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Blue Moon
Travel to the sultry bayou in this sizzling and suspenseful romance from New York Times bestselling “queen of romantic suspense” (Booklist) Linda Howard!Sheriff Jackson Brody knows folks get a little crazy under a full moon, especially in steamy backwater country. But on the trail of a scorching murder mystery, it’s the lawman himself who succumbs to the spell of a beautiful, mysterious stranger in this “white-knuckle romantic thriller” (Booklist, starred review), perfect for fans of Jayne Ann Krentz and Carla Neggers.
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1999
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568 people want to read
About the author
Linda Howard
223 books7,180 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.
Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.
Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
June 24, 2017
Blue Moon by Linda Howard is a 2017 Pocket Star publication.
I’m browsing the Overdrive library titles when I notice this new release from Linda Howard. I didn’t know she had a new book coming out. Well, as it so happens, this novella was originally a part of an anthology, titled “Under the Boardwalk’, released back in 1999.
So, if you happen to have read that book, this story may seem mighty familiar to you, because it is not a new release after all. However, I had not read the anthology, so for me, it is a pleasant surprise to have found it released as a single novella and available to download from the library.
Set in Alabama, Sheriff Jackson Brody, is cursing the rare 'blue moon’ phenomenon, when he gets an urgent call from his dispatcher. Soon he finds himself heading out in a boat to rescue a woman named Delilah, living way off the beaten path, who is also rumored to be a witch.
Once he lays his eyes on Lilah, something inside him shifts, causing an unexplained tension between them. If Jackson didn’t believe in magic before, he certainly does now.
Novellas are hit and miss for me, but this one is pretty good. I enjoyed the paranormal flavor, the way Howard captures that steamy Alabama atmosphere, and created a super sexy story with both emotion and danger within such a limited amount of time and space.
Having been published back in the late nineties, some readers may notice a very slight datedness, which comes from the typical outline of romance novels written during this time frame, but I thought the story stood the test of time admirably, with only a moment or two of old fashioned alpha male sentiments, but overall the story is written in Linda Howard’s classic style, which I happen to really like.
As with most novellas, the romance moves superfast, because there is just no time for a slow build up, so be prepared for a slight insta-love vibe, but also keep in mind there is a little supernatural element helping things along.
Overall, this was a nice short story to read on a very, very rainy Saturday.
3.5 stars
I’m browsing the Overdrive library titles when I notice this new release from Linda Howard. I didn’t know she had a new book coming out. Well, as it so happens, this novella was originally a part of an anthology, titled “Under the Boardwalk’, released back in 1999.
So, if you happen to have read that book, this story may seem mighty familiar to you, because it is not a new release after all. However, I had not read the anthology, so for me, it is a pleasant surprise to have found it released as a single novella and available to download from the library.
Set in Alabama, Sheriff Jackson Brody, is cursing the rare 'blue moon’ phenomenon, when he gets an urgent call from his dispatcher. Soon he finds himself heading out in a boat to rescue a woman named Delilah, living way off the beaten path, who is also rumored to be a witch.
Once he lays his eyes on Lilah, something inside him shifts, causing an unexplained tension between them. If Jackson didn’t believe in magic before, he certainly does now.
Novellas are hit and miss for me, but this one is pretty good. I enjoyed the paranormal flavor, the way Howard captures that steamy Alabama atmosphere, and created a super sexy story with both emotion and danger within such a limited amount of time and space.
Having been published back in the late nineties, some readers may notice a very slight datedness, which comes from the typical outline of romance novels written during this time frame, but I thought the story stood the test of time admirably, with only a moment or two of old fashioned alpha male sentiments, but overall the story is written in Linda Howard’s classic style, which I happen to really like.
As with most novellas, the romance moves superfast, because there is just no time for a slow build up, so be prepared for a slight insta-love vibe, but also keep in mind there is a little supernatural element helping things along.
Overall, this was a nice short story to read on a very, very rainy Saturday.
3.5 stars
September 9, 2018
Muy cortita, en apenas 50 páginas tiene lugar una historia de amor con un toque paranormal, cuyos protagonistas y el escenario donde transcurre darían incluso para un libro más largo.
March 15, 2021
What a hot little read! I actually wish we could get their full story. Jackson is my kind of alpha. He's a strong, dominant male who was very protective of Lilah. And Lilah was very interesting. I would have loved to have gotten more about her abilities. Everything about these two was interesting and the chemistry was off the charts.
May 4, 2017
This is an older novella being rereleased as an e-book. It is fantastic. Romance, paranormal and a touch of suspense. I really wish Linda Howard would write more characters like Jackson and Lilah. LH sure can fully flesh out a character even in a novella.
Jackson is the Sherriff in a poor, rural county in Alabama. As the Blue Moon comes up the crazies come out. One crazy believes it is time to rid the county of the "witch". Jackson saves Lilah and is stranded at her remote primitive cabin. Lilah is no witch, she is a folk healer, sees auras and had flashes of precognition and what she sees when she looks at Jackson is all red and scares her to her very soul.
Jackson is the Sherriff in a poor, rural county in Alabama. As the Blue Moon comes up the crazies come out. One crazy believes it is time to rid the county of the "witch". Jackson saves Lilah and is stranded at her remote primitive cabin. Lilah is no witch, she is a folk healer, sees auras and had flashes of precognition and what she sees when she looks at Jackson is all red and scares her to her very soul.
May 6, 2017
Sheriff Jackson Brody heads out to the remote home of Delilah Jones to prevent a murder. He ends up stranded there when his boat is stolen and a storm comes in.
Like many I was expecting a new book. Not a reprint. And though I didn't see evidence that I had read this book, I know I have. Even with my memory going, I do remember reading this so, yes, I was disappointed. However, I read it again and I did like it but it's a novella so there simply isn't much development of the characters or the plot. Also, it ends rather quickly and leaves you feeling cheated. The main characters don't get a chance to really get to know each other but you are left with the belief that they will live happily ever after.
Like many I was expecting a new book. Not a reprint. And though I didn't see evidence that I had read this book, I know I have. Even with my memory going, I do remember reading this so, yes, I was disappointed. However, I read it again and I did like it but it's a novella so there simply isn't much development of the characters or the plot. Also, it ends rather quickly and leaves you feeling cheated. The main characters don't get a chance to really get to know each other but you are left with the belief that they will live happily ever after.
September 7, 2017
So it turns out I have read this before. Not sure if I knew that before I requested it from my library or not (it's been so long since I made the request), but I read it anyway. The story is just like I remember it - insta lust, dominant man, submissive (in bed) woman, but strong when someone tries to kill her, followed by amazing sex and then luuuuuve.
I absolutely love some of Linda Howard's books, but I can't say this is one of them. It's typical of her style and I can't say I didn't know what I was getting when I got the book.
If you like fantasy and paranormal type books, along with insta everything, and the steamy sex too, you will love this book. If you want realism and a real plot, this may not be for you.
I absolutely love some of Linda Howard's books, but I can't say this is one of them. It's typical of her style and I can't say I didn't know what I was getting when I got the book.
If you like fantasy and paranormal type books, along with insta everything, and the steamy sex too, you will love this book. If you want realism and a real plot, this may not be for you.
August 16, 2018
A Blue Moon will bring out the irrationally violent side of otherwise moderately intelligent people.
This Sheriff Jackson Brody knows for a fact. But there are things he doesn't know...
Delilah is a recluse down the river in backwoods Alabama. Her neighbour fears her and decides to shoot her ass when the blue moon warps his clear thinking... well as clear thinking as he gets swilling beer alone in his cabin.
A wee bit paranormal but perhaps not what you expect from the title...
Even in short stories, Linda Howard doesn't cheat on the importance of character and setting. That said, I wish it had been a bit longer. Their romance was a bit rushed and the ending was conveniently wrapped up. But I still enjoyed it!
This Sheriff Jackson Brody knows for a fact. But there are things he doesn't know...
Delilah is a recluse down the river in backwoods Alabama. Her neighbour fears her and decides to shoot her ass when the blue moon warps his clear thinking... well as clear thinking as he gets swilling beer alone in his cabin.
A wee bit paranormal but perhaps not what you expect from the title...
Even in short stories, Linda Howard doesn't cheat on the importance of character and setting. That said, I wish it had been a bit longer. Their romance was a bit rushed and the ending was conveniently wrapped up. But I still enjoyed it!
April 23, 2017
It was too short, because I always want more of Linda Howard's stories. But this was a charming, little story with wonderful characters and a touch of magic.
November 6, 2020
Linda Howard doing what she does: sexy heated romance spiced with a little danger and a touch of the paranormal. This novella is short at 70 pages (Kindle) but manages to build decent characters and great atmosphere (Alabama swamps), and we get not one but two hot sex scenes between our MCs. It's instalove, sure, but that's nothing new for LH characters, who quite often bond sexually and emotionally and team almost from the get-go. Likable MCs (a rural lawman and a shotgun-wielding fiesty heroine) are familiar and much-loved territory from LH. The suspense/danger elements get lip service but in a story this short, something has to give. Overall, an enjoyable, if not stellar, escape in short form.
April 14, 2024
Another novella. Was… OK.
April 18, 2017
Super sweet little short story
November 22, 2016
I've read Blue Moon ...a novella, I guess...several times and I really liked it. Lilah is a different heroine, in many ways, from Howard's other strong women, and yet she's very much like them in ways that count. I think she and Jaine and Jane and Rachel would have understood each other.
I'm glad it's finally going to be available as an ebook.
I'm glad it's finally going to be available as an ebook.
September 25, 2018
Demasiada corta...pero me gusto además de que es paranormal...me hubiera gustado ver como solucionaban donde por fin se establecieran...si en el bosque por ella..o en la ciudad por él y su trabajo...personajes muy bien desarollados.
May 24, 2017
Short and delicious romance by Linda Howard, she always brightens my day. Never stop writing Ms. Howard, never.
June 7, 2017
Read as part of the Under the Boardwalk anthology
March 18, 2018
I'm still getting used to my Kindle so I didn't realize when I got this book from my library that it was a novella. And I didn't find out until I swiped on the last page and got the "end of book" message instead of the new chapter I'd expected. I was completely caught off guard because this story isn't really written as a novella. It's more like just the first 1/3 of an unfinished book. There are things that are introduced and never paid off because of the abrupt ending, which I always find very irritating. But I did like the two main characters so it wasn't a bad book, just unsatisfying.
Also, as an aside, this is apparently a re-release of an old story, not the new one it's being marketed as, so watch out.
I liked the chemistry between Jackson and Lilah, and how protective Jackson was of her right from the start. Lilah was no fragile flower though, and I liked how well she took care of herself. The insta-love was even more blatant and unbelievable that in most books, thanks to the small page count, but if this had been a fully developed book, I wouldn't have minded it so much.
I guess what irritated me the most was that I went in expecting a full novel and got invested in the characters and was looking forward to reading about how they resolved their differences. Instead it just ended with no hint of a resolution. Just a vague hand-wave about how they'd work it out somehow because they loved each other too much not to. Disappointing.
Also, as an aside, this is apparently a re-release of an old story, not the new one it's being marketed as, so watch out.
I liked the chemistry between Jackson and Lilah, and how protective Jackson was of her right from the start. Lilah was no fragile flower though, and I liked how well she took care of herself. The insta-love was even more blatant and unbelievable that in most books, thanks to the small page count, but if this had been a fully developed book, I wouldn't have minded it so much.
I guess what irritated me the most was that I went in expecting a full novel and got invested in the characters and was looking forward to reading about how they resolved their differences. Instead it just ended with no hint of a resolution. Just a vague hand-wave about how they'd work it out somehow because they loved each other too much not to. Disappointing.
April 25, 2017
A lovely story of backwoods legends and unobstructed love. Worth reading.
Sheriff Jackson doesn't believe in witchcraft but can't deny the feelings he has at first sight of Lilah Jones. Stranded together in a storm makes everything real. Could of used a longer storyline for this one. Recommended.
Sheriff Jackson doesn't believe in witchcraft but can't deny the feelings he has at first sight of Lilah Jones. Stranded together in a storm makes everything real. Could of used a longer storyline for this one. Recommended.
August 13, 2017
A pretty quick read from Linda Howard.
Though the chemistry isn't as sparkling as her classic, full length novels, the drama packed enough punch and I enjoyed reading this baby. I just realize that it's a novella and novella means it'll be devoured less than two hours. Haha, it's not enough for me!
Look forward to read more from Linda Howard!
Though the chemistry isn't as sparkling as her classic, full length novels, the drama packed enough punch and I enjoyed reading this baby. I just realize that it's a novella and novella means it'll be devoured less than two hours. Haha, it's not enough for me!
Look forward to read more from Linda Howard!
April 24, 2017
Novella. Quick read. Pretty good. Easy to knock out while waiting for an oil change.
May 8, 2017
2.5 Stars
January 2, 2020
2.5 ⭐️⭐️
I’ve enjoyed this author’s books for years. Nonetheless, this book was a bit disappointing. I would have loved for the book to have explored Lila’s precognitive abilities and how she used her aura seeing abilities. I liked Jackson and Lila, but the speed in which they acted on their mutual attraction was a little too swift. Further, I thought the ending was much too abrupt. There were also a few issues with tense, (e.g., I would’ve ran instead of I would’ve run).
With its paranormal aspects and the likability of Jackson & Lila, this book would have been really good had it been longer and more developed. (I am aware that this was a very early work, so some relaxation of my usual rating system is warranted in this case). This author’s writing has gotten progressively better as the years have gone by.
I’ve enjoyed this author’s books for years. Nonetheless, this book was a bit disappointing. I would have loved for the book to have explored Lila’s precognitive abilities and how she used her aura seeing abilities. I liked Jackson and Lila, but the speed in which they acted on their mutual attraction was a little too swift. Further, I thought the ending was much too abrupt. There were also a few issues with tense, (e.g., I would’ve ran instead of I would’ve run).
With its paranormal aspects and the likability of Jackson & Lila, this book would have been really good had it been longer and more developed. (I am aware that this was a very early work, so some relaxation of my usual rating system is warranted in this case). This author’s writing has gotten progressively better as the years have gone by.
September 4, 2024
MY RATING GUIDE: 3.5. BLUE MOON is a short novella, an early published Suspense Romance by Linda Howard. It has the beginnings of an interesting novel that I might have truly enjoyed (had it been more than a novella). As is, it’s a light, quick, entertaining (slightly paranormal) romance read that has held up fairly well with the passage of time (technology excepted). This was a revisit to a book I read many years ago by one of my long time favorite authors.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Formerly from west Texas, Jackson Brody has been the small town Sheriff of a Southern Alabama town for the past 2yrs, long enough to know that crazy things happen to his citizens during a full moon. This month has the dreaded Blue Moon and a call from his dispatcher has him meeting a new face among his citizens. Delilah Jones, a reclusive single woman, lives alone off the bayou with only water access to her home. Brody is sent to her area to assist when trouble is brewing.
Comments ~
Originally published in 1999, BLUE MOON is an early Linda Howard Standalone novella. It’s not the best of her books but readers who enjoy Howard’s early books might enjoy checking it out. LAKE OF DREAMS is also found in STRANGERS OF THE NIGHT, a collection of 3 novellas by L Howard - LAKE OF DREAMS, WHITE OUT and BLUE MOON.
READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to those who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - PG.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Open door intimacy scenes occur.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Formerly from west Texas, Jackson Brody has been the small town Sheriff of a Southern Alabama town for the past 2yrs, long enough to know that crazy things happen to his citizens during a full moon. This month has the dreaded Blue Moon and a call from his dispatcher has him meeting a new face among his citizens. Delilah Jones, a reclusive single woman, lives alone off the bayou with only water access to her home. Brody is sent to her area to assist when trouble is brewing.
Comments ~
Originally published in 1999, BLUE MOON is an early Linda Howard Standalone novella. It’s not the best of her books but readers who enjoy Howard’s early books might enjoy checking it out. LAKE OF DREAMS is also found in STRANGERS OF THE NIGHT, a collection of 3 novellas by L Howard - LAKE OF DREAMS, WHITE OUT and BLUE MOON.
READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to those who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - PG.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Open door intimacy scenes occur.
January 1, 2022
A delightful insta-love novella. I love the atmosphere of the story. The chemistry between them was fantastic. Always one of my favorites to go back to.
June 7, 2024
A reread after I read this novella in Strangers in the Night. I wish this novella was just a little bit longer. I think the ending was a little abrupt. But I still really enjoyed it.
March 29, 2022
Jackson Brody is the sheriff of a small Alabama town. One day he gets a call from his dispatcher saying that a local redneck is heading to the local "witch's" place to start trouble. Jackson borrows a boat and heads up the river to Delilah Jones' place. There he finds a beautiful young woman defending her home against the crazy redneck. He scares the attacker away, but at Delilah's invitation, stays to have lunch only to find that the intruder stole both the sheriff's and Delilah's boats, leaving them stranded as a monster storm approaches. Of course, they fall instantly in love - and in bed.
May 22, 2017
Mysterious Backwater
Short read, but packed. Loved the rural backwoods "isms" of small town life. Liked hearing Brody's thoughts in the comic situation s. Good read, don't miss.
Short read, but packed. Loved the rural backwoods "isms" of small town life. Liked hearing Brody's thoughts in the comic situation s. Good read, don't miss.
May 13, 2017
Good
Good story but very short. I liked it tho. There was not a boring moment. Short stories are sometimes better than long ones.
Good story but very short. I liked it tho. There was not a boring moment. Short stories are sometimes better than long ones.
April 19, 2017
Short But Oh So Sweet
Sheriff Jackson Brody is a hero that is easy to find intriguing. I found myself a little in love in just a few pages, and through Lilah's eyes, I fell the rest of the way. Lilah herself is a fascinating heroine, and the only complaint I have is that I wanted more of the story. I wanted to read how their HEA came about! Great read!
Sheriff Jackson Brody is a hero that is easy to find intriguing. I found myself a little in love in just a few pages, and through Lilah's eyes, I fell the rest of the way. Lilah herself is a fascinating heroine, and the only complaint I have is that I wanted more of the story. I wanted to read how their HEA came about! Great read!
April 20, 2017
Jackson is a sheriff of a small town, and Lyla, the "witch" who see's auras
February 7, 2018
Jackson Brody the Sheriff of the town believes the town folk to be crazy under a full moon. He is sent on the trail of Thaniel Vargas, who is always causing trouble, especially with Lilah Jones who he believes is a witch with all his superstition. Lilah lives alone in the backwaters of Alabama on a river bank. She could read auras, just as her mother and her mother’s mother. The house she lives in has no electricity, plumbing or heat, however she lives peacefully without a care. While on his trail of a murder mystery, he finds himself drawn and captivated under the spell of the Lilah. The H/H did not waste any time becoming intimate as the passion was definitely there between the two. She is beautiful and mysterious…and for Brody he was going to find it very hard to give her up.
Blue Moon is a very short novella. This is a first read by Linda Howard for me and I found her story to be nice and entertaining. I am guessing that this is an earlier novel of hers as the read had some grammatical errs that a times made it hard to understand the intent of the thought. Would I read more from this author…..yes. I truly enjoyed the read.
3.0 Stars
Blue Moon is a very short novella. This is a first read by Linda Howard for me and I found her story to be nice and entertaining. I am guessing that this is an earlier novel of hers as the read had some grammatical errs that a times made it hard to understand the intent of the thought. Would I read more from this author…..yes. I truly enjoyed the read.
3.0 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews