Crushed

Genre: New Adult

Series: Redemption, Book Three

Rating: Steamy, with explicit sex scenes

An Ugly Duckling Retelling

Eager to leave past mistakes behind in New York City, Michael starts anew in a small town in Texas where his plans of meeting his biological father put him straight into the path of Chloe, a witty outcast with a plan of her own.

Where to Buy

Ebook — Apple | Nook | Kindle | Kobo

Audiobook — Audible | Apple Books

Paperback — Not available in the US because Penguin Random House owns the print rights and has refused my request to offer a paperback version.

🌎 International — For my readers outside of the US, please check your local retailer. I am unfortunately not always notified of international availability or translations!

“Read in one sitting because I was utterly unable to put it down. Lauren Layne’s characters are so witty and real. ”

—Courtney Cole, NYT Bestselling Author

 More Info

  • • Genre: New Adult

    • Vibe: Very light-hearted, with a quirky, young heroine. Reads like a bit more like a young adult book than some of my others.

    •  Heat Level: Steamy, with explicit sex scenes and adult language. Intended for readers 18+

    •  Featured Couple: Chloe and Michael

    • POV: Alternating first person

    • Tropes: Opposites-Attract, Fake Relationship

    • Reading Order: You may enjoy reading the Redemption series in order (this is book three), but you don’t have to.

  • • Publisher: Penguin Random House

    • Original Publication Date: September 2, 2014

  • 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?