Destined to crave by Setta Jay.
Descended of Guardians.
Lucy is a born protector, a trait of her Guardian lineage. When her greatest gift was torn from her, leaving a gaping hole in her soul, she refuses to allow a young Rykr, her known mate, to suffer the same dire consequences. 
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Love settas books. 5*.

I can’t even begin to tell you how thrilled I am that there is a spin off from the Guardians of the Realms series. I fell hard and fast in lust with those alpha-luscious Guardians and there was not a damn thing I could do about it. The entire series was erotically charged, fantasy driven and an all encompassing story line that tied all the series together. So to have a spin off, based off of their world, with their spawn, holy hell… I’m in heaven. What better way to kick off the Descended’s than that of Hades, after all he secretly was my favorite.

Rykr and Lucy were destined from the start, but fate had a different path for them and made them work for their HEA. Rykr is as powerful as they come and Lucy being the eldest is a natural born protector, both set on the mindset of thinking of what is best for the other with out truly talking things out. But what they can’t share with words, their body makes up for it ten-fold, and they have no choice but to let their cravings take over and destiny lead the way.

Setta Jay is an auto read for me, there is not question about it, I find myself constantly checking for new reads like a junkie because I crave her stories. She has managed to deliver some of my favorite genre’s all in one and blend it in a way where it all makes sense. I can’t wait for more in this world. Truly enjoyed re-visiting with the Guardian’s and I highly recommend it for my fantasy erotic friends out there.

Knowing who your mate is when you're young is both a blessing and a curse. Lucy knows Rykr is hers and meant for only her. But he's five years her junior and once she hits maturity, if she gives in to the mating frenzy, she feels that she'd be taking away his chance to know himself as a man. Rykr knows in his heart that she's wrong but nothing sways her decision. What follows sets them and all the worlds on a collision course with demons. Their bond will either free them or doom them. With Lucy and Rykr fighting for their future in two different ways it'll take courage and a little deception to push them in the direction of their fate.

...Okay, so first, can I mention that the heroine on the cover appears photoshopped terribly? Her proportions and body size looks terribly awkward, like they were trying to make her bare torso much slimmer than her upper body suggests. It's like they tried to shrink her to be super small compared to the dude. In the story Rykr grows immensely and is much larger than her, but don't force it on the cover. Can't tell you how many times I've read a book where the woman is a brunette but the cover shows a blonde...or how about when the female lead is supposed to be curvy or voluptuous and the cover shows a slim woman? Nothing is wrong with a naturally slim woman, nothing at all. But when she looks unnaturally "posed" like this it's pretty dang annoying...

Lucy is fiercely protective of Rykr. Sharing a bond with him makes her happy until she forces herself to think of him above herself. I enjoyed her strength of will as well as her devotion. During their time apart nothing keeps her from maintaining her heart's loyalty. When the danger that has kept Rykr from her is revealed she wastes no time in picking up the mantle of protector, willing to fight for their mating by forcing Rykr's hand. Her determination is admirable. Aside from knowing her fierceness and her history of having a good heart we learn about her the most during the long flashback scene. We get to see her feelings about animals but don't truly learn what her power and "light" is. It heals, cool, but what really is it? Where did it come from? Who stole it? What made it begin to come back in part if David later claimed to give it back to her in full? There are quite a few questions and gaps that aren't filled in during this short story and introduction to the series.

Rykr is much the same. He is a fierce protector as well and a good man. His heart is for Lucy and Lucy only. No matter what he experiences he's true to her, even after his heart feels shattered when she delivers the blow of forced separation. His struggles with demons is a major problem and brings the plot racing forward as soon as his dilemma is revealed. To find out what the real issue is, why he was chosen for the possession/habitation, what his and his mate's roles are in this mess, the ancient records, the "bad" guys...all of these things are connected but only touched on in this book and will need the subsequent stories in the series to become clear. And speaking of clarity, what we get in the extended flashback as well as Lucy's musings are all we really get about who Rykr really is. We have a general belief that he's good, that he's protective, that he loves Lucy immensely...but that's kind of all we get.

Overall this was a good story with a lot of attention to background and then the forming of the bond rather than an evolution of emotions and a progression of series drama. The way the demon habitation problem is solved is quick and easy compared to what we were expecting with all the emotional angst. Kind of disappointing even if it was a relief to have the MC's "triumph". We get more questions than answers in this story and very little about the MC's themselves. Despite that they are actually likable. There are numerous characters with intriguing powers, interesting personalities, connections that I'm curious about, and an overarching story line that I'd like to see through to the end. I would continue this series if given the choice even though this first book was heavy on drama but light on follow-through and basic with conflict resolution.

Loved this so much. It is just as good as the others that I have read by this author. Read them now.

Great story, I loved the characters. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

I realized that after I requested this that I probably was not going to read it. I regret requesting it cause it did sound interesting when I read the summary.

New and exciting series from the original Guardians of the Realms series. It is hot and lots of fun with returning characters. Love seeing what happens now with their children as adults. Mythology has never been more fun. They are destined for each other and are best friends. But they must separate to protect each other. But fates will pull them back together.

Love that but of the main characters are independent and strong. And the best friends and family just bring it all together. Great read for any PNR readers.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book.

I voluntarily read an advanced reviewers copy of this book

I really liked this new spin on the series. I must admit that at first I was weirded out that these are stories of the kids that we have previously read about being babies or being born but once I read the book I realized I had nothing to worry about.

Overall a very good book, I cant wait to read more about the descendants of the guardians.

I loved this book! It kept me interested the whole way through.I like reading about powerful women instead of the damsel in distress and i definitely got that with this one.

Destined to Crave is a spin off from the Guardians. It is neat to read about the descendants. Lucy and Rykr have a childhood love with a turbulent past. But will they find their way back to one another? Destined as mates and demons to battle make this story an easy, quick read.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
For any fan of the Guardians series (and I definitely count myself in that gang) this is a no brainer read! For anyone else – this is a brilliant introduction to the world which Ms. Jay has created, and may well set you on the path to reading the original series before the next of this one is released... be warned, seriously addictive, and super, super hot. The worlds that have been created deserve the stories to continue, so I am so happy that they are!

Although this is a novella, it contains a tragic love story; it gives us a step forward with a potential for another major issue for the Guardians to resolve, and inevitably it would seem that Artemis is at the start of all the troubles... Obviously I only want the best for Rykr and Lucy – but I fear that might be far too simple long term!

So happy that this world is back for us to dive into and enjoy!


Shelby – ☆☆☆☆
I love that we now get to read a series about the children of the Guardians of the Realm! The Guardians of the Realm was a fantastic series, and the Descended of Guardians is shaping up to be the same.

Rykr and Lucy are fated mates, they've known since they were young. What they didn't do is allow the mating to take hold. Instead they lived their lives separately, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the original plan to wait may not be in their future.

I really enjoyed reading their back stories, finding out who they are, and hoping for their future. This was such a quick read, it left me wanting more... MUCH more. Not to say this wasn't a complete story, but I love these characters and this world, I will never have enough!

This book was so good. I loved seeing the characters from the previous books and I'm so curious about the new mystery/bad guy element to this series. Lucy and Eykr were amazing together. I'm happy we got a glimpse of them we they were younger. I wish we had more but I'm so excited for the rest of the series.

It is a Short novella but it still feels like a full read. It's the kids of the guardians and couldn't wait to read it! This series has been a guilty pleasure of mine and always on one click list! Rykr and Lucy were great together. The scenes were hot and the story like still active. Can't wait for the next one!

So when an awesome series continues many many years down the road, one hopes that it is as good as the previous..... well S.J. does not disappoint!!! This was awesome sexy, fast paced read.

In Destined to crave book we see the story what happens after the apocalypse and the story of the Guardians kids, that are now grown up. I must say it is a shame that Setta did not come up with new series and the new plot, characteres. She has basically the same sequence like in the previous story/books. But previous are different because the previous Guardians had their past and depth that felt by the young ones. It is an ok story and of course, she writes those bedroom scenes really good, but it is not all weight of the book in that. I wish that I would read something amazing and new that I always have in the previous books that this will not be copied in the future ones.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

Great quick read. Over before you want it to be! Loved the characters and how quick the books moves. No drag in the storyline.

I loved being a part of this world again. Oh how I've missed the Guardians and their families.

The first book in this spin off series finds two offspring of the Guardians fighting for their love. It's not necessary to have read the original Guardian series as this series will focus on a new generation in this new world.

Ryder and Lucy have phenomenal chemistry and, as always, the writing, passion, and overall story have me chomping for more!

I have been waiting for this spin off series and believe me the wait was worth it. Another fantastic book by Setta, bring the Guardians back in a new light. Got a chance to catch up with the old and now we are making way for the new. Now I am even more excited about what is to come in this series, I can hardly wait.

3.5-3.75 stars
****

This is a good quick read! I enjoy everything Setta Jay writes. Her Guardians of the Realms series is crackalicious fun and this book was no different. Destined to Crave is the first book in the spinoff series, Descended of the Guardians, based on the children of the 12 Guardians.

This book is Lucy and Rykr's story. They met as children and grew up together, soon discovering they were mates. But Lucy was 5 years older than Rykr and they could not claim each other as mates until they both had turned 19. When Lucy turned 19, she lost her powers and she didn't know why. Fearing that the same would happen to Rykr, she told that she wanted them to wait to claim each other until he turned 24. Rykr reluctantly agreed but then something terrible happens and his body absorbs a demon. Now, eight years later, Lucy finds out about the agony Rykr has been in from the demon and tries to help him overcome it so they can finally accept each other as mates. It is hard to describe the story in a way that does it justice, but it's really good, interesting, and easy to follow.

I really liked Lucy and Rykr. They obviously loved each other and both of them stayed true and faithful to each other, despite their separation for years. This book was sweet and sexy. There was little angst. I did feel like the book was a little short and there wasn't a big, suspenseful climax. But this is still an enjoyable, easy read. I will definitely continue this series and read more from Ms. Jay!

Can I give this loads of ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡? Hahahaha, I digress! Always enjoyable to read this series world.
This is a voluntary review via netgalley.