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Courting the Moon Priest
In a realm powered by the magic of moons, forbidden love thrives in the secrecy of night…
On the enchanted Isle de Lunith, where twin moons rule magic, Priestess Soraya Nyx uncovers a chilling prophecy foretelling doom—one moon is fading, and so is its magic. Fearing for her home, Soraya seeks the guidance of Raziel Kasper, the reclusive High Priest renowned for his mastery of the island’s magic and deep understanding of its lunar legends.
Compelled by their sacred roles to preserve the island’s magic, Soraya and Raziel delve deeper into the waning moon's mystery. As truths emerge, an undeniable attraction blossoms between them. However, Raziel possesses a deeper secret of his own—one directly related to the moons they safeguard—and it threatens to shatter the duo’s delicate connection.
Duty-bound and entangled in an unexpected romance, Soraya and Raziel must confront their dark pasts to solve the imminent peril of their homeland. Can they protect their fading moon and defend the island’s magic in time—without sacrificing their hearts?
On the enchanted Isle de Lunith, where twin moons rule magic, Priestess Soraya Nyx uncovers a chilling prophecy foretelling doom—one moon is fading, and so is its magic. Fearing for her home, Soraya seeks the guidance of Raziel Kasper, the reclusive High Priest renowned for his mastery of the island’s magic and deep understanding of its lunar legends.
Compelled by their sacred roles to preserve the island’s magic, Soraya and Raziel delve deeper into the waning moon's mystery. As truths emerge, an undeniable attraction blossoms between them. However, Raziel possesses a deeper secret of his own—one directly related to the moons they safeguard—and it threatens to shatter the duo’s delicate connection.
Duty-bound and entangled in an unexpected romance, Soraya and Raziel must confront their dark pasts to solve the imminent peril of their homeland. Can they protect their fading moon and defend the island’s magic in time—without sacrificing their hearts?
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
First published August 13, 2025
3 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Joy
10 books156 followersMiranda is a fan of all things magical and romantic. She believes some of the best heroes come from dark pasts, and family is more than blood. She loves writing about strong characters who overcome unpleasant situations and find love along the way.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 13, 2025
I love when the he falls first trope is done right, this is the book for you. I 10/10 recommend this book.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 3, 2025
If you're looking for a new standalone to devour, look no further!!!
He Falls First DONE RIGHT!
From reluctant allies, to friends, to more: this story sucks you straight in, and you never want to leave.
A main focus is learning how to let people in after you've thrown walls up, and I really enjoyed that.
I really liked how the characters were portrayed, and there's some really loveable and important side characters that add a lot to this story.
Absolutely amazing stand alone.
He Falls First DONE RIGHT!
From reluctant allies, to friends, to more: this story sucks you straight in, and you never want to leave.
A main focus is learning how to let people in after you've thrown walls up, and I really enjoyed that.
I really liked how the characters were portrayed, and there's some really loveable and important side characters that add a lot to this story.
Absolutely amazing stand alone.
August 12, 2025
Virgin Priest MMC
Unique Lunar Magic
Secrets & Curses
Grumpy x Sunshine
Reluctant Allies-to-Lovers
Moon Daddy
Raziel is the virgin High Priest. Ever pursuant in remaining that way and denying himself the pleasure even the priestess's take. He's awkwardly adorable and I love the development we get of him along his journey. Being cursed is never fun.
Our FMC is a priestess at the temple named Soroya. She's known him since childhood, or at least as much as one can know a recluse. Making bold moves, she tries to encourage him out of his shell and be a part of the island.
The bond between everyone of friendship and more is a development and there's numerous moments that caused my heart to clutch onto the MMC and FMC more and more as the story continued. This is definitely a good people with tragic backstories coming into their own type of story and I loved it! I can't wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to the author for the amazing opportunity to read the gifted eARC.
Unique Lunar Magic
Secrets & Curses
Grumpy x Sunshine
Reluctant Allies-to-Lovers
Moon Daddy
Raziel is the virgin High Priest. Ever pursuant in remaining that way and denying himself the pleasure even the priestess's take. He's awkwardly adorable and I love the development we get of him along his journey. Being cursed is never fun.
Our FMC is a priestess at the temple named Soroya. She's known him since childhood, or at least as much as one can know a recluse. Making bold moves, she tries to encourage him out of his shell and be a part of the island.
The bond between everyone of friendship and more is a development and there's numerous moments that caused my heart to clutch onto the MMC and FMC more and more as the story continued. This is definitely a good people with tragic backstories coming into their own type of story and I loved it! I can't wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to the author for the amazing opportunity to read the gifted eARC.
August 19, 2025
This was a great read about learning to except yourself and help from others.
July 12, 2025
Gosh, I loved this book. It's a he falls first without even realizing it, which is the best type of hook, in my opinion.
In a world of magic and goddesses, you have two characters who are both holding a secret, one who is a moon priest, Raziel, and one who is a priestess, Soraya. They work together, the priestess serve the moon priest in this world, but Raziel is very antisocial, and Soraya is determined to break that shell. These two are so heartbreakingly cute together, in a very innocent way, since Raziel is very new to friendship, nevertheless a romantic relationship. The side characters are also wonderful additions to the story, each bringing heart and a different learning experience to our main two characters.
Raziel and Soraya's push and pull was hysterical and infuriating at times but in the best way possible. The story has a lot of ups and downs, but everyone gets a happily ever after in the end. The heart of the story is finding the courage to let someone in after shutting the key to your heart. What an amazing story that I was lucky enough to arc. This review is of my own thoughts and opinions.
In a world of magic and goddesses, you have two characters who are both holding a secret, one who is a moon priest, Raziel, and one who is a priestess, Soraya. They work together, the priestess serve the moon priest in this world, but Raziel is very antisocial, and Soraya is determined to break that shell. These two are so heartbreakingly cute together, in a very innocent way, since Raziel is very new to friendship, nevertheless a romantic relationship. The side characters are also wonderful additions to the story, each bringing heart and a different learning experience to our main two characters.
Raziel and Soraya's push and pull was hysterical and infuriating at times but in the best way possible. The story has a lot of ups and downs, but everyone gets a happily ever after in the end. The heart of the story is finding the courage to let someone in after shutting the key to your heart. What an amazing story that I was lucky enough to arc. This review is of my own thoughts and opinions.
July 17, 2025
I will never not a love a Miranda Joy book and this one was no different! Soraya and Raziel are two of my new favorites. When their island begins to show signs of distress, the priestess and High Moon Priest become reluctant allies to help save the island, with many secrets between them. As secrets are unraveled, the two go from reluctant allies to friends to more in the most beautiful way. After many a plot twist, the ending brought everything together in the most amazing way. This was such an amazing romantasy standalone read!
July 20, 2025
This book was the breath of fresh air that my brain so desperately craved without me knowing it.
The magic system was so unique, and it was essential to both of the MCs' stories. He falls first, y'all, and it's so good. The story moved so quickly without sacrificing the plot, and I adored learning more about the island and its culture and motives for why things operated the way they did. The overarching plot brings our MCs together to solve the mystery of what's going on, so hellooooo forced proximity!
Miranda Joy never disappoints, so if you need a romantasy standalone, look no further!
The magic system was so unique, and it was essential to both of the MCs' stories. He falls first, y'all, and it's so good. The story moved so quickly without sacrificing the plot, and I adored learning more about the island and its culture and motives for why things operated the way they did. The overarching plot brings our MCs together to solve the mystery of what's going on, so hellooooo forced proximity!
Miranda Joy never disappoints, so if you need a romantasy standalone, look no further!
August 17, 2025
▸Fantasy romance
▸Reluctant allies to lovers
▸Grumpy x sunshine
▸Unique lunar magic
▸Secrets and curses
▸Moon daddy
▸He falls first, and harder
▸Virgin priest MMC
▸Dual POV
▸Standalone
In an Island blessed and powered by the power of two moons, Priestess Soraya one day found something wrong with the moonstone that's starting to fade, then she discussed this with High Priest Raziel, the High Priest who is believed to have the power of the moon, but this High Priest is cold, distant and always locks himself in the temple, he's so different from the preceded High Priests. when suddenly the island's magic is dying and their livelihood begins to be threatened, Raziel reluctantly work together with Soraya to figure this issue and to uncover the secrets of the curse of the two moons that haunt their island, including the curse on Raziel that has been kept secret long by himself
the pacing is great, the main characters are well developed, even though Soraya reluctant to keep nagging Raziel because Raziel keeps pushing her away coldly, but Soraya wants to save the villagers and the island, the island is dying and she thinks that the only person who can help them is Raziel, and thank to Soraya, Raziel can slowly open himself up and can socialize with the villagers. all in all, the story, the magic, the worldbuilding, the characters...this book is a great read!✨ if you love 'he falls first and fell harder', you must read this book!✨
♥️Thank you so much Miranda Joy and Farofeb (now Faro Society) for the gifted copy, I'm so grateful for the opportunity! all opinions are my own♥️
▸Reluctant allies to lovers
▸Grumpy x sunshine
▸Unique lunar magic
▸Secrets and curses
▸Moon daddy
▸He falls first, and harder
▸Virgin priest MMC
▸Dual POV
▸Standalone
In an Island blessed and powered by the power of two moons, Priestess Soraya one day found something wrong with the moonstone that's starting to fade, then she discussed this with High Priest Raziel, the High Priest who is believed to have the power of the moon, but this High Priest is cold, distant and always locks himself in the temple, he's so different from the preceded High Priests. when suddenly the island's magic is dying and their livelihood begins to be threatened, Raziel reluctantly work together with Soraya to figure this issue and to uncover the secrets of the curse of the two moons that haunt their island, including the curse on Raziel that has been kept secret long by himself
"Just because you don't believe in romance and the beauty of our lore doesn't mean you can steal it from those who still dare to hold hope."
the pacing is great, the main characters are well developed, even though Soraya reluctant to keep nagging Raziel because Raziel keeps pushing her away coldly, but Soraya wants to save the villagers and the island, the island is dying and she thinks that the only person who can help them is Raziel, and thank to Soraya, Raziel can slowly open himself up and can socialize with the villagers. all in all, the story, the magic, the worldbuilding, the characters...this book is a great read!✨ if you love 'he falls first and fell harder', you must read this book!✨
♥️Thank you so much Miranda Joy and Farofeb (now Faro Society) for the gifted copy, I'm so grateful for the opportunity! all opinions are my own♥️
August 14, 2025
Courting the Moon Priest by @authormirandajoy is the perfect final chapter to my Romancing the Realms obsession.
Virgin High Priest MMC? ✅
Unique lunar magic? ✅
Grumpy x Sunshine tension so thick you could cut it with a crescent moon? ✅
A “he falls first” slow burn that had me yelling “JUST KISS ALREADY” at my Kindle? ✅✅✅
Raziel Kasper might be the most awkwardly adorable, emotionally constipated hero I’ve ever met, and Soraya? She’s bold, determined, and refuses to let him hide behind his sacred duties.
Their banter? Immaculate.
Their pining? Torture in the best way.
Some of my favorite moments:
💬 “I want you… more than I’ve ever wanted anything.” (Reader me: screaming internally)
💬 “Keep penetrating, you’ll get through.” – Joss, the ultimate chaos wingman
💬 “Two moons but one Moon Priest? We’re all idiots.” – also Joss, delivering truth bombs
💬 “You and I are made of sea and sky. Our souls are intertwined.” (swoon intensifies)
Between the curses, secrets, forced proximity, and a romance that’s equal parts tender and fiery, this story had my heart clutched from page one.
And can we talk about the side characters? Loveable chaos, every single one.
Miranda Joy, you ended this collection in the most magical, heart squeezing, laugh snorting way possible.🌙🩵
If you need me, I’ll be rereading the entire Romancing the Realms collection because apparently, I’m not ready to say goodbye.🥺
Virgin High Priest MMC? ✅
Unique lunar magic? ✅
Grumpy x Sunshine tension so thick you could cut it with a crescent moon? ✅
A “he falls first” slow burn that had me yelling “JUST KISS ALREADY” at my Kindle? ✅✅✅
Raziel Kasper might be the most awkwardly adorable, emotionally constipated hero I’ve ever met, and Soraya? She’s bold, determined, and refuses to let him hide behind his sacred duties.
Their banter? Immaculate.
Their pining? Torture in the best way.
Some of my favorite moments:
💬 “I want you… more than I’ve ever wanted anything.” (Reader me: screaming internally)
💬 “Keep penetrating, you’ll get through.” – Joss, the ultimate chaos wingman
💬 “Two moons but one Moon Priest? We’re all idiots.” – also Joss, delivering truth bombs
💬 “You and I are made of sea and sky. Our souls are intertwined.” (swoon intensifies)
Between the curses, secrets, forced proximity, and a romance that’s equal parts tender and fiery, this story had my heart clutched from page one.
And can we talk about the side characters? Loveable chaos, every single one.
Miranda Joy, you ended this collection in the most magical, heart squeezing, laugh snorting way possible.🌙🩵
If you need me, I’ll be rereading the entire Romancing the Realms collection because apparently, I’m not ready to say goodbye.🥺
August 23, 2025
"I don't speak it aloud, but it's a kind of love I crave deep down. Being so wholly desired that someone would give up everything to be beside you for eternity."
Courting the Moon Priest is the newest release from Miranda Joy. It's a part of the Romancing the Realms series, which is a set of standalone romantasies written by different authors. In it you'll find a Moon Priest whose magic is waning, putting the lives of his people at risk. A priestess who is yearning for an epic love. Both keeping secrets, but turning to the other to figure out the mystery of the island's magic.
Another absolute winner from Miranda Joy! The magic system is unique and easy to understand. I adore the island nation and the lore of the two moons. The MMCs are fantastic. A wonderful example of grumpy/sunshine. Raziel's stoicism and pent up frustration was a TREAT to watch completely unravel. Soraya is such an endearing and likeable character. The yearning!! It's built beautifully and when it breaks... perfection! I adore the side characters and their banter. The bromance was an unexpected surprise and made me giggle.
The story's fun and a great ride. There were some fun twists that I didn't see coming. It's a lovely, easy read that I enjoyed immensely! Joy is favorite author of mine, and Courting the Moon Priest is a perfect example of why.
"Just because you don't believe in romance and the beauty of our lore doesn't mean you can steal it from those who still dare to hold onto hope."
"The more you try to stifle your desires, the harder you make it for yourself."
"You don't have to be perfect to be valued...You're enough as is. You give us your all. We all see how hard you work, and nothing could ever erase your dedication to this island, to the moons."
"Sometimes, secrets aren't a miscommunication, they're just us hiding from ourselves."
Courting the Moon Priest is the newest release from Miranda Joy. It's a part of the Romancing the Realms series, which is a set of standalone romantasies written by different authors. In it you'll find a Moon Priest whose magic is waning, putting the lives of his people at risk. A priestess who is yearning for an epic love. Both keeping secrets, but turning to the other to figure out the mystery of the island's magic.
Another absolute winner from Miranda Joy! The magic system is unique and easy to understand. I adore the island nation and the lore of the two moons. The MMCs are fantastic. A wonderful example of grumpy/sunshine. Raziel's stoicism and pent up frustration was a TREAT to watch completely unravel. Soraya is such an endearing and likeable character. The yearning!! It's built beautifully and when it breaks... perfection! I adore the side characters and their banter. The bromance was an unexpected surprise and made me giggle.
The story's fun and a great ride. There were some fun twists that I didn't see coming. It's a lovely, easy read that I enjoyed immensely! Joy is favorite author of mine, and Courting the Moon Priest is a perfect example of why.
"Just because you don't believe in romance and the beauty of our lore doesn't mean you can steal it from those who still dare to hold onto hope."
"The more you try to stifle your desires, the harder you make it for yourself."
"You don't have to be perfect to be valued...You're enough as is. You give us your all. We all see how hard you work, and nothing could ever erase your dedication to this island, to the moons."
"Sometimes, secrets aren't a miscommunication, they're just us hiding from ourselves."
August 13, 2025
This is the perfect spicy romantasy standalone! I was so enthralled the whole time. There is unique lunar magic and a moon “daddy”. It’s amazing how well written the characters are in just over 300 pages. I was almost immediately invested in their well being. The main and side characters were very lovable and memorable. Highly recommend for any romantasy lover!
August 13, 2025
An absolute amazing book, even as a standalone! I absolutely devoured it! This book does he falls first RIGHT! Reluctant allies to friends then more! This story absolutely sinks its hooks in and will not let go even after you’re done reading!
I really liked how the characters were written! Some are really loveable!
I really liked how the characters were written! Some are really loveable!
September 7, 2025
ARC review
In 3 Words: Quick, Fun, Medium-stakes
Fave Quote: I don’t think I could ever be just friends with Raziel, not after seeing the bits of his fractured soul and wanting to glue them to my own
I don't see many tropical island settings in fantasy books, and I enjoyed how the magic system is tied into the island's prosperity. Despite the title, there wasn't a strong religious aspect, which I appreciated. Rather than being a deeply religious person, the Moon Priest is simply a man gifted with magic. His sense of duty to protect the island made him shut himself away from everyone else, but I enjoyed seeing Soraya slowly open his eyes to the joys of life. I also really liked Soraya's relationship with her close friends, and seeing how Raziel became a part of their group.
In 3 Words: Quick, Fun, Medium-stakes
Fave Quote: I don’t think I could ever be just friends with Raziel, not after seeing the bits of his fractured soul and wanting to glue them to my own
I don't see many tropical island settings in fantasy books, and I enjoyed how the magic system is tied into the island's prosperity. Despite the title, there wasn't a strong religious aspect, which I appreciated. Rather than being a deeply religious person, the Moon Priest is simply a man gifted with magic. His sense of duty to protect the island made him shut himself away from everyone else, but I enjoyed seeing Soraya slowly open his eyes to the joys of life. I also really liked Soraya's relationship with her close friends, and seeing how Raziel became a part of their group.
September 6, 2025
Miranda’s writing, tension, and dynamic characters never cease to amaze me!
August 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews