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The One He Craves

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SHE’S BAD FOR HIM , he’s bad for her, yet being together seems so right it shouldn’t be wrong... but it is. The very thing that should pull Nim and Andretti apart pushes them together and they find themselves unable to escape each other after one night of forbidden desire.

In another man’s arms is the one place Nim should’ve never been and also the only place she felt she was ever meant to be. Lust at first sight clouds her better judgment and though she knows Andretti is wrong for her in more ways than he is right, she doesn’t want to leave him alone.

Andretti’s undeniable attraction to Nim went against everything he believed in and made him imagine things only a man on the verge of love should think. Lust at first sight is the reason he can’t stay away from her, causing his morals to become tested in ways they’ve never been before.

Life can turn unexpectedly unfair when it gives you everything you’ve always craved in the form of a person you’re not supposed to have. What will happen when the choice that can make Nim and Andretti the happiest is the same choice that can break them down emotionally?

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2018

186 people are currently reading
175 people want to read

About the author

A. Marie Johnson

15 books165 followers
A. Marie Johnson is a polished romance writer who prides herself on creating black love without restrictions. It is through her romance novels that "bad boy" personas get to redeem themselves through the power of love. Growing up an Omaha, Nebraska native, she best describes herself as a small city girl with a big heart and an old soul. It is her greatest joy to invite you on her journey as she utilizes words to create reasonable with a dash of fairytale love stories.
A. Marie currently has two professional book signings under her belt. Her biography picture was captured during B. Love Publications Winter Wonderland in 2019.
Want to be the first to know about everything A. Marie?
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5 stars
279 (65%)
4 stars
91 (21%)
3 stars
43 (10%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for V. Verne.
51 reviews11 followers
October 21, 2018
Dretti!!!!! I've been waiting on an A. Marie Johnson release for a long time and she did not disappoint. Andretti was everything a woman could want in her man. Rough and gentle at all the right times. The perfect man for Nim after all the things she went through. This is my favorite book by her so far and I'm looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,652 reviews32 followers
May 3, 2023
3.5 Stars

The book cover caught my attention and I liked the jumping off point of the story. However, it wasn't quite what I thought it would be. This is an urban romance and the N-word is littered throughout this story, but it's appropriate for this type of setting/story.

Now ... Nim (love her name) meets Andretti at an airport lounge during an unwanted layover in Chicago. They connect on a physical level but Andretti has judgement issues and doesn't plan to see her again. If only fate would have listened. Nim is dealing with her own drama at home, with her cheating—soon to be officially ex-boyfriend.

When they bump into each other again, sparks fly and not in a good way. Once Andretti is officially schooled by his (step)mother and his best friend—he's ALL IN to making things right with Nim. Andretti is such a contradiction, he's a former bad bad boy turned good bad boy and he has a heart of pure gold and love for his family, best friend and Nim. He's also a man of morals and principles and lives by a code of conduct that has served him well. I liked both Nim and Andretti and their best friends, Keyon and Bria too.

Sometimes, bad boys with good hearts, want love too ...

“If I had held Tori’s past against her, I would’ve missed out on a good woman. I knew when I met her that she’d probably done some things in her past she wasn’t proud of because I know I damn sure have. So off the rip, it was fuck her past. The only thing that mattered to me was what we had going on at the moment and the fact that ain’t no other woman ever made me feel the way she does.”-Keyon

“I real life love you, Nim, and it’s not the type of love where I just say the words whenever I want to make you feel good about yourself. It’s on the level where I want to be anything you need. Anything you want. Baby, on some real ass shit, I won’t hesitate to be whoever you want and need me to be. Give me the word and I’ll be it. Give me the time and place and I’ll show up. I’d for real do anything for you, Nim. Anything.” -Andretti

Recommended: Read It!
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
1,898 reviews744 followers
May 2, 2022
Andretti was doing so good until that beach thing...For context, Nim has never been to the beach and Andretti decided she had to clear all her weekend plans to go with him.

And it's not even that they didn't know each other well enough (it was insta love/insta lust so they felt like they knew each other more than they actually did), but that Andretti acted as if he did her some big favour by agreeing to go to an event that she invited him to before, and she can't do the same, even though her plans for that weekend were important too.

I'd understand if she kept refusing him over and over, and putting her work ahead of him, but that wasn't the case. Like she said herself, they'd have plenty of time to go to the beach some other time.

But he did convince her and it worked out fine. I was just annoyed by his pushy-ness in the matter.

Other than that I don't have any real complaints about the story. It was fun.
Profile Image for BetweentheCoversLiterary .
1,511 reviews32 followers
October 17, 2018
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Omg this book was so amazing this book has equally become one of the best books I have read this year and goes on my top ten list immediately... Andretti is so Bae and I can’t even describe it with words
Profile Image for Brandi.
3 reviews
October 16, 2018
I loved Andretti! He was perfect! Every woman’s dream man!! This book was amazing I can’t wait to read more!! Well done!!! 😍😩👌🏽
Profile Image for Angela M. Artis.
154 reviews15 followers
January 11, 2023
This book took me on an AMAZING rollercoaster ride !!! Staying with the wrong person for the wrong reasons was Nim's problem. She met Andretti and the love story begins with much unnecessary drama !!!
Profile Image for jada.
32 reviews88 followers
October 25, 2022
✰✰✰

Summary: Nim and Britton’s relationship is treading on thin ice. He won't stop cheating and diminishing her career goals. When Nim’s flight back home is delayed and she’s greeted by the company of a gorgeous stranger, she decides she’s had enough and gives Britton a taste of his own medicine.

When Andretti’s flight is delayed he didn’t expect to be sharing a hotel room with the girl he met at the airport. Nor did he expect to be still thinking about her days later.

What started out as a one-night hookup has left both Andretti and Nim feining for each other.

Review:

This was my first read from this author and I went into this completely blind. Didn't read the synopsis or anything. This book was so easy to get through and I went through it really fast.

What I really liked about this book was how Nim wasn't one of those main characters that would let her man walk all over her. She stood up for herself, every single time. PERIOD 💅🏾

Britton is tripping and she’s had enoughhhhhhh. When I tell you God himself sent Andretti to her when he did! That is exactly what she needed.

Andretti came in CORRECT. A real hood ni**a. Nim could not help herself, I mean who doesn't love them one?

This book was full of laughs for me. It had me screaming and talking to myself in my room. I've definitely highlighted so many honourable mentions parts in this book that I just loved.
(Graphics and quotes can be found on my Instagram @jadalovesbookss)

Nim and Andretti’s love is so cute and honestly so pure. He really let his guard down to love her completely and make sure she felt that love. Andretti is really a caring and loving man, we see that in the way he’s always there for his little sister.

Now moving on to more non-Nim and Andretti, when I saw I wanted to reach into the book and beat Aniya’s ass myself. Ain't no way she was acting like that. I just wanted to shake her so damn bad. Like girl wake up!!! I'm definitely intrigued to see how the rest of Aniya’s story plays out.
Profile Image for Akilam.
302 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2018
Ok... in my Tami Roman voice let's get into ittttt, bonnet chronicles style.
First of all. Their names were sexy.
Second... I love their personalities. They fit well and I loved how Nim still maintained her innocence while getting involved with the awesome Dretti.
Britton, 🙄 Omg Inqanted him to fall down a flight of stairs. He was a jerk.
Now, Miss EMANI, aka Legspreader!!!!, I wanted to choke slam her. She had my blood boiling.
I'm speaking Key and Bria into the universe so get with it.
Thanks this bomb read was a straight page turner.
Ps. I used Teyana Taylor as Emani, Dretti's Dad was the father from ATL, Lauren's daddy, and Britton in my head was Terrance J. from 106 n Park Lol
Profile Image for Dee Cherry.
2,945 reviews68 followers
October 17, 2018
Now this was a great story. Dretti & Nim were that couple. From the sound of his voice, his looks & his caring nature he was the one for Nim. I liked the fact he made his choice clear & nothing could remove his decision. Storyline was superb with just enough information on the characters to make them seem realistic & relatable. Britton & Imani definitely were 2 of a kind. Very enjoyable read
Profile Image for Shronda.
619 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2018
Loved it❤️

I loved this book from beginning to the end. Honey I felt that connection between Nim and Andretti. I’m so glad they didn’t let things from their past interrupted something beautiful. A beautiful love story ❤️
Profile Image for Bookplugkay.
524 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2018
Omg Dretti

He has definitely stole my heart I love everything about him and then Nim so she was so sweet and deserved his love. Karma was awesome in this book great job
Profile Image for Kat.
229 reviews17 followers
October 18, 2018
DNF at 65%. Sorry but I just couldn’t finish this book. I wasn’t feeling the insta-love, grammar and it just wasn’t well written to me. There was a lot of unnecessary words used to convey a simple thought. Maybe it’s because I had just finished a REALLY good book so this one made me feel like I was wasting my time. I might give this author another chance...
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,008 reviews110 followers
March 25, 2022
A second time

This was the second time to read this story, and I found it to be as enjoyable as the first. Andretti was cool, and Nim was too sweet with her good-natured ways. I will admit; some parts at the end of the story felt a bit rushed. Overall, the story was good.
Profile Image for Adwoa.
112 reviews25 followers
January 30, 2023
Really dumbfounded by how terrible this book is juxtaposed to the amazing reviews it seems to have.
Profile Image for Lizzy Clark.
843 reviews29 followers
March 25, 2022
Awww, this was a good one💕

Queen A. Marie Johnson has been MIA on the writing scene😢 and although it mentioned this was a re-release, I'm thankful cause I hadn't read this one.
This was cute insta-love story💕. That dang Andretti was something else. Him and Nim one night stand turned into something neither saw coming. They challenged each other, had the other storing outside of their comfort zone. Despite the drama brought on by hating exes, these two had a beautiful courtship💕
Britton was a 🗑 a** ninja that didn't appreciate the amazing woman he had. He let the lol title go to his head and thought he was invisible. Cheating with yo assistant is so cliche. His karma was losing Nim.
Exon and Emani ho* asses deserved each other. All the conflict and turmoil they put others through, came back via karma.
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,859 reviews
October 18, 2019
Loved this! ❤️

Ah, Andretti and Nim!! This was such a beautiful story. It was love or lust at first sight! I think both characters tried to downplay their attraction but it was definitely there. Andretti was such a gentle thug that loved himself some Nim! Andretti had a sweet side to him; with Nim he was able to let his guard down and be vulnerable. Nim was also kind of uptight in the beginning but she started living her life for her and I can respect that!! This was a good story; well written, with just enough drama. I couldn’t take Andretti serious sometimes, he had me laughing. But one thing I could say, he loved Nim! Good read!!
Profile Image for Lawrynn Brooks.
206 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2018
Really good

Really good feel good romance novel. I loved how although it was very much love at first sight, classic romance novel, it still had an urban mix in it. I liked how Dretti was everything she needed but didnt know, I just wish the story was developed more.

Wouldve liked to know the deal with Eboni, and a little more on the relationship tht blossomed between Dretti and Nim. It moved a little fast but not to where it took the enjoyment out of the book.
Im also curious to see about Bria and Key. Again really good read, definitely very pleased
Profile Image for D'Evolution.
996 reviews11 followers
October 14, 2018
I definitely enjoyed the Dretti experience!!

I think that part when they were in the hotel having sex was probably one of the most erotic love scenes I have read in a book before. Andretti was the perfect mix of bad boy and gentleman. I love how he brought things out of Nim that she didn't expect. Idk why her cousin Emani hated her so. Just didn't make sense. It seemed like their love is very contagious. I hope Bria and Keyon are next!! This was one that I couldn't put down!!
Profile Image for Daphne.
611 reviews3 followers
October 20, 2018
Dretti where you at!?

Nim knew from the moment she heard that man's voice, she was a goner. I heard his voice in my head and I was gone too! The crazy connections though with Dretti, Exon, Nim, Emani and Aniya had me thinking there was going to be much more tension, but I was pleasantly surprised by the resolution. I was prepared for drama at the family gathering though lol. Andretti has me moving to Omaha now.
Profile Image for Shajuana McDuffy.
428 reviews5 followers
October 14, 2018
Dretti Is Bae

OMFG AMARIE! YOU DID THAT THING BABY! You ought to see me over here acting a plum fool. I LOVE this story honey! I'm going to stop talking before there will be a spoiler alert! Amazing work boo. BLP DID NOT COME TO PLAY WITH YOU WHOAS! If you're looking for something fire, passionate, heated, intense, insane GET THIS BOOK!
1,455 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2018
Review !

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. Who would have thought that a chance encounter would lead to something greater. The love that Dretti had for Nim was remarkable the words that he spoke to her was so powerful. Emani was so messy but they say karma always win. Exxon wasn't much to talk about. But we need a story on Keyon and Bria . Loved Loved it.
Profile Image for Candace.
860 reviews8 followers
October 16, 2018
A perfect story!!!

OMG I think Dretti takes the #1 spot for bae of the year!! I loved everything about him, Nim and them together. They were so cute and I couldn't get enough of reading about them. The One He Craves was such an addicting read that I couldn't put it down once I started reading it! I'm sooo excited for more to come from A. Marie Johnson!!!
284 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2018
Good Book

This was my first time reading a book by A. Marie Johnson and I must say I enjoyed it from the beginning to the very end. This book is definitely not your typical hood book, it's more contemporary romance with a little bit of hood. It was definitely something new, fresh, and very relatable. I'm excited to see what else you have in store for your readers. Bravo 👏👏👏👏
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,166 reviews71 followers
May 11, 2023
cute and crazy

I really do like em kinda crazy and Dretti is further proof of that. This man definitely isn’t wrapped to tight but that’s my boo. This was a really sweet instalove romance with some really fun and likable characters. The writing style was mostly dialogue and made for a quick and easy read. I had a good feeling about this one and I’m so glad I was right.
Profile Image for Monica Walters.
214 reviews23 followers
October 14, 2018
Dangerously addicting

I absolutely loved this book!! From the beginning, it captivated me! I literally could not stop reading until I was done! Andretti.... babyyy yes! He was definitely bae material. I loved Nim’s character as well. They were well developed and relatable. Thanks for an amazing read!
Profile Image for Wanda Dotson.
40 reviews
October 20, 2018
A sensitive bad boy

Romance with a sensitive bad boy!
Dretti is a man every woman wants
He is sensitive and loving towards his woman, but street enough to protect her
This book is a great read
A. Marie Johnson never disappoints and keeps you coming back for more
Profile Image for tayara tate.
927 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2018
Good read

baby dretti was the man nim been looking for and didn't know it. He was a man who changed his former life into legal living but don't get him twisted he can still get down. I like how he got her to see that he was nothing like she thought he would be, he believed in her and her dreams. I hope this isn't the end for them I would like to hear about wedding bells and kids next for them.
Profile Image for Tesha.
245 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2018
Sunday to Sunday!!!!

Is a week all it takes to bring down a Dretti? I really enjoyed to story between Dretti and Nim. Makes me want to have a damn one night stand too!!! But thanks for giving us reasons to read and escape our realities. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to read about Key and Bria!!!
Profile Image for Tammie.
321 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2018
Dretti & Nim

This was a really good love story that kept you interested until the very end. Andretti is definitely every womans dream man and Nim was truly a lucky female. The story just wouldnt be complete without the jealous characters, but im glad they got what they deserved in the end.
Profile Image for A.C. Taylor.
Author 29 books231 followers
November 20, 2018
I’m in love with Dretti!!! 💗💗💗

This book was everything. It had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t stop reading. The chemistry between Dretti and Nim was amazing. This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait to read more. 💗💗💗
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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