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Cold Moon Burning
The Pack Alpha abandoned me to suffer the bond-withdrawal sickness alone.
Conall imposed an interdiction on his Pack and forced me to take the brutal Federal Registration test alone. But when I’m critically injured, he’s the only one who can save me. The truth comes out, but I'm leary of him and his Pack.
When my first investigation takes a deadly turn, I’m compelled to work with the Alpha of the Northwestern States Pack again. Can I trust him to help keep me safe and track down an insidious operation before war erupts? Or will betrayal, deceit, and deadly enemies win?
*The second book in the thriller-urban-fantasy romance trilogy, where betrayal and a deadly plot lead to open war and devastating losses.
Cold Moon Burning is book two of the Riley Blackthorne Series trilogy. For fans of smart STEM FMC's and urban fantasy romance. The second book in a trilogy and contains power imbalances, a slow-burn romance, spice, and violence.
“Absolutely wrecked me in the best way… I am not okay, and I love that for me”
“Alpha men and independent women are my favorite… you know there’s going to be fireworks!”
“One of my favorite FMCs in a long time. She is blunt, practical, and refreshingly non whiny”
“A Hazelwood shifter romance meets Criminal Minds”
“The slow burn romance works beautifully against the backdrop of violence, betrayal, and shifting loyalties”
Conall imposed an interdiction on his Pack and forced me to take the brutal Federal Registration test alone. But when I’m critically injured, he’s the only one who can save me. The truth comes out, but I'm leary of him and his Pack.
When my first investigation takes a deadly turn, I’m compelled to work with the Alpha of the Northwestern States Pack again. Can I trust him to help keep me safe and track down an insidious operation before war erupts? Or will betrayal, deceit, and deadly enemies win?
*The second book in the thriller-urban-fantasy romance trilogy, where betrayal and a deadly plot lead to open war and devastating losses.
Cold Moon Burning is book two of the Riley Blackthorne Series trilogy. For fans of smart STEM FMC's and urban fantasy romance. The second book in a trilogy and contains power imbalances, a slow-burn romance, spice, and violence.
“Absolutely wrecked me in the best way… I am not okay, and I love that for me”
“Alpha men and independent women are my favorite… you know there’s going to be fireworks!”
“One of my favorite FMCs in a long time. She is blunt, practical, and refreshingly non whiny”
“A Hazelwood shifter romance meets Criminal Minds”
“The slow burn romance works beautifully against the backdrop of violence, betrayal, and shifting loyalties”
- GenresParanormalFantasy
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2026
About the author
J.L. Brannick
11 books71 followersJ. L. Brannick works as an attorney by day and detoxes at night with crunchy Cheetos and red wine. She's an introvert who likes to socialize but then needs a few days to recover. J. L. lives in the mountain desert with her family and hikes every day to keep her dog happy. Her favorite stories have smart, quick-witted characters and enough spice to curl your toes. Visit her website to sign up for new releases, updates, and bonus material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 19, 2026
disliked it, spoilers
Rating:2⭐️
Spoilers. Don’t read further if you don’t want to know.
As much as I liked the first book in the series, that’s as much as I dislike Cold Moon Burning, book 2 of the Riley Blackthorne series.
It’s primarily due to the relationship dynamics between Riley and the Alpha Conall Segerson which imo, worsens here. Starting with his own decisions about strict rules on no contact with Riley within the Pack or himself, having disastrous consequences for Riley’s health and his own. All without any communication on his part about why this happened. One of my top reasons for DNF novels.
The reasons he will give for this decision later are ,honestly, extremely cowardly and irresponsible. He told someone else to do it. Then didn’t follow up. On and on here. The author seems to find this behavior only somewhat toxic, in a SMH way, instead of the enormous truckload of red flags that it represents.
The Alpha Male as set forth here is all important here that his actions are forgiven . Not every Alpha male that I’ve read is written in other books is as selfish or self interested or non communicative as this one.
However, Riley’s character, once an interesting , independent woman is about to be subjected to even more multiple traumatic events. Each reduces her to a man’s obsession and/or object of possession, which honestly she never recovers from. I’m talking about the end of the series as well.
She’s made a horrifying special experiment subject. Brain implants that make her feel like she is less emotionally attached to people and more physically strong. With a mad “maker” scientist now throughly obsessed with his new possession. Who’s seen as this man’s “pet” in his eyes.
But wait there’s worse.
The trigger warnings for this are there at the beginning. Yes it’s a graphic SA scene. But worse? And this sums up for me what’s wrong with the whole book, is that in my opinion, it’s a gratuitous plot element. Not that I ever think that it would be relevant. But here it’s especially heinous in its use.
It happens towards the about the last fourth of the story to Riley who is kidnapped, again. During a scenario where it makes no sense for it to happen.
The reader is “there” while she’s getting assaulted by a doctor and the other doctors are watching. Absolutely no need for it. Yes we know they are evil. But is there any emotional reaction from Riley to this? Any real visceral response that feels believable? No. Anything that doesn’t make it feel like SA porn?
Where’s the rage you want and expect to see come from on the page? Women? No. The men. Her uncle and of course, Conall, because his mate was SA.
If you write about trauma and actual act of SA with your story, then it’s about the real impact, on the victims, the damage and trauma that should be dealt with as well. The aftermath of the emotional damage, the trauma the victim has suffered. Not the men.
Instead it’s Riley who feels like she’s been used as a ploy here, a tool to for the sake of the story.
Do I even need to say more?
Does Riley even get to take revenge against the doctors herself? Like the badass she is? No, that’s up to her Alpha Male. She gets to have a press conference.
Talk about a book that is written essentially focused on a patriarchal system that is supposed to be about a strong woman but uses her as a tool.
This was close to a DNF so many times.
I actually finished the book and the series. The third book is only marginally better.
No recommendations.
Cover designer Maggie G. Jackson
Riley Blackthorne series:
Black Moon Rising #1
Cold Moon Burning #2
Crimson Moon Falling #3
Rating:2⭐️
Spoilers. Don’t read further if you don’t want to know.
As much as I liked the first book in the series, that’s as much as I dislike Cold Moon Burning, book 2 of the Riley Blackthorne series.
It’s primarily due to the relationship dynamics between Riley and the Alpha Conall Segerson which imo, worsens here. Starting with his own decisions about strict rules on no contact with Riley within the Pack or himself, having disastrous consequences for Riley’s health and his own. All without any communication on his part about why this happened. One of my top reasons for DNF novels.
The reasons he will give for this decision later are ,honestly, extremely cowardly and irresponsible. He told someone else to do it. Then didn’t follow up. On and on here. The author seems to find this behavior only somewhat toxic, in a SMH way, instead of the enormous truckload of red flags that it represents.
The Alpha Male as set forth here is all important here that his actions are forgiven . Not every Alpha male that I’ve read is written in other books is as selfish or self interested or non communicative as this one.
However, Riley’s character, once an interesting , independent woman is about to be subjected to even more multiple traumatic events. Each reduces her to a man’s obsession and/or object of possession, which honestly she never recovers from. I’m talking about the end of the series as well.
She’s made a horrifying special experiment subject. Brain implants that make her feel like she is less emotionally attached to people and more physically strong. With a mad “maker” scientist now throughly obsessed with his new possession. Who’s seen as this man’s “pet” in his eyes.
But wait there’s worse.
The trigger warnings for this are there at the beginning. Yes it’s a graphic SA scene. But worse? And this sums up for me what’s wrong with the whole book, is that in my opinion, it’s a gratuitous plot element. Not that I ever think that it would be relevant. But here it’s especially heinous in its use.
It happens towards the about the last fourth of the story to Riley who is kidnapped, again. During a scenario where it makes no sense for it to happen.
The reader is “there” while she’s getting assaulted by a doctor and the other doctors are watching. Absolutely no need for it. Yes we know they are evil. But is there any emotional reaction from Riley to this? Any real visceral response that feels believable? No. Anything that doesn’t make it feel like SA porn?
Where’s the rage you want and expect to see come from on the page? Women? No. The men. Her uncle and of course, Conall, because his mate was SA.
If you write about trauma and actual act of SA with your story, then it’s about the real impact, on the victims, the damage and trauma that should be dealt with as well. The aftermath of the emotional damage, the trauma the victim has suffered. Not the men.
Instead it’s Riley who feels like she’s been used as a ploy here, a tool to for the sake of the story.
Do I even need to say more?
Does Riley even get to take revenge against the doctors herself? Like the badass she is? No, that’s up to her Alpha Male. She gets to have a press conference.
Talk about a book that is written essentially focused on a patriarchal system that is supposed to be about a strong woman but uses her as a tool.
This was close to a DNF so many times.
I actually finished the book and the series. The third book is only marginally better.
No recommendations.
Cover designer Maggie G. Jackson
Riley Blackthorne series:
Black Moon Rising #1
Cold Moon Burning #2
Crimson Moon Falling #3
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Quick Summary: A fated-mate-bond, urban fantasy romance
My Review: Cold Moon Burning by J. L. Brannick is book #2 in the Riley Blackthorne Series. It is categorized as "Romance | Sci Fi & Fantasy | Women's Fiction." The novel is scheduled for release on 4/29/26.
About the Book: "The second book in the thriller-urban-fantasy romance trilogy, where betrayal and an insidious plot lead to open war and devastating losses."
In My Own Words: Conall and his pack have reunited with Riley and Parker after a strained period of imposed isolation, only to find that manipulative forces, rabid cruelty, intentional betrayals, and fractured relationships still play a part in what goes down.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
❤️ - Strong leads
🫂 - Dual POV
🔥- Character Chemistry
🚨- Action-packed
✨ - Entertaining
🔐 - Great world building
💯 - Original
🔍 - Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Vibe
👀 - Page-turner
💖 - Romantic
🌶️ - Steamy/Heat Factor
🥹 - Tear-jerker
🌀 - Twisted
❓️ - Unpredictable
🤍 - Wonderful support characters
My Final Say: Book 2 did not disappoint! It came in hitting hard, and I absolutely LOVED it. It was a diamond level reading experience.
Whereas book 1 laid the foundation and established the who and what of things related to Riley and Conall, as well as regarding the dark, unknown threat that cast a shadow over the packs and those with abilities, book 2 came in with a 1-2 punch with emotional & relational intensity, concerning the featured couple. The build up and tension erupted between the two leads. Their connection was tested. They both wanted what had been denied them and trust was like a living, breathing entity that needed to be reestablished.
In addition to all of that, a dark presence lurked around the corners, in this installment, just like in the first book. From the registration interview/testing and subsequent abuse of power to the new case that Riley and her partner were following to everything that came after - this book is insanely good.
I said it before and I will say it again, "This is a hit. It was brilliantly written. It had grit and texture. The characters were captivating. The setup for more was done superbly. I am a fan, and I will be following this series until the very end."
Bring on book #3!!! Let's go!
Other: I cannot say it enough, you WANT TO, NEED TO, HAVE TO read this series. Readers who enjoy supernatural powers & energies, sci-fi/urban fantasy reads, fated mate connections, good vs evil scenarios, and cold case/hot case investigations will love this story.
Books in This Series:
- Book 1: Black Moon Rising (5/5) - > Released: February 12, 2026
- Book 2: Cold Moon Burning (5/5) - > Release Date: April 29, 2026
- Book 3: TBA
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Level: 💎
Cliffhanger: + (Threads)
Pacing: M
Format: 📱
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Smart Mouth Publishing LLC), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very, very much for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was an extreme pleasure to review this work of fiction. The reading experience of this series has been one of the best I have had this year. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to reading the final book in the Riley Blackthorne Series Trilogy.
My Review: Cold Moon Burning by J. L. Brannick is book #2 in the Riley Blackthorne Series. It is categorized as "Romance | Sci Fi & Fantasy | Women's Fiction." The novel is scheduled for release on 4/29/26.
About the Book: "The second book in the thriller-urban-fantasy romance trilogy, where betrayal and an insidious plot lead to open war and devastating losses."
In My Own Words: Conall and his pack have reunited with Riley and Parker after a strained period of imposed isolation, only to find that manipulative forces, rabid cruelty, intentional betrayals, and fractured relationships still play a part in what goes down.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
❤️ - Strong leads
🫂 - Dual POV
🔥- Character Chemistry
🚨- Action-packed
✨ - Entertaining
🔐 - Great world building
💯 - Original
🔍 - Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Vibe
👀 - Page-turner
💖 - Romantic
🌶️ - Steamy/Heat Factor
🥹 - Tear-jerker
🌀 - Twisted
❓️ - Unpredictable
🤍 - Wonderful support characters
My Final Say: Book 2 did not disappoint! It came in hitting hard, and I absolutely LOVED it. It was a diamond level reading experience.
Whereas book 1 laid the foundation and established the who and what of things related to Riley and Conall, as well as regarding the dark, unknown threat that cast a shadow over the packs and those with abilities, book 2 came in with a 1-2 punch with emotional & relational intensity, concerning the featured couple. The build up and tension erupted between the two leads. Their connection was tested. They both wanted what had been denied them and trust was like a living, breathing entity that needed to be reestablished.
In addition to all of that, a dark presence lurked around the corners, in this installment, just like in the first book. From the registration interview/testing and subsequent abuse of power to the new case that Riley and her partner were following to everything that came after - this book is insanely good.
I said it before and I will say it again, "This is a hit. It was brilliantly written. It had grit and texture. The characters were captivating. The setup for more was done superbly. I am a fan, and I will be following this series until the very end."
Bring on book #3!!! Let's go!
Other: I cannot say it enough, you WANT TO, NEED TO, HAVE TO read this series. Readers who enjoy supernatural powers & energies, sci-fi/urban fantasy reads, fated mate connections, good vs evil scenarios, and cold case/hot case investigations will love this story.
Books in This Series:
- Book 1: Black Moon Rising (5/5) - > Released: February 12, 2026
- Book 2: Cold Moon Burning (5/5) - > Release Date: April 29, 2026
- Book 3: TBA
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Level: 💎
Cliffhanger: + (Threads)
Pacing: M
Format: 📱
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Smart Mouth Publishing LLC), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very, very much for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was an extreme pleasure to review this work of fiction. The reading experience of this series has been one of the best I have had this year. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to reading the final book in the Riley Blackthorne Series Trilogy.
Review of advance copy
The story starts where the last one ends. This is book two and you should read book one to know the characters and what is actually going on in the story and backstory.
POV of Riley and Conall. I love how everyone was drawn to Riley because of her kindness and caring and intelligence. Conall has his work cut out for him trying to win her back. Why he did what he did was interesting. Of course there was betrayal by more than one person.
Page turning suspense, a splash of humor , especially from Gunnar, twists were great . I loved the mystery of the backstory.
I loved how Conall healed Riley. Parker is Parker when it comes to Riley. I loved how they had to set aside their differences to get Riley out of trouble. Something she seems to be prone to. Henry was a surprise with what he had to do .
Some of the issues plaguing Conall are resolved , but there is still more to figure out. His betas will be there to help with their special skills. I love Ash, Jamie and Drew. Each contributing their skills to help.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksiren and am voluntarily leaving my review.
POV of Riley and Conall. I love how everyone was drawn to Riley because of her kindness and caring and intelligence. Conall has his work cut out for him trying to win her back. Why he did what he did was interesting. Of course there was betrayal by more than one person.
Page turning suspense, a splash of humor , especially from Gunnar, twists were great . I loved the mystery of the backstory.
I loved how Conall healed Riley. Parker is Parker when it comes to Riley. I loved how they had to set aside their differences to get Riley out of trouble. Something she seems to be prone to. Henry was a surprise with what he had to do .
Some of the issues plaguing Conall are resolved , but there is still more to figure out. His betas will be there to help with their special skills. I love Ash, Jamie and Drew. Each contributing their skills to help.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksiren and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Review of advance copy
At the end of Black Moon Rising (book 1 in the Riley Blackthorne series) I was shaking my fist at Ms. Brannick wondering how she could do that to us…HOW…
But…
Alas she has redeemed herself.
Riley has picked herself up and tried to forward, with a broken heart and soul, she knows she has to keep moving forward. She goes forward with applying and getting an interview for a job that may get her one step closer to finding out what happened to her father, and maybe one step further away from Conall…oh yeah and making breaking the mate-bond.
Some truths come to light for Conall and he is LIVID…and now he must work, like lots of work, to repair the mate-bond, if it is at all possible, if Riley will even see him again.
The book continues to build on this supernatural world that Riley and Conall live in, while names of some of the cities may seem familiar the rest of the story is about a whole other world.
Drama✅
Trauma✅
Anxiety✅
Tears✅
Smexy🔥🔥
This book does not end in a cliffhanger like book one…but it does end with some open ended questions
But…
Alas she has redeemed herself.
Riley has picked herself up and tried to forward, with a broken heart and soul, she knows she has to keep moving forward. She goes forward with applying and getting an interview for a job that may get her one step closer to finding out what happened to her father, and maybe one step further away from Conall…oh yeah and making breaking the mate-bond.
Some truths come to light for Conall and he is LIVID…and now he must work, like lots of work, to repair the mate-bond, if it is at all possible, if Riley will even see him again.
The book continues to build on this supernatural world that Riley and Conall live in, while names of some of the cities may seem familiar the rest of the story is about a whole other world.
Drama✅
Trauma✅
Anxiety✅
Tears✅
Smexy🔥🔥
This book does not end in a cliffhanger like book one…but it does end with some open ended questions
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book from Netgalley as an advanced reader and I was so excited to get the chance to read it because I have been waiting impatiently ever since I finished the first book in the series. Well-written Rejected Mate books are few and far between, so finding this series was amazing. Brannick has done some great world building, and the story, characters and plot are well-developed. Riley is such a great character, and she has dealt with so many challenges. Connall is a bit of an arrogant alpha but his love for Riley is strong. I would have loved to see more of the side characters from the first book, but I think that this shows how well the characters were written in the first book, that I was totally invested in them. This book, has great intimacy between Connall and Riley and the spice great too. The only complaint I have is that I am half in love with Parker and want more of his character.....that is probably just me though.
August 29, 2026
This sequel to Black Moon Rising was pretty good; not as good as the first in the series, but good.
The romance between Conall and Riley was stalled because Conall was a blockhead, and that conflict just goes away with not near enough groveling.
The plot is awfully similar to that of the first book... shifters kidnapped by another secret agency, this time a government one. Snarky independent Riley seems to need rescuing an awful lot. Much of the book was action.
One odd thing, the author changed Riley's mom from being a human to a supernatural with some kind of succubus energy, then dropped it. I was never clear if supernaturals and/or shifters are publicly known, but there was a quick mention of shifters protesting their treatment and the military "cracking down" on the protests. Could have used a lot more development on that!
The romance between Conall and Riley was stalled because Conall was a blockhead, and that conflict just goes away with not near enough groveling.
The plot is awfully similar to that of the first book... shifters kidnapped by another secret agency, this time a government one. Snarky independent Riley seems to need rescuing an awful lot. Much of the book was action.
One odd thing, the author changed Riley's mom from being a human to a supernatural with some kind of succubus energy, then dropped it. I was never clear if supernaturals and/or shifters are publicly known, but there was a quick mention of shifters protesting their treatment and the military "cracking down" on the protests. Could have used a lot more development on that!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There’re a few series that I forget just how much I love the series until I read another book, and this series is one. I just finished this, and I absolutely adore Riley. She’s such a totally strong, capable, and caring character, and the love and caring between her and Conall are an absolute darling thing to watch. Add in the great suspense, action, and mystery, and this hits all my reading buttons for my favorite read. I can’t wait to read the next in the series, and if you like action-filled, romance not the complete plot, and great writing, you really need to give this series a try. I can’t wait to read the next one! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*standing ovation* speechless im just speechless. I was wondering what Brannick was going to do after the cliffhanger of the last book and oh man did she deliver.
Riley has got to be one of my favorite female characters. Not only is can she actually take care of herself, she doesn't let Connell give her sh*t and she knows her worth. I absolutely adore her and how she is written. Speaking of Connell, just a perfectly imperfect man and I love that so much. He makes mistakes and owns up to them and doesn't try to make excuses. Its just great characterization.
The plot is perfect, the mystery is so good, the side characters are great, and we did get a few more spicy scenes in this one! Absolutely loved it and I'm so excited for the next book!!
Riley has got to be one of my favorite female characters. Not only is can she actually take care of herself, she doesn't let Connell give her sh*t and she knows her worth. I absolutely adore her and how she is written. Speaking of Connell, just a perfectly imperfect man and I love that so much. He makes mistakes and owns up to them and doesn't try to make excuses. Its just great characterization.
The plot is perfect, the mystery is so good, the side characters are great, and we did get a few more spicy scenes in this one! Absolutely loved it and I'm so excited for the next book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ Overall, I enjoyed this book and the series so far but don’t feel super driven to continue the series. I think the romantic developments were done really well and I like seeing their relationship develop. I truly love all the characters (human/paranormal and otherwise).However, I think the plot stretched out a little and felt slower than the first book. Some parts felt as if they were put in just to add length and didn’t add to the overall story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 6, 2026
Wow! I thought Cold Moon Rising, Book 1 in the series, was a fantastic read, but Book 2 is even better. Young pack members are disappearing and Riley is tasked with the investigation. What she finds brings her into the crosshairs of sadistic scientists. This story is continuous edge of your seat suspense as Riley uses every resource in her abilities to stay strong enough to fight. The pack bond with Conall is also at risk, if they can't find their way back to each other. It is necessary to read the books in order for maximum enjoyment.
May 10, 2026
Riley is back and her suffering is brutal. Why is the Alpha ignoring her and that was bad, but the whole pack too! The beginning of this book was hard to read, emotionally. Parker is her only support. He is steady and everything Riley could ask for in a difficult time.
One of my favorite things is J.L. ability to pull us into the world Riley lives. Her success is my success and I root constantly for her to be willful and never give up. I can't wait for the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of my favorite things is J.L. ability to pull us into the world Riley lives. Her success is my success and I root constantly for her to be willful and never give up. I can't wait for the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2026
Loved this story. Riley and Conall are still enstrangled and neither of them are coping well with the damaged bond. The emotions that Riley reveals are heartbreaking and this book is quite emotional. Riley will get her dream job that ends up putting her in danger and has to ask Conall to help, along with the Vega pack. I enjoyed this book that was full of drama, danger, strong emotions and has a somewhat happy ending. I look forward to read the next book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2026
Riley Blackthorne
SPOILERS:
Book two is quite exciting, especially towards the end. We start with the mystery of why Alpha Conall and his whole pack are ignoring Riley. She's heartbroken and the bond is hurting badly. Turns out the creepy earless Anna and jealous half brother Owen are to blame. That slowly resolves as the mystery of the missing teens gets more intense. The federal offshoot Apex is responsible and the evil leader has it out for Riley. We have to wait for book three.
SPOILERS:
Book two is quite exciting, especially towards the end. We start with the mystery of why Alpha Conall and his whole pack are ignoring Riley. She's heartbroken and the bond is hurting badly. Turns out the creepy earless Anna and jealous half brother Owen are to blame. That slowly resolves as the mystery of the missing teens gets more intense. The federal offshoot Apex is responsible and the evil leader has it out for Riley. We have to wait for book three.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So this confirms for me! This is my new favorite series. Literally this book has it all. Groveling ? Check. Action? Check. I mean I could go on and on about how amazing this was. It did everything I loved about the last book but bigger!
We are no longer in a shadow war, it’s full on war now. I’m stressed and excited for the next book, and I just can’t wait. Thank you so much for arc copy of this book, I read it in one sitting and don’t regret it at all.
We are no longer in a shadow war, it’s full on war now. I’m stressed and excited for the next book, and I just can’t wait. Thank you so much for arc copy of this book, I read it in one sitting and don’t regret it at all.
April 29, 2026
I kind of expected book 2 to be nice but not this nice. I love that after all that intro that happened on book 1, the story finally really came to life in this installment. I kind of expected it to be a typical shifter story but there is more depth and more twists and turns that I really enjoyed. I love the relationships between the characters and how it helps them all grow into themselves. I truly enjoyed the intensity of it! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
May 3, 2026
CONALL AND RILEY
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
This book is a continuation of Black Moon Rising with Conal and Riley working their way through the trauma of their mate bonding. I liked the way that things progressed and the telling of the story kept me intrigued from a couple of chapters into the story. The intensity of what happened kept me reading until the end. I was captivated. The only downside is that it is another cliffhanger.
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
This book is a continuation of Black Moon Rising with Conal and Riley working their way through the trauma of their mate bonding. I liked the way that things progressed and the telling of the story kept me intrigued from a couple of chapters into the story. The intensity of what happened kept me reading until the end. I was captivated. The only downside is that it is another cliffhanger.
May 10, 2026
This is book 2 of Brannick's Riley Blackthorne series and should be read in series order. The storyline picks up where book 1 leaves off. A paranormal romance read that is action packed, well written, smooth flowing and completely captivating. Brannick writes in a way that makes you feel part of the world created. I loved this addition to the series, and I can't wait for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2026
Romance and Mystery
Decent world building, similar to the Mercy Thompson and Kate Daniels series where supernaturals are an accepted part of society. Good main characters but the secondary characters really shine (Parker, Ash). Light mystery mixed with romance. Looking forward to seeing how the series progresses. First 2 books revolve around the government as the enemy but there are hints of other potential enemy factors (the Council?).
Decent world building, similar to the Mercy Thompson and Kate Daniels series where supernaturals are an accepted part of society. Good main characters but the secondary characters really shine (Parker, Ash). Light mystery mixed with romance. Looking forward to seeing how the series progresses. First 2 books revolve around the government as the enemy but there are hints of other potential enemy factors (the Council?).
Review of advance copy
I am so, so invested in this series.
Book 3 cannot come fast enough. J.L Brannick's writing sucks you in and keeps you wanting more and more and more. Riley and Connall, what more could happen to these two and those around them. Will they get their forever together or is there something else standing in their way?
Book 3 cannot come fast enough. J.L Brannick's writing sucks you in and keeps you wanting more and more and more. Riley and Connall, what more could happen to these two and those around them. Will they get their forever together or is there something else standing in their way?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
From the moment I finished the first book, I HAD to know more. I could not stop, all I craved was their bond and wanting to see where it went.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions which made me connect heavily to the characters, I grew fonder of characters I was unsure of in book 1 and honestly the story fell in to place.
Incredible writing! I cannot wait for book 3
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions which made me connect heavily to the characters, I grew fonder of characters I was unsure of in book 1 and honestly the story fell in to place.
Incredible writing! I cannot wait for book 3
Review of advance copy
I personally enjoyed the first book in this series much more. This book felt a bit repetitive and forced. It also started off on a bitter note with the cliffhanger that ended book 1 and in my opinion, the reason for the cliffhanger was a bit ridiculous.
2.5/5 (rounded to 3)
CW: fairly graphic torture.
2.5/5 (rounded to 3)
CW: fairly graphic torture.
August 24, 2026
well written
The 2nd part of Riley’s story was fast paced, well written and heart breaking. Brannick was very detailed with horrid details to Riley’s experiences (making this a lower rating for me) with some Happy for Now redemption. I am glad book 3 is not too far away. Hoping for more of Book 1’s positive energy.
The 2nd part of Riley’s story was fast paced, well written and heart breaking. Brannick was very detailed with horrid details to Riley’s experiences (making this a lower rating for me) with some Happy for Now redemption. I am glad book 3 is not too far away. Hoping for more of Book 1’s positive energy.
August 30, 2026
Stayed up until 2 AM
Conall hurts Riley in a way that I never would have expected. The government agency hurting people gets more cruel and Riley ends up in the center of it all. She has a psychotic stalker now. I couldn't stop reading until Riley was safe so I stayed up until 2 in the morning. The lost sleep was worth it.
Conall hurts Riley in a way that I never would have expected. The government agency hurting people gets more cruel and Riley ends up in the center of it all. She has a psychotic stalker now. I couldn't stop reading until Riley was safe so I stayed up until 2 in the morning. The lost sleep was worth it.
May 9, 2026
Amazing. Picked up right where first book ended. This was so good. The twists turns had me trying to figure it what was going to happen next. I loved seeing Riley and O’Connell grow together more in this one. I was totally engaged in this one. Can’t wait for the third.
June 18, 2026
Reviewed by Beth
How can you NOT love this series?!
My only issue is WAITING for the next book! The story line is constant with action and how love is worth fighting for and omissions/lies are not worth the pain. Let's not forget always stand for right..
How can you NOT love this series?!
My only issue is WAITING for the next book! The story line is constant with action and how love is worth fighting for and omissions/lies are not worth the pain. Let's not forget always stand for right..
October 11, 2026
Well…
I liked the first book better but this one was still quite a ride. I disliked the cliffhanger and the plethora of unresolved plot points.
I also felt like the FMC was less interesting in this book than in the first. She seemed to lose inner strength.
I liked the first book better but this one was still quite a ride. I disliked the cliffhanger and the plethora of unresolved plot points.
I also felt like the FMC was less interesting in this book than in the first. She seemed to lose inner strength.
October 24, 2026
Yes, I read romance books galore but never admit it on Goodreads. I read #1 in this series and loved the female lead so much that I went right into book 2 here. Riley is a great kickbutt female lead with paranormal powers which I would love to have.
May 5, 2026
2nd book very good
I think this author has a great future, her 2nd book as good as the 1st.. Again action and characters really good and kept you glued to story.
I think this author has a great future, her 2nd book as good as the 1st.. Again action and characters really good and kept you glued to story.
August 7, 2026
Awesome read, a little angsty in the beginning but really enjoyed the unique magic system
August 30, 2026
Engaging continuation of the first book!
It is easy to be sucked into this world. The characters are relatable and make you want to see their HEA.
It is easy to be sucked into this world. The characters are relatable and make you want to see their HEA.
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