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Crazy Notion
Mick hasn’t seen or spoken to his childhood friend Raven in fifteen years. He has no idea what to expect. He bangs on her trailer door only to find— well, there’s no easy way to say this — she is a prostitute! A prostitute who immediately mistakes Mick for one of her clients! Even crazier still—Mick decides that despite her profession he should bring her home with him. He should do whatever he can to help her. He should work to correct all the mistakes of his past. It would help if she didn’t hate him. But Mick’s never been one to turn down a challenge.
223 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
48 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Darlington
23 books591 followersHi! I'm Sarah Darlington. I write contemporary romance books that are steamy, sexy, and sweet. I love creating book boyfriends you won’t soon forget, and the heroines who give them hell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 8, 2018
4 Meant to Be Stars
Well when we are first introduced to Mick I thought he was a total tosser!! As he broke up with his girlfriend of two years by telling her he doesn't care about her and he has been cheating the whole time. There are a tonne of ways to break it off with someone and that's not one in my opinion. He did however slowly win me back through the book.
Mick/Mickey grew up in a trailer park in Kansas but was saved by his rich father when he was 10yrs old. He now lives an affluent life in Maine, but has always felt something or rather someone was missing from his life. Raven was his best friend who lived in the trailer across from him and they spent all their time together.
Raven is still living in the trailer park her and Mick grew up in, doing everything she can to provide for her and her 7yr old daughter Samantha which includes entertaining men for money on Tuesdays to supplement her other jobs.
Raven has four rules when it comes to men: 1) No Names 2) No Foreplay 3) Always use a condom
4) No Kissing. Raven finds these rules have protected her heart for years well that's until Mick swoops in taking her from her shitty life like he'd promised to years ago, then the rules get tossed aside.
OMG!!! What Mick's ex did at the end was just unexceptable I couldn't believe it for a minute, I would have been totally shattered if I was Raven.
I enjoyed this book a lot, was there some unrealistic parts and some important things left out? Sure, but overall I found myself routing for Mick and Raven to get their HEA. there was some push and pull and of course the drama of Mick's ex, I would have liked Raven's daughter to be spoken of more and I am still wondering why that girl wasn't at school at 7yrs old.
➰ Reviewed on behalf of the 1-Click Addict Support Group
Well when we are first introduced to Mick I thought he was a total tosser!! As he broke up with his girlfriend of two years by telling her he doesn't care about her and he has been cheating the whole time. There are a tonne of ways to break it off with someone and that's not one in my opinion. He did however slowly win me back through the book.
Mick/Mickey grew up in a trailer park in Kansas but was saved by his rich father when he was 10yrs old. He now lives an affluent life in Maine, but has always felt something or rather someone was missing from his life. Raven was his best friend who lived in the trailer across from him and they spent all their time together.
Raven is still living in the trailer park her and Mick grew up in, doing everything she can to provide for her and her 7yr old daughter Samantha which includes entertaining men for money on Tuesdays to supplement her other jobs.
Raven has four rules when it comes to men: 1) No Names 2) No Foreplay 3) Always use a condom
4) No Kissing. Raven finds these rules have protected her heart for years well that's until Mick swoops in taking her from her shitty life like he'd promised to years ago, then the rules get tossed aside.
OMG!!! What Mick's ex did at the end was just unexceptable I couldn't believe it for a minute, I would have been totally shattered if I was Raven.
I enjoyed this book a lot, was there some unrealistic parts and some important things left out? Sure, but overall I found myself routing for Mick and Raven to get their HEA. there was some push and pull and of course the drama of Mick's ex, I would have liked Raven's daughter to be spoken of more and I am still wondering why that girl wasn't at school at 7yrs old.
➰ Reviewed on behalf of the 1-Click Addict Support Group
January 5, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
It didn’t help that this man had to be straight up handsome, too. Like Clark Kent handsome… He even had on dark frames, as if he really were trying to channel Clark Kent up in the front seat. Good thing I'd always been a Batman fan.
I had a feeling I was about to see the side of him that turned smart girls, like Sandra, stupid.
His blue eyes were sincere and kind, staring at me like I hung the moon in his eyes. He knew the worst about me and…still, he’d only ever looked at me with adoration.
I knew my life was never going to be the same… You aren’t the little girl I remembered—you’re so much more.
My Review:
I have only read two of Sarah Darlington’s books, but I plan to remedy that as soon as is humanly possible. She has mad storytelling skills. Her characters tend to be uniquely quirky train wrecks, less than admirable and deeply flawed screw-ups, and some have even been absolutely obnoxious and cringe-worthy. However, despite their countless poor choices, missteps, and transgressions, I find myself a bit tense with conflict before pulling toward them and wanting good things to happen for them to balance out the poor hands they had been dealt, and such was the case with the low-rent/trailer-park raised waitress/part-time hooker character of Raven in this engrossing tale.
Raven was jaded, temperamental, impulsive, easily angered, crass, and impatient. She was also beautiful, highly sensual, and a survivor. She was doing the best she could muster given her limited opportunities and heart-breaking history. The writing and storyline of Crazy Sexy Notion held me captive, even when I wanted to give the exasperating characters a hard pinch or whack to the head I couldn’t stop reading and finished the book in a day. Prepare for lots of expletives, characters you’ll want to smack, heart-squeezes, sizzling sensual scenes, and an addictive tale that proved hard to quit. I can’t wait to see who and what Ms. Darlington conjures up for me to love/hate next.
It didn’t help that this man had to be straight up handsome, too. Like Clark Kent handsome… He even had on dark frames, as if he really were trying to channel Clark Kent up in the front seat. Good thing I'd always been a Batman fan.
I had a feeling I was about to see the side of him that turned smart girls, like Sandra, stupid.
His blue eyes were sincere and kind, staring at me like I hung the moon in his eyes. He knew the worst about me and…still, he’d only ever looked at me with adoration.
I knew my life was never going to be the same… You aren’t the little girl I remembered—you’re so much more.
My Review:
I have only read two of Sarah Darlington’s books, but I plan to remedy that as soon as is humanly possible. She has mad storytelling skills. Her characters tend to be uniquely quirky train wrecks, less than admirable and deeply flawed screw-ups, and some have even been absolutely obnoxious and cringe-worthy. However, despite their countless poor choices, missteps, and transgressions, I find myself a bit tense with conflict before pulling toward them and wanting good things to happen for them to balance out the poor hands they had been dealt, and such was the case with the low-rent/trailer-park raised waitress/part-time hooker character of Raven in this engrossing tale.
Raven was jaded, temperamental, impulsive, easily angered, crass, and impatient. She was also beautiful, highly sensual, and a survivor. She was doing the best she could muster given her limited opportunities and heart-breaking history. The writing and storyline of Crazy Sexy Notion held me captive, even when I wanted to give the exasperating characters a hard pinch or whack to the head I couldn’t stop reading and finished the book in a day. Prepare for lots of expletives, characters you’ll want to smack, heart-squeezes, sizzling sensual scenes, and an addictive tale that proved hard to quit. I can’t wait to see who and what Ms. Darlington conjures up for me to love/hate next.
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February 6, 2018
I'll be honest here and say that this took me a while to review. I really wanted to like book so I decided to give this one a try but sadly I STILL DIDN'T like it.
I am sorry but it's just ridiculous! Former best friend he hasn't met for more than a decade and he suddenly just decides to barge into her life and sweep her off her feet?!
I couldn't 'come to terms' with the start of the book but somewhere along the way I sort of got into it but it wasn't worth gushing on about. Sorry!
January 10, 2018
Mick and Raven were neighbors when they were children. They were best friends and inseparable. Until one day, Mick had to move in with his dad. He lived far away from Raven and Raven was devastated when Mick left. Raven and Mick hadn’t seen nor heard from each other for more than a decade.
Mick just broke up with his girlfriend. He never loved her or anyone else. He has never forgotten Raven and he wants to see her again. Raven still lives in the same town and she hasn’t had a good life. Mick is determined to take Raven to his home and to give her a great life. Raven isn’t sure what to think about Mick being back into her life and she’s still a little hurt, but she goes with him.
I liked Mick and Raven. Raven isn’t the same girl anymore. She’s closed off and a little damaged, but she’s also strong and determined. She isn’t happy and she isn’t really enjoying her life. Raven works hard and a lot, to hopefully one day leave her home town. She does what she needs to do. Raven missed Mick and she was shocked when he was standing in front of her after all those years. She is attracted to him and she wants him, but she has her reasons to take things slow with him.
Mick didn’t make the best impression on me at the beginning. He was a cheater. He’s different with Raven. Mick is caring, sporty, rich and passionate. He genuinely wants to help Raven and he would do anything for her. He doesn’t care what she does for a living. Raven is the woman he has never forgotten. Mick is attracted to Raven when he goes to pick her up, but he doesn’t admit those feelings quickly. He does know that she’s the one he wants to be with forever.
There were some things I found a little odd and I also missed some information about some other things, but overall I really enjoyed this book a lot. Crazy Sexy Notion was my first read by this author and it was a great book! I know I’ll read more of her books. I’m so happy that Mick’s brother, Nick, will get his own book. I can’t wait to know his story and meet the woman who will capture his heart.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
Mick just broke up with his girlfriend. He never loved her or anyone else. He has never forgotten Raven and he wants to see her again. Raven still lives in the same town and she hasn’t had a good life. Mick is determined to take Raven to his home and to give her a great life. Raven isn’t sure what to think about Mick being back into her life and she’s still a little hurt, but she goes with him.
I liked Mick and Raven. Raven isn’t the same girl anymore. She’s closed off and a little damaged, but she’s also strong and determined. She isn’t happy and she isn’t really enjoying her life. Raven works hard and a lot, to hopefully one day leave her home town. She does what she needs to do. Raven missed Mick and she was shocked when he was standing in front of her after all those years. She is attracted to him and she wants him, but she has her reasons to take things slow with him.
Mick didn’t make the best impression on me at the beginning. He was a cheater. He’s different with Raven. Mick is caring, sporty, rich and passionate. He genuinely wants to help Raven and he would do anything for her. He doesn’t care what she does for a living. Raven is the woman he has never forgotten. Mick is attracted to Raven when he goes to pick her up, but he doesn’t admit those feelings quickly. He does know that she’s the one he wants to be with forever.
There were some things I found a little odd and I also missed some information about some other things, but overall I really enjoyed this book a lot. Crazy Sexy Notion was my first read by this author and it was a great book! I know I’ll read more of her books. I’m so happy that Mick’s brother, Nick, will get his own book. I can’t wait to know his story and meet the woman who will capture his heart.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
January 21, 2018
Crazy Sexy Notion was a standalone by Sarah Darlington and was the first book I’ve read y this author. I received an ARC for an honest review.
Mickey Jasmine was born to a drug addict in a trailer park in a small town in Kansas. At ten his father took him across the country to live with him and raise him. He had a better life but he never forgot his best friend from birth, whom he promised he would always protect. He hadn’t seen her in fifteen years and it was time to resolve that.
Raven Malone had a tough childhood. It was dark filled with horrific events for a child, but she was surviving the best she knew how for her and her daughter. She never forgot her best friend but she hated him for leaving her and never looking back.
Crazy, Sexy, Notion was told in a dual POV. It was well written with depth and dimension. Darlington took us through the crazy first meeting after fifteen years, as well as the adjustments, emotions and challenges. They were soul mates, but so much had changed. And of course there was drama, and loads of it.
All in all, it was a fast and entertaining read. Although the past highlighted some darkness, the present storyline was lighthearted and fun. Darlington also set the stage well for the next book in the series, Street Rat, focusing on Mickey’s brother, Nick.
Mickey Jasmine was born to a drug addict in a trailer park in a small town in Kansas. At ten his father took him across the country to live with him and raise him. He had a better life but he never forgot his best friend from birth, whom he promised he would always protect. He hadn’t seen her in fifteen years and it was time to resolve that.
Raven Malone had a tough childhood. It was dark filled with horrific events for a child, but she was surviving the best she knew how for her and her daughter. She never forgot her best friend but she hated him for leaving her and never looking back.
Crazy, Sexy, Notion was told in a dual POV. It was well written with depth and dimension. Darlington took us through the crazy first meeting after fifteen years, as well as the adjustments, emotions and challenges. They were soul mates, but so much had changed. And of course there was drama, and loads of it.
All in all, it was a fast and entertaining read. Although the past highlighted some darkness, the present storyline was lighthearted and fun. Darlington also set the stage well for the next book in the series, Street Rat, focusing on Mickey’s brother, Nick.
January 8, 2018
4 Meant to Be Stars
Well when we are first introduced to Mick I thought he was a total tosser!! As he broke up with his girlfriend of two years by telling her he doesn't care about her and he has been cheating the whole time. There are a tonne of ways to break it off with someone and that's not one in my opinion. He did however slowly win me back through the book.
Mick/Mickey grew up in a trailer park in Kansas but was saved by his rich father when he was 10yrs old. He now lives an affluent life in Maine, but has always felt something or rather someone was missing from his life. Raven was his best friend who lived in the trailer across from him and they spent all their time together.
Raven is still living in the trailer park her and Mick grew up in, doing everything she can to provide for her and her 7yr old daughter Samantha which includes entertaining men for money on Tuesdays to supplement her other jobs.
Raven has four rules when it comes to men: 1) No Names 2) No Foreplay 3) Always use a condom
4) No Kissing. Raven finds these rules have protected her heart for years well that's until Mick swoops in taking her from her shitty life like he'd promised to years ago, then the rules get tossed aside.
OMG!!! What Mick's ex did at the end was just unexceptable I couldn't believe it for a minute, I would have been totally shattered if I was Raven.
I enjoyed this book a lot, was there some unrealistic parts and some important things left out? Sure, but overall I found myself routing for Mick and Raven to get their HEA. there was some push and pull and of course the drama of Mick's ex, I would have liked Raven's daughter to be spoken of more and I am still wondering why that girl wasn't at school at 7yrs old.
-Alicia, 4 Stars.
Well when we are first introduced to Mick I thought he was a total tosser!! As he broke up with his girlfriend of two years by telling her he doesn't care about her and he has been cheating the whole time. There are a tonne of ways to break it off with someone and that's not one in my opinion. He did however slowly win me back through the book.
Mick/Mickey grew up in a trailer park in Kansas but was saved by his rich father when he was 10yrs old. He now lives an affluent life in Maine, but has always felt something or rather someone was missing from his life. Raven was his best friend who lived in the trailer across from him and they spent all their time together.
Raven is still living in the trailer park her and Mick grew up in, doing everything she can to provide for her and her 7yr old daughter Samantha which includes entertaining men for money on Tuesdays to supplement her other jobs.
Raven has four rules when it comes to men: 1) No Names 2) No Foreplay 3) Always use a condom
4) No Kissing. Raven finds these rules have protected her heart for years well that's until Mick swoops in taking her from her shitty life like he'd promised to years ago, then the rules get tossed aside.
OMG!!! What Mick's ex did at the end was just unexceptable I couldn't believe it for a minute, I would have been totally shattered if I was Raven.
I enjoyed this book a lot, was there some unrealistic parts and some important things left out? Sure, but overall I found myself routing for Mick and Raven to get their HEA. there was some push and pull and of course the drama of Mick's ex, I would have liked Raven's daughter to be spoken of more and I am still wondering why that girl wasn't at school at 7yrs old.
-Alicia, 4 Stars.
January 4, 2018
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Best friends since they were children, the journey of Mickey and Raven is filled with everything from hail the size of golf balls to mind blowing declarations and it all sweeps you on the journey in Sarah Darlington's sweet and emotion filled new novel, Crazy Sexy Notion.
"She'd never been more than a childhood friend, but somehow this gut feeling inside told me that she was always meant to be more."
Mick, formerly known as Mickey, is a good man, but he has flaws just like everybody else. He's caring when it comes to the things that matter and it soon becomes clear he is no longer a ten year old boy.
Mick is sweet and caring and not anything like the 10 year old boy that Raven remembers him as. He has flaws, like every other person and being unfaithful is one of them. Being like a local celeb makes him all the more desirable and could easily be intimidating. He’s a wonderful character and certainly knows how to push all your buttons. But in the end everything works out as it should.
She’s no longer a blonde little girl, she’s now a woman with a lot of responsibility and resentment, and maybe a broken heart dating back 15 years. When presented with an unbelievable ultimatum, she does what is best for those she loves. Would a new life in a new place with practical strangers be better than what she's known her whole life? Raven is strong and fierce and doesn’t let people look down on her, even when they know about her very tainted past.
“And this bats-- crazy notion of mine… well, maybe it wasn’t so bats-- crazy after all.”
From the first page, this book was unstoppable, literally. It draws you in and then messes with you and even while you’re being tossed about, you stay put. Because things can either get really good or really bad from here. I rooted for everything good to happen. Raven especially needed some luck and positives even when things looked dark and there was no light at the end of the tunnel.
This book is full of surprises and will keep you hooked!
Everything about this book is just amazing!
Definitely worth 5-succulent stars!
Best friends since they were children, the journey of Mickey and Raven is filled with everything from hail the size of golf balls to mind blowing declarations and it all sweeps you on the journey in Sarah Darlington's sweet and emotion filled new novel, Crazy Sexy Notion.
"She'd never been more than a childhood friend, but somehow this gut feeling inside told me that she was always meant to be more."
Mick, formerly known as Mickey, is a good man, but he has flaws just like everybody else. He's caring when it comes to the things that matter and it soon becomes clear he is no longer a ten year old boy.
Mick is sweet and caring and not anything like the 10 year old boy that Raven remembers him as. He has flaws, like every other person and being unfaithful is one of them. Being like a local celeb makes him all the more desirable and could easily be intimidating. He’s a wonderful character and certainly knows how to push all your buttons. But in the end everything works out as it should.
She’s no longer a blonde little girl, she’s now a woman with a lot of responsibility and resentment, and maybe a broken heart dating back 15 years. When presented with an unbelievable ultimatum, she does what is best for those she loves. Would a new life in a new place with practical strangers be better than what she's known her whole life? Raven is strong and fierce and doesn’t let people look down on her, even when they know about her very tainted past.
“And this bats-- crazy notion of mine… well, maybe it wasn’t so bats-- crazy after all.”
From the first page, this book was unstoppable, literally. It draws you in and then messes with you and even while you’re being tossed about, you stay put. Because things can either get really good or really bad from here. I rooted for everything good to happen. Raven especially needed some luck and positives even when things looked dark and there was no light at the end of the tunnel.
This book is full of surprises and will keep you hooked!
Everything about this book is just amazing!
Definitely worth 5-succulent stars!
December 23, 2017
This was an enjoyable afternoon read! Crazy Sexy Notion is the story of Raven & Mick. The two were best friends, enduring life at the trailer park & taking what Kansas gave them for 10 years...until Mick's dad came and took him away, leaving a vulnerable Raven with no protector. Fifteen years later, Mick travels from Maine to come save Raven, the same way he was rescued at age ten. He quickly learns that Raven is a prostitute with a daughter. Life has not been easy for her since Mick left.
The storyline is so different... the idea of a love story between a man and a hooker... could go very wrong or could be a wonderful story. This was a wonderful story! A quick read, took me about 4-5 hours to read the entire story & had me hooked the entire time. This was a perfect stand-alone novel. I don't think there's a lot more left of their story, although I would have liked it to be a little longer... it's not the romance that left me wanting more and more books centered on them. Perhaps the author will write on Nick (Mick's brother) and we can catch glimpses into Mick & Raven then.
All-in-all this was great for what it is... a quick romantic story that lets us lose ourselves for an afternoon. The characters were enjoyable. Raven annoyed me a little but unlike other main female characters, she wasn't the woman who wouldn't speak her mind. If she wanted to know something, she'd get the answer right then, which I really enjoy. Mick didn't make a bunch of dumb decisions either. There was no "I love you but I'm going to temporarily ignore you for another woman" type of moments.
Need to get away from reality for a bit? Want a quick-light read? Want something a little unique? Give it a go! You won't be disappointed!
I was provided a copy of this novel for an honest review. And I honestly enjoyed it!
The storyline is so different... the idea of a love story between a man and a hooker... could go very wrong or could be a wonderful story. This was a wonderful story! A quick read, took me about 4-5 hours to read the entire story & had me hooked the entire time. This was a perfect stand-alone novel. I don't think there's a lot more left of their story, although I would have liked it to be a little longer... it's not the romance that left me wanting more and more books centered on them. Perhaps the author will write on Nick (Mick's brother) and we can catch glimpses into Mick & Raven then.
All-in-all this was great for what it is... a quick romantic story that lets us lose ourselves for an afternoon. The characters were enjoyable. Raven annoyed me a little but unlike other main female characters, she wasn't the woman who wouldn't speak her mind. If she wanted to know something, she'd get the answer right then, which I really enjoy. Mick didn't make a bunch of dumb decisions either. There was no "I love you but I'm going to temporarily ignore you for another woman" type of moments.
Need to get away from reality for a bit? Want a quick-light read? Want something a little unique? Give it a go! You won't be disappointed!
I was provided a copy of this novel for an honest review. And I honestly enjoyed it!
January 7, 2018
Loved it! I think Mickey is my new favorite Darlington BBF, next to Leo!
I’m not even sure how to go about describing this book or how exactly it made me feel! I’m kind of feeling like Raven and her dilemma with Mick~ “...if I ever actually saw Mickey again in my lifetime then I’d show him...I’d show him...Well...I still wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to show him.”
Crazy Sexy Notion is so different from Ms. Darlington’s previous books, but in a really good way! It’s funny and sexy and so freaking entertaining! It cracked me up, well Mickey cracked me up, honestly. He’s so intensely clueless, and he definitely won’t be for everyone, that’s for sure. I’m talking to you “safety girls” here on GR- he’s a cheater and an unapologetic manwhore, so this is your warning to just stay away from this book. But I loved him. I’ve read every book Sarah’s written and next to Leo freaking Maddox, Mickey Lawson is my favorite bbf of hers. He’s got some quirks, he goes about things in completely the wrong way, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t think before he acts most of the time, but his heart is in the right place.
”Raven, pack a bag. I’m here to take you home.”
Mick takes it upon himself, after 15 years, to go save his childhood best friend, Raven. The thing of it is, he doesn’t even know if she needs saving! He’s been feeling guilty for having left her in the crappy trailer park they grew up in all those years ago, and gets this “notion” in his head that he needs to go get her. He was 10 years old when he left, just a kid, so there’s really nothing he could have done at the time, but this is something he needs to do for himself, and once he’s made up his mind there’s no turning back.
”But touching her, no matter how miniscule the touch had been, felt like...everything. The closest thing to something real I’d ever felt in my life.”
What follows is a delightfully amusing tale that had me laughing, shaking my head, and rooting for these 2 oddball characters. Crazy Sexy Notion is an unconventional love story of two long lost best friends that kept me engaged from start to finish.
I’m not even sure how to go about describing this book or how exactly it made me feel! I’m kind of feeling like Raven and her dilemma with Mick~ “...if I ever actually saw Mickey again in my lifetime then I’d show him...I’d show him...Well...I still wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to show him.”
Crazy Sexy Notion is so different from Ms. Darlington’s previous books, but in a really good way! It’s funny and sexy and so freaking entertaining! It cracked me up, well Mickey cracked me up, honestly. He’s so intensely clueless, and he definitely won’t be for everyone, that’s for sure. I’m talking to you “safety girls” here on GR- he’s a cheater and an unapologetic manwhore, so this is your warning to just stay away from this book. But I loved him. I’ve read every book Sarah’s written and next to Leo freaking Maddox, Mickey Lawson is my favorite bbf of hers. He’s got some quirks, he goes about things in completely the wrong way, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t think before he acts most of the time, but his heart is in the right place.
”Raven, pack a bag. I’m here to take you home.”
Mick takes it upon himself, after 15 years, to go save his childhood best friend, Raven. The thing of it is, he doesn’t even know if she needs saving! He’s been feeling guilty for having left her in the crappy trailer park they grew up in all those years ago, and gets this “notion” in his head that he needs to go get her. He was 10 years old when he left, just a kid, so there’s really nothing he could have done at the time, but this is something he needs to do for himself, and once he’s made up his mind there’s no turning back.
”But touching her, no matter how miniscule the touch had been, felt like...everything. The closest thing to something real I’d ever felt in my life.”
What follows is a delightfully amusing tale that had me laughing, shaking my head, and rooting for these 2 oddball characters. Crazy Sexy Notion is an unconventional love story of two long lost best friends that kept me engaged from start to finish.
January 4, 2018
This quick read by new to me author Sarah Darlington was a very enjoyable second chance/friends to lovers romance. The two once best friends Raven and Mickey grew up in the same harsh conditions and only had each other to rely on for the first 10 years of their lives. But then Mickey's father swooped in and saved him from that life. And in doing so, Mickey had to leave Raven behind. Years later they are reunited, but it's not the reunion either was expecting.
Mickey, or Mick as most of the characters call him, is pretty easy to like. Especially the more I read about him. When I consider the life he was living, and the fact that he was just a child when he and Raven were separated, it was hard to blame him for leaving her. But my heart broke for what she endured after he left. When he comes for her, I was happy things played out the way they did. They have to deal with troubled younger siblings, crazy exes, secrets and emotional baggage. But it all makes for a good story. There were a few items that were left hanging, none of which took away from my enjoyment or effected the story. More items that I hope to see addressed in future books. And luckily there is at least one more book coming starring one of the secondary characters and I look forward to reading that one and hopefully getting some of those questions answered.
January 8, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! I've been a fan of Sarah Darlington's books since I got the chance to read her debut He Belongs with Me, and her Kill Devil Hills series is fantastic. As much as I liked this story, I found myself with a few questions throughout the story that weren't answered, but that's because I'm detail-oriented person and like to have all the information lol.
Mick is back in his hometown after 15 years because of his former best friend Raven, although their initial reunion isn't the stuff of happy memories. There's shock on both sides, and plenty of animosity seeping from Raven's pores that is aimed all at Mick. Yet they're both attracted to each other, even though Raven is determined to not let her heart rule her when it comes to Mick. But the heart knows who it wants.
I liked that Mick is self-aware enough to know the reasons why he's never been faithful to any of his former love interests, and he even acknowledges his feelings for Raven (of course while talking to himself, but hey, it's a start). Raven is the unknown factor, simply because she feels that she doesn't belong in Mick's world and his life. Mick doesn't feel that way and doesn't care what other people think about his love life. While Mick's life improved once he left Pecan, Raven's life deteriorated into the hot mess she was when he showed back up. It's not until late in the book that we learn exactly what happened with her once Mick was gone and my heart broke for her.
As much as I liked this book, there were a few questions I had while reading that weren't cleared up:
(1) What was the deal with the vase?
(2) Who was responsible for the car damages?
(3) What did Mick's family do to live that type of lifestyle?
(4) What was up with Mick's brother?
Even with those questions, I still enjoyed the hell out of this book and can't wait to get the next story!
Mick is back in his hometown after 15 years because of his former best friend Raven, although their initial reunion isn't the stuff of happy memories. There's shock on both sides, and plenty of animosity seeping from Raven's pores that is aimed all at Mick. Yet they're both attracted to each other, even though Raven is determined to not let her heart rule her when it comes to Mick. But the heart knows who it wants.
I liked that Mick is self-aware enough to know the reasons why he's never been faithful to any of his former love interests, and he even acknowledges his feelings for Raven (of course while talking to himself, but hey, it's a start). Raven is the unknown factor, simply because she feels that she doesn't belong in Mick's world and his life. Mick doesn't feel that way and doesn't care what other people think about his love life. While Mick's life improved once he left Pecan, Raven's life deteriorated into the hot mess she was when he showed back up. It's not until late in the book that we learn exactly what happened with her once Mick was gone and my heart broke for her.
As much as I liked this book, there were a few questions I had while reading that weren't cleared up:
(1) What was the deal with the vase?
(2) Who was responsible for the car damages?
(3) What did Mick's family do to live that type of lifestyle?
(4) What was up with Mick's brother?
Even with those questions, I still enjoyed the hell out of this book and can't wait to get the next story!
January 8, 2018
Wow, I really enjoyed this story, so not what I was expecting. This is my first Sarah Darlington story and I can happily say I am hooked.
Mickey is living in a trailer park with his mother when his father takes him away at the age of 10. He is heartbroken when he leaves leaving his best friend Raven there. Promising he will come back for her. Never realizing that when he leaves Raven's life will take drastic turns.
Raven, never really blamed Mickey for leaving, she was dealt a bad hand and handled it. She was extremely surprised when Mickey showed to bring her home- his home. These two have a lot of history together and apart. Will they be able to get through their problems?
This is a great friend to lovers story. Not a second chance story. I voluntarily read an advance reader copy for my honest review.
Mickey is living in a trailer park with his mother when his father takes him away at the age of 10. He is heartbroken when he leaves leaving his best friend Raven there. Promising he will come back for her. Never realizing that when he leaves Raven's life will take drastic turns.
Raven, never really blamed Mickey for leaving, she was dealt a bad hand and handled it. She was extremely surprised when Mickey showed to bring her home- his home. These two have a lot of history together and apart. Will they be able to get through their problems?
This is a great friend to lovers story. Not a second chance story. I voluntarily read an advance reader copy for my honest review.
December 31, 2017
Crazy Sexy Notion is the story of childhood friends, Raven and Mickey (Mick), who haven't seen each other since they were ten years old. After fifteen years apart, Mick and his brother Nick take a road trip so Mick can pretty much find out if she's the one for him. Once he arrives at her trailer, he immediately realizes he must save her from the life she's living with her daughter.
He takes Raven and Samantha, her daughter, back home with him and they begin to discover how much they've changed over the last fifteen years. Aside from a crazy ex, there's not that much drama.
The only drawback for me was I wish there was more character development for them both. At times, I found Mick and Raven a little too immature for my liking and therefore I was unable to get the connection I really wanted to them.
I am anxious to read Nick's story, as I felt so much was left unanswered for him, especially in the end. Along with his story, I hope we get other questions answered, as to what happens to Sandra, why was the Corvette dented twice, do we get any more of Jack in the story, and why do Mick and Raven continuously cuss around seven-year-old Samantha?
In the end, I do enjoy Sarah Darlington's works, and I will recommend Crazy Sexy Notion to others.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
He takes Raven and Samantha, her daughter, back home with him and they begin to discover how much they've changed over the last fifteen years. Aside from a crazy ex, there's not that much drama.
The only drawback for me was I wish there was more character development for them both. At times, I found Mick and Raven a little too immature for my liking and therefore I was unable to get the connection I really wanted to them.
I am anxious to read Nick's story, as I felt so much was left unanswered for him, especially in the end. Along with his story, I hope we get other questions answered, as to what happens to Sandra, why was the Corvette dented twice, do we get any more of Jack in the story, and why do Mick and Raven continuously cuss around seven-year-old Samantha?
In the end, I do enjoy Sarah Darlington's works, and I will recommend Crazy Sexy Notion to others.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2018
3,5 stars
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.
Sometimes you read a blurb and you get very curious about the story. This was one of those times!
I read the blurb and then I really wanted to read the story and I’m so glad that I did because this story was a nice surprise.
Mick (or Mickey like Raven likes to call him) was born in a trailer park. His mother wasn’t a great parent but he had a best friend there… Raven. They did everything together so it broke his heart when his father came to take him away from there but Mickey also knew that he had to get away from that terrible place if he wanted to have a good future for himself. But he made a promise to Raven that he would get her away from there. Now, fifteen years later Mick is still thinking about Raven and his promise to her. He is still feeling guilty for leaving her behind. So after another bad break-up with a girlfriend Mick decides that the time has come to look Raven up and to keep his promise to her.
Raven has never forgiven her childhood best friend Mickey for leaving her behind in the trailer park. Now, fifteen years later, she’s a single mother who’s still living in the trailer park. Raven is doing what she can to support her and her daughter but when you live in a small town there aren’t many opportunities or chances for good work. So Raven sells her body in the hope that she can give her young daughter Samantha a better life and future. The last thing that she expected was to see Mickey again and especially not in those circumstances!! When Mickey ask her to come with him, Raven says yes. And although she keeps telling herself that she made the right decision for her daughter, the real question is, did she make the right decision for her heart? Or will the grownup Mickey also break her heart like the young Mickey did? Only time can tell.
Okay, let me start by confessing that when I first met Mick/Mickey in the book that I wasn’t so convinced that I would like him. Because a manwhore and a cheater?!? That’s not really my ‘type’ of guy but I was willing to give it a try and I’m so glad that I did because the more I read, the more I fell for Mickey. Because this is one of those story where you know that once the guy find the right woman he will be faithful, loyal and wonderful to her. Raven was also a character that had to grow on me. But just like Mickey, the more I got to know her the more I liked her.
The story is told from both POV’s.
Although the story had some difficult themes in it, I didn’t find the story too heavy or too sad. The writer didn’t give us a dark story but a story about hope, forgiveness and love. Love that started between two children in a trailer park and a love they rediscovered as adults.
‘Crazy sexy notion’ was a good story and I’m already curious about the next story.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.
Sometimes you read a blurb and you get very curious about the story. This was one of those times!
I read the blurb and then I really wanted to read the story and I’m so glad that I did because this story was a nice surprise.
Mick (or Mickey like Raven likes to call him) was born in a trailer park. His mother wasn’t a great parent but he had a best friend there… Raven. They did everything together so it broke his heart when his father came to take him away from there but Mickey also knew that he had to get away from that terrible place if he wanted to have a good future for himself. But he made a promise to Raven that he would get her away from there. Now, fifteen years later Mick is still thinking about Raven and his promise to her. He is still feeling guilty for leaving her behind. So after another bad break-up with a girlfriend Mick decides that the time has come to look Raven up and to keep his promise to her.
Raven has never forgiven her childhood best friend Mickey for leaving her behind in the trailer park. Now, fifteen years later, she’s a single mother who’s still living in the trailer park. Raven is doing what she can to support her and her daughter but when you live in a small town there aren’t many opportunities or chances for good work. So Raven sells her body in the hope that she can give her young daughter Samantha a better life and future. The last thing that she expected was to see Mickey again and especially not in those circumstances!! When Mickey ask her to come with him, Raven says yes. And although she keeps telling herself that she made the right decision for her daughter, the real question is, did she make the right decision for her heart? Or will the grownup Mickey also break her heart like the young Mickey did? Only time can tell.
Okay, let me start by confessing that when I first met Mick/Mickey in the book that I wasn’t so convinced that I would like him. Because a manwhore and a cheater?!? That’s not really my ‘type’ of guy but I was willing to give it a try and I’m so glad that I did because the more I read, the more I fell for Mickey. Because this is one of those story where you know that once the guy find the right woman he will be faithful, loyal and wonderful to her. Raven was also a character that had to grow on me. But just like Mickey, the more I got to know her the more I liked her.
The story is told from both POV’s.
Although the story had some difficult themes in it, I didn’t find the story too heavy or too sad. The writer didn’t give us a dark story but a story about hope, forgiveness and love. Love that started between two children in a trailer park and a love they rediscovered as adults.
‘Crazy sexy notion’ was a good story and I’m already curious about the next story.
December 30, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
***Minor spoilers ahead***
This book follows the reunion of Mick and Raven, childhood friends who were torn apart at the age of 10, only for them to be re-united 15 years later when Mick decides to track down the one person he believes is for him. The premise of this story is fine but isn't something to be driven wild with excitement over. I don't know if its just that this book wasn't up my alley or the fact that it just fell flat for me, but I can honesty say that it was mildly enjoyable but I wish I had spent my time doing or reading something else.
Overall there isn't anything glaringly wrong with this book (unless you count the very obvious spelling mistakes in the first half of the book - I don't know if there were less in the second half or if I had just stopped caring by that point) but it fell a little flat. I feel like some of the details needed to add depth to the book were missing, such as what the heck did Mick's Dad do to make all his money, what work did Mick do when he works for his Dad in the off season, what's wrong with Nick, why does Nick always wear his beanie, why the heck is Sandra so obsessed with that bloody vase and does she actually get it in the end... Little details but they add dimension to the story.
***Minor spoilers ahead***
This book follows the reunion of Mick and Raven, childhood friends who were torn apart at the age of 10, only for them to be re-united 15 years later when Mick decides to track down the one person he believes is for him. The premise of this story is fine but isn't something to be driven wild with excitement over. I don't know if its just that this book wasn't up my alley or the fact that it just fell flat for me, but I can honesty say that it was mildly enjoyable but I wish I had spent my time doing or reading something else.
Overall there isn't anything glaringly wrong with this book (unless you count the very obvious spelling mistakes in the first half of the book - I don't know if there were less in the second half or if I had just stopped caring by that point) but it fell a little flat. I feel like some of the details needed to add depth to the book were missing, such as what the heck did Mick's Dad do to make all his money, what work did Mick do when he works for his Dad in the off season, what's wrong with Nick, why does Nick always wear his beanie, why the heck is Sandra so obsessed with that bloody vase and does she actually get it in the end... Little details but they add dimension to the story.
January 29, 2021
My first and most significant issue with this book is that it is absolutely riddled with typos/misused words for the context and we're talking probably close to a hundred if not more. I found this so jarringly irritating that it was hard to immerse myself in the story which is probably a large part of my not enjoying it. I assume the book is self published but it has supposedly been edited. Given that the editor describes herself as a mermaid on her professional LinkedIn profile it's maybe not surprising that she's done an abysmal job on this book. I really hope the author didn't pay her and I worry for the people she supposedly teaches English to...
Aside from the apparent lack of actual proof reading, the authors writing style isn't bad barring the odd super cringey line ("stick a fork in me, I was done" was a particular favourite when used during a sex scene). However, I couldn't help but feel that the story was full of so many unhealthy scenarios that were never properly handled. When Mick finds Raven she is working as a sex worker to be able to afford her rent. He describes this as a "painful fact", implying that he couldn't stand thinking of her work rather than because it was awful that she'd been forced to do it. Later when she requests that he not touch her without her permission (following a hint that she's been sexually abused in the past) he mocks her, using her previous profession to highlight how ridiculous it is for her to not let him. Consent is consent and it needs to be given in every single situation regardless of all other previous situations. Raven is obviously upset and it ends with Mick apologising for bringing up her sex work but he never actually apologises for using it to mock her or for touching her without permission.
At one point it says Mick thinks Raven is beautiful "despite her terribly dyed hair, the grotesque tattoos, the ridiculous amount of makeup she had painted on her face, and the painful fact that she was a prostitute". So...what is it you actually like then Mick? Because all you've done is tear her apart. Later Raven challenges his dislike of her tattoos and says they are important to her because they have meaning and she can't be with someone who barely tolerates them. His response is to say that in general he hates tattoos and then distract her with sex...really healthy communication there.
Whilst there are probably a tonne of other examples, my final main issue was the gross mishandling of the sensitive subject of depression and suicidal tendencies. When we first meet Mick's brother we are given the impression that he struggles with some events from his past. Raven later manages to talk him down from a roof which she thought he was about to jump from and when she asks if he's doing OK he says "not today" but denied he was going to jump. When Mick is informed, rather than being concerned he describes the situation as "weird" and leaves it at that. He later complains that his one day off was spent dealing with his brother's issues and when his mum asks if his brother is OK he describes the roof event as a "little stunt" and gets annoyed that they're talking about his brother's "drama" instead of the WAY more important topic of how he wants his mum to throw her money around and buy Raven loads of designer clothes 🙄 I'm sorry but if you're going to introduce mental health storylines into your book you need to handle them sensitively and do them justice. Same with the abuse in Raven's past. These are serious topics and can't just be thrown into a book to add a bit of drama.
Right, stick a fork in me, I'm done. Don't read this book if you don't want to be enraged and end up spending ages writing an essay of a review on Goodreads.
Aside from the apparent lack of actual proof reading, the authors writing style isn't bad barring the odd super cringey line ("stick a fork in me, I was done" was a particular favourite when used during a sex scene). However, I couldn't help but feel that the story was full of so many unhealthy scenarios that were never properly handled. When Mick finds Raven she is working as a sex worker to be able to afford her rent. He describes this as a "painful fact", implying that he couldn't stand thinking of her work rather than because it was awful that she'd been forced to do it. Later when she requests that he not touch her without her permission (following a hint that she's been sexually abused in the past) he mocks her, using her previous profession to highlight how ridiculous it is for her to not let him. Consent is consent and it needs to be given in every single situation regardless of all other previous situations. Raven is obviously upset and it ends with Mick apologising for bringing up her sex work but he never actually apologises for using it to mock her or for touching her without permission.
At one point it says Mick thinks Raven is beautiful "despite her terribly dyed hair, the grotesque tattoos, the ridiculous amount of makeup she had painted on her face, and the painful fact that she was a prostitute". So...what is it you actually like then Mick? Because all you've done is tear her apart. Later Raven challenges his dislike of her tattoos and says they are important to her because they have meaning and she can't be with someone who barely tolerates them. His response is to say that in general he hates tattoos and then distract her with sex...really healthy communication there.
Whilst there are probably a tonne of other examples, my final main issue was the gross mishandling of the sensitive subject of depression and suicidal tendencies. When we first meet Mick's brother we are given the impression that he struggles with some events from his past. Raven later manages to talk him down from a roof which she thought he was about to jump from and when she asks if he's doing OK he says "not today" but denied he was going to jump. When Mick is informed, rather than being concerned he describes the situation as "weird" and leaves it at that. He later complains that his one day off was spent dealing with his brother's issues and when his mum asks if his brother is OK he describes the roof event as a "little stunt" and gets annoyed that they're talking about his brother's "drama" instead of the WAY more important topic of how he wants his mum to throw her money around and buy Raven loads of designer clothes 🙄 I'm sorry but if you're going to introduce mental health storylines into your book you need to handle them sensitively and do them justice. Same with the abuse in Raven's past. These are serious topics and can't just be thrown into a book to add a bit of drama.
Right, stick a fork in me, I'm done. Don't read this book if you don't want to be enraged and end up spending ages writing an essay of a review on Goodreads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2018
4.5 stars
This was my first official read of 2018, and I'm glad this year seems to be off to a great start!
I've been fortunate enough to be one of Sarah's betas for a few years now, so I was more than a little excited when she emailed me with a new book. I have to admit that I was a little trepidatious when I read the summary because of the 'hooker' aspect (and the negative connotations that might stem from that), but I can happily say that I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary!
Raven and Mickey have known each other and been best friends for as long as they can remember, growing up in the lackluster town of Pecan, Kansas, and quickly learning to only depend on each other. However, one day out of the blue Mickey's father comes to Pecan and 'rescues' him from his dead-end life there and moves him to Maine to start his newfound and wealthy life with him and his wife, leaving Raven to fend for herself.
Present day Raven now has a 7 year-old daughter, Samantha, and has resorted to prostitution and multiple waitressing jobs just to provide for her and her daughter. She's had a tough life the past fifteen years and has become jaded and resigned to her fate..
While Mickey seemingly has it all in his new life--a career in minor league baseball, a beautiful home, a family who loves him, an education from NYU, a girlfriend who seems devoted to him--all things that Raven has never known. Still, he feels unfulfilled and empty, and in a moment of crazy spontaneity he decides to drive down to Pecan and rescue Raven from her hellish life as he once promised her he would.
At first, Raven is pissed that Mickey has come out of nowhere and upended her life, as she blames him for how it's turned out. But as they continue spending time together, their walls begin to lower, and they rediscover their mutual feelings of love and trust for each other.
Mickey takes them to his baseball games and spends time with Samantha, trying to break through Raven's walls while simultaneously fending off the crazy ex-girlfriend and weirdly attached past hookups. He has so much going on his life, but he continually puts Raven and Samantha first.
I liked how there wasn't too much OTT drama between Mickey and Raven and Sandra (the ex). Though, I did find it particularly hilarious that most of their fights stemmed from a f*cking vase. Excuse me, a Waterford Crystal vase worth 40k.
Haha! Overall, I really enjoyed this contemporary novel. It was sexy, gritty, sweet, and hilarious at times. Definitely recommend, as this is one of my favorites by Sarah! :)
*eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.*
This was my first official read of 2018, and I'm glad this year seems to be off to a great start!
I've been fortunate enough to be one of Sarah's betas for a few years now, so I was more than a little excited when she emailed me with a new book. I have to admit that I was a little trepidatious when I read the summary because of the 'hooker' aspect (and the negative connotations that might stem from that), but I can happily say that I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary!
Raven and Mickey have known each other and been best friends for as long as they can remember, growing up in the lackluster town of Pecan, Kansas, and quickly learning to only depend on each other. However, one day out of the blue Mickey's father comes to Pecan and 'rescues' him from his dead-end life there and moves him to Maine to start his newfound and wealthy life with him and his wife, leaving Raven to fend for herself.
Present day Raven now has a 7 year-old daughter, Samantha, and has resorted to prostitution and multiple waitressing jobs just to provide for her and her daughter. She's had a tough life the past fifteen years and has become jaded and resigned to her fate..
While Mickey seemingly has it all in his new life--a career in minor league baseball, a beautiful home, a family who loves him, an education from NYU, a girlfriend who seems devoted to him--all things that Raven has never known. Still, he feels unfulfilled and empty, and in a moment of crazy spontaneity he decides to drive down to Pecan and rescue Raven from her hellish life as he once promised her he would.
At first, Raven is pissed that Mickey has come out of nowhere and upended her life, as she blames him for how it's turned out. But as they continue spending time together, their walls begin to lower, and they rediscover their mutual feelings of love and trust for each other.
Mickey takes them to his baseball games and spends time with Samantha, trying to break through Raven's walls while simultaneously fending off the crazy ex-girlfriend and weirdly attached past hookups. He has so much going on his life, but he continually puts Raven and Samantha first.
I liked how there wasn't too much OTT drama between Mickey and Raven and Sandra (the ex). Though, I did find it particularly hilarious that most of their fights stemmed from a f*cking vase. Excuse me, a Waterford Crystal vase worth 40k.
Haha! Overall, I really enjoyed this contemporary novel. It was sexy, gritty, sweet, and hilarious at times. Definitely recommend, as this is one of my favorites by Sarah! :)
*eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.*
January 9, 2018
3.5 stars
Sarah Darlington is a new author to me and I loved the sound of the blurb for CRAZY SEXY NOTION so I thought; why not? Glad I did but at the same time I'm not overly enthusiastic about the book. The writing was great, don't get me wrong, but I couldn't connect to any of the characters... at all. Okay, maybe Samantha because, well, she's just a kid and reminds me of my own.
Didn't like Raven; not even a little bit. There's stubborn and then there's IRRITATINGLY stubborn. She's definitely a hot head and I really don't understand what anyone would see in her, to be honest.
Mickey was... okay. He wasn't much better on the attitude front really. Both Mickey and Raven acted like petulant kids... Samantha acted more of a grown up than these two adults.
Nick is a mystery and I kinda wish we saw more of him and what was up with him too. And I liked Pamela. Very homely, motherly woman, even though she wasn't in much of it.
The story line itself was good, a lot of contradictions, one minute Samantha's age is 8 then later in the book she's 7. That's just one example. Baseballs terminologies also flew straight over my head and I was kinda wishing one of the characters would at least explain to Raven about it so then I'd know too!
I've given this book 3.5 stars mainly because the author's writing style was on point; keeps the reader hooked. But the low rating is because I couldn't emotionally connect with the characters, or enjoy them.
Sarah Darlington is a new author to me and I loved the sound of the blurb for CRAZY SEXY NOTION so I thought; why not? Glad I did but at the same time I'm not overly enthusiastic about the book. The writing was great, don't get me wrong, but I couldn't connect to any of the characters... at all. Okay, maybe Samantha because, well, she's just a kid and reminds me of my own.
Didn't like Raven; not even a little bit. There's stubborn and then there's IRRITATINGLY stubborn. She's definitely a hot head and I really don't understand what anyone would see in her, to be honest.
Mickey was... okay. He wasn't much better on the attitude front really. Both Mickey and Raven acted like petulant kids... Samantha acted more of a grown up than these two adults.
Nick is a mystery and I kinda wish we saw more of him and what was up with him too. And I liked Pamela. Very homely, motherly woman, even though she wasn't in much of it.
The story line itself was good, a lot of contradictions, one minute Samantha's age is 8 then later in the book she's 7. That's just one example. Baseballs terminologies also flew straight over my head and I was kinda wishing one of the characters would at least explain to Raven about it so then I'd know too!
I've given this book 3.5 stars mainly because the author's writing style was on point; keeps the reader hooked. But the low rating is because I couldn't emotionally connect with the characters, or enjoy them.
January 8, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
Full disclosure: as much as the blurb intrigued me (which it obviously did since I volunteered to review it), it also made me a little skeptical. That bit of skepticism stayed with my through a large portion of the book, but at the same time the intrigue persisted as well, which made Crazy Sexy Notion a true page-turner for me. The story begins rather abruptly, but that sort of set the fast paced tale in motion. While I grew to like both Raven and Mick/Mickey, I never felt like I truly got to know them as characters. The push and pull between them was electric from the very beginning and I really loved his intensity in regards to making amends and his determination to keep Raven in his life. There were so many interesting tidbits that could've been fleshed out and expounded upon more... and that would've really added to the story. Nonetheless, I did truly enjoy Raven and Mickey's journey and celebrated their second chance together. What could've been a salacious and gratuitous story ended up a sweet and heartwarming tale. 3.5 out of 5 wine glasses.
Full disclosure: as much as the blurb intrigued me (which it obviously did since I volunteered to review it), it also made me a little skeptical. That bit of skepticism stayed with my through a large portion of the book, but at the same time the intrigue persisted as well, which made Crazy Sexy Notion a true page-turner for me. The story begins rather abruptly, but that sort of set the fast paced tale in motion. While I grew to like both Raven and Mick/Mickey, I never felt like I truly got to know them as characters. The push and pull between them was electric from the very beginning and I really loved his intensity in regards to making amends and his determination to keep Raven in his life. There were so many interesting tidbits that could've been fleshed out and expounded upon more... and that would've really added to the story. Nonetheless, I did truly enjoy Raven and Mickey's journey and celebrated their second chance together. What could've been a salacious and gratuitous story ended up a sweet and heartwarming tale. 3.5 out of 5 wine glasses.
June 27, 2020
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
Mick plays in the minor leagues for baseball, but has eventually gone back home to where it all began in order to 'rescue' his former best friend Raven. Raven is still there, with a daughter, but she is also a prostitute. Not that it matters to Mick.
Raven had lost her best friend and the boy that protected her, ever since she has had to look after herself, stuck in Pecan. When Mick rocks up, he does not give her much of a choice in the matter about going home with him, rather than staying in her trailer.
Its a friends to lovers book, only they have been apart for a good many years and have to build up the trust and friendship again. Mick however seems the more stable of the two and quickly comes to the realisation that the reason that he has not found a suitable relationship or why he sabotages his relationships is because he has always wanted Raven.
Its a sweet book, not too much sex and not too much angst. Definitely well worth the read.
Mick plays in the minor leagues for baseball, but has eventually gone back home to where it all began in order to 'rescue' his former best friend Raven. Raven is still there, with a daughter, but she is also a prostitute. Not that it matters to Mick.
Raven had lost her best friend and the boy that protected her, ever since she has had to look after herself, stuck in Pecan. When Mick rocks up, he does not give her much of a choice in the matter about going home with him, rather than staying in her trailer.
Its a friends to lovers book, only they have been apart for a good many years and have to build up the trust and friendship again. Mick however seems the more stable of the two and quickly comes to the realisation that the reason that he has not found a suitable relationship or why he sabotages his relationships is because he has always wanted Raven.
Its a sweet book, not too much sex and not too much angst. Definitely well worth the read.
January 8, 2018
4 1/2 Stars!
I really liked this one. It's a cute, fun, sweet read. Both Mick and Raven are wild cards. They are free spirits and fun. Mick is looking for more in life and hops in his brother's car and goes back to the trailer park form his childhood to find the one girl who stole his heart when they were kids. Mick kind of rushes into things and thinks with his heart and not his head. I really liked him. When Raven was younger Mick was everything to her but when he comes back into her life she isn't overly excited. She still packs but her and her kid and gets into the car with Mick. Right there I thought wow these two characters are crazy but this is going to be a good story and it was.
I really liked this one. It's a cute, fun, sweet read. Both Mick and Raven are wild cards. They are free spirits and fun. Mick is looking for more in life and hops in his brother's car and goes back to the trailer park form his childhood to find the one girl who stole his heart when they were kids. Mick kind of rushes into things and thinks with his heart and not his head. I really liked him. When Raven was younger Mick was everything to her but when he comes back into her life she isn't overly excited. She still packs but her and her kid and gets into the car with Mick. Right there I thought wow these two characters are crazy but this is going to be a good story and it was.
Want to read
September 9, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (9/9/2018)!💝
Blurb:
My former best friend...is now a hooker...
MICK
After a terrible breakup, the crazy notion hit me to look up my childhood friend. With half a country between us, I haven't seen Raven since the day my dad rushed in and saved me from the Sandy Hill Trailer Park. But I loved Raven as a boy, and now I need to find out if I could love her as a man. Only problem: her profession.
Come to find out—she's a prostitute.
RAVEN
Mickey Lawson
Yeah, I hate that guy.
Really, he's only a faint memory now, but at one point in time he meant everything to me.
My protector. My savior. My best friend.
I was ten.
Then he left.
Now he's back.
Fifteen years too late.
Blurb:
My former best friend...is now a hooker...
MICK
After a terrible breakup, the crazy notion hit me to look up my childhood friend. With half a country between us, I haven't seen Raven since the day my dad rushed in and saved me from the Sandy Hill Trailer Park. But I loved Raven as a boy, and now I need to find out if I could love her as a man. Only problem: her profession.
Come to find out—she's a prostitute.
RAVEN
Mickey Lawson
Yeah, I hate that guy.
Really, he's only a faint memory now, but at one point in time he meant everything to me.
My protector. My savior. My best friend.
I was ten.
Then he left.
Now he's back.
Fifteen years too late.
January 18, 2018
3.5 Mickey stars
.
It all started with cherry hill trailer park...what happened next is why I kept that Waterford vase ....
Maybe it would have been easier to just fuck her.
The book is about childhood sweethearts who haven't seen eachother is about 10 years. He goes and decides she moving in with him and they are going to be together. There are some really great and creative moments but for me the book was too Instalove and a tad unbelievable. The girl has a 7 year old who never attends school , she gets her first job that she applies for , her car is dented horribly twice in a row, single man is all ready to settle down and propose and adopt a child. I mean I really hope it works out for them because I'm not seeing it .
.
It all started with cherry hill trailer park...what happened next is why I kept that Waterford vase ....
Maybe it would have been easier to just fuck her.
The book is about childhood sweethearts who haven't seen eachother is about 10 years. He goes and decides she moving in with him and they are going to be together. There are some really great and creative moments but for me the book was too Instalove and a tad unbelievable. The girl has a 7 year old who never attends school , she gets her first job that she applies for , her car is dented horribly twice in a row, single man is all ready to settle down and propose and adopt a child. I mean I really hope it works out for them because I'm not seeing it .
January 8, 2018
Sarah Darlington has weaved a captivating romance story with a unique storyline and enjoyable characters. There's heartbreak, secrets, forgiveness sizzling scenes, and so many emotions.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
January 1, 2018
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
Mick plays in the minor leagues for baseball, but has eventually gone back home to where it all began in order to 'rescue' his former best friend Raven. Raven is still there, with a daughter, but she is also a prostitute. Not that it matters to Mick.
Raven had lost her best friend and the boy that protected her, ever since she has had to look after herself, stuck in Pecan. When Mick rocks up, he does not give her much of a choice in the matter about going home with him, rather than staying in her trailer.
Its a friends to lovers book, only they have been apart for a good many years and have to build up the trust and friendship again. Mick however seems the more stable of the two and quickly comes to the realisation that the reason that he has not found a suitable relationship or why he sabotages his relationships is because he has always wanted Raven.
ITs a sweet book, not too much sex and not too much angst. Definitely well worth the read.
Mick plays in the minor leagues for baseball, but has eventually gone back home to where it all began in order to 'rescue' his former best friend Raven. Raven is still there, with a daughter, but she is also a prostitute. Not that it matters to Mick.
Raven had lost her best friend and the boy that protected her, ever since she has had to look after herself, stuck in Pecan. When Mick rocks up, he does not give her much of a choice in the matter about going home with him, rather than staying in her trailer.
Its a friends to lovers book, only they have been apart for a good many years and have to build up the trust and friendship again. Mick however seems the more stable of the two and quickly comes to the realisation that the reason that he has not found a suitable relationship or why he sabotages his relationships is because he has always wanted Raven.
ITs a sweet book, not too much sex and not too much angst. Definitely well worth the read.
January 14, 2018
I was looking forward to reading this book because the premises were really good! Unfortunately, even though the story is enjoyable and I read the book in one sitting, I feel like it could have been developed more. It seemed rushed and many things remained unsolved (like, for example, Nick's story). Anyway what bothered me the most is that the editing of the book was quite bad...
January 9, 2018
It could have been a great read except the editing of this book was real bad..
February 12, 2018
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
I have read and enjoyed books by Sarah Darlington before, but I was really intrigued with Crazy Sexy Notion after reading the blurb. I enjoyed this one quite a bit and I think a lot of readers will as well. While the circumstances weren't the most realistic here, I was able to enjoy the story for what it was and luckily the subject matter didn't drag the story down for me.
After a series of bad relationships and one terrible break up and the feeling that he can never commit to one woman, Mick gets the idea to look his childhood friend Raven up. They were inseparable and he always looked out for her when they were kids, until his dad showed up and took him away from the trailer park he lived in with his mother. But Raven was left behind, and they went years without speaking. When Mick finds Raven years later though, she is a single mother and works as a prostitute to make ends meet.
I will admit that both of these characters took a bit for me to warm up to. While I was interested in each of them as individuals and what could possibly be between them, they each had parts to them that weren't easy to relate to at first. Mick was a cheater and had no problem admitting that, and while that isn't excusable, it was clear that he didn't have a connection with any of the girls he had been with and that was because of what was always between him and Raven. Raven was hardened and a bit cold at first, blaming Mick for leaving her and her reluctance to forgive him was somewhat understandable. But he was only 10 and had no choice and it was hard for me to be okay with how she acted at times considering that Mick hadn't ever wanted to leave her even though he did go with his dad. He never forgot about her and there was nothing he could have done differently besides stay in a bad situation, though it ultimately wouldn't have even been his choice because of his age. I was glad that their connection was still there though and that Mick went back and found her.
Overall, this was a good story and despite the fact that this could have been a heavy story, it wasn't. I was able to enjoy it and grow to like the characters as they progressed throughout this story. Sarah Darlington has yet to disappoint me and I look forward to more from her in the future. I recommend giving Crazy Sexy Notion a try if you are a contemporary fan and looking for something a bit different.
**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**
I have read and enjoyed books by Sarah Darlington before, but I was really intrigued with Crazy Sexy Notion after reading the blurb. I enjoyed this one quite a bit and I think a lot of readers will as well. While the circumstances weren't the most realistic here, I was able to enjoy the story for what it was and luckily the subject matter didn't drag the story down for me.
After a series of bad relationships and one terrible break up and the feeling that he can never commit to one woman, Mick gets the idea to look his childhood friend Raven up. They were inseparable and he always looked out for her when they were kids, until his dad showed up and took him away from the trailer park he lived in with his mother. But Raven was left behind, and they went years without speaking. When Mick finds Raven years later though, she is a single mother and works as a prostitute to make ends meet.
I will admit that both of these characters took a bit for me to warm up to. While I was interested in each of them as individuals and what could possibly be between them, they each had parts to them that weren't easy to relate to at first. Mick was a cheater and had no problem admitting that, and while that isn't excusable, it was clear that he didn't have a connection with any of the girls he had been with and that was because of what was always between him and Raven. Raven was hardened and a bit cold at first, blaming Mick for leaving her and her reluctance to forgive him was somewhat understandable. But he was only 10 and had no choice and it was hard for me to be okay with how she acted at times considering that Mick hadn't ever wanted to leave her even though he did go with his dad. He never forgot about her and there was nothing he could have done differently besides stay in a bad situation, though it ultimately wouldn't have even been his choice because of his age. I was glad that their connection was still there though and that Mick went back and found her.
Overall, this was a good story and despite the fact that this could have been a heavy story, it wasn't. I was able to enjoy it and grow to like the characters as they progressed throughout this story. Sarah Darlington has yet to disappoint me and I look forward to more from her in the future. I recommend giving Crazy Sexy Notion a try if you are a contemporary fan and looking for something a bit different.
**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**
July 5, 2020
⚾️⚾️ BOOK REVIEW ⚾️⚾️
Title: Crazed (formerly Crazy Sexy Notion)
Series: Kill Devil Hills Ink
Author: Sarah Darlington
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers, Childhood-friends-to-Lovers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I love Raven's character in this story. I love her tenacity, her drive, her ferocity, her brutal honesty. She does whatever she has to do to survive and provide for her daughter. Including allowing Mick to whisk her away across the country in hopes of a better life.
I struggled with Mick's character in the beginning... His careless attitude towards women was very off-putting for me, even though some of the behavior was completely warranted **cough cough** Sandra. In the end he won me over, though, but I've always been a sucker for baseball players. 😍😍
Some of my favorite moments:
“Raven—” The word left my lips like a whisper lost in a storm. A burst of heat rocked through my body. Because, damn, she was…gorgeous. Something fierce to behold. The innocent girl from my youth? Not even close. More like a pinup poster the horny teenage version of myself would have jerked off to. Her fierce emerald eyes, rimmed in deep black makeup, cut into me like knives.
It didn’t help that this man had to be straight up handsome, too. Like Clark Kent Handsome. Like handsome is such a classic, generic way. You know the type—thick brown hair, stubble for days on one hell of a strong jawline, deep blue eyes, a cleft chin, and lips that could drop panties. He even had on dark frames today, as if he really were trying to channel Clark Kent up in the front seat. Good thing I'd always been a Batman fan.
“Let's pretend you're not you and I'm not me, just for this one moment,” she whispered. She ran her tongue against her lips. “Tomorrow you can resume hating me, and I can resume hating you.”
I believed in morning workouts, game day rituals, the slice of a perfect curve ball, in Sunday dinners with my family, in snow tires, long winters, in a good Irish whiskey, in the feel of a hot fire on a cold day—and that kissing Raven was the epitome of life on this planet.
Happy reading!!
Check out my Instagram page for pretty pictures! https://www.instagram.com/porchswingr...
Title: Crazed (formerly Crazy Sexy Notion)
Series: Kill Devil Hills Ink
Author: Sarah Darlington
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers, Childhood-friends-to-Lovers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I love Raven's character in this story. I love her tenacity, her drive, her ferocity, her brutal honesty. She does whatever she has to do to survive and provide for her daughter. Including allowing Mick to whisk her away across the country in hopes of a better life.
I struggled with Mick's character in the beginning... His careless attitude towards women was very off-putting for me, even though some of the behavior was completely warranted **cough cough** Sandra. In the end he won me over, though, but I've always been a sucker for baseball players. 😍😍
Some of my favorite moments:
“Raven—” The word left my lips like a whisper lost in a storm. A burst of heat rocked through my body. Because, damn, she was…gorgeous. Something fierce to behold. The innocent girl from my youth? Not even close. More like a pinup poster the horny teenage version of myself would have jerked off to. Her fierce emerald eyes, rimmed in deep black makeup, cut into me like knives.
It didn’t help that this man had to be straight up handsome, too. Like Clark Kent Handsome. Like handsome is such a classic, generic way. You know the type—thick brown hair, stubble for days on one hell of a strong jawline, deep blue eyes, a cleft chin, and lips that could drop panties. He even had on dark frames today, as if he really were trying to channel Clark Kent up in the front seat. Good thing I'd always been a Batman fan.
“Let's pretend you're not you and I'm not me, just for this one moment,” she whispered. She ran her tongue against her lips. “Tomorrow you can resume hating me, and I can resume hating you.”
I believed in morning workouts, game day rituals, the slice of a perfect curve ball, in Sunday dinners with my family, in snow tires, long winters, in a good Irish whiskey, in the feel of a hot fire on a cold day—and that kissing Raven was the epitome of life on this planet.
Happy reading!!
Check out my Instagram page for pretty pictures! https://www.instagram.com/porchswingr...
January 3, 2018
NOTE: I received a free e-copy of Crazy Sexy Notion from the author in exchange for an honest review.
As ten-year-olds, they were torn apart from one another, but always wondered what would have happened if Mickey Lawson had stayed in Pecan living next to Raven Malone. Would they still be best friends? Would they be in love?
Fed up with wondering, the book begins with 25-year-old Mick Jasmine's epiphany to return to Pecan, KS, with his new name, his new life, and a new idea. He wants to take Raven back to Maine, and to the life he's created with his father, step-father, and younger brother.
Raven, who has been a bit hardened by life, ultimately gives in to Mick's offer and with her daughter begins a new life in Maine.
There's no promises of love, heck, there's no promises of friendship, but that's what makes this book fun to read.
Each character undergoes a transformation, trying to overcome self-worth and self-doubt as they begin to fall for one another. But, is their past and current connection enough to fight for? That's where Mickey and Raven start to unravel, and feel like human characters, always wondering what and how the other is feeling. And, if that's not enough, throw in one of Mick's ex-girlfriends, and Mickey and Raven have a lot of thinking to do!
What I really liked about this book was that it was about the characters and their feelings. It isn't a book with a lot of high drama and breakups (and, frankly, I'm so OVER those), but instead focused on a relationship and the ups and downs that come with it, with a bit of humor and whimsy thrown in for good measure. Oh, and the steam! There are some adult scenes, which are tastefully written, and add to the character development.
I looked forward to reading the chapters each night, and felt like I was missing something when I finally dragged myself to bed (a bit later than normal!). In the future, I plan to read more from Sarah Darlington.
As ten-year-olds, they were torn apart from one another, but always wondered what would have happened if Mickey Lawson had stayed in Pecan living next to Raven Malone. Would they still be best friends? Would they be in love?
Fed up with wondering, the book begins with 25-year-old Mick Jasmine's epiphany to return to Pecan, KS, with his new name, his new life, and a new idea. He wants to take Raven back to Maine, and to the life he's created with his father, step-father, and younger brother.
Raven, who has been a bit hardened by life, ultimately gives in to Mick's offer and with her daughter begins a new life in Maine.
There's no promises of love, heck, there's no promises of friendship, but that's what makes this book fun to read.
Each character undergoes a transformation, trying to overcome self-worth and self-doubt as they begin to fall for one another. But, is their past and current connection enough to fight for? That's where Mickey and Raven start to unravel, and feel like human characters, always wondering what and how the other is feeling. And, if that's not enough, throw in one of Mick's ex-girlfriends, and Mickey and Raven have a lot of thinking to do!
What I really liked about this book was that it was about the characters and their feelings. It isn't a book with a lot of high drama and breakups (and, frankly, I'm so OVER those), but instead focused on a relationship and the ups and downs that come with it, with a bit of humor and whimsy thrown in for good measure. Oh, and the steam! There are some adult scenes, which are tastefully written, and add to the character development.
I looked forward to reading the chapters each night, and felt like I was missing something when I finally dragged myself to bed (a bit later than normal!). In the future, I plan to read more from Sarah Darlington.
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