Review: Crave Part One, by E.K. Blair

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Kason and Adaline.

From the moment they met, they started to fall. Neither of them predicted just how far the drop would be, though.

Loving Adaline was all Kason had ever wanted to do. But layer by layer, he started to unravel, forcing Adaline to face an addiction she never could’ve imagined.

This is what happens when one person loves beyond the craving and the other craves beyond the loving.


Review
3.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit I went into this book somewhat blind - which I NEVER do!  My blog partner loves this kind of experience, me...not so much.  But, I have always loved E.K. Blair's books and thought why not.  Crave centers on the story of two high school characters navigating first love and addiction.  They come from opposite ends of life.  While they both primarily are raised by single mothers, Kason's mom works two jobs and can barely make enough to keep them in a dumpy apartment on the wrong side of the tracks.  Adaline's mom on the other hand is a well-to-do lawyer and they live in a gorgeous house situated in a posh neighborhood.  As far as material things go Adaline wants for nothing and Kason works hard for everything he has.  At first glance they couldn't be more different, yet almost from the first time they meet they are irrevocably drawn to one another.

Before long these two lovebirds are inseparable but is clear Kason is waging a very secret hormonal war.  I'll be honest I didn't think much of it in the beginning because he's a 17 year old teenager - of course he's going to be horny!  But as the story progresses you realize to Kason this is a much bigger deal than at first glance.  His addiction brings forth the catalyst that is the turning point in the story.  It definitely provided a good dose of angst but I cannot help but feel as if something was still missing in the story.  

It's not as if I didn't like Kason because I did and his back story absolutely broke my heart but I just couldn't find myself rooting for either him or Adaline, and I would like to see them together as a couple, they have the potential to be great, but individually they just aren't there yet.  They both have redeeming qualities and I appreciate the fact E.K. Blair chose to have these characters be honest.  Their honesty with one another, no matter how difficult, was truly refreshing and the best part of the book for me because I feel as though I read so much where the climax all boils down to dishonesty or rather a character just not speaking their mind.  So kudos for a change in pace.  I don't know.  I feel like Kason and Adaline have so much potential as both individuals and a couple but they have a long way to go.  My hopes is in the next book they both are strong enough to face their insecurities and choose to do so.  

I'm going to give you fair warning that this one ends on a cliff hanger.  Unfortunately I don't really think I like the direction this cliff hanger is going to take the story, but on the other hand it may be just the catalyst that is needed to allow both Kason and Adaline open themselves up to the power of a healthy all consuming love. 

   

COMING SOON

Crave: Part Two – Releases October 16

AUTHOR BIO 

E.K. Blair, takes her readers on an emotional roller coaster with her dynamic and intense writing style. Noted for her ability to create fleshed-out characters that will evoke a realm of reactions, you can be assured that her stories will linger with you far beyond the last word.

A former first grade teacher with an imagination that runs wild. Daydreaming and zoning out is how she was often found in high school. Blair tends to drift towards everything dark and moody. Give her a character and she will take pleasure in breaking them down, digging into their core to find what lies underneath.

Aside from writing, E.K. Blair finds pleasure in music, drinking her Starbucks in peace, and spending time with her friends. She’s a thinker, an artist, a wife, a mom, and everything in between.


AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://www.ekblair.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EKBlairAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EK_Blair_Author
Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorekblair/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/e-k-blair

Review: Shameless (White Lie Duet #2), by Lisa Renee Jones

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The second and final book in the sexy and tantalizing White Lies Duet from New York Times Bestselling Author Lisa Renee Jones.

Nick "Tiger" Rogers, sought out Faith Winter with revenge as his agenda. He made her his obsession. He seduced her. He made her want him. He made here trust him. And then he trusted her. He wanted her. He loved her. 
But now, the lies will be exposed, the truth revealed. 
Hearts will be broken. Lives shattered.
Nick. Faith. 
The truth. The passion. 
The SHAMELESS obsession.

Review

4.25 out of 5 stars

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the conclusion to the White Lies Duet – I always love how Lisa Renee Jones leaves us hanging at the best moments.  While I didn’t suspect Faith was capable of killing anyone nor did I think she was anyone’s “problem” I was beside myself wondering who was behind the supposed murder of her and Tiger’s parents.  I also found myself anxious to see how big of a hole Nick would dig himself into and how his original motives for getting close to Faith would come to light.

Lisa Renee Jones definitely didn’t disappoint in the identity of the murderer, and while I had a hunch I will admit I was super surprised at all the parties who were involved.  Overall I enjoyed the conclusion and I really think Nick and Faith make a great couple.  They truly complement and challenge one another in the best way possible.  However, all these positives aside the overall pace of the book felt a little slow to me.  I found myself frustrated these two characters seemed to be having the exact same conversations over and over.  Can I trust him?  What if he hurts me?  What isn’t he telling me?  Will she leave me?  I want to tell her the truth but now’s not a good time.  It’s as if their inner dialogue was on repeat and I worried their relationship would be doomed before it even really got off to a good start. 

I will say though Nick truly surprised me with his determination to break down Faith’s walls and his ability to embrace the fact he was falling head over heels in love with her and was prepared to literally do whatever it took to protect and win back her heart.  I love seeing a man be a man, step up to the plate and take charge.  I also love it when a strong woman chooses to let a man take care of her because it’s in the choice to let go that we see just how much she has fallen in love as well.

As always I love a good romance mixed with suspense and mystery and Lisa Renee Jones does this genre so well.  If you haven’t read one of her masterpieces yet you’re missing out!