This book was not bad. Had the feeling of a lifetime movie, you know, a but predictable and mushy? No hot sex scenes but was fast paced with fun banter.

I requested this one back in the day as I had every intention of reading it. However, its been years and I still haven't gotten around to it and while I feel guilty at not reviewing a book I think that I need to admit to myself that I won't be reading this one anytime soon....if at all.

‘I don’t think it’s about who loves you first. It’s about who loves you best.’

Crushed was a sweet and witty romance with enough heat, angst and easy fun banter between Michael and Chloe to keep the smiles on our faces. The friends to lovers theme is one of our favourites and in Crushed that, together with the self-discovery of the characters, worked well.

“I want the guy who wanted me before I turned into a swan.”

Both Michael and Chloe have/are experiencing unrequited love so in that aspect they’re kindred spirits. Michael had his heart broken by a woman he loved but sadly, didn’t return those feelings. One afternoon turned Michael’s world upside down. He found out his father wasn’t his biological Dad and he lost Olivia, who he had loved forever and in the process his best mate, Ethan. You could say things had turned to shite for Michael. He decides to seek out his real Dad fleeing his home in New York to live and work in Texas for the summer.

It is in Texas that he meets Kristin Bellamy, a girl who, on the surface, appears to have it all. Looks, poise, a killer body but she’s dating Michael’s half-brother, Devon. Michael is giving Kristin tennis lessons during the summer and sees Kristin as a way to get to Devon and learn more about his real father. What begins with attraction soon dies when Michael realises Kristin’s appeal is superficial- underneath this girl is a self-absorbed nasty pasty!

Kristin’s sister, Chloe is the polar opposite of her shallow, mean sister. Chloe has a whip sharp tongue, a cheeky personality, is friendly and pretty yet painfully insecure with body image issues feeling as though she doesn’t stack up against her glamorous sister. Not only does she have to cope with her self-image issues, she is also in love with her sister’s boyfriend Devon.

‘I mean, why would you want the funny sidekicks when you can have the heroine.’

Michael sees Chloe for who she is. A beautiful girl who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, she’s fun, vibrant, the type of girl you’d love as a friend. Michael soon develops feelings for the gorgeous Chloe, but tramps them down. He’s been hurt before and doesn’t want to be Chloe’s second best…he’s tired of being everyone’s second choice.

‘I’m so freaking tired of being the nobody in my own life.”

Both Michael and Chloe were relatable and likeable characters with a friendship that developed at a steady pace. As their feelings took hold, the healing and awakening between them felt sweet and natural. An wonderfully enjoyable and entertaining romance read.

“Tell me I get another chance….tell me.”

Lauren Layne has done it again. I Love Love Love this author and her ability to make me not want the story to end. I will definitely be watching for more from this author.

The second book in Lauren Layne's 'Redemption' series was just as good as the first for me! If anything, I may have liked it a little more. It still had that great romance, but also brought some laughter along the way. I completely adored the heroine's (Chloe) personality. Michael was great as well. Highly recommend to people who love friends to lovers stories.