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Benevolence & Blood #2.5
Unmasked
The boys who age out of the orphanage become soldiers. That’s the way of it. That’s always been the plan for Miles Landgrave.
His own past is a mystery to him and he’s content to keep it that way. With his sights set on a higher rank, it seems his true life’s purpose is finally within reach. Soon, he’ll be able to step out of the shadows of survival and into the role he was born to fill.
When he meets Cielle Andyr, all of it comes grinding to a halt. He’s never questioned his own allegiance nor the horrific acts that allegiance will soon force him to commit. But now, he sees everything in a new light, one he was convinced didn’t exist.
For the first time in his life, Miles has more to live for than his duty, placing him at a crossroads between the honor of love and the love of honor. As unrest grows across the continent, he must choose between love and duty, between a sworn oath and a longing heart.
But a world doesn’t exist where he can have both.
His own past is a mystery to him and he’s content to keep it that way. With his sights set on a higher rank, it seems his true life’s purpose is finally within reach. Soon, he’ll be able to step out of the shadows of survival and into the role he was born to fill.
When he meets Cielle Andyr, all of it comes grinding to a halt. He’s never questioned his own allegiance nor the horrific acts that allegiance will soon force him to commit. But now, he sees everything in a new light, one he was convinced didn’t exist.
For the first time in his life, Miles has more to live for than his duty, placing him at a crossroads between the honor of love and the love of honor. As unrest grows across the continent, he must choose between love and duty, between a sworn oath and a longing heart.
But a world doesn’t exist where he can have both.
Unknown Binding
First published April 23, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 22, 2024
this novella was so needed
April 21, 2024
4.5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
At the center of my greatest joy and my greatest regret…was Cielle.
The highly anticipated Miles novel is finally here and that foreword was everything! Thank you Lauren for gifting this Miles girlie an eARC.
I know Lauren mentions in her disclaimer that this is not a necessary read as part of the series, but why miss out on a good book? I will tell you it is necessary especially if you're a fan of Miles *winks*
Unmasked takes us back five years before the arrival of Daughter of Katia and it's best read after the The Bones of Benevolence.
The book is narrated by Miles and another character named Cielle (if you read The Bones of Benevolence you'll know why she's important).
I don't know how to describe it without spoiling it for readers, it's like witnessing the bloom of a flower and as soon as it unfurls its petals someone stomps on it with their muddy shoes.
And yes it will hurt.
The ending seems to have a teeny tiny easter eggs that made me immediately sit up and reread that little part just to make sure I didn't imagine it. Now I'll have to cling to that until book 3 is out.
Content Warnings: this book includes content that may be sensitive for some readers, including Violence and death, Blood and gore, Loss of family members, Explicit sexual content, Mental health and suic*de, Sexual violence, Drugs and addiction, Profanity and potentially offensive language.
At the center of my greatest joy and my greatest regret…was Cielle.
The highly anticipated Miles novel is finally here and that foreword was everything! Thank you Lauren for gifting this Miles girlie an eARC.
I know Lauren mentions in her disclaimer that this is not a necessary read as part of the series, but why miss out on a good book? I will tell you it is necessary especially if you're a fan of Miles *winks*
Unmasked takes us back five years before the arrival of Daughter of Katia and it's best read after the The Bones of Benevolence.
The book is narrated by Miles and another character named Cielle (if you read The Bones of Benevolence you'll know why she's important).
I don't know how to describe it without spoiling it for readers, it's like witnessing the bloom of a flower and as soon as it unfurls its petals someone stomps on it with their muddy shoes.
And yes it will hurt.
The ending seems to have a teeny tiny easter eggs that made me immediately sit up and reread that little part just to make sure I didn't imagine it. Now I'll have to cling to that until book 3 is out.
Content Warnings: this book includes content that may be sensitive for some readers, including Violence and death, Blood and gore, Loss of family members, Explicit sexual content, Mental health and suic*de, Sexual violence, Drugs and addiction, Profanity and potentially offensive language.
April 8, 2024
I had the honour of beta reading this (thank you Lauren ❤️) and I’m just simply in love with Miles. This novella really shows a side of him that you definitely got glimpses of in the main book, but the deep dive into his character was so raw and emotional. Meeting Cielle was the cherry on top for this novella (and Miles) and their story is heartwarming and heartbreaking all in one. Lauren has such a way with words and reading her books gives me such clear pictures in my mind while I read, which makes the books all that much better. I can’t wait to continue reading this series, especially after the ending to this novella bringing us back to present day and leaving us dangling for more!
April 20, 2024
Thank you so much to Lauren for the ARC 🤍 This was SO SO good!! Miles and Cielle are a perfect duo and I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story - I think what I loved the most is that they have significant obstacles in their way, which I think is very realistic and easy to relate to. Their story was beautiful yet heartbreaking, and I feel privileged to have read it! As for the ending,I knew it was coming, yet I was devastated all the same - I need the next book in this series immediately 🥲
Unmasked is a prequel Novella that should be read after The Bones of Benevolence.
Unmasked is a prequel Novella that should be read after The Bones of Benevolence.
May 30, 2024
I have never fallen in love with characters so quickly! Lauren's writing is so engrossing. This was so easy to get swept up in, even if my heart was torn out by the end of it.
Read
June 6, 2025This is my favorite book by Lauren yet! Her characters really carried this story, including Nieve & Cedric, especially, Nieve & Cedric.
Miles is gonna have a therapy bill as long as Taitha is wide. Poor guy, he just can’t catch a break.
I’m excited to see what Lauren has in store for The War of Wings as she concludes this series.
Miles is gonna have a therapy bill as long as Taitha is wide. Poor guy, he just can’t catch a break.
I’m excited to see what Lauren has in store for The War of Wings as she concludes this series.
April 12, 2024
“If this was what it was like to descend into madness, I’d gladly jump off the ledge.”
There’s a reason Lauren is one of my favourite author. She never fails to deliver.I had always wanted to know more about Miles backstory but never ever expected it to be this beautiful and equally gut-wrenching. Miles Landgrave who only wanted to serve in the army when he grew out of the orphanage was smacked in his face with so many conflicts which questioned his morals.
Cielle was the character I was unprepared for. I wish I could be her. The unapologetic female who knew what she wanted. Can’t elaborate further it would be a spoiler like literally anything from this novella.
I loved it. So much. You need to start this series if you haven’t. You are missing out something very very great things.
“Hate me for the rest of your life. I’ll love you for the rest of mine.”
Thank you Lauren for gifting me this ARC in exchange of honest review
There’s a reason Lauren is one of my favourite author. She never fails to deliver.I had always wanted to know more about Miles backstory but never ever expected it to be this beautiful and equally gut-wrenching. Miles Landgrave who only wanted to serve in the army when he grew out of the orphanage was smacked in his face with so many conflicts which questioned his morals.
Cielle was the character I was unprepared for. I wish I could be her. The unapologetic female who knew what she wanted. Can’t elaborate further it would be a spoiler like literally anything from this novella.
I loved it. So much. You need to start this series if you haven’t. You are missing out something very very great things.
“Hate me for the rest of your life. I’ll love you for the rest of mine.”
Thank you Lauren for gifting me this ARC in exchange of honest review
July 25, 2024
I don’t have words other than everything will be okay in the end so if things aren’t okay then it’s not the end 😭
July 24, 2025
I just really like this author, the way she writes is beautiful. She makes me fall in love with every leading man.
September 14, 2025
I think I felt every emotion possible reading this book! Because it is a prequel I knew how it would end, but that didnt make the ending any less heart wrenching and brutal!
Leading up to that, Miles and Cielle's story was beautifully written. I loved the dual POV! All the relationships and experiences on both sides of the story were perfectly crafted. Being in their heads helped with understanding their decisions and learning more about the characters. I knew Miles from the first couple books, now I understand him so much more!
And the side characters! I loved Nieve and how she was always unapologetically herself. Isa and her convictions were inspiring. Cenric was just hilarious.
Also, the cover! Not only is it gorgeous, but I can recognize the Easter eggs in it now and it's perfect.
I definitely need to go back and reread the first two books now! I can't wait for the next book and to see what comes next in this world!
Leading up to that, Miles and Cielle's story was beautifully written. I loved the dual POV! All the relationships and experiences on both sides of the story were perfectly crafted. Being in their heads helped with understanding their decisions and learning more about the characters. I knew Miles from the first couple books, now I understand him so much more!
And the side characters! I loved Nieve and how she was always unapologetically herself. Isa and her convictions were inspiring. Cenric was just hilarious.
Also, the cover! Not only is it gorgeous, but I can recognize the Easter eggs in it now and it's perfect.
I definitely need to go back and reread the first two books now! I can't wait for the next book and to see what comes next in this world!
July 18, 2025
I LOVE MILES SO MUCH.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I loved this novella. I’ve been wanting Miles story for a long time and oh my gosh it packed a GUT PUNCH. I loved being back in this world and getting more background. I loved that it was dual POV too. It’s set prior to the current track of the series and gives me a tiny bit of hope for how things will come together.
The romance was well paced. I loved seeing some side characters and I look forward to seeing how this all will fit back into the series! This isn’t a *necessary* story, but if you have been loving this world, I definitely recommend reading this too!
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance Novella
- Language: high
- Romance: 2 open door
- Violence: high
- Content Warnings: loss of life
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I loved this novella. I’ve been wanting Miles story for a long time and oh my gosh it packed a GUT PUNCH. I loved being back in this world and getting more background. I loved that it was dual POV too. It’s set prior to the current track of the series and gives me a tiny bit of hope for how things will come together.
The romance was well paced. I loved seeing some side characters and I look forward to seeing how this all will fit back into the series! This isn’t a *necessary* story, but if you have been loving this world, I definitely recommend reading this too!
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance Novella
- Language: high
- Romance: 2 open door
- Violence: high
- Content Warnings: loss of life
December 27, 2024
Thank you Lauren for this ARC! Man, this ripped my heart to shreds. Ready to get attached to characters and get your heart smushed? Dang it, Lauren.
But for real this was a great read. This is one of the only .5 books I’ve truly enjoyed, well done! Characters are well fleshed out for such a short book. Sooo good.
2/5 🌶️
But for real this was a great read. This is one of the only .5 books I’ve truly enjoyed, well done! Characters are well fleshed out for such a short book. Sooo good.
2/5 🌶️
June 16, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (crème de la crop!)
•Spice level: 🌶️.5 (upper YA/NA)
•Burn pace: 🔥 (slow burn)
•Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance
*this review will contain NO spoilers for the Benevolence & Blood series. This book can be enjoyed on it’s own BUT is best read after Sin of Saints and Bones of Benevolence. If you decide to read it first, be warned there will be some fairly strong spoilers for the first two books.*
Miles lost his whole family in a tragic fire he can’t remember, apart from the proof of the scars on his body. Growing up in an orphanage for boys like him, all he wants is to become a trained soldier in the King’s army.
Even if said King is ordering said soldiers to disperse a type of mind-controlling d.r*g amongst civilians to expand his army. Willingly or unwillingly, each soldier will inevitably turn themselves into a monster for the King they’ve sworn an oath to.
Miles doesn’t want to be a monster…but his oath means everything to him. At least until he meets Cielle.
If you like a forbidden romance, dual POVs, internal character struggles, massive plot twists, and crying a $h!t ton, you’ll love this book. Again, while you can enjoy it on its own, don’t miss out on the others! This was one of my top series last year, and I read 680 books. So let that tell you something!
TWs: mentions of d.r*g @ddi¢tion, mentions & rf. to r.@p3, pr0stituti0n, t0rtur3, murd3r, vi0lence, on-page character death(s), mentions of family loss
HEA? Check the answer below. But it may spoil it for you if you haven’t read the first two.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
There is no HEA that we know of at this time. But that doesn’t mean it’s not coming!
•Spice level: 🌶️.5 (upper YA/NA)
•Burn pace: 🔥 (slow burn)
•Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance
*this review will contain NO spoilers for the Benevolence & Blood series. This book can be enjoyed on it’s own BUT is best read after Sin of Saints and Bones of Benevolence. If you decide to read it first, be warned there will be some fairly strong spoilers for the first two books.*
Miles lost his whole family in a tragic fire he can’t remember, apart from the proof of the scars on his body. Growing up in an orphanage for boys like him, all he wants is to become a trained soldier in the King’s army.
Even if said King is ordering said soldiers to disperse a type of mind-controlling d.r*g amongst civilians to expand his army. Willingly or unwillingly, each soldier will inevitably turn themselves into a monster for the King they’ve sworn an oath to.
Miles doesn’t want to be a monster…but his oath means everything to him. At least until he meets Cielle.
If you like a forbidden romance, dual POVs, internal character struggles, massive plot twists, and crying a $h!t ton, you’ll love this book. Again, while you can enjoy it on its own, don’t miss out on the others! This was one of my top series last year, and I read 680 books. So let that tell you something!
TWs: mentions of d.r*g @ddi¢tion, mentions & rf. to r.@p3, pr0stituti0n, t0rtur3, murd3r, vi0lence, on-page character death(s), mentions of family loss
HEA? Check the answer below. But it may spoil it for you if you haven’t read the first two.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
There is no HEA that we know of at this time. But that doesn’t mean it’s not coming!
April 29, 2024
“at the center of my greatest joy and my greatest regret… was cielle.”
if there’s one thing lauren can do… is make you laugh one second, and then rip your heart to shreds in the next. if you’ve read the first two books in this series, then you’ll have an idea of how this novella will go. but despite that, you will never truly be prepared for what an emotional rollercoaster this story is.
reading the relationship grow between miles and cielle was truly bittersweet. their love was palpable and though we’ve had teasers so far in the series, nothing compares to their true love story. the side characters, as always, were incredibly witty, adorable and kind. but the twists, turns and tragedies will wreck you in both the best and the worst way possible.
lauren’s writing tells a beautifully tragic tale of undeniable love and the cruelest heartbreak, it’s the kind of story that sticks with you in more ways than one. i’m honoured to have had the chance to read the work of such a talented mind.
this novella isn’t crucial to the main story, but if you’re a fan of the benevolence and blood series then i strongly suggest picking this one up. who in their right mind doesn’t wanna read more miles??
if there’s one thing lauren can do… is make you laugh one second, and then rip your heart to shreds in the next. if you’ve read the first two books in this series, then you’ll have an idea of how this novella will go. but despite that, you will never truly be prepared for what an emotional rollercoaster this story is.
reading the relationship grow between miles and cielle was truly bittersweet. their love was palpable and though we’ve had teasers so far in the series, nothing compares to their true love story. the side characters, as always, were incredibly witty, adorable and kind. but the twists, turns and tragedies will wreck you in both the best and the worst way possible.
lauren’s writing tells a beautifully tragic tale of undeniable love and the cruelest heartbreak, it’s the kind of story that sticks with you in more ways than one. i’m honoured to have had the chance to read the work of such a talented mind.
this novella isn’t crucial to the main story, but if you’re a fan of the benevolence and blood series then i strongly suggest picking this one up. who in their right mind doesn’t wanna read more miles??
April 15, 2024
“𝐼 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌, 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒,” 𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝓊𝓇𝓂𝓊𝓇𝑒𝒹. “𝐻𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒. 𝐼’𝓁𝓁 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑒.”
Lauren successfully shattered my soul with Unmasked. It was everything I wanted yet everything I dreaded. My heart broke for Miles right from the beginning. I mean, I knew what I was getting into… but… it’s Miles 🥹.
“𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓁𝒻 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝑜𝓃. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓊𝓃, 𝒞𝒾𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑒.”
Nieve had me cracking up constantly with her horrible attitude. She was a perfect reprieve from the heavy hardships weaved throughout the story. With that said, nothing was held back in this novella’s rough and tough parts. Miles’ back story is not light. It is heavy and bittersweet and yet I could not get enough.
Cielle and Miles, gosh I just loved them and longed for them. Cielle is such a bright light for Miles and the ending is just heart-shattering. Everything comes crashing down for Miles and then we’re thrown right where we left in The Bones of Benevolence. I am begging but also dreading book three. Truly though, I cannot wait.
*Make sure you read books 1 & 2 before you read this.
Thank you to Lauren M. Leasure for an early eARC of this book.
Lauren successfully shattered my soul with Unmasked. It was everything I wanted yet everything I dreaded. My heart broke for Miles right from the beginning. I mean, I knew what I was getting into… but… it’s Miles 🥹.
“𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓁𝒻 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝑜𝓃. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓊𝓃, 𝒞𝒾𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑒.”
Nieve had me cracking up constantly with her horrible attitude. She was a perfect reprieve from the heavy hardships weaved throughout the story. With that said, nothing was held back in this novella’s rough and tough parts. Miles’ back story is not light. It is heavy and bittersweet and yet I could not get enough.
Cielle and Miles, gosh I just loved them and longed for them. Cielle is such a bright light for Miles and the ending is just heart-shattering. Everything comes crashing down for Miles and then we’re thrown right where we left in The Bones of Benevolence. I am begging but also dreading book three. Truly though, I cannot wait.
*Make sure you read books 1 & 2 before you read this.
Thank you to Lauren M. Leasure for an early eARC of this book.
August 21, 2025
Heartbreakingly beautiful! I love Miles and I’m so glad we were given his full backstory. Your heart will absolutely break. It shows that we hold close certain things that define us and sometimes those things can also cause us pain because of the choices we make. It’s full of love, hope, and sacrifice. It also highlights that there are people who come into our lives if only for a short time that can impact us profoundly! I loved the cameos from people in the main series and I’m so ready for the finale to come!
I was floundering in the depths of this woman and I sure as f*** didn’t know how to swim. I wasn’t sure I wanted to learn, though. I’d be content to drown in her.
“Then all the sudden, there you were. My perfect opposite. My perfect compliment. Like two halves of the moon, both fine on their own but infinitely more beautiful together.”
Some things ache so profoundly that words don’t exist to describe the pain.
I was floundering in the depths of this woman and I sure as f*** didn’t know how to swim. I wasn’t sure I wanted to learn, though. I’d be content to drown in her.
“Then all the sudden, there you were. My perfect opposite. My perfect compliment. Like two halves of the moon, both fine on their own but infinitely more beautiful together.”
Some things ache so profoundly that words don’t exist to describe the pain.
April 10, 2024
Miles. Why, Miles 😩
What a great glimpse into the story behind our beloved soldier. This truly gives you all you need to know about how Miles came to be when we met him originally.
Lauren does a fantastic job at letting us see Miles before even more tragic events alter his makeup. You feel every bit of his emotional warfare in this book, and you are utterly crushed when he ultimately feels he has no way out of the path he is on.
But that ending?! Feel free to stomp on my heart some more while you're at it! But also, thank you for this emotional damage because I wouldn't want to skip this piece of the Benevolence & Blood series.
Can't wait for more tears.
What a great glimpse into the story behind our beloved soldier. This truly gives you all you need to know about how Miles came to be when we met him originally.
Lauren does a fantastic job at letting us see Miles before even more tragic events alter his makeup. You feel every bit of his emotional warfare in this book, and you are utterly crushed when he ultimately feels he has no way out of the path he is on.
But that ending?! Feel free to stomp on my heart some more while you're at it! But also, thank you for this emotional damage because I wouldn't want to skip this piece of the Benevolence & Blood series.
Can't wait for more tears.
April 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
Oh this book, had me with all the emotions! Being a prequel I knew inevitably what the outcome would be that did not make it any less heart poundiogly brutal.
The story between Miles and Cielle was truly beautifully written even through all of the twists and turns my heart was all in for them.
The thing about love is in the balance of life, love comes often with heartbreak, even though there fleeting joy the higher you are the harder you fall. My heart surely was enveloped in the fleet of this novel as well as the fall.
I had high expectations for this prequel novel and Leasure delivered.
Oh this book, had me with all the emotions! Being a prequel I knew inevitably what the outcome would be that did not make it any less heart poundiogly brutal.
The story between Miles and Cielle was truly beautifully written even through all of the twists and turns my heart was all in for them.
The thing about love is in the balance of life, love comes often with heartbreak, even though there fleeting joy the higher you are the harder you fall. My heart surely was enveloped in the fleet of this novel as well as the fall.
I had high expectations for this prequel novel and Leasure delivered.
April 15, 2024
I want to preface this with this is my first ARC I’ve ever done (loved this experience. Thank you, Lauren!) and this is my first book review I’ve written.
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book.
I didn’t realize it was a prequel to other books I haven’t read.
So I went in totally blind.
At first, I felt the story was slow and kind of confusing. But as I continued the pace quickened and I really started to grow a soft spot for Miles.
By the end of it, my heart was broken.
I didn’t want to finish it, only because I knew it would end badly and I didn’t know if I had the stomach to handle it.
Now that I have finished it, I need to read the other books!
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book.
I didn’t realize it was a prequel to other books I haven’t read.
So I went in totally blind.
At first, I felt the story was slow and kind of confusing. But as I continued the pace quickened and I really started to grow a soft spot for Miles.
By the end of it, my heart was broken.
I didn’t want to finish it, only because I knew it would end badly and I didn’t know if I had the stomach to handle it.
Now that I have finished it, I need to read the other books!
April 15, 2024
I’d like to start off by saying thank you to Lauren for allowing me to be an arc reader. My first arc! I’m so excited/ grateful!
Where do I even start with this book? I seriously felt all the emotions with this book!
I fell in love with Miles and Cielle and their love story had me in pieces😫. And Cielles character? I envy her. I want to be more like her!
I absolutely love the writing style Lauren has. The words flow endlessly. And it’s so hard to put it down. If you haven’t started reading this series I highly encourage you do. It’s one of the series I always recommend and love.
2/🌶️
Where do I even start with this book? I seriously felt all the emotions with this book!
I fell in love with Miles and Cielle and their love story had me in pieces😫. And Cielles character? I envy her. I want to be more like her!
I absolutely love the writing style Lauren has. The words flow endlessly. And it’s so hard to put it down. If you haven’t started reading this series I highly encourage you do. It’s one of the series I always recommend and love.
2/🌶️
July 4, 2025
Incredible read!! I loved getting to know the context and history behind Miles. Such a complex character with extremely realistic reactions, thoughts and feelings. I really enjoyed the dual perspective and love that the author makes every character seem so authentic. All of them have flaws and strengths which make them so real. Lauren is not afraid to incorporate tragedy and it makes the story come alive. She is incredibly intentional with all the character’s actions and I feel like every scene is needed and purposeful.
10/10 would recommend!!
10/10 would recommend!!
April 2, 2024
As always, Lauren weaves a wonderful, yet dark, world of fantasy and intrigue. I knew that Unmasked was going to be a favorite of mine before it was released. Her writing has a way of transporting me to a different place and makes it difficult to find a stopping point.
This story is best read after book two, The Bones of Benevolence, so if you try it before hand you won't fully be able to enjoy it. With that said, it reads more than "just a novella". I can't wait for more of this series.
This story is best read after book two, The Bones of Benevolence, so if you try it before hand you won't fully be able to enjoy it. With that said, it reads more than "just a novella". I can't wait for more of this series.
April 17, 2024
Rating: 5/5*
This book gutted me.
As always, Leasure suspends disbelief with lush prose and world-building that is robust without being overwhelming. The characters were nuanced and believable. The story was well-paced and entertaining. The vibes were immaculate.
If you want a beautiful and cruelly devastating story that takes an iconic side character and crushes your soul with their pain, this book is for you.
Also, if you like romantasy, just read this series! It's so worth it.
This book gutted me.
As always, Leasure suspends disbelief with lush prose and world-building that is robust without being overwhelming. The characters were nuanced and believable. The story was well-paced and entertaining. The vibes were immaculate.
If you want a beautiful and cruelly devastating story that takes an iconic side character and crushes your soul with their pain, this book is for you.
Also, if you like romantasy, just read this series! It's so worth it.
April 8, 2024
Mile has to make the hardest decision, and you won't be ready for what he chooses.
I smiled like an idiot and the pages caught my tears. Lauren really knows how to make you feel all the feels, and I am so honored to get to be a part of this book series.
I smiled like an idiot and the pages caught my tears. Lauren really knows how to make you feel all the feels, and I am so honored to get to be a part of this book series.
April 17, 2024
To absolutely no one’s surprise, I’m sobbing. But goddamn if Lauren didn’t deliver an absolutely amazing story about my favorite masked man, Miles. (Even if I wanted to punch him in the face sometimes for being an idiot).
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
July 30, 2024
⭐4.5
I am heartbroken 💔
I loved Miles' story and getting to know him and understand his actions a bit better. But still 😭😭
There is someone out there who will love you not in spite of your view of the world, but because of it.
I am heartbroken 💔
I loved Miles' story and getting to know him and understand his actions a bit better. But still 😭😭
There is someone out there who will love you not in spite of your view of the world, but because of it.
April 13, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️ 🌶️
Emotional Damage: 💔💔💔💔💔
Centered around our favorite lieutenant, Miles Landgrave, Unmasked is the prequel novella we've all been waiting for! If you've read the first two installments of The Benevolence and Blood Series, you know that Miles has had his fair share of heartbreak and trauma, so I thought I knew what I was getting myself into when I began reading Unmasked. I could not have been more wrong!
There is so much depth and dimension to this book, it's unreal. I immediately connected with all of the new characters that Lauren introduced and fell head over heels with Miles all over again.
Despite its brevity, Unmasked packs incredible world-building, heart-wrenching character development, and profound emotional impact. Lauren absolutely blew me away with her masterful storytelling and the way she connected elements of Unmasked to the rest of the series. At its core, Unmasked is a love story, and when Miles's heart inevitably broke, mine did too, in ways I hadn't even imagined it would.
Miles's story, although heartbreaking, is beautiful and the perfect addition to this phenomenal series and I can't recommend it enough!
I had the privilege of Beta Reading Unmasked, but all opinions are completely my own.
Spice Level: 🌶️ 🌶️
Emotional Damage: 💔💔💔💔💔
Centered around our favorite lieutenant, Miles Landgrave, Unmasked is the prequel novella we've all been waiting for! If you've read the first two installments of The Benevolence and Blood Series, you know that Miles has had his fair share of heartbreak and trauma, so I thought I knew what I was getting myself into when I began reading Unmasked. I could not have been more wrong!
There is so much depth and dimension to this book, it's unreal. I immediately connected with all of the new characters that Lauren introduced and fell head over heels with Miles all over again.
Despite its brevity, Unmasked packs incredible world-building, heart-wrenching character development, and profound emotional impact. Lauren absolutely blew me away with her masterful storytelling and the way she connected elements of Unmasked to the rest of the series. At its core, Unmasked is a love story, and when Miles's heart inevitably broke, mine did too, in ways I hadn't even imagined it would.
Miles's story, although heartbreaking, is beautiful and the perfect addition to this phenomenal series and I can't recommend it enough!
I had the privilege of Beta Reading Unmasked, but all opinions are completely my own.
April 29, 2024
I knew the laughter would break my heart. I knew it. Gods, do I adore this series, the characters, the story, the world. My heart broke, again and again. Love love love.
October 10, 2025
Okay well I guess I needed a good cry…
I’m fine. This is fine. Miles is fine.🥲
I’m fine. This is fine. Miles is fine.🥲
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