Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
As a high ranking Guardian in the Arkansas Pack, Zane Steele, doesn’t have time for nonsense. He lives a life of control and discipline. But during a drug takedown of a rogue pack, Zane is injected with something and he no longer can control when he shifts. Vulnerable to outing his species to humans he has nowhere left to turn
With no other option, he cuts communication from his Pack Master and flees to try to find a cure before he can face retribution for breaking the Pack Law.
Werewolf, Skylar Wade looks to the future and refuses to focus on her demon laden past. She’s built her own construction company in hopes to one day have enough money to renovate an abandoned building as a safe home for runaway girls who need protecting. As a child she knew the horror of abuse and has made it her life to help other females like herself. But when she finds Zane naked and hiding out at one of her construction sites she is forced to face the memories of her childhood.
Brought together under devastating circumstances, they realize they need each other’s help to face what lies ahead. Can they trust each other to disobey the Pack Law and risk their own lives? Or will the retribution be so severe that it’s each wolf for themselves?

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2015

34 people are currently reading
536 people want to read

About the author

Jodi Vaughn

64 books339 followers
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

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
155 (54%)
4 stars
94 (32%)
3 stars
33 (11%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for ♛ Garima ♛.
1,012 reviews183 followers
November 10, 2020
Rating:
2 chemistry-is-missing stars

Cover:
Ugh...

Trigger:
Child abuse

Short review:
It has all the indicator of good romance but somehow I cannot connect with either Zane or Skylar.

There wasn't any good reason of why instead of a lawyer he chose to become a guardian and why it was so important to him. Skylar was a strong character but I simply failed to connect with her.

Zane's condition has not been explained clearly and in the end, hmmm....like I said there are explanations for all these things but my mind refused to buy any of that.

Review in image/gif:



Recommended:
NA

Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
I read this only because I started with #5 but somethings didn't make sense so I decided to circle back and finish this as well. I admit I skimmed a few parts because I was just reading it for sake of reading...I'm all for choosing different paths in your life than your parents and infected by mysterious disease but I am not pleased with how any of those has been handled in this one. To me, this was just a filler...
Profile Image for Cali Jewel.
5,249 reviews39 followers
October 30, 2017
Thrilling Romantic Adventure!

Heart pounding, action packed Romantic Adventure filled with danger, intrigue and excitement.

Zane Steele is a high ranking Arkansas Guardian and finds himself in the toughest situation of his career after a injury during a drug bust. Skylar Wade is sassy, sexy and looking to make enough money with her contracting business to fund her dream of helping runaway teens find a better life. Childhood friends they brought back to each other by crazy coincidence or is it fate working to bring they each what they really need. Love this story.
Profile Image for Home Is Where the Wine Is Book Blog.
257 reviews49 followers
January 21, 2016
Woohoo I loved this one! Ok I admit at first I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t a Barrett book but hopefully I will get my hands on that story one day.

This story is all about Zane Steele. He is one of the head guardians and very well trusted by his pack and Barrett. Well until he gets injured and stuck with a dirty needle during a drug raid At first he thinks it is the adverse affects of the drugs that is making him feel strange but when he shifts in broad daylight and can’t shift back is when the fun begins.

Skylar Wade is pissed when she discovers her tool shed has been broken into AGAIN. She is even more pissed when she discovers there is a naked Zane in there. Zane at first doesn’t recognize this fiery redhead. His senses are all out of whack. She on the other hand recognizes him immediately. Zane her childhood friend. His family was always nothing but kind to her. She wishes she could have said the same about her father.

So she tries to help him. Giving him clothes and letting him stay at her apartment until he can figure out why he can’t control his shift.

He soon realizes that Skylar is not a little girl anymore. She is very much a woman…with curves and damn he can’t keep his hands off of her. Good thing is she feels the same.

But when the past comes back to haunt her everything changes. It seems everything is against them and they are running out of time. My heart was going BOOM BOOM BOOM several times during this book.

The author knows her stuff. The attraction she portrays between Zane and Skylar was INTENSE. She keeps you on the edge of your seat through the entire book. I love the vulnerability she show in the hero and the fierce independence she shows in the heroine.


Favorite Scene: The end when someone I don’t want to say got a rocket ship tattoo lol.

Favorite Quote:


“Whoever fed you that bullshit that you are not beautiful is and will always be a liar. Jealousy often makes people say belittling things. Your qualities that you so eloquently speak of are unique. Hair as fiery as the sun itself and eyes the color of rare gems are qualities that not every woman possesses. But they are qualities that every woman desires. And you are every man’s fantasy. When I look at you, you make me lose any kind of control that I ever thought I had. Here, standing next to you, it’s all I can do not to pull your jeans down and take you up against the truck.”
Profile Image for Carra.
1,733 reviews31 followers
October 6, 2015
This is the first book of this author's that I've read, so I had no background into the Arkansas Werewolves before starting Darkside of the Moon. While I think I might have understood relationships between characters and backstory of the pack more quickly had I read the other stories in this series first, I can safely say that it did not detract from my enjoyment of this book at all...though now I'm going to go back to read the other books (which should already tell you I liked this one!).

There were lots of great, well developed characters, both main and supporting, and the dynamic between them all felt genuine. I loved Skylar's strong, feisty nature and thought she was a great match for Zane's powerful alpha attitude. Even during stressful scenes when Zane wasn't in control of his shift, the two of them played well off each other.

The story flowed smoothly which made it go by quickly for me, and there's enough intrigue and secrets to keep you fully engaged throughout the book. After finishing, there's still some open threads that can show up later so I'm interested to see where else the author might take this series, and to hear the stories of the other characters.

I thought Darkside of the Moon was a solid 4-star read, and would recommend it to paranormal romance fans, especially those who love werewolf stories. For the 18+ crowd ;-)
Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
November 25, 2019
Audio book review
Book 4 in the series but can be listened to as a stand-alone. Jodi writes gripping PNR stories. Lots of heat , mystery and it will have you hooked till the very end . The characters and story are well developed.
Hero is Zane. Heroine is Skylar

Zane is a very trusted by his pack . He’s also one of the guardian. Something tragic happens to Zane on route with 2 other guardians. Zane and the 2 guardians are on there way to get inked but something unusual happens to Zane . He gets struck by a needle but like all of his kind he things nothing will happen to him. Man is he in for a surprise. Next thing he goes kind of off his usual self . He can’t control his shifts
Skylar is shocked when she goes to her tool shed and gets a surprise seeing Zane without a stitch on . She helps Zane out , clothes and a place to stay . Zane wonders who the $exy redhead is . Once he recognizes Skylar they both know what they felt as young friends is full blown now . Grab it and see if Zane will be able to control his wolf. Will Zane confine Skylar she’s only for him .

Jeffrey performance was spot on. His tone for the story was great His voice is strong , smooth and very clear
4 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2015
I just finished this book about an hour ago, and I must say that I am ready to turn around and read it again! This newest book in Jodi Vaughn's Arkansas Werewolves series is my favorite to date!

Zane Steele is a high-ranking Guardian, one who is incredibly loyal and extremely protective of his pack. When circumstances spiral beyond his control, he still manages to stay true to that brotherhood by seeking out a solution that will not endanger the secret he is sworn to protect.

Skylar Wade is a no-nonsense, take charge kind of heroine who I immediately found a kinship with. Although she has deadlines to meet and the odds are stacked against her, she is determined to make her dreams come true. Yet within that strength remains compassion and kindness, and a heart that still aches for what could have been. Through expert storytelling, we see glimpses into Skylar's past, until the end of the book when the full weight of her story is revealed. While Jodi Vaughn always writes strong heroines in her stories, I believe none have enchanted me more than Skylar.

One of the things I love most about Jodi Vaughn's series is that she doesn't forget characters from earlier books. She brings all of the guys back into this story, reminding us of just how strong their brotherhood is. We also get to visit with Ava, Haley, and - of course - GRANNY! What a wonderful family this is!

Don't forget, too, that there are some incredibly wonderfully written HOT and steamy scenes in here! Lastly, Jodi sprinkles in bits of local culture, throwing nods to landmarks and personalities around the area. This is an absolutely delightful read from beginning to end!
4 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2015
I just finished this book about an hour ago, and I must say that I am ready to turn around and read it again! This newest book in Jodi Vaughn's Arkansas Werewolves series is my favorite to date!

Zane Steele is a high-ranking Guardian, one who is incredibly loyal and extremely protective of his pack. When circumstances spiral beyond his control, he still manages to stay true to that brotherhood by seeking out a solution that will not endanger the secret he is sworn to protect.

Skylar Wade is a no-nonsense, take charge kind of heroine who I immediately found a kinship with. Although she has deadlines to meet and the odds are stacked against her, she is determined to make her dreams come true. Yet within that strength remains compassion and kindness, and a heart that still aches for what could have been. Through expert storytelling, we see glimpses into Skylar's past, until the end of the book when the full weight of her story is revealed. While Jodi Vaughn always writes strong heroines in her stories, I believe none have enchanted me more than Skylar.

One of the things I love most about Jodi Vaughn's series is that she doesn't forget characters from earlier books. She brings all of the guys back into this story, reminding us of just how strong their brotherhood is. We also get to visit with Ava, Haley, and - of course - GRANNY! What a wonderful family this is!

Don't forget, too, that there are some incredibly wonderfully written HOT and steamy scenes in here! Lastly, Jodi sprinkles in bits of local culture, throwing nods to landmarks and personalities around the area. This is an absolutely delightful read from beginning to end!
Profile Image for MooseGirl.
792 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2021
Zane has a problem. Accidentally exposed to a drug, he now can’t control his shifts and that’s a death sentence. His only hope is to discover a cure before anyone finds out. He’s stunned to come across his little sister’s childhood friend, and she’s all grown up now. Skylar has had a rough life, but she’s dragged herself back up. The last thing she needs is a blast from the past in the form of Zane Steel.

I enjoyed this book. The story is a good one and the characters are likeable. Granny puts in an appearance, which is always welcome.

Sadly, like the previous book, this one is poorly formatted. It’s not quite as bad as the last one, but it’s bad enough. The biggest issue is the way there are sometimes two speakers in one paragraph. With dialogue, any time a different character speaks, there should be a new paragraph. Much of the time, that isn’t happening here. Also, sometimes a new paragraph IS added while the same person is talking. There are places where it’s difficult to tell who is speaking. On a few occasions, I have no idea who said something.

There are also places where the text is randomly centred. There are sentences which are split over two lines: halfway through a sentence, it suddenly starts a new line. There are breaks in the text which make it difficult to tell where the section breaks are. Also, the chapters are a little oddly arranged. Sometimes we start a new chapter mid-conversation with no viewpoint change (or any other reason to change chapter).

It is quite irritating. These are lovely books with interesting stories with great characters and good writing. It’s unfortunate that they’re being let down by terrible formatting. It does tend to distract from the story.
Profile Image for Georgiana.
683 reviews12 followers
July 22, 2019
~AUDIO REVIEW~

Great shifter romance

Honestly, I don’t listen/read a lot of M/F Romance anymore due to the female always being strong at first then becoming a push over once meeting their man, but this was way different.

I loved that Skylar wasn’t a push over. She was a strong, take charge, and doesn’t put up with anyone’s crap type of woman. She was also independent, owning her own construction company. She may be one of my favorite female characters ever.

Zane wasn’t an overly “Alpha” male either which was a nice surprise. He was strong but caring.

The chemistry between the two was hot.

I found this story to be extremely enjoyable. There was enough action, a few twists, and secrets that it kept my attention the entire time. This is the first story I have ever read by Jodi Vaughn and I look forward to reading more.

Jeffrey Kafer did a great job at bringing this story to life. He was easy to understand, speaking clearly and at a nice pace. I cant wait to listen to more by Kafer.
Profile Image for Shy Gawerecki.
1,779 reviews10 followers
August 8, 2019
Audiobook review:

I feel like this series keeps getting better and better. The storyline keeps getting more complex. The pasts of the characters are getting darker and grittier. But that also makes for more multi-layered characters. They aren't just good or evil. And it's not always the leading man that comes to the rescue. I loved the team loyalty in this book, even when the circumstances seemed suspicious. And I like that even the good guys had moments where they had to look past their preconceived notions to get to know people.

Not only was this story and the plot and the characters 5 stars, but so was the narration. Jeffrey Kafer has been growing more and more on me the more books I listen to by him. He's got a voice that is just suited to the kind of alpha male characters like in this book (if that even makes sense). All I know is that I loved what I listened to, and I look forward to more books by Jodi Vaughn and Jeffrey Kafer.

“I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review”
Profile Image for ✨✨ Claire✨✨.
1,132 reviews60 followers
May 1, 2018
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!!
Profile Image for Lexee Toste.
2,823 reviews19 followers
May 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. It was an interesting and entertaining read. I had fun with the story and loved getting to see more of Zane along with Jaxson and Lucian. I also loved Skylar and her strong personality. She has had it rough and has learned how to survive and is determined to make a good life and help other young girls. This story pulled me in from beginning to end and had good flow and development. I am excited to read more books in this series.
The narrator did a good job with the story and characters and adding that extra dimension to it.
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,918 reviews22 followers
July 31, 2019
This is the fourth book in the amazing Rise of the Arkansas Werewolves Series. Zane and Skylar's story is fun, sexy and romantic. I love to see again some of the previous characters in the Series. The storyline is suspenseful, action packed, and filled with mystery. Jeffrey Kafer did an amazing job again with the narration. I enjoyed my listening. I can't wait for the next book in the Series! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Rebecca Martin.
210 reviews3 followers
June 4, 2022
Zane is a bad ass protector, but when he is injected with a drug that makes his werewolf shifts unpredictable he worries about his future and his life. When a gorgeous red head saves his wolf and the man himself he gets more than he bargained for. And when their pasts come back to haunt them will they all survive!
Profile Image for Donne.
1,552 reviews100 followers
July 7, 2018
It was ok but not the best installment of the series. After looking over the next one, Lucien, it kind of looks like this series is losing steam. I'm tempted to skip Lucien and move right onto Barrett. Now that seems like an interesting story.
Profile Image for Coral Mitchell.
3,189 reviews
April 25, 2022
Zane is having a terrible week after getting injured during a drug bust. Skylar has had a terrible life and is trying her hardest to have a better life for herself and those her suffered like her. Zane is determined to solve his problem on is own despite his failing senses.
Profile Image for Julie Oldham.
158 reviews
May 23, 2023
Her werewolf champion

This book is different but really good . I loved it but feel the terrible abuse skylar suffered was glossed over a bit and feel could have been better with her emotion and reactions.. But on a whole enjoyed it .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
196 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2017
Great Read

I am a sucker for a strong heroine, and Skylar is that!! Zane is a great foil for her and they make a great couple!! You won't be disappointed in this one.
Profile Image for Judy.
61 reviews
December 3, 2017
Great! Great characters. Well worth your time.
22 reviews
October 8, 2021
Wolves are awesome!

The Guardian series is a fantastic read. It has romance, some vilance, not too much and heroics. This series is a great buy!
Profile Image for Marcia Bucktin.
231 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2024
wooohhooo

This series get better and better , what a great read, I love the plot twists in this series and of course the sexy Guardians ,
282 reviews8 followers
October 21, 2015
This book seemed to go deeper and I wasn't overly keen on the rape theme throughout all the books in the series but it didn't stop me from reading it!

This story centres on the romance between Zane and Skylar. As we know from previous books, Zane is a Guardian and Barrett's second in command. Whilst accompaning Braxted and Jayden to the pack tattooist in Jonesboro, he loses control of his shift and takes off on his own to try and find a remedy... Not being able to control your shift is one of the worse things that can happen to a Were and shifting in front of humans is punishable by death!

Skylar owns her own construction company and she's been hired to renovate Ava's house that suffered bomb damage in book 1. When she arrives at work one morning, she finds a very naked Zane asleep in the shed where she stores her work tools. Zane doesn't recognise her at first but she totally remembers her best friend's big brother who she had a crush on as a child.

After realising the trouble that Zane is in, she takes him back to her apartment to hide out which doesn't go down too well with Barrett when he realises that Zane has gone off the grid. He sends Damon to look for him after losing faith in the abilities of Lucien and Jaxon to keep him in the loop and where Damon goes, Ava follows, which naturally means that Granny isn't very far behind! The suspense comes in the form of trying to work out what is wrong with Zane as well as discovering that there is a bad drug hitting the streets.

As I said before, the obsession with rape comes to fruition in this book although I'm pleased to say it's historical. That said, we do meet some very unsavoury characters in this book and although I enjoyed it, I didn't really get a feel for Zane probably because we didn't hear too much about him in the previous books. I won't say how the book ends except it's not with a cliffhanger but I'm happy that it's not the last book in the series.
Profile Image for Dana Busenbark.
2,801 reviews29 followers
October 6, 2015
In book 4 of the Rise of the Arkansas Werewolves, we find Zane in Jonesboro with a couple of upcoming Guardians, getting their wings tattooed onto their backs. Something happened a few months earlier that is messing with Zane's inner wolf. He has a suspicion of what it is, but is not positive. He runs into an old friend, Skylar after breaking into a shed to have a hiding place where he can shift when his body is ready. They catch up a bit after she finds him naked in her tool shed, and buys some clothes at the consignment shop for him. What happens when Zane cannot control his shifting. What does Skylar do to help him? How does she keep him hidden so that he does not break Pack Law? Who tries to attack her at Ava's house where she is working when she goes to check on things one night? Who is the person that is creating all the drugs that are being had in Jonesboro? What happens when the person behind the drugs purposefully infects Zane, kidnaps Skylar, and threatens to kill her and Zane? You really must read this book. It is incredible!

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
Profile Image for Tanya Brown.
384 reviews7 followers
October 6, 2015
Another great read in this ARKANSAS WEREWOLVES series! Jodi doesn't disappoint with keeping you glued to your seat telling us about Zane, Barrett's right hand man with the Guardians and Skylar, his little sister's best friend that he hasn't seen in years. Zane is set on a task with 2 other Guardians and 2 newbies to get inked and goes MIA while Lucien and Jaxson try to cover for him with Barrett. Skylar finds a naked man in her tool shed and recognizes him from the start and helps him stay hidden while he's working out his issue. As Barrett is dealing with the other Alpha's and not hearing from Zane, he sends Damon in undercover to get to the bottom of things. We all know Damon isn't going anywhere without Ava, and Ava takes Granny. A great round-up of getting all the characters together in the end for a 'shit-storm'. Loved this and all the ones before it.
Profile Image for Jenn.
98 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2015
The 4th book in the series, Zane, dark, huge, brooding, dangerous, Skylar, damaged, but tough, determined to survive, they came together. A red wolf and a Grey, enemies in their fur. He had a mission that didn't include getting involved, he was drawn to her, his sense of smell gone, all he could do was watch her, not realising the real danger she was in. An evil thought dead. She was one tough cookie, brought up in hell, a survivor. Loved this story, she was the heroine in this one, without her he was nothing and he knew it. If you haven't read any of these books yet, please try them, you will love these stories, of love, betrayal, laughing and crying. But best of all, a happy ending. Really hoping for more
Profile Image for Brenna Mercer.
9 reviews
January 12, 2016
Werewolf yum

I would recommend this book to everyone and I already have my neighbors hooked! I'm a very picky person when it comes to books and I have yet to be let down by this series.

Jodi Vaughn has a way with books that once you start reading it the claws are out and you get hooked! Out of all of her books this is one of my favorites. It keeps you on edge the entire time! And it brings in characters for the previous books so you never have to wonder how the are doing!
I'm 100% happy with this book and I can't wait for the next ones to come out! I sometimes wish the books were longer. Because once I finish the book I don't want to read another author's book.
Profile Image for Scrap.
882 reviews6 followers
April 25, 2016
I absolutely loved this book, I have loved Zane Steel SOO hot! !! I do not want to give anything away but oh my goodness it is so good. If you are a fan of J. R. Ward's Black dagger Brotherhood series and Coreene Callahan's Dragon Fury series then these books are for you. Jodi writes amazing stories, they pull you in and won't let you go, I laughed so hard when Granny was in the infirmary and took off her bandaid, oh and when Barrett saw it, what he said is too darn funny I have to say I just realized that this is book 4 so I did not read in order but from what I read you don't have too.
Profile Image for Meiwilli.
1,645 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2015
Another template tale...It includes horrible editing, character confusion and overall is a lackluster story. Ironic since it has the most shifting and fighting than the other three books. Zane and Skylar are a hot mess along with the usual suspects. The idea for the series is great but the delivery is disappointing. For the love of money, hire an editor!!! The Arkansas Werewolves are interesting but need some work. On my Were Scale of Hotness, 2 stars.
Profile Image for Kimmie.
95 reviews
October 6, 2015
So, Darkside Of The Moon is the fourth story about the Arkansas Werewolves, the sexy and hot Guardians, this time it's all about Kane and Skylar. Secrets are the name of the game in this tale. This was a great story, Granny is as lively as ever and this was a fun story to read. Loved it!!! Five stars!!!
2,343 reviews
November 19, 2017
Sweet romance

Zane is in a bad way. Injected during a drug bust, he cannot control his change. Skylab is a red wolf, who is avoiding her pack. She had a truly sadistic father and only returned after he was dead.
The writing is full of emotion and detail.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.