Mona Lisa Darkening by Sunny

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shapeshifters, Monére, Children of the Moon
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: From the time she was an orphan child, Mona Lisa knew she was different—but she never knew how different. As a Mixed-Blood daughter of the Monère, she rules her own domain in the Louisiana Bayou. But her life of power is about to be lost, and Mona Lisa must survive a realm in which she is divided from within…On the vernal equinox, when night equals day and the barriers between worlds become gossamer thin, Mona Lisa gathers her people beneath the full moon. Instead of drawing down the replenishing white light of the moon, a terrifying darkness descends upon her and takes her into NetherHell——the cursed realm of the damned. In this place, the evil queen whose essence shares Mona Lisa’s body is strong enough to fight her host for control—and she does. But in NetherHell, Mona Lisa’’s internal struggle is only the beginning. Captured by a Gargoyle warlord who wants her for his own, Mona Lisa is torn from both within and without by desire, love, and ecstasy. And when her first love crosses the boundaries of the world to rescue her, she must choose her own destiny—before others choose it for her……

This is the fourth book in the Monere, Children of the Moon series. It is a little different, with the introduction of NetherHell. With Mona Lisa and the evil queen within her having dialog made for very interesting reading. Their travels and Gryphon coming back to try and save her was so sweet. And the ending was very unexpected. All in all the series is very well constructed. I liked the different take on the Moon legends adding in the were-people was especially enjoyable. This is something that I will keep an eye out for anything new that may come out with the same characters. I really liked it and look forward to reading the next book, Mona Lisa Eclipsing.
Publisher: Berkley Sensations
ISBN: 0425226476
Pages: 304
Series: Monere, Children of the Moon
Volume: 4

Mona Lisa Craving by Sunny

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shapeshifters, Monére, Children of the Moon
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: From the time she was an orphan child, Mona Lisa knew she was different—but she never knew how different. As daughter of the Mixed-Blood of the Monère, she has arrived to rule a new domain in the Louisiana Bayou. Now, under the full moon, she’s feeling a new and uncontrollable surge—and an instinctive new craving… Dante, the warrior son of a healer, was cursed by the high priestess to endure a never-ending cycle of life and death, born and reborn into an ever-diminishing bloodline. Someone shares one of his past lives. Her name was Mona Lyria. Back then, on the moon in another world, she was his victim. Today, she is Mona Lisa. This time, she is his savior. Dante’s wish is to die by her hands to end his cursed existence. But she feels fate has given them both a second chance. For even stronger than her craving for blood is her craving for what every Monère female desires, and needs…to bear life. Now she has found her mate. But with this blessing could come a new curse under the shadow of a new moon.

This is the third book in the Monere, Children of the Moon series. Mona Lisa is learning so much more about herself and the world of Monere. With Dante in the mix it just adds to the story making the world feel richer. This is by far my favorite of the stories of Mona Lisa. Dante who has known her in previous lives is very troubled. And yet she still wants to save him even with what has happened between them in the past. There is some sadness in this story but it is still very well done. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Mona Lisa Darkening.

Publisher: Berkley Sensations
ISBN: 1615579699
Pages: 288
Series: Monere, Children of the Moon
Volume: 3

Mona Lisa Blossoming by Sunny

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shapeshifters, Monére, Children of the Moon

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: From the time she was an orphaned child, Mona Lisa knew she was different—but she never knew how different until the truth was revealed. She was a Mixed Blood of the Monère, the children of the moon. Stronger, faster, and more beautiful than any human, they were the origins of Earth’s darkest legends—and Mona Lisa was their newest Queen… Accompanied by a loyal cadre of warriors and kin, Mona Lisa enters her territory of Louisiana for the first time. She slowly learns the erotic and savage customs of the Monère elite—though some of her new subjects are uneasy at being ruled by one whose lineage is diluted with the blood of humanity. Her reign is threatened by enemies old and new, and she is ensnared in the thrall of dark forces she cannot deny. In a hidden world of animal passions and unrelenting lust, Mona Lisa soon grasps the tremendous power she must command if she is to hold her realm together…and if she is ever to come into her own.

This story has a great amount of intrigue. I love the descriptions of the Louisiana is perfect. There is more fighting between the Queen’s that bring it to a darker level. Gryphon is still around but there are other characters that are very enjoyable as well. The way Mona Lisa protects her people gains her their respect. Even with those who are out to harm her she shows that they do not know what they are fighting. I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read the next book in the series, Mona Lisa Craving.

Publisher: Berkley Sensations

ISBN: 0425224945

Pages: 272

Series: Monere, Children of the Moon

Volume: 2

Mona Lisa Awakening by Sunny

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shapeshifters, Monére, Children of the Moon

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: From the time she was an orphan child, Mona Lisa knew she was different—but she never knew how different until a man of otherworldly beauty arrived during her night shift in the ER. Gryphon is hurting and hunted…and he attracts her as no man ever has before. He is a Monère, one of the children of the moon—and what’s more, so is she… Long exiled from the moon, the men of the Monère serve—and mate—with imperious Queens, who can channel the rays of their far-off homeland. Gryphon believes that Mona Lisa is a Queen—perhaps the first of Mixed Blood ever known. But her introduction to the nighttime court of the Monère, simmering with intrigue, casual lust, and calculated cruelty, is far from smooth. The other Queens are infuriated by her potential powers, and they are all menaced by a group of rogue males who have broken away from the women’s sway. Even as she battles threats from within and without, Mona Lisa is determined to discover who she is, and to explore the limits of her growing power—and her secret desires…

This is the first book in the Monere, Children of the Moon series. So I would say this is more about were-people (as they can change into different types of animals) with some moon magic as well. Learning about the Monère and their legends along with Mona Lisa made the story very dynamic. Gryphon is the kind of man that can take charge when he needs to. Very strong character, one that I want to know more about. He’s actually the character that pulled me into this story. I couldn’t wait to read the other books to this series, Mona Lisa Blossoming.

Publisher: Berkley Sensations

ISBN: 0425224554

Pages: 272

Series: Monere, Chidren of the Moon

Volume: 1