Holly‘s review of Moon Awakening (Children of the Moon, Book 1) by Lucy Monroe
An enthralling new romantic tale that pushes the boundaries between love and hate, passion and pain-and man and beast…
When Emily Hamilton’s family is ordered to send a woman to the Scottish highlands for marriage to the laird of the Sinclair, Emily volunteers in order to save her younger sister from such a fate. But at her new home, the only friend she finds is the laird’s sister-especially after Emily’s stubborn streak causes the laird to cancel the marriage. And though her plans have gone awry, she refuses to return home…
Lachlan Balmoral is laird of his clan-and leader of his pack. One of the most feared werewolves prowling the Highlands, he is on the march against the hated Sinclair, who have abducted a Balmoral woman. He kidnaps the sister of the Sinclair laird, planning to marry her off in revenge-but the woman he takes along with her proves to be the greater prize…
For Emily feeds a desire he has never known existed. And though Lachlan would not think of touching his enemy’s betrothed, he must know how a mere woman could tame his heart so easily…
I picked this up to re-read before starting Monroe’s latest release in the series, Moon Craving. While I enjoyed it overall, I didn’t love it as much this time around.
Emily’s father angers his king by sending only a small contingent of soldiers to him upon his request – the barest minimum – based on the advice of his wife. As punishment, the king demands that he send one of his daughters to the highlands to marry, Talorc laird of the Sinclair’s, a warrior there. His wife pleads with him to send Emily’s younger sister. Emily offers herself instead, hoping to save her sister.
She doesn’t know what to expect once she arrives, but it isn’t the brooding, angry man she’s supposed to marry. Unable to hold her tongue, she angers Talorc into breaking off the engagement almost immediately. Shortly thereafter she’s kidnapped as revenge against him.
Lachlan plans to kidnap Talorc’s sister to avenge the honor of his own sister, who was taken by a member of the Sinclair clan. He isn’t expecting to also kidnap his enemy’s betrothed, however. Which is what the bewitching woman claims to be. He isn’t entirely convinced, however. Or perhaps he just doesn’t want to be, for he’s powerfully attracted to her.
The inconsistent way Emily acted in the beginning really bothered me. She was very wishy-washy about her feelings for Lachlan. She hated him and thought him a complete barbarian, yet melted when she fell against his touch or was seared by his hot gaze. I found myself becoming impatient with her, wanting her to just decide already. Once they reached Lachlan’s home I found Emily to be much more likable.
Once I got past the first few chapters my enjoyment grew and I really fell into the story. Lachlan and Emily really complimented each other. She was stubborn and fierce, which seemed to fascinate and amuse Lachlan, but also kind and tender, which was something he needed. He, in turn, took care of Emily in a way she hadn’t realized she needed.
I enjoyed the latter half of the book quite a bit, but the earlier chapters marred my overall enjoyment. I’d still say it was a good read but not as good as the first time I read it. Although I prefer Moon Craving, the second book in the series, I’d still recommend this.
3.75 out of 5
The Series:
This book is available from Berkley. You can buy it here or here.
Good stuff. 🙂
I’ve read the second book in this series and really enjoyed it! I have yet to read this one.
I really enjoyed Moon Craving but Moon Awakening not so much.
I loved this book and really look forward to the next one…