When A Moth Loved A Bee by Pepper Winters is the first book in the Destini Chronicles.
 
This story is set in a high fantasy world, and we follow characters who are soulmates, but certain circumstances prevent them from being together. With each page you discover more about them and why they can’t be together, and I was so curious about that.
 
She is staying with a tribe, and He is living with wolves and that was fascinating to see and through it you learned more about the world. At some point their paths cross again and I loved how the characters slowly uncover the past and I felt like they finally had a chance to pursue a relationship. But then something happened (I’m not going to spoil it, but it had to do with a certain ceremony) and I really hated that development and couldn’t understand it. Runa was basically tanked under, and her character dwindled down afterwards. Even though she had all that power, she did nothing. Of course, it’s not that easy, but she didn’t put in an effort to change things and that really annoyed me. I definitely liked Darro more, but both were just string puppets at some point.
 
If I would just rate Runa and Darro and their longing and love for each other I would give this book five stars, however the circumstances and plot twists made me lessen my excitement for them. Furthermore, a lot of side characters appeared repeatedly, but they stayed rather dim. I liked Solis at the beginning, but at some time he seemed very disconnected from this world and only focused on the spirits. Aktor is a character I absolutely loathe, and he is just horrible and abusive. Even though he has shown slivers of remorse, he is not redeemable for me. Also, if you’re wondering why I’m so vague on some aspects it’s because a lot of things are not explained in this almost 1000 page book. Oftentimes the plot went in circles and some scenes were really dragged out. I’m still torn about the end and for me the author had a good idea, but the realization was just ok.
 
Overall, When A Moth Loved A Bee is a beautiful story about star-crossed lovers, but the plot and world was not fully for me. 3,5 stars.
 
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)

First of all the version I read was 20% longer than the final version so my review is based on the version I read. Pepper Winters is an amazing author. I have enjoyed many of her books, so I got pretty excited when she announced she was writing a fantasy romance. This book was huge, which I don't mind for fantasy/paranormal novels. However, there was so much repetition that it got boring towards the last quarter. But that was not the main reason I rated this book three stars. The lack of chemistry between the main characters bothered me the most.

This was not an epic love story. I just couldn't feel the connection between the characters. I loved the world Pepper created and there were many elements that were amazing, and kept me intrigued throughout the book. Especially, the role the animals played in this book was a great addition. But I started to care less and less about the characters towards the end of the book. I was waiting for something epic to happen, a twist or something. But, unfortunately, it didn't meet my high expectation. Also, I assumed this would be a stand-alone, however, I don't know if I am invested enough to read the next book. I am happy the author decided to cut 20% of the book, because there were many scenes that didn't really add anything to the story in my opinion.

Sadly, I have the same feelings as others have about this book. Its too long and very repetitive. I was 6 hrs into the book too late when I received Pepper's email that she removed over 130 pages from the arc manuscript and that I could've asked for the updated version. I wasn't bound to go back and restart the book. The world building needed more work as I felt we were just thrusted into the scenes. I think for Fantasy world, in my opinion its almost a requirement. By the end I'm still "a bit" confused on whats going on. The plot really needed to be carried forward a lot earlier on as I had a feeling everything I was reading was very vague. This has nomadic vibes of book Transcendence, movies of Alpha (2018), 10,000 BC and even Avatar. Dorra and Runa have yet to tug my heartstrings to feel their soul mate connection. I will have to put aside my thoughts for now on whether or not I'll continue for book 2 the conclusion to this duet depending on a couple factors. I just usually have to know how things will end.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Interesting read with a dark fantasy and romance theme. There is a sexual violence theme too. Whilst I loved the concepts I struggled to engage with the characters. Thank you to #netgalley for the opportunity to review

This book is unhinged and I have NO IDEA what happened in it. I mean… I literally just finished it and I still couldn’t tell you what the hell was going on for the last 45% of it. Just that it was COMPLETELY UNHINGED.
The ending. The ending is some of the most insane writing I’ve ever experienced. I laughed. I cried. I begged for it all to end. And then, finally. Finally. It did. Thank ‘the fire’ as they say in this monstrosity.

This book has got all the tropes. It’s got the mates and the sex and the longing and the possessive ‘You’re mine. You belong to me’ and the ‘who hurt you’ crap that really gets the girlies going. And I’ll admit. I’m into that too sometimes. But this is 1000 pages of pure, unadulterated, masculine bullshit…. To put it bluntly. I’m just too gay for this shit.

Anyway. If you’re still wanting to read this (why bestie? Are you okay?) then here are some other things you should know. Beware of spoilers.
- This book borrows heavily from indigenous culture. I don’t think it handles this with any respect.
- SA is used to further the plot. And then the man who did the SAing is continuously included in the story in, what I thought to be, a really gross way. People forgive him very easily. Even Runa begins to feel as though she ‘understands’ why he did it by the end.. Her father figure binds her to him in a marital ceremony she doesn’t consent to. It made me feel sick.
- The book is, easily, about 500 pages too long. It’s repetitive. Simple as that. I figured out the ‘who are we’ question very early on, because it’s very easy to pick, and then was bored by how often the writing kept the ‘answer’ from me. It treats the reader as if they’re incredibly slow and that pissed me off.

So. To paraphrase. If you’re straight, into unnecessary SA in your fantasy and are willing to commit to this 1000 page book, then by all means. Get it into you. You’ll probably love it.

I do not like those things. And therefore, hated it. It’s get two stars because the imagery in the first half was quite beautiful and the writing was solid. Pepper Winters ain’t for me. I know that now 💀

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

It's hard for me to write a review for this book without giving anything away. I had no idea how to prepare myself when it came to this story, but I knew it would take me on an emotional journey. It didn't disappoint. This story had its high and low moments for me, but with the way it ended it left me looking forward to the next book. I liked the side characters, and I loved the main characters Reena and Darro. The connection and chemistry between Reena and Darro were undeniable and the steamy scenes were filled with anticipation and angst. The story had mystery and suspense, and twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I cannot wait until the next book comes out to get the rest of Reena and Darro's story because I need to know how things ends not only for them but for everyone and no matter what, I want them to get their HEA.

I want to rave about this book, it was beautifully written and the world is intriguing. I I do think it could have been trimmed some. There are a lot of repetitive descriptions - which make sense sort of with the amnesia - but also not and I can't put a finger on why parts felt disjointed. It is very long but doesn't satisfy at the end at all. Such is the first installment of a new series I suppose.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Pepper Winters/Valentine PR for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review.*

No! Unfortunately no. I wanted to like it, but I didn't. I ended up dnfing it at 70%. What's the point? The execution was good but the idea was meh..
Trigger warnings: rape

“THE HEART.
A simple organ. A vital instrument in keeping mortal flesh alive.”
“A faceless male.
A heartmate from a dream filled with the shadows of death.”
I don’t know if there are words I can use to fully describe the impact this book had one me … but I’ll try nonetheless.
This story was absolutely wonderful!!! Complicated, intriguing, exciting, painful and so so magical it was impossible to stop reading it.
Once you start you feel completely overwhelmed - in the best possible way - by this story of a girl and a stranger, two opposites, sun and moon, light and shadow. Both of them empty if any memories, but still trying to remember and with an undeniable pull towards each other … one that it’s impossible to run away from. In a journey through getting back their memories, finally feeling like they belong somewhere, finally feeling like they are not alone, getting to know themselves and their own power while also trying to escape the fate they seem to be destined to find in each other … it was a mind blowing experience !!!
Just … Incredible world building and wonderful magic system and an impossible love that will have your heart soar and then break every other chapter!!
And it was spicy !!! VERY SPICY !!! And soo intense !!!
And that ending … it left me absolutely speechless !!!!
I need book two NOW !!!
"Don't cry. It makes me feel helpless when you cry."
“She was mine, even if I'd forgotten her.
I was hers, even if she'd forgotten
me.”

I loved this fantasy. I can't wait for more. Just the right amount of spice in my opinion.
I just reviewed When a Moth Loved a Bee by Pepper Winters. #WhenaMothLovedaBee #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Thank you Netgalley and Valentine PR for the ARC!
This book is kind of hard for me to rate. It is very long and has a lot of repetitiveness to it and I feel like that could have been edited a little more but I still really liked it.
I did like the general storyline and the world Pepper built in this book. It is not a fast paced book by any means but it kept my attention. The magic system is unique and the book is somewhat trippy. It’s very different than others I’ve read. There is such a mystery between the characters and the whole time I’m wondering what exactly they are. I can’t wait for the next one to come out.

Every page, every word sucks you in. This story is simply amazing ! This story has heartache, man does it have heartache but it is also full of wonder and love. Pepper has always been one of my favorite dark writers but now she is added to my fantasy writers.

I've never read a Pepper Winters book but I've heard of her stories so when I saw this i immediately requested it. While this is not a genre I usually read, I really loved it!

When A Moth Loved A Bee is a romantic fantasy story with angst, heartbreak, memory loss, reuniting, and mystery. I enjoyed it a lot! The main romance took a few chapters for me to get into, and I would recommend people to check trigger warnings before reading, but now I'm just waiting for the second book so I can know what happens next!!

3 ⭐️

I have thoughts.. I know this author usually writes dark romancey books and I IMMEDIATELY wanted to read this because who doesn't love a good fantasy? however.. You're telling me this book HAD to be so long? while length isn't just the only issue. It was so repetitive sometimes, conversations were had multiple times, the characters weren't the greatest and kind of bland (might just be a me thing) but I'm kinda disappointed I wasn't obsessed. It was interesting enough for me to read this in just a few days but wowie was this an experience

First, Pepper Winters is a phenomenal writer, her words are so beautiful.

I have to applaud her for venturing into a new genre, I think she did a good job crafting this story full of magic, forbidden love and heartbreak.

What worked for me was the uniqueness of the story, there's so many elements to this fantasy romance, animals and earth play a hand in it. Every detail was written so beautifully, you can feel the love she has for this world, characters and this mysterious journey they are on.

While her magical world is very creative, it was missing the explanation for readers to follow along. We can be thrust into this new world full of magic but we have to know why it operates the way it does or we will be left confused. It was hard to follow along when rules were being changed throughout the story and I'm still left not sure how it works.

What ultimately didn't work for me which I am super bummed about since I was really expecting more is the amount of back and forth and repetitiveness. For 1,000 pages it started to feel very drawn out and a couple of times I got deja vu thinking didn't we just go through this. It wasn't progressing, I was getting bored and losing interest. Rather than enjoying the small details I was getting frustrated. Which brings me to my next point that this could have easily been one book and not a duet. Unfortunately, I don't feel the urge to read book two, the cliffhanger ending didn't leave me satisfied with the amount of time I spent reading this book. Pepper can write an amazing unique story but the execution was lacking for me.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Valentine PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It was a doozy. It was a journey. It was an experience. Pepper Winters creates a world and you get fed information piece by piece. You’re begging for a morsel of intel. You’re searching for a hint of a crumb about why things are happening.
Bathed in intrigue and soaked in mystique and beauty, you follow two characters as they learn themselves and each other. If you think you know about star-crossed lovers then think again - Pepper has upped the ante. Pepper has changed the game, friends.
Do you like a slow burn romance? Or do you like insta-love? Doesn’t matter how you answer because somehow it is both. I’m not sure how to explain that but it just is. This book is for everyone and it is also for no one - only the characters. It feels like I’ve been invited into someone’s diary. After almost 1,000 pages I feel like I am a part of this narrative and I should have stake in what happens next. I am invested. I have paid my coins. I need to see this through. Where is book 2?? I’m desperate.
I honestly just need to sit here and stew on it…. for a while. I do feel included to mention that you should check the trigger tags before starting your adventure.

My review will be unpopular because as much as I enjoy this authors emotional work this particular book felt slow. The characters for the most part are actually likeable . Initially the male lead felt brutish but his ways and actions became trivial compared to what ordinary mortal men are capable of. This is a long book and the journey this couple are embroiled on takes wings as the elements greedily play a part. For this reader the final third made everything worthwhile as these characters grew and yes even those who initially felt beyond redemption could in the hands of this talented author embrace a better side to themselves. I just think anyone going into this book should know its not a happy ending and actually not even a happy for now but a story of choices, sacrifice and quite possibly betrayal that is yet to achieve an outcome that many will be at peace with.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

4.5 Give Me More Stars

With When a Moth Loved a Bee, Pepper Winters wrote an intriguing, captivating and heartbreaking tale of first and forever loves.

"We bleed together ; we belong together"

In this first instalment, PW paves the way to a deliciously torturous love story with a very detailed world building full of mystery, forgotten pasts, dead languages and magic. A dual POV story where we follow "Girl" and "The Stranger" : two beings with no recollection of who they are or where they've been but indubitably linked by powerful feelings.

"The moment I met you I knew." "Knew what ?" "That you were what I'd been missing [...].

Reading, or more like devouring, this book, I went through a lot of emotions. Some of which include :
- being INTRIGUED by our MCs circumstances and the many protagonists, especially the Elements ;
- being ANNOYED by our FMC - I so wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into her - and the Nihl (seriously people ?! Wake up !).
- I ended up HEARTBROKEN - I didn't expect the sobbing fest that took place while I was reading due to the events our heroes were powerless to stop.
- I also felt RESTLESS... this is such a long book (over 900 pages !!!!) and while all the pieces are important, it was probably too much to read in one setting as it felt drown out at times. But a little before the 50% mark, when all the clues start to paint a clear picture... well you couldn't have distracted me no matter what. And with that ending, I am sure of nothing anymore and simply ready for more !

"Through every star and every sea, I'll watch over you. [...] You're mine and that can never be undone"

As a first foray in the fantasy world, Pepper Winters beautifully delivered with her usual attention to detail, a solid plot, loveable characters and entertaining magic. My brain is now in pieces, my heart is broken, I feel slightly jealous of the level of unconditional love and devotion expressed and I am clearly a glutton for punishment because I just want more. Book 2 can't be here soon enough !

"The truth is, I want you. All of you. I want your past, your present and your future."

Let’s start with the fact that this is Pepper Winters debut into the fantasy genre. I already read some of her dark romance books and really loved her writing style.

The writing in this book is wonderful. Pepper Winters know how to create an atmosphere and draw in the readers with her words. The world she created really feels unique, however some things weren’t really explained. Of course it’s fantasy, so the author has a lot of freedom regarding how things work but still there needs to be at least some sort of explaining instead of going like „well it is what it is“.

While I did enjoy the overall writing style, I am really getting frustrated with the repetitions. Why do so many authors nowadays writing such long books without any real plot?!? I really don’t get it, because while the overall story might have been good, the execution was just so boring and repetitive. I even started skimming the text because it didn’t seem like anything was happening at all. Whenever there was some sort of progress going on, it was made undone in the next chapter or even the next page. Why??? It felt like going forward one step and three steps back. I was so frustrated because there was so much focus on minor details instead of actual bringing the story forward. I think it would be way better if the author or editor cut down 200-300 pages because it was just unnecessary long. I really had to push myself to keep reading. If this wasn’t an arc, I would have DNF it.

I think the author had an excellent idea, created a unique fantasy world even if I would have preferred some real explanations. However, there was absolut no need to drag this book out so much!

Pepper Winters has outdone herself with this monster of a book. When a Moth Loved a Bee is a beautiful love story that is as heart-wrenching as it is exhilarating. This is storytelling as it's best. A must read page turner for those who want romance, magic, adventure and above all exquisitely written characters.