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The Crush
From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone, second-chance story of forbidden love…
It’s natural to want the one you can’t have. And for as long as I could remember, I’d secretly wanted my brother’s best friend, Jace.
He was six years older and always treated me like the sister he never had.
Fast forward a decade.
We were all in our twenties now. Jace had moved in with my brother, Nathan, and me to help us make ends meet after our parents died.
It was just the three of us—an odd family dynamic.
Living under our roof, Jace was as bossy and protective as ever.
But he certainly didn’t look at me like a sister anymore. That was what made things so complicated.
I was pretty much hot and bothered twenty-four-seven.
And he was torn.
The signs were subtle, at first. Like on movie night, I’d casually rest my leg against his, and he wouldn’t exactly shift away.
Still, I assumed he would never…go there.
Nathan would kill us.
The knowledge of that wasn’t enough to stop the inevitable, though.
Eventually our slow burn exploded.
But more than the physical attraction, we’d developed a strong connection.
We just couldn’t get caught, right?
That sounded simple.
Until it wasn’t.
This is a story of forbidden love, broken trust, and an unexpected second chance.
It’s natural to want the one you can’t have. And for as long as I could remember, I’d secretly wanted my brother’s best friend, Jace.
He was six years older and always treated me like the sister he never had.
Fast forward a decade.
We were all in our twenties now. Jace had moved in with my brother, Nathan, and me to help us make ends meet after our parents died.
It was just the three of us—an odd family dynamic.
Living under our roof, Jace was as bossy and protective as ever.
But he certainly didn’t look at me like a sister anymore. That was what made things so complicated.
I was pretty much hot and bothered twenty-four-seven.
And he was torn.
The signs were subtle, at first. Like on movie night, I’d casually rest my leg against his, and he wouldn’t exactly shift away.
Still, I assumed he would never…go there.
Nathan would kill us.
The knowledge of that wasn’t enough to stop the inevitable, though.
Eventually our slow burn exploded.
But more than the physical attraction, we’d developed a strong connection.
We just couldn’t get caught, right?
That sounded simple.
Until it wasn’t.
This is a story of forbidden love, broken trust, and an unexpected second chance.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2021
1,076 people are currently reading
14.3k people want to read
About the author
Penelope Ward
101 books25.4k followersPenelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 902 reviews
February 17, 2021
Remember when you were a kid and had a big crush on an older boy? Maybe he was your big brother's best friend...
Now imagine it's years later and he moves in with you and your brother...
Your crush hasn't changed...
But you have. You're a woman now.
And your crush definitely notices you're all grown up...
The Crush is a classic Penelope Ward book! It'll stir up old memories and have you searching Facebook for that cute boy you once crushed on. It's sexy and sweet and will have you cheering for this second chance couple.
Now imagine it's years later and he moves in with you and your brother...
Your crush hasn't changed...
But you have. You're a woman now.
And your crush definitely notices you're all grown up...
The Crush is a classic Penelope Ward book! It'll stir up old memories and have you searching Facebook for that cute boy you once crushed on. It's sexy and sweet and will have you cheering for this second chance couple.
March 15, 2021
She really announced The Crush is a USA Today bestseller book. Yay. And that is all she cares about, right? No matter how we loathe it. This book is terrible. We bought it because we trusted in her, again. Damn. :(
At this point, I don't even know what to say. Penelope needs a break. Where she can think about what she wants to share with us. Even when she can re-read her previous works so she can compare them or realize there is massive similarities in the plot and characters too.
There are some horrible things out of the world, pandemic and some & NO SHAME TO CONFESS I NEED TIME. And then I am coming back with new scenarios, unique storylines whenever I am ready.
No need to publish two books alone and the other ones with Vi too. Where is the rush? I deserve more, and honestly, I give her trust and hope every single time just to be let down.
I skipped through. Same old, same old. I hated The-Anitboyfriend, and I can't even finish or God helps me even start this one.
I am sad. Truly, sad.
At this point, I don't even know what to say. Penelope needs a break. Where she can think about what she wants to share with us. Even when she can re-read her previous works so she can compare them or realize there is massive similarities in the plot and characters too.
There are some horrible things out of the world, pandemic and some & NO SHAME TO CONFESS I NEED TIME. And then I am coming back with new scenarios, unique storylines whenever I am ready.
No need to publish two books alone and the other ones with Vi too. Where is the rush? I deserve more, and honestly, I give her trust and hope every single time just to be let down.
I skipped through. Same old, same old. I hated The-Anitboyfriend, and I can't even finish or God helps me even start this one.
I am sad. Truly, sad.
Read
February 21, 2021★ ★IT'S LIVE!! And on LIMITED TIME SALE! ★ ★
THE CRUSH is live early on Amazon and on limited-time release sale for $3.99! (Changing SOON to $4.99. This will be the ONLY sale ever and it will NOT be going into Kindle Unlimited.) A sexy, brother's best friend novel with delicious angst and a slow burn like no other!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2ZBIgjL
UK: http://amzn.to/3sdPs1D
CA: https://amzn.to/2OQq83o
AU: http://amzn.to/3qKyBDp
Apple Books: http://apple.co/3ruvaRW
B&N: http://bit.ly/2NrcLpA
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ZfGq82
Google Play: http://bit.ly/3b0HkdS
Audio: https://amzn.to/2ZhQH3I
Paperback: https://amzn.to/34Hwh73
THE CRUSH is live early on Amazon and on limited-time release sale for $3.99! (Changing SOON to $4.99. This will be the ONLY sale ever and it will NOT be going into Kindle Unlimited.) A sexy, brother's best friend novel with delicious angst and a slow burn like no other!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2ZBIgjL
UK: http://amzn.to/3sdPs1D
CA: https://amzn.to/2OQq83o
AU: http://amzn.to/3qKyBDp
Apple Books: http://apple.co/3ruvaRW
B&N: http://bit.ly/2NrcLpA
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ZfGq82
Google Play: http://bit.ly/3b0HkdS
Audio: https://amzn.to/2ZhQH3I
Paperback: https://amzn.to/34Hwh73
February 22, 2021
SPOILERS
Long story short: jace has sex with ow before getting with the h. he doesn’t do serious but invites girls over for dinner with his bestfriend and h which leads the girls on. Farrah and jace get together and are sneaking behind Nathan’s back. Nathan finds out and they tell him they love each other but Nathan is having none of it and gives Farrah an ultimatum. Jace breaks up with Farrah straight after Nathan found them, he thought she’d be better without him and the prick didn’t even try to change Nathan’s mind. And THEN THREE YEARS LATER 65% into the book they accidentally run into each other when jace is having dinner with his GIRLFRIEND and Farrah is the waitress. The ow breaks up with H that same dinner because he has unfinished business with the h, he’s not really sad about the breakup. the ow was in love him, they were together for a year. He felt “safe” and “comfortable” with her. She must have been someone special to have a relationship with after being with Farrah. Also as soon as Nathan found out jace was back, he went to see him and everything was good between them after having a conversation. This big obstacle between jace and Farrah was resolved so quickly after he came back?? So what was the point of this 3 years later into the future bullshit? Farrah also had a boyfriend (good for her) that she felt safe with but he was obviously a prick whereas kaia (ow) was perfectly fine.
“Still, I refused to acknowledge how I felt, because from the day I left, I’d done everything in my power to block out the mess I’d made, which meant trying to forget Farrah. I hadn’t felt anything in three years.... But damn if my chest didn’t ache after seeing Farrah again. All of the feelings I’d buried seemed to smack me in the face at once.”
Not a fan
“I wondered how close he’d come to getting married to that girlfriend he had back in North Carolina, what might have happened had he not been forced to return here.”
My thoughts exactly. He only came back because his mum died.
idk why i still read these books by this author when i know ow drama is always a sure thing. But i think even without the ow and 3 years later shit, I probably would have given it 2 stars. The romance and plot was just very underwhelming.
Long story short: jace has sex with ow before getting with the h. he doesn’t do serious but invites girls over for dinner with his bestfriend and h which leads the girls on. Farrah and jace get together and are sneaking behind Nathan’s back. Nathan finds out and they tell him they love each other but Nathan is having none of it and gives Farrah an ultimatum. Jace breaks up with Farrah straight after Nathan found them, he thought she’d be better without him and the prick didn’t even try to change Nathan’s mind. And THEN THREE YEARS LATER 65% into the book they accidentally run into each other when jace is having dinner with his GIRLFRIEND and Farrah is the waitress. The ow breaks up with H that same dinner because he has unfinished business with the h, he’s not really sad about the breakup. the ow was in love him, they were together for a year. He felt “safe” and “comfortable” with her. She must have been someone special to have a relationship with after being with Farrah. Also as soon as Nathan found out jace was back, he went to see him and everything was good between them after having a conversation. This big obstacle between jace and Farrah was resolved so quickly after he came back?? So what was the point of this 3 years later into the future bullshit? Farrah also had a boyfriend (good for her) that she felt safe with but he was obviously a prick whereas kaia (ow) was perfectly fine.
“Still, I refused to acknowledge how I felt, because from the day I left, I’d done everything in my power to block out the mess I’d made, which meant trying to forget Farrah. I hadn’t felt anything in three years.... But damn if my chest didn’t ache after seeing Farrah again. All of the feelings I’d buried seemed to smack me in the face at once.”
Not a fan
“I wondered how close he’d come to getting married to that girlfriend he had back in North Carolina, what might have happened had he not been forced to return here.”
My thoughts exactly. He only came back because his mum died.
idk why i still read these books by this author when i know ow drama is always a sure thing. But i think even without the ow and 3 years later shit, I probably would have given it 2 stars. The romance and plot was just very underwhelming.
February 22, 2021
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Farrah Spade grew up in Palm Creek, Florida where after tragedy struck she was forced to grow up too fast. She'd been through more than most people her age, and valued family above all else. That included her big brother Nathan, and his best friend Jace. Jace had been a big part of her life for years. From the moment she's met him as kids she'd been drawn to him, and wanted him for as long as she could remember. Over the years her hopeless secret crush grew into an obsession. She just wished he would notice her and not think of her in a sisterly way. Was she destined to always want the one she couldn't have?
Now all in their twenties things begin to shift between them as they become temporary roommates. Jace is still protective of Farrah, but there's a new energy between them he can't deny. It was more than a physical attraction. He'd always felt connected to her, but lately he had to fight the desire that flared to life when she was near. He knew she was off limits, and he could never go there. She could only be a fantasy he couldn't act on, but things turn complicated as the inevitable finally happens, and hearts are at risk of being broken.
-None of my feelings for this man were brotherly. But that was my little secret, I supposed.
-I wanted Jace more than I'd ever wanted anything in my life.
The Crush by Penelope Ward is a standalone friends to lovers, brother's best friend, slow burn romance about forbidden love, second chances, trust, secrets, lies, forgiveness, friendship and family. It's packed with angst, emotion, and years of unrequited longing that is finally revealed.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3pK12zY
(ARC provided by author)
Farrah Spade grew up in Palm Creek, Florida where after tragedy struck she was forced to grow up too fast. She'd been through more than most people her age, and valued family above all else. That included her big brother Nathan, and his best friend Jace. Jace had been a big part of her life for years. From the moment she's met him as kids she'd been drawn to him, and wanted him for as long as she could remember. Over the years her hopeless secret crush grew into an obsession. She just wished he would notice her and not think of her in a sisterly way. Was she destined to always want the one she couldn't have?
Now all in their twenties things begin to shift between them as they become temporary roommates. Jace is still protective of Farrah, but there's a new energy between them he can't deny. It was more than a physical attraction. He'd always felt connected to her, but lately he had to fight the desire that flared to life when she was near. He knew she was off limits, and he could never go there. She could only be a fantasy he couldn't act on, but things turn complicated as the inevitable finally happens, and hearts are at risk of being broken.
-None of my feelings for this man were brotherly. But that was my little secret, I supposed.
-I wanted Jace more than I'd ever wanted anything in my life.
The Crush by Penelope Ward is a standalone friends to lovers, brother's best friend, slow burn romance about forbidden love, second chances, trust, secrets, lies, forgiveness, friendship and family. It's packed with angst, emotion, and years of unrequited longing that is finally revealed.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3pK12zY
February 21, 2021
5 STARS
Penelope Ward delivers an emotional, intense and heartwarming romance!It's not a secret how much I loved her books but especially this one stole my heart, I devour it in one siting. The romance is heavy and the characters rocked this story.
There is so much going on in this one, get ready for this ride.It's going to be an emotional roller coaster.I felt Farrah and Jace's connection.They have such an intense relationship.
The Crush has it all passion, slow burn, it's emotional and steamy.I highly recommend it.
Penelope Ward delivers an emotional, intense and heartwarming romance!It's not a secret how much I loved her books but especially this one stole my heart, I devour it in one siting. The romance is heavy and the characters rocked this story.
There is so much going on in this one, get ready for this ride.It's going to be an emotional roller coaster.I felt Farrah and Jace's connection.They have such an intense relationship.
The Crush has it all passion, slow burn, it's emotional and steamy.I highly recommend it.
March 22, 2021
It has been a while since I picked up Miss Ward books. The Crush got my attention due to its cover. It is hot! And the story promising second chance romance.
After listening to the audiobook, I have to admit the story is tame compare to Miss Ward other books. Yes there is that break up moment, the hot steamy sex at the beginning of the book, and the moment they met again. However Miss Ward writes it in much more anti climax.
Her strategy still works but the whole story become tamer.
Overall I do enjoy the book OK.
3 stars
After listening to the audiobook, I have to admit the story is tame compare to Miss Ward other books. Yes there is that break up moment, the hot steamy sex at the beginning of the book, and the moment they met again. However Miss Ward writes it in much more anti climax.
Her strategy still works but the whole story become tamer.
Overall I do enjoy the book OK.
3 stars
February 20, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
4.25 Stars
At six years old, Farrah Spade met Jace Muldoon, and an innocent crush developed soon after. For years they grew up together until an incident that changed both of their lives took him away. Years later he came back and her little crush turned far from innocent. But developing a relationship might mean making a decision that could change everything.
Other than finding out this one marked as forbidden, I went into it blind. It wasn’t as forbidden as I prefer but I enjoyed it regardless especially with the added angst.
Jace was thoughtful and respectful, while Farrah was more assertive in getting what she wanted. They had good chemistry together and the sex scenes were scorching.
The Crush is a story of taking chances and forgiveness. It would appeal to readers who enjoy second chance Romance.
✖ 💗 ✖ . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . ✖ 💗 ✖
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
4.25 StarsAt six years old, Farrah Spade met Jace Muldoon, and an innocent crush developed soon after. For years they grew up together until an incident that changed both of their lives took him away. Years later he came back and her little crush turned far from innocent. But developing a relationship might mean making a decision that could change everything.
Other than finding out this one marked as forbidden, I went into it blind. It wasn’t as forbidden as I prefer but I enjoyed it regardless especially with the added angst.
“You asked where we were going.”
After a pause that lasted several seconds, he said, “Pretty sure it’s hell.”
Jace was thoughtful and respectful, while Farrah was more assertive in getting what she wanted. They had good chemistry together and the sex scenes were scorching.
The Crush is a story of taking chances and forgiveness. It would appeal to readers who enjoy second chance Romance.
✖ 💗 ✖ . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . ✖ 💗 ✖
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Shelved as 'maybe-read-not-sure-yet'
January 2, 2021maybe.....will need to see non ARC reviews.....blurb is always misleading with this author...great cover as per usual.
March 18, 2021
dnf @ 74%
i know i say this about every book i dnf but holy hell i really did try😭
this book was honestly so boring. nothing held me. it was boring plain and simple. not to mention the fact that 17 out of the 25 chapters were dedicated to the flashback of the past. SEVENTEEN OUT OF TWENTY-FIVE. you might as well have given them their hea in the past at that point ??????
i know i say this about every book i dnf but holy hell i really did try😭
this book was honestly so boring. nothing held me. it was boring plain and simple. not to mention the fact that 17 out of the 25 chapters were dedicated to the flashback of the past. SEVENTEEN OUT OF TWENTY-FIVE. you might as well have given them their hea in the past at that point ??????
February 24, 2021
3-3.5 Farrah and Jace Stars
I enjoyed this best friend's sibling , second chance , friends to lovers romance which I both listened to and read. Great narration by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York. Also, I think this may be one of my most favourite covers ever - that man is so handsome!
Farrah has known Jace for most of her life. He is her older brother Nathan's best friend and all through her childhood he has been the object of her affection. When the boys turn eighteen , Jace leaves for College and a twelve year old Farrah is heartbroken. At fourteen , Farrah and Nathan lose their parents in a traumatic event that Jace witnesses. For a few years he goes out of state but when Farrah is twenty one he returns to help out his own parents and he shares hers and Nathan's house. Farrah is strictly off limits. She is six years younger than him, his best friend's little sister and he has never really thought of her that way. But being up close and personal in grown up Farrah's space means that Jace is suddenly aware of his feelings for her and their chemistry starts to heat up.
Despite his initial reservations Jace cannot help himself and they start making the most of every opportunity to be together and their passion burns intensely hot. Their relationship is a poorly kept secret and Nathan finds out. All hell breaks loose and Jace leaves again. Farrah is heartbroken but slowly puts her life together again. Three years later Jace returns to town and their paths collide but Farrah is older and determined to guard her heart but when old feelings rise to the surface will they be able to resist the pull between them?
I was really looking forward to this book and I did enjoy it but I didn't love it as I have some of this author's previous books.
Firstly, I wanted Jace to really grovel to win Farrah back. She let him off pretty easy and also I struggled a bit with the whole secrecy around their initial relationship because Nathan would get upset. They were adults and consenting. There was a secret but I didn't feel it warranted the amount of angst Jace allowed it. I wanted Jace to stay and fight but he just left her. He always seemed to run away.
Secondly, and this is purely personal , I found the intimate scenes in the first half of the book a bit awkward. The dialogue felt a bit odd in places but in the second half of the book I thought it all flowed a lot more easily and the scenes read better.
I would say the angst level was fairly low. Jace has a year long relationship with another woman which he starts two years after leaving Farrah. During that same year Farrah starts dating another man. I liked that the heroine wasn't left pining and bereft whilst the Hero carried on living his life. Farrah is a well written heroine and she was very likeable (as was Jace). Both of those relationships end pretty quickly once Jace and Farrah reconnect again. There are no intimate scenes with the OM /OW.
I thought the scene where they meet again after the three year separation was very well done.
The ending to the book was written beautifully and left me beaming. I absolutely believed that these two would stay together and have their HEA.
HEA? Yes - gorgeous.
Cheating? No
I enjoyed this best friend's sibling , second chance , friends to lovers romance which I both listened to and read. Great narration by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York. Also, I think this may be one of my most favourite covers ever - that man is so handsome!
Farrah has known Jace for most of her life. He is her older brother Nathan's best friend and all through her childhood he has been the object of her affection. When the boys turn eighteen , Jace leaves for College and a twelve year old Farrah is heartbroken. At fourteen , Farrah and Nathan lose their parents in a traumatic event that Jace witnesses. For a few years he goes out of state but when Farrah is twenty one he returns to help out his own parents and he shares hers and Nathan's house. Farrah is strictly off limits. She is six years younger than him, his best friend's little sister and he has never really thought of her that way. But being up close and personal in grown up Farrah's space means that Jace is suddenly aware of his feelings for her and their chemistry starts to heat up.
Despite his initial reservations Jace cannot help himself and they start making the most of every opportunity to be together and their passion burns intensely hot. Their relationship is a poorly kept secret and Nathan finds out. All hell breaks loose and Jace leaves again. Farrah is heartbroken but slowly puts her life together again. Three years later Jace returns to town and their paths collide but Farrah is older and determined to guard her heart but when old feelings rise to the surface will they be able to resist the pull between them?
I was really looking forward to this book and I did enjoy it but I didn't love it as I have some of this author's previous books.
Firstly, I wanted Jace to really grovel to win Farrah back. She let him off pretty easy and also I struggled a bit with the whole secrecy around their initial relationship because Nathan would get upset. They were adults and consenting. There was a secret but I didn't feel it warranted the amount of angst Jace allowed it. I wanted Jace to stay and fight but he just left her. He always seemed to run away.
Secondly, and this is purely personal , I found the intimate scenes in the first half of the book a bit awkward. The dialogue felt a bit odd in places but in the second half of the book I thought it all flowed a lot more easily and the scenes read better.
I would say the angst level was fairly low. Jace has a year long relationship with another woman which he starts two years after leaving Farrah. During that same year Farrah starts dating another man. I liked that the heroine wasn't left pining and bereft whilst the Hero carried on living his life. Farrah is a well written heroine and she was very likeable (as was Jace). Both of those relationships end pretty quickly once Jace and Farrah reconnect again. There are no intimate scenes with the OM /OW.
I thought the scene where they meet again after the three year separation was very well done.
The ending to the book was written beautifully and left me beaming. I absolutely believed that these two would stay together and have their HEA.
HEA? Yes - gorgeous.
Cheating? No
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2021
Penelope Ward invites readers to remember the emotional commotion of first crushes with this touching slow burn romance.
For the longest time Farrah Spade had a teenage crush on her brother’s best friend Jace who naturally saw her like a sister because of their six-year age difference and the relationship with her brother.
After a traumatic experience that affects them all, Jace moves out of state but comes back seven years later to take care of his father. Deciding to also help out his best friend, he moves in with the Spade siblings.
While Farrah’s feelings for him resurface, Jace realizes she’s not a little girl anymore but a grown into a beautiful and caring woman who he feels connected to and at peace with which fuels his attraction towards her. But can they act on their attraction without consequences?
The Crush has all the forbidden romance and friends to lovers goodness I like: the common experiences both good and bad that are the foundation of their strong connection, the hidden looks, the stolen moments and then the angst of being discovered; because the family dynamics are both important and are the reason behind Jace and Farrah’s complicated relationship.
The chemistry between Jace and Farrah is explosive and the sexy times were super hot and compounded their deeply touching, sweet and angsty moments.
The Crush is a standalone contemporary romance by Penelope Ward NY Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Told from both points of view with a HEA. Genres: Contemporary Romance Tropes: Forbidden Romance | Best Friend’s younger sister | Second chance
Read and excerpt -> http://bit.ly/2ZqOfIa
Amazon paperback -> https://amzn.to/3saPAzd
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Give Me Books PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. ★
By the numbers quick review:
World building: 💌💌💌💌
Character development: 👤👤👤👤👤
Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Romance: 💕💕💕💕
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rating: 4.4
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For the longest time Farrah Spade had a teenage crush on her brother’s best friend Jace who naturally saw her like a sister because of their six-year age difference and the relationship with her brother.
After a traumatic experience that affects them all, Jace moves out of state but comes back seven years later to take care of his father. Deciding to also help out his best friend, he moves in with the Spade siblings.
While Farrah’s feelings for him resurface, Jace realizes she’s not a little girl anymore but a grown into a beautiful and caring woman who he feels connected to and at peace with which fuels his attraction towards her. But can they act on their attraction without consequences?
“You asked where we were going.”
After a pause that lasted several seconds, he said, “Pretty sure it’s hell.”
The Crush has all the forbidden romance and friends to lovers goodness I like: the common experiences both good and bad that are the foundation of their strong connection, the hidden looks, the stolen moments and then the angst of being discovered; because the family dynamics are both important and are the reason behind Jace and Farrah’s complicated relationship.
The chemistry between Jace and Farrah is explosive and the sexy times were super hot and compounded their deeply touching, sweet and angsty moments.
The Crush is a standalone contemporary romance by Penelope Ward NY Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Told from both points of view with a HEA. Genres: Contemporary Romance Tropes: Forbidden Romance | Best Friend’s younger sister | Second chance
Read and excerpt -> http://bit.ly/2ZqOfIa
Amazon paperback -> https://amzn.to/3saPAzd
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Give Me Books PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. ★
By the numbers quick review:
World building: 💌💌💌💌
Character development: 👤👤👤👤👤
Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Romance: 💕💕💕💕
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rating: 4.4
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February 22, 2021
Lordy, I'm still reeling from the rollercoaster romance between Farrah and Jace. The forbidden romance between Farrah and Jace was enthralling, and seemed moviesque as it unfolded. The unrequited love between them. The denial of feelings. The buried hurt and pain from past events. All popcorn worthy moments.
I loved the interaction between Farrah and Jace. Their inability to really hide their feelings, but they tried so hard to deny what was blooming between them. Jace was amazing in his desire to keep Farrah at arm’s length to protect the friendship with Nathan, Farrah’s brother. And yet somehow balance a “friendship” with Farrah too.
Until they couldn’t stop the avalanche of feelings: love, lust, hope. And then things really got serious. Serious enough that they didn’t see each other for over three years. But, wowza…
That ending. The heartfelt, romantic, deep feeling, swoony ending was perfect. And worth the twisty trip this best-friends-little-sister romance took me on. ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
***
As far as brother's best friend / forbidden romances this one was sinfully addictive!
For me, Farrah and Jace's relationship played out like a delicious soap opera. It was so intense and dramatic and crazy sexy. Their physical chemistry was much more potent than their emotional chemistry during the first half of the book, which is not always my favorite basis of connection. But somehow I found myself sucked in completely, nearly intoxicated by their sometimes awkward, sometimes sizzling, and sometimes sweetly emotional romance.
There is a lot going on in this story. Both Farrah and Jace (and Farrah's brother Nathan, for that matter) are carrying a significant amount of emotional baggage and sometimes I really wanted to give them a good shake. However I also really loved how Ms. Ward handled their growth and emotional healing. The friendship between Jace and Nathan was almost as rewarding as the romance and it all came together to be so emotionally satisfying.
But...that ending, though.
Ohmygosh you guys, the ending was everything! The best part of the entire book. It was adorable and funny and earnestly heartfelt. It packed the punch of sweet emotion that I sometimes felt was missing throughout the book. It was incredibly satisfying and I smiled so hard while reading it. In the end, The Crush was another Penelope Ward hit and I'm so happy to have spent time with these fantastic characters. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
I loved the interaction between Farrah and Jace. Their inability to really hide their feelings, but they tried so hard to deny what was blooming between them. Jace was amazing in his desire to keep Farrah at arm’s length to protect the friendship with Nathan, Farrah’s brother. And yet somehow balance a “friendship” with Farrah too.
Until they couldn’t stop the avalanche of feelings: love, lust, hope. And then things really got serious. Serious enough that they didn’t see each other for over three years. But, wowza…
That ending. The heartfelt, romantic, deep feeling, swoony ending was perfect. And worth the twisty trip this best-friends-little-sister romance took me on. ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
***
As far as brother's best friend / forbidden romances this one was sinfully addictive!
For me, Farrah and Jace's relationship played out like a delicious soap opera. It was so intense and dramatic and crazy sexy. Their physical chemistry was much more potent than their emotional chemistry during the first half of the book, which is not always my favorite basis of connection. But somehow I found myself sucked in completely, nearly intoxicated by their sometimes awkward, sometimes sizzling, and sometimes sweetly emotional romance.
There is a lot going on in this story. Both Farrah and Jace (and Farrah's brother Nathan, for that matter) are carrying a significant amount of emotional baggage and sometimes I really wanted to give them a good shake. However I also really loved how Ms. Ward handled their growth and emotional healing. The friendship between Jace and Nathan was almost as rewarding as the romance and it all came together to be so emotionally satisfying.
But...that ending, though.
Ohmygosh you guys, the ending was everything! The best part of the entire book. It was adorable and funny and earnestly heartfelt. It packed the punch of sweet emotion that I sometimes felt was missing throughout the book. It was incredibly satisfying and I smiled so hard while reading it. In the end, The Crush was another Penelope Ward hit and I'm so happy to have spent time with these fantastic characters. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
February 23, 2021
The Crush has all the makings of a great romance novel for me: friends-to-lovers, forbidden romance, and brother’s best friend. Unfortunately, The Crush is a boring and corny romance novel. I don’t think I’ll be reading anymore of Ward’s solo novels since I’ve read a handful of them now and I seem to have the same issues with all of them.
What really turned me off of The Crush was its dialogue. It’s cheesy, corny, and over the top. The main characters are spewing their deepest emotions for each other every other page. It’s uncomfortably awkward and not at all romantic.
There is almost no chemistry or sexual tension between Farrah and Jace. In the lead up to their inevitable coupling, there was no angst or sexual tension and it took half of the novel before something happened. So, their ultimate coupling wasn’t something I was dying to read. Though, I will give Ward credit for her sex scenes. They were well written and easily the only good part of the novel.
One of the reasons I rated the novel so poorly was how condescending and misogynistic both Jace and Farrah’s brother were to her. There is a five year age (if I’m not mistaken) difference between them, but they both treated her like she was fourteen years old instead of twenty-one. There’s a particular moment I rolled my eyes so hard I thought there were going to fall out of their sockets. They both scold her for answering the door when she was home alone. I would have rolled my eyes and moved on, but this was a sticking point for them for the first half of the novel.
Overall, The Crush was a disappointment. It has all the makings of an emotional romance, but ultimately left me unsatisfied with its corny dialogue and condescending male love interest. Farrah deserved so much more than Jace and her brother.
What really turned me off of The Crush was its dialogue. It’s cheesy, corny, and over the top. The main characters are spewing their deepest emotions for each other every other page. It’s uncomfortably awkward and not at all romantic.
There is almost no chemistry or sexual tension between Farrah and Jace. In the lead up to their inevitable coupling, there was no angst or sexual tension and it took half of the novel before something happened. So, their ultimate coupling wasn’t something I was dying to read. Though, I will give Ward credit for her sex scenes. They were well written and easily the only good part of the novel.
One of the reasons I rated the novel so poorly was how condescending and misogynistic both Jace and Farrah’s brother were to her. There is a five year age (if I’m not mistaken) difference between them, but they both treated her like she was fourteen years old instead of twenty-one. There’s a particular moment I rolled my eyes so hard I thought there were going to fall out of their sockets. They both scold her for answering the door when she was home alone. I would have rolled my eyes and moved on, but this was a sticking point for them for the first half of the novel.
Overall, The Crush was a disappointment. It has all the makings of an emotional romance, but ultimately left me unsatisfied with its corny dialogue and condescending male love interest. Farrah deserved so much more than Jace and her brother.
March 2, 2021
I will start with this...I love Penelope Ward but this one didn't hit the bullseye for me. I read it. I liked it. But I didn't connect with it. The random facts that were thrown in and almost juvenile reactions that these characters all had with each other didn't resonate with me. My opinion. It hurts to not love a book from one of my favs but so is life. Can't wait to read the next one though...xo
2.5 stars. It was just ok for me
2.5 stars. It was just ok for me
May 30, 2021
THIS WAS SUCH A BLEH BOOK. it was good for the first half and then 75% in we get disconnected from the whole story
February 27, 2021
****AVAILABLE NOW****
4 STARS
I did enjoy this book overall. The opening was amazing - great tension, angst, will they get caught moments. I couldn’t get enough, but then it died a bit for me at the end.
Jase and Farrah have insane chemistry for a large majority of this book. It sucks you in. The forbidden nature, the sneaking around keeps readers engaged and heightens all the emotion. The climax of the story is explosive. I was sent reeling. REELING.
Unfortunately, for me, the falling action and resolution of the story lost steam for me. Strictly speaking of plot and pacing, it was fine, no glaring issues, but it lost that steam and angst for me. Parts of the resolution seemed to kind of fall into place for how explosive the opening was. It almost seemed like two different stories.
Overall, it is a good story. The audiobook was narrated well, and I really loved a large majority of the book.
ARC Review
4 STARS
I did enjoy this book overall. The opening was amazing - great tension, angst, will they get caught moments. I couldn’t get enough, but then it died a bit for me at the end.
Jase and Farrah have insane chemistry for a large majority of this book. It sucks you in. The forbidden nature, the sneaking around keeps readers engaged and heightens all the emotion. The climax of the story is explosive. I was sent reeling. REELING.
Unfortunately, for me, the falling action and resolution of the story lost steam for me. Strictly speaking of plot and pacing, it was fine, no glaring issues, but it lost that steam and angst for me. Parts of the resolution seemed to kind of fall into place for how explosive the opening was. It almost seemed like two different stories.
Overall, it is a good story. The audiobook was narrated well, and I really loved a large majority of the book.
ARC Review
April 20, 2022
4.5 stars
I listened to this in one day. Cute romance. Farrah has a crush on her brothers best friend but her brothers a tad over protective. Plus Jayce is a few years older.
I'd classify this as friends to lovers then second chance romance.
Set in Florida it's also the story of 2 families. Jayces and Farrahs families.
Classic Penelope Ward story telling. Working my way through all of her books.
I listened to this in one day. Cute romance. Farrah has a crush on her brothers best friend but her brothers a tad over protective. Plus Jayce is a few years older.
I'd classify this as friends to lovers then second chance romance.
Set in Florida it's also the story of 2 families. Jayces and Farrahs families.
Classic Penelope Ward story telling. Working my way through all of her books.
February 25, 2021
This one was a dud. I liked the premise but that quickly faded after chapter 2. So much potential but the writing was not great, the characters were dull and lacked any bit of chemistry. I didn’t like the writing style, the way the characters were writing and what they were saying. These were some uninteresting characters with serious issues that you’d think would be more memorable and impactful. It seemed like everyone was going through the motion to get to the end result. No buildup, no angst, no feeling- just very performative. This book put the nail in the coffin as I realize Ms. Ward’s books are hard to read and getting progressively worse. PS. I am no longer going to fall for the gorgeous cover models that suck me in.
March 12, 2021
4.5★★★★Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Farrah Spade met Jace Muldoon have known each other since six years of age. Farrah always had a crush on Jace since, the older she got the stronger the crush.
“I didn’t want to want him. I just did.”
Jace always felt unworthy of Farrah crush but when they both grew up he couldn’t resist his attraction towards her. As much as he tried to fight it, it was too much.
”This felt like a runaway train. I just hoped it didn’t crash and burn, taking all three of us down with it.”
I absolutely loved this story. The angst was on point, it left me full of feels with butterflies taking me back to my high school days and oh those lovely boy crush days hahaha. I loved Jace and Farrah so much. They both tried to fight so hard what it was obviously impossible which made it more angsty in my opinion giving reader an enjoyable ride and well worth of the sexy scenes. The heat and steam was on point and I loved both of their pain which connected them to each other.
Overall; The Crush was a great read. Is a semi forbidden romance and will be appealing to readers who enjoy second chance romance stories.
...This was a F(BR) with War...
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March 22, 2021
3.5 ⭐'s
Farrah has had a crush on her brother's best friend, Jace, for a very long time.
After college, Jace settles in North Carolina but then his Dad gets sick so he ends up moving back to town and moving in with Nathan (best friend) and Farrah.
Things get intense. All those feelings Farrah thought she was over come back with a vengeance and while Jace has known about the crush, Farrah was always off limits so it was never a thing for him until now.
It gets where they can't stay away from each other so they make a plan. Unfortunately, things don't go the way they want and there's some big drama. They end up not seeing each other for a while.
To be honest, I didn't really care for the first part. I didn't really feel that Jace was sincere and some of his reasonings were wonky. And it felt that Farrah was a bit too immature for the situation...she definitely needed to mellow out.
The second part was much better even though the drama was predictable. However, I liked how everyone was making better decisions - for the most part.
Also, I never really warmed up to Nathan. He was a jerk but I hated what happened to him. I felt it was a bit awkward and that my feelings were forced to soften towards him because of that.
The ending and epilogue was sweet even if things were bumbled. It seemed like it was supposed to be funny but it was just a bit cringey instead.
Farrah has had a crush on her brother's best friend, Jace, for a very long time.
After college, Jace settles in North Carolina but then his Dad gets sick so he ends up moving back to town and moving in with Nathan (best friend) and Farrah.
Things get intense. All those feelings Farrah thought she was over come back with a vengeance and while Jace has known about the crush, Farrah was always off limits so it was never a thing for him until now.
It gets where they can't stay away from each other so they make a plan. Unfortunately, things don't go the way they want and there's some big drama. They end up not seeing each other for a while.
To be honest, I didn't really care for the first part. I didn't really feel that Jace was sincere and some of his reasonings were wonky. And it felt that Farrah was a bit too immature for the situation...she definitely needed to mellow out.
The second part was much better even though the drama was predictable. However, I liked how everyone was making better decisions - for the most part.
Also, I never really warmed up to Nathan. He was a jerk but I hated what happened to him. I felt it was a bit awkward and that my feelings were forced to soften towards him because of that.
The ending and epilogue was sweet even if things were bumbled. It seemed like it was supposed to be funny but it was just a bit cringey instead.
April 5, 2021
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 2 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
i’m not gonna write a review cause I’m not feeling it, but i just wanna say... this wasn’t great. zero chemistry and jace had zero personality.
i’m not gonna write a review cause I’m not feeling it, but i just wanna say... this wasn’t great. zero chemistry and jace had zero personality.
Read
March 4, 2021DNF %25 🤦🏼♀️
February 11, 2021
Pack your bags; you're going on an emotional guilt trip. Penelope Ward's The Crush isn't your typical "best friend's little sister is off-limits" romance. Farrah's life-long and wicked obsession with Jace, her brother's best friend, might cause everyone around them to crash and burn.
Penelope Ward dialed up the angst with the ideal amount of heart and heat in The Crush. I loved Jace and Farrah. They were perfectly imperfect with all of their emotional baggage. This book wasn't a hearts and flowers romance wrapped up in a perfect bow. Farrah and Jace's journey to find happiness and come to terms with a life-changing event crushed my heart at times. The Crush was a binge-worthy page-turner! Bravo Penelope!
Apple Books ➜ http://apple.co/3aK3DWZ
Paperback ➜ https://amzn.to/3qytN3t
Audio ➜ https://amzn.to/2OpCjnD
February 26, 2021
What are those on the floor? Oh. Those are my eyes that rolled right out of my head through more than 80% of this story. Predictable with two main characters I couldn't stand. Farrah the single minded obsessive tease and Jace the forbidden brother's friend and serial dater that you know is going to give in. Lame ass dialog and PREDICTABLE. I started skimming just to get through what I already knew was gonna happen.
Hated the way both main characters treated the "beards" they used and discarded while making sex eyes at each other while with other people. The last 20% of the story was the the inevitable fix to get to the HEA. Again.... eye rolling predictable.
Hated the way both main characters treated the "beards" they used and discarded while making sex eyes at each other while with other people. The last 20% of the story was the the inevitable fix to get to the HEA. Again.... eye rolling predictable.
April 10, 2021
Últimamente escogiendo libros aburridos.
Pues nada.. MEEEH!!
Nunca espero nada de Penelope Ward y siempre me termina decepcionando.
Siempre con su misma fórmula aburrida del 2014, de second chance, él/ella lo deja, años después se rencuentran y uno de ellos tiene novio/a , ay yo odio eso.
Pues nada.. MEEEH!!
Nunca espero nada de Penelope Ward y siempre me termina decepcionando.
Siempre con su misma fórmula aburrida del 2014, de second chance, él/ella lo deja, años después se rencuentran y uno de ellos tiene novio/a , ay yo odio eso.
February 23, 2021
4 1/2 stars
Not the biggest fan of a sibling interfering with your love life story but still a good read. Had all kind of love for Jace and his guilt about the past and the book gave me a few sniffles.
Not the biggest fan of a sibling interfering with your love life story but still a good read. Had all kind of love for Jace and his guilt about the past and the book gave me a few sniffles.
March 4, 2021
I would give this book a glowing 5 stars if it's not for the book giving me the same vibe of Stepbrother Dearest...
February 19, 2021
This best friend's brother, forbidden romance gave me the ANGST!!!
They have history. He's been her brother's best friend forever. She's had a crush on him since she was twelve. When he went off to college, she was able to let go of her obsession, but he's back.
Now that Farrah's all grown up, a six year age difference doesn't seem so bad. Her crush from the past is now her roommate. Her brother lost his job and they needed some help paying the mortgage. So, since Jace has moved back home to help out his dad, the arrangement seemed perfect. Now that old crush has been renewed and it's stronger than ever.
A relationship between them is forbidden. Her brother Nathan would not be happy. It would ruin everything. Jace has a reputation for loving 'em and leaving. Relationships have never been his thing. Farrah is not even sure if the attraction is mutual until she realizes it totally is. Farrah can't help put push him to the brink because all she has ever wanted to Jace. He does his best to deny the attraction until he can't.
Sneaking around sounds hot but it's only a matter of time until everything blows up.
This was definitely an emotionally charged story of forbidden love. Jace and Farrah carry with them a truckload of baggage. It's weighing them down. This story was not a fairy tale. It touched on loss and family struggles, bad decisions and the consequences of them. The author does not sugar coat their struggles or the heartache you'll feel. I had to take some breaks because witnessing these characters struggle was heart-wrenching. Farrah smiles through her pain, but she never quits. Jace always put family first and makes hard decisions even when it hurts him the most. Their road is tough but they'll find their way.
This is a story that is honest in it's telling of the sad side of life, but it also is a reminder to live your life the way you want and to find your happiness.
They have history. He's been her brother's best friend forever. She's had a crush on him since she was twelve. When he went off to college, she was able to let go of her obsession, but he's back.
Now that Farrah's all grown up, a six year age difference doesn't seem so bad. Her crush from the past is now her roommate. Her brother lost his job and they needed some help paying the mortgage. So, since Jace has moved back home to help out his dad, the arrangement seemed perfect. Now that old crush has been renewed and it's stronger than ever.
A relationship between them is forbidden. Her brother Nathan would not be happy. It would ruin everything. Jace has a reputation for loving 'em and leaving. Relationships have never been his thing. Farrah is not even sure if the attraction is mutual until she realizes it totally is. Farrah can't help put push him to the brink because all she has ever wanted to Jace. He does his best to deny the attraction until he can't.
Sneaking around sounds hot but it's only a matter of time until everything blows up.
This was definitely an emotionally charged story of forbidden love. Jace and Farrah carry with them a truckload of baggage. It's weighing them down. This story was not a fairy tale. It touched on loss and family struggles, bad decisions and the consequences of them. The author does not sugar coat their struggles or the heartache you'll feel. I had to take some breaks because witnessing these characters struggle was heart-wrenching. Farrah smiles through her pain, but she never quits. Jace always put family first and makes hard decisions even when it hurts him the most. Their road is tough but they'll find their way.
This is a story that is honest in it's telling of the sad side of life, but it also is a reminder to live your life the way you want and to find your happiness.
May 24, 2021
I don't know how to rate this book, because is so meh. I know that in a few weeks I'll have forgotten that I read this :(
This is a brother's best friend book (I hate this trope), she sees him and then the book goes back three years. The first half of the book is when they started having feelings for each other, the rest was in the present, and the present was so much better!
Idk what else to say about this book, in the present he's dating this girl but in the scene, we met her they break up, the h is also dating but her boyfriend is an asshole.
This is a brother's best friend book (I hate this trope), she sees him and then the book goes back three years. The first half of the book is when they started having feelings for each other, the rest was in the present, and the present was so much better!
Idk what else to say about this book, in the present he's dating this girl but in the scene, we met her they break up, the h is also dating but her boyfriend is an asshole.
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