Crushed
Redemption • Book Three
🔥 Steamy
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.
Crushed
Chloe & Michael
🔥 Steamy
Trope: Friends-to-Lovers, Grumpy-Sunshine
An Ugly Duckling Retelling
“I couldn’t stop smiling. I hated that the book had to end! Lauren Layne is a force to be reckoned with, and I can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve next!”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken
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?
about the story
if you're wondering...
Is this book for me?
This is New Adult! The characters are in college and act much younger than my other books.
The lightest book of the series by far—maybe lightest of all my books. Think banter and the feel-good romance of young love.
If you love The Ugly Duckling this book was deliberately written as a modern spin on that story.
Chloe is outspoken sunshine, Michael is moody with a chip on his shoulder.
🔥 This book is steamy with explicit sex scenes.
Content warning: A weight loss journey is at the heart of this story.
I TRY TO BE AS UPFRONT AS POSSIBLE ABOUT EACH OF MY BOOKS. EVERYONE HAS UNIQUE PREFERENCES!
reviews & praise
“I couldn’t stop smiling. I hated that the book had to end! Lauren Layne is a force to be reckoned with, and I can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve next!”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken
“I read Crushed in one sitting because I was utterly unable to put it down. Lauren Layne’s characters are so witty and real. This story warmed my heart and left me feeling good all day. Go Team Curvy Girls!”—New York Times bestselling author Courtney Cole
“Prepare to fall in love. Lauren Layne takes your hand, brings you into her world, and introduces you to a loud, vivacious, very hilarious, and often inappropriate heroine—and the broken hero who never saw her coming.”—Cecy Robson, author of the Shattered Past series
“Filled with humor and heart, Crushed draws you in with an unlikely friendship turned steamy romance as Chloe and Michael turn imperfections into flawless love.”—Renita Pizzitola, author of Just a Little Flirt
“From beginning to end, I was totally engaged in this fantastic read. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to read more of Ms. Layne’s titles ASAP.”—The Romance Reviews
“Honestly, I’m not sure if Layne could write a book I wouldn’t absolutely love. The only bad part about reading Crushed was finishing it and not wanting to read anything else . . . except maybe another Lauren Layne book. Now to try be patient until her next one comes out.”—Amanda’s Daily Grind
“I would recommend this author to anyone looking for a funny and romantic, yet emotional read.”—EscapeNBooks
“Crushed is filled with priceless banter, humor and sexual tension! This is one of those books that you can and will devour in one night. It is a great friends-to-lovers read that will have you rooting for this couple to let go and move forward!”—Rude Girl Book Blog
“I loved this book so much that I reread it immediately.”—Will Read for Feels
“I’ll keep my eyes on any other book by Layne. I really recommend this book to you guys. It’s so good and very fast to read.”—Fairen Reads
“This story was sweet and funny and something I would suggest for people who love friends (enemies) to lover stories.”—Fiction Fangirls
“This series holds a place deep in my heart, and I will likely re-read all three books over and over again until I have them all memorized.”—Star-Crossed Book Blog
“I really, really, really, really enjoyed Crushed and there’s no doubt I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. I was disappointed to see it end.”—The YA Bookshelf
“Believe me people, you want to read this book. It’s just so damn good. Seriously, buy this book!”—Ramblings from This Chick
“I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone who wants to dive into a story with amazing characters, a great storyline and fantastic writing.”—The Book Hookup
Excerpt
“Let’s see the swimsuit. I’ll tell you whether it’s a go or no-go.”
“No!” I say. The very thought of disrobing in front of Michael is unthinkable.
“Come on, I’m not asking as a dude. I’m asking as your personal trainer.”
“Oh, gosh, well, in that case, let me just go ahead and get naked,” I mutter, pulling out my bronzer compact.
New Adult Fairy Tales
Redemption
Early in my career, my publisher asked if I would consider writing in the New Adult genre that was super popular at the time. I said sure—if I could do it my way, a touch lighter than the typical genre.
The result is three fairy-tale inspired new adult roamnces!
❗️This series is not available as a paperback or print version. Penguin Random House controls the print rights, and has declined to make a paperback available for my readers.
The New Adult genre features late teen/early twenty characters. Please note that these books read much differently than most of my other books!
🔥 steamy
