Title: Craving
Author: Helen Hardt
First published May 3, 2016
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.99
Overview
For years, Lady Victoria has secretly admired the dashing Lord Hawthorne from afar, longing for a taste of the forbidden. When her father’s gambling debts catch up to him, Victoria must make a choice: marry the cruel Earl of Stanton or become Lord Hawthorne’s mistress for six months.
Victoria agrees to the scandalous arrangement, eager to explore her deepest desires with the man who makes her heart race. But as their passion ignites, Victoria discovers that Lord Hawthorne has secrets of his own.
Can she trust him with her heart, or will their illicit affair lead to ruin for them both?
About the Author
Helen Hardt is an accomplished author who has topped the bestseller lists of prestigious publications such as the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal. Her love for reading and writing began during childhood when she enjoyed the stories her mother read to her before bed.
Helen wrote her first story at just six years old and has been writing ever since.
She has won numerous awards for her work, which includes contemporary and historical romance as well as erotica. In addition to her writing career, Helen is a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar enthusiast, and a connoisseur of fine red wine and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.
Helen currently resides in Colorado with her family and writes from home. As a fan of her work, you can join her official street team, Hardt & Soul, on Facebook for exclusive excerpts and giveaways.
If you’re interested in checking out her latest release, Blood Bond Saga: One, you’ll be delighted to know that it’s available for free. You can grab a copy from various online retailers, including Kindle, Nook, iBooks, Google Play, and Kobo.
Editoral Review
In “Craving,” author Helen Hardt spins a tale of desire and danger that will leave readers breathless. First published on May 3, 2016, the novel falls into the romance genre, with elements of suspense, mystery, and erotica woven throughout.
The plot revolves around the fierce attraction between Jade Roberts, a young interior designer, and Talon Steel, a brooding and tormented billionaire. As they give in to their cravings and explore their passions, they uncover dark secrets from Talon’s past and must confront a dangerous enemy who threatens to destroy them both.
Set in Colorado, the lush descriptions of the natural beauty of the area contrast with the darkness and complexity of the characters’ emotions. Jade and Talon are multi-dimensional and flawed, with traumas and insecurities that manifest in their relationships and actions.
The supporting cast, including Talon’s complicated family and Jade’s loyal friends, add depth to the story and provide valuable insights into the central couple’s inner workings. One of the book’s strengths is its pacing, with each chapter building on the last and leading to a satisfying and explosive climax.
Hardt’s writing is engaging and emotive, drawing readers into the intricate plot and making them invest in the characters’ fates. However, some readers may find fault with the overly dramatic plot twists and the somewhat formulaic structure of the romantic storyline.
Also, some might argue that the explicit sexual content could be gratuitous at times. However, those who enjoy the genre will likely find this to be an entertaining read, with just the right amount of steamy passion mixed with action and suspense.
In terms of themes, “Craving” touches on issues of trauma, addiction, and the power dynamics in relationships. While these themes may not be novel, the author brings a fresh perspective to them and handles them with care and nuance.
Overall, “Craving” is a well-crafted and engaging novel that will satisfy fans of romance and suspense. It does not reach the literary heights of other works in the genre, but it serves its purpose well and provides a thrilling escape from reality.
Readers who enjoy the books by E.L. James or Sylvia Day will likely appreciate this one too. Rating: 3.5/5
