The Buried Tale: The Star-Crossed Lovers

Fairy Tales From the Underworld #2

by L.C. Moon

Do you know who you are?

Not all children are born equal. To say otherwise is a lie. So much is decided for us upon birth. Our name. The skin we live in. The family we're born into. A war-torn country… or a Beverly Hills ZIP code. So much of what shapes us lies beyond our control.

What of our choices? Do they not define us? Or is it the inner child we sacrificed to survive who holds the secrets to who we are?
Laura Malkin went through hell and came out crowned in flames. In the shadowed alleys of Montreal's Underworld, they all whisper the same "Beware the Purple Witch and her Little Wolves..."

And so, our tale begins again. Not where the last chapter ended, but where the pieces have landed. After all the lines were drawn, and the dust settled.

The Son of Snow… meets the Daughter of Sand.


(Please note, this book contains graphic sexual content and deals with heavy subject matter, suitable for readers 18+.)

Genres: Fiction, Dark

488 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2025

About the author

Author of the Fairy Tales From the Underworld series.

I am a dreamer. Even as a child, I was lost in a world of my making, caught up in elaborate fantasies. I obsessed over fairy tales, especially the ones with dark undertones where I could sense a hidden meaning. As I grew up, I became a fan of Gothic fiction, domestic thrillers, character-driven stories, and epic sagas alike.

I'll be forever drawn to complex, broken characters and stories that dissect the intricacies of intimate relationships. I like to explore the darker side of human nature, and I understand that my writing can be divisive. It is definitely not for everyone. And that's okay.

I thank each and every one of my readers. Your reviews mean more than you can ever know.

Happy to connect on GR or IG @lcmoonattic 🙂

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh, OMG, where do I even begin with this? First off, for anyone who doesn't know me, let me just say how much I absolutely hate cliffhangers. Believe it or not, after the last book, I was literally kicking and screaming about that cliffhanger!

To make things even worse, I found out that the author announced she wouldn't be releasing the next book for at least two years... My first thought was, what the heck did I sign up for?
This author left us with a wild cliffhanger, and honestly, I was still thinking about its months later.

Then I thought, I’m never reading another book by this lady again; I was so ticked off... but here I am, sitting here with another book from her, and I’m just speechless………. My apologies about if I vented too long or too much About the cliffhanger…. Lol

As we head back to the underworld, a lot has changed, but some things remain the same.

For instance, that sweet young woman we met in the last part is gone, as we saw her transform into someone incredibly strong and powerful by the end of the previous story. In this new chapter, she's even stronger, wiser, and a bit darker.

Laura had to rebuild herself from scratch once more. From the ashes, the Purple Witch emerged. With her came unimaginable secrets, unexpected victories, and sacrifices that can't be measured.

Killian Krowe Malkin's charm was like a weapon, just as deadly as it was famous. From the bits and pieces, I picked up throughout the book, it was clear that men were scared of him, while women were completely enchanted. All over the city, people whispered about the fate of those who dared to cross him. He was a cold-blooded Don Juan, or so the stories went, and best avoided at all costs. Yet, Interestingly, none of his adversaries had ever brought charges against him... due to their fear of revenge.. Even stranger, not a single one of the broken-hearted souls he left in his wake ever spoke up. One thing was for sure: Krowe meant trouble. For Kay.

There are definitely a lot of moving pieces in this particular installment, but I can honestly say I wasn't really overwhelmed by them, Oh no, no, no! I was completely left Speechless........ I absolutely adored everything about the main characters; they were awesome, and the chemistry between them was just

I realize I begin on a strong note by criticizing the author for leaving us with a significant cliffhanger. .But that's just my dark humor coming through, as I mentioned at the start of my review. You notice that I’m back again, reading another book from this author, not out of obligation but by choice....... lol


Book 1 -A Bedtime Story: Live
Book 2 – The Buried Tale Expected publication December 14, 2025
Book 3- Ode to the Fallen xpected publication January 1, 2027

[L.C. Moon]

Edit Dec 5, 2025

So... apparently GR is taking away our DMs... 🫥😒 but but but.... what about all the buddy reads??? and all the sh*t we say we would never in an official review 😯🫢... and... all the spoilers! and teasers! and inappropriate jokes and bonding?!? 😫

Guess you'll find me hanging more often on IG now🤷‍♀️ @lcmoonattic where you CAN absolutely DM me 😌 I follow back all bookish accounts 📚🤩

Oh! and... less than 10 days for the official release! 🤭❄️

Thank you. To all of you on the FTFTU journey with me. It means the world. 🥹🫶🏻


Edit Nov 12, 2025

Dear GR friends and loyal readers,

At last... the official ARC for The Buried Tale (The Star-Crossed Lovers), Part II of the Fairy Tales From the Underworld (FTFTU) series is now available 🥹

You might've heard the story... Part II took over a decade to come to life. I had turned away from writing altogether after publishing the first volume (personal reasons).

Life had other plans, it seems. As it always does.

But I will say, even in the long years I avoided pen and paper (or keyboard, to be accurate) FTFTU always stayed with me. To be honest, I can't recall a time in my life where FTFTU was not with me. It was always there in the periphery, when I was too busy enjoying life... always there to catch me when I inevitably returned, needing a safe and dark space to lick my wounds.

In 2022, things seemed to click into place, and I dove right back into writing. Not to continue the seemingly abandoned book series... But to rewrite its first chapter. With all I'd gained from scars and pain. A revised version of A Bedtime Story emerged in 2023. A little more nuanced. With a greater understanding of its very flawed characters.

I always knew how the FTFTU series would end. And I can't wait to head toward the next and final chapter of the series together in Ode to the Fallen. But today, we celebrate an important milestone in my life: my second book completed. One I doubted would ever see the light of day. Part II of the FTFTU saga. And I couldn't be any more proud to share it with you. 💜

📢To all my NetGalley friends:
A Bedtime Story is currently available:
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
The Buried Tale is now available:
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...

📢To all my GR friends:
A Bedtime Story is currently available on KU
The Buried Tale will release on KU on Dec 14, 2025

📢 OR just DM me for a review copy/ARC ☺️

Wishing all a wonderful holiday season to come! 🎄❄️🎅(We had our first snow in Montreal, so I'm allowed 😌❄️⛄😅💜)



Happy New Year, dear GR friends!!

I am so incredibly thankful for some of the connections I made here. It can be very challenging to remain optimistic while witnessing all the ongoing suffering in the world. What a blessing it is to have a haven for strangers to bond over their love of stories. I believe storytelling, through whatever medium, is among the greatest gifts we offer each other. It is what brings us together as humans.

May we continue to share the songs in our hearts and aim to find beauty in this world. It is always there.

On this first day of the new year, it means a lot to me to share with you the blurb of The Buried Tale (The Star-Crossed Lovers), Part II of Fairy Tales From the Underworld.

Looking forward to your thoughts! …. Stay posted for the cover reveal 😉

Thank you for your support and friendship.

Wishing all a very happy 2025! May you be at peace, safe, warm, and loved. Wherever you are.

[bookgalbrock 🐝✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Buried Tale


I was lucky enough to receive this arc in exchange for an honest review from the author.

star rating: 6/5stars


“I shouldn’t forgive you, and I don’t. I should forget you, but I can’t. I shouldn’t love you, but I do.”
LC you broke my heart and then had the nerve to put it back together just to break it again. It was an emotional journey but I forgive you.

I won’t tell a lie, this story started off bittersweet for me with the confirmed death of Kayne. No. Honestly, I was heart broken and gutted. But in a world of Rulers and Monsters you don’t get to go peacefully in your sleep. Not with betrayal, revenge and the grim reaper lurking around every corner. In a life of sin you must be prepared to die by your own sword.
Laura did her monster proud. Of course, I wanted to see Kayne recover, for him and Laura to burn down their enemies. Together. And rebuild from the ashes. But the death of Kayne was a cataclysm for Laura and from the ruins a new Laura emerged. Reborn. And 25 years later, we’re meeting her again anew. As The Purple Witch.

Some people leave a lasting mark on you, even in short period of time. Kayne obviously did that. For Laura, for Lucas and even for Krowe. Whom he never met.

I believe if given the choice Laura would relive every single moment with Kayne, even knowing the outcome so I can never look at their story as a tragedy. But love sometimes is tragic and not all fairytales have happy endings. For better or worse, one must die to their former self every single day. Laura seemed to have done that in the hardest way. (And maybe the worst way) though this was a journey through tough terrain. "You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain" Harvey Dent said it best. And once Laura stepped on that path she never looked back.

Now that’s the dust has seemed to settle Laura sins and secrets are peaking from their shadows. Ready to strike and strike her down at any moment. How does one vanquish monsters of their own making? What do you do when you’ve created the boogeyman coming for you?

HISTORY FAVORS THE VICTOR.
And the road to hell was paved by good intentions. What’s more dangerous… the monster who walks in the open or the demon capable of restraint? For Laura seem to be both.

Although this story is no longer Kanye’s and Laura’s, it’s now their son’s Killian “Krowe” Malkin. Heir. Prince. Soon To Be King. THE CROW OF THE NORTH
Although we miss our fallen villain,
Krowe is in no shape or form a consolation for Kayne. The Krowe pulls you in all on his own.

“Krowe Malkin was a different kind of predator. He didn’t pounce. He lured. Gentle. Patient. Deadly.”


— enter Kateyana Mancini.
One can say Kaya was destined to fall at the wishing well. A princess left to make selfish choices because the sins of the parents inevitably falls on the children for better or worse. And Kaya’s covered in the sins of her father.

And now presented with the opportunity for revenge Kaya has decided to risk life, limb, love and family to avenge the life she once had.
"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves"
— Confucius
But unlike most Kaya would not only willingly but knowingly lie in that grave if she can get what she wants.



Kaya + Kilian
Sometimes we are defined by the people we surround ourselves with, how we make them feel and sometimes we find the real us there. That’s what happened for Krowe and Kaya in their courtship. And even given the short period of time, Krowe didn’t bombard her with his presence. Every interaction was carefully curated. It wasn’t a wooing or a sweeping. It was a courting. slow & sensual. The art of seduction. The push and pull, give + take. bait and retreat.
And even though they enter this deal with one another it was never suppose to take form. — especially if Kaya had any say in the matter. But once this thing took form with one another, they were helpless to their feelings. Just as much a “prisoner” as Laura once was. There’s no choice in love. You don’t get to choose whose hands your heart fall into. As much as Kaya fought to hold out she inevitably succumbed.

"She was a child of the sand, trapped in a never-ending winter, cold and ruthless. But on that night, in the presence of the Crow, the Scorpion of the desert came to understand the beauty of snow."

The parallels between Kaya and Laura. Both women shaped by monsters. Both heavily inspired by fairytales. Both finding comfort, a home in the dark.



There’s a way LC ties her worlds together, the way they parallel or mirror one another. The fantasy and the reality. It’s poetry. It’s this birdseye view. like you’re overlooking everything. It’s like film. You get the entire picture.
A world so heavily shrouded in lore, both of mystic origin and mafia tales. It marries beautifully
The writing isn’t just immersive, it’s addictive, captivating, enthralling, mesmerizing, seductive, alluring, hypnotic, irresistible, and compelling, It’s truly a living breathing entity. I’m pretty sure there was adhesive attached because I’m stuck on Krowe. I’m stuck on Kaya. Wrapped me a bubble wrap and pack me away until Part III is released.

[Ana Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Ms Moon for providing me the e-ARC. I am honoured. These are my my thoughts about the story.

Sweet Laura is completely lost to the dark side, beyond salvation I would say... She seems the Devil himself incarnated in that woman's body! If I were a religious woman, I would make the sign of the cross each time she appears.
As for Kaya and Krowe there is still hope and I expect them to be allowed to enjoy their life together. Even though all the odds are against them...
Ms Moon, I beg you... let them, please. Let them experience that beautiful love you took from Krowe's parents. Please.
I loved reading Kaya and Krowe's story. I want to know how it ends. I'll wait. (With my fingers crossed).

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edit: Dec. 14 2025
Still thinking about this book- got my physical copy today!!!

5. FUCKING. STARS.

🌶️🌶️🌶️


See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil.

*NOT a fantasy book.* But definitely magical in so many ways!

This was such a satisfying read!

The Buried Tale pulled me in from the very start. I legit could not put it down. The plot twists were perfect: unpredictable enough to keep me on my toes, yet meaningful enough that they didn’t feel cheap or forced.

And can we talk about the MMC? Krowe is absolutely lovable. Complex, loyal, and so easy to root for.

L.C. Moon’s writing is gorgeous and atmospheric, and the pacing had a great mix of heartbreak, hope, and moments of peace. By the end, I was with these characters all the way, invested in every secret revealed and every choice made.

My only qualm is that the Part III is not available yet 😭

💫 Star-crossed lovers
❤️‍🔥 Emotional Angst
🗝️ Hidden pasts & secrets
🤯 Unpredictable plot twists

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you remember A Bedtime Story by LC Moon?
If you need a reminder,i left my review here :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It was a story that blew me away,só good!
But at the same time it left me heartbroken…..
So,when she contacted me,telling me she finished the follow-up i so desperately needed,A Buried Tale,naturally i was over the moon.
And immediately grabbed the copy she sent me….
The emotional rollercoaster i found within the pages was more than worth the wait,but the cliffhanger?
Damn….that one hurts again,badly!!
And it makes me need the closure Ode To The Fallen can give me with a vengeance.

The Laura that i left at the end of A Bedtime Story isn’t the one that i met in A Buried Tale.
This Laura is called the Purple Witch who,after Kayne’s death,stepped into his shoes.
It may have taken her longer than she wanted,but she made the Malkin empire stronger than ever with the help of Kayne’s second,and best friend,Lucas.
She also has a son,Killian Krowe,who she’s raised with Lucas to follow in her footsteps when the time comes.
And it’s mostly this son’s story,even if we see how Laura’s doing as well.

When Krowe meets Kaya for the first time,she leaves an impression and he can’t stop thinking of her.
But Kaya isn’t who she seems to be….and the reason they met isn’t what he thinks it is.
But he isn’t what she expected either….and the more she sees of him,the more she falls under his spell.
While he’s falling under hers,too…
Still,there are too many secrets between them,and no solution in sight.
Not while Kaya clings to her goal,even if she starts to doubt she’s going to be able to go ahead with it after admitting to herself she loves Krowe.
And then Krowe finds out who she is…..and why they met.

Laura is determined to hold onto power any way she can,but war is brewing and Lucas gets badly injured.
Finding the ones responsible,and destroying them is on the top of her agenda.
When Krowe comes to her with his findings on Kaya,her first reaction is not what he’d hoped for,even if he expected it.
Laura’s in war-mode and dealing with issues from the past in the way Krowe suggests is not on her agenda.
If it were up to her,she’d simply bury those issues,and be done with them.
But Krowe convinces her to do things his way…..which ends up in him sending Kaya away,far away.
Breaking not only Kaya’s heart,but his own as well.

The only reason Kaya’s allowed to return months later,is because the man she considers a father ends up in hospital.
To stay near him and pay her bills,she accepts an admin job at that hospital.
And that’s where she finds some shocking truths about Krowe….
What will they mean for him once he hears what they are?
But even though she thinks it’s something he should know,it seems that he’s moved on,and she’s been told to stay away.

Will they ever find their way back to eachother?
Will Krowe ever find out the whole truth?
And who is that shadow following Kaya,what does he want from her?
That’s where the cliffhanger comes in,the one that’s killing me.


The storyline was strong,the answers to the secrets emerged slowly but steady,and kept me on my toes.
The use of fairytales and folklore to put certain events into perspective was a beautiful bonus that gave the story a wonderful touch of magic.
I enjoyed the fact that everyone got their time in the spotlight,and it gave me the full picture of what was happening.
And what happened in the past was revealed through dreams and revelations,giving me the background of how/why everyone ended up where they were now.


Kaya and Krowe were loveable characters who,in spite of the issues they struggled with,grew closer by the day.
He may have been ruthless,but he cared about her needs and wishes,he cared about her.
And in spite of her goal,she found herself wanting to make him happy most of all…..
Her “family” may not have been her blood,but they were as close as anyone could ever get,and i loved them all!
Krowe’s friend Jo was wonderful,she really had his back throughout the years and helped him through some very rough times.

Laura…..i already said she wasn’t the girl i left in A Bedtime Story,and to be honest,i’m not sure if i like her anymore….
The things she’s done,the things she still does?
Even though Lucas does his best to be her moral compass,she’s grown harder,became ruthless even.
I understand her initial reasons,but she lost herself along the way,and i’m not sure she can find the way back…..
At least Lucas has had an epiphany after he was badly injured,and is finally finding some of the happiness he deserves.

A Buried Tale was just as wonderful and magical as A Bedtime Story,if not more.
And this is only LC Moon’s second book….
This is an author that i most definitely will keep an eye on,because if she’s already this good,imagine her a couple of years from now!

[Bihter V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My deepest gratitude to L.C. Moon and NetGalley.

The first book hurt me; this one maimed me. I’m pretty sure the third will put me in my grave.
How can a story this dark be written so poetically? I’m absolutely losing my mind trying to understand it, yet I can’t stop reading. I’m fully aware it’s going to break me, and still I devour every page like a masochist. I guess I really do like unhappy stories.

Just like the first book, this one contains a significant amount of sexual content — different in concept, but still intense. The tales woven into the narrative are incredible, the timeline makes sense, and each shift has its own unique beauty. Instead of being trapped in a single perspective, we become observers inside every character’s mind, seeing both themselves and each other in layered, haunting ways.

The only thing that needs improvement is the cover. It’s overcrowded with story elements in a way that distracts rather than enhances. A darker, simpler design would completely transform the overall aura.

[Twins Reading Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.C. Moon's "The Buried Tale" second installment is an electrifying adventure exploring a world where dark corners shroud secrets and each beat of the heart is an existence challenge, the suspense twists around you, flawlessly and tirelessly bringing you into Montreal's underground, wherein power, betrayal, and forbidden desire thrive in a dangerous spectacle! Laura Malkin's investigation into the Purple Witch is arresting and dangerous, a character that was built from fire and loss, the way she shapes every setting she moves through, the plot progresses with tender meticulousness, reconciling past tragedies with present plans!
.
The unveiling of Killian "Krowe" Malkin signifies in a new axis of power and intrigue, a personality whose enchant is as poisonous as his intellect, reading about him negotiate the dangerous seas of allegiance, greed, and cultural heritage is extraordinarily entertaining, the conversations he has with Kaya are magnificent in their slow-burn brutality, a push and pull of emotions that brings together flirtation with cleverness! The electifying dynamic between them is infectious, establishing a sophisticated suspense that reveals the greater problems regarding them, every scene was structurally significant, purposeful, and explosively filled with possible danger and forbidden yearning. L. C. Moon's powers to create this dynamism is so astonishing and consumes every neuron of your brain, it is magnificently mind-blowing!
.
L. C. Moon's treatment of tradition, revenge, and the atrocities of the past is thrill-packed and abstractly lyrical, Laura's multigenerational choices cast numerous shadows, building a frightening setting in which each character is prey as well as predator in their own right. Proprioceptive moments, in which danger is sensed before it comes, fragment the story, building suspense and making it inescapable! The pacing is outstanding, and developments are strategically placed which kept me on the edge of my seat,from hospital intrigue to illicit arrangements, every structure develops variety leaving behind an entertaining architecture that is just as compelling as it is multilayered!
.
THE BURIED TALE by L. C. Moon has a poignant and powerful plot that unfold throughout the last page, it is enthralling in its vividness and detail, and the cliffhanger at the last chapters left me eager for the next installment while marveling at what has come before, the Author's prose is magnificent deliciously entertaining! Elements of power, love and human development are approached with gentleness, never avoiding darkness or moral ambiguity! The novel is an intriguing collision of familial traditions, forbidden passion and vicious ambition, all packed in L. C. Moon's wonderfully arresting prose! If you are interested for a story that is riveting, entertaining, breathtaking, emotionally charged and impossible to out down, this is it! It will haunt your thoughts, push your emotions and activate every single neuron of your brainb from the very first sentence to the final heart-wrenching unraveling!!

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this took place like 20 years after the first book.
A next generation story is very cool and I enjoyed Krowe and Kaya's storyline very much!
I do wish that all the other stuff with Laura had been a whole other novel.
After the way the first book ended I was very excited to see what happened with Laura and would have loved a full novel of her rise to power rather than the bits we get as a wrap up and small inserts into this plot. It dampened Krowe and Kaya's story for me since it pulled focus.
Did I still enjoy the book?
Yes.
Would I have enjoyed it more if it were 2 books?
Also yes.
Thank you to L.C. Moon for my ebook!

[Rogue Kayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent read by L.C.Moon.
I loved the forbidden love plot and this time the MMC being the character with the most hearbreak and turmoil.
Also another folktale which interlinked into the plot (I really need to research the tales as never heard them before) and the moral of the tales open to interpritation, as it meant something different to both main characters.
Only reason i didnt give it a 5 was because i wasn't to fussed with Laura Malkins story that continued from the first book. I was more gripped with kaya and krowes story. I'm sure the 3rd book will fill in the gaps and it all comes together. Plus with another beautiful fairytale.

I had the pleasure of reading this arc on net galley.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

« Nothing was more dangerous than a demon capable of restraint. It provided its prey a false sense of safety. »

First thing first : a huge thank you to the author for once again sending me a copy of one of my most awaited books of the year! And let me tell you it did not disappoint.

Everything I loved about the first book is present here: a compelling plot filled with action and unpredictable turns, well-controlled pacing, and a writing style that continues to mature with each chapter. The narrative voice feels even more assured this time around, and it’s a pleasure to witness that growth.

Plotwise, I genuinely had no firm expectations going in and that made the experience all the more engaging. I certainly didn’t anticipate such a substantial time skip, nor did I imagine the story would center more heavily on Laura’s son, Krowe, rather than the legend herself. Yet this shift works remarkably well. The author consistently chooses the unexpected, and that willingness to surprise is one of the series’ greatest strengths. To understand what I mean, you’ll have to pick up the book.

One thing’s for sure, I’ll be waiting with bated breath to find out what happens next. Until then, I hope you guys enjoy this sequel as much as I did.

[Donna Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok sooo I don't know where to start ...

My heart was broke...Pieced back together ... a little ... then broken again 😭

I have had an absolute blast with the author while ARC reading this and I really have found another friend for life ... my Birthday Twinsie 🫶😘

I absolutely adored Krowe and
I'd burn the world down for him
and his happiness.

I love Kaya .... she stands for no
sh*t even though she had her problems and
secrets you could see why
she was she did what she did

It isnt all sunshine and roses as it shouldn't
be and it felt REAL she did things and paid
the consequences for that but
at the same time I love how
she never gives up! She keeps
fighting even after being broken!

I loved Krowe and Kaya's relationship with Paloma and Paco sooo much and I definitely need more them!

The chemistry between the main characters was phenomenal! No sugar coated
sh*t no insta love ...true hate to
love and everything in between.

Theres tension between them annnd
The fact Krowe stood his ground no matter how hard it was .. he is far from a push over

It felt Raw and Real how it would
go if someone was in his position..
but the chemistry when they
were together was also 🔥🔥🔥

The love/hate between these two is through the roof!
I LOVED the spicy scenes and will never look at a monet in the same way 😅🤣

As much as he was dominating
in the spicy scenes he was
still doing it for her not just for
himself!!

The spicy scenes didnt feel
forced or thrown in for the sake
of it either they flowed with the story
line which was great as I hate spice for the sake of it!

I absolutely adored the side characters so much...

Jo is so underrated! She isn't
in it alot but her impact when
she was in it was beautiful! Her
relationship with Krowe and how Kaya
felt she could go to her knowing Jo would do anything to protect him!!

Paloma and Pio are some of my favourite sidekicks and their relationships with the other characters made my heart swell.

The whole Paco/Kaya/Krowe dynamic was done extremely well considering all Kayas trauma.

Lucas and Laura were obviously in this too buuut I have to say I was very torn with them both in this book ... things happen... twists happen that you dont see coming ( It is not what you think) and as much as I loved them in Book 1 ... Krowe took top spot this time 😅

The twists - ohhh my did this book have twists and a half!! I was sat with my jaw on the floor with some ...

The writing and storyline are amazing, I was soo fully emersed in this world and the characters and I really can not wait for Book 3!!

[Kristina artNerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure how I will possibly wait until 2027 for the next book. MY MIND IS BLOWN!!!! Wowza seriously. Also I love love Krowe.

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting to revisit this world was such a treat. I had the opportunity to arc read the first book, so I jumped at the chance to arc read this one also! This one can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading book one if you want a full view of the storyline.

This book follows the next generation of characters, and they are absolutely star crossed. In no world should they be together, but watching their journey and struggles, I felt as if I was living it with them.

Kaya and Krowe both have the past chasing them down and learning to live with that is a struggle, especially when life unexpectedly pushes them into each other's orbits.

Absolutely recommend checking this series out!

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book. While I enjoyed the book, it just fell a little flat for me compared to the first book. I liked the narrative between the son and the dancer the best and was a little bored when it switched to the mother's perspective.
Still worth the read but definitely check the trigger warnings.

[Calista Presti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure what to expect after she ripped my heart out at the ending of book 1 but she did her thing 🥰🤩

This book we were introduced to two new characters while still following the flow of book one and it DID NOT disappoint. Star crossed lovers is one of my favorite tropes to read and she did it well. ✨

I’m so sad book three isn’t here because I NEED IT.

[Ava Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one sent me into a tailspin and I immediately needed to dive into part 2 but lemme tell you the more we learn the less we know! The tension is insane and nothing is truly as it seems. Our frightened young girl from the wrong side of the tracks is now the most powerful , and most feared, woman on earth. She took her time and made things right…or so she believes… In her desire to take down monsters she may have become one herself and now the next generation is reaping what she sowed, but they too may have some unexpected ambitious and vendettas that may just turn everything upside down.. again. 🫣

This series is so unique. It’s a gritty look at the underworld and fate. Reality and dreams blend together as one and nothing is as it seems. This book will test you and outrage you all while making you fall in love and desperate for the next chapter. Book 3 cannot come soon enough!!

[Natalie Yanez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crow and scorpion

Wow! Krowe and Kaya's story was hard to put down. She's trying to avenge her family's murder. Then she meets him, Krowe. He isn't what she expected. While their lives intertwine it gets really complicated. For both of them. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Raquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 I wish I could have more time with Laura and kayne instead of krowe and Kya ,although I wish it was them I truly enjoyed the story of these two. Opposite of the first book . One think I disliked was how many of the characters from the first book such as Olga were dismissed completely and I feel like even Laura didn’t play a big part in this book. The writing is incredible .Definitely spicy . Cliffhangers are the worse but looking forward to the next book’!

[samantha]

Wood love 💕 to read book 2 and 3

[Camille Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Book: The Buried Tale (The Star-Crossed Lovers) by L.C. Moon
🎖 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (6. Goddamn. Stars)
🖤 Mood: Mythic, multi-layered, visceral, and hypnotic.
---
✍🏻 Favorite Quote: "And if Krowe had learned anything from the fairy tales his mother used to read him, it was that the worthiest treasures always lay buried in the darkest woods."
---
😌 Camille’s Take ✨
Ok.
So.
My God. Where do I even begin? Unlike many readers, I didn’t have to wait years after falling under the spell of L.C. Moon’s prose and storytelling prowess in A Bedtime Story. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Buried Tale, generously provided by the author. I waited until release day to publish my review, until the story was available to everyone.

So.
My God.
Where to start?
A Bedtime Story was DARK. Kayne Malkin was MY GUY. And after the way that book ended, I really wasn’t sure where L.C. Moon would go with the sequel.
Turns out… wow. My brain is still struggling to formulate words.

If A Bedtime Story was a five-star read for me, The Buried Tale is a six-star, mind-blowing, how-is-this-even-possible read. I honestly don’t know how the author managed to pull this off.

The story begins decades after A Bedtime Story ends and follows the next generation, namely Killian Krowe Malkin, the son of Kayne and Laura Malkin, and his love interest, the fierce, wrong-side-of-the-tracks, vengeance-driven Kateyana Mancini.

Mancini.
That name ring a bell?
It should. 😏

So yes, this is the story of the next generation…
But is it really?
Or is The Buried Tale the true heart of this saga, with A Bedtime Story acting as a chilling prequel?
I’ll let you decide.

But wow. Wow. WOW.
This is, by far, one of the best books I have ever read in this genre… but wait… what IS the genre of Fairy Tales From the Underworld? Dark romance? Lyrical fantasy? Folk tale? Psychological thriller? It is all of that and so much more.

The side characters alone are miraculous. They are not just there to support the main plot, they are entire worlds of their own. You will fall under the spell of Teatro Magico and its residents, to the point that you will want to Google its location and go watch a show there!

And then there’s another L.C. Moon original fairy tale in this volume too: The Wishing Well.
Wow. Mind. Blowing. 🤯
The way it mirrors and connects with the main story and its characters is a tour de force. How can this woman come up with such psychological finesse in such a creative way is beyond me. And it’s written in prose that feels like a classic Grimm Brothers fairy tale. Another thing you will want to Google, by the way. Like “Hmm… ‘The Wishing Well’… never heard of that fairy tale before… Let me look it up…”

Wow. Just… goddamn. Wow.

Oh, and the twists and turns are dizzying!!! But every single one of them is built on solid grounds. Everything holds beautifully. Thriller fans are going to devour this and really appreciate this other L.C. Moon talent on display.

All in all… while some readers may miss the depth and intricacy of L.C. Moon’s writing and the haunting richness of the Fairy Tales From the Underworld universe, those who truly see it will discover a treasure, and a haven, that they’ll cherish for life.

Thank you, L.C. Moon, for trusting me with an ARC, and for providing me with a treasure I will cherish for life.

And now…
The countdown to Ode to the Fallen officially begins…

❌Trigger warnings: this book contains graphic sexual content and deals with heavy subject matter, suitable for readers 18+.
---
🍿 BONUS: Camille's Cast
Krowe Malkin : Chad Michael Murray
Kateyana Mancini : Nathalie Emmanuel (early 20s era)
Joelle Jutras : Imogen Poots
Paco : Mark Rylance
Paloma : Mckenna Grace (child era)
Pio : Jon Bernthal

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is incredibly challenging to write an objective review of something to which you have been emotionally attached for so long...

I have had the privilege of witnessing the unfolding of L.C. Moon’s A Bedtime Story from its inception in 2014. After an almost decade-long hiatus due to personal hardships the author faced, the trilogy was reborn, like a phoenix rising from its ashes... A second edition was launched, and then a 3rd... All of this has led to this moment: the release of volume 2, The Buried Tale (The Star-Crossed Lovers).

“If it’s your calling, it will keep calling,” they say. And I believe this is exactly what happened to L.C. Moon. She may have been able to momentarily step away from the story inside her, but that story never let her go…

There are no words that could do The Buried Tale justice. It begins roughly 25 years after A Bedtime Story, and yet, you don’t feel lost at all. You simply feel grateful to have been allowed back in that world. This volume follows the story of Krowe Malkin, Kayne and Laura’s son, and archnemesis Kateyana Mancini, the vengeful daughter of Carlo Mancini.

In my book, The Buried Tale is perfect. Flawless. Magical. Suspenseful. Hypnotic.

I genuinely believe there's nothing like it out there. Whether it’s this enchanting blend of dark romance mafia & timeless fairy tales, these astonishing plot twists that leave no plot holes, the sexual tension & unforgettable romance between the two main characters, the psychological depth mixed with social awareness & timeless wisdom, or the way the storytelling blurs the lines between reality & folktale fantasy and lore... It’s all these unique combinations and more that make The Buried Tale , and the Fairy Tales From the Underworld series in general, truly, TRULY, one of a kind…

And speaking of folktale and lore, how about the ORIGINAL FAIRY TALES? “Alexei & Aniska” in A Bedtime Story and “The Wishing Well” here in The Buried Tale. Both tales are entirely created from scratch by L.C. Moon and connect to the main story and characters in mind-blowing ways.

I think L.C. Moon is a treasure. Not only is she beyond talented, but she is also courageous and fearless. She chose vision over formula.

[Shakella "The Singing Bibliophile" Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed book one despite a few hiccups, and I would still recommend it. Book two, however, is where L.C. Moon truly shines. He has a way of telling a story that keeps you fully engaged and constantly guessing. This is easily my favorite of the two. From the very first page, I was utterly drawn in.

Set years after the events of book one, the world feels much larger and more developed this time around. The story follows Laura and Kane’s son, Krowe, and after learning more about Laura’s past choices, I honestly found myself conflicted about her character. The romance in this installment was beautifully done. It is not instant or rushed—it is a proper slow burn, and that pacing is vital. The emotional buildup, tension, and undeniable chemistry between Krowe and Kaya were intense. Every shared moment felt raw and achingly human, leaving me breathless.

Despite being a Malkin, Krowe’s compassion and humanity stand out. He sees Kaya in a way no one ever has. Kaya carries deep guilt and family trauma, which keeps her guarded and distant, but Krowe slowly breaks through those walls. As her feelings grow, she’s forced to make life-altering choices and hope they lead her somewhere safe.

From book one to book two, the growth in L.C. Moon’s writing is undeniable. The storytelling is more vivid and immersive, the characters feel fully realized, and the emotions hit hard. And that ending—can we talk about it? Pearl-clutching doesn’t even begin to cover it. Everything that unfolded left me completely stunned.

Please, do not make us wait too long for the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley, BookBaby, and L.C. Moon for the ARC of this enrapturing book and for allowing me to leave my honest opinion of my reading experience.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, where do I start? The author provokes so much emotion in me through her books! I read her first book & had a love/hate relationship with it...it was well written, but so emotional & not a happy ending.... so when I saw this book was available, I knew I had to read it, but dreaded the emotion it would provoke in me.

However, I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would! Still an emotional, dark read... but not as tragic as the 1st. Still the ending leaves us hanging...which I hate.... why????

Trigger warnings are included & should be heeded if needed.

All that to say, I enjoyed meeting the main characters & following them along their story. The book is very well written. It is not a lighthearted read, but not as dark as the first. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!!!

Thanks to the author, publisher & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.

[Allison Free · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a feeling going into The Buried Tale I was going to get my feelings hurt with another brutal cliffhanger ending and boy was I right.

The way that L.C. Moon weaves together the fairy tale stories into a brutal mafia run world is like no other I've read. Like book one this one gets your attention right away and keeps it the entire time. This series has been nothing short of tragically beautiful so far and keeps you coming back for more hurt feelings. The chemistry and relationship between Krowe and Kaya was so well done and even though as the reader you know it's a doomed type of love you can't help but hope.

Crossing everything for a happily ever after for Krowe and Kaya 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞


Thank you NetGalley, Book baby, and L.C. Moon for a copy of The Buried Tale

[R-Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

krowe x kaya >>>

i'm literally obsessed. i was rooting for them so hard. just wanted them to be together so bad.
they live rent-free in my head now.

every chapter felt like walking deeper into something you know you shouldn’t know… like... a buried tale?
i can't even. this did something to me.

i would give anything to unread this book and experience it again for the first time.

i’m genuinely jealous of anyone who hasn’t read this book yet.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi so I just want to say that Book 1 walked so Book 2 could RUN. I did not expect the second installment to go in this direction, but when I tell you it was PERFECT.

Krowe and Kaya's stories are so incredibly written. The intrigue, the mystery, the character progression. The fact that it was lined up to be an enemies to lovers, but Krowe decided to skip the enemy part. The drama. What you find out about Laura.

CALL ME INVESTED. 2027 seems too long to wait for Book 3 😭

[Anonymouse · Rating 1 out of 5]

When this book came onto NetGalley, the first book of the series was available too so I asked for them both. I tried reading the first one and decided it was really awful and just skimmed this one. No improvement.

[Gulendam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again a cliffhanger…. The twists and krowe how he takes the charm. I love it. And Laruen will always be my favorite character everrr.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooohhhh Boy! You better buckle in! When last we left "A Bedtime Story", the King was dead and long live the Queen. Well it's been about 25 years and we are back, this time with Kayne and Laura's son, Krowe. The Queen, Laura, is still alive and well, she has also been very, very busy!

I first have to say that LC's writing has a dreamy, lyrical quality to it that fits the story so well, the whole "fairytale" theme. I can't get enough of her writing!

This installment is not like the first, this is a love story. Krowe meets Kaya and is transfixed. Krowe and Kaya come from completely different worlds. Krowe having grown up as a Malkin had access to nice home, good schools, food, clothing, you get the idea. Kaya, on the other hand, is an orphan who ran from her foster placements. She grew up on the streets until she was found by a theater owner, who brought her into his "found" family.

Krowe is a Malkin, but he still has his humanity. He truly sees Kaya, moreso than Kaya sees herself, I think. Kaya is very broken. She feels responsible for every bad thing that ever happened in her life. She is pretty much just going through the motions, keeping her walls up, not getting close to anyone. That is until Krowe.

I loved the story, it was so relatable. The characters were alive and fully formed with deep and complex emotions and realities. The story arc that carried forward with Laura Malkin, the "Queen", blew my mind. All that happened from the end of Bedtime Story through Buried Tale, WOW.

I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!