From the Back of My Shelf (3): Dark of the Moon

From the Back of My Shelf is hosted by Erica (The Book Cellar) and Katie (Katie's Book Blog).

Dark of the Moon by Rachel Hawthorne

Released: August 25, 2009
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 261
Series: Dark Guardians #3
Rating: 5

I've loved him forever, but he can never be mine.

Brittany is determined to prove herself to the Dark Guardians. And yet she's been keeping a devastating secret: She hasn't experienced any of the intense, early signs of change that mark a Dark Guardian's transformation. The only intense feelings she has are for Connor—and she's kept that a secret, too. But she knows she'll never truly have Connor's love if she's not a Shifter like him.

At the first full moon after her birthday, her greatest fear is realized: She doesn't transform. Brittany is so desperate to become a wolf that she'll go to extremes she never thought possible . . . and put all the Dark Guardians in incredible danger.


This is such a great series. Light, fun, and just plain awesome. The writing was exceptional and the characters had just enough depth to them.

I didn’t like Brittany at all until this novel when I was able to get inside her head and learn more about her. She’s the only girl to face the transformation - the first shift on the first full moon after her birthday - without a mate in centuries. The Elder’s don’t believe she will survive, but that doesn’t stop Brittany’s determination to do it alone. The good news is she survives, but the bad news is she doesn’t transform. In shock and wondering how to explain to the rest of the shifter community, she ends up captured by scientists wanting to expose the werewolves to the world. Captured along with her is Conner, the one she loves.

With romance, a bit of danger, and strong bonds of friendship make this a perfect series for a quick and enjoyable read.

From the Back of My Shelf (2): Full Moon

From the Back of My Shelf is hosted by Erica (The Book Cellar) and Katie (Katie's Book Blog).

Full Moon by Rachel Hawthorne

Released: July 1, 2009
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 320
Series: Dark Guardians #2
Rating: 5 stars

I may be promised to another…but thoughts of Rafe consume me. I don’t know how much longer I can resist.


Lindsey is wild and reckless, a natural rebel - maybe because her entire life was laid out for her even before she was born. Her parents are among the most powerful members of the Dark Guardians, an ancient tribe of werewolves, and they arranged Lindsey’s betrothal to Conner long ago. The next full moon is coming all too soon, and then her commitment to Conner will be final - no turning back. She should be happy…so why can’t she stop thinking about gorgeous, brooding Rafe?


When a dangerous threat on the pack escalates, so do tensions between Conner and Rafe. A fight over Lindsey is imminent, but will it be to the death.

This is the second book of the Dark Guardians series. I just love these books…they’re a light, fun read with romance and a little bit of danger thrown in that’s just perfect for a lazy or rainy day because I can read them in one sitting.

Each book is narrated by a different character and Full Moon is focused solely on Lindsey. Lindsey is a few weeks away from experiencing her first shift on the first full moon after her 17th birthday, which is a special time in the shifter community. This time is meant to be shared with one’s mate, but Lindsey isn’t so sure that her mate is Conner - a man she’s been with for like ever and a man her parents envisioned her with. Lately she has had her eye on Rafe, which I was definitely rooting for…no offense Conner.

While Lindsey is trying to figure out who her true mate is, there’s still danger lingering from Moonlight with the scientists who are looking to capture and run tests on the werewolves in order to expose their secrets to the world.

I found that I enjoyed Full Moon much more than I did Moonlight. But overall this is a simple, yet very satisfying, series. If you want something quick and fun to read, I recommend this series.

Book Review: Moonlight

Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne

Released: March 1, 2009

Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 272

Series: Dark Guardian #1
Rating: 5 stars

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.

This is one of those books that's perfect for a rainy day...or whenever actually. With a little bit of romance and fantasy thrown in, Moonlight was exactly my kind of book and just what the doctor called for. LOL! :)

I loved this book. An easy read with a quick-moving and interesting plot. I devoured it in a few hours because it was hart to put down. The characters were perfectly developed - not to shallow but not too overdone either. Each had a bit of mystery to them, which I loved! Makes it a little harder to figure them out and then when their story is finally revealed you like, "Wow! Wasn't expecting that!"

After finishing up this book, I ran out to the nearest bookstore the next day and bought the rest of the series. I can't wait to start reading them.