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Definition of Craving

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They could have it all ... if the others let him go

Scarlett Trent is a woman who is in control. She’s a successful business owner, a contender for the North East Businesswoman of the Year Award, and a woman of means. She knows who she is, what she wants, and where she’s headed. That is, until one extremely handsome distraction… someone from her past … throws her heart and mind into a tailspin.

Dev Jackson is the embodiment of alpha male. He’s got nothing to prove; it’s there in his smile, his attitude, his swagger. He sees life through a rainbow coloured lens and that’s just fine with Scarlett. Life wasn’t always easy for him. He’s known hardship and experienced bigotry at close hand. The creator of three identities, managing three successful careers, he’s making sure he’ll never return to those days.

When they reconnect, Scarlett shows him how to be simply Dev, and they soon become each other’s favourite pastime.

Together they’re stamping their souls into a relationship that fits. Their obsession with each other grows stronger every day but Dev’s past constantly tests them, especially when the mysterious Demeter won’t leave him alone.

He wants to move on with Scarlett. His past won’t let him.

The people he left in his wake? They can’t let him go. Don’t want to let him go.

And these people? They’ll go to any length to persuade him to stay.
Will his past indiscretions drive a wedge between them or will their undeniable passion keep them together?

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2018

3 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Lia Peele

5 books120 followers
Lia Peele is a British author from the North East of England.

She’s my alter ego; a creation of my imagination. I resigned from my job so she can write steamy adult contemporary romance. This means I can hide behind her, and she’s given free rein to set my smutty thoughts free.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
133 reviews
August 5, 2018
Definition of Craving by Lia Peele

Oh , my goodness !

NOooo……!! My heart can’t stand much of this, I want to shake Scarlett then I want to shake Dev. They love beyond reason but his past just keeps jumping out of the dark to choke their relationship . How much can she take, is she strong enough to endure? So many secrets and lies by omission. Then a stalker to defeat who is trying to destroy them . Who is Demeter Green and how does she stay a step ahead ? The story ending is heartbreaking, a tear jerker to the end. May the next book in this storyline be the HEA we need. This author knows how to keep the flow going and hold your attention with each sentence. …..pat….
Profile Image for Shelli.
909 reviews51 followers
August 5, 2018
Oh my goodness, I can't believe how this book ended! I should have expected it, after the ending the last book had, but it still surprised me.
My heart is breaking for Dev and Scarlett. I am really rooting for them, but I have to admit, I'd have trouble dealing with all the issues Scarlett is having to deal with because of his lifestyle. She has so much at stake with her career, and is willing to risk it all for Devlin. How is that going to pan out for her? You have to read this book, it's just so good! I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Vickie L.
Author 1 book2 followers
August 4, 2018
Omg!!! I am just gutted by the way this ended!! I need the next book now!! I am so invested in Dev and Scarlett that my gut ,head and heart were being wrenched and broken right along with them! Lia is such a gifted writer that you actually feel like you are right there in the thick of things. Not are my hands shaking and heart racing. I am praying that the next book will be a HEA!
Profile Image for Jodi.
465 reviews11 followers
August 6, 2018
What a great book. It had all the feels. Lia Peele did a wonderful job writing this book. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Ashley Allen.
746 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2018
Wow this book has left me at a loss for words. Sexy,erotic,mysterious,suspenseful,and down right exciting. I did not want it to end I can't wait to see what is to come.
305 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2018
This book picks up from the first book when Scarlett returns from her holiday to Dev. Craving is a rollercoaster of a ride during their relationship where they fall deeper into each other (literally!). Their relationship starts to cross over even more into their professional lives until they are fully entwined. Is this a good or bad thing for Scarlett & Dev? Bearing in mind that some things from Dev’s past comes back to threaten their harmony.

Now for the romance *quickly fans self* a lot more action packed than the first book and very steamy and some of the acts for me to read was a first (I’m a newbie to this genre) however because of Scarlett & Dev I bought into this and it didn’t feel ‘in your face action’ because I am fully invested in their romance.

If you enjoyed Stripped (book 1) and Flawed (prequel) and need another Scarlett & Dev fix you won’t be disappointed. However, I now am waiting patiently for the next book to find out what happens next…

I received an ARC of Craving directly from Lia Peele the author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Mawgan Dipple.
1,681 reviews
August 5, 2018

It's confirmed this book is an other winner, following on from where stripped finished craving tells the tale of Scarlett and dev' s blossoming love affair, with Demeter lurking in the background throwing a spanner in the works where she can. As they fight to stay together it seems they are destined to be pulled further apart. Towards the end they relationship it really pulled at me and I felt the pain and suffering of two people destined to be together but simply cant. I can't wait for the next book to see if they can bring closure to they pasts and heal they broken hearts.
Profile Image for Penny Riley.
204 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2018
This story is so complex and touches so many issues. Yes it’s definitely a love story and there is hot scintillating sex scenes. The chemistry is explosive and off the charts with these two.The writer has created these incredible characters that as a reader you become invested in. The witty dialogue makes you laugh out loud and cry your eyes out. Dev and Scarlett are both damaged but together they can be complete. Except every time they are happy something happens. I am hanging by a thread to see what happens to these wonderful characters. Kudos to Ms. Peele for such a wonderful series that leaves you wanting more and more.
2,617 reviews25 followers
August 6, 2018
this was another great book in this series! these two cant stay away from each other. the sex between them is awesome! only people from his past cant seem to let him go. you must read to find out what happens.
Profile Image for Michelle Silva.
71 reviews
August 21, 2018
This book has all the emotions. I loved Lettie and Dev chemistry. The ups and downs of their relationship, the lust and love. I couldn’t put it down. The ending killed me I’m not sure I can wait for the next book!!
Profile Image for Robin.
1,161 reviews14 followers
August 21, 2018
MY HEART IS SO BROKEN! It has taken me a few days to even be able to write this review. I am going to start off my review with a quote: “There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness."
– Friedrich Nietzsche

How much madness can a person tolerate? How many deceptions and half truths are acceptable before you just can’t take anymore? Can love overcome all the neglect, disappointments and abandonment of childhood? I want to think love can conquer all, but Lia Peele has shaken my foundation with this book. I have read the entire series so far and I am so invested in Dev and Scarlett that I feel a personal connection. This review is so hard to write because to say much will just give the book away and ruin it for the devoted followers of D and S. All I can say with absolute certainty is that the love and devotion these two characters have for each other is never in doubt, and this brings to mind my all time favorite quote: “The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves."
– Victor Hugo

This author is a master at writing about the human condition. She keeps it real and she takes no prisoners when she is giving it to you whether hard or soft. The amount of passion and full on sexy steam within these pages makes it impossible to put this book down. I need the next book, like I need a cool drink of water when visiting Arizona in the summer! Give it to me now....I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
Profile Image for Terry.
1,483 reviews
August 5, 2018
Dev and Scarlett's story continues from "Definition of Stripped". And that's about all I can say about the actual story without wrecking it for others.

These characters have taken ahold of my heart and are holding it ransom. They are also in my head and won't get out! Once again I wanted to shake Scarlett and tell her that he will never tell her everything because he had quite an active life those 6 years they were apart. And even though Dev has had to be a grown up for most of his life because of his parents ... he sure is immature. He seems to think he can do whatever he wants, but holds Scarlett on a tight leash. But I still love him because I know he's been through so much and I want him to be better for Scarlett, so they can have a life together. I can't wait for the next book ... the story just seems to get more entangled with each book. And Lia ... you sure know how to write the sex scenes!

I graciously received an ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,979 reviews428 followers
August 21, 2018
This author certainly stepped up with this story as I absolutely loved it. I recommend you read the series in order to get the most out of the series.

Devlin and Scarlett’s story continues. I absolutely love these two. I was rooting for them so much that I felt the author was breaking my heart while reading it. Can two people survive all that’s being thrown at them?

I can’t wait to read the next book. I need it now.
Profile Image for Amy Cecil.
Author 51 books1,068 followers
August 7, 2018
Another awesome addition to the definition series!! Wow.... I have to say, this one was my favorite. The chemistry between Scarlett and Devon is explosive. Their issues, more than anyone should have to bear. I would definitely recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,822 reviews210 followers
October 4, 2018


When Definition of Craving picks up, Dev and Scarlett are together, but end up having to go through so much. In the end, I was left wondering if everything they went through was even worth it. I really like this series so far but am starting to wonder if it will be one of those series where it goes on forever, which I absolutely hate!

Dev and Scarlett have amazing chemistry, there's no doubt about that, I just have my doubts about how much endurance they have. I won't spoil the ending, aside from saying it's a cliffhanger of sorts, but I will say this installment of the series is a roller coaster. They go through so much, as I said before, and by the time it ended, I was absolutely exhausted, both for myself and for them. Now onto Definition of Redemption: Book Three of the Definition series, which I have noticed is NOT the end of their story, as I had been hoping. Sigh...

ARC via Booksprout for an honest review.

Full review posted on Live Through Books Blog.
Profile Image for Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions .
1,273 reviews87 followers
August 21, 2018
I’ve read the prequel and the first book in this series and enjoyed them.

The chemistry between Scarlett and Dev is incredible!! I love the bits of kink with these characters! The sexy times are hot and deliciously dirty. One small issue I have is that there’s more sex than emotions. For the characters and their issues/ personalities this actually makes sense though. So it’s not necessarily a bad thing. I personally just wanted a little more of the feelings.

There’s drama, secrets and a stalker!! No shortage of story here. There is plenty of other things going on.

I definitely connect to Dev’s character more than Scarlett. But she’s a very closed off/in control character so I imagine that’s why.

The end.. well I’m torn. It’s a series so it’s not an end to their story. It definitely had me shaking my head and kind of wanting to scream.
So... I’ll definitely be eager for the next book!
Profile Image for Maria .
278 reviews49 followers
August 5, 2018
This book is the best so far from the serie.
I liked that the relationship is more strong.

Ok. I would never thought I will say this but there was to much sex. The sex was everything and I would prefer to read more of the relationship and their interactions without so much sex.

I don’t know how She can past so much, his past is too much for me but I think she is making the best she can.

I understand that at one point it was to much for her, she only asked for the truth and he lie o keep secrets. So I understand, that she felt that she couldn’t do it any more, but then she go to see him and he was gone.

So I think he gave up so easily and the only thing he does is write a letter that he sends with a friend in a suitcase. That is it. That is the cowards way.

I will read the next one
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews212 followers
August 6, 2018
One heck of an amazing read that is a non-stop bundle of suspense! The nail-biting storyline will keep you on edge with anticipation for making the perfect choice and a great HEA! Emotionally engrossing, witty, exciting and enjoyable! Lip-biting hot chemistry! An amazing bad boy must read that will have you rooting for Mr. Right to take a hike!

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Profile Image for Tanis Owen.
Author 7 books7 followers
August 14, 2018
SPOILER(S) ATTACHED!!!!

I have yet to be disappointed with Lia's books. I'm such a sucker for Dev. This one, I predicted a few things, but it still kept me reading. I thought Georgia was Demeter, even though she wasn't, I still knew something was up with her. I knew Demeter was someone close, just not her. That was a twist. I'm glad we finally got Charlie's story, kind of figured, but I like it spelled out I guess lol. Not posting on here what I wanted to happen, but I'm So ready for the next book! Love your books Lia.
178 reviews
August 14, 2018
This book just about stopped my heart! I love these two characters so much! Lia writes a beautiful gut wrenching story that completely brings Dex and Scarlett to life brilliantly!! I got so wrapped up in book 3 of their story that I totally blew off life and just read! And let me me tell what a read it was!! The ending totally and completely took me by surprise!! My heart ached for the two of them! One can only hope there will be a book 4! Please Lia!! Write faster!! A definite must read!! But read the books in order to get the full effect!❤️
Profile Image for A.
239 reviews
August 4, 2018
Definition of Craving is a raunchy ride into unchartered territory where unconventional domesticity and kinky monogamy have to stand the trials of an obsessive stalker and a risqué former lifestyle that may or may not be in line with Dev and Scarlett’s present relationship goals. Reuniting is not the end goal but sets up another slew of challenges as Dev and Scarlett’s pasts bleed under the edges of their self-imposed relationship bubble. They struggle against internal doubts and external turmoil but will their passion for one another and long history be enough? This is an interesting foray into the next chapter of their lives and while the passion brews, there’s a dose of pansexual moments and none of the trappings of flowery love.
Profile Image for Low-La.
563 reviews10 followers
August 20, 2018
Complimentary copy given by author for an honest review. Thank you Lia Peele

This book is by far, my favorite of the series. Dev and Letts are such a great couple and the love that they have for each other is so moving and true that you wish that this was your typical fairy tale with the HEA. This has your hero, maiden, supporting family, and villians. I love the twisty angsty moments where you think "I did not see that coming" or "Something bad is going to happen" The ending left me on the edge of cliff wondering 'Where f*ck is the next book?' I am looking forward to the next part of Dev and Letts love story.
Profile Image for Christine Iannone schuller.
3 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2018
I've been waiting for more of Dev and Scarlet for months, and they didn't disappoint. As in the first book, their relationship has a good deal of ups and downs as they get to re-know each other.
The chemistry between the two is still off the charts hot, but they have problems talking about their relationship when it comes to feelings.
The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm anxiously awaiting the next one.
Profile Image for Patricia Wood.
26 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2018
Oh wow. Dev is just as delicious in this book and Scarlett is still a strong woman. But how much can a person take before she breaks? Love can only work with honesty and lies by omission are still lies. Dev has really had a rough life and Scarlett is just the person he needs to help him. But he needs to help himself first. I would love to say this book is a HEA but it isn't! Hopefully th next one will be!
Profile Image for Lg.
401 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2018
Dev and Scarlett return and their chemistry is off the charts. Their desires run deep and they are really trying to make a go of it. Lettie’s business is becoming more and more successful and she is garnering more important clients. Dev is changing his ways trying to become a one woman man.

Throughout the story Dev’s sordid past is turning up at every turn. His lifestyle choices are creating many issues for the new couple. With ex lovers and stalkers just around the corner, Dev and Scarlett are often at odds. Their love for each is soul deep and their steamy exploits will have you running for extra batteries!

Can they survive the fallout of his past. This book is ALL THE FEELS! Steamy, emotional, with twists and turns! I cannot wait to see what else Lia Peele can bring for this couple.
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,865 reviews41 followers
August 21, 2018
Honestly I cant believe Dev has survived as long as he has without picking up any sickness with his lifestyle. I feel neither of these characters is grown up and mature enough to handle a serious relationship with all that commitment, every time there is an obstacle they fight, only rarely do they try to work it out. This book is intense and full of angst, there is some mystery and suspense. It contains graphic sexual content, some is erotic and some light BDSM play. I am at a point now that I hope the next book is the last in this particular series, I feel these characters are now at a make or break time frame and don't really see how they could go further and be believable in any way. Don't get me wrong I want them to work out and finally be happy, but there is only so many lies or secrets that can be uncovered without it getting silly. I was gripped reading this and the plot is good, but you have to know how far to push and when it is time to end. I would also suggest you read the books one after the other or fairly close together, I found it took time to pick up the story because of the gap between the last book releasing and this one being finished. The story picks up at the time the last finished so you do forget what had happened and I didn't have time to o a refresh read. I do feel this author is improving her work with each book she writes and has come a long way from the first book I read.
Profile Image for Anne Baker.
756 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2018
Hiding in Plain Sight

OMG Lia Peele has done it again with this second book of the Definition Series! The slow burn of intrigue from the start of this amazing read draws you in straight away in this fantastic must read page turner, I was gripped from the outset. The erotic storyline blows your mind, can it get any hotter? Demeter lives in the shadows of their lives, flitting in and out, Dev and Scarlett just do not see her! The twists and turns I just did not see coming, but hey you are in for a shock at the end of this amazing book! Are Dev and Scarlett officially together or not, will they ever get their chance at their HEA? Will Dev’s insecurities fail him again or will Demeter destroy their relationship, as it is, with her stalking that has now stepped up in a huge way! Has Dev now pushed Demeter to the edge? Is there an end to Dev’s many layers, each one that is peeled back there’s a thicker layer below, his secret lives and lies never end! Will Charlie or Demeter be their downfall, and can Scarlett survive all of his conquests? I just can’t wait for the next book in this raw, real series.
A captivating storyline, scorching hot, the suspense will not let you stop reading this amazing book, one I will guarantee you’ll not put down, I dare you!
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
24 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2018
Wow! Great read! I’m heartbroken by the end of this book and found myself begging her to to let them end up together but recognizing they were not going to be. In the darkest of books I still like HEA so my hopes are we will still have one.
Lia does an amazing job keeping you engaged during the whole book and makes you feel for both characters and keeps you immersed through the whole story. I cannot wait for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Behind Closed Doors Book Review.
1,243 reviews177 followers
August 20, 2018
Amount of sex 4 / 5
How explicit is the sex scenes 4 / 5
Story 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5

Wow!

Lia Peele has done it again; Definition of Craving is absolutely marvelous! The storyline is well written, gripping and so dang steamy!  The characters are fabulous, and I can’t get enough of them.  So you are aware, this series has a continuous storyline. Therefore,  you will need to read it from the beginning of the series.

Definition of Craving begins where we left off in the Definition of Stripped. Scarlett and Dev’s relationship grows as she comes to terms with Dev’s past. Although, Dev often tries to protect her from it, which doesn’t help when a crazy stalker threatens them.  Emotions are all over the place, and I felt like I was on a rollercoaster at times!  Oh, at one point, my Kindle was smoking due to their hot and heavy sex scenes!  Phew (fanning self).  So dang hot!  So don’t forget the extra pair of panties!

I absolutely love this series!

Can’t flipping wait for the next in the series!!

*Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

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