Crave

by B.J. Harvey

I have a craving; a dark urge I’m failing to resist despite years of trying to do that very thing.

I’ve force myself to hide behind a mask, a perfect manipulation to hide my true self.

When I meet Lucia, my wants and inner most desires change. She encourages me to embrace who I truly am, and is willing to do anything and everything I want, giving herself to me to satisfy my most carnal appetite.

Then everything in my carefully managed world comes crashing down around me at the hands of a stranger bent on destruction. A moment in time, a loss of control, and the very thing I cherish is nearly taken from me.

My fate now lies in her hands and the very thing I crave, may now be the end of me.

Genres: Romance, Dark, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Adult, Erotica

245 pages, ebook

First published October 20, 2015

About the author

BJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Bliss Series. She also regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer and a funny romance thinker upper.

An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly but loving every minute of it. She’s a wife, a mom to two beautiful girls, and hails from what she considers as the best country in the world—New Zealand. Currently living in Perth, Australia.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjharveyauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bjharveyauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/bjharvs
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbjharvey
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Sign up for her mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/MfpyP

Reviews

[Mysza · Rating 3 out of 5]

**2,5 stars**

I didn't really like this book. The story just didn't seem that interesting to me. There was more drama than romance itself, I tried but I wasn't able to believe in love between main characters.

We have Callum, hotshot architect, who is a playboy... at least until he meets Lucia. He is cold, reserved and unattainable for the public eye, always wearing a mask, not showing others who he really is. And then we have Lucia, gorgeous restaurant owner. I can't really call what was between them insta lust/love but I felt like them being together was rushed. I mean they don't profess love that fast but I didn't really see the development of their relationship. They met, went for a few dates, and voilà - great love. I felt like I was rather told then shown they were in love.

Then there's that "crave" Callum had. We were teased and there was this build-up, he was relentless in stating that there is darkness beneath that mask he puts on, taboo desire, dark demon. It was repeated so many times that I hoped for something big. And when it finally happened, I didn't find the reveal impressive, and everything was kind of swept under the rug afterwards.

To cut the story short, I'm not a fan of this one but try for yourself because it maybe the case it's not you it's me since the book has a lot of fab reviews.

"ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review."

[• Lisa • · Rating 4 out of 5]

FOUR CRAVE ME STARS.

"I have a craving ..."



BJ harvey is an author that creates stories that are easy to fall in love with. Regardless of what you may feel about her plot or storyline the one thing that categorically can not be taken away from Harvey is her ability to put pen to paper and create romance novels to die for. 'Crave' is unlike any other work by this author and for that I applaud her efforts of stepping out of the box. For the record I can happily say that I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful romantic fix and I'm excited to see what is in the future for this talented story maker.

What's it all about?
Callum Alexander is a successful, handsome, focused businessman who is only interested in keeping the real him locked underneath his suit and charm. Too afraid to allow himself to get close to love this businessman keeps his relationships brief and aloof. That is until the vibrant and unforgettable Lucia breezes into his life showing him that life is not worth living without true love. But secrets are looming just under the surface and with Callum's livelyhood and personal life under scrutiny this hero has to fight for what means most. Follow the story of Callum and Lucia and their journey of finding each other in the midst of secrets and soul searching.



What did I love?
BJ author created a fantastic backdrop to a well written and thought provoking story. The novel had originality stamped all over it. For those readers who like to dabble a little into the dark side but don't like their stories to be too risqué then this book will provide the perfect entertainment. BJ Harvey also created an environment whereby I was kept guessing and curious as to where she would take these characters, which made for one page turning kindle adventure. The story was told from the hero's point of view which is always a refreshing change in a romance world dominated largely by the heroines point of view and thankfully Harvey pulled it off perfectly. There was plenty to like about this book including plenty of steam, an interesting storyline and lots to keep me interested in getting to the finishing line. I for one can't get enough of the author and I'm glad that once again I took the plunge and jumped into another BJ Harvey hit.

Why not five?
Let's not worry too much about why this book didn't hit the top spot, BJ Harvey has some serious writing talent and I'm a huge fan of her romantic story telling expertise. However, for those who may be wondering why this book didn't grab my five stars then feel free to read on. Firstly I think it's safe to say that I'm already a firm believer in this author's work but 'Crave' had something missing for it to completely knock my socks off. The mystery surrounding the characters (which was actually a legitimate plot devise) had an adverse effect on my reading experience, sadly it made the characters appear a little aloof and distanced. As a result I felt somewhat disconnected from the hero and heroine alike. I also needed a little more persuading at the start of this couples interactions to be convinced about their relationship. Give me something to hang my hat on; why are they ready to fall in love? What makes this person so special? Simply put I needed more story line about how they arrived at the point of falling in love. All in all this book was an enjoyable stroll down the romantic suspense genre but sadly it didn't have enough of the wow factor for me to be fully convinced. However, I'll never tire of this author's contribution to the romance world and I'll always be waiting in line for more from BJ Harvey.



Final thoughts ...
'Crave' is a novel not to be missed especially if you like a book to conjure up your inner curiosity and intrigue. It also won't hurt if you like your books to feature a sexy hero and enough dirty to keep most fans of the erotic romance genre happy. I'll always have time for this author and you would have to be crazy not to give this author a chance. To BJ Harvey, I love you and your work, don't ever stop. I can't wait to see what else you have in store. Readers, go grab this book and come and tell me all about how much you loved this book. Enjoy ... Kisses.

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

[Olga therebelreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4~4.5 stars

This book exceeded my expectations. I guess you could say that Callum (or Cal) and his dark side appealed to me.

With complicated characters, an emotional storyline, amazing building tension and suspense, and enough sizzle to get you hot under the collar,this is an erotic and yet heart warming treat.





Cal is a successful and highly-regarded architect, co-owner of an architecture firm. His partner, Grant, is also his best friend. Cal has a dark sexual fantasy about which he has never opened up to his sex partners. Also, he chooses to use facades as a way to protect himself. He shows something else he thinks the public will like in order to completely cloud his true self and his dark desires.

Lucia unexpectedly enters his life and breaks down his walls, little by little. She gives him strength to heal and breaks through his emotional barriers. When his mask goes down, she sees his inherent innocence, integrity and goodness. She's the best thing that ever happened to him and they fall deeply in love with each other. Lucia senses he holds back for a reason and that he keeps a secret. When she makes him lower his restraint, then sex becomes deliciously dangerous!





With Lucia's help, Cal will understand that his mask is a sign of weakness, and that his mask has been truly harming his life by the resistance it created to his life's movement. Lucia is a genuine person who makes him stop putting on a "show" and feel comfortable with his true self.

This book is dark and erotic all wrapped up in a very well told package. It provides a great tension-filled read that gives a glimpse into the lives of two very determined people who have an intense attraction for each other. The action is solid, the pacing terrific and there is a cast of very intriguing characters. Although the ending is a bit predictable, all in all, it's a good read. I enjoyed the suspense mixed throughout and the sparks between Cal and Luce.

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for this book! For over a year Mrs. Harvey has been teasing me with little tastes of this book. A teaser here, a few lines there... It was pure torture and I loved every second of it! This book was a long time coming!



Crave brings us the story of Callum Alexander, prolific architect, eligible bachelor and a man who has spent his entire life hiding behind a mask. He’s denied himself his darkest desires, too afraid of what scandal could come from his actions, how he’d be able to force the beast back into its cage once it’s been unleashed. He never expected her.



Lucia “Luce” Harding isn’t anything like the woman that fall to the feet of the golden boy of architecture. With sass, stubbornness and strength, she knocks down every wall that Callum has spent a life time erecting. But once he’s had a taste, he can’t deny his cravings, even if it puts them both at risk.

I spent the majority of this book trying to figure out what Callum’s dark secret was. I knew from his behavior that his proclivities were sexual in nature and as a very dominant man, I figured I had him pegged pretty easily. But I was a little shocked, knowing that I was close but yet so far off in what urges he had been keeping at bay for all those years. Lucia was pretty cut and dry, I loved that with her it was ‘what you see is what you get’ – there was no pretenses, no false bravado. She was a woman who knew what she wanted and knew what it took to go after it, even if it came at a risk.



But Crave was not simply a book about two characters battling their sexual desires and falling in love. That would be too simple. Nothing is black and white. And when strange notes start to appear and pieces of Callum’s life become very public... his biggest fear might not be discovery, but rather survival.

My first BJH book was the Lost in You series, which was a romantic suspense series, followed by the Bliss series that was a rom-com series, it was nice to see her going back to that suspense writing that originally made me a fan of her work. But there was a little something more to this particular novel than what I’ve read in the past. Crave had layers to the story that were slowly peeled back as the story progressed allowing you as the reader to visualize the story as it played out on the pages.

Fans of brooding, damaged Heroes, Callum is definitely your man. His business life was just as perfect as his Tom Ford suits, but his personal life was cloaked in secrets and hidden desires. Demons he struggled containing and that he couldn’t quite understand. These two sides of the same man, battle back and forth as he finds the one woman that seems to be able to give him everything he craves.



For fans, I think you’re going to love this new flair to her writing and for new readers who are just being introduced to her books, Crave is an excellent start.

[B.J.]

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A smart and super sexy romance written entirely from the male POV with great characters, a bit of darkness, and an absolutely beautiful love story.

3.5 stars

For someone like me, lust can be a dangerous emotion. Lust leads to want. Want leads to need. A need that leads to the undeniable struggle inside of me to resist what I truly desire.
What I truly crave.

Callum Alexander is a popular and highly successful architect - the golden boy of San Francisco, his charm and sex appeal has made him a very reluctant focus of the tabloids. But his public face is just that - a mask that he puts on to conceal the darkness that he hides inside. Apart from his best friend and business partner, Grant, Callum has never opened up to anybody about the dark desires that plague him, which is why he has been content to keep his involvement with women to short, dirty, unemotional hookups, that way he can avoid exploring the fantasy which thrills, terrifies and disgusts him. But all of that changes when he meets Lucia, a woman who is his match in every way.

Strong and confident, she holds nothing of herself back. She knows what she wants and she isn't afraid to go after it. She challenges Callum like no other woman, and she makes it perfectly clear that she wants whatever he is willing to give her, and OMG, I love her!

“My place or yours?” I ask, as I open the passenger door to let her in.
“Such a gentleman. I wonder what it would take to make you let go?” she asks with a grin.
“I’ve proven that in certain circumstances, I’m not always so dignified.”
She leans toward me and gives me a sly, sexy smile. “Maybe I want to see how far I can push you, Cal.”
“You don’t know what you’re asking for, Luce,” I caution.
My warning goes unheeded. “Maybe I do. Maybe you haven’t realized that I can take whatever you’ve got to give.”

Callum and Lucia's early flirtations are suggestive, sexy, intelligent and dripping with chemistry. It's obvious that they want each other, and neither of them hide it. Things between them progress very quickly and their sexual tension translates effortlessly into the bedroom (or up against the wall, on the patio, or the floor just inside the front door… wherever) and HOT DAMN! These two together are on fire, and the intensity of their connection is unlike anything either of them have experienced, startling them both as Lucia draws something out in Callum, encouraging him to drop his mask, and Callum wants nothing more than to be real with her.

“We’re behind closed doors … if you want me to be someone I’m not, I can do that. But with you, I want to be myself. I want to not think and just go with it.”
… “Whatever happens here, Callum, stays between us. Nobody else. It’s you and me. No expectations, no promises. Just you and me…”

Their all-consuming lust soon develops into an actual relationship as Callum and Lucia fall hard for each other, and like the rest of their time together, they are open and unrestrained in expressing their feelings and saying it like it is.

“Together … we ride this wave and take whatever comes.”

“I love you … I’m holding on and never letting go.”

I love this romance! It's functional and honest, with no stupid behaviour or game playing. Callum and Lucia are great together, their passion is explosive, and they are there for each other in a way that Callum has never experienced before.

“You’re the first woman who I’ve wanted to accept every part of me.”
Her hand covers mine, slowly easing my hand higher on her leg. “I already do, Cal. You’re the one who needs to accept that.”

But Callum is still hiding the darkest part of himself. And while he is falling blissfully in love, the business that he has put his heart and soul into is under threat, and with a doggedly determined gossip columnist willing to do anything for a scoop on the reclusive architect and his new love, he is under pressure like never before. Callum soon finds himself on a downward spiral that triggers his darkest desires and he soon finds himself hitting rock bottom in a way that could destroy everything he holds dear.

The very life I’ve built for myself…everything I’ve ever done now waits in purgatory, all caused by a lack of focus at a time when my most concentrated attention was needed. If I lose her because of this, it’ll be nothing less than what I deserve.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, I loved their relationship, and I love the way they dealt with everything they were faced with. Callum's fear of his darkness and his terror of hurting his loved ones because of it is a big part of who he is and how he has lived his life, and I was eagerly awaiting the big reveal. Although when the big moment comes, I must say, I honestly thought it was a little underwhelming he has a fantasy, almost a need (which he has denied himself of so far) of choking his lover during sex. If you're a frequent reader of erotic romance, it's not that unusual, and I've read books where this particular thing has been explored before with a lot less fanfare. The drama that Callum creates over it seemed like overkill - especially considering the amount of drama going on outside of the relationship. I actually think the secondary storylines are a bit OTT, but even that all takes a back seat to Callum's fear of his ‘life-altering’ secret come out.

Having said that though, I do like the sense of intensity that Harvey creates throughout the book - it builds well, and although some events were predictable, I liked the way the story played out. And I think that the fact that this book is written entirely from Callum's POV adds a lot to the story. We know exactly what he is thinking and feeling at all times, and though Lucia is completely honest with him, there is that sense of the unknown about the final barrier between them that we experience right alongside him, and that makes him even more relatable, and I really liked that.

Overall, this was a good read. Sexy and romantic, with a little bit of an edge, I enjoyed getting lost in the story, and I’m hoping there’s going to be a follow up book featuring Grant, because he is an absolute scene stealer, and I’d love to see him meet his romantic match.

I really enjoyed it – 3.5 stars.

[Book-Bosomed blog · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars
In chapter one , we meet 34 year old Callum Alexander via his first person POV as he informs the reader that he’s a successful architect who harbors some deep, dark predilection. It’s what he craves, hence the title. He then meets Lucia “Luce” Harding , 28, a waitress at the event he’s attending. They share some kind of moment (I didn’t really feel it but he says so)….

“And then I f*cked another woman wishing it were her. Can it get any lower?”

That’s exactly what I wondered about this story as I entered chapter two with him banging away with some one night stand he uses on repeat. How am I supposed to get into the romance of him with Luc, the woman he claims he can’t stop thinking about, if in my head I have the image of him thrusting away with Jodi!???

And maybe that’s why I never quite felt anything spectacular here. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Callum and Luce, and I certainly didn’t feel the love. What unfolds is mostly the desire and dark fantasy of a man suffering from some misguided repression who over-thinks his “inner demons” and under-thinks the important red flags right in front of his face.

Gawd did this man annoy me! He doesn’t work as a “dark hero” because he comes off a whining, overly lamenting wuss. I really found no “book boyfriend” qualities about him. On top of that, his life is a train wreck.

I have a real pet peeve about stories that drag out “the secret” or in this case the “dark urge” or “the mask” with the main character anguishing over it for pages and pages. These reveals rarely ever live up to the expectations, and this story is no exception.

As far as Luce goes, I failed to find why she was so special. Yes, she’s different from the women that Cal typically bedded, but that didn’t say a whole lot since he supposedly had a history of shallow, social-climbing women who did not give the female gender a good reputation. Perhaps part of my failure to connect with Luce came from her lack of voice in the story told solely by Cal. The reader never knows what she’s thinking or why she’s so enamored of Cal.

I also failed to see how Cal was such a public celebrity. I couldn’t name one famous living architect today yet alone find one making the national gossip pages. Hollywood typically keeps those pages filled so why the media would be so obsessed with a budding architect seemed a little contrived. At the same time, I struggled with sympathy for Cal’s many plights as he either contributed to them or was so clueless to see them coming.

All in all, the majority of the story paces pretty slow; it’s a little angsty, and is about sex rather than romance. The suspense plot is fairly transparent. I might have been able to overlook that a bit if the characters had been more gripping and likeable, but as it was it just didn’t work for me. As far as erotic suspense goes, nothing here felt cutting edge and all of the themes and sexual content I’ve read before in other stories which crafted it on a higher and deeper developed level with much more suave and enigmatic heroes. Basically for all the build-up, it just felt kinda blah.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review

[Donna ~ The Romance Cover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crave by BJ Harvey
4 stars!!

“I’ll live every day for the rest of my life knowing I will never again deserve you, but I’ll fight to the death to have you anyway.”

This is not our normal BJ Harvey read, this is more suspenseful and a little darker but we still have that trademark BJ Harvey heat. This book was full of suspense and intrigue, secrets and forgiveness. A book full of plot twists that will have your mouth gaping and heart palpitating. A fair few OMG moments and a few tears but most of all a rollercoaster ride that I just couldn’t put down.

This book reminded me a little of BJ Harvey’s Lost series which is how I first discovered this author. It had that same air of suspense yet the writing was more matured, accomplished and developed. I also loved that the couple in this book were in their thirties, I miss reading about the more mature characters that I can relate to, you can’t beat experience!

Callum is a highly regarded architect and is addicted to his work. Being so dedicated leaves him little time to indulge in relationships so his sexual appetite is quashed with brief “affairs” that never last long. He is distant and aloof and never gets too close, his work doesn’t allow it or does it? This man lives behind a façade that he has carefully constructed, he wears his mask well. There is something in his past that seemingly keeps him from taking that next step in relationships, something that he wants, no needs to keep hidden.

“You’re a dark horse in a tailored Tom Ford suit, and I love knowing I’m the only one who gets to see behind the armor.”

Lucia is successful in her own right as a restaurant owner with her brother. She was professional, yet homely and she had a heart of gold, yet she was also strong, feisty and extremely stubborn. Maybe Callum had finally met his match?

When their paths cross, sparks fly, this is alien to both of them and takes them both by surprise. It is no secret that Callum craves something that he cannot have. Not so much that he cannot have it, but more he daren’t unleash it. Throughout the book I was trying to wrack by brain around what it was that he was hiding. I had no doubt that it was sexual in nature and knowing how alpha he was and his current sexual proclivities my mind was running a mile a minute. I will admit that when it was revealed I did find it a bit anti-climactic, but I feel this is more because I have read some bad shit and my imagination just went way off the scale.

“You’re the first woman who I’ve ever wanted to accept every part of me.”

I am not going to say any more about the book, because the plot that runs throughout is more mystery, intrigue and suspense and you need to read it the way the author intended and let it all play out in front of you. I thought of this book as a tub of Pringles, once I popped I couldn’t stop and BJ Harvey really reels you in from the very beginning. With theories aplenty, I found myself plotting and scheming throughout this read.

“Without her, I have nothing. Without her, I am nothing.”

Once again, BJ Harvey delivered and while this book has been a long time in the making, the teasers and the wait have been worth it. For those that love an edge to their romance with a twisty, mystery/suspense type read, then this will be the ideal book for you.

www.theromancecover.com

[The Reading's Love Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...

3.5 stelle


Questo è uno dei pochi libri dove il protagonista della storia è il personaggio maschile. Gli occhi e i pensieri di Callum sono i narratori della storia. Tutto il libro è visto interamente dal suo punto di vista. Di solito preferisco i punti di vista femminili nei quali posso immedesimarmi e capire appieno le ragazze. In questo caso, però, è stata un'esperienza nuova. Callum è un architetto di successo, una persona seria e a modo. Ha una vita invidiabile ma c'è qualcosa però che non gli fa raggiungere la serenità. Dei pensieri oscuri, una parte di lui che a volte vorrebbe uscire. Per Callum ogni giorno è uguale agli altri, una calma piatta. Quando ad un evento incontra Luce, una cameriera del catering, finalmente qualcosa in lui si accende. Luce è simpatica, bella e attraente. La rivedrà nel ristorante di lei, dove è la proprietaria. Per la prima volta vediamo una storia interamente vista dal punto di vista maschile e vi posso dire che è totalmente diversa dalla solita narrazione. Luce la conosciamo solo attraverso gli occhi di Cal. Callum vede Luce come un'essere dolce e delicato, una macchia di luce nella sua vita. Selvaggia e gentile, attraente e fragile al tempo stesso. Ma il suo segreto, quella cosa che vive in lui, cercherà di mettere ostacoli su ostacoli nella loro relazione. Non so definire questo libro: non è dark, è un erotico suspense. Racchiude un mix di generi che si mischiano e creano un libro molto carino. Callum fin da subito vede Luce come la persona che aspettava da tanto ma non è disposto a far vedere alla donna la parte oscura che c'è in lui. Vuole tenerla nascosta. Ma più si conoscono, più è difficile tenere a freno l'oscurità. Callum ha un desiderio, un pensiero pericoloso che non può uscire dalla sua mente e diventare realtà. Quando tutto diventa nero, sarà Luce a pagare le conseguenze di ciò che è Callum. Il libro è un mix di erotismo e soft dark…

CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard great things about BJ Harvey and was excited to get my hands on this novel because the blurb - a man and his hidden dark urges and the woman who makes him lose all semblance of control - sounded super intriguing.

I loved Cal and Lucia together. Their chemistry was electric and as they got closer and more intimate, it was more and more fiery. I also loved the mystery and hidden saboteur aspect of the novel. It kept me on my toes and glued to my kindle.

While I enjoyed this story, I figured out his "secret" before the reveal and felt that the ending was somewhat rushed. Regardless, I thought that this was a fantastic first read of this author and I can't wait to read more from her in the future! ~ Ratula, 3.5 Stars

~~~~

Callum Alexander is in the spotlight as a very successful architect and very handsome bachelor. He tends to wear a mask to hide what he is really feeling preferring to appear as cold as stone. He also is hiding a craving that he is having a harder and harder time controlling.

Lucia Harding is a restraint owner and happens to catch the eyes of Mr. Alexander. She seems to be one of the few who can chip away his icy exterior and see the real man for what he is.

While dodging threats and on scene accidents, it appears Mr. Alexander has a stalker. But whom, we do not know. Their intentions and acts get bolder and bolder putting more and more pressure on to Callum’s shoulders. When things seem to snap, his craving comes out to play…

I really enjoyed the story, but the drama and suspense surrounding the craving feel very flat in my eyes. There was a lot of build-up, but the end result was very underwhelming in my opinion. I chose this book because the description seemed to fit in with my tastes of hot and spicy. What I got was mild and bland. ~ Devlynn, 3.5 stars

[Talltree]

Has H/OW detailed smexing scene, not for me.

[Carol***BeautyandtheBeastlyBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** ARC receive in exchange of an honest review ***

Review posted here: https://beautyandthebeastlybooks.word...

Crave is the type of book that lovers of romance can’t not like! It has romance, but it’s laced with some darker aspects. Crave is not a dark book, but we can see how the characters test their own barries and how they deal with it is what makes it different than the usual love stories.



I loved Callum Alexander and how he is a walking dicotomy. He is the perfect son, he was raised in church, with a loving family, but inside he has a craving. Something his upbringing would consider “dark” and something he didn’t even know how much he needed until he meets Lucia.



Lucia is a great heroine. She is very direct, goes after what she wants and doesn’t apologize for how she is or what she wants.



And one of the things I most liked about Crave is that it doesn’t have any additional drama. Everything in the story is there because it has to be there, there’s nothing for shock value or drama for sake of drama. And B.J. Harvey NAILED it!



I LOVED that Callum isn’t the typical alpha male (nothing against them, I like most of them – I don’t like “fake” alpha males though). He is all dominant, but with in a understated way. At least until you really meet him. He is a total gentleman and yet, he is hot as hell. I LOVE when authors write those kind of characters. Characters different from the norm, dominant without being real jerks. The characterization in Crave is flawless! From the main characters to the supporting ones, everyone one of them has a role in the story and is written in a way to make it work.



And because the story also has a mystery going on, that is one of the things that makes it work. So we get a romance, some HOT scenes between Cal and Lucia, mystery, action… and on top of that, we get great characters! And it’s all B.J. Harvey’s merit! She’s been writing this story for 2 years and I have to say it was worth the wait!



Now for the mystery part of the book…I really enjoyed it, and even though I got it from the beginning of the book (although I didn’t get the reasons behind it), I liked that it wasn’t overly dramatic. It has the right ammount of it, specially because besides the mystery, there is also a conflict playing in Cal and Lucia’s relationship. Something happens and on top of everything something serious is happening to Callum professionally. It seems like it’s a lot, but in truth, it all worked out great. Everything make3s sense in this story.



Both the hero and the heroine aren’t perfect, they have their flaws, but it’s great that together they can finally overcome what alone they can’t even accept! I love that Lucia brings the darkness in Cal to the light, so he finally sees his cravings aren’t wrong. Specially because he found the right person to share them!



I can’t wait to see what B.J. Harvey has in store for us next!!! :)

[Christen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars....

This was a well written story but I really couldn't understand Callum. I mean I guess if I haven't read a lot of BDSM then I could understand it more. Lucia was wonderful loved her character she was so strong and fought for what was hers.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐
Mi dispiace, sono arrivata solo al 12% e non mi sta proprio piacendo e non mi prende come libro. Forse lo riprenderò più avanti e gli darò un'altra possibilità ma per ora per me è un No! 🙈🙅🏻‍♀️

[Romance Readers Retreat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm more than happy to admit that I'm a lover of the more dark and twisted books out there. You all know the type of books I'm referring to - those that have been so eloquently and detrimentally (to the reader, in a good way) penned by some of our favourite authors. So, I was very eager to get started on this book when it was offered to me (after reading the synopsis).

I'm afraid it didn't live up to what was promised in the blurb. That's not to say that it wasn't a well written and thought out story, but for me (personally) it was just nowhere near as dark as I was expecting. 
The characters are well thought out and the story flows well and there are no major editing issues. There's plenty of drama and passion too.

Callum is a great character but his angst over his secret just wasn't in proportion for me. I also found it strange that he's fixated on this one particular thing and not really into anything else that would go hand in hand with the thing he craves. I apologise, that all sounds a little vague but I don't want to give too much away.

It is a good book, just not quite what I was expecting. I guess to me, it would be a good starting point for anyone out there who hasn't gotten absorbed into the darker books available, but wants to try one out. It would be a good taste-tester I guess. 
If it sounds like your thing, give it a try.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Crave is an erotic suspense standalone. It may be darker than expected from a BJ Harvey novel but in no way is it a dark romance**provacative
I have a craving. Yes he does and it is unusual, never before have I read about this sorta crave. Interestingly provocative. What I loved was the very well written character of Callum.

shocking images 2

The suspense in his story was a killer. It was a character that likes naughty and doesn't do relationships. I have had my fill of these characters lately, but not him for some reason. I was thoroughly fascinated with the female interest Lucia. She was a part owner with her brother in a restaurant. So the architect and the restaurateur get a story. Their story was different. Buckle up girls it is a naughty ride.

The sub-plot of a mystery that does take over, is the fact that a big job is sabotged. I liked that part a lot. Very interesting "crave" I think Callum's idea of release was VERY different. I've never read anything like it. B.J. always delivers HOT like very few authors can. I always like the Dark parts and this had a lot. There is a sort. of mystery in the plot that has a slow pace and then bang its there Very good read

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crave is the captivating, seriously sexy and incredibly sinful new release from BJ Harvey.
Crave is a deep intense journey through extreme fantasy, love, trust and belief.
Callum and Lucia story is addicting, and oh so HOT! BJ certainly knows how to develop the best amount of suspense and angst that made me keep flipping the pages fully immersed in the adventure.
Callum is off the chain. His intense, mysterious persona is intriguing and another thing that keeps you fully addicted to the story..Lucia is the perfect female character to smash down Callum's wall and release his inner "monster".
Crave left me gasping and indeed craving the emotion that will no doubt overtake you while reading as it did me.
5 thrilling and tantalising stars!

[Meegz Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4 Stars*

I've had this book on my shelf for a while now, and have been meaning to start catching up with my BJ Harvey books, having only read One Shot so far. It took me a little while to get into this, but that could also be because end of year burnout is definitely something hitting me right now.

This is more than just a romance novel. Theres a mystery hidden behind everything as well, and whilst I was pretty sure who the culprit was that was doing these things, and I was right when it was revealed, I didn't expect some of the other revelations that occurred.

One thing that annoyed me was how Callums "craving" kept getting mentioned without any hint at all of what it was. I was getting to the point where I was like "dudeeeee I just wanna know, stop this right now!" - but once the actual craving is revealed - holy moly it was a lot larked than I was expecting.

Whilst the events that take place with this revelation were not intended, I don't know if I could be as forgiving as Luce if I was in her position. I really liked her was a strong female lead though, and she didn't take crap from anyone. It was great.

Callum was a pretty likeable main male lead, but I would also like to get to know more about Grant. I definitely think he needs his own book!

All in all this was a great read and I would recommend.

Review also on my blog - Crave by BJ Harvey

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[Kristine GPI Bookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting when I picked up Crave, BJ Harvey had been speaking about this book for a long time, the teasers hinted at something dark and almost sexily depraved, there was a sense of intrigue, of suspense, of something very different from her previous work. Crave is all that and more.


From the opening lines, Harvey had me invested, her prose exquisite, I was enraptured almost instantly, Crave had a slow start, the initial chapters really focusing on setting the scene and creating a sense of intrigue, Callum Alexander is a man of mystery, an enigma, he hints towards this deep, dark secret he is struggling to contain, something so sinister that it could spell his downfall if he were to act on it, and while I was intrigued by the secret what I truly wanted was to know more about the man behind the legend, Callum is a renowned architect, he along with his best friend and business partner Grant Richardson have been awarded accolades cementing their place at the top of their field, they've built an empire with Alexander Richardson that is set to shoot them both from local celebrity to infinite stardom.


Callum is content to continue his life the way he is currently living it, as a island adrift in a sea of masks and facades, the image Callum portrays to the world around him is one of a successful business man, nothing more and nothing less, he makes it a point to keep his romantic life to a minimum, preferring to keep his sex life discreet, physical relationships purely provide a means to an end, there is nothing passionate there, that creative and passionate side of his brain filters directly into his work, he has little time to be distracted by anything else, it's too risky to chance exposing the side if him he's worked so hard to maintain control of. When he meets Lucia Harding, his world is titled off it's axis, for the first time ever, he's distracted.


Lucia Harding is the kind of woman who makes her presence known instantly, not through showy revealing clothes or by being loud and obnoxious, she radiates an aura that's hard to ignore and impossible not to notice. She's head strong, confident, and self assured, Lucia is a breath of fresh air from all of the money hungry, social climbing, barbie dolls that Callum is used to, there's a instant connection between the two, an awakening if sorts, the attraction isn't one sided, and Lucia definitely seems like she can give as good as she gets.


Crave definitely had a sense of instalust, but there was a slow burn to their romance, but as their blossoming relationship fought to take centre stage, there was someone or something waiting in the wings to derail everything Callum had fought so hard for both personally and professionally. Harvey cultivates this sense of foreboding, almost a sense of dread as things begin to happen, there's a creep factor that permeates every scene, what's that old saying...what goes up must come down...that's what I felt, for every slice of happiness that Lucia and Callum carved out for themselves, for every new dream and wish they threw into the air, I was waiting for them all to drop...waiting for the perfectly created façade Callum had crafted to begin to crack. Once I dove in, wading into the murky waters of a man struggling to be perfect example of poise and control, I couldn't put it down, I needed to know what came next. Harvey certainly showed her range here, Crave very much a deviation from her most recent Bliss series, this is undoubtedly sexy, it's sizzling hot, and the connection between Lucia and Callum is intense, their chemistry undeniable, the easy banter between Callum and Grant lifted the often dark and brooding vibe that I initially expected. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Harvey's take on sizzling suspense, and now the only question I'm left asking is...when does Grant Richardson get to tell his story?

[Yelena Bosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't too sure what to expect from CRAVE. All I knew is that I NEEDED to read it and that it would be one of those sexy ones.. That was definitely a good enough reason for me.

Now. Delving into this book was a whole new story. Loving it would put an understatement to describe CRAVE.

ADDICTIVE.

BADASS.

SINFUL.

FILTHY GOOD.

DARK.

EMOTIONAL.

SEXY.

DEEP.

I will admit, the beginning was a little slow, only because it resembled every other sexy read. I also wasn't a huge fan Callum having to explain the type of character that he was. In my personal opinion, I'd rather would have had that be witnessed or mentioned by someone else.

BUT.

BUT was way before all hell broke lose. Everything you expect in new adult romance novel or even an erotica was met by CRAVE, but it went well beyond that. It capture something in my mind that I still can't explain what it is but all I know is that I NEED more!!

Callum was always a mystery to me. Despite having his personality being highlighted I bold, that still wasn't enough to make up my mind in the type of character that he was. Yes he slept with a lot of women. Yes those were all one night stands that almost always seem to want the more that he never so much as thinks about giving them. Yes he is sexy as hell. He even has such a sinful mind that I could not for the life of me, not want to NEED more of it. Is that bad? I mean, I was at the edge of my sit in trying to figure out what he will conjure up next..

He is a player, a well know man who is known by many who seems to have that arrogant side to him that tends to taint you once you become famous. But that wasn't in any way a bad thing.. Not until he met Lucia. The woman who messes up his mind and turns up the volume when it comes to what Callum knows..

He loses sight of who he is or who he thought he was, and ends up being swallowed up by all things Lucia. Little does he know..

CRAVE had some great elements that made it an emotional journey with very strong and tainted characters.

Callum and Lucia both have their very own stories to tell.

They both have a past which will play a role in their current and future lives.

They also have a mindset and heart that cannot seem to agree with each other.

Callum doesn't know what it is about her but he WANTS HER. He CRAVES HER unlike any other women he had before.. The only problem is, well, he isn't so sure that the life he tried so hard to master, will come crumbling down. But that really was never an option since he knew that from the moment she said her name, he was gone. His fate is in her hands and he will be damned before he lets her slip away.

Lucia hasn't stopped from having her head in the gutter from the moment she saw who Callum was. It wasn't possible for her to think straight when it came to him. No. But, should she give way to temptation despite hardly knowing anything but what the media is trying to tell us about him? She may be stubborn but will she leave all her built up walls when it comes to love, loyalty and courage? Will she let Callum in?

Giving in to temptations sounds easy enough, but not when it comes to the consequences of the unknown!

A suspenseful story full of an emotional rollercoaster that will bring you to question your own mind when it comes to how worth it love truly is.. and who do you give it to..?

CRAVE is dark, gripping, emotional, sinfully sexy and all round a fast read that will make you CRAVE more...

THANK YOU B.J. Harvey and fellow kiwi ;) for providing an ARC of this gorgeously dark story!! I think I will forever hold a special place for Callum in my heart.. he is one in a million!

<3

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *

~ 5 Jaw Dropping Stars ~

I know I have said it before and I will say it again….BJ Harvey is AMAZING and I will read anything she writes!!!! She has unbelievable talent and her stories and characters are just fabulous. I LOVED this book from the very first page until the very last page. I truly didn't want this story to end. I don't think my words and thoughts will actually do this book justice. This is one you will WANT to read for yourself!!!

I think she said is best in the back of Crave, when she said "her writing is a little swoon, a lot of heat, a bit of drama and a whole lot of love." That Perfectly describes Crave, but then add in some mystery and suspense and you have the making of a 5 star read!!!

Like with her Bliss Series (which I LOVE by the way) this book had a captivating, heart racing, and all encompassing storyline. You will find it hard to put this book down once you start it. The characters were well developed and felt totally real to me. I think she created one of the BEST heroines when she created Lucia (Luce). I haven't found a heroine that I have loved more.

I can't really go into to much detail about the storyline because it would spoil the suspenseful storyline. In Crave we meet Callum and Lucia. Callum is a well known, kind of famous, architect who owns his own company with his Best Friend, Grant. While at a function a waitress introduces herself to him and he is captivated instantly. There is just something about her that draws him in. Well the woman is Lucia, what he doesn't know at the time they meet, is that she is also a well established restauranteur and owns her own restaurant with her brother.

Throughout this story you will get the feeling that Callum is hiding a HUGE secret from everyone, except Grant and his family. But even knowing this Lucia stuck by Callum through EVERYTHING!!!! I will admit that I was a little underwhelmed by his ultimate secret once it came out. I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't what was revealed. I guess I didn't see how what his secret was would lead him to such self loathing and depravity. But this didn't take away any of my enjoyment of this book. I have to say that Lucia was my favorite in this book. Her character is such a fierce, no-nonsense, tell it like it is kind of girl. She was also loyal to a fault. She stuck by Callum even through the bad times and always had faith in him.

As for other characters in this story I loved Grant and Callum's family. I am really hoping that Grant gets his own book down the road. I think there could be something there with a specific assistant we are introduced to ;)

As for the villains of this story, and you will know who there are by the end of the book, I was so happy to see they got what was coming to them!!!! I will say that BJ knows how to write an evil villain!!! WELL DONE!!!!

Crave is a Stand Alone novel that is told from Callum's POV. It is a love story but so much more. I would definitely say that this book is a MUST READ!!!!!! You won't be sorry. If you are looking for the non-putdownable love story that has a great mix of suspense and mystery and romance and steam…..Then look no further this is the book to read!!!!

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[Jen McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve spent the last 3 weeks unable to pick up a book. I randomly came across the cover for Crave – he was choking her! I immediately fell in lust with image and had to have this book! Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a thing for a hand on the neck… It’s dominant and sexy and gives me all the feels. And then that blurb sucked me in… Suddenly I found myself reading a sample of the book to see if it would catch my interest … and BAM, I 1-clicked.

Crave got me out of my funk – it’s mysterious, angsty, intriguing and so sexy! I loved Callum and Lucia – they were such strong characters as individuals but together they were unstoppable. Lucia was especially tough – so independent but so willing to give Cal everything. She could read him like a book – knew just what he wanted, could sense what he craved, before he was ready to ever admit it to her.

Cal was so intriguing to me – he was thrust into the public life with his architecture designs but he didn’t want that life. Being in the spotlight felt like such a burden to him, but he couldn’t get away from it. He has so many things riding on his shoulders – the business with his best friend Grant, a reporter on his tail, trying to get any dirt she can, and a fascination for dark things in the bedroom that he just wasn’t ready to face.

Being such a high-profile figure, he can’t really be himself when it comes to women and relationships – the price would be too high if anyone figured out his secrets. Cal’s inner struggle to keep himself in check wears on him but when he meets Lucia it’s like every missing puzzle piece in his life finally fits. Their bond is instant, with Callum feeling like he can trust Lucia with all of his darkness right away… well, almost all of it. There’s one thing that still stands between them, a secret Cal isn’t ready to give up.

Luce is patient though.. she bides her time, waiting for Cal to give up this last piece of himself … and holy fucking hell – this where Crave turns into something so different from anything else I’ve read. The twists and turns get complicated and messy, the guilt and trauma is palpable, and Lucia and Cal are forced into the spotlight for so many different reasons.

I loved the suspense and romance of this book and felt like the two were intermingled really well throughout 90% of this book. Towards the end, the romance aspect fell by the wayside a bit… I would have liked to see Cal and Lucia work out their issues as other things are happening at the end. I can’t say more than that without spoiling anything. I am very curious about Grant though… something tells me he has his own story to tell, and I’ll be right here waiting to read it! 4.5 stars!

[Lindsey King · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY SMOKES!!! BJ Harvey seriously killed it with this book. I loved it!!!

Callum Alexander. All American good boy. Only he likes things a little on the naughty side. I really enjoyed reading Callum. His story is one of lots of ups and downs. He may be one of Americas favorite bachelors, but he only has eyes for one woman, and one woman only. Because as soon as he met her, SHE was all he could think about. He was bewitched from the beginning. Cal loves his family and friends with a passion. Only they know the REAL him. Not the public persona mask he puts on. Not even realizing, he lets Lucia into his world. Only she turns it into something much greater than he ever could imagine.

Lucia is such a sweetie! She is so kind, loving, forgiving, and amazingly strong! She is exactly the kind of woman Cal needs. She too, loves her family and friends with a passion and tries to protect them all. She is a very independent woman, who knows what she wants. And that's CAL. Her feelings towards the real him and not the mask he gives to the public are nothing but GENUINE. She cracked his shell.

Given that Callum and Lucia are together and things seem to be going great, of course the past always has a way of colliding with the future to mess it up. They have to fight super hard to keep things together. But everything is turning against them. The angst and suspense in this book will keep you on your toes. I LOVED IT!!!! All of the ups and downs leaves you flipping the pages as fast as possible to find out what happened. Luckily, it is a stand alone and you get the full circle of events. Way to go BJ, I loved this book! I am now a Callum fangirl!

[EroticaAfterDark (Lilith)]

FREE: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AUI have a craving.
A dark urge I’ve failed to resist despite years of trying to do that very thing.
I’ve forced myself to hide behind a mask, a perfect orchestration to hide my true self.
After I met her, my wants and needs, my inner most desires changed.
She encouraged me to embrace who I truly am, and she was willing to do anything and everything I wanted, giving herself to satisfy my most carnal appetite.
Then everything in my carefully managed world came crashing down around me. A moment in time, a loss of control, and the very thing I cherish was nearly taken from me.
My fate now lies in her hands.
The very life I’ve built for myself…everything I’ve ever done now waits in purgatory, all caused by a lack of focus at a time when my most concentrated attention was needed.
The very thing I crave may now be the end of me.

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[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crave was my first book by BJ Harvey and it did not disappoint! Callum and Luce are both fantastic characters. Their chemistry is off the charts and they complement each other so well. Callum has this “craving”. This desire. He tries hard to keep it at bay. Luce is the one he falls for. Falls hard. Can he keep the craving to himself or will he let it come to the surface and risk ruining things with Luce?
Crave has so many twists and turns it keeps you hooked. I thought BJ was very creative with the “craving” that Callum has. I didn’t know what it was until it was actually revealed. The book kept talking about it but there is an air of mystery around it. So I really wasn’t sure what to expect.

In addition to the mystery of the craving, there is something else that remains a mystery. I don’t want to give anything away but I did guess it pretty early on. However, that didn’t keep me from reading. There was so much to the story that I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen.

Grant. Grant is fantastic as Callum’s best friend. He really is. I love him. He needs his own book ASAP!!

Full of drama, romance and sexy scenes, Crave is not to be missed!

An ARC was provided for an honest review.

[Love is in the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ero indecisa su quale libro iniziare per inaugurare il periodo di pausa preso dal blog, poi la Hope Edizioni mi ha deliziata con l'arrivo di questo libro e non ho saputo resistere.

Callum Alexander è uno dei soci dello studio di architettura Alexander Richardson, fondato con il suo migliore amico Grant Richardson. Un uomo che non ha mai concesso spazio alle relazioni, se non quelle di una notte di passione, sempre pronto a mantenere il controllo delle proprie emozioni, non lasciando spazio alle sue fantasie e perversioni più recondite. Il suo mondo aveva dei paletti ben saldi, fino a quando i suoi occhi non incrociano quelli di una cameriera presente all'evento dedicato in suo onore, dal nome Lucia Harding. Dopo uno scambio di opinioni riguardo lo stile architettonico di Cal, quest'ultimo rimane affascinato dall'unica donna che non cerca di saltargli addosso alla prima occasione e prova a conquistarla in tutti i modi.

𝐋𝐚 𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚 𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨. 𝐈𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚 𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐨. 𝐔𝐧 𝐛𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐢𝐨̀ 𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐯𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐯𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐨. 𝐀 𝐜𝐢𝐨̀ 𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐨.

Lucia Harding dirige il ristorante di famiglia con suo fratello, ma non è solo una manager. Lucia ama sporcarsi le mani e, spesso e volentieri, partecipa attivamente alle serate di catering del ristorante, servendo lei stessa. Dopo il primo incontro con Cal, Luce si ritroverà ad incontrarlo più spesso presso il suo ristorante fino a quando lui non farà il primo passo e i due avranno un vero e proprio primo appuntamento. Sarà proprio con Luce che Cal si lascerà andare del tutto, ma una perdita di controllo cambierà per sempre le carte in gioco.

𝐄' 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐢, 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐢 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢 𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐢 𝐨, 𝐩𝐞𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐚, 𝐝𝐢 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐝𝐢 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢. 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐨 𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐚, 𝐝𝐢 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐢.

La cosa che mi è piaciuta di tutto il libro è il fatto di aver letto di due protagonisti maturi e, per quanto problematici, ben equilibrati. Nessuno dei due ha mai dubitato riguardo a quello che più anelavano, anche nei momenti in cui la situazione è diventata estremamente rischiosa. Ho ammirato questo lato del carattere di entrambi, oltre al fatto di avere due protagonisti indipendenti l'uno dall'altro ma che stanno insieme per la felicità e la voglia di farlo. Nessuna bugia, nessun segreto, nessun nascondersi dietro un dito; quella cosa in più che mi ha permesso di godermi del tutto la lettura è stata la componente suspense che caratterizza lo sviluppo della trama.

«𝐁𝐮𝐨𝐧𝐨 𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢, 𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨 𝐮𝐧 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐨 𝐬𝐮 𝐝𝐢 𝐭𝐞». «𝐇𝐚𝐢 𝐚𝐯𝐮𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐧 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞, 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐞 𝐢𝐨, 𝐝𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐚, 𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐢 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐢𝐮̀ 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐢 𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐚 𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐚».

L'unica pecca è che mi aspettavo di abbracciare totalmente il lato oscuro di Cal ma così non è stato. Tranne per un piccolo momento di abbandono, Cal cerca di resistere ai suoi desideri per amore di Luce, e questo mi ha dato la sensazione di aver vissuto il suo personaggio a metà, come se conoscessi solo una parte di quest'ultimo. L'autrice tende spesso a sottolineare questo lato tenebroso di Cal ma senza mai approfondire questo lato del personaggio, lasciando la sua caratterizzazione a metà.

Una scrittura semplice e molto dialogata quella che caratterizza il romanzo di B.J. Harvey, proprio quelle che piacciono a me; solo in alcuni punti l'autrice si soffermava su alcune descrizioni importanti, rallentando il ritmo di lettura. Ora non mi resta che andare ad informarmi riguardo la serie, ma voi non lasciatevelo scappare!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

I've been meaning to read Crave by BJ Harvey for a while now, and I was determined to finally put it at the top of my never ending TBR list. I enjoyed reading Callum and Lucia's story - it was different reading entirely from Callum's POV. I can't recall a book I've read recently that didn't have the main female's POV, good to read something different to the norm. The second half of the story was definitely my fav - the first was a little bit slow for me, but the pace picked up and I enjoyed the second half a lot more.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/4/2022)! 🎁

[New Adult e dintorni · Rating 2 out of 5]

CLICCA SULL'IMMAGINE PER LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA:

Sono stata subito incuriosita dalla trama di questo romanzo. Una sfida impossibile da non raccogliere per una come me curiosa fino al midollo... Dovevo scoprire a tutti i costi quali erano i desideri oscuri e nascosti del protagonista e cosa sarebbe accaduto con la donna che gli faceva perdere ogni parvenza di controllo, una trama sicuramente intrigante. Bravissimo chi l'ha scritta devo ammetterlo.

Callum "Cal" Alexander è un architetto di grande successo e uno scapolo ambito, suo malgrado sempre sotto i riflettori. Lui tende a indossare una maschera per nascondere la sua vera indole, preferendo apparire una persona fredda piuttosto che mostrare al pubblico le proprie debolezze.
Lucia "Luce" Harding è la proprietaria di un ristorante greco, che gestisce insieme al fratello. Una donna di rara bellezza che cattura subito l'attenzione di Callum. Lei sembra essere una delle poche persone in grado di superare lo strato di ghiaccio di quest'uomo complesso e arrivare al vero lui. Perchè? Non ci è dato di saperlo...
Uno dei problemi che ho avuto con questo libro sono stati proprio i protagonisti, non ho provato nessuna empatia con loro, non ho provato emozioni nel seguire la loro storia o nel vivere il loro "amore" né tanto meno nell'assistere alla loro passione. Evidentemente il mistero di cui li ha circondati l'autrice, per mantenere l'oscuro segreto, ha avuto un effetto negativo sulla mia esperienza di lettura, rendendomeli distanti. Mi sentivo completamente scollegata dall'eroe e dall'eroina che avevo davanti.
A essere onesti non sono del tutto sicura di cosa mi aspettassi quando ho preso questo romanzo, sicuramente ero curiosa di scoprire questa inconfessabile fantasia del protagonista che ci avrebbe lasciate strabiliate.
La prima parte, purtroppo, pur essendo concentrata sui protagonisti, non riesce ad avvicinarli psicologicamente. Tutto rimane freddo, la narrazione ci lascia dei meri spettatori.
Sembra quasi che la stessa autrice non abbia fiducia nelle potenzialità dei personaggi, lasciandoli bidimensionali e trascinando invece l’oscuro e vergognoso segreto per tenere il lettore incatenato.
Tra l'altro, l'angoscia di Callum per il suo desiderio inconfessabile non l'ho trovata realistica. E' strano che sia ossessionato da quella che lui stesso definisce una depravazione ma non si documenti su tutto ciò che andrebbe di pari passo con ciò che desidera ardentemente.
Insieme alla sua "ossessione" e alla nascente "storia d'amore", che dovrebbe portare molta intensità alla storia, ma nella realtà di intenso ha ben poco, abbiamo una parte suspense nella quale affrontiamo minacce e incidenti che mirano a danneggiare l'immagine di Cal come architetto, sembra infatti che il signor Alexander abbia uno stalker.
La cosa brutta anche qui è che noi non dovremmo capire chi sia lo stalker se non alla fine ma ahimè è da subito talmente chiaro da risultare imbarazzante.
Le intenzioni e le azioni dello stalker diventano sempre più audaci e questo aumenta la pressione sulle spalle di Callum che finalmente cede mettendo in atto e quindi mostrandoci la sua perversione, che in realtà viene ben poco descritta se non nelle conseguenze.
Malgrado la scontatezza e le ingenuità di questa seconda parte, concentrata sulle vicende suspense, devo ammettere che risulta senza dubbio più godibile della prima. Quantomeno accade qualcosa.