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THIS BOOK WAS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED IN THE VAULT ANTHOLOGY It does end in a cliffhanger and book two is set to release in February 2018 Overwhelming desire, a powerful need to lose control. Those are the things Alec makes me feel. It’s dangerous, I know, but my body craves the sin. Though I try to fight it, the force is just too strong. I’m torn, left feeling raw and confused. He inflicts such an extreme rush of emotions within me. I’m paralyzed by the pleasure, and desperate for the next dose. I feel so unlike the innocent girl I once was. I love the freedom, but I also fear it.

93 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2018

40 people are currently reading
166 people want to read

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C.A. Harms

123 books2,172 followers

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5 stars
69 (39%)
4 stars
54 (30%)
3 stars
31 (17%)
2 stars
16 (9%)
1 star
6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,867 reviews81 followers
February 27, 2018
4.5 stars

Raw...is the state in which you are left after finishing this novella.
Feeling like you has your skin scraped off and being left exposed to the elements. Your naive hope has been filleted and you have been gutted.

Raw intense power and desire will course through you. An insatiable need for more...

reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Profile Image for Lydia's Bookshelf.
1,036 reviews189 followers
February 25, 2018
Quick but worth the read

Well, hello Alec!! Raw was a quick, sexy read that I devoured in one sitting! Alec and Brynn could not be any more different but that is what intrigued Alec the most. Brynn was not his type at all. She was quiet and shy, while he was a man that always got his way. I loved Brynn's little sister and Arid, Alec's brother too!

Now, after that ending, suffice it to say I need book two...yesterday! I can't wait to see how Brynn and Alec's story continues!
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,311 reviews1,779 followers
February 27, 2018
This is not my usual wheelhouse and I’m still a bit hesitant as I am just not into the Dom/Sub genre, yet I’m also finding myself intrigued by the storyline. I am totally not appreciating the ass-hat character of Alec or the nasty cliffhanger ending, hiss! Thankfully, I have the next installment locked and loaded.
Profile Image for Yames Bond.
907 reviews14 followers
July 17, 2022
3 🍭🍭🍭

The vibes are too much 50 shades. However, the story has a way of being written that makes you wonder what comes next, even tho it feels very familiar.

The second part was definitely better and changes the story into an original one. So, don’t lose faith!
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews446 followers
October 18, 2017
Raw by C.A. Harms ~ Alec and Brynn's story is so different to anything she's has written before. Yet she wrote a beautiful story about two different people who connect in more ways than one. Brynn was not what Alec was looking for. Can she make him truly happy since he never really wants to feel emotions. Alec is the type of person who never wants to feel while Brynn is all about emotions. This is a roller coaster of a novella. What a beautiful read.

My Rating: 4.7 stars *****

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,627 reviews150 followers
March 1, 2018
This had a different feel to other stories I’ve read by this author, it was a good quick read.

Brynn is a young woman who is the sole cater for her young sister. To make ends meet she takes a job at a club called Erotic Nights which is an eye opener for her. She meets a customer called Alec and despite their best efforts an attachment is formed.

Brynn is an amazing character despite being forced to take on responsibilities at a young age there is no bitterness. Alec has deliberately closed off his emotions where woman are concerned after a devastating betrayal in his past.

Can two very different people come together as one or is Alec’s past too much to overcome.

reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Profile Image for Elizabeth Horbaczek.
765 reviews6 followers
March 1, 2018
4 stars


For a very fast paced book it not only keeps your attention but it also has a great story that is involved. At first when I started this book I thought is started kind of abruptly, but as I kept on reading I knew why. It had to be told the way it was to make sense. I absolutely love the two main characters in the book. Alec and Brynn. One I loved how Brynn may be naive in many ways, she also is very grown up in this book. What she did for her sister was amazing and what she keeps on doing for her is what family is about. She is trying to make ends meat to keep a float and when Alec comes in the picture and offers her something that she has a hard time saying no to. Alec is this powerful man that has a past that he is trying to forget. He has rules in place to keep his heart from breaking again. When he meets Brynn he might have to break his rules to get what he wants. You don't learn a whole lot about Alec in this book. You learned he is trouble, someone hurt him and he will not let anyone close. When he meets Brynn he knows she is different, but he is still not able to risk what he is going to have to win her. So he does the next best thing, he sets in place an offer that Brynn that she may not be able to refuse. What happens when your heart tells you one thing and you try to continue to think with your head. Who is the one that is going to get hurt in the end.


I loved the story line in this book and I love the characters. I even like Alec's brother. I know he wants to tell Alec's story, but doesn't. Brynn's sister is pretty awesome and you can tell she is a teenager. There are no words to tell you how much I love Brynn and Alec. I have to warn you there is a cliff hanger but the next book is out. I can't wait to see what happens with their story. I do hate how it ended and I want to smack Alec upside his head, so I am hoping he redeems himself in the next book.
Profile Image for rebekka .
87 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2023
To be honest, there is not much going on in this book . Brynn struggles financially and she began to work as a hostess in a bar to take care of her younger sister, but, she caught the eyes of Alec the Dom. He wanted to enter a contract but things go downhill for him as he developes some feelings.
Bruh, all the time I was thinking, "And this type of love isn't rational, it's physical" line from Britney Spears. Like mate, when and how. He did not even have a proper moment to fall in love. All he attracted was her body and the inexperience in the dom-sub play. He was literally excited over that she lacked and opportunity to train her.
"Why is it so easy for me to give Brynn control, after years of demanding it from every other female I was with?"
Artifical.

"Stepping a little closer, I take a moment to breathe in her sweet scent. Mouthwatering is my only thought."
I.hate.such.depictions.

In fact, we do not see Brynn's struggles, and this prevents one to connect with her character and makes the story more superficial.
"What the hell is wrong with me? Things like this don’t happen to girls like me. ... I wasn’t this type. I was quiet, reserved, and never did I ever allow myself to imagine a dirty night with some stranger. I was a stay at home..."
I am not like other girls duh syndrome.

It started good, storytelling was not bad, however the characters, their personalities and appearances were so cliche, so cringey. Loved Katelynn and her matchmaker side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,797 reviews
October 18, 2017
Brynn needs more money. She's only 22 and cares for her 12 year old sister because their mother doesn't care. She takes a job at a club called Erotic Nights. She peaks the interest of a Dom named Alec Reynolds. Alec is also CFO of his company and is not only hot, but he's rich. He offers Brynn an arrangement to be his sub with no emotional strings. There will only be pleasure, plus he'll take care of her and her sister. Even though the offer is very tempting, Brynn has never been a sub and to her she'll feel more like a whore.

What will her decision be? It could help in so many ways for her and her sister. Plus, how can you not get emotionally attached with someone who will be so intimate with every inch of her body?

Great story! Ugh, what a cliffhanger!! I can't wait to read more when it comes out in February! This is my first book by this author and I definitely will be reading more!
Profile Image for SiKReviews.
1,325 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2017
Brynn had to give up her life and dreams to take care of her niece, even if that includes giving into her raw emotions and an unconventional proposal from Alec.

Alec went through a bad breach up once and vowed never again. I loved the dark, sexy dom persona he adopted to protected his heart. I thin Brynn liked it too. But, there is a key to every door and Brynn was the key to the door to Alec's heart. He knew right away that he couldn't resist her.

I really enjoyed this story. The only down fall was its brevity. I would love to have seen what was cut to make sure it fit the word count for the novella/anthology requirement. I hope one day this book can be expanded and reach its ultimate potential.
Profile Image for Zoe.
216 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2018
Alec & Brynn

Raw is exactly what it says it is. Raw emotions. CA Harms has written and extremely emotionally raw story about 2 peoples lives and how they survive living.

I absolutely loved the interactions between the main characters and how they worked together. Feelings where absolutely invested in this storyline a young girl struggling to just be and to raise her sister, a man closed off emotionally never wanting to feel attached. This is a story you definitely could get emotionally envolved in. I definitely can't wait to read more of Brynn & Alec

I would highly recommended this story and author to anyone who loves a really amazing read. I hope if you read this you enjoy it as much as I have.
Profile Image for Judy Miracle.
1,198 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2018
I'm a fan of all C.A. Harms books and this one is no different. This novella had me hooked from the first few sentences. Once you start Raw you will not be able to put it down.

Alec is a man who knows what he wants and always gets it. Brynn has not had an easy life and is struggling day to day just to survive. She works hard and is determined to give her sister the best life she can.

After being hurt in his past Alec doesn't do relationships. He has to have control but the first time he sees Brynn something changes. He still tries to maintain control but she has an undeniable spark about her that he just cannot seem to fight.

But fight it he does try. Can Alec give up control to have a relationship with Brynn or will he push away something that has been missing in his life?

220 reviews4 followers
October 17, 2017
Brynn is trying to keep herself and her niece afloat with a job she would rather not have. Her experience working in this club is written all over her. She can't help but be attracted to the aloof VIP member.
Alec is intrigued by the fresh-faced Brynn. She doesn't belong in this club, he wants her and will do whatever it takes to have her.
I liked the story line though I felt robbed when it ended in a cliff-hanger. I could feel what the heroine was feeling throughout the story though I did have a hard time connecting with the hero. I would really like to see how this one ends (and hopefully, soon).
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews57 followers
January 9, 2018
This book was part of the vault anthology. Although this story ends on a cliffhanger, it continues in book two, released in February. I read this book in one sitting and wasn’t once bored. I really liked Brynn. I liked that she worked hard in order to keep custody of her sister. I liked Alec. I liked his attraction to Brynn and his determination to have her. After being hurt in the past, Alec doesn’t want a relationship, he wants control. Alec is a Dom and he wants Brynn to be his submissive but will she agree. The chemistry between Brynn and Alec is undeniable. I liked them together.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and I cannot wait for book two.



Profile Image for Veronica LaRoche.
4,641 reviews62 followers
October 17, 2017
This is my first book I read of C.A and it won’t be my last. Brynn is young woman who has to take care of her sister and desperately needs a job and starts working at Erotic Nights. Alec is a man who has certain taste and once he sees Brynn he wants her as his submissive. The chemistry is scorching between them but Alec has a past that leaves him closed off to ever having any type of relationship. The ending wtf I need to know what is going to happen between Brynn & Alec
Profile Image for Lora.
1,295 reviews14 followers
February 19, 2018
4 out of 5 stars

This story is part of The Vault Anthology and has a very gripping storyline. At times it felt a little close to 50 shades, but it was still enjoyable.

I still wanted so much for Alec and Brynn. I wanted their happiness. Their security. Their love. This book is full of longing in a way that leaves the reader - as the title depicts - raw. I enjoyed this book and so can’t wait for the rest of their story very soon!
Profile Image for LLS.
925 reviews22 followers
February 28, 2018
This story was a short but good read. Brynn has gained custody of her preteen sister and she takes a job at a club to make ends meet. She meets Alec and enters into an agreement with him in return for financial stability. They both get more than they bargained for. Add a little sister, Alec's brother Aric, and a grandmotherly neighbor and the story is a nice read. My only complaint is that it ends in an emotional cliffhanger.

Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done! ❤️
Profile Image for Lorie Glowania.
554 reviews29 followers
October 17, 2017
Brynn is a new hostess at Erotic Nights. She meets Alec who wants her to go to the VIP room with him. Brynn takes care of her sister since there mother left them. But Alec wants something more and is propositioned to be his sub. But under the condition of no feeling emotion and love. Can she do that?
Profile Image for Sarah Beth.
252 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2018
This novella has been eagerly waiting for this new series!!

Wow loved this novella and can't wait for The Vault series to begin!!! This glimpse into Brynn and Alec's story was just enough to get me hooked and eagerly anticipating the first book in this explosive new series from the very talented C.A. Harms!!!
Profile Image for LovesAllThingsBooks Book Reviews.
155 reviews14 followers
April 11, 2018
This book is pretty fast paced but it definitely keeps your interest. I have to say that I am totally a Brynn fan. She's innocent, sweet, and very independent. Alec had me falling hard with his seductiveness and caring streak. Definitely be prepared to have you heart shredded. This book left me feeling so raw, I had to buy the second book to satisfy my curiosity of where this one left off.
764 reviews8 followers
May 20, 2018
Fantastic!

I've loved every book I've read by C.A. Harms and this one is no exception! Alec is such a strong alpha character, that you want to peel back the layers of to see his true self more. Where Brynn is coming out of her innocence and finding her true self as well. Can't wait to see where things end with these two.
Profile Image for Sam Domingo.
384 reviews10 followers
July 4, 2022
Raw

I felt like the story was rushed and went too fast. Also, the H confused the h so much with his contrasting words and actions. I didn't like him. But with so few pages, I guess this book really serves more as an introduction to the story so I'm hoping that the next one will be satisfactory.
Profile Image for Stefanie Nelson hetland.
561 reviews17 followers
February 26, 2018
Alec and Brynne have such an emotional filled relationship. Brynne has not had the easiest childhood growing up and now she has more responsibility than she should at her age. Alec comes into her life. So much more to the story and you must read.
Profile Image for Crystal Gray.
1,088 reviews33 followers
February 28, 2018
Brynn was not what Alec was looking for, not really. Is she enough to make him happy in more ways than he is looking for? He doesn't want himself to feel any emotions, what's going to happen with them? I guess we have to wait to find out! The ending, blah! :-D
Profile Image for Toni.
832 reviews28 followers
April 16, 2018
Originally I thought “oh, here we go, another 50” And its just so played out for me right now. But I continued with it, and was drawn in. There are strong similarities in the beginning, but then this story stands on its own. Brynn is a great character thus far. Alec...? Hmmmm.... it had me intrigued enough to go onto book 2. So jury’s still out.
Profile Image for Joyce Martinez.
189 reviews
December 7, 2018
C A Harms left me hanging but in a good way. I loved both Alec and Brynn and was glad their was a strong connection. Love little sister too, she is feisty. I looking forward to reading the next one and hope Alec will see what is right in fron5 of him. A forever love.
Profile Image for Navss (read.yourbooks).
630 reviews24 followers
July 13, 2022
Well, this started out with 50 shades of grey vibe which I don't want but I do have to say that I'm interested in reading the next part especially since I've heard that there's some good grovel in that one.
Profile Image for Tara Smith(Tara's Romance Reads).
748 reviews9 followers
February 16, 2018
Hot hot hot!!!

Wow! This book is intensely hot! I was on the edge of my seat needing to know what happens next! I can't wait for the rest of this insanely sexy book!
64 reviews
March 1, 2018
Love it

C.A. Harms is one of my go to authors. I love her. She has a way of pulling you in to the story. This book is no different. I’m excited to start the second book.
Profile Image for Kirsty Lyon.
250 reviews6 followers
March 7, 2018
Raw emotions

This is a different side to Ms Harms, and I like it. This story is what it is and it does end on a cliffhanger. I wasn't able to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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