Craving Charlotte (Next Generation Aces 8)

The Aces' Sons #8

by Nicole Jacquelyn

Was ihren beruflichen Werdegang angeht, ist Charlotte Butler erfolgsorientiert und ehrgeizig. Sie steht kurz vor ihrem Collegeabschluss und das Ziel ein eigenes Unternehmen zu gründen ist in Reichweite. Da bleibt keine Zeit für andere Aktivitäten oder Ablenkungen. Und schon gar nicht für eine Beziehung mit Gus Bishop. Da tut es auch nichts zur Sache, dass er der attraktivste Mann ist, den sie je gesehen hat, und ihr mit seinen Blicken die Knie erweicht. Ebenso wenig spielt es eine Rolle, dass er schnell einer ihrer besten Freunde wird und sie in einer Wohngemeinschaft leben. Die Finger von ihm zu lassen, sollte eine ihrer leichtesten Übungen sein. Was kann da schon schiefgehen?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Family, Erotica, Friends To Lovers

307 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2022

About the author

Nicole Jacquelyn started writing before she started elementary school, however she didn’t start publishing her stories until her senior year in college. Today, she’s the author of the best selling Aces Series, Hawthornes Series, Fostering Love Series and Bouchers Series. She loves to read, drinks too much coffee, and lives in Oregon with the coolest children in the entire world and an English Bulldog named Blue.

Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

I'm just a complete sucker for this series and this author. Nicole Jacquelyn is one of my favorites - period - and I just love her and her books.

This series has been near and dear to me for a long time. I read all the books as they came out and I've re-read every single one so many times that it's ridiculous; and I truly see any additions to the series as a blessing from the book gods.

That said, I have almost zero objectivity when it comes to these, I swear. I loved being with all my favorite Aces characters (although I will say there was pretty much ZERO MC in this) and I enjoyed Charlie and Bishop's story. And that's really all I got.

[April · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf-Disappointed

I usually love this author's books. However, I found this book difficult to read and care about the characters. I kept waiting for the moment that I felt "Aha. Here is the moment I am interested in the main characters." It never happened and for the first time, I did not finish a book by this author. However, I can't wait for another book to come out because I still like the imagination and storylines this author has published previously.

[Kaffeekapitelchaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meine Meinung

Auch Craving Charlotte konnte mich überzeugen und nach Craving Kara war ich gespannt wie die anderen Teile der Reihe so sind und mit Craving Charlotte habe ich mein zweites Buch der Autorin beendet und es konnte mich für ein paar Stunden aus dem Alltag entführen.

Charlotte und Bishop [alleine schon dieser Name, ich liebe ihn] haben mich hier ganz klar abholen können und ich mochte die Geschichte der beiden sehr. Auch nach Craving Kara wollte ich schon mehr über die beiden erfahren.

Es war das reinste Gefühlschaos zwischen den beiden und einfach eine tolle Liebesgeschichte die sich zwischen ihnen entwickelte. Denn Bishop wusste immer was er will...und das war Sie.
Ich konnte mich vollends in die Geschichte hineinversetzen und es war von Anfang bis Ende spannend und für mich eine klare Ablenkung und Auszeit von Alltag.

Ich habe mich sehr gefreut die beiden begleiten zu dürfen. Und ich freue mich natürlich über noch viele weitere Geschichten der Autorin.

Von mir gibt es eine klare Leseempfehlung für dieses Buch und die gesamte Reihe.

Schreibstil

Der Schreibstil hat mir gut gefallen er war flüssig und angenehm zu lesen. Ich kam gut in die Story hinein und das Buch konnte alle meine Erwartung erfüllen.

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

My biggest takeaway from reading Craving Charlotte is just a further consensus that the last few books in this spin-off series have felt too much like fluffy extended epilogues. They are sweet, sure. But lack the plot, MC elements (can I even mark this as an MC romance anymore... no, I don't think so haha), relationship development, and most of all: the angst I so loved from this world in previous books!! I recognize that comparing the series is a bit unfair but in all honesty, if I didn't have those reading experiences to go off of this would have been a DNF because nothing happened. Like at all...

Charlie and Bishop were cute and all but this felt more like a box to tick off for another character on the list than anything with real substance or purpose. They liked each other from the jump and the rest from there was kind of a walk in the park. No real substance was there besides general sweetness and nostalgia for previous couples and the family overall. There was some forced separation, sure, but even that felt easily resolvable from the moment it was introduced. This was insta love to the max and I learned very little about these characters by the end of the story.

So I am a broken record once again saying in conclusion that this felt like a bit of a let down but also half satisfying and lovely because I also adore checking in with all the other characters in this world so very much. I know my review may not make sense with this next comment but I will probably continue reading this series for however long it lasts because I love the characters too much to say goodbye to. But again I am not sure how much substance we are getting at this point or how necessary these books really are :/. Am I wrong for maintaining that I love this world and then not having the best thoughts about this story or the last few?? Maybe... but this a far cry from the original series and I am a sucker for this world so we shall see where it goes next! An easy, sweet read for sure. No harm or anything but just not really giving too much of anything real by the end...

[buch_und_tee_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie ist ehrgeizig und hat einen Plan. Doch als der attraktive Bishop immer mehr ihren Weg kreuzt und ihre Gedanken einnimmt, bleibt die Frage: Geschäft oder Liebe, oder geht doch beides?

Nachdem ich in Craving Kara die ganze Familie das erste mal kennengelernt hatte und ich da noch ein paar Probleme hatte, alle zusammenzufinden, ging es hier auf alle Fälle schon besser, aber es ist gar nicht so leicht, den Überblick zu behalten 😅

Charlie ist fast fertig mit ihrem Studium und hat schon einen Plan, den sie unbedingt durchziehen möchte. Dafür stellt sie alles andere hinten an, auch die Gefühle, die Bishop in ihr auslöst. Anfangs läuft es auch noch gut, doch nach und nach merkt sie, dass etwas nicht passt, sie kann sich aber nicht erklären was. Selbst die Familie steht im Dunkeln. Doch Charlie gibt nicht auf.

Bishop ist mit Draco im Gefängnis gewesen und versucht jetzt wieder Fuß zu fassen. Dabei läuft ihm immer wieder die attraktive Charlie über den Weg. Doch sie hat anderes im Kopf. Aber das knistern zwischen den beiden ist nicht zu überhören. Bishop ist wirklich jemand, auf den man sich verlassen kann, der hinter einem steht, wenn es brenzlig wird und der alles tut, um Charlie glücklich zu sehen
🔹
Charlie und Bishop sind für mich fast schon perfekt zusammen. Klar, das Leben kommt immer dazwischen und auch der Dickkopf von Charlie, der sein Ding durchziehen will und keine Ablenkungen zulässt. Aber ich finde, dass Bishop das ganze gut umschifft. Er ist bereit, sich Charlie macht einfach zu viel nur mit sich selbst aus. Trotzdem hatte ich richtig viel Spaß beim lesen und werde die Reihe weiter verfolgen

✨Leseempfehlung✨

[Bev · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed with this one and actually struggled to finish it.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally couldn't stop reading

To say this is one of my favorite series is an understatement, I am obsessed with the Aces MC world, and Nicole always surprises me with her characters the story was so normal, no huge plot twist or hidden enemies and I could not stop reading!!!! Charlie has always been a favorite, since the first time she wiggled her butt infront of Lily to confirm she could see her till her last appearance during Kara's book being the best friend ever, and Bishop gosh I am head over heels with this guy!!!!! He couldnt be more perfect and the bickering of the family whenever they make appearances is just chef's kiss. Now the questions is where the fudge is Curtis?!!!

[Eleanor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf-Disappointed

I would love Nicole’s books, but this didn’t hit the right spot for me at all and I was disappointed with the lack of chemistry between with the two main characters. The flow just wasn’t there for me.
With that said in will go on to read more from the author, as she has been a favourite of mine for years.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not care for Charlie at all. She expected Bishop to wait on her timeline to be a part of her life but didn't share that bit of news with him. She didn't have time for him while she was trying to start her business. So when he moved on she was hurt and mad.
Although the person he moved on with didn't help considering she was a part of all the issues that Charlie was having. Although I didn't get the whole coming into the house and planting a picture in her collage.
I'm a fan of this author just not a fan of this character.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

I loved Charlie and Bishop's story. And I always enjoy touching base with the Aces! And that ending... EPIC!!!

Can't wait to see who's next!!!

[Sam Larks · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing is alway amazing (however) I didn’t really feel that Charlie and Bishop were craving each other at all! Definitely the worst one of the lot for me!

That won’t stop me from reading anything again though! I’m still interested in whatever comes next…..I just struggled with these two characters!

[Amanda Roden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this series

I really love this series and all the characters, however in this book I’m 100% team Bishop at all times. I liked Charlie well enough but she reminded me a bit too much of Rose. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Patricia Brioux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tell you, these kids are hitting in all the right places!! Now, I can’t lie and say I don’t miss the alpha persona’s of my main men, Dragon, Grease, and Casper, but…I’m not hating these big old softies either, particularly one Beauregard Augustus Bishop. His heart made my heart smile. Definite Mr. Casanova vibes, minus the sleeping around like a filthy animal obviously, but more so Mr. Casanova for the charming or should I say endearing personality, and the simple fact that I want to climb him like a spider monkey and give him lots and lots of babies, because the man is so f’n gorgeous; reminded me a little of Nova from Giana Darlings, Inked and Lies, which HELLO!! 🥵 So HAWT. Anyways, I fell in love with the man in the little we seen of him in Craving Kara, so all this read did was just inked his heart to mine forever.

As for Charlie, do I really need to say more? This little spitfire is just that, a ‘spitfire.’ The apple definitely doesn’t fall far from the tree with this one; sharing in her mom’s attitude, grace, and big old heart. I was obsessed with the little snippets we got of my favourite duo, Farrah and Casper, and was thrilled that Ms. Jacquelyn decided to cast them in such a large role within this read. I got to hear from my babies again; happy girl here. That being said, I was thankful their roles didn’t overshadow Charlie in any way, for I thought it was so damn important that Charlie was the bada*s b*tch she was born to be; solving problems, taking out the trash, and grabbing whatever the hell she damn well pleases. She was the hard to Bishops soft and I think they fit perfectly together.

Ms. Jacquelyn, your writing has become one of my favourite addictions my friend.

Onto, Mr.Hawthorn. What has this boy been up to?

[donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gotta say I’m disappointed. This is a series a really love and reread often.

I wanted more! I kept waiting for the story to give me more but it never did. Nothing became of the ex-cop, Casper’s presence just scared him away. I mean come on he continued to harass a member of the Aces family, after loosing his job! so obviously he’s off his nut and there was some nefarious plan but NO! just nothing. Very big let down.

I also just didn’t feel it between Charlie and Bishop, they had potential but it all felt rushed and then I was as confused as he was with her running hot and cold.

The big reason her business was failing and the “big baddie” being NOT the ex-cop but some former employee was just 🤦‍♀️.

I mean the book starts great but then when it circles back to the beginning, at the end, it’s NOTHING! You’re expecting at some point this story is going to lead you to whatever this picture is that’s not hers and when it does it’s like , huh ,so that’s it? That’s all? That’s the book?

Disappointing

[Cloe Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

Every book Nicole Jacqueline writes get better and better. And to this date the Aces are one of my all time favourite Mc families.

Bishop and Charlie's story is filled with drama, and constant visits from our favourite mc members.

Bishop has always been on the outside looking and is desperate to belong. When Draco gives him an offer he can't refuse, he finally feels as if he has found his people.

Charlie is strong stubborn and has her sights on her future career of owning her own coffee cart. So she has no time for anything but school and work. She definitely doesn't have time for her new sexy room mate.

When they finally come together it is explosive, but things just have a way of making life hard the couple.

[Jordyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

good enough but not great

The romance was fine. I think that it could have been a more interesting story line in a lot of ways. The opening scene makes it seem like there is going to be a stalker or something crazy happening. 90% of the story goes by before you actually get back to the scene it opens with and it ends up being so anticlimactic. There was no need for that portion of the story when it ended up being resolved in 2 pages. It didn’t really add anything and was honestly disappointing. The back and forth between the main characters was also pretty lame. She didn’t want him because she was too busy but didn’t want him to date. She came off pretty selfish and self centered and that wasn’t fun to read.

[Pam Fagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet surprise! I’m a big fan of Nicole Jacquelyn’s Craving series, and this latest installment did not disappoint. This book centers on the youngest daughter of Farrah and Cody “Casper”, Charlotte. “Charlie” is a the hard-working friend of Kara, and she shares her new home with her and her boyfriend Draco. Charlie meets Draco’s friend Beauregard Augustus Bishop, and her world is turned upside down. Independent Charlie tries to take on the world alone. She doesn’t “need” a distraction right now… or does she? This is a angsty, spicy addition to Nicole’s great series! Thanks Nicole, for keeping us entertained with another awesome read!

[Anik - MamaBearsBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Nicole Jacquelyn's books about the Aces and their families. This book follows Charlie and Bishop, I honestly didn't like Charlie's character she was just too much for me. But Bishop's character was awesome and so hot! I didn't really enjoy this couple, I don't think they go together very well. But I totally still enjoyed the book. It was cool to see the family all together and helping Charlie. I loved reading about old characters like my favourite Farrah. I totally love her character. Also, the cover is absolutely beautiful and I think it shows off Charlie pretty well. It was a fun fast read and I enjoyed it. Can't wait to see what will be next.

[Emma Treharne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read.

I can't recommend this series enough I've loved every book so far.
Charlie is the type of girl that everyone should have as a best friend, she's fiesty, funny, not afraid of many things but has the biggest heart.
Even though you know Bishop and her are going to be perfect it takes them some time to get there and where as Charlie is everyone's dream best friend , bishop is every girls dream man! What a pair and what a book, I loved everything about it and would highly recommend this book and series to anyone, can't Waite for more.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte and Bishop

This was a curious book and storyline that I alternatively found myself loving and cringing at - yet I couldn’t put it down. Nicole Jacquelyn is a really good writer who engages her readers with great characters but with a relatively simple storyline that she convolutes into an intriguing story.
No spoilers.
Bishop is quite a simple character in some ways but he’s the kind you need in your life. Charlotte though is complicated and as she graduates and goes forward into her working life, her personality shines through.
Great story

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked Charlie and Bishop enough to push on and finish this book.

Not sure if this was a me problem or not, but I struggled to stay focused while reading. The pace was a little slow and there wasn't as much suspense as I hoped for.

My struggles could also be aligned with it having been awhile since I have read an be Aces book.

Figuring this is a one off scenario and I'll keep going with this series.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved this series, but this one did feel like it was missing something. Maybe a lack of trauma to overcome? Not sure, it just didn’t feel quite like the same series. That said, I love Nicole Jacquelyn’s books, and I will continue rereading this series over and over, as well as any others that come from her.

[wrkatreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to be honest. I’m only reading the Sons books to see when Poet dies. This was a very boring book with o angst.

(I’ve asked for this several times. I want a book preferably the death of poet that explains his life with baby mama Moira. Wouldn’t that be perfect… Poet on his deathbed with his life flashing before his eyes?)

[Aimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had moments that kind of annoyed me. But it was also great and cute and everything between. I love Bishop. Kinda want my own Bishop. He was just all round swoony. Charlie was strong and determined and yet she was sensitive too. These characters were great. I really do let be this authors writing style.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! And this installment didn’t disappoint. I adore Charlie and Bishop. Their story was slow burn but so good.
Going back to the Aces’ family is always a treat, never fails to put a smile on my face.
Goodness, Nicole is an amazing writer.

[Christa · Rating 2 out of 5]

As always, loved the characters and getting to visit old favorites. Unfortunately, this story fell flat for me. The conflict and resolution felt so rushed and anticlimactic. Not as good as Nicole Jacquelyn's others but still worth reading.

[Kelly B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another homerun!!

Nicole Jacquelyn has done it again. I fell in love with Bishop and wish I could be Charlie. There are twists and angst and of course humor from Farrah and Casper. You'll love every second of this book.

[Amy Rehberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I love the Aces books and the second generation is just as good. Charlotte aka Charlie is fierce and doesn’t think she has time for a relationship. Bishop is quiet and watchful. He wants Charlie but doesn’t want to pressure her. Their story is great!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good story. Not too much action or drama but great family moments and sweet moments for our couple. Charlie is a spit fire but has a vulnerable side that was good to see. And Bishop is an absolute sweetheart.

[Janet Munger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving the Aces

As always Nicole hit the mark on another Aces story. The only problem is there is too much time between publishings. Guess it's time to go back and start over again.