The Moon Over the Oak

The Lycanthrope Protection Agency #4

by C.J. Ravenna

Childhood friends. Decades of hidden feelings. A bond never meant to break— until it shatters.

Ryan Kelly has known Zach DeShawn was his mate since they were kids. Just when Ryan is ready to finally tell Zach how he feels, he inherits his grandmother’s magic. If Ryan can’t learn to control his magic, how can he protect his friends from the danger his grandmother predicted with her dying breath?

All his life, Zach DeShawn could never scent his fated mate. Without a special scent to tell him who he is destined to be with, all Zach’s relationships have ended in heartbreak. Sparks ignite between him and Ryan, but Zach is terrified to take a chance and have his heart broken yet again.

When an ancient enemy’s curse shatters the pack bonds every werewolf needs to stay human and sane, the lifelong friends are faced with the nightmare of forgetting the ones they love. Ryan and Zach must finally put their hearts on the line, before all is consumed in feral madness.

The Moon Over The Oak is the fourth book in The Lycanthrope Protection Agency. It features childhood friends to lovers, fated mates, friends-with-benefits fun, and a Happily-Ever-After. This installment is an interconnected standalone, but is best enjoyed after reading To Hunt A Moonborn Beast and its sequels.

Genres: Shapeshifters, M M Romance, Friends To Lovers

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2023

About the author

CJ Ravenna loves to tell stories where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. Her books often feature an explosion or two, possessive and protective werewolves who adore their mates, steamy and swoony romance, and of course a happy ending.

Reviews

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Moon Over The Oak is the fourth book of the LPA series but the first one to focus on a different couple. Ryan and Zach were secondary characters before but now have the chance at exploring their own feelings and situations, individually and together.
The two have been best friends since childhood and Ryan has been in love with Zach nearly as long. Zach has been completely oblivious, recently even being in love with Gabe, their co-worker. Now both are in a place where they could potentially move towards something together which Ryan is open and eager to do but Zach is very hesitant given his past relationship experiences and the fact that neither can smell the other as their fated mate. While their relationship drama continues throughout the book, Ryan discovers that his family descend from the druids and he comes into his powers when his grandma passes away, and Zach is brought pack into the family fold as his father passes away and his mother uses that grief and guilt to lure him into working with the family business again.
Zach has an extremely complicated and negative relationship with his parents. It's given him so much anxiety over the years and the constant feeling of not being good enough. This leads him to struggle with accepting something positive with Ryan. Ryan's so open and eager to encourage but also states how happy he is just to have Zach in his life which I found equally sweet and a little self sacrificing considering how much Zach struggles with this and goes back and forth on his decisions. It makes for an emotional ride for them, as well as their pack who are all hoping for the two men to be happy together, especially after knowing how Ryan has felt for so long. Zach also deserves happiness with how his parents have treated him.
There is also drama in regards to Ryan's powers and a warning that his gran left him with, regarding evil of old and the possibility of it returning. It makes for a tense final third of the book that has everyone involved and fighting for what could end up affecting the whole country, if not the world.
This is a great addition to the series, quite emotional in places with a fair amount of drama and some action along the way. I love that we still get so much interaction with the rest of their pack at the LPA and look forward to who is getting their own story next.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

What I loved about this:

Ryan: His sweet, sincere, full-hearted way of living and loving, and being all kinds of goofy and how he OWNS THAT!

Granny magic: I stan me an MM Romance grandma in general, but Ryan's was especially fabulous because of the gift he inherited! I legit got chills!

The entire first half: This was pretty much teen/ NA pining, and we are mush for an achy friends to lovers!

But then...

After THAT grace period, this love story was pretty frustrating and silly to read because fellas be grown and ngl rich people problems genuinely make me roll my eyes...

I'm not sorry.

So yeah, this one was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster...because while all the things i already enjoy about the series were the same ie narrative style and flow, tone, intense cartoon villain who was pretty fked up but i'm weirdly into how OTT this series' antagonists flex, I was also supremely annoyed by how uncool Zach was throughout most of this.

But Ryan also made me scratch my head a bit around 50%...so together lawd these two took slow burn and made it every shade of "what am i reading rn? These bextches are like 30 fkin yrs old. Get a grip my gawd." SMH

So yeah while i was feeling for Ryan and his family challenges, and ofc loved the big massive wholehearted way he loved Zach, i wasn't invested in this couple and was happy to move on from this book.

as an aside, it's weird -in a good way- how this series gives me a bit of nostalgia...and maybe it's because it has SOOOO MANY Green Creek nudges, which i generally wouldn't be cool with, as I am super protective of the magic TJK has gifted the world and it's one of my favourite series of all time!!

But reading The Lycanthrope Protection Agency as a soft homage has actually calmed my inner plagiarism police brain enough to enjoy this series for what it is...a favourable and entertaining second cousin of sorts. And that's not a bad thing at all imo.

***note: as of the time of this review, i've already chomped through most of Ben and Isaac's story and it has been miles improved from this installment. and even though it's been fairly redundant, I'm still very much enjoying it!***

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I rated this book 4.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 5 stars. I enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Lycanthrope Protection Agency Series (LPA). I really enjoyed the flash back scenes and how long Zach and Ryan have been friends. Ryan has known since basically the first moment that they met that him and Zach are mates but because Zach wasn’t allowed to shift much as a child because his parents are controlling a*seholes he can’t scent his mate. Zach has had sh*t luck in love. Ryan is about to tell Zach that he’s been in love with him for years.

Now that he’s healed enough from the end of his and Gabe’s relationship but then his grandmother dies and he inherits her Druid magic. He has to learn to control it quickly so it doesn’t control him and defeat the ancient enemy, the power hungry King of the Druids that’s returned. At least he’s not alone, he has Zach and the rest of his pack by his side but the ancient King of the Druids destroys their pack bonds and without a pack their wolves will eventually go feral. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. It’s Ben and Isaac’s turn next. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.

******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******

[Natalie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sooooòo good.

Ryan has been one of my favourite characters throughout this series he is the most perfect golden retriever main character you could ever wish for, but in this book we get to see a different side to him, a more vulnerable side who has been struggling with so many things since her was young such as his mums declining health and the fact that he has been in love with his best friend for as long as he can remember.
Zach was a character from the series whom I wasn't too keen on, but this book has made me do a complete 180. The things he went through as a child and before he joined the LPA were heartbreaking 💔 and I really felt for him.

I loved every second of the book, Ryan and Zach were perfect. There was no miscommunication between them. Even though there were some struggles when they admitted their feelings, they always spoke to each other. They are the perfect match for each other.

The story had me hooked as there were lots of twists and turns to keep me guessing. I have loved every second of this series, and I can't wait for the next book to read all about Ben and his fated mate and also catch up with all of the other characters.

[RainbowRow · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were things to like about this book for sure. I loved Ryan's family and their challenges and backstory. I think the book overall would have benefited from exploring that a lot more.

I love the LPA and think that their mission is really cool. I would have liked to see them in action more. We only get that in the last quarter.

The overarching non-romance plot was original. I won't spoil it, but I think more of that would have been better than more of the romance.

Now for the romance. That is the part that didn't work as well for me and it took up most of the book. I do think it will work for other readers who like slow burn and don't mind a lot of back and forth of will they won't they. Zach drove me crazy with that. He'd get there and psych himself up to go for it and then back down and went on and on and on. It was very angsty and I didn't think it had to be. We always knew where it was headed, but it could have gotten there with less time and fewer words. I skimmed parts.

But I do think it's worth reading and would recommend it for lovers of shifter romances and best friends to lovers romance.

I received and ARC and this is my honest review.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan Kelly and Zach DeShawn have been friends since they were children. Ryan has also known that Zach is his mate but Zach, who cannot smell his mate, does not know. Since he cannot trust his sense of smell, he has spent the years in bad relationships. Ryan wants to tell him but his grandmother dies leaving him her Druid magic. He must learn to control it as an ancient enemy has returned and this enemy has destroyed their pack bonds, which could result in a nightmare existence. It will be up to Ryan and Zach to prevent this.

The Lycanthrope Protection Agency is a very exciting and compelling series. Ryan and Zach really needed to get together and everyone knew this except Zach. It was fun watching them dance around each other, afraid to ruin their friendship and yet that is what they were doing. Their love was true and beautiful and it took an ancient enemy to help them see they needed to work together. Are their efforts successful? You will need to pick up this incredible story and read for yourself. You will be glad you did.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it to my pleasure. The opinions are my own.

[Kala B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Please read the other 3 books before this one.***


Many people will be very confused otherwise. Ryan and Zach finally figure out their bond! I was looking forward to their story, and was not disappointed. I’m giving it giving it a rating of 4.5 stars.

Book 4 was another good addition to the Lycanthrope Protection Agency (LPA) series. I’m happy Ravenna is expanding to other characters, other than Gabe and Max. Do not get me wrong I love both Max and Gabe. I’ve just been extremely curious about the other characters of this world Ravenna has built. In this book we get an in depth look at Ryan and Zach’s relationship as they grow up. Ryan has been aware of Zach being his mate for quite some time. However, Zach has not been aware due to the fact his parents are way too controlling. He never got to shift when he was younger.I really dislike Zach’s parents their manipulative buttholes who need to take a dang hike.

When both Ryan and Zach are at a stage to think of moving forward in their relationship, Ryan inherits his grandmother’s Magic. I that was not the only problem, a powerful new enemy has risen. It will take everyone working together to take them down.

[Tashyka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendship between Ryan Kelly and Zach DeShawn dates back to their childhood. Even though Ryan has always known that Zach is his mate, Zach has never had a clue because he is unable to detect Ryan's scent. He has had a string of unsuccessful relationships because he has learned not to trust his nose. Unfortunately for Ryan, his grandmother passes away before he can inform him about her Druid magic. Since an ancient foe has returned and severed their pack links, their lives may become a living nightmare unless he learns to rein it in. Ryan and Zach are the only ones who can stop this from happening. Despite their best intentions, it was entertaining to see them tiptoe around each other in an attempt to maintain their friendship. It took an ancient enemy to show them the importance of working together, but their love was genuine and beautiful. Do they achieve their goals? To fully appreciate this extraordinary tale, you must read it for yourself. Do it, and you'll be happy you did. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My obsession with this series continues. The Moon Over the Oak is the first book in the Lycanthrope Protection Agency series that doesn’t focus on Gabe and Max and instead shifts to childhood best friends Zach and Ryan. Ryan has been one of my favorite characters since book one. A nerdy, glasses-wearing, ball of sunshine? Yes, please! I was so happy when this book was able to give Ryan the happy ever after he deserved. My only complaint is it was too short. So much was happening in this book and I thought we were building toward another big bad that would the rest of the series to defeat but after a large amount of buildup, the story wrapped up so quickly. I wanted more! The bad guy had so much potential but he seemed to be defeated so easily. I still love this book and can’t wait to finish the series and see what happens with the rest of the pack but will always think about what else could have happened.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is linked to the other stories in The Lycanthrope Protection Agency series (the author describes it as an interconnected standalone, so while you could enjoy it without the context the previous books offer, there’s a definite payoff to being familiar with the earlier works). This is Zach and Ryan’s story, and it weaves together the friends-to-lovers and fated-mates tropes with deep feelings, a not-insignificant amount of angst (perhaps, indeed, a bit too much of that), and some nice insights into who they are and how they’ve been shaped, for better or worse, by previous experiences. The non-romance part of the plot arc is interesting (vague to avoid spoilers here) and immersive as well, and overall, there’s a lot to pull readers in here.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun story. Ryan and Zach, werewolves meet when they are children on not one of the best days of Ryan's life. They instantly form a friendship that lasts years. Zach, is obedient to his parents' expectations. Ryan, is a bit of a rebel. Ryan, knew from the beginning that Zach was his mate. Zach didn't have that insight. They both joined the Lycanthrope Protection Agency, and didn't fully communicate and their relationship became a bit, other. They have a back and forth up and down, always missing the points. There is a threat that they need to understand and figure out the solution. There is a lot going on in their lives and the adventure clouds many things. Good story, a bit slowly paced. Nice friends and family. Are they able to get themselves together in time to solve problems and conflicts? Nice cover art. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley -Goldstarreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, I was torn between a 3 and 4 star rating, so I’ll go with 4 because I think it was just a me thing more than a book thing. I didn’t connect with the characters or the story. I did really like Ryan but I didn’t like Zach all that much. I get the heartbreak and not being able to smell his fated mate but ya know, that’s what humans go through every day, love takes a leap of faith, even if they are fated mates, cause tragedy can strike. There was also a lot of back and forth, it felt more like a YA book. Nothing wrong with YA books, just not my cup of tea is all. So, what I liked about the book? Ryan and his family. The world building was good, the plot was unique. It took too long to get to the action, it was very slow paced til the last quarter of the book. They are agents out to help werewolves, I wanted to see more of that. Ryan’s family legacy was cool, I would have loved to see more of that. Instead, we got a lot of back and forth on the love story and what went down there felt disappointing til the end. The story had a lot of promise but it missed its mark for me. But again, I’m pretty sure that’s a me thing, not a book thing.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Lycanthrope Protection Agency series, although it can be read as a standalone.
This is the story of Zach and Ryan. They meet as children, only growing closer to each other as they age. Without a mate scent, Ryan can't prove they're fated. Zach is unwilling to risk their friendship by starting an affair.
Lots of angst between the pair. Also, lots of love.
It's a good story, fitting in well with the Lycanthrope Protection Agency world, about the power of love. And never forgetting. An easy, quick read. Grabs your attention at the start. And won't let you put it down until you're finished.
The next book is Ben and his missing mate, Isaac. Can't wait.
I received a copy of this book and this is my review.

[M Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally we get Ryan and Zach's story. I felt so bad for both of them. Friends from a young age, this story was at times very bittersweet. The fact they were together for so long and so afraid to be true to themselves was hard to read. I loved the overarching story within their romance. We get to see all of our friends from the agency as they push these two to get out of their own heads and admit their feelings. Lots of action, darker themes, violence and magic. Great story.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is turning out to be a great series and this was another great addition. Loved the previous books which I highly recommend you read first to fully understand the storyline and characters. Loving the whole cast of the The Lycanthrope Protection Agency series and this great world CJ has created. This book is more emotional but still has plenty of drama and action to keep you hooked. I was completely captivated from beginning to end. Looking forward to more!
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.

[P Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to Ryan and Zach’s story and it didn’t disappoint.

These two had a beautiful bond but fear held them back. Zach had a lot of things to work through but his pack and his love for Ryan gave him the strength to take that leap and grab his happiness.

Fantastic book and I really enjoyed it.

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[Brit_ta_ny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I think this might’ve been my favorite book in the series so far! I’ve been jonesing for Ryan and Zach’s story for ages so I was sooo excited to finally have it.

I also found this story a bit more relaxing to read, the angst wasn’t quite as intense so I didn’t spend as much time grumping at characters in this book (cough cough, Gabe). The big bad in this book didn’t feel too central to the story so I just got to enjoy the romance as two besties FINALLY got their happily ever after 🥰

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have guessed that Zach and Ryan's story would be such a thriller. All the usual suspects make an appearance but this story focuses on their romance. There is a pretty bad enemy and thank goodness Ryan and his love for Zach were able to overcome this enemy. I loved it so much. Looking forward to the next installment for Ben's story. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has known they are his mate since they were children but has never told them. He has gained magic and he needs to learn to get control or trouble will arise. He is about to tell them when disaster happens. They have never scented their mate which has lead to many broken hearts and dreams. Will they finally see him as their mate? Will they finally be together? How will it all go? See how it will all go

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fated mate story into a bad guy story

CJ Ravenna brings druid magic into this world of humans and werewolves. The story was pretty magical to begin with and it just gets more magical in this volume in which we have Zach and Ryan pine away for each other and we find out if they ever get together. I will warn you that there is an excess of angst between them which is unusual for a werewolf/fated mates type story. Reasons do become apparent though!

[CMLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zach and Ryan have so much history between them that it adds a layer to this that is absolutely breathtaking. Even as heartbreaking actions happen that threaten everything, these two must face their feelings while trying to save so many. this story will tug on your heart and you will find yourself ignoring everything to find out what happens.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this story about Ryan and Zach and their rocky friends to lovers story. It was interesting to see a couple where one of the fated mates could sense that connection and the other couldn't and to then have the author forced these two to risk everything to save themselves and everyone they love. Great characters, nice dose of angst and wonderful world building.

[Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally. I've been waiting for Zach and Ryan to get their HEA. I loved this story so much. I really felt for Zach his parents were awful to him. I'm so glad he had others being better parental figures to him. I can't wait to read Ben's story.

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC.

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have waited for what feels like forever for this book. I was so excited to read it, then I read it too fast well because I was so excited. It was really and great read and I will be placing this series on the reread pile. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another good addition to the series, this is Ryan and Zach’s story I’ve been waiting for this one and it did not disappoint, can’t wait for the next book from the series.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zack and Ryan are the clueless at least Zack is is BFFs to Lovers that I adore. Add in some magic and you have a unique and enthralling story.

[Natasha Lynn Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Great characters, and a large dose of angst and wonderful world building. It is a good addition to the series, jus wish there was less angst

[Danna Iuliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not something I would read again. Writing style tedious, a lot of telling and for such a long book the plot and characters weren't so
interesting so it was even harder to finish

[Alanys Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this FREAKING BOOK SINCE RYAN APPEARED IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE LPA SERIES!!!
Got the opportunity to arc read!!!!
Ryan and Zach have been childhood friends. Ryan has always had a crush on Zach since they were young until he discovered the reasoning behind that 🫣👀👀👀✨✨
In the beginning I truly hated Zach. Like pure hatred. I didn’t like him for what he told Max about the vision😒
But in this book the author showed us the vulnerability that Zach holds 🥹🥹 and why he decided to shut his heart out😭😭
I loved the twist with Ryan (iykyk)
Also loved how their relationship developed. I loved how the author gave them a slow-burn even though they started off with a best-friends-with-benefits👀👀🫣🫣
Also Ryan *swoons* is just a hot man with glasses who has loved one man all his life!! 💖🥹
Need a man like that 👀👀👀
Can’t wait to see Ben’s story!!!
I feel like I might drown in my tears with his story😭😭😭

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

the angst in this book is heartbreaking. we see two that are close but one holds a secret that can change things. we go on a journey learning magic and opening his heart to love