The moon is cracked and falling, magic is leaking into the world, and the men I can't live without are scattered a thousand miles away.
My name is Luna, and my world was fractured long before the moon cracked in the sky. Two years ago, I lost my parents and my brother in an icy rain-soaked night. I was left with a broken heart and a house filled with my brother’s four best friends. Gage, Torrin, Jules, and Reid are the men who pulled me from the darkness and made me want to live again. But there was a fifth. Mars. The one who promised me forever and then walked away when my world was in pieces.
For the first time in two years, they’ve all left on trips. None of us knew the unthinkable could happen while they were gone. Now, the "End of the World As We Know It" has arrived, and it isn't following the rules of science.
As the moon looms impossibly large and broken above us, reality itself is ripping at the seams. People are developing powers they don't understand, cities are burning, and a strange, blinding white light is beginning to pulse from my own veins. I can only hope my guys are fighting their way across a crumbling country to get back to me. In a world of falling moon-missiles and emerging magic, one thing is family isn't just about blood. It's about who stands beside you when the sky literally falls.
Moon Fall is a genre-bending, slow-burn Why Choose paranormal dystopian romance. It features an "all about her" trope, brother's best friends, second chance romance and a group of men who will burn the world down—or what’s left of it—to get back to and keep their girl safe. This book contains adult themes, detailed steam, and emotional triggers including grief and past trauma.
Reese Rivers is a RH romance author who lives in Alberta, Canada. She is addicted to coffee, inappropriate memes, dark humor and happy ever afters. Her happiest place on earth is at her camper in the forest where like Snow White, she attracts all the critters - mosquitoes instead of birds and skunks instead of bunnies. She would live there full time if not for the Canadian deepfreeze that is winter. Her latest RH novel, Burn Butterfly Burn was the #1 Book in Australia and #2 in the USA and Canada
Ahhhhh this book unexpectedly mashed some of my favorite tropes together and I'm crying over having to wait for the next book.
It's no secret that I've been dying for more post apocalyptic books. And the fact that this was written by the author who wrote one of my favorite zombie why choose standalones? My hopes were high for it already.
And I actually loved it.
I LOVE books that separate characters and then leave me agonizing over when and how they'll all make their ways back together again. This one had that, but it was combined with the aftermath of an apocalypse event that also left people with new strange powers, and new creatures and peoples to navigate.
And it all started with a very normal back story showing us exactly how the FMC, with her own ingenuity and kindness, made her brother's five best friends fall in love with her one by one as teenagers before they all lost her parents and brother in a devastating accident.
A couple years later, after the apocalypse happens, they all have one goal: to make it back to her.
My only reasons for not giving it 5 stars are because 1) I felt like her ingenuity disappeared after the apocalypse and she would have suffered if if wasn't for another character, and 2) parts of the end happened too quickly in comparison to how long the setup took, and it felt a little rushed. Some important scenes were skipped to keep the urgency in the timeline and I think it would have benefited us to see them happen.
But I did like the timing of certain things at the end. Then that cliffhanger had me dying for the next book.
No OM/OW drama but the FMC is mentioned briefly to be with someone during a flashback. TW for character deaths, depression, grief, suicide attempt, talk of suicide attempts. One of the MMCs kisses the FMC at 17 while he's 18. I don't mind this if they're both in high school, but he had graduated the year before. 😒 Edit: oh, and I can't tell if two of the MMCs are just queerbait or if there will be an MLM/BL storyline in the next book. They say it's just a bro helping another bro get off to the thought of their girl to release some stress and there's really nothing gay about their relationship but...🤪
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"I’ve survived four husbands up and dying on me, so the apocalypse should be manageable."
"Don’t die, shadow boy. Shit’s only gonna get weirder from here."
This book was a whole vibe. You know when a book just surprises the hell out of you because you went in blind with 0 expectations? Yeah this ate. Reese has an amazing way of telling her stories and this one didn't disappoint.
I did not see the story going where it did and I have been cackling at killer whales for way longer than I need to be.
The fantasy plot was interesting. The romance plot was a snooze. I’m just not a fan of flashbacks/time jumps to explain relationships. Takes all the fun out of it for me. They all love each other. Cool beans! But I’m bored.
Whychoose Dystopia Brother's best friends Second chance romance
FAVORITE of 2026
Reese Rivers did it again!!! Hell Yes! Book 1 was fucking amazing. It was unique, and the plot was everything! I can't wait to see where book 2 takes us!
MFMMMM - this shouldn’t have worked and yet it worked for me.
-slow burn, no spice yet, older brother’s best friends, contemporary transforms to paranormal late in the game.
It’s unconventional for over half the book to be entirely contemporary and in the second half, bam, fantasy/paranormal dystopia descends (figuratively and literally). I still don’t get the moon thing.
Usually you have to show hints of paranormal as early as possible, def in the first act. Readers implicitly expect this. However, the author does clearly warns that it will be like this so you won’t get to the second half and feel like you got conned with a contemporary / paranormal bait and switch.
We’ve got the older brother’s best friend group and the younger sister. The first half shows how their relationships developed over several years until they’re all pining, down bad, completely, utterly, obsessed with her, all waiting for her to finally be ready so they can make their move. It wasn’t perfect. The presentation of suicidal ideation/mental health wasn’t quite to my taste but wasn’t a deal breaker. The daily life moments and seeing the MCs fall for each other was indulgently enjoyable.
Second half felt like a different book because supernatural and powers arrive (abruptly) and the MMCs and FMC are separated. The MMCs spend the majority of the rest of the book trying to get back to the FMC while the FMC is basically doomsday prepping with her grandma. I wanted to keep reading about their relationship developing, seeing the FMC and MMCs interact with each other, not the MMCs travel struggles/weird power emergence, and the FMC doing yet another batch of freeze drying food. And yet, I wanted to find out what happened so the story did something right.
For this type of book, what it comes down to for me is if it compelled me to keep reading, and despite being a hot mess, I kept reading on to find out what happened next. If book 2 was out I would have started it
I ate this book up and loved every second of it I would label this as apocolyptic, since the event occurs on-page, rather than in some distant past. The FMC and the MCs - her four best friends - spend almost the entire book separated from each other, but we get to see their dynamics through flashbacks.
Most of the book consists of the MMCs travelling, trying to make it home to the FMC. This might sound boring, but it was anytihing but. I was completely riveted by their adventures. Like the two MMCs who woke to find their tenth floor hotel room underwater and their subsequent escape through a drowned city, another MMC travels partway with a hilarious wolf-shifter who became trapped when two dimensions temporarily overlapped. On top of that ordinaary people are suddenly exhibiting supernature powers.
I'm that person who likes Friends to Lovers more than Enemies to Lovers. The stakes just feel higher to me. If enemies to lovers don't work out, there's nothing lost, but if friends take that leap and it fails, they've lost everything. This was very much a slow burn. At the end of the book, the only kisses (or more) have been in flashbacks. And I'm completely fine with that.
I also loved the FMCs grandmother, who was both hilarious and a fount of knowledge on doomsday prepping. The FMC needed a job to do while the MMCs fought obstacles to get back to her, and I actually found all the shopping and prepping to be pretty interesting. I may have considered in the past how I could best survive an apocolyptic event, and I was impressed byt the steps that these two women took to be ready.
Anyway, I read this in a day, and now I'm dying for the second book to be released.
3.5 stars, and I’m really waffling on whether to give this 3 or 4 stars. I think I rounded up mostly because the idea of the plot is so fresh and the characters were very distinctive.
That said, I guess I wanted more of the FMC and MMCs being together in the current timeline even if it wasn’t necessarily romance yet. All of the time we see of the them spending time together is through the lens of them either in their younger high school years when they all first met or after the devastation of the FMC losing her family and then their best friend/surrogate family and keeping her afloat, which was great for building the backstory and the foundation of their friendship/love stories, but not so much for engaging me on their current plights to get back to her. I understand that was difficult transition to build between the past, present, and the overarching plot line of the world falling to ruin so I’m allowing for a little grace and hoping it sets us up for an amazing start to book two, but I can’t say all that without saying it didn’t leave a little void and some disappointment that there wasn’t more group time in the current timeline in this books as well.
Regardless of my small gripes, I’m definitely invested with where RR will be taking this group and this plot, and I’m eager to get my hands on book 2.
ETA: Also, major kudos for the mystical beings having limited page time and somehow being able to shine in big ways. I hope we get to see them all back in future books.
🖤 One phrase: apocalyptic why choose chaos with magic leaking through the cracks.
I went in blind and this one apparently ate.
The moon is literally cracked and falling, magic is spilling into the world, cities are burning, and Luna is stuck without the men she cannot live without while everything goes to hell. What makes this one special is that it sounds like a full genre smash in the best way, part dystopian disaster, part paranormal romance, part all about her emotional spiral.
My favorite part is honestly the pure unhinged energy of it all. Brother’s best friends, second chance heartbreak, end of the world stakes, emerging powers, and apparently killer whales worth cackling over for way too long. That alone has me seated. The review note you shared makes it sound like one of those books that sneaks up on you and then suddenly has you desperate for book two.
✨ Tropes & vibes 🌙 cracked moon apocalypse 🔥 why choose romance 🖤 brother’s best friends 💔 second chance pain ✨ magic awakening 🏃♀️ end of the world chaos 👀 all about her energy
📖 Read this if you like 🌌 paranormal dystopian romance 🖤 found family with teeth 🔥 men obsessed with getting back to their girl ✨ genre bending romance with big chaos energy
Need book two immediately is exactly the vibe here.
Okay, this book surprised the hell out of me. Going in, I was expecting another RH, tortured-heroine type story—and for a good chunk of it, that’s exactly what you get. But then it shifts, and suddenly I was completely hooked and desperate for the next book.
I really liked the core concept. It has that almost dreamlike feel—like the moon cracking open and everything you know unraveling. It’s eerie and intriguing in a way that pulled me in.
The characters were solid across the board. I wasn’t a huge fan of Mars, to be honest, but I’m assuming (and hoping) he gets a proper grovel arc in book two. Gage, Torrin, Jules, and Reid lean into familiar archetypes, but they’ve got enough chemistry to keep things engaging.
Luna does edge into Mary Sue territory at times, but I still found myself invested in her growth.
All in all, I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
Reese-Middle-Name-Rivers! I hope you’re happy, because I haven’t slept a wink. You wrote the kind of genre-bending masterpiece that gives you butterflies, shatters your heart, and then meticulously rebuilds it—only to keep you on the edge of your seat until 4:00 AM.
I simply couldn’t put it down. It was every single thing I’ve ever wanted in a story. I loved it so much that, after only two hours of sleep, I’ve decided to shirk all adult responsibilities today just to re-read it. I’m sending you the bill for the therapy I’ll need to handle this medical-grade book withdrawal while I wait for the sequel.
4.5? The first half of this is A LOT of background info, but it's necessary for the rest of the story. Once you get to the midway point, things really kick off, though. I was extremely surprised by this one. It's a dystopian fantasy with a lot of moving parts for a reverse harem and I really appreciate that. Usually, the harem really overshadows the fantasy aspect and I think that wasn't the case at all for the second half of this book. It was a great way to kick things off for the rest of the story and I'm excited to see how things play out.
I'm curious to see everyone come into their powers and figure out their interpersonal issues.
Right from the start, I love Luna and the family she has around her. It drew me in and really built up what I thought would be a cool story. I was not expecting what so ever what happened. It blew me away with its unique story and the multiple POV as the family caught to get back to each other.
Of course I’m devastated that the next book isn’t out yet, but I will be anxiously waiting to see how this story comes together! Also loved that this was set in Canada and Alberta places, not that common to see but I loved that!!
I always love her books and this one may be my new favourite! The story has heartbreaking moments, wonderful characters and tons of action. I was stressed out waiting to see if Luna’s guys would make it back to her. I love a good slow burn RH, especially when the guys are all about their girl. I’m enjoying the mix of contemporary and fantasy in this unique story and I can’t wait to see where Reese takes it next! 🫣
3.75⭐️ It was an intriguing concept that I’m looking forward to learning more about in the next one. I did like the characters, even though they felt slightly immature. The main reason it’s not getting higher from me is it just felt rushed and patchwork I guess? I didn’t mind the bouncing around of POVs, in fact I like that, but it just felt like there was a lot of missing time and very little development of the characters. It didn’t really feel up to Reese’s usual writing for me…
What an amazing blend of genres. I got 45% through the book when I remembered that there was supposed to be apocalyptic/fantasy elements to this book. I wasn’t expecting to be emotional while reading this but it does deal heavily with sibling loss. I was definitely hooked from the first page but the quick switch from present to past threw me for a loop. Spice rating is 0.5/5
4.5 ⭐️ Such a fun read! I’ve read over 1000s and thousands of books and I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that goes from contemporary into fantasy. The author did such a great job coming up with this idea and she really pulled it off too. I’ve read 127 books so far this year and this book is definitely in the top 10 if not, maybe even the top five. I took off half a point for personal reasons. But I would definitely 100% recommend this book if you’re in the mood for something like this.
This book is incredible!! I love the back story of their lives together. It definitely was needed so you can really get a feel for the love and dynamic between everyone. Also following their journey along the way, all of it is incredible. I love the magical aspect that starts to develop and really gives this story so much more. Ugh now I have to wait for book 2? lol. I highly recommend this book.
Woman, why are you always making me cry like a baby?! I was so excited when I saw this book, I’ve been thinking about rereading your books cause they are all some of my favorites (gotta prepare for the tears tho). This is such a good story! I was so hooked in part of the story that I forgot what the whole thing was about lol. But it’s all sooo good. Great characters as always!
5 STARS!! THIS BOOKS ACTUALLY DESERVE MORE THAN 5 STARS.
I'm a sucker for Reese Rivers so I immediately read it even if I'm not much a paranormal girly but excuse me Miss Rivers because whatever you out in this book is absolutely amazing.
I love the concept of this book as I have never read anything like it (there may be others but as I said I'm not much a paranormal girly) I would 100% recommend this book over and over.
Now I'm begging for a book 2 and hoping it's out right now.
Unsurprisingly, Reese has delivered another stellar story. The twists and turns were plenty, I never knew what was coming next! The characters all have such distinct personalities, they’re complex and relatable. The sadness is heavy in this story. The loss and grief are real. The love that shines between the main characters is perfection! I cannot wait for book 2!
I came into this book completely blind and man did I just breeze through this book. I have to admit there are some points that were just completely off the deep end. It didn’t matter though I couldn’t put it down. It was a wild ride and not sure how this series is going to finish out but I’m here for it!
Infinity stars!!! By chapter 4, I ordered the physical copy. By the time it showed up, I had all of the annotating supplies ready to go! This was an incredible story!! Not only did each guy have their own personality, but the introduction to magic while mayhem was happening was SO unique! I cant wait to reread this and annotate the heck out of it!
This story really takes you round the houses if you know what I mean. You can tell with each nuance that the author is building a bizarre new worldscape. It got good humor, lots of angst, sadness, and surprises around each turn. Now that the base is set, I'm ready to rock and roll into the mystic. This book is GOOD.
I really liked this start just wondering where it is going to go
I love everything by Resse Rivers I have read every book she has written. But this one took me to unexpected places. I will be honest with you when they all started having magic powers I was confused. But I am excited to see where this story is going So I can't wait for the next book.
I loved this book. Very well written. Cannot wait for book 2. I don't usually leave reviews but had to with this book. It's written from multiple p.o.v. I like when authors write like that.
If you are on the fence of reading this book you totally should! It takes you in a direction that not many books have ever done. It captivated me from the beginning and did a beautiful job of doing my the now story and the previous story.
Reese is such an amazing writer and I love reading any of her books so this one is no different. The only difference is I have to wait for the next two to come out. And I will devour those as fast as this one.
Excited for More! This book is really more of a set up for the story though. Not that that's a bad thing, but I only wished I had at least waited for the second book to come out before picking this one up.
I absolutely love a well developed end of the world, dystopian. And one that is RH with plenty of attention to plot? Pretty rare from what I have seen. Can't wait for book two!