#Review: Ice Moon by Lisa Kessler - 4.5 Wine Glasses

Title:  ICE MOON
Series: The MOON Series
Author: Lisa Kessler
Format: Kindle, 290 pages
Published: Entangled: Select Otherworld (November 16, 2015)
ISBN: ASIN:B015MPPDNG
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: NetGalley
Rating:  4 1/2 of 5 Wine Glasses

One touch and she is his...

Jared Ayers works outdoors, embracing a solitary life, hiding from his inner demons. But after so many of his Pack brothers have found their mates, he starts wondering if there might be a mate in his future too. His world turns upside down after he's hired by the "Ice Queen of Lake Tahoe". One touch is all it takes. One touch to send the wolf howling within...

A gifted psychic with pyrokinesis, Taryn Goldstone wields fire beyond her control- sometimes with dire consequences. With Jason, she discovers that some flames are meant for passion-and healing. She has enemies who covet her powerful gift, but they are about to learn just how far a wolf will go to protect his mate.

Linda's Thoughts:
"That first day when we met, when I gave you my estimate for the deck project and you wouldn't shake my hand..." I laced my fingers with hers. "There was something sad and lonely in your eyes. I knew all about your reputation, your nickname the Ice Queen, but that wasn't what I saw that day. When I looked into your blue eyes, I saw a princess locked away in a tower, a prisoner. I wanted to set you free."

ICE MOON by Lisa Kessler has it all: suspense, mystery, humor, warm fuzzy moments, holiday magic, fairy tale allusions, sexy wolf shifters, and a breathtaking romance. The story is told in the alternating points of view of the hero and heroine, which allows the reader to be aware of the thought processes of each. This is the story of Jared Ayers, a talented werewolf carpenter, and of Taryn Goldstone, who is psychically gifted with pyrokinesis, but far from being in control of that gift, making it extremely dangerous, if not deadly, to being around her.

I loved Jared and grew to love Taryn, who has been nicknamed the "Ice Queen" due to her defensive reclusive nature. I'm so glad that Jared has found his mate; but they each have serious issues to work through first. Being a fan of fractured fairy tales, comparing the heroine to Rapunzel locked away in her tower, and the hero being the prince destined to free her, completely captured my imagination. Supporting characters who ensnared my heart included Taryn's darling son, Charlie, and Jared's cherished canine companion, Tank. Favorite characters from the previous books figured prominently in the story and are guaranteed to increase the pleasure level for fans. The plot thickens with Nero, the nefarious quasi-military organization; Its people amaze me with their sick thought processes.

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from this read:

I stared down into her eyes, my voice barely a whisper. "If I stay here any longer, I'm not going to be able to stop myself from kissing you."
---

"It's about your mom."
"She's not mad at your again, is she?"
"No." I set the drill aside. ""In fact, I wanted to ask you for your permission to court your mom."
"You're taking her to court?"
---

"This zipper only comes down for you."

Lisa has a true knack for writing unique, imaginative, steamy love fests. In Gareth's book (BLOOD MOON), she wrote a truly famous racy scene involving a motorcycle; It will vividly remain with me forever. Lisa has stated that she has people who meet her at book events comment "You're the one with the motorcycle scene..." If you haven't read BLOOD MOON, you should definitely pick it up. It's a really good story and the motorcycle scene will positively WOW you. In ICE MOON, Lisa does herself proud making ice cubes sexy! Who would have thought? It's definitely another scene that I will not soon forget. Here's a short excerpt from it:

I put what was left of the ice cube into my mouth. Her lips parted, watching my every move. I didn't hesitate, diving back in to feed on my mate, my tongue cooling the fire and heating her desire all at once.
Believe me, you will want to read the whole scene, but you'll have to pick up the book to do so. Suffice to say that I'll never view an ice cube the same when all is said and done.

Even though ICE MOON is the fifth book in the author's MOON series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone, if that is your preference, However, the story's entertainment quotient will be exponentially increased if you have read this series in order, as you will then become invested with the characters and captivated by the storyline that involves Nero. Lisa fills in the basics so the reader is never lost if the series is read out of order, but reading the books in order with all of their nuances, imparts a whole other perspective. The entire series is fantastic; I'd recommend a week of binge reading to catch up;
You won't be sorry.

Lisa is one of the most talented authors I know. I've read every books she's published and enjoyed each immensely. ICE MOON hit all the paranormal romance notes for me. I highly recommend ICE MOON and the whole Moon series to anyone who enjoys paranormal romances! Hunky wolf shifters are a plus! I can't wait now for BLUE MOON!



Suggested Reading Order:
The MOON Series:
Book 1 -MOONLIGHT (Lana & Adam)
Book 2 -HUNTER'S MOON (Aren & Sasha)
Book 3 -BLOOD MOON (Gareth & Nadya)
Book 4 -HARVEST MOON (Jason & Kilani)
Book 5 -ICE MOON (Jared & Taryn)
Book 6 -BLUE MOON (Coming in 2016)