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A review by greystory
His Darkest Craving by Tiffany Roberts
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This is the 2nd Tiffany Roberts book I've tried and I liked it immensely better than the first (Shielded Heart, which I DNF'd). There's a lot of similarities between the two books although it feels as though this one was handled far better, despite being published prior to Shielded Heart. The female main character is escaping an abusive relationship, puts some physical distance between her and the abusive ex, and starts life over. The new life comes with the unexpected surprise of an otherworldly figure that gives them a second chance at love and new meaning to this new life. That vaguely describes both books.
Where they differ, however, is that His Darkest Craving's main female character is actively working on healing. While she is clearly still badly traumatized and has a lot of remaining growth and healing ahead of her, she is making steps towards that end and putting in serious effort on the path to taking back control of her life after the abuse. There is so much of that in this book and I was absolutely thrilled because it was 100% completely missing in Shielded Heart. MASSIVE relief and I enjoyed Sophie as a character so much better! I was more interested in her, more invested in her story, and cheered more strongly for her as a result.
I enjoyed Cruce as well although he didn't have much personality. His story was definitely more plot-driven. Fortunately for him, I'm a little more forgiving on monster boyfriends and the shadowy creature thing is a favorite of mine as well as his true form on Halloween.
I actually enjoyed this book so much that I stayed up way too late reading it. I literally stopped reading twice, completely closed out of kindle, turned off things, preparing to get ready for bed only to come back and start reading again. There could have been more build up between Sophie and Cruce. I feel like I say that in every book review but it is less than 200 pages and the events happen in a week.
Where they differ, however, is that His Darkest Craving's main female character is actively working on healing. While she is clearly still badly traumatized and has a lot of remaining growth and healing ahead of her, she is making steps towards that end and putting in serious effort on the path to taking back control of her life after the abuse. There is so much of that in this book and I was absolutely thrilled because it was 100% completely missing in Shielded Heart. MASSIVE relief and I enjoyed Sophie as a character so much better! I was more interested in her, more invested in her story, and cheered more strongly for her as a result.
I enjoyed Cruce as well although he didn't have much personality. His story was definitely more plot-driven. Fortunately for him, I'm a little more forgiving on monster boyfriends and the shadowy creature thing is a favorite of mine as well as his true form on Halloween.
I actually enjoyed this book so much that I stayed up way too late reading it. I literally stopped reading twice, completely closed out of kindle, turned off things, preparing to get ready for bed only to come back and start reading again. There could have been more build up between Sophie and Cruce. I feel like I say that in every book review but it is less than 200 pages and the events happen in a week.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Murder
Minor: Stalking