Sounds like the start of a joke but, it’s not. Well, at least not a good one. The moment the vampire with the killer jaw line stepped into my bar, my life changed forever.
A dark prophecy and a destroyer of worlds.
After being attacked, kidnapped, and hidden in the Conclave, a safe haven for supernatural creatures, I must find out whether I’m the destroyer in a prophecy that predicts the apocalyptic end of the world, or if this whole thing is just the worst case of mistaken identity ever. I’d like to think it’s the latter, but after discovering the demon hidden in my proverbial closet, I’m not so sure I’m the person I thought I was.
I need to control my new powers. And Fast.
If I am going to survive long enough to discover the truth, I’m going to have to learn to control the demon buried deep within me. It’s not going to be easy, but with the help of an overly grumpy vampire, an almost always shirtless Hell Hound, a powerful mage and even the dragon shifter who hates my guts, I might just survive long enough to figure out why a powerful demon wants to claim me as their own and if Lucifer is really hellbent on using me to destroy the world.
So, bring it on Lucifer. I’m ready. I think…
This is a kickass paranormal fantasy with a why choose romance. Vampires, demons, shifters and witches all make an appearance and this book is perfect for those who like fated mates, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers or friends to lovers. Recommended for 18+ due to steamy scenes and characters who like to swear from time to time.
To Crave Darkly appeals the lovers of the genre with a well written book that has plenty of moments that leave you crave more of this darkness. Lori our lead and the centre of the harem, thinks she going to have an ordinary night but she thrown into the supernatural world when she is attacked and saved by the said handsome guy. The blurb first line feels like a cliche but this book is far from this. Grayson had me hooked and entertained. Lori isn't one to let said handsome guy have his ways when she forced to follow his lead. She going to fight hard. Lori is a demon and she isn't going to rest on her laurels. She ready to take action and whilst this book would be classified as slow burn. There isn't anything slow about the pace of this book. It's snappy and quick thinking, throwing readers into the deep like Lori trying to navigate the supernatural world and figure out what heck she is . There some interesting dilemmas that arise involving four certain guys and these guys will have you divided. They mean well but things are complicated so it will be interesting how their bonds build given that they have all different ideas at the moment. The last half of the book is really where the magic happens. Grayson brings all together and the bonds start to form and the lines are drawn. The ending did me in. Honestly didn't see it coming and left me wanting more after I digested everything that just happen.
I haven’t read this author before, and I love when I read new authors as I’m not sure what I’ll get. I was really surprised that it didn’t take long to get sucked into the story…get it, sucked?!? LOL! Seriously, this book is well-written, and I love Lori’s character. Yes, there a lot of tropes, but I still really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I know this is going to be an RH, but I don’t mind even if this genre is not my favorite because there is an element of suspense I’m really loving. I kind of figured out the surprise reveal, but I loved the cliffhanger. If you like RH with suspense, you really have to read this one. Highly recommend.
It's not you, it's me. This story isn't bad at all, but I just couldn't get into it. I don't know why but I found the characters really frustrating and annoying. It should have been an enjoyable read, with the outline of an interesting plot, but there was something about it... I think it was around the point that the fmc chose to walk down a dark creepy alley after comparing her possible murder to being hit by a bus that I started to think she was TSTL. In the first part there seemed to be a lot of hot and cold and contradictions. It felt like emotional whiplash. I did manage to read the whole book and the ending was good, for a cliffhanger type. I don't know if I care enough about her to find out how she gets out of her predicament, however.
DNF at 18% after Jasper (barely) convinced the FMC Lori to stop trying to escape him "for her own good."
The switching POV made the pacing glacial, and the irrational insta-lust made me annoyed. Lori was also a cocky TSTL character even though her kidnapping wasn't her fault. I really didn't like the characters introduced so far and didn't really care to read any further.
I am not sugar-coating it at all, when I say it's one of the best I mean it!!
This is a new author to me so I was a little wary-as most readers will be-but I was proven SO wrong! The writing flows perfectly, the plot is seamless and doesn't jump around. The information we need is given to us in a perfectly dosed manner that keeps was flipping the pages for answers. The characters are also so amazingly detailed that you can picture them and yes the men are HOT! Our FMC is a feisty, sassy woman that loves to push buttons and doesn't back down.
I love seeing her story going from ordinary human one minute to kidnapped who-knows-what the other! The story is truly original and refreshing. There are some major build-up scenes that are hot hot hot and I am so excited to see who actually makes the cut for the harem.
I can not wait for book two, I actually am already hating the wait and I just finished the book! I read this in one sitting as it was so captivating. I highly recommend this book for all fans of PNR, RH, vampire/magic/shifter lovers! I can not say enough great things for this story- quick get this book!!
You know that person who always bragged about running a mile in 9 minutes, and yet huffed and puffed climbing a set of stairs? This book was filled with them.
Too much posturing and entitlement made the almost TSTL FMC unlikeable.
To Crave Darkly is the first book in Bailey Grayson’s Trials of a Morta series. Prepare yourself to meet Lori Monroe, she has lived her life as a human, but with the encounter of one handsome vampire…things are about to change in a big way. All she wants is to make enough money to buy into the bar she works at and become part owner. Too bad Fate has different plans for Lori. She’s about to learn that nothing is what it seems and that she is part of a prophecy that could bring about the end of the world. To Crave Darkly is the first book that I have read by Baily Grayson and I have to admit that for the most part I really enjoyed this book. There is some humor sprinkled throughout, but it’s the beginning that really hooks me in and the storyline and some well-placed twists that keep me coming back for more. In the beginning I find Lori to be a fun engaging character. She’s snarky, but I found it humorous enough and I felt that in the beginning it wasn’t overly-done. Granted, I felt that if you’re going to be snarky and push someone’s buttons to the point of where they snap…honey child…be prepared to take those consequences that come. Don’t turn into a shrinking female who then tries to walk back the ridiculousness and beg for mercy. Own it. All. The storyline is really engaging. Lori has no idea what she is and I really like the different layers that there are to the mystery that is surrounding her. This story has some aspects that remind me of another author that I’ve read with the team that Lori gets introduced to, but I really like that there is a female on the team and that they aren’t all men. The things I don’t like about this book are Lori’s jump-roping with her attitude. She’s snarky one minute and then a petulant brat the next. Writing a snarky character is honestly walking a fine line and the author really jumps back and forth over it. Some moments I don’t mind, but when Lori just pushes buttons to get a rise and then tries to backpedal, it just annoys me because I view it more or less as a brat having a tantrum. Now, don’t get it twisted, the guys are just as bad, but Lori really pushes things and doesn’t like being faced with the truth when told to her in a less than flattering manner. I’m more or less like…if it’s the truth…and you KNOW it’s the truth…own it! Also, I don’t like how the guys kept ending up shifting gears with her. They threaten to not take it easy on her or to take on the role of being a leader and her a subordinate, but then still let her walk all over them. I’m like…either be the leader already or just sit down. LOL! I also have to point this out – this book needs to be combed back through by an editor. There is some spelling and punctuation errors scattered throughout this book that a keen eyed editor should be able to catch. I can only guess that these were some determined errors to make it through to the final cut. While they are not overly distracting from the storyline, they do catch the eye and cleaning them up will honestly benefit this book. The thing that stops this book from being a 4 star read for me, is how engaged in the story I was. I love the twists and the surprises. Granted, I do want more darkness. When Lori does wrong (which is a lot) I want her to face the consequences. Not end up in a kissing match with Jasper or just being scolded. The twist at the end really has me eager for the next book, so I honestly can’t wait. At the end of the day I am choosing to rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Lori is having an interesting night at work. There is a guy that seems to call to her. She gets into a altercation with a drunk. On her way home, she is attacked by three men. The guy from the club saves her. He tells her she is in danger that he is taking her to a the coven. Lori fights against the plans Jasper has. She has always been like that. Things go really bad on the way there They finally get to the coven and things are not any clearer. Lori will also be a part of Jaspers team. She meets there team members. She realizes that there is more to everything than she can wrap her head around. Lori accidently bonds her self to someone in her dreams. Lori is draw to him as well as the others. Lori learns about what she might be and her powers that keep showing up. She can't believe she is the person of the prophecy.
There is more to this story, then what I have said. This is an interesting story to read, it keeps at a good pace. Lori is thrown into a world she doesn't understand. Learning she is not human and what she is throws everyone around her. She learns about the prophecy. She is bonded to someone she can't trust but can't help being drawn to. Lori is also drawn to the others. Looking forward to what happens next after the what happened at the end.
What a great start! I loved the characters and Lori was so hilarious with her impulsivity and how she loves to push everyone's buttons. She was so full of energy and I loved her dialogue. The mystery of what Lori is and why everyone's after her kept the plot moving throughout the book. The romance was great... oh boy were those scenes angsty and full of tension. The concept of demons, shifters and witches was great and I enjoyed learning about their unique world. I give this book 4 stars as the story felt a little rushed from halfway through. There's such a great build up for when Lori thinks she's human until she reaches the conclave, but after that, the time seems to move quickly. I felt like there were scenes that were missed as Lori learns and trains with the group. I would've loved to see more of those. Lori goes from knowing nothing to being able to defend herself with her powers and abilities very quickly. Did I love the story? Yeah I did. Its a fun read and I will definitely read more from this author and this series. This book will draw you in and have you needing more of Lori, the boys and Lucifer!
I just finished reading it, and let me tell you I'm so glad I started it during the day on my day off 'cause if I had started it before going to bed I wouldn't have been able to put it down! I've been in a reading slump recently, with only few books keeping my interest and this one was definitely one of them. It hooked me up from page one. I loved Lori's sassy mouth, and all of the guys, Jasper, Alec, Fenris and Cassian and their different personalities. I still don't know how I feel about Orion as he tricked Lori into a bond, but I'm definitely curious to see whom she will pick in her harem...
I was kindly provided with an ARC by the author, but I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
My main complaint about this book is that it ended ENTIRELY too soon! I learned just enough answers to create a few dozen more questions, and I can tell that the wait for the next book is going to be maddening.
Bailey Grayson has created a cast of characters with depth and flair, and built around them a storyline full of intrigue and decadence. The nit-picky me noticed a couple of rough places which might benefit from a bit of fine-tuning, but she was rapidly subdued by the ravenous reader that devoured this book in a single sitting.
Bring on To Crave Madly!! I can hardly stand the wait.
This book was such a good read! I love finding new to me authors as well and I couldn't get enough!
Lori is definitely a favorite of mine, she always wants to push buttons and it was amazing to see the development between her and the other characters! There is so much mystery surrounding her and this new world was incredible! I cannot wait to see what will happen next and all that sexual tension definitely makes me need a cold shower!
This is a great breakout novel and I am excited to see what will come next from Bailey!
This is the first time that I have read a book by Bailey Grayson and she does not disappoint. This book had it all...great FMC, vampires, hellhound, dragon, mages, witches for best friends...so much greatness in one book! Bailey Grayson has written a compelling and exciting first book in this new series. As soon as I started I was engrossed and before I knew it there were no more pages to turn and there was a huge cliffhanger! The character building in this book is great....we get multiple POVs and get to know who the characters are and what they are going through first hand. There is so much angst in the characters and you just want to see them all come out in the end but hard to know if this will actually happen but I cannot wait to read more from this very talented author. A slow-burn, action packed, intense read that left me wanting more!
Sooooo Good!! This book had me hooked from the very beginning and never let go. Lori is a bit clueless and naive at the beginning but we get to see her journey into acceptance of the supernatural and her destiny. You get the whole range of emotions as Lori tries to hold herself back from the gorgeous men that have become teammates. Ugh but that ending had me like 😩😩 Just a fabulous start to a new series!! I cannot wait to find out what happens next!! 💜🖤😈
I never would have guessed that this was Bailey Grayson's first book!! As soon as I read the blurb I just needed to read more. The storyline was great, flowed perfectly and the characters were wonderful. This is one of those books that I couldn’t put it down once I started. It sucked me in immediately and refused to let me go until the very end.
I loved this book and proceeded to finish it in one sitting. It moves along at a great pace which makes for an enjoyable read. You will fall in love with these characters and want to know more about them and see them overcome everything that may get in their way. The story grabs you and keeps you turning pages till you reach the end and then you are craving more. This book must be read, no doubt about it
A dark and spellbinding book that is magnificently well written and enchanting. I couldn't get enough. I started it one minute and the next thing I knew a couple of hours later, I was done. When I say this drags you in and hold your attention, I mean it! Well written, three dimensions characters with their in crosses to bare, makes for exciting and well rounded reading. Being the first book in the series, this set the bar pretty High. Highly recommend.
This is a fantastic slow burn RH paranormal romance that has no shortage of steam and chemistry. The storyline is incredibly interesting and intriguing. This has likable characters and a pacing that keeps the pages turning. I am very excited for the next book!
Wow, what an amazing first book by Baily Grayson I loved the storyline and mystery to this book which had be hooked from page one. I enjoy strong FMC and this one has it in spades. Really looking forward to book 2 💕
I really enjoyed this first book from a brand new author - it was funny, witty and just plain halarious in spots looking forward to reading more by this author!
Wow what a book. And a first book at that!! I loved this story. All the different paranormal figures working together, all the different twists and turns. I absolutely loved this book so many original ideas. I really can not wait till book 2!! Cant wait to see where this goes.
For this being a first by this author I really enjoyed it. When I read the blurb it sounded really good! Slow-burn, paranormal RH, multiple POV, Vampires, Demons and shifters and more! And a Prophecy all the things I love in a book.
Feisty MC who knows nothing about herself supernatural, gets found and taken to the Conclave. And from there things get crazy! I won’t post any spoilers!! You will just have to read to find out!
The only thing I wish was the storyline seemed kind of rushed. And I wish we could of learned about the characters more. Other than that it was pretty good.
Quite the bomb drop at the end!! I will read book 2 to see where this story goes
Really enjoyed this book. Bailey grayson has done a fab job of creating a storyline that involves so many different characters. I laughed a lot, I love the main character very witty. Hoping the next book goes more into backgrounds of the other characters and we get to find out more about her past! Would recommend!
This book is steamy, sexy, and dripping with hormonal want. I loved every want to put it down. The hotties in this book are every type of guy you'd want to try, sort of like an ice cream store with 31 flavors. Even though she never gets to go all the way in this book because of always inconvenient interruptions. The sexual undressing of each other, the hot forbidden kisses from he'll, and the constant flirting will have you begging for more! I know I am, so please don't take too long with the sequel.
On one hand, I fully understand that some misunderstandings have to occur to keep the series going, but on the other hand... why did not one think to ask Lori's dumb behind what Orion looked like?
I mean, seriously, everyone was guessing at who it could be, but NOT ONE PERSON asked what he looked like. Unbelievable.
Now let's take about the dumpster fire that is Lori. She honestly is more trouble than she's worth. Lol, even when she thought she was a human, she had a penchant for starting trouble. That wasn't even the bad part to me...the bad part was that she would talk shit, get smart, bad mouth, etc AND SHE HAS NO SKILLS TO BACK IT UP! Like all I could think was, "just shut tf up, damn!".
Because how are you causing trouble and unable to keep yourself from being unalived? H'wut? That was my BIGGEST issue throughout this entire book. She acted all bad ass then had nothing to show for it when it was time to put up.
Then team isn't bad, but honestly, the only person I feel is the most realistic is Cassian. Now, that could be because I despise Lori, but meh. Like I want to know what happens because it seems like we will get more of her demon in the next book.
I'm PRAYING she's nothing like Lori. If she is, it'll probably be a DNF. 🤷🏽♀️
Lori lived her life believing she is a human, but she couldn't be further from truth. And one night coming home from her shift at the bar changes her whole perception of reality. Abducted by Jasper, a vampire no less, who claims it's for her own good, safety, and protection, she is brought to the home of the vampire king to learn about her true self and being protected from whoever wants her so badly. And although living with supernaturals certainly has some perks, the secrets and lies around Lori are dangerous, and it might be even too late to stop the evil fate.. Although the book is a debut novel, the author did a very good job. The storytelling is enticing, descriptions vivid enough to catch the reader's attention or paint a picture in their mind, there are emotions behind the words and phrases, and the characters aren't bad either. I certainly felt myself charmed by a few, including mr. grumpy (Jasper). Biggest plus are, however, the final scenes, which open a lot of possibilities how the story can turn, and the anticipation of what book 2 will bring is that much better.
I am always eager to read a new author, I love expanding my “collection” of authors and I am so glad I chose to read this one! I was really intrigued by the blurb and this book did not disappoint. This was a phenomenal start to what I am sure will be a fantastic series. Angels and demons, witches , hellhounds and vamps? Yes please! the attention to detail, the world building, the character development, the pace and flow - all of it was done so well . Lori had me laughing at her quips and comebacks, her snark was highly entertaining. The relationships developing between her and the other teammates were really well done, moving at a gradual and authentic pace that really helped give the story a deeper, more solid feel. I loved the mystery surrounding Lori, it kept me completely engrossed in the story, I need all the answers! Overall, I thought this was a fun, unique read and I am excited to read the next installment.
Whenever I read a book by a new author, there is this slight hesitation on my behalf whether it would be my cup of tea. Grayson has written an engaging paranormal story, that drags you into the world of vampires, dragons, mages, hellhounds alongside some rather complicated hierarchical structures. The writing itself is well crafted as the author has naturally flowing pace, good transitioning from one chapter to the other and of course, the vivid descriptions provided were much appreciated.
The story is engaging and the mystery surrounding the true nature of the FMC and the Prophecy that she seems to be part of are thrilling and kept me turning the pages. I liked the fact that she was unaware of her true heritage and when she is thrown into the world of dark creatures, Lori will need to learn to navigate this unknown, dangerous new reality.
Towards the end of the book, things really take a different turn and I am curious to see how the story shall progress.