Save Me from the Dark

Death and Moonlight #2

by Cynthia Eden

He thinks the past is over. He’s dead wrong.

Dr. Joel Landry never expected to fall hard and fast for beautiful, mysterious, and maddening Chloe Hastings…but he did. Now he can’t imagine his life without her—and her band of misfit/shady friends. He thinks that he is finally putting his brutal past to rest as he and Chloe begin their new crime-solving partnership, but there are dark secrets pushing to the surface. Secrets that might destroy his relationship with Chloe.

She’s lying to protect him.

A killer has followed Joel to New Orleans. Someone who has been watching him for a very long time. Someone who wants to turn the doctor…into a monster. But Chloe isn’t about to let that happen. She’s found a man who suits her needs perfectly—and she will not let anyone take him from her. She will do anything necessary to protect Joel, even if that means hiding an unspeakable truth from him. Or killing to shield him. A woman has to do what a woman has to do…

Betrayal burns deep.

The darkness from Joel’s past is trying to swallow him whole, and when he learns that Chloe knew the truth about him from day one, his world explodes. A killer has Joel in his sights, and the killer wants to push Joel to the edge—and beyond. And the best way to do that? Take away the only person that Joel loves in this world. Take away Chloe.

Chloe is no one’s victim.

Chloe’s greatest strength is her ability to get into the minds of killers, and this time, her hunt for a murderer is personal. The killer in the dark has picked the wrong team to attack. Chloe and Joel are on the case, and they will not stop until the perp is the one begging for mercy. The hunt is on.

Author’s Note: Chloe and Joel are back! Their attraction is just as red-hot, their need for each other even stronger than before. Love, obsession? Maybe they are the same. Joel knows that Chloe turned his life around, and he can’t imagine his world without her. They’re hunting a monster, someone playing a very dangerous game, and it will take all of their cunning and deadly skills to stop a predator who has been manipulating his victims from the shadows. Thrills, chills, red-hot romance, and plenty of surprises are in store. Think you know Chloe and Joel? Think again.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Romance, Mystery, Contemporary, Thriller, Adult

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2021

About the author

Award-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.


Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.

Reviews

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

.

Deliciously suspenseful!





I loved getting more of Chloe and Joel. Chloe is such a unique heroine, unlike any I’ve read before. Her methods kept me on the edge as she maneuvered herself through the clues that lead to the villain. I can’t find the words to adequately describe her and her ability to see what everyone else is missing. I could read a whole string of books with her and Joel.





While Joel has all the protective instincts this author’s heroes are known for, he also has a certain vulnerability about him that hurt my heart on his behalf. Some of his decisions were soul wrenching causing the angst level to really ratchet up. I was desperate to know how this couple were going to deal with the issues at hand.




As new clues are revealed and this plot slowly peels back layer by layer, I could not stop reading. I needed to know who was at the center of the mystery and how everything that was happening tied in together. And when that moment came...oh my gawd! I never saw it coming!





This is filled with all the thrills, suspense and mystery I love along with steamy romance that sizzles throughout the story. While I believe this can be read as a standalone, I suggest you read Step Into My Web first to understand Joel and Chloe’s backgrounds and relationship.

Highly recommend this one!

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h/H are a couple going into this book
Triggers no apparent triggers

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. Chloe is such a quirky character. She's interesting and fun to follow her way of thinking and how she handles things. Joel is like a broken alpha that Chloe pieces back together. You wouldn't think that they fit, but they do. I also really enjoyed the investigation in this story. Once again, I didn't guess who the culprit was and I like that. I would suggest reading book one first, only so that you get to know Chloe and Joel's beginning. Great book!

[Marta Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

We again enter the dark world of Chloe who has more than a passing insight into the minds of killers and Joel the ex surgeon who survived a vicious attack. Joel isn’t the man he once was but that’s fine because with Chloe as his partner he is finally looking forward. Chloe has always seen things differently and whilst she might lack tact or empathy she has a knack of seeing straight to the heart of matters. So when she gets a call telling her that a dead woman’s step father wants her to give the police her opinion of course she agrees. Trouble is there’s something familiar about the murder and that’s before she discovers that the call couldn’t have come from a man already dead !
I enjoyed the first book in this series as it showcased how very logical and detail obsessed Chloe is but this time it was far more a personal story that gave insights into the relationship between Chloe and Joel. The couple are pulled into a twisting web that constantly trips them up. The death rate keeps ramping up as the past truly comes back to haunt Joel. This had twists and turns which kept me guessing until almost the very end and characters we’ve met before make an appearance with spectacular consequences. For this reader Chloe felt less in control at times in this story which I appreciated as obviously no one is without flaws or foibles. Joel sadly gets some nasty surprises along the way but I actually thought he came out as less damaged and a more complete person. The world surrounding Chloe is dark with characters that are most definitely shady but she inspires loyalty and so it was a joy to read that this couple through adversity found trust , closure and of course love.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I love reading about an already established couple - even though we all know they both still had their secrets. The storyline held my interest the whole time! Honestly I couldn't put the book down. I love Joel and Chloe.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chloe and Joel just aren’t my fav couple. Didn’t really feel the chemistry.

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Super dark and seriously intense.

Chloe is not at all like other female leads. She walks to a beat of her own drum.

“Jesus.” His arms flew around her in a bear hug. “Why can’t you have a knitting hobby? Or why don’t you do gardening? Why do you have to be obsessed with killers? My heart can’t take this.”

Joel is a tortured soul and and thinks he could turn into a killer at any moment.

It was both humbling, and a little scary. She didn’t want him to lose his soul, not for her. “You’ll be here when I wake up?”

I’m so intrigued by this dark side of Ms Eden and she does it to perfection. I really hope we see more books in this series. Lots of secondary characters I would love to read about. Just Sayin!!

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

French & English reviews

Un deuxième tome aussi bon que le précédent avec une intrigue haletante

Je dois avouer, j'avais un peu peur d'être déçue par ce deuxième tome parce que j'avais tellement aimé le premier et l'histoire avec serial killer de Joel qui finalement est vivant ... J'avais peur que ça fasse trop artificiel

MAIS

Finalement, j'ai dévoré le tome ! L'intrigue était tordue (j'avais quelques suspects mais en fait pas du tout !) et haletante (beaucoup de morts et surtout, contrairement à habituellement, les héros passent à très peu de la mort) et la romance était toujours aussi sexy (même si j'avoue je reproche un peu à Chloe de garder trop de secrets pour elle, notamment vis-à-vis de Joel soit disant pour le protéger ...)

Bref, une romance sur fond d'intrigue avec serial killer qui va vous happer !

PS : je veux le lit avec ciel étoilé de Joel
PS2 : et Joel
PS3 : et un tome avec Kingston =D


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


A second book as good as the previous one with a thrilling plot

I must admit, I was a little afraid of being disappointed by this second book because I had liked the first one so much and the story with Joel's serial killer who is finally alive ... I was afraid it would be too artificial

BUT

Finally, I devoured the book ! The plot was twisted (I had a few suspects but not the right ones !) and thrilling (a lot of deaths and above all, contrary to usual, the heroes almost die a few times) and the romance was still just as sexy (even if I have to say I blame Chloe a bit for keeping too many secrets, especially from Joel supposedly to protect him ...)

In short, a romance with an intrigue with serial killers that will grab you !

PS: I want Joel's starry sky bed
PS2: and Joel =)
PS3: and a book with Kingston =D

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Save Me from the Dark, the second book in the Death and Moonlight Series by Cynthia Eden is one dark tale. It is a marvelous book but written more in the style of the Purgatory, Lost or Bad Things Series then the Wilde Ways Series. Still it has all of the elements that make this a hit; well-written complex mystery, even more complex characters, suspense and hot romance with a dose of friendship thrown in too.

Chloe Hastings is one of the toughest females that Ms. Eden has created with just as tough of a partner in Dr. Joel Landry. They are well matched in their desire to hunt down killers with both having an amazing though different skill sets. They also are well matched in having tragic events in their pasts and personal secrets that they try to keep from the rest of the world. Many are being revealed to each other in spite of their efforts to keep them to themselves. Definitely a first rate mystery, thriller, romance.

I read this book before the first one which I just purchased. While it did not seem to interfere with my enjoyment of this story I do wish I had read the books in order, seeing how they met then starting their working and personal relationships. I plan to read it immediately. (I will say as of right now this first book is on sale. Grab it as you purchase this one if you are new to the series.) This is a couple that I want to read about more and more. Please say that there will more.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "SAVE ME FROM THE DARK". Excellent story by Cynthia Eden she did a fabulous job writing this book so addicting from beginning to end full of mystery, suspense, intrigue, danger, murder, steam, twist you never saw coming.
Dr. Joel Landry never expected to fall for the beautiful quirky mysterious maddening Chloe Hastings but fell hard & fast he can't imagine his life without her in it along with her shady misfit friends.
Chloe Hastings can get into the mind of killers her partnership with Joel as they investigate two murder case one very familiar to his that happens yrs ago with dark secrets coming out might destroy everything they have together.
The killer has followed Joel to New Orleans to turn him into a monster Chloe won't let that happen her brother Reese accidently get involved in her case he's being threatened a message sent from the murderer to her.
I definitely recommend to get this edge of your seat book a page turner you can't put down the murderer doesn't know who he messing with this personal to Chloe & with Joel working the case he doesn't have a chance its a must have book you don't want to miss getting.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joel Landry and Chloe Hastings were introduced in Step Into My Bed, Cynthia Eden’s last book. They became partners in the beginning of that book. By the end of the book, they were lovers.

Joel and Chloe have troubled pasts. To their friends and family they seem to have moved on with their lives. However, that attitude is just a façade. It is obvious to the reader that their pasts still control everything they do in their lives.

Together, as a team, Joel and Chloe attempt to solve difficult crimes. Chloe has the ability to make very astute observations. She also has unusually accurate insights into the criminal minds. These skills make her an effective asset to the law enforcers in her area.

In this action-filled book, Cynthia Eden skillfully juggles many interesting characters who attempt to injure Joel and Chloe. Both characters are unnerved when they find themselves at the mercy of these villains who constantly bombard them in ways that remind them of their past trouble.

I loved this book! It is an action-filled, page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe Hastings and Dr. Joel Landry are asked to investigate the case of two vicious murders. They realize that one of the murders appears to almost copy what Joel had once endured at the hands of a madman. Chloe and Joel work together to hunt monsters, but when her brother Reese is targeted and unwittingly involved in the case, she knows that this was a message to her from the killer. How will Joel react when he learns what really happened the night that he killed a man in self-defense? Chloe is such a unique individual with a dark past and witty dialog that charms even while catching people off guard. She started out to save Joel, but he has in turn been her saving grace. A very complex and fascinating mystery that will draw you in as Chloe and Joel try to trap the killer and end his reign of terror. This book could be read as a standalone, but you really must read the first book as it was just as amazing! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Chloe Hastings and Joel Landry return for the second book in their duet. The story has its own mystery and plot, but it builds on the revelations in the first book, and so it’s not really a standalone.

Chloe is a secret keeper, so it’s no surprise that she has been keeping a big one from Joel.
When the two of them are invited to look into a case that the local police think might be a serial killer, it quickly becomes apparent that the case may have some rather more personal ties to them both.

There’s plenty of danger and killers for the pair to negotiate their way through in this book, with an incredibly complex and twisty plot that will keep you second guessing yourself throughout!
It’s Chloe and Joel’s relationship that has to deal with the most heat, as they each try to figure out how to make it things work.

A thoroughly enjoyable romantic suspense/thriller, the book will keep you on your toes, and tease you with half hints and more. An enthralling read for the mystery loving romantic suspense reader.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joel was a surgeon but was held, tortured, and buried alive several years ago. He couldn’t perform surgery anymore so he teams up with Chloe and they investigate murders. Chloe has a way of getting into the minds of killers. When they get called to a murder scene, everything about it is familiar to her and Joel. While investigating, some of their secrets are revealed and they could cost Chloe the most important relationship she’s ever had. Can they stop the killer before he takes them out?

This is one of the hardest reviews I have had to write. You should really read the first book or you could be lost. This is nonstop, fast paced action. Secrets. Chloe is a serious, independent woman. She hardly smiles, laughs, or jokes. Joel is handsome and loyal but had a past he would wish on no one. Could not put it down. So very good.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for the author. Received it from Bookfunnel *

[Dolly Sickles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Eden is a juggernaut of romantic fiction, and one you can count on for sexy, timely stories to hit any of your trope buttons. SAVE ME FROM THE DARK is the second book in her Death and Moonlight series, and it’s every bit as sexy and intriguing as Step Into My Web. The protection roles are reversed, in a way, in this installment because it’s Chloe Hastings who is the protector for Dr. Joel Landry. It’s his past that’s come calling, and Chloe who’s willing to kill to save him. Eden writes a believable villain that instills palpable fear in the hearts and minds of his targets, and when combined with two robust, captivating characters who would do anything—risk anything—for the one they love, the stakes couldn’t be higher. I read this book so fast my Kindle smoldered. I love Joel and Chloe … this unexpected, dynamic crimefighting duo is literary crack, y’all.

*Originally published at Frolic: https://frolic.media/april-romantic-s...

[Debbie Caswell]

This is the second book in the Death and Moonlight series and I do think that you will enjoy this read far more if you first read "Step into my web) the first book in the series where we are introduced to Joel and Chloe and how they connect with one another

In this second addition the story becomes far more personal yes Chloe is still able to get into the mind of serial killers but she is also determined to protect Joel no matter the cost as she has finally found the man for her As the delve into two murders one eerily like the attack on Joel she will do whatever she needs to protect him. Meanwhile the clues build to a stunning conclusion and i guarantee that you won't be putting this book down until you turn the last page

[Marie Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book to Cynthia Eden's Death And Moonlight series is a Rollercoaster of thrills, chills, scorching chemistry and a romance that is to die for!
Chloe and Joel are back and hotter then ever together! There was so many twists and fast paced action that were complete nail bitters! I was entranced and 100% enthralled with this book! Chloe and Joel are a powerful team that work incredibly well together. I loved the jaw dropping twists and turns. There were also moments that left me in near tears too. This book had everything, it really did. I couldn't stop reading this and finished this book waaay too fast. Just Wooooooow!

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars

Save Me from the Dark by Cynthia Eden is the second in her Death and Moonlight series, about profiler and sometimes police consultant Chloe Hastings and her partner, Dr. Joel Landry.

Ms Eden is back with another exciting read, where Chloe and Joel are adjusting to their new personal and professional relationship. When Chloe is directly called to a murder scene, they realize that their pasts seem to be returning to haunt them.

Cynthia Eden's characters are captivating, and the storytelling is equally so. Prepare to be thrilled and wowed and romanced, and set aside enough time to enjoy the ride!

[bookjunkiejane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus!!!!!! This was an epic conclusion to Step into my web!!!! This freak team of Chloe and Joel finally solve the mystery behind the killings and I have to admit that i did not see any of the suspense bits that came here.... I was shell shocked every time and that's what I want when i'm reading a murder mystery!!!! It was hawttttt and off-the-charts sexy!!!!!!! This was a great duet and I just cant enough of Cynthia Eden in the last 6 months or so!!!! She's on fire!!!!!! Getting ready to head up to No escape from war!!!! Bring it on freaks!!!!!!!! 🗡🔥💣💥🔫

[Patti B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only two books? I want more

I absolutely love these characters. I was really hoping that Cynthia would keep this series going longer than two books like Nora Roberts In Death series because these characters are so interesting and fun and complex.

Now about this book. The characters are quick witty and flawed. Conversations sharp and clever. Character quirks continue from last book and expand in this one. Storyline full of twists and turns. A fun and exciting read. I’m so sorry if this truly is the end.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Save Me From The Dark by Cynthia Eden is book 2 in the Death and Moonlight Series. This continues the story of Chloe Hastings and Joel Landry. Their story started in book 1 'Step Into My Web', so you really should read that one before starting this one. Chloe has proven to be such a different leading lady with her quirkiness. Joel has been growing more into the man he didn't think he could be due to Chloe. Ms. Eden's book always draw me into her stories. In addition they leave me wanting more from this author. I do recommend this book/series.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely liked this better than the first one but I still couldn't connect with Chloe. She was just so off putting with her all knowing secret keeping. But she got to be the high and mighty one when others were upset upon reveal? Sure Joel wasn't prefect but I was very sympathetic to him when he assumes the secrets are over and she's the same old same. Overall I just didn't feel them as a couple though. They were so different and not really willing to make adjustments and I just kept saying 'huh?' to myself when there were emotional reveals.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st Reading: 10th January 2022
Rating: 4 out of 5
- 11th book in the month of January 2022
- 11th book in 2022 reading challenge

TW : blood, gore, murder attempt, drug, graphic details on murder scenes and assault

Dark, disturbing, gore, grim, steamy and fast-paced.

I like the first book more. This book is pretty disturbing. Full of mindfuck and twists. The ending is good but I really an epilogue especially for Resse and Marie. I hope there is a future book for them but anyway good for Joel and Chloe. I will definitely read more books by Cynthia Eden.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic book, I was hooked from the first page. This is a continuation of Chloe and Joel but is easy to follow if you didn’t read the first book in this series. Wow, what a roller coaster of emotions I went through and I loved staying on edge. I loved that I was really shocked by the twisty plot. Loved their happy ever after too. I’m hoping Reese and Marie get a story next. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.

[Carolyn Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew!

Chloe and Joel keep the heat and the hunt turned up! Twists and turns keep the reader guessing. Love the strength of both characters and choices between light and dark that they have to choose between. Would love to see what happens between Marie and Reese. Kingston definitely needs his own story too. Maybe a third book because I don’t feel like we’ve seen the last of Morgan Fletcher.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second (and possible Final) book in the series. It does wrap up the arc started in the first book. I truly enjoy Cynthia Eden's books. They are so well written with very intense, complicated characters. Chloe and Joel, Whew! I could not put this book down. It was a non-stop crazy ride. But, the characters are what drives me, and they are so well fleshed out. Thank you for such a great story.

[Liz Sergent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for an honest review. This is the second book in the Death and Moonlight series and Ms. Eden does not disappoint. Chloe and Joel were first introduced in the first book in this series (Step into my Web) and the reader can understand their connection. Joel a ex surgeon who was kidnapped and tortured - Chloe is mysterious and teams up with Joel to hunt down a killer - great read.

[Christy Warthen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow!

Joel and Chloe take us on a ride that is epic! The plot is engaging and intense with action, twists, emotion and heart. I love all the characters from the main to the supporting ones; they are all dynamic and genuine. Ms. Eden has created an incredible story.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

Save Me from the Dark is a fast-paced, full-on, exciting and intense story. That's packed with drama, secrets and mystery. Not to mention intriguing characters whose passion, quirkiness and damaged parts are palpable. And I was hooked throughout, and I really hope there is much more to come.

Would recommend.

[Carina Hales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 2nd book did not disappoint, Chloe and Joel were just as complex as in book 1. The story really drew me in and I couldn’t stop reading! I really want to hear more about King, Cedric, Reece and Marie. I want more if their stories plus then of course we could see Chloe and Joel again! Entertaining, steam and suspenseful this had everything I loved on a book! Thank you Cynthia!

[Michelle Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! I'M in shock!! In a strange twist of fate it's had 2 hard 2 help "protect" but not protect at the same x. And it helps 2 b truthful from the beginning but nobody expected that a person could do that and then try 2 blame others 4 it, etc. I soooo hope there's more 2 come with this series especially with her "bro" and her buddy...