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Beneath the Secrets #3
Crave: Beneath the Secrets, Book 3
I am completely and obsessively in love with my best friend's sister.
Twenty years ago I was saved by the Volkov brothers and I made a vow… to protect their younger sister, Lara, with my life.
And not a day goes by that I don’t take that seriously.
She is my best friend and the keeper of my sanity.
And when our enemies try to take her from me, they will pay the price with their life.
I told her one kiss wouldn’t ruin our friendship.
I was so very wrong.
She is sweeter than any addiction.
I may be crazy, but that is nothing in comparison to the way I feel about my pchelka.
So I take matters into my own hands; I will never go back on my promise.
Even if that means watching her as she sleeps.
Except, what I didn’t realize, is this was never about protection, I did all of this out of love.
With her, I stand to lose everything.
Without her, I lose my mind… and my heart. Even when we’re torn apart, there isn’t a single force on this earth that can stop me from protecting her.
Not even her brothers.
I can save her from any dangers in the outside world, but will my love be enough to save her from the demons in her mind?
Twenty years ago I was saved by the Volkov brothers and I made a vow… to protect their younger sister, Lara, with my life.
And not a day goes by that I don’t take that seriously.
She is my best friend and the keeper of my sanity.
And when our enemies try to take her from me, they will pay the price with their life.
I told her one kiss wouldn’t ruin our friendship.
I was so very wrong.
She is sweeter than any addiction.
I may be crazy, but that is nothing in comparison to the way I feel about my pchelka.
So I take matters into my own hands; I will never go back on my promise.
Even if that means watching her as she sleeps.
Except, what I didn’t realize, is this was never about protection, I did all of this out of love.
With her, I stand to lose everything.
Without her, I lose my mind… and my heart. Even when we’re torn apart, there isn’t a single force on this earth that can stop me from protecting her.
Not even her brothers.
I can save her from any dangers in the outside world, but will my love be enough to save her from the demons in her mind?
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Published November 13, 2024
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January 3, 2025
*visual representation of me taking deep breaths and trying not to pull all my hair out while reading this*
If I could give this zero stars, I would. Because it was THAT TERRIBLE y'all. This book was a clusterfuck and an absolute mess. Yk that feeling you get when you read something so bad but you also can't stop reading it because it's such a trainwreck? Yeah, this was that. I had half a mind to DNF this but I powered through by skimming and speed reading and BOY AM I GLAD THAT THIS NIGHTMARE IS OVER. This is my second time reading this author's work (I DNFed her other book) and I have learnt my lesson lol - this book tested my fucking patience y'all🥲 Just a heads up in case you haven't realised it yet but this is going to be a rant so if you enjoyed this book, don't read my review☺️
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 (𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆'𝗮𝗹𝗹):
- the heroine was INSUFFERABLE and a very selfish bitch. like, miss girl badmouthed her older brother's new wife and then started crying and being all "am i not good enough? you didn't invite me to the wedding🥺👉🏽👈🏽" SHUT UP BITCH JUST SHUT UP🤚🏻 EVER THINK THAT THE REASON WHY HE DIDN'T INVITE YOU IS BECAUSE OF YOUR ATTITUDE??? TALK ABOUT PLAYING THE VICTIM CARD JESUS😭
- the hero staring at a picture of someone else's tits in a tattoo parlor when he got his 🍆 pierced. bro...you being fr rn?😐
- the entire book being about how the heroine's ED and how she feels guilty after consuming calories. okay, i get it. that shit sucks (this is coming from someone who has an ED as well) but centering the whole book around it? that's a bit much. it was coming off as lara having a "woe is me" attitude👎🏽
- the hero having a personality switch halfway into the book like bruh...are you okay??? in the beginning, he was all nonchalant and shit about the heroine's bfs and was sooooo oblivious and not at all OTT J/P and then suddenly he's like "i KiLLeD hEr eX bECauSe hE mAdE hER sAd🤪" not my kinda man😬❌️
- it's been a while since i've wanted to slap some sense into a heroine. didn't help that the hero was terrible too and i felt like flinging both of them off a cliff💀
- the smut was mid. nothing to write home about
- very, very poor writing that felt choppy and disconnected🙄
- cringey dialogues and ridiculous to the point that i started laughing (case in point below: when the hero goes to rescue the heroine after she's been kidnapped and says this to her kidnapper🤡)
𝐀𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧, 𝐈 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐲, 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭.
"𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐨, 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐭!" 𝐈 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐬.
(I'M HOWLING WTF IS THIS😭😭😭)
- the whole thing with his pet flamingo was??? i mean, he talks to his flamingo about whether or not he should go and get his girl after she tries to make him jealous by pretending to call another man over. my brother in christ...you need help😀
- them confessing their love to each other 58% into the story felt so inauthentic lol
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗱:
- the hero being a virgin and having his first kiss with the heroine (even this couldn’t save this book😭)
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃.
Thanks for making it this far. My soul can rest in peace now that I've gotten this book out of my system🥰
If I could give this zero stars, I would. Because it was THAT TERRIBLE y'all. This book was a clusterfuck and an absolute mess. Yk that feeling you get when you read something so bad but you also can't stop reading it because it's such a trainwreck? Yeah, this was that. I had half a mind to DNF this but I powered through by skimming and speed reading and BOY AM I GLAD THAT THIS NIGHTMARE IS OVER. This is my second time reading this author's work (I DNFed her other book) and I have learnt my lesson lol - this book tested my fucking patience y'all🥲 Just a heads up in case you haven't realised it yet but this is going to be a rant so if you enjoyed this book, don't read my review☺️
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 (𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆'𝗮𝗹𝗹):
- the heroine was INSUFFERABLE and a very selfish bitch. like, miss girl badmouthed her older brother's new wife and then started crying and being all "am i not good enough? you didn't invite me to the wedding🥺👉🏽👈🏽" SHUT UP BITCH JUST SHUT UP🤚🏻 EVER THINK THAT THE REASON WHY HE DIDN'T INVITE YOU IS BECAUSE OF YOUR ATTITUDE??? TALK ABOUT PLAYING THE VICTIM CARD JESUS😭
- the hero staring at a picture of someone else's tits in a tattoo parlor when he got his 🍆 pierced. bro...you being fr rn?😐
- the entire book being about how the heroine's ED and how she feels guilty after consuming calories. okay, i get it. that shit sucks (this is coming from someone who has an ED as well) but centering the whole book around it? that's a bit much. it was coming off as lara having a "woe is me" attitude👎🏽
- the hero having a personality switch halfway into the book like bruh...are you okay??? in the beginning, he was all nonchalant and shit about the heroine's bfs and was sooooo oblivious and not at all OTT J/P and then suddenly he's like "i KiLLeD hEr eX bECauSe hE mAdE hER sAd🤪" not my kinda man😬❌️
- it's been a while since i've wanted to slap some sense into a heroine. didn't help that the hero was terrible too and i felt like flinging both of them off a cliff💀
- the smut was mid. nothing to write home about
- very, very poor writing that felt choppy and disconnected🙄
- cringey dialogues and ridiculous to the point that i started laughing (case in point below: when the hero goes to rescue the heroine after she's been kidnapped and says this to her kidnapper🤡)
𝐀𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧, 𝐈 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐲, 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭.
"𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐨, 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐭!" 𝐈 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐬.
(I'M HOWLING WTF IS THIS😭😭😭)
- the whole thing with his pet flamingo was??? i mean, he talks to his flamingo about whether or not he should go and get his girl after she tries to make him jealous by pretending to call another man over. my brother in christ...you need help😀
- them confessing their love to each other 58% into the story felt so inauthentic lol
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗱:
- the hero being a virgin and having his first kiss with the heroine (even this couldn’t save this book😭)
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃.
Thanks for making it this far. My soul can rest in peace now that I've gotten this book out of my system🥰
November 17, 2024
Omg I honestly don't even know what i just read... I was sososo excited for Alexei's and Lara's story but i really struggled with this one. There were so many grammatical mistakes, dialogues that didn’t make any sense, scenes that jumped from one thing to another, it had me confused half the time and at one point I felt like it just got a little repetitive. It was so not how I expected this book to turned out.
From the other books we got the sense that Alexei is childish and unhinged but I guess he was just kinda autistic? idk, but like, his actions and comments throughout the whole book just made him seem dumb and Lara just seemed really immature in a lot of her thinking and actions too. The thing I really did like was his love for her, the way he was so protective and always trying to do right by her.
But overall, this book just wasn't it for me.
From the other books we got the sense that Alexei is childish and unhinged but I guess he was just kinda autistic? idk, but like, his actions and comments throughout the whole book just made him seem dumb and Lara just seemed really immature in a lot of her thinking and actions too. The thing I really did like was his love for her, the way he was so protective and always trying to do right by her.
But overall, this book just wasn't it for me.
October 28, 2024
i have read better on wattpad (no actually, what the fuck was this?)
October 25, 2024
Just WOW! I already had a feeling that I would absolutely love this book and I did.
We have a friends to lovers here and both protagonists are my new Roman Empire. They are so cute together and the love that they have for each other as friends and lovers is indescribable😮💨 + Sheila (the 🦩) made this story so funny sometimes.
Luna Mason incorporates a heavy topic into each book of this series and here we have eating disorder. I really like how she writes about this illness and in an appropriate way. It added a sad part to the story that I really liked.🖤
And can we talk about the spice?! Luna is a queen when it comes to spicy scenes.😮💨 It was so freakin‘ hot and once they finally admit their feelings for each other…aaaaah…phenomenally good written.🌶️
We have a friends to lovers here and both protagonists are my new Roman Empire. They are so cute together and the love that they have for each other as friends and lovers is indescribable😮💨 + Sheila (the 🦩) made this story so funny sometimes.
Luna Mason incorporates a heavy topic into each book of this series and here we have eating disorder. I really like how she writes about this illness and in an appropriate way. It added a sad part to the story that I really liked.🖤
And can we talk about the spice?! Luna is a queen when it comes to spicy scenes.😮💨 It was so freakin‘ hot and once they finally admit their feelings for each other…aaaaah…phenomenally good written.🌶️
October 23, 2024
“Maybe we don’t need fixing, maybe we were always meant to be broken together, pchelka.”
November 17, 2025
I was excited to read about Alexei & Lara after reading Caged..but what a shit show was this! Was this even edited? So many mistakes, dialogues that didn’t make any sense, no coherent story line, nothing. Was going to give it 3stars because I really liked Alexei.. but even his character changed so much throughout the book. How are some people saying this was well written … English isn’t my first language and even I could tell the writing was bad.
October 27, 2024
"It's always been you" done right ✔️
V MMC ✔️
MMC who sets the bar too high for most other book boyfriends to compare ✔️
I really liked this book!! Luna Mason is hit or miss with me, but this book was a hit. I think I'll like the next one too!
One thing I didn't like---
FMC is a bulimia rep. As much as I appreciate the representation, it was a little much. I grew a little tired of her constantly battling food choices on page. I felt like her eating disorder was the only thing she brought to the book at times and it just became redundant.
V MMC ✔️
MMC who sets the bar too high for most other book boyfriends to compare ✔️
I really liked this book!! Luna Mason is hit or miss with me, but this book was a hit. I think I'll like the next one too!
One thing I didn't like---
FMC is a bulimia rep. As much as I appreciate the representation, it was a little much. I grew a little tired of her constantly battling food choices on page. I felt like her eating disorder was the only thing she brought to the book at times and it just became redundant.
October 19, 2024
I wanted to love this because I love Luna Mason’s stories. But this was… Disappointing.
~ Disheartening and brutally honest review below ~
The story felt rushed. There’s barely any establishment of Alexei and Lara’s love, we are just supposed to believe it’s always been there. There’s no tension or longing conveyed on the pages in the beginning. I think this needs to be considered a sequel to Chaos and Caged as you wouldn’t understand Alexei and Lara’s relationship without it as there is no development at the start of the book to explain how we’ve gotten to where we are. The spice is detailed and at the end of the book, overdone. Scenes take chapters in some points but I felt the chemistry was lacking and would’ve preferred to hear them connect with their words instead of s€x.
The dialogue is stifled and I found there were details lacking in multiple sections that made the book feel disconnected. Sentences would take a character from one position in a room to a completely different position but as readers we are left to guess how they actually got from A to B because the words don’t convey the actions.
Do I love Alexei? Yes. Do I love his love for Lara? Yes. But do I love this book? Unfortunately, no.
~ Disheartening and brutally honest review below ~
The story felt rushed. There’s barely any establishment of Alexei and Lara’s love, we are just supposed to believe it’s always been there. There’s no tension or longing conveyed on the pages in the beginning. I think this needs to be considered a sequel to Chaos and Caged as you wouldn’t understand Alexei and Lara’s relationship without it as there is no development at the start of the book to explain how we’ve gotten to where we are. The spice is detailed and at the end of the book, overdone. Scenes take chapters in some points but I felt the chemistry was lacking and would’ve preferred to hear them connect with their words instead of s€x.
The dialogue is stifled and I found there were details lacking in multiple sections that made the book feel disconnected. Sentences would take a character from one position in a room to a completely different position but as readers we are left to guess how they actually got from A to B because the words don’t convey the actions.
Do I love Alexei? Yes. Do I love his love for Lara? Yes. But do I love this book? Unfortunately, no.
November 8, 2024
I honestly can't understand 5 stars for this book.
Yes, I did read all books, but that is an error in my brain that I simply can't quit a book/serie half way through. I need to work on that to avoid the frustrations I had with this in the future.
The writing of this series felt like it was done by a teenager. Maybe I should also go into writing, I think I might also be able to write a 5 star book looking at the ratings
There were mistakes in this book that should have been picked up in editing. First he's wearing sneakers, 10 sentences further and he is wearing boots.
First she has a BMW, than is magically becomes an Audi.
At 1 point he drove a car, but he takes her back on a motor cycle.
Drove me crazy.
It also doesn't make any sence for a "bad ass" maffia family that when their sister was kidnapped and tortured, they just dropped her off at home and left her alone immediatly after. I mean, my own small-town, non-criminal wouldn't leave my side for months if that happened to me.
There dialogues and inner thoughts also felt like finfteen year olds. And so very repetitive.
Alexei made me laugh a little with his bad English and honest thoughts, but even this disappeared during the story.
Yes, I did read all books, but that is an error in my brain that I simply can't quit a book/serie half way through. I need to work on that to avoid the frustrations I had with this in the future.
The writing of this series felt like it was done by a teenager. Maybe I should also go into writing, I think I might also be able to write a 5 star book looking at the ratings
There were mistakes in this book that should have been picked up in editing. First he's wearing sneakers, 10 sentences further and he is wearing boots.
First she has a BMW, than is magically becomes an Audi.
At 1 point he drove a car, but he takes her back on a motor cycle.
Drove me crazy.
It also doesn't make any sence for a "bad ass" maffia family that when their sister was kidnapped and tortured, they just dropped her off at home and left her alone immediatly after. I mean, my own small-town, non-criminal wouldn't leave my side for months if that happened to me.
There dialogues and inner thoughts also felt like finfteen year olds. And so very repetitive.
Alexei made me laugh a little with his bad English and honest thoughts, but even this disappeared during the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2024
Ok. WOW.
4.5 ⭐️ 4🌶️
Mafia romance
Friends to lovers
Where do I even begin?!!
Now Luna has always said Alexei is her favourite and I’ll be honest I’ve been a Mikhail girly from the very beginning….and didn’t really connect as much to Alexei other than finding him hilarious now and again.
So tell me why I was nearly brought to tears over the first chapter?
Alexei has an awful and abusive upbringing, until he meets brothers Mikhail and Nikolai.
They save him from his current situation and this is how he meets Lara their sister. And from that day on he protects her with his life.
These two have been friends from the very beginning, not really realising that they are both in love with each other.
Alexei, whilst not always understanding the whys, has always supported Lara in her down days and moments. Lara herself has and eating disorder she battles every day and the way Luna Mason writes Laras journey, is raw and honest.
Alexei’s inner monologue and the character himself, has to be the most endearing mafia man I have ever come across. How he was so sweet yet sexy, strong yet soft.
And the 75% ish twist!!! I was HOOKED!!
🖤
4.5 ⭐️ 4🌶️
Mafia romance
Friends to lovers
Where do I even begin?!!
Now Luna has always said Alexei is her favourite and I’ll be honest I’ve been a Mikhail girly from the very beginning….and didn’t really connect as much to Alexei other than finding him hilarious now and again.
So tell me why I was nearly brought to tears over the first chapter?
Alexei has an awful and abusive upbringing, until he meets brothers Mikhail and Nikolai.
They save him from his current situation and this is how he meets Lara their sister. And from that day on he protects her with his life.
These two have been friends from the very beginning, not really realising that they are both in love with each other.
Alexei, whilst not always understanding the whys, has always supported Lara in her down days and moments. Lara herself has and eating disorder she battles every day and the way Luna Mason writes Laras journey, is raw and honest.
Alexei’s inner monologue and the character himself, has to be the most endearing mafia man I have ever come across. How he was so sweet yet sexy, strong yet soft.
And the 75% ish twist!!! I was HOOKED!!
🖤
October 17, 2024
Arc Review ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
THE QUEEN OF MF DEDICATIONS 💅🏼
Thank you Luna and @liter for the ARC !! You’re one of my favorite authors so I was definitely fan girling af when I got the email 😭😭 (I will be on my damn knees begging for Mikhails too LMAOO)
I swear Luna your books just keep getting better and better every. Damn. Time. I immediately fell in love with Alexei from the very beginning and how he met Lara 😭😭😭. He was just so psychotic but wholesome at the same time !!! I normally don’t read a lot of best friends to lovers trope but anything you write I’m always going to read 🔥🔥 this was just so fucking perfect ! First off the mental health representation that you have put into this series blows my fucking mind. Thank you for bringing so much awareness to topics that I feel are never talked about enough. Second I LOVE THEM ! Lara deserves the damn world and Alexei was there to serve it to her on a silver platter. He was crazy and UNHINGED AF but we love him 🙂↕️🙂↕️ LETS NOT FORGET ABOUT SHEILA THE STAR OF THE SHOW !!! Never thought a flamingo would be my favorite side character BUT HERE WE ARE 🦩 😂
IF YOU GUYS HAVENT READ ANY OF LUNAS BOOKS IM GOING TO NEED YOU TO ADD THEM TO THE TOP OF YOUR TBR
*mafia
*she teaches him
*childhood friends to lovers
*mental health rep
*pierced MMC
THE QUEEN OF MF DEDICATIONS 💅🏼
Thank you Luna and @liter for the ARC !! You’re one of my favorite authors so I was definitely fan girling af when I got the email 😭😭 (I will be on my damn knees begging for Mikhails too LMAOO)
I swear Luna your books just keep getting better and better every. Damn. Time. I immediately fell in love with Alexei from the very beginning and how he met Lara 😭😭😭. He was just so psychotic but wholesome at the same time !!! I normally don’t read a lot of best friends to lovers trope but anything you write I’m always going to read 🔥🔥 this was just so fucking perfect ! First off the mental health representation that you have put into this series blows my fucking mind. Thank you for bringing so much awareness to topics that I feel are never talked about enough. Second I LOVE THEM ! Lara deserves the damn world and Alexei was there to serve it to her on a silver platter. He was crazy and UNHINGED AF but we love him 🙂↕️🙂↕️ LETS NOT FORGET ABOUT SHEILA THE STAR OF THE SHOW !!! Never thought a flamingo would be my favorite side character BUT HERE WE ARE 🦩 😂
IF YOU GUYS HAVENT READ ANY OF LUNAS BOOKS IM GOING TO NEED YOU TO ADD THEM TO THE TOP OF YOUR TBR
*mafia
*she teaches him
*childhood friends to lovers
*mental health rep
*pierced MMC
November 18, 2024
This book 🥹 absolutely loved this book..
October 22, 2024
So many spelling errors 😡
February 3, 2025
golden retriever boy who’s in the mafia say lessss 😩 he’s so protective i love Alexi
October 14, 2024
ARC Review 🏍️
Title: Crave
Author: Luna Mason
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Firstly, thank you @authorlunamason for the ARC and making me part of your ARC team!
This is book 3 in Luna’s “Beneath The Secrets” series and was one of Luna’s slowest burns and gosh we were rewarded when we got there 🔥
We absolutely LOVE Alexei & Lara, we have seen bits of pieces of them through Chaos and Caged and we finally got to see them in all their love and it was beautiful.
I really love the mental health representation, Lara really struggles with her body image and I love how Alexei supported her throughout.
These two were absolutely made for each other, ever since Nikolai and Mikhail rescued Alexei from his dad, he swore to protect Lara “for eternity”. They’ve always been the best of friends, but when they finally caved in, it was perfect.
“𝙇𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙮. 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙠?”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙜𝙤 𝙨𝙠𝙮𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚? 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙤𝙨? 𝙒𝙖𝙨𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧? 𝙃𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚? 𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤?”
“𝙔𝙚𝙨. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙩. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙮, 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙚𝙞. 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙩, 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩.”
Overall. A really beautiful read, and now I’m so excited to get more answers on Mikhail!
“𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙭𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙢𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙥𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙠𝙖.”
CRAVE - releasing October 16th 🍒
Tropes:
🍒 Childhood friends to lovers
🏍️ Brothers best friend
🍒 Virgin MMC
🏍️ Obsessed MMC&FMC
🍒 Mental health rep
🏍️ Burn the world down for her
🍒 Spice with sweets
🏍️ Pierced MMC
Title: Crave
Author: Luna Mason
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Firstly, thank you @authorlunamason for the ARC and making me part of your ARC team!
This is book 3 in Luna’s “Beneath The Secrets” series and was one of Luna’s slowest burns and gosh we were rewarded when we got there 🔥
We absolutely LOVE Alexei & Lara, we have seen bits of pieces of them through Chaos and Caged and we finally got to see them in all their love and it was beautiful.
I really love the mental health representation, Lara really struggles with her body image and I love how Alexei supported her throughout.
These two were absolutely made for each other, ever since Nikolai and Mikhail rescued Alexei from his dad, he swore to protect Lara “for eternity”. They’ve always been the best of friends, but when they finally caved in, it was perfect.
“𝙇𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙮. 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙠?”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙜𝙤 𝙨𝙠𝙮𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚? 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙤𝙨? 𝙒𝙖𝙨𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧? 𝙃𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚? 𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤?”
“𝙔𝙚𝙨. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙩. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙮, 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙚𝙞. 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙩, 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩.”
Overall. A really beautiful read, and now I’m so excited to get more answers on Mikhail!
“𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙭𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙢𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙥𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙠𝙖.”
CRAVE - releasing October 16th 🍒
Tropes:
🍒 Childhood friends to lovers
🏍️ Brothers best friend
🍒 Virgin MMC
🏍️ Obsessed MMC&FMC
🍒 Mental health rep
🏍️ Burn the world down for her
🍒 Spice with sweets
🏍️ Pierced MMC
January 17, 2025
I hate that this story just really didn't do it for me. I thought the characters needed so much more attention to their development and without it I never felt connected to them. More than that, the story felt weirdly paced and I ended up skimming a lot of it.
October 13, 2024
“I am worthy of the love that I crave.”
We have all been waiting for the time that Lara and Alexei to get together it’s finally here.
The fact that she loves his crazy is everything.
We read books where the MMC is crazily obsessed with the FMC but this book shows just how obsessed the FMC over the man she’s always wanted.
Lara Volkov is the princess in her brothers eyes.
Alexei is the man that has always protected her no matter what.
When these two finally make a move to change their relationship status from best friends to lovers, it changes that obsession for each other exponentially.
Alexei is seriously the craziest man who has no idea about social cues at all.
Seriously laughed at his antics through this whole book.
Don’t even get me started on the fact that he has a flamingo named Sheila or when he’s talking to a snake asking if he knows where Lara is🤣.
All joking aside, these two were perfect for each other and on multiple occasions in this book showed how much each anchors each other.
The declarations of love to each other every step in their relationship was everything.
Luna always represents mental health in her books and does such an amazing job at showing the readers how one is going through it and how they can try to overcome it.
And the spice was chefs kiss as always in Lunas books, can’t look at candy the same way😳.
Also, the nicknames had me in a chokehold when I looked up what they meant.
If you write it, I’m automatically going to read it.
❤️best friends to lovers
🖤virgin MMC
❤️look at her and die
🖤brothers best friend
❤️dark romance
🖤crazy MMC
❤️bulimia representation
🖤obsessed with each other
❤️Russian mafia
We have all been waiting for the time that Lara and Alexei to get together it’s finally here.
The fact that she loves his crazy is everything.
We read books where the MMC is crazily obsessed with the FMC but this book shows just how obsessed the FMC over the man she’s always wanted.
Lara Volkov is the princess in her brothers eyes.
Alexei is the man that has always protected her no matter what.
When these two finally make a move to change their relationship status from best friends to lovers, it changes that obsession for each other exponentially.
Alexei is seriously the craziest man who has no idea about social cues at all.
Seriously laughed at his antics through this whole book.
Don’t even get me started on the fact that he has a flamingo named Sheila or when he’s talking to a snake asking if he knows where Lara is🤣.
All joking aside, these two were perfect for each other and on multiple occasions in this book showed how much each anchors each other.
The declarations of love to each other every step in their relationship was everything.
Luna always represents mental health in her books and does such an amazing job at showing the readers how one is going through it and how they can try to overcome it.
And the spice was chefs kiss as always in Lunas books, can’t look at candy the same way😳.
Also, the nicknames had me in a chokehold when I looked up what they meant.
If you write it, I’m automatically going to read it.
❤️best friends to lovers
🖤virgin MMC
❤️look at her and die
🖤brothers best friend
❤️dark romance
🖤crazy MMC
❤️bulimia representation
🖤obsessed with each other
❤️Russian mafia
October 14, 2024
𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗜 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟.
I want someone to love me the way Alexei loves Lara.
Look, have loved Alexei from the first introduction of him in Lunas other books. He was this unhinged, funny character and I’ve been CRAVING his story since.
But oh, he is so much more! And now I got to understand his character and see all the depth and the sweetness in him, and I loved seeing that side.
Luna always hitting us with the tough and emotional stuff, mixed with the hottest spice.
Laras battle with self worth hit so hard for me, and I felt so connected to her. Her struggles were shown so incredibly well, as Luna has done with all mental health aspects in her writing.
And how Alexei tries to learn all he can about Laras struggles and what they mean, and how to help her.. oh be still my heart.
I love how they have been friends for so many years, and always been each others anchor in life. The one to turn to and the one they can be themselves with, no judgement.
“𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒙𝒆𝒊 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒎 𝑰 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅.”
I don’t want a virgin fmc. That being said, GIVE ME A VIRGIN MMC🔥 honestly, so freaking hot!!
It’s only been her for 20 years and he haven’t even touched or kissed another woman?!
It gives you “teach me” moments, where SHE is the teacher and he only learns what she loves?
It gives you hot as hell biker smut and hand necklaces?
𝗜 𝗔𝗠 𝗦𝗔𝗧. 🔥
“𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚. 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙩.”
Sheila and Bruce are some real mvps. Who knew we needed pet flamingos in our lives, but we absolutely do.🦩
𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘦𝘪 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘒𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘰 🖤
I want someone to love me the way Alexei loves Lara.
Look, have loved Alexei from the first introduction of him in Lunas other books. He was this unhinged, funny character and I’ve been CRAVING his story since.
But oh, he is so much more! And now I got to understand his character and see all the depth and the sweetness in him, and I loved seeing that side.
Luna always hitting us with the tough and emotional stuff, mixed with the hottest spice.
Laras battle with self worth hit so hard for me, and I felt so connected to her. Her struggles were shown so incredibly well, as Luna has done with all mental health aspects in her writing.
And how Alexei tries to learn all he can about Laras struggles and what they mean, and how to help her.. oh be still my heart.
I love how they have been friends for so many years, and always been each others anchor in life. The one to turn to and the one they can be themselves with, no judgement.
“𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒙𝒆𝒊 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒎 𝑰 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅.”
I don’t want a virgin fmc. That being said, GIVE ME A VIRGIN MMC🔥 honestly, so freaking hot!!
It’s only been her for 20 years and he haven’t even touched or kissed another woman?!
It gives you “teach me” moments, where SHE is the teacher and he only learns what she loves?
It gives you hot as hell biker smut and hand necklaces?
𝗜 𝗔𝗠 𝗦𝗔𝗧. 🔥
“𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚. 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙩.”
Sheila and Bruce are some real mvps. Who knew we needed pet flamingos in our lives, but we absolutely do.🦩
𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘦𝘪 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘒𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘰 🖤
February 15, 2025
Well this one hurt. I love Luna and all her previous books have been amazing but this one felt like a slap in the face. I was honestly so excited to read this one but it was not what I was expecting.
First of all, this was labelled as the FMC being kidnapped yet she was only taken for a couple chapters? This also happened early on in the book, I expected her to be taken majority of the book to create drama but that was just brushed under the rug.
The writing felt incredibly rushed and so choppy. I was struggling to connect with the writing and the characters. This book kinda felt like a laughing stock with the flamingos. As if all of that was dead set serious? 🫣
Our FMC Lara had an eating disorder that was talked about the entire book. I have read ED in books before but this one felt so exhausting. It became her entire personality and just became too much. It made me disappointed that she didn’t get help earlier as it got quite serious to the point that she almost died. You can’t tell me nobody noticed it was so bad?
I also found the two main characters to have zero chemistry. Reading their spicy scenes did nothing and I found them so be so awkward. Alexei was supposedly a virgin yet he had such a filthy mouth in the bedroom…make that make sense?!
Overall i’m extremely disappointed with this book. I was excited going into this but it was honestly terrible. I really wish Luna wouldn’t push herself to publish so many books as this one seemed like quantity over quality.
I’m keen to read Mikhail’s book as I have heard nothing but good things.
First of all, this was labelled as the FMC being kidnapped yet she was only taken for a couple chapters? This also happened early on in the book, I expected her to be taken majority of the book to create drama but that was just brushed under the rug.
The writing felt incredibly rushed and so choppy. I was struggling to connect with the writing and the characters. This book kinda felt like a laughing stock with the flamingos. As if all of that was dead set serious? 🫣
Our FMC Lara had an eating disorder that was talked about the entire book. I have read ED in books before but this one felt so exhausting. It became her entire personality and just became too much. It made me disappointed that she didn’t get help earlier as it got quite serious to the point that she almost died. You can’t tell me nobody noticed it was so bad?
I also found the two main characters to have zero chemistry. Reading their spicy scenes did nothing and I found them so be so awkward. Alexei was supposedly a virgin yet he had such a filthy mouth in the bedroom…make that make sense?!
Overall i’m extremely disappointed with this book. I was excited going into this but it was honestly terrible. I really wish Luna wouldn’t push herself to publish so many books as this one seemed like quantity over quality.
I’m keen to read Mikhail’s book as I have heard nothing but good things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2025
I think this has got to be my favourite out of this series so far! ALEXEI is definitely my favourite out of those men at the moment! Woweeee
This was so hilarious, witty, innocent almost, but definitely not in the big scheme of things
I love Alexei’s inner monologue, the way he thinks, the way he brutally does what he needs to without any second voice heading to warn him.
His so easy to love! So comically savage.
Lara, oh my goodness. I felt so much sympathy for her and I love that she wasn’t your typical mafia princess!
She has a deep love for her family, and her own self journey was beautiful to read about.
I love these two so much. This story was well written, I’m was laughing and gasping. It was definitely a nice change to some darker reads I’ve had as of late!
As always, the accents were done well in this. Angelina and Joe brought Lara and Alexei to life. With all their big and quiet personalities!
Thank you for the audiobook Blue Nose Audio and Luna Mason! 🖤
[ ✩ 4]
[ 🌶️ 3 ]
[ 🎧 4
This was so hilarious, witty, innocent almost, but definitely not in the big scheme of things
I love Alexei’s inner monologue, the way he thinks, the way he brutally does what he needs to without any second voice heading to warn him.
His so easy to love! So comically savage.
Lara, oh my goodness. I felt so much sympathy for her and I love that she wasn’t your typical mafia princess!
She has a deep love for her family, and her own self journey was beautiful to read about.
I love these two so much. This story was well written, I’m was laughing and gasping. It was definitely a nice change to some darker reads I’ve had as of late!
As always, the accents were done well in this. Angelina and Joe brought Lara and Alexei to life. With all their big and quiet personalities!
Thank you for the audiobook Blue Nose Audio and Luna Mason! 🖤
[ ✩ 4]
[ 🌶️ 3 ]
[ 🎧 4
July 21, 2025
Alexei has been devoted to Lara for a long time, willing to do whatever it takes to protect her. Their bond runs deeper than either of them realizes, and when they finally acknowledge it, the chemistry between them is electric. Lara is battling her own inner demons, and Alexei's gentle, unwavering support is exactly what she needs. He never pushes but just quietly stands by her side, offering strength. Joe Arden and Angelina Rocca were phenomenal as Alexei and Lara, fully capturing the depth and intensity of their connection.
Thank you, Luna Mason and Blue Nose Audio for the review opportunity.
Thank you, Luna Mason and Blue Nose Audio for the review opportunity.
July 21, 2025
ALC review!
Joe Arden completely kills an emotional narration every dang time! This was no different!! Joe & Angelina did this one so well!
Book 3 in the Beneath the Secrets series. & while it wasn’t my favorite so far, I still absolutely loved the relationship & story of Alexei and Lara. Best friends sister, friends to lovers, mental health representation, and all the emotional & angsty moments. This was definitely slower than the others, but the wait was sooo worth it 🌶️🔥
I can’t wait to continue this series!!
Joe Arden completely kills an emotional narration every dang time! This was no different!! Joe & Angelina did this one so well!
Book 3 in the Beneath the Secrets series. & while it wasn’t my favorite so far, I still absolutely loved the relationship & story of Alexei and Lara. Best friends sister, friends to lovers, mental health representation, and all the emotional & angsty moments. This was definitely slower than the others, but the wait was sooo worth it 🌶️🔥
I can’t wait to continue this series!!
December 30, 2024
the long time forbidden love!
Alexei is so unhinged for Lara is beautiful. Between his candy addiction and Lara addition this man is constantly on a high. This book had me so excited until the very end! I loved every second of it!
Alexei is so unhinged for Lara is beautiful. Between his candy addiction and Lara addition this man is constantly on a high. This book had me so excited until the very end! I loved every second of it!
November 1, 2024
decent read
It might just be me but I feel like her writing style changed so much, it’s very rushed and it doesn’t grip me anymore. This series went from great to meh. Hopefully the next one will be better
It might just be me but I feel like her writing style changed so much, it’s very rushed and it doesn’t grip me anymore. This series went from great to meh. Hopefully the next one will be better
July 30, 2025
First DNF. I loved all other books of Luna. It’s not bad writing or plot but i have a difficulty reading about someone with ED. So i will skip this one.
November 15, 2024
Tiny spoiler?!
Where to begin. This book was all over the place and just not it. I literally felt like the author got overly excited and scribbled all her ideas one after another, then didn’t go back to make sure they made sense. There were SO many scenes where one thing would be happening and we would immediately jump to a different scene, different scenario the next sentence with absolutely no transition. I was so lost. I had to keep rereading paragraphs to make sure I didn’t miss anything. It made it very hard to get into the story and follow along.
In the other books, she seemed to be setting Alexei up as this unhinged character which we love, right?
No. lol. In this book it crossed the line from him being unhinged in a sexy and maybe funny way to just childish. Sure , there were definitely some funny moments. But she overdid a lot With everything-from his mannerism , to comments, to actions. It made it really hard to enjoy his character and made him seem more dumb than just unhinged with some funny comments and not fully understanding English terms. I still ended up liking him because of his love and protectiveness for Lara and his genuine soul, but it wasn’t an easy journey lol.
I absolutely love how this author has taken different mental health issues and brought them forward in a respectful, realistic way. Especially with something such as Bulimia which seems to be often forgotten about.
I also have a very big bone to pick with Nikolai and Mikhail because why do I feel like they had no love for Lara in this book AT ALL. Especially after her kidnapping/torturing. You’re telling me my girl was missing for over a week and everyone just went back to their normal lives just like that without barely even checking on her once she returned? They didn’t even so much as set up security outside her house. She gets taken, you know the person who organized her kidnapping is still out there and you just go back to life as you know it. Lara has basically been a second mother to Nikolai’s daughter since her mom died and constantly drops everything when he needs her but yet she gets kidnapped and the first thing he says to Alexei was “ you could have gotten yourself killed” ….huh? They had your sister sir. I loved Nikolai in his book but I was not fond of him in Crave. Why did Mila who you barely knew get more of a reaction out of you than your sister? Beats me. Idk maybe it’s just me, but Mikhail is the mafia leader who has so much power. In mafia books, I’m used to heaven and earth being moved to find someone. He should have had 7 cars deep storming that place to get to her. Alexei should not have been a one man team.
Lastly, I was a little confused on how we went from in the beginning of the book, Alexei, basically saying he’s never loved (romantically ) and would never think about crossing that line with Lara and he’s just always wanted to be her protecter, to all of a sudden he’s a virgin and has been because he’s never wanted anyone else if it wasn’t her and he’s always loved her from the jump. Which is it? Have you always wanted her and were just scared to make a move or have you really never thought about romantic feelings about her in that way? Because it can’t be both.
There were absolutely a few good moments but overall I was a bit let down.
Where to begin. This book was all over the place and just not it. I literally felt like the author got overly excited and scribbled all her ideas one after another, then didn’t go back to make sure they made sense. There were SO many scenes where one thing would be happening and we would immediately jump to a different scene, different scenario the next sentence with absolutely no transition. I was so lost. I had to keep rereading paragraphs to make sure I didn’t miss anything. It made it very hard to get into the story and follow along.
In the other books, she seemed to be setting Alexei up as this unhinged character which we love, right?
No. lol. In this book it crossed the line from him being unhinged in a sexy and maybe funny way to just childish. Sure , there were definitely some funny moments. But she overdid a lot With everything-from his mannerism , to comments, to actions. It made it really hard to enjoy his character and made him seem more dumb than just unhinged with some funny comments and not fully understanding English terms. I still ended up liking him because of his love and protectiveness for Lara and his genuine soul, but it wasn’t an easy journey lol.
I absolutely love how this author has taken different mental health issues and brought them forward in a respectful, realistic way. Especially with something such as Bulimia which seems to be often forgotten about.
I also have a very big bone to pick with Nikolai and Mikhail because why do I feel like they had no love for Lara in this book AT ALL. Especially after her kidnapping/torturing. You’re telling me my girl was missing for over a week and everyone just went back to their normal lives just like that without barely even checking on her once she returned? They didn’t even so much as set up security outside her house. She gets taken, you know the person who organized her kidnapping is still out there and you just go back to life as you know it. Lara has basically been a second mother to Nikolai’s daughter since her mom died and constantly drops everything when he needs her but yet she gets kidnapped and the first thing he says to Alexei was “ you could have gotten yourself killed” ….huh? They had your sister sir. I loved Nikolai in his book but I was not fond of him in Crave. Why did Mila who you barely knew get more of a reaction out of you than your sister? Beats me. Idk maybe it’s just me, but Mikhail is the mafia leader who has so much power. In mafia books, I’m used to heaven and earth being moved to find someone. He should have had 7 cars deep storming that place to get to her. Alexei should not have been a one man team.
Lastly, I was a little confused on how we went from in the beginning of the book, Alexei, basically saying he’s never loved (romantically ) and would never think about crossing that line with Lara and he’s just always wanted to be her protecter, to all of a sudden he’s a virgin and has been because he’s never wanted anyone else if it wasn’t her and he’s always loved her from the jump. Which is it? Have you always wanted her and were just scared to make a move or have you really never thought about romantic feelings about her in that way? Because it can’t be both.
There were absolutely a few good moments but overall I was a bit let down.
October 24, 2024
“Maybe we don’t need fixing, maybe we were always ment to be broken together, pchelka”
HE DID WHAT WITH THE POP-ROCKS AND LOLLIPOP?!
Also I absolutely loved and ate this book up. I related to Lara and her body dysmorphia. I love how they made each other feel calm and Alexei didn’t try to fix her, he just loved her. The prison parts had me flabbergasted. I want someone obsessed with me like Alexei😫 is with Lara These two did something to me. As always Luna Mason’s writing is phenomenal. This book will have a place in my heart and I hope she knows this book was beautiful written and will be appreciated, it was perfect🩵 I need the next book sooon
HE DID WHAT WITH THE POP-ROCKS AND LOLLIPOP?!
Also I absolutely loved and ate this book up. I related to Lara and her body dysmorphia. I love how they made each other feel calm and Alexei didn’t try to fix her, he just loved her. The prison parts had me flabbergasted. I want someone obsessed with me like Alexei😫 is with Lara These two did something to me. As always Luna Mason’s writing is phenomenal. This book will have a place in my heart and I hope she knows this book was beautiful written and will be appreciated, it was perfect🩵 I need the next book sooon
November 19, 2024
This was a struggle to read. I was so lost & it says it can be read as a stand alone, I don’t recommend that. Alexei had me screaming most chapters for his stupidity throughout the whole book. And it wasn’t his so called language barrier that randomly happened meanwhile no-one else had the issues. It was for example Lara feels someone is watching her and he goes ballistic and searches around the house meanwhile ITS HIM sitting on her lawn furniture watching her night routine in the darkness. She felt like someone was watching her sleep & she found blood on the carpet and an empty candy wrapper on the floor. She freaks out but then see bloody clothes on his floor and he has a key NO-ONE PUT TWO AND TWO TOGETHER. Ugh and don’t even get me started on the stupid flamingos they made no sense!
He goes to jail to kill someone for this big bad woman people fear. Meanwhile her right hand decides to give him the name of the person and break him out for Mikhail?!?! What was the purpose of him going to jail.
And her eating disorder I mean no-one picked up of that. He watched her for 20 years but didn’t notice her poor eating habits until he slept with her??? Ugh what a waste.
Not to mention the spelling, grammar errors this book was maddening to read.
He goes to jail to kill someone for this big bad woman people fear. Meanwhile her right hand decides to give him the name of the person and break him out for Mikhail?!?! What was the purpose of him going to jail.
And her eating disorder I mean no-one picked up of that. He watched her for 20 years but didn’t notice her poor eating habits until he slept with her??? Ugh what a waste.
Not to mention the spelling, grammar errors this book was maddening to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
I received an ARC of “Crave” for an honest review.
Crave follows the friends to lovers to soulmates story of Alexei & Lara. This is the 3rd book in the “Beneath the Secrets” series and is also interconnected to the “Beneath the Mask” series, which I highly suggest reading in order from the start, as all characters are common fixtures in each others stories and help to develop the backstory and main plot line.
I would also suggest to read the trigger warnings.
What I loved about this book?
Alexei & Lara are each others ride or die’s, it’s not just the MMC that is obsessed and protective, they both equally cant survive without the other and would go to desperate lengths to save the other.
I also loved getting into Alexei’s mind! In previous books he seems unhinged but also a bit daft, so I was excited to read about his backstory, how he met Nikolai, Mikhail & Lara, and how deep his relationship with Lara goes.
This book has some hard hitting real topics, and this can be confronting for some. It made a lot of sense to Lara’s character and how she was acting in previous books.
I also really enjoyed the fact that this book doesn’t start at the end of the last, but gives us some insight into where Alexei & Lara were in their relationship and headspace’s while the cliffhanger was happening.
Overall I just couldn’t stop reading, and it was because I was drawn into the magnetism of Alexei & Lara’s eternal love for each other and how much they went through together, though coming out stronger!
This story includes tropes such as,
Friends to lovers
Touch her and 💀
Golden retriever MMC
Morally grey MMC
Mafia Princess FMC
Found family
Light stalking
🌶️ 3.5
⭐️ 4
Happy Reading!
🦩🍭😊
Crave follows the friends to lovers to soulmates story of Alexei & Lara. This is the 3rd book in the “Beneath the Secrets” series and is also interconnected to the “Beneath the Mask” series, which I highly suggest reading in order from the start, as all characters are common fixtures in each others stories and help to develop the backstory and main plot line.
I would also suggest to read the trigger warnings.
What I loved about this book?
Alexei & Lara are each others ride or die’s, it’s not just the MMC that is obsessed and protective, they both equally cant survive without the other and would go to desperate lengths to save the other.
I also loved getting into Alexei’s mind! In previous books he seems unhinged but also a bit daft, so I was excited to read about his backstory, how he met Nikolai, Mikhail & Lara, and how deep his relationship with Lara goes.
This book has some hard hitting real topics, and this can be confronting for some. It made a lot of sense to Lara’s character and how she was acting in previous books.
I also really enjoyed the fact that this book doesn’t start at the end of the last, but gives us some insight into where Alexei & Lara were in their relationship and headspace’s while the cliffhanger was happening.
Overall I just couldn’t stop reading, and it was because I was drawn into the magnetism of Alexei & Lara’s eternal love for each other and how much they went through together, though coming out stronger!
This story includes tropes such as,
Friends to lovers
Touch her and 💀
Golden retriever MMC
Morally grey MMC
Mafia Princess FMC
Found family
Light stalking
🌶️ 3.5
⭐️ 4
Happy Reading!
🦩🍭😊
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