Hunter's Moon

Full Moon/Insolita Luna #2

by M.J. O'Shea

Miles craves adventure but he's started to believe that perhaps it isn't in his stars-until a late night encounter makes him wonder if the creatures he creates in his stories could possibly be real.

PC is a wolf. A lycan since birth, he's spent the first twenty-four years of his life trying to be the exact opposite of what everyone expects of him. He hunts supernatural troublemakers, hangs out with vampires, and refuses to settle down-no matter how much everyone else might want him to. One confusing night, his body responds, turning into his wolf form and hurling him into the darkness to save a stranger.

Pulled together by a physical force stronger than either can resist, PC and Miles must learn to live with each other because separation, even for just minutes, means unendurable pain. Miles finds himself falling for the unpredictable lycan, his strange friends, and their nightly adventures but his reluctant lover is determined to find a way to break the bond between them.

Together, they are drawn into a mystery full of werewolves, lycans, bad vampires and a growing pile of dead humans. Finding the truth at the bottom of it might just be the hunt of PC's life--especially if he wants to keep Miles alive.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Romance, Contemporary

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2010

About the author

MJ O’Shea has never met a music festival, paintbrush, or
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.

She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.

Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.

Reviews

[Bookwatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing werewolf story!


OH NO!!!


Sorry... PC, the main character would be a little bitchy about that phrase... lycan, I mean what an amazing lycan story!

Well, some info about this book
"Hunter's Moon" is the second of a serie , but it's a standalone story. You will see again characters from the first book, but Hunter's Moon is alllllllll about PC and Miles love story.

The plot seams redundant, boy in danger is saved by a wolf, bla bla bla that you read a thousand time (if you are a paranormal fan like me)... but, girls and boys, it's not! M.J. O'Shea create (again, the first book was like this one) remarkable characters that put her above others paranormal writers.

Why I'm saying that? It's a serious statement, but I will say it again, in my view this writer is really above others.
You will read, and everything flows so nicely! That means: Impeccable writing
Miles is the sweetest character of this book. He is a shy (almost nerd) guy that went to NY to became a writer. His work, at a bookshop, is his only distraction from lessons and a hard life alone, in a huge city. Saying just this two particulars I'm trying to show you how cute and lovely character Miles is.
PC (BTW, his name made me laugh for 5 minutes... sooooo funny) is not easy to love. For half book I desire to bitch slap him (very hard)

But he is a were... ops, Lycan, so obviously he is wild and don't accept very well what his heart is trying to say.... that he and Miles are soul mates... because is that... their love is so beautiful, and so deep, that can't be a simple love... is two souls, made for each other, that get together.

So:
great love scenes:Check! (that almost made me take out one star... you must read almost half book to find the first one, BUT is so damn perfect that worth the waiting)
good action: Check! (I prefer the first book in this aspect... there is more action in Blood Moon in my view)
heartbreaking love story: Check! (that's is much better in Hunter's Moon, than Blood Moon! PC and Miles love story is incredible)

yeah... Has everything to get my 5 stars

OMG!!!! I reeeeeeally hope the next book is about Silivasi, the werewolf... yeah, now it's werewolf, not lycan...

I'm dying to know if the writer will do that story!!!

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the Insolita Luna series follows the story of PC the lycan who was a secondary character in book one. I was excited to see this and was eager to find out who his romance partner would be. He was such a laid back, funny, and yet very capable guy who for being young had a dangerous job and quite the eclectic group of friends and acquaintances.

The book might be read out of order or standalone, but it does fit best behind the first and assumes the reader already read the first book as Zack, Noah, and the rest of the gang are still very much a part of PC's story.

The story opens with new guy on the scene, Miles Hunter, handling the narrative. He is a freshman university student who plans to become a writer of paranormal stories. Miles moved from San Diego seemingly on a whim- isn't NYC where all the good writers are made? He also thought the move would give him a reset on life, but no, he's still the shy, awkward guy he always was. His world is classes, homework, his solitary run-down dorm room and his job at a book store with only one friend. Life is predictable and a little flat until the night he is mugged.

Miles can't believe a huge red-gold wolf with golden eyes came to his rescue and that instead of rushing off in terror he sits down and hugs and pets the wolf who allows this. Then later when he has about convinced himself he had to let the weird night go, a young guy with his wolf's eyes shows up at the bookstore. Renewed connection is instant, but then both back away from the odd sensation and go their separate ways only to experience the feeling of illness and pain.

Zack, the TA Miles has been crushing on in class, pays him a surprise visit where he is lying in pain on his bed with the crazy idea that reconnecting with the mysterious wolf guy will make him better. Miles has nothing to lose so he lets Zack bring him to a meeting where Zack's boyfriend Noah has brought a similarly hurting PC. Pain leaves and now the reality of PC's secret world begins.

Miles is in shock, but still open to all he has learned about lycans, werewolves, vampires and witches, but then PC crushes his hopes of them having a chance at being together by unequivocally stating that he doesn't want a mate. Ever. Only they are both stuck with this bond that is between them. Miles doesn't know how he can live with the idea of a guy who doesn't want him or how long he can hope that PC will change his mind.

So, this one is the story of familiar characters, but told all from the new character's perspective. Miles is a sweety. He's open, giving, and so much wants something special with the cantankerous PC who needed thumping several times the way he was treating Miles because the bond brought them together. Much of the story is how this pair get used to being bonded and Miles adjusts to the paranormal world around him. In the background, ominous clouds are building as a shadowy threat is moving through the city killing and draining the homeless and then seems to target PC in particular. There was an interesting game-changer later in the book that I thought was a great surprise. The final scenes were intense and big.

My only niggle and it's a silly one probably, but I squirmed each time the mate bond was described as 'imprinting'. I preferred it referred to as 'true mate' or 'bond', but the imprinting thing conjured up a less than appealing picture for me. See? silly.

I pretty much enjoyed the book from cover to cover even though it had a slow start and PC was being a jerk in the beginning. Can't wait to move on to the next book and I really, really hope that it focuses a bit on the werewolves as they seemed rather fascinating and I want to know more about them.

I would definitely recommend this book/series for those who enjoy sweet yet passionate M/M New Adult Paranormal Romance.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic second installment of a fantastic series. I found it unique among paranormal books because the "scooby gang" consisted of both vampires and lycans (don't you dare call them werewolves). I also found it unique among shifter mate novels because she did not have the two mates jump right into having sex. Due to some archaic lycan council rules they are forced to wait. This allows their relationship to deepen and it so much more meaningful when they do finally have sex. This does not mean that the relationship is not completely hot before that. So overall, great world weaving with the relationships between paranormal species, great relationship building between the MCs, great plot, and totally hot. 5+ stars!

[Meggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked PC in first book, so I was glad to see "Hunter's Moon" being about him and his mate. Even if Miles was interesting, really likable character, and the bond, between PC and Miles,was well written, I didn't like the story at all. Those bitchy emotions were just to much for my mind. Fact is that to find your bounded mate is rare in every story, but in this one, we have main character that's PC who is deluding himself with his wish and bitchiness that he wants to be free, and not chained, blah blah. The story was to childish. And that openness to that friend Lisa was just irritating. She was not even his best friend just acquaintance from a class. I was just really blah...

Really annoying to read it. So I definitely didn't enjoy the read, at all.

[Vivi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

Hunter's Moon is the 2nd book of the insolita Luna series.

But each book of the triology can be read as a standalone (and I certainly did not read them in order ;D)

Hunter's Moon tells the story of Miles Hunter a common human and aspiring author, who is bored out of the normalcy in his life.

Miles recently moved to New York, in search of new adventures and some excitment on his everyday life...

And, as they say, be careful with what you wish for...

One day, Miles life changes unexpectedly as he is attacked by 2 drunken men who are trying to rob him... 'cause Miles is saved by a wolf. Not an ordinary wolf, though, as Miles soon discovers.

Miles is saved by PC (I loved his full name... it's hilarious! :D), who is a Lycan (Not a werewolf!) ... and a deep connection is formed between them - Imprinting - a Bond they don't know how to break, that forces them to be close to each other and makes them feel things for each other!

BUT... they both weren't expecting this! ... they're both strangers to each other... and PC, certainly, did NOT want to be this close to someone, especially a human.

So, they'll just have to find a way to break the bond... surely PC's mother or any of the other Lycans will know how to fix this... right?!

As Miles starts having Strong Feelings for the wolfguy with the beautiful golden eyes, what can he do? Are his feelings really there just because of the bond?! ...And, once the bond is gone, will he ever see PC again?

Read the book to find out ;)

***********************
I enjoyed this book!

I loved how, even though, Miles and PC were bonded to each other, they still tried to fight it and fix/get a grip on their situation... it felt kinda of realistic, since they weren't expecting the Impriting bond and they each had their own lives, dreams and purposes, before meeting one another.

Still, the romance here was really sweet and strong... the protectiveness and possessiveness was cute... AND, there were Hot moments too (I loved all that"cheating":D)

I loved seeing the feelings grow in this book <3

So, this is a cute, light, and sweet Paranormal Gay Romance between a Human and a Lycan... with some suprises in the middle... and I recommend it for people who like paranormal romance... give it a try, you'll certainly like this one :)

[Laks · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read; good for one time. Really over the top connection between a human and a lycan. Fantasy indeed.

[ttg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars. Pretty readable m/m shifter romance about Miles, a creative writing student in New York City who is rescued from a mugging by a giant wolf. He doesn’t understand why, but he feels a connection to that wolf, but then the animal runs off into the night. Later, Miles meets a young man with golden eyes, and again feels that strong connection, a bond solidified with a kiss, and from that point, both their lives are changed.

What I liked about this story:

- I was drawn to this book because I had heard about this intense bond/connection between Miles and PC, a link so vital to them that they feel pain when they’re away from each other. I found that to be such a fascinating device to add conflict to the story, and it was really interesting to see how both MCs fought against and accepted that connection. Even though their relationship could be classified in the "fated" category, I still liked reading about the development between them and their growing trust and intimacy.

- This is a sequel to another book, Blood Moon, which focuses on the characters of Zach and Noah who are also in this book as supporting characters to the MCs. I hadn’t read that book, but I didn’t feel penalized for it. The author did a good job of clueing you in to what happened before, so you didn’t feel too lost. (This is a paranormal story though with vampires, lycans, etc, so if you’re unfamiliar with reading about supernatural beings and require more world-building to buy into it, you may need to read book 1.)

- The author added some twists that I didn’t see coming. There was a lot of set-up for things that made me think the story was going to go one way, but the author took it into another direction, so props for all the surprises.

- The author did a nice job on the female characters, whether it was PC’s mom or his roommates. It’s always nice to have interesting women in an m/m romance. I did feel that Lisa, a friend of Miles’s from school, came off more as a hanger-on character and I didn’t really understand her purpose to the story.

Why this story was 3-3.5 stars for me was the narrative style and Miles’s POV. It was hard for me to pin down what was bothering me, since I’m fine with first-person POV. I found his voice very over-telling and over-narrated, and It reminded me of a style more found in YA novels (except this book has sex in it, so wouldn’t be good for a YA shelf.) If you took out the sex, it probably would have been fine as a GLBT paranormal YA romance.

I wouldn’t call the style simple, but there’s a simplicity in the voice and the way the plot moved from point a to b to c to d that didn’t really work for me. I had a hard time feeling engaged with the story, and I started skimming to finish the book.

So, even though I liked the ideas in the book, especially the conflict around the bonding between the MCs, and there were some interesting surprises, this was just an okay read for me, and I’m not really feeling the pull to read book #3 or try book #1. What issues that bothered me may not bother you though so if you’re looking for an m/m shifter romance, this may fit the bill for you.

Also as a heads-up, this book is not 600+ pages, which is what GR says on the book page. It’s around 220+ pages.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so rare for a sequel to be better than the first book but this one managed it. I loved the first book and the second book was even better. MJ spent more time developing the world and explaining the politics behind things a little more. Miles and PC were great, their relationship was so genuine. I loved that just because they were bonded didn't mean that everything just fell into place for them. Even at over 600 pages the book never dragged and everything we well paced. I didn't feel that the author was running to the finish. Over all the story was very well done and very enjoyable.

[Adara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how much PC and Miles drove each other insane with longing. It was just the perfect amount of undeniable love and hate and hotness. I was totally surprised at what happened to Miles, but glad it still worked out for them. I would add "in the end", but it's obvious there's more to come in this story, so we'll see what happens down the road.

[Nancy L · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent MJ!! The biggest surprise was the vampire bite. Nice twist.

[Leaundra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!! Great sequel!!

[Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. I loved it. Loved all the characters and everything. Nothing in this book annoyed or upset me, it was just great.

[SusieQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars Overall, I liked this better than Blood Moon, but was surpised and a bit angry about the twist in Miles & PC's relationship. Was glad to see it all work out for the best!

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Blood Moon and was very pleased to see that this book didn't just abandon the characters from that book when building up the story of PC and Miles. PC is a Lycan who ends up forming a serious bond to Miles, a human. I really enjoyed watching the characters work through this challenge as they figure out that there is a bond, how to get out of it, what to do about it, etc. I thought PC's emotions were great--he is one who does not want to be tied down, not in the mood for a relationship or commitment, and doesn't want to give up what he loves doing (hunting). His struggle was realistic to me. I thought Miles was just a cutie. Shy, quiet, dorky underdog type who TOTALLY deserves to find the perfect man and to be happy. I loved all of the characters again (since they were all pretty much the same as the first book) and am really looking forward to reading the next one.

[SueM · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars)

A cute shifter M/M romance between a nerdy bookworm and lycan vampire hunter.

From the time they first meet, when Miles is rescued from a mugging by PC in his wolf form, both boys feel an instant connection. Miles, as a human, can't understand why exactly he feels bound to a wolf who he somehow knows has a human form. They meet again 3 weeks later, and before he understands why, Miles is kissing the boy whom he knows is also the wolf. He is unprepared when the boy leaves before he can do any more, and for the intense physical pain that follows.

As the story unfolds, we learn that the pain is because he is bonded to PC, his wolf. Being bonded though, doesn't ensure a smooth road to love, and this couple certainly face their share of bumps - rejection, physical danger and betrayal - before they get their HEA ending.

Don't expect a deep story - it's not, but it is a cute, somewhat-predictable tale of supernatural love that is perfect for those times when escapism is exactly what you need.

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more a 4.5 star read for me. Loved the storyline and all the twists. It was a great plot and the characters felt so real. I don't normally go for a book that shows so much of just one character's view but I still enjoyed the story. I did get a little lost with some of the editing. For some reason even though there weren't tons or anything it did throw me and I don't normally get thrown that way. I think it was because I got so involved and then lost the story line.

I did love this story and I am looking forward to many more by this author!

[Mandy Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second outing in the Moon series. The bonded/destined mates plot line can either be done really well or really poorly. In this case I thought it was handled very well. I liked the idea that the heroes were struggling with the new bond placed upon them; it forced them to work at their relationship and not just take it or granted.

My problem with the first book had a lot to do with tone, as at times it felt like I were reading a YA novel. I did not have that problem with this installment. I definitely look forward to future books in the series.

[Shannon Shires · Rating 5 out of 5]

First a warning, this is paranormal man/man romance. If you don't like that sort of thing don't read. This was so much more than your typical romance novel. I really enjoyed it. It was more a paranormal story and there were several times I had to laugh out loud. This is not heavy on the smutty stuff so if that is what you are looking for you may be disappointed, but there is enough lip biting action to make me want to read it over again. I am definitely picking up more of this authors books.

[Marianne Boutet · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, listen up folks. 'Rogue' is 'not controllable or answerable; deviating, renegade'. 'Rouge' is face makeup - or French for 'red'. This is not something that you can spell check. You can do a 'find and replace' which will turn all those red vampires and face-powdered werewolves into bad guys. It turned a 4-star read into 3 stars for me. Too bad: otherwise I enjoyed it.

[Miralinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Начало чудесное - книжный заука, я так надеялась, что его парой будет какой-нибудь брутальный волк как у Kate Steele, но вторым ГГ оказался молодой парнишка детской наружности и получилось почти про школьников, что я не очень люблю и к концу подустала от затянувшегося воздержания, потому что до свадьбы нельзя.

[Zeffka]

DNF 69%
I couldn't finish this book. The amount of logical loopholes, unrealistic reactions to the revealing of supernatural beings, boring and repetitive dialogues was too much for me. Final straw was when Miles and PCs "unbreakable" bond was casually broken in between two chapters.
If I had to rate it I would give it 1 star.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I've read it four times and I'm reading it again. It's even better than Blood Moon, which I really liked. There is just something about Miles and PC and their bond. So well written, it's one of my top 10 books.

[Karen K · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5** Great second story in the series - loved the plot - loved the characters - loved the relationships - loved the writing. Fabulous.

[Aelfwina]

Premise was interesting, but the execution was not up to the challenge.

[Nicole Field · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's the thing: I don't actually have a problem with instalove as a concept in books. The problem I have comes after these main characters fall utterly in love. Most of the time, we get an incredibly trite explanation for the instalove that falls short of the rest of the writing.

Miles and PC are bound together, have been since as long as each of them can remember, even though they don't physically meet until the beginning of this book. Miles has dreams of a wolf, and once he comes face to face with an unknown lycan in the streets of New York, he's completely smitten.

PC, however, is far harder to convince. He wants to be a hunter, and being bound to a weak human isn't part of the plan as far as he's concerned, despite the happy feelings that suffuse him whenever the two of them are together.

The instalove between them was cute. So was PC's desperation to see if it could be broken by the elders. What I didn't love was how much of an asshole he was in the aftermath of the realisation that it couldn't.

It felt as though most of the book was spent getting past the fact that PC was such an asshole, when it could have been avoided by... oh, I don't know, PC not being quite so bad in the first place.

Honestly, I didn't love this one as much as I loved the third one in the set (they are all stand alone and can be read out of order) but I did love the reference to Charlie being the 'dumb human kid' who is sent after Silivasi in the next novel.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles is a college sophomore in NYC. His whole life he's felt like NYC is where he needed to be. Now he's going to classes during the day, working part-time at a bookstore at night and studying when he can. His whole life changes one night when he gets mugged and is saved by a wolf.

PC is a Lycan, not to be confused with a werewolf, because as he's quick to remind Miles, they're two different things. He's also a hunter with his friends. They hunt rogue vampires, lycans and werewolves.

When Miles and PC meet something very important and tangible clicks between them. Instant attraction has nothing on what's going on between these two. These two suddenly find that their lives are changed forever and not truly their own. Miles is quick to change his attitude towards PC but PC is holding a grudge and placing blame unfairly on Miles.

This is a really good book. It grabbed me from the beginning and I couldn't put it down until the end. Miles and PC have great chemistry no matter if they're fighting or loving. The supporting characters are all essential and fun to read. I especially liked Lisa and her sassy mouth. She took great pleasure in embarrassing Miles every chance she got. Then we also get an update on Zach and Noah. This book can technically be read as a standalone but with all the supporting characters from Blood Moon, I would definitely recommend reading book one first. If you like vampires, lycans and werewolves I highly recommend this series.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles is sweet and quiet, longing for some excitement in his life. Boy, does he ever get some! He easily accepts PC and his friends. PC, on the other hand, acts like the seventeen-year-old he looks like. Selfish, stubborn, and hurtfully lashing out at Miles for disrupting his world. I wanted to smack him senseless more than once. There is a bit of intrigue, and a lot of action, some major hurdles for them to get over, and rules that need to be broken. Getting to see Noah and Zack, along with the rest of the gang from the first book, was a bonus.
Highly recommended author

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story line keeps getting better

This is the second book in this series and I have already downloaded book three. That should be an indication of how much I liked this book. Miles is a great addition to the series. MJ does a great job of creating mood in her stories. You could really feel how Miles was feeling. Can’t say much without giving away too much of the story. I don’t want to be a spoiler. I don’t generally like Sci Fi, but this series I have been enjoying. Read and enjoy.

[Lee E Sills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story very well written head and shoulders above a lot of what you see in this genre very original take on an old idea I absolutely love this book😍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍👍

[Oisín · Rating 2 out of 5]

It could have been worse