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Mateless Shifters #1
Marked by Moonlight
The wolf shifters are cursed with a broken mating bond. For years, no one has felt the bond that has helped us find our mates for centuries. And now we’re left mateless.
Without the bond, we are slowly dying off. Our packs are growing smaller, weaker. Our powers are slowly diminishing.
And it’s my pack’s fault.
We caused the curse.
But I’ll be the one to break it.
There’s a prophecy—one that I know is about me. I’m destined to break the curse, to fix what my pack caused.
Before I can fulfill the prophecy, I’m attacked by my best friend, who finally gains his wolf, unlike me, who remains wolf-less. The Bloodmoon alpha rescues me. But I quickly realize when he carries me to a gathering of all the packs that this is no rescue. I’m the Bloodmoon’s offering.
Every month, the wolves gather to try to find their mates through an offering. Females from each pack are offered to the alphas in hopes that a mate is found and the curse is broken. If an alpha feels the tug of the mating bond, then they mark her as their mate.
But if you are marked by an alpha who isn’t your true mate...you die.
Suddenly, the prophecy’s murky words don’t hold much promise of me breaking the curse when death is on the line, and I have a new goal—survive.
Marked by Moonlight is book one in a new dark wolf shifter romance series. This series includes a world of wolf shifters, vampires, witches, and magic.
Without the bond, we are slowly dying off. Our packs are growing smaller, weaker. Our powers are slowly diminishing.
And it’s my pack’s fault.
We caused the curse.
But I’ll be the one to break it.
There’s a prophecy—one that I know is about me. I’m destined to break the curse, to fix what my pack caused.
Before I can fulfill the prophecy, I’m attacked by my best friend, who finally gains his wolf, unlike me, who remains wolf-less. The Bloodmoon alpha rescues me. But I quickly realize when he carries me to a gathering of all the packs that this is no rescue. I’m the Bloodmoon’s offering.
Every month, the wolves gather to try to find their mates through an offering. Females from each pack are offered to the alphas in hopes that a mate is found and the curse is broken. If an alpha feels the tug of the mating bond, then they mark her as their mate.
But if you are marked by an alpha who isn’t your true mate...you die.
Suddenly, the prophecy’s murky words don’t hold much promise of me breaking the curse when death is on the line, and I have a new goal—survive.
Marked by Moonlight is book one in a new dark wolf shifter romance series. This series includes a world of wolf shifters, vampires, witches, and magic.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2025
863 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Ella Miles
82 books1,014 followersElla Miles writes sexy romance with strong females that could kick your butt if you piss them off, which they often do to the men that fall for them. She's currently living her own fairy tale near the Rocky Mountains with her high school sweetheart husband. Her heart is also taken by her goofy two year old black lab that is scared of everything, including her own shadow. Ella is the author of the Aligned series. Get a free book by visiting her website: EllaMiles.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 6, 2025
cliffhanger
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest review. This book does not release until March 18, 2025 so all reviews prior to this date are also advance reader copies. My thoughts about this book are much different than previously posted reviews.
I have read other books by this author and I have read this genre which includes wolf shifters, vampires, witches and fated mates. I expected to like it but unfortunately there isn't a single character I like. Lumi is a wolf shifter who can't shift and has spent her whole life being told about outside threats to her pack yet she's never learned even simple self-defense or how to use a weapon. Kael, her pack friend but not boyfriend, is a throwaway character except for his use as a pawn against her. In the beginning of her story, they are exiled and given money and credit cards yet they spend their time aimlessly wandering. He attacks her and tears off her clothes but the next minute she's dressed and being thrown out by her father. The beginning sequence makes little sense and it makes no sense that she feels safe with him after he attacked her.
Ambrose is a strong wolf shifter alpha who is supposedly her fated mate but there are secrets swirling around everyone and everything. There are hazy curses and threats from all sides. Nyx is an evil wolf shifter whose actions often do not make sense. There are brutal unexplained attacks. It often feels like even the author is unsure what should happen.
It is mentioned that this is book one in a series, however it is not clearly stated that this is a cliffhanger. Absolutely nothing is resolved, twists are thrown in, and new danger lurks. The next book doesn't come out until September 2025 and this one ends with revelations and actions that don't make sense.
Other authors have done a much better job with this genre. The entire book was a confusing let-down and I have no interest in reading the next book when it comes out because so much of this one doesn't make sense. There are way too many plot twists, nonsensical actions, unlikeable characters, and sex thrown in to spice up the book but not move the characters forward.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest review. This book does not release until March 18, 2025 so all reviews prior to this date are also advance reader copies. My thoughts about this book are much different than previously posted reviews.
I have read other books by this author and I have read this genre which includes wolf shifters, vampires, witches and fated mates. I expected to like it but unfortunately there isn't a single character I like. Lumi is a wolf shifter who can't shift and has spent her whole life being told about outside threats to her pack yet she's never learned even simple self-defense or how to use a weapon. Kael, her pack friend but not boyfriend, is a throwaway character except for his use as a pawn against her. In the beginning of her story, they are exiled and given money and credit cards yet they spend their time aimlessly wandering. He attacks her and tears off her clothes but the next minute she's dressed and being thrown out by her father. The beginning sequence makes little sense and it makes no sense that she feels safe with him after he attacked her.
Ambrose is a strong wolf shifter alpha who is supposedly her fated mate but there are secrets swirling around everyone and everything. There are hazy curses and threats from all sides. Nyx is an evil wolf shifter whose actions often do not make sense. There are brutal unexplained attacks. It often feels like even the author is unsure what should happen.
It is mentioned that this is book one in a series, however it is not clearly stated that this is a cliffhanger. Absolutely nothing is resolved, twists are thrown in, and new danger lurks. The next book doesn't come out until September 2025 and this one ends with revelations and actions that don't make sense.
Other authors have done a much better job with this genre. The entire book was a confusing let-down and I have no interest in reading the next book when it comes out because so much of this one doesn't make sense. There are way too many plot twists, nonsensical actions, unlikeable characters, and sex thrown in to spice up the book but not move the characters forward.
March 16, 2025
After that ending, I’m realizing that I really don’t have a clue what all was going on in this book. The one thing I do know for certain is that I'm more than a little desperate to find out the rest of the story. I enjoyed seeing Lumi begin to grow into the alpha-female we all wanted her to be, but there are still so many secrets and mysteries. For every question the book answered, it also brought forth another half-dozen or so. I'm hooked. I need to know what will happen next.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
July 13, 2025
I really hate this book... first of all the initiation to the pack is people trying to get away from pack mates trying to grape them, wtf is wrong with the author and her writing??? The weirdest thing ever, I was disgusted reading it. And from people saying it's not grape, when a Witch removes consent it turns into grape, there's something very wrong with Ambrose because he thinks that's okay and he's defending the witch. I hate ambrose, I hate the witch. Free the fmc. the male lead also cheats by kissing his ex & never apologized. What's wrong with y'all who rated this 4/5 stars???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
It's not solo... definitely harem-like
This was never about love, mates, or monogamy. It's 100% a free for all s£× party with a really crap prophecy mixed in for a possible story. Puke. DNF (stop at the point she was "okay" with 10+ guys all at once). 👎 do not even want to give it 1 star... there is nothing about real pack/shifter behavior here. At best, it's a p○rn○ with wolf, vampires, and witches theme in it.
This was never about love, mates, or monogamy. It's 100% a free for all s£× party with a really crap prophecy mixed in for a possible story. Puke. DNF (stop at the point she was "okay" with 10+ guys all at once). 👎 do not even want to give it 1 star... there is nothing about real pack/shifter behavior here. At best, it's a p○rn○ with wolf, vampires, and witches theme in it.
September 15, 2025
Booktok cannot be trusted.
April 14, 2025
Beware it ends in a cliffhanger. If I had known I wouldn't have started this series. I also wasn't impressed with the initiation to the pack. Wolves are very protective of their mates. This would never happen.
March 12, 2025
Ella is an amazing author and it’s not my first time reading her. However, it’s my first in the paranormal category and I’m completely blown away. This book is compelling and addictive. I just love the shifter, witches and vampire world and this book has it all. A snow wolf by the name of LUMI is the chosen one who apparently is the only wolf shifter who can break a curse that’s been casted on All Wolf packs, Witches covens and Vampire clans for twenty years. Unaware of her strengths and powers, she’s unable to prouve who she really is until death comes knocking. Filled with unsolved mysteries, unexplained prophecies and extreme danger LUMI must learn to navigate through it all and decide who she can trust and who she can’t , in order to learn the real truth behind the curse. Filled with constant danger and manipulations, this book 1 is a must read !
March 29, 2025
Lumi and her best friend,Kael, are in the woods. She wants to him to kiss her to prove they are mates. Since her aunt rejected the mate bond a curse was put upon the wolves to not be able to find their mates. Only he becomes more animalistic. Then another wolf gets him off her and tries to kill him. She throws a rock then runs screaming for help. Her father and a couple of other of the pack run to their rescue. Her father makes a huge decision..he banishes both her and Kael from the pack. He has her bags packed and is making sandwiches for the two of them. When he leads her to the jeep along with Kael the pack is attacked by another pack. Her father alpha commands the two to leave. She comes to a decision to find the Moonlight pack. She is going to break the curse. To her it was the two packs, her pack, Wintermoon, and Moonlight that triggered the curse...of not finding true mates.They travel for months and then are in Washington state when Kael shifts. He sent her away but she forgot the keys to the jeep. So she runs to the woods. She runs until Kael almost catches her but she's saved by another wolf. The alpha who saved her orders him to run until he shifts back but takes her. They finally arrive in a valley where there are hundreds of wolves..in wolf form and human. The wolf, a Bloodmoon wolf, who has her tells her she is his offering
Ambrose stands with the other wolves waiting for the offerings. One by one the offerings, female wolves, enter the circle. Only one alpha claims a female but when they exchange mate bites she dies. Then it's Lumi's turn. The bad thing is she wants all of them. Then Ambrose claims her but when he tells her to shift she tells him she can't. Then he tells her to run and find his Beta, Emeric. She runs trying to out run other wolves then a vampire. Ambrose and Emeric find her and take her back to the alpha's house. She tries to run again only to be encircled by other alphas. There she sees her friend Kael. Ambrose takes her back inside and delivers a lecture. Emeric is to train her and help her find her wolf. She realizes she can not tell them she is Wintermoon. She starts her training.
Eventually a seer tells him that the curse will be broken but with a lot of heartache. At this point Lumi is ready to denounce Ambrose. Too much blood is being shed then Ambrose does the worse thing anyone could do...he gives the vampires her best friend.
Will she find her wolf? Will she accept Ambrose as her mate? Will she be willing to accept the bond?
A fascinating story with lots of anguish and heartache and anger. Words weave a story embued with emotion that draws the reader into the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ambrose stands with the other wolves waiting for the offerings. One by one the offerings, female wolves, enter the circle. Only one alpha claims a female but when they exchange mate bites she dies. Then it's Lumi's turn. The bad thing is she wants all of them. Then Ambrose claims her but when he tells her to shift she tells him she can't. Then he tells her to run and find his Beta, Emeric. She runs trying to out run other wolves then a vampire. Ambrose and Emeric find her and take her back to the alpha's house. She tries to run again only to be encircled by other alphas. There she sees her friend Kael. Ambrose takes her back inside and delivers a lecture. Emeric is to train her and help her find her wolf. She realizes she can not tell them she is Wintermoon. She starts her training.
Eventually a seer tells him that the curse will be broken but with a lot of heartache. At this point Lumi is ready to denounce Ambrose. Too much blood is being shed then Ambrose does the worse thing anyone could do...he gives the vampires her best friend.
Will she find her wolf? Will she accept Ambrose as her mate? Will she be willing to accept the bond?
A fascinating story with lots of anguish and heartache and anger. Words weave a story embued with emotion that draws the reader into the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2025
Lumi is a 21 year old wolf shifter who has not shifted yet. She is the daughter of the Alpha of the Wintermoon pack. Kael is 30 and also has never shifted into his wolf. They are the closest in age so they have become best friends. They are lying in a field watching the full moon. Lumi thinks that they should kiss to find out if they are true mates to break the curse for all of the wolf packs.
For the last 21 years, the Wintermoon Pack has been blamed for the curse that descended on all the wolves. Lumi’s Aunt Elara was a female alpha who rejected her true mate. He was the alpha from the Monnlight pack, the strongest of all the packs. The magic of the mating bond was lost. No one can feel the pull of their true mate. Love, connection and trust was replaced by hate and rage. No wolf pups are being born because only mated couples are able to bear children. Lumi’s pack, the Wintermoon Pack, is the weakest. Lumi is the youngest of the pack. She was born just before the curse swept through the packs. There are only seven Wintermoon wolves left.
Lumi and Kael kiss and Lumi immediately knows that they are not mates. Kael’s inner wolf took over and Lumi tries to get him to stop kissing her. Suddenly, Kael is thrown off of her by a gray wolf who attacks Kael. Lumi hits the wolf with a rock and both Kael and Lumi run back to their village. Her father shifts and takes care of the gray wolf. Since her father is the Alpha of their pack, he tells Lumi and Kael that they are to leave and live as humans since neither has shifted. As they are putting their stuff in the Jeep, the pack is attacked.
While driving Lumi tells Kael that she is going to look for and find the Moonlight Pack. Since a member of the Moonlight pack and a member of the Wintermoon pack were the cause of the curse, Lumi believes she can find her true mate and break the curse. Kael agrees to help Lumi.
Ambrose is the Moonlight pack Alpha. Nyx is the Bloodmoon pack Alpha. Nyx saves Lumi when Kael gains his wolf and attacks her. Then, Nyx puts Lumi in the Full Moon Offering. Females from each pack are offered to the wolf pack Alphas. If an Alpha feels the tug of the mating bond with one of the offerings, they mark her as their mate. If a female is marked by an Alpha that is not her true mate, she dies. Rowena is the Moonlight pack offering and she befriends Lumi.
This was quite the adventure for all of them so far. I really liked the characters. I cannot wait to find out what happens to all the wolves, witches and vampires in the next book of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For the last 21 years, the Wintermoon Pack has been blamed for the curse that descended on all the wolves. Lumi’s Aunt Elara was a female alpha who rejected her true mate. He was the alpha from the Monnlight pack, the strongest of all the packs. The magic of the mating bond was lost. No one can feel the pull of their true mate. Love, connection and trust was replaced by hate and rage. No wolf pups are being born because only mated couples are able to bear children. Lumi’s pack, the Wintermoon Pack, is the weakest. Lumi is the youngest of the pack. She was born just before the curse swept through the packs. There are only seven Wintermoon wolves left.
Lumi and Kael kiss and Lumi immediately knows that they are not mates. Kael’s inner wolf took over and Lumi tries to get him to stop kissing her. Suddenly, Kael is thrown off of her by a gray wolf who attacks Kael. Lumi hits the wolf with a rock and both Kael and Lumi run back to their village. Her father shifts and takes care of the gray wolf. Since her father is the Alpha of their pack, he tells Lumi and Kael that they are to leave and live as humans since neither has shifted. As they are putting their stuff in the Jeep, the pack is attacked.
While driving Lumi tells Kael that she is going to look for and find the Moonlight Pack. Since a member of the Moonlight pack and a member of the Wintermoon pack were the cause of the curse, Lumi believes she can find her true mate and break the curse. Kael agrees to help Lumi.
Ambrose is the Moonlight pack Alpha. Nyx is the Bloodmoon pack Alpha. Nyx saves Lumi when Kael gains his wolf and attacks her. Then, Nyx puts Lumi in the Full Moon Offering. Females from each pack are offered to the wolf pack Alphas. If an Alpha feels the tug of the mating bond with one of the offerings, they mark her as their mate. If a female is marked by an Alpha that is not her true mate, she dies. Rowena is the Moonlight pack offering and she befriends Lumi.
This was quite the adventure for all of them so far. I really liked the characters. I cannot wait to find out what happens to all the wolves, witches and vampires in the next book of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2025
Secrets, Betrayals and Lots of Action...
You’ve heard the old saying… ‘It’s Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature’. Too bad Wintermoon Pack’s Alpha Elara paid no heed to that when she rejected her true mate, alpha of the Moonlight Pack. Her rejection brought about a curse upon the entire paranormal world… wolves, witches and vamps. That was 21 long years ago, and let’s just say they weren’t very happy and would do whatever it takes to break that curse. But before that can happen it has to be found out just who is involved and what needs to happen.
See, that curse ended the mating bond. No longer could the pull to mates be felt, no longer could they communicate with each other. Thus packs were dying off. Lumi, daughter of Wintermoon’s current alpha, is determined to find her mate and break the curse. Let’s just say she is not one known for obeying orders. She’s strong willed, defiant and can be rebellious. She has one big problem though, she’s never shifted, which becomes a big, big problem.
Lumi gets kidnapped and given as an offering to be presented to pack alphas on the full moon. To break the curse a snow wolf must be the true mate of an alpha. It’s a life or death situation…. And now we’re into lots of action, physical action and romantic action.
Lumi is convinced she’s found her mate… but has she? Ambrose, alpha of the Moonlight pack is sure Lumi is his. The moonlight offering is here. It’s now or never… and ‘never’ just may be closer than ‘now’! As I said, there’s lots of action.
🤔OBSERVATIONS
✒︎ Yes, there is a lot of action in these pages but I felt like all the lustful talk and action were a bit much, that they took away from the real storyline.
✒︎ I keep wondering if Lumi’s dad is alive. Also wonder about Kael and his future. He suffered a lot.
✒︎ Hmmm, just because it looks like a wolf, howls like wolf and shifts like a wolf, doesn’t make it a true wolf.
✒︎ This ending makes me wonder what other bombshells will be uncovered.
You’ve heard the old saying… ‘It’s Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature’. Too bad Wintermoon Pack’s Alpha Elara paid no heed to that when she rejected her true mate, alpha of the Moonlight Pack. Her rejection brought about a curse upon the entire paranormal world… wolves, witches and vamps. That was 21 long years ago, and let’s just say they weren’t very happy and would do whatever it takes to break that curse. But before that can happen it has to be found out just who is involved and what needs to happen.
See, that curse ended the mating bond. No longer could the pull to mates be felt, no longer could they communicate with each other. Thus packs were dying off. Lumi, daughter of Wintermoon’s current alpha, is determined to find her mate and break the curse. Let’s just say she is not one known for obeying orders. She’s strong willed, defiant and can be rebellious. She has one big problem though, she’s never shifted, which becomes a big, big problem.
Lumi gets kidnapped and given as an offering to be presented to pack alphas on the full moon. To break the curse a snow wolf must be the true mate of an alpha. It’s a life or death situation…. And now we’re into lots of action, physical action and romantic action.
Lumi is convinced she’s found her mate… but has she? Ambrose, alpha of the Moonlight pack is sure Lumi is his. The moonlight offering is here. It’s now or never… and ‘never’ just may be closer than ‘now’! As I said, there’s lots of action.
🤔OBSERVATIONS
✒︎ Yes, there is a lot of action in these pages but I felt like all the lustful talk and action were a bit much, that they took away from the real storyline.
✒︎ I keep wondering if Lumi’s dad is alive. Also wonder about Kael and his future. He suffered a lot.
✒︎ Hmmm, just because it looks like a wolf, howls like wolf and shifts like a wolf, doesn’t make it a true wolf.
✒︎ This ending makes me wonder what other bombshells will be uncovered.
March 15, 2025
@EllaMiles never fails to deliver and as always I was HOOKED!!! Honestly being the first book with so many mysteries and secrets, things were a little confusing but still interesting. The dynamic between Lumi, Ambrose and Nyx is one I’m super existed to read more about, especially after that cliffhanger ending!! Oh my god!! Because whaaaat?!?!?
I love love LOVE when all supernatural creatures are involved, wolves, vampires, witches, bring them all! I wish we get dragon shifters too (I personally love them ok?)
The storyline has so many twists and secrets that it keeps you invested thoroughly throughout. But there’s one thing that deeply bothered me and that was the initiation. Why did it have to be THAT? It was kind of weird….Also, the it was a bit annoying how Lumi would say she’s not strong but then say she’s strong and Ambrose would also agree and disagree with her. I understand self doubt but just make up your mind huh! And, lastly, I felt a few scenes were written for the plot but never developed entirely, especially the kiss between Ambrose and “Ro”. Yes, yes, I know the logic behind the kiss and the “why’s” but hey, it still hurts and I really wanted that plot-idea to be developed, something atleast. Ambrose can’t again and again do something hurtful to Lumi and then just escape it because he’s her mate and the bond and the connection.
Anyways, I like Nyx more than Ambrose, no clue why, maybe I’m siding towards the wrong guy but let’s see ;)
I love love LOVE when all supernatural creatures are involved, wolves, vampires, witches, bring them all! I wish we get dragon shifters too (I personally love them ok?)
The storyline has so many twists and secrets that it keeps you invested thoroughly throughout. But there’s one thing that deeply bothered me and that was the initiation. Why did it have to be THAT? It was kind of weird….Also, the it was a bit annoying how Lumi would say she’s not strong but then say she’s strong and Ambrose would also agree and disagree with her. I understand self doubt but just make up your mind huh! And, lastly, I felt a few scenes were written for the plot but never developed entirely, especially the kiss between Ambrose and “Ro”. Yes, yes, I know the logic behind the kiss and the “why’s” but hey, it still hurts and I really wanted that plot-idea to be developed, something atleast. Ambrose can’t again and again do something hurtful to Lumi and then just escape it because he’s her mate and the bond and the connection.
Anyways, I like Nyx more than Ambrose, no clue why, maybe I’m siding towards the wrong guy but let’s see ;)
April 14, 2025
“Marked By Moonlight” is the first book in the paranormal romance series called “Mateless Shifters”. This novel takes place somewhere between Alaska and Washington state. In it, we see a world where werewolves, vampires, and witches are cursed when each angers the Gods. Twenty-one-year-old Lumi is the youngest non-shifter werewolf of her pack- the exact pact that cursed all werewolves never to be able to find their mates in the first place. When she dreams that she will be the one to break the curse, she is determined to see it through…until she learns the risk. If she tries to mate with someone who isn’t her mate, she dies and the curse continues. However, not everyone wants the curse to end, or is there more than meets the eye? It is important to note that there are dark-esque themes/situations present in this book that may be triggering to some readers.
This was an easy read. There is not a lot of world-building being as it takes place in the present-day United States. The set design also leaves much to the imagination when your attention doesn’t necessarily NEED to know. If it is important to the story, it is described well to picture it in your mind’s eye. The spice level is low, in my humble opinion, but it is there. There is one scene in particular that may be a trigger warning for some, but otherwise, it is fairly tame. I would give it 2/5 peppers.
I enjoyed our FMC, Lumi. Lumi is resilient, stubborn as a bull (or in this case, a wolf), and has so much loyalty to her family and friends. She endures so much in this book (especially at the beginning) and still, she rises. Although her commentary about certain things can lead to an eye roll or two, her resilience stuck out to me the most. We have two swoon-worthy MCs in this book (it’s not why choose, by the way). Ambrose is our primary male character in the book, and Nyx is a prominent fixture in the story. I don’t want to disclose too much about either of them, so I will leave that there. Just read the book and you’ll see what I am talking about.
“Marked by Moonlight” has a comparable vein to “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” and I feel confident saying that a Maas fan would enjoy this book. That is NOT to say that they have similar premises because they don’t, but there was almost an air of it- the reintroduction of a dark and mysterious man, for example ;) or perhaps a deal was made between two characters that just screams (for lack of a better word), “HMMMMMMMM”.
When I finished the book, I immediately looked for when the next book was planned to be released. September. SEPTEMBER? I’m invested NOW! Thankfully, I saw you can get the prologue to the second book if you sign up for her newsletter, so there’s that. I am curious (and excited) to see how this series progresses between the amalgamation of the pieces of prophecy with our characters and where their places are in it. I read it for the wolves, but I’m staying for the DRAMA!
One last note…it ends on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ella Miles
This was an easy read. There is not a lot of world-building being as it takes place in the present-day United States. The set design also leaves much to the imagination when your attention doesn’t necessarily NEED to know. If it is important to the story, it is described well to picture it in your mind’s eye. The spice level is low, in my humble opinion, but it is there. There is one scene in particular that may be a trigger warning for some, but otherwise, it is fairly tame. I would give it 2/5 peppers.
I enjoyed our FMC, Lumi. Lumi is resilient, stubborn as a bull (or in this case, a wolf), and has so much loyalty to her family and friends. She endures so much in this book (especially at the beginning) and still, she rises. Although her commentary about certain things can lead to an eye roll or two, her resilience stuck out to me the most. We have two swoon-worthy MCs in this book (it’s not why choose, by the way). Ambrose is our primary male character in the book, and Nyx is a prominent fixture in the story. I don’t want to disclose too much about either of them, so I will leave that there. Just read the book and you’ll see what I am talking about.
“Marked by Moonlight” has a comparable vein to “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” and I feel confident saying that a Maas fan would enjoy this book. That is NOT to say that they have similar premises because they don’t, but there was almost an air of it- the reintroduction of a dark and mysterious man, for example ;) or perhaps a deal was made between two characters that just screams (for lack of a better word), “HMMMMMMMM”.
When I finished the book, I immediately looked for when the next book was planned to be released. September. SEPTEMBER? I’m invested NOW! Thankfully, I saw you can get the prologue to the second book if you sign up for her newsletter, so there’s that. I am curious (and excited) to see how this series progresses between the amalgamation of the pieces of prophecy with our characters and where their places are in it. I read it for the wolves, but I’m staying for the DRAMA!
One last note…it ends on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ella Miles
March 18, 2025
This was an exciting new world from Ella Miles. I have loved all her other books and was so excited when I found out she was writing a paranormal series. I really enjoyed Marked by Moonlight. It was mysterious and suspenseful, dropping just enough hints to keep you guessing the whole way through. I liked all the characters and getting to know the dynamic of the wolf shifters. I was hooked from the start and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I really liked Lumi. She was strong and resilient. I don't think I could have done what she did so I admired her courage. I felt bad that she had to endure so much and was treated so bad for something she couldn't control.
I didn't connect with Ambrose as much as I would have liked until the end. I would have enjoyed a few more chapters from his perspective but I understand why he was written that way. I'm hoping in the next book we get more from him and an indepth look into what makes him tick.
I loved the setting of the story and all the twists and turns it took. It held my attention all the way through and I'm very invested in how things will turn out. Especially after that ending! The writing was very descriptive and detailed so it painted a wondrous picture of all the places and characters. I would definitely recommend it!!
I really liked Lumi. She was strong and resilient. I don't think I could have done what she did so I admired her courage. I felt bad that she had to endure so much and was treated so bad for something she couldn't control.
I didn't connect with Ambrose as much as I would have liked until the end. I would have enjoyed a few more chapters from his perspective but I understand why he was written that way. I'm hoping in the next book we get more from him and an indepth look into what makes him tick.
I loved the setting of the story and all the twists and turns it took. It held my attention all the way through and I'm very invested in how things will turn out. Especially after that ending! The writing was very descriptive and detailed so it painted a wondrous picture of all the places and characters. I would definitely recommend it!!
March 29, 2025
The cover of this book drew me in first. Then I learned it was about a curse, shifters, witches and vampires. Yes, please!
So, while I did receive a copy from Booksprout, this is definitely a genre I like to read and maybe you do too? This is my honest review. My only complaint is that I have to wait for September for the second book in the series.
Honestly, I don’t even know where to start. I read this book in one sitting. There was so much going on, that I had to know what was going to happen next. The plot is original (at least to me) and I really enjoyed the wonderful characters. As much as it pains me to admit it, as soon as I thought, “I see where this is going”, I really didn’t.
Now, this does end on a cliffhanger, and while I have a small inkling I know at least one part of the plot, the rest has me completely turned around. I can’t wait for book 2!
While it is a paranormal book, it is also more of a dark romance with fated mates and is explicitly spicy.
All that being said, it is a fun read!
#MarkedByMoonlight #EllaMiles #Booksprout #Explicit #Romance #ParanormalRomance #WolfShifter #Vampires #DarkRomance #Witches #FatedMates #RomanticSuspense #ContemporaryRomance #RomanceSeries #Romance
So, while I did receive a copy from Booksprout, this is definitely a genre I like to read and maybe you do too? This is my honest review. My only complaint is that I have to wait for September for the second book in the series.
Honestly, I don’t even know where to start. I read this book in one sitting. There was so much going on, that I had to know what was going to happen next. The plot is original (at least to me) and I really enjoyed the wonderful characters. As much as it pains me to admit it, as soon as I thought, “I see where this is going”, I really didn’t.
Now, this does end on a cliffhanger, and while I have a small inkling I know at least one part of the plot, the rest has me completely turned around. I can’t wait for book 2!
While it is a paranormal book, it is also more of a dark romance with fated mates and is explicitly spicy.
All that being said, it is a fun read!
#MarkedByMoonlight #EllaMiles #Booksprout #Explicit #Romance #ParanormalRomance #WolfShifter #Vampires #DarkRomance #Witches #FatedMates #RomanticSuspense #ContemporaryRomance #RomanceSeries #Romance
March 18, 2025
The shifter, wolves, have a curse put upon them for one fated rejected another. The gods became angry and cursed them they cannot find their fated mates until specific true mates’ form and break the curse. Lumi and Kael are from a pack of only five; the rest have died. She believed they might be mates, so he tries to mark her; they are not! They are attacked by another pack after her father and Kael’s uncle and aunt send them off to the human world.
What they come across instead is the banished Blood Moon Pack who make Lumi an offering to the Moonlight pack; the one they have been searching for! The Alpha of all Alphas’, Ambrose, takes part in the offering as well. They have some female wolves who offer themselves up to different alphas to see if a claim can be made; if it is not true, the female dies.
Guess who Lumi is a true mate of? Only, each person has a personal curse they deal with. Things become so twisted after this point! They have to break the curse, even if their lives are at stake. I would love to give away what transpires from this point…but alas, I cannot! It is action-packed, surprising, and most of all, ends in a cliffhanger!
What they come across instead is the banished Blood Moon Pack who make Lumi an offering to the Moonlight pack; the one they have been searching for! The Alpha of all Alphas’, Ambrose, takes part in the offering as well. They have some female wolves who offer themselves up to different alphas to see if a claim can be made; if it is not true, the female dies.
Guess who Lumi is a true mate of? Only, each person has a personal curse they deal with. Things become so twisted after this point! They have to break the curse, even if their lives are at stake. I would love to give away what transpires from this point…but alas, I cannot! It is action-packed, surprising, and most of all, ends in a cliffhanger!
September 19, 2025
⭐️ 2.5
🔥 Insta-lust (medium burn)
🌶 1.5
🧙♀️ witches, 🧛♂️ vampires, 🐺 wolf-shifters
🔮 Magic
🧠 Mind-to-mind bond communication.
🐺 Fated mates? 🦊
🔒 Somewhat willing captive.
The beginning started off promising.Ends on a cliffhanger.
Very repetitive read so far. Feels like a there's a word count goal. (My mate, My pack, the curse)
FMC comes off as a teenage girl that can'tmake up her mind. Back and forth with I'll do anything to find my mate and break the curse, but when she thinks she finds him, she flip flops from he's my mate, he's mine to he's not mine/not my mate. I'll willingly die if that means breaking the curse, to, I won't mate with you out of spite.
She expects Ambrose to give her all his secrets when she just met him, but refuses to share her biggest one.
I'm waiting for her to get past all her self doubt and hopefully turn into a stronger character and mature a bit. It's hard to connect with the FMC so far.
Will read book 2. Need to see how this goes, I have medium/high hopes it will get better. It wasn't a terrible read, there is a decent plot. Good for KU.
🔥 Insta-lust (medium burn)
🌶 1.5
🧙♀️ witches, 🧛♂️ vampires, 🐺 wolf-shifters
🔮 Magic
🧠 Mind-to-mind bond communication.
🐺 Fated mates? 🦊
🔒 Somewhat willing captive.
The beginning started off promising.Ends on a cliffhanger.
Very repetitive read so far. Feels like a there's a word count goal. (My mate, My pack, the curse)
FMC comes off as a teenage girl that can'tmake up her mind. Back and forth with I'll do anything to find my mate and break the curse, but when she thinks she finds him, she flip flops from he's my mate, he's mine to he's not mine/not my mate. I'll willingly die if that means breaking the curse, to, I won't mate with you out of spite.
She expects Ambrose to give her all his secrets when she just met him, but refuses to share her biggest one.
I'm waiting for her to get past all her self doubt and hopefully turn into a stronger character and mature a bit. It's hard to connect with the FMC so far.
Will read book 2. Need to see how this goes, I have medium/high hopes it will get better. It wasn't a terrible read, there is a decent plot. Good for KU.
March 13, 2025
Marked by Moonlight was a great romance read filled with wolves, witches, vampires, suspense, allies, enemies, secrets, threats, deaths, friendships, desires and so much more. Lumi feels that she is the one that is meant to break the curse placed on all because of her aunt Elara rejection. The one thing she can't quite figure out is who is meant to break the curse with her. Her actions in trying to figure it out it leads to devastating consequences, yet it places her on the right path at the same time, but things are not always as they seem. Threats are coming from every direction and in order for Lumi to fulfill the prophecy she must first survive. Ambrose of the most powerful wolf alphas has made his claim, but Nyx is just as powerful, even a little more and he's made a move that changes everything. This story ends with one heck of a cliffhanger, as more secrets are revealed and I'm excited to read the next book to find out what happens next.
March 17, 2025
If you're an Ella Miles reader, then you know you are in for a ride that is full of twists and turns and costant WTH?! This book is no different!! There is a curse in the shifter world. Lumi, a shifter who has not gotten her wolf yet, believes that she is key to breaking the curse. When her father sends her away after an attack, she is determined to find the Moonlight pack and break the curse. Lumi is in for quite the ride and it is a wonder she has managed to stay alive. Watching her come into her own was such a treat! Despite her human weak qualities, she was determined and refused to back down. Rowena is another favorite. I loved the friendship between her and Lumi and the fact that she was so fearless and just as strong as the men.
In famous Ella fashion, the book ends on a cliff hanger that will have your mouth drop to the floor because you absolutely will not see THAT twist coming!!!! I cannot wait for the next one!!!
In famous Ella fashion, the book ends on a cliff hanger that will have your mouth drop to the floor because you absolutely will not see THAT twist coming!!!! I cannot wait for the next one!!!
September 30, 2025
what the heck was that ending ?
The plot is so tangled that I can't understand what I'm reading. There's no event with a logical explanation. Unnecessary scenes were written just to add more action. The ending was so bad. I mean, why?? The whole book is about to complete the relationship between two characters, why does a third person enter the relationship at the end? Why are they trying to harm the main character when she's the cure for everyone? I'm sorry, but the book is terrible. I read it until the end hoping things would come to a logical conclusion, but in the end, even more ridiculous things happened. I can say that even the books on Wattpad are better. This is the first time I've written such a negative review for a book. I thought I'd start the second book sometime after finishing the book, but after reading the ending, I won't start the second book at all. If you want to read a pointless romance, you can, but I recommend you don't waste your time.
The plot is so tangled that I can't understand what I'm reading. There's no event with a logical explanation. Unnecessary scenes were written just to add more action. The ending was so bad. I mean, why?? The whole book is about to complete the relationship between two characters, why does a third person enter the relationship at the end? Why are they trying to harm the main character when she's the cure for everyone? I'm sorry, but the book is terrible. I read it until the end hoping things would come to a logical conclusion, but in the end, even more ridiculous things happened. I can say that even the books on Wattpad are better. This is the first time I've written such a negative review for a book. I thought I'd start the second book sometime after finishing the book, but after reading the ending, I won't start the second book at all. If you want to read a pointless romance, you can, but I recommend you don't waste your time.
March 31, 2025
I’ve read a few books by this author previously, and loved them, so I jumped at the opportunity to read this. I was genuinely surprised how much I liked this. Lumi, who hasn’t shifted into her wolf because of a curse, is desperately trying to see if there is anything between her and Kael. The next youngest wolf in the pack is thirty to her twenty-one years of age. But then, something happens, and it’s not what she was expecting. Now running for their lives, they’re searching for a pack that will help break the curse. Scorching romance, fated mates, lies, and betrayal are what lie ahead. This was quite the read, had me glued to the pages until I finished devouring it! Cannot wait till the next installment, since being left to dangle on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2025
DNF @ 32%
Another case of good concept- poor execution. I kept pushing through in hopes that the writing would improve or I imagined it all. Sadly, no.
From plot holes (get bitten by a false mate = death; and yet, "every male here wants a taste of you to try to change your mind before I make you mine") to poorly written characters (what was the point of the first two chapters and all the extra characters? Good writing would have omited them and used them to show character development and depth throughout the story) the story failed to grab my attention and I found myself constantly putting the book down.
Maybe I didn't stick with it long enough and the story turns around. Maybe I'll find myself stuck in an airport and I'll end up finishing it because I have nothing else to do to pass the time.
For now tho, it was a big fat flop.
Another case of good concept- poor execution. I kept pushing through in hopes that the writing would improve or I imagined it all. Sadly, no.
From plot holes (get bitten by a false mate = death; and yet, "every male here wants a taste of you to try to change your mind before I make you mine") to poorly written characters (what was the point of the first two chapters and all the extra characters? Good writing would have omited them and used them to show character development and depth throughout the story) the story failed to grab my attention and I found myself constantly putting the book down.
Maybe I didn't stick with it long enough and the story turns around. Maybe I'll find myself stuck in an airport and I'll end up finishing it because I have nothing else to do to pass the time.
For now tho, it was a big fat flop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
Absolutely Fantastic and Magical
Marked by Moonlight is the first book in the new Mateless Shifters series by Ella Miles. This author is a "one click and don't even think" author for me, as I have loved her books for years now. But I am going to say that I was not sure because this is new romance territory for Ella, shifter PNR romance. I should have known that that she would knock it so far out of the park that you can't even see where it lands. The story is involved, has twists, danger, fated mates, becoming who you were always meant to be, curses, and a whole lot more. Be prepared to read early into the next morning, as I guarantee you will not be able to put this book down for anything once you are immersed in it.
Marked by Moonlight is the first book in the new Mateless Shifters series by Ella Miles. This author is a "one click and don't even think" author for me, as I have loved her books for years now. But I am going to say that I was not sure because this is new romance territory for Ella, shifter PNR romance. I should have known that that she would knock it so far out of the park that you can't even see where it lands. The story is involved, has twists, danger, fated mates, becoming who you were always meant to be, curses, and a whole lot more. Be prepared to read early into the next morning, as I guarantee you will not be able to put this book down for anything once you are immersed in it.
March 24, 2025
This is my first paranormal read from this author and she did not disappoint.
I was addicted from the start and couldn't put it down.
What a great premis to have all the supernaturals... werewolves, vampires and witches... all cursed.
Lumi is the last of her pack but can't shift yet, but we learn that her mating will be the only way to save them all.
It's only right before her mating that her strengths and powers show themselves.
The only problem is who can Lumi trust and what is the truth behind the curse.
Lumi has fought pain, trouble and danger from all around her. Will she be strong enough.
The cliffhanger at the end had me gasping... bring on book 2.
I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review
I was addicted from the start and couldn't put it down.
What a great premis to have all the supernaturals... werewolves, vampires and witches... all cursed.
Lumi is the last of her pack but can't shift yet, but we learn that her mating will be the only way to save them all.
It's only right before her mating that her strengths and powers show themselves.
The only problem is who can Lumi trust and what is the truth behind the curse.
Lumi has fought pain, trouble and danger from all around her. Will she be strong enough.
The cliffhanger at the end had me gasping... bring on book 2.
I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review
March 25, 2025
So disappointing!! 😭
This book is frustrating in so many ways:
• The entire thing feels like filler and now we have to wait for book two to get any satisfaction from the story. The main characters are not flushed out well and the world / magic system isn’t as well developed as it could have been.
• The main characters best friend is essentially a plot device that doesn’t matter at all by the end of the book. Why did we waste so much time introducing him?
• The constant “you’re my mate or maybe you’re not or maybe you are but you’re WEAK” back and forth is just exhausting. It does nothing for the plot.
• Were we supposed to like any of the characters? They genuinely all seem so unlikable.
Sad about this one, I was looking forward to it.
This book is frustrating in so many ways:
• The entire thing feels like filler and now we have to wait for book two to get any satisfaction from the story. The main characters are not flushed out well and the world / magic system isn’t as well developed as it could have been.
• The main characters best friend is essentially a plot device that doesn’t matter at all by the end of the book. Why did we waste so much time introducing him?
• The constant “you’re my mate or maybe you’re not or maybe you are but you’re WEAK” back and forth is just exhausting. It does nothing for the plot.
• Were we supposed to like any of the characters? They genuinely all seem so unlikable.
Sad about this one, I was looking forward to it.
March 31, 2025
When Lumi finds herself exiled from the only life, she has ever known she is in for quite the fight as not only is she a wolf shifter that has not experienced her special ability but her survival and the survival of those she cares about is contingent on her finding her mate.
Ambrose believes that Lumi is destined to be her mate however he also realizes it is too soon. First, she needs to become the shifter she is destined to be however that will be easier said than done.
This is the beginning of Lumi and Ambrose’s story, and it gives us insight into the characters however there is still a lot left to be revealed. The action and surprises keep coming and leaves us wondering what the future holds.
Ambrose believes that Lumi is destined to be her mate however he also realizes it is too soon. First, she needs to become the shifter she is destined to be however that will be easier said than done.
This is the beginning of Lumi and Ambrose’s story, and it gives us insight into the characters however there is still a lot left to be revealed. The action and surprises keep coming and leaves us wondering what the future holds.
March 17, 2025
I really enjoyed Lumi’s journey to find her mate and break the curse on their pack. When trouble is coming to their doorstep her father makes her and Kael leave and live as humans. Neither want this, but until they shift and find their mate nothing is going to change. When Lumi is taken and brought to an offering things start to go from bad to worse. I love how we get to see Lumi figure out who she is, what strengths she has and the alpha female she can become, but is the alpha she thinks is her mate really her mate? It’s life or death when marking your mate. Love the twist at the end and can’t wait to see what’s to come.
March 30, 2025
I really enjoyed how the book intertwined vampires and witches, hinting at a deep, interconnected paranormal universe that left me pondering what might be lurking just beyond the surface. While the FMC wasn’t as strong as I’d hoped, the push/pull dynamic between the characters was engaging and kept the tension high.
One of the most intriguing elements was the mysterious curse on the shifters—a secret that slowly unfolded and kept me guessing throughout the story. The cliffhanger ending, makes the wait for book two (set for release in September 2025) feel agonizingly long.
This being my first book by Ella Miles, I’m already eagerly anticipating what’s next. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment and see how these paranormal mysteries deepen and evolve!
One of the most intriguing elements was the mysterious curse on the shifters—a secret that slowly unfolded and kept me guessing throughout the story. The cliffhanger ending, makes the wait for book two (set for release in September 2025) feel agonizingly long.
This being my first book by Ella Miles, I’m already eagerly anticipating what’s next. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment and see how these paranormal mysteries deepen and evolve!
March 15, 2025
Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding paranormal story. Lumi wants to find other wolf packs, try to be able to shift, find her mate, and try to break the curse, but she is captured and put into a blood offering. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of mystery and romance, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the engaging series by the phenomenally amazing author, Ella Miles!
March 18, 2025
A well written, captivating story with drama, suspense, mystery, deceit, betrayal and romance. I was mesmerized by the author and her ability to make me feel such strong emotions as I read this book. Each chapter seemed to reveal more secrets while creating more mystery. The cliffhanger ending was expected yet totally mind blowing given the fallout which was shocking and left me reeling. I cannot wait to read the rest of their story. Great storytelling.
March 18, 2025
When Lumi is forced to leave her home because of coming trouble her problems go from bad to worse when she is captured and taken as an offering for the Bloodmoon Alpha. Will she finally come in her own and gains her wolf and a happily ever after as well. This action-packed drama is filled with twists and turns that had me all caught up in Lumi's ordeal.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
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