Crave by Jennifer Dawson

June 1st, 2015 Kimberly Review 79 Comments

1st Jun
Crave by Jennifer Dawson
Crave
by Jennifer Dawson
Series: Undone #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

I vow. I crave. I give in.

I used to be a nice, normal girl. I had dreams. Good, happy dreams of a white picket fence, 2.5 kids, and a fairytale love that lasts forever. Nobody ever warned me that sometimes, the prince dies three weeks before the wedding.

Like any addict, I swear this time is the last….

Now, I go through my days, a shadow of my former self. I pretend I’m okay, and the people in my life pretend to believe me. But, sometimes, when I can no longer stand the craving, I roam an underground sex club looking for my next hit. It’s dirty and wrong, but I can’t stop, and my only line of defense between them and me, is the rules I’ve designed to keep me safe. The men always abide by my rules. Until I meet him.

And, like any addict, I’m wrong.

I don’t question the instincts that tell me to run. One look at him, standing there, power radiating off him in waves, tells me all I need to know. He will make me crave those happy dreams I’ve left behind. And that is not an option.

Crave is the first in the Undone series by Jennifer Dawson. I love Jen’s Something New series and was excited to dive into Crave.  Fleshed out characters and surprising depth will have you falling for Layla and Michael. I absolutely enjoyed their slow-building edgy romance.

Five reasons to curl up with Crave

  • This is the fourth book I have read by Jennifer Dawson and I love how developed her stories are. Regardless of the trope, through her characters and creative writing style she allows you to slip in and become involved. Crave is first in the Undone series and I am anxious to learn about all of the characters we met. Layla and Michael’s story was bittersweet and I quickly consumed Crave.
  • Layla is a successful business women who once had it all but things fell apart by an unexpected tragedy. In her darkest hours, she craves what she once held dear. Michael is attracted to Layla and knows exactly what she craves. I love how he takes control but allows Layla to feel as if she is taking the lead. The man is hot and his sensitive side is so sweet. Layla’s reaction to him felt genuine.
  • This explores the early stages of  a dom/sub relationship and it was beautiful, tender and fresh.  I would hate to classify this as BDSM, since this just dabbles on the fridges and takes a more realistic approach. If you liked the vibe of Bare It All by Lori Foster, you will enjoy Crave. Even though it touches on the subject, the tale is low on heat and details. Instead the author focuses more on the emotional aspect as Layla heals and finds herself.
  • Dawson gives us a full romance, allowing the characters to become friends, trust and find something meaningful. The slow development and delicious tension created as these two tangoed captivate me. Their story felt genuine allowing me to connect. We also meet secondary characters that tickle our interest and whose stories we hope to soon hear.
  • Dawson’s grasp of human emotion brings this story unexpected depth. While she brings heat, she also gives us a couple whose passion, pain, love, and emotions we experience first hand. Layla and Michael’s romance is one you will remember long after you close the book.

If you love Foster, Kaye and Dawson’s Something New series you’ll love Crave and the Undone series. Each book will work as a standalone and feature characters we have met along the way. These are my favorite types of series as each book gives you a couple and their experiences.

Tell me what do you CRAVE?

 

 

Photo of kimbacaffeinate
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

Related Posts

79 Responses to “Crave by Jennifer Dawson”

  1. rose

    Hello,

    Is there any way I can find out where Jennifer bought the gift basket? I went to her author page but there seems to be no “submit” button on the contact form.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hi Rose, I tested the contact page and its working now. I will email Jennifer and try to get an answer about the basket for you.

  4. michelle byfield

    interesting i will be checking this out want to see whats happening to the CRave

  5. Kristin

    I’m all over this one!!!!! This is so my type of story!! I completely #Crave alpha males and the TLC they give their woman!! Thanks for the heads up on this series 🙂

  7. Mary

    Can I just say what a sexy cover that is? His back is gorgeously muscled. *swoon*

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Gretchen. I crave coffee, quiet moments and rainy Sunday afternoons

  10. Tash

    I have been waiting to read your review on this book. I adored Crave and I think your review summed up this book beautifully. I need the next book like now 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *happy dance* I am so glad you loved it too, I really enjoy her books. Ooo and Sinful sounds like it will be good too!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I hope you decide to read Crave Sharon. Hope you’re feeling better.

  12. Grace

    Ooh this sounds interesting – I love when there is more depth to the characters and romance and it builds – Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I do too Grace and Jennifer excels at this

  13. Megan McDade

    OK I need this book it’s sounds so good. Why so you read so many Amazing books Kim. I keep adding to my ever growing TRL lol

  14. Michelle

    This sounds pretty good! And look at that epic gift basket! Someone is going to be one happy reader!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The gift basket is awesome..I am jelly of ya all

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, yeah that cover has been well received.

  16. Bookworm Brandee

    I just started Crave today and I’m so excited about it. This is my first Dawson book and I have a feeling it won’t be my last. 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Looking forward to hearing what you think of it Brandee

  17. Suzie Johnson

    Yes, I would read this if the BSDM is only on the fringe. It sounds really good.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Totally on the fridge and more realistic Suzie

  18. Jennifer Lessard

    I #Crave steamy hot romance books with sex bad-a$$ men. But I do also like the men to have a softer side just for the woman in their lives!!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I like them to have a softer side too Jennifer 🙂

  19. Candace

    This might be a bit steamy for me, though I admit that I’m largely going by the cover on that. But the story itself sounds pretty good!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Actually this was very tame and focused more on the trust and Layla.

  20. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Yea, I’m glad it is on the fringe b/c BDSM doesn’t always work. It’s too much on the edge of abuse so the author has to tread skillfully. This does sound like it has great characterization and that alone makes me want to read it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It is Melissa, and a more realistic look too.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      :snort: I know, but trust me, look beyond that

  22. Lily

    I’m all for authors who know how to develop their characters and their stories. Lovely review Kimba!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Lily, she really does a wonderful job of expressing their emotions.

  23. Heidi

    Hmm… this is a bit outside my comfort zone, but I am always willing to take a chance. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Believe it not this was more tame than any of Cecy’s books 🙂

  24. Debbie Haupt

    Holy Moly what a premise, I think this is right up my alley, I love authors who’re great storytellers and it sounds to me like Jennifer is one of those authors. Thanks Kim for the great review and for the opportunity to win a great prize too.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      She really did a wonderful job sharing Layla’s story

  25. Keionda

    This book is already in my TBR shelf and I can’t wait to read it. I’ve heard so many good things about it. Thanks for sharing this review Kimberly♡♡

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I cannot wait to see what you think Keionda!

  26. Ramona

    Sounds interesting, though a little too far outside my comfort zone 🙂 Oh, and I #CRAVE more free time to read!!!! Happy Monday,Kimba 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think you would be surprised by this, very low heat, more emotional side of romance

  28. Lanie

    I really like the fact that this one sounds more about the couple trying to trust each other and create a long lasting relationship, with added bits and pieces of kink instead of being just sex,sex,sex! Great review:D!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was, and the kink was hot but not at all like you think.

  30. Nick

    I liked the author’s other series, but I don’t know if this is for me just yet, Kim. I struggle with any book that deals even mildly with BDSM. It’s not something I enjoy in books. That being said, you make such a strong case for it! I want to check it out!!
    Lovely review, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Nick, when you first start reading you think oh boy..and then by chapter 2 you realize this is something else entirely. I know how you feel about BDSM, but believe me this will not piss you off..lol

  31. kindlemom1

    I love that these work as a stand alone because goodness knows I don’t need to be starting another series. 😛
    Wonderful review Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, I hear you Ali. Yes, each book works as a standalone, you may meet other characters, but Jennifer makes it so you can dive in.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Brandi, it is one of the things I love about her books

  33. Jennifer Dawson

    Thanks so much for the fantastic review and for having me on the blog today!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Loved Layla and Michael and cannot wait for Sinful!

  34. Liz

    I don’t think I’ve read this author before, but based on your review, I’m very intrigued by this book. I like that it actually has low heat, for once. I feel a bit over-sexed by books lately and I’m enjoying the ones that aren’t so focused on the junk lol. Either way, these characters sound very enigmatic, and I’m looking forward to reading it!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You would so like this, I love her Something New series through Kennsington.

  35. tonyalee

    I loved this book. I agree that this was more a realistic approach to BDSM, and I love that it didn’t consume the book, but played a major part.

  36. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    A more realistic approach and lighter BDSM would certainly be welcome. I don’t think I’m in the mood for anything hard core. This isn’t my usual sort of read, but it does sound interesting. Glad you liked it!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think you would like the depth and emotional connections Maja

  38. Lindy

    Crave sounds like my kind of story. I love stories that bring out emotion and depth to them. The Dom/Sub relationship is interesting, and the fact that you compared Crave to Lori Foster’s, Bare it All, has piqued my interest! As you know, I’m a huge Lori Foster fan! Great Review Kim 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes Lindy I totally see you are the gals loving CRAVE.

  39. Melliane

    I’m not that much into BDSM but if it’s only at the fringe of it, I think it could be ok, mainly if it’s well done. thanks for the review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Total fringe Melliane, more about healing, trusting and love