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Clark Family #1
Crave
Sandra
Before THAT night, the over the top party and the cake incident, I spent Saturday nights with girlfriends, lamenting my life over margaritas.
I wasn’t ready for Jacob Clark. He was sin and dark edges, wrapped in regret. He was my Kryptonite. His words oozed over me like warm honey. His dark eyes pricked my soul, and his touch….those fingers set my skin on fire.
Of course he was too good to be true. And before I could wipe the icing off my greedy lips, I was walking away.
So, why was he invading her dreams?
Jacob
She was the remedy to everything. Until my family, my past, provoked me.
I made one little scene, and Sandra walked away without a word, despite our mind-blowing connection.
When I finally barged in on her life again, she told me she didn’t want me. I told her in her pretty face she did. She more than wanted me.
Remember the ache? When I’m with her, it goes away.
If she wants a chase, I’ll give her one.
Who knows? When I catch her, I might never let go.
Before THAT night, the over the top party and the cake incident, I spent Saturday nights with girlfriends, lamenting my life over margaritas.
I wasn’t ready for Jacob Clark. He was sin and dark edges, wrapped in regret. He was my Kryptonite. His words oozed over me like warm honey. His dark eyes pricked my soul, and his touch….those fingers set my skin on fire.
Of course he was too good to be true. And before I could wipe the icing off my greedy lips, I was walking away.
So, why was he invading her dreams?
Jacob
She was the remedy to everything. Until my family, my past, provoked me.
I made one little scene, and Sandra walked away without a word, despite our mind-blowing connection.
When I finally barged in on her life again, she told me she didn’t want me. I told her in her pretty face she did. She more than wanted me.
Remember the ache? When I’m with her, it goes away.
If she wants a chase, I’ll give her one.
Who knows? When I catch her, I might never let go.
402 pages, ebook
First published March 2, 2020
About the author
Evelyn Sola
31 books1,011 followersA Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come.
Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor.
She currently lives in Washington, DC with her husband and two daughters.
Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor.
She currently lives in Washington, DC with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
September 16, 2021
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Contemporary IR Romance
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CINTINGLY APPEALING
Triggers: No
Violence: No
Male: Sexy & Troubled
Series: Book 1
Pages: 402
Audio: Good /11 hours
Kindle Unlimited:
STORY:
This was a good book and messy messy messy. It was drama filled, funny and steamy. With the drama in this book, I don’t know who has more drama, a telenovela or the Clark family. The beginning of the story, I will say this, it was annoying waiting on Jake to get it together *massive eye rolls*. I also didn’t like in the beginning the author needing to keep iterating the different tone complexion between Sandy and her sister. Last, for someone who isn’t a main character, I was tired of hearing Tracey’s name. Apart from that, I love getting to know the Clark family and even Sandy’s family. By the end of the book you felt like you were family and you are waiting for the next invite.
I have to note, listening to the audio, the birthday scene at the restaurant, it was Jake’s POV and hearing the narrator doing the drunken ladies had me on the floor.
CHEMISTRY:
Jake and Sandy’s sexual chemistry was very appealing and good. Once Jake got his mess sorted out he became even sexier to me.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS
This book was exploding with characters. They all played their positions and gave me a show. I even loved the parents of both Jake and Sandy. I only got tired of hearing about Tracey, understandably, she plays an important role, but still.
Overall, satisfying read, good story, good characters and great sexual chemistry.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.
Style: Contemporary IR Romance
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CINTINGLY APPEALING
Triggers: No
Violence: No
Male: Sexy & Troubled
Series: Book 1
Pages: 402
Audio: Good /11 hours
Kindle Unlimited:
STORY:
This was a good book and messy messy messy. It was drama filled, funny and steamy. With the drama in this book, I don’t know who has more drama, a telenovela or the Clark family. The beginning of the story, I will say this, it was annoying waiting on Jake to get it together *massive eye rolls*. I also didn’t like in the beginning the author needing to keep iterating the different tone complexion between Sandy and her sister. Last, for someone who isn’t a main character, I was tired of hearing Tracey’s name. Apart from that, I love getting to know the Clark family and even Sandy’s family. By the end of the book you felt like you were family and you are waiting for the next invite.
I have to note, listening to the audio, the birthday scene at the restaurant, it was Jake’s POV and hearing the narrator doing the drunken ladies had me on the floor.
CHEMISTRY:
Jake and Sandy’s sexual chemistry was very appealing and good. Once Jake got his mess sorted out he became even sexier to me.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS
This book was exploding with characters. They all played their positions and gave me a show. I even loved the parents of both Jake and Sandy. I only got tired of hearing about Tracey, understandably, she plays an important role, but still.
Overall, satisfying read, good story, good characters and great sexual chemistry.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.
July 13, 2022
I read Clark Family not in order. I have fond memory enjoying it. I read the 3rd book first. When I picked up Crave, I dove right into it. After a bad book, Crave is like a fresh air. I stayed up really late to finished the audiobook.
Miss Sola is certainly on my radar. I love her story telling. The writing style is so addicting. The drama of Jacob is difficult to swallow. I am glad he met Sandra and fell in love. Their HEA is certainly a long journey. What I like the most is when the moment Sandra and Jacob broke down and addressed each of their insecurity to each other. Miss Sola wrote this scene good. Not with OTT drama, but with honest and straight forward conversation.
I am happy for Jacob that he finally find his peace with his older brother. I love Clark's family dynamic.
Overall a very enjoyable book.
4 stars
Miss Sola is certainly on my radar. I love her story telling. The writing style is so addicting. The drama of Jacob is difficult to swallow. I am glad he met Sandra and fell in love. Their HEA is certainly a long journey. What I like the most is when the moment Sandra and Jacob broke down and addressed each of their insecurity to each other. Miss Sola wrote this scene good. Not with OTT drama, but with honest and straight forward conversation.
I am happy for Jacob that he finally find his peace with his older brother. I love Clark's family dynamic.
Overall a very enjoyable book.
4 stars
March 17, 2022
I was 100% on Jake’s side. How do you reconcile the ultimate betrayal by your own sibling? Easy to say he should let it go, when it’s hasn’t happened to you. His brother chose a random girl over his own blood and best friend???? What kind of a brother/man does that?
Tracy was scum, but Troy the bigger scum for doing it to his brother. Where was his loyalty? And why didn’t Troy get angry on behalf of his brother and see her for the disloyal dishonest selfish bitch she was?
There is no coming back from that, forgive so you can move on, but Troy expecting Jake to accept it it and go back to the way it use to be, is MADNESS!
He chose the Ho over his Bro, and thinks deserving of acceptance? 5 days or 5 years doesn’t diminish what Troy did or make it acceptable.
Tracy was scum, but Troy the bigger scum for doing it to his brother. Where was his loyalty? And why didn’t Troy get angry on behalf of his brother and see her for the disloyal dishonest selfish bitch she was?
There is no coming back from that, forgive so you can move on, but Troy expecting Jake to accept it it and go back to the way it use to be, is MADNESS!
He chose the Ho over his Bro, and thinks deserving of acceptance? 5 days or 5 years doesn’t diminish what Troy did or make it acceptable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
Uncomfortable family dynamics overshadowed the Love
I didn’t really connect with this book or characters because Jake harbored so much anger, resentment and unforgiveness. It affected the flow of the story for me and I felt like his feelings affected his other brothers, parents, nephew and niece. I kept thinking I hope Sandy doesn’t do something to him because he doesn’t do forgiveness very well.
Honestly, I didn’t feel good about their love or sexual chemistry.
I didn’t really connect with this book or characters because Jake harbored so much anger, resentment and unforgiveness. It affected the flow of the story for me and I felt like his feelings affected his other brothers, parents, nephew and niece. I kept thinking I hope Sandy doesn’t do something to him because he doesn’t do forgiveness very well.
Honestly, I didn’t feel good about their love or sexual chemistry.
June 1, 2026
Dear lord I hated everything about this book…. Thank Jeebus it’s over!! This book has so much drama that I was exhausted by the end. I actually wanted to DNF at about 30% but ended up hate reading the rest of it. This entire review is one big SPOILER because how else am I going to express to you all the valid reasons I hated it?
Sandra Etienne (28, nurse) is helping her baker mother by delivering a big cake to a party for a wealthy client. The client insists that she stays so she can introduce her to a family friend. Then the client’s son shows up…..
Jacob “Jake” Clark (30, bitter manchild, sausage brain) is attending his mom’s birthday party. He spots a hot girl and wants to get naked with her. Too bad he can’t get over the fact that 5 years ago his girlfriend Tracy, whom he thought he was in love with, cheated on him with his brother Troy, who are now married and have a kid together.
Dee ends up staying for the party and while she’s dancing with Jake, she asks him about Tracy being pregnant and that’s when he flips out. (Side note: this is Tracy and Troy’s second pregnancy. Why the fuck is he so mad about it! They’ve been married for five years! Of course they’re fucking! They’re married!!)
He abandons Dee on the dance floor and goes and gets into a fight with everyone.
He pouts for a few days and then goes to the bakery to try and get Dee to give him a SECOND chance so he can “explain things”. They make out, she comes to her senses and pushes him away, she accuses him of only wanting her because she’s black…..
His reply is……
Blah blah, he sulks for another week while stalking Dee on social media…. He finds where she’s going to be and forces himself into a party Dee is at and seduces her into giving him a THIRD chance….He’s prepping for a date with her when he runs into a woman who reminds him of what a douche he is. He recaps their time together….
Of course, after that little trip down memory lane, he decides that Dee is too good for him, so he does something else completely asinine!!! Instead of calling off the date with Dee, he decides to bring an unwitting JD to the restaurant and tells them to go ahead and hook up because they’re perfect together!! Then he walks out!! Of course, he’s waiting in the parking lot to say he’s changed his mind, again, and he won’t give up on her…..
She goes on a date with someone else and he shows up to ruin the date because he wants a FOURTH chance. She pretty much tells him she doesn’t want anything to do with all his drama ……
.......and his reply to all of that is …. “I expected better from you, Sandra. Enjoy your date. I hope he’s everything you want.” and then walks away.
…..But can he just leave her alone? Nope. He’s waiting for her when she gets home from the date and that’s when she gives up the cookie. Girlfriend… what the fuck were you thinking?!?!
After they have sex, they’re suddenly in this FULLY committed romantic relationship. Everything is rosy except for the fact that every time they’re around his family, he throws a fucking fit over Tracy and Troy!!!
..then, because the book doesn’t have enough drama, Dee’s EX shows up!!!
Dee was in a relationship for two years with a man she said she never loved. They broke up two years ago and she hasn’t heard from him since then. Now he suddenly shows up claiming that he was just giving her time to come to her senses (because 2 years is a perfectly sane amount of time to wait) to drop this nugget…..
That, combined with the racial issues (listed below) are what lead to Dee instigating a 3RD ACT.
It’s resolved quickly and they get a HFN.
SEX: Hated it. I was thinking maybe I could handle the drama if the sex was good. It wasn’t. I think they had two times where we made it to the finish line, but the rest were all fades. After he ruins her date (listed below), he follows her home and then she decides to screw him. Their first time is at 40% with a condom, thankfully, because he wasn’t selective in his previous partners. Of course he’s a one-pump chump. The condoms didn’t last long because the next day they ditch them.
JAKE: He’s literally a spoiled manchild who can’t move on from the past. I get it. I would hate my brother too. Believe me, I can hold a grudge that will never end. Doesn’t mean I can’t operate within the same space as them. It’s been 5 fucking years!! He doesn’t have to forgive them for what they did but at least act like an adult!! Personally, I would never take on a man with this much open baggage. Anyway….. this is another treat that Jake provided us with. This is literally the opening scene in the book….
He’s waking up with a one-night stand. Even though he doesn’t act like a whore in the rest of the book, I feel it’s important to know where he starts. This is directly from the book….
I never bring women home. In fact, I haven’t hooked up with anyone in months, and whenever I do hook up, it’s never under the influence of too much alcohol. Now, I must deal with whoever the fuck that is in my bed….. “Time to go, sweetheart.” I use the term of endearment to mask the fact that I can’t remember her name. “I need to take care of the dogs. Get dressed.” Articles of her clothes are thrown around the room. I pick them up and toss them to her, signaling her to hurry up and dress. ….. (he calls his BFF)…..“What the fuck happened last night, JD? I woke up to some scrawny redhead named Olympia. You know I don’t do redheads or anorexics.” (his BFF replies) “I figured you were just looking for a quick fuck, man.” (Jake replies) “Hardly, but it looks like I went slumming last night. I can’t remember shit that happened once we hit that last club.”
FILLER: This book drove me fucking nuts. We’d go through a scene and then one of them would go to a friend (or whomever) and regurgitate it all to someone else. I don’t need to read the same thing twice. Just say, “I filled Tash in on everything that happened” and move on!!! It’s just filled with so much useless shit that doesn’t matter like how she doesn’t fill her car up with gas or how she can’t decide on a dessert. We spent a full chapter on those two things.
DRAMA: I don’t remember ever reading a book where there was so much damn drama. Aside from Jake and Dee, her sister’s husband has a crazy ex that’s discussed. JD has a sister who has drama, Luke has drama with an ex who has an abortion. Just so much shit to focus on!
MOM: JFC Lillian Clark is insufferable!!! She’s always calling him “Jakey” like he’s a child and she’s always fawning in a cringe way. She inserts herself into everything and doesn’t listen when people say no to her. She puts Sandy in the middle of drama and manipulates situations to benefit her. She’s terrible.
RACE: Dee deals with a variety of racism. At the beginning, she feels like Jake is using her as a prop since she’s black. She also talks about feeling like everyone assumes she’s the help. She points out that Mrs. Clark wanted to set her up with JD (who is black) but not with her white son.
Jake’s dad’s secretary shows her racism:
Dee is waiting in Jake’s office while he’s in a meeting and one of his employees walks in:
“Mr. Clark’s in a meeting, and I don’t think anyone should be in here.”
“Well,” I begin, ready to explain why I’m here, but she interrupts me.
“Oh!” she says, eyeing me again. She smacks her hand to her forehead as if she just remembered something. “There’s a new cleaning crew starting today, of course! I didn’t expect you guys until much later, though.”
“You think I clean in a skirt and stilettos?” I put my feet on the desk and put my hands behind my head and wait for her to reply? She looks at my clothes, and I see the exact second where she realizes her mistake.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. I just thought—”
“Just thought what?” I ask. “What is it about me that made you think I was the help? It’s clearly not my outfit, so what is it?” She remains silent as she continues to watch me. She licks her lips repeatedly but doesn’t answer my question.
Then, Jake and Dee go to lunch…..
“Your wife is here, Mr. Clark. I can seat you now,” the hostess announces, surprising both me and Jake.
“What? My wife?” he asks, confused.
“Yes.” The hostess points to Tracy Clark. The color drains from Tracy’s face when she sees us and realizes the hostess’s mistake.
“How the hell do you figure she’s my wife when you saw me walk in here with my girlfriend?” He lifts our joined hands to show her. The hostess’s cheeks redden at Jake’s rebuke.
“I apologize, sir. I assumed she was your assistant.” The word is like a slap to the face. His assistant, the housekeeper. In other words, the help.
“You think I hold hands and kiss my assistant while I’m waiting to meet my wife? What the hell is wrong with you?” I squeeze his hand to reassure him that this is just a mistake, and normally that would work, but it has no effect on him today.
“I’m sorry, sir,” the hostess says again. She swallows nervously, clutching our menus to her bosom as if they will protect her from Jake’s rage.
CLARK FAMILY: Why is this called the Clark Family series when Book 2 is about the BFF, JD, who is NOT related to the Clarks?!
AUDIO: It’s not a duet. If it was, I might have hate-listened until the end. Troy Duran is his normal sexy self. So delicious to listen to. Mari is the female narrator. She’s decent, and her male voice isn’t bad. I don’t recommend the book, but if you proceed, the audio is an ok listen.
“Whatever we were going to have was going to be for fun, but I got the opposite of fun with you? Do you know why? Because you’re crazier than a loon, you have more baggage than American Airlines.”
Sandra Etienne (28, nurse) is helping her baker mother by delivering a big cake to a party for a wealthy client. The client insists that she stays so she can introduce her to a family friend. Then the client’s son shows up…..
He is the wrong sort for me. He’s trouble. He’s complicated. I know it, and I don’t do either, but for tonight, I’ll do both.
Jacob “Jake” Clark (30, bitter manchild, sausage brain) is attending his mom’s birthday party. He spots a hot girl and wants to get naked with her. Too bad he can’t get over the fact that 5 years ago his girlfriend Tracy, whom he thought he was in love with, cheated on him with his brother Troy, who are now married and have a kid together.
“Why are you so damn bitter, Jake? It’s been five years. Are you going to spend the rest of your life making ours a living hell?”
Dee ends up staying for the party and while she’s dancing with Jake, she asks him about Tracy being pregnant and that’s when he flips out. (Side note: this is Tracy and Troy’s second pregnancy. Why the fuck is he so mad about it! They’ve been married for five years! Of course they’re fucking! They’re married!!)
He abandons Dee on the dance floor and goes and gets into a fight with everyone.
“And he completely forgot I existed when I mentioned Tracy’s pregnancy. You should have seen the way he yanked his arm from my grasp. I refuse to come second to some guy’s sister-in-law. No way.”
He pouts for a few days and then goes to the bakery to try and get Dee to give him a SECOND chance so he can “explain things”. They make out, she comes to her senses and pushes him away, she accuses him of only wanting her because she’s black…..
“Why? Why me?” I ask looking him directly into his deep, brown eyes.
“Because you’re beautiful.” Three simple words I desperately want to believe but refuse to.
“I don’t think that’s it at all. I think my mother is right and you are trouble. Do you want to shock your family by going out with me, is that it? You crave any kind of attention, don’t you?”
His reply is……
“You know what? I was going to take you somewhere and explain why I acted the way I did last week, but you’re not worth it. I thought you were different, but you’re just a judgmental brat……. I’m leaving…….Don’t worry, I won’t be back.”
Blah blah, he sulks for another week while stalking Dee on social media…. He finds where she’s going to be and forces himself into a party Dee is at and seduces her into giving him a THIRD chance….He’s prepping for a date with her when he runs into a woman who reminds him of what a douche he is. He recaps their time together….
Of course, after that little trip down memory lane, he decides that Dee is too good for him, so he does something else completely asinine!!! Instead of calling off the date with Dee, he decides to bring an unwitting JD to the restaurant and tells them to go ahead and hook up because they’re perfect together!! Then he walks out!! Of course, he’s waiting in the parking lot to say he’s changed his mind, again, and he won’t give up on her…..
“Don’t you ever touch me.”
“Let me explain, Deedee.” She faces me then, her face aghast at my audacity.
“Don’t you dare call me that, and I don’t give two shits about your explanations.”
She goes on a date with someone else and he shows up to ruin the date because he wants a FOURTH chance. She pretty much tells him she doesn’t want anything to do with all his drama ……
“I know your type, and you’re not going to use me…..You’re the type who has to be the center of attention no matter what. The type who got in his sister-in-law’s face at his mother’s party, called her a whore, and caused a fight with his brother. That type! And you want to use me to shock your family, getting you even more attention by bringing the black girl around.”
.......and his reply to all of that is …. “I expected better from you, Sandra. Enjoy your date. I hope he’s everything you want.” and then walks away.
…..But can he just leave her alone? Nope. He’s waiting for her when she gets home from the date and that’s when she gives up the cookie. Girlfriend… what the fuck were you thinking?!?!
“You’ve done nothing but play head games with me. You’ve ruined my night and you….. What are you doing here? Making sure you succeeded in ruining my date?” …….. I forget that we’re standing outside, and I jump into his arms, wrapping my legs around him. He barely flinches as he catches me, putting both of his large hands on my ass.
After they have sex, they’re suddenly in this FULLY committed romantic relationship. Everything is rosy except for the fact that every time they’re around his family, he throws a fucking fit over Tracy and Troy!!!
“He stole the life I wanted.”
“He didn’t steal a damn thing. Do you ever stop to think that maybe you’re better off? You’re so caught up on what you think you lost, you don’t take a minute to think of what you can find. Tracy left you for your brother. It’s the God ugly truth. A woman who can do that would never have made you happy long term. She just wasn’t meant for you.…..”
..then, because the book doesn’t have enough drama, Dee’s EX shows up!!!
Dee was in a relationship for two years with a man she said she never loved. They broke up two years ago and she hasn’t heard from him since then. Now he suddenly shows up claiming that he was just giving her time to come to her senses (because 2 years is a perfectly sane amount of time to wait) to drop this nugget…..
“I see you’ve moved on…… I Googled him. Your boyfriend. He’s your boyfriend, right?...... You know he doesn’t see your mother as anything more than the help, right? And you’re the help’s daughter. You’re something he wants to cross off his bucket list. Sex with a black girl? Check. You’re simply helping him fulfill a curiosity. I thought you were smarter than that. You don’t actually believe he loves you, do you?......You’re out of your league, but I’d love to see you knocked down a peg. He’s old money. Probably having dinner at the country club right now while you’re standing here in nurse’s scrubs. How do you think you’re going to fit into his world?”
That, combined with the racial issues (listed below) are what lead to Dee instigating a 3RD ACT.
It’s resolved quickly and they get a HFN.
SEX: Hated it. I was thinking maybe I could handle the drama if the sex was good. It wasn’t. I think they had two times where we made it to the finish line, but the rest were all fades. After he ruins her date (listed below), he follows her home and then she decides to screw him. Their first time is at 40% with a condom, thankfully, because he wasn’t selective in his previous partners. Of course he’s a one-pump chump. The condoms didn’t last long because the next day they ditch them.
JAKE: He’s literally a spoiled manchild who can’t move on from the past. I get it. I would hate my brother too. Believe me, I can hold a grudge that will never end. Doesn’t mean I can’t operate within the same space as them. It’s been 5 fucking years!! He doesn’t have to forgive them for what they did but at least act like an adult!! Personally, I would never take on a man with this much open baggage. Anyway….. this is another treat that Jake provided us with. This is literally the opening scene in the book….
He’s waking up with a one-night stand. Even though he doesn’t act like a whore in the rest of the book, I feel it’s important to know where he starts. This is directly from the book….
I never bring women home. In fact, I haven’t hooked up with anyone in months, and whenever I do hook up, it’s never under the influence of too much alcohol. Now, I must deal with whoever the fuck that is in my bed….. “Time to go, sweetheart.” I use the term of endearment to mask the fact that I can’t remember her name. “I need to take care of the dogs. Get dressed.” Articles of her clothes are thrown around the room. I pick them up and toss them to her, signaling her to hurry up and dress. ….. (he calls his BFF)…..“What the fuck happened last night, JD? I woke up to some scrawny redhead named Olympia. You know I don’t do redheads or anorexics.” (his BFF replies) “I figured you were just looking for a quick fuck, man.” (Jake replies) “Hardly, but it looks like I went slumming last night. I can’t remember shit that happened once we hit that last club.”
FILLER: This book drove me fucking nuts. We’d go through a scene and then one of them would go to a friend (or whomever) and regurgitate it all to someone else. I don’t need to read the same thing twice. Just say, “I filled Tash in on everything that happened” and move on!!! It’s just filled with so much useless shit that doesn’t matter like how she doesn’t fill her car up with gas or how she can’t decide on a dessert. We spent a full chapter on those two things.
DRAMA: I don’t remember ever reading a book where there was so much damn drama. Aside from Jake and Dee, her sister’s husband has a crazy ex that’s discussed. JD has a sister who has drama, Luke has drama with an ex who has an abortion. Just so much shit to focus on!
MOM: JFC Lillian Clark is insufferable!!! She’s always calling him “Jakey” like he’s a child and she’s always fawning in a cringe way. She inserts herself into everything and doesn’t listen when people say no to her. She puts Sandy in the middle of drama and manipulates situations to benefit her. She’s terrible.
RACE: Dee deals with a variety of racism. At the beginning, she feels like Jake is using her as a prop since she’s black. She also talks about feeling like everyone assumes she’s the help. She points out that Mrs. Clark wanted to set her up with JD (who is black) but not with her white son.
Jake’s dad’s secretary shows her racism:
I’m relieved when Carol says she needs to run, her fake smile leaving her face as soon as she turns away from the men. “See you around, Shaniqua,” she says so only I can hear. As quickly as she can slither away, she disappears out the door.
Dee is waiting in Jake’s office while he’s in a meeting and one of his employees walks in:
“Mr. Clark’s in a meeting, and I don’t think anyone should be in here.”
“Well,” I begin, ready to explain why I’m here, but she interrupts me.
“Oh!” she says, eyeing me again. She smacks her hand to her forehead as if she just remembered something. “There’s a new cleaning crew starting today, of course! I didn’t expect you guys until much later, though.”
“You think I clean in a skirt and stilettos?” I put my feet on the desk and put my hands behind my head and wait for her to reply? She looks at my clothes, and I see the exact second where she realizes her mistake.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. I just thought—”
“Just thought what?” I ask. “What is it about me that made you think I was the help? It’s clearly not my outfit, so what is it?” She remains silent as she continues to watch me. She licks her lips repeatedly but doesn’t answer my question.
Then, Jake and Dee go to lunch…..
“Your wife is here, Mr. Clark. I can seat you now,” the hostess announces, surprising both me and Jake.
“What? My wife?” he asks, confused.
“Yes.” The hostess points to Tracy Clark. The color drains from Tracy’s face when she sees us and realizes the hostess’s mistake.
“How the hell do you figure she’s my wife when you saw me walk in here with my girlfriend?” He lifts our joined hands to show her. The hostess’s cheeks redden at Jake’s rebuke.
“I apologize, sir. I assumed she was your assistant.” The word is like a slap to the face. His assistant, the housekeeper. In other words, the help.
“You think I hold hands and kiss my assistant while I’m waiting to meet my wife? What the hell is wrong with you?” I squeeze his hand to reassure him that this is just a mistake, and normally that would work, but it has no effect on him today.
“I’m sorry, sir,” the hostess says again. She swallows nervously, clutching our menus to her bosom as if they will protect her from Jake’s rage.
CLARK FAMILY: Why is this called the Clark Family series when Book 2 is about the BFF, JD, who is NOT related to the Clarks?!
AUDIO: It’s not a duet. If it was, I might have hate-listened until the end. Troy Duran is his normal sexy self. So delicious to listen to. Mari is the female narrator. She’s decent, and her male voice isn’t bad. I don’t recommend the book, but if you proceed, the audio is an ok listen.
March 7, 2020
Mixed feelings
I liked the author writing and I liked Jake but I disliked Sandy and his family so much that it was difficult to enjoy the book. Sandy was just so insecure and judgmental it was impossible for me to like her. She saw a terrible scene, but instead of letting him explain what the issue was, she jumped to conclusions. It’s not because Tracy was pregnant that she was a saint. Then, her nonsense about race, whilst he never hinted at anything and money was just irritating. This all class thing was stupid. She also wanted him to prove to her that he loved her after a week but when he did she couldn’t accept it. As for Jake’s family they really annoyed me. Their constant pushiness was awful. Had it be me, it would have had the opposite effect. I also understand the parents wanting the hea with their kids but sometimes it’s just not possible. Troy was unreasonable and manipulative. Even if Jake wasn’t in love, it’s not relevant. The betrayal was unforgivable in my book. They were together for a year and they cheated. I personally would have never talk to him again. He really wanted his cake and eat it too. How dare he ask his mother to apologize? Using his kids and the love that his family have for the kids to make them accept his behavior on his time? How come he didn’t resign and stayed away from his family and stayed with Tracy if it was such a drag? No he wanted Jacob to be the bigger person and pretended not to understand what the issue was. I wouldn’t have worked with him either if I was Jacob. Family business or not. When people don’t treat you like family, you listen. Who’s to say that he wouldn’t betray him again and justify it just because? If he was so in love with Tracy, he should have had the balls to talk to his brother face to face after they broke up. As for Luke, I really hope we won’t t have a hookup with Vivi. They are enough people in the world.
I liked the author writing and I liked Jake but I disliked Sandy and his family so much that it was difficult to enjoy the book. Sandy was just so insecure and judgmental it was impossible for me to like her. She saw a terrible scene, but instead of letting him explain what the issue was, she jumped to conclusions. It’s not because Tracy was pregnant that she was a saint. Then, her nonsense about race, whilst he never hinted at anything and money was just irritating. This all class thing was stupid. She also wanted him to prove to her that he loved her after a week but when he did she couldn’t accept it. As for Jake’s family they really annoyed me. Their constant pushiness was awful. Had it be me, it would have had the opposite effect. I also understand the parents wanting the hea with their kids but sometimes it’s just not possible. Troy was unreasonable and manipulative. Even if Jake wasn’t in love, it’s not relevant. The betrayal was unforgivable in my book. They were together for a year and they cheated. I personally would have never talk to him again. He really wanted his cake and eat it too. How dare he ask his mother to apologize? Using his kids and the love that his family have for the kids to make them accept his behavior on his time? How come he didn’t resign and stayed away from his family and stayed with Tracy if it was such a drag? No he wanted Jacob to be the bigger person and pretended not to understand what the issue was. I wouldn’t have worked with him either if I was Jacob. Family business or not. When people don’t treat you like family, you listen. Who’s to say that he wouldn’t betray him again and justify it just because? If he was so in love with Tracy, he should have had the balls to talk to his brother face to face after they broke up. As for Luke, I really hope we won’t t have a hookup with Vivi. They are enough people in the world.
February 26, 2020
I took a risk and fell in love. The Clark Family is a hot mess, but proved to be a captivating one. Sola pulls emotions into a perfect little soap opera. There's heartbreaking betrayal, powerful attraction and more love than even I expected. Jacob is a contradiction that was worth being explored. Caught up in a downward spiral of anger and bitterness, he finds his redemption in the most unlikely of places. Sandra is his total opposite. They have nothing in common except for an unpredictable, all consuming attraction that threatens to swallow them whole. Crave is an explosive introduction to a family as fiery as the author who created them.
September 5, 2020
Great writing
I loved how the author actually addressed the interracial aspect of this couple and actually has them hash it out. This is rarely done in interracial romance books so I really appreciated that. This book is about family relationships as much as it is about Sandy and Jake's love story. Great love scenes and well written. A bit long, but it was good.
I loved how the author actually addressed the interracial aspect of this couple and actually has them hash it out. This is rarely done in interracial romance books so I really appreciated that. This book is about family relationships as much as it is about Sandy and Jake's love story. Great love scenes and well written. A bit long, but it was good.
June 10, 2021
Whew chile. I didn't like anyone in this book especially JAKEY!!! That man needs therapy, not a relationship. His anger towards Troy and Tracy FIVE YEARS AFTER THEY CHEATED TOGETHER!! was ridiculous. I understand being hurt and betrayed by your brother. But 5 years have passed! They have a child together. It's time to move on. Jake's ridiculous anger isn't going to change anything especially since his anger has split up the family. His younger brother Luke won't have shit to do with him. His mother treats Tracy like sh*t. They can't have family dinners or the holidays together. All because of Jake.
Jake is entitled, stalkerish and childish. I hated everything about him.
Sandy is meh. Like eggshell paint. Nothing special about her.
Tash and Chris were dead wrong for siding with Jake and excusing his ridiculous behavior and outbursts. Someone like that - who has no qualms with calling a pregnant woman a whore - that's red flag behavior.
Go to therapy Jakey cause you are NOT okay.
Crave was NOT a romantic comedy even though it seems like the author remembered towards the end that that's what this book was supposed to be. Too little too late.
Jake is entitled, stalkerish and childish. I hated everything about him.
Sandy is meh. Like eggshell paint. Nothing special about her.
Tash and Chris were dead wrong for siding with Jake and excusing his ridiculous behavior and outbursts. Someone like that - who has no qualms with calling a pregnant woman a whore - that's red flag behavior.
Go to therapy Jakey cause you are NOT okay.
Crave was NOT a romantic comedy even though it seems like the author remembered towards the end that that's what this book was supposed to be. Too little too late.
March 13, 2023
DNF... Oh my God, what the hell is happening here?!
This is a dumpster fire & not worth continuing. I'm sorry but family, sharing DNA does not give people the "forgive & forget infinity" card. So, Jake's brother & Jake's ex girlfriend were having an affair behind his back, they get married, where their dad goes to support his son (eye roll) and Jake is in the wrong for being pissed? The gaslighting from his father and the others around Jake is gross. Putting all the blame on the wh*re ex when the brother had just as much to do with the betrayal is also ridiculous. Actually, the brother should should be the one receiving the fury more than the ex. Family betraying each other for random pussy is so unforgivable. I would never, and I mean NEVER, accept or forgive my siblings for that kind of backstabbing. Don't be fooled, forgiveness isn't for yourself, it's to make the one who did the wrong doing feel better & accepted. This whole thing was just cringe. I couldn't even get past the father giving Jake a talking too and taking down his brother's accountability and gaslighting Jake and his relationship with his ex. NO No NO! Just NOOOOOOO!
This is a dumpster fire & not worth continuing. I'm sorry but family, sharing DNA does not give people the "forgive & forget infinity" card. So, Jake's brother & Jake's ex girlfriend were having an affair behind his back, they get married, where their dad goes to support his son (eye roll) and Jake is in the wrong for being pissed? The gaslighting from his father and the others around Jake is gross. Putting all the blame on the wh*re ex when the brother had just as much to do with the betrayal is also ridiculous. Actually, the brother should should be the one receiving the fury more than the ex. Family betraying each other for random pussy is so unforgivable. I would never, and I mean NEVER, accept or forgive my siblings for that kind of backstabbing. Don't be fooled, forgiveness isn't for yourself, it's to make the one who did the wrong doing feel better & accepted. This whole thing was just cringe. I couldn't even get past the father giving Jake a talking too and taking down his brother's accountability and gaslighting Jake and his relationship with his ex. NO No NO! Just NOOOOOOO!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 7, 2023Um…this book is just full of people who refuse to respect Jake’s boundaries and pressure him into resuming a relationship with his brother. They do so until they eventually wear him down until he finally abandons his own needs for the sake of everyone else’s desires. The book is also really committed to victimizing the guy who cheated with his brother’s girlfriend and proceeded to have kids with her and marry her. And to victimize said ex too. I realize it’s an attempt to show different sides of a messy situation but yeah, no. Sure, people are human and are not infallible, we can accept that while also maintaining discernment about who we choose to surround ourselves with. Actions have consequences and they made their choices. Then they want to demonize Jake because they want to have their cake and eat it too. Like you want to cheat with your brothers significant other but you also want to continue being friends with your brother and refuse to accept anything else??? The “forgiveness” they’re all pressuring is actually just for things to go back to how they once were, ctrl+delete the consequences of their actions, for Jake to take on the emotional labor of making his ex and brother more comfortable with their choices. It’s genuinely baffling that they can feel entitled to anything from him after making the choices they made, and it’s unfortunate how the book tries to paint this as even remotely reasonable. Jake’s request to be involved in their kids lives while remaining cordial with his brother was honestly generous. Everybody’s refusal to accept his boundaries (for some reasons including Sandy’s family??) and forcing him to engage with them was genuinely really terrible. The way they’re all determined to minimize the betrayal because of how they’ve decided that what was between Tracey and Jake wasn’t “true love” is also really fucked, they were in a committed relationship, or at least he was. The message the book tries to sell just falls flat. In addition to simply not liking this whole narrative, it also overshadowed the love story for me.
Also, when Tracey says the things are only awkward between them cause they’re making it that way??? No?????? It’s because you cheated on one brother with the other, driving a wedge in the family. Lol, what. I found her entitlement particularly brazen and astounding. But Sandy’s family insistence on cultivating a relationship with Tracey and Troy is also beyond bizarre to me.
The Derek storyline felt like an afterthought and the conflict that instilled felt very contrived. There was absolutely nothing about Jake or their relationship that gave those doubts any credence, prior to those instances that were conveniently thrown in there at the end. I love a long book but that just felt like unnecessary drama.
Also, when Tracey says the things are only awkward between them cause they’re making it that way??? No?????? It’s because you cheated on one brother with the other, driving a wedge in the family. Lol, what. I found her entitlement particularly brazen and astounding. But Sandy’s family insistence on cultivating a relationship with Tracey and Troy is also beyond bizarre to me.
The Derek storyline felt like an afterthought and the conflict that instilled felt very contrived. There was absolutely nothing about Jake or their relationship that gave those doubts any credence, prior to those instances that were conveniently thrown in there at the end. I love a long book but that just felt like unnecessary drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2022
Alright..brace yourselves.
This was a 5 star read for me.
The ONLY problem I have with this book is the fact that the first chapter painted this guy out to be pretty opposite of what he seemed the rest of the book.
This is the story of Sandra and Jake. Sandra, BLESS ALL THAT IS GOOD ABOUT BOOKS, is MY type of strong black woman. She knows her worth, she's not overly abrasive or challenging to people for no reason and she didn't run from a good thing. No, she just established some boundaries, gave the guy a chance and when he screwed things up because of his own baggage, her reaction was on point. In fact, she stayed that way the entirety of the book. This heroine managed to blend strength, humility, softness and empathy with just plain being smart about her feelings and what she wanted. Even during their ultimate "issue" curve, while I didn't love her initial reaction, I understood it and she never did anything predictable or that made me talk out loud to myself lol.
As for Jake? Swoonworthy. I can't recall a more romantic IR hero. But, did I mention baggage? Once his story is full fleshed out, you get it. You really do. He's not perfect, but I do believe this was written in a realistic way-not the way we might like to see in books. We want our heroes to rise above, be the bigger person so we can despise those that betrayed him, but in reality thats not a normal response to this type of pain. I loved this guy by the end.
I believe this author is one to support!!
This was a 5 star read for me.
The ONLY problem I have with this book is the fact that the first chapter painted this guy out to be pretty opposite of what he seemed the rest of the book.
This is the story of Sandra and Jake. Sandra, BLESS ALL THAT IS GOOD ABOUT BOOKS, is MY type of strong black woman. She knows her worth, she's not overly abrasive or challenging to people for no reason and she didn't run from a good thing. No, she just established some boundaries, gave the guy a chance and when he screwed things up because of his own baggage, her reaction was on point. In fact, she stayed that way the entirety of the book. This heroine managed to blend strength, humility, softness and empathy with just plain being smart about her feelings and what she wanted. Even during their ultimate "issue" curve, while I didn't love her initial reaction, I understood it and she never did anything predictable or that made me talk out loud to myself lol.
As for Jake? Swoonworthy. I can't recall a more romantic IR hero. But, did I mention baggage? Once his story is full fleshed out, you get it. You really do. He's not perfect, but I do believe this was written in a realistic way-not the way we might like to see in books. We want our heroes to rise above, be the bigger person so we can despise those that betrayed him, but in reality thats not a normal response to this type of pain. I loved this guy by the end.
I believe this author is one to support!!
February 22, 2020
Oh my!!! What a delicious read filled with lots of angsty goodness. Evelyn Sola is a ‘New To Me’ Author and Crace was her debut novel.
I loved this story, anybody that knows me, knows how much I love a good angst filled love story and this book was riddled with it in the best way.
Jacob is a gorgeous man with so much heartache and pain he’s cloaked in it. Living with the betrayal of his best friend/brother for over 5 years has left him with so much anger and bitterness he can’t seem to find a way to be anywhere remotely close to happiness. One night stands are all he has to give due to his total lack of trust , he’s closed himself off to the idea of a relationship.
His family is in tatters , family functions are awkward and usually become down right hostile . He has a beautiful loving family but due to what happened 5 years prior has everyone either walking on egg shells or the brothers coming to blows (on more than one occasion) putting this family in a constant state of unease and upset.
On the night of his mother’s birthday party , Jake sees and in introduced to the most beautiful woman who instantly takes his interest .
Sandy is doing her mumma a favor delivery a birthday cake to one of her clients for their birthday party. She walks in and after meeting the client Lil is invited to stay . She’s introduced to her son Jake and let just say... instant sparks fly .
Chemistry between the two are off the charts and just when things look to be getting hotter , all hell breaks loose between Jake and his brother Troy . Sandy being a strong , independent, take no crap woman feels dismissed, embarrassed and not in any mood to get in the middle of a family drama that doesn’t involve her , flees out the door feeling like she’s dodged a bullet with the sexy but troubled Jake .
What happens next is a whirlwind of push, pull scenes with banter, hot sexual chemistry, soooooo much family drama, broken hearts and lack of open communication. Their beautiful families try to help Jake & Sandy find their way together for a forever kind of love.
Can Jake finally let go of all his anger, bitterness, hurt and betrayal to give Sandy what she needs and deserves?
Read Crave and find out for yourselves . This story will make your heart hurt , it will show you that with the love, understanding, kindness and support of someone can make you want EVERYTHING you thought you were never going to have.
*Was Given a ARC through Booksprout for a honest review.
I loved this story, anybody that knows me, knows how much I love a good angst filled love story and this book was riddled with it in the best way.
Jacob is a gorgeous man with so much heartache and pain he’s cloaked in it. Living with the betrayal of his best friend/brother for over 5 years has left him with so much anger and bitterness he can’t seem to find a way to be anywhere remotely close to happiness. One night stands are all he has to give due to his total lack of trust , he’s closed himself off to the idea of a relationship.
His family is in tatters , family functions are awkward and usually become down right hostile . He has a beautiful loving family but due to what happened 5 years prior has everyone either walking on egg shells or the brothers coming to blows (on more than one occasion) putting this family in a constant state of unease and upset.
On the night of his mother’s birthday party , Jake sees and in introduced to the most beautiful woman who instantly takes his interest .
Sandy is doing her mumma a favor delivery a birthday cake to one of her clients for their birthday party. She walks in and after meeting the client Lil is invited to stay . She’s introduced to her son Jake and let just say... instant sparks fly .
Chemistry between the two are off the charts and just when things look to be getting hotter , all hell breaks loose between Jake and his brother Troy . Sandy being a strong , independent, take no crap woman feels dismissed, embarrassed and not in any mood to get in the middle of a family drama that doesn’t involve her , flees out the door feeling like she’s dodged a bullet with the sexy but troubled Jake .
What happens next is a whirlwind of push, pull scenes with banter, hot sexual chemistry, soooooo much family drama, broken hearts and lack of open communication. Their beautiful families try to help Jake & Sandy find their way together for a forever kind of love.
Can Jake finally let go of all his anger, bitterness, hurt and betrayal to give Sandy what she needs and deserves?
Read Crave and find out for yourselves . This story will make your heart hurt , it will show you that with the love, understanding, kindness and support of someone can make you want EVERYTHING you thought you were never going to have.
*Was Given a ARC through Booksprout for a honest review.
February 22, 2020
Amazing!!
I was intrigued with story from the beginning. It hooks you in, sending you in a romantic, sizzling journey. I love how Sandy and Jake work throughout their problems. Working on issues such as their socio-economic status, race, and trust. Evelyn Solano succeeded in writing an amazing story.
I was intrigued with story from the beginning. It hooks you in, sending you in a romantic, sizzling journey. I love how Sandy and Jake work throughout their problems. Working on issues such as their socio-economic status, race, and trust. Evelyn Solano succeeded in writing an amazing story.
February 17, 2020
I don't even think I have the words in my vocabulary to describe how loving, sweet, and devoted the Clark family is to one another. Sure they have their ups and downs, feuds and freak outs, but the are the real deal.
Bringing Sandy into the mix just throws Clark bother, Jake, for a complete loop!
Their dynamic, thier banter, and their love is just the epitome of what a good romance story should be. They have all the feels, a little annoyance, a little awkwardness, some sexy, and a whole lot of love!
Evelyn Sola hit a home run the first time up to the plate! I'm so excited to hear more from this family, and from Evelyn!
Bringing Sandy into the mix just throws Clark bother, Jake, for a complete loop!
Their dynamic, thier banter, and their love is just the epitome of what a good romance story should be. They have all the feels, a little annoyance, a little awkwardness, some sexy, and a whole lot of love!
Evelyn Sola hit a home run the first time up to the plate! I'm so excited to hear more from this family, and from Evelyn!
March 18, 2021
I just can't with this book. Apparently dimples and a 'can't take no for an answer' attitude is all that the herione needs to look past a huge red flag upon meeting the male MC. I didn't like how comfortable he was with crossing boundaries with this woman and manhandling her to get his way. This is supposed to be sexy because he's hot. In reality he showed controlling behavior from the get. Between his cringey immaturity and her barely able to control her body just looking at the man I'm done. Also all he had to say was he thought she was beautiful and she immediately excuses behavior she rightfully saw as problematic. Get some self esteem girl! The bar is on the floor for dudes. Also, this is nitpicky but I don't know if I can take another interracial book were the author goes on about the contrasting skin tones against each other. It's overdone.
March 3, 2020
Can you scream in a review? Because I want to scream, “This book is wonderful, so go buy it!”
Crave is a 5 star read because of the simple nuances of each character, the full on love and attraction between our two lead characters, and the over all feeling of warmth within a family.
Ms. Sola packed a punch with her writing skills and dominated my entire day. I literally read all day. (Twice, I’m a speed reader)
Go grab a copy of this book and then bother them author to hurry up and write book 2.
It’s wonderful and I’m so happy I got to live vicariously through the author’s words.
Loved it!!!
Crave is a 5 star read because of the simple nuances of each character, the full on love and attraction between our two lead characters, and the over all feeling of warmth within a family.
Ms. Sola packed a punch with her writing skills and dominated my entire day. I literally read all day. (Twice, I’m a speed reader)
Go grab a copy of this book and then bother them author to hurry up and write book 2.
It’s wonderful and I’m so happy I got to live vicariously through the author’s words.
Loved it!!!
August 15, 2022
This is one book where H is in love with OW in beginning BUT i never felt the h was second best. I know others think he is too hard on his brother, but honestly-what his brother did would be something I would NEVER get over, so props to him. I really dont like his brother Troy's wife-I feel the author could have done this better. I kn0w she used it to create angst, but there was no reason Tracy could not have ended things before starting a relationship with Jake. Other than this aspect, it was a good book!
I will not read the next book as i dont like books where H has child with OW-especially the pregnant ex trope-its a hard no for me but i am gonna try Luke's story!
I will not read the next book as i dont like books where H has child with OW-especially the pregnant ex trope-its a hard no for me but i am gonna try Luke's story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2020
Wow! Evelyn you are an Exceptional Writer. So Beautifully Written. The way you breathe life into these characters. You gave each of them a life a story, a presence, a meaning, A purpose. I absolutely Devoured this book. It’s so realistic. The characters are so real, passionate, funny. I laughed(hard) and shed a few tears. I love the passion between Sandy and Jake. Those two pulled at my heart string. The love between them were like nothing I have ever read ,yet it’s so realistic. You could help but route for them. Their families are hysterical and full of dramatics. The love they have for each other is so extreme and plain to see, it will be hard not to love them even when you want to strangle one or two lolol. I absolutely Love LOVE this Book. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
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March 12, 2024I love all of Evelyn sola’s book but this one had me heated. I feel like almost every character in this book was so audacious especially Troy and Tracy. Omg I can’t believe they expected forgiveness. And his family besides queen lil was so unempathic towards Jake, especially Luke-I could not stand him. They all acted like Jake was in the wrong for not forgiving his brother for such betrayal. This is literally villain origin story type betrayal. It is literally conveyed in the story the traumatic effect that it had on him🙁. But everybody was like Jake is the bad guy. And they are all so disloyal. I can’t believe sandy becomes friend with Tracy like what… Jake deserved better period.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2020
Wow this book was so understanding! That Clark family drama was heavy. What I loved more was the strong female characters. Sandy and her family and friends were strong woman who did not put up with any BS!
I think romance authors also at tines glaze over difficult topics. Not Evelyn and I am so glad because racism is a real thing and needs to be highlighted!
Thank you Evelyn for this book!
Excited for the next but tbh Luke and Viv is what I really want!
I think romance authors also at tines glaze over difficult topics. Not Evelyn and I am so glad because racism is a real thing and needs to be highlighted!
Thank you Evelyn for this book!
Excited for the next but tbh Luke and Viv is what I really want!
January 4, 2022
i hate this cover sm.. it was cute wasnt the best tho
July 19, 2022
This book right here? TRASH! I have NEVER been so irritated whilst reading in my LIFE. I honestly suffered through the majority of it, continuing to give it a chance when in reality I should have just stopped after chapter 1.
There is a lot to unpack here, but first and foremost my number one complaint is how unbelievable Sandy’s, and honestly, everyone’s responses are when it comes to Jacob and his behavior.
This man is TOXIC to a T. He doesn’t know how to take no for an answer and can’t take responsibility for his behavior. Especially when he was originally chasing after Sandy. Stalking her-because that’s what it was and let’s not act like it wasn’t-already made me dislike him enough, but his entitlement is RIDICULOUS. Take Sandy’s date as an example. He found out where she was going, purposely showed up like he had a RIGHT because he “likes” her, and then basically takes the chance to one up the guy. And was COCKY about the entire situation. Oh, and her anger towards her date in that instance also made no sense, but honestly I feel it was just justification to go running along to Jake and set up their “romance.”
I really forced myself through the book because of how unlikeable they BOTH are. Sandy has ZERO sense when it comes to red flags, and again, Jake as a whole is just….I can’t even. Like everyone said, he focuses way too much in his ex and because he just can’t move on and reacts to everything….just. Hard pass.
I know some people mentioned the race thing, which I’m like ehhhh. But let’s be realistic, she has a right to kind of side eye with the way his mom jumped straight to straight away set her up with his friend- I know it was later clarified that this was likely due to Jake hinting at not wanting to jump into a relationship, but his mom also tried to set his friend up with every “Black woman under the age of 40” she came across so do with that what you will. But at the same time, she uses it as an excuse to try to deny her feelings which is just….
I also want to make a comment about Sandy’s family. I don’t know about anyone else, but if my sister told me half of what happened with Jake at the beginning-his outburst, his JD date set up, etc- I WOULD NEVER encourage her to pursue him or give him ANOTHER chance. If anything there would be a fight because of how TERRIBLE he approached everything in the beginning.
I really kept telling myself it would get better and it just didn’t. Needless to say, I won’t be picking this go again, or the follow up because I just CANT.
There is a lot to unpack here, but first and foremost my number one complaint is how unbelievable Sandy’s, and honestly, everyone’s responses are when it comes to Jacob and his behavior.
This man is TOXIC to a T. He doesn’t know how to take no for an answer and can’t take responsibility for his behavior. Especially when he was originally chasing after Sandy. Stalking her-because that’s what it was and let’s not act like it wasn’t-already made me dislike him enough, but his entitlement is RIDICULOUS. Take Sandy’s date as an example. He found out where she was going, purposely showed up like he had a RIGHT because he “likes” her, and then basically takes the chance to one up the guy. And was COCKY about the entire situation. Oh, and her anger towards her date in that instance also made no sense, but honestly I feel it was just justification to go running along to Jake and set up their “romance.”
I really forced myself through the book because of how unlikeable they BOTH are. Sandy has ZERO sense when it comes to red flags, and again, Jake as a whole is just….I can’t even. Like everyone said, he focuses way too much in his ex and because he just can’t move on and reacts to everything….just. Hard pass.
I know some people mentioned the race thing, which I’m like ehhhh. But let’s be realistic, she has a right to kind of side eye with the way his mom jumped straight to straight away set her up with his friend- I know it was later clarified that this was likely due to Jake hinting at not wanting to jump into a relationship, but his mom also tried to set his friend up with every “Black woman under the age of 40” she came across so do with that what you will. But at the same time, she uses it as an excuse to try to deny her feelings which is just….
I also want to make a comment about Sandy’s family. I don’t know about anyone else, but if my sister told me half of what happened with Jake at the beginning-his outburst, his JD date set up, etc- I WOULD NEVER encourage her to pursue him or give him ANOTHER chance. If anything there would be a fight because of how TERRIBLE he approached everything in the beginning.
I really kept telling myself it would get better and it just didn’t. Needless to say, I won’t be picking this go again, or the follow up because I just CANT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2022
TW: assault. Toxic, abusive, manipulative, and unhealthy are the first words the come to mind for these characters. I try so hard not to criticize books that I DNF but I could not continue with this one. The number of four and five star reviews seem to explain why so many people’s relationships are complete disasters - they’re not recognizing that the behaviors of these characters are almost always childish at best, and completely unacceptable. Apart from the wildly unhealthy intra- and interpersonal relationships in this book, the character development and storyline just don’t ring true. As a Black woman who often dates white men, I’m always looking for BWWM books but this one was wrong it too many ways to be worth finishing. It frequently “sounded off” in that it seems like the author wrote all of the dialogue, including that of Jake’s family as that of Black characters then changed her mind and decided to make them white, but realized that they’d then be an interracial couple so she created this thin, weak issue for Sandra to protest against their relationship - I doubt this is actually what happened but his family’s dialogue didn’t ring true for me. Speaking of protesting, the final straw for me was the absolute disregard for consent throughout all of Sandra and Jake’s interactions. I LOVE an assertive, dominant man, but this was not that. Jake literally just ignored what she said over and over again. At one point she said “Jake, no” and he didn’t stop. THAT IS NOT OK. In this specific example it’s assault. All in all I wouldn’t recommend this book unless you enjoy super toxic people and mediocre steam scenes.
January 15, 2022
This is only my second Evelyn Sola novel but damn she is good! Then add Troy Duran & Mari to the narration & SWOON!
Jacob and Sandra's story was pure chaos, drama, and HEAT!! Jacob kept making it hard for me to love him because he kept making one boneheaded decision after the next. When he finally decided to start letting go of his past so that he could look forward to his future is when things really started to get all swoony and sweet. Sandy was everything I love in an FMC. She was vulnerable but she never left Jacob or anyone for that matter walk all over here. She was confident in who she was and the things she stood for. When Jacob was being a tool, she told him without hesitancy and that just made fall harder for her.
The narration was where this story was at though because as I've said Troy Duran & Mari. After my first narration by them I added every single one of their titles to my TBR because their voices together just do it for me. Mari is just sweet and wonderful but Troy Duran y'all! If you don't know him by now then just do yourself a favor and listen to his growls, you will thank me!!
Keeping this review kind of short because if I go into too much detail, I won't stop gushing about this book. Do yourself the favor and read an Evelyn Sola novel, then listen to Troy Duran & Mari. Make your life simpler and do both though!!
As if I need to say it but 5 you love me stars!!
Jacob and Sandra's story was pure chaos, drama, and HEAT!! Jacob kept making it hard for me to love him because he kept making one boneheaded decision after the next. When he finally decided to start letting go of his past so that he could look forward to his future is when things really started to get all swoony and sweet. Sandy was everything I love in an FMC. She was vulnerable but she never left Jacob or anyone for that matter walk all over here. She was confident in who she was and the things she stood for. When Jacob was being a tool, she told him without hesitancy and that just made fall harder for her.
The narration was where this story was at though because as I've said Troy Duran & Mari. After my first narration by them I added every single one of their titles to my TBR because their voices together just do it for me. Mari is just sweet and wonderful but Troy Duran y'all! If you don't know him by now then just do yourself a favor and listen to his growls, you will thank me!!
Keeping this review kind of short because if I go into too much detail, I won't stop gushing about this book. Do yourself the favor and read an Evelyn Sola novel, then listen to Troy Duran & Mari. Make your life simpler and do both though!!
As if I need to say it but 5 you love me stars!!
March 7, 2020
★ Delightfully entertaining rom-com and first read ★
—>>> Many things are going in this story and you hit the ground running at the birthday celebration of the Clark matriarch, where Sandra and Jacob Clark serendipitously clap eyes on each other, their chemistry literally sizzling. Somehow that was not enough to offset being left on the dance floor before Jacob attacks his brother in a fit of rage…over another woman! Clearly, there was a huge rift in the family, but Sandra was exactly what he needed. Jacob’s new mission was to insert himself in her well-defined life, now that he has finally awoken from his life’s quagmire and realizes what he could have. It will not be an easy ride for this “troublemaker” of a man who brings tumult to Sandra’s life, but he does also bring a lot of passion, wanting to commit to this gorgeous woman whom he still has to prove himself to over and over because he doesn’t know any other way than to go “full Jacob.” This is the first installment of the chaotic Clark family drama, and I look forward to reading more about these chaotic Clarks!
This was a delightfully entertaining rom-com and first read from this author.
—>>> Many things are going in this story and you hit the ground running at the birthday celebration of the Clark matriarch, where Sandra and Jacob Clark serendipitously clap eyes on each other, their chemistry literally sizzling. Somehow that was not enough to offset being left on the dance floor before Jacob attacks his brother in a fit of rage…over another woman! Clearly, there was a huge rift in the family, but Sandra was exactly what he needed. Jacob’s new mission was to insert himself in her well-defined life, now that he has finally awoken from his life’s quagmire and realizes what he could have. It will not be an easy ride for this “troublemaker” of a man who brings tumult to Sandra’s life, but he does also bring a lot of passion, wanting to commit to this gorgeous woman whom he still has to prove himself to over and over because he doesn’t know any other way than to go “full Jacob.” This is the first installment of the chaotic Clark family drama, and I look forward to reading more about these chaotic Clarks!
This was a delightfully entertaining rom-com and first read from this author.
February 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, it was based on an interracial couple who come from completely different backgrounds, but themselves and their families see beyond colour and money!
Jake works for the family business and is from old money, he has a trust fund and a loving family, but even families with money have issues, and that being the fact that Jake’s brother broke his heart 5 years ago when he fell in love and married Jake’s girlfriend, since that day insults and fists fly between the two men.
Sandy is a hard working nurse, occasionally helping out at her mothers bakery. She is asked to delivery a cake to the Clarke residence for a birthday party and once there, Mrs Clarke asks her to stay!
And that is how Jake and Sandy meet, but things don’t run smoothly and Jake has some chasing to do to finally get Sandy to agree to a date, but old demons are always there and the date doesn’t go to plan!
Can the love of Sandy help Jake realise that family is important and that if he really truly loved her then he would let the past go and move on with her!
Jake works for the family business and is from old money, he has a trust fund and a loving family, but even families with money have issues, and that being the fact that Jake’s brother broke his heart 5 years ago when he fell in love and married Jake’s girlfriend, since that day insults and fists fly between the two men.
Sandy is a hard working nurse, occasionally helping out at her mothers bakery. She is asked to delivery a cake to the Clarke residence for a birthday party and once there, Mrs Clarke asks her to stay!
And that is how Jake and Sandy meet, but things don’t run smoothly and Jake has some chasing to do to finally get Sandy to agree to a date, but old demons are always there and the date doesn’t go to plan!
Can the love of Sandy help Jake realise that family is important and that if he really truly loved her then he would let the past go and move on with her!
Read
November 9, 2020DFN
I don't rate books I don't finish, but I'm leaving this review to warn any woman planning to read this book.
I'm about 20% in and the amount of times this MC grabbed and manhandled this girl is highly triggering. So triggering I can't get myself to continue despite it being well written.
Don't assume a girl wants to kiss you when she pushes you back, don't keep her wrists restrained when she tries to pull away from you. You don't need to get physical like that to convince her to give you a chance. That shit isn't cute and it shouldn't be romanticized. Yes, I realize Sandy likes him and is conflicted, but unless she explictly tells him to make a move, he shouldn't.
I don't rate books I don't finish, but I'm leaving this review to warn any woman planning to read this book.
I'm about 20% in and the amount of times this MC grabbed and manhandled this girl is highly triggering. So triggering I can't get myself to continue despite it being well written.
Don't assume a girl wants to kiss you when she pushes you back, don't keep her wrists restrained when she tries to pull away from you. You don't need to get physical like that to convince her to give you a chance. That shit isn't cute and it shouldn't be romanticized. Yes, I realize Sandy likes him and is conflicted, but unless she explictly tells him to make a move, he shouldn't.
May 3, 2021
Crave by Evelyn Sola
Tells the story of Sandra, a nurse who spends her weekends helping out at her mother's bakery. One weekend, she is delivering a cake to a client's party and meets Jacob Clark. The attraction is instant.
If you enjoy books like Fifty Shade of Gray, you probably will enjoy this book. Sola writes a very steamy story, that addresses class differences, race, and the pain of being betrayed by the ones closest to you.
I think writing a book is a huge accomplishment and I can see why others might like this one, I don't think this book was for me. The romanticization of an abusive relationship is a theme I have never really been able to get behind.
Tells the story of Sandra, a nurse who spends her weekends helping out at her mother's bakery. One weekend, she is delivering a cake to a client's party and meets Jacob Clark. The attraction is instant.
If you enjoy books like Fifty Shade of Gray, you probably will enjoy this book. Sola writes a very steamy story, that addresses class differences, race, and the pain of being betrayed by the ones closest to you.
I think writing a book is a huge accomplishment and I can see why others might like this one, I don't think this book was for me. The romanticization of an abusive relationship is a theme I have never really been able to get behind.
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