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Cruel Cravings
An Enemies to Lovers Standalone
I met him my first day at Livingston Prep. I thought he was my friend, but beauty is a cruel deceiver. He orchestrated the (second) worst moment of my life. He is my enemy.
Yet his electric blue eyes and hair as black as night haunt my dreams. His kisses, sinfully sweet, still poison my lips.
I am twenty-one year old, Cora Nambett. Fresh churned ground covers my father. Multiple Sclerosis threatens to paralyze my mother. We are about to lose our home.
Desperation sends me to his door.
Blood will bind my promise to him.
Hate will help me survive.
Note to Readers: Cruel Cravings is an enemies-to-lovers romance that does not end on a cliff-hanger. It is a sizzling hot, new adult novel that contains swearing and, at times, dark themes including bullying.
I met him my first day at Livingston Prep. I thought he was my friend, but beauty is a cruel deceiver. He orchestrated the (second) worst moment of my life. He is my enemy.
Yet his electric blue eyes and hair as black as night haunt my dreams. His kisses, sinfully sweet, still poison my lips.
I am twenty-one year old, Cora Nambett. Fresh churned ground covers my father. Multiple Sclerosis threatens to paralyze my mother. We are about to lose our home.
Desperation sends me to his door.
Blood will bind my promise to him.
Hate will help me survive.
Note to Readers: Cruel Cravings is an enemies-to-lovers romance that does not end on a cliff-hanger. It is a sizzling hot, new adult novel that contains swearing and, at times, dark themes including bullying.
152 pages, ebook
Published December 26, 2019
92 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Grant
23 books162 followersJordan Grant is a lost soul, who changed majors three times in college before deciding on English. Because she has about as much patience as her beautiful, wonderful (did she mention ah-mazing!) younglings, she graduated a year early and then went to law school because...
Well, she mentioned she’s a lost soul, right?
A special place in her heart is devoted to edgy alpha males and bad boys with naughty mouths. She loves to get lost in the blur between love and hate and is especially fond of prince charmings with dents in their crowns and strife in their souls.
She is an avid fan of all things sweet including red wine and cupcakes (red velvet, please!). When she’s not daydreaming about the characters in her head, she enjoys (attempting to) garden, petting furry animals, and wrangling her family into day-trip adventures.
Well, she mentioned she’s a lost soul, right?
A special place in her heart is devoted to edgy alpha males and bad boys with naughty mouths. She loves to get lost in the blur between love and hate and is especially fond of prince charmings with dents in their crowns and strife in their souls.
She is an avid fan of all things sweet including red wine and cupcakes (red velvet, please!). When she’s not daydreaming about the characters in her head, she enjoys (attempting to) garden, petting furry animals, and wrangling her family into day-trip adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 8, 2020
The main storyline hit the mark, the back story veered away.
The main storyline in this was the hate to love story between the two main characters and I really enjoyed that story. It started out looking almost like a bully romance though the heroine Cora and the Hero Alexander have been out of high school for years now. They hate each other due to something that happened in the private high school that Cora attended on academic scholarship where Alex and his friends were he richest of the rich.
As the story progresses we are shown in flashbacks what happened in high school to between Cora and Alex. I think a lot of the back story and world building was done well, and the character development was very good, especially of Cora, Alex, her Mother, her best friend and Alex’s friends. However some of the background information didn’t really seem to fit or maybe just wasn’t explained well enough for me.
Alex and his friends all have fathers that are really awful men and they are involved in some terrible dealings, possibly mafia, and Alex and his friends wanted to get out from under their father’s thumbs. But when Cora first went to Alex to make a deal with him, she was going on about how successful he was in his own right. How he had successful businesses all over the city and millions of dollars, certainly enough that he didn’t blink when she needed him to pay her mother’s mortgage and give her mother a hundred grand to live on for a few years. So why would he be under his father’s thumb?
Anyway, other than the fact that I didn’t really get that one piece of information, I really liked the book. And some times, to tell you the truth, I read so fast I think I might miss some pertinent information where something like that could possibly have been explained so if it was, I apologize. Though I don’t think it was.
Who really cares anyway. The passion between Alexander and Cora was off the charts. Cora’s Mom has Multiple Sclerosis and her Dad was sick with Cancer so Cora had to quit college (where she was studying to be a nuclear physicist or something equally amazing), in order to take care of her father. Cora ends up working at a Food-N-All to pay the bills.
When her Father passed away, the the house was about to go into foreclosure and the only way to save it for her Mother was to make a deal with Alex. Alex’s family was known for making deals for money in exchange for flesh or servitude. She knew he would be cruel about it but it was her last resort.
The chemistry between Alex and Cora is crazy hot and the romance is both steamy and sweet. Overall I liked the book and I would read more from this author. I really like authors that do stand-alone books. Sometimes it is just a pain to get involved in a whole new series.
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The main storyline in this was the hate to love story between the two main characters and I really enjoyed that story. It started out looking almost like a bully romance though the heroine Cora and the Hero Alexander have been out of high school for years now. They hate each other due to something that happened in the private high school that Cora attended on academic scholarship where Alex and his friends were he richest of the rich.
As the story progresses we are shown in flashbacks what happened in high school to between Cora and Alex. I think a lot of the back story and world building was done well, and the character development was very good, especially of Cora, Alex, her Mother, her best friend and Alex’s friends. However some of the background information didn’t really seem to fit or maybe just wasn’t explained well enough for me.
Alex and his friends all have fathers that are really awful men and they are involved in some terrible dealings, possibly mafia, and Alex and his friends wanted to get out from under their father’s thumbs. But when Cora first went to Alex to make a deal with him, she was going on about how successful he was in his own right. How he had successful businesses all over the city and millions of dollars, certainly enough that he didn’t blink when she needed him to pay her mother’s mortgage and give her mother a hundred grand to live on for a few years. So why would he be under his father’s thumb?
Anyway, other than the fact that I didn’t really get that one piece of information, I really liked the book. And some times, to tell you the truth, I read so fast I think I might miss some pertinent information where something like that could possibly have been explained so if it was, I apologize. Though I don’t think it was.
Who really cares anyway. The passion between Alexander and Cora was off the charts. Cora’s Mom has Multiple Sclerosis and her Dad was sick with Cancer so Cora had to quit college (where she was studying to be a nuclear physicist or something equally amazing), in order to take care of her father. Cora ends up working at a Food-N-All to pay the bills.
When her Father passed away, the the house was about to go into foreclosure and the only way to save it for her Mother was to make a deal with Alex. Alex’s family was known for making deals for money in exchange for flesh or servitude. She knew he would be cruel about it but it was her last resort.
The chemistry between Alex and Cora is crazy hot and the romance is both steamy and sweet. Overall I liked the book and I would read more from this author. I really like authors that do stand-alone books. Sometimes it is just a pain to get involved in a whole new series.
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January 3, 2020
"Desperation sends me to his door. Blood will bind my promise to him. Hate will help me survive."
Another new author to me....one that might be new period? If this is her first published book, sign me up for whatever follows! I wasn't overly excited about the cover (something about the crazy blue eyes), but the blurb hooked me & demanded I give it a chance. It captured my attention from the very first sentence. It was absolutely fascinating and had me eager to learn more about these characters and the world they lived in. She created what is the definition of a page turner. It is masterfully written in a way that leaves you enough crumbs to keep you all in without revealing too much at once. With this one book, she created a "world" & characters that could carry on through interconnected books that I would devour as soon as I could get my hands on them.
"I got what I wanted, but at what price? I just made a deal with the Devil."
Book Facts: Told from our heroine's POV, this standalone is about a young woman who finds herself in front of the one man responsible for her broken heart, willing to make a deal in order to save her mom and keep her family home. Cora hasn't seen Alexander since he broke her heart by betraying her in the most cruel fashion in school, but desperation brings her in front of him agreeing to deal with the devil. She needs to hate him to survive, but what if everything she thought going in is wrong? What if the monster she fears is the very one that can give her the HEA? This book does end with a HFN-ending, with the option of a story continuation if the author decides to.
"He’s the boy who broke my heart and the man who threatens to destroy it completely."
Timeline of Thoughts:
Starting: I am going in blind bc I don't remember the blurb at all.
11%: This is an absolutely fascinating read so far.
14%: “Challenge accepted, Carrie,” he murmured before clenching the shell of my ear between his teeth and biting down. Hard. ***something so small freaking HOT. Jesus this has the makings of my first true fav of 2020.
27%: Went back and read blurb and all I can say is so far this is so much better than the blurb promises.
31%: I absolutely LOVE Zed. I'm going to need a book featuring him as the lead ASAP.
40%: Hopefully I'm about to learn exactly what he did that qualified as the 2nd worst moment of her life. Why do I always think they aren't as bad as they are made out to be? I'm gonna go out on a limb here & say whatever it is, he actually loved/cared for her and had a reason for doing it (no matter what it was).
54%: The singular issue I have with this book? Cora and her refusal to get the f over it and give him a chance, instead spending all her time questioning his motives, looks, actions, words, etc and reminding herself she is supposed to hate him.
63%: Seriously? I get it was awful, but I am willing to bet there is a lot more to this.
71%: The actual "betrayal" and the details are an interesting twist. What annoys me slightly? How fast the overall resolution happens.
85%: How does he say the sweetest cheesiest things yet they are sexy af coming from him?
92%: I'm actually happy for this little twist.....I was afraid it would be a little too HEA long before the epilogue.
Finished: I LOVE their ending but want more! I need this to be made into a series w the other guys, Melody, & Nate!
"The Five" Quotes:
“Give me your goddamn terms,” I say. Then, because I know it’s the only way he will ever agree, the only way he will ever help me, I add, “What’s wrong, Allie? Do I need to go to your father? We both know he will make me a deal.”
-Cora
“Challenge accepted, Carrie,” he murmured before clenching the shell of my ear between his teeth and biting down. Hard.
-Alexander
“You want sex?” “I want you, but I will take what I can get.”
-Cora & Alexander
“You’re not going to break my heart, are you?” I giggled at the crazy notion that I would be the one breaking hearts, and he frowned. “People always lie to me, Cora,” he said, “whether they mean to or not.”
-Alexander
"If I cannot change the will of Heaven, then I shall move Hell."
-Alexander's tattoo
Final Thoughts:
1. Fav Part of Book: Most of what comes out of Alexander's mouth.
Least Fav Part of Book: Cora's insistence on constantly bringing up the past in her mind.
2. Cora & Alexander: Alexander is painted as the devil reincarnated. Yet the present-day & even "flashback"Alexander is never cruel or bullying to her (aside from a singular moment). I loved him....the things he says (from the sweet cheesy things to the absolute filthy ones) were the highlight of the book to me. He doesn't play games and he makes it clear exactly what he wants and how he feels. Cora seems to live a lot in the past (in regards to Alexander & the guys)....at times you just want her to either get it out & in the open so it can be resolved OR for her to get the f over it & live in the now. I did have massive respect for the fact that she is willing to do anything for her mom & their home. Together they seem to have been written to bring out the best & the necessary in each other. It didn't feel forced at all.
3. Positives: The overall plot, the pace of the story, the secondary characters, Alexander's sweet & sexy words, happy ending, devour-worthy writing.
4. Negatives: Some typos/grammar errors (in my ARC copy), Cora living in past.
5. Writing: The writing style is one I haven't seen from authors I'm not already obsessed with (and those authors that are already well known). This is the first "newbie" (to me) that has shown off such a phenomonal way of using vocabulary to create such developed dialogue and fascinating characters. She is the first author that I've read that puts so much emphasis on taste and smells.....her descriptions are as much a part of the book as the characters and I LOVED it. It allows the reader another way to "experience" the book. I like that the current drama is singular in focus and doesn't drag on or take up the room that should be devoted to the romance aspect. I think she has developed enough interesting & likeable secondary characters to make a series of their interconnected standalones.
"I am breaking apart, ripping in an ugly tear that leaves jagged edges. I hate him. I crave him. I need more."
Overall, I actually loved this story and these characters. I stayed up hours after my bedtime because I couldn't put it down. The reason I couldn't give it 5 stars? My ARC copy had a few too many typos/grammatical errors. Their ending? So perfect for them but just made want more of them & the secondary characters we got a peek of.
Can we make that happen?
..... seriously please!!
“What’s this one for?” I ask, touching the globe. “Because you are my world, Cora Jean.”
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another new author to me....one that might be new period? If this is her first published book, sign me up for whatever follows! I wasn't overly excited about the cover (something about the crazy blue eyes), but the blurb hooked me & demanded I give it a chance. It captured my attention from the very first sentence. It was absolutely fascinating and had me eager to learn more about these characters and the world they lived in. She created what is the definition of a page turner. It is masterfully written in a way that leaves you enough crumbs to keep you all in without revealing too much at once. With this one book, she created a "world" & characters that could carry on through interconnected books that I would devour as soon as I could get my hands on them.
"I got what I wanted, but at what price? I just made a deal with the Devil."
Book Facts: Told from our heroine's POV, this standalone is about a young woman who finds herself in front of the one man responsible for her broken heart, willing to make a deal in order to save her mom and keep her family home. Cora hasn't seen Alexander since he broke her heart by betraying her in the most cruel fashion in school, but desperation brings her in front of him agreeing to deal with the devil. She needs to hate him to survive, but what if everything she thought going in is wrong? What if the monster she fears is the very one that can give her the HEA? This book does end with a HFN-ending, with the option of a story continuation if the author decides to.
"He’s the boy who broke my heart and the man who threatens to destroy it completely."
Timeline of Thoughts:
Starting: I am going in blind bc I don't remember the blurb at all.
11%: This is an absolutely fascinating read so far.
14%: “Challenge accepted, Carrie,” he murmured before clenching the shell of my ear between his teeth and biting down. Hard. ***something so small freaking HOT. Jesus this has the makings of my first true fav of 2020.
27%: Went back and read blurb and all I can say is so far this is so much better than the blurb promises.
31%: I absolutely LOVE Zed. I'm going to need a book featuring him as the lead ASAP.
40%: Hopefully I'm about to learn exactly what he did that qualified as the 2nd worst moment of her life. Why do I always think they aren't as bad as they are made out to be? I'm gonna go out on a limb here & say whatever it is, he actually loved/cared for her and had a reason for doing it (no matter what it was).
54%: The singular issue I have with this book? Cora and her refusal to get the f over it and give him a chance, instead spending all her time questioning his motives, looks, actions, words, etc and reminding herself she is supposed to hate him.
63%: Seriously? I get it was awful, but I am willing to bet there is a lot more to this.
71%: The actual "betrayal" and the details are an interesting twist. What annoys me slightly? How fast the overall resolution happens.
85%: How does he say the sweetest cheesiest things yet they are sexy af coming from him?
92%: I'm actually happy for this little twist.....I was afraid it would be a little too HEA long before the epilogue.
Finished: I LOVE their ending but want more! I need this to be made into a series w the other guys, Melody, & Nate!
"The Five" Quotes:
“Give me your goddamn terms,” I say. Then, because I know it’s the only way he will ever agree, the only way he will ever help me, I add, “What’s wrong, Allie? Do I need to go to your father? We both know he will make me a deal.”
-Cora
“Challenge accepted, Carrie,” he murmured before clenching the shell of my ear between his teeth and biting down. Hard.
-Alexander
“You want sex?” “I want you, but I will take what I can get.”
-Cora & Alexander
“You’re not going to break my heart, are you?” I giggled at the crazy notion that I would be the one breaking hearts, and he frowned. “People always lie to me, Cora,” he said, “whether they mean to or not.”
-Alexander
"If I cannot change the will of Heaven, then I shall move Hell."
-Alexander's tattoo
Final Thoughts:
1. Fav Part of Book: Most of what comes out of Alexander's mouth.
Least Fav Part of Book: Cora's insistence on constantly bringing up the past in her mind.
2. Cora & Alexander: Alexander is painted as the devil reincarnated. Yet the present-day & even "flashback"Alexander is never cruel or bullying to her (aside from a singular moment). I loved him....the things he says (from the sweet cheesy things to the absolute filthy ones) were the highlight of the book to me. He doesn't play games and he makes it clear exactly what he wants and how he feels. Cora seems to live a lot in the past (in regards to Alexander & the guys)....at times you just want her to either get it out & in the open so it can be resolved OR for her to get the f over it & live in the now. I did have massive respect for the fact that she is willing to do anything for her mom & their home. Together they seem to have been written to bring out the best & the necessary in each other. It didn't feel forced at all.
3. Positives: The overall plot, the pace of the story, the secondary characters, Alexander's sweet & sexy words, happy ending, devour-worthy writing.
4. Negatives: Some typos/grammar errors (in my ARC copy), Cora living in past.
5. Writing: The writing style is one I haven't seen from authors I'm not already obsessed with (and those authors that are already well known). This is the first "newbie" (to me) that has shown off such a phenomonal way of using vocabulary to create such developed dialogue and fascinating characters. She is the first author that I've read that puts so much emphasis on taste and smells.....her descriptions are as much a part of the book as the characters and I LOVED it. It allows the reader another way to "experience" the book. I like that the current drama is singular in focus and doesn't drag on or take up the room that should be devoted to the romance aspect. I think she has developed enough interesting & likeable secondary characters to make a series of their interconnected standalones.
"I am breaking apart, ripping in an ugly tear that leaves jagged edges. I hate him. I crave him. I need more."
Overall, I actually loved this story and these characters. I stayed up hours after my bedtime because I couldn't put it down. The reason I couldn't give it 5 stars? My ARC copy had a few too many typos/grammatical errors. Their ending? So perfect for them but just made want more of them & the secondary characters we got a peek of.
Can we make that happen?
..... seriously please!!
“What’s this one for?” I ask, touching the globe. “Because you are my world, Cora Jean.”
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2023
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
"I have given myself to my enemy, and I know I would do it again."
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Rich Boy/Poor Girl
🖤 Overly Possessive/Protective MMC
🖤 Virgin FMC
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 HEA
"I cry for the boy I once loved and the man I now struggle to hate."
I loved Alexander and Cora together! They were like fire and ice, blurring the lines between love and hate. They set fire to the pages as they came together, raw and visceral, and I got swept up in their whirlwind. What started as a deal with the devil turned into so much more. A high school bully turned boyfriend who broke Cora's heart back then, Alexander fully redeemed himself for his second chance. It was obvious how much he loved her despite his actions as he cared for her, tender and heartfelt moments sprinkled through the darkness. Cora challenged him but she brought out the good in him that no one else could see. Twists and turns wove through the plot and I held my breath through it all. Looking at money and power, along with the dangers that could follow, this novella captivated me and I didn't want it to end. This was exactly how enemies to lovers should be!! 🖤
"We hold each other, crying for what we have lost and what we have found."
"I have given myself to my enemy, and I know I would do it again."
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Rich Boy/Poor Girl
🖤 Overly Possessive/Protective MMC
🖤 Virgin FMC
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 HEA
"I cry for the boy I once loved and the man I now struggle to hate."
I loved Alexander and Cora together! They were like fire and ice, blurring the lines between love and hate. They set fire to the pages as they came together, raw and visceral, and I got swept up in their whirlwind. What started as a deal with the devil turned into so much more. A high school bully turned boyfriend who broke Cora's heart back then, Alexander fully redeemed himself for his second chance. It was obvious how much he loved her despite his actions as he cared for her, tender and heartfelt moments sprinkled through the darkness. Cora challenged him but she brought out the good in him that no one else could see. Twists and turns wove through the plot and I held my breath through it all. Looking at money and power, along with the dangers that could follow, this novella captivated me and I didn't want it to end. This was exactly how enemies to lovers should be!! 🖤
"We hold each other, crying for what we have lost and what we have found."
January 4, 2020
A new author with a promising future. I enjoyed this book but felt it was a little rushed. I actually think it might have benefited from a cliffhanger (I know, I know). Would love to see more from the secondary characters. It is available via Kindle Unlimited and worth the time to read.
December 27, 2019
Torrid and full of twists and turns
4.5
Good romance, well written, steamy with good characters and full of twists and turns. The story seems harsh at first, but we quickly understand that the past is based on a misunderstanding. However, the story takes an unexpected turn.
Cora needs money to save her sick mother's house. For this she goes to see Alexander, whom she hates since high school for what he made her believe, destroying her psychologically because he believed that she had betrayed him. He is now the head of a criminal organization, but the reality of Alexander’s life is much more complex than that. In addition, his behavior changes dramatically when he realizes that she has never betrayed him.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
4.5
Good romance, well written, steamy with good characters and full of twists and turns. The story seems harsh at first, but we quickly understand that the past is based on a misunderstanding. However, the story takes an unexpected turn.
Cora needs money to save her sick mother's house. For this she goes to see Alexander, whom she hates since high school for what he made her believe, destroying her psychologically because he believed that she had betrayed him. He is now the head of a criminal organization, but the reality of Alexander’s life is much more complex than that. In addition, his behavior changes dramatically when he realizes that she has never betrayed him.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
December 28, 2019
Loved this second chance romance!
Cora was starting to like Alexander when they were in high school together. They went on a date and then he turned cold on her and humiliated her in front of the whole school. Now six years later she must swallow her pride and ask him for his help. She is willing to do anything to save her mom and their home. Will Alexander be willing to help her? This is a great read and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cora was starting to like Alexander when they were in high school together. They went on a date and then he turned cold on her and humiliated her in front of the whole school. Now six years later she must swallow her pride and ask him for his help. She is willing to do anything to save her mom and their home. Will Alexander be willing to help her? This is a great read and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2019
This is my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it; It was not as dark as some of the other bully romances I have read and I thought that was a good thing. The storyline was good and quickly had me hooked I liked the heat between these two characters I cannot wait to read more from this author.
January 2, 2020
Cora is faced with no other option but to ask Alexander for help. The catch, she has hated Alexander since she was in high school for capturing her heart and then breaking it in the most embarrassing of ways. The flames of their childhood still burn white hot and truth comes out before the reader knows it. Suspense, drama, mystery, steamy love scenes and romance are around every turn. And the picture perfect ending is the HEA that the reader hopes for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2023
Loved this quick little enemies to lovers style novella.
It had a decent plot and i enjoyed seeing the backstory between the two characters.
The insta love hit the nail on the head
Mix in some jealousy and some greed … and it’s bound to be a good story.
New to me author but looking forward to reading more
It had a decent plot and i enjoyed seeing the backstory between the two characters.
The insta love hit the nail on the head
Mix in some jealousy and some greed … and it’s bound to be a good story.
New to me author but looking forward to reading more
January 3, 2020
Very little character development. Not well written. Last 1/4 of the book felt very rushed. Like I have to get these 2 characters together and have 40 pages to do it.
Read
February 20, 2020Dnf
December 30, 2019
This was my first read from this author. It was a very good read. It was a lot of funny moments while reading this. And I will definitely read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2020
This story had so much potential that it kind of felt short to me. Everything was so rushed, not enough details or background information... Sorry, but it wasn't for me.
January 4, 2026
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Cruel Cravings by Jordan Grant is a contemporary dark romance that leans hard into second chances, enemies-to-lovers tension, and the slow, painful unraveling of buried resentment. It’s a story driven by history, heartbreak, and desperation, where past cruelty collides with present need in ways that feel both intoxicating and uncomfortable.
The story follows Cora Nambett, a heroine weighed down by grief and responsibility far beyond her years. Her father is gone, her mother’s Multiple Sclerosis looms like a constant threat, and the loss of their home feels inevitable. When desperation forces her to seek help from the very man who once betrayed her in the worst way, the emotional stakes are immediately high. He isn’t just a former love, he’s a reminder of everything she lost, and everything she never fully healed from.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is the backbone of this book. Their shared past is steeped in bullying, betrayal, and unresolved pain, making every interaction crackle with resentment and unresolved desire. The slow burn works in the story’s favour, allowing the tension to build gradually as hate and attraction war against one another. Each stolen moment feels earned, layered with bitterness, longing, and the kind of chemistry that refuses to stay buried.
Jordan Grant does a strong job balancing darkness with emotional vulnerability. Beneath the anger and sharp dialogue is a story about survival; about what people are willing to endure, sacrifice, or forgive when backed into a corner. The spice level sits comfortably at a 3.5/5, adding heat without overwhelming the emotional arc, and reinforcing the push-and-pull dynamic between control, desire, and resentment.
One of the strongest aspects of Cruel Cravings is how grounded the stakes feel. Cora’s desperation isn’t abstract; it’s rooted in family, illness, grief, and fear of losing the last pieces of stability she has left. That realism gives the romance emotional weight and makes the power imbalance between the characters feel tense rather than romanticised.
Emotionally, this story hits with a steady ache rather than devastation. It’s engaging, angsty, and absorbing, pulling you along as old wounds are reopened and slowly stitched back together. While the book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, it leaves a lingering sense of want; for more moments, more depth, more time spent inside this world.
If I had one critique, it’s exactly that: I honestly would’ve loved more. More emotional fallout, more quiet moments between the characters, more space to sit in the complexity of forgiveness and healing. The foundation was strong enough that I wasn’t ready to let go when it ended.
I would absolutely recommend Cruel Cravings to readers who enjoy new adult dark romance, enemies-to-lovers dynamics rooted in shared trauma, slow-burn tension, and emotionally charged second-chance stories. It’s spicy, angsty, and compelling; a romance built on hate, desperation, and the dangerous pull of unfinished business.
Cruel Cravings by Jordan Grant is a contemporary dark romance that leans hard into second chances, enemies-to-lovers tension, and the slow, painful unraveling of buried resentment. It’s a story driven by history, heartbreak, and desperation, where past cruelty collides with present need in ways that feel both intoxicating and uncomfortable.
The story follows Cora Nambett, a heroine weighed down by grief and responsibility far beyond her years. Her father is gone, her mother’s Multiple Sclerosis looms like a constant threat, and the loss of their home feels inevitable. When desperation forces her to seek help from the very man who once betrayed her in the worst way, the emotional stakes are immediately high. He isn’t just a former love, he’s a reminder of everything she lost, and everything she never fully healed from.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is the backbone of this book. Their shared past is steeped in bullying, betrayal, and unresolved pain, making every interaction crackle with resentment and unresolved desire. The slow burn works in the story’s favour, allowing the tension to build gradually as hate and attraction war against one another. Each stolen moment feels earned, layered with bitterness, longing, and the kind of chemistry that refuses to stay buried.
Jordan Grant does a strong job balancing darkness with emotional vulnerability. Beneath the anger and sharp dialogue is a story about survival; about what people are willing to endure, sacrifice, or forgive when backed into a corner. The spice level sits comfortably at a 3.5/5, adding heat without overwhelming the emotional arc, and reinforcing the push-and-pull dynamic between control, desire, and resentment.
One of the strongest aspects of Cruel Cravings is how grounded the stakes feel. Cora’s desperation isn’t abstract; it’s rooted in family, illness, grief, and fear of losing the last pieces of stability she has left. That realism gives the romance emotional weight and makes the power imbalance between the characters feel tense rather than romanticised.
Emotionally, this story hits with a steady ache rather than devastation. It’s engaging, angsty, and absorbing, pulling you along as old wounds are reopened and slowly stitched back together. While the book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, it leaves a lingering sense of want; for more moments, more depth, more time spent inside this world.
If I had one critique, it’s exactly that: I honestly would’ve loved more. More emotional fallout, more quiet moments between the characters, more space to sit in the complexity of forgiveness and healing. The foundation was strong enough that I wasn’t ready to let go when it ended.
I would absolutely recommend Cruel Cravings to readers who enjoy new adult dark romance, enemies-to-lovers dynamics rooted in shared trauma, slow-burn tension, and emotionally charged second-chance stories. It’s spicy, angsty, and compelling; a romance built on hate, desperation, and the dangerous pull of unfinished business.
September 6, 2021
Cora has just buried her father and discovered that her home is about to be foreclosed. Her mother couldn’t pay the mortgage but hadn’t wanted to worry her. She had to drop out of the University of Chicago school where she was studying a double major in microbiology and genetics to help care for him. Her mother has Multiple Sclerosis and also needs help.
So Cora plucks up the courage to go to Blur nightclub run by the successful and gorgeous Alexander Wynne. Her enemy.
Initially growing up in Georgia her family had moved to Illinois when she was 15. Cora got a full scholarship to Livingston Preparatory Academy as she was so bright. That is where she first met Alexander and he broke her heart. Now she’s older, stronger and quite simply hates him.
The Wynne family is rich as sin. You can make a deal with devil and you will be helped out. But people know that behind the facade the family deal in blood and sweat.
Cora asks for her mother’s house to be paid off and for $100,000 to help keep her comfortable. They barter for time in service and eventually settle in a year. Cora is the only woman who has ever stood up to Alex. He was crazy about her but she betrayed him. So the favour was returned. But things were never as they seemed and still aren’t as the two star crossed enemies begin to understand that they’ve wasted six long years.
This was an excellent read. The premise was good. Betrayal, deception, heartbreak, confusion and ultimately love. The chemistry between Alex and Cora is palpable and she takes no messing from him. Superb.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So Cora plucks up the courage to go to Blur nightclub run by the successful and gorgeous Alexander Wynne. Her enemy.
Initially growing up in Georgia her family had moved to Illinois when she was 15. Cora got a full scholarship to Livingston Preparatory Academy as she was so bright. That is where she first met Alexander and he broke her heart. Now she’s older, stronger and quite simply hates him.
The Wynne family is rich as sin. You can make a deal with devil and you will be helped out. But people know that behind the facade the family deal in blood and sweat.
Cora asks for her mother’s house to be paid off and for $100,000 to help keep her comfortable. They barter for time in service and eventually settle in a year. Cora is the only woman who has ever stood up to Alex. He was crazy about her but she betrayed him. So the favour was returned. But things were never as they seemed and still aren’t as the two star crossed enemies begin to understand that they’ve wasted six long years.
This was an excellent read. The premise was good. Betrayal, deception, heartbreak, confusion and ultimately love. The chemistry between Alex and Cora is palpable and she takes no messing from him. Superb.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2020
The characters were an intriguing bunch which drew me into the story and didn’t let go. Alexander was written perfectly with hints of more to his story but never enough to truly convince the reader that he isn’t as he seems. She was his perfect foil, rising up from the ashes to draw strength from her pain. The supporting cast was also intriguing and I hope the author writes books for each of them, including Melody. Wonderfully written to portray and reflect the angst as well as the electrifying chemistry they had together. Great storytelling
May 15, 2023
Loved Alexander and cora's story. It was s good short story. It's written from coras pov but I think the story could be better if we also had Alexander's pov. It us fast past. It is so sweet that he always loved her but one miscommunication made the life take different turns but meeting again after 6 years brought all those feelings back. I loved that he always wanted to provide and make sure she was taken care of even if it wasn't by him!!! Over all a good story but I also think it would make a good full novel or even a Duet with more details.
January 7, 2020
I great story where enemies become so much more. I absolutely love this story! It's extremely captivating and hooks you from the very beginning until the wonderful happy end. I love Alexander and Cora! He broke her heart and humiliated her in school. Now six years later she has no choice but to seek out his help. Truths are revealed and pasts overcome in this story with a bit of suspense and mystery. I like the passion and chemistry between them. It's a wonderful story!
January 7, 2020
This book soothes the book addict in me! Definitely enjoyed this story. I could not seem to put the book down. Both the story and characters were great! The story stretched on a bit at some points and the ending seemed a bit rushed but I still really liked this. It was worth the read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2020
Alexander was Cora’s first love. When a misunderstanding tears them apart she go years hating him. He never stored loving her. They save each other in different ways but both realize that the passionate love is still there.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I hope it shall not be the last one. I loved the story and it’s a definite page-turner with some wonderful twists and turns in it. The chemistry between Cora and Alex is amazing and the book ends with what could be a HEA or an HFN.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2020
Ehhh 2.5 to 3
To juvenile for me. Sorry but I love enemies to lovers books but I thought some of this was just stupid. She hates him then 2 days has sex with him and the whole reason he is mad was ridiculous. She had every right to be upset and don't get me started on her reasons. I got to 78% and quit. No groveling other than I'm sorry can you forgive me.
To juvenile for me. Sorry but I love enemies to lovers books but I thought some of this was just stupid. She hates him then 2 days has sex with him and the whole reason he is mad was ridiculous. She had every right to be upset and don't get me started on her reasons. I got to 78% and quit. No groveling other than I'm sorry can you forgive me.
October 31, 2020
3.5 stars
For the most part this book was an enjoyable read. Some of the dialogue was written formally where informal words should have been used. The story also felt disjointed. There was not really a sense of flow from one plot scene to the next. Will continue to read other books from this Author.
For the most part this book was an enjoyable read. Some of the dialogue was written formally where informal words should have been used. The story also felt disjointed. There was not really a sense of flow from one plot scene to the next. Will continue to read other books from this Author.
January 7, 2020
A fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance! Quick and exciting read with lots of chemistry and passion! Enjoy!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2020
Really good read
This was a really good read. Would definitely read any sequels, even though this was a fast read the secondary’s were as well written as the mains. Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author....
This was a really good read. Would definitely read any sequels, even though this was a fast read the secondary’s were as well written as the mains. Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author....
June 19, 2023
This was a great quick read. Cora needed help and the only one she could turn to is her high-school bully and he needs something from her in return. When they meet up sparks fly. This book had lots of spice, romance and a little mystery. I am definitely going to be reading more from this author.
January 10, 2020
So Good
Bad boy with a heart of gold. Loved everything about this story. The innocence of their childhood love through adulthood was so captivating. This story is such a great read.
Bad boy with a heart of gold. Loved everything about this story. The innocence of their childhood love through adulthood was so captivating. This story is such a great read.
January 23, 2020
I loved Cora & Alexander's story. Good characters. This was an exciting & emotional book. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 8, 2020
Oh this was good!
I don't think I've read this author before. But I truly enjoyed the story. It wasn't the run-of-the-mill instant love. It had Great character development.
I don't think I've read this author before. But I truly enjoyed the story. It wasn't the run-of-the-mill instant love. It had Great character development.
March 1, 2021
Sweet but short
It was a fast read. Good premise to a story but way too short and rushed. I wished the story had more details and character development.
It was a fast read. Good premise to a story but way too short and rushed. I wished the story had more details and character development.
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