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Moonlight Justice
Will Bella Hayes deliver justice or succumb to the darkness within?
Bella, a woman born on the moon, possesses extraordinary strength tied to the lunar cycle. By day, she is Detective Bella Hayes, a quiet observer of the law’s failures. By night, under the moon’s glow, she becomes something more—something not of this world. As her power surges, so does her thirst for justice.
When Radcliff escapes yet another trial unscathed, Bella and her partner Detective Mark Calloway, teams up with Lucas, her only friend at the Roguehaven Police unit, and tech genius, to pursue him into The Deep, the city’s haunting underground ruins. As she battles Radcliff’s henchmen, navigates a web of betrayal, and confronts her own inner demons.
Fans of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Vicious by V.E. Schwab, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, and The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon will find themselves captivated by the suspenseful and atmospheric world of Moonlight Justice.
What Readers Are Saying About Moonlight Justice
" ... Moonlight Justice is a captivating read that successfully mixes fantasy elements with a crime storyline.
Nala Nicole has created a compelling world where the line between justice and vengeance becomes increasingly blurred, and where Bella’s strength is tested against both external threats and internal conflicts.
Fans of urban fantasy and thrilling detective tales will find themselves enthralled by Bella’s journey, eager to uncover the next twist in her pursuit of justice.
This is an absolute must read." __The Reading Cafe
Bella, a woman born on the moon, possesses extraordinary strength tied to the lunar cycle. By day, she is Detective Bella Hayes, a quiet observer of the law’s failures. By night, under the moon’s glow, she becomes something more—something not of this world. As her power surges, so does her thirst for justice.
When Radcliff escapes yet another trial unscathed, Bella and her partner Detective Mark Calloway, teams up with Lucas, her only friend at the Roguehaven Police unit, and tech genius, to pursue him into The Deep, the city’s haunting underground ruins. As she battles Radcliff’s henchmen, navigates a web of betrayal, and confronts her own inner demons.
Fans of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Vicious by V.E. Schwab, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, and The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon will find themselves captivated by the suspenseful and atmospheric world of Moonlight Justice.
What Readers Are Saying About Moonlight Justice
" ... Moonlight Justice is a captivating read that successfully mixes fantasy elements with a crime storyline.
Nala Nicole has created a compelling world where the line between justice and vengeance becomes increasingly blurred, and where Bella’s strength is tested against both external threats and internal conflicts.
Fans of urban fantasy and thrilling detective tales will find themselves enthralled by Bella’s journey, eager to uncover the next twist in her pursuit of justice.
This is an absolute must read." __The Reading Cafe
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2025
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 30, 2025
“Roguehaven, where justice often felt like a losing battle.”
Moonlight Justice is a gritty noir read. If you’re a fan of dark anti-heroes striving to be & do good, you’ll sink into these pages with gusto! It gave me Gotham city vibes but was its own, unique creation. I loved it!
The story is set the in fictional city of Roguehaven, a name which conjures up images of dark, gothic urban sprawl where scoundrels lurk in every shadow. Ms Nicole’s writing style is lush, I felt like the grime of the city was bleeding off the page and into my fingers. The prose was hypnotic.
On its surface it’s a standard story of a determined cop and her trusted compatriots trying their hardest to take down the uber-villain despite the corruption surrounding them. But midway through the book things shift. We learn that Bella was not born here on Earth. She’s human, but her parents were part of a lunar exploration & habitation program, and she was born upon the moon’s surface. Somehow that quirk of her birth has given her power: increased strength tied directly to the moon’s influence. That’s all the explanation we get, but for me that was enough. I enjoyed the mystery of it; not everything in life needs to be spelled out.
Bella’s two teammates, Lucas & Mark, were perfect counterparts. Lucas is the tech guy, while Mark is Bella’s partner on the force. There was a tension underlining their relationship that hints at the potential for a different kind of partnership that thrummed throughout the entire story and added tension to their life-threatening escapades.
Without spoilers, let me just say that in the latter half of the book Bella will make some choices that might infuriate you. Dancing around her quarry, plagued by indecision, unsure of her own path and motives… I wanted her to just “do it” and get the bad guy, but Bella’s internal struggle prevents that. But if you can stay the course, I promise the payout is worth it.
Moonlight Justice is a gritty noir read. If you’re a fan of dark anti-heroes striving to be & do good, you’ll sink into these pages with gusto! It gave me Gotham city vibes but was its own, unique creation. I loved it!
The story is set the in fictional city of Roguehaven, a name which conjures up images of dark, gothic urban sprawl where scoundrels lurk in every shadow. Ms Nicole’s writing style is lush, I felt like the grime of the city was bleeding off the page and into my fingers. The prose was hypnotic.
On its surface it’s a standard story of a determined cop and her trusted compatriots trying their hardest to take down the uber-villain despite the corruption surrounding them. But midway through the book things shift. We learn that Bella was not born here on Earth. She’s human, but her parents were part of a lunar exploration & habitation program, and she was born upon the moon’s surface. Somehow that quirk of her birth has given her power: increased strength tied directly to the moon’s influence. That’s all the explanation we get, but for me that was enough. I enjoyed the mystery of it; not everything in life needs to be spelled out.
Bella’s two teammates, Lucas & Mark, were perfect counterparts. Lucas is the tech guy, while Mark is Bella’s partner on the force. There was a tension underlining their relationship that hints at the potential for a different kind of partnership that thrummed throughout the entire story and added tension to their life-threatening escapades.
Without spoilers, let me just say that in the latter half of the book Bella will make some choices that might infuriate you. Dancing around her quarry, plagued by indecision, unsure of her own path and motives… I wanted her to just “do it” and get the bad guy, but Bella’s internal struggle prevents that. But if you can stay the course, I promise the payout is worth it.
August 27, 2025
Moonlight Justice starts out as a solid urban paranormal thriller: a vibrant, lived-in city, a tense investigation, a strong female lead in Detective Bella Hayes, and a clear moral axis of justice versus revenge. The atmosphere works, the tension is there, and the personal stakes are nicely intertwined with the crime plot. Yes, some moments feel familiar, but the fast pace and Bella’s character make up for it.
However, towards the middle, when the story decisively switches to vigilante mode, it’s not to my taste. Vigilante arcs are not for me. This is not a criticism of the writing or the world, just a mismatch of preferences. If you like vigilantes with a stern morality, moonlight powers, and a lingering urban atmosphere, you’ll probably have a great time.
However, towards the middle, when the story decisively switches to vigilante mode, it’s not to my taste. Vigilante arcs are not for me. This is not a criticism of the writing or the world, just a mismatch of preferences. If you like vigilantes with a stern morality, moonlight powers, and a lingering urban atmosphere, you’ll probably have a great time.
August 28, 2025
A Strong and Compelling Vigilante Debut
Moonlight Justice is a tightly plotted and engaging start to a new vigilante justice series. Nala Nicole introduces a compelling protagonist whose mission to deliver justice under the cover of night is both atmospheric and purposeful. The story moves at a steady pace, balancing action with character motivation, and the concept is executed with clarity and focus. This first installment sets a solid foundation for the series and will especially appeal to readers who enjoy determined heroes and satisfying, swift narratives. A very promising series opener.
Moonlight Justice is a tightly plotted and engaging start to a new vigilante justice series. Nala Nicole introduces a compelling protagonist whose mission to deliver justice under the cover of night is both atmospheric and purposeful. The story moves at a steady pace, balancing action with character motivation, and the concept is executed with clarity and focus. This first installment sets a solid foundation for the series and will especially appeal to readers who enjoy determined heroes and satisfying, swift narratives. A very promising series opener.
August 15, 2025
Moonlight Justice is a gripping story that mixes crime with fantasy, and tells the tale of a strong female lead/vigilante. Detective Bella Hayes is on the case of a murdered councilman and just when she thinks that they’ve got the killer in their grasp, he’s let free by a corrupt system. She takes it upon herself to serve justice, and the story follows her in an action packed whirlwind to make things right. The fantasy aspect was something I enjoyed, it gave her backstory and explained how she developed the powers she has by moonlight. I loved this story!
September 25, 2025
Nala Nicole’s debut novel, “Moonlight Justice: When The Moon Rises Justice Awakens - Book 1 Of The Moonlight Justice Series” tells the story of Bella Hayes, a police detective who was born in a human expeditionary colony on the moon, and years after she returned to earth, discovered she possessed extraordinary strength that intensified as the moon became full. With the help of fellow detective Mark, who will undoubtedly become her main squeeze in future installments of the series, and tech guru Lucas, she uses her strength to overcome an army of soldiers and humanoids that work for Peter Radcliffe, a crime kingpin and ruthless killer with a penchant for murdering anyone and everyone he doesn’t like, routinely beating murder raps in court, and always walking away laughing.
As the moon becomes full, Bella doesn’t turn into a conventional superhero with superhuman powers. Instead, she quietly feels power surging through her body, almost like the Incredible Hulk, but without a change of physique or persona, or even the need to freshen her makeup.
Bella uses this extra strength to help her and her pals win shootouts and knockdown fights against an incessant array of bad guys. It also allows her to continue her quest for justice at all costs – even when readers are pulling for her to empty her Glock into the bad guy rather than cuffing him and reading him his rights.
“Moonlight Justice” is well written for a debut novel, and it heralds the start of what promises to be an interesting series and successful writing career for Ms. Nicole. The book moves at a nice pace, becomes suspenseful when it should, and features interesting characters and trips down new rabbit holes.
Critics of the book may complain that it lacks the grit of most successful police stories and the imagination of most popular superhero fantasies. They might argue that the book gives moonlight justice to an audience that has grown accustomed to rooting for the likes of John Wick, Robert McCall, and Paul Kersey to off the bad guys at high noon; and a mere increase in physical strength to an audience that has grown accustomed to its superheroes leaping tall buildings in a single bound or using web-shooters to swing from one skyscraper to another.
Although “Moonlight Justice” is relatively tame compared to many other crime novels or books that feature characters with superhuman powers, it is strong enough to stand on its own two feet and leave a lasting footprint in bookstores. More importantly, the book introduces readers to a promising new author.
As the moon becomes full, Bella doesn’t turn into a conventional superhero with superhuman powers. Instead, she quietly feels power surging through her body, almost like the Incredible Hulk, but without a change of physique or persona, or even the need to freshen her makeup.
Bella uses this extra strength to help her and her pals win shootouts and knockdown fights against an incessant array of bad guys. It also allows her to continue her quest for justice at all costs – even when readers are pulling for her to empty her Glock into the bad guy rather than cuffing him and reading him his rights.
“Moonlight Justice” is well written for a debut novel, and it heralds the start of what promises to be an interesting series and successful writing career for Ms. Nicole. The book moves at a nice pace, becomes suspenseful when it should, and features interesting characters and trips down new rabbit holes.
Critics of the book may complain that it lacks the grit of most successful police stories and the imagination of most popular superhero fantasies. They might argue that the book gives moonlight justice to an audience that has grown accustomed to rooting for the likes of John Wick, Robert McCall, and Paul Kersey to off the bad guys at high noon; and a mere increase in physical strength to an audience that has grown accustomed to its superheroes leaping tall buildings in a single bound or using web-shooters to swing from one skyscraper to another.
Although “Moonlight Justice” is relatively tame compared to many other crime novels or books that feature characters with superhuman powers, it is strong enough to stand on its own two feet and leave a lasting footprint in bookstores. More importantly, the book introduces readers to a promising new author.
September 5, 2025
Read the prologue!! Meet Bella Hays, a seemingly unbreakable heroine with a secret that's all her own. Can she keep her humanity and execute justice on a madman willing to descend into the depths of Hell to create abominations that will destroy all the goodness that is left on the planet? Or, will she choose revenge and revert to her base nature to eliminate the threat? She's taken one evil lunatic off the grid, but she's far from done! Nicole's descriptive writing style transports the reader INTO the narrative. Her imagery and foreshadowing are impeccable. I will impatiently hold my breath for the rest of the series!! A rip, roaring good read from the first word of the prologue to the last word of the book!
October 10, 2025
Where Can Justice Be Found?
Bella Hayes is an attractive and well-developed character who fights injustice. Radcliff embodies the collective image of vile criminals. They are the kind of people who inflict harm and often escape justice. The fact that it’s a woman seeking the truth adds a compelling dimension to the story.
The book is an easy read that really keeps you on the edge of your seat with its short chapters, lively dialogue, and mounting tension. Most impressively, the author creates a unique atmosphere.
I was hooked on this story because of its characters, events, and dynamics. If you like thrillers with moral undertones and a relentless pace, you will enjoy this book.
Bella Hayes is an attractive and well-developed character who fights injustice. Radcliff embodies the collective image of vile criminals. They are the kind of people who inflict harm and often escape justice. The fact that it’s a woman seeking the truth adds a compelling dimension to the story.
The book is an easy read that really keeps you on the edge of your seat with its short chapters, lively dialogue, and mounting tension. Most impressively, the author creates a unique atmosphere.
I was hooked on this story because of its characters, events, and dynamics. If you like thrillers with moral undertones and a relentless pace, you will enjoy this book.
September 1, 2025
Moonlight Justice pulled me in right away with its mix of mystery, action, and a touch of the supernatural. Bella Hayes is such a unique heroine, born on the moon, balancing her role as a detective with powers that surge under the lunar glow. I loved the dynamic with her partner, Detective Mark Calloway, and the sharp wit of Lucas, her tech genius ally. The underground world of The Deep was eerie and gripping. Dark, suspenseful, and beautifully written, highly recommend!
September 8, 2025
Captivatingly Cross-genre
Bella is special; she was born on the moon. This curious protagonist sets out to thwart a malicious and deadly criminal, who drags her and her friends into The Deep. As the bodies mount, her drive to get justice intensifies. She begins to question herself and her need to take him down above all else.
Her passion drives the narrative through the highs and lows of the fight. Her journey of self-discovery makes her an intriguing blend of fantasy and sci-fi.
Bella is special; she was born on the moon. This curious protagonist sets out to thwart a malicious and deadly criminal, who drags her and her friends into The Deep. As the bodies mount, her drive to get justice intensifies. She begins to question herself and her need to take him down above all else.
Her passion drives the narrative through the highs and lows of the fight. Her journey of self-discovery makes her an intriguing blend of fantasy and sci-fi.
September 22, 2025
Moonlight Justice hooked me from page one and never let go. Bella Hayes—born on the moon and supercharged by its phases—is the kind of morally complex heroine I crave: disciplined by day, feral with purpose by night. When the slick villain Radcliff slips justice yet again, Bella, Detective Mark Calloway, and Lucas (the quietly brilliant tech in Roguehaven PD) descend into The Deep, a ruinous undercity that feels alive, dangerous, and addicting to explore.
August 6, 2025
Did not finish. It was okay until it turned into a vigilante story. I do not like those kinds of stories. If you like vigilante kind of stories , you'll probably like it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews