“Soul Moon: First Encounter” by Camelia Bennett

Soul Moon: First Encounter

Camelia Bennett
Independently Published (2025)
ISBN:  979-8265724090
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Reader Views (08/2026)

 Soul Moon: First Encounter by Camelia Bennett is a blend of fantasy, mythical creatures, and wolf-shifter romance. The story circles around two main characters: Caden Mitchell, a wolf shifter, who finds himself assigned to sit at a seedy strip club and wait for his target to secure a weapons deal. It’s not just any weapons deal; this could “shift the balance of power to their enemies.” Meanwhile, his head of security responds to a tip about an illegal shipment of drugs at a harbor. Then there is Erick Shaw, a young bartender with stark, grey eyes that Caden can’t seem to take his eyes off. He is well-liked by his patrons and coworkers.

There is no denying that these two men are drawn to each other from the very beginning, even though Caden tries everything within him to keep his inner beast under control. After all, he has a mission to stick to tonight. But something changes when the target convinces Erick to have a drink with him, then leaves. Erick appears to be drugged and stumbles outside, where men in a van attempt to kidnap him. The kidnapping is intercepted when Caden pursues the culprits. Bennett gives readers enough information from the very beginning that leaves us wanting to know more about this mysterious weapons deal, what is so special about Erick that has these entities interested in him, where this wolf-shifter, Caden, comes from, and what this mission means for him.

Any readers who are familiar with Bennett’s writing will recognize her character-driven style. But she also throws in paranormal elements and danger. However, she still manages to keep Caden and Erick at the center and intact. The idea of a wolf-shifter having a growing connection with someone he barely knows but who seems so familiar for whatever reason is the perfect storyline to keep readers invested. I love the fact that Bennett did not make Caden into this typical intimidating, immortal hero. She gave him vulnerability underneath the tough exterior and immortal strength. At the same time, I love how she still reminds us that this is not a regular human. Bennett does not just tell us about Caden’s supernatural senses; she brings us into the experience. We smell Erick’s sweet scent right along with Caden. I felt like my senses were just as sharp as Caden’s when he heard Erick’s rapid heartbeat. Bennett also gives us some sensory contrasts, such as the nightclub scene where Caden’s head is throbbing from the flashing lights, and the loud music and smoke are nauseating.

Additionally, Bennett gives him a backstory. We learn why Caden is so guarded. He has had to say goodbyes throughout his never-ending life. Erick seems to be the opposite, but at the same time, he complements Caden. He is flirtatious, funny, impulsive, stubborn, and vulnerable. He is also orphaned and has no family ties. But we also learn some things about Erick that he does not even know about himself. I love how Bennett drops this on readers pretty early in the story. It makes things surrounding Erick’s past make sense.

Some themes that stood out the more I read included trust, loneliness, identity, and belonging. Bennett incorporated these themes into the storyline seamlessly, and it did not just apply to one central character, but both. Erick’s journey forces him to really think about what he once believed of himself, while Caden is forced to think about how his immortal life that has been filled with loss has shaped his view of love and emotional attachment. But the real beauty in Bennett’s story is how she does not allow either of them to face everything alone. The way Bennett explores prejudices and fears is fascinating as well. For example, in chapter twenty-eight, Caden talks about how humans went from respecting and admiring wolves to ridiculing, hating, and fearing them. But she always brings back the emotional tension of the story, especially as Caden and Erick try to navigate their connection while confronting what mortality and immortality may mean for them.

I loved how Bennett created the pacing to match the moments when there was danger, romance, revelations, and humor. One never dominated the other. This is one of her many strengths. I also loved the transitions between suspenseful moments and more intimate moments. One moment, danger is lurking; the next moment, Caden and Erick are cautiously learning one another over eggs and coffee. One thing I think readers should be prepared for is the strong intimate scenes stemming from Caden and Erick’s deep attraction for one another. But Bennett does it with good taste, in my opinion, and it does not overshadow the fantasy, suspense, or emotional development of the story.

Overall, Soul Moon: First Encounter is entertaining. It is a paranormal romance with the characters being the main attraction. Readers who enjoy similar works like T.J. Klune’s Wolfsong will find Soul Moon to be equally appealing. They will most appreciate the wolf-shifter mythology but also how Bennett paints Caden’s ancient history and Erick’s identity. Anyone looking for a sensual approach to a wolf-shifter romance with a touch of danger and mystery will especially enjoy what Bennet did with this story.