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Constant Craving #1
Constant Craving
A 2018 RWA Rita® Finalist!
To save her business, she'll trade every last inch of her body.
Justine's passion is running her father's company, and she wants to save her family's legacy. With the business on the edge of collapse, she begs a private equity group for help. But she didn't realize her rich ex-boyfriend Rafael was the one in charge, and she never expected his 30-day indecent proposal...
Forced to do anything her handsome former lover wants, Justine's taken by surprise when their passion reignites in a fiery blaze. Unsure if Rafael wants romance or revenge, she can't stop herself from wanting to give their relationship a sizzling second chance.
Will Justine's deal backfire or lead to a lifetime of lust?
Constant Craving: Book One is the first installment in the Craving contemporary romance trilogy. If you like smoking-hot chemistry, smart-sexy characters, and second-chance love, then you'll adore Tamara Lush's steamy novel. There is a cliffhanger.
To save her business, she'll trade every last inch of her body.
Justine's passion is running her father's company, and she wants to save her family's legacy. With the business on the edge of collapse, she begs a private equity group for help. But she didn't realize her rich ex-boyfriend Rafael was the one in charge, and she never expected his 30-day indecent proposal...
Forced to do anything her handsome former lover wants, Justine's taken by surprise when their passion reignites in a fiery blaze. Unsure if Rafael wants romance or revenge, she can't stop herself from wanting to give their relationship a sizzling second chance.
Will Justine's deal backfire or lead to a lifetime of lust?
Constant Craving: Book One is the first installment in the Craving contemporary romance trilogy. If you like smoking-hot chemistry, smart-sexy characters, and second-chance love, then you'll adore Tamara Lush's steamy novel. There is a cliffhanger.
344 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2017
418 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
Tamara Lush
41 books802 followersTamara Lush writes steamy and emotional contemporary romance stories set in tropical locations. Her book Constant Craving was a 2018 RWA RITA® finalist in erotic romance.
She's married and lives near a beach in Florida. For many years, she was an award-winning newspaper journalist. In 2017, she was one of 24 writers chosen by Amtrak to ride around the United States on a train and write fiction. She also writes cozy mysteries under the name Tara Lush.
Tamara's a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, coloring books, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and journalism.
She's married and lives near a beach in Florida. For many years, she was an award-winning newspaper journalist. In 2017, she was one of 24 writers chosen by Amtrak to ride around the United States on a train and write fiction. She also writes cozy mysteries under the name Tara Lush.
Tamara's a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, coloring books, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and journalism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
November 16, 2017
3.5 Second Chance Stars
Justine is running her family's newspaper the St Augustine Times, it was left to her by her father. Problem is newspapers aren't what they used to be, with the world turning tec it's getting harder and harder to keep the paper afloat. Justine is forced to call an investment firm for a loan to keep the paper going. One HUGE problem, when the guy from the investment firm shows up it's her College sweetheart.
Rafael arrived in America from Cuba with his aunt, they had nothing and he was alway known as the poor guy from the wrong side of the tracks until now. Now he is a billionaire who made his money in realestate.
Not going to lie the first 40% dragged................................
I liked getting the little snippets of back story as it gives more understanding of the story, again I feel the 1 person POV didn't work for me as it made it really hard to grasp Rafael's intentions and feelings but maybe that was the point.
Anyway Rafael offers Justine an 'arrangement' she finds very hard to refuse, it will save the paper but what will it do to her heart?
So when they FINALLY get it on, I was like......................
It S.L.O.W.L.Y became a little more interesting and not just because of the sex, also the 'arrangement' made things more juicy. I did enjoy the Love/Hate banter, each still sour from things that happened in the past.
So here's the thing, there is a good story within this book but in my opinion it was smothered by way too much inner dialogue and over descriptive text. I struggled to finish it, it wasn't my type of read at all.
I did really like the chemistry between Justine and Rafael, the way he spoke spanish to her was hot!!
➰ Reviewed on behalf of the One-Click Addict Support Group
Justine is running her family's newspaper the St Augustine Times, it was left to her by her father. Problem is newspapers aren't what they used to be, with the world turning tec it's getting harder and harder to keep the paper afloat. Justine is forced to call an investment firm for a loan to keep the paper going. One HUGE problem, when the guy from the investment firm shows up it's her College sweetheart.
Rafael arrived in America from Cuba with his aunt, they had nothing and he was alway known as the poor guy from the wrong side of the tracks until now. Now he is a billionaire who made his money in realestate.
Not going to lie the first 40% dragged................................
I liked getting the little snippets of back story as it gives more understanding of the story, again I feel the 1 person POV didn't work for me as it made it really hard to grasp Rafael's intentions and feelings but maybe that was the point.
Anyway Rafael offers Justine an 'arrangement' she finds very hard to refuse, it will save the paper but what will it do to her heart?
So when they FINALLY get it on, I was like......................
It S.L.O.W.L.Y became a little more interesting and not just because of the sex, also the 'arrangement' made things more juicy. I did enjoy the Love/Hate banter, each still sour from things that happened in the past.
So here's the thing, there is a good story within this book but in my opinion it was smothered by way too much inner dialogue and over descriptive text. I struggled to finish it, it wasn't my type of read at all.
I did really like the chemistry between Justine and Rafael, the way he spoke spanish to her was hot!!
➰ Reviewed on behalf of the One-Click Addict Support Group
December 13, 2017
I am a h-u-g-e fan of second chance romances, especially ones where there's so much lingering animosity between the two lead characters. And, trust me, there's a TON between Rafael and Justine.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Rafael and Justine—in and out of the bedroom. Rafael was part white knight and part black guard. He seemed genuine in his desire to help Justine save her business, and then he didn't.
I found myself wanting to shake them to get them to express their true feelings—to reveal what was inside their hearts. And to work through all the lingering effects of their past.
I loved how they loved each other, but part of me kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for the full story behind their break-up fifteen years prior. And, once revealed, it really wasn't that big of a surprise.
I really wanted to love Constant Craving if not for the sexy AF, Spanish dirty talk alone! But I struggled to keep reading at times because Justine and Rafael got stuck inside their heads so much—more dialogue between these two would have greatly enhanced the experience. ~ Missy, 3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Rafael and Justine—in and out of the bedroom. Rafael was part white knight and part black guard. He seemed genuine in his desire to help Justine save her business, and then he didn't.
I found myself wanting to shake them to get them to express their true feelings—to reveal what was inside their hearts. And to work through all the lingering effects of their past.
I loved how they loved each other, but part of me kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for the full story behind their break-up fifteen years prior. And, once revealed, it really wasn't that big of a surprise.
I really wanted to love Constant Craving if not for the sexy AF, Spanish dirty talk alone! But I struggled to keep reading at times because Justine and Rafael got stuck inside their heads so much—more dialogue between these two would have greatly enhanced the experience. ~ Missy, 3.5 stars
January 19, 2019
3,5 ❤️🌟s
The story had only Justine’s POV while Rafael’s POV should have been stated as well. I was left with a huge question mark regarding his behaviour and actions due to the plot played out.
This love/hate story had a slow pace, however the chemistry of the couple was smoking.
The story had only Justine’s POV while Rafael’s POV should have been stated as well. I was left with a huge question mark regarding his behaviour and actions due to the plot played out.
This love/hate story had a slow pace, however the chemistry of the couple was smoking.
Want to read
January 19, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/19/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Justine is shocked when her first love appears at her newspaper, offering to bail it out of bankruptcy. She’s even more shocked when Rafael makes a proposition: spend the next month together, allowing him to do anything he desires with her, and her newspaper gets everything it needs.
But is Rafael only back in Justine’s life to show her what she’s missed all these years? Or is he out for revenge? Justine isn’t sure, but Rafael is still devastatingly sexy — and she knows that his touch, his kisses, his body, leaves her powerless.
She knows that opening their hearts and giving their bodies to each other a second time may destroy them forever…especially when the pain of the past and difficult choices for the future collide.
Blurb:
Justine is shocked when her first love appears at her newspaper, offering to bail it out of bankruptcy. She’s even more shocked when Rafael makes a proposition: spend the next month together, allowing him to do anything he desires with her, and her newspaper gets everything it needs.
But is Rafael only back in Justine’s life to show her what she’s missed all these years? Or is he out for revenge? Justine isn’t sure, but Rafael is still devastatingly sexy — and she knows that his touch, his kisses, his body, leaves her powerless.
She knows that opening their hearts and giving their bodies to each other a second time may destroy them forever…especially when the pain of the past and difficult choices for the future collide.
October 22, 2018
The whole plot is such a good story, but it kills me to say I don’t think I was carried out as well as it could’ve been.
I didn’t like either character. I thought Justine was a little weak and needy, and Rafael was awful to her at times as well as full of himself. It seemed like every time they were together they were having sex, and I wanted more story instead. I enjoyed the narrative of when the weren’t together, but it just didn’t meet my expectations unfortunately.
Had I have read it instead of listened to the audiobook, my review may be different, but the narrators male voice didn’t appeal to me.
I do like this narrator for a female POV though.
Overall the writing was good, the story just wasn’t for me.
I didn’t like either character. I thought Justine was a little weak and needy, and Rafael was awful to her at times as well as full of himself. It seemed like every time they were together they were having sex, and I wanted more story instead. I enjoyed the narrative of when the weren’t together, but it just didn’t meet my expectations unfortunately.
Had I have read it instead of listened to the audiobook, my review may be different, but the narrators male voice didn’t appeal to me.
I do like this narrator for a female POV though.
Overall the writing was good, the story just wasn’t for me.
November 16, 2017
3.5 Second Chance Stars
Justine is running her family's newspaper the St Augustine Times, it was left to her by her father. Problem is newspapers aren't what they used to be, with the world turning tec it's getting harder and harder to keep the paper afloat. Justine is forced to call an investment firm for a loan to keep the paper going. One HUGE problem, when the guy from the investment firm shows up it's her College sweetheart.
Rafael arrived in America from Cuba with his aunt, they had nothing and he was alway known as the poor guy from the wrong side of the tracks until now. Now he is a billionaire who made his money in realestate.
Not going to lie the first 40% dragged................................
I liked getting the little snippets of back story as it gives more understanding of the story, again I feel the 1 person POV didn't work for me as it made it really hard to grasp Rafael's intentions and feelings but maybe that was the point.
Anyway Rafael offers Justine an 'arrangement' she finds very hard to refuse, it will save the paper but what will it do to her heart?
So when they FINALLY get it on, I was like......................
It S.L.O.W.L.Y became a little more interesting and not just because of the sex, also the 'arrangement' made things more juicy. I did enjoy the Love/Hate banter, each still sour from things that happened in the past.
So here's the thing, there is a good story within this book but in my opinion it was smothered by way too much inner dialogue and over descriptive text. I struggled to finish it, it wasn't my type of read at all.
I did really like the chemistry between Justine and Rafael, the way he spoke spanish to her was hot!!
-Alicia, 3.5 Stars.
Justine is running her family's newspaper the St Augustine Times, it was left to her by her father. Problem is newspapers aren't what they used to be, with the world turning tec it's getting harder and harder to keep the paper afloat. Justine is forced to call an investment firm for a loan to keep the paper going. One HUGE problem, when the guy from the investment firm shows up it's her College sweetheart.
Rafael arrived in America from Cuba with his aunt, they had nothing and he was alway known as the poor guy from the wrong side of the tracks until now. Now he is a billionaire who made his money in realestate.
Not going to lie the first 40% dragged................................
I liked getting the little snippets of back story as it gives more understanding of the story, again I feel the 1 person POV didn't work for me as it made it really hard to grasp Rafael's intentions and feelings but maybe that was the point.
Anyway Rafael offers Justine an 'arrangement' she finds very hard to refuse, it will save the paper but what will it do to her heart?
So when they FINALLY get it on, I was like......................
It S.L.O.W.L.Y became a little more interesting and not just because of the sex, also the 'arrangement' made things more juicy. I did enjoy the Love/Hate banter, each still sour from things that happened in the past.
So here's the thing, there is a good story within this book but in my opinion it was smothered by way too much inner dialogue and over descriptive text. I struggled to finish it, it wasn't my type of read at all.
I did really like the chemistry between Justine and Rafael, the way he spoke spanish to her was hot!!
-Alicia, 3.5 Stars.
November 2, 2017
4.5 full of emotions stars.
Ooooh I love this book.
It's a second chance romance packed with emotions.
I feel a lot of angst and plenty heartbreaks. I got teary at some point, the struggles feels so real.
It's not just rainbows and lollipos in relationship, but all the ups and downs, all the fights, and the ugly truth.
So yeah this book brings all the feelings.
As for charaters. I hate Rafael through all this book, even though in the end I understand him, but I really want him to grovel more.
And Justine, I admire this girl, she always sees the positive, always trying to make everything work.
Overall, I like this couple, they're showing how much they love each others in this book, even though there were down moments, they always know that they do love each other deeply.
Love the story, love the characters (although Rafa still not my fav person) and love all the drama.
If you love romance story packed with emotions, you nedd to read this one.
*I voluntarily received a review copy of this book
Ooooh I love this book.
It's a second chance romance packed with emotions.
I feel a lot of angst and plenty heartbreaks. I got teary at some point, the struggles feels so real.
It's not just rainbows and lollipos in relationship, but all the ups and downs, all the fights, and the ugly truth.
So yeah this book brings all the feelings.
As for charaters. I hate Rafael through all this book, even though in the end I understand him, but I really want him to grovel more.
And Justine, I admire this girl, she always sees the positive, always trying to make everything work.
Overall, I like this couple, they're showing how much they love each others in this book, even though there were down moments, they always know that they do love each other deeply.
Love the story, love the characters (although Rafa still not my fav person) and love all the drama.
If you love romance story packed with emotions, you nedd to read this one.
*I voluntarily received a review copy of this book
October 17, 2017
***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :)***
Tamara Lush has done it again! She delivered a great page turner full of great detail and romance that will leave you wanting for more. Having read and loved The Story Series, I knew that the author could deliver a great romance, but I wasn’t expecting the twists and turns in this book that had me at the edge of my seat.
At the beginning of the story we get to meet Justine Lavoie, a journalist turned publisher the minute she inherits her grandfather’s newspaper company. After spending time out in the field, she is now in charge of a group of people under her command who some don’t trust her judgement because of her experience and age, but she is willing to prove those people wrong at all costs. Yet, things don’t always work out and she is close to filling for bankruptcy. Her only choice left is to apply for a loan to save the Times, but soon finds out that Florida Capital has been bought and the new owner happens to be her ex boyfriend. Now it’ll be up to Justine to convince Rafael to put aside their past and help her save the paper that she loves dearly. Having met at the University of Miami, Justine and Rafael had a wonderful relationships full of ups and downs. Her father wasn’t very keen on them dating, but when they moved in together everything changed completely. Their pasts and the events that transpired while they were together is what ultimately brought their relationship to at end. Now fifteen years later they face each other once again and when Rafael makes her proposition that she can’t seem to deny, she knows that being with him again will open old wounds, but that might just be what they need to fully leave the past behind if they hope for a future together.
As one of the wealthiest man in the country, Rafael Melendez de Aviles owns MDA which backs many industries including the media among other things. He is Miami’s condo king, which has made him a very wealthy man over night. Rafael could get just about any woman he would want, but still misses Justine and the relationship that they’ve had in the past. It has been years since they’ve seen each other, but he is willing to do anything in his power to make her happy again. When he suggests they spend the next month together, it was supposed to be part of the healing process for him in order to move on with his life. Little did he know that he would end up right back where they started and the future that he’d always dreamed of with her might just be possible for them this time around. But facing their pasts has proven to be harder than he thought and he has to find a way to move on with or without her.
There is so much to the story that I liked, each character has their own past and issues that they have to solve in order to have a future together. As a Cuban exile, Rafael had to endure so much as a child and not having his family with him made the transition so much more difficult for him. He was practically poor and wanting to make a name for himself was his goal and priority until he met Justine. They both lost their virginity to each other and their love truly blossomed as they moved together, but that didn’t last. One of the topics that the author touches on was discrimination and prejudice mainly when it comes to acceptation Rafael. Justine’s dad is not happy with their relationship, owning a successful paper gives him a certain status in town, and Rafael sees that. He understands that he may not be rich, but he is willing to work extra hard to give Justine anything she wants. Though she is supportive, Justine also goes through ups and downs, especially with they deaths of her mom and brother. She is devastated and when she fins out about other things, it changes their relationship and themselves. As a journalist, Justine never envision to be in charge of the Times, but now she is ready to save it no matter what. In the end, they both have priorities and if they don’t put their relationship first they’re relationship is not going to work. All in all, the story was well executed and the amount of detail that we get makes it easier to envision. Rafael is your typical character with flaws, but his caring personality towards Justine will leave you swooning over their relationship. On the other hand, Justine is a hard working woman whose been hurt so much that when she sees Rafael again she is afraid to taking the next with him. Though the end of the story will leave you in tears, I do wish the author could have elaborated on some things towards in the end, but it still worked for me and I highly recommend picking it up. You will not regret it! :)
***ARC provided in return for an honest review.***
Tamara Lush has done it again! She delivered a great page turner full of great detail and romance that will leave you wanting for more. Having read and loved The Story Series, I knew that the author could deliver a great romance, but I wasn’t expecting the twists and turns in this book that had me at the edge of my seat.
At the beginning of the story we get to meet Justine Lavoie, a journalist turned publisher the minute she inherits her grandfather’s newspaper company. After spending time out in the field, she is now in charge of a group of people under her command who some don’t trust her judgement because of her experience and age, but she is willing to prove those people wrong at all costs. Yet, things don’t always work out and she is close to filling for bankruptcy. Her only choice left is to apply for a loan to save the Times, but soon finds out that Florida Capital has been bought and the new owner happens to be her ex boyfriend. Now it’ll be up to Justine to convince Rafael to put aside their past and help her save the paper that she loves dearly. Having met at the University of Miami, Justine and Rafael had a wonderful relationships full of ups and downs. Her father wasn’t very keen on them dating, but when they moved in together everything changed completely. Their pasts and the events that transpired while they were together is what ultimately brought their relationship to at end. Now fifteen years later they face each other once again and when Rafael makes her proposition that she can’t seem to deny, she knows that being with him again will open old wounds, but that might just be what they need to fully leave the past behind if they hope for a future together.
As one of the wealthiest man in the country, Rafael Melendez de Aviles owns MDA which backs many industries including the media among other things. He is Miami’s condo king, which has made him a very wealthy man over night. Rafael could get just about any woman he would want, but still misses Justine and the relationship that they’ve had in the past. It has been years since they’ve seen each other, but he is willing to do anything in his power to make her happy again. When he suggests they spend the next month together, it was supposed to be part of the healing process for him in order to move on with his life. Little did he know that he would end up right back where they started and the future that he’d always dreamed of with her might just be possible for them this time around. But facing their pasts has proven to be harder than he thought and he has to find a way to move on with or without her.
There is so much to the story that I liked, each character has their own past and issues that they have to solve in order to have a future together. As a Cuban exile, Rafael had to endure so much as a child and not having his family with him made the transition so much more difficult for him. He was practically poor and wanting to make a name for himself was his goal and priority until he met Justine. They both lost their virginity to each other and their love truly blossomed as they moved together, but that didn’t last. One of the topics that the author touches on was discrimination and prejudice mainly when it comes to acceptation Rafael. Justine’s dad is not happy with their relationship, owning a successful paper gives him a certain status in town, and Rafael sees that. He understands that he may not be rich, but he is willing to work extra hard to give Justine anything she wants. Though she is supportive, Justine also goes through ups and downs, especially with they deaths of her mom and brother. She is devastated and when she fins out about other things, it changes their relationship and themselves. As a journalist, Justine never envision to be in charge of the Times, but now she is ready to save it no matter what. In the end, they both have priorities and if they don’t put their relationship first they’re relationship is not going to work. All in all, the story was well executed and the amount of detail that we get makes it easier to envision. Rafael is your typical character with flaws, but his caring personality towards Justine will leave you swooning over their relationship. On the other hand, Justine is a hard working woman whose been hurt so much that when she sees Rafael again she is afraid to taking the next with him. Though the end of the story will leave you in tears, I do wish the author could have elaborated on some things towards in the end, but it still worked for me and I highly recommend picking it up. You will not regret it! :)
***ARC provided in return for an honest review.***
October 28, 2017
I was on the school newspaper in high school and loved the few journalism classes that I took in college. Whenever I see a book about a journalist, I immediately want to add it on my TBR. When I saw that this book was about a woman trying to save the paper that her family has owned for over a hundred years, I couldn't wait to pick it up.
Justine will do anything to save her paper, so when her ex shows up with the offer to give her the funding she needs, Justine knows she can't say no. The only condition? They have to spend a month together. Justine and Rafael had an intense relationship years ago in college, but it only ended in hurt and heartbreak. Years later, their chemistry is as incredible as ever, but can they get involved without drudging up the past that's been hurting them both for years?
When I started this book, I was so excited for the story. I love second chance romances and I really enjoyed Justine's character when we met her. She was so passionate about journalism and her paper and she would do anything to save it. The story went a little downhill for me, though, when Rafael came into the story. There was nothing wrong with him, I just felt like he wasn't all that believable as a character. He was Cuban and would throw in Spanish phrases into his speech, but other than that he sounded complete American with no accent or broken English whatsoever. And then I was confused on what kind of man he was supposed to be. At times he was the hard, bad-boy businessman, but other times he was the emotional, loving latin-lover kind of man. I just couldn't connect with him because he didn't seem constant or believable enough. I wish we had much more of his back story instead of parts of it brought up, only to quickly move on to something else.
While the story was engaging enough, I felt like the ending was super predictable and I knew how the story was going to unfold halfway through the book. I did enjoy the flashbacks that let us know more about what happened to the couple in their past, but their present feelings for each other were so off and on and it seemed just random at times. I don't know, I guess I was expecting more from this one than what I ended up getting.
Overall, this one lacked in the main hero and originality in the story. I really wanted to love this story, but I wasn't emotionally invested in the relationship and the characters would miraculously "realized" things about each other, which wasn't all that believable. This wasn't a bad story, I just wasn't as connected to it as I wanted to be.
Justine will do anything to save her paper, so when her ex shows up with the offer to give her the funding she needs, Justine knows she can't say no. The only condition? They have to spend a month together. Justine and Rafael had an intense relationship years ago in college, but it only ended in hurt and heartbreak. Years later, their chemistry is as incredible as ever, but can they get involved without drudging up the past that's been hurting them both for years?
When I started this book, I was so excited for the story. I love second chance romances and I really enjoyed Justine's character when we met her. She was so passionate about journalism and her paper and she would do anything to save it. The story went a little downhill for me, though, when Rafael came into the story. There was nothing wrong with him, I just felt like he wasn't all that believable as a character. He was Cuban and would throw in Spanish phrases into his speech, but other than that he sounded complete American with no accent or broken English whatsoever. And then I was confused on what kind of man he was supposed to be. At times he was the hard, bad-boy businessman, but other times he was the emotional, loving latin-lover kind of man. I just couldn't connect with him because he didn't seem constant or believable enough. I wish we had much more of his back story instead of parts of it brought up, only to quickly move on to something else.
While the story was engaging enough, I felt like the ending was super predictable and I knew how the story was going to unfold halfway through the book. I did enjoy the flashbacks that let us know more about what happened to the couple in their past, but their present feelings for each other were so off and on and it seemed just random at times. I don't know, I guess I was expecting more from this one than what I ended up getting.
Overall, this one lacked in the main hero and originality in the story. I really wanted to love this story, but I wasn't emotionally invested in the relationship and the characters would miraculously "realized" things about each other, which wasn't all that believable. This wasn't a bad story, I just wasn't as connected to it as I wanted to be.
November 9, 2017
I can't count how many times I cried reading this.
*ARC Recieved via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
The Plot
It's a long story, truly it is. No scene is useless, no scene is redundant because every scene has a purpose. I could consider this work as a masterpiece. It's written so well that I have no complaints. In the beginning I was super eager to know why and how they broke up. I had a lot of guesses and theories and all of them were right.
The Characters
I was hurt when I first met Rafael and he is this cold, arrogant man. I understood why he's become that way, why he acts as such. Clearly he has been hurt deep. Most guys I met who have been hurt tend to turn into Rafael. Without knowing how he was in the past and only just meeting him, I tend to feel offended and hurt on behalf of Justine.
Justine on the other hand tends to get annoying sometimes but that's just how her character is designed. I've never met a person someone like her who doubts so much and goes to a conclusion immediately. She tends to be close minded and only sees one path for the future. It's not a character flaw, it's just unique for me. Most people I've met aren't like her.
However, both clearly have changed over time. For better or for worse. I love stand-alone books with character development for acceptable reasons.
The Writing
The story is written in Justine's POV only but it shifts between past and present events. With this it has made the reading experience more intriguing and the emotions more raw. The present events reflect to past events and it makes the entire thing a treat to read.
Overall
I am torn between wanting to read more second chance stories or not because it's bittersweet and I have a soft heart. If two belong deserve a second chance and I would want nothing more but for them to get back together. Purely 5 out of 5 stars, no, make that 6 out of 5 stars. I love this book so much and this will not be the last Tamara Lush book I'll read.
*ARC Recieved via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
The Plot
It's a long story, truly it is. No scene is useless, no scene is redundant because every scene has a purpose. I could consider this work as a masterpiece. It's written so well that I have no complaints. In the beginning I was super eager to know why and how they broke up. I had a lot of guesses and theories and all of them were right.
The Characters
I was hurt when I first met Rafael and he is this cold, arrogant man. I understood why he's become that way, why he acts as such. Clearly he has been hurt deep. Most guys I met who have been hurt tend to turn into Rafael. Without knowing how he was in the past and only just meeting him, I tend to feel offended and hurt on behalf of Justine.
Justine on the other hand tends to get annoying sometimes but that's just how her character is designed. I've never met a person someone like her who doubts so much and goes to a conclusion immediately. She tends to be close minded and only sees one path for the future. It's not a character flaw, it's just unique for me. Most people I've met aren't like her.
However, both clearly have changed over time. For better or for worse. I love stand-alone books with character development for acceptable reasons.
The Writing
The story is written in Justine's POV only but it shifts between past and present events. With this it has made the reading experience more intriguing and the emotions more raw. The present events reflect to past events and it makes the entire thing a treat to read.
Overall
I am torn between wanting to read more second chance stories or not because it's bittersweet and I have a soft heart. If two belong deserve a second chance and I would want nothing more but for them to get back together. Purely 5 out of 5 stars, no, make that 6 out of 5 stars. I love this book so much and this will not be the last Tamara Lush book I'll read.
November 7, 2017
This is a beautifully written second chance story between Rafael and Justine. These two have quite a history between the two of them. Justine having no idea that Rafael would be the one showing up to help save her company is finding it hard to cop. Rafeal has his own agenda when it comes to Justine but you will have to read this book to find out what it is. I loved this book and this story. This is my first Tamara Lush book but not my last at all. I voluntarily read an advance reader coy for my honest review.
February 7, 2019
Swoon worthy
I liked this novel for many reasons. One, being a journalist, it was a great real read into the world of newspapers today. Next, Rafa will make you swoon in ways you never thought of before. I will definitely be reading his POV in the next book.
I liked this novel for many reasons. One, being a journalist, it was a great real read into the world of newspapers today. Next, Rafa will make you swoon in ways you never thought of before. I will definitely be reading his POV in the next book.
November 13, 2017
4.5 stars! Check out our podcast interview with author Tamara Lush!
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September 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It had the hero you love to hate (at least for the first half of the book) and of course, a great second-chance romance story line. It took me a while to warm up to liking this one. I found Rafael to be hateful and mean towards Justine and that didn't sit right with me. But at the same time, he was one incredibly sexy Cuban who loved to use his accent to get what he wanted, that's for sure. I would have melted just like Justine if he spoke those same words to me and can't blame her for falling for Raf all over again.
Things didn't end well between Justine & Rafael 15 years ago. She left and he never reached out to her after she left, despite her attempts to contact him. They were both heartbroken and disliked the other since then, yet it was obvious that they still secretly loved each other under all that anger. Justine is a newspaper publisher, keeping her family legacy going and running the local St. Augustine newspaper. Unfortunately, it's about to go bankrupt unless she can find someone to loan them money. She requests help from an investment firm, only to discover that the company was purchased by Rafael's company. Rafael has made quite a name for himself in those 15 years and is a super rich Miami investor and real estate mogul. He's her only hope for saving her company, but will he help her given how she broke his heart?
He makes an offer she reluctantly accepts, he gets a month with her and in return, he'll bail her out of her financial woes. She's not quite sure if he's just using her for sex or if he really wants to start something with her though and honestly, it's hard for us to tell as well, even though we already know what the ultimate outcome will be. He treats her pretty badly during some of their encounters and he gets insanely jealous, which doesn't help him look like the good guy in all this. Justine isn't one to just lay down and accept things though. She wasn't as strong of a heroine as I'd like, but she didn't let Raf just get his way all the time either.
I'm glad things worked out for them in the end. It was obvious that they really did love one another and were miserable without the other. The ending was a bit rushed though and they 'kissed and made up' a bit too suddenly for my liking (he should have done some more groveling IMO). But the ending did provide a good life lesson in that you both have to be willing to do what it takes to make things work - one person can't give all and expect things to last.
I'll definitely be looking to read more Tamara Lush books in the future. This one played with my emotions too much for me to forget the author.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Things didn't end well between Justine & Rafael 15 years ago. She left and he never reached out to her after she left, despite her attempts to contact him. They were both heartbroken and disliked the other since then, yet it was obvious that they still secretly loved each other under all that anger. Justine is a newspaper publisher, keeping her family legacy going and running the local St. Augustine newspaper. Unfortunately, it's about to go bankrupt unless she can find someone to loan them money. She requests help from an investment firm, only to discover that the company was purchased by Rafael's company. Rafael has made quite a name for himself in those 15 years and is a super rich Miami investor and real estate mogul. He's her only hope for saving her company, but will he help her given how she broke his heart?
He makes an offer she reluctantly accepts, he gets a month with her and in return, he'll bail her out of her financial woes. She's not quite sure if he's just using her for sex or if he really wants to start something with her though and honestly, it's hard for us to tell as well, even though we already know what the ultimate outcome will be. He treats her pretty badly during some of their encounters and he gets insanely jealous, which doesn't help him look like the good guy in all this. Justine isn't one to just lay down and accept things though. She wasn't as strong of a heroine as I'd like, but she didn't let Raf just get his way all the time either.
I'm glad things worked out for them in the end. It was obvious that they really did love one another and were miserable without the other. The ending was a bit rushed though and they 'kissed and made up' a bit too suddenly for my liking (he should have done some more groveling IMO). But the ending did provide a good life lesson in that you both have to be willing to do what it takes to make things work - one person can't give all and expect things to last.
I'll definitely be looking to read more Tamara Lush books in the future. This one played with my emotions too much for me to forget the author.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 6, 2019
This is an absolute no brainer for anyone who loves second chance to get it right romance stories.
I haven't read a lot of books by Tamara but what I have read have been excellent on all fronts. The journey of Justine and Rafael surpassed all my previous love for this author! It's sexy and romantic, not the least bit predictable and extremely captivating. These two not only have long ago history together, but they also have their own history. What I mean by that is that they not only have the hurdle of their past relationship to hopefully get right, but they individually have growth throughout the story-line as well. I'm not going to give you too much detail on the what of everything; I just want to make sure that future readers know how well this author incorporated individual growth as well as relationship growth in her story. This is key because both Justine and Rafael have to come to terms with some personal background or it would be impossible for them to move forward. And I'm happy to report they did just that :)
Okay so I'm gonna be upfront and tell you that you are positively gonna hate yourself for loving Rafael. But you just won't be able to help yourself LOL This man was so ridiculously alpha with a heart of frikkin gold! FOR REAL! And Justine is everything you would want in a heroine. She's smart and strong and knows exactly who she is. They were really well matched!
I do have a small little quibble with the whole Spanish words thrown in thing. A lot of authors do this and I don't really know why. Speaking from a Latin's perspective, when I read a book and there is a ton of Spanish thrown in where English would have served the purpose just fine, it makes me twitchy. 'We' don't do that. We don't go around throwing Spanish phrases around when we speak to people. Terms of endearment are the only exception to that. That happens a lot. But for example, to say 'gracias' instead of thank you in conversation is just basically dumb. But to say mi querida instead of my love is perfectly acceptable and constantly done. In this case, Rafael had complete grasp of the English language so a lot of his Spanish in the story just seemed unnecessary and senseless. It can be very distracting every time it's done, so it should be very minimal, imo.
Overall this was an exceptional second chance romance with a lot of heart, some twist and turns and very very sexy!
Copy provided for blog tour review
I haven't read a lot of books by Tamara but what I have read have been excellent on all fronts. The journey of Justine and Rafael surpassed all my previous love for this author! It's sexy and romantic, not the least bit predictable and extremely captivating. These two not only have long ago history together, but they also have their own history. What I mean by that is that they not only have the hurdle of their past relationship to hopefully get right, but they individually have growth throughout the story-line as well. I'm not going to give you too much detail on the what of everything; I just want to make sure that future readers know how well this author incorporated individual growth as well as relationship growth in her story. This is key because both Justine and Rafael have to come to terms with some personal background or it would be impossible for them to move forward. And I'm happy to report they did just that :)
Okay so I'm gonna be upfront and tell you that you are positively gonna hate yourself for loving Rafael. But you just won't be able to help yourself LOL This man was so ridiculously alpha with a heart of frikkin gold! FOR REAL! And Justine is everything you would want in a heroine. She's smart and strong and knows exactly who she is. They were really well matched!
I do have a small little quibble with the whole Spanish words thrown in thing. A lot of authors do this and I don't really know why. Speaking from a Latin's perspective, when I read a book and there is a ton of Spanish thrown in where English would have served the purpose just fine, it makes me twitchy. 'We' don't do that. We don't go around throwing Spanish phrases around when we speak to people. Terms of endearment are the only exception to that. That happens a lot. But for example, to say 'gracias' instead of thank you in conversation is just basically dumb. But to say mi querida instead of my love is perfectly acceptable and constantly done. In this case, Rafael had complete grasp of the English language so a lot of his Spanish in the story just seemed unnecessary and senseless. It can be very distracting every time it's done, so it should be very minimal, imo.
Overall this was an exceptional second chance romance with a lot of heart, some twist and turns and very very sexy!
Copy provided for blog tour review
November 18, 2017
For my full review CLICK HERE-> https://goo.gl/zGGpwv
Justine Lavoie is a journalist turned editor who inherited her grandfathers newsprint business, St Augustine Times, after her father passed away. Justine is trying everything she can to save her families business, even calling different banks to see if they can get a loan to stay in business. But in the economic times and digital age we are in many people don't read the newspaper like they used to, especially when there is google alerts. She gets a call back from Florida Capital that they want to see what she has to offer and what they can do to help her business. She cant help but think about Rafael who she hasn't seen in 15 years but still has feelings for, even after the horrible split they had when she left to be a correspondent in another country. She is more than surprised when he shows up on the door steps of the St. Augustine Times in place of the people coming to speak to her about the bailout loan.
Rafael Melendez de Aviles is one of the wealthiest men wo owns MDA and in turn owns not only media, but is a real estate agent turn mogul who deal in real estate, and is now wanting to buy more assets to add to his portfolio along with his recent acquisition of Florida Capital. When he sees that Justine has applied for a loan he wants to handle the business himself in order to see if he can help her out, and see how she has turned out over the last 15 years. What he wasn't expecting was how feisty she was when he walks in and tries to lay on the charm. Even though he wants to see Justine squirm he cant help but still want her in the way he should have had her all these years. But will she agree to his terms in order to get each other out of their systems?
Justine and Rafael have some serious past issues that haven't been dealt with, but they both know one thing. They haven't gotten over each other even after 15 years. How do you get over the love of your life and the one person you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is the person you were made to be with???
I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read more about Justi and Rafa!
DISCLAIMER: I received this book from Tamara Lush and Sparkpoint Studio in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are my own.
Justine Lavoie is a journalist turned editor who inherited her grandfathers newsprint business, St Augustine Times, after her father passed away. Justine is trying everything she can to save her families business, even calling different banks to see if they can get a loan to stay in business. But in the economic times and digital age we are in many people don't read the newspaper like they used to, especially when there is google alerts. She gets a call back from Florida Capital that they want to see what she has to offer and what they can do to help her business. She cant help but think about Rafael who she hasn't seen in 15 years but still has feelings for, even after the horrible split they had when she left to be a correspondent in another country. She is more than surprised when he shows up on the door steps of the St. Augustine Times in place of the people coming to speak to her about the bailout loan.
Rafael Melendez de Aviles is one of the wealthiest men wo owns MDA and in turn owns not only media, but is a real estate agent turn mogul who deal in real estate, and is now wanting to buy more assets to add to his portfolio along with his recent acquisition of Florida Capital. When he sees that Justine has applied for a loan he wants to handle the business himself in order to see if he can help her out, and see how she has turned out over the last 15 years. What he wasn't expecting was how feisty she was when he walks in and tries to lay on the charm. Even though he wants to see Justine squirm he cant help but still want her in the way he should have had her all these years. But will she agree to his terms in order to get each other out of their systems?
Justine and Rafael have some serious past issues that haven't been dealt with, but they both know one thing. They haven't gotten over each other even after 15 years. How do you get over the love of your life and the one person you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is the person you were made to be with???
I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read more about Justi and Rafa!
DISCLAIMER: I received this book from Tamara Lush and Sparkpoint Studio in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are my own.
October 1, 2017
I enjoyed reading Constant Craving and was hooked turning page after page of this love story. This book is about a second chance at romance with a hero that you love to hate. Justine and Rafael broke up fifteen years ago because things just did not workout between the two. After they broke up, Rafael did not reach out to her even though she tried reaching out to him. They were heartbroken after the breakup and have not liked each other since. However, it is obvious that they still have feelings for each other because he bails her newspaper out of bankruptcy. His help comes with a price that Justine is not sure she can repay. I found this book to be a drama filled, love and hate, with a touch of romance that will surprise you in the end. Lush writes in such a way that draws you in with just enough to leave you wondering without being explicit. This is the first book I have read from this author and found it to be a good romantic read. I look forward to reading more from this author.
October 17, 2018
What measures would you take to save your business? Would you sleep with your ex to save your family legacy? Well, Justine Lavoie faced this dilemma. Justine is the publisher for the Times a well-established newspaper in the city of St. Augustine. Unfortunately, it is plagued with financial difficulties forcing her to seek a bailout from an equity firm. It so happens that the firm, which chose to invest in the newspaper, her ex Raphael Menendez de Aviles recently purchased it. Now Justine faces her biggest challenge coming to terms with her past while trying to save her family legacy.
The story told from Justine’s POV provided insight into her current and past feelings for Raphael. It is clear she never stopped loving him as such accepting his proposal of spending a month with him in exchange for him helping her business was not a hard feat. However, will she be able to walk away at the end of the thirty days as she did fifteen years ago?
I became absorbed in Justine’s life. I may not have agreed with some of her actions, but her motives were clear. I think that having the story told from her perspective helped, as I was privy to her thoughts and feelings. Sometimes I sympathized with her then next I wanted to shake her. Why would she allow him to treat her that way? I know she wanted to save her paper, and she never stopped loving Raphael but no woman worth her salt should allow any man to treat her like a whore no matter the circumstances.
I found Raphael cold and distant, and as a result, I had a hard time connecting to him. It would have been great to get things from his perspective. It appears revenge motivated his actions, but was it because Justine walked away ending their relationship or did it go deeper? One thing that came out in all of this was Raphael’s fear of having his heart broken once again. Despite this, I still did not understand who he was as an individual.
These two frustrated me at times. They kept blaming each other for their breakup, but never tried to discuss the issues that led to the demise of their relationship. I kept wondering what could have caused the break up seeing they love for each other was so deep. My frustration with them increased when the reasons for their relationship ending came to light. If only they had communicated with each other, then they could have avoided their current situation.
I like the fact the story went back to their days in college providing insight in to how their love for each other developed. These were the scenes that convinced me of their love for each other. A love that intense would definitely stand the test of time. Due to the slow pacing I had a hard time getting into the story at first (the narration did not help) eventually things picked up and I hoped these two will get it right the second time around.
Narration
Unfortunately, the narration did not work for me. I tried listening at 1.5x and the narrator sounded like someone pumped on helium. I ended up listening at1.20x. At this speed, she sounded flat, and the narration had no life. Her male and female voices were distinct; however for Raphael the Spanish accent was non-existent. Her pronunciation of the Spanish words needs work.
What saved this for me was the fact that read and listened to the book. If I had to rely on the audio solely, I would have given upon the book.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, this was a good story, I am not sure I would listen to more from the narrator but I would definitely read more from this Tamara Lush.
The story told from Justine’s POV provided insight into her current and past feelings for Raphael. It is clear she never stopped loving him as such accepting his proposal of spending a month with him in exchange for him helping her business was not a hard feat. However, will she be able to walk away at the end of the thirty days as she did fifteen years ago?
I became absorbed in Justine’s life. I may not have agreed with some of her actions, but her motives were clear. I think that having the story told from her perspective helped, as I was privy to her thoughts and feelings. Sometimes I sympathized with her then next I wanted to shake her. Why would she allow him to treat her that way? I know she wanted to save her paper, and she never stopped loving Raphael but no woman worth her salt should allow any man to treat her like a whore no matter the circumstances.
I found Raphael cold and distant, and as a result, I had a hard time connecting to him. It would have been great to get things from his perspective. It appears revenge motivated his actions, but was it because Justine walked away ending their relationship or did it go deeper? One thing that came out in all of this was Raphael’s fear of having his heart broken once again. Despite this, I still did not understand who he was as an individual.
These two frustrated me at times. They kept blaming each other for their breakup, but never tried to discuss the issues that led to the demise of their relationship. I kept wondering what could have caused the break up seeing they love for each other was so deep. My frustration with them increased when the reasons for their relationship ending came to light. If only they had communicated with each other, then they could have avoided their current situation.
I like the fact the story went back to their days in college providing insight in to how their love for each other developed. These were the scenes that convinced me of their love for each other. A love that intense would definitely stand the test of time. Due to the slow pacing I had a hard time getting into the story at first (the narration did not help) eventually things picked up and I hoped these two will get it right the second time around.
Narration
Unfortunately, the narration did not work for me. I tried listening at 1.5x and the narrator sounded like someone pumped on helium. I ended up listening at1.20x. At this speed, she sounded flat, and the narration had no life. Her male and female voices were distinct; however for Raphael the Spanish accent was non-existent. Her pronunciation of the Spanish words needs work.
What saved this for me was the fact that read and listened to the book. If I had to rely on the audio solely, I would have given upon the book.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, this was a good story, I am not sure I would listen to more from the narrator but I would definitely read more from this Tamara Lush.
October 19, 2017
Another Tamara Lush book I LOVE!!! My not-so-guilty pleasure is second chance romances between married but estranged couples or even just couples. I love that one or both might be pining after the other person.
Justine is trying her hardest to keep her faithful newspaper from going under, because just like in real life, the print news industry is rapidly declining. And Justine does not want to do away with print news and her family's paper. So when her former lover, Rafael, comes to her rescue, she just can't believe it. But only if she will live with him for a month.
So slightly indecent proposal-like but that's the last of the similarities. Justi and Rafa's romance is as hot as Rafa's Spanish sweet talk! They are epically combustible with heat and with temper. They have quite a history, sweet, spicy and tempestuous, and you just get swept away in reading it.
It's over before you know it - because you can't put it down! - but so much happens that it's a full, satisfying, book hangover-inducing read!
Justine is trying her hardest to keep her faithful newspaper from going under, because just like in real life, the print news industry is rapidly declining. And Justine does not want to do away with print news and her family's paper. So when her former lover, Rafael, comes to her rescue, she just can't believe it. But only if she will live with him for a month.
So slightly indecent proposal-like but that's the last of the similarities. Justi and Rafa's romance is as hot as Rafa's Spanish sweet talk! They are epically combustible with heat and with temper. They have quite a history, sweet, spicy and tempestuous, and you just get swept away in reading it.
It's over before you know it - because you can't put it down! - but so much happens that it's a full, satisfying, book hangover-inducing read!
October 5, 2018
Constant Craving by Tamera Lush
Interesting and Great!
The plot of this book is 2 college sweethearts that are torn apart for many reasons. Justine is shocked when her first love appears at her newspaper, offering to bail it out of bankruptcy. She’s even more shocked when Rafael makes a proposition: spend the next month together, allowing him to do anything he desires with her, and her newspaper gets everything it needs.
But is Rafael only back in Justine’s life to show her what she’s missed all these years? Or is he out for revenge? Justine isn’t sure, but Rafael is still devastatingly sexy — and she knows that his touch, his kisses, his body, leaves her powerless.
She knows that opening their hearts and giving their bodies to each other a second time may destroy them forever…especially when the pain of the past and difficult choices for the future collide.
I enjoyed this book and it’s characters. However I would have like a little more at the end. I feel like the author had a good plot and good characters. I enjoyed the narrator! If you like audible books this is a good one to listen to. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story about two people who against the odds find their way back to each other!
Interesting and Great!
The plot of this book is 2 college sweethearts that are torn apart for many reasons. Justine is shocked when her first love appears at her newspaper, offering to bail it out of bankruptcy. She’s even more shocked when Rafael makes a proposition: spend the next month together, allowing him to do anything he desires with her, and her newspaper gets everything it needs.
But is Rafael only back in Justine’s life to show her what she’s missed all these years? Or is he out for revenge? Justine isn’t sure, but Rafael is still devastatingly sexy — and she knows that his touch, his kisses, his body, leaves her powerless.
She knows that opening their hearts and giving their bodies to each other a second time may destroy them forever…especially when the pain of the past and difficult choices for the future collide.
I enjoyed this book and it’s characters. However I would have like a little more at the end. I feel like the author had a good plot and good characters. I enjoyed the narrator! If you like audible books this is a good one to listen to. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story about two people who against the odds find their way back to each other!
November 5, 2017
I love a good erotic novel. Yet, for me I am the type of woman who loves a good storyline to go with my sex. Author, Tamara Lush fulfills this request as well as exceeds it. Justine and Rafael were great characters. However, I did not see them as just "characters" but as people. They experienced raw emotions. Even when they were not touching, you could feel the emotions.
There was mention of BSDM. My first thoughts were "ok, the stakes have just gotten higher". Which, I was fine with but on the other hand I was not sure what to expect as this book was promoted as kind of being like Fifty Shades. I have never read the books but I saw the movies and they are not good. The author does not go done this route. This does not mean however that behind closed doors the sex was not H-O-T. Justine and Rafael forever.
Constant Craving is more than just an erotic novel. It is about soul mates who never stopped loving each other. They just happen to have hot passion.
There was mention of BSDM. My first thoughts were "ok, the stakes have just gotten higher". Which, I was fine with but on the other hand I was not sure what to expect as this book was promoted as kind of being like Fifty Shades. I have never read the books but I saw the movies and they are not good. The author does not go done this route. This does not mean however that behind closed doors the sex was not H-O-T. Justine and Rafael forever.
Constant Craving is more than just an erotic novel. It is about soul mates who never stopped loving each other. They just happen to have hot passion.
May 25, 2018
Constant Craving by Tamara Lush
I am voluntarily reviewing this arc.
I enjoyed this epic love story. Justine and Rafael have a second chance at love. Once college sweethearts, tragedy separates them. Now, over a decade has past. They have a long road to see if they still have the same connection. It’s a bumpy and beautiful road that these two are on. I loved it. In the spirit of giving an honest review, without giving anything away, there is a part of this book that annoys me. Both Justine and Rafael have careers that are separated by many miles. The issue is Rafael wants Justine to follow him. He says she’s choosing her career over him if she doesn’t.
She realizes he is right and is sorry. Ummmm does anyone else have a problem with this logic? Aren't both parties making a choice? I hated that she didn’t fight him on this. It’s ok to make concessions, but fair compromise should be at play.
Anyway, it’s a blip in the book and amends are made, but my feminist feathers were ruffled by this part.
Over all, very good read.
I am voluntarily reviewing this arc.
I enjoyed this epic love story. Justine and Rafael have a second chance at love. Once college sweethearts, tragedy separates them. Now, over a decade has past. They have a long road to see if they still have the same connection. It’s a bumpy and beautiful road that these two are on. I loved it. In the spirit of giving an honest review, without giving anything away, there is a part of this book that annoys me. Both Justine and Rafael have careers that are separated by many miles. The issue is Rafael wants Justine to follow him. He says she’s choosing her career over him if she doesn’t.
She realizes he is right and is sorry. Ummmm does anyone else have a problem with this logic? Aren't both parties making a choice? I hated that she didn’t fight him on this. It’s ok to make concessions, but fair compromise should be at play.
Anyway, it’s a blip in the book and amends are made, but my feminist feathers were ruffled by this part.
Over all, very good read.
August 11, 2019
A 2018 RITA™ FINALIST IN EROTIC ROMANCE!
"I was hooked from the first page" - SHHHHH! Quiet Please Book Blog
A business on the brink of bankruptcy. An indecent proposal arriving at just the perfect time.
The terms are simple enough: For one month, Rafael Menendez de Aviles -- my first love, my one downfall -- gets to do anything he desires with me. In return, my business gets everything it needs.
But is that really all he wants? Or is he out for revenge? Could there more on the table that I'm not ready to take on, like love the second time around... even when the first time almost destroyed us?
Read the exciting story readers have called "smart smut," "a no-brainer for those who love second-chance romances," and "deliciously sexy."
**
ReviewHook, Line, and Sinker. I was hooked from the first page, every line caused me to want to read more, and my heart sunk when the story ended. This is a second chance erotic romance, and if you can t tell I loved everything about it. I loved Rafael and his dominance: I loved the hold Justine s had over him. When they came together, I loved the explosion of their love through sex, misunderstandings, and arguments. There is a lot of sex which got me a little heated under the collar. The ending was predictable but lovely to read. If you enjoy erotic reads with a good storyline, then I highly recommend this book. --SHHHHH! Quiet Please Book Blog
About the Author
Tamara Lush was born in California and raised in Vermont. She graduated from Emerson College with a degree in broadcast journalism. For the last several years, she's worked as a reporter and is currently a correspondent in Florida with The Associated Press. In 2017, she was chosen as one of 24 writers for the Amtrak Residency program.
Published in September of 2015, her debut novel HOT SHADE received four stars from RT Book Reviews. Her most recent novel, a five episode serial called TELL ME A STORY, has "an engaging voice, sexy heroes and heroines and a wry sense of humor, according to New York Times bestselling author Beth Kery.
Tamara is a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, beaches, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, coloring books, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and newspapers. She lives with her Italian husband and two dogs on Florida's Gulf Coast.
October 23, 2017
Constant Craving has one of my favorite tropes - second chance romance. The book is steamy, sensual and angsty like any good romance should be. Justine and Rafael have an explosive chemistry and a lot of tension that make for a great read. Tamara Lush is a master with worlds when it comes to writing steamy romantic tension, even when she writes about something as mundane as kiss on a cheek. The sex scenes are not very explicit but they are certainly very hot.
I love romance books that have interesting and complex characters, amazing chemistry between them, a little (or a lot of) heat, and some angst (not too much). The Constant Craving has it all, and I will definitely be checking Tamara's other books.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
I love romance books that have interesting and complex characters, amazing chemistry between them, a little (or a lot of) heat, and some angst (not too much). The Constant Craving has it all, and I will definitely be checking Tamara's other books.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
April 27, 2018
Constant Craving by Tamara Lush is a fantastic contemporary romance. Ms. Lush has delivered a well-written book filled with phenomenal characters. Rafael and Justine's story is a second chance romance packed with drama, sizzle and humor. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover and look forward to reading more from Tamara Lush in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 2, 2018
This was a new author for me and I am glad to say that I enjoyed the book tremendously. The love these two had for each other is amazing but since they were so young and the tragedy they had, love was forgotten. It was very nice to see that their love never really died and some of the twists in this book were nice surprises as well. Overall a great book that you won’t regret getting.
October 4, 2018
Audiobook review:
I think I would have enjoyed this more had I read it. The narrator was okay but, her pronunciation of many of the spanish words made me cringe every single time and stopped me from enjoying the story as a whole.
The story itself was good. The characters were very likeable, I wish the story had been a dual pov, I wanted to get in Rafael's head so bad. I definitely liked him more than the leading lady.
I think I would have enjoyed this more had I read it. The narrator was okay but, her pronunciation of many of the spanish words made me cringe every single time and stopped me from enjoying the story as a whole.
The story itself was good. The characters were very likeable, I wish the story had been a dual pov, I wanted to get in Rafael's head so bad. I definitely liked him more than the leading lady.
January 1, 2018
I really liked this story of second chance romance. The main characters loved each other so much but were both young and stubborn, both determined to succeed in their careers and may have overlooked how easily that love is lost. But a decade later they realise that love is still alive and strong.
December 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It is a second chance romance with a main man who really makes you want to scream. Rafael is not the most likeable character in the beginning of this book but as the story unfolds he becomes less odious. His treatment of Justine is cruel, but at the same time he is a very sexy man. The story keeps you turning the pages and as more of their backstory is uncovered you fall more in love with Rafael and Justine. This is a great story.
January 4, 2019
WORTH THE READ!!!
As soon as I discovered this book on Radish, I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down! The plot is amazing and the sizzling chemistry between Justine and Rafael will make you squirm in your seat. Rafa is the man of my dreams, tbh. x
As soon as I discovered this book on Radish, I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down! The plot is amazing and the sizzling chemistry between Justine and Rafael will make you squirm in your seat. Rafa is the man of my dreams, tbh. x
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