Crave (Bonds Book 1)

This book was very good. It was an intense love story that sucked me in and held on to me until the very end. All the characters were interesting and some quirky. However, Reece and Sarah from beginning to end I was rooting for them to find their way back to each other. The question was never did they belong together it was always can they find a way to live with a love so intense that it can only exist with the other. Can they find forgiveness in a situation that has both of them scared.

The dialogue was great the characters entertaining. The situations realistic if not a little to perfect. The book has a great pace that kept me entertained, and interested. This book works, the characters work, the pace everything about it just works. I laughed a few times and even teared up a few times.

If we could all find a love and devotion that inspires a couple to: "want each others unfettered commitment to each other. To keep talking even if you think your partner is not listening. To keep trying as hard as your partner to make it work. To talk about things when they become to difficult. To offer devotion, love, and commitment to each other. To put your partner first and to pay attention to their fears and to seek a solution that works for both." Not an exact quote but definitely a recap of Sierra Cartwright's words. Definitely words to inspire a great relationship.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed Crave (Bonds #1) by Sierra Cartwright. This story had so many wonderful elements; it reminds us that relationships involve work, communication, trust and love. It’s the story of two people, once lovers, separated by Sarah’s fear – the loss of self in an all consuming relationship.

Sarah flees the relationships one day without a word, and hides for two years, leaving behind a lost, confused, and hurt lover named Reece McRae. Years, later hoping to bring closure to this part of her life Sarah waggles an invite to a friend’s birthday party, knowing that Reece will be there. What follows is the touching story of rekindling a past relationship, overcoming loss, pain, hurt and betrayal, evolving into self realization, personal growth, communication, trust and a stronger love then the couple previously had.

The story is delicately laced with D/s moments, tasteful BDSM scenes, humor and a small cast of characters. The connection between Reece and Sarah is strong, smoldering and real. Please note that this book is NOT of the current genre of BDSM books, there is so much more to this book, and the BDSM elements are really just part of the couple's lifestyle and dynamic. If you’re looking for a book solely for BDSM sex, then this book may not fit that need.

For me this book was a solid 4 star read

Second chance romances are one of my favorite types of books to read. This one is definitely that, but I had a hard time connecting with the characters until midway through the book.

Sarah wants Reece back, it's that simple and so she employs a close friend of his to help her make it happen. This is it the girl that ran from him two years. Her reaction to finding the collar in his drawer was, in my opinion, not over done. She knew how he felt about her, but she's just too young at that point for it to compute in her head. She only wants him for one night, get him out of her system.

Reece on the other hand, is rush in, storm the castle, all of that. He doesn't understand at all why she ran, so not only is he stunned, he's ticked off and resentful. Is that enough to send her away? No. He still wants her for his own.

These two struggle back and forth, and the biggest thing I noticed was they have serious communication problems. If they had communicated, she'd have never run. If they'd have communicated, he wouldn't be so upset about everything. Then again, if they'd communicated, we'd never have this book! Or we might, but it'd be completely different. ;)

They both needed to grow individually, before they can make it work.

My overall rating for this book would be a solid 3. I did like it. It is well written, but for me it's not memorable. The characters don't stick out to me, save for their issues, and they develop slowly connection wise, but yet.. they have a past, so they should -have- a connection. It just wasn't there for me. It's a good, fluffy read when you want to diverge from other genres for a bit.

I want to start off with I personally am a big fan of Sierra Cartwright, her books, no matter what she comes out with, is never one to disappoint.

We start off with a collar being found in the drawer by mistake, anyone that's read BDSM book, knows what a collar symbolizes. One freaks out, tucks tail, and runs. No note, no good-bye. Just runs. Gone.

Two years pass, Sarah is back. She wants to see Reece again, the man she ran from. She weasels her way back in, by no means was this an easy feat.

Reece shows up at the party on a boat for his friend. He walks up to the perfectly positioned sub...she looks to familiar, there's a internal pull. Sarah's back, in kneeling position. The one that's ripped his heart to shreds, disappeared from this life, someone he wanted to marry, wanted her as his.

Resentment shows, he punishes her, but won't hurt her. Sarah thought if she could just get Reece out of her system than she can have closure and walk away. Things don't always happened as planned. They decide to spend the weekend together on the boat, and walk away. Have their closer.

What happens when the bonds end up stronger than before, they evolve, become not only different, but better. Complete each other better than they did before, communication is completely open, even it's just the weekend, is the weekend enough? What happens when the one you want, the one you need, one you love, is also the one you crave? Can they really walk away after a weekend?

I really enjoyed this story, although only book one to the series, I'm already hooked!

Sierra Cartwright has an interesting question in Crave. How do you look at an object? Next, would your partner view the same object in exactly the same way? Probably no, which gives good cause to the theme of miscommunication in this story.

This is the kinky equivalent of giving a loved one a KitchenAid with all the bells and whistles on Valentine's Day. While one partner may see it as thinking of the person (making daily tasks easier and spending quite a bit to do so), the other might conclude that romance is dead because drudgery is upmost in the partner's mind. A simple conversation could have taken care of that in the first place, however, arguments often occur because of misconceptions and one partner's unwillingness to speak up.

Sarah found something hidden in her Dom boyfriend's wardrobe drawer that made her panic: a heavy, steel collar. When it was all play, she was fine with the idea of D/s but once she was faced with the idea of permanence, it became stifling. Fearing she was left with no choices, she ran.

Reece was perplexed at first, and betrayed next. His whole life revolved around Sarah and he wanted nothing more than to cement their relationship with a collaring ceremony. After he receives the custom-made collar, he keeps it until he can find the best time he can propose to her. He doesn't count on her finding it and scurrying off to find cover!

Years later, Sarah finally comes to terms with what she's done to Reece, but not with the idea of a permanent relationship. She can't move on, though, and convinces herself that exercising him from her life will help. So, bent on being his perfect submissive, she goes to grovel, beg his forgiveness, and accept his punishment.

Reece doesn't know what hits him when Sarah appears. After finally, almost, getting himself back, she is bent on stirring him up again in ways he's tried so hard to forget. He's never wanted anyone but her, and here's the golden opportunity to get her back. Does he dare?

Those who don't understand how the submissive calls the shots in a D/s relationship should have a clear view after reading this novel. Sarah refuses what Reece wants, and despite his dominant ways, he acquiesces when she goes. He doesn't chase after her when she very clearly says, "no." There's a clear acceptance of her choice, even if it puts him through hell to do so.

I feel for this Dom's hurt (which isn't a usual representation) and would agree with him and his friends being wary of what Sarah would do again. Feel protective of a Dom? Yes, it's very possible here. I truly didn't like the fact that Sarah didn't trust him enough to talk to her. Then again, that means the time isn't right for a collaring in any shape or form and it was best that the relationship ended there. However, the romance and attraction between the two was a lot tougher to deny.

It's was fortunate that Reece had his friends to look after him, and each one is truly worth a novel all to himself. Who I'd particularly like to read about would be Julian Bonds himself, who I envision as a quirky cross between Gates/Jobs if he was played as a character by Adrien Brody. He's crazy eccentric, a genius, and a nut. What type of woman would draw his interest?

Crave certainly lives up to its title, with Sierra Cartwright's brand of writing leaving me in a rush to get to the next book in the Bonds series!

Crave is a hot exciting read and quite the page-turner. The story starts off right from the beginning captivating my attention keeping me entertained until the very end. After running from Reese two years earlier, Sarah returns hoping to get one more night with Reece thinking she can get him out of her system. Stunned by her sudden appearance Reece isn’t prepared to accept her apology but he is willing to accept her body. One night just proves nothing more than they belong together. Can Sarah get over her issues from the past that made her run? Will Reece forgive Sarah? Can they both be brave enough to take a chance, to resolve past issues so they can once again be together?

At first I was thinking Sarah was stupid to have left him. Reece is one fine hunka-hunka without the pesky commitment issue thing and seems to be her perfect partner. As her side of the story is revealed, I get why she bolted. Not going into the details because it would spoil the story but let’s just say as the story unfolds we learn that Reece and Sarah have a past, but the real entertainment is how will they deal with it in the present. The journey they take together is delish all the way around. Their dialog is playful and you can tell despite being leery they go together well. The sexual play between Sarah and Reece is hot and steamy. I love how, even though they had been lovers before, they still have unexplored territory still to try out. Consider this your warning there is anal play. The secondary characters in this book are charming, quirky and I absolutely love them. Julien is my favorite and I truly hope he gets his own book in this series. Now that would be a awesome read!

This is my first book by author Sierra Cartwright and it’s a sure thing it won’t be the last. I’m hooked and can’t wait for the next book in the Bonds series to come out. As for Crave – Read. It. Now.

I received this book from JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.

Stars– 4, Flames – 4

I began this story and quickly found myself making a judgement value on the main female character Sarah, she had walked out on Reece during a serious BDSM relationship, had walked and never left a message as to where she was or worse why she walked. For all Reece knew she may have been taken or killed. His emotional damage was traumatic, he hadn't been able to move on to other relationships and worse his trust of women totally compromised.

As Sarah then reappears and inveigled herself with Reece's protective friends in order to enable a meeting so that SHE can move one, and put him behind her, well, I disliked her even more. I hoped Reece would show her the harm she'd done, with a just punishment, and it would have served her right if she had had a taste of her own medicine...so straight away I'm thinking I can't accept nor understand why Sierra Cartwright would write of such a pathetic specimen of the female gender that I would be ashamed to be identified with in any way at all. My potential star rating dropped significantly. I even thought it would be a DNF.

Then I thought, the stories I've read of Sierra's have all had purpose, means to a relationship and I have liked the characters she introduced us to in story...so why this one and I read on.

I'm glad I didn't skim read and completed as my opinion changed significantly. I won't say I found Sarah lovely, I didn't, and still find what she did unforgivably damaging and selfish. However, Sierra Cartwright explored the theme of cowardice v real fear and built a case for understanding more why she did what she did. In fact, it was almost at the end and comments that Reece's mother had made that led to my understanding of this.

The erotica and BDSM scenes are good, quite arousing, and the character of Reece will have many a woman wishing for one like him at some time in their lives.
His friends are of interest, especially Julien and I would love to read of him meeting his match.

I had to add another star back on after reading on and the conclusion, and I'm glad I actually read it and digested all carefully, and as such just 4 stars...as I still think the Sarah's of the world would be lucky for such an ending as Sierra gave.

A new series from Sierra Cartwright! I was so excited about this book, ran out and bought at the "early release" and devoured it in a day! Pretty much the same way I do all of Ms. Cartwright's books!

I fell in love with the characters right away, immediate connection. Not just the main characters either.

Julien - I really liked how he was true and protective of his friend, Reese, when Holly wanted him to help her get back with him for just one night. Julien was one tough cookie with a lot of pull! Seems the man could make anything happen!

Reese - Holly left him 2 years ago, just disappeared out of his life. Left him hurt, disbelieving, sad, mad, and finally "over it", or so he tried to make himself believe. Then after all that time, there was Holly back in his life, but for how long?

Holly - For the last 2 years since she ran away from Reese, because of a collar she found in his drawer, she hasn't been able to forget him, no matter how much she tred. No other man compared. She thinks that if she has just one night with Reese, as a submissive that she'll be able to move on.

One night turns into two, three, four.. well you get the idea.

This book was sad when you were given glimpses into the souls of these two people, Reese and Holly. You rooted for them from the start. They were great together, they made me laugh at some of the things they said. Their relationship was believable. Everything was plausible and believable and I was swept up in the story from the beginning. I'm looking forward to the next in this series.

Hurry Sierra! Write! Write! Write!

Solid 5 Stars

Rating: 4.5/5

As mentioned in the blurb, Sarah and Reece had once been on the brink of marriage when she ran away without an explanation. The story was told from both POVs, allowing the reader to fully understand the impact Sarah's decision had on both of them and whether or not they deserved a second chance. What I really liked about the progression of this story was that the communication and the sex flowed seamlessly, parallel to one another. They didn't talk then have sex or vice versa. It was important for them to resurface old feelings while making new discoveries and walking in each other's shoes.

As a couple, I could see why they had worked in the past. There was enough backstory to show what had attracted them to one another in the first place, and I'm glad to say that it wasn't just sexual chemistry. Both of them had rewarding careers, and Sarah even managed to make her own way with Reece. All was fine at work but not so much at play. But I really liked the bolder, more mature version of Sarah. Judging by how many times she'd managed to shock Reece with her graceful submission, it was clear that she hadn't been as secure in their past relationship as he'd thought. It was also nice to see that she'd retained her sassiness and playfulness, and she knew when to tease her Dom and when not to.

Reece had been described as a very generous and kind lover, a fair but firm Dom. On a personal level he could be quite the cutthroat though, not one to give people a second chance. The way Sarah had left him two years ago had cut him deeply, to the point where he had closed himself off from love. Obviously, Sarah remained his only weakness.

While some may see this story as a strong woman groveling for forgiveness, it was much more than that. Their love had never faded, but both of them had made mistakes. They owed it to themselves to explore all the what ifs, and it was Sarah's decision. Feeling the hurt on both sides made me tear up a few times, and having been through something similar (minus the lifestyle), I could easily sympathize with their situation.

Three of Reece's closest friends since University made appearances along the way, and I liked that they didn't have the "bros before hos" (I hate that saying, but you know what I'm getting at) attitude going on. They were much classier than that, supportive but not interfering. I liked Julien and Kennedy the most out of the foursome. Grant was merely a blip on my radar.

Crave was a beautifully written story with all the emotional highs and lows of a couple trying to move forward. I would re-read this again, clutching a box of tissues.

*Complimentary copy from publisher for the purpose of an honest review

**I received a copy of Crave from Totally Bound in exchange for a honest review.**

In the two years since Sarah walked out of Reece's life, she spent every day regretting her decision. She was scared. Not of Reece, but of the level of commitment he wanted with her. She's been with other men, but none of them make her feel the way she felt when she was with Reece. Determined to get Reece out of her system, she is on a mission to seduce him. Reece, on the other hand, is stunned to see her kneeling in front of him. He refuses to let her back into his life and into his heart, but he can't say no to one more weekend with Sarah. Will the weekend be enough? Or will they want something more?

I wasn't quite sure what to expect with Crave. Not only was it my first book from Sierra Cartwright, it was also my first book to read from the publisher Totally Bound. I knew that they were known for their erotic romance books, but Crave was not what I thought it would be. Sure, it had a lot of amazingly hot scenes, but the element that I loved the most about the book was the characters. I loved all of them. First there was Sarah's tenacity. The girl knew what she wanted and damn it, she was going to get him. Then we have Reece and his three friends. Holy cow, can I have one of each? Their friendship was freaking fantastic. The banter between them was hysterical. I admired how they stood up for each other, especially after Sarah broke Reece's heart. They were skeptical about her and she had to win their trust just as much as Reece's. Above all, I really enjoyed Sierra's writing style. Crave was a mix of fun and sassy with a lot of sizzle. I loved the balance of the light moments and the strong BDSM moments between Reece and Sarah. They joke and tease just as much as they turn each other on. As the first book in the Bonds series, I thought Crave did an excellent job introducing the four friends. I knew it was a series, but wasn't sure whose book would be next. For the record, Kennedy is next and his book sounds even sexier. Yay!

Once again, Ms. Sierra Cartwright builds a story that makes me want to dig deeper.

Crave is a sizzling read. As in all of Ms. Cartwright’s novels, the BDSM scenes and sex are extraordinary, but there is more. The author not only sucked me into the BDSM lifestyle once more, she sucked me into a new world: the world of Sarah and Reece, of luxury and decadence, of heartbreak and love.

The pace of the story is quick (I read it in one sitting) and Cartwright’s style is not complicated but the depth that she gives her characters in Crave goes beyond the pages. Reece and Sarah are far from perfect. As I read the novel, I had mixed feelings toward both of them. On the one hand, I understood Sarah’s fear, but on the other hand, I also had the impression that a lot of the time she was selfish. After all, she ran. She ran without saying goodbye or without giving an explanation and she returned two years later. I repeat, two years later. I seriously thought that was a ridiculously long amount of time for her to realize that she still loved Reece and wanted to try to win him back.

However, I looked past it as did Reece. He was also a complicated character. I have to say, that at first when she came back I had the annoying impression that he only reunited with her because she was now a “perfect” sub. As I read about him and what he demanded (even if unconsciously) I understood why Sarah would run and also why she would come back, for even though I had my doubts about them, their love story still prevailed. Every action, every word, every little thing had an inkling of love that wasn’t overt but was present. There was an undercurrent of emotion between them that denoted not two persons that had just met but two persons that knew each other well from before.

With intriguing secondary characters, Ms. Cartwright has also set the stage for forthcoming novels, which I will certainly read.

All in all, Crave was a wonderful read that will get romantics swooning and BDSM readers hot.

originally posted at long and short reviews

I enjoyed Crave, especially meeting Reece and Sarah. This is a story of second chances, misunderstanding and revisiting love.

Reece had thought his and Sarah's relationship was at a higher level, than Sarah. Sarah loved Reece but ran, when she found a collar in his drawer.

We catch up with them two years later, after Sarah begs a mutual friend to set them up, she needs to move on,get him out of her system!

Reece is a Dom, and is shocked when he realises that its Sarah, on her knees, in a submissive pose, at first he is angry, but seeing her like that did things to him, which he did not want.

They embark on a weekend, playing, without commitment, and after an initial conversation.

At times I thought Reece was really cold towards her, I know he had had his heart broken, butthecway he treated Sarah was quite harsh.

Sarah had one goal, she had been craving him, but her initial plan backfired, leaving her more in love with him than before,and accepting his attitude towards her.

His friends at the party, they are both attending are quite shocked to see him together. Reece has flashbacks to their time together, and trys to push them away, he tries to keep his emotions in check. As the weekend comes to a close Reece does not appear to seem affected, he does a great job of hiding his feelings.

Sarah on the other hand, can't hide her feelings, and is quite upset.

They go back to their lives, but are both having a hard time. I loved the ending, the epilogue was great.

Two years ago Sarah was living with Reece in a D/s relationship. They were happy, and had talked about getting married. Then she found the collar. Scared of being turned into Reece's slave, she left. No "goodbye," no note, just left.

She still thinks it was the sensible thing to do, but she still isn't over him. So she decides to try one last night with him; hopefully get some closure.

Reece is heartbroken. He has no idea why Sarah disappeared from him. Imagine his surprise when he finds her in a playroom, with a custom St. Andrews cross and his personal toy bag. Clearly she's had some help.

But, one scene isn't enough. Reece and Sarah decide to spend the weekend together. They discover that they didn't previously understand each other as well as they thought.

To me, this book was about so much more than D/s and rekindling a romance. It was about two of the most important things in any relationship: communication and trust. No one is a mind reader, and to have a successful relationship, you have to set assumptions aside and communicate with each other, trust your partner to hear you and take care of you.

I really like these characters. They have full dimension and depth, real concerns and real misunderstandings. They connect so well, and Reece as a Dom is just hot.

The supporting characters are enticing, too. I can't wait to see Julien, Grant and Kennedy's stories.

Sucked me in from the first page! I actually wanted to hear and read more about Bonds himself. I am so excited to read his book when it comes out. At least, I hope that it does come out.

This book is about Sarah and Reece, who had a past that seemed solid at first. Only, Sarah split without breathing a word to Reece and now she has resurfaced in his life to hopefully salvage what's left of their past relationship.

Hurt that Sarah ran just as Reece moved toward commitment, he presented conditions and parameters for their shaky reunion so that he could protect his heart from breaking all over again.

A page-turner that had me flipping to the next book!

I just LOVE Sierra Cartwright. She has been one of my faves for a very long time. Crave is by far one of my favorite books her. This is about friendship & 2nd chances. I loved Reece from the beginning of this book & I loved Sarah for her determination. These 2 people are just made for each other. I also loved the interaction between the 4 males BFF's. They are HILARIOUS together, yet have each other & are willing to stand up to one another. I laughed, got teary eyed, got angry & happy again. In the end, this book points out that in all relationships, no matter what kind, communication is key! I am looking forward to the next installments! Thank you Sierra!!

This is a fantastic read & you won't be disappointed.

Well written short book. The heroine has definitely grown emotionally and in her BDSM submissive skills since she left the hero, although how she improved her scene-ing is carefully not emphasized much. Boy do I give her points for going after what she wants. I didn’t feel that the hero was concerned with actually making relationship changes that the heroine needed and told him plainly about, except he was glad to give her more nipple stimulation ... but he is the Dominant and throughout the book things are pretty much his way and that is it. Hilarious to see a bunch of male Mary Sues = the hero’s posse. A big 4 stars and I recommend you read over a weekend at the beach.

Someone on Goodreads recommended this author and book to me and am I ever so thankful! I can't believe I had not read anything from Mrs.Cartwright until now. Her writing is totally HOT and I'm loving the main characters "Reese and Sarah" the surrounding characters are also worthy of they're own stories ( books) I hope the sequel to crave will be out soon I'm also looking forward to reading the mastered series from Mrs Cartwright.

By far one of the best books Sierra has written, I could an improvement on her writing. More detailed, sexy scenes and alot more humor. I loved how the plot was different when it came to most BDSM books. The characters were developed beautiful, the sex scenes were hot. Also I love getting glimpses of the 3 other men in which I know she will write about. I did love Reece and Sarah but I'm more interested in Julien. His character was hilarious. Can't wait for more books from this series!!!!

I found myself immersed in these characters instantly. The story was easily read and drew me in instantly. This author always writes fantastic stories, with lovable and sexy characters , and this is no different. I found it to be extremely well written and I just had to read it. Putting this book down is the only problem. Be prepared to lose a day ,as its just such a great read.

Reece and Sarah are reunited two years after she ran away. When she offers herself to him, will he be able to forgive her for her past transgressions? Crave is powerful, emotional, raw, and provocative. The back-story that Sierra Cartwright weaves is complex yet easy to read. I feel for both of these characters, I was springing between wanting to know how it turns out and just wanting more story. I not only fell for Reece and Sarah, but I loved the story between Reece and his three other old friends. There is a fairly strong BDSM theme in the book, if that puts you off, I wouldn't read it, if it tends to make you hot, Sierra Cartwright definitely knows how to write it correctly! I don't have the correct words for what the ending was to me, it was just pure, splendid and impeccable. I'd highly recommend this book to people, I am looking forward to the other men in this tight foursome, I have a feeling I will be pleasantly surprised by all of their stories. Another win by this author!

Sarah needs closure. She walked away from the love of her life. She gets help and corners Reese. They spend the weekend together. And they both make discoveries about what went wrong their first-time around. Loved the ending.

I found myself immersed in these characters instantly. The story was easily read and drew me in instantly. This author always writes fantastic stories, with lovable and sexy characters , and this is no different. I found it to be extremely well written and I just had to read it. Putting this book down is the only problem. Be prepared to lose a day ,as its just such a great read.

I am a big fan of all Sierra Cartwright's books and this book is no exception! The characters were real, funny and interesting. The plot had a good pace from chapter to chapter. While love covers a multitude of sins failure to communicate your feelings is not one of them. The BDSM and sex was Hot! This was an enjoyable read and I can't wait for the next book of the series.

So for the most part I enjoyed this book, though there were times I felt a little lost. Like there was something I was missing. Even though in the title this book was listed as the first in a series I still felt like there were things that I was missing. I will have to do some investigation to see if perhaps this is a spin-off from a other series. But for the most part the base line of the characters were very intriguing and can't wait to see what else happens in this little world.