Blood Moons (The Blood Series, #1)

May 04, 2012 Fiction Fool rated it 3 of 5 stars

Rating: (♥ ♥ ♥)

Tristan looked at her and his eyes flickered. "I don't know up from down. No, that's not ... I don't care which way is up. I look at you and .. God, I can see your pulse throbbing in your neck. I can hear your heart beating faster. I could track you anywhere by just your scent. And you have no idea what that does to me"

Dara blinked. Or tried to, anyway. She watched his chest rise and fall; he breathed as if he'd just run a mile, and the growling noises that rumbled from his chest

...more Rating: (♥ ♥ ♥)

Tristan looked at her and his eyes flickered. "I don't know up from down. No, that's not ... I don't care which way is up. I look at you and .. God, I can see your pulse throbbing in your neck. I can hear your heart beating faster. I could track you anywhere by just your scent. And you have no idea what that does to me"

Dara blinked. Or tried to, anyway. She watched his chest rise and fall; he breathed as if he'd just run a mile, and the growling noises that rumbled from his chest made her shiver. She was mesmerized both by what she saw, by what he told her, and all she could come up with as a response was an inane, "I smell?"

Blood Moons is the debut novel for Ms. Alainne Donnelly and the first SciFi/paranormal romance book I've read, I think. It's set in the future where Earth is no longer the lone planet that humans inhabit. In fact, there are prison planets with the sole purpose of housing criminals. New Alaska is the prison planet that the main character Dara Frost is sent to after being sentenced for a murder that she didn't commit. A telepath, with little control over her abilities; Dara witnessed a murder in her dreams and then lead the police to the murder scene too late to save the victim. With no way to explain how she knew about the location and all the bloody details without exposing her telepath abilities in the process, she is convicted and sentenced to life in prison on New Alaska.

This is where she meets up with Tristan Hunt. Also, a convicted murderer and someone she knows she can't possibly trust because he's the real thing; a killer. But Tristan may not be the monster without a conscience she first suspects; and she soon discovers that like her, he's also a telepath. A highly talented one that can help her improve and utilize her abilities more proficiently. Unfortunately, he's also part of a forced government experiment involving animal/human DNA that is turning him into something beastly. In fact, all the prisoners are being experimented on in New Alaska without public knowledge. Is Dara bound to become a lab rat like the rest; and will they ever find the real killer to a crime she didn't commit? How far will Tristan's change take him; and is he in danger of losing his humanity? What kind of future do these two face in such questionable circumstances?

What I did like?
Ms. Donnelly has a real talent for love scenes. I think it was really interesting how she managed a scene between two telepaths that allowed them to feed off one another's feelings, sensations and thoughts. Really creative and steamy as well. I liked the character development she did in the first part of the story for Dara, Tristan and some of the secondary characters on New Alaska. I felt like I was able to make a good connection with each of them. There were also some humorous and clever parts, like Tristan's swim across a lake fully dressed. I can't say more without giving away spoilers, but it was funny, cute, and showed an endearing side to Tristan. The author did have some good inspired moments and ideas that could be nurtured and expanded upon in the future if her intent is to make a series out of the book.

What didn't I like?
The story had inconsistencies and lost cohesion in various places. Mainly after the characters left the prison planet of New Alaska. In fact, I almost wished they had stayed. It was interesting there and the storyline and character development seemed pretty solid. As soon as they left, however, the cohesiveness of the story began to falter. In various places it was a bit too descriptive, with a few chapters not being relevant to the overall storyline. In others, there wasn't enough development of the main characters emotional thoughts and feelings to allow me to continue to empathize with them. They didn't seem to stay true to the original characterization first developed for them on New Alaska. It was a bit confusing to me at times because I felt like I could possibly be reading about completely different people. This served to weaken any previously solid connection I first had with them. Which probably could have been resolved by including more internal and external dialogue from Dara and Tristan. And since it seems to be her talent... maybe even an additional steamy love scene near the end? *wink*

The final verdict?
While Blood Moons wasn't a page turner for me, it was entertaining with some creative ideas that show promise if the author plans to make it into a series.(less)

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Mar 16, 2012 Lyndi rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm giving this book 3.5 stars, but I'm closer to 4 than 3... so we'll say like, 3.8 stars. Whatever.

Okay, I'll make this quick because I really have to pee.

The Characters
Both Dara and Tristen were great characters that were fleshed out enough for me to understand them without drowning in back story and personal histories. I really liked Tristen's no-nonsense attitude and I enjoyed his overprotectiveness (that's totally a word). Watching him develop his insatiable urge to protect Dara, even whil...more I'm giving this book 3.5 stars, but I'm closer to 4 than 3... so we'll say like, 3.8 stars. Whatever.

Okay, I'll make this quick because I really have to pee.

The Characters
Both Dara and Tristen were great characters that were fleshed out enough for me to understand them without drowning in back story and personal histories. I really liked Tristen's no-nonsense attitude and I enjoyed his overprotectiveness (that's totally a word). Watching him develop his insatiable urge to protect Dara, even while knowing his behavior was odd, was more enjoyable than reading the characters who just are overprotective. I liked Dara - most of the time. I was pleased to see her quickly catch on to the dangers of her situation and I liked how her snarky attitude periodically surfaced to relieve the tension. My complaint is about her overreactions. She took extreme measures to leave Tristen and "do this on her own", which in reality just meant "do this with a bunch of other telepaths"... I didn't like how she went from "I'm willing to risk it all to be with Tristen." to "Our situation forced us to temporarily bond, but it's no biggie." WTF? Until Dara's completely unreasonable mental breakdown where she decided leaving Tristen was a good idea, I was literally giddy over the fact that there had been no TSTL moments and that I was reading a book in which the heroine didn't piss me off more than the villain. *le sigh*

The Plot
The story itself was great! The plot kept moving at a steady pace that kept me interested. The first part of the book is spent in a maximum security prison, where Dara and Tristen bond. The next part takes place on beach resort-type prison planet, where Tristen works on his shapeshifting and Dara turns into a moron. The last chunk of the book is spent on Earth. I liked how we spent enough time in the first prison to get a decent base for Dara & Tristen's relationship. They were thrown together, made the best of their situation, relied on each other, and bonded... It was nice to read about a relationship developing instead of WHAM! BAM! INSTA-LOVE!
There was romance, suspense, drama, action... it was a fun story, for sure.

The Writing/Grammar
I was reading a crappy e-book that I'm pretty sure was copied from a different e-reader program, so my copy was a bit messed up. I can tell you that I didn't see any mistakes that weren't obviously restricted to my copy.

I can't write any more, I'm about to pee my pants.(less)

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Feb 01, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have the wonderful privilege of reviewing Blood Moons by Alianne Donnely. As I read through this book, I was immediately captivated by the main characters: Dara and Tristan. Dara, though she appears fragile, has an inner strength that I admire. Tristan, though he tries to portray the dangerous criminal to Dara, shows sensitivity and determination that had me hooked immediately. I was appalled at the reasons for Dara’s imprisonment, loved her determination to make the best of her circumstances,...more

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Aug 31, 2011 Miz Love rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh wow, what an utterly engaging, well written, fascinating book.

Dara has been sent to prison for a crime she didn’t commit. She’s a telepath and knew about a murder. She telephoned the police in order to have the killer caught because she knew he wasn’t far from the crime scene, only to be accused of the killing herself. Upon her arrival at the prison, housed on another planet, she has to make a choice which part of the prison she resides in. She chooses one where there are mainly men who have...more

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Nov 13, 2010 LynnMarie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Yadkny's Review

Dara is being sent to prison on a planet light years away from Earth called New Alaska. The former librarian was headed to a prison cell block where the worst types of criminals are sequestered. Her trial sentencing left her wishing for an execution instead of an extended prison stay especially when she is oriented to the ways and people of New Alaska. Her uncontrolled telepathic abilities will only make it worse, but upon meeting her new cellmate, she can't let go of the instinc...more Yadkny's Review

Dara is being sent to prison on a planet light years away from Earth called New Alaska. The former librarian was headed to a prison cell block where the worst types of criminals are sequestered. Her trial sentencing left her wishing for an execution instead of an extended prison stay especially when she is oriented to the ways and people of New Alaska. Her uncontrolled telepathic abilities will only make it worse, but upon meeting her new cellmate, she can't let go of the instinct that he was going to be her salvation... her hero.

Tristan has spent the last decade in prison for murder, but a genetic mutation has landed him as a prison lab rat. The side effects include bursts of rage, changes to his physical attributes, and unbelievable strength that can only be matched by his telepathic abilities. As fate would have it, the unexpected arrival of a female cellmate makes the beast inside him come roaring to the surface. He begins to question his humanity now more than ever, but can't bring himself to let her go.

Ms. Donnelly did an amazing job world building and crafting a story that takes us to a bold future with an even bolder romance. I honestly can't express how much this book affected me. The synopsis was intriguing enough, but the story turned out to be much more than I expected. Tristan and Dara are each others greatest strength and weakness. Before their meeting I believe they just sort of existed, never actually living. Although Tristan was more than capable of protecting Dara from any threat be it physical or mental, he couldn't overcome his fear that he might be the one to unintentionally hurt her. Dara on the other hand, was afraid that she wouldn't be telepathically strong enough to reclaim her life. Always having to rely on Tristan to come to her rescue when she has always led an independent life. Their fears ultimately separate them and the journey back becomes deadly as danger looms in many forms. They essentially create their own world, accessible only through their telepathic link where they could be together even while light years apart. Their telepathic bonding added an emotional depth to the story and created a beautiful word-painting.

I cried towards the end and not just because of the intense, anticlimactic emotional scenes between Dara and Tristan, but also because I didn't want it to end. I think they just might have stolen the lead in my favorite fictional couples list. It would also help to point out that Dara best describes Tristan as, “...the most amazing, frustrating, incredibly intense and fantastically hot man on the planet.” I couldn't agree more with that depiction.

Recommended reading for fans of... well I think Ms. Donnelly wrote it best, “... at the core was the tale of a man and woman, a chance meeting, and a fated love that overcame all adversity.”

5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!

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Mar 09, 2011 Vanessa theJeepDiva rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, ebook, science-fiction, romance, shifter

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I went into this book. I certainly got so much more than I thought possible. This is a great story. A girl is in prison with 200 males and 3 other females. Her cellmate is even male, a very scary one. How does this work for the happily ever after? Hello, enter in the genius writing of one Donnelly. She completely worked this with a happily ever after fairy tale ending. This is a futuristic sci-fi book that takes place in the year 3028. Individuals that are...more I’m not sure what I was expecting when I went into this book. I certainly got so much more than I thought possible. This is a great story. A girl is in prison with 200 males and 3 other females. Her cellmate is even male, a very scary one. How does this work for the happily ever after? Hello, enter in the genius writing of one Donnelly. She completely worked this with a happily ever after fairy tale ending. This is a futuristic sci-fi book that takes place in the year 3028. Individuals that are serving prison sentences are doing so on other planets. The government also utilizes the prisoners for their own means of advancement (sorry for being vague, but potential spoiler.)
I liked Dara and Tristan’s story. He’s the bad boy. There is a reason this man is in a maximum security prison. The moment she walks into his cell he knows that he is going to have to protect her from all of the evil that surrounds them. These are easily likable characters. Dara is much like us the reader. She loves to read and uses books as a means of escape. Tristan realizes Dara’s unique ability and try’s as much as possible to help her develop it more and to be able to utilize it better to protect herself. I loved the different layers of Tristan. He can seem harsh and cruel then other times he is sweet and kind. This book is impossible to put down. You are constantly wondering how they will get over the next hurtle, how they will get to a place where they can be happy as a couple. There is also the evil murderer who committed the crime that Dara is serving prison time for. He is still out killing people. The authority’s only connection to the murderer is a Dara who knows too much about the crimes to be an innocent.
I am looking forward for more of this series. The readers are introduced to lead male character for the 2nd book in Blood Moons. I read on my friend Lauries blog (bittenbyparanormalromance.com) that there will be 3 books in this series. The next is Blood Trails, with Jeremy Calen and Hailey Chase, followed by Blood Debt.
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Apr 14, 2011 Jo-Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dara Frost tried to stop a murderer by calling the police after ’dreaming’ the incident. Instead Dara has been sentenced to New Alaska, a maximum security prison planet. There she chooses wolf block, where the most dangerous of criminals are kept. For some reason it calls to her. There, she has to share a cell with Tristan Hunt, a big, scary, sexy alpha male. Dara finds him very attractive and struggles to keep her eyes off him. Tristan fights his baser urges and does his best not to get closer...more Dara Frost tried to stop a murderer by calling the police after ’dreaming’ the incident. Instead Dara has been sentenced to New Alaska, a maximum security prison planet. There she chooses wolf block, where the most dangerous of criminals are kept. For some reason it calls to her. There, she has to share a cell with Tristan Hunt, a big, scary, sexy alpha male. Dara finds him very attractive and struggles to keep her eyes off him. Tristan fights his baser urges and does his best not to get closer to her. Although a little afraid of Hunt, Dara feels safe with him. Hunt is trying to serve his time and has as little interaction with others as he possibly can. Dara’s arrival awakens a deep protectiveness in him. At first he is irritated with her presence and his reactions to her. To Dara’s surprise, Hunt takes her under his heavily muscled protection.

Both Dara and Tristan are telepaths and it adds an interesting aspect to their connection. Dara is a bit of a loner and considers herself broken. Tristan teaches her to harness her telepathy and this is how they form a unique bond. Although they both know a relationship of any kind between them is ridiculous under the circumstances, they can’t fight the pull they feel towards each other. I really enjoyed how their relationship starts out. Hunt is yummy, and I’d love to get my hands on him. He struggles with feelings she awakens in him, especially a stupid, fierce need to keep her beside him at all times. Dara feels he is just using her, and is waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Tristan has undergone genetic experiments, which are playing havoc with his mind and body. His protective streak borders on obsessive, and when he begins changing her fights the feeling of wanting Dara close but also wanting to push her away for fear of hurting her. Dara is fascinated by his change and wants to help him in any way she can. When Dara heads back to Earth to help stop the true murderer, Tristan is beside himself with worry and fear. He tracks her down but the murderer catches up with Dara and kidnaps her. Tristan will stop at nothing to get her back. He utilizes all his new abilities to get her back.

Blood Moons is a sci-fi romance, with a little paranormal thrown in for good measure. I enjoyed the settings the author created, but I did find the futuristic aspects a little vague. It may just be the sci-fi nerd in me, but I found the closeness of some descriptions of items etc too close to what we have today, and it just didn’t ring true with the time era that was created. I could picture the entire story, with the vagueness letting my mind run wild with imaginings. Dara and Tristan seem so unlikely a couple but they work in the end. There wasn’t much, if any that I found annoying in either character. I just love Tristan! Lol. Blood Moons nearly kept me up past my bedtime, and if I didn’t have to work the next day I think I would have stayed up all night reading. It’s a sexy, exciting and intriguing read. Pick it up if you’re a fan of Rhyannon Byrd’s Primal Instincts or Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound.(less)

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May 21, 2011 Kiki Dufoulon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dara is a telepath and has been charged with a murder she didn't commit. When given a jail sentence she chooses the most dangerous cell block in the prison. Something about it calls to her, and when she meets Tristam she starts to guess what. At first he terrifies her, but the more time she spends with him the more Dara comes to trust and like him - even when he starts acting all strange and experiences some bizarre changes. One night Dara has a dream about the murderer who's gruesome acts she f...more Dara is a telepath and has been charged with a murder she didn't commit. When given a jail sentence she chooses the most dangerous cell block in the prison. Something about it calls to her, and when she meets Tristam she starts to guess what. At first he terrifies her, but the more time she spends with him the more Dara comes to trust and like him - even when he starts acting all strange and experiences some bizarre changes. One night Dara has a dream about the murderer who's gruesome acts she found herself in prison for, and when the Special Unit releases her from prison she returns to Earth to help them capture the sick bastard. And she foolishly leaves Tristan behind!! I have to say, this character kind of rubbed me the wrong way to begin with. She seemed too naive and vulnerable - I didn't like it. Luckily she started to toughen up when she meet Tristan, and towards the end of the book I loved her for her determination and courage. She turned out to be one cool chick.

Tristan has been locked up in Wolf block for more years than he cares to remember, keeping himself to himself. That is of course until he receives a new cellmate, a female cellmate at that. As he tries to protect her from fellow prisoners Tristan finds himself attracted to Dara, in a big way - he starts getting all possessive. When he discovers some shocking truths about himself he starts to understand his need for her, or so he thinks!! As Dr. Chase's experiments continue, and Dara is taken back to Earth away from him, Tristan goes mad and does all he can to get her back. Except when he finds her Dara is in some major trouble of becoming the murderers next victim. I swear I melted for this man... he had such a shitty life, and then the way he pined for Dara, having to touch her constantly made me ache for him - regardless of how needy he came across. I mean we all want someone to crave us, don't we?

Ohh... what to say about this book - it was great!! I don't normally go for Sci-fi type books but I really enjoyed this one. Maybe it was the romance with a paranormal twist that roped me in. I'm not sure, but I loved it regardless. I didn't want to put it down, and read it in one sitting. I mean it was packed full of action, gore, suspense and of course a lil loving. There were so many great scenes, but I'm totally not gonna go over board listing them as I normally do, and spoiling your fun - that's a really bad habit I have. Apologies... lol.

Anywho, the scenes with Blanc, one of the prison guards, and the icky prisoners drooling over Dara made my skin crawl. They spoke about her as if she were a toy sent in for their entertainment!! Asshats!! They ever so casually tell Tristan that they want a go and he had better play nice a share!! Good thing he was as possessive as he was or Dara would have had a rude awaking in that place. But there was a funny side to this when Tristan pretended to be having sex with Dara so that the guard would piss off - her reaction to his wee dry hump was was great, I think I'd have done the same... lol. There were also the scenes with the big bad, Bernard. I swear twisted is not the word for that boy. The way he killed his victims was gruesome as hell, and his reasons behind them were crazed!! Hats off to you Alianne for writing such a great character.

There were several scenes in which I got all teary eyed, like when Tristan tells Dara about his past and the reasons for being in prison. His story both disgusted and angered me. I totally don't blame him for freaking out like he did. I also cried when Dara - the stupid ass!! - broke Tristan's heart, and her own, when she left. He actually begged her to stay with him - and she left anyway!! Fool!! *sigh* I'd have so wrapped myself around him and stayed put... lol.

Okay, depressing stuff aside - I loved it when Tristan was at the medical center and he was allowed outside. His Beast loved the outdoors and at one stage he actually jumped into a pile of leaves and rolled about like a big cat. It made him seem a little vulnerable and childlike in my eyes, which totally enamoured me to him all the more. And then he totally sexed Dara up in them... lol. Ohh... but the love making between these two was yummy!! Talk about steamy!! The way they were able to share a telepathic link and swap emotions like that was so unfair. Imagine how amazing it would be to feel what your partner was feeling while touching you, and vice versa!! You'd bloody make them orgasm with a thought!! Grr... Kinky!!

Like I said before, this is such a great read. I'm telling you all to check it out, you'll love it. I swear!!

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Nov 17, 2011 SaturNalia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: _its_electric-baby_, your_an_animal-baby, _future_, bye_baby_bye

How I wanted to like this story, but the heroin was just missing something. Brains? Strength? Prison setting, a plus. Dangerous, sexy but protective shapeshifter inmate buddy, still a plus. Where did everything go wrong? The minute they escaped, everything turned to crap and I lost interest in the story. First part when they were in prison, was great. Danger, sexual tension and a budding romance. After the escape just blah.

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Feb 11, 2011 Paranormal Haven rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-athenna, reviewed-read-by-stephanie

3.5 Stars

Dara having reported a murder finds her self in jail, in a cell with Tristan. Sensing that she is a telepath like him Tristan sets out to try and protect her and teach her to harness her gift so she might just service there. All the while the feeling and need for each other is growing stronger day by day. Till there is now no way Tristan can deny his need for her.

He fears what other might do to harm her when he's not around never realizing he may be a bigger threat to her. After testing...more

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Jan 27, 2011 Laurie (Bitten by Paranormal Romance) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: requests, paranormal-romance, futuristic-romance, keepers, favorites, demon

I found Blood Moons refreshing and exciting to read, to tell you the truth I was very impressed with the story and had a hard time putting it down. The author does an amazing job in the world building and she explains everything very well. I will say this is not for the faint of heart, this book carries all the emotions along with a very evil villain and of course, with these two locked up in prison you don’t meet nice guys there. So, be prepared for one intense book with a surprising hot romanc...more

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May 19, 2012 SATIN SUE rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. We start this book off with Dara, She is a telepath and she See's into the mind of a serial killer as he is killing someone. Dara then phones the police and they don't find the killer and Dara is then charged with killing the victim. When she is sent to jail she gets a choice of blocks in the jail and she seems to be drawn to the most dangerous block in the whole prison. when she gets to her cell she find that she is sharing with Tristan. Over the next couple of days Dara realises why she was dr...more We start this book off with Dara, She is a telepath and she See's into the mind of a serial killer as he is killing someone. Dara then phones the police and they don't find the killer and Dara is then charged with killing the victim. When she is sent to jail she gets a choice of blocks in the jail and she seems to be drawn to the most dangerous block in the whole prison. when she gets to her cell she find that she is sharing with Tristan. Over the next couple of days Dara realises why she was drawn to that block in the prison and it is none other then the fact that Tristan is a telepath to. When she sees him she is shaken because he scares her half to death but over time Dara learns she can trust him and he helps her work on putting Shields around her mind and he helps her work on using her telepathy. things start to go strange for the pair and Dara finds out that Tristan holds more secrets then she thinks. and finds out the prison have been doing experiments on him. And this leads to even more complications for them.

Tristan, a prisoner of wolf block, he has been in the prison for many years and he has got a deep and dark past. He doesn't like mixing with other people but all that changes when Dara is placed in his cell, he can tell right away that she is a telepath and is unsure of what he thinks of the situation he's been put in. Tristan tries to keep Dara from the other inmates and tries to keep her safe and he helps her deal with the telepathy and helps make her stronger.Over time Tristan find that he is attracted to Dara and that she in turn is attracted to him, the two form a bond. When Tristan finds out some more details on the experiments that have been happening to him he starts to understand why his feeling for Dara have turn all possessive. The two are moved on to a different place for more experiments to be done and for Tristan to deal with what is happening to him.

Later in the book Dara returns to earth to help catch the killer that she was mistaken for, and she manages to get inside his mind. and form a link with him. Tristan is not far behind Dara as he escapes and follows her to earth so that he can be near and protect her all this goes wrong and Dara ends up in a coma and Tristan sits by her bed side waiting for her to wake up.

Im not to sure where to start with my feelings on this book. When I was got it I was really doubtful that this book would be my kind of thing. I put off and put off reading it because I just couldn't bring my self to read it. But what a really big surprise when I got started and I was gripped right from the start. The thought of a mixed prison where males and female Can share cells was such a different idea and the whole experiments thing and telepath. This book was so original and exciting to read. There was fighting scenes and funny scenes and even lovable scenes. I know iv said this about books before but there really is something for everyone with this book. its crossed between sci-fi, PNR and romance. If you havnt read it before then please take my advice and give it a try. I was so happy Id give it a try but really sad when it was over. I loved how possesive Tristan had become for Dara and how much love the two had for each other. I think the auhtor has an amazing way with words and im really happy I got the chance to read it.(less)

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Aug 28, 2011 Lisa Jo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, kindle-books, sci-fi-futuristic

Blood Moons by Alianne Donnelly is an amazing, exciting novel with plenty of drama and a thrilling romance. The story is wildly entertaining and highly addictive. Paranormal fans should not miss the first installment in the Blood Series.

Dara has an ability that has caused much grief in her life. An extraordinary power of telepathy has made her life socially awkward and emotionally overwhelming. Then one night she experiences a serial killer murdering his latest victim. When she reports the murde...more Blood Moons by Alianne Donnelly is an amazing, exciting novel with plenty of drama and a thrilling romance. The story is wildly entertaining and highly addictive. Paranormal fans should not miss the first installment in the Blood Series.

Dara has an ability that has caused much grief in her life. An extraordinary power of telepathy has made her life socially awkward and emotionally overwhelming. Then one night she experiences a serial killer murdering his latest victim. When she reports the murder, Dara ends up getting arrested for this crime which she didn’t commit. Then to make matters worse, she is sent to one of the most dangerous prisons in which her roommate is one of the only prisoners whose thoughts she cannot read. As if that isn’t confusing enough, Dara is strangely attracted to her roommate Tristan and quickly realizes he is more than meets the eye.

Tristan is disgusted at the thought of being in the same prison cell as a woman but is ultimately resolved to making his best effort to ignore her. He immediately realizes she is a telepath like him, but unlike him, has little or no control over her power. Eventually, Tristan’s will to keep his distance is broken as he becomes increasingly fascinated by this interesting female. Dara’s presence has brought out the animal within Tristan...one itching to force it’s way to the surface and claim it's mate.

There is very little or new to say about Donnelly’s novel Blood Moons except for the fact that I loved it! This novel is set in the year 3028 and I was a bit apprehensive since Sci-Fi or futuristic novels are not really my cup of tea. Yet, after reading the novel and enjoying it immensely, I would have to say this novel is more along the lines of a paranormal and isn’t overwhelmingly different from a contemporary paranormal.

I think the most interesting character in Blood Moons is Tristan. Looking at the character objectively, I would say there are readers who would hate him and readers like me who love him. When the novel first starts, he comes across as the ‘bad boy’ alpha that no one should mess with. Ultimately, he is Dara’s protector...doing anything and everything to keep her safe and it’s increasingly attractive. Near the end, his shape shifter side was completely obsessed with Dara. I can see how some may view this as a turn off, but his possessive nature was something I loved to read about. It made Dara and Tristan’s relationship so much more interesting.

Honestly, after reading the novel, Tristan's attitude toward Dara was exactly what she needed. For a long time now, she had been lost and alone because she had no idea how to control her ability. I wouldn't describe her as 'weak' exactly, but she was lost and desperate for the connection she found with Tristan. You could find realistic faults with each character, but together they were perfect!

Shortly after I started Blood Moons, I found it difficult to put down. There is plenty of action throughout and a passionate romance that keeps you coming back for more. It certainly reminded me why I love the paranormal romance so much. Most of the dialogue between the two leads, was just breath-taking and terribly romantic. If you’re looking for a fresh and new paranormal series, you should start here with Blood Moons. If the rest are like this first installment, then it promises to be a fantastic series.

Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 4/5

Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter(less)

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Nov 04, 2010 Dahlia (yadkny) rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Telepath/Shifter Lovers

Shelves: favorites

Dara is being sent to prison on a planet light years away from Earth called New Alaska. The former librarian was headed to a prison cell block where the worst types of criminals are sequestered. Her trial sentencing left her wishing for an execution instead of an extended prison stay especially when she is oriented to the ways and people of New Alaska. Her uncontrolled telepathic abilities will only make it worse, but upon meeting her new cellmate, she can't let go of the instinct that he was go...more Dara is being sent to prison on a planet light years away from Earth called New Alaska. The former librarian was headed to a prison cell block where the worst types of criminals are sequestered. Her trial sentencing left her wishing for an execution instead of an extended prison stay especially when she is oriented to the ways and people of New Alaska. Her uncontrolled telepathic abilities will only make it worse, but upon meeting her new cellmate, she can't let go of the instinct that he was going to be her salvation... her hero.

Tristan has spent the last decade in prison for murder, but a genetic mutation has landed him as a prison lab rat. The side effects include bursts of rage, changes to his physical attributes, and unbelievable strength that can only be matched by his telepathic abilities. As fate would have it, the unexpected arrival of a female cellmate makes the beast inside him come roaring to the surface. He begins to question his humanity now more than ever, but can't bring himself to let her go.

Ms. Donnelly did an amazing job world building and crafting a story that takes us to a bold future with an even bolder romance. I honestly can't express how much this book affected me. The synopsis was intriguing enough, but the story turned out to be much more than I expected. Tristan and Dara are each others greatest strength and weakness. Before their meeting I believe they just sort of existed, never actually living. Although Tristan was more than capable of protecting Dara from any threat be it physical or mental, he couldn't overcome his fear that he might be the one to unintentionally hurt her. Dara on the other hand, was afraid that she wouldn't be telepathically strong enough to reclaim her life. Always having to rely on Tristan to come to her rescue when she has always led an independent life. Their fears ultimately separate them and the journey back becomes deadly as danger looms in many forms. They essentially create their own world, accessible only through their telepathic link where they could be together even while light years apart. Their telepathic bonding added an emotional depth to the story and created a beautiful word-painting.

I cried towards the end and not just because of the intense, anticlimactic emotional scenes between Dara and Tristan, but also because I didn't want it to end. I think they just might have stolen the lead in my favorite fictional couples list. It would also help to point out that Dara best describes Tristan as, “...the most amazing, frustrating, incredibly intense and fantastically hot man on the planet.” I couldn't agree more with that depiction.

Recommended reading for fans of... well I think Ms. Donnelly wrote it best, “... at the core was the tale of a man and woman, a chance meeting, and a fated love that overcame all adversity.”

Review also posted @ Happily Ever After Reviews:
http://www.hea-reviews.blogspot.com/(less)

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Apr 26, 2013 Shana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-all-time-favorites

This book was freaking fantastic!!!!! the first word to come to mind is "meaty". it turned out to be a romantic, action paced, heart wrenching, pyscholigical thriller!! the writing has the perfect balance of world building and imagination. I LOVED Tristan and Dara!! Definite must read!!!!!

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Jan 25, 2012 Obsessed with book smex rated it 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars.

This story was intense and gripping. I couldn't put it down! It taunted me until I finished it!

1 like · like · see review

Mar 17, 2011 Megan Riverina Romantics/Meggerfly~TS marked it as to-read

Shelves: e-book, prize-from-giveaway-contest, paranormal-romance, shape-shifters, e-m-p-goodness

I won this from The Romance Reviews on St. Patrick's Day!

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Jan 01, 2011 Mandi Schreiner rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr

Really liked this one!

Review to come...

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Jan 03, 2011 Lizzielvr rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a unique story, very enjoyable. A little sci-fi/PNR. Looking forward to her future books.

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Apr 29, 2013 Valerie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great book loved the story. I loved the way the author put a different type of spin on the making of a shifter. This is a great love story with drama and passion between the characters. Would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves the paranormal or even the futuristic fiction.

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Mar 23, 2012 Ladymcbeth rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, romance, sci-fi, shape-shifters

good book... i enjoyed the beginning when Dara was in prison with tristan... but I didn't love the second and third part when she leave... the ending is also too easy.

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May 19, 2013 Perspehone marked it as to-read

May 18, 2013 Fiona marked it as the-book-club

May 15, 2013 Denise marked it as to-read

May 12, 2013 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

May 11, 2013 J. added it

Shelves: fantasy-etc

May 08, 2013 Stefania added it

May 05, 2013 Jasminepara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Apr 29, 2013 marissa marked it as to-read

Apr 27, 2013 Pamela marked it as to-read

title link	preview: Blood Moons
avg rating	preview: Blood Moons Goodreads rating: 3.70 (84 ratings)
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Blood Moons (The Blood Series #1)

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