She’s angry that I left. I’m angry that I died. It’s the trouble with our two lives: we don’t only have one past to work through, but two. Double the pain, twice the betrayal. A million times the tragedy.The Moon is the story of Merlin and Nimue from the New Camelot trilogy. It’s recommended that you read the trilogy first, as there are American King spoilers in The Moon.
Cards of Love: The Moon
By sierrasimone
Ever since I finished American King and we learned so much more about Merlin and his role in Ash’s life and the history of Arthur that Sierra brought into The New Camelot series, I wanted him to have his own story. Because he was the keeper of the secrets, the seer of the future, the one who held the past, I’d always expected Merlin to be cavalier about his sex life. Never did I expect the story that Sierra spun for us in this wonderful short story that brings us two favored characters and their pasts, their pain and their future! This world has become an amazing well of both entertainment (in Sierra’s stories) but also a learning experience about the history of Camelot and the people who were talked about then
Sierra Simone really can write any kind of story. I love her writing. I’m so glad that I had already read her Camelot trilogy and was able to read this. I loved how this little story was told.
Reading the New Camelot series, I was always interested in knowing more about Merlin. He was definitely not a guy I loved in the series. The part he has in all that happened was to big not to resent him a bit. But if you know the legend, you also know things needed to happen.
“Can you imagine? Having memories of your death from the time you were born”
Once again Sierra Simone gives History another point of view, hers, one I’ve enjoyed reading. Merlin & Nimue’s story was hot, entertaining and a good addition to the series. I’ve enjoyed knowing the stuff from the past and I was delighted to see a woman takes charge!
As you’ve probably read in other reviews, this is not really a stand-alone and is best appreciated if you’ve read Ash, Greer & Embry’s story first. There are big spoilers which could reveal the end of American King.
I’m always excited when Sierra writes a book. I’ve come to know she has this incredible way of mixing feelings and magic with her prose. The Moon was no different
Kinky, erotic, and full of devilishly dirty magical deliciousness!
The Moon is a quick scorching hot novella featuring Merlin and Nimue’s love story. Although it is considered is a standalone love story, it would be wise to read The American Queen series to gain insight into the character Merlin.
This is his love story!
Who knew what his secrets and tastes were in the bedroom, or the cave!!
Well written, and captivating. Magic and mysticism take on a whole new look as we explore Merlin’s love life. The only issue for ME, was that there were elements of the story that were distracting. Thus making it a little difficult to follow.
However, I kept reading and I’m glad I did because Merlin was one hot kinky wizard!!
Cards of Love: The Moon part of a massive multi-author project, a series of love letters to the mysterious and inspirational world of tarot cards. These can be read in any order, as the only thing the Cards of Love books share is their common inspiration from the world of tarot.
This novella answered all the questions I had, and some I didn’t know I had, about Merlin. From the first mention of Merlin in American Queen I knew that he truly was a good guy, he was just the only one who knew that true love and happiness didn’t always come easily. Learning more about the past was both sad and enlightening. I never considered that his and Nimue’s story had started centuries earlier. Their story is every bit as dramatic and angst-filled as Ash, Greer, and Embry only Merlin’s is sadder. As sad as it was, it was also incredibly fulfilling that he finally got his HEA. I kind of wish there was more to the story! Sierra knocked it out of the park again!
“Not only have my heart and soul always been hers, but my body as well— my body that can only feel and respond to the woman who’s doomed to destroy it.”
OH. MY. GOD. THIS. BOOK. IS. PURE. MAGIC!! I am so in love with Merlin and Nimue. The Moon was everything I wanted, and SO MUCH MORE. Sierra Simone truly out did herself with this book. I have always craved more of Merlin and that need is ten fold now. I could not devour this book quick enough. Every page left me desperately craving the next. I was not ready for the story to end. I could have read about Merlin and Nimue forever and never grown tired of them. They truly are hauntingly beautiful together. Their chemistry scorches through the pages of your kindle. While their passion blazes through your heart. Keep your ice water handy, you WILL need it! When things heat up, they HEAT UP! I seriously can NOT stress enough how freaking HOT some of those scenes were. If you thought the Camelot trilogy steamed up the pages, The Moon rages through them like a wildfire.
“It’s Nimue, it’s always been Nimue, and something is so different this time, so potent, that I don’t have any armor against it. It’s like it gets right to the beating heart of me.”
Nimue was pure fire this book. I could not get enough of her character. She was a heroine on a mission. She knew exactly what she wanted, and she was not going to stop until she got it. Nimue commanded your attention with unwavering elegance and power. She dominates your mind in the most deliciously kinky, saddist way. While making you love every minute of it!
“What if I want to punish you for being so handsome? What if I want to torture you for being so mysterious? What if I want to tie you up so you can never leave me?”
Merlin definitely took me by surprise this book. There was so many facets to his character you didn’t know about previously. My heart definitely ached for him too many times to count. His vulnerability was nothing short of all consuming. Merlins devotion for Nimue will leave you breathless. He certainly had me melting in the SWOONS so many times. Merlin is officially mine and I’m not sharing him.
“Have you ever done this, Merlin?” she asks, in a voice like she’s asking me if I’ve ever had ice cream. “Have you ever played with power?”
*5 STARS*
Will never be enough for this novella, I would rate it 20 if I could. Everything about this story was hauntingly magical, with one of the best endings to a book that I have read to date.
5 HOT MERLIN STARS!! What a delicious delight this Cards of Love: The Moon was. The Novella is about Merlin and Nimue, it is hot as sin with an unforgettable love and sexiness. Merlin is from the New Camelot trilogy, so I suggest reading those first if you have not read them. Sierra Simone is a brilliant storyteller that sucks us readers into her story land and you never want out. 1-Click this book, it is fantastic.
“I’ve seen living magic and breathing legends, little moon, but you are the wonder of my eyes, you are the sight that steals my breath every single time.”
Cards of Love: The Moon is a novella, Merlin and Nimue’s story, from the New Camelot Trilogy. I sat spellbound, savoring each word, while reading this amazing and epic love story that was only hinted at in the previous books. Ms. Simone weaves an intricate and complex tale, with an apparent ease only a talented master of her craft could do so well! It felt poignant at times and I was so certain history would repeat itself, but hopeful there would be some magical spell that could change the course these two were destined to re-live.
“You’re already inside me in every other possible way, little moon. In my mind, in my blood, my breath, my heart. What’s this compared to that?”
Merlin’s destiny was to ensure the American King, American Prince and American Queen had secured their place in history. Once complete, his job was done; there was no further use of his magic. There would be no HEA for Merlin; his fate was to die alone. He’d already lived it once, as painful as it had been; he was prepared for what was to come. What he didn’t see was Nimue’s decision to make amends for past mistakes, before it was too late.
“Double the pain, twice the betrayal. A million times the tragedy.”
Nimue comes up with a plan to force Merlin to reveal things to her by using skills she’s mastered on him, until she discovers the truth he hides. She’ll use every single bit of her sadistic and erotic knowhow to bring Merlin to his knees. A position he loves and yearns to be at, worshiping his Nimue.
“Do you love me still?”
“Of course, little moon. I’ve loved you for eternity and eternity stretches both ways.”
This was a very unique story, as was Simone’s New Camelot series. It’s based in our world but has a very contemporary theme, with a splash of magic and mythology. I feel for this story the reader should read her New Camelot series to better understand Merlin and his history, his serious take completing his obligations with Ash from the series and how his past life has effected him in the present.
The Moon follows Merlin who is reliving his past by coming fast to face with the women who captured his heart and caused his death. They have an unusually relationship, where Merlin can’t deny his feelings towards Nimue but hinders pain from what happened in the past, she is constantly trying to break Merlin, both emotionally and physically. She doesn’t understand what he’s hiding until they both open up about what they remember. Merlin himself remembers everything, where she only knows bits and pieces due to the magic.
Merlin is a difficult character, in the series he either ticked me off or confused me. He has good intentions and sometimes they seemed selfish but in this story I really understood him. He has the horrible ability to remember everything where everyone around him doesn’t know they lived a past life. He has the burden of making sure history doesn’t repeat itself. But he also has never had the chance to find happiness for himself and this story breaks open a possibility for him.
Nimue is a little immature for my liking, for her age I was hoping that she’d communicate better, but I had to wait until the end for her to get to the point of what she wanted. I’m happy that she understands what happened in the past and how it effects her now as well as how Merlin has avoided her.
In the end I really enjoyed getting more backstory on Merlin, he was such a mystery and now that I know more about him, everything he did is so clear. I felt for him, what a toll to take on your whole life. I enjoyed this little peak into these two characters.
This is a steamy novella set in the New Camelot world. If you never read that phenomenal series then I suggest you get on that. It’s so full of win and if you jump into this you could spoil those books for yourself.
Merlin and Nemue’s chemistry leaps off of the pages and you can not deny that they are soul-mates. The electricity between these two is undeniable. I love that this little novella packed a punch and helped fill in missing information from these two along with giving them the story they deserve.
I was elated to jump back into this world and get a story I really wanted more of. This is the only Cards Of Love book I’ve read so far. I am intrigued by the theme of these stories and I look forward to checking out the rest of them.
A beautiful love story. Merlin and his Nimue. Who knew their love was so intense and all-consuming. Well, it is and Sierra Simone puts words on pages as only she can. You need to have read The Camelot Series before meeting Merlin in The Moon. He wasn’t my favourite person in the trilogy with all his meddling and at times I wanted to smack him…..Nimue takes care of that very nicely. It’s a very erotic story. Although his story is beautifully written my heart didn’t ache for him and I think maybe it should have. So worth a read and I would recommend it in a heartbeat.
At the very first mention of this book I was chomping at the bit to get my hands on it!! I absolutely love the Camelot series and was happy when I finall uh got to start this one. And I wasn’t disappointed at all!! Such an amazing story. I was immediately sucked into this one and didn’t want it to end.
I loved the New Camelot series and was so glad to get another story from Sierra Simone for it. This story is about Merlin and Nimue and the 2 pasts that they have to deal with. And since it is Ms. Simone, there were some hot and kinky things going on between these 2. Merlin is trying to keep the past from happening again so he has stayed away from Nimue for so many, many years. Nimue was hurt when Merlin left and want to get her “revenge”. This story takes place towards the end of American King so there are spoilers in this story if you haven’t read AK yet. The whole New Camelot series references the Camelot of King Author and how it is so similar to what the main characters of this series is going through in their lives. This is a must read, along with the entire New Camelot series!
The second I found out that Sierra Simone was taking part in the Cards Of Love collection, I knew I wanted to read her contribution, but when I discovered who it was going to be about? Well, I was giddy with anticipation.
I WANTED THAT BOOK!!!
Now, I’ve read it and it was just… so much better than I could have imagined.
If you’re a fan of Ms. Simone, then you’ve probably read ‘The New Camelot’ series, because, come on… who hasn’t read that trilogy????
If you haven’t, then why not?
Get that remedied right now, lol. Seriously, you need to read those three books first or you’ll lose a lot of the whole feel of the story.
Anyway, The Moon is set in the world of New Camelot– just after a certain point in book three (American King) for those ot in the know, and it’s the story of Merlin and Nimue and opens up their world to the eyes of the reader.
Merlin seemed like such a hard-a** in the trilogy, with all the stuff he put Ash, Greer and Embry through, but I gotta tell, he more than redeems himself here. I totally fell for him almost from the word go, but Nimue took a bit longer to warm me up.
Even though this was a pretty short novella, it still managed to fill in a lot of history, and the mystery surrounding Merlin’s relationship with Nimue. Flashbacks to the past are mixed with the present in a seamless flick of a page. I gobbled up every word and still wanted more.
I was awestruck at the things Nimue did! OMG!! And Merlin let her. So dirty, so raw and HAWT, so GAH, sexy, sexy, sexy. I loved how this wrapped up the whole series and that ending? Soooo good.
Merlin Rhys wasn’t one of my favorite characters in the New Camelot Trilogy but in the Cards of Love: The Moon, Sierra Simone gives us a character to love. We see another, deeper side to him. His love for Nimue knows no bounds. It’s a story laced with past and present and some intensely sexy scenes. It may be a novella, but it’s a story filled to the brim and over flowing. The Moon is a quick, steamy, exotic read perfect for Merlin & Nimue
Oh Merlin and your wizardly ways, you had me at handcuffs and strap on.
“The hell with fate. Fuck destiny. This doesn’t get to end until I say so.”
Nimue and Merlin’s story is a full of pain, passion and insight. Nimue has taken Merlin as her prisoner in order to gain knowledge from their past, but knowledge is not always pleasant.
“I’m so sorry for what I did then. There’s no excuse. But now is not then. Now we get to make a new story for ourselves, and you have to know that I’ll do everything I can to make it better than I did the first time.”
Destiny and a little divine magic brought Merlin and Nimue together centuries ago. In this life or another, their souls will always find one another.
“I’ll always be devoted to him. I’ll protect him and beat him and care for him with every sinew and inch of me. I vow it.”
The New Camelot Trilogy was such an amazing read that I just knew this would be as well….Reading Cards of Love -The moon took me back to where the past doesn’t always stay the past..as it can become the present..
Merlin who we had read about in American Queen has a past and a love her name is Nimue.
Back to the time of Wizards their love didn’t last, can it now again be lived with passion and everlasting love ?
Can Merlin lay down his love for Nimue can he take what she gives completely ?
Also we meet Ash , Greer and Embry and that’s a bonus in itself …
Hot and steamy and more than sexy it’s a book never to put down ..
You do need to read The New Camelot trilogy before ….
I wholly recommend this book.
Merlin Rhys.
You had me at “keep your kisses to yourself”.
If I’ve learned anything from Sierra Simone’s New Camelot it’s that love is the most, powerful, terrifying, consuming magic of all. And it’s only fitting that Merlin teaches the most important lesson of all – love surrendered only increases in power. “The Moon” is Merlin and Nimue’s story. It may only be a novella but it’s perfection. Entirely in Merlin’s POV, it’s a reinvention of Merlin’s captivity in the caves at Nimue’s hands. Will it end in his death as it had in past lives? Or does fate have something different in store for the man outside of time?
The quiet, manipulative wizard IS enormously sexy. And willing to submit to the sadistic love of his lives. But he’s not only submitting to Nimue, he’s submitting to the inevitability of love – even if it means his death. And by literally giving her his power, he shows so much strength, how can it not be sexy? Male subs are not generally my reading kink because the power exchange doesn’t resonate. With Merlin it does – perfectly. But power exchange and kinky dark magic are Sierra Simone’s super powers, so it is no surprise. Maybe it’s the magical realism. Maybe it’s just his steadfast heart. Maybe it’s just Sierra Simone’s elegant way of making the psychological and spiritual aspects of kink just as much a turn on as the physicality. Such gorgeous, filthy beings we are when Sierra Simone tells our story.
#TopReadof2018
#Heartbook
#sendchampagneandcrops
The Moon is dark, magical, kinky and oh so HOT! It is a novella story of two characters from the New Camelot series, Merlin and Nimue, and does contain spoilers especially for American King.
“You are so beautiful always,” I respond. “No matter what you’re doing. I’ve seen living magic and breathing legends, little moon, but you are the wonder of my eyes, you are the sight that steals my breath every single time.”
The Moon may be a novella, but it is not short on story. It has depth and is rich in legend and history. It is a story to savor and enjoy the magic of beautiful storytelling.
-5 Stars!-
I’ve always enjoyed the Arthurian legends and with Sierra’s New Camelot Trilogy still being one of the best series I have ever read, this was always going to be a must read for me – Sierra certainly puts her own spin on the Merlin legend, and it fits in so well with the other 3 books, I loved it!!
This is Merlin and Nimue’s story, where we find out just how much power and magic Merlin possesses, and just what he has been through and what his gift means. We travel back in time to his very first meeting with her some 1,500 years ago and then also to this reincarnation 23 years ago. But only Merlin can see the past and the future, none of the others can, and that’s the burden of his gift.
There’ no doubt that Nimue is Merlin’s soulmate, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her, regardless of the outcome. In the present Nimue is a 40 yr old sadist who has captured Merlin to learn the secret of his magic, where he will submit to anything she wants, no pain too small, no punishment harsh enough, his love for her is boundless. It is very highly erotic reading and very well done.
Talk about love standing the test of time!! Fantastic addition to the New Camelot Trilogy, which must be read before this. Highly recommended reading.