This was a sweet and turbulent romance that had a recklessness that kept me reading. They had a special connection and lots of things to overcome. Well written and nerve-racking. It had all the feels and just what I look for in a weekend reading of romance.
Thanks NetGalley and the author for this eArc.

Parts of this book were really hard for me to read. I struggle with the tragedy of a fresh veteran. The author did a lot of great things though - pulling these characters through trauma was one of them. Reading through all of the different parts of these characters lives was great to get to know them and really root for them at the end.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the arc!

This is a love story between two kids who met at summer camp and rekindle every year at camp for eight years. You see how they grow to falling in love after a falling out. Kaleb enlist into the military to be better and grow from his abusive past. Luna strives to go to art school, but is held back by her family and an abusive ex.

There is angst, heartbreak, passionate love and so much more written within in this book. Please be aware that this book does talk about sensitive topics such as abuse. addiction, PTSD, and many more.

Quick Summary: A deeply moving life story, love story

My Review: Lavender Moon by Natalie Parker is one of the most intense reads I've come across in some time. It completely shattered me. It is listed as a general fiction romance.

About the Book: Childhood friends cycle through the ups and downs of life and love together and apart.

About Kaleb and Luna's Journey: (Coded so as to avoid spoilers): A connection is made. Truth or dare takes shape. Grand reunions become a priority. Love is found. Love is cherished. Love is betrayed. Hurts and tragedies interrupt the flow. Hearts cry out. Love nirvana is the objective.

My Favorite Line: "I want you to know that you have a family with us..."

My Final Say: This was such an outstanding story. It was tragic and beautiful and real. My heart was full to overflowing with understanding. I've worked with veterans who lived like this. I've heard their stories, and they are heartbreaking. Sadly, I also know the stories of those who have been harassed and brutalized. Every uncovered aspect of Kaleb's life and experiences, as well as Luna's life and experiences was written with such depth. The overall character emotionality communicated in this novel was pretty darn powerful.

From My Heart: Thank you for telling this story. It needed to be told. There's a trueness to the writing that conveys so much.

Other: This book has several triggers. A thorough review of all of the author/publisher notes should be done before reading this novel.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Cover: 5/5
Triggers: 🚨
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes

Heartfelt appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review. I cannot express how grateful I am to have had the opportunity. I look forward to reading more from this writer.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming.

Lavender Moon introduces us to Luna and Kaleb who meet at age 10 at camp and become instant friends, a friendship that grows as they reconnect every year and pepper the time in between with letters.

From the sweet early days of a growing friendship that turns into more, a time apart before they jump head-first into a relationship before Kalab who has joined the military ships out.

This young couple go through so many major trials so early in life, but this story demonstrates what each of them are willing to do for love. It shows that life is never a straight happily ever after, there will be ups and downs and it requires work, with love driving them to make that effort every day to be there for each other.

Big fan of reading romance books and this one was a good page turner. The pace was great and it keeps you engaged. Also the personality and challenges the characters go through are relatable.

Lavender Moon
by Natalie Parker

Gosh, do I love the cover! It’s so pretty, beautiful and …hot!

Kaleb and Luna met at camp when they were ten years old. He went the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, she was the good girl. Once a year they met at camp, exchanging letters through the year. They always had a strong connection.

The summer they turned 18 they realised their growing feelings for each other but things did. It work out and they lost touch. When they by chance meet again three years later, the connection is back and they make a decision for life, before Kaleb joins the army for his first tour. That’s when things go to hell and the question is, which demons are worse fighting?

After reading a couple of pages, I knew that a) I was going to eat this up like a starved woman and b) this would break my heart.

I liked the dual POV quite a lot, enjoying Kaleb’s quite a bit more.

Read if you like:
💕 friends to lovers
💕 childhood friends
💕 he leaves for the army
💕truth or dare
💕 Angst
💕 smut /steam

Triggers
⚠️ childhood abuse /trauma
⚠️ talk about addiction
⚠️ ptsd
⚠️ depression

I love how Nathalie tells a story of growing up and of evolving. Of learning how to communicate and fight for each other. This is a story that starts when they were ten. I usually don’t care for that, but she did it beautifully. Their growth really shines through, especially Kaleb’s, who I really loved.

I’ll definitely will read more of Nathalie’s books, her writing is fantastic. She really crafts well rounded and dimensional characters full of heart, passion and emotions. I kind of wished them to have been a bit older, but on the other hand we see them growing and maturing. I definitely Italy warmly recommend this book, it was fabulous!

I honestly ate the spicy scenes up like there was no tomorrow. There could have been a lot more for my taste. I lived for them, so good! If that’s not your cup of tea, consider skipping this.


ARC kindly provided by Natalie Parker and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own, I was under no obligation to review.

Loved this book. My first book from this author. Made me a total fan with this book. would read this again and again.