Beneath a Darkening Moon

Ripple Creek Werewolf #2

by Keri Arthur

Savannah Grant still harbors deep secrets and carries emotional scars from a love affair gone bad many years ago. She has tried to bury her heartbreak in her job as chief ranger of the Ripple Creek werewolf reservation. But now someone is murdering humans on her turf, and the pattern matches a series of deaths she witnessed a decade ago: the same year that she met—and lost—the love of her life.

The murderer seems to have risen from the grave. Then Savannah’s old love appears. Cade Jones is an Interspecies Investigation Squad officer, determined to catch the killer he let slip through his grasp once before—in part because of a bewitching young werewolf. Now, as moon heat reignites their desire for each other, Savannah and Cade are forced to come to terms with long-buried secrets—not only to stop a monster from killing again . . . but to give their promise to the moon one more chance.

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

248 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2004

About the author

Keri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs

Reviews

[ᴥ Irena ᴥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do have a soft spot for these books. Still enjoyable.

***

Beneath a Darkening Moon is the second book in Ripple Creek Werewolf duology. Unfortunately, Keri Arthur wrote only two books set in Ripple Creek. Fortunately, she took those ideas and expanded the world so we got more great series, so I forgive her.

When she was very young Savannah Grant ran from home and joined a commune. Back then, she didn't know much about what was going on there. The law dealt with the leader and Savannah came back to Ripple Creek to become a ranger.
Now someone is killing people in her home town and she is forced to work with the same man who was part of that investigation years ago. They made promises to each other and now Cade Jones wants them fulfilled.

I haven't read this again (this time), but I've decided that these books deserve at least something in the review section. I'll do this for all Keri Arthur's books I read when I have the time.

[Aarann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started off loving this book. Based on the first 55% of the book, this probably would have been a four-star read for me. Savannah and Cade were lovers years ago, while Cade was undercover investigating murders at the commune Savannah lived at. In the end, rather than interrogate her and try to get answers from her honestly, Cade telepathically "mindrapes" (Savannah's word, and I happen to agree) her to get the information he needs, something that hurts Savannah physically and emotionally. Years later, Savannah is a ranger (the werewolf version of a police officer, it sounds like) and murders eerily similar to the ones that happened on the commune are occurring again. Like you might expect, this brings Cade back into her life.

Here's the thing. I know my feelings on monogamy and fidelity are a bit more... fluid than others, but I majorly object to the fact that Cade called Savannah a slut (outright in the past and inferring it in the present) and got away with it. At the commune, Savannah was one of the lovers of the commune leader and she got her swerve on with the new members too before Cade came along. Cade apparently came in and started staking a claim on her, and Savannah stopped having sex with the new members, but told Cade she wouldn't stop sleeping with the commune leader. Cade insists that because Savannah was able to sleep with him and another man, she couldn't possibly have been in love with him at the time. Well, screw you Cade. I know several people in consenting polyamorous and open relationships that absolutely love their significant others. One of the strongest relationships I know is a triad. It doesn't work for everyone -- it doesn't even work for most people, and yes, there are people out there that if they're having sex with multiple people they don't love the one they're with -- but don't pretend that just because you are one way, that it applies to everyone else. Sorry, but Savannah was honest and open with what she was doing and Cade chose to be with her anyway -- to me, that's not cheating and I was pretty upset that Cade was never made to apologize for his "slut" comments. For Savannah to start thinking about mating with him for life 60% into the book when the guy still thought of her as a grown-up skank really pissed me off.

There are going to be people that don't like Savannah or this book because, as mentioned, she isn't a virgin, and she never once apologizes for her past. Personally, I liked that about her. In fact, when Cade comes onto the scene again, she's involved in a casual sexual relationship with another man. If she hadn't given in so easily to Cade, I would have put her on my "great female lead" shelf. She was smart, communicative, responsible, and honest. There are going to be readers that don't like her sexual past and I don't agree with it. We all know that virginal men in romance novels are seen more rarely than unicorns in romance novels (I can think off the top of my head at least five romance novels that have a unicorn in them at some point -- I can think of maybe two featuring a male virgin), so the double-standard pisses me off.

But getting off that subject and moving on to the plot, at first I was enjoying the serial killer plot, but... wow... somewhere along the way... I'm honestly not sure what happened but it went a little cray-cray.

Still, I have to say that I mostly enjoyed myself and I'm definitely interested in reading about Savannah's twin sister, Neva. I'm hoping that her book will answer some of my questions about the "moon promise" that was made in this one -- even having finished the book, I can't for the life of me figure out why anyone would want to make a moon promise for sex when they could just screw each other like bunnies (or werebunnies) and get it out of their systems without having to make a mystical promise to each other. This was my first book by this author and while this book didn't hit it out of the park for me, I saw a couple of other series by the same author that I definitely wouldn't mind picking up at some point.

[Cindyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Savannah and Cade's story and it was just as good as the first book. The sex and love scenes are so damn intense, and it was action packed to boot.
I have loved all of Ms. Arthur's books so far and have to keep digging for more. She does not disappoint, unless you count the fact that her series end and some to damn soon.
This book has it all, action, passion, hot hot sex. Damn I love these Weres...
You gotta get it...I promise you'll love it.

[Melliane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mon avis en Français

My English review

You all know that I read all the novels by Keri Arthur with pleasure. I had kept this one for some time (since my reading of Volume 1 a few years ago), and I was waiting for the right moment to start it! I really enjoyed the previous novel and I was curious to follow Neva’s sister this time!

Savannah always keeps in her the pain of the man she loved several years ago. She had found herself at the center of a series of murders and believed that she had found love with the man who was investigating it until she realized that she was only a pawn to find the killer. But now, years later, being a ranger, she is witnessing new murders that are strangely similar to those that happened before. How is it possible while the culprit is dead for a long time? The problem is that these events also revive a pain she thought was buried and feelings she thought forgotten when Cade, her former lover, arrives in town to investigate the case.

The relationship between Cade and Savannah is quite tumultuous. They do not trust each other and are suspicious of the other, while having feelings that they can not handle well. But now, their old promise forces them to try to understand what is happening. Will Cade trust Sav to see if their relationship can go beyond a mere obligation? Our two heroes will have to manage all the consequences of their past while trying to catch the killer before there are more victims!

It was a good new story and I was delighted to find Neva from time to time in the story, as well as some other characters! I am always pleased with Keri Arthur’s novels.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, love Kerri Arthur's writing.This is Savannahs story and we get the background of we're she was and what happened hen she left Ripple Creek at 18.
Copycat. Murders bring an. Iis team to Ripple Creek and along with the team, Cade, Cade the man she fell in love with ten years ago at Rosehall. But besides copycat murder investigations, savannah and Cade will deal with unfinished business. The two of the have an unfinished moon promise and years of hurt on both sides..

Great murder mystery and paranormal romance !

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This can be read as a standalone. I read the first book several years ago and wanted to read about the twin, Savannah. Ms. Arthur's foreword explains that this book is not in the Riley series but is in fact its precursor. This I can definitely see and I like it. Savannah is a ranger who is trying to keep the peace for her people - werewolves. When a brutal murder occurs, her unresolved past comes to bite her.

To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author. I will be looking out for more books from Keri.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah is a Ranger on the Ripple Creek Werewolf Reservation and is investigating a spate of murders that are very similar to ones she witnessed 10 years previously. Because the people who have been murdered were human she is forced to call in the IIS (Interspecies Investigation Squad) to help with the investigation but she is shocked when she discovers the man in charge of the investigation is Cade. 10 years ago she met and fell for Cade but due to circumstances and some major misunderstandings she ended up with a broken heart.

Cade may be the last person she ever wanted to see but because of a promise they both made all those years ago they are now bound to each other in ways she had never imagined. They can't fight the attraction between them but is it just the pull of the moon or is there something real behind it? They need to work through the issues in their past but with a murderer hot on their tails will they have the opportunity to try?

I loved Beneath A Rising Moon and I'm pleased to say that Beneath A Darkening Moon didn't disappoint me. I'm sure you would be able to read this book without reading the first book in the series but I would definitely recommend reading them both in order as there is some cross over with the characters. I feel the need to point out that this series is paranormal romance rather than urban fantasy so there is a lot more sex in this book than there are in Keri Arthur's Nikki & Michael & Spook Squad series (I can't speak for her other series as I've not read them yet). That isn't a bad thing & didn't take away from my enjoyment of this series in the slightest but if you're not keen on PR then you might want to give this series a miss & try some of Keri's other books.

Although Beneath A Darkening Moon concentrates mainly on the romance between Savannah and Cade there is still plenty of action and a few plot twists thrown in for good measure. One of the things I love about Keri Arthur is her ability to throw a curve ball that comes out of nowhere and completely changes everything. Savannah & Cade's relationship is very complicated - there are issues on both sides that date back to a murder investigation 10 years ago and it isn't easy for them to trust each other again. Physical attraction isn't a problem though & because of their moon promise they are unable to resist which makes for some scorching scenes between them. I would definitely recommend this series to paranormal romance fans.

[Ria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mild improvement over its predecessor, Beneath A Darkening Moon was enjoyable, if a little forgettable. But before I continue with my review, allow me a brief rant:

With this book and Beneath A Rising Moon, Piatkus Books successfully conveyed a level of disregard for its readers that just made me sad:

- Exhibit A: the Ripple Creek Werewolf series follows IDENTICAL twin sisters Neva and Savannah Grant, both of whom have long golden blonde hair. This is quite important, plot-wise, as they are members of a strict pack of wolves, known for their golden hair. So, to clarify, both sisters = blonde. Now look at the cover. Spiky brunette bobs ain't sported by the sisters - Savannah wears a black wig at one point, but not for long. Cover art featuring characters who look nothing like they are described is the ultimate expression of disdain for your reader - it effectively says "The people who made this book couldn't be bothered to read it - why should you?"

- Exhibit B: some truly horrendous errors, none of which we can blame the author for. For example, in chapter one, a sentence is interrupted with a new paragraph that states "Keri Arthur" and then a new paragraph continues the original sentence. So many oddities - it's really jarring and demonstrates lazy production of books.

End of rant! The book itself was fine - I liked the relationship between Savannah and Cade much better than Neva and Duncan's affair, as there was no awkward "well I hate him and I told him no, but it's OK, he's sexy" justification. It was also nice to see two people with a past, and no tidy resolution to their original disagreement - they were both in the wrong and it takes them time to work out their issues.

All in all, Beneath a Darkening Moon was easy, breezy PNR, perfect for quick escapism.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 4+ stars.I really enjoyed this book.The writing was easy and flowed well.Great characterization.Love these characters.Can't wait to read the 1st book but then I still want more books in this series!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spoiler
Note to Self: Savannah Grant(chief were reservation ranger,twin sis, telepathic, clairvoyant, lover, ex,pal)+Cade Jones(IIS senior were agent,ex,pal1),Neva G.(twin sis,were,telepathic,preg w/ twins)+Duncan Sinclair(were,bro),Ronan(deputy ranger,pal,bro,lover)+Ari (head waitress), Kelly (sis, admin assist & comm officer),Trista(IIS agent),Anton(IIS agent),Levon Grant (dad,head of were council,telepathic)+wife,Ike (deputy rookie ranger),Tane (were bro to Ronan),Rene Sinclair (were bro),Zeke Sinclair(were dad),Tye Sinclair (were older bro),Conor (Kel's bro).

[* Kazzy * -aka Stryker- · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first but it was still really good but in different ways. I was really impressed with the storyline, which was actually quite complex in places with a very detailed back-story of Savannah and her lover when they had been together 10 years earlier. The author was able to give little bits of the back story at varying times to peak your interest, and then gradually add to it as the plot thickened. As usual our heroine gets her man, and although he sounded nice in the end I have to say i didn't really warm to him as I had to Duncan in the first story. Still a very good read however, and one I will keep on my shelf.

[Mara · Rating 2 out of 5]

As cute as the first, unfortunately all of it it's a copy of the first. Same basic plot, same kind of characters, same formula.

Murders: check
2 women murderers: check
Vengeance against couple: check
Past that comes back to bite ass: check
Relationship problems due to a couple who does not talk: check
Father problem: check

All books have a formula, but the reader shouldn't be able to see it.
As I said nice, but I wasn't in any way invested in this story. :)

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Riley Jenson books so I know she can write great paranormal romance. I like the style of book because it is not a repeat of those and unique all on it's own. The Characters are great this has all the ingredients of a great book-murder, mystery and lots of steamy romance werewolf style. When reading this book you forget that world is just in the book and not next door.

[Elisa]

Murder mystery paranormal romance. A little repetitious about the lack of communication issues and misunderstandings between the couple which adds to the fighting and a twisty mystery. Fun - if you like that type of thing.

[Anastasiya M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into this one hoping for redemption. The first book didn’t leave much of an impression—if anything, it was more frustrating than enjoyable—but I was curious enough to give the second a shot. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn things around the way I’d hoped.

The plot tried to blend supernatural suspense with a hint of romance, but the pacing was erratic, and I found myself trudging through large chunks that felt more like filler than anything meaningful. There were a few twists scattered throughout—moments that could have had real impact—but they lacked the buildup or emotional weight to really land. It felt like the story kept telling me things were high-stakes, but I never truly felt it.

The setting had potential. A gritty, remote town surrounded by forested shadows, secrets, and werewolf politics—sounds like the perfect backdrop for a dark and immersive tale. But it just never came alive for me. The atmosphere was described, but not felt. It was all very surface-level, and I kept waiting for it to dig deeper into that eerie tension the premise hinted at.

Characters were another sore point. Neva, our lead, is meant to be this tough, independent woman with a tragic past and a sharp tongue—but she felt oddly hollow. There were flashes of something more layered in her, but they were buried under repetitive internal monologues and frustrating decision-making. Duncan, her love interest and the brooding alpha type, could’ve been compelling, but he leaned too hard into the cliché and never broke free of it. Their chemistry didn’t spark—it simmered awkwardly, built on too many contradictions and not enough believable connection.

The themes flirted with ideas of identity, power, and the constant push-pull between instinct and control. On paper, it’s rich territory. But the execution was shallow. There wasn’t enough nuance or growth for these themes to stick, and everything just kept circling back to the same tired dynamics.

Genre-wise, it should’ve worked. Urban fantasy meets paranormal romance in a world of shape-shifters and secrets? Yes, please. But the genre trappings didn’t elevate the story—they weighed it down. The tropes weren’t subverted or expanded, just recycled. It didn’t feel fresh or particularly invested in doing something new.

And the writing style… well. It was serviceable but repetitive. The dialogue felt clunky at times, and emotional beats were often either over-explained or brushed past too quickly. There’s a kind of stiffness to the prose that made it hard to get fully immersed, even when things should have been intense or atmospheric.

By the end, I just felt tired. Disappointed, too, because the idea itself has potential. But sadly, this one missed the mark again.

Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....

[Ellen Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sex scenes abundant.

Lots of sexual tension, emotions, and sex scenes in this one. A little sticky on the whole what everyone feels and wants to do vs what they are being compelled to do by a moon promise.

Warning there is some sexual power play and choices being taken out so this may not be everyone’s cup of tea. While the characters both are attracted to each other and enjoy the acts it’s definitely more on the manipulative scale for a while in the book.

Overall I enjoyed the murder mystery and plot line running through out behind all the sexual moments. I would give this book a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed it but skimmed over a lot of the sex scenes because there were just so many, and it was irritating to me how manipulative the male character could be. Granted they both choose freely what to do later and opened up about past hurts and emotions, buuuuuut... idk 3 1/2.

I love this author and the worlds she creates definitely suggest reading more especially her Lizzie Grace series even if you didn’t care for this series.

[Milou · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I liked the first book, even though there were plotholes, the book was predictable and full of sexism and double standards. This book though? WAY WORSE.

Cade is a sexist asshole with NO consideration for Savannah's feelings, the consequences of his actions and just UGH. He didn't improve until the last few pages. It was incredibly frustrating, and caused me to skim over most of the book instead of actually reading it.

The plot was a little better, and a little more sinister this time, but in no way makes up for this giant asshole of a love interest.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked this book at first. At about 60% complete I became tired of the repetitiveness of the book, the inappropriate times in which the characters were aroused ("Hey we are in this really intense situation and the bad guy could be around the corner, but I'm going to rub my junk on you."), and got to a point where I just didn't care what happened.

For the most part I really like Arthur's books, but does every. single. one. of her books have to contain the phrase "a kaleidoscope of sensation?!" This one had it in the twice!

[Lync Lync · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Keri’s work when she is not trying to cram gratuitous sex into her stories. While it is there – it seems to be obligatory when you are dealing with vampires and werewolves – in this case, the latter – but when it occurs it is a necessary part of the story. She does seem to buy into some weird mythology about moon fever and bondage though, which made me uncomfortable in this story and its prequel.

[Jenny Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

It not very often that a series actually catches my interest & you actually want to read every word. This one has, the characters are excellent, the story lines are similar but different each time & the books are very well written. Thanks hope there’s still more to come!

[TinaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd recommend reading the first book again before reading this one to help remember the people. Some of the werewolf details seem strange to me but the chemistry between these two is spicy.

[Su · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, loved it loved it !!!!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced but I was grateful that I checked this out from the library rather than buying it.

[Marion Over · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this series continued ......

[Therese Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like shifters this is a great series

If you like shifters this is a great series. I have enjoyed reading it and am hoping that there is more

[leeissearchingforfmcswithbackbones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Savannah is beyond stupid. I wouldn’t even start on Cade. Totally worthless. The plot? Disastrous.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this!

[Abril · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't take any more submissiveness from a supposedly strong independent woman. I did not finish this one. Just like in the previous book, somehow the female is forced into a sexual relationship that they agreed to in the first place, but the man keeps hurting and taking advantage of the woman. In this one he literally made her agree to be under his influence for an indefinite amount of time during sex. And she agreed! WFT?! I wanted to pull my hair out. At some point, I realized I was so unhappy reading this book that I needed out. I asked for my money back and put this on my DNF shelf.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 Werewolf Series
Savannah
Cade Jones
Savannah is head Ranger in her town of Ripple Creek Co, where there has been a murder and Cade Jones is with IIS (Interspecies Investigation Services). Cade and Savannah share a past, in that when she was 18 she joined a commune and Cade came there to hunt a killer and was with Savannah there. Now 10 years later the killer is after them to right a wrong. This was a very good book, I really enjoyed it, the mystery surrounding the murders, the characters and the relationship between Savannah and one of her Rangers and best friend Ronan. I would read more books by Keri Arthur.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my Lord, was this novel entertaining. It was just as good as the first one, and it certainly held my attention. Especially, considering that the main characters had a chemistry that I normally don't like in a novel. However, it actually worked out perfectly in this one. Which is a huge relief for urban fantasy lovers everywhere. For I'd hate to see Keri Arthur start to go downhill. An thankfully she hasn't yet.

Savannah has long since put the past behind her. But the past is bound and determined to become her future as well. For even though Sav fought her way back up from the bottom, only one thing could truly bring her down to her knees. That one thing being detective Cade Jones; the only man to ever get under her skin. Only this time it's much worse. Because the only reason as to why he's back in Sav's life is because people are dying all over again. In the exact same way as in Sav's past. Which Cade is only all too aware of. Especially, since he's been looking for Savannah for many years now. But she didn't used to go by that name when he first knew her. No, she went by the name of Vannah when she was a part of the Rosehall cult. A cult that was supposed to be all about purity and love, but instead was all about despair and death. And it's starting to happen all over again. Except this time it's happening in Ripple Creek, and the man who's behind it has been dead for many years now. A fact that both Savannah and Cade both know all too well. The problem is that these recent murders are carbon copies of the first. But this time they all seem to be pointing straight at Sav. However, that's not Savannah's only problem. For it seems like Cade is going to use the remaining time that was left from their original dance. Even if it means using the pull from the moon to force Savannah into it. Which is Savannah's worst fear. An she won't let anyone take control of her ever again. However, her true fear is that she may actually want Cade in a way that she's afraid to admit to.

This novel can be found in the romance section of any bookstore. However, this novel is full of shifters and magic. So it could be argued that this is actually an urban fantasy romance novel. One that's full of action, passion, drama, mystery, and adventure at its finest. It's the type of novel that has a lot of background added to its plot. But in this case it worked out beautifully. The information only added to the hype that came with this plot. It was the same way with the actual plot twist as well. Meaning that all the extra suspense finally paid off. Leaving me to give this novel a very excellent recommendation on its behalf. For this is the type of novel that sticks with you in the long run. It just has that addicting quality that all urban fantasy lovers everywhere will truly enjoy. So run to your nearest library or bookstore, and pick this novel up today. For it surely won't disappoint you in any way.

*Read on December 30th, 2012