Coraline Patten enjoys nothing more than facing new challenges, but when she’s asked to evaluate Moonriver’s ruling faction, she worries she’s bitten off more than she can chew.
Allasandro Stephans has reigned since she’d been a child, unwavering in his dedication to Moonriver. His heir, Calden, has supported him every step of the way. Together, the shapeshifting widower and his son appear to be the perfect men for the job of preserving and protecting their home.
When Moonriver’s heir asks her to free his father from the burden of leadership, Coraline is determined to do what is best for her people, even if it costs her the love of her life.
These books are always fun full of witty dialogue with engaging characters. But here the author (using a pseudonym) has started a new series. My fist issue is with the worldbuilding, it's set on a planet that's not earth but is inhabited by people and shifters who migrated from earth many generations ago. The new world we find ourselves in.is not explained in any way, we just have to go with the minimal information we are given. The social structure while hinted at is also not explained, it's also easy to forget it's not set on earth as the settings and environment are the same, including driving cars etc. The father and son characters are sweet with a very strong bond the female protagonist fits right in with the pair. That's pretty much it the book is.all about animal and books mainly how sweet and cuddly animals are and how necessary books are for a Happy life (true this) while fun it's not enough to make up for what I see as a lack of plot, the premise of the book is a Secretary is hired to do an audit on the leader of the factions (those in charge of Moonriver) to see if there's any corruption and if he's fit to continue in his role. The faction leader knows she is auditing him and doesn't mind, his son would like his father to be forced to retire as his job is very time consuming and stressful. There's a a side plot about a mass exodus of humans and animals from a natural disaster and that's it the rest is talk about animals, food and books. Has some fun moments but I will not be 're reading this one.
Some things change and some remain the same. Relationship wise, it was a bit fluffier and there was more couple time. I tuned out at the pandemic part, because I'd rather forget the past couple of years. The prankster, kidnapping and shifting were an already done formula. Its what I'd expect from this author, but nothing really new.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.75*4.5
Updating March 2025 -- I keep re-reading this and the next book, and realised if it makes me re-read it, then its really a much higher score!
I liked the MC. I liked the male lead. I liked the other characters. I loved the world and the entire idea of the civilisation its part of.
A dark matter is handled in this book, juxtaposed with humour. I found that the author did this really well and that it makes the book a very enjoyable re-read despite the tragedy that's part of the plot.
First time read the author's work?: No (I like a few of her series under the name R. J. Blain
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------ How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author) 4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author). 3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series) or 3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them! - 2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.) 1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
Fun story! I loved Lucky the peacock and the talking parrots who want bananas! As usual, there's too much talking between the characters, which makes me lose interest and causes me to skim through the book. I'm happy to find another RJ Blain alias!
I really enjoyed Moon Tamed, but it definitely hit a little too close to home at times. The idea of Earth being destroyed and the many deaths that followed… yeah, it’s not even that far fetched anymore and stories that have that at all certainly make me uncomfortable. Although, I did love that humans have colonised space and do so in a much nicer manner than earth. It gave me hope that not everyone is a horrible human being, and maybe there is hope for humanity in the future… and that’s the message I’ll take from Greene’s destruction of earth in this story.
There was something about Coraline that really called to me – probably the fact that she struggled with being bored and had an absolute unwillingness to settle for something that wasn’t going to make her completely happy. I love that she takes the time to find her forever place and doesn’t just dive into the first thing that could potentially be a fit. Plus, she is an animal obsessed loon who is completely happy with her lot in life. Intelligent, strong willed to boot. There was a lot to like about Coraline as a narrator and lead in Moon Tamed, and she is definitely a big part of what made me seriously reluctant to put this book down at any point in my reading.
At first I was waiting for there to be a whole lot of friction between Coraline and Caden – he specifically asks her to find reasons for his father to displaced as leader. But, I love that as the story unfolds, it’s all about actually taking care of his father and finding balance in their lives. The love between father and son is absolutely adorable, if a little overbearing towards one another at times. And it made me like Caden all that much more – he adores his father and just wants what’s best for him. The Bunny story also shows just how naïve he can be at times, and how willing he is to not actually be such a fool all the time.
To balance out some of the more serious parts of this story, Greene enjoyable employs humour. Mostly in the form of Lucky the Doom Bird of the Apocalypse and his many proposals. I couldn’t stop laughing at his antics and all of the nonsense that animals can bring into our lives. It meant that a story which was almost a science fiction took on a bit of a lighter feeling. Still with the serious messages and themes. But, there was enough lightness to pull it slightly from science fiction and lightened some of the more intense moments throughout. Definitely an enjoyable story, and I can’t wait to dive into A Light in the Dark.
This was a fun & original story. Loved that lots of animals were included and as usual, lots of witty hijinks. If this is something you care about, there’s no cursing or on page sex. If those things aren’t deal breakers for you, the storyline is good enough that you won’t miss them anyway. Also, no typos, misspelling or bad grammar to be found.
The author is very talented and I don’t think I’ve ever read one if her books without thoroughly enjoying it. The witty banter, a lovely story, things/events to work through without a lot of angst or excessive drama along with wishing for the story to continue because it’s always original are some of the reasons this author is always a one click & preorder for me.
I don’t know what I was expecting when I began reading this book but the familial relations and just the over all sense of ridiculousness the characters would get into was awesome. I love the world building in this book as well as who can say they haven’t wanted more time in a day? I am now jealous of the characters length of days and wish I had more time in my days. If you like comedy mixed with some seriousness this book is for you. A part of me want to play the tricks I have seen in this book but I doubt my family would respond with the same outcomes.
I really enjoyed this paranormal romance. It was as if the author shook together the best elements of RJ Blain's Romantic Comedies (with a Body Count) series with Pru Warren's Ampersand series and leavened it with an almost multiverse twist. There was so many surprises and twists and laughs to delight my reading eye, but the most surprising twist? Honest politicians! Can you imagine that? I definitely want to see where the author takes this. Author, please tell me there will be a sequel - please, please, with a cherry on top!!!
Coraline is the jack of all trades in moon river and her latest temp assignment is with the hunters. The top of the hunters, the bachelor of all bachelors, Calden. Little did she know her family has known the Stephens family and worked with them for years on projects as their factions have dealt with each other. This post apocalyptical society is fascinating with its trade factions and how they all work together to run moon river. Coraline and Calden's adventure and escapades are hilarious and will not let you down!
This was a wonderful story that made me laugh and feel some sorrow. The author created a world I want to live in and be a part of. Audrey managed to highlight a situation in society that needs be be addressed in a way that just makes you reflect on the choices and decisions we make in life. All while making you smile. I can’t wait for the next story set in this world/universe!! You won’t go wrong reading this book!!
This is a fun read. It’s fluff, but fun fluff, the author is focused on character and world building. Creating likable characters and interesting circumstances, keeps your attention if you enjoy romance and a focus on fun characters. If you don’t like fluff, this isn’t a book for you, if you like fluff, sit dow, dig in and enjoy the ride.
This is a gem of a book. The storyline flows easily, the characters are interesting and the world building is done in a fluid, cumulative way so as not to overwhelm the reader. Highly recommended. It's a great, easy read that, whilst being untaxing, has more than enough flesh to the character driven storyline to please.
I had previously binged through every book this author has written under various pen names and loved them all. This new one was no exception. Much fun. Serious subjects handled well. So much snark and good natured people. If you want a feel good book this is exactly what you want to read.
What a great introduction to Audrey Greene! As a fan of both paranormal fantasy and futuristic other worlds, I thoroughly enjoyed the blending of both into a fully believable universe. The inhabitants of Moonriver are smart, quick-witted and a little bit crazy — and I hope to read more soon.
As expected, I liked it. I've liked every book of hers I've read no matter the penname. The only reason I didn't give it more stars was that I could put it down to do other things like eat and go to bed at a reasonable time. My favourite is still the Jesse Alexander series. Of which I am still wondering if there will be a third book.
This book was not what I expected, but it was fun. The dialogue and interactions were entertaining. However at points I felt a bit lost. I did like not having to read chapters and chapters of the universe's history and explaining the world and class structure works, but I feel it needed a bit more information to fully understand this world.
A very enjoyable read. Something quite different from the author's usual. It was just a story ... no murder mystery, no driving inter-personal or relationship conflict...just a story. I enjoyed reading just a story. And So. Many. Animals. Can't wait for the next.
Fabulously enjoyable romp. I was entirely entertained from start to finish. Loved every minute of it and am looking forward to reading more from this author and hopefully, this world.
Great new series, one of my favourite author writing under a new pen name. A funny, gentle sci-fi romance with lots of fluffy animals and mad birds. Looking forward to the next book 💜
I really hope there are more books set in this world. Love the world design. Coraline is motivated heroine who loves reading! A fun read with some underlying messages.
I was most enjoyably surprised and delighted as to the storyline. It was not how I thought it would be and I am most pleased. It is well written and I was caught as soon as I started reading. A definite keeper and I will be re-reading
Interesting characters with good world building. Fun lighthearted read that kept my interest throughout- no skipping sections. Looking forward to the next book- I am hoping it will be a series.
I wasn't sure what expect, as this is a new pen name for RJ Blain, but it's good, like her other books. It's closer to sf than fantasy, but it's soft sf. I love Lucky the Doom Bird!
I adore the world found in moon tamed though some of concepts took a little redressing to understand. Coraline is the perfect mix of sass and serious. I hope to see more of the world it’s set in!
Hilarious! Fun, fun, fun! Audrey Greene is an alternative name for R.J. Blain, and this book is pure Blain rom-com. The characters are complex and perfectly silly at the same time. I would love to see more in this theme, but I will happily take what I can get.
This was different from the usual fare of shifter romances. I really liked it and the interactions between the characters. Looking forward to more from this author!
This is a pretty strange, odd duck kinda story. Told in a very sarcastic, yet straight delivery kinda way, it took a while for me to get into this. I actually wondered if the narrator was AI, the delivery was so weird. Story was cute, pretty innocent. Lots of fluffy animals, and it was funny.
I loved it. It's a wonderfully relaxing story. It's fun and lighthearted. It's a kick back relax and enjoy kind of book. I am very much looking forward to future books in this world.