Member Reviews

Shooting the Moon is a standalone novel by Brenda Novak. Set in 2002, this is the story of a very eventful summer when once wayward Harley Nelson returns to Portland Oregon to reclaim what is rightfully his. When he left as though tail between his legs ten years prior he had nothing but his motorcycle and the payoff given him by the wealthy Mr. Worthington to leave town, his daughter Audra, and their unborn child behind. Being told Audra wanted nothing more to do with him, Harley headed south to literally seek his fortune.

But now he was back! Audra with her careless lifestyle had met her demise. Now his son lived in the Worthington household under the care of Audra’s younger sister Lauren. The sisters had been so very different, with Lauren being studious, excelling in school and work, organized, drug free, and living a quiet but content life raising Brandon. Convinced that while Audra was the beautiful swan, Lauren thought she was the ugly duckling but really nothing could be further from the truth.

When Harley first knocks on the Worthington door, Lauren turns him away. But as Harley persists and Lauren is in a position to be able to learn more, time takes a different pathway, once again thwarted by Mr. Worthington.

This is a well plotted, sometimes intense, family drama with a host of very real characters finding their ways through a difficult time. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it.

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Harley Nelson left town ten years ago when his girlfriend refused to marry him. Audra Worthington was rich and pregnant with his baby. She is now dead, and her sister and parents are raising his son. He's coming back to town to see his son and take him home to California with him. Lauren was always the perfect sister and never got in trouble and she is really the one that takes care of Brandon now. When Harley rides into town on his motorcycle she knows there is going to be problems.
Great story of everything is not always what it seems.

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I have read a few Brenda Novak books and have enjoyed them. It should be noted this book was originally published in 2002 as a Harlequin romance novel so it is somewhat dated.

Lauren's sister past away and she has been the primary care giver to her now 9 year old nephew. HIs father Harley is now back looking for a relationship. There is a lot about the "why" Harley left that comes to the service.

This was a cookie cutter novel in my opinion. Brenda has grown so much as an author in 20+ years.

Thank you to NetGalley for the copy in exchange for my honest review.

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A sweet romance of second chances, well sort of. Lauren is the little sister that hid in the shadows of her wild sister Audra. She is the one that took care of and raised Brandon her nephew and now that her sister has passed away. Bad boy Harley, Brandon’s father has come to claim his parental rights after 10 years of absence. As Lauren is trying to get a handle of how to work this out, she learns through her sister’s diary that what she thought she knew wasn’t the whole truth. And did Harley deserve a chance to know his son? With Brandon asking all kind of questions about his father, she has a life changing decision to make.
Thank you #NetGalley and #Harlequin for this audiobook ARC. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone. The narrative was great and kept me glued to the story. #ShootingtheMoon

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Harley Nelson returns to Oregon, eager to reconnect with his son Brandon after hearing about the passing of his former flame, Audra, Brandon's mother. Audra was a free spirit who often struggled to find her place, and her strict father's expectations only added to her challenges. Harley left soon after Audra gave birth, driven by a desire to make something of himself and prove his worth to her family. Lauren, Audra's younger sister, selflessly stepped in to care for Brandon, providing stability and love. She was the rock that held everything together, and her love for Brandon knew no bounds. Lauren's perceptions of Harley were shaped by the stories her father told, but as she gets to know him, she discovers a man who is kind, caring, and genuinely invested in his son's well-being. As Harley and Lauren work together to build a better future for Brandon, they find themselves drawn to each other, their hearts filled with hope and possibility. Brenda Novak weaves a tale that is both poignant and uplifting, a testament to the power of love and redemption. The story is a beautiful reminder that everyone deserves a second chance, and that with courage and determination, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. I was deeply moved by the audio version, expertly narrated by Alana Marie Cheuvront, whose smooth and soothing voice brought the characters to life. As I listened, I found myself rooting for Harley, Lauren, and Brandon, cheering them on as they navigated the complexities of life and love.

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This is a Romance. I listened to the audiobook for this book, and I found the narrator to be ok. I had trouble getting into this story. The beginning I found to be really slow moving, and I think that is why I was slow to get into this book. I really loved the ending. This book is full of family drama, and the family drama in this book was just not my thing in books. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

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I think this audiobook will resonate with so many of my readers. Air features a “bad boy” and straight and narrow woman as the two main characters, but all is not what it seems. This novel is brimming with themes of family drama, second chances, and found family. It will definitely appeal to a wide range of readers. Additionally, the narration is fantastic. I absolutely loved it!

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While this books took a little bit to hook me, once it did , I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It looks like it might be a re-release of an older book. The Audiobook narrator was fantastic and took us on a great ride as Harley comes back to the town where he grew up to have a relationship with his son. It was a sweet story and a lovely ending.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

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**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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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