Kraving Tavak

The Krave of Everton #4

by Zoey Draven

A female is the last thing I want or need.

Doesn’t matter if they’re Laoti, or Luxirian, or human….females mean trouble and I’m so vauking tired of trouble.

What I want is to spend my days in peace. After years of working in a brothel, of being pawed at and owned and consumed by women, I want to be left alone.

Then I see her.

A human female who makes my hearts pound, who makes my blood rush, and my wicked desire flare to life. She’s not intimidated by my scowl or my cold indifference meant to keep her away. She grins when I snarl. She teases me when I’m surly and angry.

I can’t give her the forever she wants.

But I can give her right now…and she’ll spend it in my furs where she belongs.

Genres: Aliens, Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction Romance, Paranormal, Adult

345 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2021

About the author

Zoey Draven has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. Her love affair with the romance genre started with her grandmother's old Harlequin paperbacks and has continued ever since. As a Top 100 Amazon bestselling author, now she gets to write the happily-ever-afters—with a cosmic, otherworldly twist, of course!

When she's not writing, she's probably drinking one too many cups of coffee, hiking in the redwoods, or spending time with her family.

Sign-up for Zoey Draven's newsletter for new release announcements and bonus content: http://bit.ly/2lkn8M4

Reviews

[readabookonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoey Draven is like “what if I write both a sweet and heartbreaking story” EVERY SINGLE TIME. And it works.

MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Stella (27) | Tavak (?)

FEATURES
∘ alien-human romance
∘ stoic mmc
∘ grumpy / sunshine
∘ healing from past trauma
∘ fated mates (sort of but only briefly mentioned)

REVIEW
I felt giddy when I started reading this. Tavak was so ornery and gruff, yet Stella continued to be kind. Truly a top-tier dynamic.

Stella and Tavak’s story was full of angst and understanding. They deserve every bit of happiness they’ve found together. I hadn’t realized just how deep Tavak’s scars ran. It’s not that the previous books treated the brutality the Keriv’i faced, it’s just that other things were going on to distract from it. Tavak’s life has not been an easy one, and in finding safety, he now finds time to reflect on what he’s been through. His trauma makes it harder for him to not only pursue a relationship with Stella, but also to communicate why he’s struggling. Stella was so understanding, even when he unintentionally hurt her and she thought it was her fault.

This book has been my favorite of the series, and while I’m sad to see it discontinued (and probably permanently unfinished), I am glad that most of the former Krave have found their happily every after and all have found contentment.

OW/OM DRAMA none
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP yes
ENDING HEA — two months later epilogue

POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 4 / 5

[AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Fantastic read!
There was love, drama, angst, passion, sweetness and did I mention this book is scorching hot?!
Stella was one strong optimistic heroine who is brave and so sweet. A perfect match for grumpy, surly tortured Tavak.
I loved their equation. I felt so bad for the things Tavak had to endure.
This book is completely safe and though I thought it will bother me that hero was a sex slave previously, author’s masterful writing erased it.
Recommended.

[Izzie d]

ARC.

[Kristiej · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this authors books. There are two different series I’m following and totally enjoying them both. This book is from the Krave of Everton Series and I’ve been on board for each one so far but I think this one just might be the favourite of them all so far.
Tavak and his friends were held against their will as male prostitutes. They’re race, known by others as the Krave, have magical powers with their reproductive abilities. Their planet was blown up so there aren’t many Krave left. In the first book, Kraving Khiva, Khiva was one of the leaders who was rescued from the brothel by his love. The second book was a continuation of their story. The third book was when the rest of them escaped and focused on Dravka and the woman he had been in love with for a very long time and now this one is about a third member of the Krave held prisoner, Tavak.

He and the rest of the Krave are living on the planet Dumera working with the business Khiva has set up. He likes to spend his down time at a local bar and this is where our heroine Stella works. She has noticed Tavak and has tried getting his attention but he doesn’t seem to want any part of it. But Stella is such a delight, such a sunshiny person, he finds it hard to ignore her and eventually the become friends and then more.
At the outset it seems that Tavak is a rather cold and unfeeling kind of person but that is so very far from who he really is. He grew up pretty much in charge of his younger brother when his mother abandoned them and he kind of fell into prostitution in order to make money to feed themselves. And he hates what he had to do. It was much worse when he started working at the brothel and he is filled with self-loathing and so very tired of pandering to women. Since escaping the hell he was forced into, he’s been celibate. But he has these growing feelings for Stella.

I love this book. Tavak is so much deeper than I thought he would be. He’s not the uncaring person he presents to the world. And Stella is just the right person he needs to bring light into his life These are both wonderful people who’ve had it tough for most of their life. Stella grew up and lived her life on a spaceship with her mother until her mother died unexpectedly and now she wants a place to stay and call home. They are perfect for each other since what Tavak also needs the most is a home with someone who will accept him and his past and Stella does this.

I’m not sure if there are more books in this series or not. There is still his younger brother so I’m hoping this isn’t the last book we see of this world. This one and all the others gets a huge thumbs up.

[cajareads]

Hard DNF @ 46%

I love you Zoey Draven, I really do. But one thing about me is that, you’ll never catch me reading or recommending a book where the fmc the one chasing the mmc after HE was the one that fucked up.

And that’s exactly what happened here. It’s not enough that I had to read 10 freaking chapters of her thirsting over him and him acting all cold and indifferent towards her but after that disaster, god-awful scene of them doing it for the first time, I couldn’t understand why she had to be the one that went after him. Yes, he had his own reason for how he acted but that didn’t justify the way he handled things with her. He was the one that made the first move. He’s the one that fucked up. The least he could do was to explain to her why he reacted that way, not disappearing for days. Not making any contact with her. And I had no words for the fmc. Wait I actually do have one; embarrassing.

[Merry Jayned · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read anything Zoey Draven writes.

[Dani ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I was pondering why this book stood out to me so much more than the other ones. And I think it’s because it finally focused on the vulnerability of the characters. The chemistry between and Stella and Tavak was through the roof. I always found it odd that the other MMCs kind of moved on quickly from their painful past, but Tavak’s trauma ran deep and his character was driven by self-preservation, where vulnerability was not allowed. It was fascinating to see how Stella slowly chipped his walls away. Her optimism and positivity was heartwarming, I really connected with her character. It’s the perfect grumpy x sunshine trope till the very end! 💛

I also felt that the world was far more expansive and focused on the character’s daily lives, allowing you to immerse yourself into the world. I loved the descriptions of Dumeria’s markets, different colonies, daily life and routine of the characters. And I also enjoyed seeing Stella building friendships with Eve and Valerie. However, I did felt at times that their part in the narrative was to push the story forward with the whole ‘oh you didn’t know this about Kerivi’i? Let me tell you…’ than an organic friendship, which was a bit frustrating and lazy. It felt like everyone was in on this but Stella and it just felt mean!

Zoey’s writing was excellent there and I’m not sure whether she published this book when she was midway through Horde Kings, but her writing reminded me of that. Her ability to write vulnerable, emotional and heartwrenching scenes is unparalleled.

And with that, I have finally read all of Zoey Draven’s books! 🥹

[The Tunita · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars and all of those belong to Tavak and Tavak alone.

I thought I was going to be obsessed with this book but, no, I wasn't. I'm disappointed because I really liked Tavak and I wanted to see him happy with someone who would understand his inner turmoil.

I really liked several things from this book. For starters, how all of the previous characters are all settled into their new homes while running a popular business. Khiva built an empire from the ashes, and I'm proud of him. I might read his second book only because my only favorite couple from these series were Khiva and Eve, and I need to read characters with real chemistry and empathy after this circus.

I liked Stella at the very beginning. She was a hard-worker and resilient. Going above and beyond to offer the best customer service she could. However, her character spiraled down to the point I ended up hating her.

The issue with Stella is that she wants a serious relationship with Tavak although he stipulates he just wants sex because he thinks that's the only thing he knows how to do right, thus the only thing he can provide to her. She accepts because she's sure she will change his mind. He doesn't.

"... she'd thought that ever since his Rut, Tavak might've changed his mind about that (about having a future with her). She'd hoped he had."

And he doesn't change not because he doesn't wan to but because he doesn't KNOW how to do it. The only thing he knows is how to be a s*x slave. That's the only thing he thinks he's good at.

Tavak is keeping many secrets from her explained in previous books. Secrets that are part of this trauma he had to endure since he was a child while taking care of his baby brother because their mother ABANDONED THEM.

A child raising another child while having to become a prost*tute in order to provide for his family because there wasn't anyone else he could count on. Like, are you guys reading how deep Tavak's trauma is?

Stella pushes until Tavak tells her the truth about his trauma and what he had to endure since a young age, and then this bitch is like: ok, but do you love me? (Pure if-I-were-a-worm-would-you-love-me behavior)

Tavak explains that he doesn't know what love is. He's used to familiar love, but he isn't sure about romantic love because of all he had gone through. Well, this apathetic character doesn't like his answer lmao and says:

"It doesn't matter if he loves me or not, she thought..." THEN WHAT THE CHOCOLATE-FUDGE BROWNIE DO YOU WANT, STELLA!? I don't get you girl. I don't!

She starts thinking about how Tavak does what she asks of him. How he made himself travel through space (something he was terrified of) to find her when she left AND ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE NOT ENOUGH FOR HER TO KNOW HOW HE FEELS ABOUT HER. NO, SIR, WE NEED HIM TO SAY IT BECAUSE THERE'S NO COMMON SENSE IN THAT UNWRINKLED BRAIN OF HERS. IT DOESN'T MATTER THAT HE HAS BEEN USED AND ABUSED ALL HIS LIFE, SHE ONLY THINKS ABOUT HERSELF, AND HER FEELINGS AND I CAN'T.

[Harlequin Madness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, this series . . . While this book didn’t shred me as much as the first two books, it was still quite an emotional read. So many passages had my heart aching for both of them. Really, this series does an excellent job of depicting how someone’s “humanity” can be stripped from him when one is trafficked (humanity in quotes since we’re talking aliens here).

Tavak was basically a sex slave for most of his life. His mother, who was also a prostitute, dumped him and his brother Ravu on the streets of their hometown. He did what he had to do to make ends meet. After the destruction of their planet, he finds his way to the earth colony of Everton. There he meets other Keriv’i males, Khiva and Dravka, where they all work in Madame Allegria’s brothel. His back story is really told over the course of the last 3 books. All of the tension in this book is him coming to terms of his past and how to have a “normal” relationship with someone. Can that even happen for him? Stella sure hopes so. Because he has definitely caught her eye. But she has no knowledge of Keriv’i males (their sperm has a unique quality to say the least), and of what has transpired in Tavak’s past. She’s a strong person, but is also fighting some heartache in her own past.

Oh my word, these two! I loved them as a couple. Whenever someone asks another about their relationship and gets the response, “it’s complicated,” it just makes me roll my eyes. Because most of the time, it really isn’t complicated, someone is just being stupid. But in the case of Tavak and Stella, it really is complicated. Heartbreakingly so. Sure, most of that heartbreak could have been assuaged with better communication between them. There is a lot of push/pull between these two, understandably so. And there was a scene where I kinda disliked how Stella was pushing him for something - a relationship- when he always told her he could never be that for her. He could offer a physical relationship but it would never be more. She decides to move forward anyway, and knowing the boundaries of their “relationship” chooses to push a bit for more. At one point, I felt like she was gaslighting him. But, I was happy to read further that she felt she couldn’t blame him because he never led her on. she was the one that wanted more than he said he could give, but she was still heartbroken over it. He was too. And so was I.

But given their pasts, especially his, I could absolutely see the complications to him (and them) getting the HEA he so richly deserves.

As I mentioned, this book didn’t shred me like the first 2 did, I literally cried reading Khiva and Eve’s story, it still squeezed my heart. I highly recommend this series. I’m not sure if Ms Draven plans to write Ravu’s story. I certainly hope so.

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tavak escaped from a brothel run by a very cruel and unjust human Madame, as did his fellow Keriv’i friends whom we’ve met in prior books in the Krave of Everton series. But Tavak’s story centers more on how that life, one he endured for 10 years, changed him profoundly. It was not a life he freely chose…he was protecting the only thing he had left in his life, his brother. Escaping to Dumera marked a new beginning for Tavak but the shackles of his past hold him back.

Stella has had her share of heartache recently in losing her mother instantly in a freak accident. She too has come to Dumera to heal and hopes to start a new life, but unlike Tavak, she hopes to find a mate and eventually start a family. Her life on Dumera is hard though, working long, long days and nights keeping the bar open.

Tavak is surprised that he even notices the human, Stella, after all that he has been through at the hands of human females. He returns to the bar she manages, night after night though, drawn to her. Stella, in turn, noticed the scowling, unhappy looking alien the minute he enters the bar. Stella is an optimist and feels a spark for Tavak but knows she deserves her own happiness. Can she coax him out of his scowling demeanor?

Stella’s perseverance in seeing the good under Tavak’s hard exterior is a large part of what makes this a touching love story!

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Possible Spoilers***

I absolutely LOVE the Keriv'i males. I've read the previous 3 books in this series and I couldn't wait for Kraving Tavak to come out so it was listed on all my calendars. When it landed, I just couldn't put it down and it did not disappoint. Due to his history of sex trafficking, parental abandonment, food scarcity, in addition to having to parent at a very early age, Tavak was far more damaged than Khiva or Dravak but with his fated mate, Stella, he was able to let the healing begin. I hope that there is an additional book devoted to Ravu, Tavak's brother because he had an equally traumatic upbringing but does not seem to be as destroyed when his character is brought in. That said, there is serious attention paid to the horrors of sex trafficking in that it isn't romantic and there are real victims. It's definitely a great read.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable & fascinating Sci-Fi alien romance that has a subtle emotional undertone of a second chance at life & love. The plot is well-written and has some intense unpredictable situations that firmly keeps the reader’s attention. There is connection between the two main characters (a grumpy alien male with sad memories of a painful past, Tavak) & (a strong-willed human female, Stella) but each of them fear that love is an impossibility & at first glance, they seem to have nothing in common but they continue to develop throughout the storyline to become a emotionally strong couple that support each other.
There is: humans, various kinds of aliens, family issues, friendship, mates, drama, some twists, intrigue, secrets, memories, distrust, mild violence, jealousy, emotional turmoil, disagreement, longings, complications, realization, determination, compromises, love, steamy scenes & a well-deserved, satisfying conclusion.

[riley ☠︎︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars✨
I lived the grumpy/sunshine trope here omfg I was getting butterflies, dAMN

[Nicole Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the Krave series. Perfect grumpy/sunshine. Exquisite angst.

Are we going to get a Ravu story? And will Madame Allegria ever get what's coming to her? Ah, I hope Zoey gives us another to tie off these loose ends!

[Merry One Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

it’s a sweet romantic story

This book overall is a sweet romantic story. It’s the alien to human female troupe. Tavak has had a difficult life and has been taking care of his younger brother. Tavak is surprisingly nice and thoughtful whilst he has had an awful upbringing where he had been forced into adulthood. The lead female is sweet and not scared of much. She had been on a spaceship for most of her life but now needed to a safe place to go and make a new journey. These two characters meet at the Bar that she works at and lives upstairs. One thing leads to another and they both unknowingly fall in love. This is a slow burn, little angst, and a history of struggles. Read On!

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite book of the series so far. I really loved Tavak’s character. Only negative was it seemed a bit rushed toward to end.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars

Kraving Tavak is the fourth book in The Krave of Everton series and is a quick, fun read with lots of steam and spice. I don't mind reading these alien, human, fated mates tropes because they are sci-fi, and anything goes. It is quite a nice distraction from normal life for a few hours, especially if it is Zoey Draven. Her writing style is easy and inviting.

Re-reading this series again because apparently I didn't leave a review the first time.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad Tavak found peace

This is a terrific series. Stella is perfect for Tavak and reading how he deals with the trauma that's been his life is amazing. The way Stella just kept showing him kindness and love was the best. Serious heat, too.

[Gemma Voss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God. I loved every angsty second of this book. It was emotional, sweet, heartbreaking, and so FRIKKIN hot! I’m dead. Tavak was unbelievably sexy and I loved this heroine too— grumpy sunshine vibes. Ugh! I am feeling that good book withdrawal from this one.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure Fluff <3

Tavak is easily my favorite of the three so far. It did seem like the hurdles for this one were a lot less intense, but Tavak's domineering nature more than made up for it. I'd probably read a Ravu story but I can't say I'd be holding my breath for it like I was this one.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, the storyline is entertaining and filled with action and adventure. The interaction and chemistry between the characters of Stella and Tavak is wonderful. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Cassandra Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of brooding damaged heroes, this book is for you!

This series has a lot of triggers, so please be aware before jumping into these books.

I honestly wasn’t sure how I felt when the last book moved this core group of aliens to a different location, it almost felt like the series was ending, but I was so happy that the author continued to write the HEA’s for the remaining Krave!

Tavak really embodies the grumpy hero and has sworn off all females. Stella’s journey is more emotional, about finding a home and setting down roots. Together they work really well together, even though they have their ups and downs with being honest with their self (mostly Tavak). Have I mentioned that he’s extremely stubborn?

TW: sex work, assault, loss of a parent.

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I was so excited for this book to come out! Any of Zoey Draven’s books are worth reading! I couldn’t put this down, and I absolutely loved the plot! I genuinely look forward to any more books this wonderful author writes!!

[Sandra Casile · Rating 5 out of 5]

So loved this story.

Tavak has suffered the most out of all of them. He did not think he could love but he had a lot to learn from his mate.

[Minnie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the feels as usual!

Loved this next instalment of the Krave!! Stella and Tavak… yes. What a great journey they went on; I loved how persistent she was.

[Jessedholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good!

Best book in the series so far. Seriously. I cried. I’m a sucker for grump/sunshine love stories. Keep them coming because I want to see that madame get what’s coming to her.

[Alexandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so this book didn't so much bore me, but annoyed me.



If you're reading the fourth book of this series, then I'm assuming you've read the previous three. And this one features Tavak, of course.

This novel starts off by introducing Stella, who will be our female MC and Tavak's love interest. And although I didn't dislike Stella in the beginning, I quickly grew to dislike her as the book progressed.

She's young, ready to settle down, and have a husband and family after the recent death of her mother. You immediately sympathize with her as a character, and appreciate her work ethic to start a new life for herself on an alien planet.

It's not until Tavak comes into the picture that she starts to be a bit.....nonsensical.

She literally bumps into Tavak at the harbor docs of Dumera and proceeds to drool over and obsess about him every moment after that. She sends all the subtle signals that she wants to fuck him, and our story takes off from there.

And if you know Tavak from the previous novels, he's a prude. He's broody, quite, and a little bit of pessimist. He quickly catches on to the fact that Stella wants to fuck him, but given his previous profession as a whore for mostly human females, he's a bit warry.

Despite this, he's kind to her, they talk, and it starts to look like a genuine connection might be developing between these two in the two months they've been side eyeing each other.

Until they fuck; and Stella falls instantly in love, and Tavak is understandably like....


Let me get some things straight: Tavak actually likes Stella. He's sexually attracted to her and thinks she's a sweet person. But given his past, thinks no one will really love him and he also has some commitment issues due to being abandoned by his mother.

But after knowing Tavak for approximately 3 months, and only being sexual for 1 of those 3 months, Stella is in love and is ready to tie the knot essentially. Even though Tavek tells her beforehand that things can't get more serious than sex



I seriously hate this trope. The one where the female get's attached waaaaay too fast and she has a pity party screaming "woe is me!" when she was forewarned not to get attached because said guy has issues and she's too impatient or emotionally lacking to deal with them.

Which is essentially what happens here. If Stella had just been chill and waited Tavak out a little while, or better yet, tried to understand him after taking the time and work to build a healthy trusting relationship , a lot of the conflict of this book would have been avoided.

But no. Stella wants what Stella wants. When she wants. And that's how the last 50% of this book plays out. And that's what I found most annoying.

Very few relationships start off with blind trust, where people are 100% their true selves with their potential partner. Under extenuating or special circumstances, I believe some people can learn and trust a person in a short amount of time; but this isn't it. And what Stella is asking of Tavak in this book, in reality, is a lot. Especially considering he's emotionally and physically scarred from his past (which she picks up on!) and still insist the he tell her all his deepest and darkest secrets NOW!

Now that I'm done with my rant, I'll move on to the story. Which as stated above was a little predictable and boring.

Nonetheless, Zoey Draven has a gift for story telling and writing. And although I found the story drab, it was still okay. I liked Tavak. But that's about it. Stella really ruined this book for me. If I didn't like Zoey Draven then I'd probably give this book a slightly lower rating, but 3 stars.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliant and the old and new characters where amazing, but Tavak is still my favorite and now throw a human female Stella in to the mix and Tavaks world is turned up side down. Tavak is a kerivi male that’s come to live and work on Dumera with his brother Ravi with there friends that already has a thriving business and from there past on Everton where they where used a sex slaves until they escaped but it still effects him in every way. Stella came to Dumera to have a future and someday a family and finds a job at Reji’s bar and runs the place while he is away and when she arrived she ran into this gorgeous male that’s grumpy and rude but she has set her eyes him because he makes her feel alive. Tavak keeps going to the bar where the human named Stella works and runs because there is something about her that draws him in, she is different from the humans from his past and she makes his hearts beat when she is close by or when she try’s to talk to him or when she laughs. With drama and a old face from the past turns up on Dumera for work but see’s his old sex slave he decides to blackmail Tavak and it works and he is ship off the planet soon after, can Tavak let go of his past and have a chance at happiness with Stella or do the secrets he keeps ruin everything. To find out what happens next you’ll have to get this amazing book to find out.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*! The 'Krave' are my jam. Dravka's book is still my favorite in this series as of now, but I loved this book and both Tavak and Stella are my type of hero/ine.

Like someone else already mentioned in their review, I think that Dravka move on too fast—and I don't mean emotionally because that's obviously not the case, but to be sexually attracted to a human so soon (5 months or less after their escape from the brothel) felt too rushed for me—a bit unrealistic for someone suffering from such traumatic experiences and having a very negative outlook on sex and love. It was handled well because he was so reticent and aloof, but still it could have been better, I think. He could have been more attracted to Stella's lovable personality traits (which she possesses many) and be less physical about it, to begin with.

Anyway, the sex scenes were wow... haha Where can I buy a ticket to Dumera so I can board Haase's ship and snag Ravu before it's too late and there're no more Keriv'i left? 😅 I'm so looking forward to Ravu's book, he's such a sweety. Ms Draven, please give him a great heroine and maybe a lighter plot? A bit less angst seems appropriate for him, but you're the boss, of course. 😉 And pleeeease give us more Keriv'i, I'm kraving much more. 🤣

[JML · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow what an ending💖🔥💖🔥

Tavak, has been doing is best to adjust to life after Everton. He carries a lot of trauma and responsible even before Everton. He protected his brother from the word that life had to offer them. But he's tired jaded and messed up from his experiences and he not prepared for Stella. Stella, has grown up on a merchant vessel her mother was an engineer who tried to provide the best life she could for her daughter. Until tragedy strikes that leaves Stella was heart broken and in need of fresh start. When she sees Tavak she's immediately attracted and makes it known. She flirts, talks, and other wise tries to get to know Tavak. Tavak is his grumpy walnut he too is immediately attracted and it scarred him he hasn't felt real honest desire for another in many many years and because of his trauma he avoids Stella Until he just can't anymore. This is a true character driven story. Both H&h have trauma both need love and acceptance they just don't know how to bridge the gap and take what they want. This is such a beautifully told story! If you enjoyed the first 3 books you'll love this one as well! Totally recommend💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥