Book Shelf: Crave (The Clann #1) by Melissa Darnell

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences....

Blurb from Goodreads.....


Review:

Melissa Darnell’s debut novel Crave is a tantalizing read full of passion and forbidden romance!

When going into this book I think it’s important to look at it for what it is. The storyline focuses mainly around our two main characters, Savannah and Tristan, and their desire to be with one another. There didn’t seemed to be a larger purpose to the story at times and there weren’t many other things going on it the book other than Savannah’s learning of what she is and her discoveries since learning of her heritage. And yet, I don’t feel that this lessened the brilliance of the book.
I admit at times I felt like it dragged on and it seemed like the majority of the book was spend on Savannah's and Tristan’s conflicting feelings for one another and Savannah’s desire to forget about Tristan, but for the most part this was an enjoyable and captivating read.

Darnell’s writing is descriptive and flows easily, and while I enjoyed the world that Darnell has created within Crave, I don’t feel like we learnt enough about it. Personally, I would have liked a little bit more explanation and to have seen a larger aspect of this supernatural world within the book. All the hints and little snips into this magical world or witches, vampires and seemingly other creatures intrigued me and I was itching to learn more, but never did. The brief moments we got to experience the vampires and vampire council towards the end of the book was interesting, but again, I felt this could have been expanded on some more. Fingers crossed Melissa Darnell expands on this part of her world in the next book!

Savannah and Tristan are both easy characters to read about. With the book told in duel perspective, I felt the change in POV’s really added to the enjoyment I experienced when reading Crave. Darnell switched POV at the perfect moments and seemed to know exactly when I wanted to be in either Tristan or Savannah’s head! I love this and felt it allowed me to emphasise with and understand both characters more.

As our heroine, Savannah’s voice was easy to read. She was fresh and kind, but also strong in herself as she learnt about who she truly was. I felt that she was a very normal teenager and I understood her desire to be a part of the Charmers, even as I agreed with some of the comments Tristan made about them. I truly enjoyed reading about Savannah and watching her adjust to the changes within herself. I also really loved Anne! While many of the other characters proved to be delightful editions to the story, none appealed to me more so than Savannah’s best friend Anne. The friendship they shared was awesome and the way in which Anne acted, both in general and towards Tristan had me smiling on plenty of occasions.

Now as for Tristan....boy is that boy a hottie. And not just physically, but the way he acted and his attitude...I’m definitely a fan! As a male character, I found it surprisingly easy to slip into his head. The transitions from him to Savannah flowed as he was a generally good guy and his head was a nice place to be. I found his actions endearing and endlessly sweet and enjoyed the time’s he secretly rebelled! There’s nothing better than a character fighting for what they believe and going against those who would otherwise disagree with them!

There is a strong sense of instant attraction and connection between our young couple, but when you look deeper you can see how the author has cleverly written the foundation for their relationship into their history and childhood. The hints and unseen moments between them all weave together to make their almost instant love seem plausible and make sense. They’ve always shared a connection, albeit one that was broken by their families, and considering that they grew up together, playing together as children and were basically best friends, is it really that strange that they would fall for one another? As a couple they’re very sweet and what can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic and am always a supporter of the forbidden.

Crave proves to be a very delightful, romantic read. It may not be for everyone wishing to be blown off their feet, but the attraction and desire shared by out two young love birds is sure to captivate readers!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review from Harlequin Teen Australia (Thank-you so much Gabby!)
Format: Paperback
AU Release Date: Available now!
Expected AU Price: $19.99
Recommend: Yes!
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy it.
Cover: I LOVE IT!! This cover is so beautiful!
Read sequel/continue with series: Yes.....