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Wolf Moon Rising #5
Strawberry Moon
He lost everything, and the only person who can give him what he needs is the heir of his greatest enemy.
Ford McKesson lost his joy when his mate died of the mysterious Condition. Werewolves spent two decades watching their most vulnerable packmates wither and die, and now Ford’s own pack has unmasked the culprit. For many, it’s been a time to celebrate the end of a dark period of werewolf history, but Ford can’t let go of his grief. He watches his pack move toward a brighter future while he’s left behind.
Archer Sterling’s life was built on a rotten foundation. After his grandfather tried to destroy werewolves as a species, Archer is left scrambling to make things right. But a new beast is howling in his head, and he no longer fits into the human world of his youth.
The past year has changed Grovetown—and the world—and neither Archer nor Ford know where they fit anymore. Together, maybe they can make a new kind of home, where everyone belongs.
Strawberry Moon is an enemies-to-lovers romance with two hardheaded wolves—one a grieving widower, and the other an heir to a blighted corporation that nearly destroyed werewolf kind—in the one place with a home for them both, in a non-mpreg ABO world.
Ford McKesson lost his joy when his mate died of the mysterious Condition. Werewolves spent two decades watching their most vulnerable packmates wither and die, and now Ford’s own pack has unmasked the culprit. For many, it’s been a time to celebrate the end of a dark period of werewolf history, but Ford can’t let go of his grief. He watches his pack move toward a brighter future while he’s left behind.
Archer Sterling’s life was built on a rotten foundation. After his grandfather tried to destroy werewolves as a species, Archer is left scrambling to make things right. But a new beast is howling in his head, and he no longer fits into the human world of his youth.
The past year has changed Grovetown—and the world—and neither Archer nor Ford know where they fit anymore. Together, maybe they can make a new kind of home, where everyone belongs.
Strawberry Moon is an enemies-to-lovers romance with two hardheaded wolves—one a grieving widower, and the other an heir to a blighted corporation that nearly destroyed werewolf kind—in the one place with a home for them both, in a non-mpreg ABO world.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2021
51 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 17, 2021
That was a perfect way to round out this quite excellent shifter series from Sam and Waverly.
I've been wanting Ford to get his happy ending from book one and it was poetic that it was the grandson of the man whose company had been responsible for causing The Condition and killing off the omega werewolves, including Ford's wife Lily, who restored his hope and his heart.
Archer was such a sweet soul, wrapped up in a package of determination to right the wrongs his grandfather had caused.
As a made wolf, being bitten to save his life after his grandfather had shot him in the last book, he was a mess of conflicting emotions and my heart hurt for him.
Although it's billed as an enemies to lovers romance, it only really skirts on the periphery of that imho. Ford is definitely angry with Archer because of his Sterling name and his background, but Archer never feels the same and Ford soon realises that he's not only mistaken, but he's doing him a disservice.
I liked how they cautiously began to work together to try and find a way to restore the health of the werewolf packs by researching an artificial pheromone to help with the lack of omega wolves and that they'd established a cautious friendship over time.
When Archer's first heat hits him when on a pack run with Ford, we get to see the two of them move into a physical relationship which is both steaming hot, but also beautifully caring as Ford guides Archer through the emotional and confusing time.
There is a bit of push and pull, most from Ford, but it's completely understandable and what I liked best about the way the authors approached this, is that he doesn't miraculously turn from being a heartbroken and depressed alpha. It takes time for him and Archer to build up trust.
But Strawberry Moon wraps up this series beautifully and - which I very much appreciated - also gives the reader the joyous resolution of Rowan and Cliff's relationship, which has been complicated and partly melancholy as Rowan is a beta wolf without the calming pheromones of an omega wolf.
This book ends on a beautifully happy note with the Grove pack firmly looking to the future.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I've been wanting Ford to get his happy ending from book one and it was poetic that it was the grandson of the man whose company had been responsible for causing The Condition and killing off the omega werewolves, including Ford's wife Lily, who restored his hope and his heart.
Archer was such a sweet soul, wrapped up in a package of determination to right the wrongs his grandfather had caused.
As a made wolf, being bitten to save his life after his grandfather had shot him in the last book, he was a mess of conflicting emotions and my heart hurt for him.
Although it's billed as an enemies to lovers romance, it only really skirts on the periphery of that imho. Ford is definitely angry with Archer because of his Sterling name and his background, but Archer never feels the same and Ford soon realises that he's not only mistaken, but he's doing him a disservice.
I liked how they cautiously began to work together to try and find a way to restore the health of the werewolf packs by researching an artificial pheromone to help with the lack of omega wolves and that they'd established a cautious friendship over time.
When Archer's first heat hits him when on a pack run with Ford, we get to see the two of them move into a physical relationship which is both steaming hot, but also beautifully caring as Ford guides Archer through the emotional and confusing time.
There is a bit of push and pull, most from Ford, but it's completely understandable and what I liked best about the way the authors approached this, is that he doesn't miraculously turn from being a heartbroken and depressed alpha. It takes time for him and Archer to build up trust.
But Strawberry Moon wraps up this series beautifully and - which I very much appreciated - also gives the reader the joyous resolution of Rowan and Cliff's relationship, which has been complicated and partly melancholy as Rowan is a beta wolf without the calming pheromones of an omega wolf.
This book ends on a beautifully happy note with the Grove pack firmly looking to the future.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 22, 2021
Wow! What a finale!!!
The authors hit a home run with the bases loaded with this final book in the Wolf Moon Rising series! All dangling strings were tied up neatly and in every way for the wonderful cast of characters that I have come to love! Will have to start another of this duos series to satisfy my longing for more of their excellent books!
The authors hit a home run with the bases loaded with this final book in the Wolf Moon Rising series! All dangling strings were tied up neatly and in every way for the wonderful cast of characters that I have come to love! Will have to start another of this duos series to satisfy my longing for more of their excellent books!
November 17, 2021
“I promise you”—I held him steady between both hands, stared straight up into his wide, dark eyes—“it’s okay to be overwhelmed, but you don’t need to be scared. I’ll take care of you.”
“I’m not scared,” he rasped.
Though I’m going to miss Grovetown so much, this book was the perfect wrap up for this series. It was a journey through many emotions but in the end everybody got their HEA. I truly appreciate that the authors didn’t leave any loose endings and gave us some Ro and Cliff’s moments after reading about their relationship through the entire series.
If you read this series in order you were already familiar with Ford and Archer and all the things they’d been through. The “enemies” part is short but understandable. Archer is already beating himself up for his grandfather's doings. And soon Ford realised Archer shouldn’t be the one to blame. I loved how their relationship built step by step into a lovely and strong bond.
A lonely Alpha. An Omega with remorses. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish this lovely series.
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
November 18, 2021
This book is one I didn't know I needed until I read it. It was so good.
Throughout this series, Ford has been the sad, depressed widower on the Hills farm after having lost his mate to The Condition .The fact that he was to be paired to the grandson of the crazy MF who caused the disease in the first place made me pause but if for nothing, I knew it would make for some good reading. I wasn’t wrong.
Ford a grumpy guy and understandably so, but upon meeting Archer and his innate decency and selflessness, he began to see that there was more to life than just going through the motions.
Also, Archer came to discover that he was worth all the love and attention in the world despite all the vitriol his abhorrent grandfather had spilled throughout his life.
My character observations above, coupled with the usual solid writing from this duo , and some final wrapping up of lose ends I hadn’t even realised were left open-ended truly made this a fitting end to this series.
I have nothing more to say except to say I’d miss this world and forsee a re-read in my future!
**eARC Provided in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review **
Throughout this series, Ford has been the sad, depressed widower on the Hills farm after having lost his mate to The Condition .The fact that he was to be paired to the grandson of the crazy MF who caused the disease in the first place made me pause but if for nothing, I knew it would make for some good reading. I wasn’t wrong.
Ford a grumpy guy and understandably so, but upon meeting Archer and his innate decency and selflessness, he began to see that there was more to life than just going through the motions.
Also, Archer came to discover that he was worth all the love and attention in the world despite all the vitriol his abhorrent grandfather had spilled throughout his life.
My character observations above, coupled with the usual solid writing from this duo , and some final wrapping up of lose ends I hadn’t even realised were left open-ended truly made this a fitting end to this series.
I have nothing more to say except to say I’d miss this world and forsee a re-read in my future!
**eARC Provided in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review **
November 15, 2021
What a perfect ending to the series! Everything is wrapped up just wonderfully and you're left knowing that the entire Grove pack is going to be living happily ever after from now on. Grumpy, heartbroken Ford has been such an interesting character from the start, and Archer, coming through a lot of huge things in his own right, was the perfect match for him. All the evils are vanquished and at the end of the day love really does come through on top. I also think this was the steamiest of the series, so if that's your thing, you'll really enjoy this one! Sad to see the end of the series, but so happy with how everything was resolved.
November 21, 2023
3.5 Stars
January 11, 2024
Pretty heavy finish to the series
Archer Sterling has to navigate his new life as an Omega wolf, all the while dealing with his guilt over what his grandfather has done. And Ford doesn't help, with his suspicious and aggressive attitude, growling at every opportunity.
Somehow, this pairing feels the most right and at the same time, the heaviest of all so far. Dealing with loss, both of a spouse and family member, the aftermath of all that and lingering feelings. If I knew how much would go into this book, I would have said no way it could fit so neatly without being three times the length. Somehow though, the authors managed that.
Trying to help werewolves recover what was practically and attempted genocide, and still thrive as a species, feeling displaced as a new werewolf and mixed feelings over the company he now owns, Archer is surprisingly sweet natured (no wonder he turned out the be an Omega). A big turnaround from the aggressive prick barging onto the Grove pack lands and demanding to see the proof of his grandfather's sins.
Ford hanging on for so long, well... Honestly, with how he was portrayed, as well as the loss of his mate and child, I would have thought he'd be long gone into the woods by now.
Andy, though, is a nice guy who I wouldn't have minded seeing more of in this story. Maybe there was a missed chance for another side character here.
Last but not least, Rowan and Cliff. Finally, they get their happily ever after. They more than deserve it.
This was a really nice way to round the whole series and finish it on a high note. It makes me glad I started it. Werewolf stories tend to be so much heavier and while I love them, it's nice to come across a series this light-hearted (yes, I'm writing this fully realising the irony that it also has many heavy topics, but it's the feel). I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a break from the hot and heavy romance.
Archer Sterling has to navigate his new life as an Omega wolf, all the while dealing with his guilt over what his grandfather has done. And Ford doesn't help, with his suspicious and aggressive attitude, growling at every opportunity.
Somehow, this pairing feels the most right and at the same time, the heaviest of all so far. Dealing with loss, both of a spouse and family member, the aftermath of all that and lingering feelings. If I knew how much would go into this book, I would have said no way it could fit so neatly without being three times the length. Somehow though, the authors managed that.
Trying to help werewolves recover what was practically and attempted genocide, and still thrive as a species, feeling displaced as a new werewolf and mixed feelings over the company he now owns, Archer is surprisingly sweet natured (no wonder he turned out the be an Omega). A big turnaround from the aggressive prick barging onto the Grove pack lands and demanding to see the proof of his grandfather's sins.
Ford hanging on for so long, well... Honestly, with how he was portrayed, as well as the loss of his mate and child, I would have thought he'd be long gone into the woods by now.
Andy, though, is a nice guy who I wouldn't have minded seeing more of in this story. Maybe there was a missed chance for another side character here.
Last but not least, Rowan and Cliff. Finally, they get their happily ever after. They more than deserve it.
This was a really nice way to round the whole series and finish it on a high note. It makes me glad I started it. Werewolf stories tend to be so much heavier and while I love them, it's nice to come across a series this light-hearted (yes, I'm writing this fully realising the irony that it also has many heavy topics, but it's the feel). I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a break from the hot and heavy romance.
August 31, 2023
Cała seria była bardzo lajtowa, nie budziła jakichś wielkich emocji, ale czytało mi się ją bardzo gładko, miło i przyjemnie. Na zabicie czasu super, ale nie zapamiętam tego, za tydzień już nic z fabuły nie zostanie mi w głowie.
April 10, 2022
**3.5 STARS**
A great conclusion to an enjoyable series. It has been so long since I've found new-to-me authors that are actual hidden gems. I definitely plan to check out both Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes other works, as well as their solo projects.
So I will break this review into two parts, first being the romance between Ford and Archer, which wasn't my favorite in the series but definitely one that was deserved. I like the enemies-to-lovers vibe that Ford and Archer had but it took far too long for Ford to get his head out of his butt. He was so conflicted about his feelings, which was understandable, but he preferred to wallow instead of actually processing any of them. Then there was sweet, patient Archer who I adored as a character. Together, their chemistry was undeniable; however, they could have used a few more heartfelt conversations. I felt that the foundation of their relationship was based on wolf instincts and I would have appreciated a better balance between their human halves and their wolf halves.
The second part of this review focusing on the underlying plot and loose ends. Now, when I saw the series was ending with this book, I was confused as to why our sweet, precious beta, Rowan, wasn't getting his story. But this book does Rowan and Cliff justice, it was positively endearing and had me on cloud 9. In terms of bringing down Sterling and all its corruption, I really liked how this all played out. The story ends on such a positive and hopeful note that I had a big cheesy grin across my face as I read the closing chapters. Overall, just a feel good book and series...which was exactly what I needed.
A great conclusion to an enjoyable series. It has been so long since I've found new-to-me authors that are actual hidden gems. I definitely plan to check out both Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes other works, as well as their solo projects.
So I will break this review into two parts, first being the romance between Ford and Archer, which wasn't my favorite in the series but definitely one that was deserved. I like the enemies-to-lovers vibe that Ford and Archer had but it took far too long for Ford to get his head out of his butt. He was so conflicted about his feelings, which was understandable, but he preferred to wallow instead of actually processing any of them. Then there was sweet, patient Archer who I adored as a character. Together, their chemistry was undeniable; however, they could have used a few more heartfelt conversations. I felt that the foundation of their relationship was based on wolf instincts and I would have appreciated a better balance between their human halves and their wolf halves.
The second part of this review focusing on the underlying plot and loose ends. Now, when I saw the series was ending with this book, I was confused as to why our sweet, precious beta, Rowan, wasn't getting his story. But this book does Rowan and Cliff justice, it was positively endearing and had me on cloud 9. In terms of bringing down Sterling and all its corruption, I really liked how this all played out. The story ends on such a positive and hopeful note that I had a big cheesy grin across my face as I read the closing chapters. Overall, just a feel good book and series...which was exactly what I needed.
April 13, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Strawberry Moon wraps up the Wolf Moon Rising series and it ties things up well on multiple fronts. The main plot regarding who was harming omegas was resolved in the previous book (and the story with the Reid pack was resolved as well), so this story is mostly tying up loose ends. The story takes place about six months after the events of Cold Moon and Archer has been spending more time with the Groves. He still doesn’t feel a part of the pack and is uncertain about his welcome, or if he even has a right to be there. So a lot of this story is Archer coming to terms with what his grandfather did and recognizing he is not to blame, as well as figuring out what the next steps are as he wants nothing to do with all that tainted money. Ford has been a background character since the start of the series, so I loved getting his story here.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Strawberry Moon wraps up the Wolf Moon Rising series and it ties things up well on multiple fronts. The main plot regarding who was harming omegas was resolved in the previous book (and the story with the Reid pack was resolved as well), so this story is mostly tying up loose ends. The story takes place about six months after the events of Cold Moon and Archer has been spending more time with the Groves. He still doesn’t feel a part of the pack and is uncertain about his welcome, or if he even has a right to be there. So a lot of this story is Archer coming to terms with what his grandfather did and recognizing he is not to blame, as well as figuring out what the next steps are as he wants nothing to do with all that tainted money. Ford has been a background character since the start of the series, so I loved getting his story here.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
February 6, 2023
This was very enjoyable but I am left, once again, feeling like the omega deserved better. Ford was fine, and had we seen a bit more romance or even time spent together after Archer’s heat, this would’ve been a five star read for me.
As it was, even slightly lacking in the romance department, this was a fantastic end to an entertaining, if less-than-perfect, series with a delightful treat at the end of the book.
Props to the authors, as always, the progressive leaning bits of the book delighted me. Both in insisting on equality between their characters and jokes about eating the rich. Yum!
As it was, even slightly lacking in the romance department, this was a fantastic end to an entertaining, if less-than-perfect, series with a delightful treat at the end of the book.
Props to the authors, as always, the progressive leaning bits of the book delighted me. Both in insisting on equality between their characters and jokes about eating the rich. Yum!
September 29, 2024
It was sweet and gave more "general plot" closure to the story, but it was missing a bit of the emotional weight. Ford and Archer sort of make sense but they needed more development to go from "makes sense, I guess" to "yes it feels right". Maybe Ford gets more page time to work out his feelings than Archer does, but it feels rushed either way. Blink and you'll miss it. It wasn't bad but it could have been more.
November 20, 2021
I adored this. Might be my favorite of the series. 4.5 stars. Full review to come
December 4, 2021
4.5
I'm so so sad to be leaving Grovetown. It has been a ride: I managed to devour these five books in the span of just over a week and I'm so happy I decided to give these books a try. They were ALL seriously delicious and angsty and steamy, with utterly fantastic characters and long-fought HEAs, and jam-packed of those wonderful found-family, small-town vibes that I'm weak for.
"Strawberry Moon" was as wonderful as it's predecessors, even though my favourite books are still Linden and Colt's and Aspen and Brook's. Ford was a bit of a frustrating main character, but I completely got him: he's still hurt and scarred, terrified of losing himself, grieving his wife and child. He was a bit too growly and unfair towards Archer at times, however he redeems himself in such a beautiful, hopeful way. Archer was an equally fantastic protagonist and the way he felt, how scared of his newly-found wolf, his omega feelings and sensations, it really made me feel for him. He and Ford together were wonderful, and even though I have some minor complaints about how quickly they went from (or at least, how Ford went from) strong mistrust to love, I really enjoyed their story. And the cave scenes? I melted.
I was planning on giving this book four stars, HOWEVER that last short story made me want to up the rating: so a bonus half point for that utterly lovely, utterly sexy, unfairly short bonus scene at the end.
I'm sad to be leaving the wonderful Grove pack, but in the meantime I'll be praying (and still be willing to sell my kidney and soul) for a book about Rowan and Cliff. *cries*
I'm so so sad to be leaving Grovetown. It has been a ride: I managed to devour these five books in the span of just over a week and I'm so happy I decided to give these books a try. They were ALL seriously delicious and angsty and steamy, with utterly fantastic characters and long-fought HEAs, and jam-packed of those wonderful found-family, small-town vibes that I'm weak for.
"Strawberry Moon" was as wonderful as it's predecessors, even though my favourite books are still Linden and Colt's and Aspen and Brook's. Ford was a bit of a frustrating main character, but I completely got him: he's still hurt and scarred, terrified of losing himself, grieving his wife and child. He was a bit too growly and unfair towards Archer at times, however he redeems himself in such a beautiful, hopeful way. Archer was an equally fantastic protagonist and the way he felt, how scared of his newly-found wolf, his omega feelings and sensations, it really made me feel for him. He and Ford together were wonderful, and even though I have some minor complaints about how quickly they went from (or at least, how Ford went from) strong mistrust to love, I really enjoyed their story. And the cave scenes? I melted.
I was planning on giving this book four stars, HOWEVER that last short story made me want to up the rating: so a bonus half point for that utterly lovely, utterly sexy, unfairly short bonus scene at the end.
I'm sad to be leaving the wonderful Grove pack, but in the meantime I'll be praying (and still be willing to sell my kidney and soul) for a book about Rowan and Cliff. *cries*
September 12, 2022
This series started strong, but I enjoyed each book successively less. They just got way too repetitive. This book has almost no relationship development at all. The MCs are enemies, and then suddenly they’re sharing a heat that came on out of nowhere and then they’re in love. If it weren’t for the side characters, this would have been a 2 star read.
July 8, 2024
I'm so glad Rowan and Cliff got their HEA. Rowan is such a wonderful character. This was a perfect ending to the series. I'm glad Ford got his happiness as well.
November 23, 2021
Quick read and a satisfying conclusion to the series. I appreciated that the authors didn't totally sweep Ford's love of Lily under the rug, and that Ford struggled with his feelings for Archer, though I didn't totally feel like that balance and development of feelings was perfectly paced or handled. It was fine, but not quite as nuanced as I'd have preferred. I was, honestly, more invested in Rowan and Cliff, who I wish could have got their own book, but I'm glad we got a good dose of them here at least.
February 1, 2022
A very interesting enemies to lovers story. At whta point do you forget the family history and look at the intentions of the individual. I was sooooooo glad to read Ford's story. He had been hurting for a long time and deserved to be happy. And lets not forget how messed up Archer's emotions must have been after what his own FAMILY did to him. I was glad that they were able to heal with each other.
November 22, 2021
AWN Archer and Ford are two people that I really wanted to find a happy ending. One that lost everything and one that in a way lost everything too...so seeing them finding each other and their HEA was everything!
(also side cliff and rowan finally easing up their minds about their relationship and being the awesome couple we know <3 )
(also side cliff and rowan finally easing up their minds about their relationship and being the awesome couple we know <3 )
November 23, 2021
Retribution
Archer feels he must make up for the damage that his father has done to the omegas. Ford, grudgingly agrees to help. The is a romance but also about healing. Loved it.
Archer feels he must make up for the damage that his father has done to the omegas. Ford, grudgingly agrees to help. The is a romance but also about healing. Loved it.
August 11, 2025
3,75⭐️
Even if they’re just side characters, really happy to see an happy ending for Rowan and Cliff after following them for 5 books
Even if they’re just side characters, really happy to see an happy ending for Rowan and Cliff after following them for 5 books
November 28, 2021
I really love this author. Before this book, I enjoyed this series. First, im incredibly annoyed rowan didn't get a book- he was cheated. That was the dynamic I thought had the most potential. This book, on the other hand, is white fragility in a nutshell. The victim, the one everyone feels sorry for, is the poor little rich boy who, even at the end, is living well off the proceeds of genocide. Meh. Taking accountability and redemption aren't supposed to be easy, and that doesn't make you an object of pity. It could have been empowering but instead it just made archer unlikable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2023
ORIGINALLY READ 11-22-21 and it looks like I rated 4 stars with no review... RE-READ on 9-18-23 and... eh. I really do like this series, but this time around, this final installment was only a 3-star read for me. I skimmed quite a bit of it because it just wasn't engaging me as much as I'd hoped, and while I did enjoy the conclusion of the overarching series plot, the actual relationship between Ford and Archer felt super rushed and underdeveloped. Still glad I re-read the series, though 😊 It was fun!
November 19, 2021
**Note this book and review contain spoilers for the previous books in the series. It is spoiler-free for this book. **
Strawberry Moon concludes the diverting Wolf Moon Rising werewolf shifter, urban fantasy romance series from the power writing duo of Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes. This story wraps up the continuing storyline concerning “The Condition”.
Because the story arc embraces the five series books, you should only read Strawberry Moon after the previous books. Books 1-4 are excellent so it’s no hardship at all to indulge from the very first page in this intriguing world Ms. Burns and Ms. Fawkes have brought to life.
Strawberry Moon focuses on Ford McKesson and Archer Sterling, grandson of Jedidiah Sterling, the evil architect of The Condition. The latter shot and nearly killed Archer at the end of Cold Moon. Archer is only alive because of Skye Johnson’s quick thinking in biting Archer to “turn” him into a wolf shifter so Archer could leverage its super-healing abilities. Archer allowed Skye to turn him. But now he is grappling with the changes in his body and controlling the wolf beneath the surface, itching to get out. Archer is terrified of who he is now. He’s also scared he’ll never be able to set right all of the devastation his grandfather caused. He’s weighed down by guilt, recrimination, and loneliness, just like Ford.
We’ve seen Ford in the background across the series. He’s an alpha mourning the death of his omega fiancée and unborn child from The Condition. Without an omega to help moderate his moods and behavior, Ford has been riding the edge of his alpha sanity, trying to keep his wolf in check despite the desolation and rage constantly prowling beneath the surface.
As you can imagine, Ford and Archer are two opposing forces destined to clash. Archer’s last name invokes a presumption that he was complicit in his grandfather’s actions, and Archer has to constantly work to dispel it. Ford is looking for someone to blame for his traumatic loss. With these differences, you’d expect Ford would hate Archer, Archer would never be able to prove himself to Ford, and never the twain shall meet. Yet Ms. Burns and Ms. Fawkes seamlessly create a plausible, authentic relationship between the two men despite this seemingly impossible barrier.
Ford and Archer’s relationship is fascinating. After Ford moves past the red cloud of rage to see Archer for who he truly is rather than his prejudice based on his last name, these two men find a way to bridge their brokenness and fear to find strength and support in each other.
Like the previous stories, Strawberry Moon is thoughtfully and carefully crafted with a well-written storyline and dynamic, multi-dimensional characters. While Ford and Archer’s romance is front and center, this book also gives beta Rowan Grove his well-deserved HEA with his boyfriend Cliff. It also spends significant time demonstrating the depth of the Grove pack found family and how it effortlessly extends itself to embrace Archer as one of its own. The Grove pack, led by Linden Grove, the pack’s Alpha (and my favorite character of the entire series), gives Archer the home he’s always wanted and never had. (The first book, Black Moon, tells Linden’s story.)
While I don’t think Strawberry Moon has the emotional intensity of Dante and Skye’s story in Cold Moon, different emotions thrum beneath the surface of this story – hope and redemption – and they are no less impactful. The authors’ excellent world-building continues to shine here in this last installment of the story.
Strawberry Moon is light on the sexy times but has plenty of heartwarming romance to compensate. Ford and Archer make an engaging, endearing couple deserving of their HEA. However, their relationship is almost secondary to what their relationship represents. They are like two loose ends on opposite sides of The Condition. On one end, we have Ford. He represents the victims of The Condition and Sterling’s vengeful attempt to wipe out the wolf shifter population. On the other end, we have Archer. He believes he is part of the cause and is out to atone for the sins of his grandfather and the Sterling Corporation. Unified, Ford and Archer are the bow tying the two sides of the story together, showing reconciliation and a way forward that is hopeful and bright.
I highly recommend Strawberry Moon and the whole Wolf Moon Rising series. It’s unique, clever, very well written, and wholly absorbing as the story ushers us into the Grove pack and the detailed, vivid world of Grovetown. I wish we could spend more time there, but alas, all good things must come to an end. Luckily, we can visit any time we want through a reread. Also, we can now get some of the series books in audio format, giving us another way to fully immerse ourselves in these beautiful stories again.
Strawberry Moon concludes the diverting Wolf Moon Rising werewolf shifter, urban fantasy romance series from the power writing duo of Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes. This story wraps up the continuing storyline concerning “The Condition”.
Because the story arc embraces the five series books, you should only read Strawberry Moon after the previous books. Books 1-4 are excellent so it’s no hardship at all to indulge from the very first page in this intriguing world Ms. Burns and Ms. Fawkes have brought to life.
Strawberry Moon focuses on Ford McKesson and Archer Sterling, grandson of Jedidiah Sterling, the evil architect of The Condition. The latter shot and nearly killed Archer at the end of Cold Moon. Archer is only alive because of Skye Johnson’s quick thinking in biting Archer to “turn” him into a wolf shifter so Archer could leverage its super-healing abilities. Archer allowed Skye to turn him. But now he is grappling with the changes in his body and controlling the wolf beneath the surface, itching to get out. Archer is terrified of who he is now. He’s also scared he’ll never be able to set right all of the devastation his grandfather caused. He’s weighed down by guilt, recrimination, and loneliness, just like Ford.
We’ve seen Ford in the background across the series. He’s an alpha mourning the death of his omega fiancée and unborn child from The Condition. Without an omega to help moderate his moods and behavior, Ford has been riding the edge of his alpha sanity, trying to keep his wolf in check despite the desolation and rage constantly prowling beneath the surface.
As you can imagine, Ford and Archer are two opposing forces destined to clash. Archer’s last name invokes a presumption that he was complicit in his grandfather’s actions, and Archer has to constantly work to dispel it. Ford is looking for someone to blame for his traumatic loss. With these differences, you’d expect Ford would hate Archer, Archer would never be able to prove himself to Ford, and never the twain shall meet. Yet Ms. Burns and Ms. Fawkes seamlessly create a plausible, authentic relationship between the two men despite this seemingly impossible barrier.
Ford and Archer’s relationship is fascinating. After Ford moves past the red cloud of rage to see Archer for who he truly is rather than his prejudice based on his last name, these two men find a way to bridge their brokenness and fear to find strength and support in each other.
Like the previous stories, Strawberry Moon is thoughtfully and carefully crafted with a well-written storyline and dynamic, multi-dimensional characters. While Ford and Archer’s romance is front and center, this book also gives beta Rowan Grove his well-deserved HEA with his boyfriend Cliff. It also spends significant time demonstrating the depth of the Grove pack found family and how it effortlessly extends itself to embrace Archer as one of its own. The Grove pack, led by Linden Grove, the pack’s Alpha (and my favorite character of the entire series), gives Archer the home he’s always wanted and never had. (The first book, Black Moon, tells Linden’s story.)
While I don’t think Strawberry Moon has the emotional intensity of Dante and Skye’s story in Cold Moon, different emotions thrum beneath the surface of this story – hope and redemption – and they are no less impactful. The authors’ excellent world-building continues to shine here in this last installment of the story.
Strawberry Moon is light on the sexy times but has plenty of heartwarming romance to compensate. Ford and Archer make an engaging, endearing couple deserving of their HEA. However, their relationship is almost secondary to what their relationship represents. They are like two loose ends on opposite sides of The Condition. On one end, we have Ford. He represents the victims of The Condition and Sterling’s vengeful attempt to wipe out the wolf shifter population. On the other end, we have Archer. He believes he is part of the cause and is out to atone for the sins of his grandfather and the Sterling Corporation. Unified, Ford and Archer are the bow tying the two sides of the story together, showing reconciliation and a way forward that is hopeful and bright.
I highly recommend Strawberry Moon and the whole Wolf Moon Rising series. It’s unique, clever, very well written, and wholly absorbing as the story ushers us into the Grove pack and the detailed, vivid world of Grovetown. I wish we could spend more time there, but alas, all good things must come to an end. Luckily, we can visit any time we want through a reread. Also, we can now get some of the series books in audio format, giving us another way to fully immerse ourselves in these beautiful stories again.
November 13, 2021
Je remercie chaleureusement les auteures de leur confiance, pour m’avoir permis de lire et chroniquer cette magnifique histoire.
L’histoire se passe comme un après final. On assiste à ce qui se passe après que le grand méchant ait été vaincu. Mais ce n’est pas une Happy Ever After, du moins pas tout de suite. Ce livre parle de rédemption, de ce qu’il reste du monde après la noirceur, ce qu’il advient de ceux qui ont survécu à la destruction, et de nouvelle aurore pour qui a le courage de continuer d’avancer.
Ce tome n’est pas tant au sujet de vaincre le mal que de lutter à effacer l’ombre néfaste qu’il a laissé derrière lui.
Chacun des deux personnages principaux se perçoit comme un monstre et un fardeau pour son entourage.
Archer se voit comme la continuité de ce qu’était son grand-père, bien qu’il veuille plus que tout réparer le tord que celui-ci a causé à toute une communauté. Il ne cherche aucun réconfort auprès de sa nouvelle meute, bien qu’elle soit plus pour lui une famille que l’homme qui l’a élevé, seulement désireux d’apporter réparation à ses membres autant qu’il le peut.
Ford a perdu sa femme et sa fille a cause du grand-père d’Archer et lutte pour ne pas voir en lui une réflexion l’homme qui lui a tout pris.
C’est une évolution personnelle plus qu’une adaptation en tant que couple. Bien sûr, celui-ci ne se construit pas sans heurt mais l’accent est d’avantage mis sur le développement singulier qui permettra aux deux personnages d’envisager un avenir avec l’autre.
C’est un enemies-to-lovers soft, low-angst avec une égale tendresse et une meute unie. En somme, une histoire de métamorphes comme je les aime.
L’histoire se passe comme un après final. On assiste à ce qui se passe après que le grand méchant ait été vaincu. Mais ce n’est pas une Happy Ever After, du moins pas tout de suite. Ce livre parle de rédemption, de ce qu’il reste du monde après la noirceur, ce qu’il advient de ceux qui ont survécu à la destruction, et de nouvelle aurore pour qui a le courage de continuer d’avancer.
Ce tome n’est pas tant au sujet de vaincre le mal que de lutter à effacer l’ombre néfaste qu’il a laissé derrière lui.
Chacun des deux personnages principaux se perçoit comme un monstre et un fardeau pour son entourage.
Archer se voit comme la continuité de ce qu’était son grand-père, bien qu’il veuille plus que tout réparer le tord que celui-ci a causé à toute une communauté. Il ne cherche aucun réconfort auprès de sa nouvelle meute, bien qu’elle soit plus pour lui une famille que l’homme qui l’a élevé, seulement désireux d’apporter réparation à ses membres autant qu’il le peut.
Ford a perdu sa femme et sa fille a cause du grand-père d’Archer et lutte pour ne pas voir en lui une réflexion l’homme qui lui a tout pris.
C’est une évolution personnelle plus qu’une adaptation en tant que couple. Bien sûr, celui-ci ne se construit pas sans heurt mais l’accent est d’avantage mis sur le développement singulier qui permettra aux deux personnages d’envisager un avenir avec l’autre.
C’est un enemies-to-lovers soft, low-angst avec une égale tendresse et une meute unie. En somme, une histoire de métamorphes comme je les aime.
January 19, 2022
Not as good as the others (spoilers)
Maybe it's me?
This book was like an extended epilogue that didn't really go anywhere, it all felt a bit forced to be honest.
It is a lovely idea to have the damaged and broken and hateful Ford being faced with the personal embodiment of the root of all his hurts and to find that person being the ultimate way to heal.
Beautiful idea, especially when combined with the new reality his nemesis has awoken to, being a werewolf, a race that was so hated by his grandfather that he not only committed genocide but was prepared to shoot his grandson to do that.
However, there was an awful lot of work for both of them to get from A to B and it wasn't done well enough to make it believable. Sorry. I applaud the attempt, but the implementation didn't do it for me.
Furthermore there was an external threat to the werewolves that the Board at Sterling would cover it all up and possibly couldn't even be trusted not to do it again. Again, this could have been so much more, but most of it happened through second hand retelling, gossip basically and one face to face encounter. So that when the big blow up happened and was resolved it was pretty meaningless as a threat and even the resolution, which should have been a huge move, was kind of 'meh'.
I wish I had loved this book more, I can see where the authors were going and it would have been awesome if I had been convinced.
Maybe it's me?
This book was like an extended epilogue that didn't really go anywhere, it all felt a bit forced to be honest.
It is a lovely idea to have the damaged and broken and hateful Ford being faced with the personal embodiment of the root of all his hurts and to find that person being the ultimate way to heal.
Beautiful idea, especially when combined with the new reality his nemesis has awoken to, being a werewolf, a race that was so hated by his grandfather that he not only committed genocide but was prepared to shoot his grandson to do that.
However, there was an awful lot of work for both of them to get from A to B and it wasn't done well enough to make it believable. Sorry. I applaud the attempt, but the implementation didn't do it for me.
Furthermore there was an external threat to the werewolves that the Board at Sterling would cover it all up and possibly couldn't even be trusted not to do it again. Again, this could have been so much more, but most of it happened through second hand retelling, gossip basically and one face to face encounter. So that when the big blow up happened and was resolved it was pretty meaningless as a threat and even the resolution, which should have been a huge move, was kind of 'meh'.
I wish I had loved this book more, I can see where the authors were going and it would have been awesome if I had been convinced.
November 13, 2021
Brick by Brick
If you’re wondering just how much I love this incredible, heartfelt, fantastic, clever series, I would give up eating Rowan’s pies for more. If that doesn’t tell you anything, then you need to read this series from the beginning, again. Linden—and his sweaters—is always going to be my wolf but I really believe this is the book we’ve all been waiting for. Everything and I do mean everything was worth it, just to have this amazing, magical conclusion.
Ford is the bestest grumpy, grunty alpha and I really just want to make him some soft, fuzzy flannel he can wrap himself in forever. He hit me in the feels and in my heart. “I—I know my heart’s been broken, and I’m still working on mending it. But if you want it, it’s yours.” Sniff, sniff, I can’t read that without my heart pinging. And Archer, for someone who was born human and is now a wolf, he’s rocking all the changes and I freaking love how he handles everything that’s thrown at him. Never underestimate a geek. Their love is beautiful, comforting and a whole lotta fiery. “Sweetheart, I was made to give you everything you need.” Yes please and I want more. More wolves, more Grove pack, more found family and finding the place you belong. Gah, these books are like coming home and make my heart so squishy happy whenever I read one. I didn’t want them to end but, alas, at least there’s always pie…
If you’re wondering just how much I love this incredible, heartfelt, fantastic, clever series, I would give up eating Rowan’s pies for more. If that doesn’t tell you anything, then you need to read this series from the beginning, again. Linden—and his sweaters—is always going to be my wolf but I really believe this is the book we’ve all been waiting for. Everything and I do mean everything was worth it, just to have this amazing, magical conclusion.
Ford is the bestest grumpy, grunty alpha and I really just want to make him some soft, fuzzy flannel he can wrap himself in forever. He hit me in the feels and in my heart. “I—I know my heart’s been broken, and I’m still working on mending it. But if you want it, it’s yours.” Sniff, sniff, I can’t read that without my heart pinging. And Archer, for someone who was born human and is now a wolf, he’s rocking all the changes and I freaking love how he handles everything that’s thrown at him. Never underestimate a geek. Their love is beautiful, comforting and a whole lotta fiery. “Sweetheart, I was made to give you everything you need.” Yes please and I want more. More wolves, more Grove pack, more found family and finding the place you belong. Gah, these books are like coming home and make my heart so squishy happy whenever I read one. I didn’t want them to end but, alas, at least there’s always pie…
November 20, 2021
Strawberry Moon is the perfect ending to this story.
Reading the story of Ford and Archer brought me to tears. Watching their relationship develop was completely wonderful.
Ford's anger was completely understandable, however, how he was making the passes with what happened and how he allowed himself to heal and reconcile with his wolf I loved it.
Archer trying to adjust to his new reality and help the species that his family hurt so badly is an incredible journey to read.
I loved how the relationship between Ford and Archer was forming, how they took the time to process what they felt and how their new relationship was never going to erase what they experienced in the past in the Ford case, but it made it appreciate even more what I had.
Of all the stories, with Archer, I was able to identify more, since as he feels at some point in history, I did too and that was spectacular.
We have a closing for the story of Rowan and Cliff that I loved very much.
It was definitely a story that I loved from the beginning and ended in the best possible way. Amazing book.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest review.
Reading the story of Ford and Archer brought me to tears. Watching their relationship develop was completely wonderful.
Ford's anger was completely understandable, however, how he was making the passes with what happened and how he allowed himself to heal and reconcile with his wolf I loved it.
Archer trying to adjust to his new reality and help the species that his family hurt so badly is an incredible journey to read.
I loved how the relationship between Ford and Archer was forming, how they took the time to process what they felt and how their new relationship was never going to erase what they experienced in the past in the Ford case, but it made it appreciate even more what I had.
Of all the stories, with Archer, I was able to identify more, since as he feels at some point in history, I did too and that was spectacular.
We have a closing for the story of Rowan and Cliff that I loved very much.
It was definitely a story that I loved from the beginning and ended in the best possible way. Amazing book.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest review.
November 22, 2021
This was a great conclusion to the Wolf Moon Rising series, though I'm sad to see it ending.
Archer is a made wolf, being bitten in the last book to save his life after being shot by his grandfather. He is full of guilt and is trying to make up for his grandfather's actions by trying to find a cure for the omega's.
Ford is full of anger towards Archer, holding him responsible for the death of his wife and unborn child. He doesn't want Archer anywhere near his packmates and when Archer wants to test a sample he's created on Cliff, a packmember, Ford intervenes and volunteers. They reluctantly start working together and get to know each other better.
Archer has been avoiding shifting to his wolf by sedating himself on the full moon, but when he can't any longer and he goes in heat, Ford is there to help him through it. Afterwards Ford pushes Archer away but can't stay away for long. They keep gravitating to each other and their relationship start to build bit by bit towards a HEA.
We also get a nice second conclusion in the book of Ro and Cliff's realationship.
A very nice ending to a great series.
Archer is a made wolf, being bitten in the last book to save his life after being shot by his grandfather. He is full of guilt and is trying to make up for his grandfather's actions by trying to find a cure for the omega's.
Ford is full of anger towards Archer, holding him responsible for the death of his wife and unborn child. He doesn't want Archer anywhere near his packmates and when Archer wants to test a sample he's created on Cliff, a packmember, Ford intervenes and volunteers. They reluctantly start working together and get to know each other better.
Archer has been avoiding shifting to his wolf by sedating himself on the full moon, but when he can't any longer and he goes in heat, Ford is there to help him through it. Afterwards Ford pushes Archer away but can't stay away for long. They keep gravitating to each other and their relationship start to build bit by bit towards a HEA.
We also get a nice second conclusion in the book of Ro and Cliff's realationship.
A very nice ending to a great series.
February 1, 2022
To be honest, I've been sitting on this a while because I've loved every book and I didn't want the series to end. But a friend was reading it and, y'know, spoilers, so I figured now was the time to pick it up.
Ending a series is hard. So much to wrap up and so many people to please. I think they nailed it. Strawberry Moon was everything I hoped it could be, and more. They even added a couple bonus touches that I wasn't too sure about, sight unseen, but ended up being so perfect that I'm kicking myself for even doubting them.
I loved that neither Ford nor Archer were suddenly different. It reinforces the author's concept that you are who you are, human or wolf, and that everyone has stuff to deal with. You can make things better, but you have to work at it like everyone else. If you have a choice, make it before life makes it for you and you miss your chance. Both had to make peace with their families, and the how's and why's were brilliantly handled.
And to add a cherry on top of this fun series, there is a short story at the end that shows the Grovestown wolves as one big happy family. Well worth the read! 10/10, highly recommend.
Ending a series is hard. So much to wrap up and so many people to please. I think they nailed it. Strawberry Moon was everything I hoped it could be, and more. They even added a couple bonus touches that I wasn't too sure about, sight unseen, but ended up being so perfect that I'm kicking myself for even doubting them.
I loved that neither Ford nor Archer were suddenly different. It reinforces the author's concept that you are who you are, human or wolf, and that everyone has stuff to deal with. You can make things better, but you have to work at it like everyone else. If you have a choice, make it before life makes it for you and you miss your chance. Both had to make peace with their families, and the how's and why's were brilliantly handled.
And to add a cherry on top of this fun series, there is a short story at the end that shows the Grovestown wolves as one big happy family. Well worth the read! 10/10, highly recommend.
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