Beneath a Blood Lust Moon

Rise of the Arkansas Werewolves/Werewolf Guardian #2

by Jodi Vaughn

Werewolf Braxton Devereaux would do anything to protect his mother from his abusive father, even commit murder. Or so everyone assumes.
Pack Law justice is swift and unforgiving when it comes to murder, and soon werewolf Assassins are out to balance the scales - Braxton’s life for his father’s. On the run, Braxton flees on his Harley to the anti-extradition state of Missouri, but before he crosses the border, he is felled by an Assassin's bullet, and an unsuspecting blonde.
Kate Wolph is in a legal battle to avoid losing her Bed and Breakfast to foreclosure. The last thing she needs is an injured wolf to care for, let alone a gorgeous man with blank eyes and a deadly smile. But the supernatural world of danger that surrounds him threatens to swallow more than just her life.
Can Braxton track down the real killer before the Assassins find him, or will Pack Justice cost him not only his life but the life of the only woman he’s ever loved?

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Audiobook, Werewolves, Fantasy

247 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2015

About the author

Jodi is a USA TODAY bestselling author of the RISE OF THE ARKANSAS WEREWOLVES series and writes paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance. Born and raised in Mississippi, her deep Southern roots and love of the paranormal led her to write Southern Paranormal novels. When she is not conversing with characters in her head, she can be found at her home in Northeast Arkansas with her handsome husband, brilliant son, a temperamental swan, and yellow lab that is fond of retrieving turtles when duck season is over.
Find her on Facebook, Jodi Vaughn, author.
Follow her on Twitter and Periscope @JodiVaughn1
Sign up for her newsletter and check out her website http://jodivaughn.com
Find her on Instagram at VaughnJodi

Reviews

[♛ Garima ♛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating:
3.5 stars

Cover:
Not liking that much but that could be my dislike for chest showing cover designs

Trigger:
Domestic abuse - mentioned initially but not in detail

Short review:
I think I might have found another werewolf PNR I like and you all know I always have been searching for one. It's one of my favourite PNR to read but very difficult to find a decent one.

I think the main couple is alright, but what is more interesting is supporting characters. Those hilarious writers and when you through crazy granny, it's fun, over the top amazing LOL time.
And there is build-up on Barrett's story...

Review in image/gif:



Recommended:
Yes

Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
It is definitely in your face but I still enjoyed the comedy!
I will keep reading these....

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzling hot romance

Action packed, thrilling, emotionally gripping romantic adventure taking us back to this exciting world.

Braxton Devereaux is on the run and looking to survive long enough to clear his name. He never expected to find Kate Wolph and is not sure why he is so drawn to a human. Gripping story filled with heart pounding action, danger, mystery and a awesome amount of laugh out loud fun in the form of a crazy group of writers. (Loved them)

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won this book on first reads good book braxton accused of killing his father who beat his mum he went on the run and met a woman called Kate who he falls for. braxton a wolf and being chased by the assassin's a lot of sex scenes in this book it shows there passion for each other.well written book.

[Brianna - Four Paws and a Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than I expected! It was definitely insta lovey and alpha male but that to be expected with these types of stories. I enjoyed the subplots and the writer ladies were probably my favorite part!

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*

My only issue was the way that writers were portrayed. It is not cute to be overly sexual and not respect people's boundaries when they express their discomfort. Just because that behavior is directed at men doesn't make it okay, and it is weird because it was meant to be humorous.

[Michelle Leah Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s like my career life with a fantasy filter. So many wonderful moments and plenty of laugh-out-loud bits.

[Home Is Where the Wine Is Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the Rise of the Arkansas Werewolves series is all about Braxton Devereaux. We met Braxton in book one. He was the sexy tattooed bartender that worked at the strip club and helped Damon save Jayden and Ava.

Well now he is the one needing help. After being falsely accused of killing is father he is forced to flee to Arkansas to stay ahead of the assassins. The assassins are an elite group of trained killers with one job. To kill anyone that breaks were law.

He finds himself in Eureka Springs injured and in wolf form on the doorstep of Kate Wolph (I know the irony is not lost to be on this last name lol), the owner of a failing bed and breakfast.

Kate hears some strange noises from outside her B&B. She doesn’t or should I say hasn’t had a paying guest in quite some time. So she knows whatever is outside is not human and is injured.

You can imagine her surprise when she discovers a massive wolf on her front porch. Her bleeding heart wins over and she somehow manages to drag him inside.

She calls her friend that is also a vet for help and he is able to remove a silver bullet and save him.

Well then it gets interesting for poor Kate. She goes to check on her furry friend only to find a naked and very hot man lying in her bed. She thinks she is dreaming….she must be dreaming. So what do you do to hot men in your dream? You molest them…haha.

The problem with that is she quickly realizes that her dream man is very much real and was once a wolf! This should make her run for the hills but she is drawn to him either from insanity or curiosity she lets him stay.

Braxton is mesmerized by this little spitfire of a woman. Her determination and bravery are like no other woman he has ever met.

Attraction is evident between the two and they quickly start a up a very heated relationship. She knows that she should not get too attached to him. With the assassins closing in on Braxton she is scared of losing him.

Now insert a group of very horny and crazy romance authors that decide to stay at the B&B. Yep you just thought it was getting good. Now add Granny and the other guardians and you will not be able to put this book down I promise.

Favorite Scene: When the wolf comes knocking at her door and when she first meets the authors.

Favorite Quote:

The women were discussing alcohol and roofies.”
”Jesus. Why?”
Damon shrugged and pulled the cookie platter closer. “They said it’s for their book.” Damon took a bite and lowered his voice. “But I don’t think so. I think they’re planning to roofie my ass.”

[Debbie Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book a lot. In fact, I would have given it 5 stars except for the language and details of sex. I like using my imagination when it comes to sex scenes. And I just don't like the F word. I know that a lot of people aren't bothered by it.

I'm just weird about that. But if you don't mind the F word and sex scenes, you will give this book 5 stars.

I love it and I will most likely buy more of Jodi's books and read them. Because her plot was so good and I loved all of the weres, I loved imagining them and how they looked, very sexy.

I live in Arkansas and would love to meet one or two of them. :)

[Megan Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot!

This was a good second round from The Rise of the Arkansas Werewolves! Braxton is tormented by his past abusive family relationship and Kate is the balm he needed. The ending was a little abrupt and I didn't expect the outcome, but overall was a good story! Can't wait to read the next installment...the series keeps getting better and I will be recommending!

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and just didn't find as good as the first one. I did love the part were the authors showed up in the story. These ladies were hilarious!

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this novel even more than the other book I reviewed, Her Werewolf Bodyguard. Why? Because Her Werewolf Protector made me belly laugh, and had me sliding to the side of my chair because I was laughing so hard. Why? Because Ms. Vaughn introduced some authors on a writer’s retreat and the liquor flowed. What happens when these authors get tipsy? When they are introduced to Granny’s home party wares? Hilarity. What started off serious quickly morphed into one of the funniest scenes I’ve read in a while. For that reason alone, it shot the rating to a solid 5. Whenever I have a sad day, all I’ll have to do is read that chapter and I’ll get the giggles. Well done, Ms. Vaughn.

Now, this novel is not a romcom, it’s more romantic suspense but the comedic elements were well placed, well done and provided some much-needed levity during scenes that could have easily been written as serious and dark. I’m so happy the author wrote this book as she did. It was a wonderful balance.

Braxton is the hero whose suffering was propagated by the werewolf culture and the job he has as a Guardian. The poison he was exposed to did something to his physiology that was unheard of, which is a perfect reason for the hero to not act in his normal manner. And, it’s why I felt the plot worked. Drugs can affect a person in so many ways, especially with some of the worst side effects sounding like they came from a horror story starring a mad scientist with evil intentions.

Kate’s situation is sad. Her conflict is a trope that has been done before in movies and books; the unscrupulous builder with an eye on a family-owned business being in the way of the perfect development and who will do anything to get his way. He’s slimy to be sure, but he’s not the main antagonist; there are others but they have their sights on Braxton. Combine Kate’s dilemma and Braxton’s dangerous situation and a reader is in for an amazing time.

There’s a sad element in the story, that being Braxton’s mom and her inability to love him as she should. I believe the reason is valid because she is the victim of an abusive husband. She’s a broken woman who has been conditioned by her abuser. It doesn’t resolve in a Pollyanna moment – it’s more realistic and therefore adds to the gravity and depth of the book.

The romance that blossoms between Braxton and Kate was fun to watch grow. Pay attention to the small details about Kate and a reader will know why their relationship worked and why Barrett, Braxton’s boss, didn’t stop it either. The bedroom door is wide open but those scenes didn’t confine themselves to the bedroom. They’re not overly graphic so I enjoyed that aspect of their relationship.

I don’t want to write an overly long review, although there is a lot left unsaid because the author packed this full-length novel with a lot of detail, dialogue, adventure, suspense, twists and surprises. One of those surprises was particularly unpleasant, for me because of the descriptions used by the author, and for one of the main characters because of who it was. I couldn’t put this book down because there was always the question, what next? Ms. Vaughn delivered.

Her Werewolf Protector is a must read for fans of the Werewolf Guardian series. I think this book is the best one I’ve read so far. Most of them I’ve read out of order and I believe they can stand on their own two feet – well, four in this case. I do admit it was nice having read two back to back because the reading experience ended up being richer. No matter how they’re read, I think they provide wonderful romance and a satisfactory happy-ever-after. I’m a happy reader.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a perfectly serviceable werewolf-finds-his-mate story. It fulfilled it's purpose and the writing is pretty solid. Unfortunately for me, it contained a number of my absolute most hated PNR elements that adversely effected my enjoyment of it.

For example, I cannot express how much I hate when characters (especially female characters) can't tell dream for reality and use the "this must be a dream" as an excuse to bypass their inhibitions. I think it's weak storytelling. As if the author couldn't come up with a feasible reason to give the woman sexual agency (and/or time to develop feelings for the love interest), except to remove her from reality. What's more, unless the author gives me a reason (mental illness, drugs, knock to the head, etc) for why a woman can't tell fantasy from reality, I have to question the character's intelligence and I don't want vapid, stupid heroines.

I dislike that the pet name Baby was dropped into almost all the sex scenes, from the very beginning. It irks me when a female character is supposed to be sexually active, but have never had an orgasm or even experimented at all (so, a symbolic virgin). At least one fairly significant character was introduced and then dropped from the story. I noticed at least one inconsistency in the plot. It's never explained why an execution order went out so fast without anyone ever verifying he murdered anyone or even trying. (As in it's never even questioned by authority.) The heroine ran off in a cliched TSTL manner. The authors' were seriously over the top, inappropriate (if male characters did 1/2 of what they did we'd be calling for blood), and felt self-indulgent on the actual author's part. And the two villains were paper thin, one not even being part of the plot at all really and the second's motivation being murky.

But those are personal pet peeves that might not bother me so bad if they weren't already on my radar as annoying elements. Others may not mind them at all. Similarly, Jeffery Kafer did a great job with the narration. But I would have SO preferred a female narrator for this book. (Again, personal opinion)

All in all, not bad. Just maybe not 100% for me. I didn't dislike it. I just also spent an above average amount of time going, "Oh, and there is another annoying inclusion."

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! I really enjoyed Jodi's take on werewolves! Braxton is falsely accused of murdering his abusive father, he sets out for neutral territory and to prove his innocence, but when he is shot and run off the road by werewolf assassins, he barely escapes with his life and luckily he finds Grace. When Grace finds an injured wolf outside of her bed and breakfast, she doesn't know that her normal life is about to get a bit crazy. Loved the passion and chemistry between Braxton and Grace! Sweet and hot! I love how honest Braxton is with Grace, and how Grace handles all of this craziness being thrown at her. I felt the connection between them, and I loved reading about their feelings growing. Loved all of the side characters! There's some great humor when some unruly romance authors enter the picture! Such fun! There's also some characters from the previous book in this book, which I enjoyed! I haven't read the first book yet, and didn't feel like I was lost with this story, so I don't think it's absolutely necessary to read book one first, but I definitely want to read it after reading this book! I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and think the narrator did a good job. He reads both male and female parts, and he did great with both. Heartwarming, Fun, Sexy, and some great action! Looking forward to reading much more by Jodi Vaughn!

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio Review:
OMG this was fantastic! Jodi Vaughan is a new to me author but now a favorite> This is book two in the series, but I was able to follow just fine (and want the first one)
Braxton is a werewolf on the run to save his life after being accused of killing his abusive father. Werewolf justice is death. The assassins are chasing him, and he is on his way to Missouri when they shoot him in Arkansas. He isn’t quite dead and gets away ending up at Kate’s B&B.
Kate is struggling to save her B&B after her ex stole her life savings. There is a businessman trying to take it to put in a big hotel chain, now she finds a dying wolf on her porch. She calls her best friend and Vet to find out the wolf isn’t a wolf at all but a werewolf. Her B&B quickly fills up with some crazy characters some shady and some downright funny.
There is twists galore and the author that show up are absolutely hilarious. I laughed so much during this book. The Narration is pretty good considering half the cast are women. I have to admit I bought the first audio book in this series and want the rest!
If you like werewolves, mystery, funny writers, hot characters, hot sex, and an allover fun, sexy read get this!

[✨✨ Claire✨✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series from start to ...
well I've gone to book 7 and anticipating book 8!!

Great shifter series, well defined characters, flowing storylines both in individual books and as a whole series.
Scenes are written with perfect detail - emotions and actions expressed so well it feels like you could almost be there....well you know what I mean!!!

Been a while since I've enjoyed a shifter series so much. I literally blew through the books in days. I didn't want to put each book down!!

Each book ends cleanly with no cliff hanger, so I guess they COULD be read as stand alone books.. BUT they are much better read as a series and in order so you can appreciate the back story of the characters and what has happened previously to the pack and it's members. STRONGLY recommend to read as the series!!

Totally recommended!!

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, hilarious and hot! This was my first Jodi Vaughn's book and I really love it! The story is well written and the plot is really interesting and entertaining. I love how the author writes the storyline. It's filled with suspense, hilarious moments and hot scenes. This book has it all! I love the main characters, Damon and Ava. They are made to be together and we can feel their chemistry! I also like the secondary characters Granny (she's hilarious!!), Jayden, Braxton and Barrett. I really enjoyed my listening. Jeffery Kafer's narration was well done and easy to listen. I like his female voice. I can't wait to listen to the next book in the Series. I'm looking forward for more books from this author. She got a new fan. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Werewolf, Braxton, is framed for his father’s murder and goes on the run from three werewolf assassins charged with killing him. When they shoot him with a silver bullet, he manages to get to a small, out of the way B&B where he is helped by the owner, Kate, and her veterinarian friend. Braxton is drawn to Kate and they begin a torrid lust affair that turns into more. As their feelings for each other grow, they know their inevitable parting is going to be difficult.

The plot points in this book is silly but fun. The writing isn’t great, but it, too, is fun and has a satisfying ending. It’s the perfect quick read pallet cleanser between the books with heavier themes that I’ve been reading lately. I’m keen to read the rest of the series. 3.5 stars.

[Shy Gawerecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just keeps getting better!

Beneath a Bloodlust Moon is book two in this fantastic series by Jodi Vaughn and I absolutely loved it. I laughed at the hilarious antics of some of the characters. I fell in love with Braxton and Kate as they fell in love with each other. And I felt like my emotions were on edge as the story played out and I was left in suspense about the fate of them.

Once again Jeffery Kafer did such an amazing job with the narration on this one. I didn't want to stop listening but was so happy with what I had heard even at the end of the book.

This is definitely one I would recommend to all my fellow werewolf romance fans.

[MooseGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Braxton is having a tough time. Blamed for a murder he didn't commit, nobody is prepared to listen to him. The Assassins manage to shoot him, but he gets away long enough to die in peace. Kate is stunned to find an injured wolf on her doorstep. She's even more stunned when the wolf is replaced by a human man.

I really liked book one in this series, but I loved this one. I enjoyed the whole set up at the B&B with Kate, Braxton, Damon, and the writers. There's plenty of heat here as well as story. I liked Kate and adored Braxton. The writers were a hoot, and we did get to see Granny again (I love that woman).

This was a good read, and I'm still into the series.

[Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the last novel, this book starts off so exciting! Then it fizzles out.. similar weird juvenile humor of writers staying at heroines b&b...sex starved and jumping in on the chase making the suspense action of the book farcical. Too bad. It had such promise. Another miraculous HEA...🙄 based on the logic of the pack law. I almost want to read the beginning and end of book 3. The middle will be some bizarre shenanigans but I’m curious what twisting the author chooses so the main characters can have a HEA and still follow pack law.

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, really liking this series!!! This book was even better than the first one; I love series where the characters from the first book are part of the ensemble in subsequent books. This one had a really creepy plot too! Liked that. Can't wait until the next one on Jayden. Hope there is definitely more Granny too!!!

[Tina Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series.

The book is well written and laid out. It makes you feel and laugh. I would recommend to anyone who likes paranormal romance or just likes to read about friendships, wants to know what real love feels like, and wants to explore these types of books. I really enjoyed reading them.

[Ginelle Blanch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this one had a LOT of humor to it. It was sexy and full of danger like the first but, not quite so serious.

I loved Braxton and Kate. I love the whole B&B brought back to life vibe. I love the strong and loyal male leads as well as the strong female leads. And, those WRITERS! What a hoot.

Really good, fast paced read.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason why I did not give five stars, was that I felt the supporting characters (Ava, Granny, and the romance writers) were too close to the border of being comedic/annoying. Just slightly, and certainly not enough to detract from the book's overall enjoyment, but enough to lose a star.

[KelticKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a bit of a light hearted & funny Werewolf romp!

This included some murder, harley ridin’, Ladies nite gone wild - as well as some steamy sheet and Maytag ridin’ times!

Enjoyed the tension and characters of Braxton & Kate.

So far this series is a fun one!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome. Braxton is wrongfully accused of killing his father. The story definitely keeps you engaged. This book is part of a series that is more helpful if you read it in order.once I started the series I immediately started buying the rest of the books is very addicting.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 star book!!

I think everyone should have a granny liked Jayden’s lol I love her so much and also the rest of the characters. The writes ( crazy lady bunch) was off the hook in this book!!! Not to give away anything so you must read this book. I’m ready for the next one!

[Davida Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Series

I've read the first two books in this series and, so far, I love them! Great storyline, hot, hot, hot Weres and steamy scenes to round it all out. Can't wait to read the next one!

[Pauline Wikkerink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

I recommend this book for everyone. I got hooked in the first chapter and could not put it down. I was on the edgevof my chair waiting to find out how it ended. Great characters.

[Barbara Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her werewolf protector

So much going on and Granny is the bomb! Braxton gets, wrongfully, accused of murdering his father and werewolf assassins are trying to kill him. Kate owns a B & B where wounded Braxton finds her and she takes him in as his wolf form.