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Sanguis Amantium #2

Memory of the Blood Moon

Whispers follow her touch. Fire and light answer her call. And a goddess begins to speak…

Mira Garvie thought love was the hardest truth she would ever have to face. But when an enchanted ruby awakens memories of a life lived—and lost—beneath a blood-red moon, Mira is drawn deep into the magic of her Garvie bloodline.

As she uncovers her family’s devotion to Brigid—goddess of flame, metal, and sacrifice—her growing power comes with a terrible question: what does the goddess demand in return?

Centuries earlier, Magda, a Romani peasant, survives betrayal, brutality, and death itself—reborn with a single purpose. Damned by prophecy and bound by grief, she searches across time for the one woman powerful enough to restore what she lost.

As past and present spiral toward collision, Mira and the immortal man she loves must decide whether faith, love, and destiny can exist without cost. Because some loves endure beyond death…and some debts are written in blood.

Memory of the Blood Moon is Book 2 in the Sanguis Amantium series, it is intended for adult audiences due to its explicit content. Refer to content/trigger warnings inside for more details.

424 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2026

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About the author

Rebecca Byron

2 books101 followers
Rebecca Byron lives in Grapevine, Texas. When she’s not writing or planning her next travel adventure, she’s reading—voraciously, obsessively, and with complete disregard for whatever might be on TV.

As a teen she read hand-me-down paperbacks from romance icons like Janet Dailey, LaVyrle Spencer, and Kathleen Woodiwiss. But after she read Salem’s Lot, vampires took up permanent residence in her heart. These days, she fangirls hard for Diana Gabaldon (she once wrote her a gushy fan letter in the early 2000s and has no regrets), Christopher Buehlman (because if horror could write poetry, it’d be him), and Mary Roach (science, but make it weird and funny). In addition to all things vampiric, Rebecca has a deep love for ghost stories, witch-lore, and all forms of clairvoyance—which she may or may not secretly possess.

Rebecca was born in Southern California, where she grew up riding horses, hanging out at the beach, and serving as president of her high school FFA chapter—because honestly, if you’ve never learned how to castrate a lamb or aren’t fluent discussing chimeras in citrus crops, are you truly living? She even spent a year working on a horse ranch in Southern Italy—mainly for the pasta.

Her hobbies include eating, baking (not really cooking, just baking—let’s not confuse the two), drinking cocktails, swearing a lot, barely exercising, parking with chaotic energy, and hiding her disaster of a closet from her ultra-organized husband.

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5 stars
66 (53%)
4 stars
54 (43%)
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3 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads).
266 reviews152 followers
May 17, 2026
5⭐️
2🌶️
🔥Romantic Paranormal Suspense
🔥Forbidden Love Affair
🔥Marriage of Convenience
🔥Witch Craft & Goddess Worship
🔥Touch Her & ☠️
🔥Found Family
🔥Dual Timeline
🔥Fated Mates
🔥Multi First/Third Person POV

Two women, two stories, told simultaneously, but 600 years apart. The first book brought us an epic love story with mystery, vampires, and unknown magic set in the Scottish highlands. Book two has a new mystery and expands on the magic with the added elements of the Celtic goddess Brigid. Mira’s magic grows beyond her clairvoyance for seeing the past through objects. When she comes across a blood red ruby, she is overcome with visions of the tragic life of a young Romanian peasant woman. Mira embraces her new found magic, the connection to the goddess Brigid, and what her role is with the ruby. Magda is a spirited young woman who wanted more out of life, she ignored the foreboding prophecy and loved the wrong man anyway. When Magda follows what she thought to be true love, it leads to unimaginable loss. In the present, Mira and Baird grow together. She embraces her new found power and he learns to not fear the future and to live in the moment. His fear of losing Mira to the whims of a goddess almost costs them their relationship, but their deep love for one another sees them through. Unravelling the connection between Mira and Magda was captivating and had me guessing. There’s nothing like feminine rage to up the ante in any story and Magda’s thirst for vegenace was satisfying, yet heartbreaking. Mira and Baird’s love story is balanced effortlessly with the melancholic tones and anticipation of tragedy of Magda’s life. The magic of this story is in the beautiful imagery from 14th century Romanian village to the present in the Scottish highlands and the blend of vampires and witchcraft. The ending, like the first, sets the stage for book three. Rebecca knows how to leave you wanting more and I’m not even mad about it.

🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.

Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5

Thank you Rebecca Byron for the gifted advanced copy.

📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“I couldn't yet see the endgame—only the unsettling sense that the universe was using my hands and tools to reach backward through time and pull someone from the grave.”

“It was almost as if I were creating beings with distinct personalities: one dark, seductive, and stormy. The other bright, lucid, irrepressibly optimistic. Yin and yang.”

“I'd relive every moment—gladly—just to love ye, Mira Garvie.”

“The old gods are not blind. Justice does not move swiftly—but it moves.” A pause. “And you, Magda… you are meant to be its instrument.” Not a weapon. An instrument.”

“I love ye—and I was made to love ye. And if I'm wrong, if the goddess takes ye… she'll take me too.”
Profile Image for Maud.
54 reviews
May 1, 2026
I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of the ARC team for Rebecca Byron’s Memory of the blood moon, the second book in the Sanguis Amantium trilogy. Thank you so much!

4 ⭐️
2,5 🌶️

Oh, to be back with Baird and Mira! I absolutely loved diving into this sequel and continuing their journey. Watching them grow, both individually and as a couple, was done so beautifully and felt incredibly natural. You don’t even notice you’re binging the book untill it’s finished.

Mira’s magical awakening adds such an intriguing layer to the story. Her journey of self-discovery, especially with guidance from a nearby witch, was fascinating to follow and really deepened her character. And Baird… still the ultimate loving, yearning, worshipping MMC. Getting chapters from his POV was such a treat; this is a man who truly knows how to cherish his woman. And the spice? Once again 🤤😮‍💨

I also really enjoyed the dual timeline, especially getting to experience Magda’s story. The way both timelines intertwine is seamless, and uncovering their connection kept me hooked. Magda’s vengeance arc delivers some of the most satisfying female rage.
Profile Image for Danielle Jenkins.
32 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2026
Considered throwing my kindle at a wall. The ending that cliffhanger was evil.

Was super lucky to receive an ARC copy of this book and it’s definitely entered top 5 of 2026 for me.

I can’t lie it took me a while to be sold on Magda‘s storyline compared to Mira and Baird as that we already knew them in the first book and had an attachment to them. But at about the 80% Magda’s storyline wants it like wrapped up felt so sad had me in tears and seeing them come together in that last like 15% was amazing.

I would’ve also liked to see more development between like linking Magda Bastien, and Baird together as I felt that was lacking a little bit as a storyline.

Overall, it was a phenomenal book and I i will definitely be staring at a blank wall for a while waiting for January 2027 for the last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for MJ.
88 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2026
Memory of the Blood Moon is such an amazing continuation of Mira and Baird’s story from book 1, A Memory Not Mine.

This book explores the depths of magic through Mira’s bloodline, providing a rich history about the Garvie family ancestry. Mira and Baird continue to grow in love and build a life together, which is both a messy and a beautiful process. The emotional and physical connection between Mira and Baird is off the charts! There is a fire between them that isn’t just erotic; it is passionate, deeply emotional and completely transcendent. These characters puts the general, human experience in the bedroom to shame 😂

This book adds an entirely new layer of intrigue by introducing a past timeline through flashbacks telling the story of Magda, a Romani peasant, from centuries before Mira was even born. I found Magda’s story to be deeply emotional and heartbreaking, and her part in this book really moved me.

As the story unfolds, you learn why Magda’s story is so important, how she is connected to Mira, how magic connects every one of Mira’s ancestors over the span of centuries, and how deeply Baird has always been connected to Mira’s history without even knowing it. I loved the way reading this book felt like puzzle pieces slowly coming together to create a vibrant picture.

This book has every supernatural element I crave in a book. Unveiling secrets, magical intrigue, deep connections, historical elements, character flashbacks, humanized vampires, goddess lore, and women stepping into their power. If you love fantasy books with vampires, magic, rich history and connections that make your heart beat too fast, this book is for you.

Thank you so much for sharing an ARC with me, Rebecca! I am dying to know how this series ends. ❤️
1,289 reviews29 followers
May 25, 2026
This is book 2 in the series following Mira and Baird in their supernatural lives set on the West Coast of Scotland. It took me a minute to get back into remembering exactly where book 1 left off, but there were handy reminders throughout the story of events.
This book is told in present day with chapters mostly from Mira but with a handful from Baird. There's also some chapters set some 600 years ago told from Magda. I'm not generally a historical fan, but I was completely enthralled by Magda's heartbreaking story. I couldn't work out how the stories were going to tie up, it really had me guessing!
One of my issues in book 1 was the lack of consistency in the use of Scots dialogue, I did think this was better here, there were the odd couple of times I noticed inaccuracies but overall it flowed much better.
I find hearing about Mira's jewellery making quite fascinating, and the rings here sounded stunning, particularly the yellow stone. I could picture them in my mind.
There's plenty of spice again here, this is perfectly complemented by Bairds fiercely protective side, resulting in some very sweet, romantic moments.
I'd love to have some standalone side novels to complement this series. I think seeing more of Sorcha and Robbies story would be good, and I'd love to explore Magdas life over the last 600 years.
I still dont know where this story will end up, but I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Profile Image for Kez Marie.
1,533 reviews83 followers
May 6, 2026
I love how this returned to Mira and Baird, seeing their relationship develop, and Mira's powers grow as she uncovers more about her heritage and magical awakening. I enjoyed how her cryptic visions connect the mystic ruby to a woman from the 14th century, and how the story splits through the dual timeline so we see Madga's story unfold.
It's a powerful journey of naivety, betrayal and young love, that erupts into vengeance, cruelty, and rage. It was heartbreaking seeing what Magda, Caius and Dani endure, and how despite her grandmother's warnings she can't escape her destined path.
I loved the themes of forbidden love, feminine rage, yearning, and sorrow.
Magda and Mira's stories connect across time, bringing together elements of the paranormal, and combining fate and hope.
It's still full of mystery and intrigue, and sets the scene for the final story to come.
Profile Image for Nelli Lakatos.
763 reviews30 followers
May 19, 2026
"𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚊 𝚙𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝚊 𝚟𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚗𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚐𝚗𝚘𝚛𝚎. 𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚐𝚘, 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚜 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚏𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐⁠ — 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚒𝚎𝚕𝚍 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐."

After absolutely falling love with book one and Rebecca's brilliant writing style, I couldn't have been more excited to dive into the second installment in this paranormal romance series.

The moment I opened up this novel, the dedication immediately enchanted me with its magic. Making me absolutely certain that this book was written for me.

I absolutely loved 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧. I honestly couldn't stop reading this beautiful novel. Loved reconnecting with the characters and meeting new ones. Dual timeline tales are always my favorites!

The ending?! I need book three right now!

I highly recommend checking out this wonderful book to everyone. ♡
Profile Image for Valerie Barrow.
36 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2026
Having absolutely loved "A memory not mine" the first book in this series, I wondered as you do, could the second book be as good? The short answer is YES ABSOLUTELY… I loved the vivid building of life and friendships in 14th century Romania mixed with the further development in present day Scotland of Mira's gifts and knowledge of her bloodline and the magic woven into it through the centuries… I absolutely love how Rebecca Byron can take me on an absolute roller coaster of emotions, experiencing true love, grief, vengeance and just about everything in between in one book.

The only thing I'm not happy about is that I now have to wait until January 2027 to find out how it ends!!!

Thank you to @rebeccabyronbooks and @bokksirens for sharing this digital copy with me in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Nicole Joyce.
32 reviews
May 3, 2026
I was so excited to be able to do an ARC review for Rebecca Byron again. As soon as I finished A Memory Not Mine, I knew Memory of the Blood Moon would immediately captivate me - and it did! I love how the two storylines come together. I really enjoyed Magda’s story and am hopeful to learn even more about her in the third book. As always, Mira and Baird’s relationship is beautifully written and one of support, openness, and honesty.
Profile Image for Brandy Huckaby.
339 reviews9 followers
April 13, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ for this one. I think I liked the first book just slightly more. ALTHOUGH. I will say that I enjoyed Magda’s story more than Agnes’ (in the first book). I just loved the beginning of Baird’s and Mira’s story in the first book. Their passion and chemistry was obviously still through the roof. I love their connection and fierce loyalty for each other. I loved their engagement….precious. I enjoyed seeing Mira really come into her own in this book. I just hope she doesn’t let this new power overtake her. Then, Magda, Caius and Dani’s story was wildly entertaining. It drew me in immediately. This friendship/love triangle and the story of young love. So sweet. The trauma experienced in her young life though was heartbreaking. I really feel for her character and hope she sees her happy ending. I’m not a huge fan of cliffhangers, but I loved the spot where this book ended. Plenty of mystery to leave me yearning for the next book while also somewhat at peace with where things are right now too. This story was so well-written. I can’t wait for the final installment! Why does it have to be so far away from now?!? Lol.
Profile Image for Andrea Merkord.
34 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2026
ARC review-
I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I read book 1 and immediately dove into book 2. I’ve avoided vampire stories for a while, but appreciated how this story carries heavy sadness and sweet, gentle love. The characters are well thought out and you grow to feel their love, anger, and pain as answers are revealed in our lead couples overlapping histories. My only complaint was the transition from first person to third person depending on POV, but the sexy Scottish accent helps! I will be looking forward to the final book.
Profile Image for Dr. Naushin Moledina.
182 reviews9 followers
May 30, 2026
Synopsis:

Mira Garvie thought she had left the unbelievable behind when she finally accepted Baird’s love and embraced her Sight. But when an enchanted ruby finds its way into her hands, showing her glimpses of a life lived and lost beneath a blood moon, she is pulled into secrets her bloodline has guarded for centuries.

Centuries earlier, Magda, a Romani peasant, survived betrayal, brutality, and death itself, only to be reborn with a single purpose: vengeance against those who destroyed her life and reclaiming what was stolen from her.

As their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, will Magda finally find the woman she has been searching for? And will Mira survive the fate that has chosen her for something she doesn't yet understand?

Review:

"Memory of the Blood Moon" by Rebecca Byron, the second installment in The Sanguis Amantium series, is a paranormal romantic suspense that picks up where book one left off, weaving together the stories of Mira and Magda across centuries of fate, love, and loss.

I honestly enjoyed this book even more than the first one.

Mira Garvie has finally come to terms with her Sight, and watching her step into her power was one of my favorite parts of the story. Her journey into the mysteries of the Garvie bloodline and her connection to the Goddess Brigid felt fascinating and beautifully layered. I loved seeing her slowly become whole again, filling the emptiness left behind by her parents' deaths and discovering a strength she never knew she possessed.

And Baird Campbell? He stole my heart all over again. His patience, loyalty, and unwavering love for Mira remained one of the strongest parts of the story. Even when he was afraid of losing her, even when doubts crept in, he never stopped loving her completely.

Magda's storyline was equally compelling. She begins as a reckless young woman chasing things she cannot have, but the consequences she faces are brutal and heartbreaking. Watching her transform from that young girl into a fierce, powerful woman determined to reclaim what was taken from her was incredible. Her journey from dead to undead was tragic, haunting, and unforgettable.

And then there was Dani Vero. His love for Magda transcended life itself. Even when she chose another man, even when she couldn't return his feelings, he remained loyal, protective, and devoted until the very end. His story broke my heart in the best possible way.

The dual timelines worked beautifully. One follows Mira and Baird in the present, while the other takes us to fourteenth-century Romania through Magda's eyes. Both timelines were equally engaging, richly detailed, and easy to immerse yourself in. The atmosphere is dark, the stakes remain high, and the character development is simply phenomenal.

This book made me feel everything—hope, heartbreak, grief, love, and longing.

There was honestly nothing objectionable about this book for me.

Overall, this is a must-read for fans of dual-timeline paranormal romantic suspense, tragic love stories, ancient bloodlines, and romances that linger in your heart long after you've finished the final page.
Profile Image for Dawn.
128 reviews7 followers
May 13, 2026
Thank you for the chance to read and review this- love being back with Mira and Baird and seeing how much their relationship has changed in the last 2 years of being together. It has a beautiful solidity to it, a real understanding of each other and one of the things I particularly liked, was true and honest communication with each other once they realised that secrets were holding them back. I do not like the misunderstanding trope so this was a breath of fresh air! The spicy scenes with the handsome Scotsman were also a nice bonus 🤭

For the majority of the book, it switches between Mira in the present day and Magda in the 14th century- both women are linked by visions Mira sees in a blood red pigeon ruby and opens a door to Mira discovering even more about her magic. I loved seeing the history of the women in her family, their links to the goddess Brigid and how Mira was coming into her own. The chapters with Magda's POV were heartbreaking and it made me feel angry that a young woman could be punished so horrifically by daring to want to love someone at a higher station.

One of my favourite quotes was:
"This wasn't the story of a reckless girl chasing romance. It was a tragedy written long before either of them had taken their first breath- a cruel, inevitable spiral of love and loss, of fate tightening its grip no matter how fiercely one fought it".

Looking forward to seeing how Mira and Baird's journey comes together in book 3 and how Mira continues to grow further herself and her magic.
Profile Image for Nilou.
11 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2026
I had the privilege of being part of the ARC team for the second book in the Sanguis Amantium trilogy. This sequel exceeded my expectations and left me thoroughly captivated. It’s an absolute delight to return to the enchanting world of Mira and Baird.

The dual timeline format was a brilliant choice, allowing me to delve into Magda’s captivating story. The seamless intertwining of both timelines created a mesmerizing narrative, and the profound connection between Mira and Magda left me both shocked and deeply drawn into the unfolding drama.

Mira’s intricate story layers were incredibly intriguing. Magda’s quest for vengeance evoked a range of emotions within me, from heartbreak to a sense of catharsis. The way Magda’s story concluded and intertwined with Mira’s was masterfully executed, leaving me eagerly anticipating the final installment in the Sanguis Amantium trilogy.

Rebecca, your brilliance shines through in every aspect of this trilogy. I can’t wait to read the final book and experience the incredible journey that awaits us.
Profile Image for Amy Evins .
8 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2026
I really enjoyed the first book, but this book was even better. She has the ability to intertwine multiples stories across a variety of characters that is full of surprises. You feel a part of each scene. She continues to draw you in as she builds the characters revealing layers of who they are. I read this in two days. I wasn’t able to put it done. Great job!
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,617 reviews148 followers
May 29, 2026
Memory of the Blood Moon by Rebecca Byron.
Sanguis Amantium book 2.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I do love this series. I did love Magda. She was my favourite. I had to get used to the writing style. I loved Magda's story. I loved that we are back with Mira and Baird. oh my. I can't wait for the final book. I definitely recommend this series.
Profile Image for Tonie Lancaster.
1 review
September 22, 2026
Loved it!

Had not heard of this series, but tried it anyway. Couldn’t put it down. Love the characters and the story.
Profile Image for FabledWhimsy.
98 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 3, 2026
Thank you, Rebecca Byron for sending me an ARC of Memory of the Blood Moon. I’m so incredibly happy that I signed up for this ARC, because it brought me to this amazing series. This book exceeded my expectations! Memory of the Blood Moon leans into darker themes and leaves you breathless with heartache.

:・゚✧:・.☽˚。・゚✧:・.: :・゚✧:・.☽˚。・゚✧:・.:

⏾ In this addition of the Sanguis Amantium series, we are greeted with familiar faces, Baird and Mira. I really loved that they return in this book, so steadfast and strong in their relationship, facing new challenges together. Their familiarity anchors this story as we bounce back and forth between Mira and Baird in the present day, to Magda in the late 1300s. What first appears as a simple delivery from one of Mira’s jewelry suppliers, quickly turns to visions of great pain and sorrow. Mira and Baird are thrown back into a world of magic and memories, but who is this woman Mira keeps seeing? Why is Mira being shown this?

⏾ I really enjoyed Baird and Mira, much like the first installment of this series. However, the new characters are what makes this book for me. Firstly, Magda. Her story unfolds before our very eyes, we are passive onlookers to her inevitable fate. Her story is one of heartache and pain, of grief and sorrow. Magda’s tale is achingly painful, a girl born into nothing aside from the role she must play as a woman. She is, by definition, wild and free. Yearning for power and to be something more, but forced into submission. Suffocated into a life that chafes against her very existence, all in the name of survival. A story known to many of us, she is punished, yet has no committed no crime. She suffers at the hands of men for nothing other than the misfortune of being born a woman in a man’s world. Suffering for the mere act of falling in love. However, when she gained the power she wanted, she was still stripped of choice. Nothing but an instrument to greater forces. Magda’s feminine rage was palpable, I felt every last inch of her fury and I wanted to watch her burn the whole world down.

⏾ Magda’s childhood best friends: Dani and Caius. Dani is a gentle giant, quiet and brooding. His size and stature give him the tools for violence, yet he chooses to create rather than destroy. He aides his father in his forge. He is reserved and non-forthcoming with his feelings. This immediately endeared him to me. I don’t want to spoil anything, or give anything away, so it’s very hard to describe his character and what I felt for him in this review. Just know he will have an incredibly special place in my heart, and will be a character I will not soon forget. He only ever truly wanted one thing, and it came with no expectations, no conditions. He is endless in his patience and sacrifice.

⏾ Caius was a true victim of his upbringing. Tied together by fate to Magda, both born under the same Blood Moon, their mothers ripped away due to childbirth. Where Magda was raised with love, Caius was met with disdain, blamed for the death of his mother. Raised under the chains of cruelty and sucked into a cycle of abuse due to the contempt his father held for him. The Caius we meet at the start is very different from the Caius we know at the end.

⏾ Memory of the Blood Moon has incredibly heavy themes. Make sure you are taking care of yourself while reading this, and make sure you read the trigger warnings. Grief is a fog, heavy and thick that permeates its way through this book. Sorrow weaves through the pages like smoke, it sticks to your entire being. I appreciated the weight of this. Rebecca tells a tale of survivors and the pain that remains after the inferno of rage burns away.

⏾ Memory of the Blood Moon is a story of sifting through what is left, dusting off the embers of sadness and picking yourself back up again. Putting emphasis on the choices we make next, do we succumb to aimless pain and revenge? Or do we see the rays of hope that shine through the clouds? 
Profile Image for Kristi Hamm.
64 reviews3 followers
May 5, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Tropes: Vampire romance, fated mates, dual timeline/POV, found family, forbidden love/love triangle, marriage of convenience, magic and goddess worship, magical legacy and awakening, morally gray characters

Quotes:
"My magic pressed against my ribs, insistent now, the way heat builds in gold just before it becomes workable. Holding it back took effort, disrupted my rhythm. So I stopped fighting it. I chose to become malleable."
"The goddess is generous, but she's never been merciful. Every gift she gives is a debt owed, and Brigid's debts are always paid in blood or love--and sometimes, they're the same thing."
"I had come fearing death, but I left fearing purpose."

Review:
Thank you very much to Rebecca for reaching out and allowing me to read this book prior to it's May release. This is my honest review and opinion. This is book 2 in the Sanguis Amantium series, but even if you haven't read book one first this is still enjoyable on it's own. The story follows multiple timelines through the perspectives of Mira and Baird (present day), and Magda (Romania in the 1300's). The writing is very atmospheric and easily pulls you into the worlds layered with mystery, magic and supernatural elements.

Initially I struggled with the timeline splits and how they were relevant to each other, as well as the use of Scottish dialect to emphasize the accent. Having to pause while reading to work that out did tend to pull me from the intended level of immersion and I'm not quite sure it added to the book. That being said, it was still a great read, I just got more hung up on that aspect for it to really be enjoyable.

The story also feels like a "filler book" due to the unanswered questions --almost like it is a bridge to the heavy hitter that may be coming in book 3. I loved Mira and Baird's relationship but it seemed like there were some pretty substantial topics mentioned that kind of got glossed over or just touched on in passing (like their desire for a pregnancy despite the odds for example). The ring was a great touch but their story just felt like there were some loose ends just left to hang in the breeze.

I'm also torn on how I feel about Magda but maybe that's the intent? While realistic, her attitude towards Dani was pretty "ick" inducing and kind of made me dislike her as a main character, which seems at odds with her role in the plot and potential future books...while I could empathize with her awful circumstances and what happened after the fire, not a huge fan of how she handled things prior to that. Pro Mira all the way, so I enjoyed when she stood up to Magda at the wedding reception.

Thank you again for the opportunity to meet these characters, I look forward to what happens next in their stories!
24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 12, 2026
Born under the same blood moon, a fate worse than death unites two souls in life and death. Reading this gives me chills. Rebecca Byron’s sophomore book is a fantastic read - a giant step towards grandiose style story telling with rich imagery and flow. It is bolder, full of poetic antidotes and verses mingled with lore of atrocious history of class inequality and the inevitable heartbreak of a tragic love triangle in the making. All of this is told in the present through the eyes of Mira our MFC from A Memory Not Mine. She has the ability to see and feel a lifetime of memories like a movie reel simply by holding a random item - a talisman if you will. As the relic demands to be seen and heard, Mira learns more of her abilities, her heritage and background, and unexpected revelations regarding her relationship with Baird; however, every action has a consequence whether good or bad. Running parallel simultaneously to Mira’s present is a sub-story involving Magda, Caius, and Dani - perhaps a cautionary tale for Mira, Baird, and yet another? How does this relate to Mira? Is she a beacon to right a centuries long wrong? Byron brilliantly captures the reader with not so subtle foreshadowing, melancholic tone sometimes turned sinister, and great anticipation of impending disaster and doom at nearly every turn. The mystery and suspense are carefully balanced with quiet interludes of exposition providing a fast and at times stressful read. The past is rapidly hedging upon the present, and the characters respond in panic and at times mere acceptance. Will Mira and Baird be just another victim of circumstances? Are the star-crossed lovers doomed for terrible loss and become victims of yet another cataclysmic end? There are promises of adventure and self discovery. Nothing is what it appears. With power comes great responsibility, and the natural order of things punishes just as easily as it rewards. Life and death, love and loss, and happiness and despair are all sides of the same coin balance on an invisible precipice. Byron does an amazing job bringing to life two stories running concurrently with enough suspense and resolution to both without sacrificing substance. This is true story telling, a prophesy in the making, and I am committed to see what’s in store for Mira and Baird.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 27, 2026
Firstly, thank you to Rebecca Byron for the opportunity to be part of the ARC team — it genuinely made the reading experience feel that much more special.

I went into this not entirely sure what to expect, and ended up being really pleasantly surprised — particularly by the shifting timelines. The story moves between the present and 600 years in the past, and watching those threads slowly weave together was one of the strongest aspects of the book. There isn’t a huge, shocking twist, but honestly… it doesn’t need one. It’s an easy, immersive read that lets the emotional weight of the story do the heavy lifting.

That said, this book does not shy away from dark subject matter — trauma, violence, blood magic — but it handles these themes with a lot of care. Nothing feels romanticised or exploitative; instead, it acknowledges the weight of these experiences without dwelling unnecessarily. It’s a difficult balance, and one the author manages well.

The romance was another highlight for me. I really appreciated that we don’t fall into frustrating miscommunication tropes. Mira and Baird’s relationship continues from book one in a way that feels natural, grounded, and genuinely supportive. Even without the “getting together” being the focus this time, their connection still feels strong, warm, and worth rooting for.

The past timeline especially stood out. Magda is flawed in a very believable way, and while you can almost sense the tragedy coming, it’s written with enough nuance that it never feels heavy-handed. It’s painful in a quiet, inevitable way — which honestly makes it hit harder.

And Baird… just—
“I would live this life — and the last — a thousand times over. I would endure every loss, every shadow, just to stand here with you. Right here. Right now.”
Yeah. That one stuck.

For me, this sits at a solid 4★. The only thing holding it back from a full 5 is that I found myself wanting just a bit more depth — a little more complexity or sharpness to some of the reveals. It felt slightly too smooth at times, when there was definitely room to push things further.

Overall though, I genuinely enjoyed this and am very much looking forward to seeing where the story goes in book three.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Skylor.
38 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 14, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from the Author. 

Thank you Rebecca for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team. I was sent a copy of a memory not mine and zoomed through it in about 5 days. I immediately dove into MOTBM. I highly recommend reading these two books back to back as the flow is expertly done. 

He is a ten… but secretly commissions you to make your own engagement ring!
Okay, I’m kidding. I absolutely love Baird as an MMC. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Baird Campbell is a feminist, and I love that about him. He worships the ground Mira walks on without ever holding her back. So many vampire–human relationships in books are portrayed with the vampire as overly controlling, especially when the human is female. As a feminist, that’s just not the vibe. 

In this book we see a lot of Mira finally accepting her gifts. This leads to further knowledge of the power that runs in her bloodline and her connection to the goddess Brigid. This connection leads to changes in Mira. As she changes, we’re left wondering whether this transformation will ultimately be a good thing or not.

Alongside Mira and Baird we are introduced to Megda. The vibes of this plot are very different, I mean her story takes place 600 years ago so I'm sure this goes without saying. Her story ripped my heart out. Some of my favorite moments of this whole book were the ones between her and Dani.  Her character was really well written. I was impressed how composed her character is, even after waiting 600 years for what she was promised. I fully expected the years to have warped her morals and to see her return and rip the heads off of half the wedding attendees.

Again though, Dani…. He was also so damn respectful and kind. The second half of the book hit a little different for me after his plotline ended. Which gets me to my next point. The trigger warnings, READ the list before beginning this book. I read them beforehand, but when I say the scenes packed a punch I mean it. The author definitely handled them with grace and respect, but damn did they cut deep. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to getting to see this story unfold in the final installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ciara Hartman.
Author 21 books59 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 4, 2026
📝 ARC Review: A sequel that delivered!! We all know how it goes, you love book 1 and are excited for the sequel only to be let down… not so with this series!! The authors’ writing was just as beautiful and poignant in book 2!

(This series DOES need to be read in order.)

We dive back into Mira & Baird’s life when a gem speaks to her with more than just her usual style of vision. It tells a story of tragedy and pain, life and death. And suddenly she’s thrust into a world where she’s meant for more than she could’ve imagined. But we also have the perspective of Magda, a rash, passionate young girl from 14th century Romania. A girl who wants more from her life, yet chooses a path that ends in tragedy.

I loved being back with these characters and meeting new ones! Just like with book 1 (A Memory Not Mine) this story delivered intensity, intrigue and tragic romance that tugged on all my heart strings. If you enjoy witches and vampires, I highly recommend this series! Also gives kinda gothic feels, especially book 1. - I’m super excited for the finale, book 3 is supposed to come out next year!

(This story does have some sensitive topics, so check your CW’s! - The feminine rage in this was very well done I thought.)

Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Series: Sanguis Amantium, Book 2.
POV: First Person & Third Person; Multi
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3.5/5
Release Date: May 5, 2026

Vibes: Tragic; emotional; intense and intriguing!

Quotes 👇

“That, she said, was how people lost their souls: by twisting magic until it served ambition instead of need.”

“Magic was neither good nor evil—people were.”

Tropes 👇

- Dual timelines
- 14th century Romania
- Scotland (present day)
- Tragic historical love story
- Vampires, Witches & Gods
- Clairvoyance
- Magical realism
- Metal smithing
- Feminine rage
- Family lineage

CW’s 👇

- Graphic violence
- SA by multiple men (told from the survivor’s perspective)
- Death of a child & spouse
- Death of wild animals (non graphic)
- Death after childbirth
- Blood drinking

Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Bella.
496 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 28, 2026
Memory of the Blood Moon by Rebecca Byron completely consumed me in the best way. This is the kind of story that pulls you under slowly and then all at once, leaving you breathless and a little wrecked by the end.

From the very beginning, there’s this haunting, almost hypnotic energy woven through Mira’s journey. Watching her uncover the truth about her bloodline and step into a power she doesn’t fully understand felt mesmerizing. There’s something so intimate about the way her magic is tied to memory, emotion, and legacy. It made every moment feel heavier, like nothing came without meaning or consequence.

The connection to Brigid and the deeper mythology layered into the story added such a rich, immersive element. You can feel the weight of devotion, sacrifice, and expectation pressing in on Mira as her power grows. It’s not just about magic, it’s about what that magic demands from her, and that question lingers in every chapter.

Magda’s storyline absolutely broke me. Her pain, her endurance, and the way her story stretches across time felt so raw and powerful. You don’t just read her chapters, you feel them. The way the past and present intertwine is beautifully done, building tension and emotion until everything collides in a way that feels both inevitable and devastating.

And the romance… it’s deep, intense, and full of that aching kind of love that refuses to fade, even when everything is stacked against it. There’s a sense that love here isn’t soft or easy, it’s something that demands, transforms, and sometimes destroys. I loved every second of it.

This book is dark, emotional, and layered with meaning. It explores love, sacrifice, destiny, and the cost of power in such a gripping way. I was completely invested from start to finish and honestly didn’t want it to end.

If you love stories that feel atmospheric, powerful, and a little haunting, this one will stay with you long after the final page.
Profile Image for MJ.
88 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 2, 2026
(I was given an advanced copy of this book from the author, and all thoughts/opinions are my own and voluntarily provided)

"For a long moment, we simply looked at one another, balanced on the edge of something irrevocable, knowing that whatever came next would change us—and choosing, just for that heartbeat, to linger there."


Memory of the Blood Moon is such an amazing continuation of Mira and Baird's story from book 1, A Memory Not Mine.

This book explores the depths of magic through Mira's bloodline, providing a rich history about the Garvie family ancestry. Mira and Baird continue to grow in love and build a life together, which is both a messy and a beautiful process. The emotional and physical connection between Mira and Baird is off the charts! There is a fire between them that isn't just erotic; it is passionate, deeply emotional and completely transcendent. These characters puts the general, human experience in the bedroom to shame 😂

This book adds an entirely new layer of intrigue by introducing a past timeline through flashbacks telling the story of Magda, a Romani peasant, from centuries before Mira was even born. I found Magda's story to be deeply emotional and heartbreaking, and her part in this book really moved me.

As the story unfolds, you learn why Magda's story is so important, how she is connected to Mira, how magic connects every one of Mira's ancestors over the span of centuries, and how deeply Baird has always been connected to Mira's history without even knowing it. I loved the way reading this book felt like puzzle pieces slowly coming together to create a vibrant picture.

This book has every supernatural element I crave in a book. Unveiling secrets, magical intrigue, deep connections, historical elements, character flashbacks, humanized vampires, goddess lore, and women stepping into their power. If you love fantasy books with vampires, magic, rich history and connections that make your heart beat too fast, this book is for you.

Thank you so much for sharing an ARC with me, Rebecca! I am dying to know how this series ends. ❤️
Profile Image for Taniesha Edwards.
Author 1 book4 followers
August 28, 2026
I finished this book on the lunar eclipse blood moon, that has to be significant right? Will I get blessed by the goddess? Here's to hoping ❤️

Book 1 was really good, but this one was amazing! I categorized the first as more of a “vampire romance”, it laid good foundation for the story to continue which I understood since the story does in fact continue...and we will get more! ❤️
I was really excited to dive back into Mira and Baird’s world and while that didn’t disappoint, I got to know Magda. I loved everything about her and her tragic story. (I can’t wait to hear more.)
I was deeply invested in Magda, Mira, and even Sorcha’s stories. What can I say, I love magical, powerful women. I love watching women step into their power and be who they are made to be!
This book has more magic, witchy and mystical vibes than the first. We get to hear about “creatures” that aren’t fully understood, gods/goddesses and their tether to our fate, more of Mira’s gift as well as her transformation as she no longer resists it. I am really interested to see how Mira’s transformation and being a vessel for the goddess Brigid will unfold. There is still the vampire romance aspect, but it is a smaller portion of the story in this book.
I am still hooked and can’t wait to see what Mira’s purpose is…and how her’s and Magda’s futures are connected. I hope we continue to hear more from Sorcha too! I am also curious as to Robbie’s role. Does he know more than he lets on? Why is he so skeptical? Rebecca does a fantastic job of slowly revealing parts of each of the character’s stories and how they intertwine with each other.


• Vampire Romance
• Witchy
• Powerful Transformation of the FMC (Magda and Mira)
• Deep Lore
• Goddess Power / worship
• Magic systems involving gems, spells, generational magic, clairvoyance
Profile Image for Lora.
11 reviews
Read
May 3, 2026
I eagerly read this arc as I was excited to continue the story of Mira, Baird, and their friends. The spicy chemistry and loyalty the couple feel for each other develop even further in this novel. Byron introduced a second story line set in the 1300's involving Magda, who was betrayed and brutalized leading her to search for a woman who can help her find what she had lost utilizing a magical ruby. These two storylines intersect as Mira explored her bloodline and its connection to the goddess Brigid.

This paranormal romance involved magical beings such as vampires and witches, and contained themes of justice, vengeance, loss, grief and sacrifices made in the name of love. This novel is best suited for adult readers as there is explicit content which may trigger some readers. There is a scene of sexual assault but it was written in a manner that was NOT callous or offensive.

This story is well-written and engaging with an effective use of Scottish brogue. There is interesting detail about Mira's jewelry making skills. Byron draws you in and you feel invested in the characters and what will happen to them next. Here is a quote to demonstrate her writing style: "Euphoria hums through me as invisible hands bear me higher and higher, until I am soaring through the night on wings of sound--protected, guided, urged forward." I hope that the next novel will flush out some of the back stories of Bastien and Magda as well as what happens to Caius and Serban. I will be eagerly anticipating the next instalment of the Sanguis Amantium series, and see where Byron takes these wonderful characters next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for April.
288 reviews7 followers
May 15, 2026
⭐⭐⭐.5

So excited to be back in the Sanguis Amantium series with Baird and Mira. This is a dual-timeline with different POVs between modern day (Mira and Baird) and in the 1300s with Magda. The ruby Mira is styling is the catalyst ultimately bringing them together.

As a refresher, Mira has the clairvoyant gift that if she touches items that have particularly intense feelings associated with them, she can see visions. The last book left us with her having a gut wrenching vision after holding a ruby she’d purchased.

This book’s journey has us trying to understand the message in the stone, but also how Baird and her family lineage plays into it. We are also following the story from the stone’s origin, in the 1300s with a character called Magda. I loved this timeline. Why did I picture Dani as Samwise? LOL No idea, I just did.

I did have a bit of a time getting into this one as much as I did the first book but, regardless, I am such a fan of Rebecca’s writing style and what an artistic wordsmith she is, I’d read anything she put out because it’s so pleasing to my reading palette. Oh, and there's Baird... and once a fan of him, you will absolutely completely stay a fan of his. He is just a giant Scottish cinnamon roll vampire. I'll take one to go, thankyouverymuch.

I’ll save the spoilers for my reading journal so if you check those pages out, you’ve been warned. This is a book two so don’t expect a resolution to all of the questions between us the readers and Mira (LOL, cause she’s got plenty!), but the ending did have me raise my eyebrows with an… what an interesting twist and nod of approval! Clever clever!
Profile Image for HollaBook Vibes.
117 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 3, 2026
Rebecca Byron truly leveled up with Memory of the Blood Moon. This sequel is darker, richer, and more emotionally layered than book 1, and I absolutely devoured it. From start to finish, I was completely hooked.

Magda’s storyline was especially powerful. Her journey is both compelling and devastating, and even now I can still feel the emotional weight of her story. That thread of the story lingered with me long after I finished.

I also really loved Mira’s growth and self-acceptance in this book. Watching her uncover more about her heritage while stepping into her power felt so satisfying. I loved the witchy vibes throughout this book!

Baird continues to be such a solid, supportive MMC. His fierce love for Mira never wavers, and I appreciated the steadiness he brings to the story amid all the chaos and emotional intensity.

The introduction of Brigid added another layer of depth that I really enjoyed, especially knowing a bit of the author’s inspiration behind her inclusion. It made the mythology feel even more intentional and immersive.

One of my favorite elements of this book is how it explores the way the past shapes the present, sometimes in ways we don’t even realize. That theme is woven so beautifully through both timelines, adding weight to every choice the characters make.

And that setup for book 3?? My anticipation is HIGH. I need to know what’s next for Mira, Baird, Magda, and Anca… and I’m still holding out hope we can bring Dani back. I’m not over his story!
Profile Image for AGirlReadsandWrites.
80 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2026
I read A Memory Not Mine last October. When I saw that ARCs were being offered for Memory of the Blood Moon I knew I had to be a part of it. I am so thankful that I was selected. This was a fantastic continuation of the series. We continued with Baird and Mira’s stories where they left off after book 1, and this book only made me love them more. We also got dual timelines with some new characters that you’ll love, hate, and will break your heart.
I am not usually a fan of love triangles, but this one didn’t feel forced. It felt more genuine and was so heartbreakingly beautiful.
There was love, growth, mystery, and tragedy in this vampire and magic story.
Be sure to check your trigger warnings. This book deals with heavy themes and SA.
Overall, I absolutely loved it.

Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️
🏔️🏔️🏔️

Quotes:

"You’re a rare and magical thing, Mira Garvie. And all this time, ye thought I was just bein’ romantic."

Baird's quiet acts of service still had a way of tugging at my heartstrings.

"Perhaps I am a fool—but I loved you then, and I love you still.”

A soft warmth unfurled in me then—for a man whose pure heart held more love than I ever believed was possible.

That was what love did. It upended everything—turned the world inside out, made survival itself feel impossible.

“Because if you won't… if you choose cowardice again… then so help me, I will be the one to put you in your grave."

But even monsters, I was learning, were often born of grief so vast it hollowed them out.

I had come fearing death, but I left fearing purpose.

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