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*This book was part of the Gathering Darkness boxed set. If you already own the boxed set, please do not purchase this book.*

Gorilla shifter Zane Keeton has spent the last twenty-seven years of his life at Amazing Adventures Safari Park, where shifters live in secret away from humans. The enjoyment he gets from tuning up safari vehicles and hanging out in his shifted form for the park visitors has slowly ebbed, and now his thoughts are consumed with finding a mate of his own.

When human Adriana and her best friend, Celeste, receive free tickets for a VIP tour of the safari, they decide that it’s just the sort of exciting adventure that they’ve been waiting for. But when their vehicles are separated, Adriana finds herself on the receiving end of unwanted attention from a creepy tour guide. As the tour guide suddenly attacks her in front of the gorilla paddock, she’s rescued by an unlikely hero – one of the gorillas.

Adriana quickly discovers that her rescuer is no ordinary gorilla. Not only are shifters real, but the gorilla who saved her life claims that she’s his soulmate. Is she willing to let go of everything she knows and embrace being Zane’s mate?

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2015

602 people are currently reading
735 people want to read

About the author

R.E. Butler

176 books1,608 followers

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5 stars
708 (37%)
4 stars
531 (27%)
3 stars
456 (23%)
2 stars
155 (8%)
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63 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Profile Image for Xavier Neal.
Author 132 books2,255 followers
December 2, 2019
Great read if...you like PNR romance, shifter books, insta romance, quick reads, and an HEA.

Side Note: Not sure how I stumbled onto these books, but I did and was so glad! While they shorter than my liking, I fell in love with the way the insta love thing was done, how mates are viewed, and just about EVERY creature in the zoo. The writing was easy and the book moved fast pace, but gave you a reason more or less to why. I definitely enjoyed this book and grabbed all the others. (Including the one on pre order lmao)
Profile Image for Kay H.
817 reviews67 followers
December 25, 2024
Well now I can check off the Z prompt on my Storygraph 2024 ABC challenges.
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,327 reviews362 followers
October 3, 2019
I thought this series was going to be silly, there are loads of shifter stories around and some work and some don't.
A first book in the series sets the scene, why they are at a zoo, who everybody is and how their way of life works.
First up in Zane, a Gorrilla shifter, his story is sweet and what i liked is they have a massive respect for women and are treated right.
The romance is a bit insta love but there is supposed to be a 'mate' connection so it works as part of the story.
It also covers details that are part of the couple in the next story so you are set up right for the next book.
Profile Image for fishgill.
81 reviews
March 20, 2016
Not worth it.

It was short. The conflict was minimal. The characters were very bland. Don't bother buying it. That being said it was a $0.99 romance novel about gorilla shifters so I only have myself to blame.
Profile Image for Miranda Whore.
937 reviews86 followers
August 7, 2016
Okay.

The general idea of the story is okay, except the mates basically being stuck at the park after mating. I liked the characters, Zane is sweet and sexy.

Three stars and two wet panties.
Profile Image for Brandy Walker.
422 reviews9 followers
July 10, 2019
Cuteish

Wow the story went from 0 to 100,000 in seconds and was not at all believable but at least it was cute and fluffy.
Profile Image for Blibli.
135 reviews
January 2, 2024
I have a friend called Zane so This was funny and awkward.

HE LIKES BANANAS!!!!!! 🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌

Ok, so This was a very short book, It doesn't even have 100 pages so the story is not very well developed. It basically insta love with all the mate thing and all. I Will normally give It 3 stars, wich is what I normally do with This very short books but this one here had some very ilogical things.

So basically, the story is about this zoo were a lot of animal shifters live, includind our protagonist Zane, Who is a gorila shifter (wich is increibbly funny for me). The thing is that they have to find mates, and the great majority of shifters are male (like theres literally like only one female shifter in the whole zoo I think) so they send VIP coupouns to like all single women they can (This book is kinda heteronormative by the way).

Our Female protagonist arrives to the zoo with her best friend and during the tour he is attacked by the guide Who was a wolf shifter and she is rescued by Zane Who has already sense she is her mate. They are now in love bla bla and they punish the wolf shifter and he takes revenge by editing the video where he attacked the women to make It look like she was hurted by the gorila (Who was Zane). So the zoo makes her do a press conference to Sort everything Up.

So she basically goes there and she is like: Oh no! It was all a misunderstanding! i work here and I am an expert in Gorilas and EVERYONE buys It. Like that's a very stupid plan to cover everything Up because its easely proved false. Like one of her actual coworkers could just go and say That's not true and that she worked at a nail salon and her parents could say the same.

And also, she Now Will like leave everything begind and live at the zoo. Doesn't she and her friend (Who also finds a mate) have more friends? Idk

And the wolf shifter is killed by his own father, Who Will have his own book. And Zane's father Will too, so if you want to read romance with a Wolf and Gorila Dilf congratulations!

But anyway, maybe that's explored more in the Next books.

And she Will Buy banana conditioner for her hair.
🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ann Lorz.
1,711 reviews22 followers
August 28, 2022

So in July, I decided that for the rest of the year for the reading challenges I was going to read only new to me authors. I'm so happy that I did. Last month was enjoyable but this month was even better. I was looking for someone new to read and when I came across this series on Facebook I couldn't pass it up.

I mean, how fun does this series sound!

The idea of this series is such a great idea. I loved it. I mean how could you not like the idea of a gorilla shifter? Something a little different than usual. Not that I'm going to give up my tigers, bears, and wolves. I just like to change it up a little.

You'll really like Zane and the other characters in the story. I liked how all the shifters worked together to try to help find mates. We all know it seems like for shifters it's love a first sight. I don't mind that as much for them. Animals think differently. It works.

It really worked for this series since it's what the main plot is about. It's a fun way for shifter to find their mates. Who would love a private tour of the park? I know I would.

You'll love both Zane and Adriana. Right away he's very protective of her and when she's threatened goes a bit crazy. Yes, Adriana right away falls for Zane and feels safe but that's what you expect with mates. Since this is a very short read you don't get into too much about the park but you do end up meeting a lot of the characters that live and work in the park.

What a wonderful start to a series I can't wait to read more of.

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Profile Image for Colleen.
839 reviews35 followers
October 17, 2019
Thanks for saving me comment time Bubbles The Book Pimp, your review (below) reflected my sentiments perfectly.
'Yet another true mate, insta lust, super short shifter story. I was hoping for more but it just didn’t deliver beyond the expected and oh so repeated typical shifter story. Despite being set in a zoo and my hope for something a bit different'.

The book that piqued my interest in this series was Win Were Zoo #3, so just in case the stories improve I am reading the two next books.

Cheers

Profile Image for SC.
810 reviews26 followers
August 5, 2022
I’m glad I only read the sample and didn’t buy this book. First of all, charging for a 90 page book is kind of ridiculous. Secondly, I could already see it was repetitive, something I don’t look for in books. It’s also a little inconsistent- is it a townhome or an apartment? Because the author called it both from one sentence to another, and where I’m from - those are 2 different things. Lastly, “HON”. If there is one word that makes my eye twitch in books and in real life, is when someone calls other people “hon”. Yuck. No thanks, hard pass on this entire series.
Profile Image for Chappy.
2,231 reviews113 followers
October 11, 2021
I really like the remise of this series and book 1 did a good job of setting the scene.
Zane is a gorilla shifter living in a zoo and he knows Adriana is his mate when he fist lays eyes on her. This is very insta-love but still very sweet.
Profile Image for Poppy || Monster Lover.
1,850 reviews541 followers
November 18, 2023
2.5

The plot had some potential, but a lot of the writing was kind of juvenile. Also, I think a little resistance to the idea of being a mate to a shifter would have gone a long way.

Spice: 3/5

Triggers: physical assault, attempted SA
Profile Image for Lauren Hill.
150 reviews
June 10, 2024
Lacking

It has a great base for a story line but felt extremely rushed. If they went into more detail about things or a more realistic approach of how to come to terms with shifting I think this would have been an Allstar book.
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,139 reviews195 followers
August 31, 2023
Zane is a gorilla shifter, living his life at a zoo as both a human and a gorilla, waiting patiently to find his mate, the woman destined to be his. The zoo creates a constant for eligible women to have a private tour of the zoo and Adriana and her friend Celeste jump on the opportunity.
This gorilla/human is hit intensely with the strong urge to protect and claim his mate when he feels she is in danger.
Zane's immediate connection with Adriana created a very interesting and hopeful story which I thoroughly enjoyed!
Profile Image for Nicole.
2,882 reviews10 followers
March 23, 2024
I found this a little misogynistic. Firstly there is the parade of single women. Then the two male partners organise everything once the girls are mated to them, including that their partners, who were best friends, would like to meet for lunch twice a week.
2.5 stars.
Profile Image for Mel.
617 reviews14 followers
January 16, 2019
Enjoyed this right up until 'We Are Mates, You Must No Leave This Zoo Unless You Are With Me And Not For An Extended Time Frame Roar!!' Cause god forbid your mate ends up gossiping with other airheads and the world finds out shifters exist. Because what person can't keep their trap shut YOLO!

I forgave the insta-love (Shifter 'mates' work on it being an 'primal' connection with pheremons and stuff; look, sometimes I just want to believe in love at first sight ok? don't judge me!!). I really liked the different shifter species, I've read a lot of wolves/bears/dragons lately. The idea of a zoo system that allowed shifters to live in plain site was interesting too, gave it a mundane edge as they all had day jobs that didn't involve keeping things a secret. But forced imprisonment is too much for me; I don't get what stopped it from being 'lets live together and you can totally work at the zoo and be a part of the world' and 'we're mates, you can't work on the surface because I'm too easily distracted so you have to live under ground and only come out when I say you can'.... Creepy factor was too creepy for me
Profile Image for Busybeth76.
738 reviews3 followers
June 10, 2017
Short, sweet & sexy

In a were zoo managed and staffed by shifters of many kinds there's a dearth of mates for the males. Zane, a gorilla shifter, is hopeful the new VIP tours for single women will bring his fated mate to him. Adriana hasn't found a man who meets her expectations for love. Until Zane saved from a vicious attack during her tour. Drawn to each other Zane & Adriana find they are soul mates, even though they must work together to save the zoo from a traitor. Imaginative and creative this book reflects a parallel world were shifters coexist with humans, hiding in plain sight. .
Profile Image for Pam Louis.
1,722 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2018
Super sweet and fun

Zane is a gorilla shifter. He has spent the last 20 years of his life at the amazing adventures safari park. His father is Atticus and he is alpha of the gorilla shifters. The shifters at the zoo hope and wait for their mated to show up at the zoo.

Adriana and her best friend want to have an adventure so when free tickets to the safari zoo show up they take it.
I love the characters. The action, drama and spice is great. It's fast paced and oh so sweet. If you enjoy shifter stories you will love this one.
Voluntarily review a copy and I honestly loved it
Profile Image for Bubbles The Book Pimp.
955 reviews
July 4, 2019
Yet another true mates, insta lust, super short shifter story. I was hoping for more but it just didn’t deliver beyond the expected and oh so repeated typical shifter story. Despite being set in a zoo and my hope for something a bit different.
Profile Image for Lindsey.
623 reviews24 followers
May 20, 2020
OK story

Not sure what it was, but I just couldn't get into this story. I felt like I was outside looking in and not really absorbed into the story. The story was choppy to me.

Profile Image for Bella.
191 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Zane by R.E. Butler completely surprised me in the best way. This normally would not be the type of book I pick up, but I grabbed it during a Stuff Your Kindle day and figured why not. I am so glad I did because I ended up enjoying it way more than I expected.

It is a short story, but it never felt rushed or lacking. The author packed in just the right amount of romance, spice, and heart to make it feel full and satisfying. Zane is exactly the kind of protective MMC that is impossible not to love. He is strong, loyal, and completely devoted once he realizes Adriana is his mate. There is something so swoony about a hero who knows what he wants and is ready to claim and protect it with everything he has.

I really enjoyed the unique setting of the safari park where shifters live hidden away from humans. It added such a fun twist to the story and made Zane’s character even more interesting. When Adriana finds herself in danger and is rescued by the very gorilla she had been admiring from afar, the story takes off in the best way. Their connection felt instant but still meaningful, and I loved watching Adriana process this new world she is suddenly thrown into.

For a shorter read, it delivered on emotion, tension, and chemistry. The spice was there without overpowering the romance, and the soulmate element gave it that sweet, fated feeling that works so well in shifter stories.

If you are looking for a quick, fun paranormal romance with a protective hero and a satisfying happily ever after, this one is definitely worth grabbing. It may not have been my usual genre, but it was absolutely a pleasant surprise.
Profile Image for Wendy.
896 reviews177 followers
August 2, 2022
Is Zane a virgin? You tell me. Actually, let’s let Zane tell us. “I never had sex with any humans, sweetheart.”
Hmm… he is a gorilla shifter and specifically says he has never has seen with a HUMAN. Leaves a whole lot of species left.
The book mentions that female shifters are rare but it also says Zane has travelled around trying to find his mate. AND the book is very clear that casual sex happens between non-mates.

In the end I decided that Zane is not a virgin because even if he was, he didn’t act like it at all. He banged like a pro, gave multiples, and never gave her that impression so…. That is my thought process.

As far as the book itself…this was a good book with a lot of potential. It had a few errors at the beginning that were confusing. And the story moved way to fast. But the bones were good and the story was fairly original, to me anyway. If an author improves with each book I am interested to see the growth in the upcoming books.

I don’t like the crazy rules these shifters have for their mates and I really can’t stand that he won’t even let her work within the park because “I would say that you could work in the park somewhere, but my beast wouldn’t be able to handle you being topside unless you were with me.”
That is a little intense and overly possessive, even for an OTT alpha male. (In my opinion.) I am hoping in the next few books these women shake things up around the park!
Profile Image for Lucifina  Morningstar .
25 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2026
I really liked the overall concept of this book. The plot was engaging and creative, and the idea of a hidden safari park with shifters felt fresh and fun. It kept my interest throughout, and I never felt bored while reading.

The characters were another strong point for me. Zane is a genuinely likable hero. He is protective, earnest, and easy to root for, and I enjoyed spending time in his head. The relationship itself had potential, and I believed in the connection, even if it moved a little fast.

The spice was fine but not memorable. It worked for the story, but it did not stand out or leave much of an impression. It felt more like a supporting element than something that elevated the book.

Where the book lost the most points for me was the ending. After a solid build, the resolution felt rushed and a bit underwhelming. I wanted more payoff and emotional closure than what we got, and the ending did not hit as strongly as the rest of the story.

Overall, Zane was an enjoyable read with a strong premise and likable characters, but the weaker ending kept it from being a standout. I am still interested in the series and would continue reading, but this one landed firmly in the middle for me.
Profile Image for Serena Buffaloe.
660 reviews12 followers
April 25, 2024
A cute easy read !!

What a delightful story!!!
After one of those rip- my - heart out tomes, this was beyond refreshing !!
Adrianna and her friend Celeste, are friends and on this particular day, they have VIP invitations to a zoo.
Cool !!
Once there , they find that they will be in separate jeeps for the behind the scenes look. Adrianna is not sure she wants to do the tour without her friend , but Celeste already left.
So here goes nothing.
Zane and his group not only work at this special zoo, they live here too. Later , the reason becomes clear !!!
These two were so cute together, and the whole of this underground society is a real page turner !! Glad to have picked this up !!
4,279 reviews
May 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!!
Okay, this one is just wildly fun and surprisingly tender! Zane is a gorilla shifter with a quiet strength and a yearning heart—he’s been at the safari park forever, fixing trucks and hiding behind the glass, but what he really wants is a mate to call his own. Enter Adriana, a human with an adventurous spirit and a protective streak, who ends up needing a little rescuing in the most dramatic way possible (and yes, it involves Zane literally leaping into hero mode mid-tour). Their connection is instant, sweet, and totally swoony. I loved the blend of gentle care, raw shifter instincts, and the magical “fated mates” spark that just makes everything click. A gorilla shifter romance shouldn’t work this well—but oh, it so does.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews

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