and have raw, animalistic sex, with Logan giving Dylan the mating bite at climax. Oops. You might've told him in advance, Logan, because now Dylan is sensing all kinds of weird things, and has no clue what the hell is going on. Of course, the fact that in the three weeks since this happened, they haven't talked about the sex, or the bite, shouldn't have surprised me. Men. *rolls eyes*

Two big, strong, dominant men can screw up more conversations than anyone else on the planet. Dylan and Logan have all this electrically charged stuff going on in their private lives, while professionally, some crazy is murdering people, and it looks like a rogue werewolf. And, this rogue is about to void the decades-long truce between weres and vampires.

This is a good shifter story containing fated mates, mate bonds, and knotting. I enjoyed it, although it was fairly predictable; the characters are likable, and the sex was hot. If you like your shifters, then this might be the read for you.
Profile Image for Kelly (Maybedog).
3,506 reviews239 followers
October 3, 2015
Odd place to start. I feel like I missed something. How did they get into bed with each other in the first place?

Cool, they're over 40!

If women can be werewolves, how is it a mutation of the Y chromosone?

They fell asleep on the greenhouse floor and woke up in bed. Huh?

A female alpha!!!!! And African American!!

Totally appropriate and believable reaction from Dylan.

I really felt we were in Baltimore. The author made it real.

The bad guy has been sniffing around and they take time to have sex?

Well the climactic moment was so short I almost missed it.

"Me, too," is not the same as "I love you."

Ah fuck, mpreg.

Uh, kind of missing a key element: his first shift.

The mystery started off well , but them someone else solved it. Lame. It was up to nearly 4 stars for a while but the ending was more like 1, maybe 1.5. So 2.5 rounded up to three stars.
Profile Image for Carolyn Brown.
405 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2017
Great start to this series

After reading book two first, as a reviewer, I had to come back and read this one.
Logan is so Alpha and I love it, but Dylan won’t put up with his crap and lies. Honesty, less possessiveness, and less controlling was what it takes to get Dylan’s heart, can Logan control all his Alpha traits to win Logan’s heart and have his mate or will Dylan walk away.
Great beginning to this series, looking forward to book three
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,898 reviews99 followers
February 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this novella. The sex was really hot and I loved the dom alpha Logan. The fighting between Logan and Dylan was fun. The side story about the serial killer was basically filler. I expected a little more exciting catch, but I still had a good time with this story.
Profile Image for Becky Condit.
2,377 reviews66 followers
July 29, 2013
Please leave comments to Lucky's 4 1/2 sweet pea review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index..... Win a copy!

Love my shifters, yadda yadda, been there, done that. You all know the drill by now.

This story was a variation for me. In this case, the werewolf bit his mate and turned him into a wolf, too. Problem was, he didn’t tell him in advance. Whoops. This leads to a rift between them. Logan is afraid that Dylan will reject him, and his wolf aches to finalize the claiming on Dylan.

Things start to unravel when Dylan starts noticing things he hadn’t before. Sights, scents, sounds are all amplified. He doesn’t understand it. When Logan comes to his house to explain, Dylan is scared out of his mind when Logan scents another man on him, which causes him to unleash his inner beast.

Understandably freaked out, Dylan rejects Logan, telling him he needs time to process everything he’s learned. Unfortunately, the killer has other ideas.

Will Logan and Dylan finally have their mate-bond? Read the book. It’s a very fun ride.
144 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2013
2.5 stars
This book had possibilities but didn't quite do it for me..
Minor editing mistakes. Obvious discrepancies in the storyline.
ie: MC werewolf is shot at point blank range twice in the chest.. within minutes the bullets pop out and he heals.. Yet a punch leaves his jaw aching for a longish period of time
Profile Image for JR.
875 reviews32 followers
August 16, 2017
Fast Paced Rollicking Read

This was a fast paced, fun adventure. I liked the setting in Ba!timore, since I love the city. It's a quick read, a solid story, and likable characters. I hope there will be more , as I would definitely like it to continue.
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,148 reviews1,069 followers
dnf-not-4-me
October 11, 2014
I made it through half of this one a few weeks ago and now realize I have no interest in picking it up again. May try again later, but shelving it for now.
Profile Image for Anna.
963 reviews17 followers
May 7, 2020
Logan and Dylan were adorable! I would have liked to see Dylan’s first shift and the whole he could under the right circumstances get pregnant could have been drawn out! None of that ruined the book and from what I understand, they’re the subject of book number 3!
Enjoyable series, and I definitely recommend it. Happy reading!!!
1,108 reviews
August 27, 2017
For big pluses I have to say that the sex was pretty hot. For complaints, I have to second what others have said about the mystery/thriller portion of the plot. The duo have one instance of taking time out to have sex when they should have been performing their duty. They also have sex when they know the criminal is in the area--instead of being on guard against him or actually trying to hunt him down. I also realized at the end of the book that Logan and Dylan never really contributed a lot to the investigation--others were more involved in the resolution. While the mating issue is resolved, one other significant issue is left dangling. Perhaps this is addressed in the next book? I liked the read--enough to follow through with the next book--but felt the weaknesses were enough to keep it from being great. Please note that this book has two separate Goodreads records so check reviews on both.
Profile Image for Cee Brown.
1,310 reviews38 followers
March 5, 2019
╰⊰⊹ 🌟⊹⊱╮Sometimes, the second read feels like the first.╰⊰⊹ 🌟⊹⊱╮

March 11, 2014

I was actually clearing my iPad when I came across this one. Imagine my surprise when I abandoned (gasp!) the book I was reading to simply enjoy the ride! I simply loved the concept, though I wished it was longer. Need the rest ladies, please. And soon.

ReRead March 1 2019

What a sweet story. Totally enjoyable and just what I expected from a romantic suspense paranormal. Logan was a big bad detective who also happened to be a werewolf. His work partner, Dylan, had always been on his radar. And now that the man was free, Logan made his move, but with drastic mistakes. With murders haunting their city, and Dylan now privy to everything that Logan had kept secret, would the very human about to be turned wolf ever forgive the man he knew was his forever?

Second read through KU.
Profile Image for Jo * Smut-Dickted *.
2,038 reviews517 followers
June 30, 2018
Packed a lot into a short story - including an evolving relationship that started off with a bang, err I mean a bite. That was quite a starting chapter!

The LEO parts seemed ok, and definitely a good sense of Baltimore and how things work/where things are which was great for me. It's shorter, so there is compromise on really fleshing out the world building and the character's history - I thought that would have made it a really strong 5 star story because a bit more depth and some more beyond the case would have helped connection to the characters. Overall, a good read and I will read the next!
Profile Image for Kari Gregg.
Author 30 books677 followers
July 19, 2013
NOTE: I RECEIVED THIS AS AN ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR A FAIR & HONEST REVIEW.

I'm a sucker for shifter stories and this one pushed some of my favorite buttons. Woo boy, that first scene! :D :D :D I liked being shown Dylan's journey from human to werewolf, his struggle with that, and the comic book references were GREAT. A few chuckles is never a negative for me. Crime scenes that includes Edgar Allen Poe's grave appeals to my weird side, too. A fun and sexy read for shifter fans...4.50, rounding up to a 5 and hoping for another book in this world!
Profile Image for Keyrala.
14 reviews
June 25, 2016
It was very nice to see the authors made Dylan one way sumbmissive and in one way dominant.
His reaction to finding out the truth was one of the most honest ones I have ever read in a Paranormal Romance. He was truly frightend and terrified and he panicked in a way that was a kneejerk reaction caused by all of the above. It wasn't the known"oh well you are a werewolf, cool" reaction one gets so often in these types of books, the struggle afterwards was well described and even the big bad alpha wolf had to crawl back in his mates good graces ! =)
Profile Image for Sadie Forsythe.
Author 1 book287 followers
dnf
February 6, 2019
DNF chapter 3

There's a homophone on the first page. The writing is all sorts of hurky-jerky. The dialogue is rough. And in chapter two the alpha basically tries to rape his mate (comes so close to it the mate shoots him twice in the chest with a .38). I just can't be bothered to give it another moment of my attention.
Profile Image for JR.
875 reviews32 followers
August 18, 2017
This was a fast paced, fun adventure. I liked the setting in Baltimore, since I love the city. It's a quick read, a solid story, and likable characters. I hope there will be more, as I would definitely like it to continue.
Profile Image for AND 1515.
1,280 reviews15 followers
April 30, 2020
You remember when I...
by and1515

The Moon's Dirty Light...

Dylan touched the back of his neck it was driving him crazy the darn thing itched all the time, he still hadn't spoken to his partner about that night and as much as he'd like to lay everything at his feet that wouldn't have been fair.
Then the get a new case assigned to them a dead body behind a club.
Logan, had wonder what he'd been thinking he realized where his brain had been that night but now he was running out of time before Dylan found out the hard way which probably wouldn't be good for them.
True he had secrets tons of them that's why Logan was where he was now.
Dylan had a scent on him and he didn't like it in fact he was quickly losing the ability to control himself.
Logan's temper had gotten the better of him. But he needed Dylan to truly understand exactly what he had done.
Infuriated at Logan, all he wanted was for him to get out of his home.
Logan did the least smartest thing in the world, he'd made a beeline for a bar.
Yeah pouring unlimited amounts of alcohol would solve his problems.
He knew the issues heading in his direction.
Having to show up a crime scene where he knew Dylan would be was just plan uncomfortable and it didn't stop there.
Logan's knew his ship was sinking and all the rats were fleeing as fast as the little buggers could jump.
Dylan couldn't believe Logan had some scary secrets and he'd been lied to him but knowing he'd told someone else but not him.
There had been several resent murders and this time the head of one of the victims had been left for them to find, almost as if to taunt them.
Logan followed the scent from where the head had been found right to the last place he'd expect.
Standing there Logan realize someone might be targeting the one person who mattered the most to him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
871 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2017
This is the first book in The Werewolves of Baltimore Series. An intriguing book with good writing. There were a few grammar issues though. I enjoyed this book, but it needed more detail. I felt that there were gaps of information that if filled would have deepened the story. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. Although the murders plot didn’t feel like it was really part of the story. Like parts were just put in to give the story another aspect to expand the story. But the conclusion of that part of the story was like an afterthought. There needed to be more to it. I did however find the story and characters likeable. The characters were developed and thought out. I would have like to know more about their backgrounds though. Dylan is a human and Logan is a werewolf and they are the MC’s of this book and mates. There was humor, wolves, vampires, murders, a rogue werewolf, mating bond issues, a surprise, police and so much more in this book.

Here is a quote from the book, “You filed a missing person’s report?” Dylan asked as she ushered them into the house. “Well, I tried to. My husband George didn’t come home last night. He would never stay out all night and not call. You’re here to take my report, right?” … “Mrs. Regan, I’m sorry to inform you…” He paused for a moment to give Mrs. Regan time to realize they weren’t here to give good news. “Your husband is dead.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.


141 reviews8 followers
March 17, 2019
(Review with spoilers)


First book I read by the authors. I loved it, it had funny moments.


Logan and Dylan have to find a serial killer at the same time they struggle not to lose their relationship.


I love Dylan and his love of comics. I understand why he's mad at Logan. He lied to him for years, didn't trust him when he trusted him with his life, and decided for him when he marked him. Dylan couldn't choose without knowing the truth. He betrayed him. He knows he didn't want to hurt him, but that's not enough. They have to be equals. They have to open up, trust each other, like he's been doing for years.

I can understand Logan as well. He didn't like lying to Dylan, but he was afraid that he would reject him. He didn't want to lose the man he loved, his best friend. He regrets it, he knows he acted badly. He didn't want to hurt him or force him to do anything. He wants him to choose and, even if his decision hurts, he will accept it. He is also a noble man who has been sacrificing himself for years working for humans.

I love Rosa. She doesn't lose her smile. I love how she gets along with them.

I also loved Anatol and Kaden.

I found the mystery interesting, and I also found it interesting to learn more about their society.


I received an arc from the authors, and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tina.
2,697 reviews15 followers
September 27, 2018
Dylan and Logan have been partners for years. Until one night changes the nature of their relationship. But with secrets kept will they make it past a one night stand?

The Moon’s Dirty Light is first in by H.L. Holston’s Werewolves of Baltimore series. Logan and Dylan are cops. They are friends who need to trust each other due to the nature of their job. One night their veiled attraction ignites but one of them hasn’t been completely honest. Can they move past the sense of betrayal? I like Dylan and Logan. Dylan has found his world changed and he is struggling. I appreciated that Ms. Holston allowed Dylan to feel betrayed by Logan’s actions. The friendship he thought they had appears to be nothing but smoke and mirrors. And Logan doesn’t know where to turn. I appreciated the fact that Ms. Holston didn’t allow Logan to hide from his screw-ups. Will he be able to convince Dylan to trust him again? Ms. Holston kept us guessing throughout this story. Even as Dylan and Logan tried to navigate their new relationship while hunting a serial killer. I enjoyed my first foray into Ms. Holston’s world and look forward to where she will take us next.




Five Shooting Stars
1,108 reviews
August 27, 2017
For big pluses I have to say that the sex was pretty hot. For complaints, I have to second what others have said about the mystery/thriller portion of the plot. The duo have one instance of taking time out to have sex when they should have been performing their duty. They also have sex when they know the criminal is in the area--instead of being on guard against him or actually trying to hunt him down. I also realized at the end of the book that Logan and Dylan never really contributed a lot to the investigation--others were more involved in the resolution. While the mating issue is resolved, one other significant issue is left dangling. Perhaps this is addressed in the next book? I liked the read--enough to follow through with the next book--but felt the weaknesses were enough to keep it from being great. Please note that this book has two separate Goodreads records so check reviews on both.
Profile Image for Belinda.
398 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2017
This is the first book and a cautionary tale of what happens when full disclosure isn’t exercised. Logan is a werewolf on a human police force who happens to be gay and in love with his oblivious best friend and partner on the force, Dylan. Dylan was once married to a woman but is now divorced and has come out. When they finally succumb to each other, Logan’s wolf takes things a bit too far and changes Dylan’s life forever. Honestly, if I were Dylan, Logan would have gotten much harsher treatment for what he did but I suppose if you’re mates, things will eventually come together somehow. There are some hot scenes, some interesting characters, and a whole new structure that I’ve not seen in my previous shifter stories or in any of the MM stories that I’ve read. My only complaint about this story is that I wish that it were longer so that we could learn and bond more with the characters. I hope that some of the characters reappear in future stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

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