good read about two lost souls helping each other heal. Recommended read ( )

Lovely conclusion to the series, and an incredibly emotional read along with it. We first met Anna in Willow Springs, when she returned to Destiny after being kidnapped as a child. While it was great to see her reunited with her family, she wasn't a very likable person. It's a few months later and she has bought a big old house that she's renovating and turning into a bed and breakfast. She's trying to get her life back together. Duke made a brief appearance in Lucky's book Whisper Falls, but then disappeared again. He's back, dealing with his own life's upheavals and hiding out in an old cabin near Anna's house.

I loved getting to know more about Anna. Her life had been turned upside down when she discovered that she had been kidnapped as a kid and raised by someone else. Not having grown up in Destiny, her return has been difficult. She doesn't have the roots and connection that everyone else has and it makes her feel a little lost. The house she is fixing up is a little outside of town and gives her the space she needs to adjust to her new life, while being close enough for her to feel part of it if she wants to. She's very independent and resists asking her brothers for help with the house. When she first finds Duke living in her woods she is frightened by him, but once she knows who he is the fear goes away. She sees in him the same kind of unhappiness she feels, and also an attraction that can't be denied.

Duke has been hiding out from his memories and his friends. After an accident that injured him and killed a friend, all he wants is some peace and quiet. Instead, he finds Anna invading his thoughts and giving some purpose to his life. He offers to help her with the repairs to the outside of her house, as long as she doesn't tell anyone he's there. He's also really attracted to her, but she's his best friend's sister and he's not so sure getting involved with her would be a good idea.

As they work on the house together, Anna and Duke develop a closeness they've not felt with anyone else. Their attraction to each other really takes off, and they agree to a "light and fun" time together. It isn't long before Anna sees that there's more to Duke than the bad boy biker, and she wants more than he seems willing to give. Duke would love to stay around, but with the things he's done in the past and his current frame of mind, he feels that he can't give her what she needs. I loved his conversation with himself at the end as he finally realized that Anna was all he needed to be whole again.

I enjoyed catching up with some of the other characters. There was plenty going on and not all of it was good, but it was realistic. I also liked the secondary story with the diary of the former owner of the house. There was an interesting twist involving it at the end. ( )

Not as good as Reckless Summer or Whisper Falls (my favs of the series.) But SSOOOO much better than Willow Springs. ( )

HALF MOON HILL by Toni Blake is an interesting contemporary romance set in Destiny, Ohio. #6 in “A Destiny Novel”,but can be read as a stand alone. See, “One Reckless Summer”,”Sugar Creek”,”Whisper Falls”,”Holly Lane”,and “Willow Springs”. What an compelling story of love,troubled pasts,small town,lies,betrayal,and romance. Follow, Duke Dawson, a wounded ex-biker rebel,gang member looking for peace and Anna Romo who has found a life in Destiny,until Duke enters her life. Neither of them are looking for love. Both need a second chance in life. Together,they may just find peace and happiness. “Half Moon Hill” is the final book in “A Destiny Novel”. We find characters from the previous stories visiting the Bed & Breakfast,and,you get updates on previous characters,which was nice. If you enjoy small town atmosphere,romance,second chances,secrets,and a wonderful story than I would recommend “Half Moon Hill”. This author is a great storyteller,and her characters and plot does not disappoint. I enjoyed seeing Anna and Duke,growing into themselves as love blossoms. Anna started out a little selfish,but she comes into herself also. Duke is a tough rebel,but Anna may just tame him. I would recommend this title to any contemporary romance readers,and those who enjoy small town drama. A wonderful read! Received an ARC from the publisher.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews ( )