There are few series that I forget just how much I love the series until I read another book, and this series is one. I just finished this, and I absolutely adore Riley. She’s such a totally strong, capable, and caring character, and the love and caring between her and Conall are an absolute darling thing to watch. Add in the great suspense, action, and mystery, and this hits all my reading buttons for my favorite read. I can’t wait to read the next in the series, and if you like action-filled, romance not the complete plot, and great writing, you really need to give this series a try. I can’t wait to read the next one! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

So this confirms for me! This is my new favorite series. Literally this book has it all. Groveling ? Check. Action? Check. I mean I could go on and on about how amazing this was. It did everything I loved about the last book but bigger!

We are no longer in a shadow war, it’s full on war now. I’m stressed and excited for the next book, and I just can’t wait. Thank you so much for arc copy of this book, I read it in one sitting and don’t regret it at all.

Leave it to J. L Brannick to completely wreck me within 100 pages. I cried, I laughed, I raged and I celebrated with Riley.
The pure trauma and torment in this book meant I cried more then I ever expected to, but the romance was a lovely unexpected soft point full of light and happiness.

I’m already on the verge of begging for book 3 😭

*standing ovation* speechless im just speechless. I was wondering what Brannick was going to do after the cliffhanger of the last book and oh man did she deliver.

Riley has got to be one of my favorite female characters. Not only is can she actually take care of herself, she doesn't let Connell give her sh*t and she knows her worth. I absolutely adore her and how she is written. Speaking of Connell, just a perfectly imperfect man and I love that so much. He makes mistakes and owns up to them and doesn't try to make excuses. Its just great characterization.

The plot is perfect, the mystery is so good, the side characters are great, and we did get a few more spicy scenes in this one! Absolutely loved it and I'm so excited for the next book!!

I received this book from Netgalley as an advanced reader and I was so excited to get the chance to read it because I have been waiting impatiently ever since I finished the first book in the series. Well-written Rejected Mate books are few and far between, so finding this series was amazing. Brannick has done some great world building, and the story, characters and plot are well-developed. Riley is such a great character, and she has dealt with so many challenges. Connall is a bit of an arrogant alpha but his love for Riley is strong. I would have loved to see more of the side characters from the first book, but I think that this shows how well the characters were written in the first book, that I was totally invested in them. This book, has great intimacy between Connall and Riley and the spice great too. The only complaint I have is that I am half in love with Parker and want more of his character.....that is probably just me though.

From the moment I finished the first book, I HAD to know more. I could not stop, all I craved was their bond and wanting to see where it went.

This book was a rollercoaster of emotions which made me connect heavily to the characters, I grew fonder of characters I was unsure of in book 1 and honestly the story fell in to place.

Incredible writing! I cannot wait for book 3.

This book/series deserves all the love, it really gives you everything you want for a lover of shifters/magic and especially warewolves

Quick Summary: A fated-mate-bond, urban fantasy romance

My Review: Cold Moon Burning by J. L. Brannick is book #2 in the Riley Blackthorne Series. It is categorized as "Romance | Sci Fi & Fantasy | Women's Fiction." The novel is scheduled for release on 4/29/26.

About the Book: "The second book in the thriller-urban-fantasy romance trilogy, where betrayal and an insidious plot lead to open war and devastating losses."

In My Own Words: Conall and his pack have reunited with Riley and Parker after a strained period of imposed isolation, only to find that manipulative forces, rabid cruelty, intentional betrayals, and fractured relationships still play a part in what goes down.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

❤️ - Strong leads
🫂 - Dual POV
🔥- Character Chemistry
🚨- Action-packed
✨ - Entertaining
🔐 - Great world building
💯 - Original
🔍 - Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Vibe
👀 - Page-turner
💖 - Romantic
🌶️ - Steamy/Heat Factor
🥹 - Tear-jerker
🌀 - Twisted
❓️ - Unpredictable
🤍 - Wonderful support characters

My Final Say: Book 2 did not disappoint! It came in hitting hard, and I absolutely LOVED it. It was a diamond level reading experience.

Whereas book 1 laid the foundation and established the who and what of things related to Riley and Conall, as well as regarding the dark, unknown threat that cast a shadow over the packs and those with abilities, book 2 came in with a 1-2 punch with emotional & relational intensity, concerning the featured couple. The build up and tension erupted between the two leads. Their connection was tested. They both wanted what had been denied them and trust was like a living, breathing entity that needed to be reestablished.

In addition to all of that, a dark presence lurked around the corners, in this installment, just like in the first book. From the registration interview/testing and subsequent abuse of power to the new case that Riley and her partner were following to everything that came after - this book is insanely good.

I said it before and I will say it again, "This is a hit. It was brilliantly written. It had grit and texture. The characters were captivating. The setup for more was done superbly. I am a fan, and I will be following this series until the very end."

Bring on book #3!!! Let's go!

Other: I cannot say it enough, you WANT TO, NEED TO, HAVE TO read this series. Readers who enjoy supernatural powers & energies, sci-fi/urban fantasy reads, fated mate connections, good vs evil scenarios, and cold case/hot case investigations will love this story.

Books in This Series:

- Book 1: Black Moon Rising (5/5) - > Released: February 12, 2026
- Book 2: Cold Moon Burning (5/5) - > Release Date: April 29, 2026
- Book 3: TBA

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Level: 💎
Cliffhanger: + (Threads)
Pacing: M
Format: 📱
Series: Yes
Cover: +

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Smart Mouth Publishing LLC), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very, very much for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was an extreme pleasure to review this work of fiction. The reading experience of this series has been one of the best I have had this year. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to reading the final book in the Riley Blackthorne Series Trilogy.

Moody, atmospheric, and full of intrigue. I loved the darker paranormal/fantasy vibes and the tension running throughout the story. It had that addictive quality where I kept wanting to know what would happen next.