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Moonrise Academy: Academy Shifters #1
The Headmaster
An omega student who cannot control his heats. An alpha headmaster with a secret.
At Moonrise Academy, a private college for wolf shifters, it is Headmaster Julian Tett's job to ensure the safety of his students. When one student manifests a condition called souperomega, he takes a special interest in the case.
Toby's rare disorder causes him to have out of control heats. When the dreamy headmaster half the students have a crush on shows his protective side, both realize something more is happening between them.
Sparks fly, but there's a problem. Teacher/student fraternization is against school policy. If they allow nature to take its course, Julian could be fired and Toby could face expulsion. Added to that, Toby contends with unwanted attention from another student, which puts him in possible danger.
MM romance, wolf shifter omegaverse, student/teacher, rescue, age gap, hurt/comfort, super-heats, fated mates, mpreg, HEA.
At Moonrise Academy, a private college for wolf shifters, it is Headmaster Julian Tett's job to ensure the safety of his students. When one student manifests a condition called souperomega, he takes a special interest in the case.
Toby's rare disorder causes him to have out of control heats. When the dreamy headmaster half the students have a crush on shows his protective side, both realize something more is happening between them.
Sparks fly, but there's a problem. Teacher/student fraternization is against school policy. If they allow nature to take its course, Julian could be fired and Toby could face expulsion. Added to that, Toby contends with unwanted attention from another student, which puts him in possible danger.
MM romance, wolf shifter omegaverse, student/teacher, rescue, age gap, hurt/comfort, super-heats, fated mates, mpreg, HEA.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2022
63 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Rathbone
154 books348 followersWendy Rathbone has had dozens of stories published in anthologies such as: Hot Blood, Writers of the Future (second place,) Bending the Landscape, Mutation Nation, A Darke Phantastique, and more. The book "Dreams of Decadence Presents: Wendy Rathbone and Tippi Blevins" contains a large collection of her vampire stories and poems. Over 500 of her poems have been published in various anthologies and magazines. She won first place in the Anamnesis Press poetry chapbook contest with her book "Scrying the River Styx." Her poems have been nominated for the Science Fiction Poetry Association's Rhysling award at least a dozen times.
Her recent books include:
"Pale Zenith," science fiction novel
"The Foundling," male/male romance novel
"None Can Hold the Dark," sequel to "The Foundling"
"The Secret Sharer," science fiction romance novella
"Unearthly," omnibus collection of 7 out-of-print poetry booklets
"The Vampire Diaries: The Myth," available from Kindle Worlds
"The Vampire Dairies: Deep In the Virginia Woods," available from Kindle Worlds
"My House Is Full Of Whispers," erotica short story collection
"Letters To An Android," science fiction novel
Upcoming very soon:
"Risque Science Fiction," short stories by Wendy Rathbone
"The Red Fountain, Where Vampires Come to Drink," short stories and poetry by Wendy Rathbone
Look for more novels and short story collections coming up in 2014.
She lives in Yucca Valley, CA with her partner of 32 years, Della Van Hise.
Her recent books include:
"Pale Zenith," science fiction novel
"The Foundling," male/male romance novel
"None Can Hold the Dark," sequel to "The Foundling"
"The Secret Sharer," science fiction romance novella
"Unearthly," omnibus collection of 7 out-of-print poetry booklets
"The Vampire Diaries: The Myth," available from Kindle Worlds
"The Vampire Dairies: Deep In the Virginia Woods," available from Kindle Worlds
"My House Is Full Of Whispers," erotica short story collection
"Letters To An Android," science fiction novel
Upcoming very soon:
"Risque Science Fiction," short stories by Wendy Rathbone
"The Red Fountain, Where Vampires Come to Drink," short stories and poetry by Wendy Rathbone
Look for more novels and short story collections coming up in 2014.
She lives in Yucca Valley, CA with her partner of 32 years, Della Van Hise.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 104 reviews
February 26, 2022
This was a sweet story, a tiny bit of stress, a lot of kindness. While the build-up was well developed, I missed some emotional connections. It was on paper but I couldn’t feel it.
We have a Headmaster and a student, I hoped something more forbidden would happen, or some sensual moments. It was all very decent. I loved both main characters had some physical matters, that gave some excitement to their characters.
Overall a sweet story, nicely written, I enjoyed it but missed some emotional and exciting moments.
We have a Headmaster and a student, I hoped something more forbidden would happen, or some sensual moments. It was all very decent. I loved both main characters had some physical matters, that gave some excitement to their characters.
Overall a sweet story, nicely written, I enjoyed it but missed some emotional and exciting moments.
July 29, 2022
i've always thought i wasn't a fan of mpreg but I'm starting to think it's all about the author.
July 12, 2022
This outing didn't go quite as well as my freshmen outing with this author. This was still enjoyable, but I didn't like it as much as the first book I read.
My biggest problems were that, here we are with a student and the freaking headmaster, and it didn't feel forbidden at all. So much so that I didn't tag this with that, AND this was slow but then way too rushed once these two got together.
Toby is a 20 year old, almost 21 year old Omega and student at Moonrise Academy, a college that also is kind of a private school where they all have uniforms and all live on campus, even the teachers.
Julian is a 32 year old Alpha, who for the past six months has been the interim headmaster of the academy, and is hoping to get a permanent position.
It takes some times in this for these two to start anything, but once they do, it's full steam ahead. And they even only go all the way because of Toby's heat, because he has the condition of being a souperomega, which means he has uncontrollable heats once every month, so much so that he can't remember most of it, and he doesn't have control of his shifts, so he shifts between his human form and wolf form constantly.
It takes some time for them to even interact twice, and then they have a few more interactions and they start their thing, have a few make out sessions, and then have to have sex to abate Toby's heat, and then they're basically all in.
Julian even has no problem confessing that Toby is his mate to his staff, and then moving Toby into his living quarters, and then there's absolutely no angst about the student/teacher thing - basically teacher...headmaster is still teacher-ish - and even though Julian has to go in front of the board and he faces some judgement from some of them, he ultimately gets voted in to stay, so it's NBD.
Also, there's an Alpha student who has been basically harassing Toby, and he even goes so far as to almost rape Toby, and it didn't really feel like he got his comeuppance, even though he got expelled, only because we didn't see it. One second he's there and then he's a threat and then he's just gone, easy peasy, with no worries, and it's like...well what was the point of this storyline if we didn't get to see the pay off?
Also the Mpreg doesn't even happen until about 90% into this and then it's skipped over super fast and then yay, baby! Which always annoys me with mpreg stories. I read mpreg for the mpreg, so why wait so long to include it? Might as well not include it at all and then I'm just reading a shifter romance.
The sex, which was also a little bit of a problem in the other book I read by this author, was very glossed over and happened too fast, it wasn't detailed enough or focused on enough. I wanted to read them being so hot for each other.
Which brings me to the student/teacher thing again. Why have something taboo and then not lean into it? It should be a big deal, but it turns out to barely be a big deal at all, so what was the point of including it? Where were the longing looks, the secret meetings, someone finding out by walking in on them and then threatening to expose them, and then everyone losing their shit about it when they find out and there being real consequences to it all?
Instead it was just more of a regular romance, with supernatural elements and mpreg for a smidgen of the story.
And for their romance, they were cute at first and they had their moments early on where I felt the chemistry, but the lack of leaning into the trope, and full steam ahead once they gave in, and Alpha student storyline getting no payoff we got to see, just brought my enjoyment of them and this book down.
I give this 3 stars for a strong beginning and good chemistry at first, but it just faltered in several other ares too much for me to give this more. I'm bummed because I really enjoyed this author's first outing and was hoping this would be great as well.
And while it was okay, it was just that, okay.
I'll definitely give this author more chances, but this one just wasn't it, unfortunately.
Better luck next time!
My biggest problems were that, here we are with a student and the freaking headmaster, and it didn't feel forbidden at all. So much so that I didn't tag this with that, AND this was slow but then way too rushed once these two got together.
Toby is a 20 year old, almost 21 year old Omega and student at Moonrise Academy, a college that also is kind of a private school where they all have uniforms and all live on campus, even the teachers.
Julian is a 32 year old Alpha, who for the past six months has been the interim headmaster of the academy, and is hoping to get a permanent position.
It takes some times in this for these two to start anything, but once they do, it's full steam ahead. And they even only go all the way because of Toby's heat, because he has the condition of being a souperomega, which means he has uncontrollable heats once every month, so much so that he can't remember most of it, and he doesn't have control of his shifts, so he shifts between his human form and wolf form constantly.
It takes some time for them to even interact twice, and then they have a few more interactions and they start their thing, have a few make out sessions, and then have to have sex to abate Toby's heat, and then they're basically all in.
Julian even has no problem confessing that Toby is his mate to his staff, and then moving Toby into his living quarters, and then there's absolutely no angst about the student/teacher thing - basically teacher...headmaster is still teacher-ish - and even though Julian has to go in front of the board and he faces some judgement from some of them, he ultimately gets voted in to stay, so it's NBD.
Also, there's an Alpha student who has been basically harassing Toby, and he even goes so far as to almost rape Toby, and it didn't really feel like he got his comeuppance, even though he got expelled, only because we didn't see it. One second he's there and then he's a threat and then he's just gone, easy peasy, with no worries, and it's like...well what was the point of this storyline if we didn't get to see the pay off?
Also the Mpreg doesn't even happen until about 90% into this and then it's skipped over super fast and then yay, baby! Which always annoys me with mpreg stories. I read mpreg for the mpreg, so why wait so long to include it? Might as well not include it at all and then I'm just reading a shifter romance.
The sex, which was also a little bit of a problem in the other book I read by this author, was very glossed over and happened too fast, it wasn't detailed enough or focused on enough. I wanted to read them being so hot for each other.
Which brings me to the student/teacher thing again. Why have something taboo and then not lean into it? It should be a big deal, but it turns out to barely be a big deal at all, so what was the point of including it? Where were the longing looks, the secret meetings, someone finding out by walking in on them and then threatening to expose them, and then everyone losing their shit about it when they find out and there being real consequences to it all?
Instead it was just more of a regular romance, with supernatural elements and mpreg for a smidgen of the story.
And for their romance, they were cute at first and they had their moments early on where I felt the chemistry, but the lack of leaning into the trope, and full steam ahead once they gave in, and Alpha student storyline getting no payoff we got to see, just brought my enjoyment of them and this book down.
I give this 3 stars for a strong beginning and good chemistry at first, but it just faltered in several other ares too much for me to give this more. I'm bummed because I really enjoyed this author's first outing and was hoping this would be great as well.
And while it was okay, it was just that, okay.
I'll definitely give this author more chances, but this one just wasn't it, unfortunately.
Better luck next time!
February 24, 2022
I love the books of Wendy Rathbone. Actually, she has written two of my favorites. When I logged onto Goodreads to do a review of this book I found another of hers that I wanted to read so of course I got it and read it and then realized I had forgotten to finish this review!
Moonrise Academy is like so many of Ms. Rathbone's books in that there is almost always some pretty serious drama, which for me is very anxiety-provoking, but then we end up with a fun and satisfying happily-ever-after end. As it should be. Ms. Rathbone's characters are always introspective...so much so that I just want to slap them sometimes (metaphorically) and tell them to snap out of it.
Julian, the headmaster, and Toby, an omega with a secret problem, are two wolf shifters that are genuinely good at heart. Both have a physical challenge (well, one is a hormone thing) that messes with or has messed with their self-confidence and ultimately how they view the world. But fate has some pretty cool plans for them if only they choose to walk through their fears. Personally my heart always goes pitter-pat when the protagonists are protective of each other even at the beginning. A very well done book and great read.
Moonrise Academy is like so many of Ms. Rathbone's books in that there is almost always some pretty serious drama, which for me is very anxiety-provoking, but then we end up with a fun and satisfying happily-ever-after end. As it should be. Ms. Rathbone's characters are always introspective...so much so that I just want to slap them sometimes (metaphorically) and tell them to snap out of it.
Julian, the headmaster, and Toby, an omega with a secret problem, are two wolf shifters that are genuinely good at heart. Both have a physical challenge (well, one is a hormone thing) that messes with or has messed with their self-confidence and ultimately how they view the world. But fate has some pretty cool plans for them if only they choose to walk through their fears. Personally my heart always goes pitter-pat when the protagonists are protective of each other even at the beginning. A very well done book and great read.
June 16, 2022
I don't usually enjoy may/december stories, especially when one character is on a position of power over the other. Luckily, this one is treated well. Julian really cares about Toby, and consent and not abusing his power is high on his list. It's a relief, as this is set to be an interesting world
February 18, 2022
New from the amazing Wendy Rathbone
I absolutely loved this book. Solid writing and plot. Great sexy scenes. Absorbing and delightful characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I absolutely loved this book. Solid writing and plot. Great sexy scenes. Absorbing and delightful characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
February 23, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Moonrise Academy: The Headmaster is the first book in Wendy Rathbone’s new Academy Shifters series. This is an omegaverse world with both shifting and mpreg, and one with basic equality among the different types of wolves. Rathbone does a nice job developing these characters and giving us a chance to get to know them separately before they even get together. Julian is dedicated, hard working, and cares about his students. He gives them a little room to be college kids, but he is also protective enough to take care of them.
I did appreciate this character development, but I do think it takes a while for things to really get going between them. Some of the set up feels overlong and unnecessary.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Moonrise Academy: The Headmaster is the first book in Wendy Rathbone’s new Academy Shifters series. This is an omegaverse world with both shifting and mpreg, and one with basic equality among the different types of wolves. Rathbone does a nice job developing these characters and giving us a chance to get to know them separately before they even get together. Julian is dedicated, hard working, and cares about his students. He gives them a little room to be college kids, but he is also protective enough to take care of them.
I did appreciate this character development, but I do think it takes a while for things to really get going between them. Some of the set up feels overlong and unnecessary.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
February 14, 2022
As always, I think Wendy does some really great worldbuilding. I was fascinated from the beginning and totally enraptured by everything going on. It makes me really excited to see where this series goes, as even though we have already learned so much, it's definitely just (a really good) start! There's quite a bit of angst, but it's offset by that fluffy fated mates that I just adore. It did seem that we missed out on a little of the relationship building, so that's the reason for the 3 stars, but still will definitely pick up book 2!
April 5, 2022
Ok
Full disclosure: I don't particularly like fated mates or mpreg elements, and I read this anyway. If you love that stuff, take my review with a hefty grain of salt.
If your main reason for picking this up is to enjoy a sugary sweet fantasy romance, then this is probably a good fit for you. That isn't generally my preference, and thus this didn't really work for me, unfortunately. I was hoping for a bit more than this story gave.
A few misc gripes:
- I found the disparate power dynamic a bit uncomfortable - I get he's technically legal and all, but the context feels like a boarding school (the adult students have uniforms...), not a college, so it skeeved me out just a bit.
- The headmaster's secret doesn't really make sense to me within the internal logic of the world. Given the description of babies shifting with the parent, and a case of a minor wound being present in wolf and human form, it just feels like an obvious plot contrivance to me.
- The first ~60% was a decent slow-burn, in my opinion. After that all the tension was gone and it was mostly breathy "you're perfect" murmurs. I get how that could be nice for some readers, but I personally found it a bit shallow and uninteresting. There's absolutely zero relationship development - which is often the case with fated mates stories - but it doesn't have to be that way, and I wish more had been done to establish an emotional connection.
- The character development is slim at best. After finishing the book, I don't really feel like I know them at all, which contributes to their romance feeling flat to me. Toby likes school and the headmaster. The headmaster likes the school and Toby. They both have a physical thing to deal with. It's just not much to go on. There's mention of majors at one point, but that's not backed up by any scenes further indicating/supporting those interests, so it doesn't really add any definition. .
Overall, I think this is serviceable as a fluffy fantasy, but a bit more depth would have made it a much more satisfying read, in my opinion.
Full disclosure: I don't particularly like fated mates or mpreg elements, and I read this anyway. If you love that stuff, take my review with a hefty grain of salt.
If your main reason for picking this up is to enjoy a sugary sweet fantasy romance, then this is probably a good fit for you. That isn't generally my preference, and thus this didn't really work for me, unfortunately. I was hoping for a bit more than this story gave.
A few misc gripes:
- I found the disparate power dynamic a bit uncomfortable - I get he's technically legal and all, but the context feels like a boarding school (the adult students have uniforms...), not a college, so it skeeved me out just a bit.
- The headmaster's secret doesn't really make sense to me within the internal logic of the world. Given the description of babies shifting with the parent, and a case of a minor wound being present in wolf and human form, it just feels like an obvious plot contrivance to me.
- The first ~60% was a decent slow-burn, in my opinion. After that all the tension was gone and it was mostly breathy "you're perfect" murmurs. I get how that could be nice for some readers, but I personally found it a bit shallow and uninteresting. There's absolutely zero relationship development - which is often the case with fated mates stories - but it doesn't have to be that way, and I wish more had been done to establish an emotional connection.
- The character development is slim at best. After finishing the book, I don't really feel like I know them at all, which contributes to their romance feeling flat to me. Toby likes school and the headmaster. The headmaster likes the school and Toby. They both have a physical thing to deal with. It's just not much to go on. There's mention of majors at one point, but that's not backed up by any scenes further indicating/supporting those interests, so it doesn't really add any definition. .
Overall, I think this is serviceable as a fluffy fantasy, but a bit more depth would have made it a much more satisfying read, in my opinion.
February 27, 2022
Toby is 20 years old, an artic wolf shifter and goes to Moonrise Academy. He thought he was like any other omega until his most recent heat. He wakes up in a heat room in the infirmary of the academy feeling like he was hit by a truck. The heat doctor gives him some news. During his heat he had changed uncontrollably hundreds of times. This and other test results proves that Toby is a souperomega who can go into very intense heats. If he doesn't take care he could find himself in the position of being taken advantage of when he was in no shape to give consent. Toby is confused by everything that is happening and hates the idea of being different. He just wants to blend in. When the Academy's Headmaster calls him in to check on him and reassure him of his safety at the academy, Toby finds himself strongly drawn to he headmaster. As events bring the two closer together, intimate feelings that could destroy their future develop.
Julian is the headmaster at Moonrise Academy. He is an alpha shifter who no longer shifts much. An accident during a run has badly injured his wolf's back legs. His wolf can barely stand and can't walk. Instead, Julian stays powerful in his human form. He knows that no omega would want a wolf who is handicapped so badly so he has channeled his protective feelings into his job at the academy. When he learns about Toby's diagnosis as a souperomega, he is concerned. His meeting with Toby has stirred the interest of his wolf. His wolf wants him to protect Toby from all other alpha's. Julian quickly figures out that his wolf wants to claim Toby as his own but Julian doesn't want to take advantage of him. When Toby finds himself in big trouble, it is Julian's wolf that pushes him to follow and protect him. Will Toby accept such a weak alpha? Will being together destroy their future if people find out?
Julian is the headmaster at Moonrise Academy. He is an alpha shifter who no longer shifts much. An accident during a run has badly injured his wolf's back legs. His wolf can barely stand and can't walk. Instead, Julian stays powerful in his human form. He knows that no omega would want a wolf who is handicapped so badly so he has channeled his protective feelings into his job at the academy. When he learns about Toby's diagnosis as a souperomega, he is concerned. His meeting with Toby has stirred the interest of his wolf. His wolf wants him to protect Toby from all other alpha's. Julian quickly figures out that his wolf wants to claim Toby as his own but Julian doesn't want to take advantage of him. When Toby finds himself in big trouble, it is Julian's wolf that pushes him to follow and protect him. Will Toby accept such a weak alpha? Will being together destroy their future if people find out?
February 26, 2022
A really enjoyable read
Firstly let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
This is the first book that I read by Wendy Rathbone and I must say I’m really really impressed I got totally lost in this book and couldn’t put it down and had to read it in one sitting.
The story is about a student an Omega Wolf shifter who has gone through an unusual heat for the first time and he finds out that he Has a rare condition that means his heats Can be unusual and quite dangerous to Toby. He’s a really sweet boy and having Souperomega could make him behave in an unusual way for him. Toby doesn’t tell any of his friends what’s happening he’s quite embarrassed but when he speaks to his headmaster he gets a very strange feeling.
Headmaster of moonrise Academy Julian had a secret. And only his best friend knew about it. But it meant that he hadn’t been on a run as a wolf for a long time. When he gets a report about the student having a rare condition he look into what it is and then wants to meet the student. And when he meets Toby he gets a strange feelings. Feelings he’s not had before but feelings he knows and understand.
Could there ever be an outcome for a student and a headmaster?? Would Toby get his condition under control??
I’ve got to say I’ve got totally lost in this book and I just could not put it down. There was something very endearing about Toby I felt very protective over him myself. And found myself getting quite angry at times over him and another student. But there was something extremely sweet about the relationship between Toby and Julian. I cannot wait to read more from this author end of this series a really really good read
Firstly let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
This is the first book that I read by Wendy Rathbone and I must say I’m really really impressed I got totally lost in this book and couldn’t put it down and had to read it in one sitting.
The story is about a student an Omega Wolf shifter who has gone through an unusual heat for the first time and he finds out that he Has a rare condition that means his heats Can be unusual and quite dangerous to Toby. He’s a really sweet boy and having Souperomega could make him behave in an unusual way for him. Toby doesn’t tell any of his friends what’s happening he’s quite embarrassed but when he speaks to his headmaster he gets a very strange feeling.
Headmaster of moonrise Academy Julian had a secret. And only his best friend knew about it. But it meant that he hadn’t been on a run as a wolf for a long time. When he gets a report about the student having a rare condition he look into what it is and then wants to meet the student. And when he meets Toby he gets a strange feelings. Feelings he’s not had before but feelings he knows and understand.
Could there ever be an outcome for a student and a headmaster?? Would Toby get his condition under control??
I’ve got to say I’ve got totally lost in this book and I just could not put it down. There was something very endearing about Toby I felt very protective over him myself. And found myself getting quite angry at times over him and another student. But there was something extremely sweet about the relationship between Toby and Julian. I cannot wait to read more from this author end of this series a really really good read
February 11, 2022
The dynamics of this story is unusual in that the school was like any other academy but with
the switch of being only intended for A/B/O werewolves. The environment was just like any human school with the spirited energy of any other school. The twists and turns of this story swirl around student Toby Camden and headmaster Julian Tett. The uniqueness of this environment is that the omega students have reoccurring heats that require these students to be confined monthly to heat rooms to ride out their cycles. Here we find Toby suffering intense symptoms that heat Dr. Abast describes as "souperomega". And herein lies one-half of the crux of this plot. The other crux falls to Julian. You see, as a youngster Julian, in wolf form, was shot by a hunter and his wolf lost the use of his rear legs. He cannot fully shift into his wolf form. But as a human he presents as normal. The interplay between students is typical of any school with rivalries, friendships, jealousies, competitions, and infatuations. The remarkable atmosphere of this story is so relatable. A forbidden affair between student and professor is told with compassion and understanding. Each character faces either expulsion or job loss but both are willing to sacrifice their futures for a destined mating. The ending holds a promise of more stories to come within Moonrise Academy and I look forward to reading whatever this author pens. I was given an ARC of this work by the author for my honest review.
the switch of being only intended for A/B/O werewolves. The environment was just like any human school with the spirited energy of any other school. The twists and turns of this story swirl around student Toby Camden and headmaster Julian Tett. The uniqueness of this environment is that the omega students have reoccurring heats that require these students to be confined monthly to heat rooms to ride out their cycles. Here we find Toby suffering intense symptoms that heat Dr. Abast describes as "souperomega". And herein lies one-half of the crux of this plot. The other crux falls to Julian. You see, as a youngster Julian, in wolf form, was shot by a hunter and his wolf lost the use of his rear legs. He cannot fully shift into his wolf form. But as a human he presents as normal. The interplay between students is typical of any school with rivalries, friendships, jealousies, competitions, and infatuations. The remarkable atmosphere of this story is so relatable. A forbidden affair between student and professor is told with compassion and understanding. Each character faces either expulsion or job loss but both are willing to sacrifice their futures for a destined mating. The ending holds a promise of more stories to come within Moonrise Academy and I look forward to reading whatever this author pens. I was given an ARC of this work by the author for my honest review.
February 15, 2022
Forbidden romance. Wolf shifters. Academy. Aggressive alphas. Protective best friends. Rare omega conditions. Moonrise Academy: The Headmaster has a lot going on.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book - Toby Camden, a junior omega student at Moonrise Academy, is diagnosed with a rare condition that causes him to question everything. Moonrise Academy’s headmaster, Julian Tett, learns of his diagnosis and goes out of his way to make sure Toby is taken care of and safe, both physically and mentally. Their connection is a little strange at first and definitely feels like a lot really fast, but I liked how easily they fit together.
The second half of the book felt rushed and a little jumbled. Things continued to go from zero to 100 between Julian and Toby but the thing that bothered me most was that Toby was still keeping secrets from Julian. After he was attacked, he easily could have (and should have) come clean about his attacker, especially when the person he’d be telling about it was his mate. It felt childish and unlikely considering their relationship and how quickly they made the decision to be together. Then the ending was just kind of sprung on us, only giving us a glance into their HEA and their starting a family - I wanted to see more!
I’m curious about this series and will keep my eye out for the next book. Hopefully things will get better from here.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book - Toby Camden, a junior omega student at Moonrise Academy, is diagnosed with a rare condition that causes him to question everything. Moonrise Academy’s headmaster, Julian Tett, learns of his diagnosis and goes out of his way to make sure Toby is taken care of and safe, both physically and mentally. Their connection is a little strange at first and definitely feels like a lot really fast, but I liked how easily they fit together.
The second half of the book felt rushed and a little jumbled. Things continued to go from zero to 100 between Julian and Toby but the thing that bothered me most was that Toby was still keeping secrets from Julian. After he was attacked, he easily could have (and should have) come clean about his attacker, especially when the person he’d be telling about it was his mate. It felt childish and unlikely considering their relationship and how quickly they made the decision to be together. Then the ending was just kind of sprung on us, only giving us a glance into their HEA and their starting a family - I wanted to see more!
I’m curious about this series and will keep my eye out for the next book. Hopefully things will get better from here.
May 20, 2022
Victimization of omega, not my thing
Low relationship angst
Drama outside relationship
Victimization of Omega (no non-con or dub-con but a near thing)
Age gap 12 yrs, consenting adults
ABO, Shifting wolves
Knotting
Dual first person POV
I like the story and low angst relationship but the drama outside of the relationship really irritated me. Without spoilers, an omega is nice to an aggressive alpha and it's taken as "flirting" or leading on the alpha. That drove me nuts. I thought we'd get an ABO book with omegas who had equal rights to betas and alphas, without the typical plot point that required victimization of another person simply because that individual was viewed as weaker. Defeats the idea of equality among wolves in my opinion. Then it continued with the insecurities of the omega wondering "did I lead him on?" which, although understandable given the circumstances, just made the situation more annoying. I liked how soothing the kind alpha was to the omega but I was disappointed nonetheless. The romance was actually very lovely but the drama soured it for me.
My plan was to read this then read the next book, which was actually what caught my interest in the first place, but I'm waffling on that bit now. If you like drama, then do read this. If not, then pass.
Low relationship angst
Drama outside relationship
Victimization of Omega (no non-con or dub-con but a near thing)
Age gap 12 yrs, consenting adults
ABO, Shifting wolves
Knotting
Dual first person POV
I like the story and low angst relationship but the drama outside of the relationship really irritated me. Without spoilers, an omega is nice to an aggressive alpha and it's taken as "flirting" or leading on the alpha. That drove me nuts. I thought we'd get an ABO book with omegas who had equal rights to betas and alphas, without the typical plot point that required victimization of another person simply because that individual was viewed as weaker. Defeats the idea of equality among wolves in my opinion. Then it continued with the insecurities of the omega wondering "did I lead him on?" which, although understandable given the circumstances, just made the situation more annoying. I liked how soothing the kind alpha was to the omega but I was disappointed nonetheless. The romance was actually very lovely but the drama soured it for me.
My plan was to read this then read the next book, which was actually what caught my interest in the first place, but I'm waffling on that bit now. If you like drama, then do read this. If not, then pass.
February 19, 2022
Book one of Wendy Rathbone’s Academy Shifters is a fantastic start to a new series. Moonrise Academy brings us the story of Alpha Julian, the headmaster at the academy. Toby is a student at the school who discovers he has a rare medical condition. They are pulled into each other's orbit and quickly discover that they are mates and that Julian is the one person who can help Toby with his condition. This story moved very quickly and I did enjoy the interplay between the two characters. I found the beginning of the story to pass a little slower than the end. It took a little longer than I normally liked for Julian and Toby to start their relationship, even though it was a matter of days in the actual story. I did enjoy the aspect of the story with both characters showing that not all disabilities are obvious to those on the outside. You never know what people are living with in their lives. I also found it an interesting take on the view of “blaming the victim” with how even though he knew he did nothing wrong, he still questioned himself as to whether certain events in the book were his fault. As I stated previously, I think this was a great start to a new series and can’t wait to see what more stories bring for the family at Moonrise Academy.
February 13, 2022
Absolutely wonderful mpreg romance! I found it so easy to connect with Toby and Julian and root for them. They are both well-rounded characters, and I liked how they struggle with such real-life things in a fantastical universe. Seeing them fall for each other was the escape I needed from dreary everyday life. There’s the enchanting, romantic aspect that comes with them being mates, but that’s strengthened and given added depth by the way these characters overcome adversity, both struggling with a feeling of not being good enough in some way and the challenges they face because of—very different—physical disabilities. To say nothing about the obvious age gap and the teacher/student pairing. All of that was handled in the best way, adding to the draw. This is a shifter omegaverse, and I really enjoyed that part of the story! There’s such a closeness and vulnerability between Julian and Toby during some of the scenes where they shift. The worldbuilding is detailed enough to be convincing but without infodumping, and the secondary characters are well written.
Merged review:
Absolutely wonderful mpreg romance! I found it so easy to connect with Toby and Julian and root for them. They are both well-rounded characters, and I liked how they struggle with such real-life things in a fantastical universe. Seeing them fall for each other was the escape I needed from dreary everyday life. There’s the enchanting, romantic aspect that comes with them being mates, but that’s strengthened and given added depth by the way these characters overcome adversity, both struggling with a feeling of not being good enough in some way and the challenges they face because of—very different—physical disabilities. To say nothing about the obvious age gap and the teacher/student pairing. All of that was handled in the best way, adding to the draw. This is a shifter omegaverse, and I really enjoyed that part of the story! There’s such a closeness and vulnerability between Julian and Toby during some of the scenes where they shift. The worldbuilding is detailed enough to be convincing but without infodumping, and the secondary characters are well written.
Merged review:
Absolutely wonderful mpreg romance! I found it so easy to connect with Toby and Julian and root for them. They are both well-rounded characters, and I liked how they struggle with such real-life things in a fantastical universe. Seeing them fall for each other was the escape I needed from dreary everyday life. There’s the enchanting, romantic aspect that comes with them being mates, but that’s strengthened and given added depth by the way these characters overcome adversity, both struggling with a feeling of not being good enough in some way and the challenges they face because of—very different—physical disabilities. To say nothing about the obvious age gap and the teacher/student pairing. All of that was handled in the best way, adding to the draw. This is a shifter omegaverse, and I really enjoyed that part of the story! There’s such a closeness and vulnerability between Julian and Toby during some of the scenes where they shift. The worldbuilding is detailed enough to be convincing but without infodumping, and the secondary characters are well written.
February 21, 2022
I enjoyed this first book of the new Academy Shifters series. Julian and Toby’s story pulled me in right from the start. Julian is a strong man with a big heart. He cares for all the students at the academy and is surprised at his own reaction to a student. Toby is a smart young man that finds himself thrown into circumstances beyond his control. Yet it seems that Julian is the one person who is able to calm and help him, but can they truly be what each other needs?
It was nice to see the way their relations hip begins and progresses. Everything is new to both men and they work through it all together. I liked that both Toby and Julian each have their own traumas to work through alongside their attraction. There is more going on at the academy with students and Toby is thrown into the middle of things. I loved seeing the way Julian worked to help Toby work through it all. The two are good together and it was nice to watch them find their way. Emotions are strong in this story. Not only do the main characters have a lot to say but the supporting characters made themselves known as well. This book has strong characters and moves along at a good pace.
It was nice to see the way their relations hip begins and progresses. Everything is new to both men and they work through it all together. I liked that both Toby and Julian each have their own traumas to work through alongside their attraction. There is more going on at the academy with students and Toby is thrown into the middle of things. I loved seeing the way Julian worked to help Toby work through it all. The two are good together and it was nice to watch them find their way. Emotions are strong in this story. Not only do the main characters have a lot to say but the supporting characters made themselves known as well. This book has strong characters and moves along at a good pace.
February 26, 2022
Moonrise Academy is private college for wolf shifters. They have rooms in the infirmary for omega heats. Toby has always had easy heats but this time is different. He goes into uncontrolled shifting and high heat desires. He is diagnosed with a rare disorder called souperomega. Headmaster Julian Tett wants to make sure Toby is alright and calls him to his office. One of his duties is to ensure the safety of his students and Toby’s condition is rare with potential unwanted results. Once he meets with Toby, he cannot get him out of his mind but a relationship is against school policies. As things heat up, both are willing to risk the consequences. But first they must contend with a student who is giving Toby unwanted attention, attention which could put Toby in danger.
What is not to love about Julian and Toby? They are perfect together and make you want to smile. The story builds in intensity and we cannot help but route for a happy ending. There are many others we meet with a potential for a fantastic story. This is wonderful start to a new series which promises reading pleasure in the future.
What is not to love about Julian and Toby? They are perfect together and make you want to smile. The story builds in intensity and we cannot help but route for a happy ending. There are many others we meet with a potential for a fantastic story. This is wonderful start to a new series which promises reading pleasure in the future.
February 12, 2022
This is a good start to a new series and I finished it in one sitting because I needed to see how things between Toby and Julian progressed. The idea behind the book (Toby's condition) put an interesting spin on the whole alpha-omega shifter dynamics. There was plenty of steam between the two main characters but also a lot of sweet scenes too. I loved how protective Julian was, how understanding and helpful. I also liked Brandon and Calen as secondary characters and am interested to see if they feature in future books - I hope they do!
For me, the only little niggle I had was that the problem character (not naming any names!) didn't get their comeuppance on page, instead we were just told that it happened and things moved on. However, this is a minor point and doesn't detract from the fact that this is a very enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend to those who like MM romance with mpreg. A great start and I'm looking forward to book 2!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
For me, the only little niggle I had was that the problem character (not naming any names!) didn't get their comeuppance on page, instead we were just told that it happened and things moved on. However, this is a minor point and doesn't detract from the fact that this is a very enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend to those who like MM romance with mpreg. A great start and I'm looking forward to book 2!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
February 27, 2022
Toby has a heat like no other gatherings in him finding out that he is a Souperomega. His condition requires extra care as the intensity of his heats can make him vulnerable and unable to consent to the very thing he will seek. Julian as interim headmaster takes an interest in Toby's welfare so he meets with him. Both are affected by their meeting. Their wolves recognize mate. Julian also has an impediment that makes him feel vulnerable. These two are a good match and circumstances. An attempted assault on Toby leads to Julian's protection and then realizing they are fated mates. This story was nicely written as this couple learns to deal with all of the repercussions of the student\headmaster relationship, Toby adjusting to his condition, Julian realizing that he can have a life beyond his work. Their dynamic was really good as well. They came together at the right time for both and they worked together to make a life, good and bad. I am looking forward to the next story in this series.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
March 16, 2022
This author has a way of creating a world that just works...most of the time. I'm thankful this was one of the times where it really did work. There was quite a lot of description that I admit I skimmed quite a lot of, but the way I could imagine it is a credit to they way it's written. As for the MC's, my favorite part was in the alpha. No alpha-holes here with a big dominant presence, no it was more like a Daddy situation where the grounding was in finding a balance and not in forcing role acceptance, especially since Toby's situation was unique.
That being said, I didn't felt enough of a punch from either person so while I liked them and enjoyed them together, felt they were a good pairing, I didn't feel any special connection with either of them throughout the story. Aside from that I really did like the book and will be back for more because the angst was typical and predictable without being over the top and distracting. Not a perfect story, but a good one and an interesting world I'll willingly revisit.
That being said, I didn't felt enough of a punch from either person so while I liked them and enjoyed them together, felt they were a good pairing, I didn't feel any special connection with either of them throughout the story. Aside from that I really did like the book and will be back for more because the angst was typical and predictable without being over the top and distracting. Not a perfect story, but a good one and an interesting world I'll willingly revisit.
February 27, 2022
Persistence gets you the prize! Fantastic start to a series. Julian, is a good temp headmaster. He wants the job permanently. He had a deep nostalgia for his alma mater and he cares for the education and health of his students. When Toby, a junior manifests an extremely rare disorder, his alpha caring mode goes into overdrive. Toby, is embarrassed with his condition and wants to keep ti secret. After meeting Justin, he understands the crushes most of the student body has on Julian. A relationship between the two, is forbidden. Julian could get fired and lose his chance at permanent headmaster and Toby could be expelled. Does Toby calm down about hsi condition? Will they chance a relationship Will Julian tell Toby about his wolf? Good story. Nice flow. Julian and Toby are absolutely likeable. Friends and support characters are fun and funny, I would like to hear more about them. Well done! I reeived an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. Very nice cover art.
October 23, 2022
This could have been good:
- boarding school
- teacher/pupil
- fated mate
- surprise heat
And I was expecting good things having read the captive alphas series and I think because I came from a place of expectation it made how bad this was even worse.
-Boarding school dynamic: the only thing they took from it was an asshole that harassed one Mc and this plot line was given prevalence over the romantic plot
- Teacher pupil: the tabooness was barely touched and way too easily resolved
- These guys just didn’t feel fated: no chemistry
“the air was so cold and, despite our erotic burning for each other, we were soon shivering..” (p. 234) after 234 pages this made me go “iiih” rather than “aww”
- the surprise heat even managed to be unpassionate
won’t be continuing this series and also won’t be adding it to the teacher/pupil nor to the fated shelf
NSFW infos: nothing unexpected, alpha omega dynamic with knotting and more
- boarding school
- teacher/pupil
- fated mate
- surprise heat
And I was expecting good things having read the captive alphas series and I think because I came from a place of expectation it made how bad this was even worse.
-Boarding school dynamic: the only thing they took from it was an asshole that harassed one Mc and this plot line was given prevalence over the romantic plot
- Teacher pupil: the tabooness was barely touched and way too easily resolved
- These guys just didn’t feel fated: no chemistry
“the air was so cold and, despite our erotic burning for each other, we were soon shivering..” (p. 234) after 234 pages this made me go “iiih” rather than “aww”
- the surprise heat even managed to be unpassionate
won’t be continuing this series and also won’t be adding it to the teacher/pupil nor to the fated shelf
NSFW infos: nothing unexpected, alpha omega dynamic with knotting and more
February 22, 2022
Moonrise Academy: The Headmaster is Book 1 in the Academy Shiters series. This is a wonderfully written story about Toby, a student, and Julian, the academy's headmaster. I loved this book. I've read books about student/teacher romances, or in this case student/headmaster, even mpreg, but this is the first one I've read with shifters. This is such a unique story. Julian is drawn to Toby but not after Toby learns of a rare condition he has. I love how protective Julian and his wolf are of Toby. Toby just wants to fit in. But his new condition has him even more on the outside. I just love Julian for stepping up and doing what his heart was telling him to protect Toby and not what school policies dictated. This is a wonderful story from beginning to end and I can't wait for more. Definitely recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 28, 2022
An excellent start to a new series; I can't wait to read more from this world. Toby is an omega who goes through an unusual heat. When he finds out that he has a rare disorder, he starts to question things that he had never questioned before. Julian is the headmaster of the academy that Toby attends. When Julian calls Toby to his office to ensure he is doing okay after the heat, the sparks fly between the two, but Julian pushes those feelings away, thinking it is just because of the heat.
This book was an excellent start to the series, and it explains the world well without giving the reader too much information at once. I like how the relationship between Toby and Julian develops. While the relationship was rushed partly because of their situation, it didn't feel like it was a mistake or rushed; it just seemed like a natural progression.
This book was an excellent start to the series, and it explains the world well without giving the reader too much information at once. I like how the relationship between Toby and Julian develops. While the relationship was rushed partly because of their situation, it didn't feel like it was a mistake or rushed; it just seemed like a natural progression.
February 10, 2022
I believe this is the author's first shifter book, and they did a great job!!
Who doesn't like a little forbidden romance?
Moonrise Academy: The Headmaster is exactly that!! The newly appointed headmaster falling for a student.
The Headmaster is a well written, shifter, A/B/O romance between two imperfect wolves.
I loved that the author did not feel the need to write a story with a very dominate alpha wolf. Julian Tett exuded a quiet presence. He was respected without having to demand it. I loved his protective side when Toby was vulnerable (both physically and emotionally).
It true WR style, The Headmaster is steamy with hot heat scenes. It's a low angst read with enough conflict to keep me invested in the story.
I'm looking forward to more from this series.
Who doesn't like a little forbidden romance?
Moonrise Academy: The Headmaster is exactly that!! The newly appointed headmaster falling for a student.
The Headmaster is a well written, shifter, A/B/O romance between two imperfect wolves.
I loved that the author did not feel the need to write a story with a very dominate alpha wolf. Julian Tett exuded a quiet presence. He was respected without having to demand it. I loved his protective side when Toby was vulnerable (both physically and emotionally).
It true WR style, The Headmaster is steamy with hot heat scenes. It's a low angst read with enough conflict to keep me invested in the story.
I'm looking forward to more from this series.
February 14, 2022
I read a lot of shifter books and I love Alpha and Omega pairings! This story here was a fresh and original fated mates' romance! Instead of being an out-of-control physical lust the second they see one another, this one was an instant emotional bond. It was felt deep down and subtle imprinting begins! The story is actually a slow burn as we get to know Toby, Julian and their friends separately along with the World building! Toby is a Super Omega and Julian is an Alpha who is wounded in Wolf Form. I loved that Julian was quieter and more reserved Bowtie wearing Alpha but would jump in an protect in a flash! I received an ARC, and I will let you take the rest of this romantic fated journey along with them!
February 27, 2022
This is not a trope I normally go for, but I was in the mood for something different, and I am so glad I tried Moonrise Academy. I really enjoyed this book. It had a perfect mix of drama and steam. I liked that Toby and Julian's characters had depth, each had fears, concerns, and insecurities, but love overpowered them all.
Once reason I love shifter books is they often have alphas who are protective and possessive. I was so pleased with this book because Julian definitely had this covered. He was very much protective of sweet Toby.
I liked some of the secondary characters, too - especially Brandon. I'm looking forward to future books in this series so I can hopefully find out more about them.
Once reason I love shifter books is they often have alphas who are protective and possessive. I was so pleased with this book because Julian definitely had this covered. He was very much protective of sweet Toby.
I liked some of the secondary characters, too - especially Brandon. I'm looking forward to future books in this series so I can hopefully find out more about them.
March 4, 2022
Julian and Toby ❤️
3.5 Stars 🌟
This was a really cute omega-verse story, it had a perfect mix of sweetness and spice. The headmaster/student was a small taboo issue, it played out mostly drama free and certainly didn't overshadow the main characters and their story which I appreciated because this was not a darker type of story. These characters were well written, both very likable, I also enjoyed the mythical and medical aspects that added more depth to the storyline. I will read the next book in this series, the side characters were intriguing enough to want more from them....I am looking forward to reading their stories as well.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
3.5 Stars 🌟
This was a really cute omega-verse story, it had a perfect mix of sweetness and spice. The headmaster/student was a small taboo issue, it played out mostly drama free and certainly didn't overshadow the main characters and their story which I appreciated because this was not a darker type of story. These characters were well written, both very likable, I also enjoyed the mythical and medical aspects that added more depth to the storyline. I will read the next book in this series, the side characters were intriguing enough to want more from them....I am looking forward to reading their stories as well.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
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