The book had a few sex scenes that I found a little over the top.

Maybe it was partly because it was written by my mom, which made it a bit uncomfortable for me.

To be honest, if I'm in the mood to read about graphic sex, I'd much rather pick up a copy of Penthouse Forum.

However, despite the issue with the sex scenes, the book was still a good read overall.

The story was engaging and well-written, and I found myself getting caught up in the characters and their lives.

I think that if the author had toned down the sex scenes a bit, it would have been an even better book.

But as it is, it's still worth reading if you can overlook that aspect.

Overall, I would recommend this book to others, but I would also warn them about the graphic content.

Shadow of the Moon (The Moon Series, Book 5) by Rebecca York (2006)

This fifth installment in The Moon Series by Rebecca York takes readers on another thrilling adventure. Set in a world where supernatural forces lurk in the shadows, the story follows the protagonist as they navigate a web of mystery and danger.

The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motives. The author's descriptive writing brings the settings to life, from the moonlit forests to the ancient castles.

As the plot unfolds, readers will be kept on the edge of their seats, guessing at the true nature of the shadow that haunts the protagonist. With twists and turns at every corner, Shadow of the Moon is a captivating read that will leave fans of the series eager for more.

Overall, Rebecca York has once again delivered a compelling and engaging novel that is sure to please fans of paranormal romance and mystery.

Blah, corny!

This simple expression seems to carry a certain sense of dissatisfaction or dismissal. It might be used when someone finds something overly sentimental, trite, or lacking in originality. The word "blah" implies a sense of boredom or uninterest, while "corny" emphasizes the cheesy or hackneyed nature of the thing being described. It could refer to a movie, a song, a joke, or even a person's behavior. For example, if someone tells a joke that has been told a million times before, you might respond with "Blah, corny!" Or if you watch a romantic movie with a predictable plot and sappy dialogue, you might think to yourself, "This is so corny." In essence, "Blah, corny!" is a way to express your lack of enthusiasm for something that fails to meet your expectations or capture your interest.

I truly relish a captivating paranormal romance novel. However, this particular one failed to draw me in. It wasn't merely the s&m aspect that deterred me. Instead, I felt that the story seemed to be crafted solely with the intention of presenting the dom/sub sex scenes.

Everything centers around a club where individuals can go to fulfill their dom/sub fantasies. While this concept has its appeal, it begs the question: why on earth would these two people have to agree to such a relationship in order to investigate a newspaper article or a murder? It was an extremely flimsy premise that could have been executed far more effectively.

Primarily, it was a PWP (plot what plot) with not very engaging "p" (plot). It wasn't a complete waste as it managed to accompany me through a few cardio workouts. Nevertheless, if I hadn't been left with this book as my sole source of entertainment, I highly doubt I would have bothered to finish it.

Overall, it was a disappointment that didn't quite live up to the potential of the paranormal romance genre.

Another good werewolf, vampire, supernatural romp!!

This story is filled with all the elements that make a supernatural romance so exciting. The werewolves are fierce and loyal, their strength and wildness adding an edge to the narrative. The vampires, on the other hand, are mysterious and alluring, with their immortal beauty and dark powers.

The romance between the main characters is intense and passionate, as they navigate the challenges and obstacles that come their way. The supernatural world they inhabit is richly detailed, with unique creatures and magical abilities that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Overall, this is another great addition to the werewolf and vampire romance genre. It has everything you could want in a supernatural romp - action, adventure, romance, and a touch of the unknown. If you're a fan of this type of story, then you won't want to miss it!

Good Book to Read

A good book is like a precious treasure that can transport us to different worlds and expand our horizons.

It has the power to engage our minds, stir our emotions, and leave a lasting impact on us.

When we pick up a good book, we embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.

It can introduce us to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives that we may have never encountered before.

A well-written book can also improve our language skills, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Moreover, reading a good book can be a great form of relaxation and stress relief.

It allows us to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse ourselves in a fictional or non-fictional story.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or an inspiring biography, a good book has the ability to touch our souls and make us better individuals.

So, make it a habit to read a good book regularly and let the magic of words transform your life.

Read on January 26th, 2007.

Re-read in September 2015.

This simple record of reading and re-reading dates holds a certain significance. It shows that the text or material in question has captured the attention of the reader not just once but twice over a span of several years. The initial reading in 2007 might have left an impression, perhaps sparking an interest or providing some valuable insights. Then, in 2015, for whatever reason, the reader felt the need to revisit it. It could be that new experiences or knowledge had accumulated in the intervening years, making a re-reading more meaningful. Or perhaps the text had such a profound impact that it warranted a second look. In any case, these two dates serve as markers of the reader's engagement with the material and hint at the potential depth and importance it holds for them.

MMMMMMMM... MMMM.. MMM...

Sorry, but that's all I can say.

This simple statement holds a certain mystery and perhaps a touch of frustration.

It could imply that there is more to be said, but for some reason, the person is unable or reluctant to express it fully.

Maybe they are at a loss for words, or perhaps there are unspoken emotions or thoughts that are difficult to put into words.

It leaves the listener or reader with a sense of curiosity, wondering what lies beneath the surface of those repeated "M"s and the brief apology.

Could it be a secret, a problem, or simply a moment of confusion?

Only the person who said it truly knows, and for now, all we can do is wonder and perhaps wait for more to be revealed.

Setting: The Eighteen Club, also known as the Castle at Rock Creek Park, is a mysterious place with its basement portal to an alternate universe. It houses nightclubs and sex rooms decked out in numerous motifs. Lance's home is located at the border of Patuxent State Park in Howard County, Maryland.

One Sentence Summary: A demon named Boralas, who feeds on and influences emotions and is the sex club owner, takes things too far. Savannah's sister teams up with the local werewolf pack, led by Lance, to bring him down.

Characters:

Lance Marshall is a werewolf and journalist. He took an anti-love potion to avoid getting trapped with a mate at 30. While investigating the Eighteen club as a wolf, he rescues Savannah and can't stop thinking about her.

Savannah Carpenter is a painter. Her overly strict father made her quit college when her artistic talent was recognized. He then tried to force her to marry a man of his choosing. After being disowned by her father, she moved closer to her sister. Now, her sister is in the ICU after falling off a mountain, and Savannah suspects foul play.

Charlotte Nichols is Savannah's wild sister. She was disowned by their father at 16 and is an employee at the Eighteen club, into S&M. She had a regular customer who was a bit more, and she kept a diary of their sexcapades.

Grant, Antonia, and Ross are Lance's brothers who come to his aid.

Raymond Conrad is the co-owner of the Eighteen club. He enjoys helping people explore their fantasies but is aware that something isn't right with Boralas and the deaths at the club. However, whenever he starts to think about it, a cloud of contentment envelopes him, and he stops worrying.

Boralas feeds on emotion and manipulates people to get their extreme emotions from the basement of the club. He is from Earth Omega, while here is Earth Alpha.

Summary: Lance acts on instinct to protect and help Savannah. They go to the Eighteen Club after practicing some light S&M and receive help to defeat Boralas.

I'm truly glad that I didn't shell out any money for this. It's the only silver lining because if I had spent my hard-earned cash, I would have been furious. I was browsing through the old bookshelves at the bookstore and was allowed to take home any books I wanted for free. Little did I know that this would turn out to be a regretful decision. I've wasted more than a day and a spot on my reading challenge, and now my percentage is going to be off, which really makes me mad.

It was completely absurd that Savannah managed to outrun Lance in his wolf form. Even if she is in good shape, there's no way a woman could outpace a wolf. That was just ridiculous.

I'm so tired of the same old plot where the sister gets killed and the heroine takes on the mission to figure out what happened. It reminds me too much of "Dreamfever" by Karen Marie Moning.

I found it extremely disturbing when she said her sister's diary awakened something within her. Ew. That was really revolting, especially when she read an entry about cop role play and handcuffs. Who wants to read about their sister's sex life and get turned on by it? That's a definite sign that a visit to the therapist is in order.

Her sister's description of wearing a sheer gown that exposed her "nipples and snatch" was just ew. I despise those weird, gross code words for private parts. Why not just call them by their proper names? It's so much better than the dumb words people have come up with. And let's not forget "creaming her pussy." That level of crudeness is truly astounding. I enjoy romance, but not filth.

And hot? This is supposed to be hot? Her sister sounded like a complete moron.

"I did as he asked, standing there with my breasts hanging down and my bottom sticking out." Bottom? What are we, three years old?

"When he found I was already wet, he made a sound like he was hot and satisfied." That was the third use of the word "hot" in just a few pages. Is that the only feeling the author can think of? Synonyms, people!

I was further disturbed when his brother Grant and his wife showed up and started talking about sex. He touched her nipple, and it was hard, and I was just thinking, why am I reading such details about side characters? I was especially put off when they were discussing her premonition and how it could be related to sensuality, "bondage to fear" - nice BDSM reference there - or sexual energy. Discussing your brother's sex life? Ew.

I'm so sick of werewolves having breeding problems. It's not even remotely funny anymore. Why would they have any trouble having kids? I just don't get it, and I don't like it. It seems like every single paranormal romance book these days has to have women facing difficulties with conceiving, delivering, and so on. In this book, only male children survived. I was just shaking my head and rolling my eyes.

I like the concept of life mates, but it's been done so many times that it's lost its specialness. This version, in particular, made no sense to me, and I didn't like it at all. Werewolves are supposed to meet their mates when they're in their thirties? Okay. But what if they meet the person who is their life mate when they're in their twenties? Will they not recognize them as their life mate? Do they have to meet again when they're in their thirties? Or are they physically incapable of stumbling upon their life mate at any other time except the age of thirty? It just doesn't make any sense. Who only has one year to meet someone when they've already had twenty-nine years? And at age thirty-one, Lance was past the age of bonding. What a ridiculous and bizarre rule.

I didn't enjoy this world at all. I didn't like Lance's job as a journalist. In books, journalists are usually the bad guys. They'll do anything to get a story, they're nosy and pushy, and that was the case here. He was following Savannah all over town - albeit there was the life mate bond - to get the story about the Castle. And he wore a peroxide-blond wig. That's just a bad image.

Of course, Savannah needed to be saved - because all women do, right? She went to a bar her sister had been to, and instead of getting information to advance the plot, she got into trouble. A guy grabbed her because every book needs one of those scenes, which led to Lance coming to her rescue. He told her to get in his car, and she did, which I thought was stupid because she left her car in the parking lot where anyone could get the license plate at the scene of the crime. (Although she did show some strength by hitting the guy in the head with her gun.) But what happened next just ruined it for me. I'm so sick of the life mate bond causing instant feelings. She was crying, and he hugged her and comforted her, and the next thing I know, he's running his lips over her, touching her breast, and they're kissing. I was thinking, slow the freak down! What's the rush? I think this is the only book I've ever read where the characters kissed and started touching the very first time they met. I don't care if they're star-crossed reincarnated lovers destined to be together for thousands of years. I don't want them kissing the first time they meet.

I don't like it when authors have the characters come too close to the truth without any evidence. She said he had the instinct of a wolf, and he's a werewolf. That's just too much of a giveaway.

Her dad's story was just too much and the worst possible. He was controlling, verbally and emotionally abusive, and extremely strict. Of course, Savannah was the pleaser, doing everything he wanted, while her sister was the rebel. She went to the college her dad wanted, on a scholarship until he pulled her out and then married her off to someone of his choosing. Are we suddenly in the 1800s? And what kind of idiot goes through a marriage to a creepy older man just because their crazy dad told them to? Her art teacher convinced her to divorce the old man, and her dad and mom disowned her for it. Who comes up with this stuff? Are people really like that? I'm finding this whole story very hard to believe.

Of course, Savannah has only had sex with one man - her husband that her dad set her up with, and he was much older. Ew. And of course, she didn't enjoy it and thought she would never feel pleasure. Blah, blah, blah. I've read this ridiculously unfair and overdone idea way too many times.

It was convenient that Warren, the guy she knocked out at the bar, didn't mention her to the police because he bet her last name wasn't the same as her sister's. He knew she was Charlotte's sister, that's all they needed, not her last name. And Savannah was an idiot to mention her relationship to Charlotte.

I was getting so irritated by their effect on each other. He knew he was in deep. She knew her life had already changed. Both were thinking about sex. Slow the freak down! I just couldn't stand it anymore.

It was kind of cute when he expected her to call the next day and clipped his phone to his waistband, then took it into the bathroom while he showered and kept it with him as he ate. But it would have been so much better if they had known each other for a while and he hadn't been eating raw steak.

They were kissing, him touching her breasts and crotch, at the public gardens. When he told her to bend over so he could see her breasts, I was really creeped out. Who gives an almost inexperienced woman a command like that? Couldn't they have found anywhere else in town that was private? Who would do something like that in public?

The sick stuff between the older lady and her space fantasies was just disgusting. I can't believe someone actually thought this up and put it in a book for the world to read. It's so disturbing. It's the sordid details like that from side characters that I just don't understand. Especially the content. The guy playing out the slave fantasy and his babysitter when he was 15 - spanking him, her "naked twat." That is so gross. The fact that someone wrote this - a sexual predator having sex with and molesting a 15-year-old they're babysitting, like it's a good thing - I'm just so disturbed.

The author seems to think that the only reaction you can have in the moment is "hot." Everyone was hot, hot, hot. I had to start keeping count because it was so ludicrous. And every woman's nipples tightened, hardened, etc. Like that's the only reaction a woman can have. Hot? Check. Nipples hard? Check. It was just so gross. It missed the mark of being hot by a long shot.

Pg. 118 "she was instantly hot and needy..."
Pg. 121 "I want you hot and needy..."

Lance made her ask for what she wanted, said they weren't going any further unless she did. I don't like that kind of dominance, especially since he knows she isn't experienced with things like that.

"Touch...my breasts."
"Oh, yeah."

That made him sound so stupid. And it just got worse.

"My nipples," she gasped.
"What about them?"
"Play with them."

Play with them? What is this, a child with a toy? Could she have found a less "hot" way to say that?

I had finally had enough on pg. 126.
"The passages were very explicit. Very kinky. And very hot."

There goes that word again. And he's reading her sister's diary about her having sex. He really shouldn't have read that.
"He felt his cock stir. He'd just made love to Savannah, but her sister's descriptions were turning him on again."

F this shit. I don't understand why this would ever be considered hot. I am blacklisting "Rebecca York" as a sick author who writes crass, rude, vulgar details about side characters. It's a sick world that I want no part of. I'll never understand why people write more action with side characters than the main couple, but I'm not having any of it. And a piece of advice: saying something is "hot" doesn't make it so. Gosh, I think I've been ruined from ever reading the word "hot" in a romance novel. If that's the case, I'm going to be even more pissed. I will never read another book by this author again. I don't understand what kind of frame of mind you would have to be in to write this disturbing, sick, and twisted crap, and I don't want to. I feel like I need to take a shower and wash myself off after coming into contact with this. It's a shame too, because I wanted to see what his psychic sister-in-law felt from the mating bond, and it was a cute idea that he answered the hotel room shirtless. She said she thought he was letting her walk away or something like that, and he said he was stacking the deck. But I was completely floored in the worst way that these two were meeting up at a hotel to have sex so soon after meeting. It felt like a violation. It had a violating feeling to it, and I felt dirty and so grossed out. I had no patience for Savannah and her inexperience, "I didn't like it with my husband, blah blah blah," "never thought I could feel pleasure until you," "I'm a naive schoolgirl even though I've had sex." Just no. What finally did it for me was him reading her sister's sex book about being dominated and tied up, which he should have never done. Here's a question: do you want your man reading about your sister's - disgusting - sex life and getting hard from it? If you like your future husband/mate to get aroused from what your sister has written and you want him to question you about which entry really affected you, then this is the book for you. As for me, I'm too sickened to go on. It's a shame because I was really interested in reading this because the summary mentioned them pretending to be lovers to get access to the Castle, and I thought that could be good. Now I'm sure nothing in this will be good because this is a sick place.

Oh, and that crap about the beings living under the Castle, feeding on people's emotions and making them do things, and coming from another world... no. That was a fail. That alternate universe, weird creature thing was not working in this story. Actually, the werewolf thing wasn't either. I don't know why he's a werewolf because it isn't working and seems to have nothing to do with the story besides making it easy for him to get around and find leads on his stupid journalism job.

I wish bad books wouldn't have good covers. They should have put something sick on the cover to match what was on the inside.

I'm awarding this book 4 stars primarily because it presents a distinct premise and storyline compared to the previous installments. However, the writing details and action fell somewhat short of fully realizing its potential.

There are two romances at play here. Lance Marshal, a werewolf journalist, and Savannah Carpenter, an artist on a quest to uncover the truth behind her sister's death. Then there's Erica Wentworth, a wealthy widow, and Kevin Amsterdam, a Castle'slave' employee and part-time accounting student.

Savannah possesses a bit more common sense than the typical heroine, making many astute decisions, and Lance complements her well in this regard, resulting in a harmonious partnership.

Although I wasn't particularly fond of the mild S&M elements, there are indeed some truly excellent scenes. And while I didn't sense a deep connection between either of the couples, I did enjoy following their adventures.

Some of their escapades seemed rather childishly simplistic. The danger lacked real depth, and the'monster' and his demise were rather cheesy. Additionally, I'm left wondering about the scenes in the other realm. They piqued my interest, but could they be hinting at a potential new series?

I had previously read the story of Grant Marshal and his pregnant wife Antonia in the anthology 'Cravings', but had forgotten some of the details, so it took me a while to reacquaint myself with them. I also loved seeing all the previous characters come together for the final battle. It bodes well for the future social dynamics of the family.

Quick Thoughts: 1) She claims she can't take her canvas with her because it won't fit, but then how does she transport it to her shows? And why didn't she simply choose a smaller canvas for a new painting?

2) Coincidentally, I was reading another book simultaneously, and in both, the heroes disarm a female who doesn't know how to use a gun. It feels a bit like a cliché.

3) When she's making tea at her house, she takes down the 'bag' of herbs and then lifts the 'jar' to her nose.

Fave Scenes: The slave market, Savannah's discovery of Lance's special tea, Savannah's'scene', and Lance's first rescue of Savannah from the basement.

The story started out okay. It had a certain charm and held my attention in the beginning.

However, as it progressed, it took a turn that I really didn't like. It ended up being sappy, and I truly hate sappy.

Sappy stories just seem to lack authenticity and depth. They rely too much on over-the-top emotions and cliched情节.

I prefer stories that are more realistic and nuanced, ones that can make me think and feel without being overly sentimental.

This particular story, unfortunately, failed to meet my expectations in that regard. It started with promise but ultimately fell short by becoming too sappy for my taste.

I hope that in the future, I can find more stories that can engage me from start to finish without resorting to such sappy endings.