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Light in the Dark #2
Scars of the Sun
Fresh out of the hospital, Ramona has left her apartment and studies to move to the small town of Antler Pointe. Being the non-shifter sister of the local pack Leader is pretty lame, but she throws herself into helping with her brother’s kids and working in her sister-in-law’s magical garden. Anything at all to keep the dark thoughts at bay. But it’s when she locks eyes with a tattooed jaguar shifter that Ramona rethinks what it means to be seen.
Río’s days in Antler Pointe have already run out. He’s overstayed his usual six months maximum in the little town and should be moving on to the next. After eight years on the run, he’s used to the rhythm by now, but he’s already put down a few extra roots in this place. And when he keeps stumbling across the non-shifter Wolf girl with long legs and honey eyes, he feels an even stronger pull to stay.
Ramona and Río are both floating through life until they collide in a rich and passionate summer romance. So used to living with no true home, Río is unwilling to let this thing stay temporary, and Ramona is terrified to let her Jaguar go. But a greater threat is looming on the horizon. One that endangers the Antler Pointe Pack and has the potential to blow Ramona and Río apart completely. Will they put their new love before the blood ties of family? How far will they go to protect the ones they care about? And how the hell do they fight a damn shifter mafia?
Scars of the Sun is a paranormal romance standalone novel and book two of the A Light in the Dark series. Prior knowledge of the events of In the Light of the Moon is helpful but not required.
Río’s days in Antler Pointe have already run out. He’s overstayed his usual six months maximum in the little town and should be moving on to the next. After eight years on the run, he’s used to the rhythm by now, but he’s already put down a few extra roots in this place. And when he keeps stumbling across the non-shifter Wolf girl with long legs and honey eyes, he feels an even stronger pull to stay.
Ramona and Río are both floating through life until they collide in a rich and passionate summer romance. So used to living with no true home, Río is unwilling to let this thing stay temporary, and Ramona is terrified to let her Jaguar go. But a greater threat is looming on the horizon. One that endangers the Antler Pointe Pack and has the potential to blow Ramona and Río apart completely. Will they put their new love before the blood ties of family? How far will they go to protect the ones they care about? And how the hell do they fight a damn shifter mafia?
Scars of the Sun is a paranormal romance standalone novel and book two of the A Light in the Dark series. Prior knowledge of the events of In the Light of the Moon is helpful but not required.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2024
37 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Upton
10 books58 followersNoelle 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 14, 2024
Actual rating: 4.75 stars
They're interconnected standalones but I still think I should have read the first book before I got to this... I was just too excited to read about Ramona and Río, so I focused on them first, but I will definitely go back and catch up with her brother's story, too (hopefully soon).
They're interconnected standalones but I still think I should have read the first book before I got to this... I was just too excited to read about Ramona and Río, so I focused on them first, but I will definitely go back and catch up with her brother's story, too (hopefully soon).
Read
September 13, 2024DNF for now this book is terrible & I will eventually come back to rate it if I ever drag myself to finish it
August 27, 2025
I wish I liked this as much as In The Light of The Moon, which was excellent. Unfortunately, I couldn't get into the storyline or the MCs as much.
The FMC was so frustrating at times but I sometimes liked her personality. She was helpful and kind, vulnerable, and capable. Though she was sad she wasn't dour, she was actively trying to enjoy her life and find reasons to live. However, she was often incredibly rude to her brother and Sylvie (her sister in law) even though they were constantly supportive and loving to her. I don't like when mate bond stories turn characters into growling heathens towards their own loved ones just because they question or disagree with their mate.
There was no real drama propelling the story forward. For most of the book, it was just these vignettes of the FMC being a nervous wreck while gardening or babysitting her niece and nephew or the FMC and MMC hanging out together. The drama of the story wasn't satisfying.
I loved that the MMC was a switch! That was nice.
The FMC was so frustrating at times but I sometimes liked her personality. She was helpful and kind, vulnerable, and capable. Though she was sad she wasn't dour, she was actively trying to enjoy her life and find reasons to live. However, she was often incredibly rude to her brother and Sylvie (her sister in law) even though they were constantly supportive and loving to her. I don't like when mate bond stories turn characters into growling heathens towards their own loved ones just because they question or disagree with their mate.
There was no real drama propelling the story forward. For most of the book, it was just these vignettes of the FMC being a nervous wreck while gardening or babysitting her niece and nephew or the FMC and MMC hanging out together. The drama of the story wasn't satisfying.
I loved that the MMC was a switch! That was nice.
did-not-finish
April 27, 2025dnf @30 - not for me im afraid
September 11, 2024
** Ensure that you review all trigger warnings before embarking on this incredible journey - there are heavy topics covered. **
Ramona and Río. Río and Ramona. Where do I even begin? This book left me with so many conflicting emotions. I was thrilled at the ending, but the journey to get there was so full of the highest highs and the lowest lows... it's not often that I am left in a blubbering mess at the end of a book, but Noelle had me in a chokehold from the very beginning.
Shy, lonely, and awkward Ramona meets her match in (seemingly) confident, spirited, spicy Río. Their sizzling chemistry is evident right from their first meeting, when Río can't get her honey eyes out of his thoughts. Following their path to one another, and their growth and healing together, was an incredible thing. Ramona and Río's traumatic pasts, though wildly different from one another, have enough similarities that they work together to begin the healing process.
Despite the heavy topics covered, Noelle did an incredible job in covering them and ensuring they were handled appropriately and that the characters continue to feel the affects of their pasts (not simply a *poof* everything is better!).
The introduction of other shifters, and how they all manage to exist together, was a lot of fun to read through.
And the SPICE! No spoilers, but when you get to the tree scene... IYKYK.
Thank you to Noelle for the eARC and the opportunity to immerse myself in this story.
Ramona and Río. Río and Ramona. Where do I even begin? This book left me with so many conflicting emotions. I was thrilled at the ending, but the journey to get there was so full of the highest highs and the lowest lows... it's not often that I am left in a blubbering mess at the end of a book, but Noelle had me in a chokehold from the very beginning.
Shy, lonely, and awkward Ramona meets her match in (seemingly) confident, spirited, spicy Río. Their sizzling chemistry is evident right from their first meeting, when Río can't get her honey eyes out of his thoughts. Following their path to one another, and their growth and healing together, was an incredible thing. Ramona and Río's traumatic pasts, though wildly different from one another, have enough similarities that they work together to begin the healing process.
Despite the heavy topics covered, Noelle did an incredible job in covering them and ensuring they were handled appropriately and that the characters continue to feel the affects of their pasts (not simply a *poof* everything is better!).
The introduction of other shifters, and how they all manage to exist together, was a lot of fun to read through.
And the SPICE! No spoilers, but when you get to the tree scene... IYKYK.
Thank you to Noelle for the eARC and the opportunity to immerse myself in this story.
October 14, 2024
In this book we follow Ramona, Orions sister who’s also a wolf but she can’t shift. Ramona is going through alot and feels like she’s just going through the motions of life to survive. She’s living with Orion and Sylvie and hasn’t stopped thinking about the jaguar shifter she met.
Rio is a jaguar shifter on the run from his past, in a band, best friends with a vampire and has a filthy mouth. One thing is for certain he is attracted to Ramona and Ramona is attracted to him, he just not sure he will be in town long enough for Ramona.
I’m going back and forth on how to rate this because I liked both characters just felt like something was missing, it’s like every time I got into the story I get bored a couple pages later. I felt like we shouldn’t have waited 300 pages to get Rios story and why he was on the run. I wanted more from Ramona. Idk I think I still prefer the first book over this one. Every time Sylvie and Orion were on page I got excited.
Rio is a jaguar shifter on the run from his past, in a band, best friends with a vampire and has a filthy mouth. One thing is for certain he is attracted to Ramona and Ramona is attracted to him, he just not sure he will be in town long enough for Ramona.
I’m going back and forth on how to rate this because I liked both characters just felt like something was missing, it’s like every time I got into the story I get bored a couple pages later. I felt like we shouldn’t have waited 300 pages to get Rios story and why he was on the run. I wanted more from Ramona. Idk I think I still prefer the first book over this one. Every time Sylvie and Orion were on page I got excited.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
Classist, Misogynistic, Ableist Piece Of Text, Can Literally Fall On Her Knees After Invading Another Womans Vulnerable And Intimate Moment, Bitch And Abuser, I Want Her To Hurt and Die
The first thing to go, on the path of lifelong suicide ideation, is your Gag Reflex.
I've never met someone with long term, repeated abuse, and a gag reflex that works.
Your digestive system is the first system that shuts down due to trauma.
An you then develop Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, not because you're stressed, but because gagging on anything new, is all your body knows.
And no, CBT and DBT doesn't work, it works for people with PTSD who grew up safe, but had anecdotes of unsafe.
People with repeated Adverse Childhood Experiences, especially the overlooked truth teller, is not going to get on her knees, she's not going to stick around a vulnerable moment either.
But thats the Trauma Tourism again, where they pretend trauma fuels externalised impulses, when its literally defined as something that has impacted you so much, you internalise everything.
Wow you almost had me believing this bitch was traumatised but then she stands over him and a poor girl getting head.
So clearly this man doesn't have feelings for her beyond the limits hes able to push her to with cock in another womans mouth.
I hate them both.
And I hate anyone who could do this.
The body is the organ of emotion.
Thats what ACTUALLY traumatised people have to learn in life, that people hurt you because they want to hurt you, not because they were hurt.
That poor girl in that Blowjob scene, mistreated by both of them.
You almost had me believing she was suicidal, but Suicide Ideation in an internalised response, not one that allows you to stand and basically sexually abuse the girl between his legs, with him.
The man is vile.
I hate stories that have women turned on by watching him dehumanise another woman.
But thats the special kind of trauma thay impacts white women, its not trauma, its just angst.
Intruding on an intimate moment and not retreating, watching like a pervert?
Fuck i hate her. Hate him too, able to get hard in other womens mouths.
Wanted Benny to kill his ass.
Abusive cunt.
Do we even learn abused-at-the-party-girls name that she dehumanises?
Thats how you know her trauma isn't real, it doesn't have a physical impact on her reactions.
It allows her to let him abuse a girl in front of her, gross.
Shes a misogynist.
A nice Patriarchial Parable for the Unseen, Unloved and utterly Unfucked traumatising themselves into Sexual Inebriation over and over.
Its ok women with CPTSD, i see you, I see the women with PTSD appropriate your complex trauma, because they still want their daddies dick.
I see them force CPTSDers on their knees in every book and pretend a gag reflex is something of your mind, instead of your entire, neglected body.
I wouldn't get so mad only forcing Blowjobs into trauma stories makes them coerce us onto our knees because you validate that we can just pretend we weren't actually traumatised.
Getting on your knees and performing trauma, is a redflag you are a Final Boss of Patriarchy, a Sabrina Carpenter or a Taylor Swift, vaccuous Eldest Daughters and Girl Bosses, so used to feeding on the being anti-patriarchy, they validate lies that most women feel empowered by Blowjobs, because of loud affluent women
The first thing to go, on the path of lifelong suicide ideation, is your Gag Reflex.
I've never met someone with long term, repeated abuse, and a gag reflex that works.
Your digestive system is the first system that shuts down due to trauma.
An you then develop Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, not because you're stressed, but because gagging on anything new, is all your body knows.
And no, CBT and DBT doesn't work, it works for people with PTSD who grew up safe, but had anecdotes of unsafe.
People with repeated Adverse Childhood Experiences, especially the overlooked truth teller, is not going to get on her knees, she's not going to stick around a vulnerable moment either.
But thats the Trauma Tourism again, where they pretend trauma fuels externalised impulses, when its literally defined as something that has impacted you so much, you internalise everything.
Wow you almost had me believing this bitch was traumatised but then she stands over him and a poor girl getting head.
So clearly this man doesn't have feelings for her beyond the limits hes able to push her to with cock in another womans mouth.
I hate them both.
And I hate anyone who could do this.
The body is the organ of emotion.
Thats what ACTUALLY traumatised people have to learn in life, that people hurt you because they want to hurt you, not because they were hurt.
That poor girl in that Blowjob scene, mistreated by both of them.
You almost had me believing she was suicidal, but Suicide Ideation in an internalised response, not one that allows you to stand and basically sexually abuse the girl between his legs, with him.
The man is vile.
I hate stories that have women turned on by watching him dehumanise another woman.
But thats the special kind of trauma thay impacts white women, its not trauma, its just angst.
Intruding on an intimate moment and not retreating, watching like a pervert?
Fuck i hate her. Hate him too, able to get hard in other womens mouths.
Wanted Benny to kill his ass.
Abusive cunt.
Do we even learn abused-at-the-party-girls name that she dehumanises?
Thats how you know her trauma isn't real, it doesn't have a physical impact on her reactions.
It allows her to let him abuse a girl in front of her, gross.
Shes a misogynist.
A nice Patriarchial Parable for the Unseen, Unloved and utterly Unfucked traumatising themselves into Sexual Inebriation over and over.
Its ok women with CPTSD, i see you, I see the women with PTSD appropriate your complex trauma, because they still want their daddies dick.
I see them force CPTSDers on their knees in every book and pretend a gag reflex is something of your mind, instead of your entire, neglected body.
I wouldn't get so mad only forcing Blowjobs into trauma stories makes them coerce us onto our knees because you validate that we can just pretend we weren't actually traumatised.
Getting on your knees and performing trauma, is a redflag you are a Final Boss of Patriarchy, a Sabrina Carpenter or a Taylor Swift, vaccuous Eldest Daughters and Girl Bosses, so used to feeding on the being anti-patriarchy, they validate lies that most women feel empowered by Blowjobs, because of loud affluent women
August 24, 2024
Arc review of Scars of the sun by @noelleuptonauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this much so much, it’s the sequel to In the light of the moon and focuses on romona Orion’s sister from book 1 & rio a jaguar shifter who we meet at the end of book 1.
Ramona and Rio have sizzling chemistry from the moment they meet and I love the way that slowly builds and builds. Romona is awkward & has been through a lot of trauma and heavy stuff in her life, her mental health is a very big topic in this book and there are some very hard to read topics regarding attempted su1c1de & self h4rm so please read your trigger warnings. Her inner monologue made me want to cry and hug her quite a lot but also her journey of healing was a beautifully written. Her numbers of reasons to stay alive that get scattered around the book will make your heart clench. The simple things she clings onto and reminds herself of the reason she stays.
‘Number eleven. Princess. Number twelve. Jaguar‘
I found there was a lot of detail in this book which maybe could have been shortened but also it’s a tough read so I understand the need for a lot of internal thoughts.
Rio the jaguar shifter has a spicy lil mouth and lots and lots of trauma. He’s always on the run so never stays in a place too long and doesn’t lay down foundations, until ramona 🌚 he’s such a silly, fun and loveable character & I loved hims pov’s the most! I loved his friendship with the vampire and his free spirit. His twilight reference had me cackling & I recon everyone will love that part 🤣 his family are his demons he’s running away from but they keep popping up. I felt pained for him when he told ramona about his eyesight and how it happened 😭 I loved the spicy scenes, he knew exactly how romona wanted to be treated as a partner and cherished her deeply.
I’ve really enjoyed reading both of these books and would highly recommend them! The overall plot that carry’s on from book 1 is still looking regarding the pack etc which I really liked as I loved seeing sylvie & Orion’s family dynamic!
Thank you @noelleuptonauthor ♥️♥️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this much so much, it’s the sequel to In the light of the moon and focuses on romona Orion’s sister from book 1 & rio a jaguar shifter who we meet at the end of book 1.
Ramona and Rio have sizzling chemistry from the moment they meet and I love the way that slowly builds and builds. Romona is awkward & has been through a lot of trauma and heavy stuff in her life, her mental health is a very big topic in this book and there are some very hard to read topics regarding attempted su1c1de & self h4rm so please read your trigger warnings. Her inner monologue made me want to cry and hug her quite a lot but also her journey of healing was a beautifully written. Her numbers of reasons to stay alive that get scattered around the book will make your heart clench. The simple things she clings onto and reminds herself of the reason she stays.
‘Number eleven. Princess. Number twelve. Jaguar‘
I found there was a lot of detail in this book which maybe could have been shortened but also it’s a tough read so I understand the need for a lot of internal thoughts.
Rio the jaguar shifter has a spicy lil mouth and lots and lots of trauma. He’s always on the run so never stays in a place too long and doesn’t lay down foundations, until ramona 🌚 he’s such a silly, fun and loveable character & I loved hims pov’s the most! I loved his friendship with the vampire and his free spirit. His twilight reference had me cackling & I recon everyone will love that part 🤣 his family are his demons he’s running away from but they keep popping up. I felt pained for him when he told ramona about his eyesight and how it happened 😭 I loved the spicy scenes, he knew exactly how romona wanted to be treated as a partner and cherished her deeply.
I’ve really enjoyed reading both of these books and would highly recommend them! The overall plot that carry’s on from book 1 is still looking regarding the pack etc which I really liked as I loved seeing sylvie & Orion’s family dynamic!
Thank you @noelleuptonauthor ♥️♥️
December 12, 2024
4 ⭐️
I'm in love with this book.
I arrived at him thinking it was going to be a light reading but I left with my heart full of love.
The way the author goes through the dense themes of the book was so real. The list always made my heart get tight and at the same time light because I was rooting a lot for Ramona's happy ending.
FINALLY ONE FOR BRAZILIANS!!!!! 🇧🇷
When I read the words in Portuguese, after reading them in Spanish, I kept thinking that I was going a little crazy, like a "system breakdown" in my polyglot brain hahahaha
And Rio!!!!
I think he's everything we've ever wanted, a bad boy guitarist/skater who goes from trash boy to dream boy. My inner young adult sighed SO MUCH.
If only all the band guys I dated at that time were half Rio, you know?
Thank you for this book.
_______________________
PT-BR
Eu estou apaixonada por esse livro.
Eu cheguei nele achando que ia ser uma leitura leve mas sai com meu coração cheio de amor.
A forma como a autora passa pelos temas densos do livro foi tão real. A lista sempre me fazia ficar com o coração ficar apertado e ao mesmo tempo leve pois tava torcendo muito pelo final feliz da Ramona.
FINALMENTE UM PRAS BRASILEIRAS!!!!! 🇧🇷
Quando eu li as palavras em português, depois de ler as em espanhol, fiquei pensando que eu estava ficando meio maluca, tipo um “pane no sistema” no meu cérebro poliglota hahahaha
E o Rio!!!!
Acho que ele é tudo que a gente sempre quis, um bad boy guitarrista/skatista que vai de boy lixo pra boy dos sonhos. Minha jovem adulta interior suspirou TANTO.
Se todos os caras de banda que eu namorei nessa época fossem metade Rio, sabe?
Obrigada por esse livro.
LEIAM!!
I'm in love with this book.
I arrived at him thinking it was going to be a light reading but I left with my heart full of love.
The way the author goes through the dense themes of the book was so real. The list always made my heart get tight and at the same time light because I was rooting a lot for Ramona's happy ending.
FINALLY ONE FOR BRAZILIANS!!!!! 🇧🇷
When I read the words in Portuguese, after reading them in Spanish, I kept thinking that I was going a little crazy, like a "system breakdown" in my polyglot brain hahahaha
And Rio!!!!
I think he's everything we've ever wanted, a bad boy guitarist/skater who goes from trash boy to dream boy. My inner young adult sighed SO MUCH.
If only all the band guys I dated at that time were half Rio, you know?
Thank you for this book.
_______________________
PT-BR
Eu estou apaixonada por esse livro.
Eu cheguei nele achando que ia ser uma leitura leve mas sai com meu coração cheio de amor.
A forma como a autora passa pelos temas densos do livro foi tão real. A lista sempre me fazia ficar com o coração ficar apertado e ao mesmo tempo leve pois tava torcendo muito pelo final feliz da Ramona.
FINALMENTE UM PRAS BRASILEIRAS!!!!! 🇧🇷
Quando eu li as palavras em português, depois de ler as em espanhol, fiquei pensando que eu estava ficando meio maluca, tipo um “pane no sistema” no meu cérebro poliglota hahahaha
E o Rio!!!!
Acho que ele é tudo que a gente sempre quis, um bad boy guitarrista/skatista que vai de boy lixo pra boy dos sonhos. Minha jovem adulta interior suspirou TANTO.
Se todos os caras de banda que eu namorei nessa época fossem metade Rio, sabe?
Obrigada por esse livro.
LEIAM!!
September 6, 2024
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝑹𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒂, 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 ��� 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆.”
Ramona and Rio were perfect for each other. They were both broken and running from their problems and, in the process, ran right into exactly where they needed to be. It was heartwarming that they helped each other through their differing traumas. I loved that not only did they find family in the pack, but they also found it in each other. Ramona had a lot of growth through the story. Also....the spice was 🥵
Parts of the story could be heavy (suicide attempt/thoughts) but it was done delicately and Ramona healing her trauma was huge. When she finally told Rio, I felt like I breathed a sigh of relief FOR her.
Sometimes shifter stories & the like can be very cheesy, but I really enjoyed this! I loved the spidermonkey/Twilight joke 😆
Side note: I loved the sibling relationship between Ramona & Orion! They found peace in just the silence of being near each other, and I thought that was lovely. I always enjoyed their interactions.
It was nice to see the story expand to other shifters & mythical creatures, but it was also nice to see how the characters have fared since the first book, too(In The Light of The Moon)! (Dahlia and Ollie.....!!🥰)
“𝑾𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆 𝒗𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒌. 𝑰𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓.”
Ramona and Rio were perfect for each other. They were both broken and running from their problems and, in the process, ran right into exactly where they needed to be. It was heartwarming that they helped each other through their differing traumas. I loved that not only did they find family in the pack, but they also found it in each other. Ramona had a lot of growth through the story. Also....the spice was 🥵
Parts of the story could be heavy (suicide attempt/thoughts) but it was done delicately and Ramona healing her trauma was huge. When she finally told Rio, I felt like I breathed a sigh of relief FOR her.
Sometimes shifter stories & the like can be very cheesy, but I really enjoyed this! I loved the spidermonkey/Twilight joke 😆
Side note: I loved the sibling relationship between Ramona & Orion! They found peace in just the silence of being near each other, and I thought that was lovely. I always enjoyed their interactions.
It was nice to see the story expand to other shifters & mythical creatures, but it was also nice to see how the characters have fared since the first book, too(In The Light of The Moon)! (Dahlia and Ollie.....!!🥰)
“𝑾𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆 𝒗𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒌. 𝑰𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓.”
September 19, 2024
I liked this book, more than the first even. This was the second book in the series that I was lucky enough to read. I enjoyed the story of Ramona and Rio, I felt that they had good chemistry, and I liked reading about their growing relationship. The spicy scenes were sublime even better than the first book. The storyline in this book was interesting, waiting for the events to unfold and reveal more details, it was especially fascinating reading about Rio’s background. I felt that the author did a good job of describing Ramona’s depression. I really liked the lightbulb moments that Ramona sees throughout her journey of healing, such as the beauty of the relationship of her brother and his family and how she fits in there. I loved Ramona’s list, I thought that was a beautiful detail. The book does move a little slowly, but I think that’s part of the beauty of the book. It really gives you time to sit in the experience, and put yourself in the character’s shoes. And just absorb everything. This was an ARC, I’m leaving this review of my own volition.
August 27, 2024
*** PLEASE READ TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING THIS BOOK ***
A spoiler free review.
This was such a wonderful read!
If you enjoyed the first book you're going to LOVE this second installment!
For continuity purposes I strongly recommend reading the first book In The Light Of The Moon.
Yes, the spice was spicing (I mean the tree scene? COME ON) ;) but aside from that, this is very much a story about growth from trauma and I think that is really beautiful and was very well done.
Ramona and Rio are so good together and their connection is almost instantaneous like any good love story ;) .
The pair show a tremendous amount of growth throughout the book as their love helps them overcome their past traumas.
We get to see Orion and Sylvie and their little family throughout this book as well and it made my heart VERY happy to see!
I cannot wait to read more from Noel Upton! She is an incredibly talented author <3
A spoiler free review.
This was such a wonderful read!
If you enjoyed the first book you're going to LOVE this second installment!
For continuity purposes I strongly recommend reading the first book In The Light Of The Moon.
Yes, the spice was spicing (I mean the tree scene? COME ON) ;) but aside from that, this is very much a story about growth from trauma and I think that is really beautiful and was very well done.
Ramona and Rio are so good together and their connection is almost instantaneous like any good love story ;) .
The pair show a tremendous amount of growth throughout the book as their love helps them overcome their past traumas.
We get to see Orion and Sylvie and their little family throughout this book as well and it made my heart VERY happy to see!
I cannot wait to read more from Noel Upton! She is an incredibly talented author <3
September 10, 2024
Thank you to the author for sending me the arc.
The book starts off slow so I was worried I wouldn’t like it and DNF, but it picks up and I started to really get into it. I LOVE Rio! It’s been a while since I read an MMC this interesting and he was very interesting. The juxtaposition of his upbringing with his personal skirt was written really well. I saw the author post “a villain with Azula vibes” and I’d say that Zuko as inspiration for Rio was pretty accurate. He was sensitive and smart but he was also lethal when he needed to be. Loved it.
Rio and Ramon are the grumpy x grumpy couple I never knew I needed 😄
The writing and pacing are great and the story is not constipated with unnecessary details and exposition. The villain brought out real life stakes and that epilogue?? I’m seated for the next book already 🙂↕️😭 I’m sat!🪑
It was a 9.5/10 read
The book starts off slow so I was worried I wouldn’t like it and DNF, but it picks up and I started to really get into it. I LOVE Rio! It’s been a while since I read an MMC this interesting and he was very interesting. The juxtaposition of his upbringing with his personal skirt was written really well. I saw the author post “a villain with Azula vibes” and I’d say that Zuko as inspiration for Rio was pretty accurate. He was sensitive and smart but he was also lethal when he needed to be. Loved it.
Rio and Ramon are the grumpy x grumpy couple I never knew I needed 😄
The writing and pacing are great and the story is not constipated with unnecessary details and exposition. The villain brought out real life stakes and that epilogue?? I’m seated for the next book already 🙂↕️😭 I’m sat!🪑
It was a 9.5/10 read
August 16, 2024
I was excited to get Ramona's story after reading In the Light of the Moon. Ramona and Rio definitely have an instant connection. You can definitely feel the spark. I would classify this more as a dark paranormal romance. There are hard hitting topics such as mental health. As someone with depression, I could really relate to Ramona. And just like book 1, the spice is giving 🌶🌶🌶! This one might be even a touch spicier. I also loved that different shifters were introduced, the more paranormal the better! Although you can read this as a standalone, I highly recommend reading book 1 first as I love the characters from it and you understand them better if you do so. Thank you Noelle for the chance to Arc read in exchange for an honest review!
May 30, 2025
☀️Scars of the sun ☀️
🫶🏻Ramona and Rio are total 🔥! Two broken souls healing together while dealing with shifters, pack drama, and oh yeah a shifter mafia! Ramona’s growth hit me right in the feels, and Rio? Hot, tattooed, and protective with a soft spot for her? I’m swooning. 🫶🏻
✨Their chemistry was off the charts, and that tree scene😏 IYKYK. The sibling bond with Orion was adorable, and the found family vibes gave me all the feels. Plus, we’ve got BIPOC and LGBTQ+ rep, mental health awareness, and a whole lot of action. If you love a spicy, emotional, and thrilling paranormal romance, you need this one!✨
👻 Paranormal Romance
🐾 Shifters
🧠 Mental Health Rep
👨👩👧👦 Found Family
💰 Rich Girl x Bad Boy
☀️ Summer Love
🏳️🌈 BIPOC & LGBTQ+ rep
🫶🏻Ramona and Rio are total 🔥! Two broken souls healing together while dealing with shifters, pack drama, and oh yeah a shifter mafia! Ramona’s growth hit me right in the feels, and Rio? Hot, tattooed, and protective with a soft spot for her? I’m swooning. 🫶🏻
✨Their chemistry was off the charts, and that tree scene😏 IYKYK. The sibling bond with Orion was adorable, and the found family vibes gave me all the feels. Plus, we’ve got BIPOC and LGBTQ+ rep, mental health awareness, and a whole lot of action. If you love a spicy, emotional, and thrilling paranormal romance, you need this one!✨
👻 Paranormal Romance
🐾 Shifters
🧠 Mental Health Rep
👨👩👧👦 Found Family
💰 Rich Girl x Bad Boy
☀️ Summer Love
🏳️🌈 BIPOC & LGBTQ+ rep
June 19, 2025
4 ⭐️ because who doesn’t love a boyfriend who purrs? 🐈⬛
Loved Ramona and Río! This book is certainly different than the first one; where Sylvie and Orion were a slow burn to a spicy climax 😉 Ramona and Río started full speed ahead 🥵. I loved their relationship; the way Río could balance being unserious yet a sounding board for Ramona. I definitely teared up a bit. And the way Noelle wrote about Ramona’s struggles was so well done without feeling gratuitous. The subjects in this book were kinda heavy but as I said before, it was handled well and with the humor and spice, it was well rounded.
My only minorrrr gripe is that the issues with Río’s family were handled so fast, I feel like we built up a lot of tension around how strong they were and that wasn’t reflected.
Loved Ramona and Río! This book is certainly different than the first one; where Sylvie and Orion were a slow burn to a spicy climax 😉 Ramona and Río started full speed ahead 🥵. I loved their relationship; the way Río could balance being unserious yet a sounding board for Ramona. I definitely teared up a bit. And the way Noelle wrote about Ramona’s struggles was so well done without feeling gratuitous. The subjects in this book were kinda heavy but as I said before, it was handled well and with the humor and spice, it was well rounded.
My only minorrrr gripe is that the issues with Río’s family were handled so fast, I feel like we built up a lot of tension around how strong they were and that wasn’t reflected.
October 2, 2024
This is one of those stories where you don't know where to start!! My heart will never be the same. Kudos to Upton for taking hard subjects and presenting it/ them in a non-glamourized way. Both Rio & Ramona are so likeable but also characters that you want to hide away so that nothing else can hurt them. Even though you know that you can't do that. They have problems, issues that would cause some to sit down and never get up. But Rio and Ramona fight, for themselves, each other and pack. The secondary characters are just as loveable and compelling as the main and I really hope that they get stories as well. I can't wait to dig into another book by Noelle Upton.
December 4, 2024
Interesting story of healing, protection and love
There are difficult topics the story deals with. The main characters were interesting. Both of them had struggles that needed healing, though some things from the past can leave a lasting mark. There were moments, in the story that were cringe-worthy and other moments that were worth reflecting on. I don't know that I would read this series again, but it wasn't a bad story. I did find myself rereading toward the end and skimming over the adult scenes. There were a few things that happened that caused me to have questions that were left unanswered.
There are difficult topics the story deals with. The main characters were interesting. Both of them had struggles that needed healing, though some things from the past can leave a lasting mark. There were moments, in the story that were cringe-worthy and other moments that were worth reflecting on. I don't know that I would read this series again, but it wasn't a bad story. I did find myself rereading toward the end and skimming over the adult scenes. There were a few things that happened that caused me to have questions that were left unanswered.
November 19, 2025
After finishing the first book the day before, I was so excited to jump into Ramona’s story.
Unfortunately for me, the second book was so underwhelming.
To me both Ramona and Río felt childish and absurd. Mainly because they wanted to be so different from Sylvie and Orion, it resulted them acting like teenagers. My other big problem was that Ramona’s struggle with depression felt superficial in a way that it was always told but never shown. For me, it seemed like it was only there to give the FMC’s personality some depth.
And now I feel so bad not enjoying this book… But hey, I can always reread the first one if I need something sweet.
Unfortunately for me, the second book was so underwhelming.
To me both Ramona and Río felt childish and absurd. Mainly because they wanted to be so different from Sylvie and Orion, it resulted them acting like teenagers. My other big problem was that Ramona’s struggle with depression felt superficial in a way that it was always told but never shown. For me, it seemed like it was only there to give the FMC’s personality some depth.
And now I feel so bad not enjoying this book… But hey, I can always reread the first one if I need something sweet.
August 30, 2024
Definitely check the trigger warnings before jumping into this book!
Romona and Río have such a strong and steamy connection from the jump but both have their reservations about starting anything serious. Getting to see their relationship with each other and with themselves grow and strengthen was truly beautiful.
Getting to see Romona’s growth specifically, from “In the Light of the Moon” to now, has been so special. The way Noelle handled the darker topics with such grace and compassion really made the story come to life.
Over all, this story was an amazing continuation of “A Light in the Dark” series.
Romona and Río have such a strong and steamy connection from the jump but both have their reservations about starting anything serious. Getting to see their relationship with each other and with themselves grow and strengthen was truly beautiful.
Getting to see Romona’s growth specifically, from “In the Light of the Moon” to now, has been so special. The way Noelle handled the darker topics with such grace and compassion really made the story come to life.
Over all, this story was an amazing continuation of “A Light in the Dark” series.
November 5, 2024
Ramona and Rio 😍
This was my first shifter romance with a Jaguar and I really enjoyed it. The book is split into two parts. I ate part one up so quick. It’s steamy and there is such tension. Plus lots of family drama to uncover.
Part two felt a little long but it’s still very enjoyable. There are a lot of different creatures involved, lots of family drama, and an interesting end to the epilogue.
If you enjoy spice, and spice, and some more spice, this is definitely the book for you. 🤭
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This was my first shifter romance with a Jaguar and I really enjoyed it. The book is split into two parts. I ate part one up so quick. It’s steamy and there is such tension. Plus lots of family drama to uncover.
Part two felt a little long but it’s still very enjoyable. There are a lot of different creatures involved, lots of family drama, and an interesting end to the epilogue.
If you enjoy spice, and spice, and some more spice, this is definitely the book for you. 🤭
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
September 13, 2024
Thank you so much for this ARC 🥹🖤
Ramona and Río are one of my favorite couples! I understood Ramona's struggle with depression so well, and the way Río truly saw her and still stayed and helped in any way he could just melted my heart 🥹 it also helps that he is hot as sin 🥵 and I'm willing to fight anyone for him.
🖤 Paranormal Romance
🖤 Shifters
🖤 Mental Health Rep
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Rich Girl x Bad Boy
🖤 Summer Love
🖤 BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Rep
Ramona and Río are one of my favorite couples! I understood Ramona's struggle with depression so well, and the way Río truly saw her and still stayed and helped in any way he could just melted my heart 🥹 it also helps that he is hot as sin 🥵 and I'm willing to fight anyone for him.
🖤 Paranormal Romance
🖤 Shifters
🖤 Mental Health Rep
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Rich Girl x Bad Boy
🖤 Summer Love
🖤 BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Rep
September 17, 2024
Absolutely stunning. This is a smart, sexy, beautifully written story about overcoming fear of all sorts in order to achieve true happiness. I can’t summon words strong enough to tell you, but I laughed, and I cried, and I was entranced by this story. Rio and Mona came off the page and crawled right into my heart. Noelle is a master storyteller!
Love, love, loved this story and can’t wait to read more from this author! Read it, you won’t be sorry.
Love, love, loved this story and can’t wait to read more from this author! Read it, you won’t be sorry.
December 16, 2025
I read this book to gain context before reading Bloom In Darkness.
I felt the representation on someone who's overcome self harm was beautiful, I felt it dragged a little long but that's just my preference. I prefer to have some domesticity, action and more domesticity, then happy ending, while this book is more Domesticity, action, happy ending.
It's a cute book.
I felt the representation on someone who's overcome self harm was beautiful, I felt it dragged a little long but that's just my preference. I prefer to have some domesticity, action and more domesticity, then happy ending, while this book is more Domesticity, action, happy ending.
It's a cute book.
September 5, 2024
This was an arc giving to me by Noelle Upton. I love this book the growth of the characters and also the growth of the character that has a trigger past. Also the spicy is amazing. I love this book so much. Thank you for letting me read this.
September 15, 2024
Rio is…
Giving 4 stars for Rio…if the rating was based on Ramona, it’d be less. I just couldn’t find any likeable qualities in her & could barely sympathize with her “issues”. Good book but Ramona’s parts I could have done without.
Giving 4 stars for Rio…if the rating was based on Ramona, it’d be less. I just couldn’t find any likeable qualities in her & could barely sympathize with her “issues”. Good book but Ramona’s parts I could have done without.
May 15, 2025
I appreciated the way these characters sounded younger. Sometimes it’s harder to show the different maturity between characters. But compared to the first book the two characters here were definitely different and dynamic. The immaturity did throw me off a few times but I enjoyed this book.
October 17, 2025
Love/Hate Relationship w/ this book
I really like this series and the story telling is great. Something with Ramona and Rio just pissed me off, I can’t explain it. But still a really good book!
I really like this series and the story telling is great. Something with Ramona and Rio just pissed me off, I can’t explain it. But still a really good book!
August 27, 2024
I really loved reading the journey that was very powerful and emotional! But watching the MC grow!!! The characters feel real and their growth throughout the book is compelling. I like seeing how characters go through their emotional and healing process..
I thought it was interesting that the story was a mix of myth and reality. Honestly, it drew me into the story more.The plot has a nice balance of tension and introspection!
If you like stories that are deep and meaningful, you should definitely give this one a try.
Plus I absolutely loved Rios sassy mouth! 🥰
I thought it was interesting that the story was a mix of myth and reality. Honestly, it drew me into the story more.The plot has a nice balance of tension and introspection!
If you like stories that are deep and meaningful, you should definitely give this one a try.
Plus I absolutely loved Rios sassy mouth! 🥰
September 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
ARC Review
Release Date: 9/12/2024
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚.”
As someone who grew up in the age of Avril Lavigne’s iconic Sk8er Boi, I deeply relate to Ramona’s inability to stay away from Río, even though he is a menace and a drifter and a certified f*ckboy.
Ramona is fresh off a grippy-sock vacation, and girl just wants to have fun. Which may or may not mean fooling around with complete stranger, then becoming mutually obsessed with him. Honestly, it’s an ideal situation. Río and Ramona are hilarious, sweet, and super hot together. He’s keeping some pretty gnarly secrets, but that’s fine. We love a mysterious, broody man!
If you like mystery, shifters, sex in trees, sassy FMCs, and tattooed skater boys…this is the book for you. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book in this universe! 🛹🛼
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩? 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
ARC Review
Release Date: 9/12/2024
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚.”
As someone who grew up in the age of Avril Lavigne’s iconic Sk8er Boi, I deeply relate to Ramona’s inability to stay away from Río, even though he is a menace and a drifter and a certified f*ckboy.
Ramona is fresh off a grippy-sock vacation, and girl just wants to have fun. Which may or may not mean fooling around with complete stranger, then becoming mutually obsessed with him. Honestly, it’s an ideal situation. Río and Ramona are hilarious, sweet, and super hot together. He’s keeping some pretty gnarly secrets, but that’s fine. We love a mysterious, broody man!
If you like mystery, shifters, sex in trees, sassy FMCs, and tattooed skater boys…this is the book for you. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book in this universe! 🛹🛼
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩? 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨.”
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