Review: Crushed by Lauren Layne

Lauren Layne’s latest novel about the healing power of redemption tells the story of a crush gone wickedly wrong, proving that what you want isn’t always what you need.

Growing up in New York, Michael St. Claire never expected to spend his twenties wearing cowboy boots. But that was before he learned about his real father, a total stranger with a family in Cedar Grove, Texas. Once in the Lone Star State, Michael meets Kristin Bellamy, who is exquisitely refined and everything Michael always thought he wanted in a woman. The only problem is that Kristin is dating Michael’s new half brother, Devon.

Kristin’s mouthy, curvy sister Chloe has always been in love with Devon Patterson. So when Michael offers to help Chloe break up Devon and Kristin, Chloe agrees to a deal that seems too good to be true. Before long, Chloe finally gets her man, only to make a startling discovery: She no longer wants the guy she had to fight for—she wants the one who stood by her side.

After all he and Chloe have been through, Michael swears he’s damaged goods. Can Chloe convince him that love is worth the risk?

Kindle Edition, 240 pages

Expected publication: April 14th 2015 by Flirt 

Series: Redemption #2

Genre: New Adult/Contemporary Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I read  Isn't She Lovely and Broken before reading this book although it can be read as a stand alone. Michael is a character that appeared in both of the previous books and we get to hear his story in Crushed.

I'm not going to re-tell the story. You can read the synopsis to get a good glimpse of what the story is about. What I will say is that Lauren Layne is fast becoming one of my favourite authors to read in this genre. I find myself looking forward to each new book with the knowledge that I am going to be left completely satisfied.

This book had the perfect combination of angst, humour, sex and incredible characters to keep me glued to the pages all night. When I say all night I mean straight through the night while the rest of the world was asleep so that I could finish it in one sitting. It was very easy to read with short chapters that alternated between Michael and Cloe which I loved. Although I liked Michael I have to admit that it was Cloe that did it for me in this book. I adored her witty and spunky personality and I loved the fact that she was a real woman in her physical characteristics. There were numerous laugh out loud moments when I was reading her chapters.

If you are a fan of this genre than this is a great and entertaining read. If you have never read a book by Lauren Layne then I ask why? What are you waiting for? You will not be disappointed just as I have yet to be. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!

About the Author

Lauren Layne is the USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.

Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. In 2011, she and her husband moved from Seattle to New York City, where Lauren decided to pursue a full-time writing career. It took six months to get her first book deal (despite ardent assurances to her husband that it would only take three). Since then, Lauren's gone on to publish ten books, including the bestselling Stiletto series, with several more on the way in 2015.

Lauren currently lives in Chicago with her husband and spoiled Pomeranian. When not writing, you'll find her at happy hour, running at a doggedly slow pace, or trying to straighten her naturally curly hair.

Connect with Lauren

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