I didn't pay attention going in reading this when I selected it as an Earc I didn't know it was a novella not that there's anything wrong with that. I really did enjoy this novella it was spicy in all the right places, fast pace overall a quick and easy read. If you don't love Instalove you won't enjoy this one.

Title: "Crave Me Roughly" by Kira James - An Electrifying Prequel to Dark Alliance

Rating: ★★★★☆

I had the pleasure of diving into an advanced reader copy of "Crave Me Roughly" by Kira James, a tantalizing prequel to the Dark Alliance series. This novella plunges readers into a seductive and dangerous world filled with intrigue and forbidden desire, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling series.

The story follows the enigmatic yet alluring Oliver Stark, a man deeply entrenched in the shadows of organized crime. James paints a vivid picture of his character, making it impossible not to be drawn into the darkness that surrounds him. The chemistry between Oliver and Gwen, the woman who captivates him, sizzles off the pages. James excels at crafting tension and sensuality, leaving readers yearning for more.

Despite its shorter length, "Crave Me Roughly" manages to deliver a gripping narrative that introduces the complex characters and the entangled web of the Dark Alliance. James' writing style is engaging, and her ability to blend romance, suspense, and sensuality is commendable. As a prequel, it effectively sets the stage for the upcoming series, leaving readers eager for the next installment. I look forward to delving deeper into this intriguing world.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to both NetGalley and the publisher for granting me the opportunity to read this advanced copy. "Crave Me Roughly" is a four-star novella that teases readers with a compelling glimpse into a world of secrets, power, and forbidden attraction, ensuring that the Dark Alliance series is off to an electrifying start.

After reading the first book in this series, I learned of a prequel with Sara and Drogan. I had to pick it up. I thought it would fill in a bit more of the gaps. It does not. I think this book should be read after reading the 1st book in the series.

Sara does come across and unstable with a death wish in this short story. The way she courts death and uses men to play her will he kill me after sex is a bit disturbing but... it is her kink. And even if she doesn't seem satisfied with the stranger danger sex, she is an addict. This is until she meets Drogan. He possessed a magical penis. I certain hope he knows how to use it after being alive for so long.

I am mixed about this prequel because had I read this prequel 1st, I might not have read the next book. The next book in the series pulled me in more with the world building and entry into a MIB world with lawyers.

The sex in here is okay. Not sure why this was categorize as an erotic story. Maybe it is the stranger danger sex. Recommended to readers already hooked on this series and want to see how Sara and Drogan first meet.

I did not realize that this was a novella, but it was still very enjoyable. It is fast paced, as novellas tend to be, but it drew me in enough to have me seek out the series.

3.5⭐️
This is a prequel novella therefore it serves as only a very quick intro to the Dark Alliance series - a paranormal romance series.

📖 Read this if you love
Paranormal romance
Vampires
Forbidden lovers
Insta-love
(fated mates vampire)
Fast pace story with twists and turns

This is the introductory story focuses mainly on Luke who is a vampire many centuries old and twenty-five year old, attorney/prosecutor Sara.

Everything happened so fast and a felt a bit rushed but its understandable since it's about 90 pages so there is not much room for a lot of development.

Yet its interesting enough and ended in a mouth-dropping cliffhanger and now i can't wait to start the series especially book #1 Embrace Me Darkly.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this.

Thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of crave me roughly. This was such a great dark dark romance. I must get this for my store.

OMG that ending!! I was trying to hard not to cry while I was reading on the bus. I need the next book right now.
I won't spoil anything, but I have to say that it was a riveting prequel. It opened a whole new world and left me with a lot of questions.

🦋Crave me roughly - Kira James🦋
⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
This book was a great read. It’s a romance and supernatural crime book! Fast paced and the writing was great! A little predictable but that’s not a bad thing!

This was an engaging mix of supernatural crime and romance and is fast-paced. Well written, but predictable. Predictability is not an issue for me, but if it is, this may not be a top read for you. I think it's worth a try., and if it doesn't bother you then you have 6 more books to enjoy.

3.5 stars.

There was equally a lot of information and zero information going on.
I feel like this could have at least explained why the bad guys were after Sara. I have my own suspicions about what I think is going on.
A lot happened very quickly. Almost too much. If Sara and Luke's longer book is as rushed as this, I might skip it.
I enjoyed the banter between Luke and Serge, I could do with more of that.
I'm suspicious of Sara's friend Petra.
It's an interesting world to say the least, and I'd definitely think about kissing a demon to have the ability to talk to animals.
I received a copy via BookSirens. All opinions are my own.

Firstly, I love how erotic-packed it was with only seven chapters 🫣 but still had enough plot to keep the reader invested: I'm definitely going to binge the series

This beginning scene reminds me of Sookie and Bill meeting, I don’t know why! It was a good quick read. I think I’d enjoy it better after reading book one.

Interesting, I kinda like both characters. As short novella this one is fast and easy read full of erotic. Plus vampires :) I'm hoping characters will develop further. I like Petra, Sara's friend - she's kinda down to earth and knows her friend better then anyone else. Will we see more of her in next story about Sara and Luke? I hope we do. I'm curious how old Luke is? Is Serge really killed Sara's Dad? Why vampires called Sara an Abomination?

I really enjoyed this novella! I found very minimal grammatical errors and some lengthy run-on sentences, but overall, I thought it flowed well and didn’t drag in any one area. I think novellas are a great way to pull a new reader in and get them interested and left wanting to read more from an author—which Kira executed perfectly.

This is the first piece I’ve read from Kira James and it follows a successful prosecutor, Sara, as she tries to piece together what really happened and why her father was murdered when she was a child. Enter her hot ‘stalker,’ Luke, a vampire that’s been watching over Sara since she was young. When they meet under duress, sparks fly and leave you wanting more.

Once I reached the end, it definitely had me hooked and wanting to read the next novel, which I already have downloaded to my Kindle! It’s a new and fresh concept in a heavily populated genre, and it’s fully worth the read!

Ooh this was a spicy lil number!
3.75 stars

I wasn't ready to fall inlove with the main lead so fast. This book has definitely teased enough of the world that I'm so excited to read the series now.

The main character Sara, pissed me off a bit though. Basically no self control, no emotional regulation, and considering she works in law, you'd think she'd have more to who she is. She'd get upset at our male lead, Luke, then rather than give him a peice of her mind, she'd throw herself at his feet basically.

Personally, I like my FMC to have more fight in them.

Otherwise, its great. Theres a few editing errors, the cliche "hes so much bigger than me", and insta love but very enjoyable to read.

For almost twenty years, he’s been watching me in secret. This dark, sensual, dangerous man who steps out of the shadows to help me when I need it the most. When I started reading I couldn't put it down I read the book in one day.
Kira James is magnifysent writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book

Quick, fun read - I overall enjoyed this book. It was a great setup as a novella for the story and I RAN to kindle unlimited to download the rest as I am very interested in continuing the story. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read this for exchange of my honest review.

A very promising start. I am very intrigued to read more of this book and the follow up books. If you love vampires this is a series that you should give a go.
In the few chapters provided on NetGalley a lot happens, The author really does dive in!!

1.25 ⭐️’s I know this book was short but I couldn’t get into it. The insta love trope is never my favorite so when it happened in this book I had a feeling I wasn’t going to enjoy it that much but I had hope that maybe I’d change my mind. I may read the next book in this series but I’m not sure yet.

the cover: this series has such gorgeous covers 😍
FMC: Sara- a prosecutor working tirelessly while trying to avenge her father’s death and prove that vampires exist. Looking to let off some steam after work and after an investigation gone sideways- she falls into the arms of Luke 😏
MMC: Luke- a vampire who has been watching Sara from a distance since she was a child (non-sexually), but over the last few years things have shifted and he can no longer deny that he craves her in every way and will stop at nothing to have her
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
HEA: eh no, not really but it’s just a snippet
spice: spicy novella featuring somnophilia, voyeurism, and lots of claiming
TWs: murder, mental manipulation, stalking
standalone: no, while this is technically a prequal in the Dark Alliance series, I recommend reading it after book 1 Embrace Me Darkly so you get to know the character- unless you just want a quick bang
final thoughts: I was nervous when there was something in this novella that was a huge twist int the next book (Embrace Me Darkly) but it was so well done that I can’t be mad about it

read this book if you love
😳 forbidden lovers
💖 insta-love (fated mates vampire edition vibes)
🌀 twists and turns
💖 paranormal romance
🧛 vampires