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Dark-Elves of Nightbloom #2
Bright of the Moon
If you loved Shelby Mahurin’s Serpent & Dove and Elise Kova’s A Deal with the Elf King, this steamy grumpy-sunshine romance about a cursed human woman and a brooding dark-elf prince will lure you in and not let you go...
A cursed noblewoman. A broken dark-elf prince. A love that could save both their nations… or break their hearts.
By all appearances, Bella has lived a quiet life as a young noblewoman in her family’s castello—but in secret, she pens treatises criticizing the realm’s warmongers… and now there’s a price on her head. As she struggles to hide her seditious activities, a chance encounter with a unicorn leaves her with four hooves and a horn of her own—and a form she can’t control. The dark-elf queen has offered her a chance to acquire that control… if Bella can find the unicorn who turned her.
Prince Dhuro of Nightbloom has never met a problem he couldn’t solve with his fists—that is, until he fought for a place in the army’s elite forces and lost. Immortal beasts are growing in power and threatening his people, and he would much rather fight than dwell on all the ways his past broke him. His mother, the queen, sends him on a fool’s errand instead—helping a human newly turned unicorn find her sire, and asking the whether the pacifistic unicorns will stand with them against the beasts ravaging his people. Making things worse, Bella challenges his every decision, argues with him, infuriates him… until beneath the full moon, she shifts to her human form... and enchants him.
A war is raging, Dhuro must marry for political advantage, and only Bella’s sire can help her... And when the bounty hunters after her find them, Dhuro and Bella’s worldviews collide like life and death. But can Dhuro somehow be the answer to helping her control her form, and can she chase away his darkness? Can they find a way to be together and fight the war threatening to devour the land… or will it swallow them too?
Fun and thrilling, Bright of the Moon is a standalone grumpy-sunshine romance between two broken people who heal each other’s hearts and make one another whole, with a guaranteed Happily Ever After (HEA). Read it today, and journey through a medieval world of magic and Immortals, trials and trysts, blood and passion, and a love lasting far longer than forever…
A cursed noblewoman. A broken dark-elf prince. A love that could save both their nations… or break their hearts.
By all appearances, Bella has lived a quiet life as a young noblewoman in her family’s castello—but in secret, she pens treatises criticizing the realm’s warmongers… and now there’s a price on her head. As she struggles to hide her seditious activities, a chance encounter with a unicorn leaves her with four hooves and a horn of her own—and a form she can’t control. The dark-elf queen has offered her a chance to acquire that control… if Bella can find the unicorn who turned her.
Prince Dhuro of Nightbloom has never met a problem he couldn’t solve with his fists—that is, until he fought for a place in the army’s elite forces and lost. Immortal beasts are growing in power and threatening his people, and he would much rather fight than dwell on all the ways his past broke him. His mother, the queen, sends him on a fool’s errand instead—helping a human newly turned unicorn find her sire, and asking the whether the pacifistic unicorns will stand with them against the beasts ravaging his people. Making things worse, Bella challenges his every decision, argues with him, infuriates him… until beneath the full moon, she shifts to her human form... and enchants him.
A war is raging, Dhuro must marry for political advantage, and only Bella’s sire can help her... And when the bounty hunters after her find them, Dhuro and Bella’s worldviews collide like life and death. But can Dhuro somehow be the answer to helping her control her form, and can she chase away his darkness? Can they find a way to be together and fight the war threatening to devour the land… or will it swallow them too?
Fun and thrilling, Bright of the Moon is a standalone grumpy-sunshine romance between two broken people who heal each other’s hearts and make one another whole, with a guaranteed Happily Ever After (HEA). Read it today, and journey through a medieval world of magic and Immortals, trials and trysts, blood and passion, and a love lasting far longer than forever…
292 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2021
311 people are currently reading
3246 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Honfleur
22 books2,332 followersMiranda Honfleur is a born-and-raised Chicagoan living in Indianapolis. She grew up on fantasy and science fiction novels, spending nearly as much time in Valdemar, Pern, Tortall, Narnia, and Middle Earth as in reality.
In another life, her J.D. and M.B.A. were meant to serve a career in law, but now she gets to live her dream job: writing speculative fiction starring fierce heroines and daring heroes who make difficult choices along their adventures and intrigues, all with a generous (over)dose of romance.
When she’s not snarking, writing, or reading her Kindle, she hangs out and watches Netflix with her husband, gets constantly tackled by her dogs Gizmo and Luna, and plays board games with her friends.
Her next book release is the fifth volume in the romantic epic fantasy Blade and Rose series, The Dragon King, slated for release (barring any further apocalyptic events and meteors) in Q3 2021.
Blade and Rose, a romantic epic fantasy series (ongoing), includes:
1. Blade & Rose
2. By Dark Deeds
3. Court of Shadows
4. Queen of the Shining Sea
5. The Dragon King – forthcoming
6. Immortelle – forthcoming
+ Winter Wren (A Blade and Rose novelette) – available for free on www.mirandahonfleur.com
The Dark-Elves of Nightbloom, a series of fantasy romance standalones (ongoing), includes:
1. No Man Can Tame
2. Bright of the Moon
3. An Ember in the Dark (forthcoming)
4. Crown to Ashes (forthcoming)
Demon Dropout, an urban fantasy series (ongoing), serialized on Kindle Vella and Patreon every Thursday, includes:
1. Slay Date
The Witch of the Lake, a mythic dark young-adult fantasy series (completed) with Nicolette Andrews, includes:
1. Feast of the Mother
2. Fate of the Demon
3. Fall of the Reaper
For regular updates on her releases, be sure to sign up to her newsletter on www.mirandahonfleur.com.
In another life, her J.D. and M.B.A. were meant to serve a career in law, but now she gets to live her dream job: writing speculative fiction starring fierce heroines and daring heroes who make difficult choices along their adventures and intrigues, all with a generous (over)dose of romance.
When she’s not snarking, writing, or reading her Kindle, she hangs out and watches Netflix with her husband, gets constantly tackled by her dogs Gizmo and Luna, and plays board games with her friends.
Her next book release is the fifth volume in the romantic epic fantasy Blade and Rose series, The Dragon King, slated for release (barring any further apocalyptic events and meteors) in Q3 2021.
Blade and Rose, a romantic epic fantasy series (ongoing), includes:
1. Blade & Rose
2. By Dark Deeds
3. Court of Shadows
4. Queen of the Shining Sea
5. The Dragon King – forthcoming
6. Immortelle – forthcoming
+ Winter Wren (A Blade and Rose novelette) – available for free on www.mirandahonfleur.com
The Dark-Elves of Nightbloom, a series of fantasy romance standalones (ongoing), includes:
1. No Man Can Tame
2. Bright of the Moon
3. An Ember in the Dark (forthcoming)
4. Crown to Ashes (forthcoming)
Demon Dropout, an urban fantasy series (ongoing), serialized on Kindle Vella and Patreon every Thursday, includes:
1. Slay Date
The Witch of the Lake, a mythic dark young-adult fantasy series (completed) with Nicolette Andrews, includes:
1. Feast of the Mother
2. Fate of the Demon
3. Fall of the Reaper
For regular updates on her releases, be sure to sign up to her newsletter on www.mirandahonfleur.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
February 1, 2021
3.5
There is something about the little girl in me that just still loves anything about unicorns.
Anyhoo- this story starts with our h, Bella, who has been trapped in her unicorn form, and for the past few months has spent time recovering amongst the Dark Elves after her capture at the hands of her human brother. Bella feels somewhat defeated by the events of the last book where her family is concerned, but her past desire for peace has not been quashed whether she is human or Unicorn.
Now though our H, Dhuro, the Dark Elf Prince has been tasked with bringing the wayward Unicorn back to her herd before her Change becomes permanent. With this task, his mother the Queen, has also demanded that he forge an alliance through marriage with the Unicorns in order to stop an uprising amongst the Dark Elves that would threaten their new alliance with the humans.
Among the myriad of problems--Dhuro doesn't want to get married- or more importantly life bond to anyone, and the Elf helming the opposing incursion is none other than his best friend from child hood.
Throughout this journey both leads clash in their fundamental ideals, their views on what is takes to protect the ones they love, and eventually their bickering gives way to a budding romance. But with their past experiences clouding their judgement-- can this fun fling turn into more?
Spoiler review:
So yeah I was a little confused by some of the plot lines--but all in all I had a good time reading this one and will look out for the next book
x--------------------------------------------------x
I keep having to move this in my upcoming list
I think it got pushed back again? Amazon now says its coming out :
January 30, 2021.- new release date on amazon
December 31, 2020
February 29, 2020- Book is no longer on amazon and no new release date atm (P.S. was commented down below that author got sick and had to postpone)
February 28, 2020
January 29th 2020
There is something about the little girl in me that just still loves anything about unicorns.
Anyhoo- this story starts with our h, Bella, who has been trapped in her unicorn form, and for the past few months has spent time recovering amongst the Dark Elves after her capture at the hands of her human brother. Bella feels somewhat defeated by the events of the last book where her family is concerned, but her past desire for peace has not been quashed whether she is human or Unicorn.
Now though our H, Dhuro, the Dark Elf Prince has been tasked with bringing the wayward Unicorn back to her herd before her Change becomes permanent. With this task, his mother the Queen, has also demanded that he forge an alliance through marriage with the Unicorns in order to stop an uprising amongst the Dark Elves that would threaten their new alliance with the humans.
Among the myriad of problems--Dhuro doesn't want to get married- or more importantly life bond to anyone, and the Elf helming the opposing incursion is none other than his best friend from child hood.
Throughout this journey both leads clash in their fundamental ideals, their views on what is takes to protect the ones they love, and eventually their bickering gives way to a budding romance. But with their past experiences clouding their judgement-- can this fun fling turn into more?
Spoiler review:
So yeah I was a little confused by some of the plot lines--but all in all I had a good time reading this one and will look out for the next book
x--------------------------------------------------x
I keep having to move this in my upcoming list
I think it got pushed back again? Amazon now says its coming out :
January 30, 2021.- new release date on amazon
December 31, 2020
February 29, 2020- Book is no longer on amazon and no new release date atm (P.S. was commented down below that author got sick and had to postpone)
February 28, 2020
January 29th 2020
Want to read
August 2, 2019No preorders and no official publication date for this one.
https://preview.mailerlite.com/h6l3z0
https://preview.mailerlite.com/h6l3z0
March 25, 2023
1.5 stars (cause I’m petty and I don’t wanna give it a full 2 stars when I don’t think it deserves them)
Where to begin?
Honestly - everything about this was bad.
You pick an aspect of a book in general and I’ll tell you why this story failed to make it work.
The writing? Inconsistent - we go from over the top fairytale-esque to mundane modern day colloquialisms.
The characters- had absolutely no actual developed personality besides some tell and no show.
The romance and budding relationship? It came from absolutely nowhere. Like nowhere. I have whiplash from reading it go from one extreme to the other.
And the hero? With this man you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. He will literally find reason in whatever decision the heroine makes to think badly if her. And he’s also a woman hater because 2000 years ago a human woman tried to trick him into a lifebond (marriage of sorts which would grant her immortality). Boohoo. Pathetic. Get over it already. It’s absurd to the point of sheer ridiculousness. And the heroine? Well, she’s meant to be this free thinker who takes a stance against violence and against the ways of the ruling class, but it’s all told. She doesn’t really do anything.
The philosophical meandering dialogue? Absolutely unnecessary and honestly it didn’t make much sense.
The plot? It had more holes than …. I don’t know, something with a lot of holes!?
Anddd the info dumping. Too much told too little shown.
This was a overall kinda bad.
Also, this is a matriarchal society. The one of the dark elves, and the Queen is the ultimate authority on everything and everybody. Which you’d think is a nice change from the usual plot of evil, authoritarian kings except it’s not. Fair enough, she is not a crazy power hungry loon but she is controlling of her children’s lives to an extent which is as toxic as every other book about kings offering their daughters for alliances and whatnot. That woman doesn’t really care much if she basically condemns her children to miserable lifetimes - the only difference is that she does it “for the kingdom” and not just for personal power. I don’t know, but if we were to see a matriarchal society I wanted to see women do it differently and do it well. Not women imitating men. I don’t think being ruthless and mercenary are the only qualities a ruler needs to have, especially, a powerful and respected woman.
The author did introduce matriarchy but made it as vile and despicable as the patriarchy. What with them selling off their children, having a harem of men to please them and then keeping those men in check with threats because the Queen holds the power. So really, no one wins again.
Where to begin?
Honestly - everything about this was bad.
You pick an aspect of a book in general and I’ll tell you why this story failed to make it work.
The writing? Inconsistent - we go from over the top fairytale-esque to mundane modern day colloquialisms.
The characters- had absolutely no actual developed personality besides some tell and no show.
The romance and budding relationship? It came from absolutely nowhere. Like nowhere. I have whiplash from reading it go from one extreme to the other.
And the hero? With this man you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. He will literally find reason in whatever decision the heroine makes to think badly if her. And he’s also a woman hater because 2000 years ago a human woman tried to trick him into a lifebond (marriage of sorts which would grant her immortality). Boohoo. Pathetic. Get over it already. It’s absurd to the point of sheer ridiculousness. And the heroine? Well, she’s meant to be this free thinker who takes a stance against violence and against the ways of the ruling class, but it’s all told. She doesn’t really do anything.
The philosophical meandering dialogue? Absolutely unnecessary and honestly it didn’t make much sense.
The plot? It had more holes than …. I don’t know, something with a lot of holes!?
Anddd the info dumping. Too much told too little shown.
This was a overall kinda bad.
Also, this is a matriarchal society. The one of the dark elves, and the Queen is the ultimate authority on everything and everybody. Which you’d think is a nice change from the usual plot of evil, authoritarian kings except it’s not. Fair enough, she is not a crazy power hungry loon but she is controlling of her children’s lives to an extent which is as toxic as every other book about kings offering their daughters for alliances and whatnot. That woman doesn’t really care much if she basically condemns her children to miserable lifetimes - the only difference is that she does it “for the kingdom” and not just for personal power. I don’t know, but if we were to see a matriarchal society I wanted to see women do it differently and do it well. Not women imitating men. I don’t think being ruthless and mercenary are the only qualities a ruler needs to have, especially, a powerful and respected woman.
The author did introduce matriarchy but made it as vile and despicable as the patriarchy. What with them selling off their children, having a harem of men to please them and then keeping those men in check with threats because the Queen holds the power. So really, no one wins again.
May 4, 2019
I'm worried, this book suddenly disappeared from Amazon?? It's due to release in about 2 days, and I don't know what's happening.
Anyone know?? I was really looking forward to reading it!! :'(
Anyone know?? I was really looking forward to reading it!! :'(
March 27, 2023
It was so mediocre there's nothing more to say.
February 16, 2021
I waited for this book for over a year! While it was good, I’m diss spy that I didn’t like it as much as the first at all. I didn’t expect the romance to happen as randomly or quickly as it did. The characters themselves were enjoyable but “eh” at times. I’m still looking forward to the next book that apparently follows Drakkar.
June 26, 2022
3,75 stars
Yet another super enjoyable read, set in this awesome magical world. Loved both these MC's a lot. Their romance and character development is beautifully written down, as was the case with No man can Tame as well. The author really knows how to write characters you can really connect with.
There's again a nice amount of politics present, a good story line build up as well as excitement and some more dept/development regarding magical creatures present in this world, like unicorns in this instance; what we learned from them in this story, was so exciting! Would love love love to get more unicorns in this series in later books.
Do think that, as I've experienced with the first book in the series, the HEA is accomplished a bit too easy but then again... this way, books like these just make for super fun, easy reads that you can so perfectly lose yourself in and just fly through. Excited to read the next one!
This book is a standalone and companion novel in the series. Can be read before the first book, but I recommend reading them in publishing order; so to start with No man Can Tame before you dive into Bright of the Moon.
Yet another super enjoyable read, set in this awesome magical world. Loved both these MC's a lot. Their romance and character development is beautifully written down, as was the case with No man can Tame as well. The author really knows how to write characters you can really connect with.
There's again a nice amount of politics present, a good story line build up as well as excitement and some more dept/development regarding magical creatures present in this world, like unicorns in this instance; what we learned from them in this story, was so exciting! Would love love love to get more unicorns in this series in later books.
Do think that, as I've experienced with the first book in the series, the HEA is accomplished a bit too easy but then again... this way, books like these just make for super fun, easy reads that you can so perfectly lose yourself in and just fly through. Excited to read the next one!
This book is a standalone and companion novel in the series. Can be read before the first book, but I recommend reading them in publishing order; so to start with No man Can Tame before you dive into Bright of the Moon.
Want to read
April 1, 2020Can someone explain to me in simple words why Amazon has book 3 listed but not book 2?
May 26, 2021
2.5 rounded up to 3
January 29, 2021
Beautiful, entertaining and enjoyable fantasy romance story. I read the first book in this series, ‘No Man Can Tame’, and liked it a lot and although some of those characters are mentioned in the first book this one can be read as a standalone.
Bella and Dhuro’s love story is a soft enemies-to-lovers tale. Steamy but not explicit. This book is not long nor complicated but full of magic and all the feelings. So if you need a pleasant break from a deep dark and complex reading, this is a good choice. I had just finished a dark romance before starting ‘Bright of the Moon’ and it’s been refreshing. I’ve had a great time reading it and losing myself in a magical and haunting world of dark elves, unicorns, pixies and humans.
I liked especially that both main characters had bad experiences regarding love. They are both hurting and aren’t willing to see the other as anything more than a fling. However, they find a way to see beyond that with the help of some curious friends and facing dangerous situations that will make them realize what it’s really important for them.
Bella and Dhuro’s love story is a soft enemies-to-lovers tale. Steamy but not explicit. This book is not long nor complicated but full of magic and all the feelings. So if you need a pleasant break from a deep dark and complex reading, this is a good choice. I had just finished a dark romance before starting ‘Bright of the Moon’ and it’s been refreshing. I’ve had a great time reading it and losing myself in a magical and haunting world of dark elves, unicorns, pixies and humans.
I liked especially that both main characters had bad experiences regarding love. They are both hurting and aren’t willing to see the other as anything more than a fling. However, they find a way to see beyond that with the help of some curious friends and facing dangerous situations that will make them realize what it’s really important for them.
January 28, 2021
I received an advance ready copy in return that I would an honest review after finishing.
I couldn’t wait to read the second story in this saga, as I just adored Veron and Allessandra’s story from the first book. I anxiously awaited for Bella and Dhuro’s story, and I wasn’t disappointed when that time finally came.
Bella and Dhuro’s evolvement from anger, to passion, to care, and finally to love is genuine and natural. They both fight demons from their pasts that have shaped who they are and why they choose to keep each other at arm’s length in the beginning. They mistake their passionate connection for something more simple, while their hearts slowly become more and more entwined over the course of their time together. As a reader, you feel like you are right alongside them during this journey. You watch their relationship grow, and you can’t help but root for their love to conquer all, including their own fears.
Honfleur beautifully weaves together a story that you can’t put down until the end. You look forward to see how Dhuro and Bella internalize their feelings while grappling with their past. As an author, Honfleur doesn’t tell you how to feel; she gets you to feel it for yourself. I felt as though my heart was just as an invested in their outcome as the characters were because her writing gripped at my heart.
I highly recommend ‘Bright Side of the Moon,” to anyone looking for an evolving love story that shows a solid mix of passion, lovable characters, and whole lot of feels in the end.
I couldn’t wait to read the second story in this saga, as I just adored Veron and Allessandra’s story from the first book. I anxiously awaited for Bella and Dhuro’s story, and I wasn’t disappointed when that time finally came.
Bella and Dhuro’s evolvement from anger, to passion, to care, and finally to love is genuine and natural. They both fight demons from their pasts that have shaped who they are and why they choose to keep each other at arm’s length in the beginning. They mistake their passionate connection for something more simple, while their hearts slowly become more and more entwined over the course of their time together. As a reader, you feel like you are right alongside them during this journey. You watch their relationship grow, and you can’t help but root for their love to conquer all, including their own fears.
Honfleur beautifully weaves together a story that you can’t put down until the end. You look forward to see how Dhuro and Bella internalize their feelings while grappling with their past. As an author, Honfleur doesn’t tell you how to feel; she gets you to feel it for yourself. I felt as though my heart was just as an invested in their outcome as the characters were because her writing gripped at my heart.
I highly recommend ‘Bright Side of the Moon,” to anyone looking for an evolving love story that shows a solid mix of passion, lovable characters, and whole lot of feels in the end.
January 30, 2021
This was totally worth the wait!!! Belle had such a hard time in the last book with being captive by her brother, and Dhuro has always felt so undeserving, it was great reading their love story and seeing the love and trust develop little by little!! As always, the story is superb, the characters are beautifully written, we have love, lust, action and plenty of surprises thru out the book.... And now I am totally ready for Dakkar's story!!
February 3, 2021
Oh, the case of the series didn't need a sequel. While I enjoyed the plot twist of unicorn shape-shifters, a novel on the whole ordeal felt very unnecessary in my opinion. The chapters were fairly short and felt lacking of the same power the author had in the first novel. Nonetheless, it was an okay plotline.
Read
March 8, 2021Review to come.
January 31, 2021
I have been reading Miranda Honfleur's Stories since an online promotion for something called 'Blade and Rose' materialised in my Facebook Feed one day about three years ago. I liked it a lot and I've read every further instalment since. After a year of illness, plus the other unpleasantness that impacted on us all last year, Miranda has resumed production and written the second of her 'Dark Elves' novels following on from No Man can Tame. This is no doubt a great relief to her many readers who have been waiting anxiously for further stories from Emaurria and Nightbloom.
Dhuro, Prince of Nightbloom we have met before in 'No Man Can Tame' where he came across none too positively as a sulking and resentful younger brother to Veron (the main male protagonist of that book). Arabella we know less about as while she did appear in the earlier story, her appearance was very close to the end as part of the denouement to the Tale (which you will have to read for yourselves!) We get to know them both far more in Bright of the Moon, discover that Bella is a real idealist and that Dhuro is actually pretty funny in a sarcastic way - at one stage when Bella is refusing to speak to him he wonders why a woman thinks that silence is a punishment. They bicker a great deal in the earlier stages of the story, but of course that will soon change...
The backdrop is a journey through the wilderness within which lie the hidden Dark Elf realms, as Bella and Dhuro try to contact the one group that can possibly avert an Elf-War. This allows Miranda to introduce another race of Immortals to her ever-growing world - the Unicorns and their own brand of magic – as our heroes attempt to evade an army, a team of Bounty Hunters, and monstrous beasts when they make their perilous journey. It is a thrilling tale, especially as it’s by no means clear whether Dhuro and Bella will ever reach their destination - things go wrong when they are attacked and sometimes all they can do to stay alive and uncaptured is run away into the wilderness. But while doing so, Miranda unwraps the two characters in her prose and we get to learn much more about them and why they are who and how they are.
A lot of questions are wrapped up satisfactorily by the concluding chapters of the story, with a happy ending for Dhuro and Bella. Some intriguing other characters have also emerged during the story: especially Drakkar and the mysterious Janessa, who doesn’t actually appear in the book apart from flashbacks and yet her influence pervades much of the conflict and I would lay money on her featuring in Miranda’s stories at some point in the future…
I received this book as an ARC, but I have also purchased a Kindle copy. I enjoyed reading the story a great deal, and it’s really good to see Mrs Honfleur back in action!
Dhuro, Prince of Nightbloom we have met before in 'No Man Can Tame' where he came across none too positively as a sulking and resentful younger brother to Veron (the main male protagonist of that book). Arabella we know less about as while she did appear in the earlier story, her appearance was very close to the end as part of the denouement to the Tale (which you will have to read for yourselves!) We get to know them both far more in Bright of the Moon, discover that Bella is a real idealist and that Dhuro is actually pretty funny in a sarcastic way - at one stage when Bella is refusing to speak to him he wonders why a woman thinks that silence is a punishment. They bicker a great deal in the earlier stages of the story, but of course that will soon change...
The backdrop is a journey through the wilderness within which lie the hidden Dark Elf realms, as Bella and Dhuro try to contact the one group that can possibly avert an Elf-War. This allows Miranda to introduce another race of Immortals to her ever-growing world - the Unicorns and their own brand of magic – as our heroes attempt to evade an army, a team of Bounty Hunters, and monstrous beasts when they make their perilous journey. It is a thrilling tale, especially as it’s by no means clear whether Dhuro and Bella will ever reach their destination - things go wrong when they are attacked and sometimes all they can do to stay alive and uncaptured is run away into the wilderness. But while doing so, Miranda unwraps the two characters in her prose and we get to learn much more about them and why they are who and how they are.
A lot of questions are wrapped up satisfactorily by the concluding chapters of the story, with a happy ending for Dhuro and Bella. Some intriguing other characters have also emerged during the story: especially Drakkar and the mysterious Janessa, who doesn’t actually appear in the book apart from flashbacks and yet her influence pervades much of the conflict and I would lay money on her featuring in Miranda’s stories at some point in the future…
I received this book as an ARC, but I have also purchased a Kindle copy. I enjoyed reading the story a great deal, and it’s really good to see Mrs Honfleur back in action!
Want to read
March 1, 2020I can’t find this book anywhere to buy it. It’s not on amazon which doesn’t make any sense because it has book 1 and then book 3 pre-order. I was really looking forward to reading it. Does anyone know where I can find it?
May 12, 2021
Ooh, this was painful! I've been waiting nearly two years for this book's release and I'm fighting hard to give it a full two stars. This is a 1.5. Is this the same author of No Man Can Tame? Here we go, best we can.
Interesting Elements
-Setting/Visuals
*God, I felt enchanted myself, reading Bella rush through the trees, seeking out the unicorn. Very Legend (1985), full on fairy tale, cloak flying, laced boots sloshing through the mud. And later, Dhuro walking into his family's palace grounds, the trail lit by bioluminescent mushrooms and glow worms (honestly, all I pictured were those toys with big doe eyed faces in tasseled sleeping caps dangling from trees), as well as the palace itself fashioned from black crystal.
-Bella's Initiation
*When the unicorn transforms Bella in the forest, it's unexpectedly violent. A pinprick of pain is felt after the unicorn nudges her forehead and blood is seen dripping down its horn. The description "A swirl of bright ribbon against a pearlescent white" (Honfleur, 4) is something straight out of The Bloody Chamber. Just the setting of a beautiful forest, equipped with "friendly" so "friendly" they'll come right out and greet you unicorns being tarnished by injury is a wonderful juxtaposition.
*Also, the act of being changed into a unicorn is almost akin to sexual assault. An unsolicited pinprick against the head, could be read as a prick at the maidenhead and later, the way Dhuro tells her "you went and got yourself turned into a unicorn/stuck in said form" felt like those who say to women "you went and got yourself pregnant".
-Who Run Dhuro's world? Girls
*He and all other Elves are ruled by a matriarchy, run by his mother, the queen, his sister, who beat him in battle, and Mati (a military specialist) who works to train the younglings (mostly girls) in hand to hand combat. Dhuro bows to his elf women, doing what he's told not without complaint, but without real questioning. Nice to see women wielding the upper hand.
*Also, could be read as the reason he believes all women are power hungry and is eager to assert his dominance over Bella through argument. Though it did get annoying, it made sense that he'd try time and again to finally gain some footing. Especially as elves view humans as subservient/weak anyway. She's easy prey.
-Show Don't Tell Done Right... for one scene, anyway
*We first meet Dhuro mid-murder, decapitating a creature in a marshy land, reinforcing the blurb's notion he's a brute who speaks with his hands.
-Reason For Fools Rushing In
*Early on, Bella runs ahead to save Dhuro and his people, using a spell she hasn't yet perfected. The way it's said is clunky: "No, I can't have bloodshed because of me again!" But her panic makes sense: she lost her first love in battle and knows such pain. To actually witness death up close might prove mentally/emotionally fatal.
-Both parties aren't into attachment
*Struck me as very no nonsense.
That's kind of it... Here goes:
Cons
-Telling Over Showing
*There were great ideas that got the greatness sucked out of them by telling not showing
1.Bella's anti-war propaganda under a pen name. We hear about how there's a price on her head (literally copy/pasted from the back blurb) and I thought the book would begin with her writing in her private chambers, feeling unseen eyes watching her either from paranoia or real threat and when she goes to drop off her letter, a unicorn corners her, stabbing her with its horn after a sweet nudge of head to hand. But no. This is glossed over in about a page, and yeah, she goes on about her principles, telling us why she's a pacifist, but we never see what exactly she published.
2.Dhuro's jaded demeanor: He believes all women are star chasers, always looking to bed him for opportunity. This is literally info-dumped in a clunky paragraph after said star-chaser eyes him mid-battle. Could've had him leisurely laying with the woman post-sex, and have him about to ask her about herself/anticipating their next date only to have her ask a favor whilst stroking his chest. Shake him from his reverie, and later emphasizing the significance of his letting his guard down for Bella.
3.Bella' Broken Heart: We're told Bella's main gripe with the war is that it cost her her love, Cosimo (if you're of a certain age, you know what character I pictured). But we're told this. We could've seen Bella looking at a plant or kept a trinket he gave her, Dhuro could've watched her rubbing the object, tears falling from her eyes. But no. The mere fact that she misses him is just said over and over again.
-Rushed Writing That Went on Forever
*Given this book is a paltry two-hundred sixty-six pages, you'd think that means a streamlined plot. Nope. Just that we rush past many key elements, experience a jarring time jump, and say it with me: Info Dumping! Bella goes from being hunted by her family in unicorn form to four months later, already settled in Dhuro's kingdom (How and by whom? Don't know.) being told by Dhuro's mother about how Bella's been with them the last four months. I would've rather seen Bella the unicorn find Noc who takes her to the sanctuary, learn telepathy, and watching Dhuro cautiously both as a mythical animal and a romantically broken hearted woman as she overhears Dhuro's mother. But despite the jumps, the book lingered where it shouldn't. In the mundane.
-Subtlety? Who's She?
*Dhuro and Bella are far from complex: Bella eyes him in her unicorn form (an element that didn't sit well with me) and literally goes "Prince Dhuro is handsome and everything she couldn't stand, which meant he was perfect for her". And Dhuro's not innocent either: he goes "women are only after one thing and I'm happy to oblige". These belong on the back of a cheesy bodice blurb.
-Repetition
*It's like the writer was afraid we'd forget character motivations: every chapter "Cosimo" this, "women are power hungry" that. And petty fights, strange dream placements, and I get it: it's hate to love. Don't have to go full Groundhog Day.
-Strange Tonal Shifts
*The writing was wonky. At first, it's a fairy tale, then we get angry modern language, and later downright juvenile thoughts (Ex: Bella wakes up after Dhuro's calling her name to do so, worrying she snored or broke wind. Why?) Who was this written for?
There was rushed set-up, one note characters, and info-dumping (name of this game, apparently) to an eye rolling degree. I think a Goodreads patron mentioned this book had a few set-backs due to the author's health, so maybe that's the reason it feels rushed and clunky. Perhaps Amazon was all "Write it now or lose your deal forever! Mwahaha!". But this felt so far removed from No Man that I was afraid it would change my POV of that book. That one had nuanced set-up, excellent use of show don't tell (Ex: Alessandra dons a red dress on her wedding day, signifying her rebellion and refusal to fall in line with traditional women's attire). So what happened here?
Interesting Elements
-Setting/Visuals
*God, I felt enchanted myself, reading Bella rush through the trees, seeking out the unicorn. Very Legend (1985), full on fairy tale, cloak flying, laced boots sloshing through the mud. And later, Dhuro walking into his family's palace grounds, the trail lit by bioluminescent mushrooms and glow worms (honestly, all I pictured were those toys with big doe eyed faces in tasseled sleeping caps dangling from trees), as well as the palace itself fashioned from black crystal.
-Bella's Initiation
*When the unicorn transforms Bella in the forest, it's unexpectedly violent. A pinprick of pain is felt after the unicorn nudges her forehead and blood is seen dripping down its horn. The description "A swirl of bright ribbon against a pearlescent white" (Honfleur, 4) is something straight out of The Bloody Chamber. Just the setting of a beautiful forest, equipped with "friendly" so "friendly" they'll come right out and greet you unicorns being tarnished by injury is a wonderful juxtaposition.
*Also, the act of being changed into a unicorn is almost akin to sexual assault. An unsolicited pinprick against the head, could be read as a prick at the maidenhead and later, the way Dhuro tells her "you went and got yourself turned into a unicorn/stuck in said form" felt like those who say to women "you went and got yourself pregnant".
-Who Run Dhuro's world? Girls
*He and all other Elves are ruled by a matriarchy, run by his mother, the queen, his sister, who beat him in battle, and Mati (a military specialist) who works to train the younglings (mostly girls) in hand to hand combat. Dhuro bows to his elf women, doing what he's told not without complaint, but without real questioning. Nice to see women wielding the upper hand.
*Also, could be read as the reason he believes all women are power hungry and is eager to assert his dominance over Bella through argument. Though it did get annoying, it made sense that he'd try time and again to finally gain some footing. Especially as elves view humans as subservient/weak anyway. She's easy prey.
-Show Don't Tell Done Right... for one scene, anyway
*We first meet Dhuro mid-murder, decapitating a creature in a marshy land, reinforcing the blurb's notion he's a brute who speaks with his hands.
-Reason For Fools Rushing In
*Early on, Bella runs ahead to save Dhuro and his people, using a spell she hasn't yet perfected. The way it's said is clunky: "No, I can't have bloodshed because of me again!" But her panic makes sense: she lost her first love in battle and knows such pain. To actually witness death up close might prove mentally/emotionally fatal.
-Both parties aren't into attachment
*Struck me as very no nonsense.
That's kind of it... Here goes:
Cons
-Telling Over Showing
*There were great ideas that got the greatness sucked out of them by telling not showing
1.Bella's anti-war propaganda under a pen name. We hear about how there's a price on her head (literally copy/pasted from the back blurb) and I thought the book would begin with her writing in her private chambers, feeling unseen eyes watching her either from paranoia or real threat and when she goes to drop off her letter, a unicorn corners her, stabbing her with its horn after a sweet nudge of head to hand. But no. This is glossed over in about a page, and yeah, she goes on about her principles, telling us why she's a pacifist, but we never see what exactly she published.
2.Dhuro's jaded demeanor: He believes all women are star chasers, always looking to bed him for opportunity. This is literally info-dumped in a clunky paragraph after said star-chaser eyes him mid-battle. Could've had him leisurely laying with the woman post-sex, and have him about to ask her about herself/anticipating their next date only to have her ask a favor whilst stroking his chest. Shake him from his reverie, and later emphasizing the significance of his letting his guard down for Bella.
3.Bella' Broken Heart: We're told Bella's main gripe with the war is that it cost her her love, Cosimo (if you're of a certain age, you know what character I pictured). But we're told this. We could've seen Bella looking at a plant or kept a trinket he gave her, Dhuro could've watched her rubbing the object, tears falling from her eyes. But no. The mere fact that she misses him is just said over and over again.
-Rushed Writing That Went on Forever
*Given this book is a paltry two-hundred sixty-six pages, you'd think that means a streamlined plot. Nope. Just that we rush past many key elements, experience a jarring time jump, and say it with me: Info Dumping! Bella goes from being hunted by her family in unicorn form to four months later, already settled in Dhuro's kingdom (How and by whom? Don't know.) being told by Dhuro's mother about how Bella's been with them the last four months. I would've rather seen Bella the unicorn find Noc who takes her to the sanctuary, learn telepathy, and watching Dhuro cautiously both as a mythical animal and a romantically broken hearted woman as she overhears Dhuro's mother. But despite the jumps, the book lingered where it shouldn't. In the mundane.
-Subtlety? Who's She?
*Dhuro and Bella are far from complex: Bella eyes him in her unicorn form (an element that didn't sit well with me) and literally goes "Prince Dhuro is handsome and everything she couldn't stand, which meant he was perfect for her". And Dhuro's not innocent either: he goes "women are only after one thing and I'm happy to oblige". These belong on the back of a cheesy bodice blurb.
-Repetition
*It's like the writer was afraid we'd forget character motivations: every chapter "Cosimo" this, "women are power hungry" that. And petty fights, strange dream placements, and I get it: it's hate to love. Don't have to go full Groundhog Day.
-Strange Tonal Shifts
*The writing was wonky. At first, it's a fairy tale, then we get angry modern language, and later downright juvenile thoughts (Ex: Bella wakes up after Dhuro's calling her name to do so, worrying she snored or broke wind. Why?) Who was this written for?
There was rushed set-up, one note characters, and info-dumping (name of this game, apparently) to an eye rolling degree. I think a Goodreads patron mentioned this book had a few set-backs due to the author's health, so maybe that's the reason it feels rushed and clunky. Perhaps Amazon was all "Write it now or lose your deal forever! Mwahaha!". But this felt so far removed from No Man that I was afraid it would change my POV of that book. That one had nuanced set-up, excellent use of show don't tell (Ex: Alessandra dons a red dress on her wedding day, signifying her rebellion and refusal to fall in line with traditional women's attire). So what happened here?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2021
Arabella has been brought up in a family who thrives on war by selling violence for money whilst she believed in peace and wrote treatises under the name of Renato seeking peaceful ways to sort out problems between humans and immortali. She was turned into a unicorn, a peaceful immortal creature with many magical powers and was currently being looked after by the dark-elves of Nozva Rozkveta, after being saved from torture inflicted on her by her own brother and his group of extremist thugs. Dhuro was a prince in the Nightbloom court which was run by his mother, Queen Zara and her word was law. He always felt inadequate thinking he was a big disappointment to his mother, not as handsome, or as strong or as lovable as his siblings especially after being disillusioned by a human female who broke his heart. He was charged by his mother to travel with Bella to take her safely to her sires herd, but on the way many misadventures which endanger all their lives occur. However this is not all that happened on the way, whilst feeling antagonistic towards one another suddenly feelings of love start to develop between Bella and Dhuro. Both fought these, but a bond like theirs was a bond forged through magic and forever. I love the romance of course in this book, I particularly love the character of Noc, the fey horse whose wisdom and guidance were what brought the couple together. The unicorn and their forest glade are awesome especially as they are emissaries for peace amidst the betrayals and violence. All in all there is such beauty in this series that I am eagerly anticipating book 3.
February 3, 2021
What I liked best about this book was that the happily ever after got on postponed, kind of - you don't really get this so often with books dealing with one couple! I mean, it's all good and great that Arabella and Dhuro found each other but if anything, Ms. Honfleur's characters don't exist in vacuum. The political and martial ploy has still to play out and I'll be there to watch it.
I liked the interweaving of character exploration and worldbuilding. Who doesn't like a unicorn? But there was more to Bella, although, thank Ulsinael, her life here wasn't nearly as bad as her circumstances in the first installments. And Dhuro does fit the tortured hero who doesn't see himself as a hero to the boot. It was nice to see them discovering each other - not so nice to watch him being punished for basically being a decent man, though! I do hope the return of an oft-mentioned character will put an end to this but who knows. Our favourite queen is nothing if not sure of her decisions.
All in all, a great tale. Certain names and words were an additional thread because they weren't, well, English. European roots here? Polish, I'd say. I might look the author out to find out if I'm right. Usually, I focus on the story but this has tickled my interest.
I liked the interweaving of character exploration and worldbuilding. Who doesn't like a unicorn? But there was more to Bella, although, thank Ulsinael, her life here wasn't nearly as bad as her circumstances in the first installments. And Dhuro does fit the tortured hero who doesn't see himself as a hero to the boot. It was nice to see them discovering each other - not so nice to watch him being punished for basically being a decent man, though! I do hope the return of an oft-mentioned character will put an end to this but who knows. Our favourite queen is nothing if not sure of her decisions.
All in all, a great tale. Certain names and words were an additional thread because they weren't, well, English. European roots here? Polish, I'd say. I might look the author out to find out if I'm right. Usually, I focus on the story but this has tickled my interest.
April 9, 2021
I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have been patiently waiting for Bright of the Moon ever since I read No Man Can Tame. I want to state that it was DEFINITELY worth the wait. Miranda Honfleur delivers her readers a tale woven with angst, threats around every corner, unexpected treachery, and believable romance.
I enjoyed the internal dialogue in both main characters (Arabella & Dhuro). The author does a fabulous job using this tool to help us understand the story, the history, and fully develop the characters.
I love that we can fully comprehend how terrifying the elves of Nightbloom really are when Dhuro is not considered a worthy warrior amongst them and he is overwhelmingly formidable. Comparing him to his brethren perfectly sets the stage for how harrowing the journey in this book truly is.
And HELLO unicorns! I do not want to spoil anything, but one of the best things about this book is learning about the creatures who may appear in later books in this series. It has completely stoked my curiosity fire for the next book.
Honfleur creates a captivating read and you will not be able to tear your eyes from the pages! Readers prepare yourselves for this sizzling and fantastical beauty. 5 stars.
I have been patiently waiting for Bright of the Moon ever since I read No Man Can Tame. I want to state that it was DEFINITELY worth the wait. Miranda Honfleur delivers her readers a tale woven with angst, threats around every corner, unexpected treachery, and believable romance.
I enjoyed the internal dialogue in both main characters (Arabella & Dhuro). The author does a fabulous job using this tool to help us understand the story, the history, and fully develop the characters.
I love that we can fully comprehend how terrifying the elves of Nightbloom really are when Dhuro is not considered a worthy warrior amongst them and he is overwhelmingly formidable. Comparing him to his brethren perfectly sets the stage for how harrowing the journey in this book truly is.
And HELLO unicorns! I do not want to spoil anything, but one of the best things about this book is learning about the creatures who may appear in later books in this series. It has completely stoked my curiosity fire for the next book.
Honfleur creates a captivating read and you will not be able to tear your eyes from the pages! Readers prepare yourselves for this sizzling and fantastical beauty. 5 stars.
February 5, 2021
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I enjoyed the first book and with the release of this one being pushed back several times it only worked to build up my excitement to read it. It was a total let down. The first book had wonderful world building of the realm of the Dark Elves. This one was rushed with so many loose ends, I was confused a lot. I was also really creeped out by the unicorn romance element. Yes, Bella could change into human form but a quarter of the book was Dhuro and her fighting/flirting while she was in unicorn form.. then when he says he wants to marry her she is in unicorn form. So weird. I just couldn’t get into this book.
February 11, 2021
Maybe I just liked the characters in the first book better, but this one seemed a bit forced compared to the author's other books. The story was fine, and the group dynamics built off the first book nicely. The relationship between the main characters (and, it seemed, their entire backstory) was all about the physical contact, which I didn't care for. It made them seem cheap.
January 31, 2021
Just needed a little more context
To truly enjoy this book, I just needed to understand a little more about it.
For those who are familiar with Honfleur’s work, you will be at a distinct advantage in this book, and it is perhaps recommended to at least have read the first book, “No Man Can Tame” first, if not more of her works, because the book opens in the thick of action that requires a little context to understand.
While definitely worth the read, “context” comes to mind in many ways in this book. Not only is it a key piece of the romance building between the two main characters, but it’s something that is sometimes sorely missed for the average reader.
We’re following Arabella’s story arc here, Arabella who has been turned into a unicorn (interesting) by...another unicorn. And, who is apparently a leader of a rebellion in the human realm, against her brother’s rebellion, which as we remember were a little more...xenophobic in flavor.
Somehow, Arabella is under the protection of Dhuro, one of the night-elf princes that we followed in our previous books, and who has a pretty hefty chip on his shoulder when it comes to humans, and love, and happiness, and well... basically everything. Contrast this with flighty (hoofy?) Bella, who is determined to be useful and get away from her newly four-legged identity, and they don’t really get along.
Until somehow they do.
When Arabella shifts back into a human body, sparks fly between them, and somehow, their bickering and non-stop fighting have become love.
This reader is a fan of the enemies-to-lovers romance, don’t misconstrue what’s being said her, but it would have been nice to see a little more... context to understand where this incredible attraction comes from, and what it’s based on.
Not that I’m complaining. But more context would have been nice.
In a move that would make any marriage counselor sigh with envy, Bella’s magic links her and Dhuro, providing more...you guessed it... context... for the way they each act, and the separate heartaches they’ve had to lead to their current dour attitudes.
We’re clearly set up for a third book, which one hopes comes out soon, because it’s always a bother waiting on yet another book to come out and resolve the tensions that remain in this one.
Also, I’ve heard that Noc has a human form, and that’s its delightful to behold, and while the next book is not Noc’s story... one can only hope his will be the book after.
Overall, a definite read, especially if you’re invested in Honfleur’s worldbuilding, and the characters she’s developed in her books, but less compelling of a romance than “No Man Can Tame”. Just needed a little more context
To truly enjoy this book, I just needed to understand a little more about it.
For those who are familiar with Honfleur’s work, you will be at a distinct advantage in this book, and it is perhaps recommended to at least have read the first book, “No Man Can Tame” first, if not more of her works, because the book opens in the thick of action that requires a little context to understand.
While definitely worth the read, “context” comes to mind in many ways in this book. Not only is it a key piece of the romance building between the two main characters, but it’s something that is sometimes sorely missed for the average reader.
We’re following Arabella’s story arc here, Arabella who has been turned into a unicorn (interesting) by...another unicorn. And, who is apparently a leader of a rebellion in the human realm, against her brother’s rebellion, which as we remember were a little more...xenophobic in flavor.
Somehow, Arabella is under the protection of Dhuro, one of the night-elf princes that we followed in our previous books, and who has a pretty hefty chip on his shoulder when it comes to humans, and love, and happiness, and well... basically everything. Contrast this with flighty (hoofy?) Bella, who is determined to be useful and get away from her newly four-legged identity, and they don’t really get along.
Until somehow they do.
When Arabella shifts back into a human body, sparks fly between them, and somehow, their bickering and non-stop fighting have become love.
This reader is a fan of the enemies-to-lovers romance, don’t misconstrue what’s being said her, but it would have been nice to see a little more... context to understand where this incredible attraction comes from, and what it’s based on.
Not that I’m complaining. But more context would have been nice.
In a move that would make any marriage counselor sigh with envy, Bella’s magic links her and Dhuro, providing more...you guessed it... context... for the way they each act, and the separate heartaches they’ve had to lead to their current dour attitudes.
We’re clearly set up for a third book, which one hopes comes out soon, because it’s always a bother waiting on yet another book to come out and resolve the tensions that remain in this one.
Also, I’ve heard that Noc has a human form, and that’s its delightful to behold, and while the next book is not Noc’s story... one can only hope his will be the book after.
Overall, a definite read, especially if you’re invested in Honfleur’s worldbuilding, and the characters she’s developed in her books, but less compelling of a romance than “No Man Can Tame”. Just needed a little more context
February 11, 2021
Bright of the Moon is the much awaited book two in The Dark-Elves of Nightbloom series and is high fantasy romance, through and through. The book is written in third person omniscient, from both main characters' perspectives. You could read this book as a standalone, but it will be much more immediately clear if you read the first one before diving into this one. We meet both Dhuro and Arabella in the first book, and this one picks up from shortly after that one leaves off.
First off, I want to say that I was very much looking forward to this book and I wasn't disappointed. This book lives up to it's predecessor and has me eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Dhuro is a dark elf prince, low on the totem pole, who has had few duties in life, though he's aspired to them all along. He is brooding and clearly bitter, both towards females in general and humans in particular. When his mother sends him on a mission to deliver the wayward unicorn to her herd, he is simultaneously elated that he's been given a chance to prove himself and move up the ranks, as well as disgruntled that he is meant to offer himself as a bargaining piece for the unicorns' aid. I enjoyed watching him grow and learn about himself as the book progressed-don't get me wrong, there was much with the bitterness, but it wasn't all there was to him either.
Arabella is a human recently converted to a unicorn who cannot control her ability to change, nor her other powers. She comes from a mercenary family but is hell-bent on peace at any cost; which is what got her Changed in the first place. The trip to find her sire is fraught with many dangers, but the most unexpected will be that which the dour prince poses to her and her world view. In contrast to Dhuro, through the book Bella learns about the world rather than herself as the journey progresses.
The two of them made a good pair in that whole opposites attract way. They are very different when it comes to methods-Dhuro is violence to solve the problem while Bella is anything but. However, the interesting bit is when they discover that they both have common goals, if not methods. They grow with and on one another. The romance is not rushed at all, and they both have soul searching moments before they find each other in their hearts.
If you enjoy your high fantasy with elves, battles, steamy romance, a talking and snarky horse, unicorns with surprising origins, and family drama, this is a series you should get into. The book paved the way for the next one in the series that will be a redemption story and I will definitely be picking that one up. I really hope Noc gets a book! I want to meet his other form and see him find a mate too.
First off, I want to say that I was very much looking forward to this book and I wasn't disappointed. This book lives up to it's predecessor and has me eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Dhuro is a dark elf prince, low on the totem pole, who has had few duties in life, though he's aspired to them all along. He is brooding and clearly bitter, both towards females in general and humans in particular. When his mother sends him on a mission to deliver the wayward unicorn to her herd, he is simultaneously elated that he's been given a chance to prove himself and move up the ranks, as well as disgruntled that he is meant to offer himself as a bargaining piece for the unicorns' aid. I enjoyed watching him grow and learn about himself as the book progressed-don't get me wrong, there was much with the bitterness, but it wasn't all there was to him either.
Arabella is a human recently converted to a unicorn who cannot control her ability to change, nor her other powers. She comes from a mercenary family but is hell-bent on peace at any cost; which is what got her Changed in the first place. The trip to find her sire is fraught with many dangers, but the most unexpected will be that which the dour prince poses to her and her world view. In contrast to Dhuro, through the book Bella learns about the world rather than herself as the journey progresses.
The two of them made a good pair in that whole opposites attract way. They are very different when it comes to methods-Dhuro is violence to solve the problem while Bella is anything but. However, the interesting bit is when they discover that they both have common goals, if not methods. They grow with and on one another. The romance is not rushed at all, and they both have soul searching moments before they find each other in their hearts.
If you enjoy your high fantasy with elves, battles, steamy romance, a talking and snarky horse, unicorns with surprising origins, and family drama, this is a series you should get into. The book paved the way for the next one in the series that will be a redemption story and I will definitely be picking that one up. I really hope Noc gets a book! I want to meet his other form and see him find a mate too.
May 26, 2023
Bright of the Moon
By Miranda Honfleur
I love this series, it makes me wonder what would happen to the world we live in, if those of myth suddenly became a reality and we had everything from dragons to elves as a part of our world.
Even though the time frame for our characters is definitely a few centuries ago, the storyline is full of mystery, change, and adventure in bucket loads.
Bella being an only daughter within a family whose business it is to make money from the ventures they invest in, being mercenaries, soldiers for hire to royalty, or simply as assassins she finds it impossible to handle this situation Bella tries everything she can to sway or stop her family from being a part of this violent history, yet her family finds it impossible to change such a financially fitting venture.
She hopes that by siding with those who would fight to stop the destruction her family and other’s create fighting those within the wealthy realms including the nobility and wealthy merchants, Bella believes she could eventually help her family to see the error of their ways.
Bella couldn’t stand seeing people dying, but her understanding became even greater when her family destroyed the one man she loved simply because he was not good enough for her in their eyes, and didn’t fall into the group of people who would do anything to achieve wealth.
Without trying to, Bella finds herself blessed with an immortal life span and finds herself being taken to meet the man who helped her gain these powers, hoping he can train her to understand exactly what she could do.
Dhuro a dark elf has been requested by his Queen to guarantee Bella makes it safely to her sire and in doing so get an alliance with this elusive man of power, so that the fragile alliance with the humans could be upheld without the fear of everyone suffering from war and or starvation.
This tale is full of magical beings, harpies trying to kill them dark elves who have become traitors and fey horses who can mind speak, a really entertaining second hand chance at love with the possibility of helping others achieve what seems out of reach, can Bella accept that she is worthy of love, does she have the strength and power behind her to achieve peace between everyone, well really the only way to know is to read this book, be prepared to find putting the book down impossible, but know that the final outcome even though it goes through many ups and downs, ends up with a HEA even though some people would wish otherwise.
If paranormal is a favourite genre of yours, then you really need to grab this series today and enjoy what Miranda has to offer.
By Miranda Honfleur
I love this series, it makes me wonder what would happen to the world we live in, if those of myth suddenly became a reality and we had everything from dragons to elves as a part of our world.
Even though the time frame for our characters is definitely a few centuries ago, the storyline is full of mystery, change, and adventure in bucket loads.
Bella being an only daughter within a family whose business it is to make money from the ventures they invest in, being mercenaries, soldiers for hire to royalty, or simply as assassins she finds it impossible to handle this situation Bella tries everything she can to sway or stop her family from being a part of this violent history, yet her family finds it impossible to change such a financially fitting venture.
She hopes that by siding with those who would fight to stop the destruction her family and other’s create fighting those within the wealthy realms including the nobility and wealthy merchants, Bella believes she could eventually help her family to see the error of their ways.
Bella couldn’t stand seeing people dying, but her understanding became even greater when her family destroyed the one man she loved simply because he was not good enough for her in their eyes, and didn’t fall into the group of people who would do anything to achieve wealth.
Without trying to, Bella finds herself blessed with an immortal life span and finds herself being taken to meet the man who helped her gain these powers, hoping he can train her to understand exactly what she could do.
Dhuro a dark elf has been requested by his Queen to guarantee Bella makes it safely to her sire and in doing so get an alliance with this elusive man of power, so that the fragile alliance with the humans could be upheld without the fear of everyone suffering from war and or starvation.
This tale is full of magical beings, harpies trying to kill them dark elves who have become traitors and fey horses who can mind speak, a really entertaining second hand chance at love with the possibility of helping others achieve what seems out of reach, can Bella accept that she is worthy of love, does she have the strength and power behind her to achieve peace between everyone, well really the only way to know is to read this book, be prepared to find putting the book down impossible, but know that the final outcome even though it goes through many ups and downs, ends up with a HEA even though some people would wish otherwise.
If paranormal is a favourite genre of yours, then you really need to grab this series today and enjoy what Miranda has to offer.
July 6, 2021
Honfleur's writing is always a delight. I'm a sucker for lush, descriptive language and beautiful fantasy, and she has such a gift for both! Bright of the Moon is no exception. It's also the novel that catches up some of those tantalizing dangling threads from the end of No Man Can Tame. This is another standalone that picks up with Prince Dhuro, Veron's bitter brother, and his adventures in dealing with Arabella, a young human woman who has been transformed into a unicorn.
Yeah, I know, it's weird. Just go with it. XD
Dhuro is hands-down the best part of this book. I love angsty, brooding, grouchy heroes when there are really good reasons for their grouch, and Dhuro's backstory is fantastic, heartbreaking, and a perfect explanation for why he is the way he is. He's an interesting contrast to Veron, too--the hero from No Man Can Tame, for while he's just as sexy (oh, those yummy dark elves!), he is the grim, prickly counterpoint to Veron's quieter, courtly nature, and it was fun to see!
If I had read this book before No Man Can Tame, I probably would have rated it with 4 stars instead of 3, but unfortunately it does suffer in comparison. Bella is not nearly the interesting character that Aless is; she seemed to have Aless's sweetness, but none of her fire. And while the romance is fairly slowburn, the sex most definitely is not. In fact, their first time sort of leaps out of you: "Where in the heck did that come from?!" The inner hand-wringing can sometimes go on a bit too long. There were also some continuity issues, details about the dark elves that were rather important in No Man Can Tame but missing completely or glossed over in this one.
But that said, I liked it well enough to want to read the next one!
Yeah, I know, it's weird. Just go with it. XD
Dhuro is hands-down the best part of this book. I love angsty, brooding, grouchy heroes when there are really good reasons for their grouch, and Dhuro's backstory is fantastic, heartbreaking, and a perfect explanation for why he is the way he is. He's an interesting contrast to Veron, too--the hero from No Man Can Tame, for while he's just as sexy (oh, those yummy dark elves!), he is the grim, prickly counterpoint to Veron's quieter, courtly nature, and it was fun to see!
If I had read this book before No Man Can Tame, I probably would have rated it with 4 stars instead of 3, but unfortunately it does suffer in comparison. Bella is not nearly the interesting character that Aless is; she seemed to have Aless's sweetness, but none of her fire. And while the romance is fairly slowburn, the sex most definitely is not. In fact, their first time sort of leaps out of you: "Where in the heck did that come from?!" The inner hand-wringing can sometimes go on a bit too long. There were also some continuity issues, details about the dark elves that were rather important in No Man Can Tame but missing completely or glossed over in this one.
But that said, I liked it well enough to want to read the next one!
March 2, 2021
Huge thanks to Miranda Honfleur for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There's just one word for this story and that is "spicy." This novel follows broody dark-elf, Dhuro as he is sent on a mission to return, human turned unicorn Arabella, back to the unicorn herd. There is unicorns, elves, Italian and Sardinian Folklore (I know, right?), fae horses, magic and an enemies to lovers story. I mean HELLO do you need anything else as a fantasy lover? The chemistry between Dhuro and Bella is to die for. The tension is spicy and so fun to watch unfold. The side characters are lovable and there was not one I disliked. This is just a good book if you are craving a fantasy and romance mash-up.
However, there was one flaw with this one. It was extremely fast paced. Because of that, some of the chemistry felt forced and insta-lovey which is something that turns me off when it comes to romance. Either then that I have no other qualms with this story.
Overall, I love Miranda's writing and actually read her Blade and Rose series to get over my "Maas destruction" hangover. I've been anticipating this one and it didn't let me down at all. I would read this again and if you are fantasy lover, then you need to read all of Miranda's stories. They are fantastic and I've never read one I didn't like.
There's just one word for this story and that is "spicy." This novel follows broody dark-elf, Dhuro as he is sent on a mission to return, human turned unicorn Arabella, back to the unicorn herd. There is unicorns, elves, Italian and Sardinian Folklore (I know, right?), fae horses, magic and an enemies to lovers story. I mean HELLO do you need anything else as a fantasy lover? The chemistry between Dhuro and Bella is to die for. The tension is spicy and so fun to watch unfold. The side characters are lovable and there was not one I disliked. This is just a good book if you are craving a fantasy and romance mash-up.
However, there was one flaw with this one. It was extremely fast paced. Because of that, some of the chemistry felt forced and insta-lovey which is something that turns me off when it comes to romance. Either then that I have no other qualms with this story.
Overall, I love Miranda's writing and actually read her Blade and Rose series to get over my "Maas destruction" hangover. I've been anticipating this one and it didn't let me down at all. I would read this again and if you are fantasy lover, then you need to read all of Miranda's stories. They are fantastic and I've never read one I didn't like.
December 15, 2024
I wasn't entirely sure if this installment would live up to the magic of the first book, but I'm happy to say it did. Unicorns aren't a creature you often see front and center in fantasy literature, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well Arabella, our feisty unicorn protagonist, captured my attention.
Paired with the brooding Dhuro, their dynamic was a fascinating blend of tension and undeniable chemistry. Their journey from adversaries to lovers was delightful and kept me invested. The world-building, while not as well-explained as some other fantasy series, was still captivating. The author skillfully weaved together political intrigue, perilous quests, and a touch of hesitant romance.
However, the supporting unicorn characters felt a bit one-dimensional. They lacked the depth and complexity of Arabella and Dhuro. Additionally, Gwydion's character, while intriguing, had an unsettling fatherly-yet-maybe-romantic undercurrent that creeped me out. It was a bit of a mixed bag, but the overall experience was enjoyable.
Despite these minor quibbles, this was a fun, quick read that offered a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. It's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of magic, mystery, and a dash of romance. If you're looking for a lighthearted escape, I'd definitely recommend giving this book a try.
Paired with the brooding Dhuro, their dynamic was a fascinating blend of tension and undeniable chemistry. Their journey from adversaries to lovers was delightful and kept me invested. The world-building, while not as well-explained as some other fantasy series, was still captivating. The author skillfully weaved together political intrigue, perilous quests, and a touch of hesitant romance.
However, the supporting unicorn characters felt a bit one-dimensional. They lacked the depth and complexity of Arabella and Dhuro. Additionally, Gwydion's character, while intriguing, had an unsettling fatherly-yet-maybe-romantic undercurrent that creeped me out. It was a bit of a mixed bag, but the overall experience was enjoyable.
Despite these minor quibbles, this was a fun, quick read that offered a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. It's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of magic, mystery, and a dash of romance. If you're looking for a lighthearted escape, I'd definitely recommend giving this book a try.
February 4, 2021
Magic and mythical creatures are part of the human world, where they are living together, but there are those who do not want peace. Torture of magical creatures occurs and Bella is one of those who suffers. After being turned into a unicorn, Bella tries to see her family, but cannot control her powers. When the truth is discovered, there are consequences to those involved. Dhuro has dealt with his own pain and has much anger. A skilled warrior, he agrees to his queen's demands so he can redeem himself. Bella and Dhuro have both had their heart broken and do not believe in getting attached, which works out great in the beginning. But their journey is a dangerous one, for there are those who are after Bella and they need to get to the unicorns. Neither expected for feeling to develop and thought they could go their separate ways. Both have their own fears about love and the past can interfere with the present. As Bella's powers begin to develop, it puts a strain on her relationship with Dhuro. Dhuro will complete his mission, but Bella makes him think...what does he truly want from life?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. 3.5 starts
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. 3.5 starts
February 22, 2021
I, like so many others, waited with baited breath for this book. I get the author's newsletters and got her updates as she had to deal with a load of crap before she was able to get this into our greedy hands. The call went out for ARC readers and put my name in the hat as quick as I could. I kind of wished I had reread the first book so I could get the problems they were dealing with fresh in my mind, but now I'm glad I didn't. I would have been really disappointed at the stark difference between the stories.
I liked learning how she became a unicorn. That was about it. The 'romance' came out of the blue and really early on. They literally went from not liking each other and 2 pages later she decides she's going to sleep with him after being able to turn into a human for the full moon. There was no build or anything. Neither of the characters were really likable. They both thought they knew best and couldn't understand why no one else realized how right they were. I hope they grew as characters and they had a great romance and the story did all the things I had hoped it would. I'm just sad I couldn't get past how they came together.
I liked learning how she became a unicorn. That was about it. The 'romance' came out of the blue and really early on. They literally went from not liking each other and 2 pages later she decides she's going to sleep with him after being able to turn into a human for the full moon. There was no build or anything. Neither of the characters were really likable. They both thought they knew best and couldn't understand why no one else realized how right they were. I hope they grew as characters and they had a great romance and the story did all the things I had hoped it would. I'm just sad I couldn't get past how they came together.
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