The descendant of two almighty Gods and a Guardian of Earth, Eirykr “Rykr” is born of immense power. Yet, no amount of strength or skill can save him from the curse that tore him away from his first and only love. Turned into a shadowy assassin, he wields the demons bound to his soul with the ruthlessness of a blade. For nearly a decade, he’s searched for the key to free himself, all the while … watching over and dangerously craving the beautiful mate who believes she’s driven him away.
Lucy is a born protector, a trait of her Guardian lineage. When her greatest gift was torn from her, leaving a gaping hole in her soul, she refuses to allow a young Rykr, her known mate, to suffer the same dire consequences. Her fear forces her to make a haunting decision and with a grave threat, she crushes him, demanding they part for a decade. Yet, as the years pass she can feel him watching her from the shadows, conjuring wild fantasies that make her ache for him to finally end their torment.
As time ticks toward the decade mark, dark forces rush to descend. Will Rykr’s secret and relentless need to protect Lucy condemn them to a hopeless destiny of constant craving? Or will Lucy bind them for all eternity, no matter the violent threat to her very soul?
Warning: This title contains dirty talk, bad language and erotically charged scenes meant to scorch your eReader.
more
This book was hella intense… hella sexy… hella interesting… and hella fun!
When Rykr was 15 and Lucy was almost 20, they already knew they were destined to be mates. However, Lucy, being the eldest, thought she knew best and thought that before being tied to her forever, Rykr should have the chance to live with some freedom. She thought he should have the opportunity to experience life before settling down. She was reasonable, thoughtful and considerate. She broke both their hearts doing it but forbade him from claiming her for ten years!
Fast forward and we’re almost at the deadline. The love that Rykr and Lucy shared never dulled but he seems to be in no hurry to claim her. Little does she know that Rykr has been tormented all these years and despite his desperation to be with her, he refuses to expose her to the agony he has had to face. These two constantly thought they knew what was best for the other and Lucy was over it. If he won’t come to her, she’s going to him and she won’t be walking away without her man.
Destined to Crave gave me the chance to fall in love with these characters, the world they live in, the magic of this story, and the incredible heat. Erotic is an understatement. I’m so in love that I’m going back to the beginning. I’ve already one-clicked Ecstasy Unbound (The Guardians of the Realms Book 1) to meet everyone properly and become slightly obsessed with the series. I’ve found a new PNR author to stalk!
What an awesome beginning to a fantastic series that I had not read but thoroughly enjoyed. The chemistry, the mystery and push and pull between the H and h kept me turning the pages. Loved it!!
Knowing it was a 0,5 book and therefore pretty short I can’t say my hopes were super high when I started reading Destined to Crave. However, I am pleased to say that it surprised me with the level of originality and intrigue the story held.
I was drawn into the romance pretty immediately, not only for the sheer drama of them matched for life and then forced apart but also because of the characters themselves. I loved the fantasy aspect of both the world and the characters being immortal guardians and half gods and what not. The abilities they had and how that played into the story and the romance was absolutely addictive. Although, I do have to admit that it was a bit hard to follow because the world was so complex yet so shortly described or touched at that some things I feel like went over my head. I can’t complain too much though, since I jumped into this book smack down in the middle of a world developed in a previous series.
I was happy with the story from start to finish. Sure, it could have had more depth to its characters and a bigger development in the relationship, but considering the book’s shortness it was to be expected that it would miss some of this. I would have loved it to be a full length book since I really enjoyed the plot and romance, however it did its job as it was very well considering I’m now very curious to read the previous series in this world.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Back with my favourite guardians but this time the kids are in control!
Lucy and Rykr have known they were mates since they were teenagers but Lucy is 5 years older than Rykr and she wants him to have some kind of life before they are joined forever. She tells him not to contact her until he is 25 and he does not take her ultimatum well!
Rykr does not sit back and wait though. He has demons, actual demons, to deal with before he can get his HEA. But instead of trusting in destiny, they each determine what is best for the other and this leads to a heap of unhappiness for both!
This is more of a novella and I did rip through it very fast. I just wanted more really. It was well crafted and it was great to be back in the realms, checking in with the Guardians and seeing what they were up to now.
With kinky scenes, chemistry off the charts and an actual story line this was a great little nugget!
Setta Jay is a wonderful author and I read a lot of book. This is a great book. If you like Greek Methodology then definitely read these. You’ll love them.
I recently watched Descendants 2 (disney) and it’s great meeting characthers offspring BUT the guardians offspring is definitely more up my street!
It was fun meeting Lucy who was the feature pregnancy in the Guardians of the Realms series. She like her parents and extended family has a mate and his name is Ryker, but his keeping away from Lucy as she told him to, but a woman can change their minds!
I liked the new set up, in a way it feels completely different, the world has changed and the kids have grown up. Having the originals involved is exciting but in no way are the books about them.
Yes this book is sexy, the mating frenzy has to be tamed and that is no different in this new series.
The story seems to finish too soon for me, then again I always want more and this is a novella. This is definitely a good introduction to the descendants and a new danger.
At the end of the book there is a special treat for Uri fans, the first super sexy chapter from his book in The Guardian of the Realms
4.5 stars
This story is about Rykr, a descendant of two gods and a guardian of the earth who for different reasons ended up being cursed and, therefore (in addition to other reasons), doesn’t want to be with his soul mate; Lucy, another immortal being.
The story focuses more on their relationship and the problems they have to face to be together, I personally liked the plot, it had a little bit of mystery but it wasn’t the main focus and that’s why it felt boring, I didn’t like the relationship either and it was pretty cliché.
In general, it’s not a bad book but it wasn’t to my liking, the paranormal world wasn’t explained in a good way, so, I had a bit of confusion at some points. Since it’s a prequel and a short story, I wasn’t expecting much. so it’s a good story to pass the time and I can see a lot of people liking it.
Is this book for you?
Perfect for: Paranormal romance lovers.
Do I recommend it? Yes.
TW: violence.
Heroine: 5/10
Hero: 5/10
Romance: 6/10
Type of Relationship: F/M
Steamy Scenes: 6/10
Violence/dark scenes: 1/10
Plot: 5/10
Type: series (standalone)
Cover: 4/10
My thanks to the author Setta Jay, Author Collective 20, and NetGalley for the opportunity to get this ARC for an unbiased review.
Story was almost overwhelmed with all the details with the most of the characters in the story as well as background. It was a bit much for a 150 page read. On the other hand the development of the relationship between Rykr and Lucy was not as detailed. Story was erotica and that seemed to be the basis for their relationship for the most part.
In Destined to crave book we see the story of what happens after the apocalypse and the story of the Guardian kids, that are now grown up. I must say it is a shame that Setta did not come up with a new series and the new plot, characters. She has basically the same sequence as in the previous story/books. My thinking of a book and story itself is great and intruding but seeing a bigger picture there are things that we all already read. Rykr and Lucy are too young to have some deep history and the book gives a feeling like a pre-book for an unknowable threat that is coming. But previous are different because the previous Guardians had their past and depth that felt by the young ones. It is an ok story and of course, she writes those bedroom scenes really good, but it is not all weight of the book in that. I wish that I would read something amazing and new that I always have in the previous books that this will not be copied in the future ones.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
I really enjoyed the series that spawned this book and I’m so happy that the author has found a way to return to her world full of Gods, Immortals , magic and of course volcanic romance ! This time we are getting up close and very personal with the children of the original Guardians as time has moved on and the world as we know it has changed with the reemergence of the Realms. I was a tiny bit worried that I might not enjoy the next generation but I can assure everyone that this author has still got plenty of ideas to entertain her readers and maybe even make them blush !
This couple have known each other since childhood and as they grew up together became inseparable but discovered that they were destined to become Mates which is both wonderful and disastrous. Lucy is a few years older than Rykr and whilst she was almost fully matured had realised that as a powerful Immortal she could easily fall prey to the frenzy that would drive their Mating bond. Refusing to put the boy she loves through it too young she insists they part for ten years giving Rykr freedom to experience life before being bound for eternity but things happen to Rykr that have terrible repercussions which even Hades himself cannot stop ! The couple have waited so long and yet Rykr insists they cannot be together but what if Mating is the answer to everything ?
I won’t reveal what happens because this was quite short and it feels like it’s setting up for more to come. If you have read Ecstasy Unbound or indeed any of the Guardians of the Realms series then you will know that this author loves to shock and write incendiary sex scenes that titillate her readers. These powerful, dominant characters are such fun to read about but for this reader I just found that Rykr felt much younger than her previous heroes. Perhaps that was because he interacts with his father and grandfather quite a lot or maybe it’s because there isn’t really very much action here so my impression of him just didn’t really evolve. I really did enjoy the writing and I’m overjoyed that there will be more stories about these creatures of myths and legends because nobody has a wilder imagination than Ms Jay. So not my favourite book by her but still an entertaining read that almost set my kindle on fire !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Knowing who your mate is when you’re young is both a blessing and a curse. Lucy knows Rykr is hers and meant for only her. But he’s five years her junior and once she hits maturity, if she gives in to the mating frenzy, she feels that she’d be taking away his chance to know himself as a man. Rykr knows in his heart that she’s wrong but nothing sways her decision. What follows sets them and all the worlds on a collision course with demons. Their bond will either free them or doom them. With Lucy and Rykr fighting for their future in two different ways it’ll take courage and a little deception to push them in the direction of their fate.
…Okay, so first, can I mention that the heroine on the cover appears photoshopped terribly? Her proportions and body size looks terribly awkward, like they were trying to make her bare torso much slimmer than her upper body suggests. It’s like they tried to shrink her to be super small compared to the dude. In the story Rykr grows immensely and is much larger than her, but don’t force it on the cover. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve read a book where the woman is a brunette but the cover shows a blonde…or how about when the female lead is supposed to be curvy or voluptuous and the cover shows a slim woman? Nothing is wrong with a naturally slim woman, nothing at all. But when she looks unnaturally “posed” like this it’s pretty dang annoying…
Lucy is fiercely protective of Rykr. Sharing a bond with him makes her happy until she forces herself to think of him above herself. I enjoyed her strength of will as well as her devotion. During their time apart nothing keeps her from maintaining her heart’s loyalty. When the danger that has kept Rykr from her is revealed she wastes no time in picking up the mantle of protector, willing to fight for their mating by forcing Rykr’s hand. Her determination is admirable. Aside from knowing her fierceness and her history of having a good heart we learn about her the most during the long flashback scene. We get to see her feelings about animals but don’t truly learn what her power and “light” is. It heals, cool, but what really is it? Where did it come from? Who stole it? What made it begin to come back in part if David later claimed to give it back to her in full? There are quite a few questions and gaps that aren’t filled in during this short story and introduction to the series.
Rykr is much the same. He is a fierce protector as well and a good man. His heart is for Lucy and Lucy only. No matter what he experiences he’s true to her, even after his heart feels shattered when she delivers the blow of forced separation. His struggles with demons is a major problem and brings the plot racing forward as soon as his dilemma is revealed. To find out what the real issue is, why he was chosen for the possession/habitation, what his and his mate’s roles are in this mess, the ancient records, the “bad” guys…all of these things are connected but only touched on in this book and will need the subsequent stories in the series to become clear. And speaking of clarity, what we get in the extended flashback as well as Lucy’s musings are all we really get about who Rykr really is. We have a general belief that he’s good, that he’s protective, that he loves Lucy immensely…but that’s kind of all we get.
Overall this was a good story with a lot of attention to background and then the forming of the bond rather than an evolution of emotions and a progression of series drama. The way the demon habitation problem is solved is quick and easy compared to what we were expecting with all the emotional angst. Kind of disappointing even if it was a relief to have the MC’s “triumph”. We get more questions than answers in this story and very little about the MC’s themselves. Despite that they are actually likable. There are numerous characters with intriguing powers, interesting personalities, connections that I’m curious about, and an overarching story line that I’d like to see through to the end. I would continue this series if given the choice even though this first book was heavy on drama but light on follow-through and basic with conflict resolution.
I was obsessed with the Guardians (especially Hades) now its 30 years later and I’m about to start obsessing again, over their children. Is that creepy, maybe a little because six months ago little Lucy was on the beach with her brother inside one of her magic bubbles. So, I had to prepare myself mentally, take a deep breath and then we meet Rykr (Hades 3.0) and my concern for little Lucy turned into envy. Although an introductory novella to the new series it did a wonderful job of bridging the gap between the series. Not only are we treated to Lucy and Rykr’s mating but we are also introduced to several of the new generation of Guardians and their personalities. In addition to still allowing us to experience many of my favorite Guardians (Hades), explaining how the world has changed, and revealing a new threat. It’s also hot, sexy, and explicit like only a mating frenzy can be and Ms. Jay can write.