An Amazon Top 15 Bestseller They’re not quite enemies. Not really friends. More like frustrated balls of sexual tension and neither will give in.Lance Gibson drives Mariah Malarkey absolutely crazy. He uses her office like a phone booth, takes cupcakes from the corner of her desk like she baked them just for him. She didn’t. Maybe she knew the history teacher happened to love peanut butter … teacher happened to love peanut butter icing, but that was purely a coincidence. All sixteen times.
Mariah has a way of getting under Lance’s skin too. She calls him out on his crap, spoils him even if inadvertently, and seeing the librarian in skirts drives him wild. She won’t give in. It’s for the best, really, considering there’s no way he could lie to a woman like that and he’s not about to tell her the truth about himself. Not in a million years.
These two don’t hate each other. They don’t really like each other. But for this to be a friends-to-lovers story, they have to start somewhere, right?
Note: This can be read as a standalone novel.more
What a great read-loved it, just gotta love those Gibson Boys they get better with each book!!!
OMG! I really don’t want you to meet Lance because I want him all to myself. I think…. I won’t like someone more than XXX <---- then she goes and writes my perfect BBF (when asked ) I say I want sweet with a bit of cocky. Adriana certainly delivers on that! Can you tell I loved this story about the #historyhunk and the #cupcakelady. Lance a history teacher and Mariah the Liberian both have had chemistry since day one but come from two different sides of the relationship track. Him =permanent man-whore. Her =write picket fence with all the trimmings. That's what each of them sees for themselves. But can the molds they put themselves in hold or is something greater waiting for them for them to explore like each other and her mother's pantry ... hello there! Each of their pasts plays a big roll in how their time together is CRAFTED! Read this now!
The boring technical stuff: This book completely stands alone. Although there are other characters from Ms. Locke’s books in the story, you do not have to have read them to enjoy this one. There is a lot of swearing (including slang for female genitalia starting with p and f-bombs) and there are a couple of described sex scenes. If you’re not a sex-scene fan, you can very easily skim over them and have plenty of amazing story to read as it does not dominate the story. If either of those things will cause you to leave a bad review, you should skip this one but you’ll be missing one heck of a good book.
There are a couple of *clearly marked spoilers* in this review.
Trying to decide where to start this review is difficult because there was so much about it that I loved that I don’t know what to talk about first. Lance and Mariah. Those two were stupidly perfect for each other from the very start, and I had no doubt that they would find their way to each other, but the journey was an incredible, emotional ride. Mariah was one of the most relatable characters that I have read about in romance novel in a very, very long time. She wasn’t tall and svelte with perfect, natural double d’s that magically don’t sag, and flawless, glossy hair, and she wasn’t always dressed in designer clothes with perfect make up; she had flaws and imperfections and was so realistic that I never once rolled my eyes at her. While that might seem like an insignificant thing, it’s so rare for a character in the romance genre these days to have a “pooch” or to not be perfect that it really stood out to this normal, imperfect girl who can’t relate to a character who is utterly flawless. I also identified with her inner voice and her need to guard herself so much that I wish that she was real so we could be friends. (SPOILER TO END OF BRACKETS: One of her thoughts that most affected me most was “I wonder if I’d be more of a people person had I felt more self-assured growing up.” I have never identified with a character/line in a book more in my life.) Watching Mariah grow more confident and strong as the book went on just made me love her even more. And Lance, although he had his moments that made me curl my lip at his lack of class and his choices, I adored him. He was a bit of a mess, but he was a really good guy at heart, and his big moment at the end broke. my. heart. I adored it. I also loved his moments with Ollie and Brandon, the way that he supported Mariah when she needed it, and every interaction that he had with his family.
Of course, because this is an Adriana Locke book, there were tons of amazing side characters who added a ton of fabulous moments but didn’t overwhelm the story. I would happily read a buddy comedy just featuring the Gibson crew going out and doing mundane things because they make even the most boring things fun. Although they were all fantastic, the side character that stuck with me was Ollie. I hope that we learn a lot more about Ollie in the next few boks because I’m completely invested in his future and well-being. Mariah’s family made me growl more than once, but I loved how it all eventually worked out (SPOILER to end of paragraph) life isn’t perfect and I loved that this solution wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows and perfection, but there was hope and that’s all we could ask for.
One more little-but-amazing thing is the moment when the title makes sense. It was an absolutely beautiful moment and I LOVED it.
*** MAJOR SPOILERS IN THIS PARAGRAPH *** Of all the things that were amazing about this book, I loved the moment between Machlan and Lance at the cemetery. Although I bawled, I needed that discussion more than anything – probably more than Lance did. Life is difficult right now, but the reminder that blessings come in all shapes and sizes, and that even the worst things in the world can bring out happy outcomes was something that will stay with me forever. Thank you, Ms. Locke, for that reminder.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a well-written not-quite-friends-not-quite-enemies-to-lovers story or just a really well-written story in general. If you’re new to Adriana Locke’s books, this is a great place to start.
I loved this book so so much! Lance and Mariah’s story is one of my fave reads. It will definitely be in my top 10 of 2018, without a doubt!
Another book of perfection from Adriana Locke! I absolutely LOVE Lance Gibson!!
Lance is a womanizer, using an app to find hook-ups and staying relationship free. He likes the single life. The life of one night stands and not being attached to anyone is where it’s at.
Mariah is the sweet librarian. She bakes, she reads, she crushes on Lance (because who wouldn’t?). She’s a relationship girl. She wants it all: the marriage, the house, the kids. Loyalty, honesty, and love.
Did I mention these two work together? Lance teaches history and Mariah is the librarian. They are absolutely adorable. The banter, the flirting, the cuteness that comes out when they’re near each other. Just *swoon*.
I wanted these two to work it out from the very beginning. I wanted everything good to happen to Lance and Mariah. Both such sweet people who deserve happiness.
And OMG. The sex. Yes, can’t avoid that. That first time is always memorable, but holy moly mother of god. I knew it’d be hot, but Lance brings his A game from the start. You gotta read it to experience it.
So, do that. Buy it. Read it in KU. Grab a paperback. Just get your grabby hands on it (legally, of course) and enjoy. Because those Gibson boys will hook you. And the love they have will keep you.
*5 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Adriana, even though she has been on my TBR for a little while. Once I got into this story, I really loved it. It took me a little bit to wrap my head around Lances family and who was who, but thats really a background in this story for the most part.
I loved both Lance and Mariah as characters, and once you go to the heart of their personal issues and insecurities, it makes you love them even more. Mariah is one of those strong female leads who is a delight to read, and Lance is just plain cocky. But underneath it all, when you find his story, he makes you swoon even more, because of the kind of character he has.
Getting to know these guys and follow their banter was really fun, and while there are some serious issues discussed and involved in the storyline, its not written in a way that makes it too heavy. Its just right and the book is a pleasure to read.
Life is what you make it, and has blessings in disguise if you really look for them. If you’re tough like these two, you can make it through anything.
I really hope to see more of these guys in the next book, because I definitely want to find out Machlan’s story, and I also want to go back and read the first book. Way to start in the middle right? lol.
All around, a fun and easy read.
I loved this book!!! Lance and Mariah completely stole my heart. I can’t recommend this book highly enough!
Lance Gibson is the nerdy one of the Gibson boys. I say “nerdy” but he’s also a play boy with zero remorse about his need to never have anything that ends with “ship”. He is ridiculously hot. Like ovaries melt on sight regardless of marital status, kind of hot. But he is also smart, kind, and caring- in short he’s freaking kryptonite to every woman on the planet and even some floating in space. This intelligent, cocky man has it all figured out or he did before Mariah.
There are plenty of things to squeal about. There are “awwwwe” moments. There are smack him upside the head moments. There are even shake some sense into her moments. My favorite moments, though, are the ones that make your insides smile. Oh and anything with Nana. Nana is d-bomb diggity!
I love the Gibson boys and I will forever be curious and begging for more. Ms. Locke is going to have her hands full with these trouble makers but I look forward to every word.
Reviewed for Naughty Book Blog
Amazing story that I wanted to go on forever! Before I read this, I kept hearing that “Lance is a favorite” – but I brushed it off because, well, Adriana Locke has written so many wonderful characters that pull on your heartstrings. After finishing “Craft” – yes, it’s true. Lance is one of my all time favorites. He’s beautifully flawed, funny, and intelligent. Mariah is his match in every way, a perfect complement with her issues/personality. This book is very well written, the setting is crafted perfectly with the plot, and just an overall feel good book. I don’t give many 5 stars, but this one deserves it!!
Lance Gibson is a history teacher who is clearly gifted in many ways. He’s handsome, charming, has a great sense of humor, and is well-mannered, except for those dirty words that occasionally slip from between his lips. He cares for his students and makes sure what he teaches than is relevant. Lance Gibson, however, has a few lessons he needs to learn.
Mariah Malarkey is working her Dream job as a librarian at the high school of her choice. She spend her days ordering and providing books for the teachers and students of her beloved campus. He dream job is a far cry from the less-than-idillyic family life she endured. She has many emotional scars to heal. In fact, the only thing that could make her dream job perfect, is having the man form her fantasies become a real part of her world.
In Craft, Adriana Locke does another superb job of creating characters who are instantly appealing and absolutely loveable. But, more than that, Ms. Locke shares with us a story that could well be anyones Lance and Mariah are not perfect, nor are they super-heroic. They are both extraordinary, though, with their kind hearts and the loving loyalty they bestow upon those they care about. These two very human characters work to overcome thier own insecurities as well as help each other accept who they are as individuals. Their journey to each other is the perfect platform to solidify the love they must have for themselves before they can love each other. The lessons Lance and Mariah teach each other are lessons all humans need to learn.
Adriana Locke’s true talent is exposing the extraordinary moments and truths which are hidden in ordinary lives.
There is a special place in my heart devoted to irreverent, incorrigible, irresistible rascals.
So, welcome home Lance Gibson. You’ll find yourself in good company in this little chamber of my heart.
Seriously, y’all. What kind of magic exists in Lance Gibson? I found myself wanting to slap him and kiss him (and slap kiss him) throughout almost this entire book. He’s the perfect bad boy shielding that brilliant soft underbelly and – my God, I just want to get lost in that soft underbelly.
Is that weird?
You know what, I don’t even care. Because I adored him. And I adored Mariah. And together – these two wonderfully flawed people who don’t appear to make any sense together – they were sheer perfection.
Also, speaking of magic – I feel like a lot of the magic of this story lies in the little things. These little throwaway moments that maybe shouldn’t even be romantic, but still took my breath away. These little snippets of dialogue that tugged at my heartstrings and pulled me in deeper and deeper. This is romance at its finest and can I just say how excited I am that there are more Gibson Boys to come? Because I’m not sure I’ll ever get enough of this crazy (hot) family. ~ 4.5 Stars
“If I wasn’t completely clear, I want you. Only you. For as long as you’ll have me.”
OMG! OMG! OMG! Lance Gibson and Mariah Malarkey are two of the BEST characters that Adriana Locke has ever created! They are so freaking adorable, it hurts! Their relationship was such a fun, sexy, and emotional rollercoaster ride…I never wanted it to end! CRAFT made me want to shout from the rooftops my insane love for this author and her ridiculously fantastic talent! I knew going into this enemies-to-lovers / friends-to-lovers romance, that I was going to fall head over heels…I just didn’t realize how extremely fast or extremely HARD it was going to happen. This author has my number, and she will have YOURS if you love sexy, charming, and entertaining love stories.
You know, Walker was my favorite Gibson boy going into this, but Lance, that charming bastard, he has wiggled his way past Walker in my heart. I know Machlan is next, and the way that this series is going…I can probably say with the upmost certainty, there will be a fight within my heart to see who comes out on top. You try and pick a favorite Gibson boy…I DARE YOU!
*ARC provided by the author*
Watch out ladies, Lance is in town and he is going to BLOW you away.. Be careful with your heart, he is out for pleasure in one night stands not relationship. He is your nerdy, hot Gibson brother number 2 and he will be breaking your heart tonight. Well that is until he plays with fire with Mariah and realizes his heart and other things want her. Mariah could be the next cat lady next door, who wants what every girl wants, the classic love story.
WOW is all I can say. Adriana keeps you falling in love with her stories with each and every book. Lance is going to give everyone a run for their money. This is definitely can’t put it down. You will devour Craft in one sitting.
Despite the sizzling sexual tension and the undeniable chemistry between Lance Gibson and Mariah Malarkey, these co-workers do a damn good job of denying their attraction to each other partly because they have differing views about what they want from a relationship and partly due to the fact that one or both of them has a dark secret that prevents anyone from getting close to them.
Lance Gibson is one sexy history teacher with a quick wit, a dirty mouth, and a demeanor that makes all women want a night with him with the possibility that they might be the ‘one’ who can turn this playboy into a long-term relationship kind of man. But this one night stand player is immune to anything more than a roll in the sack and a much needed release.
But it seems that a certain gorgeous librarian who matches Lance’s snark, giving as good as she gets, might just affect him in ways that no other woman ever as, and the fact that he can’t get her out of his head leads Lance to a crossroads of sorts – one where he needs to decide if he’s willing to put himself out there with a woman who has the ability to make him want to reveal all of his secrets to just as much as she has the power to bring him to his needs.
Mariah Malarkey may enjoy her banter sessions with Lance and may even fantasize about him every once and awhile, but she knows he’s a no-go when it comes to making her dreams a reality because she wants a man who loves and cherishes her in a happily ever after kind of way and Lance Gibson is certainly not that, regardless of how much she wants him to be.
An attraction like the one between Lance and Mariah, though, cannot be denied and the fact that they can help heal each other only makes the idea of them as a couple that much more appealing, but that doesn’t mean becoming a couple will be an easy task – Lance has avoided relationships at all cost, so allowing himself to feel something more than a sexual connection will take time and while I think readers might get more frustrated than Mariah does, the payoff definitely seems worth the stress and overwhelming emotions as readers wait to see if these two think that what they can build is worth the risk.
I love the small-town romance feel of Craft; it allows readers to get to know the main characters on a deep level and it also provides insights into the supporting characters, which provides a pretty well-rounded view of more than just the hero and heroine’s relationship. I already determined this idea in Crank, but if I hadn’t already felt this way, Craft would have solidified by love for all things Gibson! The Gibson boys keep proving just how much I need these guys in my life and in my corner because they understand the idea of family and they have each other’s back, even when one of them veers off course a bit and needs a kick in the ass to jumpstart rational thinking.
What I’ve always adored about Adriana Locke’s stories is that she always brings them full circle. It’s clear from the start of her books what her vision is for her characters and what her endgame for them is and even though there’s drama and tension, there’s also humor and a multitude of emotions that resonate from the pages, keeping readers’ interest until the moment Locke decides to give her characters and her readers what they’ve want since the beginning – a love story of epic proportions that delves into people’s pasts and the secrets and baggage they carry as well as the moments the characters realize who they’re meant to be and the person they’re meant to spend their life with, and even if that journey is a bit rough with bumps and grooves along the way, the payoff at the end is worth all of the tears, the frustration, and the unpredictable situations, not just because the characters deserve their happy ending but also because everything that occurs between the couple is realistically portrayed, which means that it will resonate with readers and appeal to them in a way that many other stories can’t.
4.5 Poison Apples
If you are looking for a book with angst, passion, and goodness…this is the book for you. The story of Lance and Mariah will take you on an emotional roller coaster that you will enjoy. I loved the banter between the two of them and the rest of the Gibson family as well.
Read this book today and watch the sparks fly!!
I was so excited to get my hands on an advanced copy of this book, and it did not disappoint! Adriana Locke is a truly talented writer. There were several times throughout this book that I was convinced I knew what was coming only to be completely surprised by what really happened, and each and every time Locke’s way was better than my prediction. I love a book that takes the unexpected route. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a dark and twisty book, it simply kept me on my toes going in directions I didn’t always see coming.
“It’s healthier than going into public and ending up losing my sanity from all the people-ing!”
Mariah is a girl after my own heart! She likes a quiet life and her routine. She is a kindhearted librarian who doesn’t want to play games, but she is also so much more! And Lance is absolutely adorable! While he seems to be the stereotypical cocky playboy, there are layers upon layers to discover throughout this story. I love that there is a vulnerability to both of these characters, and Locke peels back the layers one by one for us to see who they really are.
The build in this book is absolutely amazing. While they aren’t exactly enemies in the beginning, their banter sent sparks that built to an inferno. While they tried to deny their connection or pretend it was less meaningful than it really was, it was clear from the very beginning. Watching them together made everything else disappear, and what a connection it was once they gave in!
The side characters in this book are fantastic as well. While this is the second book in Locke’s Gibson Boys Series, it is a complete standalone. However, once you’ve read it, you will want to go back and read Crank and add Crave to your TBR. I know I did. Locke has created a world full of interesting characters. I want to know each and every one of their stories.
The writing in this book is fantastic, and I didn’t want to put it down once I got started! While I wouldn’t say this book was overly angsty, there was just enough drama to keep me wanting to read on. I was fully invested from the beginning. If you are looking for a book with real characters who make you care, a love story that will make you swoon, and just the right amount of drama, I definitely recommend reading Craft!
This is the second book in The Gibson Boys series. They are stand alones, but both are great. This is my favorite of the two!
Mariah is the high school librarian. She’s an amazing person. Even though she hasn’t been treated right by her family. She’s been hurt so many times by them.
Lance it the hot history teacher. He only does flings. No relationships. Once we found out his secret, I can completely understand why he does what he does.
My heart broke for him.
He can be a really sweet guy.
He loves to get under Mariah’s skin.
I absolutely loved the banter between them.
This book had me laughing a lot.
I love this series and can’t wait for more.
I want updates on Ollie! He had me tearing up and I hope he gets his happy. I’m sure he will with the Gibson boys looking out for him!
Gah…this book!!! Craft is the flawless story of Lance and Mariah, two co-workers who are not quite friends but sure do have a thing for each other, whether they’d like to admit it or not!
Lance, I just don’t even know where to begin. A sexy, nerdy teacher who is all heart when it comes to his students and his family. With sexual innuendos for DAYS (which was hilarious), Lance is smitten with the librarian, Mariah, in his school and loves to push her buttons, especially since he know she can definitely handle her own.
Mariah is fun and sweet, but yet her sassy side comes out in full force when Lance is around. She can handle Lance like it’s nobody’s business but she’d like to do it in more ways than one 😉 However, you do see a softer side to Mariah, a broken side because of family and past relationships that makes your heart just hurt for her.
I am delighted with this story. I felt as though Lance and Mariah’s story was so simple, yet so complicated at the same time. Their banter, the way the brought out the best in each other and even the way their relationship takes on different meanings at times, Lance and Mariah’s journey evolved into something so perfect.
Just when I thought I knew what direction the book was going to take, I truly was surprised at a couple different times throughout the story. Also, the little tidbits of wisdom thrown in throughout the book that make you sit back and really think, well, I loved them.
With every single book Adriana Locke puts out into the world, you just can’t help but think can this one be any better than the last book? Truth is, she’s a master at her Craft and it shows.
5 stars
Lance and Mariah are two wonderfully crafted characters, whose story quickly captured and held my attention throughout. Whilst Crank is worth reading, I have to say that I enjoyed this story quite a bit more. I was drawn in by the emotional depth that was portrayed and felt a very strong connection to both Mariah and Lance. These became more than characters in a book, they became individuals I cared about.
The writing flows smoothly, it’s really easy to read the book, follow conversations, know who’s point of view we are seeing etc. Occasionally the timeline around recent past events seems confused. That may be more to do with being British where phrases like ‘the other night’ would mean a couple of days prior.
I was almost disappointed to reach the end of the book, I just didn’t want to stop reading Lance and Mariah’s story. I loved that the author left Lance’s “issue” open and didn’t give us a trite and cliched miracle resolution, which I have seen far to often. Yes we all want a hearts and roses HEA but I loved the touch of reality this gave the story.
One of my favourite parts was the idea of ‘blessings’ and how even bad things may be a blessing in disguise. Machlan even gave some very philosophical graveside advice regarding them. That boy has hidden depths that I just can’t wait to discover.