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Craving Cassie
Siobhan Carney and Cassie Townsend are opposites. Siobhan’s struggling in her marriage but keeps things together for her two children. Cassie’s a charming investment banker and infamous flirt who just won’t commit.
When Siobhan arrives as a trainee at Cassie’s firm, desperate to shake up something in her life, she doesn’t expect their connection to change their lives forever. Siobhan and Cassie are instantly drawn to one another, but far too much stands in their way, including Siobhan’s children and Cassie’s fear of falling in love.
Try as they might, it’s impossible for them to keep away from each other. They relish the time they spend together and find they appreciate one another in ways they had never expected. This leads to a calculated proposal neither woman can resist, and their attraction grows deeper and more intense despite everything holding them back. But are they brave enough to give up everything they have ever known to be together?
When Siobhan arrives as a trainee at Cassie’s firm, desperate to shake up something in her life, she doesn’t expect their connection to change their lives forever. Siobhan and Cassie are instantly drawn to one another, but far too much stands in their way, including Siobhan’s children and Cassie’s fear of falling in love.
Try as they might, it’s impossible for them to keep away from each other. They relish the time they spend together and find they appreciate one another in ways they had never expected. This leads to a calculated proposal neither woman can resist, and their attraction grows deeper and more intense despite everything holding them back. But are they brave enough to give up everything they have ever known to be together?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Skye Rowan
2 books9 followersSkye Rowan lives in the village of Allerton Bywater in England with her three naughty yet loveable Romanian rescue dogs, Tatty, Ziggy, and Kylo. Her interests lie within the worlds of theatre and music, and she can often be found frequenting the West End to watch a musical, including her favourite, Wicked. She is an avid football fan and is proud to support the mighty Leeds United, cheering them on through thick and thin. Skye loves attending concerts and counts Florence and the Machine and The 1975 amongst her favourites. Skye loves to spend time travelling with her friends and counts New York amongst her best-loved cities. Skye is most happy when she is spending time with her partner, Nic. Together, they love to visit the beach for long dog walks, sing along to show tunes on a road trip or relax, toasting marshmallows around a campfire.
This is Skye’s first novel, and she is extremely excited about the prospect of readers getting hold of a copy of her first book.
www.boldstrokesbooks.com
This is Skye’s first novel, and she is extremely excited about the prospect of readers getting hold of a copy of her first book.
www.boldstrokesbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 30, 2022
Cassie Townsend is a successful investment banker who fills her private life with one night stands. Siobhan (Shivon) Carney is a mother of two caught in a loveless marriage. Her new job involves being trained by a reluctant Cassie. The two find out quickly that they have nothing in common.
Debut novelist Skye Rowan offers us an opposite attracts romance filled with witty dialogue, two rambunctious children and a will they or won’t they drama. Rowan takes her time revealing the underlying insecurities both women battle. This adds a welcome depth to the story and a more intimate connection to both Siobhan and Cassie.
Craving Cassie blends a couple of familiar tropes into a satisfying and entertaining read. For a freshman novel there are the inevitable bumps and lumps which will smooth out as the writer matures. Balancing dialogue and descriptive narrative as well as polishing out a lull or two in the storytelling will come with experience. But for right here and right now Craving Cassie is a solid first novel worthy of your attention.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Debut novelist Skye Rowan offers us an opposite attracts romance filled with witty dialogue, two rambunctious children and a will they or won’t they drama. Rowan takes her time revealing the underlying insecurities both women battle. This adds a welcome depth to the story and a more intimate connection to both Siobhan and Cassie.
Craving Cassie blends a couple of familiar tropes into a satisfying and entertaining read. For a freshman novel there are the inevitable bumps and lumps which will smooth out as the writer matures. Balancing dialogue and descriptive narrative as well as polishing out a lull or two in the storytelling will come with experience. But for right here and right now Craving Cassie is a solid first novel worthy of your attention.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2022
Craving Cassie
Craving Cassie follows a dance between two people who couldn’t be more different. Cassie sleeps around, has major daddy issues, is still broken over her first love, hates commitment, and responsibilities while all Siobhan has is responsibilities.
At first meet these two immediately engage in a game of word play and light flirtation which immediately throws Cassie off her game and unexpectedly is the start to something she never imagined.
I thought this was a pretty good read for a debut book there’s not much to complain about. Loved the chemistry, loved the structure and the background characters, loved the humor, and loved the musical theater slide ins.
Siobhan was a delightful character though I wished we got more insight to her feelings about Cassie. The book switches between their pov per chapter but I feel like even when Siobhan indicated her feelings it was very short or light compared to Cassie having these deep realizations about loving Siobhan.
I really liked Cassie’s character development I think that was done really well. Loved the way she loves Siobhan’s kids though I do think it’s a tiny bit unrealistic how quickly she did.
In terms of grammar and dialogue it’s okay. There were some moments of choppiness and a little bit of confusion. I feel as though this book relied almost too heavily on dialogue to set the scene and this also becomes an issue in trying to decipher certain moods in the conversations they have. There are several moments I had to read over in attempt to garner if Cassie was being passive aggressive or joking.
There’s also a tiny bit of problem on another end of this spectrum, there’s very little diversity in the vocabulary used to describe tension filled moments or body language to the point where it does get a bit repetitive but not really bothersome to me personally.
The plot itself I absolutely love, there’s like four different layers and sets of contention in it. Never a dull moment as each chapter and scene led to a development in almost all those layers.
By the end of this book one thing is for sure, Skye Rowan isn’t afraid to take risk as she gives us such a multilayer plot. This book definitely strays away from the awkward stumbling safe debuts that we usually get and I’m excited to see where Skye Rowan goes from here. Craving Cassie was a good debut and I recommend giving it a go!
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review
Craving Cassie follows a dance between two people who couldn’t be more different. Cassie sleeps around, has major daddy issues, is still broken over her first love, hates commitment, and responsibilities while all Siobhan has is responsibilities.
At first meet these two immediately engage in a game of word play and light flirtation which immediately throws Cassie off her game and unexpectedly is the start to something she never imagined.
I thought this was a pretty good read for a debut book there’s not much to complain about. Loved the chemistry, loved the structure and the background characters, loved the humor, and loved the musical theater slide ins.
Siobhan was a delightful character though I wished we got more insight to her feelings about Cassie. The book switches between their pov per chapter but I feel like even when Siobhan indicated her feelings it was very short or light compared to Cassie having these deep realizations about loving Siobhan.
I really liked Cassie’s character development I think that was done really well. Loved the way she loves Siobhan’s kids though I do think it’s a tiny bit unrealistic how quickly she did.
In terms of grammar and dialogue it’s okay. There were some moments of choppiness and a little bit of confusion. I feel as though this book relied almost too heavily on dialogue to set the scene and this also becomes an issue in trying to decipher certain moods in the conversations they have. There are several moments I had to read over in attempt to garner if Cassie was being passive aggressive or joking.
There’s also a tiny bit of problem on another end of this spectrum, there’s very little diversity in the vocabulary used to describe tension filled moments or body language to the point where it does get a bit repetitive but not really bothersome to me personally.
The plot itself I absolutely love, there’s like four different layers and sets of contention in it. Never a dull moment as each chapter and scene led to a development in almost all those layers.
By the end of this book one thing is for sure, Skye Rowan isn’t afraid to take risk as she gives us such a multilayer plot. This book definitely strays away from the awkward stumbling safe debuts that we usually get and I’m excited to see where Skye Rowan goes from here. Craving Cassie was a good debut and I recommend giving it a go!
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review
November 16, 2022
3.5⭐️
Craving Cassie is the debut novel by Skye Rowan. There were a few things that didn't fit for me, but for a debut, it was a nice read.
The story is set in London and is about Siobhan, a mother of two, who starts a new job in, among other things, to become independent of her husband as she wants a divorce. She starts as a new trainee under Cassie's care. But the start is not really smooth, as she does not always have her mouth under control, especially when she is challenged by Cassie. Cassie, on the other hand, is not pleased to have a trainee thrust upon her, she is the best investment banker in the company, and she prefers to work alone. She has sworn off love, one-night stands are her motto, without commitment and without feelings. But to her own surprise, she is very fond of Siobhan, and not only of her work. Though she resists budding feelings tooth and nail, refusing to fall in love again.
The story is entertaining, with likable, quick-witted MCs. There are family issues and some drama on both sides as well. Cassie's relationship with her parents has been difficult for years and Matthew, Siobhan’s husband, doesn't endear himself with his appearances either. The attraction between the two women is great and when the two begin an affair Siobhan is still married. Cheating - is a subject that is not easy. Basically, I'm absolutely against cheating, but I can understand that it can happen in some situations. Not that I approve of it. And therefore Siobhan and Cassie lose some sympathy points.
The development of Cassie's character was nice to see. She, the queen of one-night stands, dares to admit feelings once again. She opens up and puts her heart at risk of being broken one more time and makes a 180-degree turn within a few months, which is a good development, but it was a bit too fast for me.
Cheating aside, I liked Siobhan well, she is a loving mother and the story of her marriage makes you understand why she wants a divorce. But it's not only Matthew's fault that it didn't work out. Siobhan also made mistakes and is not innocent. Her character development is less than Cassie's, but also very important as she learns and dares to stand up for herself.
The two children of Siobhan, Dylan (8) and Neave (6) play a big role. They are good kids, but I fear they are too good to be true. As far as I can tell, the clever and witty responses in conversations are those of teenagers, not six- and eight-year-olds respectively. It's not a dealbreaker but it made me wonder every time. But maybe I just underestimate kids.
Despite my criticism, however, it was an entertaining read and I hope the author will stick with it and write more books.
Craving Cassie is the debut novel by Skye Rowan. There were a few things that didn't fit for me, but for a debut, it was a nice read.
The story is set in London and is about Siobhan, a mother of two, who starts a new job in, among other things, to become independent of her husband as she wants a divorce. She starts as a new trainee under Cassie's care. But the start is not really smooth, as she does not always have her mouth under control, especially when she is challenged by Cassie. Cassie, on the other hand, is not pleased to have a trainee thrust upon her, she is the best investment banker in the company, and she prefers to work alone. She has sworn off love, one-night stands are her motto, without commitment and without feelings. But to her own surprise, she is very fond of Siobhan, and not only of her work. Though she resists budding feelings tooth and nail, refusing to fall in love again.
The story is entertaining, with likable, quick-witted MCs. There are family issues and some drama on both sides as well. Cassie's relationship with her parents has been difficult for years and Matthew, Siobhan’s husband, doesn't endear himself with his appearances either. The attraction between the two women is great and when the two begin an affair Siobhan is still married. Cheating - is a subject that is not easy. Basically, I'm absolutely against cheating, but I can understand that it can happen in some situations. Not that I approve of it. And therefore Siobhan and Cassie lose some sympathy points.
The development of Cassie's character was nice to see. She, the queen of one-night stands, dares to admit feelings once again. She opens up and puts her heart at risk of being broken one more time and makes a 180-degree turn within a few months, which is a good development, but it was a bit too fast for me.
Cheating aside, I liked Siobhan well, she is a loving mother and the story of her marriage makes you understand why she wants a divorce. But it's not only Matthew's fault that it didn't work out. Siobhan also made mistakes and is not innocent. Her character development is less than Cassie's, but also very important as she learns and dares to stand up for herself.
The two children of Siobhan, Dylan (8) and Neave (6) play a big role. They are good kids, but I fear they are too good to be true. As far as I can tell, the clever and witty responses in conversations are those of teenagers, not six- and eight-year-olds respectively. It's not a dealbreaker but it made me wonder every time. But maybe I just underestimate kids.
Despite my criticism, however, it was an entertaining read and I hope the author will stick with it and write more books.
January 5, 2023
I'm not one to shy away from novels that feature cheating, so this wasn't an issue for me at all. Although I really like Siobhan and Cassie as characters, I found the other supporting characters to be unlikeable or unrealistic (particularly Siobhan's very mature 6 & 8 year olds). Unlikeable supporting characters isn't typically an issue in romance, but as this novel featured a lot of supporting characters within the various storylines in the novel, I definitely felt it. By the second half of the novel I just wasn't invested in the outcome of any of the characters.
I really liked the premise of this book and it started strong with witty banter and chemistry. Hats off to Skye Rowan for pushing the lesfic boundaries in her debut and I look forward to reading what's next.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the premise of this book and it started strong with witty banter and chemistry. Hats off to Skye Rowan for pushing the lesfic boundaries in her debut and I look forward to reading what's next.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2022
3 star
I loved the first half of this story. The characters are rich and very likeable. The dialog was crisp and clever. The children ages 5 and 8 are adorable but a bit mature for their ages. Very tolerant sharing their mother with a woman. But half way through one character makes a dramatic 180 life change, which was expected, but it went on and on. Each time I got to the end of a chapter I thought that was the end, but no, it went on. I also felt the flavor of the writing changed. More matter of fact rather than clever.
Nice story with sweet ending but a bit too long.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the first half of this story. The characters are rich and very likeable. The dialog was crisp and clever. The children ages 5 and 8 are adorable but a bit mature for their ages. Very tolerant sharing their mother with a woman. But half way through one character makes a dramatic 180 life change, which was expected, but it went on and on. Each time I got to the end of a chapter I thought that was the end, but no, it went on. I also felt the flavor of the writing changed. More matter of fact rather than clever.
Nice story with sweet ending but a bit too long.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2022
Craving Cassie is the debut novel by Skye Rowan... Another new author to watch out for over the next few years.
The storyline is very promising, with the occasional ‘banter’ and wit, and centres on how opposites attract. The book is entertaining but does have the occasional debut novel issues, but still, Craving Cassie is an enjoyable read.
I've given Craving Cassie a 3.6 out of 5 stars.
The storyline is very promising, with the occasional ‘banter’ and wit, and centres on how opposites attract. The book is entertaining but does have the occasional debut novel issues, but still, Craving Cassie is an enjoyable read.
I've given Craving Cassie a 3.6 out of 5 stars.
November 1, 2022
Siobhan is starting a new job but ends up with her foot in her mouth after meeting the prickly person who will be training her. Cassie is intrigued in a way she has never been before by the new trainee who isn't afraid to tell the truth. There are some hurdles though, Siobhan is married and Cassie has vowed to never commit to a relationship but they can't seem to stop flirting with something more than a professional relationship.
This was a great first novel from Skye Rowan. The characters were witty and highly entertaining. There is some family drama on both sides of this relationship that cause some road blocks on top of those caused by Cassie and Siobhan's situations as well. I really liked Cassie's family by the end and I loved their trip back to Ireland to visit Siobhan's home town as well. I will say that most of the hurdles seemed like they were cleared too easily throughout but there was also a lot going on. The kids dialogue and interactions seemed a bit age inappropriate in some cases, there were some conversations with Cassie's husband that I don't think any parent would involve their children in. Matthew was oblivious to Siobhan and Cassie taking the kids for extended weekends away without him being aware and it just didn't feel realistic. It was a fun read though and I'm hoping for more great work from Skye Rowan with some equally entertaining banter as that kept me plowing through this book in record time.
This was a great first novel from Skye Rowan. The characters were witty and highly entertaining. There is some family drama on both sides of this relationship that cause some road blocks on top of those caused by Cassie and Siobhan's situations as well. I really liked Cassie's family by the end and I loved their trip back to Ireland to visit Siobhan's home town as well. I will say that most of the hurdles seemed like they were cleared too easily throughout but there was also a lot going on. The kids dialogue and interactions seemed a bit age inappropriate in some cases, there were some conversations with Cassie's husband that I don't think any parent would involve their children in. Matthew was oblivious to Siobhan and Cassie taking the kids for extended weekends away without him being aware and it just didn't feel realistic. It was a fun read though and I'm hoping for more great work from Skye Rowan with some equally entertaining banter as that kept me plowing through this book in record time.
December 7, 2022
Craving more!
Siobhan has returned to work to try and build up a career again as her marriage is struggling and she needs to gain some independence. She ends up working as a trainee with Cassie, who she is instantly drawn to but Cassie isn’t one for children and commitment. Spending time together draws Cassie closer into Siobhan’s life and as their relationship develops, they both finding themselves facing decisions they never expected to be making.
I loved this so much! It was something I didn’t know I needed to read until I started and then it gave me this lovely warm and reminisce feeling that had me falling in love with Cassie and Siobhan. They reminded me of something that just was warm, familiar and welcoming, so from the very start I was rooting for them. They were perfect for each other, even if Cassie was going to resist some of what Siobhan was going to bring into her life if they perused their attraction.
The story was filled with great moments! The ones where they were working together, the ones where Cassie got to known Siobhan’s adorable kids, and the more dramatic ones where both of them were testing in one way or another. Siobhan was the one I adored most. I could really empathise with her and the situation she found herself in. She was clearly in need of someone like Cassie to remind her of how fun and fulfilling life could be with the right person. It was that Irish accent that got me though. I could hear her voice in my head and just adored her so much.
Cassie was ambitious, bringing a lot of fun and carefree experiences to the story. She really brought Siobhan to life and I loved the scandalous edge she brought in approaching her feelings for Siobhan. It made the whole story exciting, fun, and a little bit wild. It was an escape and one I enjoyed very much experiencing with them, because being a part of Siobhan’s family life brought something wild and different for Cassie to embrace too.
I adored this story, the characters, and everything. It is definitely one of my favourite reads and I can’t wait to read it again and again. Very excited for what Skye will write for us next and really hoping for more stories with Cassie and Siobhan as I have not had nearly enough of them.
Siobhan has returned to work to try and build up a career again as her marriage is struggling and she needs to gain some independence. She ends up working as a trainee with Cassie, who she is instantly drawn to but Cassie isn’t one for children and commitment. Spending time together draws Cassie closer into Siobhan’s life and as their relationship develops, they both finding themselves facing decisions they never expected to be making.
I loved this so much! It was something I didn’t know I needed to read until I started and then it gave me this lovely warm and reminisce feeling that had me falling in love with Cassie and Siobhan. They reminded me of something that just was warm, familiar and welcoming, so from the very start I was rooting for them. They were perfect for each other, even if Cassie was going to resist some of what Siobhan was going to bring into her life if they perused their attraction.
The story was filled with great moments! The ones where they were working together, the ones where Cassie got to known Siobhan’s adorable kids, and the more dramatic ones where both of them were testing in one way or another. Siobhan was the one I adored most. I could really empathise with her and the situation she found herself in. She was clearly in need of someone like Cassie to remind her of how fun and fulfilling life could be with the right person. It was that Irish accent that got me though. I could hear her voice in my head and just adored her so much.
Cassie was ambitious, bringing a lot of fun and carefree experiences to the story. She really brought Siobhan to life and I loved the scandalous edge she brought in approaching her feelings for Siobhan. It made the whole story exciting, fun, and a little bit wild. It was an escape and one I enjoyed very much experiencing with them, because being a part of Siobhan’s family life brought something wild and different for Cassie to embrace too.
I adored this story, the characters, and everything. It is definitely one of my favourite reads and I can’t wait to read it again and again. Very excited for what Skye will write for us next and really hoping for more stories with Cassie and Siobhan as I have not had nearly enough of them.
November 13, 2024
Cassie is a very successful investment banker, she was hurt badly by a lover in uni and now is a serial flirter and beds women once and doesn't commit. Siobhan (Shivon)is the mother of two, and is in a loveless marriage. She goes back to work and is put under Cassie's trainee. Though she's married to a man she is a lesbian.
When Cassie and Shiv first meet they both feel a pull. But Cassie doesn't do relationships and Shiv is married.
This opposites attract love story has fun dialog, and two wonderful children that are interesting. I enjoyed how everything is resolved, and how their love grows. 5 stars!
When Cassie and Shiv first meet they both feel a pull. But Cassie doesn't do relationships and Shiv is married.
This opposites attract love story has fun dialog, and two wonderful children that are interesting. I enjoyed how everything is resolved, and how their love grows. 5 stars!
November 1, 2022
A debut novel from a new author is always something to celebrate. Skye Rowan delivers Cassie Townsend, an ice-queen who is also queen of one night stands. Living in London she is the most successful investment banker in her company. She is assigned to mentor Siobhan (pronounced Shivon) an up and coming employee. Siobhan is Irish, with two children and a marriage that is falling apart. Siobhan although unwanted proves she is up to the work she is assigned and Cassie can’t help but notice and begin to like her.
I like the Britishness of this book. By chance this was my third book in a row by British authors and this had the most British words and idioms. And the banter and conversations are fun and engaging. I also enjoyed mentions of some of my favorite Broadway/West End musicals. Both characters are dealing with things in their personal lives. Siobhan’s seems more the focus but Cassie’s story-arc has her changing the most of the two. Cassie's two children (ages 5 and 8) add some humor but they throw out lines that don’t always fit their ages.
What I don’t like is cheating. The attraction between the MCs has both agreeing to an affair. The story would work just as well if Siobhan’s ex is upset she’s with a female after their divorce especially if custody matters aren’t settled. But because they cheat she loses the moral high ground and any sympathy for Siobhan being married to a disengaged partner. Another major flag for me with the affair is the power difference between the two. This is a HR managers nightmare. Cassie's job and promotability is in Cassie’s hands. Saying we wont let it affect our work doesn’t make it so. Siobhan is only in her late 20s and engaging in an affair seems a big risk for someone who needs the job to be able to leave her husband.
With my negatives aside I did like the changes in Cassie and her opening up her feelings. Being willing to takes steps into a relationship, accept amends from her family and engage with the children is portrayed well. I think the only side character I really liked is Eva who is Cassie’s sister. I will look forward to future books from the author. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)
I like the Britishness of this book. By chance this was my third book in a row by British authors and this had the most British words and idioms. And the banter and conversations are fun and engaging. I also enjoyed mentions of some of my favorite Broadway/West End musicals. Both characters are dealing with things in their personal lives. Siobhan’s seems more the focus but Cassie’s story-arc has her changing the most of the two. Cassie's two children (ages 5 and 8) add some humor but they throw out lines that don’t always fit their ages.
What I don’t like is cheating. The attraction between the MCs has both agreeing to an affair. The story would work just as well if Siobhan’s ex is upset she’s with a female after their divorce especially if custody matters aren’t settled. But because they cheat she loses the moral high ground and any sympathy for Siobhan being married to a disengaged partner. Another major flag for me with the affair is the power difference between the two. This is a HR managers nightmare. Cassie's job and promotability is in Cassie’s hands. Saying we wont let it affect our work doesn’t make it so. Siobhan is only in her late 20s and engaging in an affair seems a big risk for someone who needs the job to be able to leave her husband.
With my negatives aside I did like the changes in Cassie and her opening up her feelings. Being willing to takes steps into a relationship, accept amends from her family and engage with the children is portrayed well. I think the only side character I really liked is Eva who is Cassie’s sister. I will look forward to future books from the author. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)
October 30, 2022
The slow melt of the icequeen set in London
This f/f romance grew on me once it was under way. I really got to like the main characters, the unveiling of their inner workings, their first round (hot/cold, push/pull) of attraction, their second round (very tender and sweet) and all the feels once the feels started in earnest.
The story has several layers which extend beyond but are intricately layered into the romance. Despite those more serious topics and family issues the book stays positive and on track with lovely secondary characters around. The writing gets stronger throughout the book and I enjoyed the banter although the end is a bit drawn out.
This is a workplace, opposite attracts romance. There are kids and family involved. The setting is in the City i.e. London.
Once getting over the initial bumps the book was an entertaining and good read. My rating vaccilated between 3 and 4 and settled on 4 stars since there were long passages of the book which were really captivating.
Hope to see more of Skye Rowan.
Just a remark:This is a debut and I am sure the author will grow with her next books. Here are some impressions: some of the comparisons are a bit too outlandish, the kids although lovely are a bit too mature and although I love to have the happy couple linger a bit longer at the end an endless coda is not what I am looking for. The start was a bit muddled: e.g. the very start was very colourful. An ambitious investment banker desperate to succeed and impress would never ever turn up on her first day in the city with a garish outfit. And the first go-around of attraction is rather confusing with a lot of hot/cold between the characters which gave me a bit of whiplash.
Thanks for the ARC via netgalley and Bold Strokes Books. The review is left voluntarily.
This f/f romance grew on me once it was under way. I really got to like the main characters, the unveiling of their inner workings, their first round (hot/cold, push/pull) of attraction, their second round (very tender and sweet) and all the feels once the feels started in earnest.
The story has several layers which extend beyond but are intricately layered into the romance. Despite those more serious topics and family issues the book stays positive and on track with lovely secondary characters around. The writing gets stronger throughout the book and I enjoyed the banter although the end is a bit drawn out.
This is a workplace, opposite attracts romance. There are kids and family involved. The setting is in the City i.e. London.
Once getting over the initial bumps the book was an entertaining and good read. My rating vaccilated between 3 and 4 and settled on 4 stars since there were long passages of the book which were really captivating.
Hope to see more of Skye Rowan.
Just a remark:This is a debut and I am sure the author will grow with her next books. Here are some impressions: some of the comparisons are a bit too outlandish, the kids although lovely are a bit too mature and although I love to have the happy couple linger a bit longer at the end an endless coda is not what I am looking for. The start was a bit muddled: e.g. the very start was very colourful. An ambitious investment banker desperate to succeed and impress would never ever turn up on her first day in the city with a garish outfit. And the first go-around of attraction is rather confusing with a lot of hot/cold between the characters which gave me a bit of whiplash.
Thanks for the ARC via netgalley and Bold Strokes Books. The review is left voluntarily.
October 14, 2022
I like discovering new authors and Skye Rowan is a great find. Craving Cassie is a great debut, set in London and the South East which, as a local, is great to read. Siobhan and Cassie couldn’t be more different, one is out, proud and a player and the other one is a mum of 2 stuck in a marriage she never should have been. But you know what they say about opposites. I enjoyed reading this book, 4.5 stars.
Free ARC via NetGalley.
Free ARC via NetGalley.
November 7, 2022
Craving Cassie is a debut novel by Skye Rowan. It’s great finding a writer to add to your list of “Authors I Like”, and when it’s a debut author, that’s even better.
This is a character-driven romance with a complicated plot and even more complex characters. Siobhan Carney is a mother of two who is in an unhappy marriage. Trying to make life better for herself and her kids, Siobhan takes a job as a trainee under investment banker Cassie Townsend. Cassie is pretty much the opposite of Siobhan. She is single, a terrible flirt, and is only interested in one night stands. The two women clash from the moment they meet, but the connection the two also have will not be denied for long. The barriers they face seem insurmountable, from the marriage Siobhan wants desperately to get out of to Cassie’s phobia for any type of long term commitment. Will their feelings for each other be enough to overcome everything they face?
These two characters took me on quite a rollercoaster ride. I connected with both women fairly early in the story, but that didn’t keep me from wanting to yell at them not to do what they were about to several times throughout the book. That should tell you just how invested I became with the story of these folks. The secondary characters, especially Siobhan’s children, are also well-developed and important to the plot. The settings, including the beach setting, are well described.
I am impressed with how well this novel is written. It has a really complex plotline, but the author managed to keep my interest all the way through. This is a really good first novel, and I will be looking for much more from this author.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
This is a character-driven romance with a complicated plot and even more complex characters. Siobhan Carney is a mother of two who is in an unhappy marriage. Trying to make life better for herself and her kids, Siobhan takes a job as a trainee under investment banker Cassie Townsend. Cassie is pretty much the opposite of Siobhan. She is single, a terrible flirt, and is only interested in one night stands. The two women clash from the moment they meet, but the connection the two also have will not be denied for long. The barriers they face seem insurmountable, from the marriage Siobhan wants desperately to get out of to Cassie’s phobia for any type of long term commitment. Will their feelings for each other be enough to overcome everything they face?
These two characters took me on quite a rollercoaster ride. I connected with both women fairly early in the story, but that didn’t keep me from wanting to yell at them not to do what they were about to several times throughout the book. That should tell you just how invested I became with the story of these folks. The secondary characters, especially Siobhan’s children, are also well-developed and important to the plot. The settings, including the beach setting, are well described.
I am impressed with how well this novel is written. It has a really complex plotline, but the author managed to keep my interest all the way through. This is a really good first novel, and I will be looking for much more from this author.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 30, 2022
I liked the premise of this book when it began, Siobhan a late career starter and mother of two starts working for Cassie, hard ass investment manager by reputation.
While there were elements of the whole ice queen, late to understanding their sexuality trope, I really liked, I felt the romance was a little rushed at the start. I didn’t have a problem with the cheating or the whole boss subordinate line cross, but the narrative of the romance evolution was quite jumpy as they were hot and heavy one minute and then cooling off the next and then going slow and it all became a little confusing. The angst portion was a little too melodramatic for my taste but I think what consistently threw me off was the maturity level of the children. It really didn’t feel like they were five and six when they were talking - more like twelve or fourteen.
I do realize that this story is by a debut author, so a little roughness around the edges is to be expected. I really wanted to like this because the plot line was truly interesting, but in the end it didn’t quite work for me.
Thank you Bold Strokes Books for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
While there were elements of the whole ice queen, late to understanding their sexuality trope, I really liked, I felt the romance was a little rushed at the start. I didn’t have a problem with the cheating or the whole boss subordinate line cross, but the narrative of the romance evolution was quite jumpy as they were hot and heavy one minute and then cooling off the next and then going slow and it all became a little confusing. The angst portion was a little too melodramatic for my taste but I think what consistently threw me off was the maturity level of the children. It really didn’t feel like they were five and six when they were talking - more like twelve or fourteen.
I do realize that this story is by a debut author, so a little roughness around the edges is to be expected. I really wanted to like this because the plot line was truly interesting, but in the end it didn’t quite work for me.
Thank you Bold Strokes Books for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
December 19, 2022
It`s difficult for me to write a favorable review of this book, although I want to do so if only because there is a first-time author effort that I do not want to disparage.
The plot is promising, a woman who finds it difficult to accept commitment in her relationships, apparently because of her haughty character. Then the development of the story makes her change too much the profile and the image that has been given to us at the beginning. I'm not saying it's not consistent, but maybe the initial image is too different from the final image that remains of Cassie at the end of the story.
The other half of the couple is Siobhan, a woman who is in a loveless marriage, she has two children, I will get into this later. She starts working under Cassie and it looks like they are going to be antagonists. Siobah begins to work under Cassie's orders and it seems that they are going to be antagonists. But they work together really well, and from a professional relationship they move on to a more personal one. And that's when things started to go wrong for me, because while still in her marriage Siobhan agrees to have an affair with Cassie. I didn't like that very much.
And apart from cheating, what has often confused me was Siobhan's children, I don't have kids but the language and behavior of those two have not seemed realistic at all for six and seven year olds.and so every time they have appeared It short-circuited me a bit. I also haven't really liked other supporting characters, Sioban's husband, Cassie's assistant Julie, Siobah's mother in law, even Cassie's parents and sister have been weird.
And finally, the development of the story has seemed zigzagging to me at least, it has left me out of place on occasion and that has also bothered me. It's not very common for it to happen to me, but the last two or three chapters seemed superfluous.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
The plot is promising, a woman who finds it difficult to accept commitment in her relationships, apparently because of her haughty character. Then the development of the story makes her change too much the profile and the image that has been given to us at the beginning. I'm not saying it's not consistent, but maybe the initial image is too different from the final image that remains of Cassie at the end of the story.
The other half of the couple is Siobhan, a woman who is in a loveless marriage, she has two children, I will get into this later. She starts working under Cassie and it looks like they are going to be antagonists. Siobah begins to work under Cassie's orders and it seems that they are going to be antagonists. But they work together really well, and from a professional relationship they move on to a more personal one. And that's when things started to go wrong for me, because while still in her marriage Siobhan agrees to have an affair with Cassie. I didn't like that very much.
And apart from cheating, what has often confused me was Siobhan's children, I don't have kids but the language and behavior of those two have not seemed realistic at all for six and seven year olds.and so every time they have appeared It short-circuited me a bit. I also haven't really liked other supporting characters, Sioban's husband, Cassie's assistant Julie, Siobah's mother in law, even Cassie's parents and sister have been weird.
And finally, the development of the story has seemed zigzagging to me at least, it has left me out of place on occasion and that has also bothered me. It's not very common for it to happen to me, but the last two or three chapters seemed superfluous.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
August 9, 2023
Very entertaining, fluffy romance with the potential for angst but thankfully, the author took the lighter path and decided to focus on the bright side of life :)
It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel.
Most of the book is very well written and I enjoyed the humor in it immensely. Indeed it made up for many of the book's flaws. I have to say, sexy dialogues are quite a skill. And this book is full of it - funny, witty banter with lots of sexy innuendos... I loved every minute of it. I can't remember another book that had so much sexy banter. I mean, lots of books are funny, but very few use sexual innuendos to drive the plot forward. That was impressive.
Also, I love the conflict resolution in this book. The conflict was real (though extremely redundant, Cassie should have seen a shrink for the last decade of her life. Seriously!). The resolution was achieved solely through communication with the other MC and the supporting characters (friends and family).
The added value of the estranged family being reunited was wonderful and done well, without being kitsch or too fluffy in a way that could have decreased its significance.
I thought the kids were just a little too mature for their age but it could be explained away by having an absent father and an extremely intelligent mum.
It bothered me that sometimes the POV was changing too much within a chapter. Sometimes the writing was not clear enough and I got confused as to whose POV was and I found myself going back a few lines or more to understand what was going on. It sort of threw me out of focus and I hate when that happens.
However, overall, it was very enjoyable and the references to accents made me want to purchase the audiobook! and I don't even like audiobooks! but I'm sure I'll like this one :)
T&T:
Tropes: opposites attract, fear of commitment, found family, rich girl/poor girl
Triggers: idiot spouse (I'm being nice), overbearing mother-in-law, estranged family
Rating: 4 stars
It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel.
Most of the book is very well written and I enjoyed the humor in it immensely. Indeed it made up for many of the book's flaws. I have to say, sexy dialogues are quite a skill. And this book is full of it - funny, witty banter with lots of sexy innuendos... I loved every minute of it. I can't remember another book that had so much sexy banter. I mean, lots of books are funny, but very few use sexual innuendos to drive the plot forward. That was impressive.
Also, I love the conflict resolution in this book. The conflict was real (though extremely redundant, Cassie should have seen a shrink for the last decade of her life. Seriously!). The resolution was achieved solely through communication with the other MC and the supporting characters (friends and family).
The added value of the estranged family being reunited was wonderful and done well, without being kitsch or too fluffy in a way that could have decreased its significance.
I thought the kids were just a little too mature for their age but it could be explained away by having an absent father and an extremely intelligent mum.
It bothered me that sometimes the POV was changing too much within a chapter. Sometimes the writing was not clear enough and I got confused as to whose POV was and I found myself going back a few lines or more to understand what was going on. It sort of threw me out of focus and I hate when that happens.
However, overall, it was very enjoyable and the references to accents made me want to purchase the audiobook! and I don't even like audiobooks! but I'm sure I'll like this one :)
T&T:
Tropes: opposites attract, fear of commitment, found family, rich girl/poor girl
Triggers: idiot spouse (I'm being nice), overbearing mother-in-law, estranged family
Rating: 4 stars
November 7, 2022
Overall I thought the book was well written. At times I found it a little confusing to follow as I am US based and couldn’t always relate to what I assumed were common UK sayings/terminology. That being said this was not a huge issue, the overall meaning throughout the book I could definitely follow, but I definitely felt I missed the joke or banter at times. The banter I could follow was well written and fun, and definitely had me enjoying the back and forth and wanting to continue reading.
I did find it a little unbelievable at first how things progressed verbally between the MCs. If a superior started making sexual comments at their trainee, I would think that it would be more of an issue, but maybe that’s just me reading through my U.S. goggles.
For a debut I definitely thought the author did a good job with the thawing transition of the ice queen MC. The transition was very believable and well written. She did a great job with that character arc.
As for the other MC, I didn’t like her character arc as much. I don’t really like cheating. I felt like they could have waited to start their “arrangement” until at least she was fully separated. I went back and forth between rating this a 3 or 4 mostly because of this fact. I felt the second half of the book really redeemed the beginning which is why I eventually chose to rate it a 4.
One other thing I wished for was an epilogue, but that’s just me being greedy.
Publisher Bold Strokes provided me with an ARC copy via NetGalley for an honest review
I did find it a little unbelievable at first how things progressed verbally between the MCs. If a superior started making sexual comments at their trainee, I would think that it would be more of an issue, but maybe that’s just me reading through my U.S. goggles.
For a debut I definitely thought the author did a good job with the thawing transition of the ice queen MC. The transition was very believable and well written. She did a great job with that character arc.
As for the other MC, I didn’t like her character arc as much. I don’t really like cheating. I felt like they could have waited to start their “arrangement” until at least she was fully separated. I went back and forth between rating this a 3 or 4 mostly because of this fact. I felt the second half of the book really redeemed the beginning which is why I eventually chose to rate it a 4.
One other thing I wished for was an epilogue, but that’s just me being greedy.
Publisher Bold Strokes provided me with an ARC copy via NetGalley for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2022
While at university Cassie Townsend found the ‘love of her life’ or so she thought. That’s until she came home to find her GF of three years in bed with, of all things, a man. Bad enough her own father disowned her when she came out to her parents but to have her lover do the same thing was something she’d never go through again. From now on it will be one night stands only.
Siobhan Carney was married to a man she didn’t love, hell she knew she didn’t really like him, but he was the father of her unborn baby. Now ten years later and with two children she’d decided it was time to find another job, one that would allow her and her babies to live without help from their father.
At the investment firm she was chosen to have a chance for more pay by training under one of the company's top investors, Cassie.
When I first started reading I thought, oh, no, a story about cheating spouses. But I kept reading and found myself cheering on Siobhan’s and Cassie’s relationship. How far they go is up to Cassie, her being the expert when it comes to ‘just for the fun of it’. This is apparently Ms Rowan’s first book and if this is any indication of her imagination and the talent to write like this I foresee a bright future for Ms Rowan. Great read, very, very enjoyable.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Siobhan Carney was married to a man she didn’t love, hell she knew she didn’t really like him, but he was the father of her unborn baby. Now ten years later and with two children she’d decided it was time to find another job, one that would allow her and her babies to live without help from their father.
At the investment firm she was chosen to have a chance for more pay by training under one of the company's top investors, Cassie.
When I first started reading I thought, oh, no, a story about cheating spouses. But I kept reading and found myself cheering on Siobhan’s and Cassie’s relationship. How far they go is up to Cassie, her being the expert when it comes to ‘just for the fun of it’. This is apparently Ms Rowan’s first book and if this is any indication of her imagination and the talent to write like this I foresee a bright future for Ms Rowan. Great read, very, very enjoyable.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
October 28, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Craving Cassie is the story of Cassie, the cold work driven banker, and Siobhan, the married, mother of 2 children, who has been assigned to learn under Cassie. Cassie is also notorious for being a womanizer but never committing to anyone. Siobhan is a quick learner and draws the physical attention of Cassie. She is well over her marriage (her kids too) and took the job to be able to support her kids when she finally went through with the divorce. Siobhan opens up to Cassie and they are soon seeing each other outside of work. Cassie meets Siobhan's kids and they love her. Both Cassie and Siobhan are in denial about love and agree to a no strings attached illicit affair. That obviously doesn't work out and a falling out occurs. Family members on both sides help them along in their journey back to each other.
Overall, a beautiful slower story. I like that the novel explored complex family situations. I don't really know how the whole work thing was working out, but I enjoyed the outside of work focus.
Craving Cassie is the story of Cassie, the cold work driven banker, and Siobhan, the married, mother of 2 children, who has been assigned to learn under Cassie. Cassie is also notorious for being a womanizer but never committing to anyone. Siobhan is a quick learner and draws the physical attention of Cassie. She is well over her marriage (her kids too) and took the job to be able to support her kids when she finally went through with the divorce. Siobhan opens up to Cassie and they are soon seeing each other outside of work. Cassie meets Siobhan's kids and they love her. Both Cassie and Siobhan are in denial about love and agree to a no strings attached illicit affair. That obviously doesn't work out and a falling out occurs. Family members on both sides help them along in their journey back to each other.
Overall, a beautiful slower story. I like that the novel explored complex family situations. I don't really know how the whole work thing was working out, but I enjoyed the outside of work focus.
May 24, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the digital galley of this book!
Siobhan Carney needs a change in her life. She keeps things together for the sake of her children, but even they don’t like her husband very much. Assigned to Cassie Townsend at an investment banking firm, Siobhan is looking to build something away from her husband. Cassie is great at what she does, and she doesn’t take on trainees. So, she’s not thrilled to be in charge of Siobhan, but she can’t deny that she’s attracted to her. Cassie doesn’t do relationships though, and as the two grow closer, they agree to a no-strings affair. Will it be enough, though? For either of them?
I enjoyed this book and tore through it pretty quickly. A typical opposites attract romance with kids and commitment issues thrown into the mix, it moves well. The pacing is on point, the romantic tension is solid, and even once the sexual tension is broken, there’s still plenty to work out in the plot, and both women have growing to do, but the question remains if they can do it together. Recommend if you enjoy a contemporary romance.
Siobhan Carney needs a change in her life. She keeps things together for the sake of her children, but even they don’t like her husband very much. Assigned to Cassie Townsend at an investment banking firm, Siobhan is looking to build something away from her husband. Cassie is great at what she does, and she doesn’t take on trainees. So, she’s not thrilled to be in charge of Siobhan, but she can’t deny that she’s attracted to her. Cassie doesn’t do relationships though, and as the two grow closer, they agree to a no-strings affair. Will it be enough, though? For either of them?
I enjoyed this book and tore through it pretty quickly. A typical opposites attract romance with kids and commitment issues thrown into the mix, it moves well. The pacing is on point, the romantic tension is solid, and even once the sexual tension is broken, there’s still plenty to work out in the plot, and both women have growing to do, but the question remains if they can do it together. Recommend if you enjoy a contemporary romance.
November 11, 2022
An impressive story from a debut author. I liked the exploration of a seemingly straight woman finally accepting her sexuality and freeing herself from the constraints of a small town Catholic background. Coupled with a former player who is finally ready for a committed relationship, this results in a nicely paced romance. There were a few negatives, in particular the children’s dialogue is a bit jarring as they both sound like much older teenagers, especially when they are being sarcastic. Plus two other slight quibbles, in that I’m not that keen on the font and Siobhan is pronounced Shiv-awn not Shivon as it says in the book. Positives, were Julie, the assistant who has hidden depth; she deserves her own book. Also the husband, who wanted to be a better dad.
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