By the Light of the Moon

Yes! I am so excited to say that I love By the Light of the Moon, the second book in the Moonlight Breed series. It is just as strong as the first book in the series and continues along a solid storyline. In my opinion, the second book in any series is the make-it or break-it point for any series because the author has to demonstrate their ability to carry on the energy from the first book while exploring enough new territory to keep the reader interested. And Danielle does just that as she brings more fabulous characters into focus, revisits previous characters and introduces a few new ones in this m/m shifter love story that bursts with love, humor and a smidge of suspense.

It’s love at first sight when Logan and Keeton meet at a party. Unfortunately Logan has his girlfriend Mariah on his arm and is forced to control his instant attraction to Keeton. As a Moonlight Breed shifter,
Logan has spent years searching for his mate and scents Keeton as his long-awaited mate. Certain Mariah isn’t the one for him even before meeting Keeton and now compelled to claim Keeton, Logan breaks up with her that same night. Unfortunately she doesn’t just go away and the suspense around her character keep readers flipping pages. As we uncover her story, we begin to uncover more of their preternatural world which is pieced together simply enough throughout the story to flow very naturally.

Believing at first that he’s rid himself of Mariah, Logan is ready to claim Keeton but Keeton isn’t quite so sure. When he learns they are destined mates Keeton runs scared. He comes from a family that includes shifters and he is all too aware that being a mate means a lifetime commitment and he worries that the connection is only about Logan’s shifter pheromones. It’s not long before Keeton returns to Logan, unable to deny the attraction but he asks to take their relationship slowly. And while he refuses to let Logan claim him fully, slow is not how I would describe the progression of their relationship. Hot, definitely steamy and perhaps even wicked at times – but definitely not slow. There are some melt-in-your mouth worthy sex scenes in this book.

Logan and Keeton are the epitome of “opposites attract” and they couldn’t be any more well-suited for one another. Wildly flamboyant Keeton has an over-the-top personality but once you know him, you can’t help but love him. He was a standout secondary character in Leap of Faith and shines even more brightly taking the lead in his own romance. In the beginning of this book, the reader sees a more subdued side of Keeton until (thanks to Braxton) he discovers that he’s special enough to allow his true personality to shine through. And Logan adores everything about him, from his painted toes to his highlighted blonde hair. As the more dominant partner, Logan is still tender, gentle and protective of his mate who he refers to as “angel” and “baby” more often than using his name. They were a believable couple with realistic and fun dialogue that clearly illustrates their chemistry… hot, hot, hot.

As the couple fall in love, they are also forced to deal with Mariah who returns for Logan. Learning that she is an Arsidian Demon in her mating heat determined to kill Keeton and seduce Logan, Logan becomes ferociously protective of Keeton. At times, his protectiveness is laugh aloud funny, particularly Keeton’s reactions to it, and other times poignant as it demonstrates his devotion to his mate. How they finally rid themselves of Mariah shows that family and love conquer all.

By the Light of the Moon is a great book. I simply couldn't put it down (the circles under my eyes are proof). At one point in the book, Keeton says he’d crawl inside [Logan’s] skin if he could. That’s how I felt about this book – I just wanted to crawl inside it and live with this fabulous, funny and loving family. Any reader who enjoys shifter stories must read this series - but start with the first book first (always my rule of thumb!) - and then come back and tell me what you think.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.