Nettie Reviews: Blood Moon by Lisa Kessler

Title:  Blood Moon
Series:  Moon Series, Book 3
Author:  Lisa Kessler
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Rating:  4 Sweltering Keys 

Disclaimer:  A copy of this book was provided to me by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

One bite can change you.
And one kiss can change your destiny...

Nadya Dalca has been handed a death sentence. She's been bitten by the last living genetically enhanced werewolf―part of the Nero Organization's disastrous Moonlight project. With the poisonous blood now coursing through her system and pushing her to the limits, it is only a matter of time before Nadya's fate is sealed...

Gareth Takoda told himself he couldn't get involved. Caught up in a maelstrom of grief and bitterness, he has been isolating himself from his Pack. But when he is charged with watching over Nadya's first transformation―or bear witness should it go horribly wrong―Gareth is torn further by unwanted desire and the need to protect what is his.

One kiss changes everything. One shattering, all-consuming kiss. And with it, Nadya and Gareth face either salvation...or death.

Lisa Kessler continues her Moon series with her latest book, Blood Moon featuring the mating of Gareth and Nadya. While I loved this story, I can't help but feel like it's a transitional story.  There are a lot of lingering issues at the end of Blood Moon that doesn't get tied up in a neat little bow.  Either way, I'm all in for the long-haul because I just can't resist the lure of wolf shifters and the strong sense of family exhibited by the pack.

Gareth and Nadya's story was bittersweet because these two have had to overcome sooooo many adversities throughout their lives.  Both Gareth and Nadya lost their parents at an early age and that experience shaped both individuals differently. Gareth harden his heart while Nadya learned to never take family for granted.  Together they complete one another but first Gareth has to overcome his bitterness towards love, and the lingering agony he still feels after the loss of his twin brother Gabe.

To do so means Gareth has to embrace the real possibility that Nadya may not have long to live after being bitten by the Nero test wolf several months ago.  While her symptoms increase and the clock seems to be ticking her life away, Gareth has to decide if she's worth the risk.

Kessler introduces us to a new aspect of magic by bringing Gareth's tribal heritage into the storyline.  She also introduces a new character tied to Gareth's past named Chloe.  Chloe pays a key role in Nadya getting her happily ever after.  Although I loved this new aspect, it did seem to be lacking in quite a few details.  For example, Gareth gains a new power but it isn't really explored in great detail. We also see Chloe use magic as a means of helping Gareth with Nadya's illness, however no real explanation is given.  I would love to see more interaction with the entire pack and Chloe so that readers could learn more about the tribe and how they may intertwine in the wolf history.

All in all, this is a great installment to the Moon series and I'm looking forward to future books.  I especially want to see what's going to happen next with Nero.  I'm most interested in seeing how Sebastian's character may be developed over time as Kessler did quite a bit more of redeeming him in my eyes with Blood Moon.  I"m giving this one 4 Sweltering Keys!