Under the Moon (Goddesses Rising #1) by Natalie J. Damschroder

Dec 05, 2011 Sarah (Workaday Reads) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

This is a very steamy, not quite erotic, book. Sex plays a large part of Quinn's life, and with two hot men in it, there is plenty of sexual tension. At points this aspect seemed to overtake the actual storyline, you know, the one mentioned in the summary.

Speaking of the summary, it focussed on the goddess aspect of the storyline. I felt that there was a lot left undeveloped when it came to the goddesses and their power. Maybe not undeveloped, but certainly unexplored. I wanted more details abou...more

4 likes · like · see review

Dec 13, 2011 Lissette rated it 5 of 5 stars

Quinn Caldwell has always enjoyed running the Under The Moon bar she'd inherited from her parents when they unexpectedly died several years ago. Yet hers is not the usual bar normal people would patron. You see, she's a goddess - one who's affinity is tied to the moon. The bar is a haven for goddesses and their protectorates whenever they're in the area.

In addition to the bar, she runs a consulting business who's sole purpose is to help out women who find themselves in a bit of a bind and are in...more Quinn Caldwell has always enjoyed running the Under The Moon bar she'd inherited from her parents when they unexpectedly died several years ago. Yet hers is not the usual bar normal people would patron. You see, she's a goddess - one who's affinity is tied to the moon. The bar is a haven for goddesses and their protectorates whenever they're in the area.

In addition to the bar, she runs a consulting business who's sole purpose is to help out women who find themselves in a bit of a bind and are in need of a helping hand. She's spent quite a bit of time establishing her business and asserting herself as the goddess she is, living openly amongst the human world. Yet never once did she imagine it would have consequences.

When her protectorate, Nick Jarrett, shows up on her doorstep with no clear explanation and ahead of schedule, she tries to make sense of the situation. Her apprehension grows further still when he explains that there's someone draining goddesses of their powers and that she may be a target.

Banding together with her assistant, Sam, the three try to grasp the enormity of the situation while trying to keep themselves safe from harm. As they embark on a quest for answers, Quinn soon discovers she now has further familial ties that bind. Ties that have been kept from her from the very beginning as she realizes there's more to the Society than meets the eye.

Battling her attraction for Nick while trying to keep Sam at arms length, Quinn knows it's only a matter of time before she gives in to the demands inside of herself. She uses every ounce of her willpower to keep her urges at bay while hating the fact that she can't give in to what her body wants.

As the trio dodges danger at every turn, they know it's only a matter of time before the leech finds exactly what he's looking for. Intent on thwarting his every step, they refuse to allow another goddess to be hurt in the process. Survival is the key in staying one step ahead in hopes of bringing down the man whose main goal is to destroy each and every goddess he comes across.

This book was an awesome read. I was hooked from the moment I started reading. The feelings running rampant between Nick, Sam, and Quinn was palpable with every turn of the page. There were quite a few twists and very unexpected turns that lent even more flame to the fire already burning between the trio.

Natalie did a brilliant job in establishing each character and the world they live in. The lore behind goddesses walking amongst us and gods being practically extinct was quite interesting. Enjoyed it immensely. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series soon. Truly recommend it.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 31, 2013 Jacob Proffitt rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, steamy

There are a lot of reasons and ways to like a book. Two important elements, for me, are the characters and the world they inhabit. The world of this book—mainly the whole "goddess" bit—is jarringly weak. The rules governing supernatural power are... arbitrary (to say the least), and giving the main character "moon lust" from using her power (but not other goddess when they use their power) was pretty hokey.

This weakness extends to the "Goddess Society"—the organization governing those with super...more There are a lot of reasons and ways to like a book. Two important elements, for me, are the characters and the world they inhabit. The world of this book—mainly the whole "goddess" bit—is jarringly weak. The rules governing supernatural power are... arbitrary (to say the least), and giving the main character "moon lust" from using her power (but not other goddess when they use their power) was pretty hokey.

This weakness extends to the "Goddess Society"—the organization governing those with supernatural ability. Look, power corrupts and committees are, at best, inefficient (and at worst nests of backbiting and political intrigue). In the book, the Society is kept kind of vague while Quinn thrashes around trying to figure out what is happening. And what hints we do see (particularly at the end) don't hang together very well. Are they a villainous secret society with wide-ranging (or official) powers over life and death? Are they struggling to maintain order with a disparate membership provoking tough choices and requiring a sometimes-firm hand? Or are they merely an incompetent communication forum for women with power to network? By the end, I still couldn't say.

Usually, this level of discontent with the setup of the novel would have left me cold enough I'd not have finished the book. Fortunately for my engagement with the book, I really liked Quinn and her relationships with the men in her life. Sam was a sweetie that you just couldn't help feel for (because of his unrequited love for Quinn) even as you understood exactly why it was that Quinn couldn't give him what he needed. Damschroder pulled off an incredibly difficult balancing act, here, by giving us enough to really like Sam while still understanding why he just wasn't the guy for Quinn (and without making me hate her as a result). And Nick! A leather-jacket-wearing hard-boy with a reputation for violence and a protective instinct hard-wired into his personality is just impossible to resist. Who wouldn't fall in love with that guy?!? The triangle-that-wasn't was completely awesome to watch unfold. Quinn is torn between what she really wants (uh, Nick, of course, full-time) and depriving other goddesses of his superior protection (because most of the time she's powerful enough that she doesn't really need his help). Since Quinn's base of operations is distant from any other goddess', this poses a real dilemma—or, at least, real enough for me to buy the tension between Quinn's desire for a relationship and her desire for what she perceives to be the greater good.

So yeah, I liked the book well-enough, even though I can only really give it two stars. It was "Okay" in the sense that the truly awful setup (and I acknowledge that personal taste is at play in that evaluation) was offset by a fun relationship dynamic that tugged at my heart—and I don't just mean having a crush on Nick...

A note on Steamy: There are a couple scenes of graphic sex. They weren't overwhelming to the story, or anything, and they fit very well into the context of both the world and the relationship dynamics. Also, they were pretty good...(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Mar 11, 2012 Marcia rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: misc-urban-fantasy

I'm not sure this book really deserves a 2 rating, but since there's no 2 1/2, that's what I'll give it. I found it very derivative, and pretty boring in places, though I kind of liked one of the characters a little bit. The so-called moonlust angle is ridiculous. The only way THIS goddess can recharge her batteries is to have wild & crazy (& graphically described) sex? Seemed utterly silly to me. Just an excuse to write a few overly detailed scenes that did nothing to further the plot n...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 04, 2012 Stormi (Lightning Book Promotions) rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I found it to be enjoyable. I will be reading the next book in this series.

I haven't read to many books about Goddesses but the ones I have read have been pretty interesting. This one is a bit steamier than any of the other books I have encountered with Goddesses in them. Quinn is a Goddess and her powers always have her craving sex. Quinn, has a friend Sam that she would use to recharge her powers, now she has decided not to use him any mor...more This is the first book I have read by this author, and I found it to be enjoyable. I will be reading the next book in this series.

I haven't read to many books about Goddesses but the ones I have read have been pretty interesting. This one is a bit steamier than any of the other books I have encountered with Goddesses in them. Quinn is a Goddess and her powers always have her craving sex. Quinn, has a friend Sam that she would use to recharge her powers, now she has decided not to use him any more. She feels its not fair to lead him on in this way, as she is not in love with him, she is in love with Nick, her protector, though Nick will not get involved with her.

Personal feelings are put to the side as the two men must protect Quinn from a leech, someone who is going around stealing Goddess powers. The council will not tell them anything as they think somehow Quinn is involved because of a family member, but Quinn doesn't even know of any family members. There is someone trying to tell everyone that Nick has gone Rogue, and nobody will give them any real answers.

Quinn, was an interesting character, but she wasn't my favorite character. She was strong, but I just didn't like her that much. I guess its probably because I liked Sam and didn't like the way she had treated him as an object for sex when she needed it. She messed with his feelings even though she didn't mean too. Even though she was doing her best to not cave into her cravings because she realized she wasn't being fair, you could already tell it had took its toll on Sam.

Nick has that sexy bad boy image going on with the motorcycle and protectorate attitude, so you can't help but like him a little. He would do about anything to protect Quinn, and hung around a lot more than he probably needed. He has other charges to take care of but something always pulled him Quinn's way.

Normally I like the bad boy image guys but this time I fell for the nice guy. Sam was my favorite character, he was sweet and protective. He fell in love with Quinn even though he knew she didn't feel the same way about him. He put aside his disdain for Nick to help protect her from the leech that was out to get her powers. I do hope he gets a girl of his own in the next book in the series, as he deserves one.

My only draw back with this book is I have never really been a fan of a sex driven storyline especially when I feel that sometimes it takes over the whole story. Over all I thought it was a interesting novel and I liked it enough to continue with the series. If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy then I would recommend you give it a try.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 12, 2012 Tahlia Newland rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

‘Under the Moon’ is a terrific story, tight and well written, about a goddess, her assistant (and ex lover), her sexy protector and their efforts to stop a man who is on his way to steal Quinn’s power.

In the world of ‘Under the Moon’, goddesses live amongst us, using their power to help people, but when an unknown goddess gives some of her power to a man, he becomes addicted to it and becomes a leech, one who preys on goddesses and drains their power. The first two goddesses he leeches are Quinn...more ‘Under the Moon’ is a terrific story, tight and well written, about a goddess, her assistant (and ex lover), her sexy protector and their efforts to stop a man who is on his way to steal Quinn’s power.

In the world of ‘Under the Moon’, goddesses live amongst us, using their power to help people, but when an unknown goddess gives some of her power to a man, he becomes addicted to it and becomes a leech, one who preys on goddesses and drains their power. The first two goddesses he leeches are Quinn’s friends and when Quinn tries to find out what’s going on, the society of goddesses shuts her out of the loop with a vague reference to family ties being too strong.

Quinn has two gorgeous men who care about her. First is Sam, her business assistant who wants a relationship with her that she can’t give. They’ve had sex for years because it replenishes Quinn’s power, but Quinn has broken it off, denying her need for sex so he can find the kind of relationship he wants with someone else. It takes most of the book for Sam to come to terms with that, but along the way, he never stops being a wonderful friend.

Then there’s Nick, a protector assigned to her by the Goddess Protectorate. He’s only around when her power is at its weakest – it relies on the phases of the moon – and he refuses to have the intimate relationship with her that she wants, because it would compromise his role as her protector. The sexual tension between them is as thick as butter and the relationship between the two men is delightful.

The story takes the threesome to various places, into several close escapes from death, revelations about Quinn’s family and inevitably to a deadly battle with the leech. During this time it becomes apparent that Nick’s feelings for Quinn are more what she wants than he’s willing to let on. The story builds to a sizzling climax (literally) and a very satisfying conclusion. I loved this book, give it 5 stars and recommend it for all lovers of urban fantasy and romance.
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 06, 2011 Donna (BLHmistress) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Goddesses among us well that definitely caught my attention, and I knew I just had to read more. Being a fan of all kinds of mythology, I thought that is what I would be reading about. I was pleasantly wrong and enjoyed this book tremendously.

What I found unique about it was the goddesses and how normal they were set apart from the source where their powers come from. I loved that how these women used their their gifts for the good and the fact gods were now exempt and didn't exist anymore, whic...more

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 02, 2011 Lucy Felthouse rated it 4 of 5 stars

Under the Moon is an urban fantasy romance novel. It tells the story of Quinn Caldwell, a goddess who draws her power from the moon - a skill that's incredibly useful when the moon is full, but leaves her utterly powerless when there's a new moon. Enter Nick Jarrett, professional goddess protector. He comes into Quinn's life once a month for a few days and looks after her when she's at her most vulnerable, and has done so successfully for the last fifteen years. Sounds like the perfect working r...more Under the Moon is an urban fantasy romance novel. It tells the story of Quinn Caldwell, a goddess who draws her power from the moon - a skill that's incredibly useful when the moon is full, but leaves her utterly powerless when there's a new moon. Enter Nick Jarrett, professional goddess protector. He comes into Quinn's life once a month for a few days and looks after her when she's at her most vulnerable, and has done so successfully for the last fifteen years. Sounds like the perfect working relationship, huh? Sadly not, for Quinn has been madly in love with Nick for most of the time she's known him, and she's fairly certain he feels the same. Their circumstances mean that if Nick's bosses knew there was something between them, they'd remove him as her protector and she'd never see him again. So they must deny their hearts, and make the most of what they have.

However, what they do have is suddenly put at stake when Nick turns up at Quinn's bar unexpectedly with some shocking news. Things quickly go from bad to worse as Quinn and her friends fight to find out who's draining goddesses of their power, before anyone else gets hurt. Throw in a rogue, some unknown family ties and a hostile Council and Quinn is in for one hell of a rough ride. Will she and the people she cares about the most emerge unscathed?

Wow, Under the Moon is a great book. It grabs you at the beginning and doesn't let go until the very last page. The action is non-stop, the plot is full of twists and the tension is palpable. I also liked the fact that, although there are quite a few characters in the book, they were given enough time and backstory for you to grasp who they were before the story carried on, meaning you genuinely cared about them and what would happen.

I don't want to give anything away about what happens, but let's just say there are several parts of the story that will have you on the edge of your seat, and constantly rooting for Quinn. So if you're a fan of urban fantasy, then this is one book I'd recommend you add to your to be read list. I'll definitely be looking out for more from Natalie.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 11, 2012 Ruth rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads, paperback, won

I won this book Under the Moon and just finished reading it. I enjoyed the mystery of trying to find out who created the person draining goddesses of their power and why it all seems to center around Quinn. Quinn is just your normal goddess. She runs a bar with her assistant Sam and uses her goddess power to help people in their lives. When her protector Nick calls say he will be early for his normal visit Quinn begins to worry. Once Nick gets there he tells Quinn and Sam about the problem that...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 15, 2012 Vicky rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

This is an urban fantasy romance novel with steamy, but not erotic scenes. The main character is Quinn Caldwell, a goddess who draws her power from the moon. This is great when the moon is full, but not so good when there's a new moon. It also cause her to be extremely needy sexually at certain times of the month, an interesting problem for the men in her life - and there is more than one. Nick Jarrett is a goddess protector. He shows up once a month for the week when she is at her most vulnerab...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 16, 2011 Cocktails and Books rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour, paranormal

Quinn Caldwell runs a bar, Under the Moon, uses her goddess powers to help others, serves as secretary on the board for the governing body of goddesses, loves her assistant Sam and is in love with her protector Nick. Her life is about to become a lot more complicated when a leech starts stealing goddesses powers and seems hell bent on getting Quinn's.

Nick, Sam and Quinn start their own investigation into the leech and discover that the person responsible for this problem could be a member of Qu...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 12, 2012 Dahlia (yadkny) rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Urban Fantasy Lovers

“Goddess wasn’t only a job description – it was a state of being.”

And for Quinn Caldwell the power of the moon holds much influence over her state being. For one week every month she needs to be “recharged” and sex is the only way to overpower the moon lust she experiences. However, Quinn is tired of having to use people, especially Sam her assistant, to keep her energy levels up, so that she can continue helping others and running her bar. Sam would give her everything, but Quinn doesn't feel...more “Goddess wasn’t only a job description – it was a state of being.”

And for Quinn Caldwell the power of the moon holds much influence over her state being. For one week every month she needs to be “recharged” and sex is the only way to overpower the moon lust she experiences. However, Quinn is tired of having to use people, especially Sam her assistant, to keep her energy levels up, so that she can continue helping others and running her bar. Sam would give her everything, but Quinn doesn't feel the same way and she must face the emotional turmoil of setting him free to find what he deserves.

Just when she thought that the inevitable loneliness of her life would be the worst part of her day, Quinn gets word that the one man she's longed for is on his way back to her. Unfortunately, Nick isn't back for her or at least not exactly. As a protector, Nick's responsibility has always come first and now that a “leech” is on the loose and threatening the goddesses, any thought of a romantic reunion is impossible. Now on the run, Quinn must uncover the identity of the “leech” and stop him before another goddess is leeched, but his next victim just might be her.

In a story where “moon lust” and the need to “recharge” are part of the issues the heroine experiences, I was expecting much of the storyline to focus around the issue of sex. Surprisingly, the plot is not blanketed in sex scenes, but instead lots of tension over unrequited feelings. The two sex scenes we are given are functional for part of there purpose, but not as passionately explosive as expected considering the characters’ history together. On this front, I can definitely say I wanted more, but at the same time, I am appreciative that sex isn’t the focal point of the story.

The plotline continuously moves and the characters are hardly stagnant with plenty of expressive dialogue. The main characters are very well fleshed out, but they apologize to each other much too often. Seems like a weird thing to point out and yet it came to my attention and was a bit annoying. I love a strong heroine and I think Quinn's got it and I hope in the next story she really owns it. I am curious to see where the next in the series is headed as lots of things have changed in Quinn's personal and professional life by the end of the book. I am definitely coming back for more of this intriguing story with engaging characters.

Review soon-to-be posted @ Night Owl Reviews(less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 29, 2011 Crystal ♥ RBtWBC rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: request-blog-tour

Quinn Caldwell is a goddess that derives her power from the moon, which makes her incredibly powerful…except when there is a new moon. During this time she is powerless and vulnerable, which is when her protector, Nick Jarrett, arrives. Quinn has been in love with Nick for the last fifteen years but since his rejection all those years ago she knows she must hide her feelings and accept that friendship is all she’ll ever have from him. Trying to move forward with her life and fulfill some sensual...more Quinn Caldwell is a goddess that derives her power from the moon, which makes her incredibly powerful…except when there is a new moon. During this time she is powerless and vulnerable, which is when her protector, Nick Jarrett, arrives. Quinn has been in love with Nick for the last fifteen years but since his rejection all those years ago she knows she must hide her feelings and accept that friendship is all she’ll ever have from him. Trying to move forward with her life and fulfill some sensual full moon needs, Quinn and her assistant Sam get close but she knows that he will never have her heart the way Nick does and can’t hold him back from finding someone to truly love him anymore. When a leech is revealed who threatens those Quinn holds dear, and even herself, the trio must team up to stop this nefarious villain from draining anymore Goddesses and uncover which Goddess gave him his powers to begin with. With a scheming council, a rogue, and some surprising family ties it’s sure to be a bumpy journey. Will the trio make it out intact, or will one or all of them be forever changed?

Under the Moon was an enjoyable read with a fast-moving plot full of suspense and sexual tension. The story reminded me a bit of Rachel Caine’s Weather Warden series, the way it was set up and with two potential suitors and one kick-ass heroine trying her damndest to save the world, and you know from the beginning that one is the only guy for the leading lady. And Quinn was a great leading lady, strong but still obtaining emotional depth. She tries to do right by both Nick and Sam, as well as trying to save other Goddesses when she believes the council isn’t doing enough, putting herself at risk for losing her own powers in the process. Nick was sexy and domineering in that alpha sort of way, the kind of hero that any heroine would swoon over. His and Quinn’s dialogues and scenes were bursting with sexual need, nudging you right to the edge and leaving you grasping until the very last moment. Sam played the nice guy that you hope for the best with but know it will never happen, and then by the end you can’t help but desire a HEA for him too one day. I’m glad he’ll be getting his story next! A good amount of action will keep your turning the pages as well. Overall, Under the Moon was a good read that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy with a touch steamy.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 09, 2012 Maniai rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: magic, urban-para-supe, para-rom

The copy of Under the Moon I am reviewing is a NetGalley copy, so some issues may be resolved in the final edition.

I waffled between 3 and 4 stars for this book. On the grading system, I'll still waffle between a C+ and a B-. Maybe I'm feeling generous because my first book of 2012 was a DNF and I was just pleased I could actually make it to the end of this one. Either way, it was definitely readable, but had a few possible issues.

Quinn is a "goddess." Note quotation marks and lowercase-g. In t...more The copy of Under the Moon I am reviewing is a NetGalley copy, so some issues may be resolved in the final edition.

I waffled between 3 and 4 stars for this book. On the grading system, I'll still waffle between a C+ and a B-. Maybe I'm feeling generous because my first book of 2012 was a DNF and I was just pleased I could actually make it to the end of this one. Either way, it was definitely readable, but had a few possible issues.

Quinn is a "goddess." Note quotation marks and lowercase-g. In this storyverse, there are women called 'goddesses,' who are born with magical powers. Said magical powers don't really reveal themselves until the woman is 21. Then they're focused on something - some goddesses get their power from the ocean, some from the wind, fire, crystals, etc. Quinn gets her power from the moon. Well, the full moon. Which is problematic in that when the moon wanes, she becomes "normal." Oh, and also, she has to have sex to recharge her batteries or the moon powers drain her more, or something like that.

The problem I had with this setup is that, despite the little brochure-excerpts placed at the beginning of each chapter, the whole 'goddess' thing seemed kind of loosey goosey. I am NOT a reader who's big on tons of backstory or logistics. Yet I felt like this story needed some of that to tighten things up. Also, the entire "goddess" thing felt a little ridiculous and pretentious. Maybe that was intentional, though. I never saw anything that struck me as mythic or deity-like, and I found myself annoyed that they're calling themselves goddesses when they're really just witches. I know - that's probably a little ridiculous on my part, too, but I couldn't shake it off.

As the story went along, I also started to get a tiny bit of a marysue vibe from Quinn. At the story's end, with her newly acquired super-powers, that feeling really increased. This might actually be due to the fact that the whole story was 3rd person narrative but only from Quinn's POV. I totally respect that, but combined with the loose plot feeling, I just wasn't sure.

However, it's definitely a readable story. I usually like a little more romance, but all of the action in Under the Moon kept me reading and was paced really well. The romantic resolution felt a little bit rushed at the end, but not enough to really detract from things.

I think maybe the problem I'm having with grading this book is that it can't seem to decide if it's going to be a paranormal romance, or an urban-paranormal with romantic elements. I think Ms. Damschroder is clearly a competent enough writer with a good idea here, that it would be fine either way. But maybe that uncertainty is what led to the feeling that Under the Moon needed a little bit more tightening up.

Still, I'd recommend it based on the pacing and action alone. I'll be interested in the rest of the series.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 14, 2011 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4*s

Under the Moon is a really good urban fantasy/Paranormal romance that features goddesses, women who come into their power at 21. They have certain gifts/skills and areas of expertise and usually use this to enhance others’ lives. They are governed by a Society on which Quinn Caldwell is on the board and privy to certain procedures, meetings and decision making for the good of the other goddesses. She also manages a bar called Under the Moon with her faithful assistant/long term friend/need fu...more 4*s

Under the Moon is a really good urban fantasy/Paranormal romance that features goddesses, women who come into their power at 21. They have certain gifts/skills and areas of expertise and usually use this to enhance others’ lives. They are governed by a Society on which Quinn Caldwell is on the board and privy to certain procedures, meetings and decision making for the good of the other goddesses. She also manages a bar called Under the Moon with her faithful assistant/long term friend/need fulfiller Sam, alongside her goddess obligations. Every month her powers wane and she is left with none in the week leading up to a full moon so during this time she is assigned her own protector Nick Jarrett. After a disturbing phone call from Nick saying he was arriving early, some complications in her ‘relationship’ with Sam and a strange email informing her that Nick has ‘gone rogue’ Quinn’s day just keeps getting stranger, but it’s about to get worse because when Nick turns up he informs her that there is a leech on the run and sucking the powers from goddesses and she could very well be next on his list. Trying to find out what’s going on she gets in touch with the Society only to find out she is being shunned which only makes her more determined to get to the bottom of this mess, add to that a couple of secrets, her growing libido and years long attraction to Nick and she’s in for one hell of a ride.
I really enjoyed this, it was nice to read something different and I thought the take on goddesses to be really good and refreshing from the norm. The action was good and paced throughout the book with the threat to her ever present running alongside a simmering sexual tension between the characters that got my heart pounding in all the right places and created some incredibly sweet and super-hot moments. The characters were all likeable, Quinn, Nick and Sam especially and I found myself routing for them and totally immersed in what they were going through. I really like these type of books and find them so easy to read and I’m glad that this is just the first in a series, I like the world that the author has created and look forward to reading more.
(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 14, 2011 Tarran rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Quinn Caldwell is the epitome of a modern goddess. Her power source is the moon, her abilities restricted only by physical resources and lunar phase. She runs a consulting business and her father's bar, serves on the board of the ancient Society for Goddess Education and Defense, and yearns for Nick Jarrett, professional goddess protector and the soul mate she can never have.

I quite liked the idea for this series. Instead of being called witches, women of power are called Goddesses. Each Godde...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 16, 2012 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

TLDR Recap

Quinn Caldwell is your average, everyday woman- aside from the fact that she’s a goddess who draws power from the moon, of course. When a leech begins stealing powers from goddesses around the country, Quinn sets out to find the culprit with her assistant, Sam, and her sexy protectorate, Nick. But will Quinn be able to stop whoever it is before they gain too much power? And could Quinn be the leech’s next target? Under the Moon is a GraveTells recommended read!

Title: Under the Moon
Ser...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 21, 2013 Nicola rated it 3 of 5 stars

A Quickie Review:

This book held my attention but it wasn't something I couldn't put down.

I liked the main characters and I liked the dynamic between them. I really liked how the author could have a quasi love triangle and resolve it without making you dissatisfied.

I liked the overall story BUT the world the book was set in was really underdeveloped and, in my opinion, it really weakened the story.

On the other hand, I think if the author had bulked up the story with more background detail on the...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 13, 2012 Samantha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:

"Quinn Caldwell is the epitome of a modern goddess. Her power source is the moon, her abilities restricted only by physical resources and lunar phase. She runs a consulting business and her father's bar, serves on the board of the ancient Society for Goddess Education and Defense, and yearns for Nick Jarrett, professional goddess protector and the soul mate she can never have.

But someone has developed the rare and difficult ability to drain a goddess of her powers, and Qui...more Summary from Goodreads:

"Quinn Caldwell is the epitome of a modern goddess. Her power source is the moon, her abilities restricted only by physical resources and lunar phase. She runs a consulting business and her father's bar, serves on the board of the ancient Society for Goddess Education and Defense, and yearns for Nick Jarrett, professional goddess protector and the soul mate she can never have.

But someone has developed the rare and difficult ability to drain a goddess of her powers, and Quinn is a target. With the world thinking Nick has gone rogue (whatever that means) and that Quinn is influenced by "family ties" she didn't know she had, keeping themselves safe while working to find the enemy proves harder each day."

My Thoughts:

Under the Moon is the beginning to a new paranormal romance series featuring goddesses and their protectors. Quinn is a goddess who derives her powers and abilities from the moon. It gives her great abilities during the full moon when her powers are the strongest and leaves her almost completely normal afterwards. I found this to be an interesting concept as it left Quinn very vulnerable at times. One of the things that was really unique about this book was the idea of goddesses and the fact that the goddesses got their powers from different things. Rain, oceans, and crystals were just some of the things that the different goddesses used to enhance their abilities. The book itself was very interesting as Quinn finds herself caught up in a mystery where her fellow goddesses are being drained of their powers. She soon comes to realize that the "leech" has something to do with her and the family that she knows little about. This made for an interesting storyline, and I found myself immersed in the mystery that was surrounding Quinn. Plus, there was a nice little chemistry going on between Nick and Quinn that really added to the book in my opinion. The only problem that I had was that I think I expected a little more focus on the romance. Instead, I found the book to be more plot oriented which worked out fine in the end once I adjusted my expectations. I also didn't entirely care for the triangle that was present between Sam, Quinn, and Nick. But I have a feeling that Sam may show up in later books which would be a good thing :)

All in all, I found this to be a good read with lots of potential! I'm looking forward to reading more in this series in the future. This was my first read on my Kindle Fire and it was a great experience (although I do think I will always prefer an actual book). Recommended to fans of paranormal romance!

Bottom Line: An interesting beginning to a new series....

Disclosure: I read this book on my Kindle courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 26, 2011 Traci rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-arcs

I was a bit apprehensive at reading this book at first but now I'm glad I did. The goddess concept is starting to trickle into literature now but it hasn't really taken off. I think it's such a hard thing to do correctly to turn it into a great read. However, I'm very happy I read this. It was such a great book.

There were a few concepts that were a little strange to me, but otherwise, I think the aspect of women having goddess powers and being able to do supernatural things was amazing. The thin...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 12, 2012 Stacy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

I have to start out by saying that the cover of UNDER THE MOON does NOT in any way match the story. There is not one motorcycle/motorcycle rider in the whole book and I just don't get why they have someone on one on the cover. Makes no sense.

UNDER THE MOON was a page turner with some nice twist and turns. Quinn was easy to like and the supporting characters brought a great cast to the story. Sam, Quinn's assistant is in love with Quinn and she keeps him at arms length because she is in love with...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 02, 2012 Tracy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy-romance, netgalley, arc

Couldn't Quite Connect to This One
Moon Goddess Quinn Caldwell is feeling the strain of managing her bar and doing her goddess consultations while holding off on using her very willing best friend Sam to enhance her power. He's in love with her, and as much as she loves him, she just can't return his feelings. Her heart is otherwise occupied on her own hopeless love interest. Still, having sex with Sam during the full moon just doesn't seem right any more. It's holding him back from finding real...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 31, 2012 Lady Lioness rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: saw-in-romance-sells, genre-paranormal-romance, read-december-2012, subgenre-magic

I really liked the concept here, but the execution wasn't there. I honestly had no idea if she was going to end up with Sam or Nick and that bothered me. In addition, the book was very action-focused and we spent so much time moving from event to event, we never got to have a quiet moment with any of the characters. Things got a bit convoluted at times as I tried to keep track of who was a bad guy and who wasn't.

There's something about Damschroder's work, though. This is the second book I've re...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 21, 2011 Niina rated it 4 of 5 stars

The plot was very interesting, when goddesses come to their powers at 21 they have a source of power be it flower water or rain or in Quinn's case the Moon. Suddenly two goddesses turn up drained of power, and her protector when the moon is new is coming to her weeks too early to protect her. Together they start to find out what happened to the goddesses even though her help is not wanted because of her family-ties, she knows they aren't talking about her adopted family so Quinn sets out to find...more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 19, 2012 Berenice rated it 4 of 5 stars

Quin Caldwell is one of the hundred goddesses that live in the United States, and like many she uses her powers to help others. You can usually find her in the bar Under the moon that was given to her when her father died.
Like all goddesses she has an element she draws energy from, hers is the moon, which makes her vulnerable under the new moon, that's why she gets Nick Jarrett around that time, he is the protector in charge of her and other goddesses.
Quin's like to think of her life as normal,...more Quin Caldwell is one of the hundred goddesses that live in the United States, and like many she uses her powers to help others. You can usually find her in the bar Under the moon that was given to her when her father died.
Like all goddesses she has an element she draws energy from, hers is the moon, which makes her vulnerable under the new moon, that's why she gets Nick Jarrett around that time, he is the protector in charge of her and other goddesses.
Quin's like to think of her life as normal, she is a part of the goddesses society, she works for a living both in her bar and as a consultant goddess, to help her balance it all she has Sam, her trusty assistant and a guy who has a major crush on Quin.
One day Nick calls saying he is coming earlier to protect Quin, it turns out that the goddesses greatest treat has come true, a leech has been made and he is out there stealing the powers of the goddesses. Nick feels like its only a matter of time before he comes and gets Quin. With the goddesses society acting weird with Quin; Sam, Nick and Quin start to dig on their own and get sucked into a world of trouble.

Quin, Sam and Nick are great characters that are interesting and fun to read, and this is the kind of story that if you are like me, you will enjoy it more in its physical format a.k.a. paperback, why? It's because it has those exciting moments when you are given another twist in the plot or something big happens or there is a mystery added to what we know or we thought we knew.
In my case I have little quirks that when the momentum of the story changes or when the story speeds up and this book has a bit of those. I know, would have made this book even greater for me if I had read it in its physical form.
The only problem really was that Quin has certain needs as a consequence of using her power, she needs sex and her thinking about those needs sidetracks us from the story from time to time, which I'm not a fan off. The story doesn't really turn erotic, but it is rather steamy, so yeah I would still recommend this book for adults only.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Feb 29, 2012 Daisy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

When I read the summary of this book I was really intrigued by the idea of modern goddesses and all the different ways in which power like that could exist in modern day society. So I was a bit disappointed when there wasn't much explained and/or shown about this in the book itself.

I'm probably going to come off negative in this review, but let me assure you that the book wasn't bad, it was just different from what I had expected. And right at the beginning it made me go REALLY?? at one of the...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 13, 2013 Kari rated it 4 of 5 stars

so when you are sick you can read at an alarming rate. ;-)
Under the Moon introduces the reader to the idea of goddesses living among us normal mortals. not goddesses as in Aphrodite or Hera, more like very talented witches with specific powers. it was an interesting and intriguing read. not life changing fiction but a fun little read none the less. part romance part mythical it is a great beach read, or in my case a sick in bed read.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 12, 2013 Kit Fry rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

After trying to get through A Discovery of Witches, I found this one to be very refreshing. Interesting plot. Definitely entertaining. It's a pleasant read that is making me look forward to the next in the series, though I'm not blown away.

1 like · like · see review

Feb 03, 2012 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received this book as a e-ARC from NetGalley.
I really loved this book! I became invested in the characters very quickly and when something huge (no spoilers) happens to one of the main characters fairly early on I simply refused to stop reading until I found out how it turned out!
I really liked the premise of the book and loved that it was based around goddesses instead of vampires,witches,zombies etc.

Can't wait until the next one in the series comes out!

1 like · like · see review

Jan 10, 2013 Tenisha rated it 3 of 5 stars

The overall storyline was great. The beginning was very slow and boring, I even skipped pages to get to the action.

1 like · like · see review

title link	preview: Under the Moon
avg rating	preview: Under the Moon Goodreads rating: 3.71 (85 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12645849-under-the-moon?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1346095654l/12645849.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12645849-under-the-moon?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Under the Moon by Natalie J. Damschroder[/url]

Under the Moon (Goddesses Rising #1)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (4)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Natalie J. Damschroder

Books by Natalie J. Damschroder

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Under the Moon