The Beast is back in Dubna. Let the obsession begin.
Finished with the Italian and home in his motherland, Vaslav Pashkov should be happy to isolate away in his safe and private hills. But the unfortunate detail of unfinished business with his dead friend drags him back to the city and puts Vera Avdonin straight into his waiting hands yet again.
Every meddling step he takes into her life only drags her closer to him whether she likes it or not. Somebody’s bound to notice. How much will they pay?
Welcome to Russia—while here, you will play by his rules.
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The Lies Between Lovers is Part Two of Vera and Vaslav’s story in The Beast of Moscow Saga. It should only be read after Part One.
The author of too many novels to count, Bethany-Kris is a Canadian, lover of much, and mother to four sons, a glaring of cats, and a pack of dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, a snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a spouse calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something ... when she can find the time.
Vas and Vera’s story continues and the secrets are all consuming. We get more background but only enough to keep us on our toes. And thus I couldn’t put the book down.
I love getting more of Vas’s story. It definitely explained more of his demeanor. And while I know he has an ulterior motive for wanting to marry Vera, I also believe that he has real feelings for her that he didn’t expect to happen. But his health is still a mystery and he offers no real insight to Vera of what is actually going on. Vera herself is keeping secrets from her father. She knows Vas is dangerous and her father would not be happy but she continues with the relationship. She is drawn to him and that might be her death sentence.
The ending was terrific. I really had to pick my jaw up off the floor. I really can’t believe what Vas did and what will happen when Vera finds out. I will be not patiently waiting for the last book in the trilogy. So much still needs to be told and most importantly, how will Vas and Vera have an HEA when so much is in doubt?
*advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Better than average storytelling but the pace is dire. Awkward cliffhanger for a story that would read so much better as a long-ish romance rather than a pointless trilogy. I'd finish that book. I doubt I'll be continuing with this never ending nonsense I will predict a few things: Vas is being poisoned. By his mother. Vera will continue on her epic TSTL path.
Same review for the three books in this story pubbed so far.
I have loved so, so many of this author's books and her most powerful successes have been those stories that are done in one book, two at most. This story could have been up there at the top, but because it has been stretched across four books it's definitely lost it's oomph and instead is just going round in circles.
Will I read the final book? Hmmm the jury is still out on that one 🤷
The Hero is incredibly dislikeable. He has health issues, extreme health issues and these make him mean. He recognizes this about himself but he also says he is not sure he knows how to be another way. He has a history of violence and a bad childhood/prison etc so he basically tells the heroine that its his problem he is mean to her not anything she has done. I struggled to see this as romance.
He threatens, ambiguously, her father if she doesn't marry him, way to reach a girls heart.
Reviews say there is no other woman drama but the Hero and heroine mention his dead wife from time to time, it's hard to say if he is still hung up on her or it is guilt as she was murdered.
Cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
One of the best things about this author is losing myself in the worlds she creates. Her characters are multifaceted and extraordinary. Watching them grow together and individually is a testament to why people like myself love to read.
This might be one of her best trilogy yet. I LOVE the bantering between Vas and his "friends" and the quivk/direct interactions between Vera and Vas.
4 stars This book was... I can't find a proper word but maybe if say it was interesting because we got to see more of both our main characters, especially Vas. We got to see/know more about his backstory and the thing that molded him into becoming the beast everyone knows now and it was thrilling and a little heartbreaking. I loved when our brutal badass Vas became soft™ with Vera. Their cute sweet moments were everything! Vera is a character that keeps growing on me and I was happy to see her grow as a character here (although I'm still curious about her relationship with Demyan) Overall this was an interesting book and that cliffhanger only made me wanna read the next one more.
Thank you to Indiesage PR and the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oh Vaslav, Vaslav, Vaslav. I know this is supposed to be a darker romance but oh god did that man make me laugh out loud, numerous times throughout this book. "Oh, don't worry. I'm working on that." "What?" "What?" Vaslav returned.
I have so many quotes highlighted from him which I thought were so funny within their context, especially coming from this man who is just so matter-of-fact. The fact that he isn't even putting a dry, humorous spin on it, was what made it even funnier for me. He just straight up calls it as he sees it.
'He was the annoying fly on the wall that couldn't even carry information from one room to another because it was too stupid to find its way out of the one it was already in.
We knew Vas could be brutal and cold, we saw it in book one and he's not just labelled as the 'Beast of Moscow' for nothing. 'Grudges were Vaslav's best friend. He held them mighty close.' And although we learnt information about his past, I felt like this book opened him up to us more, showing us a slightly softer side to him. The scene with Vera when they're repotting the plants was one example of that and I can see why Vera is continuously intrigued by him, even when she knows she shouldn't be. Underneath all that aggressiveness is a man who just wants someone to share his life with, even if it can't be all of it. "There is no motive, Vera. I have none. I just don't want to die alone."
I think Vera is only now truly coming to the realisation that she's a loner in this book, as she officially says she's leaving The Swan House. I'm not quite sure why she hasn't considered moving back to America, given there isn't much left for her in Russia, but I think part of that definitely has to do with her ties to her family. I imagine we're going to see more of her and her father's relationship in book 3, given where this storyline was going, so it will be interesting to see just how that has affected her decisions. But, oh my heart, when she finds out about her neighbour. I didn't think that scene was going to play out quite like it did so it was definitely a shock and made me cry some real tears!
Again this was a very slow burn story, but we knew it was going to be. The interactions between Vera and Vaslav were still tension filled though and I do also like that fact we're getting more of the background story. "Be my good girl, then, and give it to me, kisska." Vaslav and his demands about Vera marrying him made me laugh so much, the guy literally has no chill.
"We're not even lovers, we're barely friends," she whispered. "You can't make me be your wife." "Would you like it if I took that as a challenge? Be careful, I might have already."
Not sure how I feel about the ending to this book though! I haven't even read Demyan's books yet, but I already know I love him after reading 'The Darkest Lies' trilogy and from what I've read so far in this. And knowing he and Vas are not going to be having a chummy relationship is making me nervous as to whose side I should choose lol! I have a feeling Claire is definitely going to worm her way into Vas' heart though, if she hasn't already. It's definitely going to be very interesting to see how book 3 starts out after the cliff-hanger we were left on in this, that's for sure.
Also looking for more of the Vas-Igor bromance. Those two make me laugh with their constant bickering, usually due to Vas going off and doing whatever the hell he wants -and I can't wait to see more of it! "I didn't say anything otherwise." "Your face does it for you." "Well, I'm working on that." Vaslav scowled, muttering, "Work harder."
Likewise, Kiril was adorable and so cheeky, it was cute to see the way Igor took him under his wing! I hope we get to see Vera take him in as a little brother type figure too, as much as she claimed she already had Roman. "Got any gum?" Kiril asked. She passed her companion a glance. "Maybe." He arched a brow. "Give me some, and I won't talk the whole time." I can definitely see the little brat causing some mischief and getting himself into some tight situations, but I only hope it doesn't end him up in too much trouble because I already love his character!
Overall another BK 5* read from me. BK always does such a good job at world building and drawing emphasis to certain parts within the story, as well as building the tension. And I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of this story develops.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
*TW: This book is Russian Mafia related and contains some darker themes. Please heed any trigger warnings the author may have noted for it.
*The Lies Between Lovers is book 2 in The Beast of Moscow Saga. It is not a standalone and the books must be read in order. This book ends on a cliff-hanger.
"That's not how this was supposed to happen. I wasn't shown heaven just to spend the rest of my life in hell."
The Lies Between Lovers is the second book in the Beast of Moscow saga, and we continue to see the relationship between Vas and Vera play out. They're dancing around each other, but there's a definite longing between them. I still think there's more to Vas wanting Vera than companionship and their attraction, so I'm looking forward to finding out more.
In this book, Vas opens up more about the loss and love he suffers, and though he's such a big and strong man the pain he feels is both emotionally and physically taxing. Add to that his medical condition, which seems to be pretty deadly. Vas has to keep himself alive, and this is aside from his involvement in the mafiya. Vas didn't think he would survive so long in life, but now that he feels his mortality acutely he doesn't want to spend so much time alone. There's something about Vera that makes him seek her out and spend time with her, and she makes him forget about how he's suffering. Whether due to his medical condition or time, the memories and longing for his wife is fading and Vas feels conflicted but perhaps unconcerned at the same time. We also see more of Vera in this book too, and we see how lonely and introverted she can be. I'm sure she grew up much faster with the passing of her mom, and maybe she's running away from something when she took off to Russia. With the exception of her friend Hannah, the kids she teaches, and her neighbor, Vera doesn't talk to many people. However, she's interested in Vas, wants to know him and be around him. Though with the love that Vas had for his late wife, Vera's not sure she wants to be the companion of a man who might never truly love her.
This book sets up a lot of character development for Vas and Vera, and we get glimpses into their inner thoughts and feelings. The intimate scene between them shows a lot of passion and longing, a desire for connection and even power. Bethany Kris is doing a great job of continuing to weave an intricate plot that involves both personal conflicts and mafiya discord, thorough character development, and a build up to an unforgettable romance.
This series is obviously about a mafia organization, but the writing just seems very shallow and lazy. The story line doesn’t really have any depth. For example, the Mafia leader lives in a home with zero security. So are we to believe that a man that everyone wants to take down has no security surrounding him? Lazy! And it just goes on like that throughout the story. It just seems shallow and rushed. Her earlier series had a lot of depth with many supporting characters and an in-depth story line. This series just fails on all levels. I bought the second book thinking that we might get into the meat of the story, unfortunately it’s just more of the same shallow writing as the first book. Nothing really happened in the second book, this entire series could have been done in one book. It just seems a bit greedy to continue into four books what could have been done in one. I did purchase the third book just to see if we actually get into any actual meat in this book, although I doubt it. Very lackluster series, I probably won’t be investing in any future books as they have just seem to deteriorate from her previous writing style. This very much has the feel of an author just wanting to make money and not really caring about the art of the work? It just seems to be missing a lot of depth.
The Lies Between Lovers is book 2 in The Beast of Moscow Series. This story picks up where the previous book 'The Beast of Moscow' ends. It's not an if, but, or maybe, you need to read book one first. The Lies Between Lovers is a continuation of Vaslov and Vera's story.
This book keeps you in suspense and enthrall. There is so much mystery and secrets. GRRR!!!, I can not figure out the end game. Bethany-kris did a fantastic job writing this book because there is so much going on with Vas, and we get subtle teasers of his plans and motives behind his actions. Vas is wise, a master planner, and a manipulator, and we get to see more of his scheming ways. There were hints of his softer and caring side. I love this man!😍 Vas barely has to utter a word to get things done. Now that's a mafia boss. Vera is quite interesting because she is not scared of Vas's dark nature, and she is drawn to him like a moth to a flame. I like that Vera is not a big crybaby when Vaslov does underhanded things. I really....really appreciate Vera's maturity and not being a whiner that we get in other mafia stories.
Vas and Vera finally did the dirty. Let me just say that I love that Vera made the Beast of Moscow ROAR. This is a slow burn, as was book 1. The Lies Between Lovers is a terrific story, but Y'ALL, it ended in a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. Uggghhh!! I am highly anticipating the release of book 3. I had a smirk on my face, with tears of frustration when I got to the end of this story.
"Welcome to Russia. While you are here, you will play by my rules."
I need book 3.
ACR was received in exchange for an honest review.
Exciting follow up to the first story in this Russian mafia trilogy. I love this author's delicious characters and thrilling mafia stories. The Beast is one of her most intriguing antiheroes. He is quite the beast with his penance for violence and bloody brutality but his soft spot for the broken ballerina is growing. After Vas' proclamation at the end of the last story, his relationship with Vera grows at a steady pace as his actions are out of character when he gets to know Vera. This story moves along without a lot of ups and downs, just Vas taking care of business and trying to handle his health situation. I still can't believe there aren't any treatments to help him. Vera has a scare and a sad loss which has her relying on Vas. He really takes care of Vera in several ways and seems to be falling for her. And then he goes and gives her a dastardly ultimatum which could have a loved one in danger. Not a lot of romance and just one hot sexy scene between the lovers left me wanting more. Vas and Vera closed out in a good spot but Vera doesn't know what he did. Oh boy, was that ending a huge surprise. How could he and why? Vera is going to be so upset when she finds out. A new character pops up and I loved him. The teen mafia wannabe, Kiril. He's cute and funny! I was starting to really like Vas with his sweet treatment of Vera but that ending turned it all around. He's such a beast! I can't wait for the next installment in this gripping Russian mafia trilogy.
AHHH, I think the saga is getting better and better! I squealed so much, mainly because Vas is dark and yet, he has such tenderness for Vera. I know that this book is considered as a dark book; why though do I feel soft and squishy inside when reading Vas and Vera’s story?! This just has to be said: I love characters who have contradicting personalities (Vas, duh). Although Vas doesn’t outright say his feelings towards Vera the way you’d expect, it’s in the little details (admitting her to the hospital, staying over with Vera while she was admitted) with this man. There were more scenes with Marrow in this one, and I loved it! That one scene where Marrow and Vas had a tender and affectionate moment got to me 🥺 the supporting characters?! AWESOME. I’ve always liked Igor ever since the first book, so it’s no surprise that Mira’s comeback and the new arrival Kiril got to my heart too! Really loved how the book ended. Diving into the third book ASAP!
You’d think that with the dark life Vas and Vera has encountered in their life, they would be all broody and moody. But nope! Their little smiles towards each other made me so SOFT!! Ok, with the constant migraines Vas has, you’d think he’d have difficulties jumping in the hay with Vera. I WAS MISTAKEN. Boy when that scene played out, I was out of breath 🥵 Vas has MOVES.
The Lies Between Lovers is the second book in The Beast of Moscow series, so this isn't a suggestion, YOU MUST READ The Beast of Moscow (Book 1) FIRST! After I finished this round, I sat for the longest time wondering how the hell Bethany-Kris keeps her romantic suspense with crime families so very fresh?! None of them are like any other, which is one of the biggest reasons that I can't stop won't stop reading her. Of course there is the fact that she's brilliant & highly addictive so you know, I can't live without them. Since this is the second book that picks back up where the first left off, I feel no reason to give details away because anything can be spoilers for the first book and/or this one. The twists are coming in hot (totally not surprising), still a ton of secrets all over the place, the intense pull between Vas & Vera is stronger but super complicated, and I was on the edge of my seat all the way until another cliffhanger ending! I'm telling you, Bethany-Kris always levels up so don't pass her up! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
First off, I'll start by screaming THE ABSOLUTE BALLS ON VASLAV!!!!!
Okay, okay. Now that I've calmed down, this story was so good. I loved finding out more about Vas' history and seeing more of his feelings for Vera. I liked seeing Vera come to understand him more, and I liked getting to know her better, especially when it comes to her mother. And also seeing her come to the point where she was not going to accept certain things any longer. Both Vas and Vera were more vulnerable in this book, making very clear what draws them together and what sets them apart. Vas was just as brutal in this book, and I reveled in it just as much. Brutal in his words and actions, and I just love it. There were heartbreaks I didn't see coming and a few mysteries left for the next book. That ending, THAT ENDING, was amazing and has me extremely impatient for the next book, for so many reasons.
The Lies Between Lovers is the second installment in the Beast of Moscow saga and it picks exactly where the first book left off. Bethany-Kris ups the notch to a whole new level and brings an all consuming account where the reader can experience the developing of Vas & Vera’s relationship. Vera see’s behind the cool dark persona, and the past he is keeping bottled inside is eating him alive.
What I really enjoyed about this book was how these two characters opened up to one another, and get to know more about his past and how he became the man his is today. The ending is, once again, both unexpected and intriguing. Can't wait to see what happens next!
Coming from a person who also was diagnosed with a migraine disorder and Epilepsy I applaud BK for bringing awareness on how debilitating it can be.
This is the 2nd book in this awesome series and Vas and Vera’s journey continues. Vas has returned to his homeland due to unfinished business, and we get a better understanding of his background, and why he is the way he it, but his feeling for Vera is unquestionable. Vera become stronger in this story, and she is keeping secrets from her father. Both characters appear more vulnerable in this story, and no insight is given to what Vas’ health issues are. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, heartbreaking, and with mystery, surprises, twists, suspense, secrets, humor, and love, which leads to an entertaining and all-consuming riveting page turner. After that cliffhanger, I cannot wait to read the next book. This author has done an exceptional job in weaving this phenomenal series, and I highly recommend her work.
This is one of those books that keeps you guessing. Vaslav, the Russian, is obviously manipulating this story between Vera and himself. He wants her and one way or another he is going to marry her. She's been keeping him a secret from her parents and Daddy is not going to be happy about all of this. I like Russian Bratva men and Bethany-Kris definitely created a rough Russian with Vaslav, it's his way or no way. He's suffering from debilitating migraines and seizures which doesn't help his temper either. This story is all consuming and will keep you on edge. There are so many different ways this story can go and the ending, well hang on...I was speechless!!!
Vas is struggling physically due to his health and emotionally because of his past. The one light in his dark world is Vera and as the feelings he has for deepens we see another aspect of this tortured man however the darkness within is just waiting for the proper catalyst to re-emerge.
Vera may appear to be meek and mild, but she has an inner strength that allows her to challenge Vas when the circumstance permits. She is compassionate and understanding to his struggles, but she is also conflicted as her family knows nothing about him.
I really enjoyed getting to truly know Vas and Vera and after the cliff-hanger I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this couple.
Continues with Vas and Vera’s story, although we see more of the why behind what Vas does. Although Vas has, he’s reasons to marry Vera, he never expected to have genuine feelings for her. Still no answers on the mystery medical condition that Vas has, and he won’t tell her a thing about it. Will Vera agree to marry Vas when he says it will save her father. Vera knows that Vas is wrong, and she was warned against him, but she can’t help the drawn feeling she gets with him. So many secrets keep which all have to come out, but what happens when some of them do. Can’t what for the next book to get some answers.
The continuation of Vaslav and Vera's story continues this emotional rollercoaster ride. As the story progressed it quickly becomes clear that there are so many secrets. Vas is a conundrum that I like trying to understand what made him the man he is, what sparked his initial interest in Vera and why he is so insistent on the marriage. I have a theory about his mysterious illness which I hope will be proven right in the next book but Bethany likes to keep the reader guessing. With so many strands to this storyline there are numerous ways the next book can go in and I can't wait.
Vas is a beast, but so is Ms. Bethany-Kris! Her amazing writing skills keep me coming back for more and more!
Her trilogies are utterly captivating, and this book two of this series keeps up her winning streak with this reader.
I'm intrigued, devour every word to learn more about our mains. And learn we do here! Vas, omg, wait until you read about his past. His illness, hmmmmnnn. Vera, love her too!
There is not a dull moment to be had, strap yourself in and get ready for another amazing journey with this author's story!
The Lies Between Lovers by Bethany-Kris is book Two in The Beast of Moscow Series. This continues the story of Vaslav Pashkov and Vera Avdonin so you should read the previous book: 'The Beast of Moscow' before starting this one. This book opens us up to more of Vaslav story and what has lead some of his issue but his heath is still a mystery. Vera is hiding what relationship she has with Vaslav from her family. Their story if still unfolding and the mystery is still there setting us up for more to come in the next book.
Vas and Vera story continues in the lies between lovers. We get to see more of Vas and Vera. Vas is unapologetic and he has made his intention towards Vera clear. I love the interactionbetween them. Vas story unravels little by little and we get to see more of Vera. The interaction/meeting with Demyan and Vas was icing on the cake. Cannot wait for the third installation and how everything will play out. Once again Bethany has done a splendid job penning her character and you cannot help but love Vas.
Normally I love BK’s books but this one left me wanting to scream. Vas is beyond an arse and Vera is a complete and utter idiot. Firstly, she puts up with Vas’s back and forth psychotic episodes. Then, she threatens her FATHER and she agrees to marry him? Then Vas kidnaps her father, kills Alexi. Nope. Sorry. I stomached through this book but I don’t if I can push through to read the next two books in the series. I normally love mafia books but honestly without Igor, Mira, or Vera, Vas is just a sad excuse of a bully.
The mysteries in this second installment make it a compulsive read.
The relationship between Vaslav and Vera does not have a label as such. We see a different side to him. He has secrets and as for his motives, they are difficult to pinpoint. The full extent of his ailments remains a mystery. Maybe all will be revealed in the next installment?
It's nicely paced and portrayed. The characters are intriguing. The concept isn't the usual run of the mill. The conclusion of this installment is totally unexpected and piques the interest. There is no indication on how the rest of the story is going to develop. Can't wait to find out.
I received an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
The book was a slow burn for sure. I don’t rate books all the time but this was worth it. I will say it was rather refreshing to have a man have punchy dialogue. Most won’t agree… but I think the sassy and direct dialogue between them was on spot. Vera and Vas the journey has barely begun and I for one can’t wait to dig in for the rest of the story
The Lies Between Lovers (The Beast of Moscow Book 2)
Remarkable should be the name for Russian mafia leader Vaslav Pashkov. Why, you may ask? Vas has a cold ❤ and gets things done to solve many problems. What he can't change is his deep affection for American mafia leader Demyan Avdonin's daughter Vera. That's something else. He wants her for a lifetime.
This left me reeling because there are still so many mysteries to unravel but the author writes it so well that it was hard to put down. I found myself on edge because I didn't know what would happen from one page to the next and I was enthralled. Can't wait for the next part.
Vas and Vera end up meeting again. Vas is determined to interfere in Vera's life and to have her for his wife. The story continues to get more interesting with insight into Vaslov's background. Will Vera ever figure out this beast of a man?