Dani Harper’s book, Changeling Moon, has a fun, fresh, contemporary voice that immediately propels you into the lives of the people who live in the small Canadian town of Dunvegan. With a blend of both humor and suspense, Ms. Harper’s paranormal romance introduces us to a new group of changelings to know and love.
To get away from the hustle and bustle of city life where reporting about murder and mayhem became an everyday occurrence, newspaper editor Zoey Tyler has moved from the big city of Vancouver to the small town of Dunvegan. She’s looking for a more quiet and serene life while at the same time distancing herself from her famous psychic family. The last thing she expects is to be bitten by a wolf on her way home from work setting off a chain of events that will change her life forever.
Now before you say – been there done that – listen to this; author Dani Harper has a distinct voice and Changeling Moon has a unique mythology. It’s a great combination of witty banter, descriptive prose and interesting characters. And when you start a book off with a ‘cute meet’ that involves Zoey being rescued by the town veterinarian from a savage wolf while she’s perched on top of the roof of her car, you have the makings of a sweet and hot romance as well as a mystery that definitely involves suspense.
Connor Macleod isn’t your typical small town vet, he also happens to be a changeling and part of big loving family and changeling pack. When he rescues Zoey he realizes that the wolf that attacked her is not your ordinary wolf but a channeling. Attacking humans is not the norm for his kind and he knows he needs to put a stop to it, and quickly. He also knows that the bite Zoey received will definitely turn her if he doesn’t act fast.
Zoey and Connor’s relationship develops amidst the complications of a rogue changeling and an obsessive investigative reporter hell bent on discovering a story about werewolves that will destroy the changeling pack. As Connor realizes that there’s no turning back, and Zoey will in fact change, he’s hell bent on making sure he’s there to help her through it. As a hero, Connor is the best of both possible worlds. He’s a man who loves his family and community, has an uncanny ability with animals, a calm disposition and a sense of humor. He’s also sexy, strong and knows his own mind. He has the perfect blend of both beta and alpha traits. Zoey is a modern day woman who has a good head on her shoulders and thinks fast on her feet. She’s a relatable heroine who is smart, interesting, hard working and has a keen sense of observation. Together the chemistry between them seems natural and right.
The romance, suspense and mystery are intertwined, slowly revealing the mythology one layer at a time and setting up the series with a solid foundation. In addition there are also some surprises that give the book unexpected twists. The secondary characters, which include Connor’s brothers, some loveable town’s folk, the members of the pack and a female pack leader, are well developed and contribute not only to the mystery and mythology but to the tone of the book. They lend credence and coherence to the town of Dunvegan, giving this book a rich flavor that makes Changeling Moon not only a fun read but a great start to a new series. I’m looking forward to the next book, Changeling Dream, coming out in July.
