Hadley Jacobs is over Machlan Gibson. Sure, she’ll always be a little weak to the dimple in his right cheek and the way his five o’clock shadow makes him ruggedly handsome. But that’s not enough to cover every other thing about him because they all drive her nuts. Like how he won’t admit he’s wrong even when he knows it and how he drives his stupid car a million miles an hour on wet asphalt. As … asphalt. As she rolls back into town and takes a seat at Crave, she won’t take the bait. She’s over him. Mostly.
Machlan isn’t over her.
It’s not because he hasn’t tried. He reminds himself over and over that she’s not the girl for him. After all, she drives him insane with her sassy attitude and the way she calls him out on everything. She beats him at poker, even though she doesn’t know the difference between a straight and a flush, and when she looks at him with her bright, blue eyes, it’s unnerving. When she climbs onto that bar stool and orders a drink, he puts it in front of her and ignores the sparkle in her eyes. He’s not over her, but she won’t know that.
But she does know that. And he knows she’s not as over him as she’s pretending to be. When life forces their hand this time, there’s more on the line than a pile of poker chips. It’s their forever.
Crave is a second chance standalone romance in a new small town, blue-collar series from USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke. Join readers everywhere as they fall in love with the delicious Gibson Boys.
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4 Stars!
While not my favorite of the Gibson Boys series, Crave was an emotional ride with a satisfying ending. This is a story of more than enough chances romance. Finally, they got it right!
Machlan Gibson is one frustrating hero. Like bang you head against a brick wall frustrating. He’s got issues stemming from his childhood and a pretty hue secret he and Hadley have been hiding. Hadley is good girl who is a glutton for punishment. Over the years she gave Machlan so many chances. She’s returned to Linton to finally decide what to do about Machlan, the boy she’s loved forever.
The dichotomy between Hadley and Machlan is complex and filed with a storied past. Locke doesn’t dwell too much on what happened in the past, but gives us just enough backstory to fill in the gaps and move the book along without those pesky flashbacks. (A big thank you for that, by the way)
All the Gibson Boys make an appearance along with the feisty Nana.
Lots of emotional angst in this one that will keep you turning page after page.
I am completely blown away with Hadley and Machlan. This book was so much MORE for me than just a good read. I was feeling everything that they were feeling as I was reading. It was like I was in the book with them. The push and pull, the chemistry, and the love were just on point. I laughed and I cried so hard in this book. I am truly at a loss for words. This is a fantastic read. I basically picked it up and then couldn’t put it down. A MUST READ! Well done Adriana!!
Rating – All the stars and more
I’ve officially started and deleted three openings to this review. I’m just not sure how to describe my love and appreciation for this book. For me, this book resonated deep in my soul. The emotions were there, and they were so sincere. The characters were perfect, the conflict real and raw, and the writing so realistic and believable. I FELT this book.
I’ve been waiting for Machlan and Hadley’s story. I knew they were going to be something special. I love second chance stories, but I’m also pickiest when it comes to them. I don’t easily forgive characters. I need to believe they have truly changed in a way that could make a relationship work the second time around. I hoped Ms. Locke would give me that. Based on her previous books, I thought she would. However, this book hit me like a ton of bricks. She gave me that and so much more.
Don’t get me wrong, this book isn’t all heavy. There were times I was laughing out loud, I mean how could you not with these boys? But, these characters had so much to overcome. I loved both of them so much. They were both flawed and perfect. They made some bad choices, but really, I think they were both doing their best to love and protect each other the only ways they knew how. I think you could paint Machlan as the bad guy (he certainly does), the one who made mistakes, but for me, that wasn’t the case at all. I couldn’t have loved him more. If anything, I wanted to hug him most of the time. And Hadley was a strong character who knew what she wanted and went after it, but she wasn’t a doormat when things got hard.
There was also a topic in this book that hit close to home for me. No spoilers, but Ms. Locke wrote this topic with such honesty and grace. It is a topic I often think authors get wrong. Perhaps not intentionally, but they just don’t get it if they haven’t experienced it themselves or with a loved one. The way Adriana wrote this topic captured it in such an honest, REAL way. For that alone, I am thankful for this book.
This book is a must read. It is one of the best stories I have read all year. I seriously stayed up most of the night, because I couldn’t stand to put it down. I loved Machlan and Hadley, as well as seeing the rest of the family! Now I can’t wait for Peck’s story!
I love a good brothers best friend/second chance romance and Adriana Locke absolutely nailed it with Machlan and Hadley. They have been in love with each other for years and yet, they push each other’s buttons to the point of pure frustration. Hadley desperately needs to move on with her life and Machlan needs to let her go for good. But it’s just not that easy when your heart and soul has found what it craves.
Machlan and Hadley’s story was one of love, forgiveness, letting go of the past and making the best of the future. With a storyline that I had never expected, their journey was one that broke my heart and yet overwhelmed me with with a love like no other. The struggles that they both faced, together and on their own, kept me captivated until the very end. With the addition of the rest of the Gibson boys and Hadley’s brother, Cross in the story, Crave became a true testament to the importance of family.
Adriana Locke poured her heart and soul into this story and you can tell. Crave takes you on the emotional rollercoaster ride of a lifetime and I loved every single moment.
Machlan and Hadley have an intriguing, a little ugly, yet utterly beautiful story to tell. This second chance romance of theirs is exceptionally written and I was simultaneously moved to tears both in sadness and hopefulness. The experiences that these two shared in their younger years truly broke my heart and I am in awe of their strength and how they have managed to carry on and persevere.
The dual point of views of Machlan and Hadley along with those of some of our favorite characters from the author’s previous works made for a really enjoyable read. I absolutely love the family dynamics that is always present in this author’s books. Her words also make it so very easy to immerse oneself into the pages and always gives us readers all the “feels.”
Even though this is book 3 of a series, it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the others just to get to know all of the Gibson boys. I’m really looking for the next book in the series, Crazy, which is Peck’s story.
Love this series. Love all the Gibson Boys but I must say Peck is my favorite. Machlan and Hadley are great but I can’t wait to get Peck’s book.
I have to start this review by saying that it has become a trend for me while reading Adriana Locke books to have ugly cries and I hate her for it…just kidding 😛
This story was one of my most anticipated reads for 2018 and boy it did NOT disappoint. We were finally given a reason for all the love-hate relationship between Machlan and Hadley. My heart was breaking for both of them and their decision that had made when they were younger.
I was rooting so hard for the relationship to work itself out. I wanted to smack some sense into Machlan when he was keeping Hadley at arm’s length and all she wanted to give him was all of her. As the story was ending my heart was healed and was so full to see these two FINALLY finding a way to their HEA.
As for Crazy and Peck: I’m more than ready for his story although I got to say that date scares the lights out of me.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
What a rollercoaster. I loved getting to know Machlan and though I wanted to shake or hit him many times throughout the book you can also see where he was coming from and it was amazing when he finally stepped it up in the end. Hadley is so strong and despite all she put up with and had gone through she never lost her hope and positivity. My favorite parts besides the tender moments of the book are the family aspect and the side characters, you really just want to jump into the book and be around everyone. Eagerly awaiting Pecks story and more of the Gibson’s and Landry’s.
Every once in a while a story grabs me by the heart and pulls me along for the ride like I’m actually experiencing the story. I feel it – every ache, every needy longing, every playful flirt, every delicious butterfly. Crave was like that for me. Machlan and Hadley’s chemistry was a palpable thing, and I felt it as it smoldered and sizzled and took on a life of its own between these pages.
What I’m saying is: move over Walker and Lance! Machlan just showed up stealing hearts and burning up Kindles like wildfire, and y’all – we never even stood a chance.
**swoony sigh**
This. Book.
It was so good.
SO. SO good.
I didn’t want to put it down. I wanted to press pause on the real world so I could spend more time with Machlan and Hadley (and, let’s be real, Peck – the scene stealer extraordinaire). I was drawn in completely to their beautifully complicated love story. I laughed. I cried (oh man, sometimes it wasn’t pretty). I fell so hopelessly in love with them.
Their story was so authentic. So brilliantly emotional. So wonderfully tender and brutally honest. The writing is smart, interweaving all these emotions to help the reader fully appreciate how deeply complicated Machlan and Hadley’s relationship was. The writing is also beautiful, setting my heart aflutter and leaving my copy of this story littered with highlights. This book was so much more than I expected and I am completely crazy about it – fangirling so hard right now over this surly, broken alpha and his fiery, fierce heroine.
Am I making myself clear? I loved it. I love this amazing family and their hilariously heartwarming relationships. I can’t seem to get enough of them, and I feel a little lost now that it’s over. Crave hit every single my sweet spots – it’s heartfelt, emotional, sexy and smart, this was an effortless FIVE STAR read and I am already in line for more!
WOW! This book has all the feels! Absolutely loved Mach and Hadley’s book! I laughed and cried and fumed all three! Definitely recommend this book!
Hadley and Machlan are a second chance of the likes you’ve never seen before and will having you Craving more and more. Hadley is going to stroll back in to town cool as a cucumber and she Machlan Gibson is never going to know he ever crosses her mind. He is worst in oh so many ways and she just needs to keep reminding herself of that as she sits down and he saunters over and serves up a drink and his classic Machlan swagger. Machlan is 1000% over Hadley… that’s his story and he’s sticking to it. She drives him insane in all the best and worst ways and he he just need to remember that as when he sees her face again. He’s going to make sure he’s the one with the upper hand no matter what this time. It’s just to bad that when it comes to Hadley he’s never had sure footing and this time is no different.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book
Crave is the third full-length novel in one of my favorite series’, The Gibson Boys By Adriana Locke. You can read it as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the previous books. It will make you love this book even more! The Gibson Boys and the women they love are something else. And the ones who haven’t found love yet are just as fun, sexy, and strong. I can’t wait for their stories! Ok…back to Crave!
Machlan and Hadley have been off and on for years. Eighteen months ago, Hadley left Linton and Machlan behind. It was something she had to do. To move forward without him. Now, she was back. Only to finally get over him. Every time she had come back to visit, she hoped he would fight for her but this time she was determined to get over him. To look at him like she looked at Peck. As a friend and nothing more. Only, when she sees him, she wants nothing more than for him to love her like she loves him. She is so f-. But she won’t let him know that.
Hadley drives Machlan insane. She walks into a room and he only sees her. She makes him think of things he wants to forget. His failures. His losses. His feelings toward the only woman he has ever loved. And most likely will ever love. It’s why he let her go. He doesn’t feel worthy of her love. She deserves more than him. He doesn’t know why she doesn’t see that. Why she loves him. He will never be over her but he has to let her go. Again. But can he this time?
Awe! I loved this story. Second chance romance is one of my faves and this one totally kicks ass. Machlan and Hadley’s banter is full of sass, stubbornness, flirt, and emotions. They have obstacles to conquer. A past to come to terms with. A never-ending intense passion to work with. I liked Machlan in the previous books. He is a great guy and a supportive brother, cousin, grandson and friend but I fell for him hard in this book. The way he looks at Hadley is intense and swoon-worthy. And the way she looks at him is just as intense. She doesn’t know if she wants to slap him or f- him.
Overall…it’s a story that made me laugh, cry, get hot and bothered, and cry again! It is definitely the most emotional book in the series so far. For me anyway.
P.S I can’t wait for Peck’s story!! That man is f- hilarious.
Quotes:
The day may look worse, but she’s never looked better.
I’ve tasted his lips, felt his skin, loved his heart on those sheets, and my own heart tugs a little as I think about it.
“Fine. Do you want to be my friend, Machlan?”
“Is this a George Strait thing? Is there a box to check yes or no?”
I am so in love with the Gibson series, and this latest from Adriana Locke hit all my expectations and more!! I absolutely loved it, and it’s the exact sort of second chance romance I was craving. All the Yes, Please Stars!!
MACHLAN!! Goodness. Lord. Whew.
I fell for Machlan pretty (ok, SUPER) early in this series. I just had that feeling that he was it for me. I was 100% right. Machlan is so broken and loving and perfect.
Hadley is me. She doesn’t give up on her heart. She’s amazing.
This story has every single feeling you could possibly feel. I cried. I smiled. I laughed. I *almost* threw my Kindle. I may have licked it as well.
One-click this book! You will not regret it!! Start at the beginning of the series. It is so worth it. Walker, Cross, Lance, Machlan, and soon Peck. YES!!! One of my most favorite series EVER!
I love Adriana’s books and this is no exception!
The story is special, amazing and wonderful and was one I didn’t want to put down. It was also great fun to see more of Peck, as well as catching up with Walker, Lachlan and Nana. There aren’t many books that, once I’ve finished, I want to read again but this is up there on that very exclusive list. Crave is a fantastic read and one I really, really do recommend.
CHECKOUT THE FULL REVIEW: https://shahlas-world.blogspot.com/2018/10/this-is-adriana-locke-at-her-best.html
#AdrianaLocke / #arc / #fullofemotions / #heartbreaking / #mustread / #read / #secondchanceromance
Adriana Locke
5 out of 5 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW! This story knocked me off my socks so many times. There were some twists I didn’t see coming and I just couldn’t put my Kindle down!! Machlan Gibson has officially become my favorite Gibson brother…and probably my favorite of this author’s characters overall. He’s a self-proclaimed bad boy, but has the heart of a hero!
I love the Sunday dinners at Nana’s and Machlan’s take on them fits how I feel about them perfectly, too:
As much of a heathen as I am, a part of me really likes the slower pace of family dinners. The way you can relax and catch up from the week. How someone cared about you enough to fix you dinner. How someone would miss you if you didn’t show up. How maybe, despite all the bull**** you do and have done, it can be okay somehow.
And Hadley is a great girl, too. She’s strong and independent, but knows that her heart isn’t going to let go of Machlan very easily. She’s also got a great best friend who compared finding the perfect guy to buying the perfect avocado — I mean how much more real can it get?!
I think that this book is definitely a must-read. It has the swooniest alpha/take charge hero who also just happens to be the sweetest guy at the same time. It has family. It has a bit of drama. BUT most importantly it has all the heart a reader could want from a romance novel. This is definitely a book I will be recommending to ALL of my reader friends!!!
NO SPOILERS!
Crave, the third full-length standalone contemporary romance in the Gibson Boys series, was an angsty, emotional, heartbreaking, yet beautiful journey of love, healing, and forgiveness. The storyline and characters were wonderful, and I really enjoyed Adriana Locke’s writing style. Crave was another entertaining installment in the Gibson Boys series, and I’m looking forward to Peck’s story in Crazy!
I honestly didn’t know what to expect with the storyline for Crave, but it was different and more emotional than I thought it’d be. Machlan and Hadley’s journey certainly wasn’t easy, and there were a lot of bumps along the way. I shed a few tears on more than one occasion, so make sure you have tissues on hand. There were a few elements that I didn’t like as much, and others that were frustrating and annoying at times. There were also some things that were confusing and took a while to figure out. However, every story has its positives and negatives, and while there were some things I didn’t care for in Crave, there were a lot of aspects I loved. Overall, Adriana Locke did an excellent job with Machlan and Hadley’s story, and I enjoyed it very much.
The characters were the best part of Crave. Machlan Gibson and Hadley Jacobs were wonderful, and I really enjoyed them and their story. Machlan and Hadley were feisty and stubborn, among other things, but I really liked them for the most part. They definitely had some flaws, but honestly who doesn’t? Machlan and Hadley had an interesting relationship and a difficult past, and it took a while to figure everything out. They had great chemistry together, although I would’ve loved more intimate moments between them, and I enjoyed how most of their relationship progressed throughout. I loved reading Crave from both Machlan and Hadley’s point of view, and most of their banter and interactions with each other. The amazing cast of secondary characters, with the exception of a few, really made Crave extra special. I loved the entire Gibson family and all of their significant others, as well as several other characters. Machlan and Hadley’s journey was trying at times, and there were some tough moments to get through, but thankfully all of it was worth it in the end. The last few chapters were the best part in my opinion, and I was very happy with the conclusion. I’m definitely excited to read Peck’s story, that’s for sure.
Crave will take you on a roller coaster ride of angst, feelings, heartbreak, and emotions, among others, but it will definitely be worth the journey, and I would highly recommend it and the rest of the Gibson Boys series! Adriana Locke did an amazing job with Machlan and Hadley’s story, and although it hasn’t been my favorite, I was more than pleased with the outcome. The Gibson Boys series has been excellent so far, and I can’t wait to read Peck’s story in Crazy!
Adriana has released her third installment of the Gibson Family series. It’s got angst, lust, and heartbreaking moments. This is Hadley and Machlan’s story. Adriana told it in their POV, which was beneficial.
Hadley is Cross’ little sister. She speaks her mind and isn’t afraid to either. She is incredibly stubborn, but has an enormous heart. Her heart belongs to one man, but she wants it to not.
Machlan is a quiet, brooding bar owner. He is the youngest Gibson and Cross’ best friend. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He has some issues that he can’t past.
Hadley and Machlan have know each other a long time. They have this push and pull relationship. If they aren’t fighting, everyone knows instantly something is up. They share a secret and have a “bond”. But that can break them. Machlan tries to push Hadley away and Hadley wants to hate him.
Can they get their second chance? Will Machlan open his eyes and see the perfect thing he’s got? Does Hadley stick around this time?
I loved the way Adriana took me on a ride of emotions with this book. She made me laugh, cry, and even yell! I can’t wait for Peck’s story and to see what girl catches his attention.
Oh my, so worth the wait!! What a great book, Hadley and Mechlan’s history had my heart just hurting at times and all I wanted them was to hurry and fix their problems and be together-lol. Crave-the title says it all, worth more then 5 stars, absolutely loved this book!