Blood Moon

New Moon #2

by Belle Harper

You can have your cake and eat it too... can't you?

Galen is a Vampire, Rafferty is a Red Wolf, and the twins, Ranger and Maverick shift into Grey Wolves.
What the shifters don't know is there is a war brewing and Lexi is caught right in the middle.
But Lexi isn't human...
Is she the cure they all have been waiting for?
Or is she the destruction that ends them all.

Can she save the packs and the people she has come to call family and friends?

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Vampires, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Why Choose

354 pages, Paperback

First published August 14, 2020

About the author

Belle has an addiction to reading, notebooks, coloured pens and mint chocolate. She lives in the beautiful Australian bush, surrounded by wildlife and the smell of eucalyptus trees. She also has a strong love for all 60’s music, believes she was born in the wrong era and should have been at Woodstock.
If you would like to find out more about Belle, please come like and follow her
Facebook Page or join her facebook group "Author Belle Harper Reading Group"

Reviews

[Adva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Promising, but failed to deliver. Full review has ***lots*** of spoilers, read at your own peril.

When Twice Bitten, the first book in the trilogy, ended I couldn't wait to read the next installment. It was a fun read, and even while full of the tropes and pitfalls of the genre I kept checking to see when Blood Moon would be released. The two focal points of Blood Moon, the second book of the trilogy, are Lexi navigating her complicated relationship with four mates (when one is a vampire and the rest are wolf-shifters) and the "journey" to discover what exactly Lexi is. It had so much potential Unfortunately, both fall very short of their promises (I don't consider the external conflict as a focal point, rather I see it as a distraction).

The complexities of a polyamorous relationship involving five(!) individuals, and that includes three species (at least two of which are almost-genetically predisposed to be enemies) are flattened into a few comments about smell/stench and a very quick kiss that resolves the already-existing sexual tension between Galen and Maverick. Yes, since women aren't born (or rarely born, can't remember the lore from the first book) as shifters and very often die in the transformation, polyamorous relationships are common in the shifter society. However, having four mates seems to be less common, making Zara's experience valuable for Lexi (in theory. It is hardly explored in this book, hopefully the final chapter of the series would explore this more, but I'd keep my expectations low). More importantly, a relationship including a vampire is unheard of. The ease with which everyone seem to accept this is disturbing. There is accepting and then there is accepting. Hundreds of years of rivalry should make this pill at least a little harder to swallow. A few comments that Alaric, the Alpha of Kiba pack and father to two of Lexi's harem, might not be entirely pleased are the only true suggestion of dissidence.

Lexi's "journey" to discover what she is – why she heals fast, can heal others, can warm up vampires and make the shifters all "antsy" - is hardly a journey. A single blood test, one (very accurate but hardly explained) theory, and then two confirmations of said theory is all it takes. And Lexi is almost secondary in this exploration. She wonders what she is, but doesn't seem really involved in the process. When it is confirmed she is indeed *dun-dun-dun* an angel (excuse me, but WTF), her acceptance of this is, again, too fast and easy. There is no real struggle, except almost dying when she heals people, but then her blood can heal without causing her too much discomfort, so presto! Instant solution. This whole "journey" is also seriously lacking in angel lore. I know the characters themselves have little knowledge, but Galen has enough to form a rather accurate theory and Pack Bardoul actually perform the tests – so some information should exist. But nothing. Lexi also doesn't really ask, she just ridiculously tries her power, having absolutely no knowledge what that power can do. It seems that this pseudo-mystery about Lexi's powers is concocted only so there is the big drama, ah-ha! moment during the battle that her purpose is healing. But she knows she can heal, the readers know she can heal, Galen knows she can heal, the shifters know she can heal – why not practice THAT, at least in small portions?

So not only are these two seeming conflicts are unexplored, Harper felt the need to introduce another conflict to resolve unsatisfactorily. Some way, somehow, Pack Russet learns what Lexi is. No explanation how that happens. No one is concerned how it happened when it was supposed to remain a secret. It just is. So on top of everything, about halfway through the novel, an external threat appears. An external conflict that, on the one hand, is taken very seriously, with lots of protection and even taking Lexi out of school; but on the other hand, life goes on so much like before – including pool parties, first sexual adventures, and Galen and Maverick finally kissing. All this "normalcy" goes on without anxiety – it is not driven by the stress of the threat. Or at least, it is not read like it is. There is no difference in tone from the fun-and-games before Raff's uncle shows up.

Furthermore, the resolution of this conflict is ridiculous. There are two nights of fighting, with illogical strategies that suddenly change (Alaric's orders was that Lexi's harem will be paired with others, so they won't abandon the post only to protect her, but then Raff and Galen fight together – with absolutely no one else around). No explanation why it pauses the day after the first night – the vampires can't fight in daylight (other than Galen and perhaps Shelly), but the shifters sure can. And the attacking forces are much greater than the defending forces. The second night of fighting culminates in Lexi deciding to race shifters and vampire to the cliff to commit suicide. A stupid decision, considering she has yet to show any indication of super-speed either of the other species have. And despite the fact the Lovell house is overrun with attacking forces, she makes it to the cliff without a hitch. Maybe they haven't noticed, you know, with her bleeding and smelling super delicious to any and all supernatural creatures. The whole thing ends with a literal deus-ex-machina solution – Lexi's angel father shows up to save her and all the bad guys disappear. That's it. Woosh. Done. Of course, his appearance is not only to end the fight, but to introduce another cliff hanger. Because that's what you do to make sure people will read the next installment.

I wish my problems with this novel would end here, but they don't. It was clearly rushed, and I think some of the issues hitherto mentioned are also a result of rushing. Unfortunately, the hasty writing also resulted in a lot of proofreading issues – weird sentences, obvious rewritings that left some of the original sentence in place, misusing words like "too" instead of "to," overuse of the word "but" (including two consecutive clauses in the same sentence opening with "but"). I don't remember Twice Bitten having so much of these. There is a certain amount of leeway I give independently published novels when it comes to proofreading and editing, but this novel exceeded it. If the plot, ideas, and characters weren't as rushed, I would tolerate it much more.

The worst thing is that there is so much potential here. I think thoroughly exploring the polyamorous relationship and discovering Lexi's "identity" would have had enough drama and interest that the external conflict could have been saved for the next book. Not everything has to be big and bloody. Give the characters and plot more time to breathe and develop, instead of piling one disaster on top of another. There is suspension of disbelief and then there is suspension of all belief.

[Somia]

DNF 34% - nothing truly seems to be happening and the kickass and fierce heroine I glimpsed in book 1 has vanished.

Acquired via KU.

[Irene Kiew · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've decided that I can't. I just can't. DNF @28%.

Following on from book 1, it is discovered that Lexi's blood is powerful, having boosted Galen's vampire powers and given her the ability to read Galen's thoughts, while giving Galen the ability to "feel" what she's feeling (hunger, moods, etc.). Meanwhile, suddenly the shifters can scent moods. Moods?!? Moods have no scent!!! And this was NOT mentioned in the first book, although Lexi thinks it was. Arousal I can understand: you have heightened pheromones, it may not be a detectable scent to the human nose, but to a sensitive shifter nose, they'd get it. But there's no scent for sadness or happiness or other emotions. Like, come on.

Ranger is still totally immature and even when Lexi is hungry, he won't let her go eat, wanting to keep her with him. She gets out of the bath and goes to her room and he's sitting there! Zero concept of personal space and privacy. I dislike him GREATLY. He sounds like one of those creepy stalker dudes who will get all obsessed and come to a bad end. He's even attacking his own older brother now, because the Alpha asked Jett to chaperone them and Ranger is jealous that Lexi laughs and chats with Jett. Have I mentioned how much I dislike him? Why does Lexi even want him? KICK HIM TO THE CURB, GIRL!

The 312-year-old vampire has thoughts like a 17-year-old, Maverick is still reticent and barely even there, and Raff is just Raff. And why is Ranger's other brother, Nash, still being obnoxious? Lexi is suddenly sobbing when Jack and Grayson visit her at the Alpha's house because she misses them so much. Really? I didn't get the sense that she had bonded to them so closely in Book 1. She was grateful for the food and comfortable room, but was also always trying to run away. Things aren't making sense and Lexi herself is acting totally out of character. She has stopped being self-protective, but why? Just because she loves Raff and wants to stay with him, and therefore has to comply with what the Alpha wants? She doesn't even mind anymore when Ranger oversteps boundaries and gets pushy. Ranger, I'll say this again, has all the hallmarks of an irrationally jealous, possessive, obsessive, controlling boyfriend, and Lexi should run the hell far away.

[Lizzie McNally · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book, half way through the series

[Imee Benzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Brilliant***

A phenomenal world and character building by Belle Harper. This book owned me from first paged to the explosive twist ending. Ok a cliffy but I don't mind bcuz I loved suspense and this is a big one hehehe
Blood moon is brilliant in its simplicity, no unnecessary actions but you feel everything the characters feels and do *sighs*
I am part of Belle's ARC Team and I'm glad I'm part of it because I wouldn't have missed this for the world.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-read Feb 21, 2025.
Knocked it from a 4 to a 3.
Her self-deprecating attitude, really Pissed me off.
Shit like that has ALWAYS Pissed me off, so I have to wonder if I was sick when I rated it a 4...
Whatever. All fixed!


Same as the first book. If not for the grammar issues, this would be a perfect book. I love the story, I love the loss, I love the absolute terror she goes through. It was just a great story..

[Kasumatata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Where I was completely enamoured after finishing Twice Bitten, Blood Moon left me feeling somewhat unsated. There was so many potential that went untapped and while I still enjoyed reading this book, I found myself a little less invested at certain points.

[Ascher Alchier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful, reverse harem, shifters & a vampire. Im addicted!

[Meagan Grauel · Rating 1 out of 5]

My initial review of this book is a 2/5 stars. I'm reserving editing my rating for after I read the third book. I like the storyline, but the author talks in circles and the FMC is so damn dramatic. AND A FREAKING TEASE! It's clearly a 18+ book, the author talks about sex and there are some scenes. But for there being one girl and four dicks - there is very little action. Two scenes where some of the characters fool around, and one scene where two of the characters hook up. So if you were continuing to read the series for the smut ... I'm going to tell you to save your time and skip it.
In terms of the storyline - we find out that our FMC has some freaky traits and is like a healing source for vampires. Then there is a LOT of back and forth about her mates feelings and a ton of waiting around for literally anything of note to happen. They have a lot of parties, the FMC eats a shit ton (is that ever going to be addressed?), worry about their emotions so fucking much, and then seemingly don't do much else. Don't attend school or go to any kind of job. Then another pack attacks the Kiba pack and we wait around for another 15 chapters or so for there to be any other kind of development. We also find out what our FMC is and they fuck around with her "powers" for a chapter or two. Not sure how they can even access her powers, since they all admittedly didn't know what she is existed until they're told. They get some allies (which isn't really explained either) and have a kind of confusing battle in which people who should definitely be dead magically aren't without any explanation and our FMC sacrifices herself out of stupidity. Don't worry - another male is around to save her stupid ass - honestly, it was so fucking stupid to sacrifice herself, there were so many other options - and she doesn't actually die. Her dad shows up? With a sketchy ass excuse as to how he all of a sudden knew about her, then vanishes.
Honestly, the plot isn't amazing and contains a whole lot of fluff. I stayed after the first book to see if the smut improved. It didn't. I'm going to read the third and final book in the series, because there is so much potential for there to be awesome sex scenes. If there ends up being just as little smut in that book, I'm going to be irritated that I wasted 3 days of my life reading this series. So read this book and the others in the series at your own risk?

Edit: Changed the whole rating to 1/5 stars. The last book is so pointless and there is minimal shitty smut. Just a lot of the FMC teasing all of her mates. Don’t waste your time.

[ROMEOISNOTFUNNY · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another okay book.

Truth time, I lost place a lot as this was a little of everything and nothing.
We did get to see Lexi develop her relationship with her found family, new friends, and potential mates.

We got to know a little more about each of the MMCS...although Maverick has some scars I thought would come to light and help cerment a deeper bond, but nope, that didn't happen. And I must have missed a chapter between Galen and Maverick....
Anyway it was easy book to listen to and didn't disappoint as I had no real expectation....I just realised I am just going a long with the story but I have no drive to see anything happen or not happen. I do feel sorry for the things they go through, but I can take or leave it.

I already see side characters being developed for their own stories and I keep thinking why not include it in this series, would of made the world a little better to witness some of these things even if it was a retelling of what happened...Hazel and Ben maybe?

Sorry, rambling.
There is spice, smex and okay smut....and sweet Raf, virgin and so not what you expect from first impressions. Ranger, he's what you expect but also sweet. Maverick, he is stuck in his own thoughts. Galen, his story of how he came to be here...never explained not really, but he is the eldest of the group being hundreds of years older than them all and yes it feels weird because she is 17....but for the whole foster angle to work I guess she has to be that age...just she's not grown up in the sups world so the whole being older through the power and strong rules culture of being a supernatural making you grow older in mind as well as body...we that's not there with her...anyway rambling

The ending is interesting. It's busy, action filled, and intense. Like book 1, this may be the reason I want to keep going because it has its moments.

3.3 stars

[Cassandra Doon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book: Blood Moon
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Belle Harper
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Main Characters: Alexi, Maverick. Ranger, Rafferty
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:

I really enjoyed this series so far.

“Nothing has to happen,” I said to Mav. “We’re with Lexi, and I’m so blessed to share her with you. If something more was to happen, know that I won’t pull away from you. Don’t pull away from Lexi. You can come speak to me. Nothing has changed that, Maverick.” I could tell he was struggling with emotions he probably didn’t yet understand.

I bought the book when I went to babe so I could get a book signed by an author I had never read, with the hopes I would one day read it and enjoy it.

“No cake,” Ranger said, snatching the plate away, and it landed with a loud clang on the dark granite countertop. Oh my god, not again. “You cannot have cake. Lexi has no more slices left to give, and she has all the cake she needs.”

So far so good!
Book 1 was fantastic, totally aimed for a younger audience but still super amazing:)

“Rafferty, Ranger, Maverick and Galen… you will always have my heart.” I whispered into the wind as I tipped myself forward. The wind on my face was strong as it whistled past my ears. This was the right thing to do. I was an angel without wings, and now for the first time…I was flying.

The main mcs are super cute and all super attentive and loving towards Lexi. Cannot wait to start book 3.

“Because, my child,” he leant down and gently touched my shoulder. “Elizabeth was a vampire.”

[Iris Hunter (InstagramREADS) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a surprise is this book. Better then the first installment. Can't wait to read the third. Page turner to the max. This is A YA for 17+. ~Possible Trigger warnings. This book contains violence and 'self sacrificing heroes' which my be triggers for some readers.~ ~MM themes, and some sex themes.~

In short
Adult: Yes
YA: Yes
Featuring: Kick-ass Heroine, Vampire, Werewolf, Angel, Reverse Harem, M/M
Cover: 4
Characters: 5
Suspense: 4
Romance: 4 (sex will happen in book 2. Be aware the characters are only 17/18 years old) including Reverse Harem, And M/M
Heat: 2
Fast paced: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Yes
Total: 5 stars

Fun Quotes
Lex. I keep fucking this up, and I want to say this will be the last time, I do. But even I know that would be a lie. My wolf is hard to control,

When the small clearing came into view, I slowed as I approached the end. The cold breeze from the sea sent chills through my body, my skin prickling, and I heaved in huge gulping breaths of air between the racking sobs. This was it—the ultimate sacrifice.

[Rebecca Azizov · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's review time 🎧
Warning ⚠️: second book in a series, fantasy, reverse harem, shifters, vampires.

Narrator score🎧 ; the preference was good an in the previous book.

Level of steam 🔥: well, it is a reverse harem, and you should probably think... the book is hot as holy hell but it wasn't as hot as I thought it would actually be.

Level of anxiety and sadness 😱😢: the book wasn't sad at all. You had a lot of drama but it wasn't sad.

The book itself📖: wow it took me a lot of time to make my self listen to this book, but I felt I needed to give it another try, and I wasn't expecting much and not because I don't like reverse harems I do otherwise I wouldn't start with those books from the cery beginning.
But I still feel that something didn't work with this series and it wasn't bad, but the fantasy word wasn't enough for me. I expected a bit more.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Spoiler Alert*
War is on the horizon for Lexi (FMC), Galen, Ranger, Rafferty and Maverick that threatens their budding relationship. Lexi's background is revealed in spectacular fashion. My jaw literally dropped when find out what that was especially at the end of the book. Flaming hell that was good! Ada (Lexi's friend) was a great source of laughs even more so with the harem of men she seems to be racking up. Hoping we get more from her in the next book? Other than that i loved Lexi's character and how she flourished throughout this book with the help of her guys and Ada. It was great to read Lexi's tentative relationship with Rafferty too. Hes such a sweet guy that seems so unsure of himself in some areas of his life. You couldnt help but feel for him. This series is a flaming great read and it keeps getting better. I absolutely loved this book so much

[Tiffany Copple · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for Blood Moon by Belle Harper. This is book two in the New Moon series. “Some people wear their scars on the inside, and no one ask about them because can’t see them. So, I would never ask about the ones I can see.” I am loving all the characters in this story. War is coming for Lexi, Galen, Ranger, Raff, and Maverick. The war and others are threatening the relationship this group is building. I am loving how Lexi’s character is growing and how her past/background comes to light. The harem is a strong group, but they all have their own issues. The book does end on a cliffhanger, so be prepared for that.

[Anita _booktoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs some editing.

I know the author put MM down as a TW but she also needs to do some editing, which can also be a trigger for many people.

This story was a very different pace to book 1 and I was finding myself getting bored towards the middle. I also noticed about half way through that these kids don’t get past the heavy petting stage until about 60% through this one (book 2). There is actually very little spice in these books so far.

I’m also wondering if the ending was in the right place. I would’ve suggested stopping before the angel turns up instead of that other revelation, that just feels like a chapter ending not a solid cliffhanger.

[Mrs R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This book was more about getting to know Lexi with her mates and some more about what Lexi might be. Unfortunately, other packs are learning to and it puts a price on her heads, leading to her mates and pack fighting to keep her safe.
Lexi seemed to be more settled in this book, now she has found her mates, but she is still tough. It was good to see how the guys all interact with each other and find their place.
I can't wait to find out more about Lexi after the cliffhanger and also to see her mates have some alone time.

[Nicole Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THESE BOOKS!!!
Blood Moon is finally here and Belle Harper, this book was AMAZING!! I love these characters so much!!

So this one starts off right where book 1 ended with Lexi’s attack and Galen saving her and jumps right into it!! Lexi and the guys are trying to figure out “WHAT IS SHE”

I love all the different POV we get and getting to know the guys more and their relationship is finally blooming! And I knew we couldn’t go the whole book without any trouble!! And that ending can we get book 3!!😂😂😂

[ιᥒgᥱ ♚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy, this is such a good series! Cant wait for the next book.
I do hope Ada gets a book!

[Dana aka ♥Belladonna♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 Stars

Needs a developmental editor.

[Madenna U · Rating 2 out of 5]

Now that the main character has boys, she also has enemies and learns what kind of supernatural she is. The big fight scene was very anticlimactic.

[Elena · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will not be reading the 3rd book I think

[Chloe · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointed!!
I loved the first one but this was just dragged out . Nothing seemed to actually happen and all detail was minimal and then explained roughly at the end where it ends on another cliffhanger (shocker)

Not sure I'm going to read the next one as this one disappointed me so much.

[Jennifer Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another emotional roller coaster ride with Lexi and her men. They are still trying to figure out what she is. Danger is around every corner though mostly unknown. A birthday excursion puts everyone on Alert and sh!t starts to get real. Will everyone survive? Read it to fin out!

I received this as an Advance Reader Copy from Booksprout with the hopes I would like it and review it.

[BookLover89 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall: 2/5

Heat: 4/5

Romance: 4/5

Drama: 4/5

Suspense: 4/5

Cliffhanger: 3/5

MM: 1/5 There is MM in the RH relationship

HEA: 3/5

World Building: 3/5

Relationship Building: 2/5


I liked this series. My big issue is I didn’t realize there was going to be MM in the RH relationship. To me having a MM side relationship is cheating. All the guys should be all about the FMC. Real RH is a harem around the woman not guys loving her but also doing stuff with each other. Polyandry and polyamory are different.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish. It was even more stupid than the first which didn't seem possible. The author seemed to think we needed unending sex. She also thought there was no need for a plot. I had no idea you could get a book published with so little skill in grammar, but even worse was the entire concept of reverse harem with bisexual lovers. Intersepecies mating and anything bizarre you could imagine. This author is awful. Negative stars. I did try to read it.. Josh was the only bright spot!

[Kristen Dalrymple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Cow!!! So her dad is an actual Angel and her mom was a vampire? What the heck! She can make Galen feel warm and heal others. She can hear Galen’s thoughts if he has had some of her blood. That is so crazy. How did the red wolf pack find out about her blood? And that fight was intense.

[Raven9308 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed book 1 and was worried book 2 couldn't live up to the hype of book 1 but I was so wrong! We get more push and pull from the group after the events at the end of book 1 that made all our hearts stop. I loved how things were resolved and all the new nuances to Lexi and her abilities. I loved all the 1-1 time we got with Galen (love me some teacher tropes haha), I cannot wait until things go further, if you know what I mean haha. I was so upset for Mav and wanted to hug him through my phone. He had to go through some hard outings and didnt know how the group would react after his confession at the end of book 1. I am so happy things are progressing! I cannot wait until they come to a head, it’s going to be 🔥🔥🔥. I love M/M so I am excited for these 2.

Raff pulled at my heartstrings when he kept keeping things to himself, but I loved how Ranger has attached himself to him, especially how things ended with his previous packman. I love his innocence and how the guys all tried to him prepare for things 😉. Ranger grew on me a little, still he needs to learn to control himself and his temper/attitude swings. He deserved the reprimands Lexi had to give him after he hurt her emotionally (unintentionally) and he had to earn his spot back in her good graces. I appreciated how much he needs to be with her, even if it is a little clingy sometimes haha. I appreciate how he acts his age. Sometimes with these RH books the characters seem way more mature than they are in this setting and in this instance, the characters were more true to their age and character. They make some really dumb decisions, are innocent/naive, but also are growing throughout this story and I can really appreciate that ❤️

Narration was great again, same comments as the previous book. I like these 2 at 1.6X speed and they do a good job with the different characters. I mean it is hard to distinguish the guys but a lot grew up together so they probably wouldn’t some completely different anyway (esp the twins). I thought the emotions were so much higher in this one, with more deaths/very tense moments. The growing love between Lexi and her guys grew as well and the narrators did a great job with that. Raff’s insecurities and lack of confidence was adorable and endearing, Galen’s sexiness really came through, Ranger’s immaturity but intense loyalty and love was apparent, and Maverick’s internal conflict and need of Lexi to be there for him was done so well. I also think the secondary characters stole the show, especially Aida. I can see why she got her own spinoff series. I love seeing who could possibly be her mates haha.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so...yeah. The first book I found enjoyable, the sequel just felt a bit messy. Which is why I feel the need to review it even though reviews on sequels usually feel pretty redundant if the author is consistent.

Somehow I got 50% through this book and then realized I was halfway through and nothing really happened. Yeah there was more RH action going on but it felt a bit gratuitous to the story which I thought would finally start rolling. After the way the first book ended I kept reading expecting the FMC to start developing powers or something but like nope. And the whole “what is she” cliché went from interesting to annoying as it was pretty much revealed but you kept waiting for confirmation. So it just kept dragging.

Aside from that, my biggest complaint has to be this alien that is pretending to be the FMC. All of a sudden this teen with issues and a troubled past and trauma is all sunshine and lollipops. She went from having night terrors and trust issues to accepting of everyone. WTF. Like ok, cool, the dudes helped her sleep a bit in the first book or whatever but her ENTIRE personality just shifted in this book. It gives the impression that if you get the guy, or guys in her case, all your problems will be solved. And sure an emotional support system is great, but it’s been a month and all of a sudden she’s gone from a flinching sleep deprived loner to Uber girly queen bee. Uh uh, I don’t think so. If you are going to create a character with a history and flaws give her a realistic development. If not to honour the character’s story than to at least honestly represent to readers the struggle to overcome one’s challenges. Because the only thing the FMCs development from book 1 to 2 is telling the readers is getting a boyfriend will fix you which is too Disney princess for 2020.

There were also a handful of weird typo issues towards the end which could be exclusive to the Amazon ebook I read. In addition, some odd jumps and explanations in the action scenes towards the ends. I found it confusing trying to sequence events and envision it because it felt fragmented and jumpy. Don’t know what happened there.

All in all, it wasn’t horrible, but it did not read the same as the first. It felt rough and overlong despite being shorter than the first. I really hope the conclusion honours what was working in the first book instead of continuing on this downhill path.

2.75 stars C+/B- or 67%

[Julianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF series - Finished 100% of book 1 & 60% of book 2

**Review shared for series**

"Some people wear their scars on the inside, and no one asks about them because they can't see them. So I would never ask about the ones I can see." book 2 pg. 78

I really, REALLY, liked the first book. I completed it and was excited to get started with the second book. The second book wasn't bad, but I started to feel like I was getting teased. Why couldn't Jett and Mekhi be part of the harem? I mean... maybe I am just a sl*t for harems and have the mentality of "let's have them all!" but Belle Harper would tease with "I was drawn to him" (talking about Mekhi) and usually things like are eluding to someone becoming a part of the harem. I got the same teasing from Jett. Don't get me wrong. I hope Jett and Mekhi get their happy ending with the girl they used to love but I am just so used to those types of things suggesting the harem would become bigger. I also liked them more then I liked some of the guys that actually were in the harem so maybe that had to do with it.

But that wasn't the only reason I didn't complete the series. I looked ahead at reviews for the third book to see if Jett and Mekhi eventually became a part of the harem, and when reading reviews for the third book (not only did it answer my question with a definitive no.) but also I saw a ton of reviews saying the end felt rushed and that despite the series starting well, the momentum didn't continue. So, between already getting mixed signals with love interests and reading that, I decided to stop.

I'll forever love Rafferty. Best book boyfriend I have ever met.

(Usually I love a good vampire age-gap, but not when the girl is still in high school and underage... please...)