Moonrise

Moonkind #1

by Ines Johnson

This Alpha's gonna take a bite out of his brother's fake fiancée.

Sheltered Lucia is determined to find a new life and love. No wonder she falls for the first guy to flash her a wolfish smile her first day in the big city. After rescuing the charming shifter from certain death, she's sure he feels the same way about her, and will tell her so — just as soon as he wakes up from his coma. To stay by her instalove’s side in the hospital, Lucia pretends she's his bonded mate. This twist of the truth takes a turn when she meets her fake fiancé’s sexy older brother and wonders if she was a bit too hasty in declaring love-at-first-sight the first time.

For months, Jackson has sensed that his fated mate was near. When he enters his brother's hospital room, he instantly pounces on the beautiful, curvaceous woman there. He’s ready to mark her as his own until he discovers his brother may have gotten there first. The more Jackson gets to know Lucia, the more his doubts about the engagement grow. She has nothing in common with his wayward, lone wolf brother. But she sure does check every one of Jackson's boxes.

Lucia longs to explore her feelings for Jackson, but how can she turn her back on the comatose wolf she lied about being engaged to? Jackson's fighting a losing battle with his wolf to claim the woman who should be his. When he finds proof that Lucia isn't who she claims to be, can he still trust her with his heart? And what will happen when his brother, her fake-mate, wakes up?

Moonrise is the first in a paranormal romance series full of alpha men and the strong, capable women that bend them to their knees. If you like a touch of magic in your romance novels, then you’ll love the witches, fairies, and wolves in the dystopian world of the moonkind.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Amazon, Werewolves

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2019

Reviews

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gave me so many While You Were Sleeping vibes and I think that's why I ended up liking it so much :) Nostalgia, it gets me every time!

Lucia is a witch that has come down from the mountain to find her father and get answers about why she remembers a loving and caring man and how that same man was able to leave her and mother behind without a backward glance. Being half witch and half wolf has made Lucia feel apart from her sisters and she sees this adventure as a chance to not only get answers about her past, but also cement her need to find her mate and have the family and love she's always craved.

When she meets a charming wolf on the train platform, Lucia allows herself to build a fantasy of love at first sight and jumps head first into an infatuation with Pierce. But before she can declare her intentions, Pierce is attached and pushed onto the train tracks. He's taken to the hospital and remains unconscious in a coma. When they won't let her see him, a nurse - seeing Lucia's distress - announces that Lucia is Pierce's fiance/mate. She only wanted to make sure he was okay and wouldn't wake up alone in a strange place but that white lie quickly snowballs out of control when Pierce's family quickly embraces her with open arms.

Everything seemed perfect until Jackson showed up at the hospital to see his brother. Jackson takes one look at Lucia and instantly recognizes her as his mate. When he hears that she's been claimed by his own brother, Jackson has to fight his instincts that scream she is really his and damn everyone else for standing in their way.

These two were so adorably confused and exasperated with their unexpected love for each that their shenanigans had me laughing. Normally I don't enjoy pitting brothers against each other or love triangles of any kind but Lucia wasn't really in love with Pierce. She was in love with the idea of him and with his family of course. With Jackson, things were so different. He fought his feelings for Lucia because he loved his brother. When Lucia finally confesses the truth, the flood gates of Jacksons feelings for her burst forth and he lays all his cards on the table for her.

Although the premise of the story sounds angst and complicated, the story is actually doesn't have any sibling double dipping anything. Lucia never even kisses Pierce and once he wakes from his coma he instantly recognizes the bond between her and his brother. There aren't any hard feelings or recriminations. It was a slightly angsty read but overall a sweet romance between two people ready and willing to open their hearts to fate and love whole heartedly.

This was definitely a supernatural twist to While You Were Sleeping that kept me highly entertained throughout.

SAFETY INFO:
Ages : None were disclosed but I'd guess Lucia is in her early to mid 20's and Jackson is in his late 20's or early thirties.

Cheating : None.

OM/OW drama : None.

Separation : None.

Push/Pull  : In the beginning with Lucia's little white lie things get a bit complicated but in the face their mutual attraction, the truth eventually comes out.

Main Pursuer of relationship : I'd say it was mutual, although Jackson and his wolf definitely make the first move :)

Possible Triggers : (fake) love triangle between two brothers and the heroine.

HEA/HFN : Ends on a HEA (mating) and an epilogue that leads to book two in the series about Pierce.

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucia lived high on a mountain with witches most of her life. Her mother died and her father left when she was just a kid. Once she turns old enough to leave by herself, she sets off on her own to find her father and find out why he never returned. While on the train she makes friends with a wolf shifter but there's a fight and he gets hurt. She wants to go to the hospital with him to make sure he's ok because she feels like he might be her mate so she let's the paramedics and hospital staff think they are mates so she can stay with him.

Jackson has had a feeling that his mate is close so he's been making sure his home is ready for her arrival when she gets there. When he arrives at the hospital to see about his injured brother, he meets Lucia and is sure that she is his mate until he's informed that she's his brother's mate.

Lucia never meant to lie to Jackson's family about being his brother's mate but once his parents start making a huge fuss over her, she's not sure how to pull herself out of the predicament she's put herself in. She's been so secluded and sheltered growing up that she doesn't know how to react in the environment she's in so it was easy to see how this might happen to her.

Jackson is a police officer and he has Lucia help him find the men who hurt his brother but the more time they spend together, the closer they get and the more she feels like she made a rash decision is claiming Jackson's brother might be for her. Because she and Jackson have very strong feelings for each other and once the truth comes out, Jackson is free to pursue her like he wants to.

There's also a side story of Jackson helping Lucia find her father and once he figures out what really happened to him and checks him out, he tells Lucia. That whole story about her father was sad and really was sad to read. But I'm excited to read the next book and see what happens next with this series.

[Christina Bowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is a lot like the movie While You Were Sleeping, which I've always liked that movie, and made me a bit more curious about the book. I really enjoyed the book and liked the characters. It was cute seeing Lucia and Jackson get to know each other and fall in love, and I enjoyed following their story. I loved Jackson, he was an adorable guy. I was glad that Lucia finally came to her senses, and was happy with her and Jackson's HEA. Overall, it was a really cute book, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for Pierce and (hopefully!) see him get his own HEA. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well... this was... something.

Read this for my Patreon Exclusive Read for August 2022. Check out my Patreon for a spoilers review.

2.5 stars
1.5 on the spice scale.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Nothing wrong with the story itself, but it just really wasn’t my style, too tame, too sweet, too boring and predictable.

[Coco.V]

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[bookbeedani 🐝]

‼️⚠️free today on Amazon⚠️‼️

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I found it to be boring. The h is way too naive.

[Miki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story .
I Loved how Lucia was so craving a family and still na+Ive but wanting to do right ..She is perfect for Jackson who is an alpha loyal and protective but still giving her lot of freedom. I really loved that about him.

The universe is really interesting and i will be happy to discover more about it. This a story of self discovering, acceptance and the fact we shouldn't judge others without taking the time to learn to know them.

very well written

[Judi Easley · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason I just didn't get caught up in this story. I had no real feeling for the characters. It's not that there was anything wrong with them, but I just didn't relate. The young witch-wolf looking for her father and a place to belong, the lone wolf looking for a way to have his freedom, the young wolf waiting for his mate, and the rest. They were all well done. But there seemed to be nothing fresh or new, it was all sort of predictable. A disappointment.

[Carole-Ann]

Yeah - nope... beginning was not OK

[Genieinachanelbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my most addictive reads to date I love Jackson & Lucia!!! a Smokin' hot shifter romance that made me lol swoon kept me on the edge of my seat and craving more! Moonrise is a must read 5 Sexy Stars all the way!!!

[Larry Bos · Rating 3 out of 5]

The movie is better

The story line is "While You Were Sleeping". The setting is in the 2100's after a world war and fae, witches, werewolves, and humans live among each other.

[Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 3.5/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4.5/5

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson is trying to be the son his parents want, especially since his brother, Pierce, is disappointing them at every turn. Pierce is what werewolves call a "lone wolf", a nomad with the itch to run free and be independent.

Lucia has a similar itch. She grew up in a strict all-female witch coven where she never felt like she totally belonged, being half-werewolf. When she comes of age, Lucia decides it is time for her own adventure and takes off to find her long-lost werewolf father. On the train, she runs into Pierce.

After a series of unfortunate events, Pierce ends up in a coma and Lucia is claiming to be his one true mate! She believes that she's in love with him, and when she meets his welcoming family, she definitely falls in love with them! Especially the strong, sexy brother, Jackson.

Jackson knows immediately that Lucia is his mate but he tries to wench his feelings believing that his brother has already staked his claim. Lucia realizes quickly that she chose the wrong brother!
_______________

This was a great book. The only reason it's not getting 5 stars is because it wasn't as kinky/dark as I usually like. Not necessarily the book's fault, just my preference. Jackson was sexy and rugged and everything you want in a romance novel's werewolf hero. I also enjoyed how Lucia was very dynamic: sweet but capable, naive but strong. Not all writes can capture women's duality.

I was also very interested in the world building that the author did. The universe she created was well developed and intriguing. Reminiscent of the paranormal world of Kresley Cole but Ines Johnson made it her own. I really enjoyed the powers that witches and warlocks have, it wasn't your everyday fantasy novel magic.

Overall, definitely worth a read!

[Elissa Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immensely enjoyed all aspects of this book. For it to be such a short read. A great deal of backstory was revealed without smothering the story in it. What I enjoyed most was Lucia carefree, naive, and accepting nature (outside of the warlock lol). I think everything was nicely written. I absolutely loved Jackson. He depicted everything she didn't know she needed. They way his wolf chased her and bite her in the forest (insert swoon). That whole situation from them leaving the car and her asking him to change for her. Uh it was magical. I loved their companionship. They had so much in common outside of the physical attraction. Then the bond between the family was beautiful. I felt a part of the family just like Lucia did. Even if they were a bit obtuse to the things that really mattered to their kids. It made it relatable to the reader. Parents only see what they want to. I would have liked to know more about Lucia father. Their was a lot of mystery around him. For a bit I thought for sure she was going to find out she was related to Jackson as a distant relative.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book improves the further into it you are; however, it is basically the plot of the movie While You Were Sleeping, with wolves. She even names the male character Jackson and Pierce, after Jack and Peter. However, it is missing the finer points that make the movie so special. I was unsure that I was going to get past the first chapter which was full of purple prose of the worst kind. Johnson obviously enjoys words, but she needs a wiser editor to keep her on track. Not only is she overly effusive, she also splits compound words into two singles, thereby destroying their meaning, uses ‘apart’ instead of ‘a part’, thereby delivering the opposite meaning,and misplaces clauses in a sentence, adding them to the incorrect subject.
My favourite line from the book, even though it did not really add to the story, ‘Breasts told time, the High Priestess was fond of saying.’ Apparently witches don’t wear bras.
Scrapes in as 3 stars.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in the future after a devastating arms race between nations. A new group, the moonkind, emerged to live side by side with the humans. Witches, warlocks, fae, wolf shifter just to name a few. The opening scene we learn about a young beautiful witch, Lucia, en route to find her father. Jackson, a wolf shifter, works as a detective on the PPF the Paranormal Police Force. He is waiting for his brother Pierce to arrive via train to replace him on the force. Lucia in the meantime meets Pierce on the train and they start a friendship. This is where the story becomes interesting. Like another reviewer stated it is “paranormal while you were sleeping”. Excellent writing, detailed in every aspect. As you read you can visualize where you are in the story and feel what the characters are feeling. I highly recommend this book.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me state, I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review. I also believe that this author is new to me.

Wow, this story was Gr8. This is a post apocalyptic world filled with Fae, Fairies, Humans, Warlocks, Werewolves and Witches. Lucia, a witch wolf hybrid, is searching for a need to belong. She hates coven life so she goes in search of her father by searching the last place she knew he might be. She meets Jackson, a werewolf officer for the Paranormal Police unit, who’s been nesting as he awaits his mate, {which his wolf knows is on her way}. Unfortunately, witches hate wolves {all men really}, and wolves despise witches. I hope there are many more stories to follow. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of this book that I received for free.

The Moonkind series is an intriguing take on a post apocalyptic world filled with Witches, Warlocks, Fae, Fairies, Werewolves and Humans. In this first book we are introduced to Lucia and Jackson. Lucia, a witch wolf hybrid, is on a search for her father and makes a journey to the last known area she knew her father might be. She meets Jackson, a werewolf officer for the Paranormal Police unit, who has been preparing for meeting his mate over the past six months and is starting to make some changes in his life. As the story progresses lies and secrets come to life and force them both to make some difficult choices.

Moonrise is a lovely start to and interesting series.

[mlady_rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

According to the author, this was inspired by the movie “While You Were Sleeping”. Love that movie.

***

Just starting, but not what I was expecting. Usually what I label urban fantasy or paranormal romance is paranormal creatures in an otherwise modern contemporary setting. This isn’t that. In the first few pages, we get a SFish, almost dystopian feel. The moon is closer and California sunk into the ocean. WTF? Open universe. So far witches, fae, werewolves, and humans. The lead female is a witch.

In case some of that sounds like spoilers, that’s just chapter one.

***

Finished. The not-quite-one-thing, not-quite-another impression remained. Major holes in the world-building. The part about the moon just felt wrong.

The plot, well it was “While You Were Sleeping” with werewolves who can sense their fated mate... and who mark them with a bite. Makes it hard to maintain the but-she-belongs-to-my-brother vibe long.

[V.P. Nightshade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

This book was a little frustrating for a fated mate story, but the concept is interesting and so is the world setting with the post apocalypse world idea and the earth being closer to the moon. I liked the ultra feminist concept of the witches in their own compounds without any males. It was difficult for me to connect with the characters until almost the end of the book. I found Lucia for the most part irritating and backwards rather than charmingly innocent. She was a very weak character. Jackson wasn't much stronger than she was, especially since he was a grown-ass shifter. For a shifter novel there in not enough steam, or smexy parts. But the storyline is good and I liked the concept and if you are looking for a different type of shifter novel without too much sex then you will probably like this book.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author and then I found it for free on Amazon via Bookbub
"as far as Lucia was concerned, she was well and truly claimed by this man" as far as I'm concerned, Lucia was a dimwit from the get-go and it didn't stop at the end either. Harold and Karyn are overbearing parents who do not trust their adult children to know their own mind. Lucia gives a whole speech on masturbation, if anyone is interested; I wasn't but had to read it anyways. I liked the premice of the story (based on While You Were Sleeping), I really liked Pierce, but couldn't get past the rest. BTW, everyone's skin color seems to be really important to the author. The epilogue brings you to the next book, which I enjoyed.

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moonrise is set in a post- apocalypse world where magic and paranormal creatures abound. It's a love story about a coven witch who comes down the mountain to civilization in search of the father who abandoned her and her sick mother when she was a small child. In Lucia, Ines Johnson gives us a heroine who is at once dauntingly powerful and frighteningly innocent and naive. I love the way she blows into town and turns the lives of not just Pierce and Jackson, but the whole Alcede family upside down. The romance that develops is not the one you'd initially expect, but it's sweet and hot and one of the best paranormal romances I've read in awhile.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a newsletter freebie that I picked up and enjoyed as it was an interesting departure from what I’ve been reading lately.

But, due to length, it’s hard to call this a full book. Lucia and Jackson are both interesting characters, but you don’t really get to know them.

There is a lot going on here. There is world building complicated by a futurist new reality with new races, family dynamics, and potential new relationships. I would have really like to have seen more plot development vs the immediate jump to HEA. This made me curious about the author/ series and I would read more, but I don’t know that I would seek these works out.

[Jeanne Johnston · Rating 1 out of 5]

No editor in sight

Honestly, I hardly noticed the story because the goofy punctuation was a constant distraction, to say nothing of nonsense homonyms and tendency to turn compound words into two words more often than not. The magical beings also frequently made no sense. "Warlock" is an insult, not a male witch, and Elvish kings do not rule with fairy queens because they're different races. About the only intriguing detail was that night was day and vice versa--and that was subtly played by the occasional reference to dawn breaking to end the day.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite a sweet little read.

Having grown up in the mountain with a coven of strong and independent witches that believe men are only useful for one thing, Lucia craves a family and real love. On her Rumwicca she sets out to find her werewolf father, her other family and maybe even her mate?
Lucia is painfully nieve of the world out side her coven, but that doesn't stop her desire to see the world and find her place in it.
I liked the theory behind the Moonkind in this book, and the meld of modern and fantasy was a joy to read.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jackson and Lucia meet, sparks fly, but circumstances keep them apart. Lucia is looking for her wolf shifter father who left when she was five. She longs for a family; can Jackson’s family accept her as the half witch she is? Great characters, enthralling story. I loved the ending to this book and look forward to reading Pierce’s tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily given an honest review.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Moonkind world witches stay isolated from others and wolves mate with wolves. Lucia, though, is half witch and half wolf and since losing her mother she feels alone in the world. When Lucia reaches her majority she leaves the coven to go to the city. On the train she meets a friendly, handsome wolf shifter who’s going to the same place. Lucia meets Pierce’s family-especially his brother Jackson-and everything changes. I received an advance copy of this book and left my honest review.

[Mrs R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Lucia leaves her Coven to search for the father she think abandoned her, along the way she meets Pierce and with a little confusion, everyone believes she is his mate, until she meets his brother Jackson.
The characters were all great, Lucia was naive but not defenseless. She was desperate to have a family that she once knew but believes it's out of her hands with the misunderstanding. Jackson was a gentleman but wants his mate.
A great standalone PNR.