4.5* ( )

Mine to Crave
3 Stars

After being burned one too many times, billionaire casino owner Drake Archer has sworn never to fall for a woman again. But when Jasmine Bennett walks into his life with a sexy smile and risky secrets, Drake finds himself irrevocably drawn in even though he cannot trust her.

Series Note: This is book 4 in Eden's Mine series. While it can be read as a standalone, there are references to events in previous installments that provide important background to the hero's characterization.

Cynthia Eden is an amazing storyteller with a gift for creating memorable characters. Unfortunately, the books in this series do not showcase her writing skills as well as some of her other works.

Like the other books in the series, Mine to Crave contains a good mix of steamy romance and exciting suspense. Nevertheless, also like the others, there is something missing from the story that prevents it from resonating completely with the reader.

Jasmine and Drake's initial chemistry is off the charts and the premise of her seducing him to steal his secrets has incredible potential. Unfortunately, this preliminary storyline never develops. Rather the plot that emerges in one involving a vengeful nemesis from Drake's past, and the twists and turns are disappointingly predictable.

Another problem lies with the romance. Drake has supposedly sworn off deceitful women, yet he pursues Jasmine even though she lies to him from the start. This simply does not make sense regardless of how likable and sympathetic a heroine Jasmine is.

Trevor and Noah, the heroes from the previous stories, put in an appearance toward the end, and Eden also introduces two new men who will be the focus of the next couple of installments. Both are intriguing enough to continue. ( )

Mine to Crave (Mine #4) by Cynthia Eden was an enjoyable book that held my attention from the beginning to the last page. The book had mystery, action, humor and steam. The plot had far fewer characters then Mine to Keep (Mine #2) by Cynthia Eden, and I didn't feel like I needed a score card to remember who everyone was. I enjoyed Trace, Noah and Skye reprising their roles from the previous books, as well as the new supporting character Saxon, Victor, the antagonist Maxwell Case, and the haunting memory of Anna Jean.

Drake and Jasmine were, a well matched couple and despite their current socioeconomic background they were both searching for a way to fill the emptiness in their lives, to have the love and trust of another. Jasmine’s strong, female character, had just the right mix of femininity and kick ass bad girl, easily melting the distrusting, brooding alpha male that was Drake. The chemistry between Drake and Jasmine was apparent early in the story, even though neither would admit it was happening. Thinking he was protecting his business assets, Drake stepped into the role of possessive protector, as secrets from the past moved into the present, threatening both Jasmine, and his life.

The plot of the story progresses at a reasonable pace, filling in the relationship between Trace, Skye, Noah, & Claire as the info is required, without becoming repetitive of their books, leaving the relationship between Jasmine, Saxon and Victor to be discovered in this book. The book has romance, some steamy sex scenes that are supportive of the story-line, and a satisfying HEA.

For me a 4 star read, as the book held my attention, had likable characters I could support, as well as dis likable characters that needed to meet their maker, all held together with a good plot.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Once again Cynthia has done it again
What a brilliant thrilling, fantastic read. You think that the story is going one way and then you are completely turned around.

I thoroughly honestly recommend you read this series ( )

Once again Cynthia has done it again
What a brilliant thrilling, fantastic read. You think that the story is going one way and then you are completely turned around.

I thoroughly honestly recommend you read this series ( )