Nocturne Bite: The First One Issued
“Racing the Moon”, Michele Hauf
eBook, Adobe Format, 2008, 52 pages
(This does not count as a book review).
“Racing the Moon” is the first Nocturne Bite to be released. The editor wrote: “These are dark romances about characters realizing their love while they face and overcome larger-than-life situations” (Ann Leslie Tuttle). , The editor goes on to say, “Michele Hauf’s Racing the Moon (available May 1st) will soon provide an example of exactly what editorial we’re seeking–and I might add set a high standard in the process.”
If you want to write Nocturne Bites, “Racing the Moon” is a great example. However, I have a real problem with the “dark romances” requirement compared to the very funny and puny dialogue. I could simply not view this story as being dark.
The story is very strong. The hero is a werewolf who can prevent a transition into full wolf form by having sex repeatedly on the night of the full moon. The heroine is a “cat” or familiar who does not have to ever change shape and who has nine lives. Her problem is when she has sex, it opens the gates of hell and a demon escapes into our world. Human men find this rather unromantic and soon avoid relations with the heroine.
This is a great concept for this type of story. He keeps the beast at bay by having sex, she brings beasts out by having sex. The passions run high as both are very dangerous to each other. In a short story like this, there is no let up in the action. The lovemaking is explosive and as steamy as the downed power lines that are sparking just outside the door in a rain storm.
I think the editor is right. This will be a very hard story to top. It’s a great model to use as an example. The characters have real personalities and are likeable and actually deserving of love. They have a relationship that will work. It is a very strong HEA.
I’ll give “Racing the Moon” an A+, top of the class, but I would not call it “dark”. I would just call it “hard to beat”. I just wonder what author wants to follow “Racing the Moon”? I want to be first to read the second "bite"! 
Thanks,
Vince
“Romances are the emotional vitamins of the soul.” Vince
