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Dark Guardian #1
Moonlight
I see him and I know what this turmoil inside of me means: He's the one. My forever.
Kayla is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying-and thrilling-gene that will change her life forever.
Lucas is dangerous, gorgeous... and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate, his love could put them all in harm's way.
As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destruction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny.
Kayla is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying-and thrilling-gene that will change her life forever.
Lucas is dangerous, gorgeous... and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate, his love could put them all in harm's way.
As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destruction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny.
263 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2009
3 people are currently reading
About the author
Rachel Hawthorne
29Ìýbooks1,609Ìýfollowersaka Jade Parker and also writes with her son as J.A. London
(also writes romance under Lorraine Heath)
Rachel Hawthorne, who also writes as Lorraine Heath and Jade Parker, is the daughter of a British beauty (her mother won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero-who played the Joker on the old Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Herts, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan. She enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.� She writes for both adult and young adult readers. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Americana historicals. Her novels have been recognized with a RITA, Romance Writers of America’s most prestigious award for excellence, a HOLT medallion award honoring outstanding literary fiction, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, five Texas Gold Awards, the Golden Quill Award, the Rising Star Award as well as other awards and recognitions. Her novels have been selections of the Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Club. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today, Waldenbooks, and most recently, the New York Times.
(also writes romance under Lorraine Heath)
Rachel Hawthorne, who also writes as Lorraine Heath and Jade Parker, is the daughter of a British beauty (her mother won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero-who played the Joker on the old Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Herts, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan. She enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.� She writes for both adult and young adult readers. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Americana historicals. Her novels have been recognized with a RITA, Romance Writers of America’s most prestigious award for excellence, a HOLT medallion award honoring outstanding literary fiction, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, five Texas Gold Awards, the Golden Quill Award, the Rising Star Award as well as other awards and recognitions. Her novels have been selections of the Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Club. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today, Waldenbooks, and most recently, the New York Times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 741 reviews
April 29, 2014
I see him and I know what this turmoil inside of me means: He's the one. My forever.
Fucking great, so you know you want to spend the rest of your life with a dude whom you had barely talked to/interacted with before when you're at the tender age of seventeen?
Not to mention, this twenty-something dude (or was he supposed to be 19?) had been eyeing the heroine and thinking about making her his mate back when she was sixteen years old.
I need to calm the fuck down.
Moonlight is a dull, extremely unoriginal Twilight rip-off which isn't even worthy of a proper review, the only difference between this book and Twilight is that this time around the sexy hot brooding guy is the werewolf.
Did I mention that the gender roles and love relationships in the book is Dark Age level of backward as well? It's as though sex revolution and feminism never happens.
Fucking great, so you know you want to spend the rest of your life with a dude whom you had barely talked to/interacted with before when you're at the tender age of seventeen?
Not to mention, this twenty-something dude (or was he supposed to be 19?) had been eyeing the heroine and thinking about making her his mate back when she was sixteen years old.
I need to calm the fuck down.
Moonlight is a dull, extremely unoriginal Twilight rip-off which isn't even worthy of a proper review, the only difference between this book and Twilight is that this time around the sexy hot brooding guy is the werewolf.
Did I mention that the gender roles and love relationships in the book is Dark Age level of backward as well? It's as though sex revolution and feminism never happens.
September 22, 2011
Rating: 4.5 stars
Ever get that giggly feeling in your stomach when you read a really, really cute book? That's what I got from reading Moonlight. I love this book with all my heart!
Werewolf (or shape-shifter) books are easy to find nowadays, but there are only few that actually pull you into the story and refuse to let go � for me, Moonlight was one of them! The synopsis doesn't do this book justice because I started it with a hesitant mind and ended up loving it.
I can't ask for a more perfect voice for this novel! Kayla is such a sweet, nature-loving character who I adored from page one. And Lucas is the leader of the Dark Guardians who made me sigh every time he was around. There's nothing hotter than a bad-ass shape-shifter, and there's nothing sweeter than Kayla and Lucas's relationship!
The plot, although admittedly a little predictable, is always fun to read because of the awesome way it's written and the fast-paced plot. Moonlight is so much lighter and more enjoyable than I ever could've imagined, and I would recommend it to everyone without a doubt! :)
BUY or BORROW?: This is the kind of book I wish I had on my shelf, because the first thing I want to do is go back and read it again! It's all the sweetness and fun without being cheesy!
(Original review at )
Ever get that giggly feeling in your stomach when you read a really, really cute book? That's what I got from reading Moonlight. I love this book with all my heart!
Werewolf (or shape-shifter) books are easy to find nowadays, but there are only few that actually pull you into the story and refuse to let go � for me, Moonlight was one of them! The synopsis doesn't do this book justice because I started it with a hesitant mind and ended up loving it.
I can't ask for a more perfect voice for this novel! Kayla is such a sweet, nature-loving character who I adored from page one. And Lucas is the leader of the Dark Guardians who made me sigh every time he was around. There's nothing hotter than a bad-ass shape-shifter, and there's nothing sweeter than Kayla and Lucas's relationship!
The plot, although admittedly a little predictable, is always fun to read because of the awesome way it's written and the fast-paced plot. Moonlight is so much lighter and more enjoyable than I ever could've imagined, and I would recommend it to everyone without a doubt! :)
BUY or BORROW?: This is the kind of book I wish I had on my shelf, because the first thing I want to do is go back and read it again! It's all the sweetness and fun without being cheesy!
(Original review at )
June 9, 2009
Well, let's jump on the Twilight bandwagon, shall we? Except, this time, we'll do it with werewolves.
This book is overall okay, but I'm going to be cruel and use it as an example of why I previously avoided most YA in the first place. It was unsatisfying and extremely predictable. The characters were not well developed, and there was a backstory that I felt could have been included, or at least more described. Hawthorne's characters fluctuated from sounding too young to using words that I felt an average seventeen-year-old wouldn't know yet.
I'm going to say something I'm probably going to regret, but Stephenie Meyer was at least original. The werewolf "imprinting" plotline in her series was clearly imitated in this book. The male werewolves in this book also decide on a soul mate on the basis of "love at first sight." Then they go and get a tattoo of their beloved's name somewhere on their backs. Can you say ridiculous and the most unadvised thing to do in real life? Can you also see the sexism in male and female roles?
The werewolves here also communicate by telepathy, but I think that's more common.
Not to mention the book cover is embarrassing, but the author has nothing to do with that.
This book is overall okay, but I'm going to be cruel and use it as an example of why I previously avoided most YA in the first place. It was unsatisfying and extremely predictable. The characters were not well developed, and there was a backstory that I felt could have been included, or at least more described. Hawthorne's characters fluctuated from sounding too young to using words that I felt an average seventeen-year-old wouldn't know yet.
I'm going to say something I'm probably going to regret, but Stephenie Meyer was at least original. The werewolf "imprinting" plotline in her series was clearly imitated in this book. The male werewolves in this book also decide on a soul mate on the basis of "love at first sight." Then they go and get a tattoo of their beloved's name somewhere on their backs. Can you say ridiculous and the most unadvised thing to do in real life? Can you also see the sexism in male and female roles?
The werewolves here also communicate by telepathy, but I think that's more common.
Not to mention the book cover is embarrassing, but the author has nothing to do with that.
August 14, 2019
There was just something... wrong with this book. There was nothing particularly bad about the writing, or even the plot - but there was just something about it that made it a rather uneventful read. But what exactly?
When I finished it - which took a while despite being a ludicrously easy read - I finally worked out what it was: it was a Middle Grade novel with a Young Adult plot.
The writing was just slightly too simple, the cover-ups too obvious, and the emotions underdeveloped. While this is understandable when your narrator is 12 - it is harder when she is a teen. And when the plot involves werewolves and undying love, there is a certain amount of maturity that you expect from the writing and the characters.
Bottom line? Skip it - even if you are a die-hard YA Romance lover. I don't plan on getting the next books - life is too short to read books you a apathetic about.
When I finished it - which took a while despite being a ludicrously easy read - I finally worked out what it was: it was a Middle Grade novel with a Young Adult plot.
The writing was just slightly too simple, the cover-ups too obvious, and the emotions underdeveloped. While this is understandable when your narrator is 12 - it is harder when she is a teen. And when the plot involves werewolves and undying love, there is a certain amount of maturity that you expect from the writing and the characters.
Bottom line? Skip it - even if you are a die-hard YA Romance lover. I don't plan on getting the next books - life is too short to read books you a apathetic about.
May 18, 2025
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I loved the premise of this book, the world. The idea was so amazing. But it fell flat. I wanted to love this book so freaking much but I couldn't. It was rather boring and strange. Kayla is in love with a boy who never speaks to her. He is the cliche bad boy. He is brooding and mysterious. Until you get to know him, then he becomes a mushy and reminds me of a puppy.
The plot goes like this. Kayla lost her family at a young age, she was adopted by a loving couple who takes her camping in the forest where her family was killed. A year later she goes back and is now what we call a guide. She meets all these shifters, but doesn't know they are shifters and that she is one of them too. The bad guys are trying to catch a werewolf and Lucus has family issues with his brother who tells the bad guys about them being shifters. The bad guys end up getting away and Lucus kills his brother. Kayla finds out she is Lucus's mate and ends up deciding to be with him. It's all quite childish, their love.
I hate intsa love and that's what this book has. The writing was plain and simplistic. Nothing special. The idea was awesome but so poorly flushed out. It just breaks my heart because I wanted to write this book but from now on, I'm going to stay away from this author. I've not liked anything she's written.
I loved the premise of this book, the world. The idea was so amazing. But it fell flat. I wanted to love this book so freaking much but I couldn't. It was rather boring and strange. Kayla is in love with a boy who never speaks to her. He is the cliche bad boy. He is brooding and mysterious. Until you get to know him, then he becomes a mushy and reminds me of a puppy.
The plot goes like this. Kayla lost her family at a young age, she was adopted by a loving couple who takes her camping in the forest where her family was killed. A year later she goes back and is now what we call a guide. She meets all these shifters, but doesn't know they are shifters and that she is one of them too. The bad guys are trying to catch a werewolf and Lucus has family issues with his brother who tells the bad guys about them being shifters. The bad guys end up getting away and Lucus kills his brother. Kayla finds out she is Lucus's mate and ends up deciding to be with him. It's all quite childish, their love.
I hate intsa love and that's what this book has. The writing was plain and simplistic. Nothing special. The idea was awesome but so poorly flushed out. It just breaks my heart because I wanted to write this book but from now on, I'm going to stay away from this author. I've not liked anything she's written.
June 21, 2010
This book was a disappointment. The dialogue was off and seemed scripted. Wasn't natural. I don't see what's the deal with the Dark Guardians. Shouldn't all werewolves or "shifters" hold their secrets and guard the others from evil and harm? All it takes is for her to swear? Seemed a little weak. That the female shifters have to find a mate before their first change. They might not survive through it without a mate but a male shifter can? When Kayla does do the change, it's pretty fast and I think Hawthorne didn't put enough in it at all. The whole story is pretty uneventful. The big villain dies too easily. The tattoo is a little corny, but okay. The whole thing with Kayla figuring out what happened when she was five seemed like Hawthorne was trying too hard. When I could tell that Hawthorne didn't mean to put an ending to the human scientists in this book, though it was a problem that needed solving, it felt like Hawthorne just completely forgot about them and cut off their part in this book. The villain that did die in this book seemed like the real bad guy. I would have rather liked him to stay.
March 31, 2014
¿Cansados del tÃpico hombre lobo feroz y malvado?
He aquà un claro ejemplo de algo novedoso. Aquà los hombres lobo, son buenos y no muerden.Salvo que te metas con ellos. Se encargan de proteger al resto, y esperan ansiosos encontrar a su pareja.
"-Los lobos solo tomamos una pareja para toda la vida.
Yo tragué con fuerza.
-Entonces has estado…digamos…¿esperándome?
-Toda mi vida."
Una historia llena de aventuras, acción, y mucho romance.
La autora, ha sabido hilar toda la historia a la perfección, para que cuando ponga "Fin", te deje una sonrisa en la cara.
Personalmente, esta era yo al terminarla.
He aquà un claro ejemplo de algo novedoso. Aquà los hombres lobo, son buenos y no muerden.
"-Los lobos solo tomamos una pareja para toda la vida.
Yo tragué con fuerza.
-Entonces has estado…digamos…¿esperándome?
-Toda mi vida."
Una historia llena de aventuras, acción, y mucho romance.
La autora, ha sabido hilar toda la historia a la perfección, para que cuando ponga "Fin", te deje una sonrisa en la cara.
Personalmente, esta era yo al terminarla.
April 5, 2014
Genre: Paranormal YA (UF)
Moonlight is a guilty pleasure. Not because it has naughty sex scenes or bad language jumping off the page—quite the opposite. It's pretty sweet and innocent, like PNR novels accept YA approved. Of course I have to say right up front if you’re seeking something that has mind blowing writing, hidden depths, and a unique plot this is the not the book. It’s not really fantastic in any form, but there is something about it that draws a reader in and just takes hold.
Moonlight goes where you expect it to and with a 263 page count it really doesn't get to explore all the fantastic ideas that are lurking around. It focuses on girl meets wolf boy, girl is soon to turn wolf, wolf boy perfects girl, and they mate for life. Moonlight is not all romance, there is an interesting plot about humans trying to get the secrets of the Guardians (werewolves) and an evil brother bent on revenge.
Again for how small it is, the characters are well fleshed out. This is Kayla’s journey to grow up and become her “true-self�. Lucas is the cliché brooding male lead that the ladies love to swoon over; mysterious, quiet, and devoted to his future woman. Kayla and Lucas bonded well together, both being really likable.
The world of the Guardians is clearly something that needs to be explored more in later books, there are more boys and girls to turn into wolves and find mates. All of the guys already have their future mates tattooed onto them, so my curiosity is killing me to see if I guessed the right couples. In the short course of the book Hawthorne made me appreciate the cast of side characters.
While it reads like a beach book, it does not have the tone of one. It deals with death, loss, fear, and dealing with the choices we make and living with them. There’s not much meat to it, but readers will find themselves engrossed in the world of the Guardians and the mystery of finding a life mate. Moonlight’s power is to take an “adult� plot from paranormal romances and turn it in to a YA read.
Sexual Content:
Kissing and a few heavy make out scenes. There is a scene where a boy pushes himself on to the main character in the acts of making it look like he might rape her. A few dirty jokes and questions sprinkled in every now and again.
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back
Originally posted at .
Moonlight is a guilty pleasure. Not because it has naughty sex scenes or bad language jumping off the page—quite the opposite. It's pretty sweet and innocent, like PNR novels accept YA approved. Of course I have to say right up front if you’re seeking something that has mind blowing writing, hidden depths, and a unique plot this is the not the book. It’s not really fantastic in any form, but there is something about it that draws a reader in and just takes hold.
Moonlight goes where you expect it to and with a 263 page count it really doesn't get to explore all the fantastic ideas that are lurking around. It focuses on girl meets wolf boy, girl is soon to turn wolf, wolf boy perfects girl, and they mate for life. Moonlight is not all romance, there is an interesting plot about humans trying to get the secrets of the Guardians (werewolves) and an evil brother bent on revenge.
Again for how small it is, the characters are well fleshed out. This is Kayla’s journey to grow up and become her “true-self�. Lucas is the cliché brooding male lead that the ladies love to swoon over; mysterious, quiet, and devoted to his future woman. Kayla and Lucas bonded well together, both being really likable.
The world of the Guardians is clearly something that needs to be explored more in later books, there are more boys and girls to turn into wolves and find mates. All of the guys already have their future mates tattooed onto them, so my curiosity is killing me to see if I guessed the right couples. In the short course of the book Hawthorne made me appreciate the cast of side characters.
While it reads like a beach book, it does not have the tone of one. It deals with death, loss, fear, and dealing with the choices we make and living with them. There’s not much meat to it, but readers will find themselves engrossed in the world of the Guardians and the mystery of finding a life mate. Moonlight’s power is to take an “adult� plot from paranormal romances and turn it in to a YA read.
Sexual Content:
Kissing and a few heavy make out scenes. There is a scene where a boy pushes himself on to the main character in the acts of making it look like he might rape her. A few dirty jokes and questions sprinkled in every now and again.
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back
Originally posted at .
December 24, 2010
If you loved twlight you will deffinatly love this. I totaly lied. Even though the names of these books are similar to twilight they are totaly different. In this a girl named Kalya finds out things about her self that she never thought were possible. While finding out these things Lucas (also the love of her life) is captured (in wolf form at the time) by "reascheres". Once Kayla frees him form his captures there is only a little time left and no time to explain. Kayla's full moon is right around the corner. With the love of her life by her side dragging her (who knows where) tells her its time. With the love of her life there to help her through it, will she make? Will there love be strong enough? If you are in the mood for a romance action fillied outdoorsy adventure this is it perffect, in every way shape and form. From the perfercne all the way down to the cornny jokes. Find your love and follow your heart; it really helps.
October 5, 2019
Moonlight follows Kayla, a girl working as a Sherpa (guide) in a dense national forest for the summer. She had visited the forest the summer before because her therapist said she needed to find closure. Basically, when she was little her parents were killed in the forest and she has never gotten over it (rightly so). Yet she is drawn to the forest and the handsome Sherpa leader Lucas. All is not as it seems in this book filled with a group of crazy scientists, forest adventures, and werewolves (you heard me right). Kayla Madison is excited about spending the summer as a sherpa in the dense national forest.
That sums up my feelings for this book pretty well. I mean I went into it expecting the teen angst werewolf story (I've been needing all the books I read when I was a teen recently). However, maybe because I have been reading a lot of stories like this recently, but his one was just okay. The story just seemed a bit too fast paced for me. The relationship went from 0 to 100 immediately. I felt like maybe I was missing 100 pages or something. IDK, not my favorite, but it wasn't bad or anything. It just lacked the depth I wanted. Will I read it again in 10 years when I want to relive my werewolf fangirl days once again? Yeah, probably.
That sums up my feelings for this book pretty well. I mean I went into it expecting the teen angst werewolf story (I've been needing all the books I read when I was a teen recently). However, maybe because I have been reading a lot of stories like this recently, but his one was just okay. The story just seemed a bit too fast paced for me. The relationship went from 0 to 100 immediately. I felt like maybe I was missing 100 pages or something. IDK, not my favorite, but it wasn't bad or anything. It just lacked the depth I wanted. Will I read it again in 10 years when I want to relive my werewolf fangirl days once again? Yeah, probably.
June 1, 2010
I can't remember how I came upon this series, but what I do know is that I'm so glad I did! Moonlight is the first in the Dark Guardian series and once again I've found myself a new series that I already can't get enough of.
As a fan of the paranormal genre, I'm always excited when I find a book within that genre that has a new twist to the old storyline. The Dark Guardians' series has taken the old tales of werewolves and produced a new and unique spin on the characters.
Rachel Hawthorne created a story out of her very realistic world and had me believing instantly! Her main characters, Kayla and Lucas were great. Brave and compelling Kayla meshed very well with the dark and brooding Lucas. Their story was romantic, yet frustrating, moving and yet so much fun. I loved it all!
With werewolves being a reality and some ill intent humans after them for their own nefarious purposes, readers will be on edge to see if Kayla and Lucas will be able to defeat them and remain safe or if their in deeper water than they thought. Will their romance and feelings be enough to keep them strong for the fight ahead, or will it all be just too much for Kayla to handle with the other revelations she's faced with?
I've always been a fast reader but I was able to really fly through this book, it took only one day for me to finish and after I was done I wanted to jump right into the next installment. There's a little bit of everything in this series; romance, adventure, action and suspense, plenty of description and depth to keep you interested and wanting to come back for more. I really had fun with this one and already ordered the second installment, Full Moon, because I just can't stand not knowing what will happen next, I'm hooked yet again! I'm really looking forward to see where Hawthorne and her Dark Guardians' series takes me next!
As a fan of the paranormal genre, I'm always excited when I find a book within that genre that has a new twist to the old storyline. The Dark Guardians' series has taken the old tales of werewolves and produced a new and unique spin on the characters.
Rachel Hawthorne created a story out of her very realistic world and had me believing instantly! Her main characters, Kayla and Lucas were great. Brave and compelling Kayla meshed very well with the dark and brooding Lucas. Their story was romantic, yet frustrating, moving and yet so much fun. I loved it all!
With werewolves being a reality and some ill intent humans after them for their own nefarious purposes, readers will be on edge to see if Kayla and Lucas will be able to defeat them and remain safe or if their in deeper water than they thought. Will their romance and feelings be enough to keep them strong for the fight ahead, or will it all be just too much for Kayla to handle with the other revelations she's faced with?
I've always been a fast reader but I was able to really fly through this book, it took only one day for me to finish and after I was done I wanted to jump right into the next installment. There's a little bit of everything in this series; romance, adventure, action and suspense, plenty of description and depth to keep you interested and wanting to come back for more. I really had fun with this one and already ordered the second installment, Full Moon, because I just can't stand not knowing what will happen next, I'm hooked yet again! I'm really looking forward to see where Hawthorne and her Dark Guardians' series takes me next!
August 1, 2009
I read this in one day... it was definitely a quick read although helped by the fact that I had about an hour sitting by myself at Barnes & Noble waiting for my friend Melissa to arrive for the Carrie Jones signing (she was cool and I got my copy and my library's copy of signed - a great werewolf book if you enjoyed Moonlight).
So this was a tiny bit predictable. I kind of wished there wasn't a prologue at the beginning - it was one of those prologues that is actually a scene from the end of the book, and then the whole story leads up to it - because I felt that it gave the whole story away. I mean, you know right from the beginning that there are actually werewolves and the main character Kayla now believes in them. I would have preferred to find out as Kayla did that werewolves were real. Lucas's behavior throughout the story made perfect sense to the reader, who knows that he is a werewolf, and it was kind of frustrating as Kayla blundered around not yet aware of this. I just didn't feel that the prologue added to it at all.
However, the chemistry between Kayla and Lucas was good, and I liked the werewolf world that author is building here. I wished there was a little bit more depth and background to the story, since the major climactic point seemed to jump out of nowhere. From the summaries I've read, the next book in the series looks at another of the werewolf pairs, Lindsay and Rafe, so perhaps now that we're all aware of the werewolf community there will be more depth to it in the rest of the series. Moonlight was a fun read, although I doubt I'll be picking up the next one.
So this was a tiny bit predictable. I kind of wished there wasn't a prologue at the beginning - it was one of those prologues that is actually a scene from the end of the book, and then the whole story leads up to it - because I felt that it gave the whole story away. I mean, you know right from the beginning that there are actually werewolves and the main character Kayla now believes in them. I would have preferred to find out as Kayla did that werewolves were real. Lucas's behavior throughout the story made perfect sense to the reader, who knows that he is a werewolf, and it was kind of frustrating as Kayla blundered around not yet aware of this. I just didn't feel that the prologue added to it at all.
However, the chemistry between Kayla and Lucas was good, and I liked the werewolf world that author is building here. I wished there was a little bit more depth and background to the story, since the major climactic point seemed to jump out of nowhere. From the summaries I've read, the next book in the series looks at another of the werewolf pairs, Lindsay and Rafe, so perhaps now that we're all aware of the werewolf community there will be more depth to it in the rest of the series. Moonlight was a fun read, although I doubt I'll be picking up the next one.
June 10, 2010
At 320 pages Moonlight, the first book in the Dark Guardian series, is a quick read but it's packed with romance, suspense, and a new take on shape shifters. This series is definitely geared for young adults and although the majority of books I am currently reading are from the young adult genre I found this book to be a little young for me.
As a protagonist I feel Kayla authentically represents your average teenage girl dealing with complex and unexpected obstacles. Although at times Kayla is portrayed as insecure and vulnerable her personality is balanced with courage and loyalty. I think Lucas caters to that unexplainable attraction young women have to "bad boys" and it feeds the fantasy that maybe that bad boy just needed the right girl to come along.
I really enjoyed that the majority of the book takes place in the wilderness. I am an avid camper so the thought that while hiking through the woods there could be a human in wolf form following me sends shivers down my spine!
I really love the history of shape shifters that Hawthorne delves into periodically throughout the progression of Moonlight. Additionally she reveals just enough about the supporting characters to excite the reader for the additional Dark Guardian novels. As a reader I love when an author explores other characters within the series and I look forward to reading Dark Guardian three, Full Moon.
As a protagonist I feel Kayla authentically represents your average teenage girl dealing with complex and unexpected obstacles. Although at times Kayla is portrayed as insecure and vulnerable her personality is balanced with courage and loyalty. I think Lucas caters to that unexplainable attraction young women have to "bad boys" and it feeds the fantasy that maybe that bad boy just needed the right girl to come along.
I really enjoyed that the majority of the book takes place in the wilderness. I am an avid camper so the thought that while hiking through the woods there could be a human in wolf form following me sends shivers down my spine!
I really love the history of shape shifters that Hawthorne delves into periodically throughout the progression of Moonlight. Additionally she reveals just enough about the supporting characters to excite the reader for the additional Dark Guardian novels. As a reader I love when an author explores other characters within the series and I look forward to reading Dark Guardian three, Full Moon.
November 21, 2009
When Kayla becomes a wilderness tour guide for the summer the most she expects is to spend a lot of time in the woods and to face her fears. She never expects to find out her friends are Shifters. Or to find her soul-mate.
Honestly this book was just okay. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. It was fluff. I read it in one sitting.
The Characters are a little one dimensional. Lucas was a good character. He was mysterious and intriguing but Kayla was a little on the annoying side. The side characters were introduced nicely. The author did a great job of setting up for the rest of the series.
The backstory for the Shifters and the Dark Guardians was well done. It left me wanting to know more about the pack. In my opinion the ending felt a little rushed. The author spent too much time on minor elements of the story when she should have put more into the ending.
Regardless of all that I still enjoyed the book. It was a very fast read and I'm looking forward to reading Full Moon.
Honestly this book was just okay. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. It was fluff. I read it in one sitting.
The Characters are a little one dimensional. Lucas was a good character. He was mysterious and intriguing but Kayla was a little on the annoying side. The side characters were introduced nicely. The author did a great job of setting up for the rest of the series.
The backstory for the Shifters and the Dark Guardians was well done. It left me wanting to know more about the pack. In my opinion the ending felt a little rushed. The author spent too much time on minor elements of the story when she should have put more into the ending.
Regardless of all that I still enjoyed the book. It was a very fast read and I'm looking forward to reading Full Moon.
December 28, 2009
This book is so close to five stars!!! I would say 4 1/2! It was such a quick read and I really like this author. The first books I read of hers were the ones she wrote under her pen name Jade Parker. This is my second "Hawthorne" book and the first I didn't like. This one however I really enjoyed.
Kayla is a strong out doors girl who looses her parents when she is young and has repressed what really happened to them. She finds peace in the woods where they are killed. Things un-fold especially the attraction she feels to Lucas and his always staring eye. She however is choosing what she thinks is the ever safe Mason. Little does she know that what she doesn't know could be the key that solves all of her problems. This is the first book of a trilogy and I am excited to see where it ends up. I would freely recommend it to anyone who likes a good fantasy book!!
Kayla is a strong out doors girl who looses her parents when she is young and has repressed what really happened to them. She finds peace in the woods where they are killed. Things un-fold especially the attraction she feels to Lucas and his always staring eye. She however is choosing what she thinks is the ever safe Mason. Little does she know that what she doesn't know could be the key that solves all of her problems. This is the first book of a trilogy and I am excited to see where it ends up. I would freely recommend it to anyone who likes a good fantasy book!!
December 1, 2020
Kayla hanya tau dirinya berbeda, tapi berbeda dalam hal apa ia pun tak paham, hingga keikut sertaannya sebagai sherpa. Lucas sebagai alpa dan ketua Dark Guardian, mendapat kekuasan setelah melawan abangnya dari tahta, mencoba menyakinkan Kayla apa dia sebenarnya. Pengenalan Kayla akan dunia werewolf cukup lama dan interaksi antar Lucas dan Kayla sangat minim.
September 17, 2020
2.5 stars
Paranormal romance isn’t my favorite genre to begin with but I like Rachel Hawthorne’s books so I decided to try her paranormal series. Overall this was okay until the instalove reared its ugly head, which is why I didn’t round up.
Paranormal romance isn’t my favorite genre to begin with but I like Rachel Hawthorne’s books so I decided to try her paranormal series. Overall this was okay until the instalove reared its ugly head, which is why I didn’t round up.
April 30, 2009
This book is good. I expected much from Rachel Hawthorne. As usual, it's well written. BUT..BUT It's just too predictable. As usual, it's falling a first sight story. Mysterious gorgeous guy. Etc..etc..
It didn't give anything new or the sort of depth of characters as in Hawthorne's other books.
It is entertaining with lots of drool worthy guys but that's all.
Some other things that irritates me does not realte to the story but to the packaging.
First, the cover. The make up of the girl in the cover looks thick and fake. I don't know much about make up but it doesn't look natural. Considering this story happen in the middle of the forest, shouldn't it at least look natural.
Second, the sysnopsis. Here is the synopsis on the book I read
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I see him and know what this turmoil inside of me means: He's the one. My forever.
kayla is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying—and thrilling—gene that will change her life forever.
lucas is dangerous, gorgeous . . . and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate, his love could put them all in harm's way.
As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destruction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I hate this line "kayla is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas."
It rankles me that they describe Kayla like that. WHen I read it, I wanted to smirk. Oh, of course the heroine has to be a beauty if not why would the hero fell in love with her. That's the first thing that come into my mind. What a generic half hearted attempt of description.
It didn't give anything new or the sort of depth of characters as in Hawthorne's other books.
It is entertaining with lots of drool worthy guys but that's all.
Some other things that irritates me does not realte to the story but to the packaging.
First, the cover. The make up of the girl in the cover looks thick and fake. I don't know much about make up but it doesn't look natural. Considering this story happen in the middle of the forest, shouldn't it at least look natural.
Second, the sysnopsis. Here is the synopsis on the book I read
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I see him and know what this turmoil inside of me means: He's the one. My forever.
kayla is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying—and thrilling—gene that will change her life forever.
lucas is dangerous, gorgeous . . . and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate, his love could put them all in harm's way.
As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destruction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I hate this line "kayla is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas."
It rankles me that they describe Kayla like that. WHen I read it, I wanted to smirk. Oh, of course the heroine has to be a beauty if not why would the hero fell in love with her. That's the first thing that come into my mind. What a generic half hearted attempt of description.
September 1, 2023
La primera vez que lo leà en 2012, me gusto mucho ahora... Ya no tanto.
Digamos que al principio bien: la historia se iba desarrollando a un buen ritmo y la atracción Kayla-Lucas era NORMAL. Pero después, después...
ATENTION: SPOILERS AHEAD
Vamos a ver, Kayla flipa cuando descubre todo el rollo de los hombres lobo y de que es una, luego Lucas le suelta el rollo "somos almas gemelas". Ella flipa. Y a menos de unas páginas le suelta un "te quiero" como si nada.
Luego se lo piensa mejor y como que no:
Pero claro, tatatachintochin en menos de un párrafo se lo repiensa y vuelvo al lÃo.
(Yo pensando que me gustarÃa hacerle a Kayla)
Y el lÃo. Oooooooh. Guau. Que perla. Un folio para el "gran acontecimiento". Una página por UNA cara.
Me lo he releÃdo porque no sé, recordaba que me habÃa gustado bastante y tenÃa buenos recuerdos de él, hasta he cogido las continuaciones y mira que conforme avanza la saga decae el nivel pero después de esto... si ya el primero ya es asà de manco ¿el resto qué? Por todo ello y mucho más un 2.5 porque:
- Es fácil de leer (2h me ha durado)
- Empieza bien y es al final cuando la autora se mete el acelerón que ni Flash y la lÃa muy parda.
- El romance es tópico
- Kayla que empieza bien y termina sacandome de mis casillas por sus vueltas y vueltas
- Los buenos recuerdos que me imploran no darle las dos estrellas.
No creo que vaya a releer el resto la saga recuerdo que el último fue una experiencia mala, el tercero un MEH y el segundo aún, aún.
Me pirovampiro cambiaformas.
Digamos que al principio bien: la historia se iba desarrollando a un buen ritmo y la atracción Kayla-Lucas era NORMAL. Pero después, después...
ATENTION: SPOILERS AHEAD
Vamos a ver, Kayla flipa cuando descubre todo el rollo de los hombres lobo y de que es una, luego Lucas le suelta el rollo "somos almas gemelas". Ella flipa. Y a menos de unas páginas le suelta un "te quiero" como si nada.
Luego se lo piensa mejor y como que no:
Pero claro, tatatachintochin en menos de un párrafo se lo repiensa y vuelvo al lÃo.
(Yo pensando que me gustarÃa hacerle a Kayla)
Y el lÃo. Oooooooh. Guau. Que perla. Un folio para el "gran acontecimiento". Una página por UNA cara.
Me lo he releÃdo porque no sé, recordaba que me habÃa gustado bastante y tenÃa buenos recuerdos de él, hasta he cogido las continuaciones y mira que conforme avanza la saga decae el nivel pero después de esto... si ya el primero ya es asà de manco ¿el resto qué? Por todo ello y mucho más un 2.5 porque:
- Es fácil de leer (2h me ha durado)
- Empieza bien y es al final cuando la autora se mete el acelerón que ni Flash y la lÃa muy parda.
- El romance es tópico
- Kayla que empieza bien y termina sacandome de mis casillas por sus vueltas y vueltas
- Los buenos recuerdos que me imploran no darle las dos estrellas.
No creo que vaya a releer el resto la saga recuerdo que el último fue una experiencia mala, el tercero un MEH y el segundo aún, aún.
Me piro
September 17, 2010
I loved it! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the moment I started reading I found it difficult to stop and I ended up reading it in one sitting. It was a quick, fun, easy read.
I thought the storyline was excellent and I loved the overall feeling of this book. From the very beginning the story was filled with mystery and I was eager to know just what had happened in Kayla’s past and what would happen to her next.
I enjoyed how this book was set outdoors for the most part. It was nice seeing it set in the woods and within nature.
I liked the idea of the wolves and while it was a very basic set out, it had enough uniqueness to make it very entertaining. I loved all the characters. Kayla, Lucas, Lindsey, Brittany, Connor and Rafe were all interesting.
Kayla was a very basic heroine, but I liked her. She was sweet, but strong enough. The only thing that bothered me.....was that at times I felt she could be very naive. She refused to believe or consider certain things at times, even when the evidence was right before her eyes.
Lucas was very sexy, and I loved how much he protected Kayla.
I thought it was sooooo cute how their relationship changed. There was the attraction between them, and the fact that they were mates, and yet Lucas didn’t act on it until it was required.
I think this was a wonderful book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I thought the storyline was excellent and I loved the overall feeling of this book. From the very beginning the story was filled with mystery and I was eager to know just what had happened in Kayla’s past and what would happen to her next.
I enjoyed how this book was set outdoors for the most part. It was nice seeing it set in the woods and within nature.
I liked the idea of the wolves and while it was a very basic set out, it had enough uniqueness to make it very entertaining. I loved all the characters. Kayla, Lucas, Lindsey, Brittany, Connor and Rafe were all interesting.
Kayla was a very basic heroine, but I liked her. She was sweet, but strong enough. The only thing that bothered me.....was that at times I felt she could be very naive. She refused to believe or consider certain things at times, even when the evidence was right before her eyes.
Lucas was very sexy, and I loved how much he protected Kayla.
I thought it was sooooo cute how their relationship changed. There was the attraction between them, and the fact that they were mates, and yet Lucas didn’t act on it until it was required.
I think this was a wonderful book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2015
I first read this series a few years ago, but it popped into my head the other night and I decided to read it again. It was just as much fun this time around.
Kayla's parents were tragically killed in front of her when she was only five. She is now seventeen and trying to face her demons by returning to the woods where her parents were killed. She gets a job at the national forest and helps lead people on hikes through the park. She has made friends with the other “Sherpas� and has a major crush on their boss Lucas. Lucas was a fun character, he was dark and mysterious and yet you know you can trust him. I thought he and Kayla had great chemistry together.
The book is fast paced with a lot going on. There were some twists and although some things were resolved a little too quickly I really enjoyed the overall story. I loved the setting and Hawthorne’s take on werewolves. If you enjoy werewolf stories I'd recommend giving this one a try.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: Mild, a handful or so (A, B, G, S)
Violence: Mild
Other: Underage drinking
Source: Oyster Unlimited
Kayla's parents were tragically killed in front of her when she was only five. She is now seventeen and trying to face her demons by returning to the woods where her parents were killed. She gets a job at the national forest and helps lead people on hikes through the park. She has made friends with the other “Sherpas� and has a major crush on their boss Lucas. Lucas was a fun character, he was dark and mysterious and yet you know you can trust him. I thought he and Kayla had great chemistry together.
The book is fast paced with a lot going on. There were some twists and although some things were resolved a little too quickly I really enjoyed the overall story. I loved the setting and Hawthorne’s take on werewolves. If you enjoy werewolf stories I'd recommend giving this one a try.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: Mild, a handful or so (A, B, G, S)
Violence: Mild
Other: Underage drinking
Source: Oyster Unlimited
April 7, 2019
Este libro forma parte de una saga, formada por 4 libros. Tengo que reconocer que esto en un principio fue un aliciente para no leerlo, porque si me gustaba tendrÃa que seguir con la saga y que queréis que os diga, tengo muchas sagas empezadas que tengo que acabar.
Pese a todo, me animé a leerlo, porque la verdad es que me apetecà sumergirme en un mundo de fantasÃa, a parte como estoy viendo una serie de vampiros, ya estaba en el ambiente, pues me dije, este es el momento.
Es una historia bastante sencilla, no tiene muchos misterios pero te mantiene entretenida. Es verdad, que hay alguna cosa que no sabemos y que se nos desvelará conforme avance la trama, pero de ya os digo que no os quitará el sueño, y la mayorÃa os las veréis venir.
Hay un triángulo amoroso en la historia que no me acaba de cuadrar, no sé , no lo veo creÃble, pero después lleva por otros caminos y me va gustando más.
La parte donde explica lo de los licántropos es de mis favoritas, y me parece la más interesante.
Podéis seguir leyendo la reseña en
Pese a todo, me animé a leerlo, porque la verdad es que me apetecà sumergirme en un mundo de fantasÃa, a parte como estoy viendo una serie de vampiros, ya estaba en el ambiente, pues me dije, este es el momento.
Es una historia bastante sencilla, no tiene muchos misterios pero te mantiene entretenida. Es verdad, que hay alguna cosa que no sabemos y que se nos desvelará conforme avance la trama, pero de ya os digo que no os quitará el sueño, y la mayorÃa os las veréis venir.
Hay un triángulo amoroso en la historia que no me acaba de cuadrar, no sé , no lo veo creÃble, pero después lleva por otros caminos y me va gustando más.
La parte donde explica lo de los licántropos es de mis favoritas, y me parece la más interesante.
Podéis seguir leyendo la reseña en
November 25, 2010
I was very disappointed when reading Moonlight. Especially the fact that it was like Twilight, just with wolves. At first, I was really excited to read Moonlight! Reading about something new, learning more about wolves, I didn’t notice any “flaw� until reading about a quarter of the book. I started to realize that there were a lot of similarities with Twilight and Moonlight. The concept was the same, the characters were similar, the name of the book, and just the little details is what got me the most. (i.e. The Sherpas have matching tattoos on the shoulder.) You can also tell that Moonlight is similar to Twilight because Twilight was published in 2005, while Moonlight was published in 2009. I don’t recommend this book at all, especially if you are a Twilight fan. Though you can always give this a try, just don’t be surprised if your disappointed. After forcing myself to finish Moonlight, I didn’t bother to pick up the next book, Full Moon. Hopefully the next book I read about vampires or wolves won’t be like this one.
May 26, 2010
Have you ever had a book, that you just didn’t want to finish, because you already knew how it would end. From start to finish I had a pretty good idea what was going to happen next and I didn’t like it. There isn’t any depth in the story or in the characters and I truly believe that if there were, it might be a little more fun to read. I do have to admit, that it took my mind of college and that’s a good thing! So I’m not saying that it was awful, no, I’m just saying that this book wasn’t doing it for me.
March 13, 2010
Oh man these books I read are really starting to get embarrassing, but they are a comfort food for me...so the plot, the characters are 100% derivative of everything else out there right now, vamps are out, shape-shifters are in, all of these stories involve a brooding hot dude, who the chick never thinks she will fall for even though she has an animalistic attraction to him, blah blah blah, and yet I will probably read yet another story like this...
July 25, 2010
Innocent, sweet romance with wolves that mate for life. A decent and fast read, but not much story outside of the couple meeting and falling for each other. Good for the kiddies and fans of true love stories. Anyone else should probably move along.
October 11, 2016
3.5
No ha estado mal, pero tampoco me ha entusiasmado. Me ha faltado algo y el hecho de que como el último 40% del libro iba demasiado rápido para mi gusto, cuando la autora podrÃa haber aprovechado más el material... Ha hecho que le baje la nota.
No ha estado mal, pero tampoco me ha entusiasmado. Me ha faltado algo y el hecho de que como el último 40% del libro iba demasiado rápido para mi gusto, cuando la autora podrÃa haber aprovechado más el material... Ha hecho que le baje la nota.
April 16, 2009
This was an easy read, but was pretty cute. I think that the author could have done more with it...
May 24, 2016
This was an okay little book. The events that were supposed to be exciting weren't very exciting. It was very bland. I expected more.
August 19, 2024
4 stars for a reread of nostalgia, but this didn't age super well sadly 🥲 lovely to reread an old fave though!
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