Crave - Melinda Metz and Laura J. Burns

Title: Crave
Author: Laura J. Burns & Melinda Metz
Release Date: September 21st 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Source: Bought


Description from Goodreads:


Shay has had a rare blood disorder since she was born. In fact, her mother married one of Shay’s doctors, Martin, who left his world-renowned leukemia research to try and figure out exactly what the disorder is and how to cure it. When she turns seventeen, Martin begins to give her new blood transfusions that make her feel the strongest she has ever felt. But she also has odd visions where she sees through the eyes of a vampire. At first, she thinks she must be imagining the visions, but when she begins to see Martin’s office in them, she knows she has to check it out. That’s when she finds Gabriel, a sexy, teen-aged vampire, imprisoned in Martin’s office. The connection she has built with Gabriel compels her to set him free. But when he kidnaps her in an attempt at revenge on Martin, their lives become deeply intertwined. She doesn’t know the half of it.


My Review:


   Shay McGuire was born with a rare blood disorder.  She grew up needing blood transfusions her whole life. Sometimes every three weeks and sometimes more.  Shay was getting worse so her stepfather, Martin, devoted all his time to finding a cure for her and to advance his career in the process.
   Martin comes up with a new blood transfusion for Shay to try to see if it will help her.  Once Shay starts the new transfusion, she experiences something she's never felt before.  She is transported to the mind of Gabriel, a vampire.  She feels and tastes what he does but most of all she is able to live through him and do things that she never could before.  When she awakes after the transfusions, she is more alive and energetic than she's been her entire life.  She starts to crave the new blood transfusions and the visions of Gabriel.  The more she gets to see of his life, the more she starts to have feelings for him. 
   After a vision shows her that Gabriel is really being kept in Martin's office, Shay decides to set him free.  She realizes that he has been kept prisoner for his blood and so when she tries to free him and Martin comes to the office, the tables get turned and Gabriel takes her prisoner to get back at her parents for trapping him and stealing his blood.  This is when the story gets extra good but I don't want to ruin it so go get a copy of Crave.  


   First of all, let me start on the cover.  I love to look at covers when I read and this one was just eye catching.  Gabriel on the cover is just sexy!  Look at how gorgeous he is!!!  That alone should make you want to read this just looking at his eyes and his tattoo.  The red in the background of the cover makes it all stand out.  Wow- Great Cover!! 
   I was hooked on this book.  I really enjoyed the characters.  Shay starts these new transfusions and she is finally able to start living.  She goes to a party, flirts with boys (not to mention gets her first kiss), drinks, and swims which are things she could never do before.  We get to see her really open up and be normal instead of just being the weak and sick girl.  Gabriel on the other hand is a vampire.  We are able to live some of his memories through Shay's transfusions including the night he's taken and his last day as a human.. What I love most about Gabriel is that he's willing to give a human a chance.  His family is quite the opposite and it just might cost Gabriel in the end.
   I can't believe the ending!!!  Come on- Did it really have to have a cliffhanger like that?  I can't wait to read the sequel to see what happens.  I love the growing romance between Shay and Gabriel and the sacrifices they go through to keep each other safe.  
   This story was well written and was able to keep me interested from page one.  I literally didn't put it down, and finished it in one sitting.  I was so hooked that I had to know what was going to happen. If you haven't read this, I suggest you pick up a copy.  It's a great read. 


4 1/2 Stars