Plagued by nightmares. Stalked by kidnappers. Tamra McMillan needs a safe haven. When tattooed bad-ass Kyle Rossini steps into her life, the last thing she expects to find is a sanctuary from her demons or steaming hot sex. In fact, everything about him screams danger. But appearances can be deceiving. The tender possessiveness of his touch, the hunger in his eyes, the scorching sensuality of his kiss—all of it sears him into her soul and brands her as his for life.
But otherworldly forces are afoot and death hovers…
Etruscan werewolf Kyle is a loner. The king’s assassin with a killer’s instincts. The last thing he needs is a mate who could be placed in danger because of him. Until he meets the one woman who needs him more than he needs his solitude. When Tamra, battered but not broken, stumbles into his world and tumbles into his bed, she captures his heart. And nothing—not kidnappers or visions of his possible death—will keep him from her.
Kiss of Moonlight – Stephanie Julian
October 2009
Paranormal Romance
ebook, novel
Ellora’s Cave
*Hot Alpha Alert*
I’m a sucker for alpha males – which comes as no surprise to those who are familiar with me. Kyle, in this book is ALPHA! I think I may need to read about a shy beta next just to offset him.
Kyle is a soldier, an assassin for the Lucani King. His fellow werewolves are very secret and very protective of each other. He lives in the middle of nowhere and often has his beloved daughter, Cat, stay with him for periods of time. Cat notices a woman has moved into the “neighborhood” and she convinces her dad to check her out. In werewolf form, Kyle visits her one night, and she warms up to the large “dog” and tells him her deepest secret. Eight months ago Tamra was raped and beaten, and now lives in fear of being discovered again.
Kyle not only wants to comfort and protect Tamra, but he feels an overwhelming sense of lust when near her. His daughter also finds her friendship important and Tamra is invited over to dinner, to get to know her neighbors. This dinner not only opens the romance channel between Kyle and Tamra, but Tamra also discovers Kyle is much more than an intense, sexy man. When trouble brews in the forest, and Kyle realizes someone is out to harm Tamra, he goes into alpha overdrive. Tamra must cope with a new reality of werewolves, a love building for Kyle and a scary glimpse into the future.
Let me first start by saying, Kiss of Moonlight is hot. Kyle is one big, intense alpha. From the moment he sees Tamra, he wants her – 24/7, in all ways he can think of. Although Kyle has had his healthy share of partners in the past, a mate has never once crossed his mind – until now.
Tamra is recovering from a horrific rape and just wants to live her life normally again. When she meets Kyle, she can’t help but shrink away from his physical proximity, but she is also very attracted. Kyle overhears her previous ordeal while in wolf form and knows what she has been through. He is terrified to act on his lustful instincts, but Tamra is there to reassure him. Although she is a little nervous, she can’t deny what her body is telling her. And let me tell you – they light up the page. Stephanie Julian knows her way around a sex scene.
Are Kyle and Tamra a little too perfect – yes. Kyle is the perfect alpha male, and Tamra is the perfect girl recovering from a bad past. One thing that always nags me is when the heroine (or hero) leaves towards the end, thinking that is best for the relationship. I could have lived without that, scary psychic premonition or not. However, the mystery and action scenes are really well done and I liked the danger that is lurking about. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger that definitely sets up the next trio (oh yes, a menage) for the next book. I think this is a solid start to a new series and I definitely recommend.
Rating: Four Stars
Stephanie Julian’s Website
Mandi, I'm so glad you enjoyed Kiss of Moonlight! Thanks so much for a great review. I have a soft spot for Kyle. He's one of my favorite heroes. Those alphas always get me, too.
Wow Mandi, that is some smokin' book rec! I live super hot stories and this one definitely sounds HOT!think I might once again have to add a book you reviewed to my tbb list.
I adored Kyle…I want to learn more about the others too!
This book is pretty smokin :)
Where are his pants … LOL? Looks like a very steamy read. Great review as usual!
Oh, who needs pants?
I am actually slightly disturbed by the size of his chest..but in the book he is all good ;)
yeah, the cover isn't quite my ideal of Kyle but I don't have too much say in that.
It definitely catches your eye – but the chest to hip ratio is a little extreme..LOL
Kyle looks mighty fine in my head ;)
I saw what Stepnahie had say, and to be truthful, the guy is scary. But hey I am glad to hear that he is a hot alpha in the book! I can always close my eyes when I look at the cover if I get to read it lol
Haha – I was going to comment about the chest/hip thing too but after yesterday's underwear comments my lips were zipped!
This does sound like a great read – I love me some Alpha males, and a werewolf to boot? You can't go wrong!
Bloeuedd – Definite hot alpha in the book..NOM NOM
Patti – comment away!! Those hips can't support that chest.
Yes, he is a werewolf as is his daughter..and he has some verra smexy friends..who we get more of in the next book.
I love Kyle – but that covers does not do the man justice…
Love your thoughts on this one – I have to admit I am looking forward to the cliff hanger story now…
All the naughty things I love seems to be in the upcoming book….
E.H>
I know – she writes the ending well- wraps up Kyle's story but still does a small cliffhanger. And the promise of smexy smex ;)
I'm with Blodeuedd on the scary looking part… It's not only his chest but his face as well!!… But, hey, let's not judge a book by its cover ;) I like your review, Mandi, and I think I might like this story a lot. So, thanks for this addition to my TBB list :)
I loved Kyle. I'm really looking forward to the next in the Lucani Lovers series.
Hey there ERR – Yeah – there are so many books if I had just judged by cover that I would have never read.
FV – I loved Kyle more. neener neener. ;)
*Hot Alpha Alert*
"I’m a sucker for alpha males – which comes as no surprise to those who are familiar with me. Kyle, in this book is ALPHA! I think I may need to read about a shy beta next just to offset him."
LOL! You crack me up Mandi! I may have to read this just to see what all the fuss over Kyle is about! He sounds delectable! :P
I also hate it when the couple have a dilemma along the lines of "I have to leave behind the one I love for their own safety. Being with me is too dangerous…" (the ultimate example of this was 'New Moon', of course). It is a bit of a cop-out story-line, IMO.
Great review.
This story sounds excellent, your review totally makes me want to buy it. Thanks for writing about it!
Lily -I'm a sucker for a beta too. Ok – I'm just a sucker for men in general. :)
Danielle – That scenario never really works for me. In this story it doesn't last long…which is good.
Emily – Thanks for stopping by!
I bought the book and can't wait to read it. I'm sure this will be a terrific series.
Best–Adele Dubois
chest to hip ratio LOL
I am allllll about the hot sexy alpha. adding to my list…
i think werewolves are my thing. it used to be vampires, but the alpha werewolf is just so damn yummy. wonder where i could find one…. :p
oh, one exception… Bones is hotter than all alpha werewolves. so he is definitely mine. ;)
Hey Adele – you will have to let me know how you like it!!
KV – Hmm – I can't choose between vamps and shifters..I want them both!
Oh, and we are going to have to have a throw down over Bones. You see, he is mine. There must have been a misunderstanding ;)
I love the BDB too much to write vamps. I'll stick with my Etruscans.
And if you do read the book please let me know if you enjoy it. Writers live for that.
Tattooed bad-ass Etruscan werewolf?! rawr!
HA – Heidenkind.
Sounds great. I love me some hot alpha male.
Have to check that one out!
I'm not one for e-books, but I'm so going to have read this one!
Oh, this does sound interesting. Thank you Mandi!
Loved this book! So looking forward to the next book, psst I hear it's a menage. Love your take on this.
The cover for moonlight menage looks great! I loved Mandi's review for the first book – I need to start reading these books!