3.5 Stars

Zane Larson is at the peak of his career as the lead singer of a world famous rock band. Rowan Dugas is the pregnant widow, of the man Zane's brother killed in an MMA match, trying to find her way through her grief. When circumstances bring these two together in friendship can the attraction they feel move past the acts of others?

Raw Need is the second book in Cherrie Lynn's Larson Brothers series. Zane and Rowan were an interesting match that began as a result of tragedy but developed out of mutual interest. There were some sweet and poignant moments that stood out in the growth of this couples love and helped moved this story at a steady pace. The commitment and investment made by Zane was touching and Rowan's indecision and was well played out. A nice sizzle was amped up at the right times as this pair negotiated their pull to each other. Lots of outside manipulation thickened the plot and gave this work some good tension and liberal amounts of angst. Raw Need stripped down to its bones brought out real and heartfelt feelings for an engaging fast read.

I am loving this series! I am super picky about rockstar romances but this one was super good! Zane is sexy, sweet and patient - sometimes more than he should be. He was so much more than I was expecting! I can't wait for the next book in this series!

When I first picked this book up, I didn't expect for the story to pull me in as much. Plenty of sexual tension, but there was also a well told plot line to follow.

Raw Need is the perfect, if out of the box, rockstar romance. The setup is a soap lover's dream: Rowan is pregnant with her dead husband's baby, her dead husband who was killed in the ring (he was an MMA fighter) by her sister-in-law's now boyfriend. And the sister-in-law's boyfriend? He happens to be said rockstar's brother, and Rowan met both brothers at her husband's funeral. Yep...soapy! But, there's nothing cheesy about Raw Need. No, it manages to stay on the good side of drama without being over the top cheesy like a real soap.

Ever since Zane met Rowan at her husband's funeral, he hasn't been able to get her off his mind, so he offers her a friendship, and she, being no dummy, takes it. That friendship though, is fraught with obstacles, mainly coming from her in-laws, who, quite frankly, are asses, especially her mother-in-law, who takes manipulative, mean bitch to a level I haven't seen since my former sister-in-law got her butt kicked to the curb when my brother wised up and divorced her stupid ass. And then there's her sister-in-law, who apparently is the heroine in the first book and was quite lovely in it. Here, though, she's the opposite of lovely up until the very end. She's controlling and pretty damn mean herself, and Rowan just takes it all from her in-laws. Her backbone, or lack of one, is my main quibble with Raw Need. She lacked one and didn't ever really grow a strong enough one for my tastes.

But, Zane, oh Zane, that man is a sexy, swoony rockstar worthy of the title. Zane knows Rowan needs a friend, someone to help her with her grief, and that's what he offers her. Of course, you knew that it would develop into more, and I was waiting for it. Unfortunately, Rowan had so much going on, grieving and dealing with her jerk in-laws, and she let them get in the way of her feelings for Zane, so she continually pushed him away. Thank God the man had the patience of a saint, because he waited for her to get her s*** together before he made his big move. And when he made that move? Awwww...cue the swooning and tears because it was a sweet, romantic gesture that no woman would have been immune to.

I haven't read the first book in this series, so I admit when I started reading Raw Need, I was a tad lost, but it didn't take long for me to figure out what was going on and I was able to quickly get into the story. I am definitely looking forward to Damien's (the third brother) story now. I have a feeling he's going to end up being the most mysterious, sexiest brother of the three!

A time to grieve, a time to love

“Raw Need” is the second installment in the Larson Brothers series, the story of three brothers with a tragic past, now wildly successful in their chosen careers, but pitched into drama and conflict as they fall in love.
We first met Rowan and Zane in “Raw Deal,” which featured Mike and Savannah’s unlikely romance. If possible Rowan and Zane are an even more unlikely romance. What is the opposite of “meet cute”? Well, it’s how they first encounter each other: at the funeral of Rowan’s husband. Who was also Savannah’s brother. Who died in an MMA fight. With Mike. That’s what I call drama!

We learned in “Raw Deal” Zane was instantly smitten with Rowan. This book picks up four months later as Rowan, struggling with grief and an unexpected pregnancy, is confronted with the prospect of a relationship with Zane. I didn’t struggle with Zane’s “love at first sight” motivation but I have a feeling others will. Together they have a beautiful if low-key chemistry.

Now, I realize right away a lot of readers will question the timing of Rowan’s foray into a new romance, no matter how hesitant and timid, not to mention guilty, she feels. But put aside more traditional conventions of grieving and you have a very satisfying, emotional and ultimately redemptive romance.

I didn’t much like Rowan in the earlier book. She seemed immature and controlling. But either she’s changed or her circumstances have made her grow up real fast and I found her endearing and even occasionally funny—not an easy task given the premise of the book. Savannah, a solid heroine in “Raw Deal,” morphs into one of several antagonists in this book. Between her, and the nefarious Regina/mother-in-law, enough guilt and manipulation is poured on Rowan to drive the plot. It makes it easy to understand why she would “run away” to be with rock star Zane, who is condemned by her in-laws as Rowan’s opportunistic celebrity crush and girlhood fantasy.

Finally, “Raw Need” provides beautiful insight into the grief process and how it affects both those who have lost and the well-intentioned but frequently obtuse people around them that more often than not provide not comfort but hurts. There is something to be learned there.

Highly recommend. ARC provided for an honest review.

dnf at 55%
I was just bored. I am sure plenty of people loved this and the characters were just fine. I just lost all interest.

I really enjoyed this novel and the characters. I think I struggled a bit with the development because I hadn't read the first book. That being said I loved Zane and Rowan's story and look forward to reading the first one.

I've been so anxious to get started on this new series to see what cherrie has in store for us and I was blown away. In opinion you have to try this book as its one of the best I've read this year. Totally enjoyable read and would recommend

Overall, I have mixed feelings about this book, but I did really enjoy reading it, hence the 4 stars (really 3.5, but I'm going to round up). I did not read the first book in the series, but didn't feel lost except that I do wish there had been a bit more explanation of Rowan's husband's death as that was pretty unclear. Initially, I had a bit of trouble getting absorbed in the book, but it picked up pretty quickly. I liked both Rowan and Zane separately and enjoyed reading their story. Zane was seriously hot, so I can see where Rowan would be pretty flattered to be chased by him, but that leads me to the big problem I had with the book, which was that I never really bought that Rowan and Zane would have fallen in love the way they did. It was just too soon after her husband's death to believe that she could move on and fall in love with someone new. Plus, she was pregnant! Realistically, she would have been so busy just mentally preparing to be a mother while still grieving for her husband, that I can't really see her being open to falling head-over-heels in love, no matter how hot Zane was. Still, it was a fun ride, and while I was reading it, I had no problem putting those misgivings aside and just enjoying the story.

It also sounds like Rowan's sister-in-law, Savannah was pretty different in the first book in which she was the heroine. She did not come off as particularly likable in this book, but maybe those readers that read the first book would have a different opinion of her. I just felt so bad for Rowan. The only people in her life were her husband's family, and quite honestly, they all treated her pretty badly. Not a single one of them, Savannah included, had her back. It's no wonder she was so willing to start something with Zane. She was desperate for someone to take her side, care for her, and support her, which he did, beautifully. I just wish that the romance had taken place after the baby was born and after Rowan had more time to process her husband's death.

I liked this book but I didn't love it. It was missing ...a little something more. Zane was very sweet, but I wanted him to be more edgy since he's a musician and all and I didn't feel he had enough presence. I like Rowan but I didn't love her. It's still a nice quick read if your looking for a little downtime

I really liked the first book in the series so I was excited when Zane-the rockstar brother-was getting his own book. The storyline was fascinating and I was intrigued with how the author would pull this off.

Zane and Rowan met in the first book through those main characters-Savannah and Mike. They were able to keep in touch and have developed a friendship of sorts. But of course feelings were being formed so how would Zane and Rowan deal with those? I really liked Zane. Even though he was a rockstar he had heart and depth to him. His past was hard but he was able to overcome that and be who he is in the present. He was just a very good character. I liked how he was with Rowan. He was sweet and endearing and really cared for her. For the most part whenever they were together it was great. But Rowan’s turmoil and past were still there and sometimes that was just hard to deal with. And I couldn’t wait to see how it would play out. I was rooting for these two because there was just so much to overcome and they deserved it.

Overall to me this was an ok-good story. There were some parts that I couldn’t get over and it made reading the book a little difficult. But I needed to know how the story would go and I’m glad I finished it. The good parts made me enjoy the story more than not and had me fully invested. By the end, I did like it though I wished I liked it more. I would advised readers to read the first book Raw Deal because things will make much more sense. I am excited for Damien’s book. He has always intrigued me since he was the mysterious one and I can’t wait to learn more. I am enjoying this series by Cherrie Lynn.

I really struggled my way through this book. I had a sense of detachment from the characters almost from the very beginning, but I hoped that my opinion might improve given time. It didn’t.

Every single person in this story is selfish, and their behavior is either illogical or contradictory. Rowan’s in-laws, her best friend, and Zane’s brother irritated me to no end. It’s impossible to be swept up in a story when you dislike all the key players. Rowan comes across as an immature fangirl, who just so happens to be a grown pregnant widow. The only character I remotely liked is Zane, but as endearing as the famous rocker is, he wants to wrap Rowan up in a little fantasy world. It’s self-serving and unrealistic. Although there are a couple steamy scenes, I never felt any real sparks between Zane and Rowan. I did enjoy the glimpses of the rock star lifestyle from their perspectives, though.

The plot is full of drama, drama, and more drama. It is a minefield of mood swings where everything seems fine one moment, and then the next there are harsh words, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings. There’s a lack of finesse to the writing style that makes the plot repetitious.

As much as I appreciate a good rock star romance, I’m sorry to say that Raw Need is a disappointment.

In the first book we meet Rowan who is the widow of Tommy Dugas. I will say she wan’t my favorite. She had said some awful things and I couldn't really like her. Funny how things turn out. I completely loved her in this book. I felt for her so much. Everyone I thought I really liked in the first book I hated in this one. Zane is a rock star and a completely awesome guy. He is kind and very patient with Rowan given she just lost her husband and found out she is pregnant with said husband’s baby. But things keep getting in the way for Rowan and Zane. Her pregnancy, her in-laws, Savannah, his fans. It seems like they will never get it straight.

Reading this book was a bit of a roller coaster of emotions but I loved every minute of it.

Overall I really enjoyed Raw Need. However, The beginning of the story was off to a slow start. I was waiting for something to happen that grabbed my attention.I am glad I stuck with it though and I ended up liking the book.

Really liked this book. I felt so bad for Rowan and I'm glad she could find love and happiness again.

3.5 STARS

I was intrigued by the glimpse of the potential great relationship between Zane and Rowan in the first book of the series so I was excited to read their story. If you haven't read book 1 Raw Deal about Zane's brother Mike and Rowan's best friend/ sister-in-law Savannah yet, you can read this story as a standalone.

Rowan is still reeling from the turns her life has taken in the last several months. Her husband Tommy died, she discovered she is pregnant with his child, her best friend is living with the man responsible for Tommy's death, her mother in law is smothering her, and she is so overwhelmed she just wants to scream. Her unexpected ally and shoulder to cry on is Zane, Mike's brother and a bonafide rock star who just so happens to be the lead singer of her favorite band.

Zane's heart aches for the petite beauty he met a few months ago and he wants to help cheer her up in any way possible. She may be a fan, but their conversations have proven she sees the man rather than the star persona and it is obvious she doesn't have anyone else to confide in. Their nightly calls and messages prove her frustration is rising with every day that passes, and when Tommy's mother pushes her too far, she decides to take Zane up on his offer to get away from it all. She joins him traveling around the country on the tour bus, and they spend their time getting to know each other more. There's a mostly hands-off policy so the UST grows by the minute but it is far from one-sided. Zane is more than aware that attraction between them is poorly timed at best and he is cognizant of the turmoil she is experiencing so he tries to be a gentleman but Rowan doesn't make it easy.

I absolutely adored Zane! He had a way of seeing right through Rowan's protests and denials to understand exactly what she needed whether that was a friendly voice lending an ear and just listening, distracting her from the madness her life suddenly seemed to contain all too often, or something a little bit hotter. His sensitive side did nothing to detract from his strength and the undeniable fact he was all sinfully sexy male all the time! The rest of the characters on the other hand weren't quite so likable for me though. There is no question Rowan was having a rough time of things but she was a doormat who left everyone walk all over her and dictate her life far too often much to Zane's (and my) frustration. Her mother-in-law was a vile bitch in my opinion; she may have been grieving but it gave her absolutely no right to say the things she did to Rowan. Savannah stood by and watched while taking her mother's side and that made me hate her more than a little bit which was a very disappointing turn considering how much I liked her character in the first book. Ugh!

When Rowan finally did dig deep to find herself again, she took a chance and then was ready to throw in the towel over something very trivial which just frustrated me even more. Fortunately Zane is both patient and persistent, and with the the help of his other brother Damien, he pulls off a seriously sweet and romantic moment to sweep Rowan off her feet once and for all. Unfortunately Zane couldn't carry the whole book on his own and I just didn't love this one as much as the first book in the series. Damien is still a man of mystery after the a few glimpses of him in both Mike and Zane's stories so I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for him.

This is a 4 1/2 stars read for me because I’m a huge rock romance fan so as soon as I seen that Zane was the rocker in the Larson brothers’ family I knew I had to read this. Zane puts all of his childhood angst into every song he writes and leaves it all out there on the stage every time he performs. His older brother Mike is a MMA fighter who was in the ring when Rowan’s husband, Tommy died. Rowan’s best friend, Savannah , happens to be Mike’s girlfriend so Savannah and Mike think it would be a good idea to have Savannah and Rowan go to August on Fire’s concert with all access passes since she is a huge fan and has always fantasized about Zane. Once Zane and Rowan start talking they both feel that there is something between them but even with Tommy’s death Rowan still does not feel that she is ready for anything with Zane even if this was every girl’s dream to have a famous rock star singer falling for you.

You’ll have to read for yourself to see what that is that makes Rowan second guess any idea she may have of having her idol as more than a friend. You can only imagine how Tommy’s family feels about Rowan and Zane being together. The author throws a lot of things at you to make you HAVE to cheer on Rowan and Zane. This is the second book in the Larson Brothers’ series and even though I didn’t get the chance to read the first one I was more than able to follow the storyline. The only thing this book did was make me want to go back to read the first one and have the third one added to my TBR list.

I received this book as an ARC rom NetGalley for a freely given and honest review.

Rowan is a new widow of four months who is also pregnant by her deceased husband Tommy who accidentally died in A MMA fight. Zane is Roman favorite singer and he is in a band called August On Fire. Rowan’s parents died along time ago so all she really had was a mother in law her smothered her and her sister in law Savannah. Rowan has no real outlet for her many emotions. Rowan had loved the band August on Fire for years and felt Zane’s soulful lyrics had got her through a lot in her life, Savannah knows how pressured and down Rowan has been feeling so sets her up for a meet and greet with August On Fire at their next concert.Zane’s brother is responsible for Tommy’s accidental death. So Zane has a painful connection to Rowan and her unborn baby. Zane has done everything he wanted and finds his escape through his music as Zane has a dark past with his mother that still affects him even now. Rowan and Zane meet at his concert and keep in touch. Then Zane asks Rowan out on a pity date as nothing can happen between them in the circumstances. So Zane goes to New Orleans to take Rowan out. But to Rowan it feel more like a fantasy to be going out with Zane so she really doesn’t expect much. But then Zane discovers there is something about Rowan that just draws him in. Surprisingly Rowan is attracted to Zane also. Rowan starts to care for Zane although she can’t understand what he sees in her . Zane decides to invite Rowan to go on tour with him and the band. Rowan is torn between the family she has left and Zane but she decides to go with Zane on tour. Zane wants to be there for Rowan when she has to find the strength to let go of her grief and fight back against everyone and everything pulling them apart. Rowan feels cherished and adored by Zane and feel comforted when with him. But Rowan also feel s guilty about developing feelings for Zane. Rowan doesn’t want more complications but she also doesn’t want to give Zane up.
I liked this book a lot but there were things I didn’t care for. I would have liked for Rowan and Zane’s relationship take a lot longer to build she had only been a widow for four months as well as being pregnant by her dead husband Tommy. But I still found this a good sweet read. I love how Zane was with Rowan. I want A Zane. I didn’t like how her mother and law and Savannah pressured Rowan she is after all pregnant. Especially since Rowan’s feelings are all in a turmoil at it is. I do think Zane should have waited to ask Rowan out and just remain friends for a while and give Rowan a chance to feel as well as have her child. But I did love the romance is this book and I did love Zane. I felt he really made this story. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.