I was exiled by my alpha—and now he wants me back.
Cast out of my pack for crimes I didn’t commit, I spent the last six years learning to pass as a human and fight as a wolf.
When the summons comes, the last thing I want to do is return, but my wolf has no choice but to answer the call.
Dangerous, sexy, and deadly, Rylan has become an Alpha to be feared. He thinks he owns me—that he can break me—but I refuse to bow down to his Alpha powers. His hatred for my supposed betrayal rivals the contempt I carry in my heart.
And yet, he needs me.
Wolves are disappearing, returning as rabid monsters. For reasons Rylan will not share, I am the only one who can help.
Ignoring our unmistakable chemistry, and the absolute disdain we carry for each other is only part of the problem. If we don’t put our differences aside, the world as we know it will cease to exist. Everyone I have ever cared about—including my own inner wolf—will be gone.
If you love fast-paced action, enemies-to-lovers romance, snarky heroines and broody heroes, then you’ll love Moonlight Mate, the first book in a pulse-pounding series by USA Today Bestselling author, Valia Lind.
USA Today Bestselling Author. Photographer. Artist. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Valia Lind has always had a love for the written word. She wrote her first published book on the bathroom floor of her dormitory, while procrastinating to study for her college classes. Upon graduation, she has moved her writing to more respectable places, and has found her voice in Young Adult fiction. In 2015, her YA thriller, Pieces of Revenge, was the recipient of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award. You can visit her online at http://valialind.com or follow her on Instagram, where she spends way too much time, @ValiaLind. For a free book, sign up for her newsletter --> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/f0t1xi1qmr
I read the prequel to this series so I was already familiar with Trinity and a few other characters that make cameo appearances which I think helped me connect to them better.
But Trinity is very much the living embodiment of that "I think I will cause problems on purpose" meme...
Her pack exiled her years before, she still has a grudge (as she should, I would too), and the second she's back with them she really cannot be bothered to act polite and constantly has to show off her abilities, which are great, but they'd be even better if she only showed off when necessary.
It's like she has to prove she's the top dog (haha) no matter what, and that can get annoying. I do like her, not as much as I liked Leah in the prequel, but a decent amount.
Meanwhile Rylan, him I don't like at all. I think he needs to be fleshed out more for me to be able to warm up to him. And I don't ship him with Trinity either. She has more chemistry with Zach and Ezra combined than with Rylan.
Hopefully that will change as the series goes on, because it looks like Trinity and Rylan are endgame.
I'm not sure how I feel about the plot. On one hand it was fun, on the other I need more. More of what? I don't know, something. I wish that instead of the romantic scenes we got more plot, but I am biased against this couple sooooo, don't take it to mean there's no plot. It's there.
Writing wise I have no complaints, since this and the prequel are the only works I've read by Valia Lind and the writing is consistent in both.
OH, and this is definitely a super duper fast read, which works for me. I wouldn't mind if the next book gets longer, but if it stays the same length that's perfectly fine too.
BEFORE I FORGET, DID YOU KNOW THIS WORLD HAS A MAP? NO? WELL, NOW YOU DO! As a map enthusiast I am very pleased with it.
3.5
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This was such a great start to this series. Trin was exiled six years ago from her pack, a lone wolf, but luckily she found another pack with an Alpha willing to take her in and made her part of their pack. Happy, she spends her teen years growing up, learning to fight, as a wolf and as a human. She has a best friend.
Then BOOM, she is told she needs to go back to her old pack. Why? She isn't told. Is she happy about it? UM NOPE. So off she goes unhappily and she makes sure everyone knows she's not happy about it back with her old Alpha (also her old bestie). Secrets are revealed, we find out WHY she needed to go back, and alot more.
I'm telling you, if you love shifters and witches, this is the series for you to pick up and start. I can't wait for book 2 to see what happens next, but as Trin said, 'Time to go hunt an Ancient'.
This is a good start to a series and it really builds the plot of the story but the female main character Trinity ruined the book for me. I'm sorry she was just annoying, whiny, bitter and disrespectful.
Granted she was summoned to return to the Pack that she was exiled from but majority of this book was her constant whining, complaining and antagonizing Rylan the Alpha who exiled her 6 years ago. It's like she was purposely being difficult and made it a point to rile him up and be disrespectful in front of his Beta and other wolves just because.
This is a very slow burn and honestly I don't even see how the the Alpha Rylan would even want her if this is where the story is headed. It took me longer than normal to finish this book because the FMC is not likeable at all.
Yes she was exiled from her Pack at a young age but she doesn't take responsibility for the part she played in her banishment. The only thing she acknowledges is the fact that she did not listen and follow instructions which may have lead to the actions leading to her being banished. She played the victim throughout this entire book which took away from her being this fierce, strong she-wolf.
Received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving the review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this book. There are some references to a different series which I will be sure to read. The author allows the reader to immerse themselves in the plot with their writing. It is full of very descriptive language which helps you to picture the scene which I find is instrumental to my enjoyment. It is written in first person prose which is not necessarily my favourite form but didn't detract from the book. It does end in a cliffhanger which I don't particularly like. I tend to get the whole series and binge read it for that reason, however this does not stop me from reading them. It just means I have to wait, patience is not my strong point!
If you like slow burn shifter romance and don't mind cliffhangers, this is the book for you. I have never read any books by Valia Lind before but will certainly read more now.
I am so proud of this book and I'm so excited for everyone to meet Trinity and the pack! There are so many amazing things planned for them. Just you wait :)
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Thank you for reading and helping make my dreams come true!!
Engrossing story with the scene clearly set for the overarching theme of the series. The story follows the tortuous relationship of the protagonist, Trinity, and Rylan. Once best friends and now enemies, they are forced to work together to succeed and for Trinity to fulfill her destiny.
The book is told solely though the perspective of Trinity. We only know what she does. The narrative and the dialogue create well developed characters and a vivid world view.
I enjoyed the book from start to finish. Trinity and Rylan make mistakes but they don’t see forced to push the plot ahead.
There is a different spin on the overall magical world so you need to clear your mind of what you “know”.
I recommend this book and look forward to reading more in this series.
I couldn't put this one down. Superb story by Valia Lund full of emotion, action, mystery and intrigue. Loved Trinity the stubborn, sarcastic, a*s kicking heroine and the byplay between her and Rylan the alpha. The story flows beautifully and builds to a stunning climax. A loose follow on from the Hawthorne series it can easily and happily be read as a standalone. This story has a climax but not an ending and I am really looking forward to the next one. Trinity was banished from her pack and now lives in Hawthorne. Suddenly she is summoned back by her old alpha. A magical story. I received a complimentary copy from the Author and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
Such an incredible book. This was the first one in weeks that I couldn't put down. This book wasnt the usual shifter romance i was expecting. I loved the different types of supernaturals introduced and how they weren't given in glimpses. Each new supernatural race came with back story and suspense. This was very well written, and I'm dying to know what happens next because I. AM. HOOKED. I went into it thinking I knew what was going to happen. It was going to be a classic enemies to lovers plain and simple. NOPE. Definitely a 5 star book for me and one I highly recommend.
This is a great start to the White Wolf Saga!! Trinity is totally kick-a$$ and in a dress! She and Rylan are definitely enemies at the beginning. But they have to learn to work together to save the pack. Rylan is the brooding type, which I love, but this book was all in Trinity’s head, so it was hard to really get to know his character. I’m hoping that as the series progresses we will get to be in his head more.
So far I’m really loving this! Werewolves and Witches…oh my! Oh, and I’m loving Stella’s personality!! I’m so excited for book two!!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an Arc! All opinions are my own!
I love a fast-paced read! No info-dumps, no pointless encounters, and no jibber-jabber! That's why Moonlight mate was so easy for me to read and so lovable!
I love the way the tension builds between Rylan and Trinity as the plot of this book unfolds! The enemies-to-lovers angst is the best!!
I can't wait for the rest of the series, as this first book has really set the stage for an incredible story!
I loved every moment of this story. I was emotional before I even got through chapter 2. Rylan and Trinity have such a dynamic relationship, you never know what they’re going to do next. I could not put this book down! I read it in a day! I’m so excited to continue reading this story and will be anxiously waiting for the second book!
I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I was unable to put it down. I love the way the author has created the tension and suspense with the FMC and MMC. I am looking forward to reading more and seeing Trinity and Rylan's relationship develop. I will certainly be buying the rest of this series to finish now.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a start!! I’m not sure how to put into words how great Moonlight Mate was!! We start off with Trinity, a young wolf shifter who has found contentment amongst the Jefferson pack after being exiled by her original pack at the age of 12 for breaking sacred law. This exile will not last though because an ancient evil has woken up and Trinitys birth pack needs her help, and that means coming face to face with her ex best friend and alpha Rylan. Once Trinity returns though there’s a whole slew of trials, obstacles, and adventures waiting for her. She might even find a little romance along the way.
I loved our FMC Trinity!! I loved that she was tough and was trained how to fight, not just as a wolf but when she was human as well. What I loved most though was that there was a really great balance in Trinity’s character of her being a tough as nails brawler as well as being a girly girl who liked to wear dresses, and do her hair and look and feel her best. It was such a nice balance to see because I feel like that balance isn’t always shown in FMCs. I also liked her ability to stay true to who she was while still trying to see things from other perspectives. I also loved her push and pull relationship with Rylan. I thought it was nice to see how they cared for each other even while they still carried around the weight of their past and how those decisions forced them into the position they are in now. I can’t wait to see what happens next with her, especially how her and Rylan relationship will blossom.
If you’re looking for a slow-burn but very well written and super immersive shifter urban fantasy novel that you will absolutely chew through, then look no further because Moonlight Mate is for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
So much happens in the first chapter that I must keep reading! Trinity is an amazing young woman and a strong wolf. She is very upset with being called back to her pack, and the alpha who betrayed her. Since the book is written from Trinity’s perspective, I can see the hurt and confusion she tries to hide from her former pack. I also get to see when she starts to realize that life isn’t black and white.
The story is woven around the mystery of disappearing shifters in Trinity’s old pack. Rylan, the pack’s Alpha, has been told by the Oracle that Trinity can help, so he calls her home. Unfortunately, she has misgivings about this because Rylan banished her from the pack 6 years ago even though they were best friends before a tragedy occurred.
There is a lot happening throughout the tale, but it doesn’t get confusing. Trinity’s feelings toward Rylan for exiling her from the pack are understandable and she tries to keep some distance between them, but there is a chemistry there that she doesn’t want to admit to. Through her eyes, we can see Rylan is struggling also, but she’s not 100% sure she wants to know if he’s feeling some of what she is. This makes for an interesting dynamic considering their past and that they need to work together to save the future of the pack.
The pace of the writing is great. The world is interesting, but I would like to hear more about what the Ancients have been doing since they started to awaken. The first mention of them is in chapter one, but I don’t know if they’re really supposed to be evil or if they are just going to change the rules of the world. In chapter three Trinity says they really don’t know much about the Ancients. More tension could be added to the story if there were examples of what they’ve been doing.
Magic is in the world, and it seems some humans know about it. There are also Oracles, witches, and a creature that doesn’t have a concrete form. I’m excited to see how all the characters come to play in the book after Moonlight Mate.
There were some incorrect words that spell check wouldn’t catch because the words are spelled right, they’re just not what the author intended. This doesn’t take away from the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Between this and another of Valia Lind’s series, I believe she is an author to watch.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
I will be adding this review to my website EveHallows.com
I am a huge fan of Valia's books and when I was able to get my fingers on this one, especially a new series, I was excited. I absolutely love anything PNR and this did not disappoint. Trinity is a completely awesome strong and capable woman who totally kicks butt but is also not too proud to ask for help. I also like the fact that she's a woman with curves and is not afraid of showing them. She's sassy, intelligent, heartfelt, compassionate, and has a temper. She is just a fantastic character.
My first impression of Rylan is that he thinks he is the best thing on God's green Earth. I thought him completely overbearing and overly rigid. That is something in a male character that I cannot stand. I instantly disliked him. However, as the book went on, I started to understand him a lot better and what he had to go through at a young age. I am very interested to read the next one and see how things progress between him and Trinity.
It's also made me want to read her other series about the Hawthorne Witches, which before this, I was not aware of. I am always happy to read and support anything Paranormal Romance related. This book was wonderfully written, great world building, and I loved all of the characters. It really gave me something to think over and I enjoy that immensely that it's not just a book full of 'fluff.' I love the fact that there are new elements to the shifter world that I had never considered before. Even though the book has been read and has been for a few days now, I am still thinking over what has transpired and what could happen next.
I absolutely love that about Valia's books. They always give my mind something to dwell on. There wasn't anything about this book that I didn't like. I have no complaints at all and only excitement for the series.
I absolutely recommend this book and all of her other ones. I haven't read a single one yet that I have not thoroughly enjoyed.
The overall storyline was captivating and kept me interested. I couldn't wait to pick up this book and see what happens next. The main character is tough, and a badass. It's very rare when a female main character doesn't just give in to the guy after a few chapters. I love that throughout the first book she stays true to herself, but also acknowledges her own shortcomings. She showed real and relatable growth.
Rylan on the other hand, I had a hard time seeing any growth. I liked his character, but there are a lot of unresolved issues that we don't get enough closure on in the first book that kind of detracts from his character's development, and the plot between the two main characters.
The side characters (Ezra and Zach) are pretty great. They each have a distinct personality for side characters. I wish we saw them more though. They were both important to Trinity in her youth. It would be great to see some sort of reconciliation between the three of them (like all three of them hashing out their part in the exile).
I was a little confused about the incident that gets her exiled. The synopsis says it was for something she did not do, but the book makes it seem like she definitely played a role regardless of her age. I was also confused about what actually happened to Rylan's dad. The beginning makes it seem like he disappeared, but he blames Trinity. I would like a little more clarity on this. It does seem to be something important.
There's so much happening in this series, and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Okay so I was looking for a good - and I mean good - werewolf/shifter book for AGESSSSSS
And let me tell you how much this was it!!!
Its one of the most entertaining book ive read in a very long time... maybe even back to my wattpad readings, and that was what I was looking for, but all of those actually published and "professional" books lack the substance for me.
This book was about Trinity, a girl that was kicked out of her pack whilst still being a little girl - not even 12 years old - and she gets adopted by a new and caring pack, but never really managed to forgive and forget about the pain her expulsion caused her, specially since the new alpha were the one to do it, her former best friend.
Trinity is badass. She is awesome and can hold herselt in a fight. She is stubborn and very unapologetic - specially when it comes to annoy and challenge Rylan, her former bff.
The story starts with her being summoned back by her former alpha and executioner, and she is filled with sorrow and bitterness - but so is he.
Aparrently, they had very different memories of what actually transpired with her expulsion - and they both feel they are the ones in the wrong of course... and that hatred is what colors every interaction between them.
Oh the enemies to lovers/slow burn.... this one was a chefs kiss for me!! And the author chenaged a bit of the lore surrounging the shifters which was a good new twist to an already very explored genre.
Im definetly down to read the next installments and hope this good writing and storyline lasts.
A pretty good start to a series. Overall, I enjoyed it.
While I did like this book, there were some things that could have been stronger. In a lot of places, the characters just kept circling the same old things, making the middle part of the book a little repetitive. There is a lot of action toward the end, and it gets really interesting.
As far as characters go, I wasn't really crazy about Trinity, and I didn't really feel like we got enough information about Rylan. A reoccurring theme throughout the book is that keeps telling Trinity that she is stronger than she thinks...but I don't see many if any instances where that is a question. She has no problem holding her ground, speaking her mind, or making decisions...and for some reason, it bugs me that there seems to be this constant need for everyone to lift her up. I like strong female characters, but she crosses over into annoying a little too often. Just because you are strong, doesn't mean you have to rush ahead all the time without ever listening to anyone. I also hope at some point she takes responsibility for her part in her banishment. Yes, the punishment was way too harsh for her age, but she broke a really important rule. I'm not saying that she deserved what she got, but I do wish that she would own a little bit of it.
I think that anyone that enjoys shifters and slow-burn romance will enjoy this one.
I received a copy of this book from BookSirens, and I'm leaving my review voluntarily.
Rylan and Trinity were inseparable in their young years only to be separated after the sudden disappearance of both of their families. At the young age of fourteen Rylan was forced to step up in his father's footsteps as alpha of the pack. Hence exiling Trinity for her betrayal. Trinity was taken in by the Jefferson pack and their witches which was a blessing for her. Years later she was summoned by the alpha to return to her old pack. They needed her help as to why the wolves were disappearing. Trinity had changed over the years becoming a very independent and sassy woman. Little did her old pack know what was in store for them upon her return. Trinity and Rylan still have a strong chemistry between them even though you'll catch a glimmer of their hidden true feelings for one another. Let the games begin. Rylan and Trinity work together trying to unravel the mystery of the creatures who attack and disappear. Trinity sees the pieces of the puzzle in her dreams but they are all different puzzles. A great introduction to a new series. A lot of unanswered questions that will be answered in future books. Can't wait! Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Very strong 4 star! It was a long time ago that I picked a shifter book but Im so glad I did! And actually my first ARC read thru BookSirens. Yeyyy!
So. I absolutely was engaged from the first moment of the book. I did not had to wait the first 100 pages or onethird or anything. Got me engaged from square one. I loved the scenario as well that the heroine is not in her own pack and how she proceed from there. I liked the worldbuilt: the witches the conservatives (wolfs of course) and the more progressive thinkers. But what I really really luved about this book is the tension between the heroine and the Alpha (extra points for dark hair and blue eyes) like a lot lot lot of tension. I really enjoyed their bickering and it was not like too much overthinking (sometimes I do find these in many books) and not denial (I hate those!!). So it it was perfect slowburn.
Why not 5? Im a bit conflicted on her superpowers yet as well as I found sometimes she is a bit too stubborn but positive that she learns from her mistake. Im absolutely gonna continue!
P.s.: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This novel is very much an intro to a series that could end up being bingeworthy. It is a fast-paced, slow burn YA fantasy romance (a kiss and some thoughts but nothing detailed) with the start of enemies to lovers. The main creatures so far are wolf shifters, witches and something called ‘ancients’.
It follows Trinity (FMC) who is a very head strong she-wolf who is exiled from her pack at 11 years old by the 13 year old alpha, Rylan, who had been her best friend. 6 years later Rylan calls her back to the pact due to the Oracle.
For me, this seemed to be very young for making those sort of decisions and some of the discussions/ feelings that they were having at 11/13 years old (and younger) that they refer back to. I kept imagining them as 16/18 when the exile happens and they were now in early 20’s - it made more sense than an 11 year old being kicked out.
I couldnt work out how the title relates to the novel but I have an idea about how it may link in for later books in the series.
However, the world building was great and made it very clear to understand where they were and what was going on around them. It build a great picture and definitely helped with building the story.
I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review!
3.5⭐️s!
I really enjoyed learning some of the lore in this book, I thought the characters were pretty great as well. Rylan and Trinity definitely have some stuff to talk out but I enjoyed that they are slowly starting to work together more.
I love the new side character Stella! I hope she is here to stay!!!
For me I just had moments where I was like … no… why are you doing this, why rush head first when you know it’s caused you problems before. Which is what keeps most books rolling. I still judge the characters.
I would like to get more lore / world building. Just to understand what the ancients are. What’s been going on and honestly what happened to her parents!
Very calm ending, not a cliffhanger just a and time to start the next part of our adventure type ending. If you love shifter books with a slow burn / friends to enemies to lovers trope. Because that’s where I see this going you should definitely read this book!!
This was my first Valia Lind book and I definitely want to check out others now!
I loved Trinity, our main character, for being kick-ass feisty but also in touch with her femininity (something I don't see often enough in books). Fascinating story with an original concept - very hard to find as someone who reads a lot of this genre!
My only issue with this book is that it is the first in a series and I felt like there was an awful lot of world building and not quite enough character development, particularly early on. It took me a couple of chapters to get into the story, but I'm glad I did as I ended up demolishing it in a couple of hours! I'm eager to see how Rylan's character in particular can grow, as there was only a hint of his development at the very end.
All in all a great first book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trinity was exiled from her pack at a young age after the disappearance of her parents. A pack who knew her parents accepted her, raised her, and trained her. After many years “her” pack Alpha called her back. Why? To help them. Rylan was a friend of Trinity's. They grew up together. When the pack Alpha disappeared, at a very young age he became Alpha. He is the one who exiled Trinity. This is the story of two strong willed shifters who must work together for the sake of their pack. There are many twists in this story that keep you spellbound. This is a foundational story that is the beginning of more to come. I can't wait to see how this story builds to a final conclusion. So far, the story-line didn't go as I excepted it to go and was wonderfully surprised in those twists. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
“I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.”
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you Booksirens for providing this ARC in return for an honest review.
Although an enjoyable read that kept me engaged throughout, I felt the story had the potential to be so much more. The dialogue throughout seemed very repetitive with very little new information introduced until the last few chapters and the plot could have been fleshed out some more. Trinity's character, I felt, developed well throughout whereas I didn't see much change from Rylan - a few brief glimpses here and there - until the end. Despite my thoughts being quite critical I will be continuing with the series. A couple of tropes you'll read in this slow-burn book: childhood friends to enemies to potential lovers forced proximity & one bed.
I liked the premise of this book, and it is a good start to a new series from this author. Trinity was exiled from her pack when she was 13. She was taken in by another pack, who treated her like family, but she is being torn from them when Rylan, the alpha who cast her out, demands her return.
It’s hard at first to empathise with Trinity, particularly as we don’t seem to have the full details about why she came to be exiled. As she, and we, find out more about why the pack needs her, it gets more interesting. The pace picks up nicely, and the characters begin to develop well. I like the interaction between Trinity and the 2 betas from her pack, as well as with Stella. It’ll be interesting to see where the next in the series goes. An enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I heart this main character so much! Trinity is a sassy and doesn't hold back!! She is savage, and not scared to speak her mind...or poke the "bear" in this case the wolves! lol. I love her comebacks and snarky attituded, especially towards the Alpha. For circumstances that we don't know the full story yet, there's is past between this two and definitely wrong-miss interpretations that we need to find out as they both are judging each other over past events that is slowly is being revealed to us readers. Now, fate has brought them back together, and they both have different versions of the events... I don't know what but im having fun finding out! Definitely lots of chemistry- swoon worthy, bickering and slow burn romance that has me wanting more! Awesome start!
Well - the idea behind this is great, she’s kicked out of her pack and has to go off on her own, finds a new “family” and gets strong both physically and mentally. What she least expects happens and she is summoned back years later to her original pack for reasons unknown. We reconnect with our love interest - but this is a slow burn so you won’t get any spice here (which is fine, it’s meant for a younger crowd).
I read where that might have been a prequel to this story, but I couldn’t find it so I was a little lost going into this about why she was kicked out of her pack and why other things were happening but they writing was good and I think we got a good idea of who Trinity is.
I’m interested to see why the next book has to offer, so some of the questions I have will be answered!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.