REVIEW: CRAVE by Monica Murphy

Crave by Monica Murphy (Billionaire Bachelors Club #1)
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Publication: August 6, 2013
Source: Edelweis eARC* via publisher
Rating: 5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

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.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions 

Monica Murphy doesn’t disappoint with this first book in her new Billionaire Bachelors Club series, CRAVE. This book had the makings of an amazing romance novel because just like what Ivy wanted in a relationship, Crave had that spark I was looking for. It lives up to its title because by the end it’ll have you craving for more, no freaking joke. When a billionaire and his best friend’s younger sister finally go all the way...the sexual chemistry explodes and you’ll love it!

I’m going to start with Ivy Emerson. She was the independent, sexy, totally surprises you with her rare boldness newbie interior designer whom I was so completely jealous of! Ivy was such a stellar main character because she was sassy and just plain awesome. If there was anyone who could put Archer Bancroft in his place, anyone who could handle his chicken teasing and sex appeal it would be Ivy. The woman had enough attitude to make sure Archer never messed with her and she had just enough braveness to drop that robe and seduce the living heck out of Archer. Ivy was adorably funny with all her inner dialogue and her pep talks, I just found her so entertaining. If I wasn’t so darn jealous of her for stealing my Archer from me we’d be total besties for sure ;)

Now for Archer Bancroft. Well, he was just rich, sexy and confident as f*ck! He believed no woman could ever tie him down that he bet a million bucks on it! He was cocky and arrogant and sometimes said the wrong thing in the worst situations, but you can't help but smile because of this charm. Like Ivy, I admired his success with his resort and how he continued to take risks with an expansion. Despite his father being a total douche-head, Archer rises to top and proves him wrong. I loved Archer from the start especially with how he felt about Ivy. He really cared for her, really believed that she was worth everything and more. It was super endearing to see him so off his game, so off kilter because of her. Although he didn’t believe he was good enough for Ivy, I sure thought he was. I loved that Archer was a man who can admit his mistakes and say he’s sorry. A quality like that makes him absolutely extraordinary. 


I completely fell in love with Crave and found what Monica Murphy created to be addictive. I really enjoyed being in both Ivy and Archer’s head. I loved their heated gazes, their intimate touches and the passion beneath their bickering and tension. I laughed at how they were both thinking the same thing, but didn’t know they were. It was amusing and deliciously frustrating at the same time. Murphy really draws out Ivy and Archer’s relationship. She really shows the familiarity and the sizzling sexual chemistry I felt between Ivy and Archer through their back and forth banter, in the way they lose themselves in one another, and in the way they get under each other’s skin. Ivy and Archer’s first time together was just a taste, a tease of something to come, of something more. By the end you’re totally convinced that Ivy and Archer just work, that they belong together. And what I really appreciated was Murphy’s ability to give Ivy and Archer’s relationship even more depth by showing how easily they work together, how understanding they could be, and how they both believe in what they can do career wise. Their romance was that slow burn I loved so much.


Overall, Crave was a satisfying seductive read that rocked my world. I’m totally ready for the next installment! I want Gage Emerson next! 

*Thanks to Avon Impulse for sending a copy for review purposes

I was not compensated for my opinion

Favorite Quotes

"I'll bet big money you'll be the first to go down."

"Go down how? On a woman?"

"I'm surprised you didn't take it to the next level. Grab my dick and claim it as yours."

"I want more from her. I suddenly want it all from her."

"Jesus, Archer, you can't even keep your dick in your pants at a fucking wedding reception? What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Archer flashes me a smile, making my heart flutter. Stupid heart."

"More like I'm going to come inside her, if I'm lucky. Which I'm thinking I'm gonna be."

"Fuck. I glance down, the water beating a rapid tattoo on the top of my head, and see my erection. Fucking stupid thing. No wonder women loved to go on and on about how men only think with their dicks."

"She'd given me a hug and thanked me for coming and all I could think about was how much I wish I was coming. Inside of her..."

"Forget him. Screw this guy."

"I already did."

"My favorite part of the day is the nights. Being alone with Ivy. Being inside Ivy."