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Under the Harvest Moon
Laurel Pearson is ready for adventure. The sort of adventure that means finding your people and discovering yourself and — well, it turns out that her adventure mostly looks like a studio apartment in a new city, a job at a quirky little bookshop, and humiliating herself in front of the most gorgeous woman she’s ever seen.
Typical.
But Laurel can’t shake the feeling that there’s more going on. The bookshop sells silver amulets and dried herbs alongside their truly impressive poetry section, and that gorgeous woman crackles with secrets. And the bookclub? It might be a coven.
There’s something coming. Something changing. And Laurel would swear that Rhea Barnes — the gruff, hot gardener with the intriguing scars — is the key to understanding all of it.
Can Laurel convince Rhea to take a chance on her and find out what’s pulling them together?
Under the Harvest Moon is a complete F/F romance with grumpy gardeners, curious bookshop clerks, magic, and kisses in the moonlight!
76,000 words
Typical.
But Laurel can’t shake the feeling that there’s more going on. The bookshop sells silver amulets and dried herbs alongside their truly impressive poetry section, and that gorgeous woman crackles with secrets. And the bookclub? It might be a coven.
There’s something coming. Something changing. And Laurel would swear that Rhea Barnes — the gruff, hot gardener with the intriguing scars — is the key to understanding all of it.
Can Laurel convince Rhea to take a chance on her and find out what’s pulling them together?
Under the Harvest Moon is a complete F/F romance with grumpy gardeners, curious bookshop clerks, magic, and kisses in the moonlight!
76,000 words
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2019
49 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Robin Hale
5 books68 followersRobin Hale is an independent author of sapphic romance.
She's never met a classic that couldn't be improved with a lesfic retelling and sincerely believes that every woman deserves to fall passionately in love.
When not writing, you can find her lurking in coffeeshops, planning elaborate costumes, and trying to turn every game she plays into a dating sim.
She's never met a classic that couldn't be improved with a lesfic retelling and sincerely believes that every woman deserves to fall passionately in love.
When not writing, you can find her lurking in coffeeshops, planning elaborate costumes, and trying to turn every game she plays into a dating sim.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 14, 2019
Great, funny, humorous book about two witches who find themselves and each other. Book got a hold of me and, baring a few moments here and there, was riveting from begining to end.
Rating: ~4.8 something or 5
August 13 2019
Rating: ~4.8 something or 5
August 13 2019
August 18, 2019
3.75
I have always had a bit of a love/hate relationship when it comes to lesfic books that are either Urban Fantasy (UF) or Paranormal Romance (PNR). I absolutely adore these genres and I obviously read a lot of lesfic. As a result, I can’t seem to resist picking up a book that blends them; but, I tend to have higher expectations and often end up grumpily disappointed. I’m happy to say that with Under the Harvest Moon, Robin Hale delivers a fun and engaging light paranormal romance.
The romance part works particularly well – the narrative is first person POV from both Laurel and Rhea’s perspective so you develop a connection and understanding of both characters and see the push and pull from both sides (Laurel being the pull and Rhea being the push). They are both likable and you can’t help but root for them both. There’s an bit of insta-attract between them, but Rhea’s taciturn and cautious personality makes Laurel work for it. It is balanced nicely with the paranormal elements, and the nature of their magics fits particularly well with their personalities, especially Rhea’s elemental magic which is snapping and writhing beneath the surface, giving her a darker vibe.
Laurel is smart, sweet, funny and refreshingly guileless. She has a pretty wide-eyed innocence throughout the book – her trust and acceptance of everything may seem a bit odd, but throughout her life, her magic has been nudging her along – whether by throwing a dart at a map and ending up in Cincinnati or her horrible, terrible, no good, very bad morning when everything that can go wrong does go wrong and puts her in the path of Rhea and Jean. That isn’t too say she’s a passive participant, she’s more than willing to take the bull by the horns – or corner the Disgruntled Hot Gardner – and take a leap of faith that she’s on the right track. Of course, that leads to a bit of a bonehead move later on in the book, but I think it makes sense based on how she has followed her intuition for so many other things.
Rhea, as a counter-point to Laurel, is bit more of a tragic figure. She’s isolated herself, keeping her magic under tight control out of fear of repeating her past. (Not that is going to stop Laurel.) The way that Hale weaves the undercurrent of the barely contained power and energy of Rhea’s magic emphasizes Rhea’s struggle and gives her broody, tormented soul a nice bite. Laurel’s arrival and their interactions slowly pull Rhea out of her self-imposed exile and is forced to look at things from a new perspective. I have to admit, I really liked Rhea – but I’m a fan of the dark and broody type. The broodier they are, the harder they fall.
Would I have liked to see more world building – absolutely. The focus was mostly on Laurel and Rhea and their specific magics and the larger world didn’t get as much attention – which is why I would classify this as a light PNR. But this doesn’t appear to be part of a series, so intricate world-building may have bogged things down. That being said – I would be happy to read another book in this world if Hale does decide to expand it.
Overall, I was happily ensconced in the world she created and seemed to plow through this book in record time.
I have always had a bit of a love/hate relationship when it comes to lesfic books that are either Urban Fantasy (UF) or Paranormal Romance (PNR). I absolutely adore these genres and I obviously read a lot of lesfic. As a result, I can’t seem to resist picking up a book that blends them; but, I tend to have higher expectations and often end up grumpily disappointed. I’m happy to say that with Under the Harvest Moon, Robin Hale delivers a fun and engaging light paranormal romance.
The romance part works particularly well – the narrative is first person POV from both Laurel and Rhea’s perspective so you develop a connection and understanding of both characters and see the push and pull from both sides (Laurel being the pull and Rhea being the push). They are both likable and you can’t help but root for them both. There’s an bit of insta-attract between them, but Rhea’s taciturn and cautious personality makes Laurel work for it. It is balanced nicely with the paranormal elements, and the nature of their magics fits particularly well with their personalities, especially Rhea’s elemental magic which is snapping and writhing beneath the surface, giving her a darker vibe.
Laurel is smart, sweet, funny and refreshingly guileless. She has a pretty wide-eyed innocence throughout the book – her trust and acceptance of everything may seem a bit odd, but throughout her life, her magic has been nudging her along – whether by throwing a dart at a map and ending up in Cincinnati or her horrible, terrible, no good, very bad morning when everything that can go wrong does go wrong and puts her in the path of Rhea and Jean. That isn’t too say she’s a passive participant, she’s more than willing to take the bull by the horns – or corner the Disgruntled Hot Gardner – and take a leap of faith that she’s on the right track. Of course, that leads to a bit of a bonehead move later on in the book, but I think it makes sense based on how she has followed her intuition for so many other things.
Rhea, as a counter-point to Laurel, is bit more of a tragic figure. She’s isolated herself, keeping her magic under tight control out of fear of repeating her past. (Not that is going to stop Laurel.) The way that Hale weaves the undercurrent of the barely contained power and energy of Rhea’s magic emphasizes Rhea’s struggle and gives her broody, tormented soul a nice bite. Laurel’s arrival and their interactions slowly pull Rhea out of her self-imposed exile and is forced to look at things from a new perspective. I have to admit, I really liked Rhea – but I’m a fan of the dark and broody type. The broodier they are, the harder they fall.
Would I have liked to see more world building – absolutely. The focus was mostly on Laurel and Rhea and their specific magics and the larger world didn’t get as much attention – which is why I would classify this as a light PNR. But this doesn’t appear to be part of a series, so intricate world-building may have bogged things down. That being said – I would be happy to read another book in this world if Hale does decide to expand it.
Overall, I was happily ensconced in the world she created and seemed to plow through this book in record time.
September 1, 2019
With her second publication Robin Hale proves she is not a one hit wonder. Under The harvest Moon is full of magic and wonder and Hale’s writing is really imaginative. I loved the characters and the alternate pov between Laurel and Rhea worked really well.
The only thing was that brooding heroine Rhea really got on my tits after a while. I know, she got a lot of bad stuff happening to her 15 winters ago but my patience just ran out. Sorry, Rhea.
f/f sloooooooow burn
Themes: Cincinnati, Book Wyrm, you’re a witch like your mom, vampires, shifters, soul mates, I’m with Lov2laf I liked Silhoutte better as well.
4 Stars
The only thing was that brooding heroine Rhea really got on my tits after a while. I know, she got a lot of bad stuff happening to her 15 winters ago but my patience just ran out. Sorry, Rhea.
f/f sloooooooow burn
Themes: Cincinnati, Book Wyrm, you’re a witch like your mom, vampires, shifters, soul mates, I’m with Lov2laf I liked Silhoutte better as well.
4 Stars
August 26, 2019
This book is a romance between witches and the author's tag blurb basically sums it up:
Under the Harvest Moon is a complete F/F romance with grumpy gardeners, curious bookshop clerks, magic, and kisses in the moonlight!
Truthfully, the story is more than just a romance but the sparks lie in the relationship between sweet and rambling Laurel, a witch that has never known she was a witch or even realized magic existed, and Rhea, the witch who's seen too much and is all the worse for it.
Themes are fish out water, finding a home and community, punishing self, finding self, forgiving self, grieving mothers who've passed, learning magic, and fighting vampires. Oh, and coffee. Always coffee.
The story is unique and I did enjoy the read but there's also a dark shadow over it due to tragic events and Rhea's perpetual tortured soul is a downer. The world building is a little sparse and could've been fleshed out more but I enjoyed seeing all of the characters and different types of magic that existed.
I'll admit I liked Robin Hale's other book, "Silhouette", more but this read was still entertaining and had so many clever moments my Kindle highlighting reached the double digits.
A charming, quirky, and somewhat dark paranormal romance. Recommend. 3.75 stars
Under the Harvest Moon is a complete F/F romance with grumpy gardeners, curious bookshop clerks, magic, and kisses in the moonlight!
Truthfully, the story is more than just a romance but the sparks lie in the relationship between sweet and rambling Laurel, a witch that has never known she was a witch or even realized magic existed, and Rhea, the witch who's seen too much and is all the worse for it.
Themes are fish out water, finding a home and community, punishing self, finding self, forgiving self, grieving mothers who've passed, learning magic, and fighting vampires. Oh, and coffee. Always coffee.
The story is unique and I did enjoy the read but there's also a dark shadow over it due to tragic events and Rhea's perpetual tortured soul is a downer. The world building is a little sparse and could've been fleshed out more but I enjoyed seeing all of the characters and different types of magic that existed.
I'll admit I liked Robin Hale's other book, "Silhouette", more but this read was still entertaining and had so many clever moments my Kindle highlighting reached the double digits.
A charming, quirky, and somewhat dark paranormal romance. Recommend. 3.75 stars
October 17, 2019
I was really excited to read this because this author's book 'Silhouette' is one of my favorites.
'Under the Harvest Moon' is an interesting journey into the magical world of star borns (witches, shape shifters, vampires, etc.)
Laurel is a Nebraska girl (GO BIG RED) that has never felt like she belonged. She throws a dart on a map and ends up trying to find a community in Cincinnati, OH. She seems to be drawn to people there, and begins to discover parts of herself she didn't know existed.
This was a good book about finding your people and place in the world. I liked Laurel. She was no-nonsense. She had a goal and nobody was going to stop her. Despite the other worldly things causing concern. She was a flawed character, too. A bit clumsy and definitely bad at timing when announcing her presence to others.
She was instantly enamored with Rhea, a hot butch gardener/witch on probation. In a normal romance, I would have been screaming at Laurel to run away from Rhea because she was aloof, and aggressive, and rude. You could see her baggage from a mile away. But when you throw in the mystical idea of 'soul mates' then all bets are off and you can't be critical of unreasonable attraction and crushes.
Hale did a good job of describing magic. Especially bringing to life the Harvest Moon festival. That was a special moment of half bondage. (No, no. Not that kind of bondage. Get your head out of the gutter.) There were some dream sequences that were confusing and didn't quite come together for me like I think they were intended to.
Overall, I liked this. It lacked the special quality 'Silhouette' had. But maybe it is just that this genre isn't something I'm normally into. Regardless, it was for sure worth reading for a different kind of lesbian romance.
I recommend this to those who like to read about romance, finding oneself, hot butch women, new age book shops, witches, werewolves, vampires, soul mates, magic, and creepy dreams.
'Under the Harvest Moon' is an interesting journey into the magical world of star borns (witches, shape shifters, vampires, etc.)
Laurel is a Nebraska girl (GO BIG RED) that has never felt like she belonged. She throws a dart on a map and ends up trying to find a community in Cincinnati, OH. She seems to be drawn to people there, and begins to discover parts of herself she didn't know existed.
This was a good book about finding your people and place in the world. I liked Laurel. She was no-nonsense. She had a goal and nobody was going to stop her. Despite the other worldly things causing concern. She was a flawed character, too. A bit clumsy and definitely bad at timing when announcing her presence to others.
She was instantly enamored with Rhea, a hot butch gardener/witch on probation. In a normal romance, I would have been screaming at Laurel to run away from Rhea because she was aloof, and aggressive, and rude. You could see her baggage from a mile away. But when you throw in the mystical idea of 'soul mates' then all bets are off and you can't be critical of unreasonable attraction and crushes.
Hale did a good job of describing magic. Especially bringing to life the Harvest Moon festival. That was a special moment of half bondage. (No, no. Not that kind of bondage. Get your head out of the gutter.) There were some dream sequences that were confusing and didn't quite come together for me like I think they were intended to.
Overall, I liked this. It lacked the special quality 'Silhouette' had. But maybe it is just that this genre isn't something I'm normally into. Regardless, it was for sure worth reading for a different kind of lesbian romance.
I recommend this to those who like to read about romance, finding oneself, hot butch women, new age book shops, witches, werewolves, vampires, soul mates, magic, and creepy dreams.
July 13, 2019
I recommend you read this book
“Have you ever felt like you weren’t where you were supposed to be?” The question Laurel had asked her new employer while attempting to explain why she had moved from her mother’s home in Nebraska to the queen city of Cincinnati, Ohio ..... “I threw a dart” Thus begins Laurel’s story of finding herself, her purpose, and her heart. This story reveals many surprises for Laurel, summed up when she was starting to tell her mother what she had found by asking “Mom, do you believe in magic?”
Nicely written, great characters, if the trip to the Harvest Moon Festival doesn’t cloak you in warmth and capture your imagination maybe you should be reading Popular Mechanics instead.....
This is the second book by this author and I’ve read through the night to finish each of them (Silhouette, 2018, by Robin Hale).
“Have you ever felt like you weren’t where you were supposed to be?” The question Laurel had asked her new employer while attempting to explain why she had moved from her mother’s home in Nebraska to the queen city of Cincinnati, Ohio ..... “I threw a dart” Thus begins Laurel’s story of finding herself, her purpose, and her heart. This story reveals many surprises for Laurel, summed up when she was starting to tell her mother what she had found by asking “Mom, do you believe in magic?”
Nicely written, great characters, if the trip to the Harvest Moon Festival doesn’t cloak you in warmth and capture your imagination maybe you should be reading Popular Mechanics instead.....
This is the second book by this author and I’ve read through the night to finish each of them (Silhouette, 2018, by Robin Hale).
April 19, 2020
Quite fascinating with all the magic, and the things they do in their community. I really like enjoyed this book. Though I wish the confrontable between the villain is bit longer and more intense. But it did set me on edge though. 😆👍
February 3, 2021
Witches, vampires, shapeshifters, covens…magic. This book is fantasy bookended with romance.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
September 12, 2019
I really liked the gist of the book but it felt a tad rushed to me.
I thought Laurel was such an endearing character and you'll find yourself rooting for her from the start, and Rhea, the brooding, misunderstood and strong little soul just completed the story. I liked the little twists too and how connected Rhea and Laurel were without ever having met one another.
I thought Laurel was such an endearing character and you'll find yourself rooting for her from the start, and Rhea, the brooding, misunderstood and strong little soul just completed the story. I liked the little twists too and how connected Rhea and Laurel were without ever having met one another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2019
A cute witchy romance. Was a great summer time read.
March 29, 2020
I’m pretty sure that no magical trope has been left out of this... Tortured, damaged, but somehow perfect butch (witch) meets femme newbie witch. Damsels in distress are rescued etc. I love fantasy. But found the paranormal world building pretty dull. There was little interaction between the MCs. And it was all a bit predictable. Really enjoyed Hale’s other books. This didn’t engage me at all.
July 3, 2019
Good read recommend this book
I really enjoyed this book. Witches,magical creatures. Meeting your soul mate. What's not to like. Recommend this book good read.
I really enjoyed this book. Witches,magical creatures. Meeting your soul mate. What's not to like. Recommend this book good read.
October 9, 2021
This book is Urban Fantasy. Not a genre I am super familiar with. I have read Charles DeLint's "Moonheart". I have read Jaqueline Carey's "Agent of Hel" trilogy (OK, I've read literally every book of hers and she is spectacular). I've read Laurell K. Hamilton's "Merry Gentry" series. But, although there are many others, not a genre I follow, particularly.
So, here we are, in Cincinnati. Laurel, in Nebraska, living with her foster parents, throws a dart at a map and to decide where she should go. Cincinnati it is! Having arrived, on her way to an interview at a fast food joint, she inappropriately steps into a street in front of a truck and can't take her eyes of the gorgeous butch who is deriding her for her idiocy. She turns, steps into a bookstore (the Book Wyrm) to calm down, where the owner inexplicably confuses her with "Olivia", offers her tea, and, soon makes a job offer to work at the book store. How weird is that?
Rhea, the grumpy gardener at Barleywick, had almost run over a careless young thing while running an errand in town. An annoyance. But why can't she stop thinking of her?
And that is the beginning of the romp. The Book Wyrm ("The Wyrm", to its patrons) has a whole section of .. mystical ... goods that mundanes simply pass their eyes over without noticing. And the weekly .. book club?? Huh. Perhaps it is a coven?
Turns out, Laurel is a witch, as is Jean, the owner of the Wyrm, and Rhea, secretive proprietor of Barleywick.
There is a whole paranormal world at work here: witches, weres, vampires. And Furies? (As a classicist, I understand Furies - erinyes, eumenides - from Greek Mythology. Why are they in Cincinnati? No worries. Never explained, but never really a plot point.)
And Laurel is a newbie witch, discovering her heritage and powers for the first time.
This is super fun. Laurel and Rhea are spectacular as main characters. Laurel coming into her (very rare) powers is amazing. All the secondary characters are great - and the villain (there must be one, right?) is creepy and scary.
As KJ said in her review, there could have been more "world building" - but you really don't need it; Laurel as the new witch on the block learns some of what she needs from other characters, stumbles into things where she (and the reader) could have done well by knowing more, but it is what it is, and, by the end of the book, everybody knows what is really necessary to know.
I really enjoyed this book. It's standalone, and I don't expect anything more is needed here, but this was a really fun world to immerse myself in.
So, here we are, in Cincinnati. Laurel, in Nebraska, living with her foster parents, throws a dart at a map and to decide where she should go. Cincinnati it is! Having arrived, on her way to an interview at a fast food joint, she inappropriately steps into a street in front of a truck and can't take her eyes of the gorgeous butch who is deriding her for her idiocy. She turns, steps into a bookstore (the Book Wyrm) to calm down, where the owner inexplicably confuses her with "Olivia", offers her tea, and, soon makes a job offer to work at the book store. How weird is that?
Rhea, the grumpy gardener at Barleywick, had almost run over a careless young thing while running an errand in town. An annoyance. But why can't she stop thinking of her?
And that is the beginning of the romp. The Book Wyrm ("The Wyrm", to its patrons) has a whole section of .. mystical ... goods that mundanes simply pass their eyes over without noticing. And the weekly .. book club?? Huh. Perhaps it is a coven?
Turns out, Laurel is a witch, as is Jean, the owner of the Wyrm, and Rhea, secretive proprietor of Barleywick.
There is a whole paranormal world at work here: witches, weres, vampires. And Furies? (As a classicist, I understand Furies - erinyes, eumenides - from Greek Mythology. Why are they in Cincinnati? No worries. Never explained, but never really a plot point.)
And Laurel is a newbie witch, discovering her heritage and powers for the first time.
This is super fun. Laurel and Rhea are spectacular as main characters. Laurel coming into her (very rare) powers is amazing. All the secondary characters are great - and the villain (there must be one, right?) is creepy and scary.
As KJ said in her review, there could have been more "world building" - but you really don't need it; Laurel as the new witch on the block learns some of what she needs from other characters, stumbles into things where she (and the reader) could have done well by knowing more, but it is what it is, and, by the end of the book, everybody knows what is really necessary to know.
I really enjoyed this book. It's standalone, and I don't expect anything more is needed here, but this was a really fun world to immerse myself in.
September 22, 2019
Paranormal WOW!
I loved this story!!!! It was so good and full of excitement, suspense, romance and finding that special place and people to call home. Raised by an adoptive mother in Nebraska, Laurel knows she doesn’t belong there and sets off on a new adventure in Ohio. She gets a fantastic job in a book store and meets a beguiling woman named Rhea. There is much more to everything than meets the eye and Laurel has a lot to learn! Laurel has so much strength, curiosity and perky passion. She has a habit of rambling when she speaks and often embarrasses herself but she never lets that get her down for long. Rhea is a woman who knows pain, inside and out. Her life has been a harsh one and the wounded woman is full of regret, remorse and fear. She prefers to keep to herself and fly under the radar but underneath there is an underlying passion of her own and she will do whatever it takes to make Laurel happy and keep her safe, even if it means she loses what little she has left. This book is practically perfect and made me so very happy! A word of warning however, start it early enough in the day so that you won’t have to put it down to get some sleep, you won’t want to!
I loved this story!!!! It was so good and full of excitement, suspense, romance and finding that special place and people to call home. Raised by an adoptive mother in Nebraska, Laurel knows she doesn’t belong there and sets off on a new adventure in Ohio. She gets a fantastic job in a book store and meets a beguiling woman named Rhea. There is much more to everything than meets the eye and Laurel has a lot to learn! Laurel has so much strength, curiosity and perky passion. She has a habit of rambling when she speaks and often embarrasses herself but she never lets that get her down for long. Rhea is a woman who knows pain, inside and out. Her life has been a harsh one and the wounded woman is full of regret, remorse and fear. She prefers to keep to herself and fly under the radar but underneath there is an underlying passion of her own and she will do whatever it takes to make Laurel happy and keep her safe, even if it means she loses what little she has left. This book is practically perfect and made me so very happy! A word of warning however, start it early enough in the day so that you won’t have to put it down to get some sleep, you won’t want to!
June 9, 2021
Plot: The plot starts off with Laurel moving to town and experiencing a few coincidences that are later explained by magic. Once she knows about magic no one, including her coven, try to explain anything to her. They just let her ask random questions and maybe she stumbles on a useful answer. During this time Rhea alternates between being rude and aloof, and enjoying Laurel’s company.
Once the plot line involving Absalon starts to unfold the book just takes a turn for the worse. When it comes to light that he engineered the murder of Rhea’s whole family Laurel never brings it up to the council or to Rhea herself. Laurel also never explains the motive of Absalon stalking the look a-likes of his supposed soul mate. That would have easily explained to the council why a seemingly upstanding member of the community just snapped one day. It doesn’t make sense that Laurel wouldn’t have told Rhea about Absalon purposely tricking her in order to kill her family. It might have helped to resolve some of the guilt Rhea has. It also doesn’t make sense for Absalon to have targeted Rhea or her family in the first place. Olivia was in a completely different coven so if he was trying to isolate her then he would have targeted her coven not Rhea’s.
Characterization: Rhea comes across like she’s got a split personality. One moment she can’t deal with having Laurel in the same room with her, the next she is asking her out on a date with no reservations.
Laurel is supposed to be a ray of sun shine but she never really does anything to back that description up. She has a child like wonder for magic, but who wouldn’t if they had just discovered it. She tends to babble and ask a lot of questions but once again who wouldn’t when there is obviously a few secrets that random people you have just met are keeping from you.
Writing: I’m happy that this was written in first person perspective. Unfortunately there were a few typos throughout the book but nothing so bad that I couldn’t figure out what it should have been.
Also of note: I’ve now read all 3 books that this author has written thus far. This one sticks out like a sore thumb. It does not meet the same quality that was in the other two books. It doesn’t follow similar patterns or themes like the other two do. The only things that stand out that make me believe that the same author wrote all three books is that once again a main character hadn’t finished their college degree, and that the side characters all have fully developed personalities and back stories that the author never really explains so it comes off as a little bit confusing.
Once the plot line involving Absalon starts to unfold the book just takes a turn for the worse. When it comes to light that he engineered the murder of Rhea’s whole family Laurel never brings it up to the council or to Rhea herself. Laurel also never explains the motive of Absalon stalking the look a-likes of his supposed soul mate. That would have easily explained to the council why a seemingly upstanding member of the community just snapped one day. It doesn’t make sense that Laurel wouldn’t have told Rhea about Absalon purposely tricking her in order to kill her family. It might have helped to resolve some of the guilt Rhea has. It also doesn’t make sense for Absalon to have targeted Rhea or her family in the first place. Olivia was in a completely different coven so if he was trying to isolate her then he would have targeted her coven not Rhea’s.
Characterization: Rhea comes across like she’s got a split personality. One moment she can’t deal with having Laurel in the same room with her, the next she is asking her out on a date with no reservations.
Laurel is supposed to be a ray of sun shine but she never really does anything to back that description up. She has a child like wonder for magic, but who wouldn’t if they had just discovered it. She tends to babble and ask a lot of questions but once again who wouldn’t when there is obviously a few secrets that random people you have just met are keeping from you.
Writing: I’m happy that this was written in first person perspective. Unfortunately there were a few typos throughout the book but nothing so bad that I couldn’t figure out what it should have been.
Also of note: I’ve now read all 3 books that this author has written thus far. This one sticks out like a sore thumb. It does not meet the same quality that was in the other two books. It doesn’t follow similar patterns or themes like the other two do. The only things that stand out that make me believe that the same author wrote all three books is that once again a main character hadn’t finished their college degree, and that the side characters all have fully developed personalities and back stories that the author never really explains so it comes off as a little bit confusing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2020
I loved the other books(Technically Faking and Silhouette) by Robin Hale. They just felt the most natural to me in terms of chemistry, the closest to my personal experience, out of ALL the lesbian/bi fiction I ever read, to this day. Those stories and characters felt organic in their chosen setting. However, this book did not live up to my expectations. Compared to the other two by Robin Hale, this one felt like fanfic.
Urban fantasy is one of my all time favorite genres, and I'm always on a lookout for good sapphic fiction with hot chemistry, and realistic relationship development, that doesn't feel like a F/F porn written by men and for men. However, I don't think that Robin Hale is a natural when it comes to combining these two genres.
She does write really good girl on girl chemistry, probably best of what I have ever read. She also did really well in her almost satirical Silhouette book, with these comical superhero characters, who nevertheless evoke real feelings in you. This book, Under The Harvest Moon, was very trope-y. It wasn't long enough to build an intricate fantasy world, but it managed to incorporate quite a few cliches. In moments, where she tried to be original, compared to other urban fiction books, it felt forced and cheesy. I'm very careful with soulmate trope. It can be really good, when used and executed tastefully and originally. Otherwise it's cheesy enough to go with your whine... Wine, I mean wine!
All that being said, I'll be looking forward to more of her books, hopefully set in a reality without magic - words I've never thought I'd utter.
Urban fantasy is one of my all time favorite genres, and I'm always on a lookout for good sapphic fiction with hot chemistry, and realistic relationship development, that doesn't feel like a F/F porn written by men and for men. However, I don't think that Robin Hale is a natural when it comes to combining these two genres.
She does write really good girl on girl chemistry, probably best of what I have ever read. She also did really well in her almost satirical Silhouette book, with these comical superhero characters, who nevertheless evoke real feelings in you. This book, Under The Harvest Moon, was very trope-y. It wasn't long enough to build an intricate fantasy world, but it managed to incorporate quite a few cliches. In moments, where she tried to be original, compared to other urban fiction books, it felt forced and cheesy. I'm very careful with soulmate trope. It can be really good, when used and executed tastefully and originally. Otherwise it's cheesy enough to go with your whine... Wine, I mean wine!
All that being said, I'll be looking forward to more of her books, hopefully set in a reality without magic - words I've never thought I'd utter.
July 23, 2020
Very well written.
I read a lot of books in this genre that leave something to be desired in the maturity and level of thoroughness of the writing.
This book was fantastic and went above my expectations in so many ways. While the plot wasn't particularly complex, it also wasn't empty or trite. There was great depth to the characters. The metaphors and analogies took the descriptive writing to the next level, were very original and catchy, and always kept me engaged. Sometimes I would re-read a paragraph because I genuinely loved it so much.
The editing was quite good. I found maybe three typos and they weren't the super annoying kind in my opinion.
The perspectives of the two characters were really well developed. One of the characters is impacted by others to change, and so there is a moral/lesson to takeaway about grief, guilt, and trusting your intuition. It was a solid story and it was displayed well, lots of showing as opposed to telling. It was easy to engage all my senses in the storytelling style, which made it a very immersive experience.
This book was a pleasure to read.
I read a lot of books in this genre that leave something to be desired in the maturity and level of thoroughness of the writing.
This book was fantastic and went above my expectations in so many ways. While the plot wasn't particularly complex, it also wasn't empty or trite. There was great depth to the characters. The metaphors and analogies took the descriptive writing to the next level, were very original and catchy, and always kept me engaged. Sometimes I would re-read a paragraph because I genuinely loved it so much.
The editing was quite good. I found maybe three typos and they weren't the super annoying kind in my opinion.
The perspectives of the two characters were really well developed. One of the characters is impacted by others to change, and so there is a moral/lesson to takeaway about grief, guilt, and trusting your intuition. It was a solid story and it was displayed well, lots of showing as opposed to telling. It was easy to engage all my senses in the storytelling style, which made it a very immersive experience.
This book was a pleasure to read.
February 1, 2025
Rounding down because while the theme of the story was fine, the ending did not feel as satisfying as I wanted it to be. There were a lot of loose ends that were not tied off as tightly as I would have liked. If this was the first book in a series, I might feel a little differently.
There was also a small issue with the chemistry between the leads. They didn't have as much screentime together and seemed to fall in love rather quickly. I did love when they were together, but it just wasn't the focus as there were usually other things to deal with.
A type of fated mate read, but the leads are witches. If you like fated mate stories this might be for you.
There was also a small issue with the chemistry between the leads. They didn't have as much screentime together and seemed to fall in love rather quickly. I did love when they were together, but it just wasn't the focus as there were usually other things to deal with.
A type of fated mate read, but the leads are witches. If you like fated mate stories this might be for you.
March 24, 2022
A PNR, with witches, weres, vamps, etc
Slow-burn, because one of our witches is new to the knowledge of her abilities and heritage, and the other believes herself a pariah and believes herself not only unworthy of love, but that she would be a burden on anyone who loved her. Because of that, the story is almost not a romance, or at least romance is not primary. Instead we have an introduction to the magical world in Cincinnati, unobserved by "out-of-towners", a suspense filled conflict between the two main characters and the power brokers in town, and a mystery about all these people in their lives who have died / been killed.
Slow-burn, because one of our witches is new to the knowledge of her abilities and heritage, and the other believes herself a pariah and believes herself not only unworthy of love, but that she would be a burden on anyone who loved her. Because of that, the story is almost not a romance, or at least romance is not primary. Instead we have an introduction to the magical world in Cincinnati, unobserved by "out-of-towners", a suspense filled conflict between the two main characters and the power brokers in town, and a mystery about all these people in their lives who have died / been killed.
January 28, 2022
ewwwwww business degree
disappointing villain 3.5/5
disappointing villain 3.5/5
August 27, 2024
I will always love every awkward and endearing character that Robin Hale has created.
February 26, 2025
It's a fun book to read. 4 an half. Lots of magical moments. Sweet romance with a magical twist
Read
December 16, 2020There is nothing more satisfying than finding an author who is so diverse in their story-telling that you get to the end of one book and say “That was amazing! Hang on, didn’t she write—insert completely different genre book title here—because that was also amazing!” Robin Hale is now one of my favourite authors. I mean, I have a list of favourites that rolls onto two pages, but Robin Hale is right there. Being all favourite and amazing. Let me backfill a little. I’d never heard of Robin Hale, but then I read Amy Herman-Pall’s TLR review of Hale’s ‘Technically Faking’. The story is a cute fake romance with a rich/poor sort of sub-trope, and fun dialogue. It’s also a contemporary romance. Very contemporary, as in dating apps, and a hot CEO and a gorgeous social media comms person. It’s a very cool story and I loved it. I heart Iris and Amber forever, etc. Then, I read ‘Under The Harvest Moon’. I can’t remember why I picked it up. But anyway, Robin Hale’s name flashed past as I flicked the Kindle page to chapter one, and began reading. It is an awesome book and I’ll tell you why in the next paragraph, but I didn’t register the author until the end and then I was all, ‘hang on!’ THAT Robin Hale? So I googled, and yep, it’s the same Robin Hale. Here’s why I was grinning at my Kindle screen.
‘Under The Harvest Moon’ is a magical, witchy story which centres around Laurel, who has moved to a new city, has a job at a quirky little bookshop, and seems to humiliate herself in front of the most gorgeous woman she’s ever seen. That would be Rhea of the tortured, kind soul, butch variety of gorgeous woman. Then Laurel learns something about herself that freaks her out somewhat, but it explains so much. So much. Urban fantasy/magic/mystical tropes are usually big on world-building. See Lise MacTague's books for a masterclass. But, I really believe that ‘Under The Harvest Moon’ doesn’t need massive world-building. There are magical entities in this story who are never fully detailed—I still can’t visualise a Fury—but that’s not the point. The world-building is not as important to the plot in this type of novel. Hale is presenting us with characters who are terrific (Rhea and Laurel are wonderful as MCs, and the secondary characters are fun and push the plot along well) and that is enough to make this an easy-to-read, charming book.
Yes, there is a scary bit at the end. I was relieved, actually, when this happened. Vampires et al can’t be left wandering about in a novel without doing something particularly gross and just plain wrong. Glad I wasn’t disappointed.
So, to cycle back to my original point. ‘Technically Faking’ and ‘Under The Harvest Moon’ are really different. But when I leaned back into my office chair and thought about it properly, while doodling on my electricity bill, these two books do have some things in common. Quirky, funny, smooooooth writing style, and an awareness that readers are smart enough to fill any spaces with their imagination. I like that.
‘Under The Harvest Moon’ is a magical, witchy story which centres around Laurel, who has moved to a new city, has a job at a quirky little bookshop, and seems to humiliate herself in front of the most gorgeous woman she’s ever seen. That would be Rhea of the tortured, kind soul, butch variety of gorgeous woman. Then Laurel learns something about herself that freaks her out somewhat, but it explains so much. So much. Urban fantasy/magic/mystical tropes are usually big on world-building. See Lise MacTague's books for a masterclass. But, I really believe that ‘Under The Harvest Moon’ doesn’t need massive world-building. There are magical entities in this story who are never fully detailed—I still can’t visualise a Fury—but that’s not the point. The world-building is not as important to the plot in this type of novel. Hale is presenting us with characters who are terrific (Rhea and Laurel are wonderful as MCs, and the secondary characters are fun and push the plot along well) and that is enough to make this an easy-to-read, charming book.
Yes, there is a scary bit at the end. I was relieved, actually, when this happened. Vampires et al can’t be left wandering about in a novel without doing something particularly gross and just plain wrong. Glad I wasn’t disappointed.
So, to cycle back to my original point. ‘Technically Faking’ and ‘Under The Harvest Moon’ are really different. But when I leaned back into my office chair and thought about it properly, while doodling on my electricity bill, these two books do have some things in common. Quirky, funny, smooooooth writing style, and an awareness that readers are smart enough to fill any spaces with their imagination. I like that.
December 27, 2019
Rhea and Laurel deserved the best
Laurel never felt like she belonged despite the unconditional love and support of her mother she was missing a piece of her she threw a dart and made a change.
Rhea isolated and blaming herself for her haunted past because she fell in love with a girl hurt and broken she refuse to give into the pull she feels from this outsider but finds herself unwilling to resist her rambling charm together they find their home and a fresh start. Read the book it's good, well done Robin Hale
Laurel never felt like she belonged despite the unconditional love and support of her mother she was missing a piece of her she threw a dart and made a change.
Rhea isolated and blaming herself for her haunted past because she fell in love with a girl hurt and broken she refuse to give into the pull she feels from this outsider but finds herself unwilling to resist her rambling charm together they find their home and a fresh start. Read the book it's good, well done Robin Hale
August 17, 2019
I was stunned. Flabbergasted. Gaping like a landed trout.
A funny book about witches. The kind, well two of them at least, who are also lesbians.
One, Laurel, is new to the area (Cincinnati, and I do not think I've read a book set in Cincinnati before) and looking for 'her community', and the other, Rhea, has been there her whole life, lost her community, and doesn't really believe she deserves one. Laurel's the positive one (even when she's being attacked by her plumbing), while Rhea's the grumpy one (well, her whole family did die, conceivably by her own actions).
A funny book about witches. The kind, well two of them at least, who are also lesbians.
One, Laurel, is new to the area (Cincinnati, and I do not think I've read a book set in Cincinnati before) and looking for 'her community', and the other, Rhea, has been there her whole life, lost her community, and doesn't really believe she deserves one. Laurel's the positive one (even when she's being attacked by her plumbing), while Rhea's the grumpy one (well, her whole family did die, conceivably by her own actions).
October 9, 2019
Just what I needed. It is light and funny, sometimes complicated and about two witches, who are meant to be together. If you like a lot of twists and turns, rich world ful of characters, you would be probably disappointed. It is a very well written romance, which gives hope for someone who still hasn't found their one true love. And their soul bonding scene.. Jesus, woman! Well, I really recommend.
September 15, 2019
Gimmie More of that Gay Stuff
There's banter and charm. Magic and vampires. Wit and soul. Hale's voice works well for this genre and I would love to read more in the universe, perhaps Shifter focused.
There's banter and charm. Magic and vampires. Wit and soul. Hale's voice works well for this genre and I would love to read more in the universe, perhaps Shifter focused.
September 10, 2019
A nice read that was over all to fast. I would love to see more of these two characters as well as a bit of world building as the setting has a lot of potential.
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