Dark Moon

by Leisl Leighton

Lately, Skye Collins has been unable to shake the feeling that she's being watched. After a lifetime spent hiding her true nature, she knows that any unusual attention is something to be wary of.  And the only attention she's been receiving lately is from the intense and attractive Jason McVale. 

Jason claims to know things about Skye that can't be true, and it's obvious he's hiding secrets of his own. Yet despite herself, Skye can't resist the attraction between them, and her surrender will set in motion a chain of events that will have consequences for everyone she holds dear.

Gradually, Jason convinces Skye that she has to trust him if she is to solve the riddle of her past and learn the truth about her power.  But believing Jason means that her entire life has been based on a lie.

As her enemies gather strength and the danger increases, Skye is forced to accept who she really is. Will she risk everything and fight for those she loves? Or save herself and let them be destroyed by the forces of darkness? 

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2014

About the author

Leisl Leighton is a tall red head with an overly large imagination. As a child, she identified strongly with Anne of Green Gables, and like Anne, is a voracious reader and born performer. It came as no surprise when she went on to a career as a performer, script writer, script doctor, stage manager and musical director for cabaret and theatre restaurants.

After starting a family, Leisl stopped performing and began writing the stories plaguing her dreams. She is addicted to sci-fi and romance books and DVDs, she sometimes sings in a choir, loves to ski and horse ride, and was President of Romance Writers of Australia from 2014–2017. When she’s not writing, she helps other writers make their manuscripts shine.

You can contact Leisl through her website www.leislleighton.com or sign up to her Newsletter there and be the first to find out about new releases, appearances, special deals and exclusive giveaways.

Leisl is excited to be part of the Goodreads community and is happy to post reviews, but will only do so for books she has given 4 or more stars. 'I want to share what I love, not put negativity out into the world.'

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where to start, I liked the blurb for this book but in reality it never lived up to expectations. The beginning was very slow and took along while to get going, the idea was good and some of the characters were interesting but the first half could in all honesty have been half the length I found myself skimming just to get through it. The main problem was Skye at one point she's described as " weak and stupid and gullible" I couldn't agree more she was weak, annoying, irritating and living in denial more than any character I've ever read. I've said the idea was good and it was or it could have been, but it was so implausible at times, I know it's a werewolf romance but regardless of the subject matter I personally need to like and relate to the character I'm reading about and that just didn't work in this case. Even when being told directly by someone she trusts Skye still refuses to believe what's going on around her and sticks her head in the sand, she's all about saving and loving River but then ignores everything that comes out of his mouth refusing to see what's right in front of her eyes and don't get me started on her grandmother....
So in summary I liked the sound of this book but it just didn't work for me it's seriously needs condensing and Skye needs well how much time have we got...

I received ARC copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Patty McKenna Van Hulle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leisl Leighton

Witchiness galore, explosive passion, a yummy Alpha and a witch with powers so strong, they can kill, are all ingredients you need for a sexy and twisted paranormal read!

Skye Collins is a witch with violent power that can kill and has already burnt and almost killed her twin brother, River. Her grandfather placed a dampening spell, so that if she tries to use her powers, she has intensive pain stabbing thru her head. Skye lives a half live, but has 2 great Wiccan friends, a great business and a mentally ill brother, who lives with their grandmother. She is having a great ski boarding trip until, this idiot crashes into her.

Jason McVale has become Alpha of his pack after the accident that killed his parents, his brother and his wife and this aunt and uncle. He lives for 3 things, finding his Pack Witch, breaking his Pack’s curse and REVENGE! The Pack Witch, Skylar Collins, was kidnapped, after her parents and twin brother's were killed in an car accident. An Alpha and Pack Witch have a bond that feed energy to the pack and break the curse. As he and his carefree brother, Adam, go skiing, he runs right into this chick with a great a$$.

As this two collide on the ski slope, their energy reaches out and Jason is floored because he finally found his Pack Witch and Skye is terrified because she thinks he is a Warlock. She opens her senses and feels he isn't a Warlock, but yummy and likable. He just wants to smell, lick and never let go. Skye is injured, leaves as fast as she can. Jason lets her go, but thinks that something is wrong with her power. Later that night as Skye is chilling in the resorts kitchen, Jason chats with her, share some his Bonding Wine (to activate the Alpha-Pack Witch bond), which makes Skye horny and the next thing she knows, they are getting down and dirty. At the moment of her best orgasm of her life, her powers slam into Jason, turns him furry with 4 legs. He is so happy to be his wolf again, also he found his MATE in Skye, who flames out, passes out and at death’s door.

Jason calls his witchie friend, told to get away from her and does, but he will watch, follow and keep his MATE safe. As these two reconnect in town, he slowly reenters her world and she hesitates and lets him, but she is scared of their explosive passion. Skye and Jason enter into a fight of good verses evil, as an unknown coven stalks her and her power, but with the help of 2 Wiccan BFF, a scheming brother, magic galore, up against any available surface sex, the strong Alpha-Pack Witch bond, toe curling kisses, misfired and uncontrollable powers, but mostly wandering lips, and hands to make them stand up and fight! How can they unleash her powers without killing her? Will Skye embrace her powers, instead of fear them? Can Jason make her understand that he will die for her? If they stand together, can they defend the evil? Can their bond save them and the pack?

This is my first Leisl Leighton read and she combined shape shifter lore with magically flavor and WHAMO, I was transported to her world and cast a few spells of my own. Skye is a heroine with diamond encrusted wall around her power and her heart. She was crippled by fear. Jason was a strong and silent true Alpha, but he had a gooey heart for his pack. She had what he needed and he had want she needed, like puzzle pieces to make a whole pack. Ms. Leighton gave birth to a paranormal world that is complex, but she makes it understandable and I totally got it! I love her cast of sidekicks, Skye's Wiccan true BFFs and Jason's brother. The good verses evil is always an amazing storyline for me. Ms. Leighton earns a score of 3 dinger up and 7 toes and I hope to read another tale with these great characters!

NetGallwy ARC given for my honest review.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

It has been a while since I have found a good paranormal romance, and after finishing Dark Moon I think that I have found a new series I am going to enjoy. It is written by an Australian author – Leisl Leighton – and it’s set in my state of Victoria too! It was exciting imagining the scene, visiting places that I have been to before. Not only that, I was swept away by the exciting storyline and the sizzling romance.

Since Skye was a child, she lived in fear of two things: her power and large dogs. Skye’s grandparents raised her and to protect her, they bound her powers. When she is run over by a drop dead gorgeous snowboarder on a run down the mountain, her powers become stronger and soon danger is on her doorstep.

The chemistry between Skye and Jason is undeniable and they find it very difficult not to act on it immediately. It may seem like their relationship is very fast paced, but throughout the story their pasts are revealed. Skye is the type of girl who likes to stand up for herself as she has been controlled too much in the past. This trait made it entertaining when she was with Jason because he wants everything done his way and for it to happen now. Jason soon learns that he has to tread carefully with Skye so she can understand everything fully.

I enjoyed the pace of Dark Moon and it had a great mix of mystery, action and romance. The storyline was intriguing; the link between an Alpha and a Pack-Witch in particular. There were great side characters introduced that I’m excited to see more of. Shelley and Bron were fantastic friends and support for Skye. Jason’s brother Adam was amusing at times and is very important to the pack too. The constant danger throughout the book had most of the characters on edge, and the true evil masterminds weren’t revealed until late in the book. It was a very exciting paranormal romance and the story is far from over! I’m excited to see where things will go now!


Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Eva Millien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This paranormal romance keeps readers guessing with lots of suspense, action and romance. Werewolves and witches lives are interconnected and when the bonds are broken lives are destroyed. Alpha Jason has to find his pack witch in order to save his pack from the curse. Skye has repressed her magic for years, she’s afraid of her power, but if what Jason says is true, embracing her powers may be the only thing that saves not only his pack, but hers and her twins as well.

This steady to fast paced plot builds lots of spine tingling anticipation as Jason and Skye try to save the pack and discover a disturbing evil plot that has destroyed lives and will destroy a lot more if it’s not stopped. As the plot thickens Skye learns that what’s she’s been told about her past doesn’t completely add up to the truth. The author brings the story to life with vivid imagery, details and strong bewitching characters that grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning.

The attraction between Skye and Jason radiates from every page with some hot and steamy sex scenes but the relationship has lots of complications including untrained and unwanted magic, emotional issues and evil rogue covens that would like nothing better than to become the ultimate power. The author conveys the emotions of the characters with such vibrant intensity that the reader can’t help but relate and get caught up in the story.

The conflict is so huge that it will take a group effort to have a chance of the good guy coming out on top which adds lots of depth to the story as each character plays their part in the drama.

I found this to be a fascinating and exciting read with intriguing characters that I couldn’t put down. I don’t know if the author plans any more stories involving these characters but I would certainly like to read more about what happens to some of them.

[Robyn Koshel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a good paranormal yarn and this was no exception In Dark Moon- the Alpha Werewolf is looking for his pack Witch to break his packs curse. He finds Skye, who doesn’t even know if she is up for the job, as she has suppressed her magic.

I love how Werewolves and Witches are blended together to make this action packed story.

Jason and Skye have a lot of chemistry and there are moments of delicious sexual tension. Not to mention some very steamy romance.

Dark moon has a lot going on and it has a lot of personality.

If you love paranormal romance with plenty of action and attitude- then this is the book for you.

[Ilene · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page on I couldn't put this book down. It was a interesting premise that Skye had held on to her powers, not knowing all that she was capable since she was a child. Jason and his pack shows her to embrace it. I thought it was really interesting how Skye was connected to Jason and the pack without knowing. I don't want to give away to much because you need to read this book.

If you are into witches, werewolves or just some paranormal fun you need to read this book.

I received a free copy of the book for an honest feedback.

[Aussie bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally I don’t read Witch stories, I just don’t get into them, so I picked this book hoping that the shifter elements outweigh the witch elements of the story. It turns out I shouldn’t have worried even with the witch elements of the story I still loved Dark Moon.



A curse has been placed on Jason’s Pack, they can’t shift and it is slowly driving the wolves mad, Jason’s only hope of saving his pack is to track down a woman who was abducted when she was a child, her powers are enough to reverse the curse.

Skye has spent her lifetime hiding and suppressing her witch powers, she is told by her grandmother that she can hurt the people she loves if she doesn’t keep them in check. Skye and her friends decide to take a holiday to the snow, when a crazy beginner bumps into her and twists her ankle, She meets Jason who she can’t seem to get out of her mind, drawn to him she leaking her magic and panics when she can’t control it. With the help of Jason and her friends Skye must overcome her fear of her magic and learn to harness it to save herself and Jason’s Pack.



Dark moon was very intriguing with Skye not knowing the extent of her powers, it was great to see her unravel the clues to find just who she is supposed to be, I loved the interaction between Jason and Skye there was no Instant falling in love, like in a lot of stories, Skye was attracted to Jason but tried to fight her attraction so that he would not know about her powers. Skyes friendships also play a huge part in the storyline, and adds a unique group dynamic, where everyone has a part to play and makes it hard to put down.

I really enjoyed this book and Ms Leighton makes it hard to put down, sucking you in with steamy love story, Intriguing Storyline and Action packed storylines. I hope that Dark Moon will be made into a series as I would like to hear more about the Pack and It’s dynamics as not much was mentioned about other pack members. I highly recommend this story for anyone who loves shifter novels.

Leisl Leighton is Aussiebookworms Aussie Feature Author for May You can find Dark Moon, and other stories by clicking on the links provided.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark Moon. Leisl Leighton

Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
I love supernatural novels, and shifters ones feature high on my must read lists...I was looking forward to this one, but though it wasn't a book I could dislike, it wasn't one I’d rave about either. Somehow there seemed to be a bit too much packed in. I'm not usually one to moan about that but here it felt a little like overkill, especially as the characters didn't really work for me. I couldn't empathise with them and I just felt they were a bit unreal..I know, I know, it's fantasy and everyone IS unreal but I need to feel the characters are real people and the problems genuine, and able to be overcome, preferably not by some last minute spell of talent!
The characters just felt too stilted and clichéd to me. I felt as if I’d read caricatures of them in a myriad of other books. Still, I can see others have loved them and it just shows what I’m always trying to say, that not all books suit all readers, and thankfully that leads to a wide variety even within specific genres. I need to feel that the people and plots are original, and though I'm not saying the story isn't genuine it just feels like a generic shifter novel, not one that's got any unique points :( I haven't got price info but its around 329 pages so a decent length and though its not one for me it may be just what you're looking for. I loved Liesl's Killing Me Softly so would happily try another book, and not let this one put me off. Not everyone is going to enjoy everything an author writes just because they loved ( or didn't) one book.
ARC provided via Netgalley
Stars: Two and a half, I didn't dislike it, but I can't give it a three/good rating.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes first impressions are all it takes to hit it off with great chemistry and Jason and Skye had LOTS of chemistry:
She choked on a laugh. "Are you saying I have a fat arse?"
Rather than trying to backpedal, his mouth curled into a lopsided smile - such a lovely mouth. "No. In fact, I was thinking how nice it looked before I smacked into you."
Skye she is just so cute and you can't help but fall in love with her, "heat flushed her face with something that wasn't just embarrassment. He was looking at her with a look so hot it made her skin sizzle. His was tone, suggestive, knowing, like he remembered exactly what she looked like naked, hot, sweaty and open to him." Jason that boy is so damn impatient, "damn it! He couldn't wait a second longer, not with her looking at him like that. "Never mind," Jason growled, with his wolf in his throat as he kissed along her chin and down her neck. "The bench will do." And Jason always makes it apparent that Skye 'affects' him, "he pulled back the doona and stood up. Her gaze darted over him, catching on his enlarged co** before darting back up to his face again. He smiled and shrugged. "What do you expect when you march around in front of me naked? It doesn't mean I'm going to jump you." Certain situations bring out babbling in Skye, "and you're naked." What that had to do with anything, she had no idea. But words seemed to be tumbling out of her mouth beyond her control. "You can't be naked. It's getting cold. Aren't you cold? You're naked." Then there was Adam Jason's brother who I hope to hell gets a story because I loved him just as much as Skye and Jason.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Holy moly – this book had some serious off the charts chemistry! Yes, there was romance and smut but what had me completely addicted was the sizzle that seemed to climb right off the pages! If you’re looking for a were/witch paranormal romance with some real heat, look no further.

Skye is a witty and sarcastic “speak her mind” type of woman who has spent her entire life believing a lie. Scared of her innate magical ability and caught under the tyrannically rule of her grandmother, she has been hiding from a lot of things along the way. After literally running into a mystery man on the slopes, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a man for the first time in her life. Jason has been looking for their pack witch for a while now and is determined to get Skye back no matter what. Lucky for him, the attraction is mutual and sizzling from the start. No matter how hard she fights, she can’t truly run far.

There are layers upon layers on intrigue and betrayal that kept the plot twists and turns coming. I can’t say enough about the chemistry between Jason and Skye. Usually a book can kind of sell me on the chemistry between fated mates, but this book took it to a whole new level. I’m happy that the book also gave me some good resolution at the end without any cliffhangers to keep me up at night. I am, however, hoping for more books set in this world because I want to see how things progress, who hooks up with who, and how the pack settles. More please?

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com

I have to say I really enjoyed this story. I was not sure what it was really about when I picked it up from NetGalley but I am so glad I did. There are witches, wiccan, wolf shifters, ghosts, and so much more in this story. I didn’t want to miss one word of it even though some parts did get a little wordy I still could not wait to read the story.

The main characters are very entertaining and interesting. They have a connection from the moment they are together. I enjoyed the background characters as well. Maybe the next in the series is Adam and Shelley? One can only hope.

If you are a fan of paranormal then you should really pick up this book. It has everything a fan of the genre would like and a bunch of suspense as well. Terrific story and one I can’t wait to read the next one of.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was gifted a copy for review through net galley however my opinion is my own. I enjoyed the overall story line and plot progression. I liked the character interactions also. I think the writing could use a little work. At some points the dialogue seems more like slang or conversational more then written, if that makes sense. There are some editing issues that also should be addressed where sentences end incomplete or seem to jump about. But even with these flaws, you can still see the story evolve and suck you in. You want to see how it will end and if the good or evil will win. I want to read more about the secondary characters. As I said I love the story line, plot twists, and romance. All in all a great start to a potentially amazing series!

[Kim Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not normally a paranormal reader. I usually like things to be based a little more realistically that being said, I am glad I did read this one. It has opened a door to me that I never thought I would like. The author Leisl Leighton, wrote a truly catching story with characters that you will love and some that you hate. She wrote a truly magical story. And it's well worth taking a chance on if its your first paranormal book. Oh and she can write a love scene that will make your toes curl. For my full review check out allnightbooks.com

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like Penguin Destiny Romances, but I don't read much science-fiction or fantasy, so I found it difficult to get into this one. It involved Wiccan charms and magic, and the story was confusing and complicated.