Bestselling author, Raven St. Pierre, returns with the third standalone in a breathtaking family saga filled with love, acceptance, and adversity.
Jesse Peterson lives by the sweat of his brow and doesn’t hold back from defending his beliefs—even if that means getting dirty and breaking a few noses in the process. It goes without saying that his tendency to let his fists do the talking hasn’t come without a price. His family’s intolerance of his behavior, and his own distaste for the town’s corruption, have set him on a downward spiral from which he can’t seem to recover. With the growing sense of his personal convictions being too big for such a small town, he wonders if there’s still good reason to stay.
That question is answered the instant Quinn Dixon crosses his path.
As strong as she is beautiful, Quinn steals Jesse’s heart right away. But in Honeywell, Alabama, the horrors of Jim Crow are an everyday occurrence. Forced to settle for passing glances and secret rendezvous, neither has forgotten that these stolen moments could cost them everything.
Their freedom.
Their lives.
Once they’ve fallen, there’s simply no such thing as a life apart. Their love is forbidden, but is the truest either has ever found. For that, they’re willing to risk it all.
His conviction gives her hope. Her strength makes him believe. Their love defies reason.
*AUTHOR NOTE: “CHASING MOONLIGHT” is the third standalone novel within the “AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME” family saga. This is a full-length, interracial romance that takes you back to 1940s Alabama. Due to the nature of the story, as well as the era and locale in which it takes place, please be advised that this work of fiction contains sparse, racially-charged language and incidents some readers may be sensitive to. However, if heartfelt love stories with happy endings are what you crave, then scroll up and one-click today! XOXO--Raven
Raven is the author of several interracial and African-American romances, including her debut series, "Free Falling" books 1 - 3, "Red Sun", and "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob". Since early on, she has found writing to be her creative outlet of choice, although she did not complete her first full-length novel until 2009. She has a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, but currently works from home, mostly writing, but also building her own Virtual Assistant business. If you're interested in learning more about Raven's upcoming works, there are a number of ways to find her and to stay in touch!
I loves me a good historical romance, but I am fascinated by interracial historical romance because we all know the words interracial+historical+romance means DRA-MA. And not necessarily the good kind. And Chasing Moonlight does not disappoint. I always ask myself, “If I were a black woman living in pre-1965 America, would I ‘know my place’?” My mind’s telling me yes, but my fists are telling me HELL TO THA NAH! I give all the praise and respect to the ancestors who “knew their place” and survived the hell they were subjected to during those times, ‘cause honey, although this book was a fictional account, these fictional characters tried me…
The story is set in 1945 Alabama (You see why I’m feeling the way I’m feeling?), and Quinn Dixon is a twenty-one-year old black woman who works as a domestic for a white clergyman and his family. She “inherited” the job from her mother upon her death, and in those days, in the south, black women didn’t have many educational or career opportunities other than to work as “the help”. Quinn knows her place, but she also knows her worth, yet acting upon it could reap dire consequences—jail or worse, so like many women in her situation back then, she endures...
Jesse Peterson is a rebel without a cause. He’s the mayor’s grandson and a total hothead who gives zero fux. Jesse is a man who’s all about Jesse until he meets HER. To say a union between these two would be forbidden is an understatement. We’re talking 1940’s Alabama where race and class are a hierarchy by which everyone in the town of Honeywell is measured, and these two sure as hell don’t belong together. But Jesse Peterson always gets what he wants. And her name is Quinn Dixon.
Whew…this story will take you through some thangs! Reading Quinn and Jesse’s story was entertaining, enlightening, frustrating, romantic, but more importantly, real. This wasn’t some sugarcoated version of an interracial couple beating the odds. Yeah, they did, eventually, but the struggle was authentic and difficult to read at times. And that’s what makes this story top-notch. As usual, great writing and storytelling from Raven St. Pierre.
I received an advanced copy of the story. All opinions are my own. Add to your TBR today.
I can't say enough about this book. I was hooked from page one. I was touched, furious, happy, anxious, just... Everything! Simply put, it was a breathtaking story of pure love and beautifully written. The author outdid herself with this story. Brava!!!
The softness of her hands warmed my neck and that was the moment it happened; this kiss broke me in half. It pulled me apart at the seams and let everything I’d been holding in come tumbling out. Then, once I was emptied of all my secrets, she put me right back together again
This lovely book is about two people who find themselves in a forbidden love affair at a time when it was not ok to be in a interracial relationship. This story pulls at your hearts strings. I was rooting for Quinn and Jesse my heartin my throat with ever swipe to the next page on my kindle.
O. M. G. the feels oh ms raven you know a way to a readers heart I love love love this story and the hero and heroine were so perfect they are right up there with my fav couples Sam an Aj and Lissete and Luke. This was an absolutely beautiful story I love every word I know I say that a lot about ms Ravens books but seriously it's the truth she captivates me from page one. She writes like melted butter liquidy smooth Every character in this was so real to me the emotions this story brings is almost overwhelming at times as I read. All the feels were in this you want to cry when they cried you wanted to fight when they fought you wanted to laugh when they laughed oh and you wanted to hate when they hated.
I recommend to all you sappy readers who want a good romantic love story that will stay with you always. Thanks again Ms. Raven for your beautiful words
I've fallen in love with all the books in this series, but this one is the best to date. I felt for both Quinn and Jesse and their struggles to be together in a very difficult time period, but I loved both characters and how fleshed out and well written they were. There were so many passages I wanted to highlight because they just hit me right in the feels.
Well done Miss St. Pierre, you had me smiling, laughing, wanting to throw my kindle in frustration over what Jesse and (mostly) Quinn faced, but also crying at those really hard moments. Definitely recommend.
Chasing Moonlight takes you on an emotional journey that grips you from beginning to end. Quinn and Jesse's story is not an easy read because of some sensitive issues, but a very enjoyable one none the less. The author made it so easy for you to love these characters because she did a wonderful job of telling their story. You feel their pain, their joy, and most definitely their love. This fated love story had me crying, screaming, and in the end celebrating their happy ever after. I give it 5 stars!
This was a read along with the lovely Rosie J. And Beautiful Meka Books.I truly adored this beautiful tale. I loved Quinn and Jesse. It was perfect in every way. 5 stars.
Jesse Peterson lives by the sweat of his brow and doesn’t hold back from defending his beliefs—even if that means getting dirty and breaking a few noses in the process. It goes without saying that his tendency to let his fists do the talking hasn’t come without a price. His family’s intolerance of his behavior, and his own distaste for the town’s corruption, have set him on a downward spiral from which he can’t seem to recover. With the growing sense of his personal convictions being too big for such a small town, he wonders if there’s still good reason to stay.
That question is answered the instant Quinn Dixon crosses his path.
As strong as she is beautiful, Quinn steals Jesse’s heart right away. But in Honeywell, Alabama, the horrors of Jim Crow are an everyday occurrence. Forced to settle for passing glances and secret rendezvous, neither has forgotten that these stolen moments could cost them everything.
Their freedom.
Their lives.
Once they’ve fallen, there’s simply no such thing as a life apart. Their love is forbidden, but is the truest either has ever found. For that, they’re willing to risk it all.
His conviction gives her hope. Her strength makes him believe. Their love defies reason.
*AUTHOR NOTE: “CHASING MOONLIGHT” is the third standalone novel within the “AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME” family saga. This is a full-length, interracial romance that takes you back to 1940s Alabama. Due to the nature of the story, as well as the era and locale in which it takes place, please be advised that this work of fiction contains sparse, racially-charged language and incidents some readers may be sensitive to. However, if heartfelt love stories with happy endings are what you crave, then this is the book for you!
The love that Jesse felt for Quinn was so strong. Their love survived a war, and the violence of racism while living in 1940s Alabama. I was grateful their love transcended time and they got their HEA. For book characters, their love written on these pages were palpable. I couldn't help but imagine that this was a fictionalized version of what the Lovings went through in 1960s Virginia. This book made me cherish the once considered taboo love I have for my husband even more so. Jesse caught his moon. Because of love stories like theirs, my very own can exist. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who asks.
Chasing Moonlight is a well written standalone novel in the Again for the First Time Family Saga series. It’s more than a love story; it’s a period piece that deals with morals; it’s a story about segeration and human rights. Raven St. Pierre did an excellent job developing characters mindset and actions during the timeframe. I loved everything about this story. I've already re-read this. A 5 star read for me.
ARC for an honest review. Best Christmas gift ever, I truly enjoyed everything about this book it was awesome sauce Jesse and Quinn love was so real and just beautiful.
I'm a big fan of Raven St. Pierre's Again for the First Time series, so when I heard that she was going back in time to explore the Quinn and Jesse's love story, I was ecstatic.
Chasing Moonlight is set in the segregated South (Honeywell, Alabama to be exact) in the early 1940s. Quinn Dixon is a young African-American woman working as a maid for the Haywood family when fate makes sure her path crosses with Jesse Peterson's. Jesse's not got the best reputation--he has a tendency to get into fights and his grandfather (who happens to be the mayor of the town) is getting tired of bailing him out, even though Jesse never asks for his help. For Jesse, the first time he lays eyes on Quinn, he is smitten. But Quinn is more careful. This is the segregated South we're talking about and there are anti-miscegenation laws on the books as well as townspeople who think blacks in the town are getting "too comfortable and too uppity." As the two cautiously enter into a secret friendship, it becomes obvious that they cannot simply pretend that the attraction is purely platonic. Can they find love in a world that would rather keep them apart?
I really enjoyed reading Chasing Moonlight and appreciated that Raven St. Pierre did NOT shy away from tackling the racial issues of the day. It would have been impossible to do so and would have made for a very shallow, unbelievable story. Instead, she takes these issues head on--reminding us that it was not so long ago that interracial couples had to hide their love or that any excuse could be used for a black person to be oppressed without legal intervention. But my favorite aspect of this book is that it is an honest-to-goodness love story. Two people who were meant to be together doing what they can to hold on to their love.
APB Perspective Reviews: When I finished this book I asked a question , " Does love have a perfect place or time ? If you find the love of your life and the timing is wrong will you walk away or stand and fight? Jesse would not let place time or the the law keep him away from Quinn. At first I was mad because I was afraid for Quinn, but as he slowly convinced her that he was for real , that he really wanted her , that he would not let anyone or anyone keep them apart I relaxed and gave him a chance. The times when they fell in love it was illegal for an interracial to be together , and frowned upon to do so social , in small town Alabama , it was life threatening. One of the things the author did best with the telling of this story , was made me forget the danger and see the love . To see how Quinn attracted Jesse as natural as a hummingbird coming to sugar and water. There is a part in the story where she put sugar and water in a bowl ,which attracted the hummingbirds outside of a window, it was natural for them to come to that bowl , as it was natural for Jesse to come to Quinn. I liked the way this book mixed with the previous stories in this series . I hope we get another story from this series I would like to know more about Penelope , her story I hope is waiting to be written.
This is a standalone to the Again for the first time series but to understand the end of the book you would need to be familiar with the other two books in the series. For those not familiar with the series this is the story of Brooklyn and Lissette's great aunt Quinn. In the previous books you get a brief background on Quinn and Ladybug (Brooklyn and Lissette's grandmother). I've always been a big fan of Ms. Pierre but I loved Quinn and Jessie. Despite the odds they were determined to be together no matter what society or their families thought about them. Reading this story as a person of color makes you appreciate your great grandparents a whole lot more. This isn't a pretty story because both characters go through a lot but in the end they achieve happiness just by being together. I encourage everyone to read the additional epilogue on the authors website, it gives you some more insight into their little family and what happened to some of the other characters. Excellent read!
Normally I avoid reading historical stories from this time period but I am so qlad I read this one, it is so beautifully written. I experienced such a roller coaster of emotions reading this book but the love shared between Jesse & Quinn was so strong & beautiful it was well worth the ride. Had I been reading their story in a book instead of on a tablet I would have skipped to the last few chapters just to sooth my anticipation. Even thou this book can be read as a stand alone, I liked the way it tied in Brooklyn & Matt. It made me want to go back and read their story again. Congratulations Ms Pierre on a story very beautifully told.
Me being a historian, I absolutely love historical romances. This novel went beyond my wildest dreams. It was heart wrenching, heart warming, sensual, funny, and beautiful all at the same time. Quinn and Jesse were strong characters - individually and together. Ms. St. Pierre has left me almost speechless. To have a man be so devoted to a woman gave me chills- in a good way. It was like when he told Quinn "you're my whole world, my next breath," he was saying it to me too. Quinn was a great heroine; I loved her spunk. I also appreciate the fact that this novel was historically accurate for the 1940s time period. Thank you so much Raven...I have a huge grin on my face and I'm still catching my breath! *WHEW*
This was another great love story in the "Again for the First Time Family Saga". This was Jesse and Quinn's story. A powerful story of how love can blossom and endure even under the most oppressive of circumstances. They managed to sustain their love in a time where it was not allowed for them to be in love with each other because of the colour of their skin. Despite this they were able to find love so enduring it sustained them through racism and a world war.
This was another great story by Raven St Pierre. The story engages you from the first chapter until the last. Definitely worth a read.
This book is excellent. It's not your typical story from this time period. You will fall in love with Quinn and Jesse!! Be prepared to hold your breath, shed some tears and root for true love.... Raven did a great job on this book!!
An amazing story, an amazing read. Love the author's work. I always look out for her. Was glad for another installment in this series and so happy that it spoke of the past. In book 1 we get a glimpse of the past but this story allows for understanding. The writing is great.....but its the story that keeps you. I wanted to know how the unlikely pair would meet, would they stay committed. It was a great love story-genuine love story. The ending was also really good-brought things full circle. I will definitely read book 1 of this series again due to this ending. And thank you for the bonus in the end!
Damn you, Raven St. Pierre! I was sure Marco was my favorite book, but this story...this story brought out all the emotions the reader feels when devouring good fiction: rage, sadness, hope...love. I couldn't put this story down; I had to know if Quinn and Jesse got the HEA they deserved. This is the perfect love story.
Beautifully written. Chasing Moonlight is a historical romance set in Alabama during the 1940's. With all the main ingredients. A touch of brutality, friendship, family ties and a courtship. She provided just enough intimacy without taking things over board. Gosh.. Raven managed to give a realistic look into a story she created that unfolds effortlessly.
Without hesitation I speak from the heart. This is a commendable read. Not since AJ and Sam have I felt emotionally for a couple created by Raven St. Pierre until Quinn and Jesse.
No spoilers here. Just my feelings the book. Good or Bad-I was given an ARC for my honest review.
This was such a beautiful book. My emotions ran the gamut while reading this. Anger for how the FMC was treated, smiling and giggling at the MCs sweet interactions, angst for the scary situation they were in being an interracial couple in Alabama, and crying for the difficult times they endured.
Wow, this is what I am talking about... I could read tons and tons of book like... It was sooo good and if I could truly rated it, it would be a 10
This was one of the best book that I read... I read it in one day literally still not sleepy and more wired than ever... Wow, now that it is done, I wish I did not read it so fast... This is truly a 10 and beyond star... Wow truly amazing... I am speechless... It will make rethink if you are with your true love or not...
That was hands down the best book I have read in a long time. The words literally jumped off the page. Jesse and Quinn were so real I could literally see them as I read. This book caused my emotions to run so high. I laughed, I cried, I shouted for joy. I found myself cheering for this couple as if I knew them. As if I had a vested interest in the outcome of their lives. That is how a man is supposed to love his woman and a woman is supposed to love her man. I loved how the story ended with their first born Tessa letting the world know that her family not survived but thrived and remained in love and multiplied. I love how they were able to go home and how Jesse always stood up for what he believed in and how he never let anyone disrespect his family, his wife, or the love they had for one another. I loved how Jesse was a principled man, a man with convictions, a man who not afraid to go after or stand up for what he believed in. I loved how he was imperfectly perfect and just perfect for Quinn. I loved Quinn quiet strength and dignity. I loved how even though she was cautious she dared to take a chance on love. I loved how she didn't let the Haywoods or Honeywell break her. This story was beautiful. I would love to read more like it. It wasn't rushed and was just to allowed to evolve and unfold at the pace of the characters. If I could this book more than 5 stars I would. I will continue to read this book over and over and over again. I fell in love with Jesse and Quinn and I keep praying that God will one day send me my Jesse. I loved this book. This was a great read. I highly recommend this to anyone just wanting to read a good old fashion love story. Damn, this book was awesome. And while I would love to see it made into a movie. TV would just mess it up. I'm happy imagining Jesse and Quinn. Please, please, please support this author and this book. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for taking the time to read my review.
Well where should I start, I was privileged to be selected by the author to read and give my honest review of this book; this book is an absolutely brilliantly written love story, the story is set in an American town called Honeywell, deep south in 1941, there is segregation between black people and white. We are introduced to Quinn Dixon who is working as a maid for the Reverend and his wife who isn't very nice, Quinn's characters was easily identifiable as you feel her resentment towards the family she works for as they treat her as if she is beneath then and not as a human being, she is very intelligent, strong willed and perceptive young woman who you immediately like and empathize with throughout the story. Jesse Peterson is the mayor's grandson, who gets into fights a lot in town as he will not let anyone take advantage of him. As you guess the two meet, and a love story is developed between these two star-crossed lovers, Quinn being realistic for the Times the live in is reluctant to start a relationship with Jesse, but as you get into the story you will them together, their love is like the old classics Romeo and Juliet or Tristan and Isuld, but you hope and pray the make it through. This story captivated me throughout, I could not even think of putting my kindle down, I loved the way it took me to Honeywell in 1941 and made me feel things for Quinn and Jesse, praying that their relationship survived. This is an absolute must read, if you know Raven's work or are just starting out reading this story will definitely make you read her full catalogue of books. A well deserved five star
This book is so much more than a love story. Chasing Moonlight will make you uncomfortable and angry about the way things used to be, grateful for how far we have come but also well aware of how much further we still have to go. Jesse and Quinn's characters are so realistic and their story is very sensitive to the time period in which it takes place. The setting is 1940's Alabama where a white man and a black woman falling in love is not only unacceptable but extremely dangerous, especially for Quinn. However, her quiet strength and dignity while being treated in the most undignified and horrifying ways and Jesse's inherent goodness and determination not to conform or back down are inspiring! They made me hurt and cry and fear for their lives whenever they were together. Yet, at the same time, their love story is one of the sweetest I have every read and I was captivated by their secret rendezvous and whispered words of love. They had a pull that was too strong to be denied and I just wanted them to finally be free to be together! The ending was everything I hoped for and more. This is a great read that I will gladly revisit over and over again!
This book had me all in my feelings. There were some parts of the story that were difficult to read. It's never easy being reminded of what our ancestors went through or had to endure. But this was a beautifully written story.
I fell completely in love with Jesse Petersen as a person and Jesse and Quinn as a couple. It wasn't easy reading about how Quinn was treated simply because of the color of her skin. But that's what we as a people had to deal with during that time. I loved how Jesse and Quinn never quit fighting for their love. This is by far one of the best love stories that I have read in a long time. I have to admit that it took me a while to getting around to reading this book. I downloaded it as soon as it was available, but I had to get myself in the frame of mind to read this story because I knew that it wouldn't be an easy read. This was a truly an amazing story and I was not disappointed. But then again, I'm never disappointed with any of Ms. Raven's stories. She is a talented author and one of my favorites.
This story was able to tell you how life was back in 1941 without much preaching and I loved that. Raven St. Pierre didn't shy away from the truth and built a story on its back. Jesse is now my favorite hero in this series. He's smart and courageous but still a hot head. Although Quinn rubs off on him it doesn't always stick. I completely understand Jesse's feelings towards his family. Anyone in a complicated relationship can relate. I knew I would like Quinn from the teaser 3 chapters I received from St Pierre. She was a strong, bold, and beautiful black lady and it shows. No matter what color of your skin you can have more class than anyone. Quinn had to make some hard decisions in this book and I applaud her. Especially since this was set almost 30 years before Civil Rights Movement. Quinn and Jesse were before their time. I do wish that we got a little more of the future. The kids and what happened between 1950-... I wish this story wouldn't end. There's so many questions that are answered but I still have so many more.
During Jim Crow era, Quinn and Jesse’s relationship is considered forbidden. However, Ms. St. Pierre’s delves into the minds of these characters and their actions which forces readers to become emotionally invested in every possible outcome. This was an outstanding read! I must admit that I delayed reading this book as historical romances are at the bottom of my reading pile. However, Ms. St. Pierre’s writing is so rich and intense that I was pulled in from the very beginning of her story. I laughed, got angry and cried through many of these passages while rooting for Quinn and Jesse to make it to their HEA. Ms. Pierre did not miss any steps even in the direction of secondary characters. This is an exceptional offering in the Again for the First Time saga but more than that I believe it is Ms. Pierre’s finest writing to date. I remain a true and loyal fan of Ms. St. Pierre and highly recommend ALL of her offerings.