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Blood and Moonlight #1
Pack Forsaken
I’m a lone wolf with a stalker on my tail…
My name is Vanya Mason, and after an incident that left me broken, I chose exile from my pack rather than facing the harsh truth.
The alpha made it very clear that my pack never cared about me, they cared about my submission. And that’s not the life I want to live.
Especially alone.
But I learn the very first night on the road that being a lone wolf is dangerous. After I barely escape with my freedom, I find myself in a small human town. Somewhere safe I can lay low while I figure out my next moves.
Or so I thought…
After a body lands directly outside my motel door, a local alpha shows up to ask me questions. It’s clear he doesn’t quite believe me, but he offers me sanctuary.
Keep your enemies close, I guess.
After the stalker makes another bold move, I have no choice but to seek refuge with a pack that doesn’t trust me. But the longer I spend with Nyx, Leven, and Callum, the less I want to leave. It feels like I have a place where I can finally be an equal. However my presence comes with a very dangerous ripple effect.
Will they protect me and fight by my side, or will I spend my life forever on the run?
Pack Forsaken is book one in the Blood and Moonlight series. This book is intended for readers 18 and up and includes violence and situations some readers might find triggering. But if you like wolf shifters, characters who have lost it all and are still willing to fight, and steamy RH PNR, then you’ll love the Blood and Moonlight series.
My name is Vanya Mason, and after an incident that left me broken, I chose exile from my pack rather than facing the harsh truth.
The alpha made it very clear that my pack never cared about me, they cared about my submission. And that’s not the life I want to live.
Especially alone.
But I learn the very first night on the road that being a lone wolf is dangerous. After I barely escape with my freedom, I find myself in a small human town. Somewhere safe I can lay low while I figure out my next moves.
Or so I thought…
After a body lands directly outside my motel door, a local alpha shows up to ask me questions. It’s clear he doesn’t quite believe me, but he offers me sanctuary.
Keep your enemies close, I guess.
After the stalker makes another bold move, I have no choice but to seek refuge with a pack that doesn’t trust me. But the longer I spend with Nyx, Leven, and Callum, the less I want to leave. It feels like I have a place where I can finally be an equal. However my presence comes with a very dangerous ripple effect.
Will they protect me and fight by my side, or will I spend my life forever on the run?
Pack Forsaken is book one in the Blood and Moonlight series. This book is intended for readers 18 and up and includes violence and situations some readers might find triggering. But if you like wolf shifters, characters who have lost it all and are still willing to fight, and steamy RH PNR, then you’ll love the Blood and Moonlight series.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2022
About the author
Jarica James
102 books442 followersJarica is an American author. She prefers writing paranormal and fantasy books. When she isn't writing she is playing her xbox with her husband and fellow nerd. She has two crazy boys who make writing a challenge, but one she gladly accepts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 11, 2022
I wasn’t really feeling this book at all. I didn’t appreciate the hate sex FMC had with a man who hated and was cruel to her. I didn’t appreciate the way relationships formed. I didn’t like the main characters. I didn’t feel any connection at all between them. I read like 60% and skimmed a lot after that.
April 17, 2022
There's a run on sentence every paragraph
Every single paragraph had a run on sentence. The plot seemed good, but I couldn't handle the absolutely atrocious grammar. The author needs to learn that you can't separate two independent clauses with just a comma.
Every single paragraph had a run on sentence. The plot seemed good, but I couldn't handle the absolutely atrocious grammar. The author needs to learn that you can't separate two independent clauses with just a comma.
July 30, 2022
Not the best, but far from the worst I've read.
Technical writing and editing needed another round. For some reason it's suddenly ok to link two sentences with a comma instead of a clause. Not sure where I missed that memo.
The sex was pretty crap, but the flirting was good. Honestly it probably would have been better without the sex and just focusing on the plot.
I liked the second half better when it was established the MC would have 3 boyfriends.
I really liked the MC's characterisation and the growth of the love interests. I loved seeing the MC settle in to a new home and find love and acceptance.
Technical writing and editing needed another round. For some reason it's suddenly ok to link two sentences with a comma instead of a clause. Not sure where I missed that memo.
The sex was pretty crap, but the flirting was good. Honestly it probably would have been better without the sex and just focusing on the plot.
I liked the second half better when it was established the MC would have 3 boyfriends.
I really liked the MC's characterisation and the growth of the love interests. I loved seeing the MC settle in to a new home and find love and acceptance.
April 16, 2022
This book was amazing and steamy and gripping. One book . The first book in a series and I could barely put it down. The only reason I did was because I just kept reading all through the night and fell asleep while reading. Our FMC Vanya is a wolf shifter. She has left her pack after a tragic incident. So she hits the road and winds up in Dixon, a small town in Washington. Events happen outside of her control and she seeks asylum with the local pack. There she meets, Callum, the Alpha, Leven, the enforcer and Nyx his second in command. They're all drawn to Vanya. Leven more reluctantly so. He doesn't trust her because she doesn't talk about her past. But so much happens in this book. A stalker is after her. These 3 wolves are determined to keep her safe. Vanya just wants everything to stop. Intrigue and suspense surround this book and I'm absolutely anxious for book 2.
April 16, 2022
Jarica......this book was AMAZING! Vanya is a strong fmc and when she finds her self in a new town with three men she is attracted too. When a tracker wolf is threatening her all three men step up to protect her. But omg that ending I can't wait for book to come out.
October 9, 2022
This fast-paced and high-stakes wolf shifter book was full of suspenseful action and a chilling, dangerous mystery made more intense with its lethal deadline. The fantastic world-building pulls readers into its story from the very start; setting the scene for the entire series and keeping tension high throughout the book. The characters were full of depth and were easy to root for as they tried to figure out the threats surrounding the main character, getting closer to each other along the way. This book included some darker themes, so though the author kindly added trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, I’ve added and expanded on them at the end of my review.
After a fresh tragedy finds twenty-five year old Vanya choosing exile from her neglectful pack, she starts her harrowing new life as a lone wolf; accepting all the challenges and dangers it could present but unwilling to rely on weak, cruel leaders any longer. When she runs into a less than friendly wolf shifter who tries to mess with her, she’s woman enough to ask for help, but when that plea has deadly consequences she can’t ignore the possibility that she’s being targeted. As things progress with her stalker and catch the attention of the local wolf pack, Vanya needs to decide if she’d rather go it alone and risk her life for her pride, or if reaching out to the allusive pack would do more harm than good.
The plot of this book included a fresh take on how wolf shifters operate within a pack that tied in nicely with the overall story. The author’s unique pack dynamics helped to further intensify both the book’s tension-filled plot, and the budding relationships between the MC and the pack leaders. Its darker themes were contrasted by lighthearted moments that flowed naturally within the plot, allowing readers the chance to connect with the characters and the setting to offset the otherwise menacing shadow looming over the MC. As the first in a series, this book introduced a lot of information in an interesting and natural way, keeping just enough hidden to keep curiosity high and pages turning. The cliffhanger only added to the suspenseful nature of the entire book and made me even more curious about the fate of everyone involved.
This book was a spicy why-choose romance meaning the MC will end up with multiple partners. The individual relationships between the MC and her men were complicated yet fast moving, keeping up with the overall pace of the book. It brought even more tension, angst, and longing to the plot to drive home the high-stakes of the MC’s situation and showcase what she has to lose if things go wrong. Thus far, the romances have been separate from each other, but as things progress, I’m interested to see how the dynamic changes as their relationship evolves.
All in all, this suspenseful book kept me fully entertained and wanting to read the rest of the series to fulfill my curiosity. I liked it a lot!
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Spoilers ahead.
This book included violence ranging from cruel punishments to gun fights (on and off page), mentions of the death of family members and grieving (on page), discussions about implied sexual violence towards women (on page; nothing graphic so far), stalking and the obsessive and manipulative behaviours associated with it (on page), kidnapping and holding hostages (on and off page), mentions of PTSD and panic attacks (on page), and the overall strict and sometimes misogynistic hierarchy of wolf shifters (on page).
After a fresh tragedy finds twenty-five year old Vanya choosing exile from her neglectful pack, she starts her harrowing new life as a lone wolf; accepting all the challenges and dangers it could present but unwilling to rely on weak, cruel leaders any longer. When she runs into a less than friendly wolf shifter who tries to mess with her, she’s woman enough to ask for help, but when that plea has deadly consequences she can’t ignore the possibility that she’s being targeted. As things progress with her stalker and catch the attention of the local wolf pack, Vanya needs to decide if she’d rather go it alone and risk her life for her pride, or if reaching out to the allusive pack would do more harm than good.
The plot of this book included a fresh take on how wolf shifters operate within a pack that tied in nicely with the overall story. The author’s unique pack dynamics helped to further intensify both the book’s tension-filled plot, and the budding relationships between the MC and the pack leaders. Its darker themes were contrasted by lighthearted moments that flowed naturally within the plot, allowing readers the chance to connect with the characters and the setting to offset the otherwise menacing shadow looming over the MC. As the first in a series, this book introduced a lot of information in an interesting and natural way, keeping just enough hidden to keep curiosity high and pages turning. The cliffhanger only added to the suspenseful nature of the entire book and made me even more curious about the fate of everyone involved.
This book was a spicy why-choose romance meaning the MC will end up with multiple partners. The individual relationships between the MC and her men were complicated yet fast moving, keeping up with the overall pace of the book. It brought even more tension, angst, and longing to the plot to drive home the high-stakes of the MC’s situation and showcase what she has to lose if things go wrong. Thus far, the romances have been separate from each other, but as things progress, I’m interested to see how the dynamic changes as their relationship evolves.
All in all, this suspenseful book kept me fully entertained and wanting to read the rest of the series to fulfill my curiosity. I liked it a lot!
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Spoilers ahead.
This book included violence ranging from cruel punishments to gun fights (on and off page), mentions of the death of family members and grieving (on page), discussions about implied sexual violence towards women (on page; nothing graphic so far), stalking and the obsessive and manipulative behaviours associated with it (on page), kidnapping and holding hostages (on and off page), mentions of PTSD and panic attacks (on page), and the overall strict and sometimes misogynistic hierarchy of wolf shifters (on page).
April 19, 2022
Blurb:
I’m a lone wolf with a stalker on my tail…
My name is Vanya Mason, and after an incident that left me broken, I chose exile from my pack rather than facing the harsh truth.
The alpha made it very clear that my pack never cared about me, they cared about my submission. And that’s not the life I want to live.
Especially alone.
But I learn the very first night on the road that being a lone wolf is dangerous. After I barely escape with my freedom, I find myself in a small human town. Somewhere safe I can lay low while I figure out my next moves.
Or so I thought…
After a body lands directly outside my motel door, a local alpha shows up to ask me questions. It’s clear he doesn’t quite believe me, but he offers me sanctuary.
Keep your enemies close, I guess.
After the stalker makes another bold move, I have no choice but to seek refuge with a pack that doesn’t trust me. But the longer I spend with Nyx, Leven, and Callum, the less I want to leave. It feels like I have a place where I can finally be an equal. However my presence comes with a very dangerous ripple effect.
Will they protect me and fight by my side, or will I spend my life forever on the run?
Review:
Intense read w a strong FMC. Cliffhanger ending.
TW:
I’m a lone wolf with a stalker on my tail…
My name is Vanya Mason, and after an incident that left me broken, I chose exile from my pack rather than facing the harsh truth.
The alpha made it very clear that my pack never cared about me, they cared about my submission. And that’s not the life I want to live.
Especially alone.
But I learn the very first night on the road that being a lone wolf is dangerous. After I barely escape with my freedom, I find myself in a small human town. Somewhere safe I can lay low while I figure out my next moves.
Or so I thought…
After a body lands directly outside my motel door, a local alpha shows up to ask me questions. It’s clear he doesn’t quite believe me, but he offers me sanctuary.
Keep your enemies close, I guess.
After the stalker makes another bold move, I have no choice but to seek refuge with a pack that doesn’t trust me. But the longer I spend with Nyx, Leven, and Callum, the less I want to leave. It feels like I have a place where I can finally be an equal. However my presence comes with a very dangerous ripple effect.
Will they protect me and fight by my side, or will I spend my life forever on the run?
Review:
Intense read w a strong FMC. Cliffhanger ending.
TW:
October 13, 2023
The complete "Blood and Moonlight" trilogy starts with "Pack Forsaken", and it starts with a punch! I really enjoyed this book, and it grabbed my attention from the start. Even though I love most of this author's work, her paranormal RH's always have that little extra that really pulls me into the story. There is action and danger from the start, with an fmc who's done with her pack and their ancient ways after losing the only person who still kept her there.
Wolf shifters were my first jump into urban fantasy years ago, and I always love going back to the trope. I love the "found family vibe" pack life often seems to have, the structure of a pack with all its complicated dynamics, the combination of human and wolf form, ... In "Blood and Moonlight", Vanya finds the perfect pack with some very nice male shifters in it. I really love Vanya's spirit, and how three men speak to it in very different ways...
Book one ends on a cliffy, so I'm happy to be able to dive into book two right away!
Wolf shifters were my first jump into urban fantasy years ago, and I always love going back to the trope. I love the "found family vibe" pack life often seems to have, the structure of a pack with all its complicated dynamics, the combination of human and wolf form, ... In "Blood and Moonlight", Vanya finds the perfect pack with some very nice male shifters in it. I really love Vanya's spirit, and how three men speak to it in very different ways...
Book one ends on a cliffy, so I'm happy to be able to dive into book two right away!
April 16, 2022
I fell in love with Vanya and her strength in this one. Her sass and her backbone are made of steel, and her inability to back down will continue to serve her well. Life has dealt her a rough hand, but she continues to forge ahead and try to reclaim her life. When she lands in a new place, she never expects to find a tentative home or people she may be able to find peace with. Her life was maybe never meant for peace, though, as a new danger stalks her. The three amazing pack men that linger around her are slowly showing her they aren’t like the men she’s known before. Maybe she was truly meant to find this new home, but first she’s going to have to neutralize this new threat, which is proving more difficult than anyone could have imagined.
April 22, 2022
This is the first book in a new paranormal RH series, Blood and Moonlight. It is an absolutely fantastic start to this series.
Vanya is a very strong FMC with an attitude to match. She has been through a lot in her life and her attitude is well earned! I absolutely love her!
I also adore Nyx, Leven, and Callum and I am super excited to see how their relationships with Vanya develop.
If you love an awesome paranormal RH story, then I absolutely recommend this book. Personally, I am very excited to see where the story goes in book two.
Vanya is a very strong FMC with an attitude to match. She has been through a lot in her life and her attitude is well earned! I absolutely love her!
I also adore Nyx, Leven, and Callum and I am super excited to see how their relationships with Vanya develop.
If you love an awesome paranormal RH story, then I absolutely recommend this book. Personally, I am very excited to see where the story goes in book two.
June 18, 2022
Wolf shifters
If you're looking for a good wolf shifter series to start this is it. It has sadness, mystery, and of course the spiciness needed to have a great story. Vanya losses her sister which was her last living relative so she leaves her pack. She ends up in a small town where she find out she's being hunted and has to seek asylum with the bluff pack. The wolf hunting her makes it difficult for them to keep her safe, their community, and the nearby town. This ends in a cliff hanger and I'm so ready for more!
If you're looking for a good wolf shifter series to start this is it. It has sadness, mystery, and of course the spiciness needed to have a great story. Vanya losses her sister which was her last living relative so she leaves her pack. She ends up in a small town where she find out she's being hunted and has to seek asylum with the bluff pack. The wolf hunting her makes it difficult for them to keep her safe, their community, and the nearby town. This ends in a cliff hanger and I'm so ready for more!
September 1, 2022
It was okay.
This last month I was really on a paranormal & shifter RH romance kick - I read a LOT of paranormal earlier in the year and needed a break from it, and was ready to dive back in this month.
That being said, because so many of these books use similar tropes, plot devices, and mythical creatures, it becomes easy to see which books come out on top.
This one was meh. A little forgettable and not my favorite.
Finished the first book and DNF'ed the second book.
Not bad but not enough to keep me going.
This last month I was really on a paranormal & shifter RH romance kick - I read a LOT of paranormal earlier in the year and needed a break from it, and was ready to dive back in this month.
That being said, because so many of these books use similar tropes, plot devices, and mythical creatures, it becomes easy to see which books come out on top.
This one was meh. A little forgettable and not my favorite.
Finished the first book and DNF'ed the second book.
Not bad but not enough to keep me going.
April 16, 2022
Absolutely loved this book, which is the first in a new trilogy by the ever-wonderful Jarica James. Vanya, our FMC, is a strong, independent wolf shifter who chooses to be exiled from her old pack, which leads her into the arms of our three love interests Nyx, Leven, and Callum. I must warn you that there is a massive cliff-hanger at the end of this novel, which has left me begging for more. Can’t wait for the next instalment!
July 29, 2022
Wow
We get to meet Vanya and her mates in this book. She comes from a pack that expects submission and thats just not something she can do. When her and her sister go out for her birthday and her sister is taken her alpha tells her not to follow when she does and gets shot. While she is out for days they tell her her sister is dead and excile her. This book has mystery you will need the next.
We get to meet Vanya and her mates in this book. She comes from a pack that expects submission and thats just not something she can do. When her and her sister go out for her birthday and her sister is taken her alpha tells her not to follow when she does and gets shot. While she is out for days they tell her her sister is dead and excile her. This book has mystery you will need the next.
August 15, 2022
Great start
A slightly different take on shifters and packs in this first of the Blood and Moonlight series, sees FMC Vanya running for her life and finding sanctuary with a pack of misfits, including three MMCs she claims as her own. Finding she has a stalker without any knowledge of why, they try to solve his motives only for her to disappear again. Magic, secrets, steamy hotness. TWs do apply. Solid 4 stars. Highly recommend.
A slightly different take on shifters and packs in this first of the Blood and Moonlight series, sees FMC Vanya running for her life and finding sanctuary with a pack of misfits, including three MMCs she claims as her own. Finding she has a stalker without any knowledge of why, they try to solve his motives only for her to disappear again. Magic, secrets, steamy hotness. TWs do apply. Solid 4 stars. Highly recommend.
April 17, 2022
Another great book!
I don’t think I’ve found a book from Jarica that i don’t like, she is one of my absolute favorite RH authors! I LOVE Vayna’s story, i was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this book and i am SO excited for others to finally to get read it as well! I’m excited for book two!
I don’t think I’ve found a book from Jarica that i don’t like, she is one of my absolute favorite RH authors! I LOVE Vayna’s story, i was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this book and i am SO excited for others to finally to get read it as well! I’m excited for book two!
April 23, 2022
An intriguing read, I like the strong heroine, the fact that there’s no « slut shaming » and that everyone is open minded about their love/sex lives, and the bad guy is very much stronger than everyone, which is refreshing compared to all the times things are resolved easily.
I will check out the next one, since this ended with a massive cliffhanger
I will check out the next one, since this ended with a massive cliffhanger
July 26, 2022
Pack Forsaken, the first book of the Blood and Moonlight series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). While I didn't find much wrong with this story, it was so similar to other books I've read, I didn't feel it offered anything new to the genre. Not bad, but I felt kinda lukewarm about trying a second book in this series.
August 24, 2022
This book is VERY interesting! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Vanya's strength and sass. There is a nice balance of superwoman and fragile survivor that is very believable.
I am also really enjoying the chemistry between Vanya and her guys.
I have a bad feeling that her previous alpha was not exactly the man she thinks he is. I cannot wait to continue this series.
I am also really enjoying the chemistry between Vanya and her guys.
I have a bad feeling that her previous alpha was not exactly the man she thinks he is. I cannot wait to continue this series.
December 11, 2022
3.5 stars
At first I was really into this book. It starts as a enemy to lovers type of story but the "enemy" part feels like it lasts one chapter and then she's hopping from bed to bed. There is bo build up, no getting to know you, they just start having sex. So for me the book moved too fast and rushed what could have been a great book.
At first I was really into this book. It starts as a enemy to lovers type of story but the "enemy" part feels like it lasts one chapter and then she's hopping from bed to bed. There is bo build up, no getting to know you, they just start having sex. So for me the book moved too fast and rushed what could have been a great book.
February 13, 2023
This book and series is amazing. A strong female character who knows pain more than most. Has to overcome many battles that stand in her way. Alpha a-holes who think they can force others to do what they want. There’s a whole lot of drama but some of holy hotness in this book and series. 10/10 recommend this book to all the paranormal why choose romance that has some kicka** drama along the way.
June 3, 2023
An okay book. Kept my interest, although I was beginning to stray. Insta lust, I'm more of a slow burn. The men she's attracted to seemed a bit random, but I did like them. I suppose her going to pick up her truck at the end was ridiculous but I guess it was needed to move the story forward. Hence only 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2022
James is just pumping out awesome stories! Pack Forsaken was a fantastic start to the series. I LOVE Vanya and her 3 guys. The storyline has me completely entranced and craving more. Plus there are some h-o-t steamy bits! I'll just be over here (im)patiently waiting for Pack Evaded!
April 17, 2022
Really Enjoyed
I really liked this book. It had a good plot, the emotions felt natural to what was going on. I loved the dif povs from all the characters. I can’t wait to find out what’s next!
I really liked this book. It had a good plot, the emotions felt natural to what was going on. I loved the dif povs from all the characters. I can’t wait to find out what’s next!
May 4, 2022
“I never thought when I set out on this journey that I’d end up finding a home… But it seemed the Gods were set on proving me wrong and I was here for it.”
I was in the mood for a really good shifter romance and picked up this gem the weekend it released. Pack Forsaken is the first book in the Blood and Moonlight series by Jarika James and follows Vanya as she choses to be a lone wolf after the death of his sister. However, Vanya’s foray into independence is short lived when she finds herself the obsession of a tracker set on abducting her. Having no other choice, she seeks asylum with a nearby wolf pack; a few of those wolves are happy to take Vanya in while one wolf in particular is set on making Vanya prove herself before gaining acceptance. This book was short for a RH (only 209 pages) so the storyline moves quickly but I enjoyed James bringing in some new elements to the typical shifter romance: pack trackers and wolves with magic. And a secret pleasure dom was also a nice surprise!
I was in the mood for a really good shifter romance and picked up this gem the weekend it released. Pack Forsaken is the first book in the Blood and Moonlight series by Jarika James and follows Vanya as she choses to be a lone wolf after the death of his sister. However, Vanya’s foray into independence is short lived when she finds herself the obsession of a tracker set on abducting her. Having no other choice, she seeks asylum with a nearby wolf pack; a few of those wolves are happy to take Vanya in while one wolf in particular is set on making Vanya prove herself before gaining acceptance. This book was short for a RH (only 209 pages) so the storyline moves quickly but I enjoyed James bringing in some new elements to the typical shifter romance: pack trackers and wolves with magic. And a secret pleasure dom was also a nice surprise!
May 11, 2022
Wow! Intriguing....
This book grabbed me from the start. Intriguing is just one word I'd use but really it's full of mystery and left me with a whole bunch of questions I can't wait to get the answers to. Loved the characters too.
This book grabbed me from the start. Intriguing is just one word I'd use but really it's full of mystery and left me with a whole bunch of questions I can't wait to get the answers to. Loved the characters too.
July 2, 2022
I actually really enjoyed this one and I'd be down for the cliff anger ending and the fact that the 3rd 1 is not out until August so I can't go and read the 2nd 1 because that 1 is probably also going to end in a cliffinger
August 31, 2022
Enjoyed this book! I love how Jarica James writes her FMCS, they are usually the perfect combo of good hearted with a good measure of “bad-assery”. This had such an intriguing story with the stalker wolf, who has so many non-wolfy powers. Read it in a few hours, just couldn’t put it down and cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
September 20, 2022
Not for me. The whole thing felt shallow and underdeveloped. Main characters' personalities change drastically with little explanation, and the relationships happen out of nowhere. Oh, and the big twist was obvious from the very beginning of the book.
October 1, 2022
This was a case of an exciting beginning, long boring middle, bad guy who is invincible, exciting again at 96%, then the story ends with no resolution.
At 65% I had completely lost interest and would have dnf'd I'd I hadn't just had a talk with myself about giving up on books.
At 65% I had completely lost interest and would have dnf'd I'd I hadn't just had a talk with myself about giving up on books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews