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Monday, August 12, 2013

BLOG TOUR: CRAVE by MONICA MURPHY ~ REVIEW, GUEST POST AND GIVEAWAY



Welcome to The Bookish Babe's stop on the Crave Blog Tour.
This tour was coordinated by InkSlinger PR. My stop includes a review and the tour giveaway. For all the tour stops, visit the homepage.
Series: Billionaire Bachelors Club #1
Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Publication Date: 8/6/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 256
Source: Received from publisher for review
Rating: 4.5 stars

 Billionaire Archer Bancroft always gets what he wants—and he’s wanted Ivy Emerson, his best friend’s sister, for far too long. Being forbidden and untouchable only makes her more tempting. When a million-dollar bet with his friends throws down a challenge—last bachelor standing takes all—Archer knows he can win. That is, until one enchanted evening with Ivy takes his heart for a ride.
Ivy knows Archer is nothing but bad news: Infuriating, arrogant…and completely intoxicating. But despite her best efforts, she can’t seem to keep away. When a stolen kiss leads to a night of heated passion, Ivy realizes she’s in trouble and in head over heels.

But in the light of day, everything seems clearer and Archer’s not so sure a one-night stand is all he wants. Concocting a plan to keep Ivy by his side, Archer might just be willing to lose this bet…and win the jackpot instead.
 


It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Monica Murphy's. So when she announced she would be writing the Billionaire Bachelor's Club for Avon, which also happens to be a favorite publisher of mine, I was more than a little excited. Let me break Crave down for you: Sexy, Fun, Romantic, Damn Sexy. Yes, I know I said sexy twice. Crave earned it.

Here's where I make an admission: I was a teeny bit worried about Crave. Like I said, I love Murphy's books, but there are a ton of "Billionaire" books out there, and I wondered how this one would stand out from the rest. No worries here, because just as she put a unique and beautiful spin on her New Adult series, Drew + Fable, Murphy created a billionaire story that felt fresh to me.

I think what made Crave so enjoyable for me was that Archer and Ivy were so likeable. Yes, Archer is a billionaire, but he's not a rude, bossy man who is defined by it. Yes, he's be known as a womanizer, but he's not mean, and you don't really see that part of him in Crave.

What you do see is a man who has always been above love and romance, but has been hopelessly smitten with his best friend's younger sister for years. When you meet Ivy, you can see why she stands out from the rest. I adored Ivy Emerson. Since Ivy has known Archer for so long and grew up in the same affluence, she  wasn't a intimidated by Archer or his money. I loved that though Ivy finds Archer to be beyond attractive, she isn't willing just to give in to him. She is stubborn and snarky, but also a really passionate woman who knows what she wants. She doesn't shrink away or bow down to Archer, she matches him toe-to-toe. These two are  quite the perfect match.

When I was getting ready to start reading Crave, I miiiiight have warned my guy that I was going to be reading a Monica Murphy book, and I miiiiight have given him the side eye. By might, I mean that I out-and-out warned him that I would be getting steamed up. And by side eye, I mean that I winked a few times and probably made an obscene gesture. (It should be noted that I'm basically as mature as a 15yo) Let's just say that Ms. Monica Murphy knows her way around the sexy scenes and there were several times I needed an ice bath.

Crave was a complete WIN for me. The story was sweet, fun, and sexy. I enjoyed Archer and Ivy and rooted for their happy ending (in more ways than one). Once again, Monica Murphy has delivered a book that I can wholeheartedly recommend. So go read it, I'll just be sitting here waiting on book two, Torn.


Favorite Quotes:

    As I stare up at him, I see how absolutely perfect his lips are. How come I never noticed this before? And when his tongue darts out to lick them, why are my knees suddenly shaking?
  Oh, this is bad. So, so bad.   ~eARC, 15%


  Closing my eyes, I press my forehead to hers, breathing hard, trying to keep my shit together. She feels fucking amazing, surrounding me, all over me until she's the only thing I can see, hear, smell, taste. I turn my head and bite along her neck, soothing the nips with little flicks of my tongue, and she releases a shuddering sigh, my name falling from her lips.  ~eARC, 71%




Purchase Crave
              


10 Things Archer wants you to know about Ivy



Um, a certain woman named Monica Murphy told me I had to tell you all the ten things I want you all to know about Ivy.


Here’s the deal: there’s a hell of a lot I don’t want you to know about Ivy because she’s mine. Mine mine mine and I don’t care how greedy I sound, what goes on between me and Ivy is private. My big mouth has gotten me into trouble before and the last thing I want to do is piss off Ivy because a mad Ivy is a scary Ivy…


But I got Ivy’s permission to share these particular facts so let’s go. In no particular order, here are ten things about Ivy:


1. She’s talented—and I’m not talking sexually, though she’s talented in that area too (winces, I’m really asking for it already, aren’t I?). I mean that she’s talented in her profession, which is interior design. What she came up with for the opening of my new hotel was nothing short of amazing.


2. She’s feisty as hell. We’ve known each other for what feels like forever, since I was a teenager and she was an awkward preteen. We argued all the time. I said the worst things to her and she gave as good as she got. Being the sick twisted soul that I am, as we got older and that mouth of hers got feistier, it sort of turned me on. (Fine it really turned me on)


3. She’s loyal to a fault. We might’ve fought during those early years (okay, up until we finally got together), but she’s always watched out for me. Defended me. Consoled me when I was sad. She has a soft heart and I love that.


4. She makes me want to lose control. Gladly.

5. She makes me forget other women even exist. All I can see is her when I’m with her.



6. Being with Ivy brings a bonus—my best friend, Gage. So when we get married (because come on, I’m so gone over that woman, I’m going to make her mine on a permanent basis), Gage now becomes my brother. Awesome.


7. So Ivy brings her family with her and I love that because I’m not that particularly close with my parents. It feels good to be a part of a loving family.


8. She’s taught me how to love. I’ve never been in love before until her. It’s both scary and exciting.


9. She snores. She’s going to kill me for admitting this one but screw it. She snores and I have to give her a little nudge so she stops and then she starts back up again. It’s not that loud and it’s kind of cute but sometimes, it’s kind of annoying.


10. She’s not perfect and she can admit it. I love that most about her. She has her faults, I have my faults and together, our faults tend to cancel each other out. We’re a perfect couple. Even if she does snore.

GIVEAWAY


About the author:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.


Connect with Monica:
Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  GoodReads  |  Amazon


Connect with Avon




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24 comments:

  1. ahahha... BEST REVIEW EVER. I bet your husband's like...here, read these Monica Murphy books! read them! Have you also read any of her Karen Erickson books? because if you think MM books are steamy... =)

    I LOVED Archer's list! for your readers, here's the companion piece: Ivy's 10 things about Archer >> http://www.iheartbigbooks.com/2013/08/blog-tour-monica-murphys-crave-10.html

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  2. Oh, I CRAVE a signed copy of this book, lol! I'm sure I'll buy the e-copy as well but I'd love to have a signed one, too. I loved the Drew+Fable series so I'm dying to read this one. What a treat getting into Archer's head! He's so sweet when it comes to Ivy! Wonderful review and post, Andrea! :)

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  3. Oh, yay! Finally a great, praising review. I was beginnig to have doubts in adding this to my tbr pile. I have seen quite likeable, but mediocre reviews for this one and I was beginning to worry. I love the sound of the MC-s. I added it to my tbr pile for Monica Murphy, but didn't really know much about it. I'm so happy you didn't found this to be another same-old, same-old, but rather a refreshing story. I hope you'll enjoy the sequel, babe! :)

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  4. Love the sound of Archer and I think i would swoon over him

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  5. Awesome review! I love that you were making gestures to your hubs. That's great!! I think I would really like this book. The characters sound well done.

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  6. LOVED this book. I told you this yesterday, but I'll say it again. I want to go to HUSH or CRAVE with Archer. YUMMY

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  7. Ahhh I love your review! My copy is in the mail and I cant wait for it to get here. It sounds so so good and so many bloggers I trust have loved it!!!

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  8. I'm with you on this billionaire frenzy, I think I'll stay a pauper than spend the rest of my life w/ an insufferable, self important rich dude. Archer sounds like an upstanding guy and how cute is his long time crush on Ivy?!

    Braine

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  9. I love that Archer is actually a nice guy, it seems most books have jerks running rampant these days. And yay for Ivy making him work for it! Love that!

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  10. I crave chocolate, romance, a hot bath and a great book!

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  11. Oh that was fun! I love Archer. This book was so yummy!

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  12. Cricket told me this was good but I'm not sure, being the poor ghetto girl that I am, that this would resonate with me. Loved your review though

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  13. Archer and Ivy sound wonderful, adding to my list!

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  14. I looooove the in love with the best friends sister storyline! I was so bummed that I didn’t make the cut for this tour :( I have to fit it in, hopefully this month. Your review makes me want to read it more. And you and your husband are hilarious!

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  15. Well, I crave chocolate and books the most...

    I haven't read a billionaire story yet, I don't think. Well, I guess kind of. Not sure he was a billionaire but he had money. I'm not a huge romance fan but I find myself drawn to this one. And I do like Avon books (at least so far).

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  16. Great review! I'm reading Crave right now and really enjoying it! Fun post! :-)

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  17. How could I NOT want to read this after that review, Andrea?!? Ivy sounds like just the type of heroine I like - holding her own against Archer. And Archer sounds dreamy. And then there's that sexy factor! LOL I hope I can read this one soon!

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  18. Things I most crave...hmmm...the next page turner on my TBR list, for sure!!

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  19. Right about now I'm craving a secret cash stash to fund my ebook addiction.

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  20. I crave good friends, great friends, and a warm summer night outside without bugs!

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  21. I loved reading this! Guest posts are so much fun! Archer is so drop dead sexy! Hahaha. And you're right! I was a little nervous too, because billionaire books are kinda meh for me. Monica rocked this one. And I loved Archer wasn't that asshole character. And Ivy was seriously awesome too. Great review Andrea! I can't wait for Gage's story!

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  22. I already ordered this one and I can't wait to get my hands on it! Archer (I love that name!) sounds just plain awesome and I can't wait to meet him and his sexiness! Everything just sounds enjoyable for this one. And you're right...there are way to many billionaire books out there, but I am glad this met your expectations. I can't wait to read this! EEEPPP!! Great review Andrea! :D

    ~ Maida
    Literary Love Affair 

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  23. I love when the woman is snarky, independent, and can go toe to toe! Great Review friend! The Guest Post was awesome too :)

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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