Review: Under the Moon by Natalie J. Damschroder

Under the Moon 
(Goddesses Rising, Book 1)
by Natalie J. Damschroder
Paperback
Published December 6th 2011 by Entangled Publishing, LLC (first published November 1st 2011)
ISBN 1937044556
Courtesy of author & Bewitching Book Tours

Their power gives them strength...and makes them targets. 
Quinn Caldwell is the epitome of a modern goddess. Her power source is the moon, her abilities restricted only by physical resources and lunar phase. She runs a consulting business and her father's bar, serves on the board of the ancient Society for Goddess Education and Defense, and yearns for Nick Jarrett, professional goddess protector and the soul mate she can never have. 
But someone has developed the rare and difficult ability to drain a goddess of her powers, and Quinn is a target. With the world thinking Nick has gone rogue (whatever that means) and that Quinn is influenced by "family ties" she didn't know she had, keeping themselves safe while working to find the enemy proves harder each day. 
But not as hard as denying their hearts..

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My Thoughts:


Quinn Caldwell is a goddess that derives her power from the moon, which makes her incredibly powerful…except when there is a new moon. During this time she is powerless and vulnerable, which is when her protector, Nick Jarrett, arrives. Quinn has been in love with Nick for the last fifteen years but since his rejection all those years ago she knows she must hide her feelings and accept that friendship is all she’ll ever have from him. Trying to move forward with her life and fulfill some sensual full moon needs,  Quinn and her assistant Sam get close but she knows that he will never have her heart the way Nick does and can’t hold him back from finding someone to truly love him anymore. When a leech is revealed who threatens those Quinn holds dear, and even herself, the trio must team up to stop this nefarious villain from draining anymore Goddesses and uncover which Goddess gave him his powers to begin with. With a scheming council, a rogue, and some surprising family ties it’s sure to be a bumpy journey. Will the trio make it out intact, or will one or all of them be forever changed? 


Under the Moon was an enjoyable read with a fast-moving plot full of suspense and sexual tension. The story reminded me a bit of Rachel Caine’s Weather Warden series, the way it was set up and with two potential suitors and one kick-ass heroine trying her damndest to save the world, and you know from the beginning that one is the only guy for the leading lady. And Quinn was a great leading lady, strong but still obtaining emotional depth. She tries to do right by both Nick and Sam, as well as trying to save other Goddesses when she believes the council isn’t doing enough, putting herself at risk for losing her own powers in the process. Nick was sexy and domineering in that alpha sort of way, the kind of hero that any heroine would swoon over. His and Quinn’s dialogues and scenes were bursting with sexual need, nudging you right to the edge and leaving you grasping until the very last moment. Sam played the nice guy that you hope for the best with but know it will never happen, and then by the end  you can’t help but desire a HEA for him too one day. I’m glad he’ll be getting his story next! A good amount of action will keep your turning the pages as well. Overall, Under the Moon was a good read that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy with a touch steamy.

Rating: 3 Wine Glasses - Liked It

Sexual Content: Recommended for adults. I would definitely consider this an urban fantasy though there is enough smexy to keep romance readers happy.