What do you think?
Rate this book
F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation #4
High Moon
A F.R.E.A.K.S. LOVE STORY
Telekinetic Special Agent Beatrice Alexander has fought hordes of zombies, psychotic vampires, and even a troll. But now she faces her greatest love.
Fully recovered from her holiday from hell, Bea has returned to the F.R.E.A.K.S. with a mission, to gain the love of her werewolf teammate, Will Price. Of course nothing is ever easy when it comes to love and war. And when the killing fields of a pack of murderous werewolves is discovered in the wilds of North Carolina, the situation goes from complicated to deadly. Because though Bea always seems to get her man or beast in the end, this time she isn’t sure she will survive with her love intact. Or with her life…
Telekinetic Special Agent Beatrice Alexander has fought hordes of zombies, psychotic vampires, and even a troll. But now she faces her greatest love.
Fully recovered from her holiday from hell, Bea has returned to the F.R.E.A.K.S. with a mission, to gain the love of her werewolf teammate, Will Price. Of course nothing is ever easy when it comes to love and war. And when the killing fields of a pack of murderous werewolves is discovered in the wilds of North Carolina, the situation goes from complicated to deadly. Because though Bea always seems to get her man or beast in the end, this time she isn’t sure she will survive with her love intact. Or with her life…
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2014
10 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Harlow
27 books409 followersJennifer Harlow spent her restless childhood fighting with her three brothers and scaring the heck out of herself with horror movies and books. She grew up to earn a degree at the University of Virginia which she put to use as a radio DJ, crisis hotline volunteer, bookseller, lab assistant, wedding coordinator, and government investigator. Currently she calls Northern Virgina home but that restless itch is ever present. In her free time she continues to scare the beejepers out of herself watching scary movies and opening her credit card bills.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 9, 2015
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: High Moon is a dark urban fantasy with a humorous twist. Bea is such a fun character but she is really tested when it comes to love and friendships.
Opening Sentence: Watching the man you love suck face with a gorgeous woman is not the best way to start a birthday.
The Review:
High Moon is the fourth installment in the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation series. This novel does mark a transition in the series between having a publisher to being self-published. I have really enjoyed the past books in this series and High Moon was no exception. The humor that frequents this series is still there but with it is a bit of hope in this terrible world as Beatrice finally has the love of her life Will at her side.
Beatrice is back to work after healing from her wounds after the events of Death Takes a Holiday. It is Bea’s birthday and after watching “the love of her life” suck face with a succubus she finally just lays it all on the line and tells Will that she’s in love with him. What she doesn’t expect is Will admitting his feelings too. They have always had a tumultuous relationship. Will has usually treated her as if he couldn’t stand being in the same room as her even though he did crack a few times showing that he had more feelings towards her. Even after he admits his feelings he still is kind of standoffish towards her when others are around. Oliver, Bea’s best friend and vampire, does not take the news of Bea’s and Will’s relationship well.
The lovers “honeymoon” doesn’t last long as the F.R.E.A.K.S. are called out on a case. Two body parts are found and a pack of werewolves are found to be responsible. It is up to Bea and the rest of the gang to find who is exactly behind it. Powerful magic is on the side of the rogue werewolves that pretty much makes Will and other pack wolves useless on this case.
High Moon does move a little slow in the beginning but once they begin the case, the story really picks up. The story has some funny moments especially when Bea is thinking to herself but the underlying story is quite dark. Terrible things happen to some characters while others say some very mean things. I did have a hard time reading some of the things that Bea put up with in this installment. I honestly couldn’t stand Will or Oliver and I am a huge Oliver fan. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what she ever saw in Will except for one really good looking macho guy.
Bea is such a fun character except when her thoughts are all wrapped up in Will (and they are for the entire novel). When he is around it is like all her common sense just flies out the window. I did like Will in the previous stories but I just had a hard time really liking him in this novel. He almost seemed like a different person. His attitude was very happy but he still was sometimes an ass towards Bea. He has a hard time with his wolf and it really showed in this novel.
But as I’ve become accustomed too, happiness can only last so long in urban fantasy. I really hope High Moon is not the last of this series but I really want to know what is next for the F.R.E.A.K.S. squad and how they manage to recover from the strange events that happen on their latest case.
Notable Scene:
The door swings open to a living room bathed in soft orange light from the crackling fire in the far wall. Aww, he must have come here to get everything ready before he picked me up. My mouth literally drops open as I step in. It’s so homey. One large room with a futon couch, table, chairs, kitchenette, quilts like Nana makes hang on the walls, and two doors that must go to the bedroom and bathroom. It’s…perfect.
“Like it?” Will asks, shutting the door behind us.
“I love it,” I say breathlessly. This moment has literally taken my breath away. I twirl around and throw my arms over his shoulders. “I love you. I love you so much.”
I kiss him. The moment our lips lock, we have liftoff. Literally. He scoops me into his strong, comforting arms to draw me in closer, hoisting me off the ground. I wrap my legs around his waist. Lips, tongue all play in a frenzy as he moves us toward the fire. The bedroom’s too damn far away. May as well be on freaking Mars. He lowers me onto the sheepskin rug. Clothes. We have way too many clothes on. The kiss breaks as we struggle with jackets, shirts and pants. He beats me in the naked race, and I take just a second to appraise his amazing body. All his strong contours glow in the firelight like some mythical creature out of a fairy tale. And he’s all mine. Every last huge inch of him.
FTC Advisory: Jennifer Harlow graciously provided me with a copy of High Moon. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: High Moon is a dark urban fantasy with a humorous twist. Bea is such a fun character but she is really tested when it comes to love and friendships.
Opening Sentence: Watching the man you love suck face with a gorgeous woman is not the best way to start a birthday.
The Review:
High Moon is the fourth installment in the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation series. This novel does mark a transition in the series between having a publisher to being self-published. I have really enjoyed the past books in this series and High Moon was no exception. The humor that frequents this series is still there but with it is a bit of hope in this terrible world as Beatrice finally has the love of her life Will at her side.
Beatrice is back to work after healing from her wounds after the events of Death Takes a Holiday. It is Bea’s birthday and after watching “the love of her life” suck face with a succubus she finally just lays it all on the line and tells Will that she’s in love with him. What she doesn’t expect is Will admitting his feelings too. They have always had a tumultuous relationship. Will has usually treated her as if he couldn’t stand being in the same room as her even though he did crack a few times showing that he had more feelings towards her. Even after he admits his feelings he still is kind of standoffish towards her when others are around. Oliver, Bea’s best friend and vampire, does not take the news of Bea’s and Will’s relationship well.
The lovers “honeymoon” doesn’t last long as the F.R.E.A.K.S. are called out on a case. Two body parts are found and a pack of werewolves are found to be responsible. It is up to Bea and the rest of the gang to find who is exactly behind it. Powerful magic is on the side of the rogue werewolves that pretty much makes Will and other pack wolves useless on this case.
High Moon does move a little slow in the beginning but once they begin the case, the story really picks up. The story has some funny moments especially when Bea is thinking to herself but the underlying story is quite dark. Terrible things happen to some characters while others say some very mean things. I did have a hard time reading some of the things that Bea put up with in this installment. I honestly couldn’t stand Will or Oliver and I am a huge Oliver fan. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what she ever saw in Will except for one really good looking macho guy.
Bea is such a fun character except when her thoughts are all wrapped up in Will (and they are for the entire novel). When he is around it is like all her common sense just flies out the window. I did like Will in the previous stories but I just had a hard time really liking him in this novel. He almost seemed like a different person. His attitude was very happy but he still was sometimes an ass towards Bea. He has a hard time with his wolf and it really showed in this novel.
But as I’ve become accustomed too, happiness can only last so long in urban fantasy. I really hope High Moon is not the last of this series but I really want to know what is next for the F.R.E.A.K.S. squad and how they manage to recover from the strange events that happen on their latest case.
Notable Scene:
The door swings open to a living room bathed in soft orange light from the crackling fire in the far wall. Aww, he must have come here to get everything ready before he picked me up. My mouth literally drops open as I step in. It’s so homey. One large room with a futon couch, table, chairs, kitchenette, quilts like Nana makes hang on the walls, and two doors that must go to the bedroom and bathroom. It’s…perfect.
“Like it?” Will asks, shutting the door behind us.
“I love it,” I say breathlessly. This moment has literally taken my breath away. I twirl around and throw my arms over his shoulders. “I love you. I love you so much.”
I kiss him. The moment our lips lock, we have liftoff. Literally. He scoops me into his strong, comforting arms to draw me in closer, hoisting me off the ground. I wrap my legs around his waist. Lips, tongue all play in a frenzy as he moves us toward the fire. The bedroom’s too damn far away. May as well be on freaking Mars. He lowers me onto the sheepskin rug. Clothes. We have way too many clothes on. The kiss breaks as we struggle with jackets, shirts and pants. He beats me in the naked race, and I take just a second to appraise his amazing body. All his strong contours glow in the firelight like some mythical creature out of a fairy tale. And he’s all mine. Every last huge inch of him.
FTC Advisory: Jennifer Harlow graciously provided me with a copy of High Moon. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
September 20, 2014
As much as I liked High Moon, it wrecked me. It really, really wrecked me. My heart is still hurting from it. But it was awesome, though. Only really great books can make me feel so much.
I loved the previous books but starting this one I really didn't know what to expect. So yeah, I'm really glad I liked it so much - even with that awful ending. *sniffles*
Bea is an awesome main character. I love her spirit and how she never gave up on Will, no matter how much he pushed her away. And I must say she's grown a lot since that first book. She can fight, she has awesome powers and she can even pick locks now! And yet she has some human flaws, on the inside as well as the outside. I think it's so great how the author created her like that, not a super skinny model-like woman with perfect sizes but someone who like every woman has flaws in her looks and is sometimes insecure about her body. I want more characters like that.
I really love the set of secondary characters in this series, especially Oliver. I love Oliver. I love love love him to bits and pieces, even when he wasn't on his best behavior in this book. I was never much of a fan of Will but I do wanted him and Bea to be together because they went through so much and it's about time! Did it happen? I won't tell, you'll just have to find out. ;)
This book was, to me, a bit different in some way. It's hard to explain. It wasn't a bad different because I really liked this book. I guess it was more focused on Bea and Will than the other books. But aside from the romance, there was also as always a lot of action, drama (so much drama!) and witty dialogue. These books just crack me up.
As always there's a case the FREAKS are working on, which adds some mystery to the story, which I love. I always catch myself trying to solve it along with them, but of course I never can. Still, I like a good mystery and it's fun to try! The only minor point to me was that the first 20% of this book was all about Bea and Will and the romance, which eventually started to get a little boring, but that's probably just a person issue. Aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I mentioned the ending before and I feel like I have to get into that more. It was shocking. And when I say shocking I mean really shocking. I hadn't expected that to happen at all. Also, I teared up so badly (which I almost never do!), that I had to get tissues. I just want to say, why? Why would this happen. It was so awful and yeah just wow... I do hope there will be a fifth book soon because this killed me. Damn authors!
All in all, High Moon was another great F.R.E.A.K.S. book in an equally amazing series. Jennifer Harlow really surprised me with this one. That ending, my god! I would recommend this book as well as the series (if you haven't read the other three books yet). Get to reading them now!
I loved the previous books but starting this one I really didn't know what to expect. So yeah, I'm really glad I liked it so much - even with that awful ending. *sniffles*
Bea is an awesome main character. I love her spirit and how she never gave up on Will, no matter how much he pushed her away. And I must say she's grown a lot since that first book. She can fight, she has awesome powers and she can even pick locks now! And yet she has some human flaws, on the inside as well as the outside. I think it's so great how the author created her like that, not a super skinny model-like woman with perfect sizes but someone who like every woman has flaws in her looks and is sometimes insecure about her body. I want more characters like that.
I really love the set of secondary characters in this series, especially Oliver. I love Oliver. I love love love him to bits and pieces, even when he wasn't on his best behavior in this book. I was never much of a fan of Will but I do wanted him and Bea to be together because they went through so much and it's about time! Did it happen? I won't tell, you'll just have to find out. ;)
This book was, to me, a bit different in some way. It's hard to explain. It wasn't a bad different because I really liked this book. I guess it was more focused on Bea and Will than the other books. But aside from the romance, there was also as always a lot of action, drama (so much drama!) and witty dialogue. These books just crack me up.
As always there's a case the FREAKS are working on, which adds some mystery to the story, which I love. I always catch myself trying to solve it along with them, but of course I never can. Still, I like a good mystery and it's fun to try! The only minor point to me was that the first 20% of this book was all about Bea and Will and the romance, which eventually started to get a little boring, but that's probably just a person issue. Aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I mentioned the ending before and I feel like I have to get into that more. It was shocking. And when I say shocking I mean really shocking. I hadn't expected that to happen at all. Also, I teared up so badly (which I almost never do!), that I had to get tissues. I just want to say, why? Why would this happen. It was so awful and yeah just wow... I do hope there will be a fifth book soon because this killed me. Damn authors!
All in all, High Moon was another great F.R.E.A.K.S. book in an equally amazing series. Jennifer Harlow really surprised me with this one. That ending, my god! I would recommend this book as well as the series (if you haven't read the other three books yet). Get to reading them now!
June 18, 2019
Wow, did this series devolve. Beatrice went from a strong, quirky, new agent to a silly, schoolgirl with her first crush and it just wrecked the story for me.
What I enjoyed:
* The ending was unexpected
* Beatrice's best friend for dropping the truth bomb on her (even if she ignored it)
* The villain was interesting (although the team should have caught the obvious clues earlier)
What could have been better:
* Will and Beatrice could have been professionals instead of acting like teenagers
* Beatrice spent most the 2nd half being whiney and TSTL (and seemed to acknowledge it to herself)
* I still wonder what all these powerful males see in Beatrice
* Oliver was all over the place. The author couldn't seem to make up her mind about him.
What I enjoyed:
* The ending was unexpected
* Beatrice's best friend for dropping the truth bomb on her (even if she ignored it)
* The villain was interesting (although the team should have caught the obvious clues earlier)
What could have been better:
* Will and Beatrice could have been professionals instead of acting like teenagers
* Beatrice spent most the 2nd half being whiney and TSTL (and seemed to acknowledge it to herself)
* I still wonder what all these powerful males see in Beatrice
* Oliver was all over the place. The author couldn't seem to make up her mind about him.
September 14, 2014
I gave it 3.5/5 stars
I was emotionally drained after finishing HIGH MOON. How can the series possibly go on after the events of book 4? How can I possibly write a review about HIGH MOON without giving away some sort of spoiler.
I must be honest, Beatrice ended up annoying me quite a bit in the beginning half of the book. It's easy to understand her feelings, but she seemed to not care about anything besides getting what she wanted and I hated witnessing it. I still like her as a character and it got better as the book progressed but the total lack of caring about others feelings really bothered me.
A lot happens with Beatrice and Will in HIGH MOON, but I will have to leave it at that. Surprisingly Oliver ended up making me like him even more. He had a really hard time with things, but I feel like he didn't act AS BAD as I thought Beatrice was making it out to be.
I honestly don't know what else to say. This is a fantastic series, but I have NO clue what could possibly go into book 5. Hopefully Jennifer has some surprises for us.
* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2015
If you liked the F.R.E.A.K.S. through book three, just stop there. This installment has many sloppy passages, awkward pacing, constant melodrama, and WTF plotting. After the highly entertaining Death Takes a Holidaythis is a major disappointment and crushing potential close to what had been an enjoyable series.
July 15, 2018
2.50 stars
The end.
I just stared into space after the final word of this story. I was literally trying to process everything that has happened.
I was gonna give this a 2 stars or less because it just became irritating for me. One thing though is that ending was a bit unexpected which bumps this up for me.
Here's the stuff that me didnt like:
That one time I thought maybe Will and Bea won't be so bad.
But then April talked some sense into me...
I can answer YES for Bea on Oliver you know. Can't really say the same for Will.
My last point: I would definitely read a next book.
The end.
I just stared into space after the final word of this story. I was literally trying to process everything that has happened.
I was gonna give this a 2 stars or less because it just became irritating for me. One thing though is that ending was a bit unexpected which bumps this up for me.
Here's the stuff that me didnt like:
That one time I thought maybe Will and Bea won't be so bad.
“Babe, you said it yourself at Christmas: we’re not normal...We know how fragile this life is. We know how rare it is to find someone to connect to, really connect to. I’ve loved you for months, hell practically since I first met you, and I almost lost you half a dozen times. I wasted so much time fighting it, fighting you, I don’t want to waste another damn second. I love you. You love me. We want the same things out of life. We respect each other. We make each other happy. Most couples can’t claim one of those damn things. So to outsiders, yeah, we’re moving fast. But fuck them. All that matters is what we think. And for me, if anything, we’re moving too damn slow. If I had the balls to tell you how I felt nine months ago, six months, hell two months ago, we’d already be back from our honeymoon or painting a nursery. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want you to be the mother of my children and wake beside me every morning. Do you feel the same?”
But then April talked some sense into me...
"...Does he make you laugh? When everything goes to absolute shit, can he be trusted to have your back? Be your champion when no one else will? Smack some sense into you even when he knows you won’t speak to him for days after, like I know you’re not gonna speak to me after this call? Can you, at this moment, answer ‘Absolutely yes’ to all of those questions?”
I can answer YES for Bea on Oliver you know. Can't really say the same for Will.
My last point: I would definitely read a next book.
May 6, 2015
Barely three stars. The romance was pretty juvenile and got pretty irritating. They're both so annoying! The saving grace was that her best friend pointed out that she was rushing into things to her, so maybe the author gets it to some degree and will deal with some of Bea's emotional growth as things go along. In this book she just reacted to everything without much thought at all and it just got her into trouble. Even at the end she thinks she's being mature and she's still just reacting. After several books of being told that she's some super agent who took to this job better than any other person ever has, she sure fell a long way. Personally, I just wanted her to be a regular woman doing a hard job, it bugged me when the author made her so great at the job and it bugged me when she acted like an idiot. And as for the end, I'm glad I sneaked a peek early on, but if you don't like big spoilers, don't look. But you might want to wait for book five to come out in the Fall of 2015 before you read this one because the end is...dramatic and it would be nice to be able to go right into the next book, especially if you're a fan of the series. I was stressed out until I confirmed on a blog that book five has been contracted for.
December 2, 2015
Never before have I started to so thoroughly enjoy a series for it to crash and burn for me at book 4. And it's not because of the actual story, that was actually good, and what kept me reading through to the end, no it was the characters. They all seemed to do an about turn and take on different personalities and Bea definitely entered the too stupid to live category. Mistake after mistake, both in judgement and actions turned her from the quirky likeable character of the first 3 books to whiny and stupid. As for Will, I never could see what she saw in him in the first place so I did not feel disappointed with the way things turned out, just in the way it all happened. Not sure if there will be another book and if I will pick it up if there is.
March 5, 2015
I should start by saying that I LOVED the first books in this series. I was surprised to find that this latest installment was self-published, instead of being purchased by the same company that did the first few. I was not surprised after I read it, as it was horribly disappointing. First off, if you are going to self-publish, get someone to do copy editing so that you don't have so many typos and misused words that I am driven nuts. And the story was just horrible. Characters did things that didn't ring true to their behavior in the earlier books, bad relationships were entered, good characters were barely in the book, romance made a smart woman into an annoying fool. So sad!
March 31, 2016
I loved the whole series until this book. Now I wish I had never read any of them and have deleted all of them off of my list (computer, tablet, phone, everything.) Books were my safe space. The one thing that would never hurt me or so I thought until I read this book. Once finished, I almost threw my kindle out the window. The ending was even worse than the Sookie Stackhouse ending. Good job to the author who made people love something and then just smashed it in the last 5 pages of the last book so far in the series. This came out in 2014, hopefully she'll come out with a 5th one to redeem this crap.
May 5, 2017
WARNING: 4 Stars story but only 1 star for the ending, maybe even negative stars for the ending.
This was a great series with an adorable, self-deprecating heroine and her two very interesting love interests. A big part of the fun was the flirty banter between Beatrice and (vampire) Oliver, while Beatrice chased after serious and sexy team leader (werewolf) Will. Unfortunately, once Beatrice finally catches Will, we lose all the Oliver banter while Oliver sulks in the corner. Beatrice also learns that there are some serious issues to deal with once you catch your man who has his own PMS from hell every full moon.
Beatrice is a woman who knows what she wants and for the last year, she has wanted the love of her F.R.E.A.K.S. team leader, werewolf William Price. She doesn’t care that he gets furry and chases his tail once a month. She has their future children already named, she just needs Will to acknowledge his own feelings for Beatrice. The few kisses they have exchanged tell her that Will isn’t as immune to her as he tries to make her believe. But no matter what she does, Will keeps pushing her away. Yet a slipped “I love you” will bring about a change to her future that she might not have been as ready for as she thought she was.
Not everyone is happy for Willitrice. The team is once again fracturing over what their new relationship will mean to the team. The biggest casualty to this new romance is Beatrice’s friendship with partner and BFF, vampire Oliver Montrose. Oliver and Will have been enemies and reluctant teammates for decades, but their animosity to each other exploded over their mutual feelings for Beatrice. Oliver was aware that Beatrice was in love with Will. She cried on his shoulder many a night over Will. But watching her unrequited mooning is different than watching the smooching lovers. Knowing he lost her to a man whose “condition” could cause Beatrice to be ripped to shreds if they aren’t careful is making him act irrationally.
In between kissing Will and arguing with Oliver, Beatrice and the team are still on duty. Their latest case takes them to the woods of Appalachia Summit State Park in North Carolina. Part of a leg is found by hikers, but where is the rest of the body? When evidence shows several werewolves hunting in the woods, the team knows that are trying to find a sadistic pack hunting humans for sport. It also looks like this pack is being lead by a female werewolf who is using magic to keep her pack in an perpetual state of lust for her.
Local packmasters join the hunt for the rogues and we can add them to the list of those who are not happy to find Will cavorting with a Beatrice. Bea is having a hard enough time dealing with the fact that her dream relationship with Will is suddenly speeding ahead faster than a two-man luge and it seems no one is in their corner. Although to be fair she does have to admit that she and Will have been a bit…distracted on this latest case and maybe they aren’t being fair to the rest of the team.
It seems that finally getting the man of her dreams might be the worst thing that has ever happened to Beatrice. Now that she has him, will she have to give him up in the name of public safety?
THOUGHTS:
My inner girly-girl was squealing with joy when we finally get Will to admit his feelings for Beatrice. Between being down about himself about being a real monster…a deadly werewolf, and the fact that he was not able to save his wife when they were attacked all those years ago, Will is always carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. If it was up to him, he would continue to live in a constant state of self-punishment. But we knew that there was a buzz in the air from the moment he met Beatrice, and that any anger toward Beatrice was focused more on her relationship with Oliver, especially when he thought that they were sleeping together. So after Book 3 when Beatrice told him she would get him to admit his feelings for her, I waited on pins and needles not sure if there would be a Book 4 or if Jennifer Harlow was ending the series as a trilogy and leaving us hanging.
There is part of me that now wishes she has left us with the three book series imaging what would happen upon Beatrice’s return. You will note that although I gave the story a 4 star rating, I gave the series ending only 1. The investigation and story were as good as her other books. It was odd to read big, strong, dangerous Will Price texting “Love U. Love U. Love U.” messages. I think I would have lost all respect if there was a “Shmoopsie” in there.
I like that Bea was the one to finally watch over the caged Will while he changed to werewolf at the next full moon. We finally got to see the change happen. Everything went as I imagined it would, including Will’s freak out when an angry Oliver (his nemesis) shows up to confront Bea when he finally learns that Will and Beatrice became a couple while he was in his death sleep.
Investigation aside, what was really missing in the story was the great rapport between Bea and Oliver. Oliver freaks out that he lost Beatrice to Will and becomes the psycho vampire everyone has been warning her about since she got there in Book 1. Beatrice is the only person Oliver has cared about since…ever. He behaves very badly upon learning the news and Beatrice refuses to speak to Oliver until he can apologize and be happy for them. So instead of the usual fun, flirty banter, we barely hear from Oliver at all unless his is yelling and pointing out how dangerous it is for Beatrice to be with a werewolf. I missed Oliver. I missed Oliver/Beatrice a lot.
I gave the series ending a 1 simply because I have never been so upset and absolutely angry finishing a story before in my life. I was going to let a friend borrow my Nook on her vacation because she too is a big fan of the series. I texted her as soon as I finished and told her I would not allow her to read it until she returned so she would not ruin her vacation.
I always enjoyed this series as a fun and entertaining series. Beatrice is very self-deprecating and Oliver is flirty and charming. Even the serious Will you knew was grumpy because he wanted Beatrice but had his “woe is the werewolf” thing going. There are some paranormals and Urban Fantasies that you know take themselves very seriously, for example, The Black Dagger Brotherhood and Mercy Thompson. Maybe the author always intended her series to be dark, but I couldn’t help but enjoy the fun parts of the series. The ending was so dark and awful I am still angry about it months later. I tried to re-read one of the prior stories just to enjoy the camaraderie but it was so tainted by the ending, I couldn’t continue.
There is no doubt in my mind that the author was simply done with this series. I am so sorry she felt that way. I would have read these stories for several more years and enjoyed the characters she created. I truly wish I had a talent for writing. I would hit the fan fiction sites and carry on writing my own saga of the F.R.E.A.K.S.
We don’t know why an author chooses how their characters will react, but even if Jennifer Harlow wanted to walk away from the F.R.E.A.K.S., she didn’t need to be so gruesome. I could think of several different endings which could have left us maybe without a perfect Hollywood happy ending or simply one open to use our own imagination.
For paranormal lovers, I would still highly recommend the first three books in this series. As far as High Moon, you will have to read it at your own risk.
Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
UPDATE: I would again ask how come Will is so dangerous as a werewolf that he needs to be locked up once a month if there are several large packs and pack masters throughout the United States. If werewolves could control themselves enough to live in a pack where people are (not in the wilds of Alaska) why was Will, the head of an FBI team so uncontrollable?
Another smaller flaw -- Will is described in his changed form as looking like a wolf but having no tail and later in the story another werewolf has his tail ripped off. So, do they or don't they?
This was a great series with an adorable, self-deprecating heroine and her two very interesting love interests. A big part of the fun was the flirty banter between Beatrice and (vampire) Oliver, while Beatrice chased after serious and sexy team leader (werewolf) Will. Unfortunately, once Beatrice finally catches Will, we lose all the Oliver banter while Oliver sulks in the corner. Beatrice also learns that there are some serious issues to deal with once you catch your man who has his own PMS from hell every full moon.
Beatrice is a woman who knows what she wants and for the last year, she has wanted the love of her F.R.E.A.K.S. team leader, werewolf William Price. She doesn’t care that he gets furry and chases his tail once a month. She has their future children already named, she just needs Will to acknowledge his own feelings for Beatrice. The few kisses they have exchanged tell her that Will isn’t as immune to her as he tries to make her believe. But no matter what she does, Will keeps pushing her away. Yet a slipped “I love you” will bring about a change to her future that she might not have been as ready for as she thought she was.
Not everyone is happy for Willitrice. The team is once again fracturing over what their new relationship will mean to the team. The biggest casualty to this new romance is Beatrice’s friendship with partner and BFF, vampire Oliver Montrose. Oliver and Will have been enemies and reluctant teammates for decades, but their animosity to each other exploded over their mutual feelings for Beatrice. Oliver was aware that Beatrice was in love with Will. She cried on his shoulder many a night over Will. But watching her unrequited mooning is different than watching the smooching lovers. Knowing he lost her to a man whose “condition” could cause Beatrice to be ripped to shreds if they aren’t careful is making him act irrationally.
In between kissing Will and arguing with Oliver, Beatrice and the team are still on duty. Their latest case takes them to the woods of Appalachia Summit State Park in North Carolina. Part of a leg is found by hikers, but where is the rest of the body? When evidence shows several werewolves hunting in the woods, the team knows that are trying to find a sadistic pack hunting humans for sport. It also looks like this pack is being lead by a female werewolf who is using magic to keep her pack in an perpetual state of lust for her.
Local packmasters join the hunt for the rogues and we can add them to the list of those who are not happy to find Will cavorting with a Beatrice. Bea is having a hard enough time dealing with the fact that her dream relationship with Will is suddenly speeding ahead faster than a two-man luge and it seems no one is in their corner. Although to be fair she does have to admit that she and Will have been a bit…distracted on this latest case and maybe they aren’t being fair to the rest of the team.
It seems that finally getting the man of her dreams might be the worst thing that has ever happened to Beatrice. Now that she has him, will she have to give him up in the name of public safety?
THOUGHTS:
My inner girly-girl was squealing with joy when we finally get Will to admit his feelings for Beatrice. Between being down about himself about being a real monster…a deadly werewolf, and the fact that he was not able to save his wife when they were attacked all those years ago, Will is always carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. If it was up to him, he would continue to live in a constant state of self-punishment. But we knew that there was a buzz in the air from the moment he met Beatrice, and that any anger toward Beatrice was focused more on her relationship with Oliver, especially when he thought that they were sleeping together. So after Book 3 when Beatrice told him she would get him to admit his feelings for her, I waited on pins and needles not sure if there would be a Book 4 or if Jennifer Harlow was ending the series as a trilogy and leaving us hanging.
There is part of me that now wishes she has left us with the three book series imaging what would happen upon Beatrice’s return. You will note that although I gave the story a 4 star rating, I gave the series ending only 1. The investigation and story were as good as her other books. It was odd to read big, strong, dangerous Will Price texting “Love U. Love U. Love U.” messages. I think I would have lost all respect if there was a “Shmoopsie” in there.
I like that Bea was the one to finally watch over the caged Will while he changed to werewolf at the next full moon. We finally got to see the change happen. Everything went as I imagined it would, including Will’s freak out when an angry Oliver (his nemesis) shows up to confront Bea when he finally learns that Will and Beatrice became a couple while he was in his death sleep.
Investigation aside, what was really missing in the story was the great rapport between Bea and Oliver. Oliver freaks out that he lost Beatrice to Will and becomes the psycho vampire everyone has been warning her about since she got there in Book 1. Beatrice is the only person Oliver has cared about since…ever. He behaves very badly upon learning the news and Beatrice refuses to speak to Oliver until he can apologize and be happy for them. So instead of the usual fun, flirty banter, we barely hear from Oliver at all unless his is yelling and pointing out how dangerous it is for Beatrice to be with a werewolf. I missed Oliver. I missed Oliver/Beatrice a lot.
I gave the series ending a 1 simply because I have never been so upset and absolutely angry finishing a story before in my life. I was going to let a friend borrow my Nook on her vacation because she too is a big fan of the series. I texted her as soon as I finished and told her I would not allow her to read it until she returned so she would not ruin her vacation.
I always enjoyed this series as a fun and entertaining series. Beatrice is very self-deprecating and Oliver is flirty and charming. Even the serious Will you knew was grumpy because he wanted Beatrice but had his “woe is the werewolf” thing going. There are some paranormals and Urban Fantasies that you know take themselves very seriously, for example, The Black Dagger Brotherhood and Mercy Thompson. Maybe the author always intended her series to be dark, but I couldn’t help but enjoy the fun parts of the series. The ending was so dark and awful I am still angry about it months later. I tried to re-read one of the prior stories just to enjoy the camaraderie but it was so tainted by the ending, I couldn’t continue.
There is no doubt in my mind that the author was simply done with this series. I am so sorry she felt that way. I would have read these stories for several more years and enjoyed the characters she created. I truly wish I had a talent for writing. I would hit the fan fiction sites and carry on writing my own saga of the F.R.E.A.K.S.
We don’t know why an author chooses how their characters will react, but even if Jennifer Harlow wanted to walk away from the F.R.E.A.K.S., she didn’t need to be so gruesome. I could think of several different endings which could have left us maybe without a perfect Hollywood happy ending or simply one open to use our own imagination.
For paranormal lovers, I would still highly recommend the first three books in this series. As far as High Moon, you will have to read it at your own risk.
Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
UPDATE: I would again ask how come Will is so dangerous as a werewolf that he needs to be locked up once a month if there are several large packs and pack masters throughout the United States. If werewolves could control themselves enough to live in a pack where people are (not in the wilds of Alaska) why was Will, the head of an FBI team so uncontrollable?
Another smaller flaw -- Will is described in his changed form as looking like a wolf but having no tail and later in the story another werewolf has his tail ripped off. So, do they or don't they?
August 13, 2018
Ugh. If I could give negative stars, I would.
What the heck happened?! I truly enjoyed the first 3 books in the F.R.E.A.K.S. series
...which is the ONLY reason I finished this one. If this had been a stand alone I would have jumped ship less than half way through. But because I liked these characters from the first 3 books, I stuck it out. FINISHING IT ACTUALLY MADE IT WORSE.
*in addition, this had a ton of grammar and spelling errors...and I am a horrible speller. So if I noticed, then you know it was bad. :(
What the heck happened?! I truly enjoyed the first 3 books in the F.R.E.A.K.S. series
...which is the ONLY reason I finished this one. If this had been a stand alone I would have jumped ship less than half way through. But because I liked these characters from the first 3 books, I stuck it out. FINISHING IT ACTUALLY MADE IT WORSE.
*in addition, this had a ton of grammar and spelling errors...and I am a horrible speller. So if I noticed, then you know it was bad. :(
March 27, 2018
I didn't think that I would enjoy this series when I picked it up, but I have enjoyed each title that I have read. Considering where the author went with High Moon, I'll be interested to see how she finishes the whole series off. It'll have to be a heck of a read.
August 19, 2018
Truly brilliant.
February 11, 2017
Originally reviewed at Dark Faerie Tales: http://darkfaerietales.com/review-hig...
Quick & Dirty: High Moon is a dark urban fantasy with a humorous twist. Bea is such a fun character but she is really tested when it comes to love and friendships.
The Review:
High Moon is the fourth installment in the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation series. This novel does mark a transition in the series between having a publisher to being self-published. I have really enjoyed the past books in this series and High Moon was no exception. The humor that frequents this series is still there but with it is a bit of hope in this terrible world as Beatrice finally has the love of her life Will at her side.
Beatrice is back to work after healing from her wounds after the events of Death Takes a Holiday. It is Bea’s birthday and after watching “the love of her life” suck face with a succubus she finally just lays it all on the line and tells Will that she’s in love with him. What she doesn’t expect is Will admitting his feelings too. They have always had a tumultuous relationship. Will has usually treated her as if he couldn’t stand being in the same room as her even though he did crack a few times showing that he had more feelings towards her. Even after he admits his feelings he still is kind of standoffish towards her when others are around. Oliver, Bea’s best friend and vampire, does not take the news of Bea’s and Will’s relationship well.
The lovers “honeymoon” doesn’t last long as the F.R.E.A.K.S. are called out on a case. Two body parts are found and a pack of werewolves are found to be responsible. It is up to Bea and the rest of the gang to find who is exactly behind it. Powerful magic is on the side of the rogue werewolves that pretty much makes Will and other pack wolves useless on this case.
High Moon does move a little slow in the beginning but once they begin the case, the story really picks up. The story has some funny moments especially when Bea is thinking to herself but the underlying story is quite dark. Terrible things happen to some characters while others say some very mean things. I did have a hard time reading some of the things that Bea put up with in this installment. I honestly couldn’t stand Will or Oliver and I am a huge Oliver fan. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what she ever saw in Will except for one really good looking macho guy.
Bea is such a fun character except when her thoughts are all wrapped up in Will (and they are for the entire novel). When he is around it is like all her common sense just flies out the window. I did like Will in the previous stories but I just had a hard time really liking him in this novel. He almost seemed like a different person. His attitude was very happy but he still was sometimes an ass towards Bea. He has a hard time with his wolf and it really showed in this novel.
But as I’ve become accustomed too, happiness can only last so long in urban fantasy. I really hope High Moon is not the last of this series but I really want to know what is next for the F.R.E.A.K.S. squad and how they manage to recover from the strange events that happen on their latest case.
Quick & Dirty: High Moon is a dark urban fantasy with a humorous twist. Bea is such a fun character but she is really tested when it comes to love and friendships.
The Review:
High Moon is the fourth installment in the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation series. This novel does mark a transition in the series between having a publisher to being self-published. I have really enjoyed the past books in this series and High Moon was no exception. The humor that frequents this series is still there but with it is a bit of hope in this terrible world as Beatrice finally has the love of her life Will at her side.
Beatrice is back to work after healing from her wounds after the events of Death Takes a Holiday. It is Bea’s birthday and after watching “the love of her life” suck face with a succubus she finally just lays it all on the line and tells Will that she’s in love with him. What she doesn’t expect is Will admitting his feelings too. They have always had a tumultuous relationship. Will has usually treated her as if he couldn’t stand being in the same room as her even though he did crack a few times showing that he had more feelings towards her. Even after he admits his feelings he still is kind of standoffish towards her when others are around. Oliver, Bea’s best friend and vampire, does not take the news of Bea’s and Will’s relationship well.
The lovers “honeymoon” doesn’t last long as the F.R.E.A.K.S. are called out on a case. Two body parts are found and a pack of werewolves are found to be responsible. It is up to Bea and the rest of the gang to find who is exactly behind it. Powerful magic is on the side of the rogue werewolves that pretty much makes Will and other pack wolves useless on this case.
High Moon does move a little slow in the beginning but once they begin the case, the story really picks up. The story has some funny moments especially when Bea is thinking to herself but the underlying story is quite dark. Terrible things happen to some characters while others say some very mean things. I did have a hard time reading some of the things that Bea put up with in this installment. I honestly couldn’t stand Will or Oliver and I am a huge Oliver fan. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what she ever saw in Will except for one really good looking macho guy.
Bea is such a fun character except when her thoughts are all wrapped up in Will (and they are for the entire novel). When he is around it is like all her common sense just flies out the window. I did like Will in the previous stories but I just had a hard time really liking him in this novel. He almost seemed like a different person. His attitude was very happy but he still was sometimes an ass towards Bea. He has a hard time with his wolf and it really showed in this novel.
But as I’ve become accustomed too, happiness can only last so long in urban fantasy. I really hope High Moon is not the last of this series but I really want to know what is next for the F.R.E.A.K.S. squad and how they manage to recover from the strange events that happen on their latest case.
September 18, 2014
2.5 Stars
Agent Beatrice Alexander lets the truth of her feelings towards Will to slip. Instead of backfiring on her he ends up admitting he feels the same. The two start a relationship before heading out on a mission. In the mountains of North Carolina there is a werewolf who has chowed down on someone. The F.R.E.A.K.S. team investigation discovers more than one werewolf was involved. The case really gets interesting when Will, being a werewolf himself, smells a scent that throws him into blind lust. Can Bea hold down her relationship and unravel the truth?
High Moon is the fourth book in A F.R.E.A.K.S Squad investigation series. It’s told through Bea’s point of view and is usually center on the love triangle between the man she likes, Will, and the man who likes her, Oliver. In short it’s the’ole werewolf vs. vampire. It also revolves around an investigation.
To be fair I don’t like Will. Oliver tells Bea that Will can’t love her because he can’t even love himself, or something along those lines. He’s right. That doesn’t stop the two from starting a relationship and deciding to get hitched after a short time in North Carolina. A week ago I read a historical romance where a couple married only hours after they met and it worked for me, in this case it absolutely does not work for me. Instead it feels stiff and forced. I’ve been following this series across four books so for a relationship that has been on the slow burner to be put up to high all at once felt inconsistent.
The love stories aside there are other problems. The plot revolves around a werewolf case that readers solve well before Bea figures it out. Even then she doesn’t figure it out until the bad guy tells her like a Scooby-doo villain. Bea has always skimmed the line between interesting and dense and in this case went straight to dense. I read Urban Fantasy for women who kick ass and have love lives. Not ones that forget how to do their job the moment they’re sleeping with someone.
This series has always been fun and easy to get through, but High Moon took a little while. It’s not as well-crafted when it comes to the prose. The style is the same but longer winded and with some errors that tended to throw me out of the story. Some of Bea’s inner monologue gets intrusive, especially at the start of the novel. That’s not to say it isn’t still easy reading. It just didn’t do what past books in the series have.
Despite my reservations of High Moon it does leave off with a shocking ending that I think will leave fans jaw dropped. Unfortunately it didn’t give me the emotional punch it might other readers. In short, I didn’t find this addition to the series very gripping.
- Elizabeth
Agent Beatrice Alexander lets the truth of her feelings towards Will to slip. Instead of backfiring on her he ends up admitting he feels the same. The two start a relationship before heading out on a mission. In the mountains of North Carolina there is a werewolf who has chowed down on someone. The F.R.E.A.K.S. team investigation discovers more than one werewolf was involved. The case really gets interesting when Will, being a werewolf himself, smells a scent that throws him into blind lust. Can Bea hold down her relationship and unravel the truth?
High Moon is the fourth book in A F.R.E.A.K.S Squad investigation series. It’s told through Bea’s point of view and is usually center on the love triangle between the man she likes, Will, and the man who likes her, Oliver. In short it’s the’ole werewolf vs. vampire. It also revolves around an investigation.
To be fair I don’t like Will. Oliver tells Bea that Will can’t love her because he can’t even love himself, or something along those lines. He’s right. That doesn’t stop the two from starting a relationship and deciding to get hitched after a short time in North Carolina. A week ago I read a historical romance where a couple married only hours after they met and it worked for me, in this case it absolutely does not work for me. Instead it feels stiff and forced. I’ve been following this series across four books so for a relationship that has been on the slow burner to be put up to high all at once felt inconsistent.
The love stories aside there are other problems. The plot revolves around a werewolf case that readers solve well before Bea figures it out. Even then she doesn’t figure it out until the bad guy tells her like a Scooby-doo villain. Bea has always skimmed the line between interesting and dense and in this case went straight to dense. I read Urban Fantasy for women who kick ass and have love lives. Not ones that forget how to do their job the moment they’re sleeping with someone.
This series has always been fun and easy to get through, but High Moon took a little while. It’s not as well-crafted when it comes to the prose. The style is the same but longer winded and with some errors that tended to throw me out of the story. Some of Bea’s inner monologue gets intrusive, especially at the start of the novel. That’s not to say it isn’t still easy reading. It just didn’t do what past books in the series have.
Despite my reservations of High Moon it does leave off with a shocking ending that I think will leave fans jaw dropped. Unfortunately it didn’t give me the emotional punch it might other readers. In short, I didn’t find this addition to the series very gripping.
- Elizabeth
July 3, 2016
Reviewed by Jen
Book provided by the author for review
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I’ve been a fan of this series for years. I stumbled upon the books when I was asked to be a part of a blog tour to promote book 1. Since then I’ve rather stalked Ms Harlow as I anxiously awaited the next release. Then our blog started to plan our anniversary celebration and went we decided to have a week featuring mysteries, I knew we had to have Ms Harlow guest with us. And part of that guesting gig, I got to read High Moon!
I’m going to start out by saying that this review is going to be a little vague. Quite a lot happens in this book and I don’t want to give much away.
I strongly recommend reading past books in the series before tackling this one. Those books set up the relationships between Bea and her co-workers, especially the dynamics with Will and Oliver. The book does stand alone, but having that extra background will just enhance the story.
That said, during the first three books there is a love triangle of sorts developing between Bea, Will and Oliver. Bea is attracted to Will, who gives her the cold shoulder. Oliver wants Bea but is settling in as the best friend. And in High Moon, everything comes to a head. Relationships change… big time. I’ll admit that I really didn’t have a preference on which man Bea would choose. I just wanted her to commit fully, which she did.
While all this relationship stuff is going on, there is a mystery too. The FREAKS are called to North Carolina to investigate a mysterious murder with werewolf written all over it. Since werewolves are supposed to register with a pack and there are no known wolves in this area… and it also stinks of magic, the team is stumped. And it doesn’t help that the team is torn in half and distracted with the love triangle coming to a head.
As much as I love a good romance, I was actually more interested in the mystery than the love triangle. I enjoyed the twists and turns that Ms Harlow presented. And I was completely shocked by the ending. As much as I hate to say it, it felt much like the conclusion of a series. However, I sincerely hope that Ms Harlow has something up her sleeve and continues with the FREAKS.
Book provided by the author for review
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I’ve been a fan of this series for years. I stumbled upon the books when I was asked to be a part of a blog tour to promote book 1. Since then I’ve rather stalked Ms Harlow as I anxiously awaited the next release. Then our blog started to plan our anniversary celebration and went we decided to have a week featuring mysteries, I knew we had to have Ms Harlow guest with us. And part of that guesting gig, I got to read High Moon!
I’m going to start out by saying that this review is going to be a little vague. Quite a lot happens in this book and I don’t want to give much away.
I strongly recommend reading past books in the series before tackling this one. Those books set up the relationships between Bea and her co-workers, especially the dynamics with Will and Oliver. The book does stand alone, but having that extra background will just enhance the story.
That said, during the first three books there is a love triangle of sorts developing between Bea, Will and Oliver. Bea is attracted to Will, who gives her the cold shoulder. Oliver wants Bea but is settling in as the best friend. And in High Moon, everything comes to a head. Relationships change… big time. I’ll admit that I really didn’t have a preference on which man Bea would choose. I just wanted her to commit fully, which she did.
While all this relationship stuff is going on, there is a mystery too. The FREAKS are called to North Carolina to investigate a mysterious murder with werewolf written all over it. Since werewolves are supposed to register with a pack and there are no known wolves in this area… and it also stinks of magic, the team is stumped. And it doesn’t help that the team is torn in half and distracted with the love triangle coming to a head.
As much as I love a good romance, I was actually more interested in the mystery than the love triangle. I enjoyed the twists and turns that Ms Harlow presented. And I was completely shocked by the ending. As much as I hate to say it, it felt much like the conclusion of a series. However, I sincerely hope that Ms Harlow has something up her sleeve and continues with the FREAKS.
December 26, 2014
3 stars for the pain I endured reading this book/5 stars for author courage. I wanted to scratch my eyes out for the first 100+ pages of this book as I watched Bea's adolescent romantic fantasies completely emasculate werewolf Will. Beyond the snuggling while watching "Glee," there were the several hundred "I love you," "love you," and "Luv U's" that so engulfed their lives that Bea could not keep her head in the serial killer-hunting game. She held Will's hand in front of authority figures, believing that it showed a united front when it really made the middle-aged wolf look whipped. And when her romantic distractions got her and Will in trouble, it awakened the mean girl in me and I relished every bit of the pain and fear that she felt.
So why did I like this book? The very end of "High Moon" reminded me of Marie Lu's "The Young Elites," where I was completely perplexed by the heroine's unheroic behavior until the end when I realized the book was written from the point of view of the villain. There is something similar going on in "High Moon," where Bea behaves very much like a typical young woman, harboring fairy tale fantasies of the way life should be. The world, however, is a very complicated place. And holding on to old or outdated belief systems, or even beliefs that do not reflect reality, can be a very dangerous thing as it makes for poor decision making. Bea was naive coming into F.R.E.A.K.S. and despite everything she had learned in the previous books, there was still a little girl in her that tried to make her reality fit into her fairy tale. The consequences were disastrous and deadly. I hated her through the entire book until the last two pages...and not because she hated herself, but because of Jennifer Harlow's willingness to embrace the darkness and reflect it back to reader. Overall, this was a difficult, interesting book where, instead of getting lost in it, a reader can get found.
So why did I like this book? The very end of "High Moon" reminded me of Marie Lu's "The Young Elites," where I was completely perplexed by the heroine's unheroic behavior until the end when I realized the book was written from the point of view of the villain. There is something similar going on in "High Moon," where Bea behaves very much like a typical young woman, harboring fairy tale fantasies of the way life should be. The world, however, is a very complicated place. And holding on to old or outdated belief systems, or even beliefs that do not reflect reality, can be a very dangerous thing as it makes for poor decision making. Bea was naive coming into F.R.E.A.K.S. and despite everything she had learned in the previous books, there was still a little girl in her that tried to make her reality fit into her fairy tale. The consequences were disastrous and deadly. I hated her through the entire book until the last two pages...and not because she hated herself, but because of Jennifer Harlow's willingness to embrace the darkness and reflect it back to reader. Overall, this was a difficult, interesting book where, instead of getting lost in it, a reader can get found.
September 7, 2014
I received this book from the author, Jennifer Harlow, and from Paranormal Romance and Authors
That Rock. High Moon is the fourth book in A F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation Series Book 4. This is a paranormal romance about Beatrice Alexander who is working on the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad, where the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad, the Federal Response to Extra-Sensory and Kindred Supernaturals, a branch of the FBI. Beatrice Alexander was a school teacher with a gift, or a curse depending on how you look at it, but she can move objects with her mind. She is in love with Will, another member of her F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad, who is a werewolf. This story tells of their true at actually finding true love. Beatrice must face many obstacles in her quest for true love including convincing Will that it is okay for him to love her back, as well as all her coworkers, and even her best friend doesn’t seem to be happy that Will and Beatrice are trying to be a couple, not to mention the big case they need to solve. This book was awesome. I had trouble putting it down to get my stuff done. The characters are very approachable and draw the reader in. This book was the first I had read in this series and I had no trouble figuring out the characters and their relationships. This book did make me want to read the
other books in this series as well as having me looking forward to the next book in this series. This book does have some strong language and adult situations so it is for adult readers. This is a book I would read again!
I’m giving this book 5 fangs.
That Rock. High Moon is the fourth book in A F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation Series Book 4. This is a paranormal romance about Beatrice Alexander who is working on the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad, where the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad, the Federal Response to Extra-Sensory and Kindred Supernaturals, a branch of the FBI. Beatrice Alexander was a school teacher with a gift, or a curse depending on how you look at it, but she can move objects with her mind. She is in love with Will, another member of her F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad, who is a werewolf. This story tells of their true at actually finding true love. Beatrice must face many obstacles in her quest for true love including convincing Will that it is okay for him to love her back, as well as all her coworkers, and even her best friend doesn’t seem to be happy that Will and Beatrice are trying to be a couple, not to mention the big case they need to solve. This book was awesome. I had trouble putting it down to get my stuff done. The characters are very approachable and draw the reader in. This book was the first I had read in this series and I had no trouble figuring out the characters and their relationships. This book did make me want to read the
other books in this series as well as having me looking forward to the next book in this series. This book does have some strong language and adult situations so it is for adult readers. This is a book I would read again!
I’m giving this book 5 fangs.
September 15, 2014
The end of this book kinda hit hard. I guess I should throw in that I started this series with this book (yeah, I'm a rebel like that. Books 1-3? Pfft. I can just start on 4!) and I was still shocked by the ending. I won't say it came out of nowhere, because it didn't. There were clues sprinkled in along the way. It was just... whoa. Didn't expect it would go in that direction despite the foreshadowing.
So. Now that my dirty secrets about not reading the previous books in the series has been revealed, I'll say this was a interesting read. Bea's love life is kinda screwy (she has her heart set on her werewolf teammate, but she has a very close relationship with the vampire in the group which causes tennnnsion.) and it distracts her at some very inopportune moments.
Like when she's supposed to be focusing on tracking down the werewolves going all serial killer in the wilds. Let's face it, that's not a good time to be distracted. And her distraction costs her.
Big time.
While I think Bea has the guts and the drive to bounce back from everything that happened to her, she's in a bad place mentally by the time the end of this book rolls around. What's in store for her next? No idea. But it sounds like there are always nasty critters who need to be stopped. She just has to decide if she wants to be one of the ones who stops them.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
So. Now that my dirty secrets about not reading the previous books in the series has been revealed, I'll say this was a interesting read. Bea's love life is kinda screwy (she has her heart set on her werewolf teammate, but she has a very close relationship with the vampire in the group which causes tennnnsion.) and it distracts her at some very inopportune moments.
Like when she's supposed to be focusing on tracking down the werewolves going all serial killer in the wilds. Let's face it, that's not a good time to be distracted. And her distraction costs her.
Big time.
While I think Bea has the guts and the drive to bounce back from everything that happened to her, she's in a bad place mentally by the time the end of this book rolls around. What's in store for her next? No idea. But it sounds like there are always nasty critters who need to be stopped. She just has to decide if she wants to be one of the ones who stops them.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
May 29, 2017
The fourth installment of our journey with the F.R.E.A.K.S. team.
Let me start by saying that I whole heartedly believe that this is one of the most underappreciated series in Urban Fantasy. The series quality stands up there with fellow authors of the genre such as Angie Fox, Dakota Cassidy, Molly Harper, and Mary Janice Davidson. The F.R.E.A.K.S. series is one that I highly recommend to other readers and hope that there are many future installments to come.
Having said all that, book four was not my favorite in the mix. The story was fantastic, but the love story left me with an angry taste in my mouth. Beatrice Alexander is your everyday flawed woman who just happens to have telekinetic powers, but this time she hovered on the to-stupid-to-live line with her actions throughout this book. It might just be personal preference, but I can’t stand Will. That man’s mere presence seems to whip clean all intelligent and rational thought from our heroine, Bea. It was a challenge to read the character Bea was becoming as their relationship progressed. The ending was a shock that cannot be explained for the fear of spoilers, but I am relieved that there is another installment in this series. Beatrice Alexander deserves for her story to continue; just as the fans of this series need to see her redeemed into her true strength of character.
Let me start by saying that I whole heartedly believe that this is one of the most underappreciated series in Urban Fantasy. The series quality stands up there with fellow authors of the genre such as Angie Fox, Dakota Cassidy, Molly Harper, and Mary Janice Davidson. The F.R.E.A.K.S. series is one that I highly recommend to other readers and hope that there are many future installments to come.
Having said all that, book four was not my favorite in the mix. The story was fantastic, but the love story left me with an angry taste in my mouth. Beatrice Alexander is your everyday flawed woman who just happens to have telekinetic powers, but this time she hovered on the to-stupid-to-live line with her actions throughout this book. It might just be personal preference, but I can’t stand Will. That man’s mere presence seems to whip clean all intelligent and rational thought from our heroine, Bea. It was a challenge to read the character Bea was becoming as their relationship progressed. The ending was a shock that cannot be explained for the fear of spoilers, but I am relieved that there is another installment in this series. Beatrice Alexander deserves for her story to continue; just as the fans of this series need to see her redeemed into her true strength of character.
May 25, 2016
This book is the 4th (and sadly last as far as I know) book of the FREAKS Squad series. It doesn't end with a resolution - which leads me to think the author was going to write more to it but didn't/couldn't continue it. I would recommend this for those who like Paranormal/UF books but since it doesn't end with a resolution I'd recommend it with a warning that you won't be getting an ending.
I really like the protagonist as she isn't all put together and level-headed - she's a mess but she's likable. This last book made me ugly cry a couple of times and the story unfolded in an unexpected way. I had some reservations about it since it was a paranormal/UF with a possible love triangle with werewolf and vampire and that, for me, is boring and overdone.
This book has a good pacing, action packed when it needs it and drama left right and centre. The characters in the squad are very different - in personality and abilities. You do get a picture of the team being tight-knitted (like family) but what bothered me was that the heroine fitted in so well and quickly? I think the author rushed it when it came down to the heroine accepting everything and taking up her new role so well. BUT that's just my feelings.
I really like this series and I even sent a message to the author asking her if she's going to do more in the future (crossing my fingers for a 'yes' or at least a 'maybe').
I really like the protagonist as she isn't all put together and level-headed - she's a mess but she's likable. This last book made me ugly cry a couple of times and the story unfolded in an unexpected way. I had some reservations about it since it was a paranormal/UF with a possible love triangle with werewolf and vampire and that, for me, is boring and overdone.
This book has a good pacing, action packed when it needs it and drama left right and centre. The characters in the squad are very different - in personality and abilities. You do get a picture of the team being tight-knitted (like family) but what bothered me was that the heroine fitted in so well and quickly? I think the author rushed it when it came down to the heroine accepting everything and taking up her new role so well. BUT that's just my feelings.
I really like this series and I even sent a message to the author asking her if she's going to do more in the future (crossing my fingers for a 'yes' or at least a 'maybe').
December 18, 2014
I really, really, hope this isn't the end of the F.R.E.A.K.S. series. This book is a roller coaster ride for Bea with many emotional highs and lows.
The team is off to North Carolina's Smoky Mountains after a mangled leg is discovered the day after the full moon in a National Park. More bodies are discovered and the cadaver dogs that are brought in behave badly, as do certain members of the team - shall we say those with a canine bent?
Werewolves are to blame and we're introduced to Jason Dahl and Adam Blue of the Eastern Pack who come to help track down the culprits. (Jason & Adam are major characters in Ms. Harlow's Goodnight Magic series of books - if you haven't read them, and you enjoy the F.R.E.A.K.S., you'll enjoy them too, though they are a bit more of a cosy.)
I found the solution to the culprits signaled too early in this one, and the whole book seemed less well plotted than the others of the series. Bea wasn't herself either - spending more time with romance than with the case - which led to a logical if somewhat contrived conclusion.
Looking forward to the next one! I know what I want to see happen - lets see if Ms. Harlow can read my mind!
The team is off to North Carolina's Smoky Mountains after a mangled leg is discovered the day after the full moon in a National Park. More bodies are discovered and the cadaver dogs that are brought in behave badly, as do certain members of the team - shall we say those with a canine bent?
Werewolves are to blame and we're introduced to Jason Dahl and Adam Blue of the Eastern Pack who come to help track down the culprits. (Jason & Adam are major characters in Ms. Harlow's Goodnight Magic series of books - if you haven't read them, and you enjoy the F.R.E.A.K.S., you'll enjoy them too, though they are a bit more of a cosy.)
I found the solution to the culprits signaled too early in this one, and the whole book seemed less well plotted than the others of the series. Bea wasn't herself either - spending more time with romance than with the case - which led to a logical if somewhat contrived conclusion.
Looking forward to the next one! I know what I want to see happen - lets see if Ms. Harlow can read my mind!
July 24, 2015
Sooo many typos! Ugh.
Leaving that (legit and very real) annoyance behind for a moment (it's really hard to do), the story itself was fine. The series as a whole is generally entertaining but super formulaic and simplistic. There are similarities to the Sookie Stackhouse series, but as cheesy as those books are, they're way more well-written. With that said, this is an easy, quick, fun read if you're looking for something uncomplicated and can disregard the issues.
*NOTE*
Through reading other reviews of this book, turns out that this novel marks a transition in the series between having a publisher to being self-published. That likely accounts for the plethora of typos that drove me crazy.
Leaving that (legit and very real) annoyance behind for a moment (it's really hard to do), the story itself was fine. The series as a whole is generally entertaining but super formulaic and simplistic. There are similarities to the Sookie Stackhouse series, but as cheesy as those books are, they're way more well-written. With that said, this is an easy, quick, fun read if you're looking for something uncomplicated and can disregard the issues.
*NOTE*
Through reading other reviews of this book, turns out that this novel marks a transition in the series between having a publisher to being self-published. That likely accounts for the plethora of typos that drove me crazy.
September 30, 2014
I must say, this was my least favorite of the series. I found Bea to be extremely annoying as I felt her love for Wil bordered on obsession. As a reader I fell more in love with Oliver and actually liked Wil less. The supposed shocking ending actually wasn't so shocking as it was set up very early on, though it was sad. But I felt as though Bea and Wil as a couple altered their characters behavior negatively, became selfish.
November 5, 2019
Wow... I never thought it would end that way. This last installment of the F.R.E.A.K.S series is not only action-packed, thrilling, sensual but also poignant, somber, and melancholic.
I didn't quite like what Trixie became in this one though... Yes some things Will done he couldn't control but how far is too far? How much is beyond forgiveness?
I didn't quite like what Trixie became in this one though... Yes some things Will done he couldn't control but how far is too far? How much is beyond forgiveness?
March 13, 2015
I found out that High Moon was available when a new Midnight book showed up in my Amazon suggested books list. I have decided to reread the first three books before reading High Moon.
I finished High Moon...I am stunned, not in a good way, and not currently capable of writing a coherent review.
I do not know what to say, and I have no clue where Bea's story will go from here.
I finished High Moon...I am stunned, not in a good way, and not currently capable of writing a coherent review.
I do not know what to say, and I have no clue where Bea's story will go from here.
September 17, 2025
The book itself was written well however I like a happy ending and this book definitely does not have a happy ending. I wasn't super crazy about the sexed up shewolf plot and I hated the ending. I think some will like the twist and appreciate the risk the author took. Me, not so much. I plan on reading the next book because I have it, but I'm bummed about how this book ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2014
I can't really review without spoilers, but this one really engages your emotions and you'll feel them ALL (highs and lows). I can't even begin to guess where this series will go next. I was shocked, surprised, and drained by the ending
January 16, 2015
OMG!
I really don't know what to say. This book was so intense. If you have read the series well this is the one we have been waiting for. No spoilers, so I just didn't expect the end. I do wonder is this the end.
I really don't know what to say. This book was so intense. If you have read the series well this is the one we have been waiting for. No spoilers, so I just didn't expect the end. I do wonder is this the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews