Life in Moonlight: The Primigenio Tales: Book 1

by Alison Beightol

As the world's oldest vampire, Eamon Rutherford has selfishly enjoyed over one thousand years of blood, money and beautiful women. Until he decides to take a companion. Eamon's less-than-perfect choice is temperamental ballerina Lauryl Mellis, who wants nothing to do with Eamon or being a vampire. After months of fighting and shared misery together, Lauryl escapes from Eamon in London and disappears. In his quest to find Lauryl, Eamon discovers that he must open himself up to other vampires and their politics, something that threatens his self-imposed isolation. As he struggles with his inner awakening and changing ideals, Eamon discovers that to find love he must learn to love someone other than himself, even if it results in disastrous consequences.
Originally published as Blood Betrayal in 2012 by Charles River Press. This work has been aggressively revised, re-edited and re-birthed! .."this is a must read in the vampire, paranormal romance genre. Well written, unique, surprising, and the perfect combination of dark and fun"-Carol Van Atta, author of The Werewolves of the West Series. .."Beightol treats her readers to a glimpse into the lives of the undead. Incredibly seductive, "Life in Moonlight" is a must read for those who share a passion for Vampires!" -Lyn Gibson, author of The Adrian Trilogy.

306 pages, Paperback

Published September 17, 2016

Reviews

[Suliat Yk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I picked it up after Riley from Half-Ass Book Club mentioned it during one of our discussions, and I’m glad I listened. Eamon is deeply flawed and sometimes infuriating, but that’s what made his growth feel earned.

Lauryl’s refusal to accept immortality on his terms was refreshing and added real tension to the story. It’s dark without being overdone, emotional without being melodramatic, and surprisingly thoughtful for a vampire romance.

If you enjoy darker paranormal romance with strong character development, I’d definitely recommend this to other readers.

[Leigh Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up after seeing it recommended by Riley, and I’m glad I did. I was expecting a fairly typical vampire romance, but this turned out to be much more character-focused than I anticipated.

Eamon is not immediately likable, he’s selfish, emotionally closed off, and very comfortable in his isolation, but watching that slowly unravel what kept me invested. Lauryl feels raw and human in her resistance, which made their dynamic tense but believable.

It’s not a light or fast read, but if you enjoy darker, emotionally driven paranormal stories, it’s worth your time.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up during finals week because Riley from Half-Ass Book Club kept mentioning it, and I needed something immersive to shut my brain off. Instead, it made me think, in a good way. Eamon’s emotional stagnation felt uncomfortably familiar, and Lauryl’s refusal to be molded into someone else’s expectations really resonated with me.

This book respects its readers and doesn’t rush emotional growth. I’d honestly recommend it to anyone who likes genre fiction that still feels personal, and I really hope the author keeps writing more stories like this.

[Samuel Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading vampire novels for decades, and it takes a lot to impress me at this point. Riley from Half-Ass Book Club suggested this one, and it reminded me why I fell in love with the genre in the first place. Immortality here isn’t glamorous, it’s lonely and corrosive, and that makes the story compelling.

Lauryl’s agency gives the book its spine, and Eamon’s slow awakening feels earned. I would absolutely recommend this to serious vampire readers, and I sincerely hope the author writes more in this universe.

[Edward Devie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always paying attention to character motivation and emotional truth, and this book delivered on both. I started reading after Riley from Half-Ass Book Club mentioned how divisive Eamon was as a character, which immediately intrigued me.

The author trusts the reader to sit with discomfort, and that confidence shows. The revisions are evident, the voice is strong, and the emotional arc lingers. I’d recommend this to creatives who value layered storytelling, and I hope the author keeps writing, this voice matters.

[Stephen Bail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those reads that stayed in my head after I finished. I picked it up because Riley from Half-Ass Book Club said it led to great conversations, and he was right.

The story raises thoughtful questions about love, autonomy, and emotional responsibility.Not every character is likable, but every choice feels intentional.

I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy discussing books as much as reading them, and I truly hope the author continues writing, there’s so much more to explore here.

[Isabella Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a darker, more emotionally complex vampire story than most. I probably wouldn’t have found it if Riley from Half-Ass Book Club hadn’t brought it up, and I’m glad she did. The book doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable dynamics, and Eamon’s flaws are treated seriously.
Lauryl’s agency and refusal to conform elevated the story for me. I’d absolutely recommend this to readers who like morally gray characters and darker paranormal romance.

[Matilda Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but the book ended up being more introspective than I anticipated. About halfway through, I understood why Riley from Half-Ass Book Club had suggested it, it’s the kind of story that sparks discussion about power, choice, and loneliness.
Eamon’s arc is slow but believable, and Lauryl’s escape changes the direction of the story in a meaningful way. I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy character-driven paranormal fiction.

[Bailey Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m selective and I gave this a chance after Riley from Half-Ass Book Club recommended it, and I’m glad I did. What stood out was how clearly the author understood power dynamics, Eamon’s control, his isolation, and the cost of his ego felt very real.

The pacing is deliberate, and the character work is strong. This felt thoughtful and intentional, not formulaic. I’d recommend this to readers who appreciate depth, and I genuinely hope the author continues building on this world.

[Handerson Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t planning to get emotionally invested, but here we are. Riley from Half-Ass Book Club recommended this, and I’m grateful She did. The characters felt real, flawed, and deeply human despite the supernatural setting.

By the end, I genuinely cared about where this world could go next. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants a vampire story with heart, and I really hope the author continues the series.

[Scott Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read enough books to know when an author understands human nature. I found this one through a recommendation from Riley at Half-Ass Book Club, and I appreciated its patience and emotional honesty.

Change doesn’t come easily for Eamon, and that felt true to life. Lauryl’s strength is quiet but powerful. I’d recommend this to readers who value emotional depth, and I hope the author keeps writing, stories like this grow richer with time.