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The Moonlit Court #2
Only in Shadows
Duty demanded she let him go. Fate had other plans.
Lurena Ithelion has spent her life as a disappointment—too bookish, too timid, never quite enough for her ambitious mother. The only man who's ever made her feel seen is the one she can never have: Lord Xerius Vargonus, wolf shifter and ambassador to the Dark Moon Court, her people's sworn enemy. When her mother arranges her marriage to a political ally, Lurena does the noble thing and breaks things off with Xerius to set him free.
Then her fiancé collapses at their wedding, poisoned.
The only cure lies deep in monster-infested caves within Dark Moon territory. Lurena's mother volunteers her to retrieve it, but they need Xerius to get past the border. Now Lurena is trapped underground with the man she can't stop loving, battling creatures from nightmares while he's determined to win her back. Every heated glance, every protective gesture, every moment pressed together in the dark threatens to shatter her resolve.
When a cave-in separates them from their party, leaving them completely alone, she's running out of reasons to resist. But saving her fiancé means losing the only man she's ever wanted—and this time, she might not survive letting him go.
Lurena Ithelion has spent her life as a disappointment—too bookish, too timid, never quite enough for her ambitious mother. The only man who's ever made her feel seen is the one she can never have: Lord Xerius Vargonus, wolf shifter and ambassador to the Dark Moon Court, her people's sworn enemy. When her mother arranges her marriage to a political ally, Lurena does the noble thing and breaks things off with Xerius to set him free.
Then her fiancé collapses at their wedding, poisoned.
The only cure lies deep in monster-infested caves within Dark Moon territory. Lurena's mother volunteers her to retrieve it, but they need Xerius to get past the border. Now Lurena is trapped underground with the man she can't stop loving, battling creatures from nightmares while he's determined to win her back. Every heated glance, every protective gesture, every moment pressed together in the dark threatens to shatter her resolve.
When a cave-in separates them from their party, leaving them completely alone, she's running out of reasons to resist. But saving her fiancé means losing the only man she's ever wanted—and this time, she might not survive letting him go.
Published March 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 17, 2026
I received an ARC the book and I’m so grateful to the author for the opportunity to read and review it.
This was an enjoyable read for me. Even though I didn’t read the first book, I had no trouble getting into the story and connecting with the characters. The world and relationships were easy to follow, and it honestly made me excited to go back and read more from this series.
Xerius completely stole my heart. He’s compelling. I absolutely loved his presence and interactions with Lurena throughout the story. The FMC, while a bit too shy for my personal taste at times, really grew on me. Watching her discover her strength and step into her fierceness was such a rewarding journey, and it added a lot of depth to her character.
The romance was one of my favorite aspects. The love arc between the MC felt genuine and well-developed, with moments that were both emotional and heartwarming. Their connection kept me invested from start to finish.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how the author continues to grow and to reading more from this world.
This was an enjoyable read for me. Even though I didn’t read the first book, I had no trouble getting into the story and connecting with the characters. The world and relationships were easy to follow, and it honestly made me excited to go back and read more from this series.
Xerius completely stole my heart. He’s compelling. I absolutely loved his presence and interactions with Lurena throughout the story. The FMC, while a bit too shy for my personal taste at times, really grew on me. Watching her discover her strength and step into her fierceness was such a rewarding journey, and it added a lot of depth to her character.
The romance was one of my favorite aspects. The love arc between the MC felt genuine and well-developed, with moments that were both emotional and heartwarming. Their connection kept me invested from start to finish.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how the author continues to grow and to reading more from this world.
Review of advance copy
⭐⭐⭐3 stars - It was okay, nice read, nothing to tell everyone and their mama about
🌶🌶🌶 3 chili peppers: Romance with explicit sex scenes, but generally milder language.
PROS:
- Touch her and die
- Forbidden romance
- Good action/fighting scenes
- Adventure
- Humor in perilous times
- FMC proving herself
CONS:
- The names, many character names were not easily said
- I felt that there needed to be more context or maybe a prologue/flashback regarding Vindemiatrix and Xerius
BASIC TAKEAWAY:
Lurena is the wallflower daughter of the Moonlit court that is repeatedly crushed under her mother's expectations and political schemes. Xerius is an ambassador from the neighboring Dark Moon court, who doesn't give two hoots about what people think of him. But he does think about Lurena, even after she ends things with him. So what does Mr. Macho do? Volunteer for a death guaranteed mission that she was voluntold to do. To save her betrothed that is NOT him. I enjoyed the sassiness and snark, as well as the action of battles that were woven into the adventure. There is subterfuge, assassination attempts, secret lovers, found family, and an HEA.
FORMAT:
ARC - Ebook
Did you think about the book when not reading?
No
How severe was the angst?
= When it happened, I was mildly uncomfortable but able to stomach it.
Readability
= Meh, I’m good
If part of a series, would you continue?
= Maybe
How did the characters change throughout the book?
= Xerius stays fairly true to his original character. However, Lurena grows a spine and recognizes her self worth and contribution as being authentic.
What did you like/dislike about the book and why?
= LIKE: I enjoy romantic books that have some danger. The main conflict of the journey was a great way to have that without being too dark or daunting.
= DISLIKE: My main complaint is some of the names. I didn't notice a theme or style choice and wondered if it was the pitfall of having "fantasy" sounding names.
What is the ‘story point’?
= I think the point was to not be less of yourself just to make someone else happy if it will make you miserable.
Genres/subgenres it fits into?
= Fantasy
= Romance
Was I confused at any point while reading?
= Only slightly at one section, but it was a pronoun issue.
Did I care about the characters?
= Yes
Was the plot compelling?
= Yes, on a scale of 1-10, about 7.5
Were the events believable?
= Yes
Any quotes that stuck out?
- I gave Crescens a sharp look. "What's that supposed to mean?" He kept his expression perfectly bland. "No hidden meanings here, my lord. I'm merely a humble servant. It's none of my business that you've been moping for the past three months since her betrothal was announced. And I certainly never once noticed you sneak away to rendezvous with her over the past year." ch 7, pg 50. The cheek!!
- She held out the book, beaming at me as if she were offering the grandest treasure in all the univers. Perhaps she was. I accepted the volume, making sure to hold it with the carefulness she'd approve of, my fingers brushing hers in the exchange. "I've never met anyone as excited about books as you." "Well, more people should be. Books are more magical than anything an enchanter could create." - Xerius & Lurena, ch 27, p 161. It's me lol
- And I couldn't save someone who didn't want to be saved. - ch 40, p 236. Damn straight
Who would I recommend this book to?
= I would recommend this to folks that enjoy low stake fantasy with romance. The romance doesn't dominate, it shares with the adventure in a well blended way.
🌶🌶🌶 3 chili peppers: Romance with explicit sex scenes, but generally milder language.
PROS:
- Touch her and die
- Forbidden romance
- Good action/fighting scenes
- Adventure
- Humor in perilous times
- FMC proving herself
CONS:
- The names, many character names were not easily said
- I felt that there needed to be more context or maybe a prologue/flashback regarding Vindemiatrix and Xerius
BASIC TAKEAWAY:
Lurena is the wallflower daughter of the Moonlit court that is repeatedly crushed under her mother's expectations and political schemes. Xerius is an ambassador from the neighboring Dark Moon court, who doesn't give two hoots about what people think of him. But he does think about Lurena, even after she ends things with him. So what does Mr. Macho do? Volunteer for a death guaranteed mission that she was voluntold to do. To save her betrothed that is NOT him. I enjoyed the sassiness and snark, as well as the action of battles that were woven into the adventure. There is subterfuge, assassination attempts, secret lovers, found family, and an HEA.
FORMAT:
ARC - Ebook
Did you think about the book when not reading?
No
How severe was the angst?
= When it happened, I was mildly uncomfortable but able to stomach it.
Readability
= Meh, I’m good
If part of a series, would you continue?
= Maybe
How did the characters change throughout the book?
= Xerius stays fairly true to his original character. However, Lurena grows a spine and recognizes her self worth and contribution as being authentic.
What did you like/dislike about the book and why?
= LIKE: I enjoy romantic books that have some danger. The main conflict of the journey was a great way to have that without being too dark or daunting.
= DISLIKE: My main complaint is some of the names. I didn't notice a theme or style choice and wondered if it was the pitfall of having "fantasy" sounding names.
What is the ‘story point’?
= I think the point was to not be less of yourself just to make someone else happy if it will make you miserable.
Genres/subgenres it fits into?
= Fantasy
= Romance
Was I confused at any point while reading?
= Only slightly at one section, but it was a pronoun issue.
Did I care about the characters?
= Yes
Was the plot compelling?
= Yes, on a scale of 1-10, about 7.5
Were the events believable?
= Yes
Any quotes that stuck out?
- I gave Crescens a sharp look. "What's that supposed to mean?" He kept his expression perfectly bland. "No hidden meanings here, my lord. I'm merely a humble servant. It's none of my business that you've been moping for the past three months since her betrothal was announced. And I certainly never once noticed you sneak away to rendezvous with her over the past year." ch 7, pg 50. The cheek!!
- She held out the book, beaming at me as if she were offering the grandest treasure in all the univers. Perhaps she was. I accepted the volume, making sure to hold it with the carefulness she'd approve of, my fingers brushing hers in the exchange. "I've never met anyone as excited about books as you." "Well, more people should be. Books are more magical than anything an enchanter could create." - Xerius & Lurena, ch 27, p 161. It's me lol
- And I couldn't save someone who didn't want to be saved. - ch 40, p 236. Damn straight
Who would I recommend this book to?
= I would recommend this to folks that enjoy low stake fantasy with romance. The romance doesn't dominate, it shares with the adventure in a well blended way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Only in Shadows by Christine Linwood is a darkly enchanting fantasy romance that blends court politics, dangerous magic, and slow-burn emotion in a way that completely worked for me. It’s the kind of story that feels both intimate and sweeping, with a rich sense of atmosphere and tension running from start to finish.
One of my favourite elements was the structure. The dual POV adds so much depth, because we’re never stuck with just one version of events. Getting inside both characters’ heads made their choices feel grounded, even when they were at odds or keeping secrets from each other, and it really amplified the angst and stakes of the romance. The flashbacks to the past were another highlight: they’re woven in at just the right moments, filling in emotional backstory and complicating loyalties without ever feeling like info dumps. I loved how those glimpses of earlier events subtly shifted how I interpreted what the characters were doing in the present.
The Moonlit Court itself is vivid and moody, full of secrets, veiled threats, and shifting alliances. The “shadows” motif threads through the politics, the magic, and the characters’ inner lives, giving the whole book a slightly gothic, haunted feel that I found incredibly satisfying. The central romance is very much a slow burn—lots of tension, loaded conversations, and that delicious push-pull dynamic where duty, guilt, and desire are constantly colliding. The emotional payoff when layers of truth start to unravel feels earned because of the groundwork laid in both POVs and the flashbacks.
If I’m being picky, I’m holding back half a star because a couple of late-stage plot points resolved a bit faster than I would have liked, and I wanted a touch more emotional fallout after some of the big reveals. A few side characters are intriguing but remain on the edges, and I’d love to see them explored more in future books. That said, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a gripping, atmospheric read that I didn’t want to put down.
Overall, Only in Shadows is a beautifully layered fantasy romance with compelling dual POVs, effective use of past-and-present storytelling, and a slow-burn relationship that feels genuinely high stakes. I’m very excited to continue with the series and see what the Moonlit Court still has hidden.
4.5 stars.
Thank you to Christine Linwood for the ARC.
One of my favourite elements was the structure. The dual POV adds so much depth, because we’re never stuck with just one version of events. Getting inside both characters’ heads made their choices feel grounded, even when they were at odds or keeping secrets from each other, and it really amplified the angst and stakes of the romance. The flashbacks to the past were another highlight: they’re woven in at just the right moments, filling in emotional backstory and complicating loyalties without ever feeling like info dumps. I loved how those glimpses of earlier events subtly shifted how I interpreted what the characters were doing in the present.
The Moonlit Court itself is vivid and moody, full of secrets, veiled threats, and shifting alliances. The “shadows” motif threads through the politics, the magic, and the characters’ inner lives, giving the whole book a slightly gothic, haunted feel that I found incredibly satisfying. The central romance is very much a slow burn—lots of tension, loaded conversations, and that delicious push-pull dynamic where duty, guilt, and desire are constantly colliding. The emotional payoff when layers of truth start to unravel feels earned because of the groundwork laid in both POVs and the flashbacks.
If I’m being picky, I’m holding back half a star because a couple of late-stage plot points resolved a bit faster than I would have liked, and I wanted a touch more emotional fallout after some of the big reveals. A few side characters are intriguing but remain on the edges, and I’d love to see them explored more in future books. That said, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a gripping, atmospheric read that I didn’t want to put down.
Overall, Only in Shadows is a beautifully layered fantasy romance with compelling dual POVs, effective use of past-and-present storytelling, and a slow-burn relationship that feels genuinely high stakes. I’m very excited to continue with the series and see what the Moonlit Court still has hidden.
4.5 stars.
Thank you to Christine Linwood for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lurena has always felt like a disappointment in her mother’s eyes: too quiet, too bookish, never quite enough. The one person who ever truly saw her was Lord Xerius Vargonus, a wolf shifter and ambassador to the Dark Moon Court, an enemy of her people. When her mother arranges her marriage to a political ally, Lurena breaks things off with Xerius to do the honorable thing. But when her fiancé is poisoned at their wedding, the only cure lies in monster-infested caves within enemy territory. With Xerius as their guide, Lurena must confront danger—and the feelings she never managed to bury.
This installment strikes a nice balance between character work, action, and romance. There are quite a few characters moving through the story, but they never overstay their welcome or become confusing, which I appreciated. Lurena’s character arc is particularly strong; she starts as someone shaped by other people’s expectations and gradually grows into her own sense of agency. The dynamic between Lurena and Xerius brings plenty of tension and spice, and their history together gives the romance an emotional backbone beyond simple attraction.
The world itself feels larger than what’s on the page, with characters who clearly have motivations and histories that extend beyond this single story. While it can be read as a standalone, I do think some context from the first book helps flesh things out. The pacing works well, balancing monster-filled action with quieter moments of character interaction, and the length feels exactly right for the story it wants to tell. Many thanks to the author for this ARC. This is my honest review.
4/5 A satisfying blend of adventure, romance, and character growth.
This installment strikes a nice balance between character work, action, and romance. There are quite a few characters moving through the story, but they never overstay their welcome or become confusing, which I appreciated. Lurena’s character arc is particularly strong; she starts as someone shaped by other people’s expectations and gradually grows into her own sense of agency. The dynamic between Lurena and Xerius brings plenty of tension and spice, and their history together gives the romance an emotional backbone beyond simple attraction.
The world itself feels larger than what’s on the page, with characters who clearly have motivations and histories that extend beyond this single story. While it can be read as a standalone, I do think some context from the first book helps flesh things out. The pacing works well, balancing monster-filled action with quieter moments of character interaction, and the length feels exactly right for the story it wants to tell. Many thanks to the author for this ARC. This is my honest review.
4/5 A satisfying blend of adventure, romance, and character growth.
Review of advance copy
"I've never met anyone as excited about books as you." "Well, more people should be. Books are more magical than anything an enchanter could create."
Firstly, I adore these characters and from the previous book I know I enjoy being in this world, it's interesting and there's still so much to discover. Having said that, I just didn't gel with the plot for this one as much. I felt that the story was dragged out unnecessarily, there could have been a lot more plot involving Lurena and her mother and a lot less on again off again vibes between our FMC and MMC.
Favourite character: Pearl - she's absolutely hilarious, batshit crazy and everything I want to read about in a future book as there's so much to her that we still don't know.
Honourable mention for Cael and his guards too.
I'll definately be continuing this series when the next book is released as I'm hoping to see much more of these worlds and (hopefully) much more of Pearl and Cael.
"A knife plunged into the assassin's eye, and he collapsed, his dagger clattering against the stone. I stood there for a moment, hands still clutching my axe, heart thudding painfully in my chest. Then I turned around. Pearl waved at me cheerfully. "You're welcome.""
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Firstly, I adore these characters and from the previous book I know I enjoy being in this world, it's interesting and there's still so much to discover. Having said that, I just didn't gel with the plot for this one as much. I felt that the story was dragged out unnecessarily, there could have been a lot more plot involving Lurena and her mother and a lot less on again off again vibes between our FMC and MMC.
Favourite character: Pearl - she's absolutely hilarious, batshit crazy and everything I want to read about in a future book as there's so much to her that we still don't know.
Honourable mention for Cael and his guards too.
I'll definately be continuing this series when the next book is released as I'm hoping to see much more of these worlds and (hopefully) much more of Pearl and Cael.
"A knife plunged into the assassin's eye, and he collapsed, his dagger clattering against the stone. I stood there for a moment, hands still clutching my axe, heart thudding painfully in my chest. Then I turned around. Pearl waved at me cheerfully. "You're welcome.""
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Only in Shadows is a beautifully written story that balances the darkness of its premise with an underlying tenderness. Christine Linwood has created a world where secrets linger in the shadows, but love and healing can still emerge from the most unexpected places.
The protagonist’s journey is one of self-discovery, and Linwood masterfully weaves emotional depth into every chapter. The slow-burn romance between the leads is captivating, with a palpable tension that builds seamlessly throughout the book. Their connection is both raw and heartwarming, making it easy to root for them as they navigate their complicated feelings.
The world-building is rich, and Linwood’s atmospheric writing sets a perfect tone for the story. While the pacing occasionally slows in the middle, the emotional payoff and the growth of the characters make it worth the wait. The narrative’s blend of suspense, romance, and vulnerability makes it a truly engaging read.
I received this as an EARC, and I’m so glad I had the chance to experience this sweet, emotional romance. Only in Shadows will appeal to readers who enjoy darker romances with a heartwarming twist.
The protagonist’s journey is one of self-discovery, and Linwood masterfully weaves emotional depth into every chapter. The slow-burn romance between the leads is captivating, with a palpable tension that builds seamlessly throughout the book. Their connection is both raw and heartwarming, making it easy to root for them as they navigate their complicated feelings.
The world-building is rich, and Linwood’s atmospheric writing sets a perfect tone for the story. While the pacing occasionally slows in the middle, the emotional payoff and the growth of the characters make it worth the wait. The narrative’s blend of suspense, romance, and vulnerability makes it a truly engaging read.
I received this as an EARC, and I’m so glad I had the chance to experience this sweet, emotional romance. Only in Shadows will appeal to readers who enjoy darker romances with a heartwarming twist.
Review of advance copy
This is Book 2 of The Moonlit Court series. I did not read Book 1.
This is an arranged marriage meets adventure story, with fated mate (not the arranged spouse) and found family.
I found myself losing interest pretty quickly. The writing style is not great, the character names are ridiculous, even for a fantasy world. I forced myself to finish this because it was an ARC, so I felt obligated.
The premise was good. Search for a mysterious ingredient to save a member of the kingdom, while joining up with a neighboring kingdom to assist. There's the horrible mother, the secretly gay character, the pining shifter, the forbidden romance, the found family, the evil creatures - it just drags along instead of being exciting.
This is a 2 star read for me, but since I am grateful to receive an advance copy, I am boosting this up to a 3 star. Also I am not a published author, so a huge hat's off for anyone willing to write and publish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is an arranged marriage meets adventure story, with fated mate (not the arranged spouse) and found family.
I found myself losing interest pretty quickly. The writing style is not great, the character names are ridiculous, even for a fantasy world. I forced myself to finish this because it was an ARC, so I felt obligated.
The premise was good. Search for a mysterious ingredient to save a member of the kingdom, while joining up with a neighboring kingdom to assist. There's the horrible mother, the secretly gay character, the pining shifter, the forbidden romance, the found family, the evil creatures - it just drags along instead of being exciting.
This is a 2 star read for me, but since I am grateful to receive an advance copy, I am boosting this up to a 3 star. Also I am not a published author, so a huge hat's off for anyone willing to write and publish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sweet dear Lady Lurena of the Moonlit Court,
Thank the stars she didn't have to marry Aristoph Undarvue today. Otherwise we wouldn't have a tale that asks, "what can mushrooms do for you today?" The dear sweet boy has been poisoned and it is up to the lady to trek through the Dark Moon Kingdom to find them for a cure. One problem, Lord Xerius Vargonus has invited himself as representative of the Kingdom and protector of the foreign court.
Only in Shadows is very much a modern romance set in a fantastical world. Character driven. Switching perspective between Lurena and Xerius. This made it obvious to me how meant these two were for each other, even though to each of them, clueless. The characters around them easily helping set off the drama as these two end up cozy in a cave that gives 2 options: 1. Submit to your dreams or 2. Suffer in your politics. The cave lending both danger and a mystical beauty that appeals to both.
It was quick paced, with easy choices that lent to the main character development. Very happy go lucky ending.
Thank the stars she didn't have to marry Aristoph Undarvue today. Otherwise we wouldn't have a tale that asks, "what can mushrooms do for you today?" The dear sweet boy has been poisoned and it is up to the lady to trek through the Dark Moon Kingdom to find them for a cure. One problem, Lord Xerius Vargonus has invited himself as representative of the Kingdom and protector of the foreign court.
Only in Shadows is very much a modern romance set in a fantastical world. Character driven. Switching perspective between Lurena and Xerius. This made it obvious to me how meant these two were for each other, even though to each of them, clueless. The characters around them easily helping set off the drama as these two end up cozy in a cave that gives 2 options: 1. Submit to your dreams or 2. Suffer in your politics. The cave lending both danger and a mystical beauty that appeals to both.
It was quick paced, with easy choices that lent to the main character development. Very happy go lucky ending.
March 16, 2026
I'll be honest, I wasn't sure of what to say right after I read this one.
I strongly believe that this should have more readers.
'Only in Shadows' was perfect 👏👏
The pace was magnificent. No hurrying towards another scene.
Everything made sense.
Everything fell into place with such smoothness 😍
I love the "simplicity" of having one focused area for adventure. It allowed the story to go extremely fluidly.
AND I can't forget about the flashbacks. They were done so well! No unnecessary information but again, no rush either. Just ✨perfect✨
The characters were brilliant 👏 and so was the plot.
Their inner problems were so well portrayed. The MFL worries and actions? So realistic.
People... I cried. That's how good the author had me.
Oh, and the ending!!!! Cheffs kiss 👏😌
This is officially one of my favourite books so far. Not this year by the way, but overall.
If I could give 10 stars out of 5, I would.
I will definitely be supporting the author in her previous and future releases 😊
I strongly believe that this should have more readers.
'Only in Shadows' was perfect 👏👏
The pace was magnificent. No hurrying towards another scene.
Everything made sense.
Everything fell into place with such smoothness 😍
I love the "simplicity" of having one focused area for adventure. It allowed the story to go extremely fluidly.
AND I can't forget about the flashbacks. They were done so well! No unnecessary information but again, no rush either. Just ✨perfect✨
The characters were brilliant 👏 and so was the plot.
Their inner problems were so well portrayed. The MFL worries and actions? So realistic.
People... I cried. That's how good the author had me.
Oh, and the ending!!!! Cheffs kiss 👏😌
This is officially one of my favourite books so far. Not this year by the way, but overall.
If I could give 10 stars out of 5, I would.
I will definitely be supporting the author in her previous and future releases 😊
March 25, 2026
This is a great book - I know I say that alot :)
Okay so we have a queen - her sister is a princess and the princess daughter is a Lady- and her mother hates her - like hates all in caps and her mother is mighty shady herself she lost some important jewelry or stone.
Well she tells her daughter she is getting married - problem is the guy she is going to marry doesn't love her and has a lover. He takes poison - and now we get to our story.
The poison he takes, you don't want to even sip it, and the only way to save him is by going to a foreign kingdom in a cave - and the man she really loves is from that kingdom and helps them get there and goes with her, he is also a werewolf, to get the mushroom.
There is fights, some deaths, the queen wakes up to what the sister truly is - and we get a happily ever after. Truly a great little story here!
Okay so we have a queen - her sister is a princess and the princess daughter is a Lady- and her mother hates her - like hates all in caps and her mother is mighty shady herself she lost some important jewelry or stone.
Well she tells her daughter she is getting married - problem is the guy she is going to marry doesn't love her and has a lover. He takes poison - and now we get to our story.
The poison he takes, you don't want to even sip it, and the only way to save him is by going to a foreign kingdom in a cave - and the man she really loves is from that kingdom and helps them get there and goes with her, he is also a werewolf, to get the mushroom.
There is fights, some deaths, the queen wakes up to what the sister truly is - and we get a happily ever after. Truly a great little story here!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2026
Book 2 of The Moonlit Court series. Can be read as a standalone.
'But saving her fiancé means losing the only man she's ever wanted—and this time, she might not survive letting him go.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'But saving her fiancé means losing the only man she's ever wanted—and this time, she might not survive letting him go.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The second Moonlit Court book takes a look at one of the side characters in "Only in Moonlight" so you'll want to read that one first or risk spoilers.
Housekeeping out of the way now...
I really liked the world building and the new area of the moon kingdoms that were visited, the quest the characters embarked on and the individual backstories and growth were done well and overall it is a nice second chance as well as personal redemption story.
Housekeeping out of the way now...
I really liked the world building and the new area of the moon kingdoms that were visited, the quest the characters embarked on and the individual backstories and growth were done well and overall it is a nice second chance as well as personal redemption story.
March 16, 2026
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last.
I enjoyed this book and how the author brings this world to life.
Lurena and Xerius are great characters, both determined to do the right thing and simultaneously wanting to be together, but you cannot stop fate. This is an enhanced read, with a good plot, great dialogue, hot steamy scenes (which I will never object to) and true love.
This is a very good 4 star read!
I enjoyed this book and how the author brings this world to life.
Lurena and Xerius are great characters, both determined to do the right thing and simultaneously wanting to be together, but you cannot stop fate. This is an enhanced read, with a good plot, great dialogue, hot steamy scenes (which I will never object to) and true love.
This is a very good 4 star read!
Review of advance copy
This book was so readable and enjoyable. It never seemed to drag, the story just moved right along. I really enjoyed all the characters, even the side characters, but especially Xerius. Very fun read!
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed the first book in the interconnected Moonlit Court series. While it’s not essential to read it beforehand, the references do add some richness, but you can easily find your way into this story without prior context.
The book opens with a forced marriage, and it’s obvious from the start that neither party is happy about it. They’re agreeing for political reasons, which is hardly the ideal foundation for a relationship. When the groom is poisoned and his survival depends on a rare antidote, the stakes rise quickly.
Meanwhile, the main couple still longs for each other, and being thrown together on a dangerous mission only complicates things - especially for those joining the journey without much of a choice.
I enjoyed the connection between the protagonists, but it took until the second half of the book for it to truly land for me. The mission itself is undeniably risky, but I never felt fully connected to all the characters involved, so the potential losses didn’t carry the emotional weight I hoped for.
Overall, it’s a fast‑paced and easy read, but it lacks some of the spark - and the banter - I loved in the first book.
I received an advance review copy for free by the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book opens with a forced marriage, and it’s obvious from the start that neither party is happy about it. They’re agreeing for political reasons, which is hardly the ideal foundation for a relationship. When the groom is poisoned and his survival depends on a rare antidote, the stakes rise quickly.
Meanwhile, the main couple still longs for each other, and being thrown together on a dangerous mission only complicates things - especially for those joining the journey without much of a choice.
I enjoyed the connection between the protagonists, but it took until the second half of the book for it to truly land for me. The mission itself is undeniably risky, but I never felt fully connected to all the characters involved, so the potential losses didn’t carry the emotional weight I hoped for.
Overall, it’s a fast‑paced and easy read, but it lacks some of the spark - and the banter - I loved in the first book.
I received an advance review copy for free by the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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