by Monica Murphy
Series: Billionaire Bachelors Club #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Billionaire Archer Bancroft always gets what he wants—and he’s wanted Ivy Emerson, his best friend’s sister, for far too long. Being forbidden and untouchable only makes her more tempting. When a million-dollar bet with his friends throws down a challenge—last bachelor standing takes all—Archer knows he can win. That is, until one enchanted evening with Ivy takes his heart for a ride. Ivy knows Archer is nothing but bad news: Infuriating, arrogant…and completely intoxicating. But despite her best efforts, she can’t seem to keep away. When a stolen kiss leads to a night of heated passion, Ivy realizes she’s in trouble and in head over heels. But in the light of day, everything seems clearer and Archer’s not so sure a one-night stand is all he wants. Concocting a plan to keep Ivy by his side, Archer might just be willing to lose this bet…and win the jackpot instead.
Crave is the first novel in the Billionaire Bachelors Club series by Monica Murphy, and it offered up a delightful romance, an interesting bet and some swoon-worthy men. While the tale delivers familiar tropes, it was filled with wicked banter and heat that left me smiling. Mini review: Romantic, sweet and downright sexy, Crave delivered the perfect afternoon escape.
The tale opens at a wedding where three best friends are bemoaning their friends fall. Declaring he will never marry, Archer Bancroft accepts a million dollar bet with his friends. The bachelor standing takes the prize. Archer has no doubt he will win. The only woman who ever tempted him is off limits. He has known Ivy Emerson since she was a child and as his best friend’s sister he can look but not touch. Besides every time, Ivy and Archer spend time together they argue and tease each other. Ivy has had a crush on Archer forever, but he is broken and she knows it. The tale that unfolds is delicious as the sparks fly and the heat rises.
From the moment, I met Archer, Gage and Matthew I smiled. These boys are modern day Dukes, Rogues and Scoundrels. They are each flawed, strong, opinionated and so poised to fall for the right woman. Archer is gorgeous from his crooked smile to his touchable locks. The man is destine to lose and lose big.. His childhood has him running from anything that looks like commitment, and it was fascinating learning about him from his driven need to succeed to his unraveling. Ivy is successful and confident but has had boyfriend issues. She is by nature a fixer and tends to be drawn to men who have issues.
The romance in Crave addresses several tropes, forbidden romance, lovers to haters and friends to lovers. Murphy’s twist on this was scintillating from the heat to the banter, and I couldn’t get enough. The bet as the overall arc to this series is a fun trope, and I cannot help but be overjoyed and seeing so many of the elements I love in historical romances brought into a modern day story. From their careers to their issues I found Archer and Ivy to be genuine and interesting. The pace was well done with moments of heat and a few twists to complicate things. Of course, Archer makes mistakes but nothing was overdone or drawn out keeping the angst low. This allowed me to completely escape and enjoy the adventure.
Crave was a fun, wicked and romantic ride. I am looking forward to continuing the series with Torn and Savor. Each book can be read as a standalone and features one couple. This novel was relatively short and can easily be devoured on a rainy afternoon. Both Torn and Savor are available.
Four cups of coffee out of five
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Alexa
Sounds like it is a good afternoon quick romantic read. I’m glad to hear that it was good because I already own it.
Thanks for the great review!
kimbacaffeinate
This series is fun and they are quick hot reads 🙂
Lindy
Wonderful Review Kim! I loved this book, and enjoyed the wicked banter as well. I hadn’t thought about it before, but now reading your review, I agree that this story is like a modern Historical Romance Novel! This whole Series is great!
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..glad you liked my analysis..bwahahaha!
Candace
It seems like billionaire romances are kind of the thing. I haven’t read any, but I think I might be a tad curious. I’ve heard that Monica Murphy is great so I might give her a try!
kimbacaffeinate
This was well done and the boys actually work and while their Daddy’s are rich they each made their own mark..which I respect.
Sharlene Wegner
I just picked up the 3rd book, so I am ready to read the whole series now! I like that the books aren’t too daunting in size, so I can read them pretty quickly.
kimbacaffeinate
I have book two and three and yes they are the perfect length for an afternoon escape!
Lily B
Ooo..oo.. I so want to read this series. I love forbidden lovers and hate-love relationships.
kimbacaffeinate
This was such fun Lily!
aurian
I am so happy this is not NA or erotica, this just sounds like fun. Billionaires who are not controlling aholes.
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly..fun, wicked banter a little heat and sexy billionaires..hehe
Mary
Oh, those billionaires. Always up to shenanigans and trouble! Too much money…wait. Don’t they have jobs? Most billionaires I know work their booties off (okay, so I don’t technically know any billionaires but a girl can dream, right?).
kimbacaffeinate
Yes they all work and play hard!
Wendy Darling
I don’t care about tropes if they’re done well, and I actually really like the whole forbidden (oooo!) love or BFF’s sister thing. And I love great dialogue, so sounds like I need to give this author a try soon! Thanks for the rec, Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
This was such fun from the banter to the chemistry. I hope you get to try it.
anna
Oh this one was fun. I enjoyed it quite a bit too. I’ve read book 3 (Savor) but still need to go back and read Torn. Soon hopefully 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope to read Torn this week. This was fun and hot:) Thanks Anna
kindlemom1
Even though it sounds like it was somewhat predictable, it was worth the read. I love reads like this one.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh totally Ali for the wicked banter alone..I enjoyed it so much 🙂
Jess
Always fun when the banter between the characters is so good! This sounds like a great series. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the banter, thanks Jess!
Andrea
Oh, I adored Crave! It’s my favorite of the series. I could just feel the intensity between Archer and Ivy and I loved it. So glad you dnjourdc, too!
kimbacaffeinate
It was such fun Andrea, I hope to read Torn this week 🙂
Ellen
Wonderful review. I have only read the second book in the series, but I did enjoy it. I do have this one and the most recent one. I can’t wait to find time to read them.
kimbacaffeinate
I plan to read Torn this week Ellen, enjoy!
Naomi
Hehehe! This sounds like a fun read!! I might have to get this one for myself and SOON!! Awesome review Kimberly!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
kimbacaffeinate
Oh you would like this..fun, hot and smexy!
Asheley Tart (
I LOVED this book! So much fun. I have Torn and Savor on my Kindle but haven’t read them yet. (:
kimbacaffeinate
I have them too Ashley and cannot wait to dive in! in fact I have Torn up on my nook to read this week 🙂
Pamela D
This sounds like a fun read. I do like books with billionaires in it. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo me too Pamela, and it was a blast to read 🙂