**Shooting the Moon**
by Brenda Novak
Narrated by Alana Marie Cheuvront
Audio Review

Ten years ago, with his life spiralling out of control, Harley Nelson made the painful decision to leave Portland, Oregon, walking away from the life he had known and the unborn child he had yet to meet. Now, after a decade of absence, Harley finds himself back in Oregon, drawn by the heartbreaking news of Audra’s passing—the mother of his son, Brandon. Audra, a vibrant yet troubled spirit, had always been caught in a cycle of chaos, relentlessly pushing boundaries to challenge her strict father. Coming from a less privileged background, Harley was never afforded the opportunity to embrace fatherhood, and after intense pressure from Audra’s father, he was paid to disappear from their lives.

In the intervening years, Audra’s younger sister, Lauren, has stepped in to care for Brandon, nurturing him with the love and support he needs. Meanwhile, their parents are off on holiday in England, leaving Lauren alone to navigate the unexpected return of Harley. When she opens the door to find him standing there, a whirlwind of emotions floods her mind. Lauren’s instinct to protect her nephew battles with the curiosity and fear of the man who once left him and her sister behind.

In her quest for understanding, she delves into Audra's old diaries, peeling back layers of the past to uncover the truth about the family's fractured history and the circumstances that led to Harley's departure.

Originally penned in 2002, this story with many twists and turns has now been transformed into an audiobook, which I found to be engaging. However, I initially struggled to connect with the narrator's male voice. Nonetheless, the journey through Harley and Lauren’s unfolding drama ultimately drew me in, making for a compelling listening experience.

Ten years ago, Harley Nelson got on his motorcycle and drove out of Portland, Oregon, leaving behind a bad reputation, a baby, and the woman responsible for both—Audra Worthington. Now Audra’s dead, and their son, Brandon, is being raised by her perfect sister Lauren. But Harley is a changed man. He’s a self-made success down in California, and he’s finally ready to take responsible for the son he left behind.

This is not my favorite Brenda Novak novel. There just seemed to be something missing. Not only that, the whole novel seemed to be rushed. Yes, it is a quick read but the connection between the characters is not really there and it is overly dramatic in spots, especially where Lauren’s dad is concerned.

This is narrated by Alana Marie Cheuvront. She is not my favorite. I was not a fan of her voice for the child. This is a pet peeve. But I did get used to her voice and it got better.

Need a quick romance…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.

I was honored to receive an advanced audio copy of this book through Net Galley and jumped at the chance since I'm on a quest to read at least 50 Brenda Novak books (almost there!). Novak rights a number of romances but also is creative in other genres as well. IMO this book does not quite stand up to her normal standards of romance and if I read books based on the cover alone I never would have chose this one. In all honesty, I struggled with the first part of the book. Lauren and Kimberly came off as spoiled rotten, judgmental, and slightly flaky despite the fact that you knew they were not. The about face in their attitudes was just about the same as that of the relationship between Harley and Lauren, one minute they were at complete odds in the next they were completely in love. It just wasn't working for me. The story did pick up, it interested me more, and I actually was really enjoying it and am glad I listened to it but I'd give it about 3.5 stars at best.

I’m a huge Brenda Novak fan. Some people are just born to write books, and she is definitely one of them. I was a little nervous that this book from her backlist wouldn’t be written at the same standards as her current work. There was nothing to be worried about. This book was great! Lauren is a woman with family money and is primarily responsible for taking care of her nephew after her sister’s death. Her parents are the ones with legal custody. Lauren loves her nephew more than anything. Harley is a guy from the wrong side of the tracks and the father of Brandon. Harley finds out about the mother’s death and wants a relationship with Brandon.
He finds so much more than he started out to find.
This book grabbed me right away. Lots of great conflict and complications to make me keep reading. The writing was solid, and the characters jumped off the page. Great character growth. I listened to this book in audio and was very impressed by the narrator. She did a great job! Huge thanks to Harlequin audio and Netgalley for allowing me to listen and review this book!

Harley Nelson is back in Oregon to see his son Brandon after hearing about the death of his old flame, Audra, Brandon’s mother. Audra was a troubled soul, always getting into trouble, acting out to rile her strict father. Harley left soon after Audra gave birth, being run off by her father and didn’t feel worthy to come back until he made something of himself.

Lauren, Audra’s younger sister, was the one who took care of Brandon for the most part. She was the studious, serious and responsible sister and it fell to her to take care of Brandon when Audra was off being wild.

Lauren has always loved Brandon like a son, and she believed the stories her father told of Harley and his history with Audra. Now that he’s back in town and wants a relationship with his son she’s on guard. She doesn’t want to risk Brandon’s stability or mental health. However, his behavior doesn’t match what she’s heard of him, prompting Lauren to delve deeper into the past and find out what actually happened. As she gets to know Harley, seeing the way he cares for Brandon, she can’t help but fall for him.

Lauren’s parents were out of the country for much of the story and I worried what was going to happen once they got back. I was happy with the way Lauren and Harley handled the situation.

I love how Brenda Novak somehow makes a messy situation that seems like it would be cringe-worthy (like falling for your dead sister’s beau) feel natural! The story hooked me right in! I enjoyed the romance and seeing Harley and Brandon so happy to finally find each other and bond!

I listened to the audio version and enjoyed Alana Marie Cheuvront’s pleasant and smooth voice!

I've read - and enjoyed - several Brenda Novak books. But this one has some issues.

For starters, it's a rerelease of book originally published 23 years ago. I hasn't aged well, and was't updated at all (multiple refererences to answering machines and other dated technology related mentions emphasize this story didn't take place in current times).

Then we had eye-rolling situations such as a heroine who loathed the father of her nephew, but seeing him shirtless in a window causes her to forget all negative feelings for him.

And we wrap it up with insta-love and a marriage proposal after a week. I was able to get through the audiiobook, but just barely.

* thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for providing a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Lauren's sister had a baby with Harley - except her father had already sent him on his was with a cash buyoff. Now the sister is dead and Lauren is raising the little boy. Her parent's have poisoned her against Harley and he's never shown an interest in the now 9 year old - until now.

The longer Harley is around, the more Lauren likes him and finds the narrative she's been fed by her parent's doesn't ring true and she does some investigation.

Although I liked the story, I didn't find Lauren to be a completely believable character. She is too dependent on her parents and she changes her mind and attitude very quickly.

I did enjoy the book and I was rooting for Harley the entire time. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was great.

Shooting the Moon is a slow burn romance that works it's way into your heart. Novak charms with subtlety and Cheuvront thrills with emotion. Inevitably, their union is a match made in heaven that takes flight in the soul. Harley and Lauren are brought to life in irresistible style.

I listened to the audio version of this book narrated by Alana Marie Cheuvront. The narration was good.

I wish I had known that this was a re-issue of one of Ms. Novak's books from 2002. It is your typical Harlequin romance from back then. Nothing wrong with that, I was just looking for a story written that had more to it like her recent releases.

A good romance. I wish they had updated it a little bit. The answering machine was a dead giveaway, even if you weren't tipped off by the type of story told.

Thanks to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the audio version. All thoughts are my own.

The story was an emotional one. It is a great example of not making snap judgements. Lauren's day changes completely when Harley knocks on her door. I liked Lauren as a character. She really tries to do the right thing for her nephew. The book covered the range of emotions. I enjoyed it a lot. The story was paced well and the characters felt real. I received an advance copy of the audio book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Shooting the Moon by Brenda Novak
Contemporary romance. Originally published as Silhouette Harlequin Super romance 2002.
Ten years ago, with no other good options, bad boy Harley Nelson drove away from Portland, Oregon, leaving his son behind. The baby’s mother was reckless and only wanted the bad boy. Her father refused to let Harley near the child or assume any responsibility. So he left to make something of his skills, and hoped to make it back to his son one day.
Lauren Worthington is young Brandon’s aunt and assumed the parenting duties when her sister died. She’s not happy that Harley Nelson is back in town and asking to be part of son’s life. As far as she’s concerned, it’s too late. He abandoned both her sister and his son for money. But Harley has another side to the story and as Lauren reads her sister’s forgotten journals, she realizes Harley didn’t have choices back then. Harley wants to be involved in his son’s life and starting to realize she shouldn’t stand in the way.

🎧 I listened to a audiobook version published January 2025 narrated by Alana Marie Cheuvront. The performance is wonderful with specific voices for the two main characters and emotional ups and downs clearly expressed. I listened at a speed of 1.5 to more closely match conversation speed.

An emotional romance with the past being turned over and the present opening doors to possibilities.
The romance stands up to the time between today and 2002 with a few background exceptions that were amusing. One in particular was that the family money came from a chain of video stores. It was a huge entertainment money maker at the time. 😂. Bottom line, bad boys are still a draw for good girls and bad.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Harlequin Audio.

I really enjoyed the story in this book. It was the bad misunderstood boy who made many mistakes that has turned his life around and is back to have a relationship with his son. The story had lots of emotions and some wonderful characters. I listened to the audiobook version of this story. The narrator was good. It was a very easy book to get into and held my interest from start ot finish.

Thanks NetGalley for the Audio ARC of Shooting The Moon by Brenda Novak
This was a fun heartfelt read with a touch of drama and young love. I enjoyed listening to this audiobook.
It took me  a bit to get used to the narrators voice as she sounded so young, but over time I realized she really fit the characters
I enjoyed the plot, the characters and descriptions of people and places. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and loved the ending
I always enjoy books by Brenda Novak
Totally recommend this novel

Brenda Novak is a master at any book she writes. This is no exception and being able to listen to the audio was great. The narration done by Alana Marie Cheuvront was perfect. Giving characters their own voice from children to adults and women and men. She handled the various characters with just the right tones for the listener to follow easily.
The story centers on a well-to-do family raising the ten-year-old grandson Brandon, of their rebellious, single, and now deceased daughter. Brandon’s aunt Lauren is like his mother doing all the things his drug-addicted mom didn't do to give him a good life. When Brandon was born his father was run off by his grandfather but now that the mother is gone the father Harley comes back wanting his son. He's not 18 years old now and can't be run off. Lauren isn't sure what to do and her parents are traveling so Lauren must decide what to do however, the complication of her heart's reaction to Harley is not helping.

Another great book by Brenda Novak. Narrator was Alana Marie Cheuvront. She did a wonderful job distinguishing between the characters. Would definitely listen to another that she narrates. Definite must read. Great book to sit in front of a fire curled up and lose yourself in the story of Harley Nelson and Lauren. Thank you to the author Brandi’s l Brenda Novak, NetGalley, and Harlequin Audio for the arc read. This is my honest review!

** spoiler alert ** I suppose it wasn't that bad, just not my lane of romance novels. Good premise... seemed very rushed and fantastical, specifically toward the end. I got an audio arc courtesy Netgalley. The voice didn't work for me at all but I got used to it. I wouldn't listen to another book by this narrator.

An okay read if you like a standard instalove romance that uses a child as a plot device.

Ten years ago Harley left Portland with nothing. He is back now with the purpose to meet his son and to try and have a future with him. Lauren’s life is going to change the moment Harley threatens to take away her nephew Brandon, the child she had raised as her own son. Bad reputation, lies, secrets, forgiveness and family dynamics are the center of this wonderful live story. The audiobook with Alana Marie Cheuvront is a very good one. Thanks to NetGalley for providing the ARC. This is my honest review.

Thoughts that only one person is at fault is not a true statement, often times parents look for someone to blame. Harley comes back for his son. He is having trouble with his past. People believe the wrong things. Brandon’s mom had died so he was living with his grandparents and aunt who was basically a mom to him. Lauren has taken care of him even before his mom died so when bad boy Harley came into town she fought him. Didn’t want him to meet him. Then she started to think about what Brandon wanted and decided to let him meet his dad. Her dad was not happy about it. He had paid him off years ago trying to keep him away. But this time Lauren stood up to him. She is being difficult until she reads her late sister's journals. This appears to be an older book being re-released, I still enjoyed the story line although in the beginning Lauren is annoying. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley.

This book would have been a lot better if the relationship between our two main characters had more of a buildup. They went from fighting about custody of the child to all of a sudden being in love, despite barely spending any time together on their own. I feel like a chunk was missing in the middle! I liked the happy ending though and the audiobook narration was done well.

Harley Nelson and Lauren Worthington knew each other. He was the bad boy from the wrong side of town who dated Lauren’s wild sister, Audra. Ten years ago he left town and Audra.
Audra had a little boy and now that she recently died, Lauren is the one raising the boy.
Harley is nowadays a successful business man and wants to not only connect with his son, but have some type of custody rights.
Needless to say Audra’s parents and at first Lauren, are not thrilled with Harley and want to stop any contact.
But as Lauren gets to really know Harley, and finds out some secrets kept by Audra, her view of Harley changes.
Will they be able to realize that together they are the best for not only for Brandon but also for each other?
I have to confess that while I found Harley a very likable character, I never quite warmed up to Lauren.
The narrator Alana Marie Cheuvront did a good job with the voices.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley andHarlequin Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.