Crave

Beneath the Secrets, Book 3

By: Luna Mason

Narrated by: Angelina Rocca, Joe Arden

I am completely and obsessively in love with my best friend's sister.

Twenty years ago I was saved by the Volkov brothers and I made a vow… to protect their younger sister, Lara, with my life.

And not a day goes by that I don’t take that seriously.

She is my best friend and the keeper of my sanity.

And when our enemies try to take her from me, they will pay the price with their life.

I told her one kiss wouldn’t ruin our friendship.

I was so very wrong.

She is sweeter than any addiction.

I may be crazy, but that is nothing in comparison to the way I feel about my pchelka.

So I take matters into my own hands; I will never go back on my promise.

Even if that means watching her as she sleeps.

Except, what I didn’t realize, is this was never about protection, I did all of this out of love.

With her, I stand to lose everything.

Without her, I lose my mind… and my heart. Even when we’re torn apart, there isn’t a single force on this earth that can stop me from protecting her.

Not even her brothers.

I can save her from any dangers in the outside world, but will my love be enough to save her from the demons in her mind?

©2024 Luna Mason (P)2024 Luna Mason

Lovedddddd

Loved the voice actors it helped me to get in the story even more and the actual story was veryyyy good

How could anyone not love Alexei and his pchelka!

"My love for you is my fuel, one spark and I can set the world on fire. Our love is forever. No beginning, no end. Infinite."

Listeners will get the pleasure of having Angelina Rocca and Joe Arden giving life to Lara and Alexei and they deliver excellence chapter after chapter after chapter. Listeners are graced with accents from both of them.

Joe somehow once again nails the tone of the MMC when it came to Alexei. The accent, the somewhat innocent tone I always heard in my head when reading the story and yet the darkness that lurks underneath when it comes to his loved ones, especially Lara. I have to say there was a certain scene in chapter 10 that had me giggling so hard.

Angelina has the perfect voice for the character of Lara. She is a woman who suffers silently and has some inner turmoil. Her spirits only ever seem to be lifted when around Alexei and I do not believe there is a female narrator out there that could have done justice to Lara like Ms. Rocca does.

It is official, Alexie is my favorite from this series. I have wanted his story since he first popped up and Luna did not disappoint. I can honestly say Lara and him as a couple did not cross my mind until the end of Caged! I couldn't picture Lara with crazy Alexei but they work! He is this man who is carefree, living life on the wild side, never afraid of the danger.

Alexei has protected Lara almost his entire life. He takes that role very seriously because he loves her. She is more than just his best friend but he doesn't think he is good enough for her. Lara is so deserving of love and she only wants it from Alexei yet feels she isn't deserving of his love. Right away they are meant to be. While Alexei is pretty much an open book Lara is not and finding out what she has been battling for a big portion of her life was so heartbreaking.

The bond between them is insanely strong. The lengths that Alexei goes to for Lara's protection is beyond crazy. There is no limit to what he is willing to do which of course makes him pretty much perfect! Once that first kiss happens it is game over, there will never be another for either of them. The proof is in the shocking little tidbit about Alexei that melted my heart so much.

Too many times in this story my heart was racing but then it wouldn't be a Luna Mason book if she didn't give her readers anxiety inducing scenarios. I felt like just as all was well it truly was not and it was time for another round and then that last final plot twist that happened....

Alexei and Lara

4.75 stars

This is the third audiobook in the Beneath the Secrets series and it is Alexei and Lara’s story. These two have not had the easiest of upbringings which has left them with feelings of inadequacy and not being good enough. Lara is a person who is there for other people regardless of how she is feeling inside. She is also dealing with some mental challenges that others will be able to relate to. Alexei has always been devoted to Lara and would do anything for her. He is the person you want in your corner because he is loyal to a fault. The narrators did a wonderful job emoting the vulnerabilities of the characters. Joe Arden once again demonstrates his versatility in crafting a character that wears his emotions on his sleeve. The intensity, rawness, and accent were truly on point. It took a moment to warm up to Angelina Rocca’s voice but then she matched Mr. Arden’s’ energy to breathe life into Lara, resulting in a powerful performance. Overall, this is one intense listen with twists, turns and spicy banter that will have your ears tingling for more.

Why did it take me so long to jump on the bandwagon?

Luna absolutely love love love love this beautiful book from start to finish. I’m not quite sure why it took me so long to actually listen and read your beautiful books but from now on, I will be rectifying that. Luna the way that you write just captured my attention from the very first sentence. I’ve been a massive fan of yours as a human being since April 2024 and you are hands-down, one of the sweetest people I’ve met. I’m so so glad I got to meet you last year.

Now I’m officially a massive fan of you as an author because you truly put me in my feels with this beautiful book. This book made me cry, laugh my head off, broke my heart at times and so many other feelings. I truly cannot wait to read and listen to all your books because I know you won’t disappoint me.

Alexei and Lara have become one of my favorite couples because their chemistry we’re off the charts and I loved every second of this audiobook that I completed it in three days. As I was reading and listening to this beautiful audiobook, all I wanted to do was give Alexei and Lara massive hugs because of what they had to endure in their lives. If you absolutely love, love love love an unhinge MMC who will do absolutely anything for his pchelka, you need to get this book today.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/🌶️🌶️🌶️

One reason I love audiobooks is because of the emotion you can hear and feel!!!! Some books need to be listened to rather than read as a physical book and this book is one of those for me!

Alexei! Crazy af, but the most passionate and loving man there is!!!!

He is the definition of I will do anything and everything for this woman and this woman ONLY!!!!!

LOVED IT

I've been DYING for Lara & Alexei's story and really enjoyed finally getting it! Both of them have been close for years, ever since they were young and I love how their friendship has grown. They both rely on each other to calm their chaotic feelings and feel at peace with each other. Both also struggle with different past issues/trauma, but they both are just trying to be strong for one another. The spice between them is HOT and I loved it so much!! I also had a few moments where I was literally laughing out loud while listening to this! The audio narration was well done and very enjoyable to listen to! Now I'm ready for Mikhail's story in the next book!

My heart melts for Alexi 🦩🦩

This story is beautiful. I freaking love Alexi soo much! I laughed out loud so many times lol. It’s funny because at times I found Laura annoying but it finally hit me why. I am pretty much just like her! Self sabotage and what not lol.
This is my first book from Luna Mason but definitely won’t be my last! I always love anything Joe Arden! And this is no exception! He’s accent was PERFECT! The only thing that kinda of was annoying is I just don’t like when it’s dual POV but the characters read the other characters parts. Definitely not enough to keep me from listening and I’ll even listen again! I just prefer to have each character do their part. Joe as Laura was funny but I’d prefer to hear Angelina ❤️

Luna Mason and Joe Arden? yes please

I think it would have been difficult for anyone other than Joe to do the voice of Alexi. Absolutely one of Joe's most impressive performances.

I've read the books in this and the previous Behind the Mask series and I highly recommend all of them, but if you were only going to pick one to listen to, this should be it.

Great spicy love story

Narration 10-10
Spice was delicious and story was great
I recommend reading it and giving it a whirl
Joe Arden never disappoints

Crave

I am glad Laura and Alexis got their happy ever after. But some chapters were over the same situation and needed to get to the point. So ready to find out Mikacal story. I'm wondering if Tatyana or Ivan got him.