Crave

Beneath the Secrets, Book 3

De: Luna Mason

Narrado por: 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

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.

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....

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!

ALC review

ALC review!

Joe Arden completely kills an emotional narration every dang time! This was no different!! Joe & Angelina did this one so well!

Book 3 in the Beneath the Secrets series. & while it wasn’t my favorite so far, I still absolutely loved the relationship & story of Alexei and Lara. Best friends sister, friends to lovers, mental health representation, and all the emotional & angsty moments. This was definitely slower than the others, but the wait was sooo worth it 🌶️🔥

I can’t wait to continue this series!!

Great performances, great book

These books just keep getting better and better. Crave is the third book in the Beneath The Secrets series. This book follows the sometimes clueless, hilarious, candy addict Alexei and Lara. Lara is the sweet and supportive Volkov sister. Alexei has been her protector since they were children and he takes his job very seriously. Lara and Alexei are as close as two people can be. They are so dependent on each other, the thought of starting a relationship is terrifying for both of them.
Once again, Luna Mason has written a fun, fast paced, hot as hell love story with so much genuine emotion. Alexei has my heart. The way he cares for Lara and loves with his whole soul is beautiful. Their journey to their happily ever after is not easy, but so worth the ride. The addition of Joe Arden as the voice of Alexei on this audiobook is perfect. His performance is amazing. Angelina Rocca did a beautiful job of making Lara just as vulnerable as she is sexy. Another home run for this series and the audio!