Review: Opal Moon by Ann Mayburn

Posted July 17, 2012 by B. in 4 stars, Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance, Rating A, Reviews Tags: , , , ,

Opal Moon
Author: Ann Mayburn 
Release Date: June 6, 2012
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Prides of the Moon #6
1 Night Stand Series
ISBN: #978-1613333129
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley

About the book:
     Burdened by heartache, werepuma Alpha Giselle seeks the complete release only offered by a night of sexual abandonment in the arms of a couple selected by the 1 Night Stand matchmaking service. Unable to fully bond with her gay male beta, Noah, she has been starved for affection and hopes that the mysterious couple can keep up with her sensual demands.
     Inara and her husband of over a thousand years, Theron, are traveling through the human world, seeking out those that are in need of Inara’s special fay gift. Inara is a sorrow eater. She takes the grief of others and replaces it with joy. Giselle is in desperate need of Inara’s healing touch after the death of her sister and the rejection of her beta. Together they will try to fill each other’s needs and desires, but only if Giselle will once again open her heart to the greatest force in the universe, love.

What B is talking about:
     Giselle is a strong, sexy werepuma who knows what she wants in a lover. But her heart aches for a connection she can’t have, and being linked to her beta’s happiness when she can’t share it is threatening them both. They have one chance to find a way to make their bond work, or they’ll have to part ways forever, leaving her on her own again. Being an Alpha shouldn’t be so hard.
     Inara and Theron are ancient fay who travel the human world seeking out those who are lonely and in pain so that Inara can help them with her special gift. As a “sorrow eater” she is able to feed from the suffering of others and turn it into joy. With a sexual hunger to match the werepuma Alpha’s head on, she and Theron are exactly what Giselle needs to help her feel love again.
     I’ve had the pleasure of reading several of Ms. Mayburn’s 1 Night Stand contributions, and her “Cat” titles are among my favorites in the series. The werepumas are highly sexual creatures, often seeking out pleasure in pairs or more, as is the case with Opal Moon. Sex is an essential component of their makeup, so Giselle’s abstinence out of deferment to her homosexual beta is both harmful and unnatural.
     Ms. Mayburn makes it easy to be drawn into Opal Moon from the opening scene, using the intimacy and rhythms of a dance club to introduce the reader to Giselle, Inara, and Theron. Both women defy cover-model-thin convention with an easy confidence that is much needed, but is never overstated; yet another skill Ms. Mayburn brings to her writing. That the fay couple understands Giselle’s needs so perfectly makes their sexual interactions sweet and intense, rather than obvious and naughty.
     Opal Moon is a great addition to the 1 Night Stand series, and reinforces Ms. Mayburn’s ability to write strong female characters while exploring alternate possibilities for sexual fulfillment. Giselle and Inara are unique, strong women who embrace their sensuality, and make no apologies for it, which is most welcome, especially in a short story. I found the ending refreshing as well in that it withholds a predictable guarantee in favor of a message of healing and hope. I would welcome any addition to this series by Ms. Mayburn, and hope to find out where she will take her characters in the future. And hopefully soon.

B’s Rating:

Enjoyed – strongly recommend (A-)

 

Purchase Info:
Books in the Series:
Amethyst Moon #5
 

3 responses to “Review: Opal Moon by Ann Mayburn”

  2. B.

    Thanks, Angela! These are good, quick stories, and Ms. Mayburn’s made her Weres pretty unique. None of them are carbon copies of each other, either. I’ve enjoyed reading every one!