REVIEW: Crushed by Lauren Layne

Crushed by Lauren Layne is a soap opera that kept me interested throughout. Michael moves from Manhattan to Cedar Grove, Texas, a major change. He doesn’t move there on a whim however, he has an agenda. His plan is a bit complicated so it’s important to read this one carefully.

His plan in simple terms is to use Kristin to get to her boyfriend Devon, to ultimately get to Devon’s father, Tim. Yes, read slowly to keep it straight. Of course, there is a complication. Kristin has a sister, Chloe. Chloe was in my opinion, the best character in the book. I rooted for her and found her to be a very sympathetic character.

There is plenty of cheating and who is with who now. A large part of the story is figuring out everyone’s intentions vs. their true feelings which, often contradict one another. As Michael, a personal trainer, works with client Chloe, their feelings for one another grow into something genuine. They had great chemistry and I found myself hoping they would end up together.

As I said, this book reminded me of a soap opera. There are a lot of characters who cheat, deceive, and love. There is also plenty of family drama. Many of them have deep secrets and pain. This is the first time I have read Lauren Layne and it won’t be the last.

Book Info:

Publication: April 14th 2015 by Flirt

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?