Wonderful!
I really enjoyed this book. It had lots of emotional pull, characters that were complex and rich words that really brought the story to life. It was one of those impossible to put down books. I loved this book. It held me riveted to its pages and stayed with me long after I finished the story. I loved the situation the characters found themselves in and the journey back to each other. It was just so gosh darn good!

An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I loved the beginning of this book, the connection between the two characters and them going from friends to more was amazing. The accident and memory loss at the beginning had me questioning my engagement with the book. I continued reading and ended up really liking this, there were parts where more elaboration of the childhood of Gwen.

I had a difficult time getting through this book. Such a difficult time, I was not able to finish it.
I typically enjoy reading how two friends find that the person they have been looking for was right in front of them all these years. This was the premise of the book, but I was not able to connect with Gwen and Taylor.
Maybe others will have better luck than I did.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC. There are some books that you get to the lady page of and sigh because you’ll never read it for the first time again. This is how I felt. Just an absolute pleasure to have been able to read and experience.

This book was a little confusing because it felt like reading two books. The first third was very spicy and hot and I loved it, but the introduction of the car accident was brutal and sudden. While confusing, I did enjoy both "parts" of this story. I think Levig has a great idea and just couldn't execute it the way it needed to be in order to make a lot of sense.

Embracing the Moon is a thought provoking romance novel that had a slow build and then with a shocking twist, I truly couldn’t put it down until I finished it! Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review. The story follows Gwen and Taylor, two friends exploring their relationship. For the longest time they have just been friends, and then they find themselves exploring a steamy romance that both have wanted to act on, but didn’t want to jeopardize their friendship or anything in their friend circle. Before they can determine what this change in their relationship means, a tragic accident happens and puts everything into question, even their lives. This shocking twist gave rise to many thought provoking questions. What would you do if you feel like you just found the love of your life and an accident nearly takes them away? What do you do when you don’t know if things will ever go back to the way they were? As I continued reading, I learned that putting faith in friendships, and family or chosen family were the answers. Sometimes it also might mean the people you love, and who love you in return, will challenge you as well as support you in hard times, and it will all help you grow, even if there are hard truths. Overall, this book showed that letting love lead will see you through. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about a strong tight knit friend circle with deep connections and a spicy romance too!

Taylor is a player. But after landing in jail for 4 years because of it, she swears off love. 30 years later, she turned her life around and has no regrets... until Gwen, who has been attracted to her for years, but didn't say anything for the sake of their friendship.
This friends-to-lovers contemporary romance is book 2 of the Embracing series, but the first I read. It was an emotional roller coaster with great characters and a surprising twist. I will definitely go back and read Embracing the Dawn.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When I first read the synopsis of this title I thought, "Okay, I'll give it a shot," but I was NOT expecting what I ended up reading. For a while I thought I was reading another steamy romance novel and there was going to be some drama at some point to air out the steam. Oh, was I wrong! The way the drama comes in was totally unexpected and suddenly I felt myself saying "Just one more chapter" after almost every chapter. The emotion and suspense and what seems like endless waiting for the resolution just kept me gripped. I was pleasantly surprised.

My only real issues with it were the fetishistic way of describing a couple characters of color and how rushed the ending felt.

I went into this book without reading too many reviews and I'm quite grateful for that. I picked this up as I was intrigued due to the early reviews. This was quite a different story than I expected, but I'm not sure I completely enjoyed it.

For the first half of the novel, I really liked the novel. Taylor and Gwen were both quirky, interesting characters in their own right, and the romance developed well. I can't help but love a friends-to-lovers romance, and this was a really sweet version. However, there's a plot twist soon after the half way point that kept me engaged due the uniqueness, but also caused a lot of frustration too. I also thought the pace dropped quite drastically, and I had to suspend belief at times.

The execution of the plot twist was done exceptionally well, but I just don't think it was a story that tweaked my interest unfortunately.

A mixed review, but nevertheless an interesting book to read.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Levig book, but it certainly won’t be my last.

I love a good friend to lover romance, it is probably my favourite trope. This one however, had quite the twist. Because I realized that things were coming together a little too early in the book, I knew that something was about to happen. However, how the trauma twist unfolded really took me by surprise. I very much enjoyed the rollercoaster of emotions. I was scared, happy, frustrated, sad and in awe all at once. The devotion, love and growth showed by the characters was wonderful to witness.

The only thing I wish was different is that I would have enjoyed a bit more time with the MCs at the end, but it was brilliant nonetheless. I would absolutely recommend.

** ARC generously provided on NetGalley**

This is book 2 of the Embracing the Dawn series. I loved book one which gives name to the series and I was looking forward to reading this next one which features two secondary characters from the first book, Taylor and Gwen.

What I love about Jeannie Levig is that she doesn't stick to a strict formula for her romances, for me personally, sometimes it works really well like in Embracing the Dawn, some others not as much, for example in her book Into Thin Air.

In this case, I have to say that I didn't feel a strong chemistry between the mains. There's always that chance when there's a character who is a player and a best friend who holds a candle for her.

I didn't read the blurb which gives a subtle hint that something is going to happen so the plot twist came as a surprise to me. I still wasn't invested in the characters that much, but that change of events kept me turning pages anyway.

It's great to have had the chance to catch up with a few characters from Embracing the Dawn, especially EJ and Jinx. The secondary characters play a major role in this book and it was very good to see them in another light.

Overall, this is a good summer read, especially if you like a bit of drama in your romances. 3.5 stars.

ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, just Wow. I did not read the first book in this series and I was able to follow the storyline just fine. This is the first book I have read from this author so I was going in with no expectations and I can tell you I was blown away.

The main characters, Gwen and Taylor, have just so much chemistry, you feel the long developed friendship right away, given Gwen just makes coffee and brings it to the shower where Taylor and her latest are going at it <smile>. The banter and dialog is just so great, humorous and when need be very meaningful among all the characters. As I realized there is a book before this one around other characters but I felt I didn't need to know that storyline to love this one, BUT I do plan to pick that book up soon.

The story flows along well, and the 'twist' part way in was just not seen and really gave a new direction to the story. As the story unfolds and the twists and turns along the way had me turning the pages well into the night. I really wasn't sure how the relationships were going to turn out, but I can say I was very satisfied with the ending.

Not sure if there will be more to this series given the other supporting characters but I will definitely be looking out for more books/stories from this author.

I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, but would have written the same opinion if I had come across this author on my own.

To see my Amazon review, it is under CC-Wonderful friendship story

‘Embracing the Moon’ Romance’ # 2 brings back the same characters from Ms Levig’s ‘Embracing the Dawn’, which I really like, mainly because it gives us readers another chance to see what has been happening in the lives of this group of friends/ co-workers. Now it’s Taylor and Gwen’s turn at falling in love.
Gwen Jamison has worked with her best friends for a number of years and loves her job. One of her very best friends turns out to be the same person she’s been dreaming about, Taylor. But she can’t see herself ever falling for Taylor, she knows her too well for anything serious to develop. Besides Gwen has some hidden secrets she has never shared with anyone, even her Besties.
Taylor Matthews has been friends with Gwen long enough for her to learn Gwen isn’t the kind of person who indulges in one night stands. Unfortunately Taylor has learned to hide her crush on Gwen because she knows that if she does pursue Gwen she will have EJ and the rest of their friends mad at her. She has been playing this game for a long time. Scared of relationships she knows anything less will never be for Gwen.
But what happens when Gwen shows an interest in Taylor. Does Taylor go for it, playing by Gwen’s rules? Will Gwen go down this path with Taylor? What about Gwen’s early life, will it come into play?
Ms Levig writes erotic you can help but love. Great characters with a somewhat believable plot. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

Embracing the Moon by Jeannie Levig is the second novel in the “Embracing the Dawn” series. This book tells the story of Taylor Matthews and Gwen Jamison who are secondary characters in the first tale.

Gwen and Taylor have been friends for years. Gwen has also been secretly attracted to Taylor for most of that time, but she would never allow that attraction to show. Events in Gwen’s past make her leery of relationships, especially with a player like Taylor. A past relationship that ended badly has also made Taylor refuse to consider anything more than one night stands, except when she looks at her friend Gwen.

This is a fascinating love story filled with friendship, love and quite a bit of angst which only makes the story more appealing. It is a great character driven story, especially with Taylor. One of the things I enjoyed most in this novel is seeing Taylor grow and allow her better self (the one she had locked up inside) to show. All of the characters are well-developed and the plot will keep you reading to the very end. The traumatic event that happens about midway through the tale and what happens after will definitely keep you reading.

Even though this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but I always encourage folks to read a series in order if you can. Both books are great reads.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

This is a well written emotional roller coaster story. The main characters were great and had amazing chemistry. The story touches on friendship, abandonment, jealousy and love. Gwen and Taylor have known each other for over 10 years and after kissing at EJs wedding decided to act on the mutual attraction they had for each other. I must say it was quite steamy with a twist. I recommend 4.5 stars.


Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is my first Jeannie Levig book, but it won't be my last. I will be going back and reading Embracing the Dawn so I can get EJ and Jinx's story. While this book brings EJ's two best friends, Taylor and Gwen to the forefront, it can be read as a standalone. 

Taylor has resigned herself to living the life of a single woman and it has been just fine. Even at 55, she can have any woman she wants.  So what if she is insanely attracted to her best friend. Gwen has been best friends with Taylor for ten years. She has always been attracted to the older woman but would never jeopardize losing her friendship. And she's never told Taylor she isn't as straight as everyone thinks she is. 

The two women finally confess their attraction for each other and start exploring that attraction. And they really do some exploring! These two have some insane chemistry. After a few weeks of their new dynamic, things are going better than either ever could have imagined and then tragedy strikes. What follows is a long and difficult road for both to navigate,

I was completely surprised by the twist in the story. It made me love Taylor even more. I am always drawn to the player who has so many deeper layers to her and Taylor is so much more than even she recognizes.  She is a special character. I really appreciated how much she grew as the story progressed. And Gwen is the perfect complement to Taylor.  

This was an enjoyable read and the supporting characters were an interesting group. Jinx fascinates me and I am looking forward to reading Embracing the Dawn to get her story.  I think we could have done without the person from one of the characters past and still had a fulfilling experience. That character was really my only issue with the book. I just couldn't feel anything for her. Aside from her, this book is well worth the read. 

An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

This read is the second book in the Embracing series. I have not read the first book in the series but I did not feel lost. Gwen Taylor, 37 years old is dealing with her mother leaving her behind at age nine and she has had problems trusting her heart to anyone again. Taylor Matthews, 55 years old, is dealing with whether she wants or needs to settle down with one person. So far the answer is no but could something or someone change her mind. Hummmm...

The first part of the read is sexy steamy as Gwen and Taylor get to know each other in a very physical way while Jinx and EJ are away on their honeymoon. The second part of the book takes an interesting turn as both Taylor and Gwen self-reflect and process their wants and needs. The secondary characters EJ and Jinx are very important to the read as well as Fire.

Embracing the Moon by Jeannie Levig is a beautifully written emotional rollercoaster romance full of drama, love, hate, anger, frustration, abandonment, jealousy and hot sex. This book is a somewhat easy to read page turner.

I started out loving all the characters and could easily relate to their personalities. Gwen Jamison was abandoned by her mother and first love leaving her to think that love with another woman was not possible. Taylor Matthews not wanting a meaningful relationship spends her time picking up different women and then discarding them because she does not want to fall in love. The attraction and heat could be felt between Taylor and Gwen from the beginning. They have been best friends for over ten years and have never given into their mutual attraction until after their best friends Jinx and EJ’s wedding.

I love the way the author slowly builds their relationship. Now that they have given into the attraction, the only thing left to do is tell their best friends. Just as their love affair begins and before they can reveal their relationship status, they are met with a horrible car accident. At this point in the story, I became frustrated because Taylor’s character is called into questioning. I did not read the prequel Embracing the Dawn and wondered if that is the reason it bothered me so, but Levig does a wonderful job introducing the characters, that I think this would bother me either way. I do not want to spoil the ending, but a new character is introduced and things take another turn.

I love that Taylor’s love for Gwen is unconditional. Taylor chooses Gwen’s health and healing above her wants and needs. This is a wonderful love story between women out of their twenties. I recommend this book to anyone that loves good story telling regardless of gender.

4 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Publishing for gifting me an eARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Emotional rollercoaster is this novel. Full of happiness, sorrow, anger, laughter.... love. This book will capture your heart and is a real page turner! The characters are all loveable, the storyline is captivating.
I've given Jeannie Levig’s ‘Embracing the moon’ a 4/5

I read this book fast. It was that kind of story. I found I was just searching for that happily ever after, but I wasn’t one hundred percent sure I would find it. My initial thoughts about Embracing the Moon were that things were happening fast and there was A LOT of sex. I had no idea where the it was heading, but I felt the chemistry between Taylor and Gwen.

And then bam! Everything changed and I spent the next few hours an emotional mess. My heart broke for Taylor, who through her grief became more empathetic, and never let her love for Gwen falter. It was through the friendship circle which made me realize I was missing something, and that there had been a book before this one – It wasn’t a big deal though and I could still easily follow the story as the previous book focused on Jinx and E.J. I really enjoyed these characters and will go back and check out Embracing the Dawn.

Embracing the Moon follows the relationship between Taylor and Gwen. These two have been best friends for a decade and haven’t always hidden their obvious attraction toward each other, but have never acted upon it. Taylor has always assumed Gwen was straight, so spends her time picking up women and then discarding them, determined never to fall in love. Gwen on the other hand only dates men, believing that love with a woman was a one-time thing for her. Until they finally face the truth and allow themselves to get lost in each other. And they do. It’s beautiful and sweet, and the love seeps out of the page, even without the words being used. Until they are thrown into chaos, the past, and forced to face questions neither knew they would ever be able to answer.

Jeannie Levig has written a beautifully sentimental love story. It is a rollercoaster of a ride, but well worth the emotional toll it may take on your own heart.