The Mayfair Moon (The Darkwoods Trilogy, #1)

by J. A. Redmerski

[Angie]

The Mayfair Moon is a pretty typical, YA Paranormal Romance. There are no real surprises here, which makes me sad, since I generally really enjoy this author's books and often can't tell the directions things will take. It did start off strong. Adria's sister wants them to leave home. Alex is 18 now, but sticks around for Adria, because their stepfather is unpredictable. Then one night, the girls are attacked in the woods. A neighbor was convinced it was their stepfather, so CPS stepped in, and Adria was sent to live with their uncle. Alex came with her, but she's not the same girl as she was before that night.

I really liked how the beginning of The Mayfair Moon was focused on the sisters' relationship. It was obvious that they were super close and watched out for each other. Then Adria has to deal with these changes in Alex that she just doesn't understand. They were both attacked by something, but Adria didn't withdraw from the world. She's not needlessly cruel to their aunt and uncle. But Alex is and she refuses to talk about it. Adria tries really hard to get Alex to open up and to help, but nothing helps. I thought all of this was really well done. But then Alex runs off with her creepy boyfriend and Adria gets caught up in a romance as well.

The romance in The Mayfair Moon is basically insta-love. Adria has a crush on Isaac Mayfair, even though she's never talked to him. She thinks he's hot, but she can tell something is off about him. Not to mention that girls literally hang all over him and he acts aloof about it. This seemed fairly realistic. I'm sure we've all developed some kind of feelings for someone based on their looks. But then suddenly, Adria and Isaac are together and in love. When did that happen?! I have no clue. I must have blinked and skipped a paragraph somewhere. Then it turns into the whole "I don't want to live without you, but my humanity is a hindrance, but I don't really want to change, but I'll change for you even though you don't want to change me!" Sound familiar?

The Mayfair Moon was just okay. It started off really well with the sisterly bond, but I wasn't as into the romance which dominated the second half. The werewolves are kind of interesting, but there's really nothing new here except that the females are the stronger of the sexes, even though they're rare (like always). I don't think I'm invested enough in these characters or the plot to care what comes next, although I am hoping Adria goes back to trying to help Alex now that's she settled into her relationship and Isaac may be of some use.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.