The first story, but most definitely not the last, that I have read by Ms Lynn, Latin Moon is a brilliant werewolf tale I strongly advise you to add to your ‘to be bought’ list--preferably somewhere near the top. Written with great flair, this erotic romance of a werewolf male and a dance instructor is simply fabulous and kept me reading right until the very end. I hope I can effectively tell you why and hook your interest so that you’ll feel the need to make a quick pop over to Loose ID and add this great read to your e-book collection!

Latin Moon is the first in the Moon series and the second, A Lover’s Moon, has just been published (with a third promised to soon follow). The author is currently planning on a further five, including an anthology of the already mated older couples--but the details are under wraps and still being worked out. Can’t wait to find out more (not to mention for them all to be published).

If I had to choose one word to describe Latin Moon, what would it be? That’s easy--unique. Latin Moon is the first tale I have come across where only the males exhibit the werewolf trait. The females can carry the gene if inherited from their parents, but do not have the ability to turn into a werewolf themselves. Nor do they have the other abilities of werewolves--quicker healing capabilities, better sight, sense of smell, quicker reactions and so on. Of all the other werewolf stories I have read, this is the only one (so far, touch wood) where only one gender has been able to shape shift. This in itself makes this tale, and indeed the whole series, a refreshing addition to anyone’s collection.

Latin Moon begins when the characters first see one another, then jumps forward six months, deep into their courtship. Alex is attending his sister's dance recital, the first he has been able to attend in the ten years since Marisa, his sister, has been dancing. Being a doctor, he’s a rather busy man. Upon arriving, his attention is immediately caught by a dancer on stage. Not his sister, but someone unknown to him. Recognizing her instantly as his mate, his werewolf side briefly shines through. His eyes glow amber and he unknowingly edges closer.

Called away from the recital by an emergency before he can be properly introduced to the young woman, he decides to bide his time until he can meet her at a later time. Fate practically drops her into his lap that very night when she takes her best friend Kat to the emergency department to have her ankle checked after a minor accident. Whilst Kat’s ankle is being x-rayed, Alex pops the question. No, not that one. He casually asks if she’ll go to dinner with him tomorrow, to which her reply is a resounding yes.

Jess is rather stunned when she first sees Alex. Wow, what a great specimen of a man--and what a really impressive dent he is creating in his trousers! To further add to her shock, he turns out to be one of the imaginary sons! Her friend, Kat, is the first to realize this. Although they have taught Marisa dance for ten years, they had not yet met her brothers, thus their nickname of the imaginary sons, the men whom Marisa’s parents claim to have borne, but whom Jess and Kat have never met. When asked out on a date by this gorgeous man, Jess very understandably is quick to accept. Who wouldn’t be?

Six months on and the couple have been going steady--but they still haven’t had sex. Jess is still a virgin, and this is one virtue she wants gone, but Alex isn’t cooperating. Unbeknownst to her, he is holding back, aware that when he makes love to her he will not be able to keep his true nature from shining through (those eyes, remember?). Besides which, the scent of her virgin blood will drive him mad. Things speed up at this point, with suspense added to the plot, which gradually thickens. With the attempted kidnappings of Jess and a missing pack member, Alex needs to be on his toes to protect her whilst fulfilling his duty as pack alpha at the same time. Will he succeed? When is he going to confess his secret to Jess? How will she find out? Who is out to get Jess as well as Alex’s pack?

By now, it should be crystal clear that this is one story that I highly recommend. How much I simply cannot stress, the reasons being obvious. Latin Moon is extremely well written, original, and unique. There is more to the plot than a ‘simple’ romance, with the characters each facing their own difficulties as well as detailed and scorching sex scenes. Need I say more? Truly, this is a brilliant read. There is no other word for it. You’ll just have to take my word for it and jump in with both feet.

I hope you enjoyed this review as much as I enjoyed writing it, and that it has completely hooked you on this story. The words simply flowed from my fingers. I knew instinctively what to say--and trust me; that’s quite rare. Hopefully, this is something else that further demonstrates my enthusiasm for Latin Moon. Bring on the rest of the series!

Reviewed By Elizabeth
© August 2005