It really pains me to have to rate this two stars. I loved Raw Deal so incredibly much, and couldn't wait to read Mike's brother Zane's book. Let's face it, it would have been so easy to get the first book wrong. Savannah's brother died during a fight with Mike, so falling in love with him is hard to wrap your mind around. They met at his funeral. And a friendship formed, evolving into a relationship over three months time. Sounds pretty unlikely, doesn't it? But honest to God, Cherrie Lynn made it work for me. It was handled delicately and the writing was filled with beauty. Unfortunately, I didn't end up feeling the same about this couple.

Zane is Mike's rockstar brother, and was introduced to Rowan in the previous book. Zane just happens to be her favorite music artist, and his songs have always been a source of comfort and inspiration.

After their first meeting at one of his concerts, they've kept in touch, and there was an unmistakable attraction on his part. But knowing that she is a very recent widow who is also pregnant on top of that, he knew that pursuing her wasn't in the cards at that time.

My first problem with the plot was the speed in which he asked her out. Their first dinner date occured four months after the love of her life passed away, and she went because Zane is her idol. Not because she was past her grieving, or was simply attracted to him as a man. No, because she was starstruck over his persona and spending time with him was like a fangirl's dream come true. To me, it didn't feel like she even saw him as an individual. And honestly, it made me feel uncomfortable to see a pregnant woman who is still very much recovering from the loss of her husband, lusting after her favorite celebrity.

I think it would have been so much better for multiple reasons if the author had pushed the story forward in time to give the heroine a chance to heal and get her head straight. As it was written, Rowan swings dizzily from indecision, to guilt, to longing. And back again. One minute she was giving Zane a small bit of encouragement, the next pushing him away in guilt. Her mixed feelings lasted far into the book, until I started to get whiplash with her decision making process. And when you think about it, that makes sense, because she started things with him way too early. How could she know what she wanted or what she should want? Maybe that's my problem for not wanting to read that kind of conflict. I wanted something that felt authentic between them, and it only ever felt stiff and forced.

Zane was actually a fantastic guy for the most part. He tried to be the support system for Rowan that she didn't have from anyone else. Her late husband's family tried to be there for her, but all they managed to do was stifle her in concern, and crowd her into doing things she wasn't comfortable with. With him, she had someone who just listened and comforted. Someone who understood the type of pain she was trying to work through. Zane had his own dark past with his mother that still affected him to this day. His music was his one escape and very cathartic for him, and that's probably why she connected so easily with his songs. She recognized the emotion of the songs in herself.

Her meddling family was an added conflict causing tension between them. On one hand, I could understand them being protective of her and the only link left to Tommy after he passed. On the other, Savannah and Mike particularly was being a bit hypocritical in trying to tell them that they should stay away from each other. Considering they were in a very similar situation when they fell in love, how did they have any room to judge?

There were some sweet parts mixed in, but as a whole, I just didn't feel this couple as I should have. And two particular actions by the heroine after a string of indecision on her part was kind of the last straw for me. It was incredibly frustrating.

This second book in the Larson Brothers series missed the mark for me for the most part, but I'm still very intrigued to read Damien's book Raw Heat in September. He's always been the most enigmatic and intense brother of the bunch, and I'd be interested to see who he ends up with.

Raw Need
Larson Brothers series book #2
Release Date: June 27, 2017
Review copy provided by the publisher

Jesus. This book hit me with all the feels. I was a bit nervous about how the relationship between Rowan and Zane would unravel. Rowan is still very much grieving over the loss of her husband. He's only been gone a handful of months. And she's pregnant. With her deceased husbands' baby. Talk about sensitive issues, right?!

I was so pleased to see that the author had this relationship unfold slowly. There was definite chemistry and lust between Zane and Rowan, but it was under control...somewhat at least. I loved the push and pull. Rowan has been a fan of Zane, the rock star, for years. Her inner teenager is confused on why Rowan is holding back. As much as she as wants him, her heart isn't allowing her to take the next step. I can't imagine the guilt she was feeling. She was devastated, and still struggling with her husbands death. And yet, she was falling fast and hard for Zane.

Oy! Zane has the patience of a saint! He's so incredibly considerate and accommodating to Rowan. He's willing to wait for her. No matter how long it takes.

These two characters have all sorts obstacles between them. They each have their respective demons crawling up their spine. All that aside, they were building an incredible friendship. I think that's why Rowan was eventually able to open herself more fully to Zane. The friendship came first and was solid.

I absolutely loved this book. These two characters had some really murky waters to tread. But they were able to find a little bit of peace, and whole lot of love when they emerged. I felt so many emotions reading this book. I was sad for Rowan. My heart hurt for her. But I was also hurting for Zane. He's a tough rock star on the outside, but incredibly vulnerable on the inside.

You really should start with book #1, Raw Deal, to get the whole story. Besides, you don't want to miss Savannah and Mike's book, anyways!

Picking up right where the first book left off, this second book in Cherrie Lynn’s Larson Brothers series—“Raw Need”—explores the burgeoning relationship between rock star, Zane Larson, and his pregnant love interest, Rowan Dugas. Having not read the first book in this series prior to reading “Raw Need,” I literally went into this story blind. But despite not having a clue as to all of the preceding events leading up to Zane and Rowan’s story, I was able to follow along without a single issue. Yet, my interest in getting the full scoop on Savannah and Mike’s story had been piqued—enough so, that upon finishing “Raw Need,” I immediately dove into the pages of “Raw Deal.”

Very quickly, the reader is clued into the fact that Rowan’s husband was killed during a scheduled fight with fellow MMA fighter, Mike Larson. On the heels of her husband’s untimely death, Rowan discovers that she is pregnant. As part of his resolve to make things right with Rowan and her deceased husband’s family, Mike arranged for Rowan to meet her rock star idol, who just so happens to be his brother Zane. During their first encounter, Zane became enamored with Rowan, and a long-distance friendship ensued. Now, as “Raw Need” begins, it’s been four months since her husband’s death, and Zane convinces Rowan to go out on an official date with him. And, so… the drama begins…

The sinfully sexy and ultra-charming Zane Larson, quickly ramps up his endeavors, pursuing Rowan fast and hard. Naturally, Rowan is reluctant to give her heart (and body) so quickly after her devastating loss. Pregnancy notwithstanding, complicating matters even further, is her over-bearing and controlling mother-in-law and disapproving sister-in-law, Savannah. For the life of me, I haven’t a clue as to why Zane is so “head-over-heels” for Rowan. While the private details of their initial time together was never revealed, I’m going to assume that their connection was simply off-the-charts. Because it’s quite apparent, that ever since their first encounter, Zane hasn’t been able to get Rowan out of his head (and possibly, even his heart).

Rowan, however, struggles with her feelings for the man behind the music. For years, Zane has been her idol, forging a deep connection with his music. And more recently, Zane’s music has become a source of comfort during her darkest hours. Separating the man from his “rock star persona” proves to be difficult, and with a baby on the way, Rowan must consider her child’s needs before her own. While I understood Rowan’s concerns, I found her constant wavering frustrating. And when it came to the bullying tactics from her family, Rowan was too much of a push-over for my liking. Yet, despite it all that, Zane and Rowan’s chemistry sizzled, and I wanted nothing more than for this most unlikely couple to find their HEA.

Without question, Zane Larson is the very epitome of a rock star heart throb--but with a healthy side of romance to boot! So, when it comes to book boyfriends, who could possibly ask for anything more? Based on the first two books in this series, it seems that at least two of the Larson brothers have a special talent for charming their leading ladies. One can only wonder if the youngest Larson brother, Damien, might just exceed his brothers’ examples, and end up putting both Mike and Zane to shame. Personally, I can’t wait to find out.

3.5 Stars! - This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first book in the series, and with that being said, while I was able to follow the story just fine, I did feel like I missed some of the angst from the first book since it dealt with the death of Rowan’s husband. The first book is also where Rowan and Zane first meet.

After the death of Rowan’s husband, she’s struggling to find her way. She’s dealing with the pressure of his family who expects her to grieve and act in a certain way, and they certainly don’t approve of her being friends with Zane, a rock star.

I did have a few problems with this book. One being that’s she’s only four months pregnant at the start of this book. Obviously that means it hasn’t been long since she lost her husband. So she’s dealing with the emotions of losing her husband, while being pregnant, and entertaining thoughts of another man? That seems a little fast to me – but everyone grieves in their own way, and in their own time frame. Also, Rowan was a big fan of Zane and his band when she was a teenager, so sometimes I felt like she was acting like a star-struck teenager, which I found annoying.

For me, things really picked up with the story in the last 20-25%. Overall I did like the book, it was just the timeline of events and the speed of which things happened that bothered me.

ARC kindly received from publisher via NetGalley.

Pregnancy should be one of the most amazing experiences a woman can have; but for Rowan Dugas it’s anything but. She loves her unborn baby and can’t wait to be a mom but being a widow is making it extremely difficult for her to enjoy. Add on an overbearing mother-in-law and a hot rock star that she finds herself very much attracted to, this pregnancy give difficult a whole new name.
Zane Larson has had his share troubles but he’s finally on the straight and narrow. His band is the hottest in the country and his fans adore him. One fan in particular has him completely captivated. The last thing a pregnant grieving widow needs is his whirlwind of a life to interfere with hers; but all Zane can think about is Rowan. He’s knows Rowan is just as attracted to him as he is to her but not everyone in their lives is in support of this budding new romance.
Reading the synopsis of this book I was eager to jump in, but unfortunately, it didn’t grab me the way I thought it would. I loved the story line and I liked the main characters but that click just never happened for me. This is book two in the Larson Brothers Series; I did not read the first book which was about Zane’s brother Mike and Rowan’s best friend Savannah. Mike is an MMA fighter who is responsible for the death of Rowan’s husband and Savannah’s brother Tommy. I think this might be where my problem begins; I felt like I was missing something. Like there was a chunk of both Rowan’s and Zane’s life that might have been addressed in that book; I felt like I didn’t get enough of their background. As for the supporting characters, specifically Savannah and Mike, I couldn’t quite decide if they supported Rowan and Zane or not. I really liked the scenes between Rowan and Zane. I loved how he was a friend to her and I loved how he gradually fell in love with her, but this book didn’t quite get to where I needed it to be. I think I’m going to read book one in the series then revisit Zane and Rowan.

Wow, can I just I really enjoyed this book. I think I liked it better than book one and that’s saying something, cause Mike Larson was everything!! But then I spent more time with his sexy, rock star brother, Zane and wowza!! That man has some smooth moves!! I honestly don’t know how Rowan resisted his sexy ways for so long.

Rowan was such a sweet character to read about. She was so lost, and so broken I honestly didn’t know if she was going to make it to the other side. But with a man like Zane in the corner you are bond to find the light.

This book had a lot of up and downs and all the in between feelings that just made you sigh in happiness and then growl with frustration from one page to the next. It was a slow build and I get why we needed to be patient and wait these two out, but boy did I wanna ring Rowan’s neck a time or two towards the end. Talk about a push and pull, round and round and round again relationship. But in the end it ended the book with such a grin on my face I was worried it would stay that way for days, which it did.

I can’t wait to see what book 3 holds for us, but knowing this fabulous writer it’s going to be amazing!! I recommend this book to anyone who’s ever dream of getting with their rock star crush, and it being everything they wanted and more!!

After getting snippets about him in the previous book, I wanted the hero's book. Even though I knew the heroine was grieving, I didn't know if I wanted her story because I did not like what I had seen so far of her. I was glad to see that their story changed my opinion of the heroine. These two were good together. There were some issues that had to be dealt with to get their HEA, but they figured them out and helped heal one another. I liked this book and found it to be a good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

So there aren't many stories where the hero has to fight for a woman who's recently lost her husband and is currently pregnant....drama am I right? But Raw Need does it in THE most believable way!

Zane is the rocker that Rowan has always dreamed of, typical for any teenager. But through a series of very strange (and unfortunate) events in Rowan's life she gets the chance of a lifetime to spend an evening in his company. How can she betray the memory of her husband? And how can a man like Zane fall for her, especially in her condition.

Zane knows that he'll have to tread thin ground with Rowan if he ever plans to win her heart. She's just lost her husband and is still reeling from the loss. But there is a small joy in her life when she finds out that she's pregnant with her late-husband's child: a last piece of him to remember. Zane makes the tough choice to be a friend to Rowan when he family begins to pressure her through their own grief. Even though he struggles with the deep feelings he has for her.

If Raw Deal was an emotionally charged story of how to cope with confusing emotions, then Raw Need is a gut-wrenching story of how two virtual strangers that overcome adversity and the norm to finally find out if they can find love. I cried, i begged, I wanted these two to find their happy so hard!!! Can't wait for the final tale of the Larson brothers!

My 3.5/4 star review is posted on netgalley and will be posted upon release blitz June 27 on our blog and social media and links will be updated below at that time.. UPDATED 6/27/17

3.5 to 4 stars
We met Rowan Dugas and Zane Larson in Raw Deal. Rowan is a young, pregnant widow and Zane is lead singer of her favorite band who also happens to be the younger brother of the man that accidentally killed her husband during a MMA fight. They were introduced at a concert in an attempt to do something nice for Rowan as she struggled to cope, but Rowan and Zane made their own connection. Zane is charismatic, sexy, talented, and was her fantasy crush. And something about Rowan calls to him.

They start as long distance friends, but it soon grows to like and more attraction. But it is really bad timing and Rowan is not exactly in a good place for any relationship, much less one with a rock star. But they have a hard time getting the other off their minds. They are both guarded due to the tragic circumstances they have lived through. But they keep cracking the others' veneer and building their connection.

Zane keeps getting deeper and deeper, but says he is willing to wait. He is patient, protective, generous, and actually listens to her. Rowan has fears, insecurities, and guilt. She is not really living for herself and needs to find her own purpose and anchor. He's an active rock star traveling around and his base is in Houston. She is pregnant and still reeling from loss and lives in New Orleans near her deceased husband's family. They live complicated lives from two different worlds. There is also external resistance from various sources putting pressure on them and causing issues.

Rowan needs to reclaim herself before she can give enough to someone else. But she has been stuck in limbo, hurt, angry, and frustrated. Zane makes her happy and gives her hope, but also scares her and makes her worry. Everyone wants to make decisions for her and her life is out of control. Zane knows he cannot save her until she is ready to make a stand and save herself. But he has such a big heart and is affected by her choices. There is quite a bit of push and pull, fear, guilt, and angst. I totally loved Zane. I got a bit frustrated with Rowan, but given the situation, it was understandable. It all happened pretty fast considering she was a new widow and dealing with pregnancy alone.

This had a unique premise and it was sweet, sexy, and emotional. A rock star with a heart of gold who has had his own share of struggles and a woman whose life was ripped away from her and left her facing an uncertain future with a big responsibility. It is about compromise, priorities, hope, healing, new beginnings, and shifting futures. It is told in dual points of view. It brings back his brothers Mike and Damien, her sister-in-law Savannah and her family, and Zane's bodyguard Jase. Savannah and her family made me want to pull my hair out at times during this one. But the characters are well developed and they have complex histories and motivations. I am looking forward to Damien's book, Raw Heat.

4 STARS

"He made her feel like everything was fine when nothing was fine. Calm in the middle of crazy. Right in the middle of so much wrong."

Raw Need is the highly anticipated second installment in Cherrie Lynn's Larson Brothers series. In Raw Deal, we were briefly introduced to Rowan Dugas, the heartbroken widow of MMA fighter, Tommy Dugas, and Zane Larson, the rock star brother of the fighter who blamed himself for the crushing blow that killed his opponent. After Zane is commissioned with cheering up Rowan in the wake of her husband's death, the two forge an unlikely friendship born from a horrific tragedy and a messy but perfectly heart wrenching romance evolves.

Rowan's grief and her inner turmoil is a palpable entity in this story. I felt her conflict, her loss, her need to hold on to what was warring with her guilt over moving on to what could be. I felt her frustration, her longing, her sadness, her obligation, her guilt. I just GOT her. Connecting with a character in that way thoroughly invested me in this story. I was frustrated for her, angry for her, heartbroken for her, for how trapped she felt in this impossible situation, stuck between the memory of her dead husband and the new feelings she's discovering for a rock star that could set her free.

I was worried I might not love this book as much as I loved Savannah and Mike's story in Raw Deal. But I did. I so so so did. I may even go so far as to say that I loved it even more. With that said, I did feel that the second half of this book didn't feel as seamless as the first. I couldn't quite keep up with what was going wrong between these characters toward the end and I felt the story lost a bit of its momentum. But I loved this book as a whole. Raw Need is full of emotion and intense, complicated drama. This widowed expectant mother trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life with the help of a superstar musician is full of angst and turmoil all by itself. The rock star element, the sensual, thrilling layer of fame and celebrity adds intoxicating depth to an already addictive storyline. There's so much happening in this book... Familial drama, heartache, steamy sex, the angsty kind of conflict that comes along with any good rock star romance, and a pregnancy that makes a tenuous situation feel painfully impossible. As far as Cherrie Lynn novels go, this will certainly go down as one of the most emotional and one of the most unforgettable. Despite the minor flaws toward the end, I loved this book hard and I'm so looking forward to whatever Cherrie Lynn has in store for the next Larson brother

3.5-4 stars

Rowan Dugas imagined she would be married to Tommy forever, but now he is gone and she has to figure out how to continue on for the baby she is carrying. Her sister-in-law introduced her to Zane Larson, her favorite front man, as a way to cheer her up. Unexpectedly, Rowan and Zane strike up a long distance friendship as Zane tours with his band and Rowan continues to deal with Tommy’s death.

Zane Larson has everything he thought he wanted: his career is booming, he is traveling constantly, and has fame and fortune. But as he builds a friendship with Rowan, he begins to wonder if there is something he didn’t know was missing.

These two strike up an unlikely friendship that builds into something deeper though neither intends it.

Zane is such a gentleman. He has his own baggage, but has done most of the unpacking already. Addiction and his past have taught him many lessons already. He is drawn to Rowan, but willing to move at her pace as she deals with her own troubles. He knows he cannot solve her problems for her, but is willing to wait until she finds her own way through them.

Rowan has a lot to deal with on her own and a lot of learning about herself to do after Tommy’s death. She has help and suggestions from everyone around her and at times has a hard time making herself heard over the opinions and demands of everyone else in her life. I loved that Zane quickly became a judgement free zone for Rowan to vent and just be herself.

His fame is a lot to deal with though, and even seeing a tour first hand doesn’t take away the fear of the unknown. And is tour life really the place to raise her future child?

I wasn’t a fan of Rowan or her mother-in-law in Raw Deal. I have a hard time with the family dynamics in this series. It felt like Rowan and Savannah switched places between these two books and everything Rowan said or did regarding Savannah and Mike, was said by Savannah here. I know they are all dealing with a lot of high emotions, but some of the family interactions frustrated me to no end.

This was a sweet, emotional read as Rowan deals with her grief, her pregnancy, and her unexpected feelings for Zane. I loved getting both points of view, and felt like the balance kept the story moving along nicely.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ZANE Stars!

"He was simply too good to be true."

He fucking was! I knew he was going to be something else. He melted my heart right down to my feet with his patience, passion, and love. I'm sorry Rowan but you didn't deserve him. So after letting you know how good Zane Larson was, let's talk about the story.

Raw Need is the second book in the Larson Brothers series and despite Rowan's behavior, my favorite so far.

"Amazing, really, how their paths had merged from the respective wildernesses of their separate lives."

Music is like therapy to Rowan. Zane Larson's music has been her salvation through the difficult times in her life. With the death of her husband and the news of her pregnancy, Rowan is depressed. To cheer her up, her sister in law took her to one of Zane's concerts. They meet and sparks fly. But Zane is a rockstar and his lifestyle is not one Rowan's family wants for her. Torn between her family and Zane, Rowan will have to decide what's best for her... and her baby.

Argh!!! Just like in Raw Deal the 'love/attraction' between them was too dang fast!! I love some insta-love but c'mon, 4 months! Four months since her husband's death and she was already fantasizing about Zane. I get that she was a big fan and his music has helped her but still... TOO FAST!

I was very excited to get into this story, but unfortunately, there were some things that didn't reach my expectations. But despite that and how Rowan handled things, I enjoyed the story. It was very well-written and I'm loving Cherrie Lynn's steamy scenes. Even though I wasn't feeling Rowan & Zane as a couple, the author managed to make me ship them every time they played to hide the cucumber.

Overall, Raw Need was a sexy-sweet ride. If you love a sexy rock-star as your hero, you should definitely give this book a try. Zane Larson is EVERYTHING.

I'm so reading the next book. The Devil intrigues me.

5 "All I Want Is You" Stars!
Rowan Dugas is a pregnant widow from New Orleans whose whole world recently fell apart when she lost her husband in an MMA fight. Since his death she's just been trying to function one day at a time, but continues to feel completely broken and alone. She lost her parents years ago & the only family she has left now is her in-laws & her sister-in-law Savannah.

Savannah wants to cheer Rowan up & take her mind off reality, so she arranges for Rowan to attend a show and a meet & greet in Houston to see her favorite band August on Fire. Rowan has been obsessed with their music for years, & it's helped get her through some of the hardest times in her life. It was like her own personal therapy. Growing up she also had a huge crush on the lead singer Zane Larson. He was her favorite singer ever, & starred in many of her fantasies. She never thought she'd actually meet him, & was shocked by how approachable & kind he is.

Zane Larson is a super hot rock star from Houston who spends his time making music, touring, and hanging out with his two brothers Mike & Damien. He's the middle brother & the lead singer for a popular rock band. His older brother brings his girlfriends sister-in-law Rowan to one of his concerts & from the moment he first see's her she is all he can think about. He wants to get to know her, show her some fun & make her smile. They become friends & begin talking on the phone. Soon Zane suggests they get together & offers to fly to New Orleans.

"The" Zane Larson wants to take her out, & Rowan accepts. She can't figure out his interest in her, but she could definitely use a distraction, so if this gorgeous celebrity wants to take her on a date she's game. She figures he must be taking her out cause he feels sorry for her, but she's still excited to get out of the house and have a good time.

The more time Rowan spends with Zane, the lighter her spirit feels. He's practically a stranger, but oddly his presence always felt comforting. She could talk to him about things she couldn't with the other people in her life. When he's around she can escape reality & she's happy. She begins to feel a little guilty as her feelings grow for Zane. Her heart doesn't hurt as bad when she's with this beautiful man. She laughs, smiles and can just live in the moment. He makes her feel cherished & cared for. She doesn't need any complications in her life right now as a mother to be, but she doesn't know how she can ever give him up.

Zane is completely enchanted with Rowan. He absolutely adores her & wants to be with her. Their timing is awful, but you can't pick when you fall in love.

I loved this book so much! Sexy rock star Zane Larson finds the love of his life in Rowan Dugas. The situation isn't ideal, but he goes for it anyway. He wants her to be his & fights for his place in her heart. This story was beautiful & this man totally stole my heart. He was so tender & swoon worthy with a heart of gold. Then you throw in the whole rock star aspect and I was a goner. I'm completely obsessed with these Larson brothers! Bring on Damien next!!! ;))

Shel: I feel like I owe Cherrie Lynn something wonderful because with Raw Need she managed to get me out of spiraling book slump. I'd just come off of consecutive books that weren't working when I spotted Raw Need and after I read the synopsis I had hope that this book would be the one that would set my reading right; spoiler alert: I was right. Raw Need combined a number of things that resulted in my inhaling the story of Rowan and Zane until all hours of the night and morning. I could not, would not stop until I reached the conclusion.

Court: I haven't had the opportunity to read Cherrie Lynn in a while, but everything I have read in the past I enjoyed immensely...so when this one was coming up for release I was very excited. And Shel is so right. We have so much love for rock stars, and this one is right up the alley for anyone who loves that trope as much as we do. Then...strong heroine? Check. Step right up, we think you'll like this one.

Shel: I'll start with one of my kryptonite --a single parent narrative. I haven't done any soul searching about why I love this type of read so much but I'd bet it'd have something to do with knowing how hard it is to parent without a partner and how I love that a love interest wouldn't use a child as a reason to write someone off. What makes Raw Need especially interesting is circumstances that surround this couple. When you look at the synopsis you can see that this could easily become soap opera-ish or melodramatic but it really never did. Which leads me to the next thing that I enjoyed.

Court: I like it too, because it is something to be said on the parent side as to how they will go so far to protect their children and also from the having a step dad side of things in that sometimes it is a even greater blessing for a family of someone who will step in and step up and take care of someone else's children. I also had the unfortunate reason of having a parent die prior to my arrival on the planet, but this story rang true in that my parents got together about 6 months after my father passed, and I was about 3-4 months old. SO! in a round about way I was super-SUPER-super connected to this story.

Shel: Sure this novel had some "bad guys" or situations that provided tension and conflict and those definitely had my blood boiling but those things never went too far. The real tension was provided by Rowan trying to sort through all the emotions she had when it came to her past and her present. And to Zane's credit he was supportive and patient as she worked through those emotions, despite people trying to divert them in other ways.

Court: Ugh. Yes. I cannot even get into this because I would spoil WAY too much, but I was so angry at a few characters and how they handled some things. Some people...the nerve...but I'll refrain from stepping on the soap box too high, k. lol. Zane is a really great character. He has demons, but he has had reasons in his life to find someone to be honest with. I enjoyed the slow burn of them getting to know each other. They're both in a delicate place, so the will-they-or-won't-they really made the story sizzle.

Shel: Add to all of this, a background of famous musician working in a studio and touring and the inherent intrigue and sex appeal that can come with that and you'll see that I stood no chance at resistance. The combination of interesting characters that so happen to have the background stories that I find fun to read, plus Cherrie Lynn's writing and a setting that's close to home (NOLA!) all really worked and made me wonder why it's been so long since I've read her! Court: Nope. No resistance whatsoever. This one flew by, when I was hoping I could make it last longer...and the writing is stellar...the characters are likable and honest and raw and I cannot wait to get more of this series. Damien definitely seems like the wild card baby brother and I cannot wait!

I read the first book in this series and didn't love it. However I was really curious about the story of a pregnant widow and her favorite rock star was going to be handled. I ended up enjoying the book. I liked Rowen and thought Zane was incredibly patient and sweet (and a bit too good to be true). There were things I didn't like (it is always interesting when you end up hating characters you liked in a previous book but everyone in Rowen's life was terrible) but over all it was a great way to spend a weekend afternoon. I am less interested in the third brother but will definitely be reading his book.

"Never be afraid to hope."

I've been so excited to read this story that now that I finally did, I feel like I need to smoke a cigarette and bask in the glow. Too bad I don't smoke. This one has intrigued me for a while. There were so many obstacles in the path of even a possibility that my imagination was going crazy trying to figure out how the author was going to make it happen. But there was nothing to worry about, she never lets me down. She's one of my auto-click authors. She writes it, I'll read it, no matter what it's about.

Zane is the 'rockstar' Larson brother. The one that puts all of his pain into his lyrics. He had no idea that he'd been the one to help Rowan through many hard times by writing the words that soothed her soul. Though she had been following him and his band for years, he didn't know who she was until his big brother, Mike, introduced them. He asked Zane to be nice to her. Like that was a chore. He'd like to do a lot more than be nice, he'd like to be naughty with her. But that was not in the cards. He had to let her go.

Zane was the one bright spot in Rowan's life at a time when she needed it most. Though he never knew it, he had comforted her through her deepest sorrows and she fell asleep each night to the sound of his voice. When she had a chance to meet him, to come fact-to-face with her idol, she couldn't resist. She was determined to enjoy this rare opportunity and forget her problems and her pain for one night. She deserved it. She could resume grieving tomorrow, and every day after that. If only it was possible to forget him as she resumed her lonely life after that amazing concert. At least she still had his music to listen to.

As was the case with each of the brothers, they were full of advice that they seldom listened to when directed at themselves. Like Mike didn't listen when warned to stay away from Savannah. Zane wasn't inclined to avoid Rowan. He wanted to see her again. He knew all the reasons why he shouldn't, but it was the one reason that made him believe he should. He couldn't stop thinking about her. Maybe they could just be friends. Yeah, like that was possible.

I totally got my rockstar fix, enjoying the concert experience and the tour bus ride. I wore my imaginary VIP all-access pass backstage and peeked into the dressing rooms. I cheered behind the scenes, rooting for Zane and Rowan to find a way to be together, in spite of the obstacles. Human obstacles mostly. But very effective ones. And I got a little peek at the last Larson brother. He's the secretive one. The one with the poker face that never gives anything away. I want to know what's in his head and I can't wait for his story. The line forms here...

4 Raw Stars

There's nothing like a rock star story that has a lot hot chemistry between characters and Zane Lawson and Rowan Dugas have just that!

Rowan has been trying to move on from her husband's death, but the constant reminder from his family, she's been having a hard time. And the only escape she has is with her friendship with Zane Larson, the rockstar of her favorite band. There's something about Zane's compassion and his way for her to be herself.

Zane's attraction to Rowan is strong, but he needs to play it safe when it comes to her. There's too much at stake to take it further with Rowan, but their connection and friendship slowly turn into more.

Raw Need is sweet, heartbreaking and heartwarming. Plus, there are hot and steamy moments between the two. Overall, a fun read if you love all about the rock star life!

Rowan's life was turned upside down when her husband died in an MMA fight. Pregnant and alone she is still devastated by her loss. When Zane, lead singer of her favorite band, asks her out to get reprieve from sitting at home drowning in grief she happily accepts. They met at her husband's funeral - Matt is the brother of the man who is responsible for Tommy's death. She feels a bit like a charity case, the pity date but at the same time she enjoys leaving the loneliness and pain behind for a night.

Zane has been enchanted with the beautiful widow from the first moment but with her being a fan AND pregnant AND still grieving he can't let this go anywhere past friendship. Yet, he can't get her out of his mind. He invites her to join him on the band's tour and Rowan is torn. She has to consider the consequences - not just for her but also for her unborn baby.

She agrees, not able to resist the temptation to spend time with her favorite band and faster than both Rowan and Zane anticipated their feelings become more. Deeper, more intense, more erotic. Despite it all, Rowan keeps her emotional distance but for how long will she be able to resist the rockstar's charming offensive.



My book twin loved the first one in this series and has been prodding me to read Raw Deal ever since. Since these books can be read as a standalone I jumped at the chance to read Raw Need. Unfortunately it completely missed the mark for me. Let me explain why.

The beginning of the story was off to a slow start. I was waiting for something to happen that grabbed my attention and when it did it wasn't exactly a pleasant thing. The heroine from book 1, which my book bestie was raving about, had turned into a judgmental and condescending know-it-all. I let it slide, hoping for the book to improve. Alas, most of the characters really started to grind on my nerves.

We have Rowan's fangirl attitude towards rock star Zane which she held on to fast until the very end. At no point I had the feeling that Rowan genuinely loved the man. Most of the time it was about his career or fame and that was a bit of a turn-off. While I liked her alright for two thirds of the book, despite her worshipful attitude, I had no love left for her when I was done.

Her problem all along had been separating Zane Larson the man from Zane Larson, international rock star, front man of August on Fire.



She did some really crappy thing in the end (view spoiler) and while the author didn't elaborate much on what happened after that. I was livid - after all Zane has done for her, the way he treated her with nothing but devotion and love she didn't trust him. And when I thought that was outrageous Rowan topped it off with a fangirl scream because she was picked up by a stretch limo. My annoyance knew no bounds and I just was over it.



Zane was the highlight of this book. He was a wonderful, protective and eventually frustrated guy who had his own sad past and demons to fight but he always was there for Rowan. He always tried to be the shield for the woman he fell in love with and she always threw it back into his face.

She was breaking him too, and he didn’t think she realized how much.



Throughout the book I felt that Rowan never deserved a man like Zane. She always gave into her family's pressure and their wishes and Zane always came second.


“You’re like a little puppet dancing on the end of their strings, Rowan.”.



The whole side cast irritated me at some point in the story. I covered Savannah, the MIL was a raging manipulative bitch. Even Mike, the hero from book 1, angered me when he didn't have Zane's back towards the end. Damien, the third brother, was the only one who actually had some sense.



Despite it all Cherrie Lynn's writing is terrific. I will read Raw Deal because I trust my book bestie - she has never let me down and I am immensely intrigued by Damien's story. I can't wait to get my hands on that one.

As always my reminder - please do take my review with a grain of salt. At the end of the day we all have different tastes and experience books differently.


Raw Need is the second book in the Larson Brothers series but can be read as a standalone.

I knew after reading Raw Deal that Raw Need was going to be a story with quite a bit of akwardness - pregnant to the dead husband is always going to make things a little bit difficult, right?

Right from the get go I adored Rowan and Zane - their connection, their friendship, their everything. Not going to lie, they did cause me to shed a tear or two ... or more. I grieved along with Rowan as she came to terms with hubby's death, her pregnancy, her loneliness.

And Zane - well, he was all kinds of white knight. He swept in and was the friend that she needed. And plus, who doesn't want to be friends with a hottie rock star??

What surprised me with this book was how much I really disliked characters from the first book. I mean really, really disliked them **side eye at Mike and Savannah**. I spent most of the book seething at them, wanting to tell them to STFU. I am not sure if I was supposed to feel this way, but boy did I!

I loved being taken on this beautiful journey with Rowan and Zane. As painful as it was to read at times, it was full of love and hope.

Now I need to know all about little bro Damien.

Please don't make us wait too long Ms Lynn.

*will go live on blog and Amazon on release dayhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2039448728

Raw Need by Cherrie Lynn is her follow-up to Raw Deal and the second book in her Larson Brothers series. I absolutely loved Raw Deal and was very excited to read this next installment. Though technically a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the first book in the series, as it sets the background for this story. And is a very good read!

In Raw Need, we get Zane and Rowen’s story. Rowan lost her husband recently in an MMA fight while fighting Zane’s brother and shortly thereafter found out she was pregnant. Now trying to find her new normal, one of her only forms of escape is her music. This includes the rock band Zane is the lead singer. After having the opportunity to meet Zane, she is overwhelmed by his interest in her.

Every girl dreams of meeting their celebrity crush. But when it became a reality for Rowan, she was beyond excited. Now Rowan is finding herself torn between the family that has stood by her and all she has left and the man who may just be her future. Though I liked Rowan in the first book and my heart broke for her, in this book she was full of indecision and back-and-forth, but being in the situation she was in, more than understandable.

Zane was captivated with Rowan from the first time he met her. Something about her called to him. He wants to get to know her. I loved Zane. He was so sweet and patient to Rowan and really just wanted to be there for her. His own difficult background allowed him to understand her in a way those around her could not.

Zane and Rowan had a very difficult journey. Though those around them cared for them and wanted the best for them, their meddling made things more difficult for both of them. Could they withstand all the obstacles that came their way?

I was very excited to read this story and did enjoy it. The one part I struggled with is how soon Rowan began to move forward after her husband’s death, considering it was the brother of the man that was part of that death. But really, who is to judge when right is right? But otherwise, I loved Zane and Rowan’s chemistry and how patient he was with her. They worked well together, even as she struggled on how to move forward.

This is my second book by this author and have enjoyed her books. I am looking forward to Damien’s book next! Though not my favorite book in the series so far, Raw Need is an enjoyable story.