Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Moonlighter

Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

Moonlighter by Sarina Bowen

3 reviews

rustbeltcoastie's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Overall one of my favorites in the series. I loved the cybercrime angle and can’t wait to read more about “The Company.” This particular pairing was really sweet and I appreciated that the FMC was the wealthier one, subverting the usual dynamic in a sports romance.

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loverofromance's review against another edition

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funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Introduction
Moonlighter is the first book in the duo series by Sarina Bowen. I have really neglected this author of late, but when I saw this one available in my library's digital catalog, I just knew that I had to grab it up and I am so happy that I did too. It immediately drew me into the story. Moonlight is a combination of themes that I think only Sarina Bowen could actually make work. It was delicious in the way that she drew this couple together and it delivers in a mix of factors that fans of this author will truly enjoy

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Eric Bayer
Eric Bayer, is a professional Hockey player. He is recovering from a knee injury and his sport is his life. He has had little interest in getting involved in his family's business.

The Heroine: Alex
Alex, is a sassy intellectual heroine that has had to work order to gain the respect of her peers. She is on the verge of releasing an AI device, and her ex assaulted her and there is a target on her back by an unknown source.

Summary
Eric is enlisted by his brother when there is a woman's life in danger, and not just any woman, a woman he was once best friends with as a teenager. But now Eric and Alex are full fledged adults, and Alex doesn't even recognize them at their first meeting. But when Eric becomes aware of Alex's situation, he reluctantly agrees to pose as the boyfriend to draw their enemy out. And as Alex and Eric work together in trying to find out who is after her, there is also a budding relationship that is becoming rebuilt over time between them, but while Eric is on board with Alex, Alex is busy with her project and creation and doesn't want the distraction that Eric offers her. But Eric is determined to prove to Alex that they are worth fighting for.

My Outlook
I will be honest in that I had NO clue what I was really getting into with this one. I just went into it blindly. Its been so long since I read a Sarina Bowen and I had forgotten how entertaining her writing can be. I just found these two so captivating and just easily drew me into it. I absolutely adored both characters. They both were so delightful. I really understand where they each were coming from. This also has a unique take on accidental pregnancy that I think will work for most readers. As no the hero is NOT the father, but from her ex. I really found this element put in different. Normally we don't see that type of aspect for a "Accidental Pregnancy" trope. I was drawn into the banter that is implemented. I absolutely adore it and it had me so charmed by the characters and the humor just added the right touch where this book will work for readers that enjoy either a serious toned story or are more romantic comedy type of readers for romance.

I want to say that I wanted to love this one more than I actually did. Not saying that I didn't like it. Because I really enjoyed it. But the pacing quality was all over the place and the heroine was going hot and cold with the hero and I didn't like the "cold shoulder" she would give him just because of other impressions people may have on her. I understood her motivations, I just didn't think the hero did anything to deserve her scorn at times. I am picky when it comes to the heroine, and even though I understood her in some ways, I just didn't agree with how she acted because the hero was GLORIOUS! He was such a gentleman and sexy and had such a caring strong heart.

The plot of the story was so interesting though. I was easily drawn into it here. I actually really enjoyed the growth of the story line that is implemented. It was SO different than anything that I have read from this author so far and I was intrigued to see where she would take it. It definitely delivered on some great strong points. I had such a delightful with the "danger" aspects to the story. It wasn't overdone and really balanced well with the lighter toned side of the romance itself and the character's bantering. If you like your suspense well balanced with the story then this story must be on your list.

I want to make mention of the ending though. The ending was just not something I enjoyed at all. I am still wondering if that was a HEA, its definitely more of a HFN. It felt so abrupt to me though, and didn't have a HEA vibe to it. Hopefully they stay together?? LOL

Overall View
I found Moonlighter to be a superb story that delivered a balance of suspense and light contemporary romantic fun that is guaranteed to curl your toes and bring a warm smile to your face! Definitely a keeper and one I would recommend to others.

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4/5
World Building: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 3/5
Steam: 4/5
Heart & Feels: 3.5/5
Ending: 3/5
Overall View: 3.5/5

Content Warnings

kb33's review

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced

Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

TW/CW: detailed pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Shooting death.

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