The Red Moon

by T.A. Cruz

None of it was real. Club Völk was a front this whole time for werewolves to harvest the people of LA for slaughter. And somehow, Natalie Calder found herself at the top of the list. They will hunt her and the other captives during the full moon in a few short weeks, and with Nik nowhere to be found, Natalie will have to fight tooth and nail to escape these monsters, including the most bloodthirsty of them all—Viktor Vostik. Time is running out, and if she isn’t careful, Viktor might rip her to pieces before the blood moon ritual even begins.

They took her. They took her from him, and now, Nikolai Vostik will have to challenge his entire pack to bring her home. Armed with the power to transform at will, Nik recruits help from his childhood friend, Dimitri, and the Russian ex-soldier keeping tabs on the horrors happening inside of his family’s fence line. In a race against the clock, Nik will learn just how far he’s willing to go to get her back, even if it means becoming the monster his father always wanted.

The bloodline will be tested. Wolves will fall. The red moon will rise, and no one, not even the heir to the Vostik pack, is safe …

420 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 24, 2026

About the author

Raised in a small California farming town, T.A. Cruz spent his childhood honing an imagination as vast as the wheat fields stretching around him for miles. With 6 years of military service, and passport stamps from around the world, part of him will always be in that little town with a single stoplight and a population of 1500. A lifelong lover of horror, and things that go bump in the night, T.A. Cruz decided it was time to take that passion to the page to shock and terrify others for a change. He is an active member of the International Thriller Writers and is on the hunt for more groups to expand and connect with other authors that share his passion. When not diving face-first into another project, this Bestselling Mystery Author enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.

Reviews

[Carriebooksandart]

Thank you @t.a.cruzbooks for an early read of The Red Moon. I thought Book 1, The Red Room, was filled with electricity and pure passion, but Book 2 has surpassed that. I do not want to give too much away, but “Howl For Me” is all you need to know. If you are a fan of shifter reads… pick these books up. The FMC and MMC are fuc**ing unbelievable. The heat between these two had the pages burning, but this book is not just about the spice. This read has it all: Strength. Determination. Alphas. War. Dominance. Characters that take your heart. An unforeseen threat. And an ending that left this reader going, “WTF?!” T.A. Cruz, I know that I just read the ARC copy for Book 2… but I’m going to need notes or a rough draft of Book 3. That ending!!!!

[Amber]

i cannot wait until this book comes out.

[Cris Bentley]

This book. THIS BOOK. I cannot get over how good it was. When a book has me laughing, squealing, kicking my feet, and sitting there saying what the fuck out loud… you already know I’m going to be screaming about it to everyone. 😂

There is just something about this series that completely pulls you in. I was so invested in the characters and the story, and every time I thought I knew where things were going, I felt like the book had another surprise waiting for me. I loved the mix of romance, tension, suspense, humor, action, and all the chaos that comes with it. There were moments where I was completely locked in, moments where I was laughing my ass off, and moments where I genuinely had to put the book down for a second because WHAT THE FUCK?! 👀😂

And let’s talk about these characters because I am OBSESSED.

Natalia is a curvy, relatable FMC who I absolutely loved getting to follow through this story, and then we have Nikolai Vostik… the Russian alpha MMC who had me completely hooked. 😮‍💨 There is just something about him that makes it impossible not to be invested. The chemistry, the tension, the way he is with Natalia… I was EATING. IT. UP.

And the humor?! I was not expecting some of the things that came out of these characters’ mouths, but I am so glad they did
AND the plot twists, my god I was not ready! Phenomenal, shooketh, amazing yet painful 😭

BUUUUUUT for now, I’m just going to tease the hell out of you 🤭 because I obviously cannot give everything away.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

“Forgive me Father, for I have sinned, and the beast’s name is Nikolai fucking Vostik.” 👀

“You are everything to me, Natalia. And tonight… I’m going to fuck you like you aren’t. Howl.” 🔥😮‍💨

“I’ve got silver bomb, smoke bomb, and a dream. A dream I don’t become werewolf shit in the woods.” 😂

LIKE… ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! 😂

Those quotes should tell you everything you need to know about the kind of book you’re getting yourself into.

What I loved most was how different this story feels. I’ve read a LOT of books, and it’s honestly refreshing when something comes along that makes me feel like I’m experiencing something new. This one had me completely addicted from beginning to end, and by the time I reached the last page, I already knew I was going to be sitting here impatiently waiting for the next book!

If you love curvy FMCs, possessive/protective alpha MMCs, intense chemistry, romance, suspense, humor, and a story that is going to keep you turning pages, you NEED to add this series to your TBR.

Just make sure you start with the first book because this is book two of an ongoing trilogy, and trust me—you’re going to want the whole experience.

The Red Moon releases September 24th and will be available on Kindle Unlimited!

I have SO many more thoughts about this book that I could probably keep talking about it forever, but I’m going to stop before I accidentally start screaming spoilers. 😂

T.A. Cruz… you really did your thing with this series. 🖤 Thank you so much for letting me be an ARC reader!!!

Now excuse me while I go stare at the wall and think about Nikolai because apparently that’s my life now.

[Spooky Mama]

Yet another incredible book by this author! I was immediately hooked and couldn’t put this book down. I can’t wait to read the next book is this series.

[kimiwheelielovesbooks]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

**MUST READ THE RED ROOM FIRST**

Trust me when I tell you The Red Moon was worth the weight, in my opinion it's better than The Red Room and that's saying something. 👏🏼👏🏼 This picks up right where the The Red Room left off so buckle up little wolves!! After learning what "The Red Room" is really meant for... Nikolai is not letting anything get in the way of getting what was taken from him, no matter who or what gets in his way. This book is action-packed from beginning to end!! With the blood moon closing in, Nikolai is in a race against the clock to get Natalia back safely. With his childhood best friend Dimitri by his side and a crazy ex-Russian soldier, Nikolai will stop at nothing to get her back even if it means many of his own pack members will fall... Get ready for a wild ride and just when you think it can't get any crazier, just wait.

Tropes:
- Dark Shifter (Werewolves)
- Dark Paranormal Romance
- Found Family
- Móràlly Gray MMC
- Touch Her & ☠️
- Forbidden Love
- Màfíà Víbés

TW's:
- Dismemberment
- Forced Removal Of Séxüâl Organs (By Claws/fist)
- Generalized Bl00d/Góré
- Generalized Physical Àssàült
- Human Tràffíckíñg
- Physical Àssàült Of Women (To FMC, not by MMC)
- Physical Àssàült Of Women (Not FMC, not by MMC)
- Public Àssàült
- Public Tórtúrè
- Tórtúrè
- Tràümà
- Witnessing A Sexual Àssàült/Séxüâl Àssàült (Not FMC)
- Graphic Làñgúàgé
- Àlcóhôl Use
- Human Harvesting
- Víóléñcé & Góré
- Unaliving of a loved one on page
- Àdúltñàppíñg
- Tràümà & Càptívíty
- Éxplósívés
- Weapon Víóléñcé
- Màssàcrés & Mass Unaliving
- Wàr
- Níghtmàrés
- Other Woman Drama
- Ímpríñtíñg & Pósséssívéñéss
- Féràl Behavior
- BL600PLAYsted
- Éxplícít Séx Scenes
- Nontraditional Séxüâl Themes
- Cliffhanger Ending

[Chasity Trimble]

After book one, I was already invested in Natalie and Nik’s story but The Red Moon definitely turned up the danger, suspense and heat.

Natalie really goes through it in this one and there was this constant feeling of danger hanging over everything. Between the hunt, the pack dynamics, secrets and never really knowing what was coming next, I stayed completely pulled into the story. And Nik was willing to do whatever it took when it came to Natalie. And when I say whatever it took… that man was not playing. We definitely get to see more of that darker, protective side of him in this one and I was here for it.

And y’all…the heat between Nik and Natalie was SO steamy good. Their chemistry and tension were definitely there, but I loved that those moments didn’t overpower everything else happening in the story. There was still plenty of suspense, danger and twists to keep me invested in the actual plot right along with their relationship.

I really enjoyed where the story went and how much more we got from this world and these characters. This one is DARK though and there are definitely some disturbing moments, so check those trigger warnings before going in.

And THAT ENDING?! Jaw. Dropped. I was not prepared for that … like at all. T.A. Cruz did it again and now has me in desperate need of getting my hands on book three because there is no way you can leave me hanging like that!

[Amber Mckee]

Listennnn……..

This book did not disappoint at all, straight where you left off from book one , it did not slow down at all !! I was holding my breath, laughing ,and in the edge of my seat the whole book .

I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN!!!

Nik is the man, eh em I mean wolf you think he is !!! 🥵

There will be no spoilers , nik is perfection and nat coming into her own strong fmc . I can’t wait for book 3 , I need to know what happens .

Let’s talk cliff hanger … tf do you mean ???? How are you going to leave me like this .. I can’t wait another 2 years this is going to be torture !!!!!!!

Dimitri and alexsey banter was the comedic relief you needed in this book as well !!!

So much I want to say , so much I want to talk about but you will just have to believe me when I tell you it’s so worth the read let alone being invested in the characters !!!!

Again I can’t wait for book 3 and to see my babies nik and nat do some more bad$&@ damage !!! And I need my Dimitri and am I smelling a love Interest for him as well ????

Bravo Mr. Cruz bravo …

[Book Villainess]

With my mind still left reeling from the first book, The Red Room, I waited impatiently for book two to come. Thank you TA for sending me an Advance Reader Copy that I absolutely devoured! Now that I have read The Red Moon, I can honestly say that the pace of action in this dark paranormal romance series hasn't slowed, if anything has spiked even higher! Between the mafia vibes, family secrets, and surprise attacks, I was left on the edge of my seat the entire time. The sizzle between Nikolai and Natalia is scorching hot and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe! Nikolai definitely has a touch her and *** attitude and with his best friend Dimitri and good ol' Alexey by his side, he will not stop until she is safe by his side. Things escalate in his family circle, as families so often do, but that is not the worst danger lurking in the darkness. We are going to have to wait until book three to find out if our well loved FMC and MMC can break the barriers and destroy the greatest threat of all!

[Monmonreads]

I received this as an advance reader copy.
The Red Moon is the second book in The Cursed Ones series, and let me tell you...this book was exactly what I needed after reading The Red Room!

I was definitely ready for Natalie and Nik’s story, and I absolutely loved getting to see their relationship and story unfold even more. T.A. Cruz did an amazing job with the second book, it felt like watching a movie and so many twists! It felt like the perfect continuation of the series while giving these characters the attention and story they deserved.

Natalie is such a strong character, especially without Nik by her side. There were so many moments where I found myself completely invested in what was happening.

If you love werewolves, romance, strong female characters, and stories filled with supernatural drama, I definitely recommend giving The Red Moon a read! If you enjoyed The Red Room, you absolutely won’t want to miss this one. 🐺🌙

Overall, I really adored Natalie and Nik’s story, and I’m excited to see what comes next in The Cursed Ones series!

[Stefanie]

I don’t even know where to begin… except to say HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR BOOK 3?! That ending absolutely wrecked me in the best way, and I’m still recovering from it.

This series just keeps getting better. The action is nonstop, the stakes are higher than ever, and I was completely invested from the first page to the last. Every chapter had me needing to know what happened next.

What I love most is that every single character feels like the main character. Nikolas, Natalia, Sergei, Dimitri, Alexey, and Jade all have such compelling storylines that I found myself equally invested in every one of them. That’s rare, and T.A. Cruz pulls it off flawlessly.

If you love werewolves, romance, high-stakes action, found family, morally gray characters, and a story that will leave you emotionally unwell in the best way, you need to pick up this series.

An easy 5-star read for me. Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for book three because I have to know what happens next.

[Tania]

WHAT DID I JUST READ?!
This book was pure adrenaline from beginning to end. There wasn’t a single moment to breathe. Every chapter had me saying, “Okay… one more,” until I realized I’d finished the entire book.
Natalie is an absolute survivor, and watching her refuse to break had me cheering for her every step of the way. And Nik? That man would burn the entire world to bring her home, and I was 100% here for it.
The chemistry was electric, the danger felt real, the werewolf lore was addictive, and the emotional punches hit HARD. The action scenes were intense, the suspense never let up, and the twists had me questioning everyone.
And that ending?! EXCUSE ME?! I need book 3 immediately

If you’re into:

🩸 Ruthless werewolves
🔥 “I’ll destroy anyone who touches you” energy
❤️ Protective, morally gray heroes
🌕 High-stakes survival
😱 Twists that leave your jaw on the floor

[Kassie (toalltheboooksiveloved)]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5

First off, THANK YOU T.A. Cruz for allowing me to continue to be an ARC reader for you!


OMG!!! That cliffhanger! The gasp that left my mouth! I could not believe it! I NEED BOOK 3 IMMEDIATELY!!

I am glad I decided to try and prolong reading this for as long as I could because now I have no idea how long we have to wait for book 3! 😫

I really like where their story is going and I love how there is suspense, action and some good, good romance. In MY opinion, it was not super spicy (meaning; a lot of smex scenes), which is perfectly fine with me! Although, there was one scene that I was 🥵 If you know, you know 😏.. I can't wait for book 3 and I really hope there is more action scenes in it! Knowing T.A. though, there is going to be much more. 😈


The Red Moon releases September 24th and will also be available on Kindle Unlimited!

[dixie ッ]

Mates?
Shifting?
Werewolves 👀
Nikolai Vostik… yes please 🤭

This book had me in a chokehold, it was amazing and I need the next book now please, that ending will haunt me 😭

If you haven’t already read The Red Room, go grab that one now and get caught up to read this one when it releases!

I devoured this book when I started it and really enjoyed it. It was a great read and flowed very well and picked up from where book one left off, that one was a cliffhanger too 😭

But those cliffhangers are worth it, they keep you wondering and waiting for the next book! There was even a few things I didn’t see coming in this book, and can’t wait to see where they lead to in the next book!

This book has it all as well, werewolves, shifting, fated mates, alpha, and more ‼️ definite 5 ⭐️ read for me! let me know what yall think 👀

[Christie Curry]

I was privileged enough to receive an Advance Reader Copy from the author and I am so grateful I did because the ending to The Red Room had me dyinggggg for book 2.

The Red Moon picks up immediately where The Red Room leaves off and WHAT A RIDE. I don't want to give any spoilers away, so I'll just say we meet some amazing new characters in this second book (I particularly loved Alexey) and TA Cruz takes us on a JOURNEY from beginning to end. The characters are deep and well-developed, the world-building is on point, and the twists and reveals will leave you with your jaw hanging.

And then, those final words...

To be concluded in Book III...

GAHHHHHHH

Seriously cannot wait to get my hands on the final book!!!!!!!!!!

[Shannon]

The Red Moon takes everything The Red Room set up and kicks it up a level. The writing is more confident, the characters show real growth, and the pacing feels tighter and more immersive. It's not all about the heat—it's a plot-driven story with vivid world-building that pulls you straight in. Twists land, the stakes climb, and that ending left me absolutely reeling.

If you enjoyed The Red Room, you'll definitely want to continue this journey. And if you're a fan of paranormal romance that's rich in world-building, character growth, suspense, and emotional tension—with just enough spice to complement the story rather than overshadow it—The Red Moon is absolutely worth adding to your TBR. Just be prepared... that cliffhanger is going to leave you counting the days until the next book.

[Casey]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, and this sequel did not disappoint. The Red Moon picks up right where The Red Room ends, and the action never slows down. I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down. The character development is amazing, especially for Nik and Natalia, and the new additions, especially Alexey, made the story even better. Dimitri and Alexey's banter was the perfect comic relief between all the intense moments. The twists kept me guessing, the stakes were higher than ever, and that ending left me speechless. If you love werewolves, romance, found family, and nonstop action, this series is a must read. Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for book three after that absolutely cruel cliffhanger.

[Dalia]

This sequel was pure adrenaline from start to finish. I finished it in one sitting. Picking up right where The Red Room ends, The Red Moon raises the stakes in every way. Nikolai will stop at nothing to save Natalia, and his ruthless, protective "burn the world for her" energy had me obsessed. Natalia is an absolute survivor, the action never lets up, the werewolf lore is addictive, and the twists had me questioning everyone. I cannot wait to see Natalia grow and come to her full potential. The only this is that I hope that book 3 does not take as long as book 2 did to come out. These books are so good.

[Britt]

OBSESSED is an understatement!!!

I loved The Red Room (book 1), but THIS book was on a whole other level. It has everything I look for in a book: captivating storyline, vivid descriptions, brutal action scenes, great character growth, lovable (and not so lovable lol) side characters, memorable & infuriating villain(s) and an ending that gave me goosebumps & left me on the edge of my seat, eagerly waiting for book 3.

This book had me in a complete chokehold from start to finish! Highly recommend this series if you like your romance dark, action packed with a side of thrills, high stakes & just the right amount of spice. Chef's kiss and all the stars for this one!

[Kristi Schatz]

I am completely speechless... THAT ENDING?! 😱
The Red Moon by T.A. Cruz completely pulled me in from start to finish! The atmosphere, the pacing, and the characters were so well done—I couldn't put it down.
Just when I thought I had things figured out, T.A. Cruz hit me with a ending that left my jaw on the floor. A major, absolute cliffhanger! I was totally shocked and I am officially desperate for the next book.
If you're looking for a read that keeps you on the edge of your seat and leaves you reeling, add this to your TBR immediately.

[DeanaReads]

I just finished my Advanced Reader Copy of The Red Moon and it did not disappoint! This is how you do a book 2! It started right where it left off and there was no slowing down! This book was so much more than what I expected. There were turns that it took that were never on my radar from the beginning to the end! I love how Little Wolf is always adapting! She's so resilient! The side characters bring a humor to the story that I love. Now, if you excuse me- I must go pick my jaw back up off of the floor! THAT ENDING THO! DO NOT SKIP EPILOGUE!!

[Nikki]

Cruz seriously?!? What did you do to me??? I know I won't get an apology but I dont think I am very fond of you any longer and apparently I am a glutton for punishment. 😬 I waited very impatiently and I knew you were gonna toy with me again so that is what took me so dang long to read. Just as with the first book, once I picked it up I could not put it down. Daddy Nik as usual 🤌🏼 THE ENDING..AGAIN? SERIOUSLY? I cant wait to see what book 3 has to bring. Please dont make me wait too long again. You must read The Red Room first before you get into this but you will love them both!

[I8mzbhvn2]

I am giving this book a 5⭐️ rating

T.A. Cruz did it again! I absolutely loved this book just as much as i did The Red Room! I couldnt put it down! Its packed full of action so you never get bored, twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you turning the page, and a kick ass little wolf that will leave you begging for more of her story again. It ends on a cliffhanger, so just be prepared! Cannot wait for the next book!

As Always.... HAPPY READING!!!!

[Megan West]

To be straight up, it took me the first few chapters to really get into this one (It had been a hot minute since I had read the first book. 😅). But once I got into it, I was here for it.
The new changes they both faces, and Nico's obsession for Natalie. Then of course my favorite how much more Dimitri protects Nat like she is his sister. Oh, and dont forget the major plot twist at the end, excuse me?!

[Savanna Davis]

I have to say, I am DISTRESSED after finishing this book. T.A. Cruz is absolutely amazing. I was skeptical when I started his first book, The Red Room, because I haven't seen a lot of male Dark Romance authors get it right. But Cruz hit these 2 books out of the park. By the end of book 2, I was crying and the shock factor and gasps that I gusped, I am ITCHING for book 3. I am beyond excited and grateful to have met such a fantastic indie author. The Red Moon was an absolute 100/10

[Amy Frye]

Man and I thought Red Room was good. This book was full of action, tension, suspense, all the things. The storyline again had me on the edge of my seat. Literally stayed up until 5am because I couldn't put it down! And that cliffhanger, talk about being blindsided! No clue when book 3 is coming but I know ill be jumping on it as soon as its available. I am so invested in these characters now I have to know what coming next for Nat and Nik. And I'll end with our boy Dimitri, my goodness.

[Reba Krone]

This book was action packed from the time it started the time and ended, and when the menu said cliffhanger, they were not wrong that cliffhanger left on such a plot twist as well. It’s not even funny. I love this book the spicy was perfect. It was an amazing ready that let me speechless. There parts I was okay that maybe been much but I knew what I was getting into with the trigger list! Will def gently read again! Thank t.a Cruz you really slayed this series!

[nightlyreadingheather]

If I could give this book 6 stars, I would!

We start where The Red Room left off. There is NON-STOP action! Nat has become quite the bada$$, and Nik is having an internal battle with his wolf, trying to determine his choices.

There are some new characters that come into play. I laughed, I cried, and I was biting my nails until the very end!

That cliffhanger! The very last sentence was a doozy! It left me wanting/needing this book yesterday!

[Amy St. Jean]

If I could give this book higher than a 5 ⭐️ rating, I absolutely would. This book brought out all the feels. I laughed, I cried, I was shocked, and I was panting!! The action was non stop and there was never a dull moment or annoying filler. The way this book ended had my jaw on the floor!! Well played Mr. Cruz......well played!

[Amanda Schumacher]

This was an amazing read! Victor kidnapped Natalie and kept her prisoner. Nikolai is angry and goes to rescue her. She broke free and ran but Victor bit her ankle while escaping under a fence. From there; the plan for revenge begins to take shape. This is a must read just like the first book!! It’s amazing

[Brittany Thomas]

Cliff hanger in the first wasn’t jaw dropping enough we had to double for the second?

I screamed at that ending.

The adrenaline!
10/10 descriptions of the fight scenes!

NAT is a beast!

This was a great combination of sexy and fierce and empowerment! I loved it and now to eagerly wait for book three!