Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: By The Red Moonlight
SERIES: Moonlight Prophecies #1
AUTHOR: Amanda Meuwissen
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 221 Pages
RELEASE DATE: October 5, 2021
BLURB:
Alpha werewolf, crime boss, and secret Seer Bashir Bain is neck-deep in negotiating a marriage of convenience with a neighboring alpha when a tense situation goes from bad to worse. A job applicant at one of Bash’s businesses—a guy who was supposed to be a simple ex-cop, ex-con tattoo artist—suddenly turns up undead.
A rogue newborn vampire would have been a big wrench in Bash’s plans even without his attraction to the man. After all, new vampires are under their sire’s control, and Ethan Lambert doesn’t even know who turned him. When Bash spares his life, he opens himself up for mutiny, a broken engagement, and an unexpected—and risky—relationship.
Ethan just wants a fresh start after being released from prison. Before he can get it, he’ll need to turn private investigator to find out who sired him and what he wants. And he’d better do it quick, because the moon is full, and according to Bash’s prophecy, life and death hang in the balance.
REVIEW:
For Bash, finding a newborn vampire on Halloween confirmed a prophecy – one that unnerved him and his pack. After all, according to everyone except vampires, they were vermin to be slaughtered on sight. As it turned out, the development gave Bash, his pack, and newborn vampire, Ethan, a mystery to solve. Who was Ethan’s sire? Why change him and leave him? Was there a purpose to him being changed? What was the end game? Regardless of the goal, the attraction between Ethan and Bash is palpable – and somewhat inconvenient, considering Bash was entering into a political marriage with a neighboring pack.
I have enjoyed the lion’s share of this author’s books, and this one is no different. Bash is your typical controlled, handsome, pack leader with a few extra abilities. However, Ethan isn’t your everyday vampire – he retains much of his humanity alongside his abilities. As such, Ethan is adorable and, for me, makes the story.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Ethan and Bash. Technically, a couple of areas made me pause regarding past or present tense, but they’re easily passed by unless you’re looking for them.
Amanda Meuwissen’s style of writing gives just the right amount of worldbuilding for my taste. There’s enough to form a picture in my mind without going into minute detail. As for the wider cast members – they are a motley crew of personalities, each with gifts. One worth a shoutout is Deanna. She is Bash’s beta and is crude, upfront, blunt, and beyond loyal.
As a former CSI technician – in his new state, Ethan is like a puppy in training, educated and endlessly curious – a factor that occasionally gets him into trouble. Given pack dynamics, actions, instructions, and a few other bits’n’bobs, a couple of story moments had me raising an eyebrow, hoping for more explanation than was given.
Other than the adorable Ethan, another wonderful aspect of this tale is that it is a story of inclusion; trust and keeping an open mind can lead to unique relationships and something different yet no less extraordinary.
RATING: 
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