Review ♥ Crave the Rose by Karen Kincy

A Review by Carol

Book – Crave the Rose

Author – Karen Kincy

Publication Date – February 14, 2015
Genre –Romance
Type – Stand Alone 
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 3.75 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

While studying abroad at Oxford, Cassia loses her boyfriend in an accident--the night after she catches him screwing another girl. Only Bram, an Irish charmer whose wolfish smile hides his darkest secrets, makes her feel anything but numb. Cassia refuses to be hurt again. This is sex, nothing more, with three little rules:

No cheating.
No lies.
No falling in love. 

But rules are made to be broken...

My Thoughts - Story
I enjoyed this story but did have a problem connecting with Cassia. At times, I felt she was a real bitch after her douchebag’s accident and death. At first, I really sympathized with her but after that and her relationship with Bram, I thought she turned into a raving bitch only caring about herself. Now, she did redeem herself further into the story.  

I enjoyed that Bram was real – even though he was characterized as smart and attending Oxford, he still was tempted and got caught doing something unethical. I also liked the fact that the author brought epilepsy into the mix  and it wasn’t something that Bram was able to overcome with strength or love or a miracle cure. It was front and center that his life had to revolve around this.

The author’s writing style was good and that kept me interested in the story and found myself rooting for these two – I found myself praying that Bram would find a way to knock some sense into Cassia and throw out those silly rules. I also wished that Bram would stand up to his mother and understand that most of his epileptic episodes had to do with all the stress she was loading on him. But then on the other hand, I loved his father – what a cool guy!

Re-Cap
Bram instantly is attracted to Cassia while he is studying at Oxford but unfortunately she already has a boyfriend – well that is until she catches her boyfriend screwing someone else in their bed.  A few months later, Cassia and Bram run into each other again and Bram offers her a job at his estate to renovate the gardens. By this time Cassia has written off men and swears she won’t fall in love again. Sex only…

But Bram has other intentions and tries his hardest to get past those silly rules and break through to the Cassia he first met at Oxford. While he battles with his mother, the estate and his epilepsy – he ends up burying himself too deep in a mess and the only one who can save him is Cassia. But can he count on her to come through?

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV

Heroine/Personality – Cassia – couldn’t connect with this character until later in the story

Hero/Personality – Bram – sexy Irishman who knows what he wants

HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Anyone who loves a nice and angsty love story