Crave by Melissa Darnell

Crave
Author: Melissa Darnell

ISBN-13: 978-0373210350

Publication Date: October, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Book Length:  416 pages

Acquired by Me:  NetGalley

Description Courtesy of Goodreads:

“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….”

My Thoughts: 

Last October saw yet another teen paranormal romance series thrown in to the mix. Melissa Darnell’s Crave is the first release of the Clann trilogy. Reminiscent of the Montagues and Capulets, Crave focuses on the budding forbidden romance between Savannah and Tristan. Tristan is the stereotypical Golden Boy and Savannah is the shunned outcast of the school. Undeniably, there is a spark of connection between these two – something that has always been present since they were children. What’s the connection? Why have they been banned from speaking to one another? That’s the mystery Savannah must unravel as she begins to learn more about herself and who she really is.

In an attempt to keep her safe, from herself and others, Savannah’s family has tucked away a big secret about their lives. Light is shed on the secret as Savannah continues to develop through adolescence. Sure, there are normal “changes” that teens go through, but what she begins to endure takes the cake. And what she becomes…let’s just say that the Clann doesn’t approve. Hence, their desire to keep Tristan away from her.

Despite everything, Savannah and Tristan become creative and find ways to find one another, to the point that it feels like they are destined for each other. The book drops off on a cliffhanger when their relationship cannot be hidden any longer – giving us something to look forward to in the second installment, Covet.

Darnell’s writing style is easy going and pleasant. I thought the plot was fair enough. It has enough twists to keep one interested in what happens from here. Much of the story focuses on the tension between Savannah and Tristan, but there are good supporting characters that introduced a small amount of levity to the story. Overall, the dialogue is smart and appropriate for the subject matter. Darnell does a good job driving home Savannah’s emotional turmoil, whether it be with other students at school, her family, or with Tristan.

My first thought after reading the book was that this is a Twilighters type of story, although I wouldn’t say that it specifically resembles Twilight. But, if you like this genre, then I would recommend giving Crave a second glance. If not for the story, certainly pick the book up to admire the gorgeous cover. Striking!

Take time to visit Melissa Darnell's WEBSITE

The thoughts expressed in this post are solely based on my personal opinion and have not been influenced by any other entity or being. Use of my statements may not be reproduced without permission from me, the author of Fall In Love With Books.

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