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Luna Duet #2
Fiamme di perdizione (The Luna Duet)
Ho commesso il peggior errore della mia vita quando avevo ventidue anni: ho lasciato che l'amore e la paura distruggessero tutto ciò che ho sempre desiderato, e ora ho una scelta da fare.
Scappare e nascondermi o restare e affrontare le conseguenze.
Ho sempre saputo che non mi era permesso amarla.
Questo, però, non mi ha fermato.
Ho infranto ogni regola e soffocato ogni segreto per averla.
L’unico problema è che quei segreti non mi stanno più solo dando la caccia… mi hanno trovato.
Non posso scappare. Non posso nascondermi.
Per un momento, ho avuto tutto. Ho avuto tutti i miei sogni e la ragazza per cui ucciderei.
Ma ora devo pagarne il prezzo.
E non sopravviverò.
*volume conclusivo della dilogia, per comprendere la storia è necessario leggere prima "Ombre di desiderio"
Scappare e nascondermi o restare e affrontare le conseguenze.
Ho sempre saputo che non mi era permesso amarla.
Questo, però, non mi ha fermato.
Ho infranto ogni regola e soffocato ogni segreto per averla.
L’unico problema è che quei segreti non mi stanno più solo dando la caccia… mi hanno trovato.
Non posso scappare. Non posso nascondermi.
Per un momento, ho avuto tutto. Ho avuto tutti i miei sogni e la ragazza per cui ucciderei.
Ma ora devo pagarne il prezzo.
E non sopravviverò.
*volume conclusivo della dilogia, per comprendere la storia è necessario leggere prima "Ombre di desiderio"
755 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2025
329 people are currently reading
1650 people want to read
About the author
Pepper Winters
99 books17k followersPepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
July 26, 2024
Omg. What a beautiful story!
4.5 Stars
There's so much that I can't say in this review because it would spoil the whole book since it picks up right where the cliffhanger from book 1 leaves off but I did want to jot down a few thoughts and feelings.
I often find that dark romance doesn't always have the best of writing. Usually it comes across kinda clunky and maybe it's just because my tastes have matured that I've noticed this and so I've avoided much of the more recent dark romances- BUT! Rest assured because Pepper Winters SLAYS.
˚ ༘♡ ⋆ೃ⁀➷ The writing is incredible. The story is dark and emotional with characters that have such a multitude of layers and depth.
˚ ༘♡ ⋆ೃ⁀➷ A love story about two people torn apart by power and control, circumstances and madness. It's heartbreaking, suspense-filled romance of the forbidden; torture and pain.
This book had me sobbing! There's twists and turns, so much heartache, loss and despair. There's acceptance and the fight to live as Neri recounts her story about a life of anguish and loss, love and acceptance.
˚ ༘♡ ⋆ೃ⁀➷ Lunamare is a retelling of soulmates tied to one another through love, and the beating of the heart.
Highly recommend! Please keep in mind that this is a dark romance, forbidden love, taboo story. Please check trigger warnings.
You can find my review for book 1 here ↴
˖*°࿐ •*⁀➷ Lunamare Review ༺* 𐙚 ༘⋆
4.5 Stars
There's so much that I can't say in this review because it would spoil the whole book since it picks up right where the cliffhanger from book 1 leaves off but I did want to jot down a few thoughts and feelings.
I often find that dark romance doesn't always have the best of writing. Usually it comes across kinda clunky and maybe it's just because my tastes have matured that I've noticed this and so I've avoided much of the more recent dark romances- BUT! Rest assured because Pepper Winters SLAYS.
˚ ༘♡ ⋆ೃ⁀➷ The writing is incredible. The story is dark and emotional with characters that have such a multitude of layers and depth.
˚ ༘♡ ⋆ೃ⁀➷ A love story about two people torn apart by power and control, circumstances and madness. It's heartbreaking, suspense-filled romance of the forbidden; torture and pain.
This book had me sobbing! There's twists and turns, so much heartache, loss and despair. There's acceptance and the fight to live as Neri recounts her story about a life of anguish and loss, love and acceptance.
˚ ༘♡ ⋆ೃ⁀➷ Lunamare is a retelling of soulmates tied to one another through love, and the beating of the heart.
Highly recommend! Please keep in mind that this is a dark romance, forbidden love, taboo story. Please check trigger warnings.
You can find my review for book 1 here ↴
˖*°࿐ •*⁀➷ Lunamare Review ༺* 𐙚 ༘⋆
June 18, 2025
its books like this one that make me wish GR had a function to rate a series as a whole. because, sometimes, how you feel about individual installments doesnt necessarily reflect how you feel about the overall story in general. its like you have to halves of whole, with both halves being fine on their own, but its only when you put them together that they mean something more and you can see how they complete each other.
and so the events of this concluding sequel are making me rethink how i felt about the first book, now knowing there are certain things i didnt appreciate while reading them at the time. because its not until i got the entire picture, the entire story, that i could understand just how impactful the first book really is.
so i guess this rating/review isnt exactly for this particular book, but for the entire story spanning across both (im rounding up). its a beautiful story about growing and evolving, finding family and a place to call home, sorrow and joy, and how love is the bond that ties everything together. while this does have dark themes and events, this is definitely a positive story about overcoming even the most heartbreaking moments in life. its real, its raw, and a fantastic portrayal of the strength of love.
↠ 4.5 stars
and so the events of this concluding sequel are making me rethink how i felt about the first book, now knowing there are certain things i didnt appreciate while reading them at the time. because its not until i got the entire picture, the entire story, that i could understand just how impactful the first book really is.
so i guess this rating/review isnt exactly for this particular book, but for the entire story spanning across both (im rounding up). its a beautiful story about growing and evolving, finding family and a place to call home, sorrow and joy, and how love is the bond that ties everything together. while this does have dark themes and events, this is definitely a positive story about overcoming even the most heartbreaking moments in life. its real, its raw, and a fantastic portrayal of the strength of love.
↠ 4.5 stars
July 13, 2023
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
ღ 𝐂𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐄 ღ Is the second full length coming-of-age romance novel in the (Luna) duet by Pepper Winters. Spoken in 'dual perspectives. HERO: '𝑨𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏' HEROINE: '𝑵𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒂' This conclusion of this duet solidifies the true meaning of the word 'soul mates'
Get ready to fall back into this phenomenal world Pepper Winters has created, it kicks starts off right where the previous books cliffy Lunamare left off. Where wrong conclusions had a domino effect making Aslan take off into the unknown.
He knew the consequences of loving her, but it happened anyway, now he's paying the price, out in the suburbs alone. An illegal immigrant who if is caught could get sent back to his country, a death sentence hanging over his head if that were to ever happen.
So many twists and turns, with many heart stopping moments, worse than any roller coaster I’d ever been on, emotions like a yo yo, happiness, sadness and everything in between. This wrung everything out of me. Closing that last page left a bittersweet taste on my tongue, these two characters will forever be rooted within my very soul.
This duet is a must read. Nothing compares to it, real, raw, riveting…Beyond unique. Everything P. Winters threw at me, I felt, the happy moments, the gut wrenching moments, the twists and turns felt like a dagger to my heart, breathtaking, soul destroying.
January 7, 2024
4.5
Duets always scare the hell out of me. I've been burned more times than I can count with an incredible story in book one only for it all to go to shit in the conclusion. When I decided to pick up the Luna duet, I knew I was taking a risk, but with Pepper Winters penning it, I had high hopes that I wouldn't end up regretting it,.....and I didn't. Cor Amare had all the passion of Lunamare with more heartbreak, but of a different nature than anything we experienced in its predecessor.
Everything picks up right at the cliff the author left us hanging on, and I appreciated heading right back into the action. It's an emotional start to an even more gut-wrenching journey. Don't get me wrong, we get to experience a lot of Nerida and Aslan's joy in this book. They are the true definition of soulmates, and there is never a second of their story where you can deny it. Unfortunately, fate catches up to the happy couple, a beautiful day that snowballs into their ultimate nightmare.
Witnessing Aslan and Nerida endure what they did in this book had me holding my heart, leaking out of my eyes, and clenching my stomach. It's not for the feint of heart. Both Aslan and Nerida go through hell in different ways, and their pain is excruciating even to observe second hand. Prepare yourself for a bumpy ride that you'll likely never forget.
Lunamare fans, this one's for you!
Duets always scare the hell out of me. I've been burned more times than I can count with an incredible story in book one only for it all to go to shit in the conclusion. When I decided to pick up the Luna duet, I knew I was taking a risk, but with Pepper Winters penning it, I had high hopes that I wouldn't end up regretting it,.....and I didn't. Cor Amare had all the passion of Lunamare with more heartbreak, but of a different nature than anything we experienced in its predecessor.
Everything picks up right at the cliff the author left us hanging on, and I appreciated heading right back into the action. It's an emotional start to an even more gut-wrenching journey. Don't get me wrong, we get to experience a lot of Nerida and Aslan's joy in this book. They are the true definition of soulmates, and there is never a second of their story where you can deny it. Unfortunately, fate catches up to the happy couple, a beautiful day that snowballs into their ultimate nightmare.
Witnessing Aslan and Nerida endure what they did in this book had me holding my heart, leaking out of my eyes, and clenching my stomach. It's not for the feint of heart. Both Aslan and Nerida go through hell in different ways, and their pain is excruciating even to observe second hand. Prepare yourself for a bumpy ride that you'll likely never forget.
Lunamare fans, this one's for you!
August 9, 2023
My heart is utterly spent. 5+⭐️
“The Study of Soulmates and Proof They Do Exist.’
Soul mates. Fated mates. Exchanged hearts that beat as one. Pepper takes her readers to sensual magical highs and dramatic, heart wrenching lows. She steals our breath and our hearts while we read. She doesn’t shy away from the things that will hurt her characters to the core and in return it hurts us. She takes us to the edge and gives us a brutal push over to the deepest oblivion of total soul anguish. This is why I’m a reader. I don’t want to just half heartedly experience a book, I want it to knock me over the head and pull me under the Deep dramatic depths with it. This is what PW does everytime.
I highly recommend the audio because Aslan is Turkish and he speaks in that language at times and when he does it pulls to the center of your belly making your toes curl.
This book is not light, nor is it a fluffy read. It’s dark, depraved and full of trigger warnings, but sooo worth it. I love Aslan and Nerida with all my heart and soul. Forever ♾️ I will always choose Aslan, the Lion. Give me the beast.
“Sen Benimsin.” You are mine forever ♾️
“The Study of Soulmates and Proof They Do Exist.’
Soul mates. Fated mates. Exchanged hearts that beat as one. Pepper takes her readers to sensual magical highs and dramatic, heart wrenching lows. She steals our breath and our hearts while we read. She doesn’t shy away from the things that will hurt her characters to the core and in return it hurts us. She takes us to the edge and gives us a brutal push over to the deepest oblivion of total soul anguish. This is why I’m a reader. I don’t want to just half heartedly experience a book, I want it to knock me over the head and pull me under the Deep dramatic depths with it. This is what PW does everytime.
I highly recommend the audio because Aslan is Turkish and he speaks in that language at times and when he does it pulls to the center of your belly making your toes curl.
This book is not light, nor is it a fluffy read. It’s dark, depraved and full of trigger warnings, but sooo worth it. I love Aslan and Nerida with all my heart and soul. Forever ♾️ I will always choose Aslan, the Lion. Give me the beast.
“Sen Benimsin.” You are mine forever ♾️
Currently reading
August 1, 2023BOTH BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE TO BINGE READ IN KINDLE UNLIMITED
My lonely, lovelorn heart.
It’d haemorrhaged until there was nothing left inside it. It’d seeped and oozed and gushed every lifeforce until it’d become nothing more than a desiccated organ with no magic, no spark, no soulmate.
The headache that’d slowly been getting worse as my story crept closer to this pinnacle throbbed in my temples.
It was almost midnight.
My throat was hoarse.
If I was a better woman, I’d tell them to go. I’d take them to the door and send them back to their own homes.
But I had to finish.
I had to tell them tonight or not at all.
Sucking in a breath, I rubbed at my empty chest.
I braced my shoulders.
I fought so damn hard for strength.
Dylan cleared his throat and leaned nearer. Taking my hand, he squeezed my brittle bones. “Just remember you survived it, Nerida. Whatever happened, you survived it.”
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7T8GSR3
Amazon.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7T8GSR3
Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C7T8GSR3
Amazon.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C7T8GSR3
Book One starts off with forbidden vibes, age-gap, forced proxmity but book two...quickly becomes dark, 5 chilly spicy, and dangerous. There are a TON of warnings in book two so beware...this is not a duet for the faint of heart but I promise you will feel everything 🙂
LUNAMARE
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Amazon.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Amazon.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
My lonely, lovelorn heart.
It’d haemorrhaged until there was nothing left inside it. It’d seeped and oozed and gushed every lifeforce until it’d become nothing more than a desiccated organ with no magic, no spark, no soulmate.
The headache that’d slowly been getting worse as my story crept closer to this pinnacle throbbed in my temples.
It was almost midnight.
My throat was hoarse.
If I was a better woman, I’d tell them to go. I’d take them to the door and send them back to their own homes.
But I had to finish.
I had to tell them tonight or not at all.
Sucking in a breath, I rubbed at my empty chest.
I braced my shoulders.
I fought so damn hard for strength.
Dylan cleared his throat and leaned nearer. Taking my hand, he squeezed my brittle bones. “Just remember you survived it, Nerida. Whatever happened, you survived it.”
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7T8GSR3
Amazon.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7T8GSR3
Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C7T8GSR3
Amazon.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C7T8GSR3
Book One starts off with forbidden vibes, age-gap, forced proxmity but book two...quickly becomes dark, 5 chilly spicy, and dangerous. There are a TON of warnings in book two so beware...this is not a duet for the faint of heart but I promise you will feel everything 🙂
LUNAMARE
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Amazon.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
Amazon.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C7TWN6TS
July 10, 2023
Someday... but not today.
I've been sitting on this review for a while now. How does one put into words feelings?
Beautiful, emotional and profoundly unforgettable.
This book was so well written it hurt. By the end of it I was completely dry of all emotions.
The five stars assigned for rating just don't seem to do justice to this duet.
It was exceptionally painful yet devastatingly beautiful.
This is the story of two souls destined to be together but constantly challenged by circumstances to never last.
I'm utterly floored by Pepper Winters ability to move me so emotionally with words. The writing was flawless. This story is so much larger than anything I was expecting. I picked it for the romance but got more than I wished for: Soulmates. You know what Soulmates are? Timeless, endless, limitless and can move mountains.
While Lunamare was about two souls finding each other and coming together as one, Cor Amare was the pressure test for their love.
Cor Amare starts exactly where Lunamare's cliffhanger left us and from there it was a complete roller coaster of emotions. Many revelations came to light and many unexpected turn of events shifted the prior suspicions I had about how the story would play out.
As I write this review I can't help but spill tears because just thinking about all of the pain, all of the trials Aslan and Neri went through and the beauty of their love is gut wrenching. I have never found myself in this position. A position where a book made me feel so much for its entirety.
There was not a single moment where my heart didn't feel like its cage was too small.
How do you know what is happiness if you haven't known pain, grief and soul wrenching despair?
Aslan and Neri are indeed two remarkable characters and their life story will forever remain with me. I will look back to this moment in my life and forever be grateful for the lessons this book gave me.
This duet is unequivocally one of the most unforgettable and remarkable story I have ever read. It is extraordinary. It is excruciating. And it's undeniably Pepper Winter's finest work to date.
Be warned that some scenes could be excruciating to read.
I've been sitting on this review for a while now. How does one put into words feelings?
Beautiful, emotional and profoundly unforgettable.
This book was so well written it hurt. By the end of it I was completely dry of all emotions.
The five stars assigned for rating just don't seem to do justice to this duet.
It was exceptionally painful yet devastatingly beautiful.
This is the story of two souls destined to be together but constantly challenged by circumstances to never last.
I'm utterly floored by Pepper Winters ability to move me so emotionally with words. The writing was flawless. This story is so much larger than anything I was expecting. I picked it for the romance but got more than I wished for: Soulmates. You know what Soulmates are? Timeless, endless, limitless and can move mountains.
She gave every piece of herself, right there in her parents’ garden, and I gathered up every fragment and hoarded them. She’d never get them back. I would keep her heart safe, all while she kept mine. A trade. A bargain. A promise. It was her and me now. For life. Forever.
While Lunamare was about two souls finding each other and coming together as one, Cor Amare was the pressure test for their love.
Cor Amare starts exactly where Lunamare's cliffhanger left us and from there it was a complete roller coaster of emotions. Many revelations came to light and many unexpected turn of events shifted the prior suspicions I had about how the story would play out.
As I write this review I can't help but spill tears because just thinking about all of the pain, all of the trials Aslan and Neri went through and the beauty of their love is gut wrenching. I have never found myself in this position. A position where a book made me feel so much for its entirety.
There was not a single moment where my heart didn't feel like its cage was too small.
How do you know what is happiness if you haven't known pain, grief and soul wrenching despair?
Aslan and Neri are indeed two remarkable characters and their life story will forever remain with me. I will look back to this moment in my life and forever be grateful for the lessons this book gave me.
"I've loved every moment of it. Even when you were deliberately ripping out my heart."
This duet is unequivocally one of the most unforgettable and remarkable story I have ever read. It is extraordinary. It is excruciating. And it's undeniably Pepper Winter's finest work to date.
Be warned that some scenes could be excruciating to read.
"You could Just tell us now; put us out of our misery, I'm not lying when I say I truly don't know how much more of this I can take."
July 7, 2023
Whenever I immerse myself in a book by Pepper Winters, I become transfixed by the characters, the writing, and the world-building. Cor Amare sucked me into its depths the moment I started reading the first page.
Cor Amare begins promptly where Lunamare’s cliffhanger left off. I was grateful for this because I was so incredibly curious about how that situation was going to turn out. I can honestly say that I did not see some of the story’s events playing out the way they did. I did guess a few things correctly, but Pepper reigns supreme as a master of plot twists, and she surprised me with the story’s well-contrived plot several times. Pepper continues to write exceptional character growth. Aslan and Neri’s relationship felt real and organic to me and as it developed through the years. The world-building was captivating – I felt like I could see, hear, and feel everything that the characters did.
The story was not watered down or made easier for the reader’s sanity in any way, no. Neri and Aslan’s story involves tragedy, and the reader gets to be there for every moment of it – and I LOVED IT. I also loved the life lessons woven into the story. It reminded me to hold on tight to the people that I love.
Cor Amare is a romance and a life story that spans multiple years of Aslan and Neri’s lives. You’ll be rooting for Neri and Aslan and their forbidden love as they meet new obstacles, and their love is tested beyond measure. Pepper Winters truly delivered an immersive masterpiece for the ages! If you decide to experience this duet for yourself, please avoid spoilers, dive in blind, and enjoy one of the best childhood-friends-to-lovers romances I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
Cor Amare begins promptly where Lunamare’s cliffhanger left off. I was grateful for this because I was so incredibly curious about how that situation was going to turn out. I can honestly say that I did not see some of the story’s events playing out the way they did. I did guess a few things correctly, but Pepper reigns supreme as a master of plot twists, and she surprised me with the story’s well-contrived plot several times. Pepper continues to write exceptional character growth. Aslan and Neri’s relationship felt real and organic to me and as it developed through the years. The world-building was captivating – I felt like I could see, hear, and feel everything that the characters did.
The story was not watered down or made easier for the reader’s sanity in any way, no. Neri and Aslan’s story involves tragedy, and the reader gets to be there for every moment of it – and I LOVED IT. I also loved the life lessons woven into the story. It reminded me to hold on tight to the people that I love.
“And…in a way…it makes our time on earth all the more precious because it isn’t infinite. It’s far, far too short, and why waste it being unhappy or sad or angry? Why bicker and stress? Why pout and play games? The only point of existence is to love and be loved as wildly and as freely as possible.”
Cor Amare is a romance and a life story that spans multiple years of Aslan and Neri’s lives. You’ll be rooting for Neri and Aslan and their forbidden love as they meet new obstacles, and their love is tested beyond measure. Pepper Winters truly delivered an immersive masterpiece for the ages! If you decide to experience this duet for yourself, please avoid spoilers, dive in blind, and enjoy one of the best childhood-friends-to-lovers romances I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
August 2, 2023
I just finished Cor Amare and my lord this book delivered everything that was promised beforehand. It is a stunning and beautiful sequel to Lunamare and it ties up the story perfectly.
The book picks up right after Lunamare. Nerida vehemently tells her parents and the cops that he saved her, helped her and that Ethan raped her. Not the other way around. They call off the search. And Jack and Anna truly accept Aslan as their son. And give their blessing for their marriage. Even though it's unofficial in the eyes of the law, it's official in any other regard.
And then they start their life together. Neri is studying and Aslan gets a job as a handyman in an apartment complex. He gets paid under the table and Jack was the one that set up the job for him.
Neri's 20th birthday comes and they celebrate it in such a beautiful way. They even got a tattoo together and my heart rejoiced for them. But then something awful and horrific happens.
They are waiting for an uber and then they get attacked by 4 racially slurring young men who want to save Neri from Aslan. Well, you can imagine their responses. I don't want to spoil too much. But something happens that tears them apart and that is when the agony, pain and loss comes into this story.
My heart wailed for them and I felt it in every part of my body. What happens to Aslan is just heartbreaking. And I completely understood Neri's griefstricking path.
I love the chapters with the older Nerida talking to Margot and Dylan. It added a beautiful layer to the story.
And the ending, my lord, I was so invested and I loved it. I love how this duet concludes and how it ties everything together.
HUGE SPOILER ALERT IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH:
One of the bravest things in this book is that both Nerida and Aslan confess to each other that the love they share together is soul crushing and encompasses everything. It is different and .. maybe slightly implied more intense than the love they share for their daughter. I think that's very bold. But also very fitting for these characters. Let me be clear, it does not mean that they don't love their daughter or that they love her any less. But the vow they made, if you die, I die - says it all. It's the bones of their relationship. And I love that it shines through the entire duet.
Because this is a spoiler paragraph. I love that this book has a happy ending compared to the Ribbon duet. Both are still thriving and alive. The fact that Della has to live on for awhile without Ren completely and utterly broke me. And I did expect an ending like that in this duet. And I am so glad it didn't have that ending. Absolutely loved the ending!
5 brilliantly burning stars from me for Aslan and Neri. For Ayla, Eddie and Teddie. Jack and Anna. For Lunamare. For their love. And their bond that transcends mere life, mere lust and foreverness.
The book picks up right after Lunamare. Nerida vehemently tells her parents and the cops that he saved her, helped her and that Ethan raped her. Not the other way around. They call off the search. And Jack and Anna truly accept Aslan as their son. And give their blessing for their marriage. Even though it's unofficial in the eyes of the law, it's official in any other regard.
And then they start their life together. Neri is studying and Aslan gets a job as a handyman in an apartment complex. He gets paid under the table and Jack was the one that set up the job for him.
Neri's 20th birthday comes and they celebrate it in such a beautiful way. They even got a tattoo together and my heart rejoiced for them. But then something awful and horrific happens.
They are waiting for an uber and then they get attacked by 4 racially slurring young men who want to save Neri from Aslan. Well, you can imagine their responses. I don't want to spoil too much. But something happens that tears them apart and that is when the agony, pain and loss comes into this story.
My heart wailed for them and I felt it in every part of my body. What happens to Aslan is just heartbreaking. And I completely understood Neri's griefstricking path.
I love the chapters with the older Nerida talking to Margot and Dylan. It added a beautiful layer to the story.
And the ending, my lord, I was so invested and I loved it. I love how this duet concludes and how it ties everything together.
HUGE SPOILER ALERT IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH:
One of the bravest things in this book is that both Nerida and Aslan confess to each other that the love they share together is soul crushing and encompasses everything. It is different and .. maybe slightly implied more intense than the love they share for their daughter. I think that's very bold. But also very fitting for these characters. Let me be clear, it does not mean that they don't love their daughter or that they love her any less. But the vow they made, if you die, I die - says it all. It's the bones of their relationship. And I love that it shines through the entire duet.
Because this is a spoiler paragraph. I love that this book has a happy ending compared to the Ribbon duet. Both are still thriving and alive. The fact that Della has to live on for awhile without Ren completely and utterly broke me. And I did expect an ending like that in this duet. And I am so glad it didn't have that ending. Absolutely loved the ending!
5 brilliantly burning stars from me for Aslan and Neri. For Ayla, Eddie and Teddie. Jack and Anna. For Lunamare. For their love. And their bond that transcends mere life, mere lust and foreverness.
July 15, 2023
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Cor Amare picks up where Lunamare left off, delving deeper into the captivating narrative. To avoid spoilers, I'll keep my review intentionally vague. Suffice it to say, I was completely engrossed in the story, eagerly anticipating how the plot would unfold. The love shared between Aslan and Neri was truly extraordinary, and I couldn't help but worry about the heart-wrenching challenges they still had to face. Neri's present-day chapters, where she recounts her story, heightened my anxiety with each passing moment. The unpredictability of Cor Amare kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Pepper expertly infused elements of dark romance into the narrative, delivering unexpected twists that kept me hooked. The exploration of Aslan and Neri's unique connection was handled exceptionally well. Their loyalty, honesty, and unyielding trust in one another felt truly otherworldly. Their love story is one that is rarely encountered in my reading adventures, and the lengths they would go to protect each other were profoundly powerful. The continuation of these themes in Cor Amare only strengthened the emotional bond I felt with the characters.
Be prepared to experience heartbreak, shed tears, fall in love with the characters all over again, and embark on an emotional roller coaster. I found myself deeply saddened when Aslan and Neri's love story concluded; saying goodbye was incredibly difficult. Pepper Winters has once again crafted characters and a story that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Her ability to write such heart-wrenching tales is nothing short of masterful. I extend my sincerest gratitude to Pepper for gifting readers with this phenomenal story.
Cor Amare picks up where Lunamare left off, delving deeper into the captivating narrative. To avoid spoilers, I'll keep my review intentionally vague. Suffice it to say, I was completely engrossed in the story, eagerly anticipating how the plot would unfold. The love shared between Aslan and Neri was truly extraordinary, and I couldn't help but worry about the heart-wrenching challenges they still had to face. Neri's present-day chapters, where she recounts her story, heightened my anxiety with each passing moment. The unpredictability of Cor Amare kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Pepper expertly infused elements of dark romance into the narrative, delivering unexpected twists that kept me hooked. The exploration of Aslan and Neri's unique connection was handled exceptionally well. Their loyalty, honesty, and unyielding trust in one another felt truly otherworldly. Their love story is one that is rarely encountered in my reading adventures, and the lengths they would go to protect each other were profoundly powerful. The continuation of these themes in Cor Amare only strengthened the emotional bond I felt with the characters.
Be prepared to experience heartbreak, shed tears, fall in love with the characters all over again, and embark on an emotional roller coaster. I found myself deeply saddened when Aslan and Neri's love story concluded; saying goodbye was incredibly difficult. Pepper Winters has once again crafted characters and a story that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Her ability to write such heart-wrenching tales is nothing short of masterful. I extend my sincerest gratitude to Pepper for gifting readers with this phenomenal story.
June 12, 2023
EMOTIONALLY AND VISCERALLY TRANSCENDENT LOVE … WORTH 1 BILLION STARS
“Someday … but not today.”
[NO SPOILERS]
This duet is a love letter to the moon, the sea and a pair of incomparable lovers that deserve all the stars in heaven and from reviewers. I may never stop crying, and the heart is an absolute metaphor for such a remarkable love story of pure soul bondage. My own heart fairly burst many times. This is hands-down the most beautiful love story that I’ve ever read, and it is unequivocally Pepper Winters’ defining masterpiece. A true romantic masterpiece about soul mates who were destined by fate before they ever met. I never throw praise around lightly and I’ve never uttered those words to any other author about any other book. This duet is truly exceptional.
Neri and Aslan ripped my heart out. I’ve never cried so hard, so long and over such a sustained period of time, basically throughout the entire book. That’s never happened to me before. Not even over events in my own life. Their love story totally consumed me. If Lunamare is about the power and innocence of first and forever love, then Cora Mare is where the pedal hits the metal and tests their love to the limits of time, circumstance, and endurance. The bookend treatment of this duet is perfect and adds another dimension to the soul-searching events. Sometimes it felt like I could hardly breathe waiting to see what happened next. Every nuance and detail comes full circle. There are answers that you will crave but will remain ambiguously out of reach until the end. Don’t you dare cheat by reading the ending first. Their journey took me through an emotional wringer and is not for the faint of heart, but digs deep into the author’s O.G. dark side of angst and tragedy. Uncrossable lines will be crossed, sacrifices will be made, and love will be tested to its ultimate depths. Who or what will break first?
“A heart needs love to survive, and love needs a heart to exist.”
Ah, the nature of love. The book begins with emotional devastation and crushing revelations. How this couple survives and overcomes is a master class in soul mate love and resilience. I rarely stopped crying throughout this book. The emotions are immense, profound and illuminating. Aslan is truly the best man among men (sorry, Ren), and Neri is a woman in love who will fight to the end. I wrongly guessed many things, and was always pleasantly surprised by how the story flips in different directions with such finesse. From first page to last, it’s a love for the ages. This book is divided into two parts that will test you in every way as a reader, and make you question almost everything. There’s a constant nagging, page-turning fear about the outcome, so take it one page at time … which is what Neri and Aslan learn about living day-to-day in the present. Their words of affirmation and love, the outcome of their hopes and dreams, their life together as it unfolds and exists, and the enduring and unbreakable love and soul connection that never dies are a thing of true beauty.
I never wanted this book to end, nor did I want this couple to experience such a level of heartache, tragedy and pain, but as Aslan says, everything happens for a reason. Truly, love defies all logic and exists on an ethereal plane with its own rules. There are endless memorable quotes (literally every vow, affirmation, and profession of love). You will love the moon and sea as never before and a lion’s consuming love for his little fish. How it all ends remains to be seen, but the love story is original, captivating, mesmerizing, beautiful and awe-inspiring. DO NOT READ ANY SPOILERS ABOUT THIS BOOK.
Words are inadequate in expressing such an exceptional brilliant, and unique romance. It just is. The ending left me on a razor’s edge holding my breath with anticipation. I did not imagine that it would go that way versus another way, or be able to soothe my soul. Don't read into that because the end is a surprise. Just know that life denied them so much, but gave them even more. It was sheer perfection and I can't stop thinking about them.
“It was her and me now. For life. Forever. I’m already yours. Here, there, everywhere. By moonlight I am yours, by sea you are mine. Forever. There will never be a moment when I don’t love you.”
“Someday … but not today.”
[NO SPOILERS]
This duet is a love letter to the moon, the sea and a pair of incomparable lovers that deserve all the stars in heaven and from reviewers. I may never stop crying, and the heart is an absolute metaphor for such a remarkable love story of pure soul bondage. My own heart fairly burst many times. This is hands-down the most beautiful love story that I’ve ever read, and it is unequivocally Pepper Winters’ defining masterpiece. A true romantic masterpiece about soul mates who were destined by fate before they ever met. I never throw praise around lightly and I’ve never uttered those words to any other author about any other book. This duet is truly exceptional.
Neri and Aslan ripped my heart out. I’ve never cried so hard, so long and over such a sustained period of time, basically throughout the entire book. That’s never happened to me before. Not even over events in my own life. Their love story totally consumed me. If Lunamare is about the power and innocence of first and forever love, then Cora Mare is where the pedal hits the metal and tests their love to the limits of time, circumstance, and endurance. The bookend treatment of this duet is perfect and adds another dimension to the soul-searching events. Sometimes it felt like I could hardly breathe waiting to see what happened next. Every nuance and detail comes full circle. There are answers that you will crave but will remain ambiguously out of reach until the end. Don’t you dare cheat by reading the ending first. Their journey took me through an emotional wringer and is not for the faint of heart, but digs deep into the author’s O.G. dark side of angst and tragedy. Uncrossable lines will be crossed, sacrifices will be made, and love will be tested to its ultimate depths. Who or what will break first?
“A heart needs love to survive, and love needs a heart to exist.”
Ah, the nature of love. The book begins with emotional devastation and crushing revelations. How this couple survives and overcomes is a master class in soul mate love and resilience. I rarely stopped crying throughout this book. The emotions are immense, profound and illuminating. Aslan is truly the best man among men (sorry, Ren), and Neri is a woman in love who will fight to the end. I wrongly guessed many things, and was always pleasantly surprised by how the story flips in different directions with such finesse. From first page to last, it’s a love for the ages. This book is divided into two parts that will test you in every way as a reader, and make you question almost everything. There’s a constant nagging, page-turning fear about the outcome, so take it one page at time … which is what Neri and Aslan learn about living day-to-day in the present. Their words of affirmation and love, the outcome of their hopes and dreams, their life together as it unfolds and exists, and the enduring and unbreakable love and soul connection that never dies are a thing of true beauty.
I never wanted this book to end, nor did I want this couple to experience such a level of heartache, tragedy and pain, but as Aslan says, everything happens for a reason. Truly, love defies all logic and exists on an ethereal plane with its own rules. There are endless memorable quotes (literally every vow, affirmation, and profession of love). You will love the moon and sea as never before and a lion’s consuming love for his little fish. How it all ends remains to be seen, but the love story is original, captivating, mesmerizing, beautiful and awe-inspiring. DO NOT READ ANY SPOILERS ABOUT THIS BOOK.
Words are inadequate in expressing such an exceptional brilliant, and unique romance. It just is. The ending left me on a razor’s edge holding my breath with anticipation. I did not imagine that it would go that way versus another way, or be able to soothe my soul. Don't read into that because the end is a surprise. Just know that life denied them so much, but gave them even more. It was sheer perfection and I can't stop thinking about them.
“It was her and me now. For life. Forever. I’m already yours. Here, there, everywhere. By moonlight I am yours, by sea you are mine. Forever. There will never be a moment when I don’t love you.”
July 25, 2023
Nerida + Aslan #2
PLEASE read LUNAMARE first - this is not a standalone thingy!
Well. This second book starts off right where we left our poor darlings in the first book.
Aslan just barely escaped out the window and now Nerida is trying to explain to her parents and the police what happened. That Aslan is not the bad guy here - that the bad thing happened at a party a while back.
And then it looks like things might be good again. But how long can Aslan hide in plain sight?
They go off to college hours away from home. They live a happy life. But for how long ...
═════════════════
Oy.
Finally the second book.
I was kinda scared all through the book.
You know bad things will happen, but you don't really know what and when and how. Very nerve-destroying for this poor reader!
And then bad things happen and it's even worse than you thought! Ugh! I hated that. Poor Aslan - poor everybody!
I really liked this final part of Neri and Aslan's story.
I could still do without their weird porny BDSM-ish sexy moments and what happened in Turkey was a bit too hard and went on for too long for me....
But I still loved the Neri and Aslan love story very much.
I won't tell you if we get a happy end though!
COR AMARE was the perfect finale in this amazing duet.
Beautiful. Heartdestroying. Scary. Dangerous. Sexy. Sweet. Hard. Sad. Impossible. Hopeless. Hopeful.... And alll the things. READ IT!
💜
💜
July 11, 2023
“Someday...but not today,”
There’s no doubt that Pepper has a unique ability to create worlds and characters that you haven’t met before. She writes love with an intensity that burns from the page and sears soul-mates together for eternity and this story is no different.
I was breathless and obsessed and so deeply in love I felt like I could fly. Fly to the moon that gave me this man. Swim in all the seas to claim this man.
I really wanted to love this duet—I loved the idea of everything being surrounded by water, that the love story span a lifetime and I adored the way in which the story was told. But Cor Amare left me feeling a little like the first one did, that it didn’t quite deliver on what I hoped for.
Cor Amare picks up exactly where we left off in Lunamare—Aslan is on the run and Neri is trying to pick up the pieces and keep him safe. The story is a whirlwind for many chapters and then Pepper lulls us into a place of presumed safety … which of course doesn’t last for long.
Strangely I found Aslan most likeable when he was apart from Neri and trying to survive his ordeal. I found his strength and sheer determination to fight incredibly likeable and one of his best characteristics. Likewise, I think Neri came into her own during their time apart too and I saw a lot of growth with her which I really, really liked.
Deep in my loving heart and gentle soul, a violence lurked, swimming in the depths of despair, snapping with jaws of fury. An entire brutal, black ocean existed within me, housing monsters of the deep, monsters ready to tear and claw and devour.
The story had much more depth during their separation and for me, I think that was when it came to life. In the beginning of the book I found a lot of the scenes repetitive—there was endless amounts of repeating the same things over and over again with little or no impact to furthering their story and I found myself skimming the sex scenes a lot which I don’t usually do with Pepper.
As the story moves along, you get fed crumbs as to what the meaning of things are and I correctly guessed very early on what was happening which is a shame because from experience i know, Pepper doesn’t write predictable.
As I reached the end of Neri and Aslan’s story I’ll admit to finding the last chapter really emotional and incredibly well written. Their love and connection just burned from the pages and I finally felt that I’d got a little of what I hoped for from their story.
Today was not that day. Tomorrow might not be, either. But when someday came, we would face it together. We would leap into the void. We would swim into the stars. And there, with the moon to guide us and the sea to carry us, we would find each other... ...all over again.
Ultimately I think this story will cause a lot of people to fall in love with it—the characters, the story and the world will be an appealing one and one I think a lot of readers will want to dive headfirst into and not resurface, But for me, I wasn’t totally gripped by it nor did I wholeheartedly fall in love with it. I just couldn’t get behind the story or completely believe it and that’s okay.
I think whatever Pepper story I have read—whether I’ve loved it or liked it—I’ve been left with admiration for her talent for writing and weaving a complex world of love, hate, joy and misery. She paints life in technicolour and its a pleasure to read.
Cor Amare was a 3 star read for me but I really hoped it would be more.
August 28, 2023
4.5 Stars!
OMG, this duet about ended me! What a gut-wrenching, angsty, dark romance read! Talk about highs and lows… Pepper owes me for the ten gallons of tears I cried and for the levels my blood pressure reached while reading this book!
This is the second book in the duet and Lunamare must be read first.
It’s almost impossible to sum up the emotions this duet invoked in me. Pepper is an author who can just effortlessly transport you into the worlds she creates. One of my favorite parts of the storyline was that it was Neri narrating their history. I could picture the scene of the two reporters sitting down for the interviews like a scene out of a movie.
Cor Amare picks back up from that devastating ending in Lunamare: A Coming of Age Life Story Romance. I was anxious and freaking out for Aslan…right before things went in a totally different direction. So many parts of this were excruciating to read. I screamed in frustration and anger and I was all cried out. Just when I thought I had no tears left to cry, I would turn a page and the cycle would start all over again. This story takes the meaning of soulmates to a whole new level. The faith, the friendships, and the love, but most of all that enduring belief that they would be together again.
I highly recommend the audio because Aslan is Turkish and the narrator did such an incredible job with his delivery. Both narrators were really excellent. I felt truly immersed in this world.
This is one of those reads that stays with you!
I reviewed an audio e-arc of the book in exchange for an honest review.
“…if one dies … so will the other. That’s the curse of soulmates … one love, one life, one heart.”
OMG, this duet about ended me! What a gut-wrenching, angsty, dark romance read! Talk about highs and lows… Pepper owes me for the ten gallons of tears I cried and for the levels my blood pressure reached while reading this book!
This is the second book in the duet and Lunamare must be read first.
It’s almost impossible to sum up the emotions this duet invoked in me. Pepper is an author who can just effortlessly transport you into the worlds she creates. One of my favorite parts of the storyline was that it was Neri narrating their history. I could picture the scene of the two reporters sitting down for the interviews like a scene out of a movie.
Cor Amare picks back up from that devastating ending in Lunamare: A Coming of Age Life Story Romance. I was anxious and freaking out for Aslan…right before things went in a totally different direction. So many parts of this were excruciating to read. I screamed in frustration and anger and I was all cried out. Just when I thought I had no tears left to cry, I would turn a page and the cycle would start all over again. This story takes the meaning of soulmates to a whole new level. The faith, the friendships, and the love, but most of all that enduring belief that they would be together again.
I highly recommend the audio because Aslan is Turkish and the narrator did such an incredible job with his delivery. Both narrators were really excellent. I felt truly immersed in this world.
This is one of those reads that stays with you!
I reviewed an audio e-arc of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2023
I don’t even know where to start! Reading through this book was devastatingly heartbreaking. Honestly, Neri kept me going. The faith both her and Aslan have in each other and their love is just absolutely beautiful. Absolutely beautiful is a wonderful way to describe this book. The trial that they went through only to come out stronger, well that’s just amazing. If you’re looking for a true love story this is it.
Hero: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heroine: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hero: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heroine: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 23, 2023
10 Galactic Stars! I’m utterly speechless and needed a few days to compose myself to write a review for Cor Amare. Hopefully my words give this story the love it so much deserves.
The true gift of a brilliant Author is one who creates such a bond between her characters and readers that every emotion and step the character takes, it’s truly felt by the reader. Pepper Winters has created heartbreakingly beautiful magic with this story.
I bonded and felt crazily linked to Aslan and Neri throughout their journey. Every moment they had, I felt it so deeply that I have a hard time wrapping my head around it.
It’s a spellbinding tale of soulmates and the eternal passion and love they have for one another. This story brutalized my heart, it shocked it, and mended it. Cor Amare is truly unforgettable in every way possible. My soul has been slayed and owned by this story.
The true gift of a brilliant Author is one who creates such a bond between her characters and readers that every emotion and step the character takes, it’s truly felt by the reader. Pepper Winters has created heartbreakingly beautiful magic with this story.
I bonded and felt crazily linked to Aslan and Neri throughout their journey. Every moment they had, I felt it so deeply that I have a hard time wrapping my head around it.
It’s a spellbinding tale of soulmates and the eternal passion and love they have for one another. This story brutalized my heart, it shocked it, and mended it. Cor Amare is truly unforgettable in every way possible. My soul has been slayed and owned by this story.
July 3, 2023
“All so their linked hearts can remain beating. Because if one dies … so will the other. That’s the curse of soulmates … one love, one life, one heart.”
I knew before reading the Luna duet that it would break me and that it did. This romance was the storm I never saw coming—where my emotions raged with the hero and heroine—as my heart was torn in pieces. Oh did my soul shatter and soar! I caught myself holding my breath again and again. I was hooked from the first page of Lunamare to the last page of Cora Amare … feeling every word and everything.
In the stunning conclusion to the Luna duet, Cora Amare takes readers on an enthralling adventure of heartwarming and heartbreaking love and its power to persevere against the odds. I didn’t think I could fall harder for Neri and Aslan, but I just felt like a close part of their legendary love story and their journey was mine too. This hero and heroine are the most fated I’ve read and I could feel their deep connection of soulmates as of they were real. I felt and loved Aslan and Neri so much.
Author Pepper Winters created my kryptonite: an angst bleeding, heartbreakingly beautiful coming-of-age romance that hits the heart and slays the soul. I was in awe of the Luna duet that is even more than a fated love story of soulmates. It tackles tough topics like assault, abuse and child trafficking—showing the beauty and bravery among the broken, the fierceness among the flaws, and the healing, undying love.
This is a must-read romance for the survivor of whatever made you stronger, the believer of second chances, and the lover of fated and forever love. I was such a goner for Cora Amare that held my racing and breaking heart the whole time reading. If I could give this book 100 stars and 100 moons, I would .. I’d give the unforgettable and epic Luna saga everything! Pieces of my heart will remain in this powerful and poignant love story, the page-turning, pull-your-heart-out kind that I’ll forever feel.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but worth all the moons and stars
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
I knew before reading the Luna duet that it would break me and that it did. This romance was the storm I never saw coming—where my emotions raged with the hero and heroine—as my heart was torn in pieces. Oh did my soul shatter and soar! I caught myself holding my breath again and again. I was hooked from the first page of Lunamare to the last page of Cora Amare … feeling every word and everything.
In the stunning conclusion to the Luna duet, Cora Amare takes readers on an enthralling adventure of heartwarming and heartbreaking love and its power to persevere against the odds. I didn’t think I could fall harder for Neri and Aslan, but I just felt like a close part of their legendary love story and their journey was mine too. This hero and heroine are the most fated I’ve read and I could feel their deep connection of soulmates as of they were real. I felt and loved Aslan and Neri so much.
Author Pepper Winters created my kryptonite: an angst bleeding, heartbreakingly beautiful coming-of-age romance that hits the heart and slays the soul. I was in awe of the Luna duet that is even more than a fated love story of soulmates. It tackles tough topics like assault, abuse and child trafficking—showing the beauty and bravery among the broken, the fierceness among the flaws, and the healing, undying love.
This is a must-read romance for the survivor of whatever made you stronger, the believer of second chances, and the lover of fated and forever love. I was such a goner for Cora Amare that held my racing and breaking heart the whole time reading. If I could give this book 100 stars and 100 moons, I would .. I’d give the unforgettable and epic Luna saga everything! Pieces of my heart will remain in this powerful and poignant love story, the page-turning, pull-your-heart-out kind that I’ll forever feel.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but worth all the moons and stars
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
July 31, 2023
What a beautiful and heartwrenching and heart FILLING finale. Pepper Winters delivers a story for the ages, a tour de force and truly genre elevating emotional powerhouse of a story. An epic story that spans ages, one that highlights the unlimited power and potential of love. Of soul mates. Of connection. This soulful, emotional immersive, powerfully beautiful, and so very heartachingly painful journey will completely consume your entire being. No one shreds the heart quite so exquisitely as Pepper Winters. She's truly an emotional artist, the way she rips into the fabric of the human heart, into the marrow of the human soul, and exposes it to savagely, so tenderly, so VIBRANTLY. There is nothing quite like being wrecked by her words- and all I can say is that this duet is the ultimate Pepper Winters experience. A story felt into the depths of my soul- with a poignant prose and frenetic emotional fabric that reminded me why I fell in love with Pepper's words so long ago.
June 25, 2023
Heartbreakingly Beautiful. I will start with a warning, this isn't a duet for the faint of heart.
Prepare yourself for a visceral experience that Ms Winters excels at giving us, the readers. If you finished Luna Mare needing more of Aslan and Neri then you will eagerly dive into Cor Amare wanting it all. Their connection, their devotion and love to each other is poignant. Their love seemingly can eclipse all. But these soulmates will not have it easy and you will be taken on a rollercoaster that I won't spoil.
Yes tears will fall, your heart will skip a beat, your stomach will drop and you will be on the edge of your seat at times. But isn't that the best experience when reading? To truly feel the story, feel the characters and know their love, loss and suffering.
I think this quote sums up the book the best.
"The only thing a love story truly has is the promise that if it was true...if that love was the one you were destined to find and you adored that mate with all your wretched soul, then... that part is forever. Those are the tales that last a lifetime because love exceeds all lifetimes.”
THIS right here is the reason you need to read this story. You won't find another tale like it of the lion and his siren.
Prepare yourself for a visceral experience that Ms Winters excels at giving us, the readers. If you finished Luna Mare needing more of Aslan and Neri then you will eagerly dive into Cor Amare wanting it all. Their connection, their devotion and love to each other is poignant. Their love seemingly can eclipse all. But these soulmates will not have it easy and you will be taken on a rollercoaster that I won't spoil.
Yes tears will fall, your heart will skip a beat, your stomach will drop and you will be on the edge of your seat at times. But isn't that the best experience when reading? To truly feel the story, feel the characters and know their love, loss and suffering.
I think this quote sums up the book the best.
"The only thing a love story truly has is the promise that if it was true...if that love was the one you were destined to find and you adored that mate with all your wretched soul, then... that part is forever. Those are the tales that last a lifetime because love exceeds all lifetimes.”
THIS right here is the reason you need to read this story. You won't find another tale like it of the lion and his siren.
November 15, 2025
Bu senenin en iyi serisi benim için buydu. Başımıza gelmeyen kalmadı( cidden yani vücudumuzda uzuv eksikliği var gerisini siz düşünün;( ben kendimi balkondan atmaya gidiyorum)
İlk kitapta ağlamaktan ciğerim çıkmıştı ya, bunda komple yok oldum. Yani acının bu kadar net, keskin ve elle tutulur olmasını uzun zamandır okumadım, yok yok böylesini hiç okumadım. Kitabın ilk başında biraz mutlu oldum( tabi sonra belamızı bulacağız diye devam ediyorum, niyeeee. Biliyorum çünkü mutluluk haram bize)
Neyse iki gram mutluluk çok görüldü vee Aslan'ın başına asla istemediğim o olay geldi ( evde yeseydiniz o yemeği ne olurdu neeeee).
Okuyanlar anlayacak beni;(
Dedim bu çocuk ne olacak derken, ayy pislik babasının eline düştü çocuk ayrıldı Neri'den. Ayrılık sonrası okuduğum her sayfada ağladım hatta her satirda. İçimi sıktılar, yüreğimi deştiler o kadar( valla billahi çok kötüydü)
Daha kötü ne olabilir derken bir bölüm de bir silah sesinde elime ayağım kırıldı resmen, okuyamadım baya. Niye ?. Korkudan.
O kadar zorlandım ki devam etmekte, neyse ki o çektiğimiz acılar başka şeylere dönüştü. Herkese bir adet Aslan lazım yaa valla nasıl böyle bir adam olabilir aklım almıyor benim. Detaylıca ne oldu ne bitti diye uzunnnn uzunnn yazmak istedim ama yok ya konusu zaten yazıyor kapakta okuyun derim size tek. Lütfen bu kitabı okuyun (.siz de mahvolun;(...)
İlk kitapta ağlamaktan ciğerim çıkmıştı ya, bunda komple yok oldum. Yani acının bu kadar net, keskin ve elle tutulur olmasını uzun zamandır okumadım, yok yok böylesini hiç okumadım. Kitabın ilk başında biraz mutlu oldum( tabi sonra belamızı bulacağız diye devam ediyorum, niyeeee. Biliyorum çünkü mutluluk haram bize)
Neyse iki gram mutluluk çok görüldü vee Aslan'ın başına asla istemediğim o olay geldi ( evde yeseydiniz o yemeği ne olurdu neeeee).
Okuyanlar anlayacak beni;(
Dedim bu çocuk ne olacak derken, ayy pislik babasının eline düştü çocuk ayrıldı Neri'den. Ayrılık sonrası okuduğum her sayfada ağladım hatta her satirda. İçimi sıktılar, yüreğimi deştiler o kadar( valla billahi çok kötüydü)
Daha kötü ne olabilir derken bir bölüm de bir silah sesinde elime ayağım kırıldı resmen, okuyamadım baya. Niye ?. Korkudan.
O kadar zorlandım ki devam etmekte, neyse ki o çektiğimiz acılar başka şeylere dönüştü. Herkese bir adet Aslan lazım yaa valla nasıl böyle bir adam olabilir aklım almıyor benim. Detaylıca ne oldu ne bitti diye uzunnnn uzunnn yazmak istedim ama yok ya konusu zaten yazıyor kapakta okuyun derim size tek. Lütfen bu kitabı okuyun (.siz de mahvolun;(...)
August 9, 2023
A review for both books- Lunamare: A Coming of Age Life Story Romance Cor Amare
This story was so compelling. I absolutely loved both Aslan and Nerida. There were element of their story that my romance story loving heart dreams of. But for me, there was too much graphic tragic violence. I mean, there was chapter after chapter of violence in this second book specifically. But again, this story was compelling. It's not the kind of story I normally read, but I won't forget it.
This story was so compelling. I absolutely loved both Aslan and Nerida. There were element of their story that my romance story loving heart dreams of. But for me, there was too much graphic tragic violence. I mean, there was chapter after chapter of violence in this second book specifically. But again, this story was compelling. It's not the kind of story I normally read, but I won't forget it.
July 12, 2023
I have been sitting with my thoughts on this review for a handful of days now. Mulling over what feels right and honest, while remaining respectful. First, and most importantly, I sincerely am so appreciative of the graciousness that Pepper Winters extended to me when she offered up an ARC because of my love for The Ribbon Books/Trilogy (The Boy & His Ribbon, The Girl & Her Ren, The Son & His Hope). Which are all so phenomenal and unforgettable stories in my opinion. Anyway, it was from my love of those books that led me to Pepper offering me ARC copies of this Duet. So, as I mentioned I am just completely grateful for that kindness she extended.
She is absolutely so genuine and kind.
Now, on to my review. I am not one to be affected by cliffhangers, so going into Cor Amare I was really just looking forward to seeing how Pepper was going to wrap up this story. I felt that there was a lot of setup in Lunamare, that I had a fairly good idea of what was going to happen in Cor Amare. And I ended up being correct. The way that Cor Amare was executed didn’t land as strongly as I had high hopes for. This is Pepper’s book and obviously she wrote it exactly how she wanted to. I have opinions of course, but ultimately I know that this is a story that she is proud of. So, I’ll just keep it semi-short and to the point. I felt the first 30-40% spent too much time on unnecessary events and I found myself struggling to stay interested in the story. Around the 50% mark, I really liked that turn it took….but, it ending up losing steam and felt restrained. And ultimately, the FMC really fell flat for me and was a factor in my struggle to get through the tail end of the book. I enjoyed Lunamare, I felt it was a great start to this Duet. However, Cor Amare just did not go that distance for me.
I do believe that this story is going to be the perfect book for certain audiences. Pepper states that this book is for fans of The Ribbon Books/Trilogy and fans of Nicholas Sparks. I do agree that this is going to be a fantastic book for fans of Nicholas Sparks; those who enjoy his style of writing but wanting more spice. But, I unfortunately have to say, as a huge fan of The Ribbon books, Cor Amare struggled to keep up with my expectations. I truly hope that this Duet is an excellent read for the right audiences because it deserves some love.
Now, on to my review. I am not one to be affected by cliffhangers, so going into Cor Amare I was really just looking forward to seeing how Pepper was going to wrap up this story. I felt that there was a lot of setup in Lunamare, that I had a fairly good idea of what was going to happen in Cor Amare. And I ended up being correct. The way that Cor Amare was executed didn’t land as strongly as I had high hopes for. This is Pepper’s book and obviously she wrote it exactly how she wanted to. I have opinions of course, but ultimately I know that this is a story that she is proud of. So, I’ll just keep it semi-short and to the point. I felt the first 30-40% spent too much time on unnecessary events and I found myself struggling to stay interested in the story. Around the 50% mark, I really liked that turn it took….but, it ending up losing steam and felt restrained. And ultimately, the FMC really fell flat for me and was a factor in my struggle to get through the tail end of the book. I enjoyed Lunamare, I felt it was a great start to this Duet. However, Cor Amare just did not go that distance for me.
I do believe that this story is going to be the perfect book for certain audiences. Pepper states that this book is for fans of The Ribbon Books/Trilogy and fans of Nicholas Sparks. I do agree that this is going to be a fantastic book for fans of Nicholas Sparks; those who enjoy his style of writing but wanting more spice. But, I unfortunately have to say, as a huge fan of The Ribbon books, Cor Amare struggled to keep up with my expectations. I truly hope that this Duet is an excellent read for the right audiences because it deserves some love.
July 28, 2023
Great ending to the duet. It picks up right where the first book left off. A lot of angst and heartache before getting a happy ending. Expected from this author. There were moments when I wasn't sure which way it was going to go; one minute I would love Neri and the next be annoyed with her, but most of all I felt her pain. This book is an excellent story about true soulmates.
July 25, 2023
“And just like you would do anything for me, he would tear down the sky and gift it to me if I asked him.”
Cor Amare is the exciting and thrilling conclusion of the Luna Duet.
Cor Amare picks up right where the last book left off and takes you on an even deeper journey into Alsan and Neri’s story. This is a story filled with love, forgiveness, second chances, and a romance that spans a lifetime. This is a story that will knock you off your feet and take you on one unexpected journey.
Alsan and Neri’s story isn’t for the faint of heart. Their connection is impossible to put into words. The things they endure; the heartbreak, the pain, and sorrow, the unwavering loyalty and fight are so palpable and at times will leave you speechless.
The pacing of this story starts off slow, as it paints an unforgettable tale and the consequences that soon follow. By the time you hit the 50% mark, you will be utterly consumed and desperate to know what happens next. In true Pepper Winters fashion, this is an unforgettable love story with twists and turns you’ll never see coming.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Cor Amare is the exciting and thrilling conclusion of the Luna Duet.
Cor Amare picks up right where the last book left off and takes you on an even deeper journey into Alsan and Neri’s story. This is a story filled with love, forgiveness, second chances, and a romance that spans a lifetime. This is a story that will knock you off your feet and take you on one unexpected journey.
Alsan and Neri’s story isn’t for the faint of heart. Their connection is impossible to put into words. The things they endure; the heartbreak, the pain, and sorrow, the unwavering loyalty and fight are so palpable and at times will leave you speechless.
The pacing of this story starts off slow, as it paints an unforgettable tale and the consequences that soon follow. By the time you hit the 50% mark, you will be utterly consumed and desperate to know what happens next. In true Pepper Winters fashion, this is an unforgettable love story with twists and turns you’ll never see coming.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
July 16, 2023
This duet fucked me up like no other.
Words cannot express the overwhelming amount of emotions this duet brought out of me.
Coming of age, overcoming diversity and racism, being an illegal immigrant, deportation, soul mates, tragedies, abuse… it’s all here and what a story this was!
Neri and Aslan’s story continued right where book one ended. Two lovers fighting for others to see the truth.
“By moonlight I am yours, by sea you are mine. Forever.”
And if we thought getting Neri’s parents to understand the truth about their relationship was the hardest part of this love story, we all thought wrong.
Y’all. I was sniveling and crying over this story. So much heartbreaks and aches.
The way Pepper Winter wrote this story, with it going to and from past to present tense, you don’t know the outcome of Aslan and Neri till the last half of the story. It’s a heart thumping duet that will leave you breathless and a believer of soulmates.
“I’d also irrefutably proven that love could transcend time, distance, and common sense. There were no instruments in our modern world to test the power of true love. No exams or machines capable of learning how strong that love could be.”
I feel like this might be one of Pepper Winters best yet.
🤯🤯🤯
The Moth and the Bee along with the Goddess Isles series… this story will stick with me for a long time. What talent this author has. 🩶
“Grateful that our love story was told because that was my biggest legacy, my greatest lesson, triumph, and tragedy.”
Words cannot express the overwhelming amount of emotions this duet brought out of me.
Coming of age, overcoming diversity and racism, being an illegal immigrant, deportation, soul mates, tragedies, abuse… it’s all here and what a story this was!
Neri and Aslan’s story continued right where book one ended. Two lovers fighting for others to see the truth.
“By moonlight I am yours, by sea you are mine. Forever.”
And if we thought getting Neri’s parents to understand the truth about their relationship was the hardest part of this love story, we all thought wrong.
Y’all. I was sniveling and crying over this story. So much heartbreaks and aches.
The way Pepper Winter wrote this story, with it going to and from past to present tense, you don’t know the outcome of Aslan and Neri till the last half of the story. It’s a heart thumping duet that will leave you breathless and a believer of soulmates.
“I’d also irrefutably proven that love could transcend time, distance, and common sense. There were no instruments in our modern world to test the power of true love. No exams or machines capable of learning how strong that love could be.”
I feel like this might be one of Pepper Winters best yet.
🤯🤯🤯
The Moth and the Bee along with the Goddess Isles series… this story will stick with me for a long time. What talent this author has. 🩶
“Grateful that our love story was told because that was my biggest legacy, my greatest lesson, triumph, and tragedy.”
July 25, 2023
After reading Cor Amare (Luna Duet # 2), I have one question: Pepper Winters, what did you do to my heart? I have been sitting here for a few weeks agonizing over writing my review, thinking about how I can do it justice when I'm still grappling with an emotional book hangover? Cor Amare was breathtaking. I'm lost in a sea of emotions after reading the conclusion of Aslan and Neri's dark and beautiful journey. Pepper's writing is nothing short of extraordinary, and I'm in awe of her skillful storytelling. The elegance of her prose and the finesse with which she weaves intricate emotions into the narrative deserve nothing less than a chef's kiss of admiration. Breathtaking, haunting, and profound, Cor Amare and Lunamare are on my Best of 2023 list.
September 2, 2023
Copy received from Valentine PR. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.
It’s taken me two days to be able to write this review because my heart was slowly piecing itself back together, and I needed distance before I accidentally spewed every spoiler thing I can think of. Therefore, this review will be short and simple.
If Lunamare tugged on your emotions, this one ripped them out, crumpled them up, and buried them six feet under, all for it to fix you some-odd chapters later. I cried half of this book, felt hopeless for so much of it, was second-guessing the predictions I made…it was a rollercoaster of emotions I was never ready to leave.
Saying that, I did predict much of this book. In book 1, by the end, I suspected the duet would take us here, that he’d have to do that, since so much of his background was leading into it. When it was happening, I knew the author wouldn’t end it like that, that there was more eventually, especially when the book was only half done. Now, saying that though, it didn’t end the tears or the second-guessing of everything I thought I knew. That didn’t mean I wasn’t pleasantly surprised by a lot of things. There certainly was and they made the book all more enriching.
I adore this duet’s cast of characters. Nerida and Aslan, of course, are beautiful together and each in their own ways. But her parents, I adore them. I love how they treat Aslan, and how they just see. The group of friends will warm your heart. And the villains are top-tier. All in all, everyone in this duet played such a big, important part, I love them all equally.
This is a romance of true soulmates. Distance, time, pain-none of it matters. Aslan and Neri are everything beautiful. They’re the couple I wish I had nicer words about because they’re perfection wrapped in a pretty, broken bottle. Broken, but it doesn’t matter because they continuously patch one another up.
This duet will live in my heart forever. The pain will never fade, just like that of the Ribbon Duet (which after numerous years since its release, I’m finally able to do a reread. My heart has patched up enough for it.) I will reread this duet again…probably in a long time once the pain fades. If I had to pick which broke my heart more, I’d have to say Ribbon Duet, simply for the two duets’ outcomes, and that’s all I’ll say to avoid spoilers.
I’m ready for everything else this author has for us - her dark romance series about Q’s brother. I feel like we’re coming to a full circle with her books, and I love it. In her author’s note, she also mentioned another angsty duet this year. My goodness, I’m so ready and terrified for it.
There are no words I can further say to convince you to read this duet other than: do it. For your heart, and soul, to read about true love in its purest form…do it.
It’s taken me two days to be able to write this review because my heart was slowly piecing itself back together, and I needed distance before I accidentally spewed every spoiler thing I can think of. Therefore, this review will be short and simple.
If Lunamare tugged on your emotions, this one ripped them out, crumpled them up, and buried them six feet under, all for it to fix you some-odd chapters later. I cried half of this book, felt hopeless for so much of it, was second-guessing the predictions I made…it was a rollercoaster of emotions I was never ready to leave.
Saying that, I did predict much of this book. In book 1, by the end, I suspected the duet would take us here, that he’d have to do that, since so much of his background was leading into it. When it was happening, I knew the author wouldn’t end it like that, that there was more eventually, especially when the book was only half done. Now, saying that though, it didn’t end the tears or the second-guessing of everything I thought I knew. That didn’t mean I wasn’t pleasantly surprised by a lot of things. There certainly was and they made the book all more enriching.
I adore this duet’s cast of characters. Nerida and Aslan, of course, are beautiful together and each in their own ways. But her parents, I adore them. I love how they treat Aslan, and how they just see. The group of friends will warm your heart. And the villains are top-tier. All in all, everyone in this duet played such a big, important part, I love them all equally.
This is a romance of true soulmates. Distance, time, pain-none of it matters. Aslan and Neri are everything beautiful. They’re the couple I wish I had nicer words about because they’re perfection wrapped in a pretty, broken bottle. Broken, but it doesn’t matter because they continuously patch one another up.
This duet will live in my heart forever. The pain will never fade, just like that of the Ribbon Duet (which after numerous years since its release, I’m finally able to do a reread. My heart has patched up enough for it.) I will reread this duet again…probably in a long time once the pain fades. If I had to pick which broke my heart more, I’d have to say Ribbon Duet, simply for the two duets’ outcomes, and that’s all I’ll say to avoid spoilers.
I’m ready for everything else this author has for us - her dark romance series about Q’s brother. I feel like we’re coming to a full circle with her books, and I love it. In her author’s note, she also mentioned another angsty duet this year. My goodness, I’m so ready and terrified for it.
There are no words I can further say to convince you to read this duet other than: do it. For your heart, and soul, to read about true love in its purest form…do it.
July 8, 2023
I could not have imagined a more amazing tale. RTC.
July 23, 2024
3.5-4 ⭐'s
This book was long…499 pages but I swear it was even longer. The story is just so drawn out!
Don’t get me wrong…I really enjoyed Aslan and Nerida’s story but it felt like it was on constant repeat and unfortunately, the sex scenes got really boring. So much so, that I was thrilled when all the drama happened even if my heart went out to Aslan.
Thankfully, it ends really well.
This book was long…499 pages but I swear it was even longer. The story is just so drawn out!
Don’t get me wrong…I really enjoyed Aslan and Nerida’s story but it felt like it was on constant repeat and unfortunately, the sex scenes got really boring. So much so, that I was thrilled when all the drama happened even if my heart went out to Aslan.
Thankfully, it ends really well.
August 26, 2023
4.5⭐️ **note this review is the same as my review for book one in this duet because I’m reviewing them as a complete story rather than as each book**
“I’d been born to know this girl. To find this girl. To love this girl. There was no other explanation for how we’d found each other. It was fate.”
I will always love an angsty epic love story and this one absolutely delivers in every way. Aslan and Nerida’s story felt so unique and special.
Our main characters meet when Nerida is 12 and a pod of dolphins lead her and her parents to a shipwrecked 16 year old Aslan. Now completely alone and on the run for his life, he has no choice but to lean on the kind family who has found him. And as they get older he realizes he can’t jeopardize the safety he’s found by disregarding the very clear order to stay away from Nerida, no matter how connected they are.
This story leaves you with no doubt that our two characters are soulmates while never knowing for sure the twist and turns that this painful journey will take them on and when or even if they will find a way to be together.
I really enjoyed the way that the narrative is structured. It kicks off with our aging FMC deciding to share her epic love story with two reporters, sparing no detail, no matter how painful. We get the story through a combination of flashbacks and more traditional story telling in the present. We are also constantly reminded that the hardships to come and that we need to be prepared, and that keeps a certain level of foreboding the entire time you’re reading.
I loved not only our two main characters but also the side characters, especially Nerida’s parents.
I also think the setting of this book and the plot surrounding Nerida’s family’s career in marine biology and dreams of living under the sea really added to the story.
There’s so much to this duet and I don’t want to give too much away, but please check trigger warnings! There’s some particularly tough scenes in both books surrounding SA, violence, torture, and more so make sure you are ready for that.
I won’t be forgetting about Nerida and Aslan for quite a while and if you’re up for a dark angsty forbidden romance that spans years and unimaginable pain then definitely pick this duet up.
Also worth noting: I both read and listened to this duet and the audios for both books were really great as well!
“I’d been born to know this girl. To find this girl. To love this girl. There was no other explanation for how we’d found each other. It was fate.”
I will always love an angsty epic love story and this one absolutely delivers in every way. Aslan and Nerida’s story felt so unique and special.
Our main characters meet when Nerida is 12 and a pod of dolphins lead her and her parents to a shipwrecked 16 year old Aslan. Now completely alone and on the run for his life, he has no choice but to lean on the kind family who has found him. And as they get older he realizes he can’t jeopardize the safety he’s found by disregarding the very clear order to stay away from Nerida, no matter how connected they are.
This story leaves you with no doubt that our two characters are soulmates while never knowing for sure the twist and turns that this painful journey will take them on and when or even if they will find a way to be together.
I really enjoyed the way that the narrative is structured. It kicks off with our aging FMC deciding to share her epic love story with two reporters, sparing no detail, no matter how painful. We get the story through a combination of flashbacks and more traditional story telling in the present. We are also constantly reminded that the hardships to come and that we need to be prepared, and that keeps a certain level of foreboding the entire time you’re reading.
I loved not only our two main characters but also the side characters, especially Nerida’s parents.
I also think the setting of this book and the plot surrounding Nerida’s family’s career in marine biology and dreams of living under the sea really added to the story.
There’s so much to this duet and I don’t want to give too much away, but please check trigger warnings! There’s some particularly tough scenes in both books surrounding SA, violence, torture, and more so make sure you are ready for that.
I won’t be forgetting about Nerida and Aslan for quite a while and if you’re up for a dark angsty forbidden romance that spans years and unimaginable pain then definitely pick this duet up.
Also worth noting: I both read and listened to this duet and the audios for both books were really great as well!
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