Crushing Expectations: A Dive into Crush (Crave, #2)
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with Crush, the second installment in Tracy Wolff’s Crave series? After finishing the first book, I honestly thought I was diving into a pool of typical YA romance—perhaps with a few supernatural twists. But Crush? Wow. It swept me off my feet in ways I never anticipated. Forget my preconceptions! This series has layers I hadn’t even begun to fathom.
The book kicks off right where Crave left us, with Grace in a precarious situation—petrified and trapped in a different dimension with Hudson, a character who initially struck me as the villain. Surprisingly, Grace’s return to the normal world quickly becomes anything but ordinary. Grace, now revealed to be a gargoyle, must navigate her new reality while grappling with her feelings for both Jaxon—her mate—and Hudson, who’s now deeply entrenched in her mind. It’s not just a love triangle; it’s a tangled emotional web that had me questioning my allegiances with every turn of the page.
What truly captivated me was Grace’s evolution. In Crave, she felt like a ship lost at sea, but in Crush, she starts to anchor herself. Moments like, “I see him,” highlight the profound connection she develops with Hudson, making her character significantly more layered and compelling. The writing style flows beautifully; Wolff has a knack for striking the right balance between heart-pounding tension and genuine emotional moments, the latter of which I found incredibly relatable.
Of course, I couldn’t help but root for those unexpected moments between Grace and Hudson—especially when he reveals his softer side. I might be guilty of shipping them hard! Lines like, “Hudson never wanted to manipulate her,” truly highlighted how complex their relationship has become. His vulnerability resonated with me, showcasing a depth that challenged my preconceived notions. It’s a brilliant play on character development; Hudson, the supposed villain, turns into a protector bent on making Grace feel powerful in her own right.
The tension between Jaxon and Grace, however, was a double-edged sword. While I loved seeing Grace grow stronger, I felt frustrated with Jaxon’s increasingly possessive behavior. Their bond is fraught with volcanic tensions, and as much as I adore them together, I found myself cheering for Grace to embrace her independence. The moments were punctuated by Hudson’s jealous quips, a delicious conflict that kept me on the edge of my seat.
By the end, with its jaw-dropping revelations about mating bonds and Grace’s newfound powers, I was left reeling. The stakes are higher than ever, and I can’t help but wonder how Wolff plans to escalate the drama in the next book.
If you’re a fan of compelling love stories that toss you into a whirlwind of supernatural intrigue—complete with surprising character growth and unexpected twists—then Crush is for you. Whether you’re Team Jaxon or are leaning towards Hudson, this book will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about love, loyalty, and the messy entanglements that come with it.
In short? I am absolutely craving the next installment in this stunning series.