I vow. I crave. I give in.
I used to be a nice, normal girl. I had dreams. Good, happy dreams of a white picket fence, 2.5 kids, and a fairytale love that lasts forever. Nobody ever warned me that sometimes, the prince dies three weeks before the wedding.
Like any addict, I swear this time is the last….
Now, I go through my days, a shadow of my former self. I pretend I’m okay, and the … pretend I’m okay, and the people in my life pretend to believe me. But, sometimes, when I can no longer stand the craving, I roam an underground sex club looking for my next hit. It’s dirty and wrong, but I can’t stop, and my only line of defense between them and me, are the rules I’ve designed to keep me safe. Men always abide by my rules. Until I meet him.
And, like any addict, I’m wrong.
I don’t question the instincts that tell me to run. One look at him, standing there, power radiating off him in waves, tells me all I need to know. He will make me crave those happy dreams I’ve left behind. And that is not an option.
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I read a LOT of these types of books. This is the best I’ve read in a long time. Good writing, smoking hot sex, engaging characters. Does someone like Michael actually exist? Good looking, confidant, focused, and so observant he’s damn near psychic. A beast in bed on top of the rest.
I had so many feelings throughout this book — from hate to love! The bonus was that my feelings evolved as I continued to read. I started out frustrated with Layla and her avoidance of her issues. But by the end of the book I loved her courage and strength. I loved Michael from the start. He was just one of those emotional and physically strong men that you fall in insta-love with. He was hard yet soft & tender when needed. There were several side characters that I enjoyed as well. Ruby was probably my favorite of the side characters followed closely by Leo and Jillian.
I have to admit I’m a sucker for anything involving BDSM. This book revolves around the D/s relationship/lifestyle. So you are forewarned. If you don’t like reading about this lifestyle, skip this book. However, if you enjoy these types of reads, this is high up on my list. The sex scenes are among the hottest I’ve read.
I read this book as part of a group read-along with the author. It was the best reading experience I’ve had to this date! Hearing other readers thoughts and opinions on the books and the authors intentions with certain scenes enhanced the reading experience. If you ever have the chance to experience such an event, I totally recommend it!
To end this review, I’d like to share two of my favorite quotes from this book.
“Because there’s something between us I can’t ignore and neither can you. And I’m not talking about lust, which is like a kick in the fucking gut every time I even think of you, I’m talking about something more. You sense it too, and you’re terrified.”
And
“When I finally surrender the battle, I am free.”
Crave was a hard book to read but I love how it turns out. It is torture for Layla but once she let’s Michael into her heart, the rest falls into place. She can finally relax & enjoy life. They are meant for each other!
Loved the whole series. I’m a fan!
This is one REALLY good story. The plot moves fast, the characters are great and the tension between lovers is intense. I loved the male lead character – he was so well written that you could almost feel him!
Loved this whole series!!! Couldn’t put them down. Very steamy!!
Looking for more by the same author…
Great book and author rewarding characters
I liked it so much I read it twice
I would highly recommend this book.. Very hot read.
I loved this book, absolutely could not put it down
The characters in this book are so well written!
HOT!!! Very realistic story line. Crave reads different from most BDSM books. The back story is great and the characters feel very real.
Such an engaging story. Powerful, emotional and down right HOT.
Weird way the plot went-repetitive same issue from the main character throughout I thought about not finishing the book because of it and kept hoping it would get better.
Crave is a beautifully rendered, sometimes shocking, aching, and yet ultimately heartwarming story. It’s a story of one woman’s journey back to life after suffering unspeakable trauma. Her journey is fraught with emotion but awe-inspiring in her eventual choice to live.
Layla has spent the last 18 months barely existing – punishing herself for events outside er control, drowning in grief. The night she meets Michael, all her carefully composed rules and constructs begin to crumble. It’s not insta-love, but Layla and Michael recognize something in each other — something they both need, something Layla craves.
You may be thinking this sounds familiar, but Crave has a very different feel. I can’t put my finger on the why — but it does. you’re thinking — this sounds familiar. But Crave has a very different feel. This isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea since it does deal in D/s but it’s not a story spent on scenes in clubs or dungeons. There are no toys for props. Dawson does an incredible job in conveying the dynamics in a D/s relationship — explaining the inexplicable need and freedom found for people who are wired this way. At it’s heart, it’s a story of a woman finding her way through her grief and getting a second chance at love. We see all the inner turmoil Layla experiences as she rebels against the idea of getting a second chance. We witness her struggle with feelings of betrayal. And we see the beauty of the inner strength she has which enables her to fight for acceptance of who she is, forgiveness for what she perceives as her fault, understanding, maybe even redemption, and the realization that
“Life is risk. Unless you want to go off by yourself and live in the woods, disassociated from all your loved ones, you will experience loss and sorrow again. Grief is inescapable.”
and
“Michael loves you.”
“I know.”
“And you love him.”
I nod.
She takes a deep breath. “Sometimes it’s really that simple.”
Obviously Crave affected me. It’s deeply emotional and intense. Dawson’s writing is well paced and she even uses some of Layla’s emotion as plot devices because just as I was agreeing with Michael’s observation that Layla was wallowing and finding it annoying, Layla annoys herself. Michael is a generous and compassionate man. Yes, he’s dominant, but he’s patient with Layla and really does give her what she needs.
This was my first read from Dawson and it definitely won’t be the last. In fact, I’m rather eager for the second novel in the Undone series, due out in August.
I liked Crave, though the characters were stiff. It is a cliffhanger, but I haven’t purchased the sequels.
I couldn’t put it down. Every woman should be lucky enough to find such a powerful and compelling man. It was very steamy.
I’m not sure why i feel in love with this book but i did. I couldnt put the book down. In your darkest moments if you open yourself up to it someone can show you the way back to the light and help you through the struggles to get there.
Did not snag my attention to make me keep reading past the first 60 pages.