Author: Cassidy Hudspeth
Published: November 18th, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥(3.5/5)
Genres: Fiction // Dark Romance
Date Started: November 11th, 2024
Date Finished: November 19th, 2024
Quick Thoughts: If you’re a fan of forbidden romance, morally complex characters, and adrenaline-pumping suspense, this book should be on your radar. I couldn’t put this book down.
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first impressions
I’ll admit it: I signed up for the ARC of Lunar Crest University purely because of its stunning cover. I mean, who wouldn’t? But once I read the synopsis (a retired hitman, forbidden romance, and dark secrets?!), I knew this book was practically written for me. And I wasn’t disappointed—this story is an irresistible cocktail of slow-burn tension and morality. “The red flags are looking so green, disguised as a hot, brown-eyed man with muscles that belong in an art museum.”
And a BIG thank you to Cassidy for sending me this eARC to review! 🖤
plot & pacing
One of the things I loved most about this book is how it kept me guessing. Sure, I expected some classic beats (hello, dramatic kidnapping scene!), but the way the plot unraveled felt fresh and engaging. The pacing struck a perfect balance: never too slow to lose momentum but with enough breathing room to savor the tension-filled moments. The climax was everything I hoped for and more, leaving me impatient for the next installment in the series. (Cassidy, if you’re reading this, PLEASE don’t make us wait too long!)
characters that steal the show
The characters are what truly brought this story to life for me. Luca Serrano, our brooding male lead, is a former hitman turned British Literature professor. His devotion to his family—and eventually to Finley—is heart-melting. I loved seeing his tough exterior slowly crack to reveal someone deeply human. The moral complexity of his actions (and his unapologetic protectiveness) made him one of the most compelling characters I’ve read in a while.
And then there’s Finley Dunaway, a 25-year-old student with a penchant for structure and order. I saw a bit of myself in her—especially in how she approaches life with meticulous planning. Watching her evolve through her relationship with Luca felt authentic and natural. Plus, her close friendship with Levi added another layer of depth to her character and showed how much she values her relationships.
relationship dynamics
Luca and Finley’s chemistry is electric. Their connection is instant yet believably complicated, and the forbidden nature of their relationship adds so much tension. You can feel their moral struggles as they fight their feelings, which only makes their eventual surrender all the more satisfying. And let’s not even get started on the spice—Cassidy knows how to write scenes that sizzle. One scene stood out to me more than others, and you’ll know which one I’m talking about when you read it yourself. (What is wrong with me?)
writing style & setting
Cassidy’s writing is perfectly matched to this story. It’s dark and brooding when it needs to be, light and witty in just the right places, and always emotionally resonant. She has a knack for writing dialogue that feels natural and real—whether it’s banter between friends or Luca whispering sweet nothings (and spicy somethings) in Spanish. Let’s just say, I melted more than once.
Set against the backdrop of Lunar Crest University, Cassidy avoids overloading readers with unnecessary details about the setting. Instead, she keeps the focus squarely on the characters and their story, which works beautifully. The university setting feels real enough to ground the story without detracting from its emotional core.
themes & emotional impacts
At its heart, Lunar Crest University is about family, redemption, and love in all its messy, complicated glory. It explores heavy themes—like crime and morality—without ever feeling preachy. Luca’s journey out of his violent past is handled with care, showing that even those with dark histories can seek redemption. And the recurring theme of family—both blood and chosen—adds a layer of warmth and humanity to an otherwise intense story.
This book packs a punch. Both Luca and Finley carry heavy emotional baggage, and watching them heal together was deeply satisfying. One scene in particular, where Luca is on his knees begging Finley to stay, left me teary-eyed. Moments like these—where vulnerability meets strength—are what make romance novels so powerful.
who should read this?
If you’re into forbidden romance, mafia/hitmen tropes, or slow-burn stories with a happily-ever-after (HEA), this book is for you. The spice level is about a 3.5/5—enough to make you blush, but not so much that it overshadows the story. Just know that this book is dark and steamy, so if you’re faint of heart, consider yourself warned! (Please check the trigger warnings)
final thoughts
Cassidy Hudspeth has delivered a knockout with Lunar Crest University. It’s spicy, suspenseful, and utterly unputdownable. If you’re looking for a romance that’s as heartfelt as it is daring, add this one to your TBR immediately. And if you’ve already read it, let me know your thoughts in the comments.
If you loved this review, you can also continue this over on my Instagram or Threads, where I share all my latest reads and recommendations. Follow me @reads.with.whit — we can fangirl over Luca together!
books with a similar vibe
Here are 5 books with a similar vibe to Lunar Crest University, featuring forbidden romance, morally gray characters, and plenty of spice and suspense:
- Twisted Games by Ana Huang – A steamy forbidden romance between a bodyguard and a princess, filled with tension and explosive chemistry.
- Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire – A love story about opposites attracting, with dark, brooding characters and an emotional rollercoaster of a relationship.
- The Risk by S.T. Abby – A romance between a serial killer and the FBI agent hunting her, packed with suspense, moral dilemmas, and undeniable tension.
- Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas – A forbidden age-gap romance between a young woman and her boyfriend’s father, featuring slow-burn tension and emotional depth.
- Corrupt by Penelope Douglas – A dark, suspenseful romance with morally complex characters and a forbidden, high-stakes relationship.
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