In the Light of the Moon

Light in the Dark #1

by Noelle Upton

Sylvie, a twenty-eight year old undergraduate student, has recently moved to Antler Pointe following the death of her father. She’s committed to finally finish her degree in English and to learn her family craft under the tutelage of her grandmother. One night, while closing up at her part-time job, Sylvie stumbles upon an injured man. After helping him on his feet, and watching him shuffle off into the night, Sylvie goes into her last year of college with an enthusiasm to finally set her life back on track. What she doesn’t expect, however, is to quite literally run into the man she helped, now fully healed. He’s curt and suspicious of her but is committed to settle the debt of her kindness.

Orion is a literature professor who has settled in his hometown after years of trying to find his place. After a disastrous attempt, Orion has resolved himself to live a quiet life on his family’s land with nature and books for companions. But once a witch with kind eyes saves him by caring for and generously gifting him with her smiles, he starts to hope that he may not need to remain alone.

However, there is something sinister happening in Antler Pointe, and while they’re eager to explore a peaceful life with one another, Sylvie and Orion are quickly swept up in a string of disappearances that culminates in a bloody showdown. In the Light of the Moon is a paranormal romance with a fall backdrop where witches and shifters meet, fight, and love. All under the light and shadows of a living forest that calls to both groups with very different songs.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Witches, Paranormal Romance, Ebooks, Monsters

412 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 2024

About the author

Noelle Upton is an indie author and lover of fantasy, romance, and dark tales. When she's not writing or reading, Noelle enjoys dancing, chatting with friends over good food, and laughing with her husband. Her two series, Twin Blades and A Light in the Dark, are ongoing.

Reviews

[Leah Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

So! I was an ARC reader for this book and really did enjoy it. There’s lots of representation in this paranormal romance which must be commended! The fall setting makes for a perfect duvet day snuggly read.

O & S are so organic and it’s wonderfully refreshing to read about two people with an abundance of chemistry that can also communicate!! This leads me to the spice.. chefs kiss!!** uncomplicated hot af scenes, loved jt! The way that they are interconnected ties in the plot and opens up so many twists within the book.

Granna gets 5*’s for herself and her wit.

I’m going to buy myself a copy and enjoy a physical re-read of this with my notes.

Thank you to Noelle Upton for the e-copy of this book, it’s earned a permanent place on my bookshelf.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed.

A very sweet paranormal romance with a wolf shifter MMC who is on the spectrum and a witch FMC with a lot of anxiety. Both Orion and Sylvie were so sweet and you’re rooting for them the entire time.

While the antagonist were there and would pop up throughout the book, I wish they felt a little scarier.

While the epilogue is told from the POV of Orion’s sister Ramona, she still recaps what we’ve missed in the years since the end of the story and it only devotes maybe a page to setting up her story. Also there is a bonus chapter if you sign up for the author’s newsletter.

Check this one out!

[Proserpina Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this if you like:
🌷Multiple(ish?) POV
🌷Romantic Spice
🌷Autism Rep
🌷Witch x Werewolves
🌷Healthy communication
🌷"Mine", "My mate"
🌷Knotting (and more!)
🌷A Sassy, lovable, terrific Granna!!!

I loved this book. The first few chapters were a bit slow, but once it picks up, BOY does it pick up! I love that Noelle gave us time to see their relationship flourish before heading into the main plot (not spoiling!), like a calm before the storm. Personally, I liked that we didn't have slowburn for this one. There's no reason to put tension in the relationship because Sylvie is quick to pick up all of Orion's social and emotional struggles, and Orion is mature enough to hold back his "primal" Instincts (when it matters 🤭🤭🤭). Besides, there's enough tension outside of the relationship as it is.

Cons: (Please skip if you don't want to read! Thank you for understanding 🌷)

*･ﾟﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*ﾟ:*:✼✿　　

There are some chapters later passing the 2nd half with other POVs aside from Orion and Sylvie's that took me out of the story completely. It's like investing a lot in the couple's linear storyline and suddenly panning over to another thing happening in another place. It would have packed a bigger punch without those additional POVs and we get to see things unfold from either Orion or Sylvie's perspective.

[Disgusted Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this

[MageLexxus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is so full of heart and soul. The lead female character Sylvie (a witch) is so relatable with trying to adjust to starting over again with going back to college and being stuck at a dead end job. Meeting the male lead Orion (wolf shifter and college professor) with his personality being a breath of fresh air riddle with anxiety and being on the spectrum is really good addition to his character development and relationship with Sylvie who understands him and love him. Sylvie and Orion’s relationship started out a little rocky, but they fell into a beautiful, and spicy relationship which I enjoyed how organic the chemistry was and that they both are willing to communicate their feelings towards each other. This is a slow-burn book in the book, but it picks up speed with every turning pages. I adore Sylvie’s relationship with her grandmother of how much she cares and looks up to her and their banter (lol). Orion expresses his admiration for his deceased father and how he and Sylvie connected through each other’s grief as she lost her father recently. Overall this is a perfect cozy read for those who love paranormal romance with a little stakes in the story. I just wish the antagonist are a little more focused to heighten the tension for are main leads.
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Thank you to the author for sending me an e-arc of this story!!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would read this book again for Granna alone.

I really enjoyed the playfulness between Orion and Sylvie! Their dialogue could be a bit sappy at times, but overall had me giggling and kicking my feet. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a sweet, paranormal romance with fall vibes!

[Monica]

DNF. Twenty percent in and very little has happened and the MCs have been thinking about each other a lot and interacting with each other almost not at all.

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this e-arc,


Sylvie just moved back into town with her grandma after her father passed away she’s working at a pizza shop and taking witchy lessons from her grandma.
One night she helps a mysterious stranger who is hurt. Sylvie doesn’t see the mysterious man again intill her college semester starts.

Turns out he’s Professor Orion Gaeluh in the English department. And Orion recognizes Sylvie and tried to settle his debt since she helped him. Things are a little awkward at first but the two begin dating and getting to know each other.(Sylvie is 28 and he’s 33 so a little bit of an age gap)

The town notices that people are beginning to go missing and something sinister is happening in the woods. Sylvie begins to realize that her and her grandma aren’t the only supernatural beings in the town. Orion may or may not be a Wolf shifter and something is going on with the other shifters in town. Sylvies power is also coming into fruition.

This was such a cozy read and perfect for the fall. I thought the world in this book was so interesting I do wish the author explained it more and I wish there was a little bit of a slowburn between Sylvie and Orion. Overall I enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read the next book.

Tropes
Black witches
Autistic rep
Knotting
Werewolf
Fall setting

[Madison D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ate this ARC up. I thought the characters were likable, and the pacing of this book was great. I was sucked in almost immediately. The romance had me giggling and kicking my feet, and the plot moved pretty smoothly.

[what.rachel.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The need this man has to fully bury his nose in her neck and huff could sustain me.

[Ashley Matics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Sylvie and Orion caught my attention from page one and it was hard to put this book down and do real life. Sylvie is a multi faceted and dynamic FMC who experiences growth and challenges with poise and grace. Orion is such a sweetheart and I just want to hug and squeeze him.

Orion's ASD was well written and true to someone who has ASD with no support needs. It took a good portion of the book for it to be revealed that he has ASD, which not everyone may realize he has.

The story of Sylvie and Orion meeting and falling in love felt very organic and natural. Their early interactions didn't feel weird or forced, and as they warmed up to each other the speed in which they did things was fluid and realistic.

The supernatural/fantasy elements of this story were well written and blended seamlessly with the world around the characters.

Overall this was a great read and I can't wait to see where this series goes!

[z ༄ · Rating 5 out of 5]

[4.75/5]

This was such a good paranormal romance from Noelle. This was my first novel by her, but definitely not my last.

Her writing is so atmospheric and I enjoyed the romance (and spice) so much!!! I rarely read paranormal romances or just paranormal books in general but I’m glad I picked this one up.

While a bit slow at times, I still found myself wanting to read on and see what was going down. It has a bit of a mystery/suspenseful tone at times and I really enjoyed that.

Sylvies relationship with her Granna was something I really loved and found endearing how Sylvie was learning, but also caring for her Granna.

The diversity was great in this as well. I loved the Black witch FMC and mixed albino MMC. We also had a non-binary character named Juno who I found to be interesting, and would love a book on them later on hehe.

I will always think that paranormal books are hard to write because of all the different species and research that may go into the book to learn about myths/fable but the author did well in my opinion!

It was fun reading about shifters and witches and Fae and just all the magical abilities that everyone had in this.

The spice, (sorry we have to talk about it again) was just, OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!! My only other book to compare knotting with is Bride by Ali Hazelwood, but this had more of it and was about on the same level as it. Both were equally good, I just really loved how this one went into detail explicitly about WHAT it is and then how it happens, etc.

I need more knotting book recs, please and thank you!!!! Hand em over!!!!!

I LOVE POSSESSIVE PEOPLE. “Mine. Yours.” GIMME GIMME. They were so HOT in this!!! Both of them!!! So excited to start the ARC of Scars of the Sun that follows Ramona, which is Orions sister with a JAGUAR SHIFTER!!!! Rahhhh! So excited.

Definitely one of my new favorite indie books, paranormal romance books, and diverse reads! I would definitely recommend. <3

Content Warnings: Sexual content, Blood, Cursing, Death, Stalking, Injury/Injury detail, Dementia, Death of parent, OCD, and Mental Illness

[CLorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Light of the Moon by Noelle Upton is a dazzlingly, quirky shifter/witch romance with the nicest and cutest paranormal pair I have encountered in a long while. They are just darling! Sylvie has returned to Antler Pointe to both hone her craft with her powerful grandmother AND finish her undergrad degree. One night while working at her diner job, she finds a wounded man behind the business. Her first instinct is to render aid. Imagine her surprise when she encounters him again on her college campus. Orion is just as surprised to run into Sylvie as she is to see him in this environment. His social anxiety (neurodivergent) gives her a very negative second impression of him, the last thing he wants to happen! Ms. Upton fills this charming story with magic, secrets and angst. The secondary characters and side stories are amazing (especially from grandmother (Granna), and we get some insight into the villains as well as our heroes. I absolutely enjoyed this story and look forward to the sequel where Orion’s sister Ramona is front and center.
https://theretiredreader.com/read-for...

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a pretty quick read. The story has an interesting concept. I liked the inclusivity in the book. I really enjoyed the part of the story where they talked about the day to day with being on the spectrum. I wish that was built on further to impact the character development. We got the quirky details, and hints of how it built the character, but I think it could have been expanded. The plot didn't flow well for me. I think it needed more building; the ending didn't feel like fit. I can see where it was going but I just didn't feel like the pieces came together.

[Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ups and downs

This book had ups and downs for me. The plot was great. The story dragged in parts, seemed a little bogged down with details. While other parts were confusing by losing who was speaking and not enough details to flesh out exactly what was happening. I found myself rereading in several places. I enjoyed Orion and Sylvie. I liked Orion's unique traits that usually aren't seen in the hero. Sylvie had such patience and fire. I enjoyed the ending and felt hopeful for what's to come for the characters.

[Ofentse · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7 ⭐️
Was almost a 4 but there were a couple of things that took away from the overall impact of the story. While loved the character development and the chemistry between Orion and Sylvie it felt like certain aspects of the overarching supernatural plot line weren’t cared for as well as these other aspects which in the end made the climax fall a bit flat. The author does such a great job of introducing the mystery behind the murders and keeping you curious but then halfway through the book somewhat abandons it and only mentions it in brief summaries. I think the climax should’ve happened a bit sooner so we also could’ve gotten a more fleshed out resolution of everything. Orion becoming leader alone should’ve been something we as an audience got to read him deciding not just something told to us in summary after the fact. Especially since it was so tied to the character development we’d been watching him go through throughout the book. Also Granna’s slip ups it felt untrue to Sylvie’s character to have her basically ignore them at points out of fear rather than tackling them out of fear that they were indicative of a larger underlying problem, or at the very least make her become hyper vigilant but she didn’t they became afterthoughts the minute her and Orion basically started living together just like the murders. I also wish we got to read Orion actually thinking about how he was going to solve his issues with the pack rather than constantly saying he needed to think about how to deal with them, it also felt like it went against the Orion we had gotten to know especially after he realised the pack was getting closer to Sylvie. I think the breadcrumbing on granna’s part in the overarching plot could’ve also been a bit more.

I think the characters are so interesting and well written and genuine that you can’t help but fall in love with them but it’s also because of that that you can’t help but be somewhat disappointed at the plot falling flat.

Overall I’d say considering this is the authors second novels it’s a very good start. While I enjoyed aspects of the supernatural lore I think it could’ve taken up more space in the book as a whole. I think the main problem is balancing the space in the book between the romantic plot and the supernatural plot and ensuring both are given enough space to be properly fleshed out and understood. I was really intrigued by the supernatural plot line and the types of witches and shifters etc but I feel like I never got the satisfaction of having my curiosity quenched so I’d love to see improvements in that in future books.

In conclusion I’d still recommend the book I had a blast, Orion and Sylvie are so cute even long after they got together I was never not entertained by watching them grow together and care for their love and relationship.

[Brandy Pickens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witches, Werewolves, and Murder…. Yes, please! This is the first book I’ve read by indie author, Noelle Upton, and now it won’t be the last.

I received this e-book as an ARC reader and found it engaging from beginning to end. The story centers around Sylvie, who returns to her small town and moves in with her grandmother after taking care of her father until his passing. While working at a (failing) pizza joint, she comes across a stranger who is hurt and finds herself wanting to help him, as much as he will allow her to. Later, she bumps into him again as she starts her new semester in college. As their love slowly grows, so does the intermingling of a world filled with witches, werewolves, other otherworldly beings, and murders. By the end, you are immersed in a world that you truly don’t want to end.

I really want to highlight the inclusivity in this book. I’ve never read a book with a Main Character on the spectrum and Noelle’s ability to describe Orion’s Autistic mannerisms really brings him to life. His struggling through social norms and understanding others through his senses made me appreciate his character more. Also, Orion’s own internal healing with growing up with a mother who did not know how to raise a kid on the spectrum was endearing to read.

Another inclusivity moment in this book was being introduced to Dr. Vanders. A character that identifies with the “they” pronoun. I must, ignorantly admit that, at first, I thought it was a typo. It took getting further in the book to understand that the character wanted to be called by the “they” pronoun. I am so appreciative of the author for breaking stereotypes (within this reader) and for giving a space for all to see themselves in a book.

On the spicy level, I give it a 3.5/5 – it did not make me blush, but it seemed very organic, like two people falling in love and enjoying each other in as many ways as possible.

As another Reviewer mentioned, I would have liked a slower burn for Sylvie and Orion that lead up to the spice. Maybe that’s what we will get in the next installment of what, I believe, is going to be an amazing series. Thank you, Noelle, for allowing me a first glimpse into this amazing world and I look forward to reading Ramona’s story next.

[Ayanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

**Spoilers included

I appreciate the detail the author gave with the main characters backstory it definitely helped gain a better understanding of them as characters. There were moments where Sylvie that I’m a nerves the first being her first interaction with Orien. I understand inclination to help someone in need but in no way should a woman be approaching a strange man covered in blood anywhere especially not dead at night behind her job by the dumpster. The second being the weekend trip, he told her that he was going out of town for the weekend. He was going camping and He wouldn’t have cell service. Sylvia then turns around, of course text him, and then gets angry when he doesn’t respond I find this to be so annoying when it comes to the way that female characters are written in books. There were some other things that I wasn’t too, particularly fond of certain dialogues or interactions that didn’t quite flow or maybe that was a little bit cringe. But by the end of the story, I definitely felt like it was a good story overall and and answered all the questions or all the mysteries by the end, no matter how you may feel about how that happened. They did tie up loose ends and head I stopped reading there I would have given this book a solid, 3 out of 5. But then comes the five years later I did mind it being from the POV of the sister Ramona, but what I hated was the fact that despite her showing up unannounced at her brothers and sister-in-s home. Sylvie did not put on a shirt, I understand someone showing up unannounced and I understand that you were breast-feeding, but if someone comes into your home, put on a shirt. It just ruined the entire book for me because that’s the only thing I could think about why wouldn’t you put on a shirt she makes it seem like just because she shit because she showed up to her home unannounced that she didn’t need to put on a shirt and I just find that to be completely ridiculous and it’s ruined the entire book for me, which is why it gets a two.

[Bobbie-Leigh (thefairybooksqueen) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book!

It’s a paranormal romance between a witch and a wolf shifter. It’s got so much heart and soul in this book! I loved the cozy witchy side of the book with sylvie’s granna with the garden, the hot drinks & talking to the plants 🫶🏻 it felt very homely! I loved the way the author wrote the little details! Felt very atmospheric!

The Mmc Orion was an actual dream boat he was so shy but also dominant and his wolf characteristics had me giggling kicking my feet!!! The way this man blushes!!! Reminded me a little of wildfire by hannah grace! There was a brilliant execution of Orion having OCD/being on the autistic spectrum, it didn’t feel forced or negative! And Sylvia was so adaptive to his needs and ways of life 🥺

The fmc Sylvie was a sweetheart and I loved her so much, she was such a warm character and I really enjoyed her pov. Her journey with her powers was so sweet the way she studied with her granna. The ending left me sad but also felt really wholesome at the same time! I liked that she didn’t take any shit too🤣

I felt the story was a little slow at times but it’s more of a cozy book than I’m used to! I also wish there was more of a slow burn between the main characters. The spicy scenes were amazing though and nicely descriptive!

I’m excited for the next book to see Orion’s story!

I received this as an arc from the author and this is my honest review!

[cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a mix of romance, fantasy and mystery all brought together to make one delicious meal.

Sylvie is living with her Granna trying to finally finish her Bachelors while also trying learn more about her magic and witchcraft.

Orion is an English Professor who enjoys his alone time in his cabin in the woods. He also happens to be a Wolf shifter.

One night Sylvie stumbles upon Orion injured, hiding behind a dumpster. After helping him out, Orion feels like he owes Sylvie something. The more they interact, the harder it becomes for them to deny the pulled between them.

When a classmate of Sylvie’s goes missing, she’s starts to think that maybe this new world of shifters she’s been introduced to and the people who have been missing are connected. She starts to become very cautious while also trying to strengthen her magic, not knowing if she’s be the next target.

The romance between Sylvie and Orion is hot and spicy while simultaneously being warm and sweet. Their connection never felt forced or rushed. I really enjoyed every interaction between the two. The mental health rep in this book was extremely well shown. You have Sylvie with her anxiety and Orion being on the Autism spectrum.

[BooksChaosandTea · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the light of the Moon is the first book I have read by Noelle Upton. It was a pleasure to read. I was especially excited about a black witch. Sylvie was not too hard, not too soft.  I loved her interactions with her grandmother. Her willingness to learn all the things she had not learned at a younger age.
At first I didn't understand the Orion and Sylvie together as a couple. However, as the story progressed. I was able to see how the complimented one another. Orion is more reserved even with his mother. However, she didn't seem like a nice person. I wasn't sure how to feel about being happy, that his sister pretty much had the same experience with their mother. I was conflicted but happy to know that there wasn't a favorite child. Their mother only cares about herself.
The way the story unfolded and meeting the characters and understanding them and their complexities.  So many times characters are written one dimensional and are stuck in one specific attribute. It was a pleasure to read about characters who shifted and showed themselves to be more realistic. It was great learning their backstory which gave way to understanding how they became the people that they are.
I do wish we had gotten more of Granna's story. I am quite sure it would be an exciting read.

[Melissa Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the whole thing in a day!

This was such a cute and spicy story. I absolutely loved the tension between the main characters, especially in the second half, and made for a serious page turner. The editing was immaculate.

In particular I really related to and loved Orion's chapters, probably because I am autistic. He was so shy at first and the use of his sense of smell to detect emotions combined with the autism was fascinating and really original. Sometimes I even found myself making sure I didn't skim through the other chapters to get back to Orion haha

Not for some things I think could have been done better, and if the author is reading this, this is the point at which you should stop reading if you prefer not to read this stuff ;)

I personally think that having the two leads get together fairly early in the story reduced a lot of the tension and made it more difficult for me to root for them. I didn't enjoy the second half, especially Jasper's POV chapters. The book felt a bit like two complete stories put together. I also wasn't particularly fond of all the smoking.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, round up

This was super cute. If you are looking for a sweet, fairly low angst romance, this will fit the bill. Sylvie and Orion are so very careful with one another, and there is nothing toxic in their relationship. Honestly, it might be a little too easy. But it is heartwarming and soft. There’s also excellent diversity and representation in the book. And I very much appreciate that older characters have active internal (and love) lives without being made into a joke or bit.

While I generally enjoyed the book, I do have complaints, however. The biggest one, for me, is how little paranormal is in the paranormal romance. You see nothing of it beyond Sylvie learning salves “from the book” until the 30% mark. And even past that, it’s definitely in the background, cropping up for the climactic action but not the focus. There’s no real description or explanation of werewolf 3-form biology, for example. The reader just has to figure it out from genre norms. I thought the authorial treatment of Orion’s mother was cliched, and the book also feels a little long.

All in all, however, I was happy with it and will be reading more of Upton’s work.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by noelle that I have read and I loved it! I will definitely be reading more by her!

From the second I picked this book up I found it hard to put it down! The story is so amazingly written and hooked me in right from the first chapter.

The paranormal aspect of this book was so well written and I really loved it! The way it was all integrated into a real world setting without seeming out of place was amazing!

I also thought the autistic mmc was very well written and didn't fall into the stereotypical autistic person role that most authors use to write their characters! As an autistic person myself it's amazing to see it represented well in a book!

And then we have Granna, who I have to admit is definitely one of my favourite characters I've ever read about!

I have no doubts that this is a 5☆ read!

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a witch x werewolf romance filled with spice, autism representation and a sassy, loveable side character.

[Jesslynxreay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. The characters are very fleshed out, their responses and reactions feel natural to their character. The multi pov is done well. The chemistry between the two main characters is fantastic, and Sylvie feels like the kindest, most accepting, and understanding woman in the world. And I love the neurodivergent representation for Orion, and how he can be his true self with her. The spice scenes are lovely. The story running parallel to the romance story is wild. Did not see it coming. It took a long time to release information, it’s like you get these sentences without much context that made me a bit confused, and toward the end of the book it all comes together, a lot happens at the end. The entire book is slower, a lazy, delicious unfolding of their true love. The path is worth it though. I am looking forward to reading Ramona’s story (Jaguar shifter? That’s so cool). I was given a copy to read in advance of the arc copy for book two, and am gratefully leaving a review of my own volition.

[R K · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,75/5

I love those books where the romance is sweet and uncomplicated. When two people meet and they swiftly realize they were made for each other.

In The Light of the Moon is one of those books.

To be honest I had to get used to Noelle Upton’s writing style, but after the first few chapter, I devoured the book in one sitting.


What I loved:

• The two main characters. Sylvie were such a cute FMC and I don’t think I’ve ever met a MMC like Orion
• The story’s main focus on the relationship.
• The COMMUNICATION: I love, love, love straightforward and honest conversations between the MCs. I hate miscommunication as it seems so childish to me, so I was delighted to skip this trope. Thank you Noelle Upton!
• MMC on the spectrum.
• Granna

What bothered me a little:

• The third POV: I understand why it was necessary, but I felt like it took away something from the story for me. (probably this is entirely my problem)


In conclusion, I adored this couple and this gonna be a multiple reread in the future.

Now I’m off to enjoy Ramona’s book.

[Alisha (Bemybookhangover) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐭, 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡."

I'm a sucker for fated mates! Sylvie and Orion were so likeable. I loved how protective they were of eachother. No matter how potentially uncertain they were about themselves or a situation they were in, it didn't matter if one of them was in trouble. I liked learning about the witches, shifters, and their magic.

I thought Orion's autism aspect was done well and respectfully. As a mom of a son on the Spectrum, I could identify with how Orion felt or acted in certain situations. It was interesting that since he was a wolf shifter, he used his sense of smell to navigate those social cues that are sometimes hard for those with ASD.

This story was sweet and also mysterious. It had romance and suspense. The spice was SPICINGGGG🔥 If you like shifter romances & spice, with a bit of trouble, I'd recommend this!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌒 𝐼𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝑜𝓃🌒

🌑 Oh my goddd, if you’re into fated mates, shifters, and witches, In the Light of the Moon is a must-read! Sylvie and Orion are the kind of characters you instantly root for. Sylvie, trying to finish college and learn witchcraft, meets Orion, a wolf-shifter English professor with autism, and sparks fly. Their chemistry? Off the charts! Sweet, protective, and spicy! these two are perfect for each other.🌑

🫶🏻The story mixes romance, mystery, and fantasy perfectly. There’s magic, danger, and a string of disappearances that keeps you guessing. While the mystery was a little predictable, it didn’t take away from the fun of watching Sylvie and Orion figure it out.🫶🏻

🧡Bonus points for great mental health rep! Orion’s autism is respectfully portrayed, and Sylvie’s anxiety felt so real. The spice? Spicingggg! If you love shifter romances with a dash of suspense, grab this one!🧡

[Daniella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ARC was sent to me by the author a few days ago!
It has been a pleasure learning about these characters and seeing their development. Sylvie and Orion are super cute and fun to read about. So many things interconnected them throughout their lives and so many twist and turns happened within the book that only made me want to read it further. I appreciate the little teasers to continue their story through that of their friends/family. The addition of having Orion’s character be autistic added another flavor to the story. As someone who works with autistic children on the daily I very much so noticed things that hinted at some of their daily struggles and I really liked how that was written into the plot. Totally looking forward to another book

[Cipriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I can confidently state that wolf shifter books are MY FAV, this one was totally different from the norm. I think my biggest hang up was that I didn’t feel a genuine connection to any of the characters despite the length of this book. I do think it’s pretty incredible to have a MMC on the spectrum be so well presented, but I think that coupled with his somewhat dominant sexual preference seemed to clash in my head. It was a cute read though, with a good plot and was well wrapped up in a single read. I truly feel like there must be additional books coming because there is one set of characters that I have a TON of questions about. I think this book itself could’ve easily been a series, because the information presented has the potential to really grow into more.