Diana Maddox is a creature of comfort, she plays by the rules and she likes things done properly. Now, she finds herself in a bit of a rut. Single after an almost decade-long relationship with Jason, who cheated on her, Diana is sharing a flat with her sister and nephew. Her friends have all married and had families of their own, so there's only one thing for it, Diana decides. She needs to get out of her comfort zone and start living, but that is easier said than done when you're Diana Maddox. Shannon Morretti had had a few too many beers when she got really brave and struck up a conversation with the blonde goddess at the bar, what did it matter if Diana was straight, she was looking for new friends too, wasn't she? New in town and trying to find her feet, it would be nice to have someone to hang out with. If only she wasn't quite so attracted to her new friend.
Goddessof the Moon is a standalone romance, spinning off from the world of Scarlett Fever. A friend to lovers, and spicy slow burner, this romance will warm your heart, and get it racing.
Award-Winning and best selling, Claire Highton-Stevenson is an Independent author of contemporary romance and crime novels.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
A story with a lifetime of living when the moment love touches your soul changing everything.
Diana has been the best big sister, the reliable oldest child and the best girlfriend. When family starts to mean so much more and a cheating boyfriend makes her look hard at her life. At that moment Shannon drops into her life tuning everything into view Brighter. I loved this story of a straight girl looking for what she wants for her life. Risking the out of box experiences to make dreams about life feel real. The conversations, dialogue questioning sexuality and what love looks like we're priceless. Of course Claidia, Scarlett and the whole clan make this a great story. The sexual exploration was done with such care and tenderness, but still hot. Seeing Diane power through doubts, fears and still reach for what she wants was priceless. I just love this family and how they work through the hard parts of life with joy and unconditional love. Thank for Diana's story Claire Highton-Stevenson.
I truly enjoyed “Scarlet” and “Scarlet Fever.” When I read the story of Claudia and Scarlett, I could feel their passion and them drawing closer to each other. I could not feel it as much with Diana and Shannon.
One of the things that bothered me was right off that Shannon made sure to show that she was dominant with one of their very first sexual encounters. Well, not full on sex, but the beginnings of necking and petting. It wasn’t a full turn off, but it was off putting. Their progression to becoming intimate because of course, Diana is straight. Their interactions from friends to lovers was quite boring.
The story line continued to make Diana change who she is at the core. I actually liked that about Diana. It would have been nice to have someone come into her life, embrace it, and expand being fun within Diana limits. The changes happened way to fast and was planted on her relationship with Jason to find “him” lacking and that was why she acted and reacted to situations the way she did. Jason was the reason her sex life was lacking. Perhaps it was, but it was tied to how she found “lesbian” sex so wonderful. I get it. But it blamed it all on Jason without Diana taking some responsibility.
Honestly, I did really care all that much for Shannon. She didn’t do anything wrong, but she felt a bit controlling in a way that bothers me. Somehow Diana liked it. I didn’t find all that much endearing about her. Not much set her apart like Scarlett.
Their sexual encounters felt quite clinical. I just didn’t feel it. There is a huge contrast with her mother’s Claudia first time with a woman as a supposed straight woman between her daughter’s first encounter. Claudia’s was hot and she was unsure. Diana’s wasn’t and she was unsure.
All in all, I wanted what was best for Diana. She deserved it. Shannon called her her Moon Goddess, wasn’t feeling it. I just didn’t think that Shannon fit the bill. Her character was really lacking. Many will think it was a good story. And it is, it is just very vanilla, trying not to be. Convincing Diana, someone who was clear that she was straight, into a relationship when you told her you were ok with being friends is very anticlimactic.
This felt like a bit of a hasty addition to the story of the first book. I was also not a fan of the absolutely incessant and ultimately irritating presumption that a woman can't be friends with a queer woman without it being a relation and their hanging out being dates. Absolutely ridiculous how often that keeps being vocally raised.
A great addition to the continuation of the Maddox family. Diana had been the oldest of the Maddox children until they found out her mother's lover was her 1/2 sister due to their father's dalliance years ago. Having grown up as the oldest, Diana is serious and doesn't get out of her comfort zone. But after her longterm boyfriend has an affair and she dumps him she decides to get out of her comfort zone. In walks Shannon into her life. And the comfort zone is steadily shed. This is a fantastic straight to gay love story. Definitely 5 stars!
A wonderful story about figuring out who Dianna Maddox is. Shannon took the time to go at Dianna pace. A nice slow burn but well worth it. You can feel how Diana's last relationship didn't work out and how she just accepted a not so healthy relationship. When she finally relaxed and lets it happen she is over whelmed and now has a wonderful relationship and healthy sex life.
This is such a sweet book. In a good way! The sigh was a sigh of contentment. I dunno what it is with this set (ok, not a set but still a set) of books but they just get better. We’ve met Diana in the previous two books ( I will die on this hill! It’s a set) so you kinda have an idea of her character, but the journey she goes on in this book is absolutely eye opening. You get to see a whole different side to her. And that side is bought out by Shannon who, I think I’d like to hear more about. Such an understanding and thoughtful character who helped Diana be herself. Not the big sister, partner to a complete dweeb or control freak, just herself. I seriously hope we get more books from this family. I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one.
A great installment to this series. Finding yourself by living in the moment. It takes a great deal to keep the voices out of your head to just leap into your HEA.
I absolutely adore the slow-burning romance and the palpable chemistry between the lead characters. Their connection feels raw and genuine, evoking a sense of authenticity that is both heartwarming and captivating. Once I dive into the story, I find it nearly impossible to set it aside; the narrative is a true page-turner that keeps me engrossed. The dynamics between Diana and Shannon are particularly enchanting, as their chemistry is not only natural but also radiates an endearing cuteness that lights up every scene they share. Each moment together feels charged with unspoken emotions, drawing readers deeper into their relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3.5⭐️ I loved Diana but wasn’t as attached to Shannon as I have been other characters from the Scareltt series. I also didn’t like how the POVs would change in the chapters
I've read books 1 and 2 of the Scarlett Fever storyline and I really enjoyed it. Hearing that there was a book 3 (this one) got me excited I was excited to continue on with Claudia and Scarlett. When I heard that this story was from the point of view if another character, Diana, I was a bit hesitant to pick it up, until finally I did. I dont regret reading it at all. Yes Claudia and Scarlett are still involved in this book but it's more focused on Diana. I felt like I could relate to Diana in a lot of ways. So I understand why she acted the way she did. Overall great storyline! I also felt like it was teasing a coming out type of story. Still enjoyed it though!
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful journey towards self discovery, and the beautiful MC’s who invited us to join them along the way. This could have been a very painful experience in the hands of a different couple, however, in this case, each supporting cast member played a delightfully positive role on the way to a HEA ending. What pleased me most was that the author repeatedly allowed us into the mind of each character to explore their doubts and insecurities, giving them more depth and humanity. I look forward to reading more from this author.
My big issue was the chemistry between the main characters or the lack of it. It was kind of forced and hesitant. Also I spotted zero humour and clever conversations but the worst part was all the talking about sex and how are they going to do it and how is it gonna feel like and debating if they're gonna like it. What a cringe book. What a turn off. I have tried an other book from this author and I've come to the conclusion that maybe her writing style is not for me. I'm really wondering about people's taste when I read so mediocre books with such high reviews and ratings looool!!!!
Loved the first book, enamored with the second. Seriously? I'm so glad Diana got her happy ending...over and over and over again. Steamy scenes heat the pages of this book, and the will she, won't she didn't predominate. Loved the cameos of the MCs from book one. Another sweet HEA inside and just all the happy swoony feels as the new leading ladies embrace one another as they are.
A quick read, as about half of book 2 (Scarlett Fever continued) is included here, primarily for context. It was a fun read probably a good introduction to the thought process of coming into woman-on-woman sex. Heterosexual activity doesn't get a terribly positive review here, but then, the Patriarchy is not renouned for it's thoughtfulness and empathy.
I enjoyed the different perspective and the “teaching” aspect. It reminds you how taking things slowly at the beginning can definitely be worth it in the end. Thank you for the journey!
This isn't a they meet, they kiss, they're in bed story. Shannon is definitely gay and Diana is sure she isn't. The only problem is that they really like each other. Will they end up friends or something closer? You'll have to read this lovely story and find out for yourself.
I enjoyed reading this so much that as soon as I finished reading, I went back to the beginning and read it all over again. This will stay in my library.
I wanted more maybe a sequel. Like mother like daughter they both got a hea. Definitely a journey of self discovery and learning to just be in the moment.
I loved it! I loved the continuation of the Maddox family. Diana was a very serious, straight up older sister, whose husband cheated on her. This book continues with Jason out and Diana, Zara and Jacob sharing a home. With a new job and a new attitude, Diana knows she needs to step out of her box of comfort. Celebrating her mothers and Scarlett’s engagement in the local gay bar, Diana is at the bar getting some drinks when she bumps into a very handsome women. Shannon. As they dabble in some small talk. Shannon makes a move. Once she clarifies that she is not gay but here celebrating, Shannon decides she can use a friend and offers her number to Diana to have coffee. But since when is coffee just coffee. I appreciated Claire’s writing so much in this book. The dance when two women meet, there is mutual interest and a need to absorb everything to learn about each other, an attraction that hits both women. Shannon’s character was written so well, the patience and understanding, the support and protection that comes with her personality pulled Diana towards her. Knowing she was straight but not really understanding the feelings, Diana needed to know what was happening inside of herself. This was a hot and sexy and again well written story of two women finding something they both needed. Loved this crazy family. Bring on more!!!