Must-read romance: 'Crave,' 'Suddenly One Summer,' 'The Dark Space'
Crave by Jennifer Dawson
Over time, I've learned the hard way to be very picky about the BDSM-themed novels I try. The more intense stories that incorporate heavy pain and underground BDSM clubs are not my cup of tea. Ergo, I read the synopsis and a few reviews of Crave and touched base with the author before deciding to give it a go. Happily, I was not disappointed. In fact, this book has rocketed to the top of my 2015 favorites reads.
After witnessing the violent death of her beloved fiancé, Layla Hunter joined the ranks of humanity's walking wounded. She keeps busy at work but avoids interaction with her friends and family as much as possible. Layla craves a certain type of sexual kink, and when her desire gets the better of her, she heads to an underground BDSM club, picks out a nameless, faceless man and engages in a round of rough sex. It satisfies her craving for a short time, but she sees her activity at the club as perverse. I saw her sessions at the club as a form of self-flagellation/punishment to ease her crippling guilt over what happened to her fiancé.
It is during one of these outings that Michael Banks, an off-duty homicide detective, approaches her. Their electric chemistry is instantaneous, and Layla's response to his dominant nature and aura is innate and powerful, but she fights the attraction.
His voice is so confident and filled with strength I want to curl into it for a million years. He feels like safety and danger, all rolled together. His thumb swipes across my cheek, wiping the wetness away. "I only know when I look at you, you feel like you belong to me."
No! No! No! I shake my head, and move to step away, but of course, he won't let me. I tilt my chin and say with as much determination as I can muster, considering I'm a watery, tear-streaked mess, "I can't belong to you, not now, not ever."
"You're wrong." Simple, sure words.
"No. I belong to someone else."
Crave is told in the first-person point of view by Layla, but it's Michael's magnetic presence that pulls you into the story. Michael patiently nurtures Layla's submissive nature, earns her trust and is instrumental in helping her journey to emotional wellness. Crave is a sexually explicit erotic romance, but the sexuality isn't gratuitous. I loved how the intimacy shared between the lead characters enhances their relationship and drives the story and character arc forward. Jennifer Dawson shows sensitivity and understanding in giving Layla time to come to terms with the deepening of her feelings for Michael. He is an enticing hero, whose dominance is tempered with tenderness, understanding and protectiveness.
Crave is an impactful and emotional love story that I won't soon forget. If you enjoy an erotic romance with a dominant/submissive theme and some light sadism, this is one to add to your list.
Suddenly One Summer by Julie James
If you live in northern climates and endure a long, cold winter, spring is a season to welcome with open arms. The flowers bloom, the air is fresh, and folks you haven't seen all winter are out and about enjoying the warmth and sun. And we lovers of contemporary romance can look forward to the publication of a new Julie James book. This year she brings us Suddenly One Summer, another JJ delight packed full of her signature wit and sophistication that provide laugh-out-loud fun juxtaposed with moments that will twist your heart.
When one of Chicago's Who's Who couples decides to untie the knot, quite often one of the unhappy spouses comes knocking at the door of divorce lawyer Victoria Slade's firm. Victoria is everything we have come to expect in a James' heroines: She's intelligent, independent, quick-witted and a weapon when it comes to advocating for and defending her clients. However, when a traumatic event causes a crack in her tough façade, Victoria is forced to deal with some significant psychological issues. Her life is further complicated when she moves into the apartment next door to sexy investigative journalist Ford Dixon and sparks fly.
Ms. Slade is easy on the eyes, and there is no problem in the sexual chemistry department, but given she is nosy and irascible, Ford quickly ascertains that sharing a little neighborly nookie is highly unlikely. However, as fate would have it, Victoria agrees to represent Ford's sister, a struggling single mom who is in dire need of support from her baby's father. Problem is, she doesn't know where he is. Ergo, after some dicey negotiations, Victoria agrees to allow Ford to put his investigative journalistic skills to work, and they team up to help his sister. And it's game on!
Julie James fans can look forward to a hot, sexy read packed full of humor and high jinks as Victoria and Ford take tentative steps into romance while their friends negotiate the modern dating scene. Victoria's struggle with those distressing psychological symptoms cramp her style, but I couldn't help but giggle at her reactions and coping mechanisms. We met the handsome Ford in Love Irresistibly, Julie James' irresistible novel about Cade and Brooke, who is Ford's best friend. Brooke does make appearances in Suddenly One Summer — after all, her best buddy needs some relationship advice … whether he wants it or not. ;)
I love Julie James' voice, and it's easy to see why her books have such wide appeal, Suddenly One Summer is another jewel added to her basket of treasures for romance readers. If you need a great read to throw in your beach bag, make sure Suddenly One Summer is one of your choices.
Julie James joins us at HEA on Tuesday, June 2, for a chat about the modern dating scene, guy talk and Suddenly One Summer. She also shares an excerpt you won't want to miss.
The Dark Space by Mary Ann Rivers & Ruthie Knox
Speaking of humor and high jinks, Mary Ann Rivers and Ruthie Knox treat us to a contemporary coming-of-age novel about college seniors Cal Darling and Winnie Frederickson who meet in a popular Contact Improv class offered at their small liberal arts college.
Cal is short and skinny, and when he smiles, he's all teeth and gums because his mouth is huge, but he's a born charmer and makes his appearance work to his advantage. Cal is fun-loving and witty and the life of any on-campus party, and as a bonus he gets his share of the girls. His father is one of the college's professors, so Cal has grown up immersed in campus life. He got into the improv class thanks to the luck of the draw, and word is that the course curriculum includes kissing and nudity and other good stuff, which is all a-okay with Cal.
Winnie is a tiny, socially awkward A student who doesn't fall into the aesthetically gorgeous department — at all. Her outward appearance unsettles people so she has become an expert in being invisible. She was encouraged to take Contact Improv to help her feel more at ease in social situations. Winnie soon learns that she will not be permitted to be invisible in the small class because it's all about sharing and Maggie, the professor, zeroes in on her straight off. Cal sits beside Winnie and turns on the charm, but she's having none of it.
This girl, though — Winnie — she wasn't buying what I was selling. So, fine. I decided right then and there I'd give her as wide a berth as the class allowed.
Which is why it was strange that I ended up chasing after her.
I'd never heard of contact improvisation before reading this story and learned it's a dance technique in which physical contact provides a starting point for exploration. For Winnie, Cal and their classmates, the Contact Improv class proves to be a physical, mental and emotional experience that is life-changing. The Dark Space is told in dual first-person POV from the lead characters, and the authors work the narration to our advantage as the introspection is crucial for us to understand the depth of the bond that forms between the students. While The Dark Space has no supernatural elements, the characters do have what I would best describe as a psychic experience, and it's fascinating and moving. Sexual exploration is also integral to Cal and Winnie's growing relationship, and there is a fair amount of eroticism incorporated into this narrative, which includes a little voyeurism.
The Dark Space is unlike any New Adult romance I've read. It's not melodramatic, the lead characters do not meet the stereotypical ideal of beauty, and the dialogue is crisp and sprinkled with laugh-out-loud humor and sarcasm. Cal's parents are quirky, free-spirited academics who have encouraged his independence and to live life to the fullest. They are actually refreshingly kooky.
Mary Ann Rivers and Ruthie Knox have written an intelligent, fun and enlightening novel. Cal's and Winnie's characterizations are distinct, and the flawless communication of their thoughts and feelings enabled me to connect with them from the get-go. The narrative is fast-paced and flows seamlessly, and the story has a hook that immediately grabs you. The Dark Space is a story you won't soon forget, an impressive debut novel from the founders of the newly established Brain Mill Press.
Lea Franczak cannot remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. She's read and enjoyed multiple genres but is especially partial to contemporary and erotic romance, dark gritty romantic suspense, paranormal romance and has recently become a New Adult junkie. Lea has been blogging and reviewing since 2008 and is also HEA's Tweeter Extraordinaire. Follow HEA on Twitter (@HEAusatoday).