Reviews

Crave by Piper Lawson

Only show reviews with written explanations

maferg01's review

4.0

I am finding that I really enjoy a steamy, forbidden, age-gap romance. It’s the push and pull – will they or won’t they element that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Crave immediately pulled me in and didn’t let go. Vanessa Edwin narrates most of this story, and portrays Olivia perfectly in a balance of strength and intelligence, but with youthful naivete. Connor Crais only has a few chapters but I’m hoping for more in the next two months. While it is most definitely a new adult story, Olivia is a compelling character. She is stuck between being who her family expects her to be and who she wants to be. Sawyer on the other hand is mostly an enigma with a dark past and this story ends on a major cliffhanger dealing with that. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the story.

Olivia is out for a night with the girls where she sees her soon to be ex cheating. On her way out the door, she meets a man who helps her hide as her ex is leaving as well. They share an explosive kiss. The next day, she learns that her favorite professor has been replaced with none other than the man from the parking lot. Sawyer is in town after losing it all. He plans to teach for a year, keep a low profile, and then make a new start. Neither can afford a relationship that could ruin both their futures, but staying away from each other is impossible.

This story delivers everything it promises. It’s steamy and forbidden which drives the story along as the characters fight the pull and slowly reveal pieces of themselves. As Olivia and her team work on their competition project, things really heat up. I personally loved the fact that she is a competent engineer. After that cliffhanger leaves the story in unexpected places, I can't wait to see where this story takes me and these two characters.

lj_maney's review against another edition

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emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

yomommareadswhat's review

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fast-paced

3.5

kittyg_23's review

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4.0

"Crave" unfolds in the academic world, where the lines between desire and restraint blur as Olivia Barclay, a student reeling from a cheating boyfriend, finds an unexpected connection with a captivating man. Their passionate encounters spark a fire that's impossible to ignore, but there's a catch—she later finds out this magnetic man is her new professor, Sawyer Redmond.

The audiobook wonderfully captures this forbidden romance. The narrators bring Olivia's perspective to life, revealing her complexities and internal struggles. Additionally, the male narrator's contributions, though brief, pack a punch and complement the storyline effectively. I'm hoping we hear more from him in the next audiobooks.

Now, let's chat more about the one aspect I hated: the cliffhangers. I'm sure many of you agree that cliffhangers, especially in shorter contemporary romance stories, can be more than a tad frustrating. It's like reaching the peak of a rollercoaster only to find the ride halted. Nonetheless, the allure of the plot and the compelling characters pushed me to dive headfirst into the subsequent books. That and the number of audible credits I had.

I don't know about you, but like me and many of us, Olivia is full of contradictions which gives her character depth. Sawyer's an enigmatic character, but we only touch on his issues in "Crave". While Olivia's decisions might seem questionable at first, her complex background sheds light on her actions. And Sawyer, the brooding professor with a troubled past, adds depth to the narrative. Plus who doesn't fall for the brooding bad boy.

The tangled theme of family dynamics and societal pressures further enriches the storyline, making it more than just a steamy taboo romance. It explores how upbringing shapes individuals and influences their choices, giving readers a glimpse into Olivia and Sawyer's motivations.

In all, "Crave" is a thrilling and tantalizing audiobook experience that sets the stage for a gripping series. It's a perfect pick if you're a fan of slow-burn romance with a dash of danger and suspense. Especially if you can look past the cost.

So readers, if you're ready for a ride that will make your heart race and leave you breathless, dive into "Crave" by Piper Lawson. And don't forget to keep those Audible credits handy for the next books in the series—trust me, you'll want to know what happens next!