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Alabaster City #1

Moon Awakened

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When a midnight assault leaves tough, independent bar owner Mackenzie Wolfe fighting for her life, everything she thought she knew about the world changes. The hot bartender she's lusted after is so much more than he appears. Her stalking ex-boyfriend is no longer her biggest problem. And she is no longer human.

Tall, dark, and all hard body, Riley Fitzgerald is a bartender in the human world--and the enforcer of the Alabaster Wolf Pack. When his sexy boss is attacked and changed into a shifter, Riley is responsible for teaching her everything there is to know about being a wolf. What he doesn't expect is just how explosive their passion is now that he can reveal his secrets.

But not everyone is happy that Riley and Mackenzie have become so close-- rivals to become Mackenzie’s mate and old family feuds emerged to tear them apart. Against all odds, can Riley win Mackenzie for himself and keep peace within the Pack?

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2021

4 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

Melinda Valentine

25 books67 followers
Melinda Valentine was born in upstate New York. Being the youngest of four children (and the only girl) made it easy for her to turn to books as a companion. As a young child she was whisked away to Baltimore, Maryland. She spent her youth reading books such as Nancy Drew, The Chronicles of Narnia and The Little House on the Prairie saga.
However, it wasn't until she was twelve years old that she read a book (Stephen king's IT) that made her realize that someday, she would herself be a writer. After that her first (horrible) manuscript came to life. At thirteen she had received her very first rejection letter. Heartbroken, she continued to read even more to learn about the craft of writing.
Today Melinda calls West Virginia home, with her swoon worthy husband , three hilarious children, and three crazy puppies. She creates characters that she hopes her readers fall in love with as much as she has.

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5 stars
31 (38%)
4 stars
20 (24%)
3 stars
23 (28%)
2 stars
6 (7%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica L Lee.
Author 4 books84 followers
November 18, 2021
This is the first book i have read from this author but wasn't disappointed. Loved this pnr, great instant chemistry between the main characters and loved how the main female developed. Would love to see if Warren gets his luna.

Would defo recommend this book.
Profile Image for Ashley.
916 reviews26 followers
December 19, 2023
This was my first werewolf/shifter romance book. I really liked the werewolf aspects and the whole pack dynamic. It was a really interesting part of the story and I wish we got to see more of it. I didn't like the one trope that happened at the end of the book because it's my least favorite trope ever. The ending also just felt way too rushed to me. I would've enjoyed it more if it was more flushed out with a more higher stakes feeling.
Profile Image for Carole.
381 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love PNR and this one was fantastic. The writing was excellent and the plot was unique. Riley & Mac were simply perfect together. I can’t wait to read more in this series. 4.5 very strong ⭐️! Now I’m off to see what else Ms Valentine has written.
Profile Image for Callien creel.
99 reviews10 followers
January 14, 2024
Moon Awakened: Shifting Tides of Romance and Intrigue!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Melinda Valentine's "Moon Awakened" howls with passion, suspense, and enough twists to keep any shifter romance enthusiast on the edge of their seat. As a newcomer to Valentine's literary world, I was instantly captivated by the tale of Mac and Riley, a duo destined for more than just the ordinary.

Mac, the fearless owner of a bar, steals the spotlight with her unwavering strength and independence. I couldn't help but cheer for her as she navigated a world she never knew existed. Her resilience and determination to stand up for what she believes in make her a truly admirable character.

On the other side of this mystical coin is Riley, the enforcer of the Alabaster Wolf Pack with a mysterious allure. The chemistry between Mac and Riley is as sizzling as a full moon, and their journey through ups and downs had me hooked from start to finish.

Valentine weaves a tale of midnight assaults, unexpected transformations, and a love that defies the odds. The challenges that Mac and Riley face, both as individuals and as a couple, add layers of excitement to the narrative. Will outside forces tear them apart, or will love conquer all in this shifter romance extravaganza?

The author skillfully brings the supernatural elements to life, and Riley's responsibility to guide Mac through her newfound shifter identity adds a delightful twist. As the passion between them ignites, secrets unravel, and the stakes get higher, I found myself eagerly turning the pages, unable to resist the allure of the Alabaster Wolf Pack.

However, love isn't always a walk in the moonlit park. Rivals vying for Mac's affections and old family feuds threaten to cast a shadow over the couple's happiness. Can Riley overcome these challenges and claim Mac as his own, all while maintaining peace within the Pack?

"Moon Awakened" is a howling success in the world of shifter romance. Valentine's storytelling prowess, combined with the dynamic characters and a plot that keeps you guessing, ensures that this book is a must-read for anyone craving a thrilling and passionate supernatural love story. Prepare for a wild ride under the moonlit sky! 🌕🐺💕
Profile Image for Samantha Rodriguez.
256 reviews8 followers
September 18, 2025
Thank you to Melinda Valentine and Naughty Nook PR for the opportunity to read and review this book!

I love, love, LOVE a good werewolf shifter romance. I love the pack dynamics and the politics and the power struggle. This book delivered all of that. Mackenzie, the FMC, is everything I love to see in an FMC. I like them strong and independent, with a take-no-shit attitude. Riley, the MMC (because let's be honest, Warren isn't even worth mentioning) is book boyfriend perfection. Literally swoon-worthy.

I lied, I'm going to mention Warren. He's a dick, and I wanted to punch him in the face SO many times. A man who doesn't comprehend the word "no," and won't keep his hands to himself WILL be my villain origin story. (Don't misunderstand me, there is no SA in this book, he's just an entitled ass-bag who doesn't care about/respect boundaries).

All that being said, this was a really fun, feel-good paranormal romance without a bunch of overwhelming and emotional conflict. There is conflict, but its pretty mild, and you know what, I really enjoy reading stories that don't always break my heart. Not gonna lie, the ending did feel a bit rushed, and honestly that's the only reason I didn't give it the full five stars. Otherwise, I loved it. If you enjoy a werewolf shifter romance and are looking for an easy and pretty quick read, give this one a chance!
309 reviews84 followers
October 27, 2021
Great Steamy Read

𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘔𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦 ⁣⁣⁣
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⁣⁣⁣⁣
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣⁣⁣
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⁣⁣⁣⁣
🔎𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒🔎⁣ ⁣⁣⁣
Leads: Riley and Mackenzie⁣⁣⁣
Release Date: October 25, 2021⁣⁣⁣
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⁣⁣⁣⁣
📖 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎 📖 ⁣⁣⁣⁣
Kindle Unlimited: ❌ ⁣⁣⁣
Audible: unsure⁣⁣⁣⁣
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⁣⁣⁣⁣
📝𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝗪📝⁣⁣⁣⁣
This was my first book by Melinda Valentine and I have to say I will definitely be going to read her other books! I have been on a shifter romance kick lately and this book was just what I needed. ⁣⁣⁣
🔹⁣⁣⁣
Mac is thrust into a world she never knew existed while trying to balance being an independent business owner. She is such a strong women and I loved her throughout this book! She never lets anyone push her around and always stand up and fights for what she believes in. On the other hand Riley has just moved back home after breaking things off with his girlfriend. He settles into his role as the enforcer under his dad but feels like he is missing something in his life.⁣⁣⁣
🔹⁣⁣⁣
You don’t want to miss the ups and downs throughout this book between Mac and Riley and the challenges that arise. Will outside forces keep them apart or will they find one another? ⁣⁣⁣
Profile Image for Becky.
120 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2025
This is 1.5 stars for me. I really wanted to love this book, but struggled to get through this. This could’ve been about 100 pages shorter without the excessive stalking and harassment by Warren. Not a single thing about him was appealing or endearing and I have no desire to read his story for book number two. Between him and his father and that completely unnecessary character reveal at the end of this book, I STRUGGLED.

The conflict between the MCs and Warren was just stupid. Dumb as all hell. Archaic. Harassment. Just crap. Then the alpha calls the FMC his “daughter” and it’s just … weird. We never heard about the feral wolf at the beginning of the book. I kept waiting for the FMC to learn that the MMC was the wolf who saved her early on, but that was never revealed either. I skimmed through a good chunk of this book and still found it difficult to finish, which was unfortunate because I really liked both MCs and most of the supporting cast otherwise. This book should’ve been so much better than what it was.
Profile Image for TheLiterary Mug.
226 reviews8 followers
September 10, 2025
Bam! Immediately, I found myself immersed, marked by chills and chaos from the outset. A true page-turner, I read it in one sitting.

The ultimate forbidden love trio - who's not obsessed, or are they just playing it cool? Mac (Mackenzie) a bar owner who's equal parts sass, strength, and independence, with a healthy dose of attitude and a laid back vibe.

As she meets Riley in the chaos unbeknownst to her. Riley, oh Riley, the man is a walking paradox. He's humble, fierce, and family-oriented, yet willing to take risks. He's got wit, intelligence, and a whole lot of charm, all of which make him ridiculously swoon-worthy.

The minor characters are just as impressive, each with their own unique flavor and strong convictions with different views and loyalty being a top priority.

The writing is comical, with a perfectly paced storyline that's full of vivid descriptions and a healthy dose of suspense. Then there's the whodunit element? It's all passion and tension, with a buildup that's both ridiculously satisfying and easy to relate to.
Profile Image for Emmy.
268 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2025
It's a decent werewolf story, until about halfway/three-quarters through.
Mac is the independent, take no sh!t owner of a local bar, enter Warren, next in line Pack Alpha who is infatuated/mildly obsessed with Mac. Meanwhile, Riley comes home after a failed relationship and assumes his role of Enforcer. He decides he needs to vet the woman Warren is interested in and it's basically love at first sight. It all spells trouble since the two wolves can't stand each other and Warren, as the most eligible bachelor, comes with a lot of baggage.

I really wish more time would've been spent in the wolf pack talking stuff over. By the time the wolf stuff started coming up, the story started feeling a bit rushed and focusing on Warren's ongoing obsession and his next plan to take her. Unclear time skips make parts confusing and nothing about the ending sat right with me.
Profile Image for Marie.
302 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2025
This is book 1 in the Alabaster City Series by Melinda Valentine... I have really been liking shifter romances lately, and this one was a fast read for me. I really enjoyed it and can't wait for book 2 to return.

Mackenzie or "Mac" as she likes to be called owns her own bar and is caught up in a love triagle that she doesn't even know she is a part of. She reluctantly decided to go to a gala with a guy she considers a friend and ends up almost dying now her life will never be the same.

Riley is home now after being cheated on and is training up the new enforcers for their pack. He feels drawn to Mac but is leary to go there because she does not know what he is. That all changes after she is attacts, and now there is no holding him back even though the soon to be Alpha is trying to lay his claim.

Now that Mac is transforming, will she be able to get the future alpha to leave her alone? You will have to read and see.
Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
February 19, 2024
Great shifter wolf audio
Heroine is Mac. Hero is Riley
This is a great story by Melanie Valentine the author. The words flowed easily. She wrote a very well detailed and great description story. It has everything you need , suspense, mystery and finding your true love ( mate )

Mac is a very strong female, she has her own business a bar and very strong willed. Meanwhile Riley is caught in a bind. He’s a bartender in Mac bar . When Mac ex attacks her Riley steps in and saves Mac . Things is Riley has gone back home to become an enforcer in his father’s back. But he know he hasn’t meet his true mate that the goddess has made for him.
Mac keeps on thinking about Riley and she knows she’s not human , she wonders is Riley meant for her and what is she
Profile Image for Jordan Fiest.
2,241 reviews34 followers
September 16, 2025
Moon Awakened is book one of the Alabaster City Series.

I loved seeing Mac and Riley's relationship develop from friendship to something much greater. We see them really bond together and the attraction is there for both of them. There are some aspects about being a wolf Mac has to get used to and this causes some problems with her as she is a very independent person and doesn't want to have to follow a hierarchy of rules. However, Riley is there to help her make decisions and learn about everything her new life has to offer.

Now Warren needed a good kick in the head. He needed to learn that no means no. He was just very pushy with Mac and I didn't like this, but good ol' Mac knows how to stand up for herself and she definitely put him in his place.
Profile Image for Sarah Landis.
113 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2025
This was a quick and fun shifter read! Mackenzie’s world is turned completely upside down after one night changes everything—suddenly she’s part of pack life, navigating her new body, new instincts, and a very complicated love life.

Between Warren, the future alpha looking for his perfect match, and Riley, the pack’s enforcer with sizzling chemistry that practically leaps off the page, Kenzie’s story is packed with tension, drama, and plenty of steam.

If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced werewolf romance with pack politics, rivalries, and a heroine trying to find her place in a whole new world, this one delivers.
Profile Image for Kristen N.
Author 2 books2 followers
September 20, 2025
Mac is a human who owns and manages her own bar. Her last relationship with a narcissist abuser leaving her not wanting love, but Warren will try anything to make her his, even if she has eyes for the man who entered her bar. both men changing her life forever.

Riley is a shifter who has come back to his hometown after a nasty breakup with his ex. Upon hearing about his Alpha, Warren is courting a human. Riley comes to see who exactly the woman is. What he didn't expect is to feel the pull to her.

An excellent shifter HEA romance. The plot insane, the way her shift happens, jaw-dropping, and the spice is enough to heat the room. Riley and Macs story is a once in a full moons romance.
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
5,028 reviews64 followers
October 26, 2021
This is a new author to me and I definitely will be reading more of her work!! The characters were well developed and the storyline was intriguing, suspenseful and entertaining. Mackenzie is attacked and turned into a shifter and Riley is responsible for teaching all of the new members how to be wolves. Mac and Riley were explosive together. Not everyone in Mac’s new pack is thrilled that she and Riley have become so close. Will they be able to be together without all of the drama surrounding them?
2,937 reviews7 followers
October 20, 2023
Mackenzie and Riley. Mackenzie owns and runs a Bar in her small town. Riley is a wolf shifter who just came back home. She was attacked outside of her bar one night and a large wolf saved her. Then another time she is viciously attacked again and almost died. But this is a little different. Something has changed. She is not human anymore. Holy crap! What is going on? Mackenzie is in for a shocker and hopefully her new friend, Riley, will help. But he has a secret too. Guess it is time to learn something new.
3,350 reviews48 followers
November 12, 2023
I loved the dual narration of Juniper Young and Robert Hatchet

Riley goes home to the pack after his break up. Mac (Makenzie) owns a bar, and one night, who finds herself beings rescued by a large wolf. Riley had scented a rogue wolf on his territory when he comes to the aid.
Warren is the son of the pack leader, who uses his position to get what he wants, and he wants Mac. Mac doesn't feel the same way. Not knowing the danger she could get into, when Warren askes for a favour she says yes. Problem is after her attack something in her is changing. She is not human anymore.
Profile Image for Rea.
150 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2025
This book was really good , I haven’t read a wolf/ shifter romance in a while and this one did not disappoint . Mackenzie and Riley had such great chemistry and the way that their relationship developed throughout the book was incredible . Also the character development was really good and I really enjoyed seeing how the story truly unfolded . The spice was 🔥 and I loved it !! This book was great and my first one from this author and I can’t wait to read more from her ❤️


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5

J would recommend this to anyone who loves a wolf / shifter romance 🥰
Profile Image for Lily.
105 reviews31 followers
October 5, 2025
This was an entertaining read. I really enjoyed reading this shifter/werewolf romance. You find a lot of the common cliches in romance novels but the werewolf lore was well developed. The explanations were detailed but without getting too much into it. I liked how strong Mac was and Riley always being there for her. The tension between the two was hot. There were small conflicts but it was a light read.

Thank you to the author and Naughty Book PR for the review copy. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,292 reviews61 followers
October 26, 2021
It has been a couple of years since I have stepped back into the PNR world and I have to say Moon Awakened, awoke once again all the things I loved about this Genre, Mac and Riely were an excellent choice to start of this new series, an engrossing storyline, suspense and hot chemistry, what more could you ask for. Melinda Valentine is a new author but I am excited for the next instalment in this series.
Profile Image for Corrinne.
937 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2021
I really enjoyed and got into This book, I like paranormal shifter books and this was a bit different In how Mac isnt born a shifter and all type of stuff comes into play, jealousy, councils, alphas. This could of been a series, but also I liked this a single book as I got all the answers now instead of having to wait. I hope there is more books with these characters in here, there was quite a few I liked and I would defiantly read them
Profile Image for booksssther.
59 reviews
August 31, 2025
I recieved this book as an ARC and I have to say that I actually like it, was it the best shifter romance I hVe evere read? No. Did I enjoy it? Yes.
The FMC was really brave and sassy and we all love that, and the MMC was tender but masculine and extremely handsome.
I think its main problem was how rushed it all felt and how some sidestories wheren’t truly ended.
I think if you want something easy and fast to read go for it.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,948 reviews101 followers
October 20, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love PNR and this one was fantastic. The writing was excellent and the plot was unique. Riley & Mac were simply perfect together. I can’t wait to read more in this series. 4.5 very strong ⭐️! Now I’m off to see what else Ms Valentine has written.
Profile Image for Shannon Godwin.
3,075 reviews31 followers
February 15, 2022
Loved Riley & Mac, that are perfect together. If only others would step aside. You get to see these two deal with others who don’t want them together, famous it feuds & navigate trying to be together. The question is, will they make it to their happily ever after? If you are looking for a PNR book, you definitely need to snatch this one up.
Profile Image for Hannah Reid.
145 reviews
September 13, 2025
Moon Awakened by Melinda Valentine
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a cute, short shifter romance. It was a very easy read, easy to understand with minimal world building to have to figure out. Tbh the plot devices annoyed me a bit, bc it was all centered around our FMC being turned against her will and harassed by an entitled man. But the relationships and found family were good!
Profile Image for Michelle Bailey.
330 reviews12 followers
October 2, 2024
This is wonderful story about wolves and their supernatural world. We learn about wolf packs and how they interact with humans and each other. Mackenzie and Riley have amazing chemistry and are a perfect match for each other as mates. I am looking forward to more books in this series. Juniper Young and Robert Hatchet were phenomenal in their narration.
Profile Image for Julie.
12 reviews
April 9, 2022
The only bad thing about this book was when there were no more pages! Can't wait for the next in the series.
Profile Image for Cline.
14 reviews
July 26, 2022
Sweet read

A sweet love story filled with a hunky wolf and a very stubborn woman with a heart of pure gold.
Profile Image for Angel.
7 reviews
December 27, 2023
AWESOME STORY

It's was great and definitely a thrill ride with alot of sass. Can't wait to read more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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