Craving Love

Secret Love #1

by Kat T. Masen

I’m done playing by my father’s rules.

Lex Edwards may rule the business world, but he no longer controls me.

We did, however, come to one agreement—I’m allowed to take a gap year before college to travel through Europe. But, one year to the day, I must return home.

On my travels, I met April. She’s like me, escaping her troubled life back home. April offers me a place to stay. And seeing as I’m broke and in dire need of a job, I’ll take anything over going back home to my controlling father.

That’s when I'm offered an opportunity I can’t possibly refuse.

April’s stepfather needs a personal assistant.

Hunter Cash is a difficult boss.

Demanding, arrogant, challenging, but also devastatingly handsome.

And—he’s my father’s rival.

I’ve broken all the rules already.

So, what if I break another and sleep with the enemy?

What’s the worst that can happen…

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Age Gap Romance

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2022

About the author

Born and bred in Sydney Australia, Kat T. Masen is a mother to four crazy boys and wife to one sane husband. Growing up in a generation where social media and fancy gadgets didn’t exist, she enjoyed reading from an early age and found herself immersed in these stories. After meeting friends on twitter who loved to read as much as she did, her passion to write began and the friendships continued on despite the distance. “I’m known to be crazy and humorous. Show me the most random picture of a dog in a wig and I’ll be laughing for days.”

Reviews

[Tamra Dubis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollercoaster of emotions

I’ve waited for this book to come out. I can say that the preludes and hints to this book from the other stories didn’t even brake the surface to Alexa and what she’s feeling. You will love and hate her as a character but you will also see her grow. The same goes for Alex and Charlotte as parents. This book is more about a person struggling with their own demons and trying to find their way. I can’t wait for the next installment. Spoiler alert: you have no idea who she’s going to end up with.

[Terri (N.J.) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read every single book in this never ending connecting book series of the “Edwards Crew”. I love Kats writing, I love her stories, and I Love the characters.
This is Alexa’s story. Forbidden, age gap, office romance and so much more.
I didn’t realize there will be a second book with this story so it does end on a cliffhanger. I will be patiently waiting!

[Mariam Mohsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[IvetteA_13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Kat Masen never disappoints. I fell in love with Lex and Charlotte’s story in Chasing Love and truthfully I’ve enjoyed the journey. I’ve laughed, grown anxious and upset yet at the end I’ve fallen in love with each character. Highly recommend.

[Rhianna Grossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

TROPES:
- age gap
- boss/employee
- best friends stepdad
- please check TWs

I am so beyond transfixed on the world/series that Kat has created. I don't ever want it to end! This is the first book in the third generation edwards family series... theres a lot of them 😂 This follows Alexa, the fourth and youngest daughter to Lex.

Alexa by far is the moodiest and brattiest of the siblings but somehow you want to feel for her and understand her. But i still kinda want to shake her 😅 She is trying to create an adult life all on her own without needing the help from her family. She will do literally anything to avoid the help.

At her new job she realizes her new boss is one, super hot and two, her best friends stepdad... WHO SHE IS STAYING WITH UNTIL SHE FINDS HER OWN PLACE (she never saw him/met him when she started staying with her bestie)… ok ok i calmed down

without giving too much of the plot twists away, Kat had me invested in what could possibly happen next... chapter after chapter i was like oh lord is this gonna happen and ahh did that really happen!? While this is considered a standalone i really recommend reading the rest of the series before embarking on this one. It helps you understand Alexa and the rest of the characters better!

DID I MENTION IT ENDED ON A CLIFFHANGER😭🫣

[Kayla Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh.

I remember pushing through Lex & Charlie’s books and just rolling my eyes every other word, but for some reason… I gave this one a try. I won’t be reading the second one.

It just was so unrealistic, and the entire first half of the book was pointless. The spice was mid at best and rushed. I didn’t feel any actual chemistry or love between Alexa and Hunter… like bruh how?

And like brooooooooooooo, the abortion storyline was whack!! A teenager got pregnant, and did what she thought was best for all parties involved, but never mentioned it to anyone? No.

Also this felt like some pro-life propaganda. Alexa being TORTURED by her decision… regretting breaking up with Cole bc he was happy he got another girl knocked up.. SHE DIDN’T EVEN LOVE HIM.

And honestly- who THE FUCK cuts out their own fucking implant. Stop. Should have made her sick and throwing up from drinking too much while on the pill.

[Marisela vidalperez · Rating 2 out of 5]

repeat

I’m sorry it the same thing love an older man either is marry or has a fiancé or enemy to lex Edward it’s the same thing I just hope it would be different story line no get me wrong I read her other books I guess it get tired she uses the same story line and ofcourse she probably going back with the same guy hunter on the next book she make two book which could of been one I really skip to the end I know where she going with this book because it’s the same

[BettyBoop · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Kat Masen books, I really like this family dynamic but I just couldn’t finish this book. I couldn’t even get to meet this Hunter guy because Alexa is insufferable. I don’t get her hate towards her father. It’s stupid, she is very immature. I mean the part where they’re at Addison and Masen’s wedding and Lex is giving the speech and she is like Lex being Lex as if what he was saying was directed to her. Anyways, I DNF 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Mercury]

DNF at 70%

[Meg’s Filthy Fictions · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat T. Masen delivers a delightful romp through the tangled web of love and friendship in her "Secret Love Series," featuring the charm-filled "Craving Love" and its equally captivating sequel, "Craving Us." These books are like that perfect slice of chocolate cake: indulgent, a little messy, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

In "Craving Love," we meet our heroine, who finds herself in the not-so-simple predicament of falling for her best friend, while also juggling the demands of an alluring billionaire—who is her boss, to boot! Talk about a love triangle thicker than a triple fudge brownie! The chemistry is undeniably electric, and there’s something endlessly entertaining about watching her navigate the pitfalls of friendship and romance with a side of raised eyebrows.

However, let's address the big, sparkly elephant in the room: the billionaire trope. While we often expect a billionaire to flaunt their wealth like a peacock in a carnival, this chap seems more like a cautious squirrel trying to save up for winter. Instead of showering our heroine with lavish gifts and extravagant dates, his primary concern is about potentially losing his fortune. Seriously, if you're going to throw a wrench in my fantasy of billionaire romances, at least throw in a yacht party or a helicopter ride! It felt a bit like ordering a fancy cocktail and getting a cup of club soda instead. Refreshing, but where’s the pizzazz?

The sequel, "Craving Us," picks up the romantic roller coaster, with our protagonist grappling with her feelings towards both her best friend and her billionaire boss. Trust me, trying to keep up with her tangled affections is like trying to untwist a pair of earbuds after they’ve been in your pocket for an hour. The emotional depth grows, and while our heroine dives into the realm of vulnerability, it often feels like she’s just trying to dodge flying arrows from both love interests.

While "Craving Love" is cute and fun, and keeps the spice rolling, I found myself wishing for more of that classic billionaire allure we’ve all come to kind of expect—who doesn’t love a little luxurious drama with their romance? So, while Masen’s writing and character dynamics are engaging, my inner romantic still felt a bit starved for the glamorous moments that usually come with the territory.

To sum it up, Kat T. Masen’s "Secret Love Series" is a charming dive into the messiness of love, layered with humor and emotional realizations. Perfect for those who enjoy romantic comedies with a sprinkle of tension, but for die-hard fans of the billionaire trope, you may find yourself craving just a little more sparkle. Grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy this cute read, just don’t expect a diamond-studded dog collar on the side.

[Tamarra Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lex Edwards is not a man you would ever want to go toe to toe with, but when it comes to the women in his life, especially his youngest daughter Alexandra, well, that's an entirely different story.

Alexa pushes her father's limits like no other, rules, and boundaries do not hold her back. But there is a secret that she is hiding. Her fear of being judged is what leads her down a narrow path.

Alexa fights for her independence, showing true strength in forging her own path, something her older sisters Amelia and Ava struggle to understand.

She sets off on a gap year travelling, only to return for her younger sister Addison's wedding, and as she resumes her travels she meets April, and they form an unlikely friendship which turns out to be a good things, because when she returns to the states she offers her a places to stay and lines up a job for her with her step-fathers company.

Alexa shamelessy checks out a man in the elevator, only to realise down the track that it is Hunter Cash, her boss.

And what starts as a working relationship turns into something more, stolen glances, sublte touches and a jealous and unhealthy obsession for a woman he has no business thinking about, but when business and pleasure collide, and they can no longer deny their attraction to each other do they give into their own desires, not realising the consequences that come with the decision that they have made.

Because when Beau, her best friend expresses his opinion on her relationship with Hunter, and Alex learns that Hunter and his colleague are out to get her father, and when they both realise they're in love with each other does Alex realise she has made a grave mistake.

But that mistake leads to clarity, and she is finally able to repair her relationship with her parents, where she finally shares with her mom the heartbreaking decision she made, and it now helps her mom to understand what exactly she has gone through, now able to provide her with the support she needs to heal, and now that she has made the decision to go to college, she feels like her life is on the right track, however she is about to be thrown a curve ball that she never expected.

I would be remiss is saying that those smexy scenes were hot, steamy, scintillating, and spicy because Hunter Cash is a man possessed and will make his claim, consequences be damned.

Highly recommend both the author and the book, now onto book 2 Craving Us.

[Bookmom1213 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa is the baby of the Edwards girls. Lex is her father, who is a billionaire businessman. She is having a hard time with her family status and being told what to do. She wanted to travel through Europe after high school and her parents wanted her to go to college. After numerous fights and arguments they allowed her to go for a year then she was to come back and apply for colleges. Instead she moved in with her friend that she met whole traveling and told her she could move in with her family. Alexa did this just to prove a point to her parents. Her friend actually help her find a job. She is now working for her friend’s stepdad.
Hunter is an up and coming businessman who is looking to be number one and knocking Lex down a peg or two. He also has an ultimatum That his grandfather left him his will of being married and having a child before a certain or he will loses millions that were left to him. Alexa started working for his company as an assistant to his assistant. What he didn’t expect was her smart mouth and the magnetic pull he had when it came to Alexa.
Omg this is book 1 in “The Secret Love” series. Kat did it again. She left me wanting more. She hit it out of the park, home run!! I love Lex and his family and this book is no different. I now have to wait February 10, 2023 (only 83 days but who is counting) to get the conclusion to Alexa story.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, Alexandra is a spoiled immature little brat. I think we can agree on that. Sure, living w/ the infamous last name will get you bullied but look at the rest of your sisters. They dealt with it, so let’s try a different approach & figure out how you should manage it. Additionally, I understand the want & need to try to prove yourself to your family but you don’t gotta be a bitch about it & be so quick to assume that your daddy hates you based on a feeling 🙄.

Secondly, no communication with her parents or sisters or even Cole about what the future could hold for them, so instead, you get an abortion all by yourself & then live this miserable life bc you assumed he didn’t want to have children. Then when you see he’s expecting a baby with someone else, you go all emo? Well, let’s remember you pushed him away! 🤦🏽‍♀️

Thirdly, of course you cut out your birth control implant during a wild drunken night 🙄😒 that’s how you’ll get preggo again.

Alexandra is annoying, Hunter has no personality but will I be reading the rest of the books in this series? Yes, yes I will despite it being predictable. Why will I finish the series? Bc I do enjoy the storyline bc I’m just as annoying as these characters.

[Gabby Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Edwards girls love breaking the rules.”

Can Lex and Charlie adopt me? I love this family so much. Alexa is the baby of the family and different than her sisters in the sense that she goes against everything Lex says. Their relationship is rough. Alexa could be bratty at times but she is a young adult, went through something traumatic and honestly feels alone. She was very determined to do everything for herself and find herself. Through the story she finds herself and move on from her past. Hunter is the hot, off limits billionaire and then there is Beau childhood friend, sweet and fun. I don’t know who I’m team yet because I love them both for different reasons but I think I’m here for Beau. Also Lex is an ahole but I fell more in love with him, no shame. Then made my heart melt in the end, he is the ultimate girl dad. I love reading these books because it always feels like a family reunion with everyone every time. And of course Eric will have you cracking up. I can’t wait for book 2 in February! This book has trigger warnings and a cliff hanger.

I just have to include this quote from Charlie because her and Lex are perfect🥹

“Some things in life are destined to change but being in love with Alexander Edwards will never be one of those things.”

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this one to come out and let me say it didn’t disappoint.
I’m still not sure whether I love or hate Alexa as a character. One minute I’m feeling for her and what she is going through... the next minute I’m thinking she is entitled and just looking for a way to blame Lex for everything that has gone wrong in her life. Even though it seems it was all self inflicted.
But I do love how we see her grow throughout the story, and I am very much invested on how this story is going to turn out.
This one does end in a wild cliffhanger that had me reevaluating everything and wondering who she will end up with.
I know many people are definitively team Hunter.
I am all Team Beau.
Trust me, anyone who thinks they know how Kat will go with this story will be disappointed. I’m sure she is going to knock it put of right field and we will never see it coming.
Amazing addition to the Edwards family reads.
Now the countdown begins for a February and part 2 to this amazing read.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh KAT T MASEN always writes books I become obsessed with!!!!! Ava is so strong and stubborn and is dedicated to making her way on her own dime and not being controlled by her parents. She lands her self a job working for her besties step dad, who also happens to be her dads business competitor. Step daddy Hunter quickly is infatuated with her, but Ava is obviously hesitant due to his age (30) and his wife. On her 20th birthday she learns he is married for convenience and has never touched his wife. They finally get together and spend weeks being obsessed until one gala event her parents are attending, she learns that Hunters company is trying to take down her dads. She ends the relationship/job, rekindles her relationship with parents and decides to enroll in college. Book leaves on cliffhanger, her finding out she is late for her period!

[Merry One Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A interesting time for Alexandra Edwards

This is book one for Alexandra Edwards, but this is the youngest daughter of the great Alexander Edwards. His story and his other three daughters have their own duet books. I have read those too, so I understand the dynamics and underlying relationships. So back to Alexandra, she is a senior in high school with a serious secret that she is hiding from everyone. So her defense mode is to go against anything her parents say. She decides not to go to college. She doesn’t want anything from them, no money, no car, etc. So what must any parents do? They have to sit back and allow their child, who just turned eighteen, to make their own decisions and mistakes. This is that story for Alexandra. Ends in cliffhanger . . . . An interesting story. . . . Read On!

[Alyssa Childers · Rating 4 out of 5]

this cliffhanger is going to ruin me

i definitely think i'm team Beau, i have a thing for the entire Romano family :)

Lex was an asshole as usual, but the end made me tear up asshole but total girl dad and i love it. Charlie & Eric being absolutely the best.

Hunter Cash...listen you are hot, i get the marriage of convenience but sir respectfully I hope you see what you miss in book two (i will issue a formal apology if you redeem but doubt it)

Alexa, I love you gorgeous. Slay in college.

cw/tw: explicit scenes, mentions abortion & ptsd, forcible birth control removal (by FMC herself), cheating, underage drinking (19/20s)

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved EVERYTHING released by Kat T Masen and this book did not disappoint. My heart feels for Alexa. She was in such a stressful intense situation for someone her age and so of course the choices she made may not have been the best ones at the time and then of course she took her grief and struggle out on the people around her. She may have been 17 but she was trying to deal alone with most things full adults don't deal with by themselves. I am ready for book 2 and hopefully a happy ending for a girl who's been going through it.

[Syd Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want to read a book series that will you read forever and forever and not get old? Kat delivers over and over again. The title is a perfect description of this book but not in the way you expect, but want to know more about throughout the book. We are introduced to the baby of the Edwards dynasty in this novel, and Kat writes this character in a way I never expected. She 💯 nails it.

I will say it does end in a cliffy, but a cliffy that will not leave you nuts waiting and hating the author.

Happy 📕 Reading!

[Sara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! How does Kat T Masen manage to keep finding beautiful stories to tell us from the lives of the Edwards Family?

My heart broke for Alexa a few times throughout this book. This is more a story about her perception of her relationship with her father than it is a love story, for this book at least.

I kind of expected the ending so the cliffhanger wasn't so painful. But I'm not so sure I can wait patiently for the next book.

[Niemanns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!

Ok so yes there's been twists and turns with the Edward's family, but my this one definitely took a turn. Just when I was waiting for a romance to blossom and one guy to just be a fling, its much more than that. Each book I cry more, I laugh more and damn I love Kat!!! She has made me fall on love with these books more than any hot steamy romance novel. I don't find this just a romance with some good sex. There is a story and damn good ones. She is goood!

[Miriam Jaimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️’s

At the beginning of this book Alexa drive me crazy!!!

I understand Lex can be too much but in my opinion she acted immature and didn’t want to be honest about what really happened so there’s no way anyone would truly know how to help her.

Thank goodness she came around because I really started to like her & im so happy that I kept on with the book. I’m slowly watching her mature & I love that for her!!

Onto book #2 I go! I can’t wait to see who she ends up with!

[Phyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra, youngest daughter of Lex Edwards. Edward girls love breaking the rules. When it comes to their love life, they funnily found themselves into all kinds of strife. Love triangles, age gap, forbidden. Alexa attracts the attention of Hunter Cash who is similar to her father. She goes from a controlling dad to a controlling love interest. Second part will be more strife.

[Sara Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10! I swear I don’t know how people don’t like Kat Masen. Craving Love was everything I thought it’d be and more! Alexa is such a head strong character like her Lex. Hunter seems so genuine and sweet but still has that tough guy, egotistical, outer shell. I cannot wait for the second book to release to see how this all ends!

[Bookstagram3172 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve waited to read this book since it came out as my schedule didn’t allow me to read it how I would want to, and it was definitely worth the wait.
Alexa, Lex and Charlie’s youngest daughter finally gets to tell her story. Kat tells her story so well. I was drawn in from the beginning. It felt like I was inside the pages with them. I can’t wait for the next book as I NEED answers 😂

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great book by kat

This definitely was different from her others but it definitely is just as great as the other. Alexa and hunter has this hot chemistry just like lex and charlotte. I loved reading this story especially getting glimpse of the family. I can’t wait until the next to see how they end up.

[Devika Ragbeer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexaaaaa, why must you be the most difficult daughter that Lex and Charlie have ? Listen, I totally loved this book, the spice was there. The way she stood up for what she wanted and how she didn’t want daddy’s money to help her along the way blew my mind. To be humble. So Alexa was difficult but it played out how it should. What will happen next ?

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra's story is worth the wait!

Alexandra Edwards gets off to a restless start at the beginning of this book. Haunted by a secret that threatens to destroy her and her family, she struggles to come to terms with her choices in the midst of falling in love & ultimately suffering heartbreak.

[Andria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 or 4 out of five. I'm torn between the ratings, going back and forth.

It started out really good, with the tension and the angst. I loved the back story or who Alexa was, and why she made the choices she did, etc. But then BAM, everything suddenly speeds up and happens really fast.. I dunno, I'm torn on how to feel about the progression and ending.