Crave the Rose

by Karen Kincy

They both know what it means to be broken.

Bram, an Irish charmer, hides dark secrets behind his wolfish smile. Since dropping out of Oxford, he struggles with epilepsy, fighting to remain whole. Cassia hides behind her tattoos and bad girl attitude, hurt one too many times to believe in a happy ending.

Together, they work on Wolfenwold Hall, a crumbling manor house tangled in a garden run wild, while the attraction between them blazes out of control. Can they find a second chance before it's too late to save each other?

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, College

117 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2015

About the author

Karen Kincy writes books when she isn’t writing code. She has a BA in Linguistics and Literature from The Evergreen State College, and an MS in Computational Linguistics from the University of Washington.

Reviews

[Catarina · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Craving Stars.

Cassia and Bram met in college but despite had been immediately attracted to each other’s, circumstances kept them apart.
Months later they meet again, when their lives are in considerably different places. Bram’s offers Cassia a great job prospect that she can’t resist, which makes them having to spend a lot of time together.
Since they can’t seem to resist each other they agree on “the friends with benefits” with three simple rules: No cheating. No Lies. No falling in love.
Problem is… neither of them is pretty good at following rules.



This was a nice and well written story about second chances and overcoming fears. I liked the fact that the characters weren’t flawless and that both of them had to grow a little during the book. I did, however, had a problem with Cassia. For a girl with such a tragic past she could really be a bitch. At some moments I had to stop and wonder why in the hell would Bram keep chasing her when she didn’t deserve him. He wasn’t completely innocent, but at least he was a decent person.
Despite this book having a strong plot and an engaging writing style I couldn’t fully connect with the story: I felt like I was reading it, not living it. (Do you get what I mean?) And that’s not usually a good sign when reading books. There was a lot where I felt bored and just kept going because I’m stubborn and always need my HEA fix.
However, if you like hot Irish man give this book a try. You may like it.



Rating: 2 Stars.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects: No.
Love Triangle: She is with another person at the beginning f the book, but there isn’t exactly a love triangle.
Cheating: No.
HEA: Yes. Lacked an epilogue.

*Complimentary Copy kindly provided in exchange of honest review.*

[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bram is a good looking, ginger, Irish young man who met Cassia, an american girl with tattoos, when they were both students at Oxford. After several months, circumstances bring them back together and he offers her a chance to remain at England, working on the garden of the Wolfenwold Hall.

Cassia is carrying with her a guilt that concerns her previous relationship, so when the chemistry and the sexual tension between them gets even more intense, they make a deal and establish 3 rules.

"No cheating. No lies. No falling in love."

What I appreciated in this book was a matter that I haven't met before in books, so it felt real whenever I was reading about it and getting stressed where would this lead. I'm talking about the health issue of the hero. Although, I don't know a lot about it, it was shocking for me when at some point this problem led to another temporary amnesia . I felt like I needed more info about it and especially close to the ending, when he announced to her the news about his condition. What did that mean for them? That was something that didn't get answered in my opinion.



That was also one of the reasons that this book felt short for me. I didn't really enjoy the writing, it seemed to me that it wasn't coherent enough. It was like it was lacking. One moment he seemed like a sweet,shy character, the next he was different and nothing big happened for this transformation. Also, the heroine's behavior I just couldn't understand her. I get that what happened with her ex wasn't the best thing, for her to move on on such a short notice, but I also can't excuse her either. Not that the guy deserved to die because he was an ass, but her feeling guilty about it? And the fact that she left him twice?? Why? I still can't understand the way she acted at certain moments.

What I really enjoyed was the dialogues between the hero and the heroine. They could be so flirty, sexy and funny. God, I laughed so hard with the glowing condom scene!! I have to admit, it was the scene that made me pick this arc up. So funny! :)

When he turns around, his cock glows vagualy green.
I start laughing. "Oh my God. It looks radioactive."
"Like a lightsaber."

This book had great potential and has some great sexy and funny moments, based in beautiful english & irish settings.

Copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book – Crave the Rose
Author – Karen Kincy
Publication Date – February 14, 2015
Genre –Romance
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 3.75 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts - Story
I enjoyed this story but did have a problem connecting with Cassia. At times, I felt she was a real bitch after her douchebag’s accident and death. At first, I really sympathized with her but after that and her relationship with Bram, I thought she turned into a raving bitch only caring about herself. Now, she did redeem herself further into the story.  



I enjoyed that Bram was real – even though he was characterized as smart and attending Oxford, he still was tempted and got caught doing something unethical. I also liked the fact that the author brought epilepsy into the mix  and it wasn’t something that Bram was able to overcome with strength or love or a miracle cure. It was front and center that his life had to revolve around this.



The author’s writing style was good and that kept me interested in the story and found myself rooting for these two – I found myself praying that Bram would find a way to knock some sense into Cassia and throw out those silly rules. I also wished that Bram would stand up to his mother and understand that most of his epileptic episodes had to do with all the stress she was loading on him. But then on the other hand, I loved his father – what a cool guy!

Re-Cap
Bram instantly is attracted to Cassia while he is studying at Oxford but unfortunately she already has a boyfriend – well that is until she catches her boyfriend screwing someone else in their bed.  A few months later, Cassia and Bram run into each other again and Bram offers her a job at his estate to renovate the gardens. By this time Cassia has written off men and swears she won’t fall in love again. Sex only…



But Bram has other intentions and tries his hardest to get past those silly rules and break through to the Cassia he first met at Oxford. While he battles with his mother, the estate and his epilepsy – he ends up burying himself too deep in a mess and the only one who can save him is Cassia. But can he count on her to come through?

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Told In – Dual POV
Heroine/Personality – Cassia – couldn’t connect with this character until later in the story
Hero/Personality – Bram – sexy Irishman who knows what he wants
HEA (Spoiler) – Yes
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Anyone who loves a nice and angsty love story

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

☆ I received an RC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆

Don’t get me wrong. This was a good read with a lot of potential.

But, having that said, I also have to admit that I had a hard time connecting with the protagonists and felt the writing was rather choppy and jumpy. I would have liked more dialogue and development between Bram and Cassie; more content or information to draw conclusions from or get the full effect of certain plot devices and situations.

In other words, I basically felt that Bram and Cassie’s relationship progressed way too fast (although at first, she had a boyfriend) for my liking and that certain themes and developments weren’t executed as properly (or fluidly) as they could have been. It kind of made me have a hard time following along and believing in Bram and Cassie’s romance at all.

While I did try my best to give every aspect of this read the benefit of the doubt, I’m a bit at a toss at where to rate this book. I’m heavily siding with 2 stars as according to goodreads standards, it was just an “okay” read for me.

Thanks though Ms. Kincy for reaching out and sending over a copy for me to read and review at my convenience! I'm sorry that it didn't exactly work out for me, but, keep your head up and keep writing and thinking big!

Much love and best wishes,

[Galateea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it. Don t ask me why, because everybody that had remotely heard of my tasted knows that i lean towards urban fantasy, steampunk more and towards contemporary when we're talking spies and assassins.
But for some reason this books just made my day. It made my day so well that i actually put my greedy paws on it as soon as it hit the shelves and just like Cinderella (no, i didn't forget one of my high heels somewhere)i just had to finish it the same day before the clock hit midnight.
For starters Bram was mm well, yum. Not because he was Irish (although that counted awfully much too) or because he had his moments of shyness (i had to hit myself to stop the huge dumb smile on my face from completely popping out and ruining my badass image) or because he was nice, understanding and poor baby had some health problems, moments where my coddling instinct was engaged *it's the third time this month i fall for a book character* Basically, to be honest it was because Bram was being Bram. I have to admit thought that i didn't quite like Cassia at first because even after the poor guy was gentleman enough to jump into the water to help her (first time meeting her even) she still went with her boyfriend without a second glance But she came around after that because of.. circumstances. Like her boyfriend dying in car crash. Can't say he deserve her though *COUGH* douchebag *COUGH*. But Cassia had personality. And tats. Awesome tats. Epic tattoos with flowers. I drooled over them as much as i still drool after Bram. And the sex scenes (O.O) no regrets here None! But the point was, i liked most the book because of their relationship. I always love with unholy love the moments when two characters are dead set from the beginning not to get emotionally involved and you just know inside that along the way they would fall hard for each other between meaningful conversation and amazing roll between the sheets creativity bouts. It took me a while to be realize that these two characters were actually awfully close to my own age and that really made my day (and the book)way brighter. Call it young brain resemblance spotted in an ideal fantasy setting. Oh boy, but i really need to say it again. Bram was an utter darling I'm signing out now to retry a repeat on this book. What can i say? i like to reread stuff i like. As in a lot.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

You ever walk in halfway through an inside joke but nod and laugh like you understood? That's exactly what this book felt like. At just over 200 pages it was a very quick read. But I honestly have no clue what it was about. The heroine is constantly running from her feelings but we never find out why. We also never find out why the hero acts the way he does all overly proper and occasionally even coming off as cold. I seriously want to know the meaning behind her tattoo. Three times asked three times "it's a long story." WHERE'S THAT FUCKING STORY?! If it wasn't going to be used why even bother putting it in there. What is the deal with the hero's family-why are they such assholes? How did his medical issue resolve? What was the point of the one chapter of amnesia? Or the one chapter of the house burning down? Or really any of this plot line at all? What actually happened to the couple after he chased her down? These are questions I don't have answers to and thats pretty unacceptable in a book. I didn't understand anything about the characters so I couldn't really get into them or their romance. I didn't buy that they were in love because i knew so little about them. The sex scenes were plentiful and really really hot but even they couldn't carry the book considering how utterly underdeveloped every other part was. The writing was ok but there where some awkward sentence phrasings at times that made it hard to read because i had to stop and think about what the author was trying to convey.

Bottom line: I loved the concept of this book but the author just threw a bunch of shit on a page and hoping it stuck rather than focus on developing the characters, the romance, and like one or two major plot points. So I can't recommend this one unfortunately

[Book-Bosomed blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars

Bram Winterbourne is an Irish nouveau riche boy studying at Oxford. Or failing at Oxford might be more apropos. Bram has a little problem that’s interfering with his advanced studies. But that doesn’t stop him from falling in love at first sight with the tattooed American beauty Cassia Santos studying botany abroad.

The first portion entitled “Before” sets the stage for the dynamics between Bram and Cassia’s seemingly fated relationship.

“‘We seem to be inevitable.’” — Bram

This initial section (included as part of the sample) is more plot driven than character driven in contrast to the remaining bulk of the story entitled "After," which really captures the depth of the romance.

From there, Bram and Cassia’s real love story takes off. Or more accurately and descriptively, it flies ahead of them while at the same time struggling to get off the ground. Neither Bram nor Cassia (especially Cassia) are prepared for the feelings that develop between them, and they aren’t necessarily at a time and place yet alone state of mind to deal with them. But yet there they are and neither the couple nor the reader can turn a blind eye to it. This is a story about finding love when you weren’t looking or even willing to take a chance on it.

This is also a story where the setting contributes to the tone while mimicking the state of the characters. The crumbling Wolfenwold Hall and the corresponding neglected gardens reflect Bram and Cassia’s broken state of existence. Atmosphere is key, even present in the love scenes.

Bram exudes charm and vulnerability all at the same time. He’ll remind you more of a damaged hero from classic literature than a contemporary heartthrob book-boyfriend, and I found that a refreshing change of pace. But, make no mistake; Bram still makes the book boyfriend cut. He’s sweet, fragile, and struggling to stay in control.

Cassia—sometimes I wanted to shake her, other times I felt bad for her for the way she guilted and shamed herself. At places (particularly the beginning and the end) I craved a little more development on her part to truly understand the real Cassia. This is where a little more background on her life before Oxford and her family might have been beneficial.

He’s broken physically; she’s broken emotionally/psychologically broken, and as their relationship, partnership, progresses it’s hard not to root for them to heal and be together.

“I’m already wet and aching for him. I would die to see him glistening with his own cum, but I would live to feel him inside me.” — Cassia

The overall tone of the book blends melancholy with sensuality while allowing love to seep through. Though the mood is at times peppered with sadness and a sense of failure, it avoids the contemporary device of angst.

Though a part of me craved an epilogue for just a little more of Bram and Cassia down the road, at the same time it felt like it ended at a fitting place and on a positive vibe.

Crave the Rose is a captivating stand-alone new adult romance told via dual first person point of view.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Bram! Bram and Cassia meet while at Oxford but Cassia has a boyfriend. After a few twists of Fate, Cassia is single and runs into Bram. They get physical, they get personal, and they get emotional. Bram has epilepsy and struggles with having seizures. Bram is a good guy with an even better heart. Cassia has the guilt of an ex's death weighing on her. Cassia is a bit confused but is still a good person, just had to find a reason to be one again. The two weave into one another like grape vines. The novel is overall a good read that ends looking up.

[Crissy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!!

Karen Kincy has captured the story of two people afraid to love each other due to pain in their past and present. Wonderful story!! Thank you Karen for a great book!!!

[Wattle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Why I read it: This one had been on my TBR list since I heard about it. I love the novels I've read by Karen Kincy so far, and was hoping this would be another! Before I could get to it, she kindly offered me a review copy.

Plot: Basically Cassia and Bram meet, as friends, a couple of times before they become employer and employee, I guess you'd call it, after he offers her a job at an estate he owns. They hook up, but strictly on a casual basis. It's never meant to be anything else; until it is.

Characters: At first I was a bit iffy about both Cassia and Bram. They are both flawed, and have their fair share of issues, but it wasn't until I was more than halfway into the book that I realised there was substance behind them both. At first it was like they were your typical NA characters, with not much plot to back it up. But as the story progressed they both became much more interesting people, to the point where I actually cared about both of them; even if I didn't particularly like either of them very much.

Does that make sense? You know when you come across a character and you think 'damn they're perfect for this, but they just aren't my kind of person'? It was like that.

Style/Writing: I do love Kincy's writing, however this novel felt a little jumpy in places. It sort of bounced from one thing to the next, without so much as stopping for breath. It was fine, once I got used to it, but was definitely jarring at first. The second half of the novel was much better than the first half, it felt more cohesive.

Pros: Good characters and a solid second half helped build how I felt about it up, that's for sure. I did enjoy it immensely when I was reading it (and I read 80% of it during a 3 hour wait at a doctor's office - I do not recommend this lol)

Cons: The jumpiness I mentioned earlier, but aside from that it was perfectly good!

In Brief: A quick, quite steamy read (this is at the more explicit end of the NA spectrum, at least...what I've experienced of it). I was surprised how much Cassia and Bram's stories got under my skin.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by netgalley for an honest review. In this book we meet Bram a sexy Irishman who is working on him MBA at Oxford. He is out trying to study one day when he see's this gorgeous girl boating. He ask her if she needs any help and she tells him she's got it. She pulls her phone out and takes a picture of him but after that she drops her phone in the river. Bram being the nice guy he is strips off his shirt and shoes and dives into the murky water to get her phone for her. When he comes back up with her phone she moves the boat to the bank to meet him and to retrieve her phone. They make the introductions and he finds out her name which is Cassia. She is also studying at Magdalen College and she is studying botany. He also find out she has a boyfriend when he shows up. Spencer is a rocker. Cassia and Bram part ways. Then he runs into her when she is planting flowers at the University of Oxford Botanic Gardens. They go to a little café and get coffee's. They have a conversation and then he leaves suddenly saying he needs to research for a essay. They run into each other at the library and she has an enormous book tat she shows him some things in it. They go to a bar for a pint and Spencer comes and makes his clam on Cassia. Things happen that night when Bram leaves the bar. Spencer does the unforgivable thing and a horrible thing happens. When she see's Bram again her offers her something she can't turn down. She travels and starts working with him at Wolfenwold Hall. throughout the book things happen to Bram and Cassia doesn't have a clue what's going on until she is a witness to one. I felt so horrible for both of them. As the story continues she begins to catch feeling for him just as he has feelings for her. I will not say anymore you must read this book to understand what's going on and to see how it ends.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot hot stuff

I'm starting to think Karen Kincy just gets the kind of books I like to read and enjoy. I've read three of her books all from different series and genres but I've loved all of them and hope to read more from this author

[Chelsea Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy love story with great characters and a fast pace! Bram and Cassia are both funny and independent, while also damaged and vulnerable from their pasts, and I loved watching them interact with each other and try to resist what they really want.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Releasing early on Valentine's Day!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book alot. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good romance. I have to admit, the whole book I kept expecting Bram's secret to be something a lot more sinister, though.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was another easy read with good characters which dragged me in from page one. It was a very enjoyable read with a heart hitting storyline which draws readers in and keeps them interested until the last page. It is not unlike other books in this genre but there was a big twist that made the book different and more enjoyable than others.

The main characters are Cassia and Bram; Cassia an American girl who at the start of the book is in a relationship with another and despite meeting Bram and Bram going out of his way to impress her remains with the other man. Bram is from a rich family, entitled but his illness makes him more dependent on his family than he would wish; he tries his best to win the heart of Cassia when he initially meets her but on discovering she has a boyfriend decides begrudgingly that he would accept her friendship. When the two meet again after Cassia’s relationship is over nothing can stop the two of them but with Bran’s illness the two seem to struggle. The two characters are similar to other characters in books like except from there is a serious role reversal between the male and female character.

The secondary characters are predominantly Bram’s family members and they who initially disagree with the union between Cassia and Bram but towards the end most of them come round to it. The main interaction these secondary characters is their wanting to close down the gardens which Cassia and Bram are trying to preserve.

The storyline is a similar love story to other books but there are two aspects which separate it from others; the first is that Bram is ill and the second is the reversal in roles between the main male and female characters. The pacing is very good although the ending was slightly rushed; I did not feel that is took away from the overall reading experience.

3.5 stars a very enjoyable read.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was all over the place for me and ultimately it never really gets sorted out because the ending didn't provide an HEA and I'm always looking for that.

Cassia and Bram meet at Oxford, but she's dating someone else. Fast forward many months later and they've both had issues that they've had to deal with. Bram offers her a job at an estate that his family's business just purchased and very quickly they begin a sexual relationship, although because the reader has had the benefit of both POVs we understand that he's looking for something significantly more serious than she is.

Bram is a romantic; and sadly he suffers from an illness that is only worsened with stress. What became obvious but was not sufficiently explored for my liking was the source of that stress... his mother. All we get is an "I quit" at the end and that was insufficient for me. We learn surprisingly a lot about Bram and his backstory and really, Bram is the feature here, not Cassia, despite sharing her POV.

What I didn't understand was why it wasn't enough for Cassia to walk in on her exbf having sex with another person (while she was asleep in the next room) for them to break up. But then he asks for a threesome and later on he chooses to drive drunk and kill himself, but not before Cassia can see him in the hospital and tell her she's a b***h. REALLY? Was this even necessary? Since we have no backstory on her except that she's from LA, there's no reason for me to understand how these words transform her into a seemingly unbalanced promiscuous woman.

The ending was weak for me. I needed to know more about what could happen to these two... she was too much on the fence for me to believe she'd stick it out. I need more in romance than that.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

I'm going to actually try to write a coherent review since this book was so kindly gifted to me by the author herself!

First off, the saying "dying judge a book by it's cover" fits this book perfectly. I had noticed this book when it was released and it honestly didn't make top ten on my to be read list. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read it though. It was far better than my expectations.

Pros: great writing style, realistic love story (not overly romantic which is really hard to find these days) and no dramatics ( I can't tell you how many books I've read that the 20 some year old acts like a dang preteen!)

Cons: lack of story build up (no time to fall in love with the characters), soooooooo much sex (great if you need some book foreplay to get off, not so great if you really just want to read a book! After the first few chapters, every other page has a sex scene. Clearly they were hornier than preteens), lack of a real story ( so many great things could have been done with this books if it weren't for 90 of the 204 pages being sex scenes)

There's my honest review. Ill try to come back to update when I've had the chance to process the book some more!

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a bit torn on how to rate this book. I think more towards the 3.5 mark. This book was different. It was quick. I read it in one sitting. There was more to it then I expected.

We start off with Cassia and Bram meeting only to find out that Cassia has a boyfriend, Spencer. Cassia and Bram keep bumping into each other when some thing tragic happens to Cassia. At the same time something happens to Bram and he leaves school..

When they met up again Bram offers Cassia a job to keep her from leaving to go back to the US. As Cassia starts working for Bram things start to change. Bram starts to question his 'job' and what makes him happy.

Bram did confuse me at times, he wasn't an 'alpha male' character but did show some signs of wanting to be in control I think I could picture him being a bit more dominant then he was, it seemed like the character was holding back.

Cassia had a hard time moving forward after Spencer. I would have liked to see more about the relationship before she met Bram. It felt as there could have been more to the story between her and Spencer.

The story line was filled and this was a quick paced book. Minus the few things I felt were missing, it was a good book.

Received from NetGalley for honest review.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cook and Cassia's bluntness, "I know what you really want.” He can’t deny the chemistry between us. Some people are meant to eff. “Kiss me." Bram his mind is a wonder, "Bram.” She glances sideways at me. “One kiss won’t kill you.” Jesus Christ, she isn’t talking about me wanking off by the window. Lucky me. She still believes me to be a gentleman." Bram I think he's insecure at times especially when.other men flirt with Cassia, so Cassia has to reassure the boy, "s***, I hit the nail on the head. “Just because I want to eff you doesn’t mean I want to eff every man in the United Kingdom." Bram's dad sometimes has good ideas, "Christ, Bram, buy her something. That’s the best way to apologize." Bram he's just so sexy with his words at times, "I crawl under the sheets. “As much as I have a primal urge to fill you with cum and make babies, that would hardly be a brilliant move." I enjoyed this book to me the ending left it open for more story and I'm hoping we get more story.

[Jessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cassia's feeling burned out on love after catching her boyfriend of three years in an unfaithful act. Bram, a friend from Oxford with whom she has sparks of chemistry, offers her a job at just the right time-- but along with the job comes reciprocated romantic feelings. Not wanting to be hurt again, she tries to hold Bram at arms length, agreeing to a sex-only relationship while also trying to save the historic gardens at his estate where she works.

I liked this book. It wasn't what I expected. I was anticipating a kitschy, modern day romance, but this story had teeth. Bram was a complex man haunted by the realities of an illness he was helpless to control, and I truly enjoyed the depth that brought to his story arc. Cassia wasn't your typical lily-white, weak-willed New Adult leading lady, but I did frown at her wishy-washy treatment of Bram.

However, I felt that the plot languished a bit after the middle mark, and the ending was wrapped up much too neatly.

[a_tiffyfit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this fun contemporary romance. Cassia and Bram complement one another well and I enjoyed reading their story even as I wanted to smack Cassia and tell her to get over it.

When these two first meet, chemistry is evident but Cassia is dating this schmuck, Spencer. Fast forward a little while later and Bram's & Cassia's path cross again and Bram finagles a way to see Cassia daily. Their chemistry is palpable, but a relationship is hampered by their own insecurities and issues.

Karen Kincy has a gift for dialogue; I loved their conversations and innuendos and flirtations. They felt real and not just contrived for a story. I liked how the story developed and I read this all in one sitting! Instead of just kink and sex, this is a book that explores romance and flawed characters who need to learn to let go and embrace moving forward.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

What the heck just happened? I feel like everything was on fast forward. Who the heck takes a job with little to no information about it from a virtual stranger. She says how she doesn't want to be the girl with a dead ex-boyfriend, but how she handles Bram is the definition of not moving on. I don't get how she thought it'd be possible for her to just be friends with benefits with him. And then she goes and blurs to lines for Bram when he can't even remember what's going on. Which is a jerk move on her part. I hated how she was always putting herself down and crap. Poor Bram just wanted a real relationship. But serious how could that lead him to suddenly moving across the world for a girl that he barely even knows. The ending for me was a little far fetched. I just all around found this book a waste of my time, which is saying something since it was a really short book.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Umm...no. This was a rather unusual story that, in my opinion, really lacked substance. I found it wanting in terms of character development, plot, and resolution. The reason I gave it two stars versus one is, quite frankly, because I liked the title, I liked the cover, it spoke to the issue of epilepsy, and because the author presented family dysfunction reasonably well. I think that this book has potential, but that it needs work; plot points need to be flushed out more and the characters need to grow.

Rating: 2/5
Recommend: No
Audience: Adult
Status: R
Chemistry/Intensity: +/-
Conflict/Drama: +/-
Family Dysfunction: Yes
HEA: Not clear cut
Re-read: No

Complimentary Review Source: NetGalley

[Michelle Quintana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I am surprised by this book. There were lots of things that happened that I was not expecting. What Cassia does to Spencer's car at the beginning of the book is perfectly acceptable. Spencer's last words to her were not what I was expecting. Those words cause her to lose respect for herself and she becomes quite a bitch at times. Bram continues to be such a sweet guy. He offers her a job at his estate to work in the gardens. The remodeling of the estate means that the gardens have to go, which breaks Cassia's heart. Bram's condition causes him to lose some of his memories, including how he and Cassia ended up being together. I hope that there is another book for them because their story is not finished. I didn't care for the ending because it just felt unfinished

[Talya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crave the Rose delivers a compelling story with great characters and hot, hot sex. Seriously, I have to fan myself every time I think about Bram's wolfish smile.

I found myself loving the characters for their complexity and flaws. Both Bram and Cassia are broken and haunted by their past mistakes, and their emotional struggles are the heart of story.

If you love romance and you're in the mood for some great sex scenes (glow-in-the-dark condom had me laughing so hard) then Crave is a must read!

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good storyline, good writing, believable characters just wasn't a book for me.

[D. L. Foley | My Last Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimers: I received an e-galley of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not obligated to write a good review nor did I receive any compensation for writing this review.

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This book was very different than I thought it would be. First, I was way off on the timeline of this story. Second, I thought this would dive into the characters more. Third, I thought that the novel would happen more on a college campus; it didn't.

I thought this story had a lot of potential, but it just fell a little flat for me. I didn't feel like the characters had a lot of chemistry and it was too instant love.

The synopsis made me think I was getting an emotional, intense read as the characters dealt with illnesses and overcoming those obstacles to fall in love. I thought those parts of the plot were covered superficially at best.

However, I thought the writing was good and I did enjoy the novel. It isn't one I'd probably recommend to most people or one I'd reread, but I don't regret reading it.

For fans of new adult who don't mind a little bit of instant love and superficiality, then give it a go.

The Characters: I felt like they could have been more developed. I felt like the author did a good job of creating interesting backstories for the characters. I just would have liked to see a little more depth as they worked through their issues and a little bit more chemistry.

Major Strengths: Great backstory and good writing.

Major Weaknesses: Lack of chemistry between characters and explorations of characters' pasts.

So why 3 stars? Enjoyable but not one that managed to suck me in.

Warnings/Side-notes: References to sex and drinking. Instances of drunkenness. 17+.

The Wrap-up: It had potential, but I just expected a little bit more.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crave the Rose, Karen Kincy
Genre: Romance, New Adult.
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Its a strange book, I enjoyed parts but too much of it left me feeling “ What? Why? How? Who?” There just seemed to be long gaps and jumps, and too many unanswered questions. That's a shame as overall it’s got such great potential.
I loved the spontaneity of their first meeting, loved that Bram had epilepsy but was trying to hide his fits – it’s nothing to be ashamed of course, but the wide ranging effects and prejudice people have make his reactions feel very genuine. One of the things in UK is that driving licence must be surrendered until a certain time fit free has passed. That’s tough, but of course safety matters – Bram though doesn’t want to lose his licence and that’s just one of the reasons.
The story really revolves around Cassia and Bram, with little interaction from others. I felt so sorry for Cass after she caught Spencer cheating but TBH she was a bit of a b itch to Bram. He seems to have been entranced with her right from the start, and arranges for her to come and work in the gardens of the place his family are renovating. Only problem is the gardens are slated for demolition....I found his about face on that hard to take, I needed more than just Cass wanting them to stay. His family – loved his dad, but his mum...wow – she was cold, artic cold. She seemed to see his epilepsy as something of an inconvenience to her, and never thinking of how Bram felt. She never seemed to take anything he said seriously – but then again if he’s prone to changing his mind as easily as he did re the gardens that’s not a surprise.
It all kind of wrapped up too neatly at the end for me, I love a HEA but most of the book felt like it was coasting so when things went right there were no deep and angsty lows to balance it.
.Stars: Three, its an ok read for me, potentially very good but it never seemed to reach that point for me.
ARC provided by Netgalley and publisher

[Liz johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. There is a HFN feel to this however as issues are a little unresolved. Some might see it as a HEA though. It might be me just feeling this is one of those books that could actualy do with a part 2 of what comes after.
I mean the problems, both with her commitment issues and his medical issues are not fully addressed and come to terms with.
Its quite a quirky read. Unusual that she is the one pushing for a casual relationship, he is more hearts and flowers. He can be quite alpha though so not wishy washy. It was interesting to read the man being a little unsure. The medical issues were interesting and also the family difficulties, although once again no real resolution. I found it a fun and sexy read though with hot love scenes