Moon Crossed, Episode #1

Moon Crossed #1

by Bella Roccaforte

UtopYA 2015 Nominee for:
Best Kiss
Best Serial Series

Episode 1 of The Crescent Hunter Series, Moon Crossed:

Claire O'Conlan is a hunter, her kind were created to protect humans from feral werewolves. She's desperate to find a cure for the moon-touch. Until she does, the hunt won't stop.

Despite being raised among supernatural creatures, Claire is determined to make college as normal as possible. But childhood habits die hard. She can't seem to stay away from the wolf-borne, and worse, she's falling in love with Cole Jackson, the big bad wolf.

Claire can't resist the undeniable fire Cole ignites within her. They are falling headlong into a forbidden love affair. Hunter and wolf, a dangerous combination inciting war between factions, action from the council and the biggest risk of all, Claire fulfilling her duty and being the hunter that kills Cole.

Will Claire find the cure? Or will their love end in tragedy?

Cliffhanger alert! You don't have to wait to find out what happens, the second episode is available now!

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance

30 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2014

About the author

Award Winning Author!

Bella's motto has always been that you can choose to watch life pass you by or your can be the one spinning the world. You have to get out and live, life won't come to you!

Bella has always seen things in the world with a different view and has been an avid story-teller. She is enjoying putting her crazy musings into print for others to enjoy.

To her, one of the most exciting parts of writing is getting a chance to interact with readers. It is truly her hope that readers will reach out and tell her what they like and even don't like about her stories. She's looking forward to a relationship with the readers to better write stories they will love.

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Reviews

[Paranormal Books R Us · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf-borne and Hunters don't mix. It's hard to be friends when one's sole purpose in life is to destroy the other. Claire never saw it that way though and even though the moontouched killed her parents. Claire has still always been fascinated by the wolf-borne and has come to love some as family and friend. Now her life's mission is to find a way to cure the moon-touched wolves from their madness and help her boys before it's too late. But once Cole enters the picture everything starts to change and Claire feels inexplicably drawn to him in a way she has never felt before. The question is can she figure out her strange new feelings, find a cure, and still be the Hunter she was raised to be before time runs out?

Just wow! Bella has done it again. This story sucked me in from the very first page and still had me hooked by the very last one. I didn't know it was possible to fall in love with a story and it's characters so quickly but I am absolutely done for. The characters are all so different and interesting I can't wait to see where the rest of their story goes. And holy hell that was one heck of a place to leave off the story! I can't wait to get my hands on episode two and in my opinion Moon Crossed (Episode 1) is highly recommended.

[Jeanine Walsh palinkas · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I started this! I love Bella Roccaforte's work, and I'm never disappointed. True genius. Now, on to #2!

[Amanda Rambusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire omg I was so impressed with the way she evolved thru this book. This book is literally an emotional roller coaster I am so excited to see where this series goes in the future. Yes its that good.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is episode 1 and a quick read but don’t think for one minute that means it’s lacking in anything because it’s not.
Hunters and werewolves are not supposed to mix and for good reason but Claire seems determined to change things.
Great characters and an interesting storyline that has no problem keeping your attention, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy for an honest review.

Starts of with young Claire, who has been told all sorts of things about
the wolf borne, but feels a connection to the wolves, which goes against everything she has learnt from her Father and aunt.
She's a hunter who has magic when they're near, but has to kill them if they succumb to the blood lust.

An older Claire then has a big family of wolves living with her. Confusing, considering her dad made her promise to stay away from them.
Shes trying to find a cure for the blood lust wolves can have during the full moon: which is incurable. Her whole life revolves around finding this.

She meets sexy Cole, who's slept with half the girls in town.
To Start; Cole is such a downer, doom and gloom, which for me overtakes his good looks and supposed charm. I hope he turns into a man worthy of Claire.
He gets somewhat better during the story but he's not blowing me away yet. But knowing Author Bella, she'll make him special eventually !

I loved the scene where Claire is stroking wolf Cole and the slobbery lick haha ! My guess is he'll be the wolf from 8 year old Claire's dream ?!

On partrol Claire encounters a pack of 30 or so werewolves and a tussle with a big one ends this episode. Super exciting this scene !
I know Bella is the Queen of Cliffhangers, But My God what a Doosy she left us on !!! I need the next one right now !

This is a well written, interesting, and I'm left with lots of questions. Everything you need in a good book. 5*****

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I was privileged by being one of Mrs. Roccaforte's betas.

This book highlights another brilliant story from the mind of Bella. I love any author that has more than one writing style. This one shows off a softer more gentle side of a very complex author.
In this story you meet head on with pain and agony. Claire conveys strength and determination because of that pain. You can feel her emotions through each and every word.
The boys oh I love the boys. There is such an amazing bond that this crazy family has. I felt right at home with them. It is like they are people you actually know. I love the laughter and caring they show Claire. She may be in charge but they are the glue that holds the bond.
From page one this story has something going on. It is intriguing and you can't turn the page fast enough. From the struggle in the beginning, the family life in the middle to the holy crap what just happened at the end, you will not be able to put it down!
I do believe that Bella is the master of WTF moments and the Ruler of The Cliffhanger ending.

[Vona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a copy from Bella in exchange for an honest review.

First off let me just say I'm loving how authors are making Serials.

I loved this first episode and would definitely say read it. If you love Werewolves and Paranormal Romance this is a book for you. You will not be disappointed. I can't wait to see how this story plays out and at the same time I don't want it to end. Can't wait to read all the other episodes. Especially since Bella left it at a huge cliffhanger which is okay since it is a Serial and Episodes are released frequently!

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

About a little girl named Claire, who grows up to hunt the big bad Wolves who become moon touched (mad). She was orphaned at a young age but was told to never love a wolf or get near them enough. Will she keep her promise or will she break it??? Guess you'll have to read and find out now won't you.

[Jenny Whetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic short read! It was nice to read a different kind of "werewolf" story. Bella has another series that I love (Ink) so I was not surprised that I loved this one as well. I know I will be purchasing the sequels!

[Kaila Morlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an awesome book I loved how she takes what she was born to do and protect her boys

[Jennifer Rux · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such a different take on werewolves and werewolf hunters. I really like it and I am eager to see how the rest of the story progresses.

Roccaforte's characters are so unique, each having a very distinct personality. The dynamic of Claire and her boys reminded me of Snow White and her dwarfs or Robin Hood and the merry men. They have a close "family" circle that I quite enjoyed.

I am a sucker for great characters and Locke is one of those characters. I can't wait to read more about him and find out his "story", I am hoping for a love triangle.

There were a couple of things in this episode that confused me and it was mostly in the beginning trying to follow who was who and where they fit into the story, but once I hit the middle of the episode I had finally figured it out. There was only one thing that I am still trying to figure out while writing this review.

***Minor Spoiler***
I am trying to figure out how a naked man got a knife.

Great opening episode to an interesting story that I can't wait to read more.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hunter and Her Wolves

This is a very interesting story. You have werewolves that are under a curse that will make them turn evil and become trapped as their animals. Then you have the hunters that were created to protect humans and destroy the werewolves that go bad. The hunters have magic like witches that is only accessible when they are around wolves. Claire isn't a normal hunter. After both her parents are dead she goes to live with her aunt who basically runs a orphanage for wolves. Claire loves the wolves that make up her family and is searching to a cure to the curse so that she doesn't have to kill the ones she loves. Then enters Cole, a werewolf that Claire is drawn to but wary of at the same time. This was a great start to the series and I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Susan Harrowa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating take on the werewolf/hunter gets re

I'd read other things from Ms. Roccaforte, but this is a bit different from her. However, it is no less intriguing and enjoyable. I love her take on the shifter/hunter dynamic. But this little bit left a lot of questions and I look forward to the next episode!

[Jo Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I snagged this book on Amazon when it released. I was excited to check out this serial because I find I enjoy stories of werewolves on rampages. Plus, the cover drew me right in. Talk about being excited when I found it next on my Kindle, waiting to be devoured. I blew through it in about two days, but that's reading a couple pages here and a couple pages there, perfect for the reader with a busy lifestyle. Anyway, moving on to the important stuff!

From a Reader's Perspective:
Because this was the first episode in a serial series, I didn't expect a lot of emotional turmoil or to get to the point that I connected with any of the characters. But, I have to say, I like Claire. She's one tough nut to crack, but she's also beautifully flawed. Despite the fact that her friends could turn into something she'll end up having to kill, she has no problem hanging out with them. Out of all the boys, I like Trevor best. He's rough around the edges, but you can tell he has a real brotherly compassion for Claire.

There were a couple of words that are certainly suited for tweens rather than teens, but they didn't bother me. That's just a note for those of you easily offended by that kind of thing. If you're squeamish about sex, don't be; there's none in this episode.

It's a well-paced starter with a ton of setup for what's certainly to come. There's humor, battles of wits, and snarky girl moments that didn't leave me groaning. You won't hate on the MC for being annoyingly juvenile.

From an Editor's Perspective:
Needs tweaks here and there. Commas need tending to, dialogue tags vs action tags, and word confusions top the list.

Rating:
1 Star for a tough MC that wasn't irritating or perfect
1 Star for creating a great pack of secondary characters
1 Star for leaving me tense for episode two
1 Star for pacing, using dialogue to great success, and nice emotional punches
.5 Star for plot and writing style
-.5 Star for comma, dialogue tag, and word confusion errors
Overall, 4.5 out of 5 stars! I round up when clicking, so you'll see a five. Recommended if you're looking for something quick, paranormal, and episodic that leaves you wanting more.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Bella Roccaforte's books. It all started with her INK series and I am now hooked on this serial series also! Her worlds just suck you right in and you can't escape until the book is done and you are begging for the next one. Luckily I don't have to beg for the next in this because all 6 are out now. And I will be starting on the next as soon as I am done with this review.

In this book, we are thrown into the world of werewolves and hunters. We meet Claire and all of her boys/wolves. I really liked all of them and I love Claire. We learned a little bit about the hunters and why they came to be. How some wolves will be moon touched. Basically, they go feral and the hunters have to kill them, otherwise they will kill humans.

Claire has a heart though. She loves her wolves and that is why she is trying to make a cure for being moon touched, she doesn't want to have to kill one of her boys, but she will if she needs to.

Hunters and werewolves aren't suppose to mix, but yet, Claire lives with a few of the wolves.

We also meet Cole in this book. I do have an idea about him, but I'm not going to say. I guess I'll find out if I'm right or not by the end of this series. This does end in a cliff hanger, which Bella is fantastic with writing. Like I said though, there is no wait for the next book to be out since they have all been released already. Okay, review written time to start on the next one. I have a feeling it will be a sleepless night filled with reading!

[Rena DeBerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first started reading Moon Crossed, it took a bit to get into the plot. I had to reread the preface twice to make sure I understood as Bella took a different perspective on werewolves. As I continued I became hooked because of the unique werewolf and hunter paradiam. As I shared with others, the depth of Claire's struggle with accepting what has to be done because it's right with the actual action is so relatable. The emotions expressed let you feel so deeply you wonder about decisions you have made in life. What is right even though it is tough then justifying the action. As we grow older we have more responsibility and make tougher decisions that are right yet don't always feel that way. Claire's struggle with making acceptance with her decisions and her faith albeit very little also makes one question the rightness of how to live and who decides one's fate. The book is lengthy and you become connected with all the characters as they are each written so deeply so I was disappointed with the quick ending. I know this is part of series, but I was left unfilled at the end. I wanted to understand her decision with Cole. Did she put the potion on the daggers before the end of her family? What more did she learn from Pike's research? I felt like the endings were not even closely tied up at the end, yet the author made me want to read the next book. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars due to the ending and beginning. The middle deserves 5 out of 5 stars.

[Gladys Gonzales Atwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time fan of Bella Roccaforte my excitement for a serial shifter series could not be contained. The beginning of the story unfolds while Claire is still a young girl and it’s a flashback of the day her father tells her that hunters like him and herself cannot mix with the wolf-borne. BUT even as a young child she has so many unanswered questions. Her questions become paramount when the outcome of that day still continue to haunt her into her later years

Flash forward to her current life as one female surrounded by a family of ummmmm… wolves… la la la la… Bella is the master of the “say what now” moments and then the “ummmmmm cliffhanger” moments later on. Even thought I am not a fan of those elements in a book she can take the words and hit the ground running!! Bella has all the right remaining elements to make a spectacular novel spoon fed to her fans in serial form!

I am very very glad that episode 2 is available; I shall be reading it NOW Please!!! I tip my Nerd Girl hat to you Bella, but can you give me some more pleasssseeeee!!!

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***

[Destiny Ciera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great series with great characters and a unique plot line that was thoroughly enjoyable but I must say, I think Ms Roccaforte forgot about it. I have been on her website over and over looking for information on the next episodes and....nothing! :( Very sad because it was an excellent series and left me hanging at the end and anxious to know what comes next. I'm not sure if she is done writing for it but I really wish she would continue. Hopefully she is just clearing some other things off her schedule so she can focus on finishing it. *fingers crossed*

But anyways, for my review..... I must say, I never thought I would be a werewolf story kinda girl but wow! This series was wonderful and addicting. I read it straight through day and night (minus a few hours of sleep and a few times I had to get food for my kids so I couldn't be accused of COMPLETELY abandoning them) ;) I do recommend reading this series but also, I recommend please......give us more Ms. Roccaforte!!!!!!! I can't handle the wait!!!

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book and oh my....it did not disappoint!! This book was even better than I could of imagined. Such an interesting story line with lots of great characters, I was captivated from the start. Moon crossed was so beautifully written I had no trouble imagining this wonderful paranormal world that the Author has created, I was drawn in and didn't want to leave. I really love a book with a strong female lead and this book has just that. Claire is a very strong, determined kick ass chick and I loved reading about her. I can't wait to read the next installment, I'm really excited to see what happens with the whole forbidden love aspects of this story. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of paranormal and shifters, I rate this book 5 amazing stars. Thank you for such an entertaining read!!

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you are burned out reading about werewolves, have no fear; this is not your typical werewolf story. Sure it has its hunters and werewolves, but this is not your usual werewolf/hunter story. The heroine is a hunter born to kill werewolves, but instead of killing them, she is trying to save the wolf born from becoming "moon touched" and loosing them forever.

This is the first episode of a serial. The story line is great and the characters are easily relatable. As the story progresses, I felt pulled into the story as if I was a character in this story. When the end came, I was ready to read the next installment immediately.

Bella did a wonderful job and I can't wait to read the rest of the installments of this serial. I highly recommend reading them!

[Jessica Surgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing start to a new series! I love, love, loved it and I can't wait to read more!
I really like this new take on werewolves. The relationship between the wolves and the hunters is interesting and complex, and the sickness plaguing the wolves adds great tension. I feel like I'm stressing out about her finding a cure just as much as she is. (If any of those boys get moon-touched I will cry a river of tears.) The mysterious Cole is definitely intriguing and I can't wait to see what happens there... But it is definitely Claire's tight knit group of "brothers" that are my favorite part of this story. The love they have for each other and Claire is very clearly shown, and is the perfect example of what it's like to find your family.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from LoP.

I really enjoyed this book! I don't usually read books that are written as a serial, I think I may have been a little prejudice towards them, but I am so glad I got over that! I think mostly what bother me about "seasons" of a story is that authors end the short serial so quick and out of no where! Well, with Moon Crossed that is not the case! I loved this book and I am so excited to read on to the next book! The author is very talented and told an interesting story about a girl who was both destined to love a werewolf, and destined to be destroyed by one. I thought the story was very unique and I would recommend this book to all lovers of paranormal romance!

[dawn morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spare yourself!!

I stuck with this series because it was a different take on wolves and hunters. I got halfway through book 5 and then I quit. I had to come back to this and give fair warning. Spoiler alert: starting in book 4 things take dark and unexpected turns. I'm a voracious reader with great love for a good book. I cried through book 5. The series becomes all about darkness, death, and the betrayal of every one of Claire's family And friends. I've never read a book or series where EVERY person the main character loves and who claim to love her BETRAY her. Left me sad and depressed. I don't think the series is good enough to deal with the horrid things it makes you feel!!!

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly..

I really wanted to like this "book", but I had a few things I just couldn't like. First, even with the badass Hunter Claire as the main character, I had a difficult time getting involved with the characters. I'm usually a strict book reader, and this is why. I didn't get any resolution, I barely got enough background (what is a Hunter??), and just when I was starting to be ok with the writing style and storyline, bam! It's over, and I have to fork over .99 for the next couple of pages. Maybe I'm a book snob, but dammit I like a story uninterrupted. Not sure I will be finishing this series... but it wasn't terrible, so who knows.

[Arien/Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Extremely hard to put down, I wanted to read it strait through. Story keeps you so engaged and wanting more.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not the biggest fan of having to read a book that's split into episodes, but some books have been worth it. So far this is one of them. I really enjoyed this episode! It was a fun and different kind of werewolf book and I was easily caught up in it, and wanting to know more about the awesome characters.
Great book! Highly suggested read folks!!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting New Series

This novel was an interesting read regarding wolves and hunters. There's mystery behind Cole and Claire. I believe I may know what it is but we'll see. There's some slight editing needs and my wish would be that it was a longer full novel but besides that the story in itself should hold your attention as a reader.

[Stephanie Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wolves and the hunters

I liked Bella's characters and story line. However, I still remain confused as to why the wolves become so dangerous when they are moon touched. Perhaps I overlooked something in the story? I am intrigued as to where Cole came from suddenly. I will continue reading to see how what the episodes reveal.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shows promise

Interesting take on werewolves, they only rampage if moon_touched. An orphaned Hunter ends up living with born wolves, which enhances her power. A new wolf is added to the mix, Cole.

[Lisa Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story!

I got this book free from Amazon, so I thought I'd read it. I'm so glad I did. I love werewolves! This is a wonderful story. I can't wait for the next one. If it's not free anymore, buy the book, I promise, you won't be disappointed!