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Mated by Fate #1
Hunt the Moon
Who’d think to bring silver bullets to a wedding? When Isabelle “Izzy” Meyers arrives in Montana and discovers her human foster brother is marrying into the local werewolf pack, she wishes she’d brought an arsenal. Werewolves can’t be trusted, and Izzy should know…she is one.
Luke Wyland never planned on becoming an Alpha. He’s still navigating how to protect the pack from the rogue threat that’s been hunting in his territory, claiming his father as one of their victims. Yet the moment Luke lays eyes on Izzy, something primal takes root. Finding a mate who wants nothing to do with him is a complication he doesn’t need, but letting Izzy go isn’t an option.
After a childhood marred by shifter violence, Luke is everything Izzy was raised to hate. So then why does being with him feel so intensely right? With a thinning pack to defend, Luke knows what he has to embolden Izzy to unleash her true nature—or risk losing everything.
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
This book is approximately 95,500 words
Carina Press acknowledges the editorial services of Mackenzie Walton
Luke Wyland never planned on becoming an Alpha. He’s still navigating how to protect the pack from the rogue threat that’s been hunting in his territory, claiming his father as one of their victims. Yet the moment Luke lays eyes on Izzy, something primal takes root. Finding a mate who wants nothing to do with him is a complication he doesn’t need, but letting Izzy go isn’t an option.
After a childhood marred by shifter violence, Luke is everything Izzy was raised to hate. So then why does being with him feel so intensely right? With a thinning pack to defend, Luke knows what he has to embolden Izzy to unleash her true nature—or risk losing everything.
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
This book is approximately 95,500 words
Carina Press acknowledges the editorial services of Mackenzie Walton
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2018
61 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Kari Cole
3 books78 followersKari Cole is an award-winning author of paranormal romances. Her action-packed stories have earned several awards, including the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart®, Kiss of Death’s Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, and Toronto Romance Writers’ Catherine. She lives in upstate New York with her college sweetheart, two way-too-smart-for-their-own-good sons, and a ridiculous labradoodle named for the bravest of Star Wars heroes, Artoo.
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www.karicoleauthor.com
www.facebook.com/karicoleauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 16, 2019
REVIEW
I like to try new authors and when I found this book by Kari Cole I wanted to read it. The blurb had me intrigued.
I would say the cover depicts the characters of Luke Wyland and Isabelle Meyers, there is also a full moon in the background of the cover behind the two shifters.
The genres listed for this book include Romance, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy which fit the book very well.
The books central characters are Isabelle and Luke. Isabelle has lost both her parents in an incident many years ago in a planned shifter attack. The girls end up in the care of her bitter, shifter hating grandmother. It is the grandmother that makes both Izzy and Bess ashamed of their heritage and makes them learn to suppress their inner wolf. The grandmother is a very cruel woman, she keeps the girls from others of their own kind and even forces the girls apart from each other, punishing them if she finds them comforting each other or even holding hands.
Then when social services finally intervene and the two girls are placed in foster care with Hank & Abby and their adopted son Freddie. The girls naturally find it hard to settle in and trust they will not be abused as they were with their grandmother. Hank & Abby try many times to adopt the two girls but their grandmother refuses.
This book has quite a lot going on as human Freddie is marrying Rissa who is a shifter. Freddie has invited Izzy whom he considers his sister to meet his wife to be and her extended family. As soon as Izzy comes into contact with Rissa she realises that she is a shifter. You would think as a shifter herself Izzy would be happy to find a pack that seems intent on welcoming her. However her grandmother has filled her head with everything negative about shifters.
Then there's Rissa who is the Luna in her pack. Luke has only recently taken the role as alpha as his father & his father's beta, were killed along with a couple of young female shifters. Luke has his hands pretty full already with trying to find out who killed his father. Then there's the people that keep going missing, then turning up dead!
When Izzy meets Luke Wyland, the Alpha of Rissa's pack the air practically sizzles. Luke instantly knows that Izzy is his mate! As Luke learns more about Izzy he wonders What on earth could her human grandmother have done to her and her sister Bess for them to fear their own kind? And why had the Chicago pack not come forward to help the two girls, especially after their grandmother died? How could any pack allow their own species end up in the care system under "only human care"??" Luke knows he cannot reveal his attraction and mate bond to Izzy, he needs to gain her trust and coax out her inner wolf before that or he may lose her.
The fact that Izzy was a vegetarian and is totally repressing her wolf has Luke and brother Freddie concerned. Both Luke and Freddie are very protective over Izzy so they kind of butt heads a lot especially when Freddie realises that Luke is attracted to Izzy even though Freddie is a breakable human he threatens Luke the very strong alpha! Eventually Freddie reveals some of Izzy's tragic past to Luke including the fact her sister Bess killed a man the one time she was in wolf form. She also video calls Izzy to tell her what she has done and to say goodbye to her sister and shoots herself. Obviously Izzy is devastated about her sisters suicide which to her just reinforces what their grandmother instilled in them, that shifters are bad, they kill and their inner wolf should be repressed at all times!
Along with trying to help Izzy, Luke has the problem of the mysterious deaths in the area his pack lives in. Is it a human killer or a shifter?
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were that this book was fairly medium paced to begin with but certainly becomes really action packed nearer the end. This book ends with a few loose ends which is good news because I would love to read more about this Were pack.
This book has some great book boyfriend worthy characters, Luke, Dean and Freddie to name just three possibilities. If you love kick butt females there are plenty of those too, Isabelle, Rissa, and Abby for example.
What more can I say? I'd love to read more by this author as well as definitely wanting to read more of the Mated By Fate Series. If you love a great shifter book then this one should be on your reading list!
I like to try new authors and when I found this book by Kari Cole I wanted to read it. The blurb had me intrigued.
I would say the cover depicts the characters of Luke Wyland and Isabelle Meyers, there is also a full moon in the background of the cover behind the two shifters.
The genres listed for this book include Romance, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy which fit the book very well.
The books central characters are Isabelle and Luke. Isabelle has lost both her parents in an incident many years ago in a planned shifter attack. The girls end up in the care of her bitter, shifter hating grandmother. It is the grandmother that makes both Izzy and Bess ashamed of their heritage and makes them learn to suppress their inner wolf. The grandmother is a very cruel woman, she keeps the girls from others of their own kind and even forces the girls apart from each other, punishing them if she finds them comforting each other or even holding hands.
Then when social services finally intervene and the two girls are placed in foster care with Hank & Abby and their adopted son Freddie. The girls naturally find it hard to settle in and trust they will not be abused as they were with their grandmother. Hank & Abby try many times to adopt the two girls but their grandmother refuses.
This book has quite a lot going on as human Freddie is marrying Rissa who is a shifter. Freddie has invited Izzy whom he considers his sister to meet his wife to be and her extended family. As soon as Izzy comes into contact with Rissa she realises that she is a shifter. You would think as a shifter herself Izzy would be happy to find a pack that seems intent on welcoming her. However her grandmother has filled her head with everything negative about shifters.
Then there's Rissa who is the Luna in her pack. Luke has only recently taken the role as alpha as his father & his father's beta, were killed along with a couple of young female shifters. Luke has his hands pretty full already with trying to find out who killed his father. Then there's the people that keep going missing, then turning up dead!
When Izzy meets Luke Wyland, the Alpha of Rissa's pack the air practically sizzles. Luke instantly knows that Izzy is his mate! As Luke learns more about Izzy he wonders What on earth could her human grandmother have done to her and her sister Bess for them to fear their own kind? And why had the Chicago pack not come forward to help the two girls, especially after their grandmother died? How could any pack allow their own species end up in the care system under "only human care"??" Luke knows he cannot reveal his attraction and mate bond to Izzy, he needs to gain her trust and coax out her inner wolf before that or he may lose her.
The fact that Izzy was a vegetarian and is totally repressing her wolf has Luke and brother Freddie concerned. Both Luke and Freddie are very protective over Izzy so they kind of butt heads a lot especially when Freddie realises that Luke is attracted to Izzy even though Freddie is a breakable human he threatens Luke the very strong alpha! Eventually Freddie reveals some of Izzy's tragic past to Luke including the fact her sister Bess killed a man the one time she was in wolf form. She also video calls Izzy to tell her what she has done and to say goodbye to her sister and shoots herself. Obviously Izzy is devastated about her sisters suicide which to her just reinforces what their grandmother instilled in them, that shifters are bad, they kill and their inner wolf should be repressed at all times!
Along with trying to help Izzy, Luke has the problem of the mysterious deaths in the area his pack lives in. Is it a human killer or a shifter?
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were that this book was fairly medium paced to begin with but certainly becomes really action packed nearer the end. This book ends with a few loose ends which is good news because I would love to read more about this Were pack.
This book has some great book boyfriend worthy characters, Luke, Dean and Freddie to name just three possibilities. If you love kick butt females there are plenty of those too, Isabelle, Rissa, and Abby for example.
What more can I say? I'd love to read more by this author as well as definitely wanting to read more of the Mated By Fate Series. If you love a great shifter book then this one should be on your reading list!
May 2, 2018
Well now, Luke isnt one to hold back his thoughts, “what?” Luke asked. “That’s not possible.” Could Isabelle have survived this long on fruit and vegetables? “Is this why you look half-starved?” he blurted." Luke just loves to tease his woman, "his eyes glimmered with amusement. “Fine . Fine. I’ll turn my back. You don’t have to, though. I’m not shy.” There are times Luke has trouble processing things, “what?” Maybe he was having a stroke, because he didn’t seem to be processing language very well. Of course, the problem could be his mate playing with the hair on his chest..." I liked this book, I loved Luke.
May 15, 2018
My new favorite paranormal author!!
I was lucky enough to score an advance copy of Hunt the Moon, and even before I got through the first chapter I was in love with the Alpha hero! His Mate was, shall we say, more reluctant to surrender to his charms. Lol! But when she did it was super sweet and smokin’ hot all at once. The suspenseful plot kept them on their toes from start to finish, and the secondary characters—like the sexy sheriff Vaughn—definitely need their own stories please! All in all, a terrific shifter romance along the lines of my other fave paranormal author Nalini Singh.
I was lucky enough to score an advance copy of Hunt the Moon, and even before I got through the first chapter I was in love with the Alpha hero! His Mate was, shall we say, more reluctant to surrender to his charms. Lol! But when she did it was super sweet and smokin’ hot all at once. The suspenseful plot kept them on their toes from start to finish, and the secondary characters—like the sexy sheriff Vaughn—definitely need their own stories please! All in all, a terrific shifter romance along the lines of my other fave paranormal author Nalini Singh.
June 10, 2018
I just visited a brand new world by debut author Kari Cole. This promising new shifter world – Marked by Fate – is well developed with strong, enthralling characters that easily draw readers in and invite them to stay. Kari Cole brought her world to vibrant life with well written descriptions that made it easy to picture the each and every scene as it happens and made it easy for the readers to imagine they are part of the story.
The hero and heroine, Luke and Izzy, of the first book – Hunt the Moon – are easily connected to and have a strong electrical chemistry that sizzles from every page. Their romance is rocky and full of emotional turbulence since Izzy has a very troubled and disturbing past that tugs at reader’s heartstrings but makes Izzy fear Werewolves despite the fact that she is one. Izzy’s characters is definitely a troubled one and the author did a great job of showing readers the past that caused such emotional issues that readers can certainly understand why she is the way she is and it also shows just how strong Izzy is and Luke is sexy and all alpha but with a heart that clearly has what it takes to help Izzy overcome her past and move toward a happily ever after.
The plot is fast paced and full of twists that keep readers on their toes, lots of action to get the adrenaline pumping and lots of suspense to keep readers glued to the pages wondering what will happen next and that’s not to mention that the bad guys have quite a few surprises for this pack as well so there is never a dull moment to be found in this exciting and thrilling story.
I was fascinated by Izzy and Luke’s story and was captivated by the other characters in this pack as well, so I will impatiently await the release of Vaughn’s story – Touch the Sky - which will be releasing this fall.
Note: Hunt the Moon has explict sex scenes, memories of child abuse, references to rape.
The hero and heroine, Luke and Izzy, of the first book – Hunt the Moon – are easily connected to and have a strong electrical chemistry that sizzles from every page. Their romance is rocky and full of emotional turbulence since Izzy has a very troubled and disturbing past that tugs at reader’s heartstrings but makes Izzy fear Werewolves despite the fact that she is one. Izzy’s characters is definitely a troubled one and the author did a great job of showing readers the past that caused such emotional issues that readers can certainly understand why she is the way she is and it also shows just how strong Izzy is and Luke is sexy and all alpha but with a heart that clearly has what it takes to help Izzy overcome her past and move toward a happily ever after.
The plot is fast paced and full of twists that keep readers on their toes, lots of action to get the adrenaline pumping and lots of suspense to keep readers glued to the pages wondering what will happen next and that’s not to mention that the bad guys have quite a few surprises for this pack as well so there is never a dull moment to be found in this exciting and thrilling story.
I was fascinated by Izzy and Luke’s story and was captivated by the other characters in this pack as well, so I will impatiently await the release of Vaughn’s story – Touch the Sky - which will be releasing this fall.
Note: Hunt the Moon has explict sex scenes, memories of child abuse, references to rape.
June 1, 2018
Hunt the Moon by Kari Cole is the story of Isabelle “Izzy” Meyers and Luke Wyland. Izzy has come to Montana for her 'brother's wedding. When she arrives with him she quickly learns he is marrying a werewolf shiftier and that he has become a part of their 'pack'. Izzy too is a Shiftier but she and her twin sister were taught to hide it because they were monsters. It impacted them so much that when they finally were so mistreated by their grandmother they fought back when they were around 12 years old. This put them in the human foster care where she met her foster parents and brother. Although they kept what they were to themselves her sister finally ended up killing herself because of such treatment that they had and how their wolves were monsters. So of course Izzy goes into protective mood for her brother. Luke is the pack Alpha leader and has been longing to meet his mate which turns out to be Izzy. But she is slowly killing herself trying to deny who she is and has harsh feelings toward his pack. I loved this book so much... I wish I could give it a 100 stars!! I couldn't put it down!
June 16, 2018
Exceptional Read
I don’t generally read paranormal romance, and this is my first shifter novel since *gasp* Twilight. I freaking loved Hunt the Moon. Every word. Cannot wait for the next in the series!
I don’t generally read paranormal romance, and this is my first shifter novel since *gasp* Twilight. I freaking loved Hunt the Moon. Every word. Cannot wait for the next in the series!
June 12, 2018
Luke wondered who would have thought being Alpha would involve so much paperwork. A truck rumbled out of Townes Aviation. Luke’s cousin Dean barged into the conference room wearing his deputy sheriff uniform. Fifteen months ago four of their packmates including Dean's sister and Luke’s father were murdered. Then Dean said said they had another missing person - a human - Eric Conroy who was the county clerk. No one had seen Eric since he left work yesterday. Dean said he had a bad feeling and so did Luke. That was five missing now. Here they had a pack and the pack could find anything in their territory. Yet they had found no sign of the logger who has been missing seven months or the two female hikers who had vanished a month ago or even the lifelong resident who sold all his land just after New Years Day and disappeared without a word to his three kids . Dean was Luke's Beta- or second in command in the pack. Luke added no one was to search alone including Dean. If someone or something was hunting in their territory he wouldn’t let his wolves be easy targets. Ressa came into her family business- Townes Aviation- Freddie was her mate. Dean and Ressa had been Luke’s best friends since they were kids. The responsibility of their home and care for it and the people who lived there weighed on Luke. His dad would have said that is what an Alpha does- the worries, comforts, manages and directs. And when that doesn’t work he knocks heads. Grief pounded at Luke at the thought of his father and the others they had lost. Luke won’t rest until each of the missing humans were accounted for in honor of his dad. Fury ate at Luke for not being able to find his dads and the others murderers. Within him his wolf snarled. Izzy felt Freddie was more than just another parentless kid who shared a foster home with Izzy. In every way that mattered Freddie was her brother. Freddie said Izzy was nothing but skin and bone and their foster mom- Abby- was a force of nature, a tidal wave that swampede people with her care. Lately Izzy couldn’t satisfy her bottomless pit of a appetite. Then Freddie said not to worry that they would fatter Izzy up before their mom Abby and dad Hank got there. Izzy had flown a Blackhawk in Iraq just like Freddie. Izzy loved flying , it was her on;y refuge , the one place where the memories and fears didn’t take over. Sometimes on the ground she lost the ability to breath , panic seizing her lungs. Izzy avoided crowds, and sat with her back to walls so no one could sneak up on her. Sudden and inexplicable anger would pound through Izzy’s viens.make her want to rage at the world. Nightmares woke her every night. That more than anything else terrified Izzy, because she knew what drove the constant craving.Freddie asked the last time Izzy had talked to a professional. He said between her childhood, the war…. Bess she needed to talk about things. But Izzy knew her problems went beyond PTSD or dead sister. Izzy knew the man was staring at her and she stumbled and the weight of his gaze set off a new kind of fluttering in her stomach. His body shook as he inhaled deeply - as if straining against an immovable force. The cop grabbed the man’s arm and got snarled at for his trouble. The man never took his hungry eyes off Izzy. She wanted to run toward him . Her whole life Izzy had hidden from werewolves now her brother was to marry one. Izzy’s grandmother had brought her granddaughters up that werewolves were violent vile monsters even though their parents had been werewolves. Izzy had never shifted.Bess had shifted then killed the man. Luke was sucker punched by the sight and scent of something he hadn’t expected as his beast declared “mine.” His wolf tried to break free to take what it wanted. Then Luke smelled ehr fear and his instinct to protect her was nearly overwhelming as Freddie’s foster sister was Luke’s mate. Izzy now understood Freddie knew about werewolves and also cared for them. Everything in Izzy told her to run but she would not leave Freddie. Not once had he abandoned her or Bess, even when he should have. He got beatings from all sorts of bullies in defense of the “Freaky Twins.” Izzy had already failed her sister, she would not fail her brother. Izzy was a werewolf as was her sister Bess and Bess had committed suicide after she had killed a man and showed Izzy on Videochat and also when she killed herself almost three years ago. Izzy was starving herself with the refusal to eat meat. Caine set his cell phone down despite the wolf growling in his head as he refused to lose his temper. A forty something blonde haired woman looked down the hallway at Caine with a look of distaste on her face. Caine didn’t care someday soon she would outlive her usefulness and he would probably snap her skinny neck. Holt - Caine’s employer and pack leader said Caine looked annoyed. Caine killed for many reasons and enjoyed while he did. Caine never loved anything in his life except the hunt. Caine wanted to live in the world Holt was creating so he’d take orders.
I loved this book, it was a great action packed read. I loved how Izzy and grew in this book and finally accepted her wolfand all that went with it. I loved the relationship between Izzy and Freddie as well as Izzy and Abby and Hank.I also loved how Izzy and Luke interacted with each other. I loved izzy and Luke together. I loved the pace and the plot. I happily could find anything to criticize in this book. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.
I loved this book, it was a great action packed read. I loved how Izzy and grew in this book and finally accepted her wolfand all that went with it. I loved the relationship between Izzy and Freddie as well as Izzy and Abby and Hank.I also loved how Izzy and Luke interacted with each other. I loved izzy and Luke together. I loved the pace and the plot. I happily could find anything to criticize in this book. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.
June 12, 2018
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars
Kari Cole is a new-to-me author. Not realizing this was the first in a new series, there were a few times I thought I was reading a continuation and just rolled with it instead of being confused. Now that I know it's the first book, I wonder if this is a spin-off of another series? There was slight confusion, as backstories were told as if the reader experienced it firsthand in another book, with most of the pack already mated, leaving few to narrate future books, which is one of the main reasons I thought this was a continuation. I just rolled with it, not finding it too confusing as long as I focused on our narrators.
This was a solid paranormal novel featuring the fated mates plot device, where two people meet and are instantly connected. But where this was unique is how Izzy is suppressing her wolf, removing the insta-love/lust connection often used in this genre.
Izzy is in town for her foster brother's wedding, which is one of the reasons I thought this was a continuation or spin-off, as that seemed like a story that had been told. Izzy never acknowledges she's a shifter, thinking weres are monsters, including herself, only to land in a town full of weres.
The book was much deeper than anticipated, with grief, guilt, and shame riding shotgun for a handful of the characters. Izzy was an identical twin, Bess having committed suicide due to being unable to handle her wolf side after years of abuse at their human grandmother's hands. There's still threads of Izzy and Bess's backstory left to tell at the end of the novel, which I believe will be voiced by Chicago's alpha.
Luke is a reluctant alpha, grief over the loss of several of their pack members, including his own father/alpha, has made it difficult for Luke to connect to his new position. Even with his wolfy instincts riding him, he still manages to be a patient hunter.
Murders are occurring around town, the alpha, beta, and gamma are investigating, which is the main focal point of the novel, with the fated mates romance just skimming the surface. Mystery. Murder. Betrayal. Politics. These facets converge to create a well-rounded paranormal novel.
I do recommend and look forward to the next in the series, and I'll be checking out Kari Cole's backlist as well.
4 Stars
Kari Cole is a new-to-me author. Not realizing this was the first in a new series, there were a few times I thought I was reading a continuation and just rolled with it instead of being confused. Now that I know it's the first book, I wonder if this is a spin-off of another series? There was slight confusion, as backstories were told as if the reader experienced it firsthand in another book, with most of the pack already mated, leaving few to narrate future books, which is one of the main reasons I thought this was a continuation. I just rolled with it, not finding it too confusing as long as I focused on our narrators.
This was a solid paranormal novel featuring the fated mates plot device, where two people meet and are instantly connected. But where this was unique is how Izzy is suppressing her wolf, removing the insta-love/lust connection often used in this genre.
Izzy is in town for her foster brother's wedding, which is one of the reasons I thought this was a continuation or spin-off, as that seemed like a story that had been told. Izzy never acknowledges she's a shifter, thinking weres are monsters, including herself, only to land in a town full of weres.
The book was much deeper than anticipated, with grief, guilt, and shame riding shotgun for a handful of the characters. Izzy was an identical twin, Bess having committed suicide due to being unable to handle her wolf side after years of abuse at their human grandmother's hands. There's still threads of Izzy and Bess's backstory left to tell at the end of the novel, which I believe will be voiced by Chicago's alpha.
Luke is a reluctant alpha, grief over the loss of several of their pack members, including his own father/alpha, has made it difficult for Luke to connect to his new position. Even with his wolfy instincts riding him, he still manages to be a patient hunter.
Murders are occurring around town, the alpha, beta, and gamma are investigating, which is the main focal point of the novel, with the fated mates romance just skimming the surface. Mystery. Murder. Betrayal. Politics. These facets converge to create a well-rounded paranormal novel.
I do recommend and look forward to the next in the series, and I'll be checking out Kari Cole's backlist as well.
June 15, 2018
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
It’s great to find a book where characters suffer hardships without becoming martyrs. Many urban fantasy characters are products of their horrible, violent upbringing and are horrible and violent because of it. HUNT THE MOON is about healing, about having the capacity to heal yourself and heal others. It’s about family, both the one you are born to and the one you choose; it’s about accepting who you are.
Luke is the new Alpha of his pack, but he doesn’t feel like he deserves it. He has taken over his father’s role after his father was murdered, and those are some awfully big shoes to fill. They may be werewolves, but they still have human rivalries and doubts. I loved the pack dynamics, watching the different pack members use their strengths to build up the pack - or to try to tear it down. Izzy is so broken she is slowly killing herself in order to push down what she sees as her inner monster. When faced with a whole pack of people who challenge her views, she obviously doesn’t have an easy time of it. Watching her character evolve as she tried to accept the wolf within was fascinating. It’s engaging and emotional to watch Izzy and Luke, who both pretend they are fine, discover themselves by becoming closer.
A mating bond can quickly devolve into insta-lust/love, and I’m so tired of that trope. If not handled well, it can feel like all agency has been taken from the characters. I was worried that Izzy would be “fixed” as soon as the mating bond kicked in, or that Luke would turn into a caveman and insist that he can fix her. Instead, Izzy’s foster brother makes Luke promise to let her go if she chooses to leave. Even knowing that it might kill him, he agrees. Although the mating bond threw them together and definitely turned up the heat, it never felt like a force living the characters’ lives for them.
HUNT THE MOON is a heart-wrenching story full of twists and excellent character development. I am dying to read the next one, because although most things were resolved, there are still questions and I want to read more about these characters.
Sexual content: Explicit sex scenes, memories of child abuse, references to rape.
It’s great to find a book where characters suffer hardships without becoming martyrs. Many urban fantasy characters are products of their horrible, violent upbringing and are horrible and violent because of it. HUNT THE MOON is about healing, about having the capacity to heal yourself and heal others. It’s about family, both the one you are born to and the one you choose; it’s about accepting who you are.
Luke is the new Alpha of his pack, but he doesn’t feel like he deserves it. He has taken over his father’s role after his father was murdered, and those are some awfully big shoes to fill. They may be werewolves, but they still have human rivalries and doubts. I loved the pack dynamics, watching the different pack members use their strengths to build up the pack - or to try to tear it down. Izzy is so broken she is slowly killing herself in order to push down what she sees as her inner monster. When faced with a whole pack of people who challenge her views, she obviously doesn’t have an easy time of it. Watching her character evolve as she tried to accept the wolf within was fascinating. It’s engaging and emotional to watch Izzy and Luke, who both pretend they are fine, discover themselves by becoming closer.
A mating bond can quickly devolve into insta-lust/love, and I’m so tired of that trope. If not handled well, it can feel like all agency has been taken from the characters. I was worried that Izzy would be “fixed” as soon as the mating bond kicked in, or that Luke would turn into a caveman and insist that he can fix her. Instead, Izzy’s foster brother makes Luke promise to let her go if she chooses to leave. Even knowing that it might kill him, he agrees. Although the mating bond threw them together and definitely turned up the heat, it never felt like a force living the characters’ lives for them.
HUNT THE MOON is a heart-wrenching story full of twists and excellent character development. I am dying to read the next one, because although most things were resolved, there are still questions and I want to read more about these characters.
Sexual content: Explicit sex scenes, memories of child abuse, references to rape.
August 21, 2018
An emotionally engaging shifter romance with a thoroughly swoon worthy hero. The heroine's heartbreaking backstory was handled with the depth and compassion reminiscent of Catherine Anderson. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
June 26, 2018
I read the first 48 pages of this book as a contest judge a couple of years ago. It has such a strong beginning that, when I discovered Md. Cole had submitted only 48 pages and not the full fifty, I was pissed. I wanted those two more pages, darn it!
It finally got published and I just finished reading it. The completed book fulfilled the promise of those initial pages. There are lots of candidates for bad guy, but I didn't manage to choose the right one. Because she does a good job of keeping the villain's identity a secret, the tension really builds as bad things keep happening.
The connection between the shifter H/H was also really strong, and the heroine's reasons for resisting his allure valid and believable.
Great read!
It finally got published and I just finished reading it. The completed book fulfilled the promise of those initial pages. There are lots of candidates for bad guy, but I didn't manage to choose the right one. Because she does a good job of keeping the villain's identity a secret, the tension really builds as bad things keep happening.
The connection between the shifter H/H was also really strong, and the heroine's reasons for resisting his allure valid and believable.
Great read!
June 25, 2018
Warning, though I try my best to avoid this, all reviews can contain spoilers of some kind. If you would like to know just my overall opinion of the book, and otherwise go into reading it blind, please scroll down to my overall and would I recommend it section.
I Voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ok before we even get into this let me just say, oh my freaking god wow. I have never, and I mean never, liked a debut novel as much as I liked this one. Seriously, after reading this book, which only took me a few short days to get through, I went online to start my research on the author so I could do my review and was shocked when I couldn’t find any other books published with her name on it. I did however find out that Kari Cole’s book won the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart award in the Paranormal category in 2017. This book was amazing. I am thrilled to say that Hunt the Moon is the first book to be chosen to be in my top five for the year. Most of the books for this list will be chosen in November, but this debut novel took my breath away and has already earned its spot on that list. Congratulations Kari Cole. Now, lets get into the review.
Isabelle Meyers, or as everyone calls her Izzy, is one tough cookie who’s more than a little nervous to meet her brother, Freddie’s, fiancé, but family is family and she can stand the pressure of reigning in her protective nature for the woman of his dreams. Yeah, sure. When Izzy and Freddie touch down on the snow covered landing near the Cabinet Mountains this tough cookie of a girl cracks. One good sniff is all she needs to know her love struck brother is marrying a werewolf. To Izzy, it takes a werewolf to know just how dangerous they are, and she knows. Problem is, how on earth does she tell her brother to hightail it, and why does that new drool worthy werewolf make her heart do strange things?
Wow, ok I love this heroine. She is exactly the kind of person I would want on my side. She is smart, kind, and so bad ass. The way she protects her family and friends is so heart warming. The way her character reacts to the situation she is presented with really hooked me from the start. Her past has her so on edge, but her instincts and training helps her reel those memories back in a way that, to me, makes her more than just bad ass and brave in the normal sense but also shows how emotionally strong and brave she is where it counts the most.
Luke Wyland is the alpha of his pack, a job that anyone who knows shifter romances knows is a heavy one. While trying to shuffle through the responsibilities he never expect to have this soon, and deal with a rouge, Luke never expected to have life smack him upside the head with the two by four of wow that is the ancient call of his mate. Nor did he expect a his fated mate to be quite like Izzy. While Luke finds the unexpected can make his heart dance, will it cause him to gain a queen or lose everything?
Luke has to be one of the best alphas I have ever had the pleasure to read about. I am use to the alpha of a werewolf pack to be scary dominant, sending his pack running to a corner with their tails between their legs for stepping out of line, or taking what’s theirs like a caveman without too much thought past what their wolf is driving them to do. Luke’s heart and mannerisms however are so unexpected for someone in his position. He is the alpha but he really looks at his pack like family. His kindness and patients are just so perfect for Izzy. Luke just made my heart melt right along with Izzy’s.
As the story progresses, the Izzy’s true past is revealed. I am just going to say it is heart breaking. What she went through and the way she turned out is just plane amazing. She is so strong and yet at the same time searching for something she hadn’t even realized she was missing in her life. I really like that Luke coming into her life didn’t just give her what she needed, but really let her see that what she was looking for was something that was always there for her to grab. This growth in Izzy is so sweet.
Another aspect I really liked about this story is that Izzy isn’t the only one who has had it rough. Luke is dealing with his own turmoil, not quite the same, but still. His need to be the best alpha he can be while fearing he will never live up to it is really cool. I love the fact that his fears are shown in a legitimate way and the message that is delivered as he overcomes some of the obstacles in his life is very cool. Usually in these books the alpha softens as he grows with his mate and learns how respect the alpha position a little more along the way, but this story is so refreshing in that Luke grows to respect himself in this position as alpha rather than the position itself.
I think one of the best things about this book is how the characters grow and change together and how their relationship slowly helps them through the darkest parts of themselves. Izzy changes in both big and small ways that are all impactful and at times tear jerking. Loss and abuse are always bad and the scars from it usually run deep, but the uniqueness of her situation and the way it makes her view her life and herself is just devastating. While Luke’s past is no where near as dark, it is still very painful. I think I have to say the Luke’s views on himself and the way his internal struggles are presented really help reinforce how much of a wonderful man he is. I personally can always get behind a man who is strong but doesn’t let his strength and dominance do the leading for him. The way the love and romance these two have for each other changes them isn’t just swoon worthy it’s soul warming. Luke and Izzy really come together, challenge, and complete each other in every way that matters.
This is a paranormal romance involving werewolf shifters so you know there’s going to be action packed into the pages of this one, and boy was the action good. Fight and action scenes come in a wide range of intensity giving all aspects of the story a perfect balance. I also like that they did not dominate the book but rather accented and propelled the plot along nicely in a way that added richness to both the characters and overall storyline. On a side note, I love that Izzy and the other humans to really kick some serious tail and claw on their own.
I have to say that I usually feel a small lack of romance and story fullness in romance books that don’t get detailed in the sex scenes or that don’t have many of them. However the way the hot and fun scenes in this book were presented just upped the romance value. Don’t get me wrong these scenes in Hunt The Moon were most certainly hot, but they mostly contained soft details, however this was perfect to the characters personalities. Honestly, even though this book didn’t get a inferno ranking in the love making scenes, it doesn’t matter. This story is written beautifully and these scenes are absolutely perfect.
Overall:
This was an amazing debut novel by Kari Cole. The love and growth of Luke and Izzy is simply amazing. While the more in the bedroom scenes in this book are only lightly detailed, the romance is off the charts good in a way that was deeper than roses and chocolates.
As for the storyline itself, oh my god wow. I honestly loved the obstacles that the characters face and the overall plot that is playing out. I cannot wait to see more of this story and see how everything plays out. I will be eagerly waiting the next book Touch the Sky.
Would I Recommend It:
Hands down, absolutely yes. If you like paranormal romance and shifter romance there is no reason, that I can see, that you will not like this book. Hunt The Moon is amazing and well worth the read. Kari Cole is now one of my favorite authors, and I am sure she will find herself in that status for many other romance novel lovers.
I Voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ok before we even get into this let me just say, oh my freaking god wow. I have never, and I mean never, liked a debut novel as much as I liked this one. Seriously, after reading this book, which only took me a few short days to get through, I went online to start my research on the author so I could do my review and was shocked when I couldn’t find any other books published with her name on it. I did however find out that Kari Cole’s book won the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart award in the Paranormal category in 2017. This book was amazing. I am thrilled to say that Hunt the Moon is the first book to be chosen to be in my top five for the year. Most of the books for this list will be chosen in November, but this debut novel took my breath away and has already earned its spot on that list. Congratulations Kari Cole. Now, lets get into the review.
Isabelle Meyers, or as everyone calls her Izzy, is one tough cookie who’s more than a little nervous to meet her brother, Freddie’s, fiancé, but family is family and she can stand the pressure of reigning in her protective nature for the woman of his dreams. Yeah, sure. When Izzy and Freddie touch down on the snow covered landing near the Cabinet Mountains this tough cookie of a girl cracks. One good sniff is all she needs to know her love struck brother is marrying a werewolf. To Izzy, it takes a werewolf to know just how dangerous they are, and she knows. Problem is, how on earth does she tell her brother to hightail it, and why does that new drool worthy werewolf make her heart do strange things?
Wow, ok I love this heroine. She is exactly the kind of person I would want on my side. She is smart, kind, and so bad ass. The way she protects her family and friends is so heart warming. The way her character reacts to the situation she is presented with really hooked me from the start. Her past has her so on edge, but her instincts and training helps her reel those memories back in a way that, to me, makes her more than just bad ass and brave in the normal sense but also shows how emotionally strong and brave she is where it counts the most.
Luke Wyland is the alpha of his pack, a job that anyone who knows shifter romances knows is a heavy one. While trying to shuffle through the responsibilities he never expect to have this soon, and deal with a rouge, Luke never expected to have life smack him upside the head with the two by four of wow that is the ancient call of his mate. Nor did he expect a his fated mate to be quite like Izzy. While Luke finds the unexpected can make his heart dance, will it cause him to gain a queen or lose everything?
Luke has to be one of the best alphas I have ever had the pleasure to read about. I am use to the alpha of a werewolf pack to be scary dominant, sending his pack running to a corner with their tails between their legs for stepping out of line, or taking what’s theirs like a caveman without too much thought past what their wolf is driving them to do. Luke’s heart and mannerisms however are so unexpected for someone in his position. He is the alpha but he really looks at his pack like family. His kindness and patients are just so perfect for Izzy. Luke just made my heart melt right along with Izzy’s.
As the story progresses, the Izzy’s true past is revealed. I am just going to say it is heart breaking. What she went through and the way she turned out is just plane amazing. She is so strong and yet at the same time searching for something she hadn’t even realized she was missing in her life. I really like that Luke coming into her life didn’t just give her what she needed, but really let her see that what she was looking for was something that was always there for her to grab. This growth in Izzy is so sweet.
Another aspect I really liked about this story is that Izzy isn’t the only one who has had it rough. Luke is dealing with his own turmoil, not quite the same, but still. His need to be the best alpha he can be while fearing he will never live up to it is really cool. I love the fact that his fears are shown in a legitimate way and the message that is delivered as he overcomes some of the obstacles in his life is very cool. Usually in these books the alpha softens as he grows with his mate and learns how respect the alpha position a little more along the way, but this story is so refreshing in that Luke grows to respect himself in this position as alpha rather than the position itself.
I think one of the best things about this book is how the characters grow and change together and how their relationship slowly helps them through the darkest parts of themselves. Izzy changes in both big and small ways that are all impactful and at times tear jerking. Loss and abuse are always bad and the scars from it usually run deep, but the uniqueness of her situation and the way it makes her view her life and herself is just devastating. While Luke’s past is no where near as dark, it is still very painful. I think I have to say the Luke’s views on himself and the way his internal struggles are presented really help reinforce how much of a wonderful man he is. I personally can always get behind a man who is strong but doesn’t let his strength and dominance do the leading for him. The way the love and romance these two have for each other changes them isn’t just swoon worthy it’s soul warming. Luke and Izzy really come together, challenge, and complete each other in every way that matters.
This is a paranormal romance involving werewolf shifters so you know there’s going to be action packed into the pages of this one, and boy was the action good. Fight and action scenes come in a wide range of intensity giving all aspects of the story a perfect balance. I also like that they did not dominate the book but rather accented and propelled the plot along nicely in a way that added richness to both the characters and overall storyline. On a side note, I love that Izzy and the other humans to really kick some serious tail and claw on their own.
I have to say that I usually feel a small lack of romance and story fullness in romance books that don’t get detailed in the sex scenes or that don’t have many of them. However the way the hot and fun scenes in this book were presented just upped the romance value. Don’t get me wrong these scenes in Hunt The Moon were most certainly hot, but they mostly contained soft details, however this was perfect to the characters personalities. Honestly, even though this book didn’t get a inferno ranking in the love making scenes, it doesn’t matter. This story is written beautifully and these scenes are absolutely perfect.
Overall:
This was an amazing debut novel by Kari Cole. The love and growth of Luke and Izzy is simply amazing. While the more in the bedroom scenes in this book are only lightly detailed, the romance is off the charts good in a way that was deeper than roses and chocolates.
As for the storyline itself, oh my god wow. I honestly loved the obstacles that the characters face and the overall plot that is playing out. I cannot wait to see more of this story and see how everything plays out. I will be eagerly waiting the next book Touch the Sky.
Would I Recommend It:
Hands down, absolutely yes. If you like paranormal romance and shifter romance there is no reason, that I can see, that you will not like this book. Hunt The Moon is amazing and well worth the read. Kari Cole is now one of my favorite authors, and I am sure she will find herself in that status for many other romance novel lovers.
February 17, 2019
3.25 stars
A decent shifter book with a hero who is a reluctant alpha, a mass conspiracy and the hero meets his mate in the midst of this. Our heroine is a abused, terrified tough-ass ex army Captain who has tried to stifle her were heritage as she was abused for it. Not too bad.
A decent shifter book with a hero who is a reluctant alpha, a mass conspiracy and the hero meets his mate in the midst of this. Our heroine is a abused, terrified tough-ass ex army Captain who has tried to stifle her were heritage as she was abused for it. Not too bad.
June 23, 2018
I don't usually read paranormal books, they just aren't my thing. However, I loved this book! Hunt the Moon, takes a deep look at abuse, self loathing, and bigotry. I found muself crying at one point. It was a joy to watch Luke help Izzy come to terms with who she really is. I will definitely read the next installment by Kari Cole. I highly recommend reading Hunt the Moon.
July 30, 2018
I don't typically read shifter novels but based on the recommendation of a fellow author, I had to dive in. I'm glad I did... I thoroughly enjoyed Luke and Izzy's story. I couldn't wait for the secrets of their pasts to unravel and appreciated the fact that Izzy was a fighter to the end. I'll be looking for more from Kari Cole! :)
June 11, 2018
A great New twist on shifters
I love this book. The story is compelling and the characters...so very wonderful! Ms. Cole tells a great story that will keep you chomping at the bit until the end. I can't wait for Book 2!!!
I love this book. The story is compelling and the characters...so very wonderful! Ms. Cole tells a great story that will keep you chomping at the bit until the end. I can't wait for Book 2!!!
June 4, 2018
Hunt the Moon, (Mated by Fate 1), Kari Cole
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Sci-fi and Fantasy
I enjoy paranormal romances, so this appealed. I did feel at first as if I'd made a mistake as it seemed to be rather cliché ridden and I thought it was going to be one of those where frankly the romances are more or less the same and only the characters and settings change. As the story continued though I found I was wrong, it took its own path, and was a decent read.
I did find Izzy's conversion to meat eating a little weird, and also the fact that she'd managed to control her wolf and sustain herself ( though not healthily) on a vegetarian diet. Its find for humans but wolves?? The thread that usually goes through all shapeshifter books is a hungry wold is a dangerous one, and Izzy's career choice took her into stressful, dangerous and blood filled areas.
Still, an interesting read, even if I did want to smack Luke a few times for his alpha posturing in front of Izzy. He just about stopped short of calling her Little Woman, but somehow I got the impression barefoot and pregnant in his kitchen was how he saw her ideal future with him, when she's go so much more to offer. He did grow to see just how strong she was and respect it but those early scenes were irritating for me.
I did struggle with how was who and where they fitted in the story. For a long while it felt as if I was reading a spin off series and should know who all these folk where and how the pack arrived at the position it was in. I can't find any other books though so I guess I'm wrong there.
Stars: Three, slow start, a bit confusing at times but overall a decent read.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Sci-fi and Fantasy
I enjoy paranormal romances, so this appealed. I did feel at first as if I'd made a mistake as it seemed to be rather cliché ridden and I thought it was going to be one of those where frankly the romances are more or less the same and only the characters and settings change. As the story continued though I found I was wrong, it took its own path, and was a decent read.
I did find Izzy's conversion to meat eating a little weird, and also the fact that she'd managed to control her wolf and sustain herself ( though not healthily) on a vegetarian diet. Its find for humans but wolves?? The thread that usually goes through all shapeshifter books is a hungry wold is a dangerous one, and Izzy's career choice took her into stressful, dangerous and blood filled areas.
Still, an interesting read, even if I did want to smack Luke a few times for his alpha posturing in front of Izzy. He just about stopped short of calling her Little Woman, but somehow I got the impression barefoot and pregnant in his kitchen was how he saw her ideal future with him, when she's go so much more to offer. He did grow to see just how strong she was and respect it but those early scenes were irritating for me.
I did struggle with how was who and where they fitted in the story. For a long while it felt as if I was reading a spin off series and should know who all these folk where and how the pack arrived at the position it was in. I can't find any other books though so I guess I'm wrong there.
Stars: Three, slow start, a bit confusing at times but overall a decent read.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
June 10, 2018
I very much enjoyed HUNT THE MOON
I really felt for Izzy. Learning about her life and the role that being a shifter played in her past was heartbreaking. It was easy to connect with her and feel her pain as she fought the beliefs and habits that were tortured into her. Even when she was scared out of her mind she was there for those that needed her and was willing to put herself in harm's way quite often. I really loved how Luke treated her and stood by her even though she pushed him away. I also really loved meeting and learning about her family.
Luke had that sexy alpha male feel to him, but he wasn't super pushy or overly full of himself. He was protective, yet willing to step back and watch. Their connection was pretty instant, but their romance was slow and turbulent. It was fun watching them navigate and learn each other.
The very first meeting between Izzy and the pack was pretty priceless. I was both horrified and amused at the same time. Definitely entertaining and I found myself entertained during many parts of the book. It wasn't needed, but I would have actually loved a prequel to HUNT THE MOON showing us how Freddie met and fell in love with Rissa. It would have been a nice intro to the Mated by Fate world and it's characters. Especially considering the role some of the pack members plays in HUNT THE MOON.
I plan to read more.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really felt for Izzy. Learning about her life and the role that being a shifter played in her past was heartbreaking. It was easy to connect with her and feel her pain as she fought the beliefs and habits that were tortured into her. Even when she was scared out of her mind she was there for those that needed her and was willing to put herself in harm's way quite often. I really loved how Luke treated her and stood by her even though she pushed him away. I also really loved meeting and learning about her family.
Luke had that sexy alpha male feel to him, but he wasn't super pushy or overly full of himself. He was protective, yet willing to step back and watch. Their connection was pretty instant, but their romance was slow and turbulent. It was fun watching them navigate and learn each other.
The very first meeting between Izzy and the pack was pretty priceless. I was both horrified and amused at the same time. Definitely entertaining and I found myself entertained during many parts of the book. It wasn't needed, but I would have actually loved a prequel to HUNT THE MOON showing us how Freddie met and fell in love with Rissa. It would have been a nice intro to the Mated by Fate world and it's characters. Especially considering the role some of the pack members plays in HUNT THE MOON.
I plan to read more.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2018
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Hunt the Moon by Kari Cole
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
I found out about this book from another author at a book convention. I mentioned I loved paranormal and boom she hooked me up with the author info!!
Again, I am a huge paranormal girl and can be a little picky so trying a new to me author and my favorite genre could be awesome or a disaster!! I am happy to say it was awesome!! I men can we talk about Luke??? HELLO!!!!
Izzy is not ok with being a wolf. She will not let her wolf come out and play. We find out about a loss that Izzy has experienced in her life and how Izzy feels about being a shifter in general…which is not good. Luke and his crew are investigating a bunch of murders that are taking place in town. He is soon discovering there is a lot of deceit and politics in the world he never knew until he reached his current position of Alpha.
I loved the developing characters and learning why our main characters are the way they are. Izzy’s life and history was a bit sad to me where as Luke, I felt his pain and hurt when discovering so much about what is happening to his people.
I look forward to the next book in the series!!
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk
www.Twitter.com/Twinsietalk
www.Tsu.co/Twinsietalk
www.instagram.com/twinsietalk
Newsletter : http://eepurl.com/brwkPv
Hunt the Moon by Kari Cole
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
I found out about this book from another author at a book convention. I mentioned I loved paranormal and boom she hooked me up with the author info!!
Again, I am a huge paranormal girl and can be a little picky so trying a new to me author and my favorite genre could be awesome or a disaster!! I am happy to say it was awesome!! I men can we talk about Luke??? HELLO!!!!
Izzy is not ok with being a wolf. She will not let her wolf come out and play. We find out about a loss that Izzy has experienced in her life and how Izzy feels about being a shifter in general…which is not good. Luke and his crew are investigating a bunch of murders that are taking place in town. He is soon discovering there is a lot of deceit and politics in the world he never knew until he reached his current position of Alpha.
I loved the developing characters and learning why our main characters are the way they are. Izzy’s life and history was a bit sad to me where as Luke, I felt his pain and hurt when discovering so much about what is happening to his people.
I look forward to the next book in the series!!
February 11, 2019
September ‘18 favorite
I’m really a newbie in PNR romance. This book was a recommendation by a fellow blogger @ Bookish Creation blog and I’m so glad that I picked it up. This is only my second shifter romance and I definitely loved it!!
I don’t know where to start! I loved everything about the book. What makes it even more amazing is that this is the author’s debut novel, something I didn’t know till I finished it 😮
Luke and Izzy, such an explosive and perfect match! Luke is the Alpha in the pack Izzy’s foster brother found his mate. I didn’t really know that the whole mating bond worked with humans as well!
Izzy has been denying her wolf nature forever. She believes that the animal inside her is bad and needs to be suppressed. Luke knows that she is his mate from the first time their eyes meet. However, he’ll have a hard time convincing her about it!
I liked the storyline and the action at the end of the book. Izzy is a true badass and compliments Luke’s personality undeniably!! I’m looking forward to seeing more of them!
I’m really a newbie in PNR romance. This book was a recommendation by a fellow blogger @ Bookish Creation blog and I’m so glad that I picked it up. This is only my second shifter romance and I definitely loved it!!
I don’t know where to start! I loved everything about the book. What makes it even more amazing is that this is the author’s debut novel, something I didn’t know till I finished it 😮
Luke and Izzy, such an explosive and perfect match! Luke is the Alpha in the pack Izzy’s foster brother found his mate. I didn’t really know that the whole mating bond worked with humans as well!
Izzy has been denying her wolf nature forever. She believes that the animal inside her is bad and needs to be suppressed. Luke knows that she is his mate from the first time their eyes meet. However, he’ll have a hard time convincing her about it!
I liked the storyline and the action at the end of the book. Izzy is a true badass and compliments Luke’s personality undeniably!! I’m looking forward to seeing more of them!
May 17, 2018
A fun first installment in a brand new shifter series! The action really picks up towards the end of the book (and the story hints at a greater shifter conspiracy at work, which is always one of my favorite tropes in PNR), and the romance is both fun and moving. Isabella is an abuse survivor, and the story deals thoughtfully with her recovery when she finds herself falling for the Alpha of the pack. Luke might be a wolf Alpha, but he's not the kind of pushy overbearing Alpha hero you might expect. He has layers and depth and often doubts himself! It makes for a very sweet and entertaining story, and I'm going to follow up with later installments in this series for sure.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 16, 2018
I received a free copy to read and review for wicked reads review team.
I felt this story was a little slow to start but once it did I really enjoyed it.
It's full of angst and heartbreak, you feel it as you go through the journey with Izzy.
I enjoyed that the second half of the book kept me on my toes, so many twists and turns.
I liked Izzy as a character, all she had been through and she still refused to be victim or back down even though she was terrified.
The chemistry between her and Luke was great, I was rooting for them the whole way through.
Not going to lie Freddie annoyed me quite a lot, he acted like a petulant child for a lot of the book, glad he calmed down towards the end.
I'm excited for Vaughn's book I can't wait to get my hands on it.
I felt this story was a little slow to start but once it did I really enjoyed it.
It's full of angst and heartbreak, you feel it as you go through the journey with Izzy.
I enjoyed that the second half of the book kept me on my toes, so many twists and turns.
I liked Izzy as a character, all she had been through and she still refused to be victim or back down even though she was terrified.
The chemistry between her and Luke was great, I was rooting for them the whole way through.
Not going to lie Freddie annoyed me quite a lot, he acted like a petulant child for a lot of the book, glad he calmed down towards the end.
I'm excited for Vaughn's book I can't wait to get my hands on it.
September 23, 2018
A great start to the series and a really good well-written shifter book. This was a really good romance and I enjoyed getting to know the characters it held my interest and kept me reading with an action-packed storyline. I really enjoyed Izzy and Luke's story and cannot wait for the next book
March 23, 2019
A fast-paced action-packed story that still made time for some tender moments. I enjoyed the heroine's arc and how she learned to accept who she was and also opened her heart to love and be loved.
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
June 11, 2018
Trigger warnings:
Despite the fact that I'm not that big of a fan of insta-love, I'm a ridiculous fan of werewolf romances. So, I was a little leery of reading the first book in a series named "Mated by Fate," but the blurb was irresistible. I'm so glad I did! This was an absolutely delightful read!
Isabelle is ridiculously kickass, and I simply adored her. After their parents' death in a car crash, Izzy and her twin sister Bess stayed with their grandmother until they were eventually placed in the foster care system. Though she hasn't been great at keeping in touch, she's excited about being in her foster brother's wedding - until she finds out the new in-laws are werewolves. Izzy should know - she's one, too, though she's managed to hide it from her foster family. Her backstory is pretty tragic, so it's no surprise to find that she's terrified of werewolves, but her first thought is to protect her brother, Freddie, from them. This is probably what really set this book apart for me - Izzy is ex-military, and even when she's obviously scared out of her mind, she's thinking of how to protect others. She's not the only kickass woman - Freddie's fiancée, Rissa, is another - and it was nice to see someone who's able to hold her own. I thought her journey from "all werewolves are evil monsters" to "ok, maybe they're like regular people, just toothier" was well done and believable.
I was initially put off by some of Luke's alpha posturing, but after Izzy put him in his place a few times, he shaped up. Luke's having a rough time as well, trying to pick up the pieces after becoming alpha unexpectedly when his father and several other pack members were murdered. Despite his best efforts, he's no closer to finding their killer, and he's having serious doubts about his ability to run the pack. So the last thing he needs is the added stress of a finding his mate - especially one who seems to have no idea how to be a werewolf and seems ready to kill all of them to protect her brother. I loved the immediate tension between them, but also that they took the time for at least the start of a relationship to develop before giving in to it too much.
The pacing is a bit uneven, especially in the middle, and it did feel like the reader was dropped smack in the middle of things. The secondary plot - the mystery/thriller involving the murders - was fun, if a bit confusing. There's a lot of history with Luke's pack and how he became alpha, not to mention Izzy's brother's romance. I hope at some point Ms. Cole will go back and write a prequel for how Freddie and Rissa met. I still think the relationship between Luke and Izzy developed too fast, but at the same time I realize it's pretty par for the course for a fated-mates-type novel. There are a few loose ends left at the end of the book, but it sets the stage well for this being the start of a series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. If you like werewolf romances with kickass women and a decent thriller subplot, you'll love this book! I'm definitely looking forward to the next in the series!
Despite the fact that I'm not that big of a fan of insta-love, I'm a ridiculous fan of werewolf romances. So, I was a little leery of reading the first book in a series named "Mated by Fate," but the blurb was irresistible. I'm so glad I did! This was an absolutely delightful read!
Isabelle is ridiculously kickass, and I simply adored her. After their parents' death in a car crash, Izzy and her twin sister Bess stayed with their grandmother until they were eventually placed in the foster care system. Though she hasn't been great at keeping in touch, she's excited about being in her foster brother's wedding - until she finds out the new in-laws are werewolves. Izzy should know - she's one, too, though she's managed to hide it from her foster family. Her backstory is pretty tragic, so it's no surprise to find that she's terrified of werewolves, but her first thought is to protect her brother, Freddie, from them. This is probably what really set this book apart for me - Izzy is ex-military, and even when she's obviously scared out of her mind, she's thinking of how to protect others. She's not the only kickass woman - Freddie's fiancée, Rissa, is another - and it was nice to see someone who's able to hold her own. I thought her journey from "all werewolves are evil monsters" to "ok, maybe they're like regular people, just toothier" was well done and believable.
“So. It’s a happy-happy shifter utopia around here. You’re all going around being mundane members of society. Got it. But?”
He gave her a wry look. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to laugh or throttle her. “You’re kind of a wiseass.”
“Just noticing that now?”
I was initially put off by some of Luke's alpha posturing, but after Izzy put him in his place a few times, he shaped up. Luke's having a rough time as well, trying to pick up the pieces after becoming alpha unexpectedly when his father and several other pack members were murdered. Despite his best efforts, he's no closer to finding their killer, and he's having serious doubts about his ability to run the pack. So the last thing he needs is the added stress of a finding his mate - especially one who seems to have no idea how to be a werewolf and seems ready to kill all of them to protect her brother. I loved the immediate tension between them, but also that they took the time for at least the start of a relationship to develop before giving in to it too much.
The pacing is a bit uneven, especially in the middle, and it did feel like the reader was dropped smack in the middle of things. The secondary plot - the mystery/thriller involving the murders - was fun, if a bit confusing. There's a lot of history with Luke's pack and how he became alpha, not to mention Izzy's brother's romance. I hope at some point Ms. Cole will go back and write a prequel for how Freddie and Rissa met. I still think the relationship between Luke and Izzy developed too fast, but at the same time I realize it's pretty par for the course for a fated-mates-type novel. There are a few loose ends left at the end of the book, but it sets the stage well for this being the start of a series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. If you like werewolf romances with kickass women and a decent thriller subplot, you'll love this book! I'm definitely looking forward to the next in the series!
July 25, 2018
Hunt the Moon was one of my longer shifter readers in recent weeks. I was excited to finally find a book I wasn't going to finish in one setting. Most of the shifter books I keep coming across are just short length ones so this book was a good change. I honestly wish goodreads adds more flexibility to it's rating system because this was more of a 2.5 stars read.
The overall gist of the story is that Izzy is brought up with a different viewpoint with regards to the wolf genes. This creates the conflict in this fated couple story with an overcast of a bad-guy-wants-something plot along with the romance.
Now the plot is absolutely nothing new but it was decent, I just felt things could have been much better if it hadn't been dragging in some places. It should have been a little more snappy and quick because the end action was quite good. There is a lot of movement in that part but it's late and short, also the end helicopter scene was OTT bruh. We have more scenes with Izzy eating/trying to eat non vegetarian food than action scenes, you see what I mean? If she is a fighter, I expect more action.
Everything in this book tries to stick with the formula, not just the plot but even the characters. As such, it's just so.. plain. There was a whole pack here to add some dimension into the story by handling the characters and their personalities especially when they are adding to the plot later but it never deviates from everything safe.
The overall gist of the story is that Izzy is brought up with a different viewpoint with regards to the wolf genes. This creates the conflict in this fated couple story with an overcast of a bad-guy-wants-something plot along with the romance.
Now the plot is absolutely nothing new but it was decent, I just felt things could have been much better if it hadn't been dragging in some places. It should have been a little more snappy and quick because the end action was quite good. There is a lot of movement in that part but it's late and short, also the end helicopter scene was OTT bruh. We have more scenes with Izzy eating/trying to eat non vegetarian food than action scenes, you see what I mean? If she is a fighter, I expect more action.
Everything in this book tries to stick with the formula, not just the plot but even the characters. As such, it's just so.. plain. There was a whole pack here to add some dimension into the story by handling the characters and their personalities especially when they are adding to the plot later but it never deviates from everything safe.
August 4, 2018
Wow, quite the ride! A lot of characters, so a little tough to get into, but once you’re settled a great read. Enjoyed the slow burn of the romance. Izzy has a dark and believable back story. The author doesn’t hold back and puts her characters through the wringer. Intriguing worldbuilding and definitely curious about the next book in the series.
Thank you to Carina and NetGalley for the review copy.
Thank you to Carina and NetGalley for the review copy.
June 7, 2018
This book was so good, I couldn’t put it down! It felt like I was already joining a world that was previously built in a series all its own, but I came to find this was the first book of what I hope is a long and awesome series.
Izzy is joining her brother as he prepares for his wedding. It seems a rather ordinary outing for normal humans, but there are just oodles of secrets hiding behind every corner. Because of her tragic and abuse-filled past, she’s got a few issues surrounding werewolves. This makes her being a werewolf an even more difficult pill to swallow. When confronted with tons of werewolves (and her brother is marrying one!), she obviously freaks out.
Luke is the alpha of said group of werewolves. He’s begrudgingly accepted Izzy’s brother into the pack (even though he is human), but he can’t quite understand the whole mating thing. In true karmic fashion, he instantly knows that Izzy is his, even before she threatens to kill them all. These two obviously have an uphill battle ahead of them, but Luke is a very patient man.
The sizzle between these two was obviously there and there’s enough of Izzy that is willing to listen that they can actually begin to pursue a relationship. It probably helps that her brother is uniquely qualified to give advice and calm her prejudices. On top of all this drama, they also have some disappearances and mysteries to solve. Somewhere along the way, Izzy gets to learn that, just like humans, there are good shifters and bad shifters out there. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this series takes me next!
Izzy is joining her brother as he prepares for his wedding. It seems a rather ordinary outing for normal humans, but there are just oodles of secrets hiding behind every corner. Because of her tragic and abuse-filled past, she’s got a few issues surrounding werewolves. This makes her being a werewolf an even more difficult pill to swallow. When confronted with tons of werewolves (and her brother is marrying one!), she obviously freaks out.
Luke is the alpha of said group of werewolves. He’s begrudgingly accepted Izzy’s brother into the pack (even though he is human), but he can’t quite understand the whole mating thing. In true karmic fashion, he instantly knows that Izzy is his, even before she threatens to kill them all. These two obviously have an uphill battle ahead of them, but Luke is a very patient man.
The sizzle between these two was obviously there and there’s enough of Izzy that is willing to listen that they can actually begin to pursue a relationship. It probably helps that her brother is uniquely qualified to give advice and calm her prejudices. On top of all this drama, they also have some disappearances and mysteries to solve. Somewhere along the way, Izzy gets to learn that, just like humans, there are good shifters and bad shifters out there. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this series takes me next!
July 1, 2019
I enjoyed this debut novel from Kari Cole - a wounded shifters heart as a child continues to hunt her well into adult hood. Nicely written - I have downloaded Touch the Sky , book 2
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June 20, 2018DNF @ 42%. This isn't the book for me. I don't like the heroine at all. Her reactions are over the top and exaggerated, to the point where I can't understand how she ever became an Army captain when she's so volatile and quick to temper.
This book is also full of similes. Every scene is riddled with them, and I got so tired of reading them, I'm just giving up. There are other ways to describe something without resorting to constant comparisons.
I liked the hero, but that's about the only thing I liked so I'm throwing in the towel.
This book is also full of similes. Every scene is riddled with them, and I got so tired of reading them, I'm just giving up. There are other ways to describe something without resorting to constant comparisons.
I liked the hero, but that's about the only thing I liked so I'm throwing in the towel.
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