A review by kittyg_23
Crave by Piper Lawson

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!