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Crave Club #1
Keeping Cade
Protection has its price, but so do fantasies…
Fantasy Week happens twice a year at Crave, and it’s always a big hit—a way to live out your wildest fantasy in a safe, sane, and consensual manner.
But when Cade comes in with his Fantasy Week invitation, he’s not happy about it. He’s stoic as hell and his preferences don’t seem to match his fantasy at all…and yet, despite that, he enjoys himself with Tegan and Vic. At least at first.
When it becomes glaringly apparent that the fantasy isn’t something Cade’s comfortable with, it’s confusing for the men he’s been paired with, and Tegan and Vic put a stop to the scene immediately.
What Cade doesn’t know is that Tegan and Vic are not only co-owners of Crave, but they’re also owners of a mercenary group, Gray Ops, that’s run out of Crave. They’ve also been circling each other for years… but nothing sparks until their session with Cade.
What happened in Room 4 is something none of the men can forget…but it’s got nothing to do with a fantasy and everything to do with blackmail. Can Tegan and Vic help Cade keep his secrets, while keeping all of them safe at the same time? Because the threatening to spill out aren’t only Cade’s…
*This series is set in the MEN OF HONOR world, in the bar called Crave from Bound By Honor
Fantasy Week happens twice a year at Crave, and it’s always a big hit—a way to live out your wildest fantasy in a safe, sane, and consensual manner.
But when Cade comes in with his Fantasy Week invitation, he’s not happy about it. He’s stoic as hell and his preferences don’t seem to match his fantasy at all…and yet, despite that, he enjoys himself with Tegan and Vic. At least at first.
When it becomes glaringly apparent that the fantasy isn’t something Cade’s comfortable with, it’s confusing for the men he’s been paired with, and Tegan and Vic put a stop to the scene immediately.
What Cade doesn’t know is that Tegan and Vic are not only co-owners of Crave, but they’re also owners of a mercenary group, Gray Ops, that’s run out of Crave. They’ve also been circling each other for years… but nothing sparks until their session with Cade.
What happened in Room 4 is something none of the men can forget…but it’s got nothing to do with a fantasy and everything to do with blackmail. Can Tegan and Vic help Cade keep his secrets, while keeping all of them safe at the same time? Because the threatening to spill out aren’t only Cade’s…
*This series is set in the MEN OF HONOR world, in the bar called Crave from Bound By Honor
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2019
208 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Jakes
38 books1,739 followersSE Jakes writes m/m romance. She believes in happy endings and fighting for what you want.
You can contact her the following ways:
You can email her at authorsejakes@gmail.com
You can post to her Facebook page: Facebook.com/SEJakes
You can Twitter her: Twitter.com/authorsejakes
You can post on her Goodreads Group: Ask SE Jakes
You can follow her on Tumblr: http://sejakes.tumblr.com
You can ask her a question as part of the Ask The Author program on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/4595...
Truth be told, the best way to contact her is by email or in blog comments. She spends most of her time writing but she loves to hear from readers.
***
SE Jakes is the pen-name of New York Times Bestselling Author Stephanie Tyler (and half of Sydney Croft!)
You can contact her the following ways:
You can email her at authorsejakes@gmail.com
You can post to her Facebook page: Facebook.com/SEJakes
You can Twitter her: Twitter.com/authorsejakes
You can post on her Goodreads Group: Ask SE Jakes
You can follow her on Tumblr: http://sejakes.tumblr.com
You can ask her a question as part of the Ask The Author program on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/4595...
Truth be told, the best way to contact her is by email or in blog comments. She spends most of her time writing but she loves to hear from readers.
***
SE Jakes is the pen-name of New York Times Bestselling Author Stephanie Tyler (and half of Sydney Croft!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 26, 2019
Over the last year or two, I have actually started to appreciate reading some menage stories. Now not all of them are executed the right way...at least that's how I feel about them, but this one was very nicely done. It was also very HOT ;)
I am not a big BDSM fan but the blurb of this book really caught my interest, so I figured I would just give it a go. I am really glad I did because this book was much more than just a BDSM story.
Now don't throw rotten fruit at me...but... I have not read the " Men of Honor " series yet. It is on my never-ending TBR list and I swear I will get to them asap !! So you can imagine I had no idea what Crave was or any of the people working there. Still, there was no confusion on my part, so that's good ;)
Cade comes to Crave because he is supposedly realizing one of his fantasies at "Fantasy Week". When Vic and Tegan (also owners of Crave) start to reenact his so-called fantasy, it becomes pretty clear that Cade isn't as into it as he should have been. So even though there is some major sparkage between the three of them... Vic and Tegan pull the plug on the whole thing.
Of course, there is a reason to Cade's very strange behavior and Vic and Tegan want to get to the bottom (hehehe) of it...and they do. Being mercenary Gray Ops, they are also the best guys Cade could pick to have his back (hehehe).
If you enjoy reading about hot alpha military men going at it, and falling in love...you should really give this one a go.
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
May 26, 2019
Well, that was absolutely brilliant. S.E. Jakes is on top form with this amazing suspense romance that just flowed perfectly.
There were none of the formatting/editing issues that had frustrated me so much in Bound to Break, just great storytelling from start to finish.
I do love me a good menage, especially if there's a twist in the tale with a number of alpha males all fighting for the upper hand and with Vic, Tegan and Cade, that's just what was delivered.
From the moment the book opens, to the dramatic conclusion, the pacing is perfect, the tension ramps up throughout, interspersed with some of the hottest and most emotionally connected scenes between the three men I've read for a while.
S.E. Jakes has a style which is heavy on the alpha males, big on the ex-military men finding love, and that's what she gives the reader here. Vic and Tegan are still in mourning for a lost twin/best friend, the rest of the Grey's Ops team are out on mission, life is complicated when Cade crashes into Crave, the BDSM club run by the gang.
For the next xxx-odd pages, the reader is taken on an epic journey through blackmail and into danger while the three men grow closer together.
I loved this book.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
There were none of the formatting/editing issues that had frustrated me so much in Bound to Break, just great storytelling from start to finish.
I do love me a good menage, especially if there's a twist in the tale with a number of alpha males all fighting for the upper hand and with Vic, Tegan and Cade, that's just what was delivered.
From the moment the book opens, to the dramatic conclusion, the pacing is perfect, the tension ramps up throughout, interspersed with some of the hottest and most emotionally connected scenes between the three men I've read for a while.
S.E. Jakes has a style which is heavy on the alpha males, big on the ex-military men finding love, and that's what she gives the reader here. Vic and Tegan are still in mourning for a lost twin/best friend, the rest of the Grey's Ops team are out on mission, life is complicated when Cade crashes into Crave, the BDSM club run by the gang.
For the next xxx-odd pages, the reader is taken on an epic journey through blackmail and into danger while the three men grow closer together.
I loved this book.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
June 5, 2019
3.5 stars - I read and enjoyed the Men of Honor series. I remember that much. However, it has been almost 5 years since the last, and admittedly, I don’t remember too much beyond that. I remember the names of the various couples, but I don’t remember anything about Crave or Fantasy Week. So, I went into this story with the mindset of it being a new story, which worked, but it did make me want to go back and refresh my memory about the guys from MOH who make appearances here.
So, Cade has a stalker who is threatening his bff/brother, Theo, who happens to be another special forces guy out on a mission. Cade and Theo have some secrets from their past that could really come out to haunt them if exposed, so Cade is doing what it takes to keep that from happening and to keep Theo safe. His orders are to accept the invitation to Crave’s Fantasy Week and fulfill the pre-arranged fantasy. Vic and Tegan are the ones tasked with carrying out what they believe is Cade’s fantasy. However, it quickly becomes apparent that things aren’t what they seem, and the guys call everything off and attempt to get to the bottom of things.
Vic and Tegan have apparently been skirting around each other for a while, so being assigned to do this fantasy together finally sets things in motion for them. All three of these guys have issues and troubled pasts in one way or another. Those issues, understandably, play a role in the dynamics of their threesome. These guys come across very animalistic at times, and the fuck or fight theme is prevalent throughout. So much so that it was difficult at times to see beyond that to the actual relationship. Other than Tegan and Vic helping Cade and saving him from Courier, I wasn’t feeling much of a connection. Vic and Tegan shared a long past, but that was about it.
Things took another turn when their pasts all collided. It felt a little too crazy, which is fine, but it takes some of the realism feel out for me and thus hard for me to take serious. There were a lot of other aspects that were enjoyable, however, such as the feeling of brotherhood between the Crave and Grey Ops guys. There are also glimpses of other characters who definitely have more stories to tell. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Stryker, Theo and Deran, and I definitely want to see Oz find someone to make him whole again. So, while this story itself didn’t blow me out of the water, there were enough aspects and other characters to keep me intrigued, wanting more and looking forward to seeing how the rest plays out.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
So, Cade has a stalker who is threatening his bff/brother, Theo, who happens to be another special forces guy out on a mission. Cade and Theo have some secrets from their past that could really come out to haunt them if exposed, so Cade is doing what it takes to keep that from happening and to keep Theo safe. His orders are to accept the invitation to Crave’s Fantasy Week and fulfill the pre-arranged fantasy. Vic and Tegan are the ones tasked with carrying out what they believe is Cade’s fantasy. However, it quickly becomes apparent that things aren’t what they seem, and the guys call everything off and attempt to get to the bottom of things.
Vic and Tegan have apparently been skirting around each other for a while, so being assigned to do this fantasy together finally sets things in motion for them. All three of these guys have issues and troubled pasts in one way or another. Those issues, understandably, play a role in the dynamics of their threesome. These guys come across very animalistic at times, and the fuck or fight theme is prevalent throughout. So much so that it was difficult at times to see beyond that to the actual relationship. Other than Tegan and Vic helping Cade and saving him from Courier, I wasn’t feeling much of a connection. Vic and Tegan shared a long past, but that was about it.
Things took another turn when their pasts all collided. It felt a little too crazy, which is fine, but it takes some of the realism feel out for me and thus hard for me to take serious. There were a lot of other aspects that were enjoyable, however, such as the feeling of brotherhood between the Crave and Grey Ops guys. There are also glimpses of other characters who definitely have more stories to tell. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Stryker, Theo and Deran, and I definitely want to see Oz find someone to make him whole again. So, while this story itself didn’t blow me out of the water, there were enough aspects and other characters to keep me intrigued, wanting more and looking forward to seeing how the rest plays out.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
May 31, 2019
2.5 Stars. Uh. Well. Ok. I just finished this book and throughout the whole thing I felt un-anchored though much of this story. I have read the past books in the Men of Honor series but I don't remember Fantasy Week, and this went very unexplained as to what it is and how it actually works. Although we eventually understand that Cade is being forced to undertake a "fantasy", if the club thinks this is Cade's fantasy why did he have to read a card when he got there that explained what the club would think is his own requested fantasy to him? Why wouldn't he already know and why did it seem like that was the normal way it went? So, I started off reading this with a lot of trepidation because that made no sense. I spent most of the book asking "why?" and "how?" Why would they do that? Why did he assume that? Why did he do that? How did they know that? How did he know that? How did they get there? How did that happen? Etc, etc. Sadly, I wasn't even that impressed with the m/m/m sex component. Based on these men and their personalities, traumatic back stories, current level of grief and immersion in bdsm and fight club, I was expecting a lot more heat and fire than I got. The fight/sex scenes should have been on fire but it didn't even raise my breath. The potential explosive ending was also silly to me, so unrealistic and eye rollingly lazy and cliched in its portrayal that even though I was minutes from the end of the book I almost just called it quits.
Additionally, a side character, Strider steals every scene he is in. I am so much more interested in him.
For me, I'm not holding out a lot of hope for this series. Based on this book and that another book is already on its way next month, I think the author is more about quick release than telling a thoroughly plotted, fully fleshed out story with characters that make sense, avoids lazy instalove and does credit to her talent.
Additionally, a side character, Strider steals every scene he is in. I am so much more interested in him.
For me, I'm not holding out a lot of hope for this series. Based on this book and that another book is already on its way next month, I think the author is more about quick release than telling a thoroughly plotted, fully fleshed out story with characters that make sense, avoids lazy instalove and does credit to her talent.
July 22, 2019
This had more HEAT(and oh boy did it steam up my kindle App) than substance unfortunately overall. And when I say substance, i don't mean it was bad, I just mean it could've done without a whole lot of things acting as fillers.
Was it the sex you may ask? Nope. I actually wished the story used sexy times to fill up the gaps because S.E Jakes actually had some of the best sexy times I've read this year but No! It was filled with Cade's merry-go-round of annoying anger issues. I never warmed up to him and felt too much of the story was wasted on him. Its saving grace was a mixed bag of pretty interesting characters I wouldn't mind reading more of (Strider is #1 on that list.. Werewolves! lol!)
So yeah, the book started well, kinda went off a bit for most of the middle parts with Cade and his issues (which I skipped most of) interspersed with quality sexy times(which I definitely read) and a BIG bang at the end!! The end was really worth it and surprisingly unpredictable.
Enjoyable book overall...
Was it the sex you may ask? Nope. I actually wished the story used sexy times to fill up the gaps because S.E Jakes actually had some of the best sexy times I've read this year but No! It was filled with Cade's merry-go-round of annoying anger issues. I never warmed up to him and felt too much of the story was wasted on him. Its saving grace was a mixed bag of pretty interesting characters I wouldn't mind reading more of (Strider is #1 on that list.. Werewolves! lol!)
So yeah, the book started well, kinda went off a bit for most of the middle parts with Cade and his issues (which I skipped most of) interspersed with quality sexy times(which I definitely read) and a BIG bang at the end!! The end was really worth it and surprisingly unpredictable.
Enjoyable book overall...
Read
June 2, 2019DNF 42% NO RATING
I tried to stick this out but just couldn’t. This is caveman-insta-lust on steroids. This is a bunch of big, tough mercenaries-come-bdsm club-owners to whom coincidences know no bounds. A lot of readers will love this OTT band of sexy men and find this a lot of fun, but I find them exhausting. Except Strider. If he gets a book I might check that out. YMMV.
I tried to stick this out but just couldn’t. This is caveman-insta-lust on steroids. This is a bunch of big, tough mercenaries-come-bdsm club-owners to whom coincidences know no bounds. A lot of readers will love this OTT band of sexy men and find this a lot of fun, but I find them exhausting. Except Strider. If he gets a book I might check that out. YMMV.
April 7, 2020
After reading some pretty mediocre romances recently I finally read one that was more up my alley. This was pretty good! It had the excitement I wanted and I liked the relationship. I’m very open to reading about relationships with more than two partners and I thought this one did a pretty good job balancing the relationship between all three men.
What I liked:
- As I said, I really liked the relationship. It built up a little quickly and did seem to come out of nowhere just a bit. However, once they fully got to know each other, I was on board.
- the pace of the plot. I was never really bored and that’s exactly what I want from this type of romance. However, in some places, I did want the plot to be a bit more streamlined.
What I didn’t like
-there wasn’t too much I really didn’t like in this book but I didn’t love how they fell in love so quickly as I mentioned. Cade basically walked in and they decided they had to protect him. I do like some protectiveness in my romances but this felt like a bit much. Also it did seem like there were a times almost too many things going on in this story. It was never too over the top but there were a lot of moving parts to keep track of.
I have not read any of the books in the series that this is a spin off of. Mostly this is because I read the synopses of all of them and I wasn’t really interested. However this book was good so maybe someday I’ll go back and read more about some of the characters who popped up in this story.
What I liked:
- As I said, I really liked the relationship. It built up a little quickly and did seem to come out of nowhere just a bit. However, once they fully got to know each other, I was on board.
- the pace of the plot. I was never really bored and that’s exactly what I want from this type of romance. However, in some places, I did want the plot to be a bit more streamlined.
What I didn’t like
-there wasn’t too much I really didn’t like in this book but I didn’t love how they fell in love so quickly as I mentioned. Cade basically walked in and they decided they had to protect him. I do like some protectiveness in my romances but this felt like a bit much. Also it did seem like there were a times almost too many things going on in this story. It was never too over the top but there were a lot of moving parts to keep track of.
I have not read any of the books in the series that this is a spin off of. Mostly this is because I read the synopses of all of them and I wasn’t really interested. However this book was good so maybe someday I’ll go back and read more about some of the characters who popped up in this story.
July 25, 2019
Great start to this new series!
I loved all the characters, even the ones with the caveman behavior! ;)
Now I just hope that book 2 will be released soon!!!
I loved all the characters, even the ones with the caveman behavior! ;)
Now I just hope that book 2 will be released soon!!!
May 28, 2019
Compares favorably to Men of Honor series.
Men of Honor is probably my favorite series for my idea of a comfort read. The men and situations aren’t impossible but are highly improbable and they take me right out of my head and into the action. Lots of very hot, alpha man-sex; in this case, three of them! There’s some BDSM but it’s more D/s and not extreme. Like MoH, Crave is the setting once again as a cover for a group of mercenaries. The plot is as convoluted as expected when Cade is taken in by Vic and Tegan. Fabulous page-turning mayhem and action sequences. What I really liked about this was being able to keep up with character names without getting lost! SE Jakes already has titles ready for sequels but I’ll be anxiously waiting for Striders story. He’s the bad-boy of this new group that already colors outside of any official lines. Recommended for any Jakes fan or aficionados of alpha men with tender hearts.
Men of Honor is probably my favorite series for my idea of a comfort read. The men and situations aren’t impossible but are highly improbable and they take me right out of my head and into the action. Lots of very hot, alpha man-sex; in this case, three of them! There’s some BDSM but it’s more D/s and not extreme. Like MoH, Crave is the setting once again as a cover for a group of mercenaries. The plot is as convoluted as expected when Cade is taken in by Vic and Tegan. Fabulous page-turning mayhem and action sequences. What I really liked about this was being able to keep up with character names without getting lost! SE Jakes already has titles ready for sequels but I’ll be anxiously waiting for Striders story. He’s the bad-boy of this new group that already colors outside of any official lines. Recommended for any Jakes fan or aficionados of alpha men with tender hearts.
October 11, 2020
5 sizzling hot stars
This book was amazing! It had me from the start, and I loved all the men in this book. Cade took a special place in my heart from the beginning. I just loved that he was probably the most stubborn man of them all and refused to back down from anyone, but at the same time he was also the one with the biggest heart, and when he let his guard down around Tegan and Vic he showed so much trust and vulnerability.
Tegan was the steady one in this book. He was the safe place, the rock that was always there to catch either Vic or Cade when they couldn't catch themselves. He was such an alpha male, but at the same time, he could switch it off and be the submissive to you if that was you wanted/need. Well okay maybe not all the way submissive but you know a little bit.
Vic was the hardest for me to figure out. Because from some of his personality trades I wanted him to be the most submissive of him and Tegan but let me tell you guys he was the boss in the bedroom and it was hot! How I survived this book and not combust, I don't know. What came out of all of these men's mouths but especially Vic's! That was some of the hottest dirty talks I have ever read.
This book is the perfect romantic suspense that is filled with drama, action, chaos, sex oh and then a little more action and a little more sex, and at least funny and so amazing characters you will be sad the book ended. I was on the edge of my seat all the time with this book wanting to know what happened next, who was after them?
P.S. If you aren't into the whole BDSM scene you can still read this book it was really light BDSM and very few scenes with it so nothing crazy or anything.
Blog: https://thebookqueendk.wordpress.com/...
This book was amazing! It had me from the start, and I loved all the men in this book. Cade took a special place in my heart from the beginning. I just loved that he was probably the most stubborn man of them all and refused to back down from anyone, but at the same time he was also the one with the biggest heart, and when he let his guard down around Tegan and Vic he showed so much trust and vulnerability.
Tegan was the steady one in this book. He was the safe place, the rock that was always there to catch either Vic or Cade when they couldn't catch themselves. He was such an alpha male, but at the same time, he could switch it off and be the submissive to you if that was you wanted/need. Well okay maybe not all the way submissive but you know a little bit.
Vic was the hardest for me to figure out. Because from some of his personality trades I wanted him to be the most submissive of him and Tegan but let me tell you guys he was the boss in the bedroom and it was hot! How I survived this book and not combust, I don't know. What came out of all of these men's mouths but especially Vic's! That was some of the hottest dirty talks I have ever read.
This book is the perfect romantic suspense that is filled with drama, action, chaos, sex oh and then a little more action and a little more sex, and at least funny and so amazing characters you will be sad the book ended. I was on the edge of my seat all the time with this book wanting to know what happened next, who was after them?
P.S. If you aren't into the whole BDSM scene you can still read this book it was really light BDSM and very few scenes with it so nothing crazy or anything.
Blog: https://thebookqueendk.wordpress.com/...
May 27, 2019
I adored this ... there was pace, tension and lots of grit. I loved these characters and there was so much from the secondary characters that has clearly allowed room for their own books. Cade found himself in a terrible situation- protecting his best friend and managing a crazed stalker while dealing with recurring issues around child abuse. As part of a threat, he meets Vic & Teegan who put a stop to what was originally a fantasy BDSM experience. Both men had been circling each other for years and Cade was the glue that cemented their relationship. I loved the protective dominance of Vic & Teegan ... who wouldn’t ? I couldn’t put this down. It was right up my alley !
June 25, 2019
I read the MOH series back in 2013, and have had it in my re-read mountain for a couple of years...it just never seems to reach the top of the pile, although I will be rectifying that error sooner rather than later.
At first, I was afraid that there was going to be little to no sex [just kidding of course...it is an SE Jake's production after all 😁😁😁]...but then I realised that lots of the characters from MOH appear in this one, and if you put aside the usual insta-lust/love, and the fact that absolutely ALL of the guys in this particular story had horrific childhoods and are broken and damaged, both mentally and physically to some degree [as well as ex military, SEALS, Rangers, Delta Force] you have the basis for this particular series.
This particular story features Vic [Welsh and former SAS], Tegan who is friends with all the guys from MOH and co-owner of the BDSM club Crave [where anything goes during Fantasy Week 😜] and Cade...who would appear to be the perfect sub [with 2 Doms] in the making, but who of course is being blackmailed by vicious CIA agent Courier, who also has close links to dreadful events in Tegan's awful childhood. Everything ties in nicely...trust me 😉. Next story is Saving Sway...who was on a mission in this one. 4 stars for the starter to this series.
At first, I was afraid that there was going to be little to no sex [just kidding of course...it is an SE Jake's production after all 😁😁😁]...but then I realised that lots of the characters from MOH appear in this one, and if you put aside the usual insta-lust/love, and the fact that absolutely ALL of the guys in this particular story had horrific childhoods and are broken and damaged, both mentally and physically to some degree [as well as ex military, SEALS, Rangers, Delta Force] you have the basis for this particular series.
This particular story features Vic [Welsh and former SAS], Tegan who is friends with all the guys from MOH and co-owner of the BDSM club Crave [where anything goes during Fantasy Week 😜] and Cade...who would appear to be the perfect sub [with 2 Doms] in the making, but who of course is being blackmailed by vicious CIA agent Courier, who also has close links to dreadful events in Tegan's awful childhood. Everything ties in nicely...trust me 😉. Next story is Saving Sway...who was on a mission in this one. 4 stars for the starter to this series.
June 19, 2019
Fantastic book! I am a huge fame of the Men of Honor series so I was so excited to read the spinoff about the boys of Crave.
Cade needs help. To protect his best friend, he is trying to handle a spook bent on some type of revenge by himself and he just can’t anymore.
Vic and Tegan have been circling each other for years. When a Fantasy week scene goes array, they soon find themselves in the crosshairs of what’s trailing Cade.
Cade realized he is attracted to the two men but he knows he needs their help too. The three men coming together is explosive! And damn if I ever had a Vic on my team, I would hold on to that with all my might. Cade just has to figure out a way to let him hold on to his men.
Old hurts come to light, past demons dug up and the men realize they are more entwined than anyone ever thought. Especially with the psychopath hell bent on getting to Cade. The light through all this crap, Vic, Tegan and Cade. The three men know they are better together. The two battle worm men who came out the other end and their calm.
Highly recommended!!
Cade needs help. To protect his best friend, he is trying to handle a spook bent on some type of revenge by himself and he just can’t anymore.
Vic and Tegan have been circling each other for years. When a Fantasy week scene goes array, they soon find themselves in the crosshairs of what’s trailing Cade.
Cade realized he is attracted to the two men but he knows he needs their help too. The three men coming together is explosive! And damn if I ever had a Vic on my team, I would hold on to that with all my might. Cade just has to figure out a way to let him hold on to his men.
Old hurts come to light, past demons dug up and the men realize they are more entwined than anyone ever thought. Especially with the psychopath hell bent on getting to Cade. The light through all this crap, Vic, Tegan and Cade. The three men know they are better together. The two battle worm men who came out the other end and their calm.
Highly recommended!!
June 9, 2019
I’m on a roll for reading new authors to me and this book checked all of my buttons. Ménage check, MMM check, BDSM check. Cade finds himself in an unspeakable situation trying to protect his best friend and managing a crazy stalker all while trying to deal with his issues of abuse from his childhood. That’s when he meets Teegan and Vic, these two have been circling around each other for years that Cade is the glue that binds them together. There is protectiveness, dominance and a freeing ability to just be who you are. This book kept me guessing on who the bad guy really was and how he was weaved into everyone’s history. I can’t wait for Striders book (hint hint lol🤣).
June 22, 2019
First I have to say, I love this author ... so this was a no-brainer for me. I liked the story and the development of the characters and the relationship BUT I had some troubles with the MMM aspect. not because I don't like it but because it has to be really well done to be convincing and here there was a missing link for one of them.
it became better in the last third but nevertheless it was not as well done as I hoped for.
all in all a good book. looking forward to the next books in this series!
it became better in the last third but nevertheless it was not as well done as I hoped for.
all in all a good book. looking forward to the next books in this series!
June 7, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! The chemistry between Vic, Tegan and Cade 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The loyalty, friendships, relationships. This one kept me on my toes and kept me coming back for more. I love when Jakes includes characters from her other books that I’ve already read because the gravity and the importance of those characters to the story is so much different!
The loyalty, friendships, relationships. This one kept me on my toes and kept me coming back for more. I love when Jakes includes characters from her other books that I’ve already read because the gravity and the importance of those characters to the story is so much different!
November 29, 2019
Keeping Cade is hard to rate. It held my interest, I never felt it dragged and it was entertaining so I’m giving it 4 stars. It has a lot of elements that I like; and also, a lot that are usually my cringe-worthy triggers; so I feel like I should be more critical. I can’t figure out if I’m not being more critical because I really was secretly more entertained than I want to admit; or if I have a soft spot for the author who wrote my favorite series (Hell or High Water) and created my favorite characters and I’m always stalking her hoping for a re-do but nothing ever comes close.
Keeping Cade is slightly reminiscent of Bound by Law; and in fact Law, Styx and Paulo have cameo appearances. Keeping Cade is set in the Club Crave world; which has been taken over by a new set of ex-military owners; who also use the club as a front for a Grey-Ops mercenary service. Ex. Army Ranger Cade O’Shea ends up at the BDSM Club’s Fantasy Week under threat of blackmail. His fantasy – which doesn’t entirely get off the ground on night one, pairs him with slightly older club owners ex-SEAL Tegan and ex-SAS Vic. Turns out Cade is the spark and the glue to bring together the two older more dominant men who have been “circling each other for years”.
Of course, there’s more going on than just the romance and hot threesome sex; there’s blackmail, child abuse, betrayal, PTSD and back stories twisted and sordid enough for a soap opera. Keeping Cade really has an ensemble cast and many of the supporting characters are fleshed out and intriguing in their own right. (Strider and Oz anyone?) There’s also a lot of funny, cutesy moments and this is part of what I’m ambivalent about. On the one hand, funny and heartwarming, yes. On the other – ridiculous and totally inauthentic – also yes. Which brings me to my other area of ambivalence – the plot. Normally I’m a stickler for some degree of realism; and the story – while entertaining – is completely unrealistic, improbable, unbelievable, filled with coincidences and pure fantasy. Put the 2 things together and I should hate it. And yet, here we are – I enjoyed the hell out of the stupid book.
The story sets up the next installments which will follow Cade’s two military roommates Sway and Delta Force Theo (who we now know is going to be paired with Tegan’s twin Deran).
Keeping Cade is slightly reminiscent of Bound by Law; and in fact Law, Styx and Paulo have cameo appearances. Keeping Cade is set in the Club Crave world; which has been taken over by a new set of ex-military owners; who also use the club as a front for a Grey-Ops mercenary service. Ex. Army Ranger Cade O’Shea ends up at the BDSM Club’s Fantasy Week under threat of blackmail. His fantasy – which doesn’t entirely get off the ground on night one, pairs him with slightly older club owners ex-SEAL Tegan and ex-SAS Vic. Turns out Cade is the spark and the glue to bring together the two older more dominant men who have been “circling each other for years”.
Of course, there’s more going on than just the romance and hot threesome sex; there’s blackmail, child abuse, betrayal, PTSD and back stories twisted and sordid enough for a soap opera. Keeping Cade really has an ensemble cast and many of the supporting characters are fleshed out and intriguing in their own right. (Strider and Oz anyone?) There’s also a lot of funny, cutesy moments and this is part of what I’m ambivalent about. On the one hand, funny and heartwarming, yes. On the other – ridiculous and totally inauthentic – also yes. Which brings me to my other area of ambivalence – the plot. Normally I’m a stickler for some degree of realism; and the story – while entertaining – is completely unrealistic, improbable, unbelievable, filled with coincidences and pure fantasy. Put the 2 things together and I should hate it. And yet, here we are – I enjoyed the hell out of the stupid book.
The story sets up the next installments which will follow Cade’s two military roommates Sway and Delta Force Theo (who we now know is going to be paired with Tegan’s twin Deran).
May 26, 2019
Tegan and Vic have been attracted to each other for years but never acted on it. Owning Crave, their BDSM club keeps them busy till a Fantasy night request brings them Cade. They realize very quickly that having Cade in the middle just might be what they need. They all have trust issues so getting there won’t be easy.
So much going on in this book. Lots of characters to keep track of. Familiar names from another of the authors series were welcome. The sense of family whether biological or found, is a big theme in this story. M/M/M stories can go terribly wrong or very right. This one falls into the very right category.
I liked book that keeps me guessing about the bad guy. Interesting how this villain was so twisted into everyone’s history.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
So much going on in this book. Lots of characters to keep track of. Familiar names from another of the authors series were welcome. The sense of family whether biological or found, is a big theme in this story. M/M/M stories can go terribly wrong or very right. This one falls into the very right category.
I liked book that keeps me guessing about the bad guy. Interesting how this villain was so twisted into everyone’s history.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
June 22, 2019
Keeping Cade!
Total Rating: 3.9 Stars out of 5
Rating Review Rollout:
(1) Attention Keeper: 5 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
(2) Blurb vs Story matchup: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(3) Danger zone: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(4) Digging deep in Character development: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(5) Edit to Perfection!: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(6) Feeling the Words: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(7) Give me more please factor: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(8) Going with the Flow of the Story: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(9) Grammar Police: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(10) It's all about the Chemistry, baby: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(11) Laugh out loud funny: N/A
(12) Love connection: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(13) Main characters appeal: 5 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
(14) Plot Worthy: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(15) Ramp up the Drama: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(16) Show me Entertainment: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(17) Super-Duper-Natural feels: N/A
(18) Supporting characters' appeal: 5 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
(19) Suspenseful & Thrilling: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(20) The Writing speaks for itself: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(21) The Wrap Up of all loose ends in a tidy bow: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(22) Too sexy for my shirt kinda sex: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
Total Rating: 3.9 Stars out of 5
Rating Review Rollout:
(1) Attention Keeper: 5 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
(2) Blurb vs Story matchup: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(3) Danger zone: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(4) Digging deep in Character development: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(5) Edit to Perfection!: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(6) Feeling the Words: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(7) Give me more please factor: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(8) Going with the Flow of the Story: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(9) Grammar Police: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(10) It's all about the Chemistry, baby: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(11) Laugh out loud funny: N/A
(12) Love connection: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(13) Main characters appeal: 5 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
(14) Plot Worthy: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(15) Ramp up the Drama: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(16) Show me Entertainment: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(17) Super-Duper-Natural feels: N/A
(18) Supporting characters' appeal: 5 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
(19) Suspenseful & Thrilling: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(20) The Writing speaks for itself: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(21) The Wrap Up of all loose ends in a tidy bow: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
(22) Too sexy for my shirt kinda sex: 4 🌞🌞🌞🌞
June 16, 2019
Good start
3.75 ⭐️
Good start to a new series.
It took me a while to connect with this one, and I think that was because of Cade. He was so angry and determined to be independent that it made him hard to connect with at the start. Once he let the guys in, then the book picked up for me.
I loved Vic and would love to see some of his backstory expanded and dealt with. Tegan was also a great character but I don’t feel like I know him as well.
I really enjoyed Cade and Theo’s friendship, the phone calls were hilarious and a good way to lighten the book a bit. I can’t wait for his book.
I loved a number of the side characters, Oz, Strider and Rourke. I hope they get their own books too.
3.75 ⭐️
Good start to a new series.
It took me a while to connect with this one, and I think that was because of Cade. He was so angry and determined to be independent that it made him hard to connect with at the start. Once he let the guys in, then the book picked up for me.
I loved Vic and would love to see some of his backstory expanded and dealt with. Tegan was also a great character but I don’t feel like I know him as well.
I really enjoyed Cade and Theo’s friendship, the phone calls were hilarious and a good way to lighten the book a bit. I can’t wait for his book.
I loved a number of the side characters, Oz, Strider and Rourke. I hope they get their own books too.
May 28, 2019
If ménage is your thing, and you’re looking for a steam-heavy read then this might be the book for you. It’s BDSM-lite so even if you’re normally averse you could still enjoy it. The connection between the MCs is there, and there’s really not a whole lot of angst on the relationship front; more internal demons related to childhood abuse. (Sexual and physical so be wary of that if easily triggered.)
I wouldn’t say it’s going to blow any minds, but I still quite enjoyed it, and there’s several intriguing secondary characters that I’m looking forward to seeing more from in the books to come. Strider especially, he seems like my type of crazy.
I wouldn’t say it’s going to blow any minds, but I still quite enjoyed it, and there’s several intriguing secondary characters that I’m looking forward to seeing more from in the books to come. Strider especially, he seems like my type of crazy.
May 26, 2019
There are things SE Jakes does very well. Stories featuring ex military men. Stories where those men have formed their own family. Stories where those men try to right the wrongs of the world. MMM relationships. This first book in her new series combines all these elements perfectly. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
May 29, 2019
this was amazing.. hott and sexy.. the guys are broken.. and i wasn't sure if they could be fixed.. i love the military aspect also.. the Lost Boys are amazing.. broken.. and just want to be fixed but don't know it yet. i loved the writing and i cannot wait for the next story
June 20, 2019
I'm a little torn about this one.
I have read a lot by this author and enjoyed it all, so I had high expectations for this one. And while I did mostly enjoy it, I felt it was much less thought through than the others. It's disappointing because this could have been so much better than it was.
But first things first. This book contains all the ingredients for a typical S.E. Jakes story: strong alpha types, ex-military men with a lot of baggage, some BDSM, cloak and dagger stuff, darkish atmosphere, some hurt and comfort - in short, everything I love about all her books.
I'm also a fan of her style of writing, mostly intrigued with her characters, their banter and the steam in the bedroom (or whereever suits them). So this was what I expected and mostly what I got and I was lapping it up.
What didn't work for me here was the number of characters, secrets, backgrounds, hinted at stuff and different storylines - it was convoluted, it was hard to follow, half of it was not delivered on and it kept me from really connecting with the story.
I'll explain in more detail from here on out. It's probaly going to be a full on rant (only because of the wasted potential! I still enjoyed reading this) and will contain spoilers!
There are a lot of characters introduced right from the start and they keep getting more throughout the story. But maybe introduced isn't even the right word, a lot of them are more like mentioned without really explaining how they fit in and why they are important to the main characters or the story as a whole. And when there is an explanation then it's all tell and not show.
For example Cades best friend/brother Theo, who apparently is very important to Cade and the reason the whole story is set into motion in the first place, does not ever even appear in person. He is at the other end of the world and it's vitally important that he be protected at all costs and all the screentime he gets is some shortish phonecalls. Cade tells the others a little about how they grew up together, but the reader doesn't get to really experience this with him via flashback or anything. Frankly, I wasn't much invested in Theo's wellbeing since I didn't feel any connection to him at all.
And what makes this worse: Almost every character ever mentioned in this story is presented in a way that at least suggests (if not stated clearly) a relevant background, baggage, current secrets and/or issues and quite possibly a future book in this series. This is hard to keep straight to begin with, but there isn't even any rhyme and reason to which parts of this eventually get revealed in this particular story and which just don't get mentioned again.
So while we get some scenes with Oz (a side character) grieving for is lover, who got killed on the job, which has nothing to do with the main story here, there is a lot of hinting at Vic (a protagonist!!!) having a horrible experience at his last military mission - betrayed by his then lover, scarred with a knive and somehow blamed for it all by his old teammates - and we never get to know what actually happened. Not even via a confession or nightmare or anything. Just never to be mentioned again. Why? I don't get it at all.
Then there is characters and side stories that don't connect to the main story at all. Cade works and fights at a fight club, he has russion mob friends and co-workers there, he goes there to fight during this story - and I have no idea why. Nothing concerning the main story ever happens there.
Then there is a scene in which Cade runs off to rescue a teenage boy from an abusive guy/dad/foster parent, I don't even know. There is no explanation how he even knows the boy, there is no interaction with him to speak of, no comfort scene, we don't even know the extent of his injuries and he doesn't appear again after that. I have no idea what this has to do with anything at all.
Without knowing anything about this boy at all it's not even an emotional scene. It's like reading a statistic about abused kids - it's horrible, but I'm not personally invested in him, more angry at the general principle of the thing.
And one last thing: There is way too much changing the point of view! We have three protagonists here and I generally like getting all of their perspectives. But I don't need them all during the same scene! Switching every two pages is confusing and throws me out of the story a lot.
And there really is no good reason at all for unimportant side characters to tell their point of view for two pages every other chapter. If they were the only ones able to tell a certain aspect of the story - like maybe the last moments of a serial killer's victims in a thriller story or whatever - then that would serve a purpose in the story, but here it is just plain annoying.
Rant mode over.
I have read a lot by this author and enjoyed it all, so I had high expectations for this one. And while I did mostly enjoy it, I felt it was much less thought through than the others. It's disappointing because this could have been so much better than it was.
But first things first. This book contains all the ingredients for a typical S.E. Jakes story: strong alpha types, ex-military men with a lot of baggage, some BDSM, cloak and dagger stuff, darkish atmosphere, some hurt and comfort - in short, everything I love about all her books.
I'm also a fan of her style of writing, mostly intrigued with her characters, their banter and the steam in the bedroom (or whereever suits them). So this was what I expected and mostly what I got and I was lapping it up.
What didn't work for me here was the number of characters, secrets, backgrounds, hinted at stuff and different storylines - it was convoluted, it was hard to follow, half of it was not delivered on and it kept me from really connecting with the story.
I'll explain in more detail from here on out. It's probaly going to be a full on rant (only because of the wasted potential! I still enjoyed reading this) and will contain spoilers!
There are a lot of characters introduced right from the start and they keep getting more throughout the story. But maybe introduced isn't even the right word, a lot of them are more like mentioned without really explaining how they fit in and why they are important to the main characters or the story as a whole. And when there is an explanation then it's all tell and not show.
For example Cades best friend/brother Theo, who apparently is very important to Cade and the reason the whole story is set into motion in the first place, does not ever even appear in person. He is at the other end of the world and it's vitally important that he be protected at all costs and all the screentime he gets is some shortish phonecalls. Cade tells the others a little about how they grew up together, but the reader doesn't get to really experience this with him via flashback or anything. Frankly, I wasn't much invested in Theo's wellbeing since I didn't feel any connection to him at all.
And what makes this worse: Almost every character ever mentioned in this story is presented in a way that at least suggests (if not stated clearly) a relevant background, baggage, current secrets and/or issues and quite possibly a future book in this series. This is hard to keep straight to begin with, but there isn't even any rhyme and reason to which parts of this eventually get revealed in this particular story and which just don't get mentioned again.
So while we get some scenes with Oz (a side character) grieving for is lover, who got killed on the job, which has nothing to do with the main story here, there is a lot of hinting at Vic (a protagonist!!!) having a horrible experience at his last military mission - betrayed by his then lover, scarred with a knive and somehow blamed for it all by his old teammates - and we never get to know what actually happened. Not even via a confession or nightmare or anything. Just never to be mentioned again. Why? I don't get it at all.
Then there is characters and side stories that don't connect to the main story at all. Cade works and fights at a fight club, he has russion mob friends and co-workers there, he goes there to fight during this story - and I have no idea why. Nothing concerning the main story ever happens there.
Then there is a scene in which Cade runs off to rescue a teenage boy from an abusive guy/dad/foster parent, I don't even know. There is no explanation how he even knows the boy, there is no interaction with him to speak of, no comfort scene, we don't even know the extent of his injuries and he doesn't appear again after that. I have no idea what this has to do with anything at all.
Without knowing anything about this boy at all it's not even an emotional scene. It's like reading a statistic about abused kids - it's horrible, but I'm not personally invested in him, more angry at the general principle of the thing.
And one last thing: There is way too much changing the point of view! We have three protagonists here and I generally like getting all of their perspectives. But I don't need them all during the same scene! Switching every two pages is confusing and throws me out of the story a lot.
And there really is no good reason at all for unimportant side characters to tell their point of view for two pages every other chapter. If they were the only ones able to tell a certain aspect of the story - like maybe the last moments of a serial killer's victims in a thriller story or whatever - then that would serve a purpose in the story, but here it is just plain annoying.
Rant mode over.
May 14, 2021
Update: May 14, 2021 - evidently like clockwork I reread this book. Still a favorite of mine.
Update: reread May 30, 2020- I still love this book. I’ve read it 3xs in the past year and cannot wait to read Theo’s book. I’d also LOVE to get a book for Oz and Strider the Insane.
I love S.E. Jakes’ writing style. Pretty much any book of hers I’ve picked up has been amazing. Vic, Tegan, and Cade were perfect together. I do love a good ménage. There was enough drama to be satisfying but not too much to drive me crazy and the character development was amazing. I LOVE when a MC finally breaks down an allows their partner(s) to take care of them. Whether it’s emotionally, physically, or both. We get to see some familiar faces (Law, Paulo, and Styx) and meet some new characters that I hope we see in the future (i.e., Theo and Deran). Strider and Oz were amazing support characters too. I’m curious if we’ll get a book with Rourke. Anyways, I’d highly recommend this book and pretty much any other book by this author.
Update: reread May 30, 2020- I still love this book. I’ve read it 3xs in the past year and cannot wait to read Theo’s book. I’d also LOVE to get a book for Oz and Strider the Insane.
I love S.E. Jakes’ writing style. Pretty much any book of hers I’ve picked up has been amazing. Vic, Tegan, and Cade were perfect together. I do love a good ménage. There was enough drama to be satisfying but not too much to drive me crazy and the character development was amazing. I LOVE when a MC finally breaks down an allows their partner(s) to take care of them. Whether it’s emotionally, physically, or both. We get to see some familiar faces (Law, Paulo, and Styx) and meet some new characters that I hope we see in the future (i.e., Theo and Deran). Strider and Oz were amazing support characters too. I’m curious if we’ll get a book with Rourke. Anyways, I’d highly recommend this book and pretty much any other book by this author.
June 9, 2019
I always jump at the chance to read M/M/M stories, and the synopsis for this book did its job drawing me in. The description had me thinking there would be more of a concentration in the club with the BDSM aspects, but the reality turned out to be more centered on Cade’s predicament with a psycho ex.
All three main characters—Cade, Tegan, and Vic—are VERY alpha. All former military, all experienced in fighting (especially Cade and Vic), all headstrong and protective. As for the connection between them? To me, that wound up feeling more physical than emotional. They absolutely fit together sexually, and those scenes reflect their compatibility in that respect with their intensity and heat. The emotional connection though…that didn’t quite click for me.
There are plenty of points when they are learning about Cade’s past where the tension is high and it can be emotionally draining for the characters. For me this didn’t translate to a deep romantic connection. The three of them were a lot alike, and that feeling of completion, of them complementing each other, that didn’t quite register for me.
There were quite a few interesting supporting characters who caught me eye, in particular Oz (who seems to be their in-charge guy, but who is so very broken), and Strider (a bit of a loose cannon but also one of those guys who can bring levity to a scene). All the guys seem to have things in their past to overcome, and within this story there were several jumping-off places for more books in the series.
There are multiple points of view from which the story is told—and not just our three main men. This does add depth to the story in addition to raising interest for the rest of the series since it gives a bigger glimpse into the other characters. The story did feel like its focus jumped around a bit, which did have my mind wandering from time to time.
With the not-quite-connection among Cade, Tegan, and Vic, and the not-quite-smooth story, this one is sitting firmly at 3 stars for me. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it is a spinoff from another series. Though this story itself can be read as a standalone, characters from the previous series do make an appearance…but it’s not necessary to know their backstory to enjoy Keeping Cade. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
All three main characters—Cade, Tegan, and Vic—are VERY alpha. All former military, all experienced in fighting (especially Cade and Vic), all headstrong and protective. As for the connection between them? To me, that wound up feeling more physical than emotional. They absolutely fit together sexually, and those scenes reflect their compatibility in that respect with their intensity and heat. The emotional connection though…that didn’t quite click for me.
There are plenty of points when they are learning about Cade’s past where the tension is high and it can be emotionally draining for the characters. For me this didn’t translate to a deep romantic connection. The three of them were a lot alike, and that feeling of completion, of them complementing each other, that didn’t quite register for me.
There were quite a few interesting supporting characters who caught me eye, in particular Oz (who seems to be their in-charge guy, but who is so very broken), and Strider (a bit of a loose cannon but also one of those guys who can bring levity to a scene). All the guys seem to have things in their past to overcome, and within this story there were several jumping-off places for more books in the series.
There are multiple points of view from which the story is told—and not just our three main men. This does add depth to the story in addition to raising interest for the rest of the series since it gives a bigger glimpse into the other characters. The story did feel like its focus jumped around a bit, which did have my mind wandering from time to time.
With the not-quite-connection among Cade, Tegan, and Vic, and the not-quite-smooth story, this one is sitting firmly at 3 stars for me. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it is a spinoff from another series. Though this story itself can be read as a standalone, characters from the previous series do make an appearance…but it’s not necessary to know their backstory to enjoy Keeping Cade. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
June 7, 2019
This is only the second book I’ve read by SE Jakes, but I really liked both of them. Her writing does take some getting used to and these stories aren’t going to be for everyone.
I have not read the Men of Honor series from which this series is a spin-off. After looking at that series, three men from that series are in in this series and a couple others are mentioned but it is absolutely not necessary to read that series to start this one. It is clear these characters all have history, but the author does a great job of explaining said histories and I never felt confused about the main or side characters or their relationships to each other.
This is a very intense and heavy story. All three MC’s have tragic pasts and are attempting to heal from them as well as recent tragedies. They do enjoy what I’d call light BDSM although it is mentioned Tegan needs more than light at times (we only experience one scene with that though). Tegan and Vic have history and have had feelings for each other for a while when they meet Cade but their feelings for Cade and Cade’s feelings for them escalate quickly. I hesitate to state whether their relationship progresses so fast due to their intense situation or this is a true case of insta-love. I like them together; their relationship works for me and I can feel how much they care for and eventually love each other. They have great sexual chemistry and they’re hot together. I’d classify the ending as an HEA but I’m assuming we’ll see them in future stories since they are partial owners of the club and have personal ties to future characters.
The suspense story is good and kept me guessing. A couple of times it was confusing, and I had to slow down to keep up but overall, I enjoyed it.
Sway and Theo are clearly getting the next two books, but Strider must get a book…he stole every scene he was in and there is no way we can go without his story. There is some major foreshadowing about him at the end of this book which wouldn’t disappoint me. I’m assuming Deran will be in Theo’s book, but I’m interested to see where Oz ends up. There are a couple other mercenaries mentioned briefly I’m interested in as well so I’m in this series for the long haul.
I have not read the Men of Honor series from which this series is a spin-off. After looking at that series, three men from that series are in in this series and a couple others are mentioned but it is absolutely not necessary to read that series to start this one. It is clear these characters all have history, but the author does a great job of explaining said histories and I never felt confused about the main or side characters or their relationships to each other.
This is a very intense and heavy story. All three MC’s have tragic pasts and are attempting to heal from them as well as recent tragedies. They do enjoy what I’d call light BDSM although it is mentioned Tegan needs more than light at times (we only experience one scene with that though). Tegan and Vic have history and have had feelings for each other for a while when they meet Cade but their feelings for Cade and Cade’s feelings for them escalate quickly. I hesitate to state whether their relationship progresses so fast due to their intense situation or this is a true case of insta-love. I like them together; their relationship works for me and I can feel how much they care for and eventually love each other. They have great sexual chemistry and they’re hot together. I’d classify the ending as an HEA but I’m assuming we’ll see them in future stories since they are partial owners of the club and have personal ties to future characters.
The suspense story is good and kept me guessing. A couple of times it was confusing, and I had to slow down to keep up but overall, I enjoyed it.
Sway and Theo are clearly getting the next two books, but Strider must get a book…he stole every scene he was in and there is no way we can go without his story. There is some major foreshadowing about him at the end of this book which wouldn’t disappoint me. I’m assuming Deran will be in Theo’s book, but I’m interested to see where Oz ends up. There are a couple other mercenaries mentioned briefly I’m interested in as well so I’m in this series for the long haul.
July 4, 2019
The Blogger Girls
I love S.E. Jakes’ writing style and I remember going bonkers over the Men of Honor series, so I was a tad excited about the Crave Club series. What was a surprise, or maybe not, is how much I barely remember the first series. In my defense, and in defense of the author, I did read that series many years ago. But anyway, we have a new trio to drool over and believe me when I say all three of these men: Vic, Tegan, and Cade are all drool worthy.
There is a lot going on, besides the hanky panky in room 4 of Crave…and that something else is actually quite a lot. And for some reason, though I was satisfied at the end, I am unsure if it was all settled or not. It didn’t feel like it, and hopefully that will happen in the next book(s). Cade is a fighter, literally, but also being blackmailed, stalked, and hunted…you name it, he has a lot of secrets and he is in deep trouble.
In walks more trouble with the names of Vic and Tegan…good trouble, that is. Now these two could have had a book all of their own, and a part of me thinks it would have been a better story without Cade. But then again, they did work well together, so it was all good.
So, if you are already an S.E. Jakes fan, or new to the author, this book may just be what you have been waiting for. It was not my favorite, but it was still really good, and I look forward to seeing where we go from here.
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
I love S.E. Jakes’ writing style and I remember going bonkers over the Men of Honor series, so I was a tad excited about the Crave Club series. What was a surprise, or maybe not, is how much I barely remember the first series. In my defense, and in defense of the author, I did read that series many years ago. But anyway, we have a new trio to drool over and believe me when I say all three of these men: Vic, Tegan, and Cade are all drool worthy.
There is a lot going on, besides the hanky panky in room 4 of Crave…and that something else is actually quite a lot. And for some reason, though I was satisfied at the end, I am unsure if it was all settled or not. It didn’t feel like it, and hopefully that will happen in the next book(s). Cade is a fighter, literally, but also being blackmailed, stalked, and hunted…you name it, he has a lot of secrets and he is in deep trouble.
In walks more trouble with the names of Vic and Tegan…good trouble, that is. Now these two could have had a book all of their own, and a part of me thinks it would have been a better story without Cade. But then again, they did work well together, so it was all good.
So, if you are already an S.E. Jakes fan, or new to the author, this book may just be what you have been waiting for. It was not my favorite, but it was still really good, and I look forward to seeing where we go from here.
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
November 9, 2020
This book was about... well, keeping Cade. The title, for a change, sums up the whole book. Because Cade runs. And he has his ideas. And some tragic past. So the whole point of the book is basically catching him and... keeping him. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. It just means it's romance (and/or sex) oriented book. The kink level is... gosh, I have no idea if I am already used to some stuff or if I just don't read the real "hardcore" stuff but from where I am standing, it was mild to almost nonexistence.
Generally, the plot is not that abundant. It's a lot about the conversation they have about their relationship, about his best friend, about his past, about their friends/teammates, about his fighting...
I am trying to think of a reason why this is book is worth reading but other that "if you're in the mood for..." (what I just described) then I just have no idea. I opened it, read some, closed it. Then I was looking for a book and saw it and realized I still remember what I have read so I gave it another chance and it didn't totally suck/was good enough I didn't delete it.
I know, I could be a cheerleader with my level of enthusiasm.
So if you're okay with a bread kind of story (as in, it could be bland or nice or pretty delicious depending on the circumstances) then sure, why not this book?
Generally, the plot is not that abundant. It's a lot about the conversation they have about their relationship, about his best friend, about his past, about their friends/teammates, about his fighting...
I am trying to think of a reason why this is book is worth reading but other that "if you're in the mood for..." (what I just described) then I just have no idea. I opened it, read some, closed it. Then I was looking for a book and saw it and realized I still remember what I have read so I gave it another chance and it didn't totally suck/was good enough I didn't delete it.
I know, I could be a cheerleader with my level of enthusiasm.
So if you're okay with a bread kind of story (as in, it could be bland or nice or pretty delicious depending on the circumstances) then sure, why not this book?
June 10, 2019
Hot and heavy!
Wow, what a start to this new series!
Since it's a spin off there's several familiar faces and the Crave club and it's owners are still dealing with the aftermath of losing a lover, friend and brother. That's when Cade comes along with troubles of his own and immediately gets Vic and Teagans attention.
Like all of the men at Crave and in their circle (I really recommend reading the Men of Honor series) Cade is what Law calls a "lost boy", someone with a hard and violent past and with a military background. And he has also got the attention from a very dangerous man.
I love how everything clicked between Vic and Teagan when Cade came into the mix and boy are those three hot together! I'm glad that it's summer so I had the cooling fan out because it gets sizzling when they are together.
The book has the perfect mix of steamy scenes, fighting and suspense but there's also some hard topics in the book like abuse and violence against minors so be aware if that's a trigger.
I can't wait for more books in this series since all the books by this author are amazing and I want Oz to find someone again, I want to know more about Theo and Deran, I'm curious about Sway, but most of all I want to see more of Strider and Rourke.
Wow, what a start to this new series!
Since it's a spin off there's several familiar faces and the Crave club and it's owners are still dealing with the aftermath of losing a lover, friend and brother. That's when Cade comes along with troubles of his own and immediately gets Vic and Teagans attention.
Like all of the men at Crave and in their circle (I really recommend reading the Men of Honor series) Cade is what Law calls a "lost boy", someone with a hard and violent past and with a military background. And he has also got the attention from a very dangerous man.
I love how everything clicked between Vic and Teagan when Cade came into the mix and boy are those three hot together! I'm glad that it's summer so I had the cooling fan out because it gets sizzling when they are together.
The book has the perfect mix of steamy scenes, fighting and suspense but there's also some hard topics in the book like abuse and violence against minors so be aware if that's a trigger.
I can't wait for more books in this series since all the books by this author are amazing and I want Oz to find someone again, I want to know more about Theo and Deran, I'm curious about Sway, but most of all I want to see more of Strider and Rourke.
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