Produce an heir. Save House Lobo from oblivion. Do not get attachedValentineI have no time to court anyone. Not even Mirella, my genetically engineered bride. My entire heritage hangs in the balance and she’s the solution. Plain and simple. Only it isn’t. Not when she arrives at my doorstep, looking so damn sweet and naïve. Not when she ignites something deep inside me. So tiny against me… Lord Valentine, Head of House Lobo, Shifter, and with one Save my House at all costs. Or that’s what I thought. Until she ends up in my bed and all hell breaks loose.MirellaI was made for Lord Valentine. Literally. To produce an heir. That’s what he needs, but not all I want. Not what I dreamed of when I lie at night, thinking of my future at his side. I want more. I want to be the ruler of my own destiny. Then he steps into our Bridal Chamber, and I can’t help but tremble before his raw power. With one word. One look. One kiss. One command… I’m his.
Monica La Porta landed in Seattle several years ago. Despite popular feelings about the Northwest weather, she finds the mist and the rain the perfect conditions to write.
This was ok, good enough to get me to finish the book, but there are so many loop holes in the plot, poor world building, so many things the leading characters didn't see coming, so many things that just seemed too over the top for me to be able to flow with the story. Definitely disappointed that the shifters no longer can shift for this world. That took away all the fun for me to read a shifter story. I like the physical aspect of their animal side. I felt the leading characters were just ok. Mirella almost comes across as a doormat or a Stepford wife to Valentine's moods. She seemed to only get a spine when it suited the story's plot. Valentine was a bit too much for me, almost bi-polar in his emotions & these are blinding extreme emotions. I really didn't feel I knew the characters any better at the end of the book, than I did at the beginning. This has a definite cliff-hanger ending, for the series. I understand it's 3 books for Valentine & Mirella's story, & 3 books for the Dragon's story in the series, I'm betting there will be 3 more to come for the Vampire too. But I'm definitely not interested in following the series.
I've been back and forth on 3 or 4 stars for this one. The first of a three volume series (and a free first) volume, there is a lot about this I love. 1) It's a super-genre-mashup with paranormal/fantasy/sci-fi/romance/erotica. Basically, all my favorite bits. 2) It has a alpha-male hottie and intrepid heroine. 3)A handful of appealing secondary characters. 4)A dollop of suspense.
Regrettably, it also had some major plot holes that both the hero and heroine were far to intelligent to miss. And while there were no noticeable, word misusage suggest spell-check run amok. I was also disappointed that it was a three part series - but not enough that I didn't read the the other two. All three volumes, together could have been one well-edited novel or no more than 2 books. Either that, or they needed better plot development. Books 2 and 3 also fell off in the erotica, with most happening off page and the really hot bits hinted at in book 1 never materialized.
An interesting otherworldly and sexy novel. It's a little different from what I expected from this author but it was still good. I was a little disappointed and would've loved more world building and character building as well. The characters themselves weren't bad and I loved how Mirella's sassy attitude and strength when she showed it. And Valentine is a sexy strong alpha male who is also an ass at times but we love our bad boys. I like the tension between the characters and how the story played out. I'm interested to read more of this world and the other paranormal characters that were introduced. I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
CAPTIVATING, COMPELLING AND COMPLETELY SPELLBINDING !!! Title: The Fifth Moon's Wolf Series: The Fifth Moon's Tales Author: Monica La Porta Designation: Book One of Completed Trilogy, Not A Standalone, Cliffhanger Warning Reading Platform: Kindle Edition My Rating: Five Fabulous Stars***** I adore science fiction, infatuated with space odysseys/operas, fascinated by steam punk, completely smitten with anything paranormal and love, love, love romance but give me the perfect combination of all five and I'm in heaven, and that's exactly what Monica La Porta has given her readers in The Fifth Moon's Wolf, the first release in The Fifth Moon's Tales. I've been a La Porta fan for several years and love everything she writes but this series really piqued my interest when she released the first book of the trilogy in April 2016 but I decided to wait until the story was complete. In retrospect, I'm sorry I waited, yet, I'm not sure my 65-year-old heart could have withstood the delay between books. lol... Yes, I get that involved in the books I read but, as usual, I digress. My resolve almost crumbled when La Porta released the second book of the trilogy, The Fifth Moon's Wife, at the end of July 2016 but I remained strong. On December 6, 2016, La Porta released The Fifth Moon's Lovers, the third book of the trilogy, and I dove in! And OMG, I was completely spellbound! I could NOT stop reading! I binge read all three books, approximately 560 pages, and was turning the pages so fast, my Kindle could hardly keep up. I loved it! I found the story to be imaginative, exciting, fast-paced, well-crafted and edited. The narrative was beautifully written in the third person with alternating his and her perspectives. The dialogue was seductive, mesmerizing, well-executed and flowed beautifully. The world building was absolute perfection with exquisitely detailed descriptions and beautiful scene depictions that not only brought the story to life in my mind but also left me breathless. But without a doubt, the pièce de résistance of this remarkable tale and my favorite component was the cast of fascinating characters. I found them to be unique, intriguing, well-developed and engaging. At the heart of every great story is a memorable hero and/or heroine and La Porta has created the perfect pairing with our two protagonists, handsome dominant werewolf Valentine Lobo and beautiful genetically-engineered human 'Blessed Bride' Mirella Canalis. Valentine Lobo is the lone surviving werewolf in existence and Mirella was created solely for him, the result of hundreds of years of gene manipulation. I was immediately drawn into this story by these two extraordinary characters who completely captured my heart. As I stated earlier, this story is a fascinating blend of futuristic science fiction, steam punk, fantasy, paranormal and space odyssey filled to the brim with danger, drama, adventure and suspense but skillfully woven throughout this remarkable tale is one of the most passionate, heartwrenching and emotionally gripping love stories I've ever read. At the end of Book One, I was angry; at the end of Book Two, I was heartbroken and inconsolable, but by the end of Book Three, I was content. I giggled, snorted, sobbed, ugly-cried and shook my fists in anger throughout the entire series but by the end I was happy, satisfied and completely entertained! Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! Would I recommend it? You bet and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain some steamy, dreamy love scenes. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! And finally was I entertained? Completely! I was glued to my seat, white knuckling my ereader with my heart fluttering wildly in my chest while the hours flew as quickly as the pages! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Valentine Lobo is the last surviving werewolf and it's his job to ensure the continuation of his species. Unfortunately, for that to happen, he must marry and impregnate his genetically engineered human Blessed Bride. Sound simple? Not quite! It takes hundreds of years of genetic manipulation to produce the perfect candidate and once she comes of age, he has no choice; he must marry her. He will never love her. He can't afford to fall in love because his bride will die giving birth to his heir just as his mother died giving birth to him, a fact his father could not forgive. It's the way it's always been and the way it will always be. Love plays no part in the equation or so he thought until the beautiful Mirella Canalis came into his life. Now he must find a way to defeat his enemies and accomplish the impossible to save her but will he succeed? We'll see!
The premise of the book sounded so interesting. Shapeshifters in space that couldn't reproduce naturally anymore so had brides "manufactured" in order to be able to. The catch? The women died after carrying the child. The idea sounded good so I picked it up. Yeah, the idea was good, but everything else was to be desired.
The writing. I liked Monica's style and how and when she decided to describe the world. Monica also does well with using time appropriate verbiage.
Pros: The world was interesting. We have this Victorian era, steampunk-ish world that these earth survivors have created after earth became uninhabitable. The process of space somehow changed shifters (wolves and dragons are the only ones mentioned) and vampires so they lost some aspects of what they were on earth while also keeping others.
The writing. I liked Monica's style and how and when she decided to describe the world. Monica also does well with using time appropriate verbiage.
Cons: We have yet another case of a pretty little "love bow" that tries to claim an abusive, controlling man who views his "destined" woman as no more than a plaything that he gets possessive over, is a perfect love interest and hero; and a (to start virgin and experienced only by her specific lessons on how to be) woman who hates how she's treated but somehow feels so much attraction for this man for some unknown reason that his behavior is okay. Or in this case it has to be okay, because this "blessed bride" is basically a glorified sex slave.
I wish I were joking about this. These two barely have any civil interactions at all, except when he's choosing to bend her over and have sex with her any way he deems while she is expect to enjoy it (and for some reason does even when she's mad at him). She was literally groomed from birth to please him in bed, and that was to be her only purpose and desires. Valentine even has a harem on the side and doesn't see it as a big deal up to this 50% mark. (We don't see him have sex with these women, though with no love between him and his bride, it's implied, and he was with his "favorite" courtesan right at the beginning of the book). The harem obviously upset the heroine but hey, she gets no say, literally. She gets orders from him to basically not have a say in anything he does to her or how he treats her.
Even if this guy is "redeemed" in the end, he can't be in my books. I wanted to know more about his vampire friend and the dragon shifter he was trying to broker an alliance with, than I wanted to read more about how Valentine "owned" the heroine. And honestly, even with their redeemable traits, I don't think I'd pick up a book following them as I'd be afraid of this same situation would inevitably happen.
Another issue I had was this whole death by childbirth bit. The bride doesn't know about this part, Valentine does, and yet it's not explained why. Why does she die? Is it the process of childbirth? In a scifi setting, a c-section wouldn't be an issue. Is it that the process of growing a werewolf child is what kills her? Well then I can see the issue there, but even if there's a way around it found by the end of the book I couldn't force myself through it (but I see in some reviews this is left on a cliffhanger so I doubt I'd get the answer at the end).
I haven't read a lot of shifter stories that have drawn me in, but I loved this one. The imagery described by the author - the colors, the textures, the smells - amazing! There is a lot of creativity that went into describing the surroundings. If you read a paragraph, then close your eyes, you can see it. I also loved the story line.
Valentine Lobo is the ruler of Lobo Mansion, the benefactor for surrounding areas, and the last wolf standing on his planet, Lupine. He's surrounded by a harem of courtesans and several servants waiting to fulfill his every need. But what Valentine needed was an heir to keep his species alive. And only one person was suitable for mating. He was going to be forced to marry her, but he refused to allow his heart to get involved.
Mirella Canalis was born, raised, and taught how to please Valentine Lobo before she even knew anything about him. Her job was to mate and provide him the heir he desperately needed. She'd learned how to become a devoted wife and serve her husband as he desired. She was ready to become his Blessed Bride.
Valentine and Mirella have an interesting dynamic, and their intimacy leaves a lot to be desire by Mirella. Mirella isn't the subservient young woman and Valentine isn't the overbearing dominant I would have expected. There were a lot of surprises and twists, and I was happy book 2 was available when I finished!
Valentine Logo is the last of his line. The long journey through space to this the planet Lupine caused unforseen side effects to the all the wolf shifters. He hopes this Blessed Bride that he has waited so long for will provide him with an heir. He cannot allow himself to become attached to her though. Mirella Canalis has been born and raised to be the Blessed Bride. The only purpose she has is to please the Master Lobo and give him a child. Protected all her life , she doesn't know the true consequences of what is being asked of her. There is danger stalking our heroine. There are a lot of exciting things to learn from her husband and about the world around them. This is a very sexy, paranormal /sci-fi romance. It's set in a fascinating world, with lots of very interesting characters and adventures. It's a exciting and emotional book. Our author has left us with a teaser for the next book. I can't wait to read it.
Once again I have put an excellent book on the back burning. I can't believe I had waited so long to start this series. From the moment I started reading the book I found it so hard to put it down. Ever page I was nervous to discover what was going to happen. It was so suspenseful, I am still feeling the butterflies in my stomach.
Valentine really should realize no matter how hard you try to push feelings they will always be there. But you cannot use the fear of losing something prevent you from being happy. Being happy for a time being, is better than being sad for the same time period.
If you have not started this series it is a must and you must bring tissues. You will cry and laugh and even hold your breath. So run out and get this book today.
So on some future planet after people left earth, a werewolf (who doesn't actually shift) marries a woman who was literally bred to be his wife. Apparently she will die in child birth though, but only a few people know that. Valentine becomes more attached to his wife than he thought possible and he is disturbed by a series of attacks on her.
There is no real explanation for anything that happens. I don't know why they're on this planet or why everyone is obsessed with the Blessed Bride. I don't know why Mirella was attacked, I don't know why that one guy was so insistent that she go back to the vestal house. It seemed like there could have been a pretty decent story here if we just got away from how much Valentine and Mirella wanted to have sex with each other.
Valentine Lobo is the last werewolf in the Coral system and has a mate who has been genetically engineered to give him an heir. However when he marries Mirella Canalis the arranged marriage changes to be complementary souls that are joined with passion and love. However it starts a chain of events that could destroy their happiness when politics and jealousy intervene. Can they survive everything that is thrown at them?
I loved this story which was filled with emotions and passion as Valentine and Mirella met and started to form their relationship despite all of the reach and potential problems that they encountered. Well told and clear/easy to understand it was a charming introduction to the Fifth Moon's Tales and promises a lot of interesting stories going forward.
I enjoyed this book but skipped the erotic love scenes between husband and wife, Valentine Lobo & Mirella. Such scenes are not necessary since the author otherwise wrote a good book. Mirella is a well trained innocent as the Fifth Moon’s Blessed Bride, and Valentine is handsome, experienced, and rough as he barely controls his inner wolf. Someone wants Mirella dead but who? The book ends with an unanswered question.
I downloaded Fifth Moon's Wolf as a free novel from Amazon. An interesting storyline and unique world-building, but there were so many things that match Earth, it didn't really seem like a sci-fi novel. Genre aside, I enjoyed te characters and the writing style. A good read for paranormal fans, although the readers looking for an otherworldly plot may be disappointed.
The writing style, editing, etc. was fine with this book and I had initially thought I'd love this one but the story was just not for me. Couldn't get further than about 40% or so in before I had to give up trying to finish the book. Something just felt off and unrealistic with the chemistry/choices of the characters I think.
I strongly believe his favorite courtesan is the culprit. Ill have to read the second book too find out the outcome. I really enjoyed this crazy book with the crazy wolf.
Valentine and Mirella are forced to marry by ancient tradition. Gradually Mirella work her way into her cold husbands heart. Great plot and characters can't wait for the next story. Smart, sexy and innocent Mirella is just the one to tame his wolf.
At first I was disgusted by the macho nature of reading but as I progressed I was hooked. Hoping to continue reading the story of Valentine and Mirella.
I received an ARC from the AUTHOR MONICA LA PORTA in exchange for an honest opinion. This is Mismousey’s very honest opinion of her book “THE FIFTH MOON WOLF.” OMG Is this book totally out of this WORLD AND TOTALLY WOLFIE!! Ms. La Porta has taken this story in a new direction and into one that you will not be looking for. Having read every book that this amazing very talented & gifted author has written. By reading her writing of her past books- I can tell that her writing skills are truly remarkable as she takes pen to paper. Ms. La Porta – creates a world of uniqueness in which you are able to visualize everything as if you are taking place in the story itself. Her characters & scenes are so well detailed have depth to them. That you are not only able to see the characters themselves but also the actual places and what is happening. In this story we find a total different wolf story then I ever expected. Usually when I open a book written by this author it is about the immortals or their young. But this time- I found it to be about a couple. A uniquely romantic and complex love story. That has the last the werewolf alive getting married to a genetically engineered woman that he is destined to marry. One that was destined to be married when they were young. Mirella is called the Blessed Bride and is to married on the Fifth Moon. However, she does not know that she is only to live till she bares a cub. This is their story Mirella and Lord Valentine Lupo. Someone is out to kill her but and why? She is to stay at the temple for the entire year continue child is born. That is tradition. Now that she has been threaten – the Lord takes her away to his palace. Who would want the Blessed Bride dead? And why? Will anyone or thing come between the couple? For all these answers and more you need to READ THIS OUT OF WORLD BOOK!!! IT WILL KNOCK YOUR WOLF OFF! I recommend this book to all. Especially to those that love an EXCELLENT PARANORMAL ROMANCE. Mismousey gives this book a FIRM 80 out of 5 mouse paws. NOW MAKE SURE TO ADD THIS TO YOUR GOOD READS READING LIST THEN RUN AND GET YOUR COPY TODAY. Ms. La Porta- you never fail me; you keep the mouse on her tail with each new story. I am so looking forward to your next one with anticipation. This mouse is biting her nails – I have to have more of your wolves and you!!! Your writing and skill is such pure genius and MASTERFUL! Waiting on mouse tails and pins for the next book—please hurry!!!
What I adore most about Monica La Porta is her world building, now this one is a bit different to the series I have read so far set in Rome, But there is a salute to the past in the traditions that have made their way in the centuries since the Shifter's of Earth have set out from earth to colonize the galaxies.
Valentine Lobo is the last werewolf left in all the Coral System and boy he is worthy of Ms Laporta's stable of Leading men ( Marcus, Alex and Samuel are in my top Ten Book boyfriend list) I am hooked already on this brooding Leading Man, he has a lot on his shoulders, and these Coral System Wolves are no longer able to shift, the wolf inside trapped but they are still stronger than normal humans. When Valentine's Genetically engineered bride, Mirella Canalis is attacked he goes against tradition to keep her safe. Taking her to his home where the passion ignites - Mirella may have been specifically designed to breed with Valentine, but his wolf wakes and wants more than just an arranged marriage, Valentine soon begins to thaw, and when Politics and hidden agendas threaten both the relationship and the peace of the Coral System, can Mirella figure out who is against her before Valentine duels in battle to the death?
This book had me thinking about the characters every time I had to put it down, I finally got to sit and finish it on Friday... and OH heck I want book two ASAP.
Monica has a hit on her hands - this is a must read series if you are into Paranormal.