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Crimson Trilogy #1

Crimson Moon

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An average morning is what Emma Johnson envisions when she visits Joe's Caf for a steaming cup of coffee. But the world isn't the place she imagined it to be, and neither is she...

After Emma is rescued from a horde of bloodthirsty creatures, she discovers she is the daughter of a powerful Vampire from the House Deviard, her rescuer, Caleb, having been sent to see her safely home. For Caleb is also unique, a werewolf procured to protect the royal Vampiric bloodlines from harm - but nothing more.

Soon, the undeniable connection Emma and Caleb share evolves beyond attraction into something unexpected. When she is forced to make a choice, what path will she take—vampire or wolf?

350 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2010

25 people are currently reading
1447 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Saare

23 books743 followers
J.A. Saare is a multi-published author who has written stories featured in horror
magazines, zombie romance anthologies, and flash fiction contests. Her work has a notable dark undertone, which she credits to her love of old eighties horror films, tastes in music, and choices in reading, and has been described as “full of sensual promise,” “gritty and sexy,” and “a breath
of fresh air.”

Currently she is penning projects within the urban fantasy, erotic and contemporary, and paranormal romance categories. You can visit her online at www.jasaare.com. Those interested in her “naughtier” side can visit her alias, Aline Hunter, at www.alinehunter.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker.
596 reviews407 followers
April 22, 2012
J.A. Saare has revised Crimson Moon and what a difference it made! If you are curious about this book, I definitely recommend waiting until this version comes out. Excellent book!

4.5 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Jamie.
364 reviews157 followers
January 4, 2012
4 stars for first half, 5 stars for second half. J. A. Saare - I *heart* you!

Let me begin by telling you I'm biased. I am a complete fan girl of J. A. Saare. I first read her Rhiannon's Law series, which I loved, and now I read the first novel she wrote, Crimson Moon. I don't know if it's her writing style, her voice, her characters, her world building, her smut or what, but I seem to like everything this lady writes.

This book follows the innocent Emmaline, who at the beginning of this book, knows nothing about the real world, filled with shifters, vamps and assorted other supernatural creatures. She's in college, doesn't seem to have too much of a social life, and lives on her own. She lives on her own because her mother died when she was much younger, her father left her mother when she was preggers with Emmaline, and her grandmother is suffering from alzheimer's in a nursing facility. I love the name Emmaline. I've never heard of anyone called Emmaline in RL or in a book until this year, where I've read about two different Emmalines. I have to interject that there's a Ben Fold's song titled Emmaline that I couldn't get out of my head while reading this.

Anyhow, the story gets off to an action-packed beginning. Seemingly out-of-the-blue, nasty, deadly creatures begin to chase Emmaline. Of course, Emma has no clue about the supernatural world, and is basically running for her life. Until a hot hunk of a man grabs her and whisks her to safety. This is our first introduction to Caleb. Caleb is tall, dark and handsome. He is broad shouldered, has loose brown curls that sometimes fall into his eyes, and he has indigo blue eyes that shift color with his moods. His pal Derek is driving the car they escape in. When Caleb touches Emma, they both feel a current of electricity spark between them, and thus begins the courtship of Caleb and Emma. Along the way, Emma learns that Caleb and his pack were sent to protect Emma from a vampire hell-bent on destroying her. It turns out that Emma's long lost father, Luca, is a very powerful vampire, and he sent Caleb's pack to retrieve Emma and deliver her safely to his care.

Along the way, when Luca's right-hand man gets delayed, Emma must spend several days with Caleb, Derek, another werewolf named Billy, and a female werewolf named Sarah. Almost immediately, while visiting a werewolf bar/fight club, Caleb saves Emma from danger, and kisses her. And it was HOT. While kissing Emma, a strange smell of pine and woods marks the beginning of Caleb bonding with Emma. So, these two are star-crossed. Emma falls pretty hard for Caleb, and Caleb is putty in her hands. I enjoyed this middle part of the book, but there was very little action. It was mostly relationship building. This was a section dedicated to developing the Emma-Caleb bond. It was sweet and fun for me to read. I prefer more action in my books, but this was very interesting to read, and I think it laid the groundwork for the remainder of this book and the following books in this series. There is an especially hot scene when Emma goes to visit Caleb's parents that catapulted this book from YA-like to adult. Jaime Saare writes a lot of very good smut, so I'm glad this was changed from a YA to an adult book.

However, Emma and Caleb know that Emma must face her father. One, Luca won't rest until he can speak with Emma, and two, Emma needs to confront her demons. This is where it gets reallygood. While visiting Emma's home to allow Emma to pack, Caleb and his boss go out to pick up dinner. A bad thing happens to Emma, and Caleb immediately blames himself because he wasn't there to protect her. Although he loves Emma, he feels that he can't adequately protect her, and the scene at the airport, where Emma leaves to fly to Luca's, is heartbreaking.

Upon arriving at Luca's mansion, Trent is tall and lean. He has white blond hair and aqua eyes. He has the power of telepathy and barges into Emma's mind whenever he feels like it. I didn't like Trent at first - I though he was a bit full of himself, but he definitely grew on me throughout the end of this book. He's smitten with Emma, and although Emma tries to forget Caleb, Trent knows that Emma will always have a special place for Caleb in her heart.

I don't want to spoil the ending, but there's a big showdown with a vampire prince that wants Emma under his watch because Emma will have a super power once she's a vamp. Luca tries to protect his daughter, but fails, and ultimately, another must save our fair Emmaline.

I enjoyed this book very much, especially the ending. I loved Caleb in the beginning, but thought he needed to be a bit more alpha-y. I was very angry with Caleb at one point in this book - his decision making is poor, and he doesn't trust himself and it causes some harm. He slowly turns into a more alpha character, and he doesn't disappoint. I like Emma, but I don't love her yet. She needs to be more in control of herself and her destiny. I adored Billy and was upset that he had to depart so early on. I liked Derek, and hope we see him again in Crimson Sunrise. I LOVED the hair cutting explanation (for those of you who have read this book, you know what I'm talking about). I felt bad for Trent. He's an excellent character, and I hope we see him again at some point in this trilogy.

There were a few things more towards the beginning of this book that I questioned. There were some cheesy lines thrown in, and Emma was way too "Pollyanna" for me in the beginning. And then, upon learning of the existence of supernatural beings and her own family tree, she takes it in stride, and doesn't really freak out. I think Emma definitely grew throughout this book, but not as much as Caleb ...Rawr! The characters in this book are not as well developed as say, Rhiannon and Disco, but they do change towards the end. I think that in Crimson Sunrise, there will be more depth to these characters, which is something that Saare excels at.

I hope in Crimson Sunrise that we see more action and that we see Emma really come in to her own. I hope Caleb continues to grow and that Emma's relationships with all these characters continue to develop.

This is a lesser known Jaime Saare book, and if you enjoy UF and romance thrown in for good measure, then I think you'll enjoy this book.

Dead Heads - HOLLA!
Profile Image for MISS VAIN.
200 reviews489 followers
January 8, 2012
Derek walked to the bed, glancing down at my hands. "Coldplay?" he laughed and winked at me. "He must keep that kind of garbage around to impress you ladies."

I loved Crimson Moon from the second I realized it was going to be a book about vampires and werewolves. I mean let's be honest what is there not to love about that right?!! Okay so out of fairness I should be upfront that I'm a Jamie Saare Fangirl, I consider her a friend and have become obsessed addicted to all her books. Not to mention, she's a really nice person and so much fun to talk to but with that being said, without all those ideals mentioned above I would still love this book. 


Don't go. The thought came through my head suddenly. Don't leave him like this. You'll both regret it.

This is how this fascinating story began. Emmaline is your typical college student, living on her own, striving to pay bills, studying and occasionally visiting her dearest grandmother in the midst of her struggles with Alzheimer's. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her because she's from a small town where nothing goes without its fair share of gossip. She has lost her mother as young girl after her mother was in a brutal car accident, she's a social outcast because her mother *gasp* was pregnant out of wedlock and *sigh* her father chose to not be in her life. So basically she's left with her caring grandmother that is succumbing to Alzheimer's daily while she's trying to succeed in life. One Saturday morning she's having coffee in her local coffee shop and within minutes she's being chased by hybrid vampires, ultimately being rescued by werewolves. She learns quickly that these men have been hired by her father a powerful vampire to apprehend her and bring her to him as he finally seeks a family relationship with her.

I considered my options. Turn around and face the creatures we outran, demand they drop me off at the nearest bus stop, or stay and uncover the one thing that managed to elude my entire life.

Reluctantly Emma is drawn to this idea to discover the father she never had and to chastise him for his cruel manner in which he left her beloved mother all those years ago, only to be ridiculed and scorned by other in their small town community for having relationships outside of marriage at such a young age. Without sharing any spoilers this is a journey of Emma learning secrets from her last, realities she thought were long dead, her options of an immortal life and letting herself have a family again.


"I challenge you!" A voice roared over us all, louder than the strong wind surrounding us. "What's the meaning of this, Luca De Viard?" Decimus stepped back, seething."You heard me." Caleb snarled. His eyes were glowing blue embers of light, dangerous and outraged. "I challenge you."

Anyone that knows me knows I love Alpha males and Caleb is a prime example of an Alphalicious male I won't do not care to easily get out of my head. From the first appearance of Caleb I found myself desperately reading faster to catch even more glimpses of this huge masculine werewolf I wanted all to myself. I wanted to crawl inside this book and steal Caleb's affections for Emma and live forever. He's kind, tender but can bring his Alpha alter ego in a moments notice.....and I just can't get enough of these aggressive protective possessive Caleb.*Sigh*


"Invite me in!" An unknown voice bellowed through the door just behind us. Without thinking I screamed "Come in."

Out steps the deliciously noble and gorgeous Trent *fans myself*, a vampire I hope to get to know even more in Crimson Sunrise. He's arrogant, telepathic, brooding, powerful, charismatic and all around delectable. I just couldn't get enough of him. I also wouldn't mind crawling inside this book to steal his affections as well and live in this fairy tale world forever.

"Please refrain from the potty language. I know you we're around undesirables before, but in this family we reserve colorful talk for special occasions.

One of my favorite characters in the book was Derek. He's a werewolf, Caleb's pack mate and all around prankster. He can dish his jokes but fails to easily accept payback and for that all his dramatic goofball moments were priceless. Other noteworthy supporting characters include Billy a southern hospitable werewolf, Sarahanother werewolf the object of Derek's affection. Hopefully that's not the last we've heard of those delightful personalities.

"I could kill you right now, and no one would stop me," Caleb snarled mercilessly. "No one comes after another's mate and lives. That is our law. But I'm willing to extend an olive branch for the sake of your people. You can yield and allow us to leave quietly, or I will end this right now. What's it going to be?!"




In Crimson Moon Jamie Saare takes us on a journey of finding first love, the despair of letting go of that love, trying to love again, and if we're lucky enough finding that love again.





Like what you see here, check out more of my reviews at http://missvainsparanormalfantasy.com/
Profile Image for Sláinte Wanderlust.
892 reviews386 followers
January 5, 2014
I had been wanting to read this book for ages but had never had a chance before. When I started it last night I had such high expectations, probably too high. Clearly i built it up too much & it just couldnt compare.
I had no issues with the writing, I thought it was fine. It was the story that just didn't really work for me, it has been done countless time - sad to say, it has been done a lot better in my opinion as well.
Oh so you are a long lost almost vampire princess..

Oh so you love a guy & he sends you away..

Oh so, it makes perfect sense in your pissed off state to jump into a life long commitment..

The characters were a little flat for me, the idea Caleb would just give up his once in a lifetime mate after one tiny incident was just pathetic. Clearly their connection could not actually mean that much to him after all. The other part of the love triangle, the vamp Trent, he was a bit of an ass, constantly reading her thoughts/pressuring her to choose him or change.. yeah he annoyed me too.
The ending..
Caleb..

Trent..

Emma..

(unloved/death of a loved one syndrome me thinks)

I end this review with my final thoughts of the characters..
Profile Image for Jenn.
186 reviews13 followers
May 21, 2012
This book can be summarized simply: What if you swapped the Twilight roles of Edward and Jacob, then bumped the YA content to beginners PR?

Now, don't get me wrong. Just because I'm comparing it to Twilight doesn't mean it's terrible. It has multiple glaring similarities, but it's not the mind-numbing garbage that Stephanie Meyers produced. Maybe the similarities were only noticable because I despised Twilight. Some things that stood out:

Werewolves bonding on first site, even if it's to someone other than their current partner...see Twilight's imprinting.
Trent the vampire can read minds...see Edward.
Emma's a total Mary Sue...see Bella.
Caleb sends Emma to another country to save her from danger...see Edward going overseas to protect Bella.
Emma spends months pining over her lost love, taking comfort in the arms of another man (and begins to fall for him)...see pretty much the entire 2nd book in Twilight.
Sarah-the gorgeous, well-dressed, protective-while-being-jealous fried/pack member...see Rosalie.
Emma is highly sought after by the vampire prince...see the Volturi (sp?).
Emma decides to be a vampire in an instant and discovers she has a gift that shocks people....see the end of the Twilight series (except remove the "shock" b/c it was stab-your-own-eyes-out-boring.)

If I had never read Twilight (and Lord, do I stay up at night praying that were true), I would have loved this book for everything that it was; a slightly over-the-top romance with heartbreak, drama, and drop-dead gorgeous men.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ghadeer A.
293 reviews
January 29, 2012
Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Bella chose Jacob in the Twilight series ?!

Well here is your chance to know the answer in this book ..

The main characters Emma ( very close to Bella) and Caleb ( very close to Jacob) are shallow and annoying ..and the humor in this book is so lame I almost choked myself reading it..
And the "bonding" is just another word for "imprinting " ( again from Twilight)

Oh I forgot to mention that Caleb did not want to sleep with Emma in the Cabin and did not want to rush it but 2 days later he takes her to his parents and after their meal his parents tell him to "show her a surprise" and instead of desert they give her their son's penis and he has to make the bond consummated by ...what a surprise ..sleeping with her.....oh wait no....making love to her...creepy parents ..
Really!,! not very imaginative and I could go on and on about the similarities with Twilight but why bother...


Enough said..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cindyg.
1,004 reviews63 followers
September 4, 2010
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars, it is one hell of a read. I loved everything about it; Caleb: strong, fierce, handsome, sexy as hell, patient, kind, you get the idea. Emma: intelligent, loving, strong, lovely, you get the idea. And the secondary characters really weren't that secondary in my mind. I loved them all. Damn this story was soooo good...It's fast pace without leaving gaps, it's fluid without drawing out details, it's gut wretching, it keeps you on the edge of your seat...you won't be able to put it down...Thank You Jaime for one hell of a hot and intense read...
Run don't walk to your nearest bookstore and get this book; you'll absolutely love it.
I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Brianna (The Book Vixen).
665 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2015
Review copy provided by author

4½ stars

Why I Read this Book: I read Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between earlier this year and I really like the way J.A. Saare tells a story. I am anxiously awaiting the release of The Renfield Syndrome (the sequel to Dead) so I thought I’d read Crimson Moon in the interim. Crimson Moon is a different read from Dead but it’s rich in enjoyment nonetheless.

What I Liked: My heart sank when I read the prologue – the prologue people!

And I would have missed out on the most important and pure of emotions—that indescribable elation that only flourishes when someone experiences first love, as well as the absolute devastation that follows upon losing it forever.


Sounds sad, doesn’t it? I cried when I read that; I literally shed tears. And even though the prologue sounds depressing, I still wanted to read about this first love and I wanted to find out how it was lost – lost forever mind you.

The author is very expressive in her writing style. It comes off so naturally and makes reading her books so enjoyable. She is able to describe emotions and thoughts so vividly. The story, the characters and the setting are all easy to visualize. There was a part in the book where a character was enduring gut-wrenching pain and it was so descriptive that it caused me to wince. I actually flinched!

Another thing I liked, just 5% into the book and we’ve already got action going on! Crimson Moon is definitely no slow starter. And it just keeps going from there at a brisk pace.

What I Didn’t Like: There is a lot going on in the last part of the book. Questions are answered. New problems arise. But the ending happened a bit too fast for me. I wasn’t ready to let go and I didn’t want it to end. I needed more satisfaction.

Overall Impression: I enjoy reading about both vampires and werewolves. With Crimson Moon, you fall in love with one species in the beginning of the book then you open your heart to the other towards the end. No matter what though, I’m Team Caleb all the way. Crimson Moon will make your heart ache and it will take your breath away. And though there’s no cliffhanger ending here in Crimson Moon, I still long to read Crimson Sunrise, the sequel.
Profile Image for Patti TheLoveJunkee.
715 reviews157 followers
July 18, 2010
I recently read Dead, Undead, or Somewhere In Between by J.A. Saare and thought it was pretty good (even if I was less than enthusiastic about the ending - my review is here). Right after I finished, I won a copy of Crimson Moon (which I believe is Ms. Saare's first published book?) from Fiction Vixen.

I loved this book!!! I couldn't put it down - I stayed up until midnight reading, read through lunch at work and started reading as soon as I got home again!

Emma is an easily likeable character - curious and not afraid to ask questions but not annoying at all. She is not strong or kick-ass, especially not compared to the creatures she suddenly finds herself surrounded by, but she's smart and adapts quickly to her new situation.

Caleb is absolutely delish! He's just the kind of male character I like - strong, sexy and posessive, but not obnoxiously so - he's got a sweet and sensitive side too. He did make one decision that I didn't agree with, but he did rectify the issue so I can't stay mad at him :)

The secondary characters in this book were also enjoyable - Caleb's friends Derek and Sarah were a fun couple (maybe they'll get their own book? *hinting @J.A. Saare). And on the vampire side Trent was great - at first I didn't want to like him but he slowly won me over with his persistence and attitude.

Crimson Moon is almost like two books in one - the first half is Emma's escape from the zombie-type kidnappers and her blossoming relationship with Caleb, the second half is her journey to meet her father and the events that unfold while she's there. The end of this book was very, very satisfying. My frustration with a certain character was wiped away by the Epilogue.

I give Crimson Moon by J.A. Saare 4 1/2 out of 5 stars! Many, many thanks to Fiction Vixen and Ms. Saare for giving away this book!!
Profile Image for -Edamommie-.
396 reviews18 followers
January 5, 2012
4.5 STARS!Let me start by saying this: I don't stay up scrambling to read/finish any book! I value my sleep lol..But J.A. Saare's Crimson Moon had me sucked in from the start. Emma Johnson, lost her Mom and has her Grandma in a home, Her Dad? well she has not a clue to her roots, heritage or who HE is, she's just going through the daily motions of everyday life...TILL BAM! ZOMBIES? just WTH are those?? The beginning does start slow and I had an UH OH! moment and thought...what if this isn't good?! SO WRONG! this is where I COULD.NOT.PUT.THIS.DOWN!! Now fans of Saare's UF ass kicker Rhiannon Murphy? Don't compare her to Emma! she's not a very animated or vocal character and this bothered me. If you were dragged around by strange men being chased by scary beings wouldn't you flip out??
I love LOVED every sweet, romantic moment between Emma and Caleb, I loved every awkward moment! J.A. loves her plot twists and there are a few!
I can't wait for Crimson Sunrise and I thought it was out already ;(
Recommending this for fans of Romance/Shifter/Vamp/Triangles..


Profile Image for Emily Miller.
147 reviews9 followers
August 30, 2011
I am adding this book to my all time fav's list. One of my favorite book pages on FB had a link to this book on Amazon.com. I read the description and thought it sounded very interesting. Little did I know that I wouldn't be able to put it down since I started reading. Curse work and driving!!! All I wanted to do was see what happened next!

Crimson Moon is a great segway book between YA paranomal romance into adult paranormal romance. It has the sweetness of first love, but the sexiness of the ultimate bond between two people who are destined to be together. This book is definately for 18 years and up.

The storyline picks up rather quickly....within the first 3 chapters. Emma is almost attacked to a former high school classmate but it quickly swept off her feet into the safe arms of Caleb....one hunk of a werewolf. Emman soon learns that she is a trueblood descendant of a powerful vampire. As she is reeling from the knowledge that "she is not in Kanasa anymore", Emma finds herself falling hard for Caleb. Who would have thought that a vampire decendant and a werewolf could be soul mates??? Interesting concept, huh?

JA Saare introduces the reader to several likeable characters from sweet Southern Billy, best friend "were" Sarah to the always sexy and good hearted Trent. Saare wisk the reader from the rolling hills of Minnesota to the rustic wood of Tennesses to the glorious green Scotish coast.

As I was reading Crimson Moon, I felt myself falling in love with the characters. The detail in which Saare wrote the feelings of the characters, made me feel them myself. I found myself wondering what I would do if things didn't work out for Emma and Caleb. There were times when I wanted to jump into the book itself and smack some sense into Caleb!!

I definately recommend Crimson Moon to anyone and everyone. JA Saare just became one of my favorite authors!!!
Profile Image for Ships.
354 reviews17 followers
January 27, 2011
This is the second book by J.A Saare that I have read - the first one being the very real & gritty urban fantasy Dead, Undead Or Somewhere In Between, which I enjoyed alot.
This is offering( a completely different plot) I thought was from a completely different author, they are both chalk & cheese, Crimson Moon being a lot lighter in tone & execution, though there are flashes of darkness here & there.
I thought with the way it was written it was a YA, but then came across the touching love scene & pockets of dark violence (definately adult), I enjoyed the premise & the genius twists & turns of the book, but not sure it's hit, it's proper stride, the book can't really make it's mind up. It's a mix of paranormal Mill & Boon , YA writing, with the odd dark passage that does not meld easily with the rest of the book.
The outline story is at 18 years old, our protagonist, is on her own, when she is kidnapped, then rescued being flung into a paranormaal maelstrom, she finds she is the only 'living' vampire relative, and is wanted to be used as a pawn in the supernatural worlds politcal machinisations, which is why she is in danger & needs rescuing. The romance is at the forefront more than the plot.
I would buy the follow on from Dead, Undead or Somewhere In Between, but not sure I will follow on with this series as I found myself wanting to jump forward some of the time.
Saying all the above it is best to make your own mind up as looking at the other reviews this offering has been a real hit, I just didn't feel it.
Profile Image for Paris.
Author 15 books66 followers
October 11, 2012
I absolutely love J.A. Saare’s Rhiannon’s Law series and when I saw that the first book in her Crimson Trilogy was $2.99 I figured I’d give it a shot hoping that I’d love it as much as the other series. Crimson Moon is a good book. It’s not as dark as the other series and at times it reads more like a paranormal young adult book than an urban fantasy for adults. It was also Saare’s first book and that is often evident in certain scenes.

For the most part I liked Emma. She is young and naïve, but she also has an underlying strength that is nice and she is sometimes a smarty pants, although nowhere near the level that Rhiannon is. I would love to have my very own Caleb. Except for when he’s being a bonehead, but really what guy isn’t. Also, this is one of those few times where I’m completely not into the love triangle and I hope that it gets quickly resolved in the next book.

I have already bought book 2 in the series and I hope that since it was more recently written, it’ll be a bit better. Then hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for the conclusion to the trilogy. I am not a very patient person. ;-)
Profile Image for Andrea Heltsley.
Author 15 books325 followers
July 25, 2012
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book. I picked it up on Amazon randomly and thought the blurb looked intriguing. I am glad I did! Holy hot sauce this book was awesome.

Right away I felt for Emma. She is thrust into this situation that she didn't expect and a world she didn't know existed. Throughout the whole thing, she remains strong and takes everything in stride.

Caleb is just plain sexy. He is every girls dream and a fascinating love interest. I wasn't so fond of Trent as a love interest though. Hey, everyone has to pick a side. :)

This book was full of surprises and I enjoyed meeting all the characters. I didn't know what was going to happen and it kept me up until the wee hours of the night just so I could finish the read.

The ending was satisfying and I just adored this book. There is a sequel that I am dying to read, but I liked how they tied this book up. I recommend this book to New Adults as there is sexual content. Check out the sequel Crimson Sunrise next. I give this read five fabulous glittery stars!
Profile Image for Parajunkee.
406 reviews191 followers
July 19, 2010
Not often in my reading journey have I come to experience something so very different from book to book as I have come to experience with J.A. Saare's writing. I read Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between earlier in the year and I would swear that another author wrote Crimson Moon another good author, but I'm still kinda reeling from the experience of both books. I believe this makes for a fantastic author, because you really don't know what to expect. Maybe it is because I get stuck in series so often - that the author's voice is always so similar from book to book, or characters run into each other because they are so alike. I guess what I'm trying to say is if you've read Saare before, expect to experience a new side of her personality with Crimson Moon, - the evil twin wrote Dead, and the innocent twin wrote Crimson Moon. Read More
Profile Image for Jenne .
699 reviews85 followers
September 26, 2012


Solid 4.25 and I suspect the other books in this trilogy will be 5 star reads. Emma lives by herself in a small town. Her mother is decease and dad went MIA before she was born. She's attacked by strange people with red eyes one day. An unknown rescuer grabs her and takes her to safety. This is her crash course in the supernatural world. Rescued by werewolves and finds out she's vampire royalty. Instantly she bonds with Caleb her rescuer. He's been hired by her dad to get her to safety. After an instant courtship and mate bonding with him she has to go meet her fathers vamp family. Werewolves aren't allowed to know where the vampires live so Caleb can't come with her. Can they survive the separation and can Emma decide not to be a part of her long lost family? It seems everyone in the supernatural world wants a piece of Emma in one fashion or another. I can't wait to continue on with this trilogy!
Profile Image for Reese.
47 reviews10 followers
November 13, 2011
These damn books are like crack..... scifi crack. I loath to read them, but they are oh such a great little fast fix to satiate my addiction. No exception with this book.

My favorite part was the ending, I can almost feel the rain beating against my hopeless face while shocked by the anticipatory gait of a man never thought to be seen again clothes clinging to his every muscle as he moves through the storm towards his true mate. I can still picture it in my mind. Easily a chick flick genre, but memorable all the same.
Profile Image for Kay.
433 reviews50 followers
June 27, 2010
This is the 2nd book I've read from this author and it did not disappoint. I love vamps & weres and even more when you throw romance in the mix! Caleb & Trent stole my heart...each in their own way. The ending was also awesome!! Something that I didn't see coming!! I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Tori.
2,844 reviews474 followers
September 13, 2010
JA Saare did to me again. I laughed, cried, gasped and cheered(into a pillow cause it was 3 am)through the entire book. A fabulous story with smexy shape shifers, seductive vamps, and a heroine who holds her own through it all.
Profile Image for July.
256 reviews45 followers
July 9, 2011
I haven't given 5 stars to a book in a long time. I love when books have the ability to suck you in quickly and that's one of the main things I loved about it. Wow, what a great story I highly recommend it to anyone !!

Happy reading !
Profile Image for Debra.
647 reviews6 followers
February 19, 2011
This is the first book that I've read by this author. I thought the story was very good. I love Caleb and Emma, they made laugh and they made me cry! Loved the ending. Can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Hbeebti.
2,039 reviews50 followers
December 8, 2012
Absolutely love it! Wish I had the next one.
Profile Image for Roxanne.
649 reviews12 followers
March 23, 2011
So I really enjoyed this book, only problem was that it dragged out in the middle a bit. I like a bit more action in my books but the relationship between Caleb and Emma more than made up for it.
Profile Image for Jana.
105 reviews6 followers
July 13, 2011
Na začátek bych chtěla poznamenat, že tohle je již druhá kniha, kterou jsem od J.A. Saare četla (Dead, Undead or Somewhere In Between ).

Podle synopse na Goodreads mi Crimson Moon přišlo jako kniha, která by mohla mít docela potenciál a byť mě vcelku bavila a četla se velice příjemně, bylo zároveň nemožné si nepovšimnout jistých nedostatků, které vykoukly častěji než by se mi líbilo.

Na začátku se setkáváme s Emmou, působí jako sebevědomá mladá dvacítka, co to v životě neměla jednoduché. Vyrůstala na malém městě jako nemanželské dítě (takže trochu outsider mezi místními rodinami). Matka ji zemřela, když byla malá a babička nedávno onemocněla Alzheimerem, tohle všechno by napovídalo, že hlavní hrdinka bude sebevědomá a silná, když se musela celý roky potýkat s nepřízní osudu. Tak tomu aspoň bylo v případě Rhiannon (DUOSIB), možná z obavy, aby si postavy nebyly příliš podobné, protože Rhia to také neměla jednoduché a byla dost od rány, se s Emmou snažila jít v trochu jiných stopách. Jenže si nejsem jistá, zda to úplně fungovalo.

V kavárně je Emma přepadena nějakým podivným klukem, v uličce zachráněna dvěma neznámými muži a následně pronásledována dalšími stvůrami. Ke všemu se ještě dozvídá, že ti dva chlápci, kteří teď s ní ujíždějí v dodávce pryč z města, jsou vlkodlaci.

Problém č.1. To cool to by true. Po přečtení tolika YA/Fantasy/Paranormal knihami bych možná (říkám možná) byla schopna reagovat na nadpřirozeno s aspoň trochou rozvážnosti a možná trochou nezdravé vzrušenosti. Neříkám, že hlavní hrdinka musí ječet jak béčková herečka z hororu, ale nějakou opravdovou reakci by to chtělo. Emma šla ve stylu: „Ok, mohlo to být horší“.

Problém č.2. Nedostatek otázek. Přijde mi, že je to tak trochu opakující se motiv v mnoha knihách. Na jednu stranu chápu, že autorka na vás nemůže vychrlit všechny odpovědi hned na začátku knihy, ale to nemění nic na věci, že tyto otázky by hrdinkou položeny být měli. Mě kdyby někdo řekl, že je vlkodlak, tak bych si chtěla poměrně rychle ujasnit, jaká jsou pravidla hry. Jakože stříbrné kulky, úplněk, kousnutí – poměrně důležitý bod a další. Nebo když by mě pronásledovaly zombií podobné bytosti, tak bych chtěla vědět, co přesně jsou zač. A tady mě přišlo, že Emma se spokojila s poměrně málo odpověďmi.

Velice rychle je nám jasné že Emma a jeden z vlčků – Caleb – se do sebe zakoukali. Intenzita jejich vztahu je vysvětlena později, ale i tak by mě nevadilo, kdyby si autorka dala trochu práce s budováním jejich vztahu. Je to napínavé, někdy až nesnesitelné, když dvě postavy kolem sebe pořád krouží a vy čekáte, kdy už konečně, ale to je to vzrůšo, které k tomu patří. Tady než se rozkoukáte, tak už sou v sobě. Fyzicky Caleb je dosti sexy, ale možná to bude tím, jak se říká, že holky mají slabost pro rebely, ale bohužel na mě působí až příliš mírně. Hrozná citlivka, neříkám, že je to špatná věc, ale byl pořád proto, aby udělal tu správnou věc a to mě trošilinku otravovalo. A někoho připomínalo – yop Edward, ten měl stejný problém, ale přece jenom poměrně více vyhrocený.

Problém č.3. Jistá neoriginalita. Příběhů o vlkodlacích a upírech jsem četla spoustu, některé se hodně vzdalují zažitým tradicím, některé zas až tolik ne. Ani jedno ani druhé není zárukou, že to bude fungovat. Hodně vzdálený je Twilight, či Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls) série, méně pak třeba Raised by Wolves nebo Nightshade – to byl hezký příklad toho, jak poměrně tradičně uchopená představa vlků, byla zajímavě zapracována. Jenže tady se jednoduše pracuje se smečkou, Alphou, stříbrem (měsícem prý nee), ale vcelku nám to nenabídne žádný moc velký náhled na celou komunitu, všechno je hrozně povrchní. A celkově pak v příběhu nastávají určité okamžiky, kdy vám přijde, že tahle scéna se podobá téhle knížce, tahle scéna zase jiné. Příliš mnoho deja-vu momentů.

Problém č.4. Nedostatek akce. Po útěku od zombií lidiček odcestují do bezpečí, kde se uchýlí v jednom domě na venkově. Kromě malého ups, kdy je hrdinka na moment v ohrožení je všechno hrozně ok.

Problém č.5. Vztah Emmy a Caleba mě přišel trošku rozpačitý. Je to tak, když dva se vůbec neznají, ale jsou do sebe hrozně udělaný.



V tomto okamžiku se kniha trochu láme. Dostáváme se z první části knihy do druhé, podle mě (nevím kolik materiálu má ještě autorka pro nás připraveno) by vůbec nebylo na škodu, kdyby tady nastal konec. Kdyby celá tahle část byla mnohem delší a napínavější, rozsáhlejší. Víc času věnovala samotnému počátečnímu útoku, celá cesta z města trochu akčnější, kdyby postavy měli více času na seznámení a uvěřitelné prohloubení jejich vzájemné přitažlivosti, více rozvinuly potenciál postavy Parkera, který Emmu ke konci napadl a zakončit celou knihu uvedením na scénu Trenta a Emmin odjezd, aby poznala svoji rodinu.

Jenže první část je hrozně hrr a tak se hned přesouváme do Skotska, kde na Emmu čeká pár zajímavých překvapení. Jenže tam vystupuje na povrch další nedostatek hlavní hrdinky. Kromě toho, že je docela dost ubrečená, mě irituje ještě další věc, která se docela často v různých knihách objevuje. Hlavní hrdinky se nám snaží namluvit, že jsou hrozně obyčejné a že se jim nelíbí jejich vlasy, nebo barva očí, či co nebo že jsou jednoduše hrozně průměrné a nezajímavé a nikdo o ně nikdy nejevil nějaký extra zájem a najednou se objeví hlavní hrdina (Caleb) a říká jim, jak jsou krásné a úžasné, pak aby to byl klasický příběh, se objeví na scéně další zájemce (Trent), který je do nich udělán stejně jako ten první a zase jim tvrdí jak jsou krásné. A co ony na to? Jakkoliv odmítají připustit, že by pánové mohli mít pravdu, protože ony se vidí jako ty šedé myšky a teď se nám červenají, když jim někdo složí kompliment a jsou celé nedůvěřivé, bla bla bla. Trocha sebevědomí ženský! Kouknu do zrcadla a vidím, že jsem naprosto sexy nebo roztomilá nebo whatever. Proč vždycky potřebují chlapa, aby jim řekl, že jsou k světu.

Problém č.7. Pořád zmiňuji ty zombií. Co že se s nimi pak stalo? Kromě úvodu knihy se s nimi už v příběhu nesetkáváme. Jen je nám někde koncem 1/3 knihy oznámeno, že o celou věc bylo postaráno a že jejich vůdce, který je na Emmu poslal, byl zabit. Naprosto promarněný potenciál. Proč představovat zlouna s bandou zombií, když je pak někde, někdy, někdo zabije a my jsme ani nebyli u toho.

Zmínila jsem ještě letmo Trenta, musím říct, že ten byť neustále narušoval její soukromý tím, že jí četl myšlenky, tak mi přišel jako mnohem zajímavější postava než Caleb.

Jak jsem řekla, celá kniha se četla snadno a příjemně, žádné příliš pomalé části, kdy jenom listujete a nudíte se, ale rozhodně to dějově nepřineslo nic wow.

A poznámka na závěr. Ke knize mě přitáhl i fakt, že hlavní hrdina se jmenuje Caleb. Jako oddaná fanynka Kings of Leon jsem se „zamilovala“ (možná i bez těch uvozovek) do jejich zpěváka Caleba stejně tak jako do toho jména. Nevím, zda se jedná čistě o náhodu (vím, že se v Tennessee najde určitě spoustu Calebů), ale jaká je pravděpodobnost, že kapela pochází z Tennessee, hlavní zpěvák je Caleb a jeho starší bratr bubeník je Nathan a hlavní hrdina knihy se jmenuje Caleb Nathaniel something a pochází taktéž z Tennessee??? Mystery

Profile Image for Lauren.
54 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2017
I would first off like to say that I did judge the book early on and stopped reading it for a moment because I found the story to be too typical and the author was way too descriptive when it just wasn't necessary - and this really started to annoy me and I ended up skim reading. Now this is just me personally, but I like romances where even if they have an "instant connection" they struggle with it and have heat/hot moments and even excitement/bad things happen before the "happily ever after bit" and at the beginning this did not happen - in my opinion. Now this is where I judged it too early, as it does have some plot twists and turns and more than one love interest if you keep reading, but overall I found that the book was just okay or i just "liked" it. Unfortunately it will not be a title I reread. I may look at continuing the series as some believe the first book can be a bust, but I have always found that when a good book is found, you cannot put it down and cannot wait for the next one, and it was just not this book.
Profile Image for Cc.
2,087 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2017
Emma and Caleb

Emma woke one morning happily living in the human world by evening she'd learned that werewolves and vampires were real. Her introduction in the werewolf life is quick when she bonds with Caleb. She's very happy to stay with him for life until she's forced to leave to meet her vampire father.

Interesting story, I will be reading the rest of the Trilogy. What!! #3 won't be released for a year!! Oh NO! Write faster Ms Saare, PLEASE!
Profile Image for Alison.
150 reviews13 followers
February 3, 2018
19 year old shy virgin heroine and instant bonding. This felt very young. Like a Twilight novel. Not my style.
Profile Image for Judi.
475 reviews49 followers
January 16, 2011
I really liked Crimson Moon (even though it‘s told in first person *grumbles*). It was my first book by J.A. Saare thanks once again to my peeps on twitter and I‘m looking forward to reading more from this author. I believe there is a Disco in my future.

I really didn’t know what to expect when I started this book and even though I have never read any of the Twilight books I have a feeling if you’re a fan of that series, then you will love Crimson Moon. It’s got werewolves, vampires and a young woman and what with little I know, that’s enough for me to draw the comparison.

Emma Johnson is essentially all alone in the world. Her mom died in a car accident, she never knew her father and her grandma’s in a nursing home in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. What started out as a normal Saturday at the local diner for a breakfast of coffee and powdered donuts turned into a life changing moment in young Emma’s life.

Saare certainly wastes no time in getting the action started. Emma finds out in short order that her life will never be the same again that fateful Saturday morning. With her life on the line, Emma finds herself suddenly swept up and upside down as a gorgeous, handsome stranger literally sweeps her off her feet and helps her escape from so not so human creatures out to capture her.

And so begins the love story between Emma and her savior with the piercing blue eyes Caleb. From the moment Emma gazed into Caleb’s eyes in that deserted alley - she knew there was something special about him. Their attraction was immediate and undeniable.

Caleb is the perfect hero. Gorgeous, patient, considerate and caring, and yet this werewolf was a total badass Alpha when he needed to be. Protective and strong - there was never any doubt that Emma was his number one priority. He is definitely swoon worthy.

As far as Emma was concerned, she seemed to accept the fact that her father was alive and a true blood vampire and she was currently keeping company with a bunch of werewolves in stride. It may have been a tad unrealistic for her to so seemingly accept these changes in her life, but maybe it was easier for her given her ancestry.

I must say Saare’s writing is very descriptive. From hearing the squeak of shoes on the wet grass or feeling the piercing blue of Caleb’s eyes or the woodsy smells of pheromones - it all seemed real and alive in my mind as I read this book. It’s pretty amazing to feel such a part of a story while reading it.

I felt that there were two distinct parts to Crimson Moon. The first half centered around Emma and her interaction with the werewolves and her relationship with Caleb. I loved this part of the book. It was fun watching Emma and Caleb as their relationship blossomed. Her games of one upmanship with the pesky Derek definitely made me laugh. I didn’t see it coming when Saare changed up the rules of the game and Caleb and Emma were forced to make a difficult decision.

The second half revolved around Emma meeting her true blood vampire father and discovering how truly her life was about to change. And then there was Trent, the mind reading vampire who was now consuming all of Emma’s time. I didn’t want Emma to like Trent…possibly because I wanted her with Caleb. As this part of Crimson Moon progressed I kept on thinking nooooo Emma has to be with Caleb.

I had no idea where Saare was going with the story and that’s one of the best things about reading a book, that it can keep you engrossed and caring about the characters and hopeful for the resolution to a great love story.

I can always tell when I am truly into a story. I was reading this book at the gym and it was just so easy to block out everything going on around me as I lost myself in the story and actually keep working out a little longer (since I wanted to keep reading). At one particular point when Emma’s life was in grave danger I was literally holding my breath, my heart pounding while I read. I was actually scared. This is just one example of how well crafted this story was that I could imagine myself right there in the room witnessing the horror of Emma’s attack right along with her. Still gives me chills thinking about it now.

If you are even remotely interested in vamps and werewolves, a great story and love everlasting, then you must read Crimson Moon. I sure am glad I did.

Profile Image for Claire.
141 reviews26 followers
August 28, 2013
3.5 rating. wil do review tomoro as im starting the nxt one right now lol
----
Ok so let me start by saying that I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked it but I have issues with it. The writing style of this book confused me. Sometimes I thought it was 'teen paranormal/urban romance' and other times it was 'adult paranormal/urban romance'.
Id like to also say that my personal preference in writing style is when authors have some chapters from the heroes eyes and then a chapter in the heroins eyes instead of through 1 persons eyes the whole book... so this book probably could have been improved with this style. I would have liked to read through Calebs eyes.

Dont let my complaints put you off, I have a lot of downsides to this review but I liked it nonetheless. I do recommend this book to those who like paranormal romance.The plot itself was good and im always a sucker for romances- especially ones where the main characters are supernaturally bonded (as with most Lykae books)

I liked the plot but I think that she left out certain emotional necesseties like how Emma probably should have been more vocal at the begining. (I mean, who gets kidnapped and just stays quiet whilst it happens lol)

Food for thought:
Before I read this book, I read some other reviews and one stuck in my head which I agree with. See im a HUGE twilight fan and this series reminded me of it (just the oppposite way round) It was quite interesting reading the twilight books the opposite way round. However, in Twilight I routed for Edward the whole way through, but this book has you doubting your choice in which man because you end up liking Trent quite a bit. Its probaby the first book ive read where I could imagen the heroin changing her mind on which man to choose. It had me worried for a bit because im not a fan of betrayal but Trent deffinatly had my eye.

Profile Image for Mandi.
2,356 reviews733 followers
July 9, 2010
Why I read: I really enjoyed Dead, Undead or Somewhere in Between by this author earlier this year and wanted to try more.


Favorite Quote: “Our bodies are stronger and faster, but our hearts are just as fragile, remember that.”

Emma is somewhat content with her lot in life. Having lost her mother in a car accident when she was young, and never knowing her father, she grew up with her Grandmother. Now that her grandmother has advanced Alzheimer's, Emma is trying to decide what to do with her life. She has two years of community college under belt but life has it’s own plans for Emma.

At a coffee shop minding her own business, she is greeted by a man she went to high school with. But this man is definitely not acting normal – he is talking in a monotone, robotic voice and his actions don’t appear human. Scared, Emma tries to leave, only to be hunted by many of these creatures. From out of no where, she is picked up and whisked away by a stranger. This stranger turns out to be Caleb, and Emma, seeing no other choice, decides to go with her gut and trust this man.

Not only does she put her trust in him, but her attraction to him is instant. She knows she doesn’t have time to be lusting after someone when she was recently just attacked, but there is something happening that she can’t stop. Her attraction goes to the back burner a bit when Caleb starts telling her what was actually chasing her – a type of vampire. Even more unbelievable, Caleb is a werewolf, hired by the powerful trueblood vampires to keep her safe. Caleb and his fellow werewolf buddies take Emma someplace safe. Soon Emma learns her father is someone very important, and she is about to start a new journey.


Crimson Moon has a very strong start with creepy vampires out to get Emma and the dashing and sexy Caleb swooping in to save the day. Because he is a werewolf, his bonding process starts with her immediately, and definitely has an effect on Emma. I enjoyed their immediate attraction, and Caleb with his piercing blue eyes is definitely a fun hero. Even more, Caleb’s friends Billy and Derek make for some great humorous scenes with all of them giving each other a hard time. I love male camaraderie like that and Derek and Billy each add quite a bit to the story.

I do have some issues though. Emma accepts the presence of the supernatural way too easily in my opinion. She has her freak out moment, but then werewolves are introduced to her, she is told her father is a vampire and she just merrily goes along with the flow. There is also a time in the beginning where she is shot in the arm, and it is not mentioned how bad her arm must hurt her.

Later in the book, when she travels to meet with her vampire family, another big revelation accosts Emma. Again, her reaction is (or I should say total lack of reaction) did not seem real. Her life gets turned upside down and she stays standing up straight. I also didn’t like where her and Caleb’s relationship goes at this point, especially after they share a mating bond. When Emma is visiting her vampire family, it is almost like a different book. The wolves are left behind, forgotten. The high point is that we get to meet Trent, the super sexy vampire who is Emma’s guide and eventual friend.

I don’t mean to go on and on with the negatives because I did enjoy this book. It is very entertaining and romantic and I really do enjoy the way J.A. Saare writes. I laughed, and enjoyed many scenes. The first half of the book is really strong, and although the the last half grated on me a bit, this is still a fun, romantic story.
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