The Truth Behind the Moon

by J.L. Beers

In “The Truth Behind the Moon,” Serafin’s life takes a thrilling turn when a very handsome stranger reveals her hidden lineage. As her aunt falls victim to a unique sickness, Serafin goes on a journey, where she uncovers the secrets of her family’s past. In this riveting tale of self-discovery, Serafin embraces her true identity, confronts her fears, and forges unexpected alliances to fulfill her destiny. Guided by letters from her parents, she unravels the truth, harnesses her supernatural abilities, and becomes the formidable protector her people desperately need. Will Serafin triumph over the shadows of her past, or will they consume her? Prepare for an exhilarating adventure where secrets are unveiled, powers awaken, and a woman’s legacy is revealed.

152 pages, Paperback

Published June 12, 2025

About the author

J.L Beers is a US Army Veteran, mother of two and married to her supportive husband Matt. When she isn’t writing you can find her playing with her kids, rushing them around to extra-curricular activities and working her fulltime job. Her debut book was The Truth Behind the Moon which was published in 2023. In her first book there were some mistakes which people picked out, leaving horrible reviews and it made her lose hope. After meeting JR Ward at Apollycon ‘25, her inspiring speech during a panel pushed J.L Beers to continue writing and with the help of Angelee, her editor, she now has a completed duet, omnibus and Watching O. She will continue her indie author journey until she runs out of words.

Reviews

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short book about Wolf Shifters. Sera has been human her whole life, when a client comes in and changes her world and everything in it. She has to unite 2 packs with very different ideals. Can she do it? What will she learn in the process?

[JensBookishWays · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Truth Behind the Moon is a short, quick read. I picked this book up because the author is local and the premise sounded great!

2.5 ⭐️ rounded up. This book lacked character development. I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters. The dialogue was choppy and at times redundant. The FMC spent more time lusting after the men than learning about her situation, complete insta-lust. This book felt like an early draft vs a final draft. I feel the story itself has a lot of merit and potential. The two wolf factions, and the rune magic are interesting.

This book contained spice, 2🌶️

Overall, I don’t think I will continue with this series, but may try another book from this author in the future.

[Taylor Olszyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job by a great friend. Leaves you on the edge of your seat with great twists!

[Kylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book. I am providing an honest review.

The basics:
Serafin, a 23 year old tattoo artist, was raised by her aunt after discovering the brutal murders of her parents as a child. Now, her aunt has suddenly fallen ill. But when a mysterious man named Dorrain reveals the truth of her aunt’s sickness, Serafin doesn’t know what the believe. Serafin and her aunt are members the red wolf pack, who have been in a long rivalry with the grey wolf pack. Her aunt masquerading as a human for 23 years has caused the vicious illness. Serafin is the Alpha of the red wolves, and as a result of a promise her father made before birth, Serafin is destined to belong to the grey wolves. Serafin must now unite the two packs or determine where her own loyalties lie.

My thoughts:
Overall, this was a very fast read at about 140 pages. It took me about two hours to start and finish. I will admit I don’t typically read werewolf fantasy novels, but The Truth Behind The Moon was pretty intriguing. The politics of the land, and the long-standing feud between the two packs, was very well written, in-depth, and interesting. I was invested in the lore surrounding Serafin’s parents and I did enjoy the overall plot of the novel.

I do wish, however, that the characters had more depth. I struggled to connect with Serafin as she felt somewhat superficial, though I do suspect that is partially because The Truth Behind The Moon was so short. A longer novel would’ve given me more time to understand Serafin’s motivations and personality. In addition, I felt Serafin was a character driven by romance. Throughout the book, Serafin is torn between Dorrain, a man from the red wolves, and Grayson, a man from the grey wolves. I personally don’t really enjoy the love triangle trope and I felt the romantic subplot took away from the really great lore and fantasy world that was being built.

Overall, I would recommend this book to fantasy readers that enjoy a love triangle trope or to fantasy readers that enjoy werewolf reads.

[Ladi Jey]

This is reading like a first draft. The story is interesting. DNF 33%. I think if it's edited, I would try again.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anxiously waiting for book 2!

The Truth Behind The Moon is J.L. Beers debut novel and it was soo good I couldn’t put it down!
I mainly stray towards contemporary romances but this PRN book sucked me right in! I kept wanting to keep turning the page to find out more family history right along with Sera. I can’t wait to read book 2 and find out what happens. I hope in book 2 we see more of Grayson and Sera bestfriend Taylor because she definitely needs some girl time after her whole world was just turned upside down.
Only thing I wish could be edited/updated is that the chapters had titles highlighting how much time has passed. In only a few chapters so much happened and Sera went from being there for 1 week to 1 month then 2 months. Besides that, J.L. Beers did an awesome job with her debut novel and I am excited to read her future works.
•Curvy FMC
•Slow Burn
•PRN- Wolves
•Spicy romance

[Danielle Brazen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It just wasn't my thing. It took everything I had to finish it. It wasn't a bad story or anything, I just didn't jive with the writing. It seemed very juvenile to me. I didn't need to know how amazing the abs of the male lead character was every ... single ... time .. he showed up. I have Book 2 but I do believe it will go directly into my DNF pile. I'm so sorry I didn't like it. I wanted to.

[Melissa Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

intriguing

It has the indi vibe but the story ia good. I would like to read the next one :) :)

[Katie Shepard · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall good book

Things are not what they seem is the theme of this book. Really enjoyed the way the story unfolded. Overall rating for me is 3.75 and 1.5 for spice. I will definitely read the next in the series.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually don't read wolf books or shifter books (should it be wolf-shifter? I don't know, I don't read it), so I was skeptical about this book. The portal to another world, political fighting, and characters (in human form) were well done, and I enjoyed reading those parts. So, now I'm in a tough spot. This book ended with a cliffhanger, and I want to know what happens next. But at the same time, I don't like the wolf aspect, and I have no desire to read about wolves.


I met the author when I purchased the book from her at Renegade Winery. It was fun chatting with her about first and middle names.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want book 2 asap! please!!

I just pulled an all-nighter reading your book, and I'm feeling that familiar book hangover! I can’t express how much I enjoyed it, and I’m truly eager to find out what happens next. I really hope Book 2 is released soon—I’m looking forward to continuing this journey

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick but choppy read, the transitions between scenes could be better. Enjoyed the plot twist and character flip.

[shortNsweet reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique quick read

I love the fact that Serafin is a curvy girl who takes her world turning upside rather well, albeit rather pissed. There are 2 love interests for Serafin and both are drool worthy. The story is a unique one and I love all the mysteries that are unfolding. This was definitely a good first book for this author and I can't wait to see the story and her writing develop. I will be patiently awaiting book 2 😊

Read if you like: love triangles, wolf lore, spice, quick read

[Amy M. Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a page turner. You find yourself caring about the story and routing for relationships to blossom. It was very relatable in someways. There was a lot of momentum and good ping. The story transitions really well and smoothly and the structure is clear. The opening was engaging in the book was very entertaining. Overall absolutely loved the vibe of the story. The intrigue, the secrets, the connections… Great storytelling prowess and it shines through Paige by Paige. I love that. It dove straight into the action. Looking forward to book number two.

[Angel Ackerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This urban fantasy meets werewolf tale serves as the opening chapter of a new adult series connecting the supernatural with fantasy and romance. The characters have a lot of potential, the conflict and backstory compelling, and the universe intriguing.

This debut novel has some minor editing errors and feels more like a prologue than a full-fledged, fleshed out book-- but the new adult genre is not my normal reading fare and I enjoyed dipping into author JL Beers' world.

[Trinity · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not it. Bizarre is weird, crazy, insane. Bazaar is a marketplace with shops in the Middle East. Bazaar was used when bizarre shouldve been used twice....i stopped reading at 25%. Choppy sentences, run-on sentences, and no development.

[Cheyenne Azzalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pacing of this book is great for the busy reader! It kept me interested and invested in the story for the whole read. Like Serafin, the twists threw me for a loop! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book. I liked Dorrion but I loveddddd Grayson.

[Kelley Wilkins-Apgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could be a mini series it’s so good love the characters and story line!!!!

[Samantha Glodde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and fun read that follows Seraphin, a young tattoo artist who learns that she is actually a part of a whole new world. From lovers to enemies to enemies to lovers, you get a little bit of everything, along with enough action to keep you on your toes!

[Jennifer Poliwoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

JL Beers was at ApollyCon, in the same panel as me when JR Ward answered her question on how to respond to negative feedback. JR took this book, and read it in one single night - good enough of an excuse for me to pick it up!

I thought it was really interesting! The plot was very quick, but I think it's because of the conversational style and the fact that it was a shorter book. Honestly, if hooked me and was short enough to read in one sitting and had me reaching for the next!

I like the idea of the wolves being divided and the reasoning behind the war. I am glad Sera is finding out the truth and will hopefully bring the packs together!

In the original, there were some errors in incorrect word usage and grammar, but JL took feedback and quickly fixed them which shows her dedication.

[Kelley Wilkins-Apgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderfully written I enjoyed stepping into the life of Sera and learning about a whole New World. This book could definitely be a miniseries as I envisioned everything that was happening like I was watching a movie here’s hoping it goes on Netflix
Fast read
Page Turner
Can’t wait for the next one

[jenna chackan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
I honestly wasn’t really sure what to expect going into this, but it was a really fun, quick, easy read! I bought this book at an indie bookstore hosting the author who was having a book signing. I’m always a sucker for a vampire/warewolf/supernatural romance, so I thought I’d give it a try! My only wish is that both books were all in one from the beginning of her publishing!