Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the first book in this series. So far each book can be read as a standalone but parts of this book will make more sense if you read the first one. I have to say I enjoyed the first book a lot more than this one. I had a hard time with Michael at first but maybe that was the intent as part of showing his growth throughout the story. I loved Chloe. She was spunky and quirky and sassy and insecure (all characteristics I've heard about myself). She's probably my favorite female MC in a while but I felt like none of the guys in the book were good enough for her! That being said, I still enjoyed the book but it wasn't the same love I felt for #1. Definitely worth a read. ( )

4.5 stars.

Crushed is a smart and sassy addition to Lauren Layne's marvelous Redemption series. This new adult romance is sweet and witty but it is the characters that make this such a superb read. Although part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, but I HIGHLY recommend the other books in the series as well.

Michael St. Claire left New York after his life fell apart. He fell in love with his best friend's girlfriend, then made the mistake of acting on those feelings and in the end, lost both of the friendships that meant the world to him. To top things off, he then discovered that his parents have been lying about the identity of his father. So Michael moved to Texas to meet his real dad, but six months down the road, he still has not worked up the nerve to confront him. Now he has come up with a rather convoluted plan to use his half-brother Devon's girlfriend Kristin to get close to his biological family. When he meets Kristin's sister Chloe, things become even more complicated when he becomes Chloe's personal trainer so she can get the man of her dreams-Kristin's boyfriend, Devon! I know it sounds like a lot going on, but the story is really quite simple once all of the character's various backstories are explained.

Michael and Chloe are really, really good for one another. Michael is angry and withdrawn but he is no match for bubbly, outgoing Chloe. She is über friendly and talkative with a snarky sense of humor while he is... not. Slowly but surely, Chloe works her way under his skin, gets him to open up and he is pretty surprised by how much he enjoys her company.

Chloe is definitely unenthused about getting off the couch and into the gym, but Michael goads her into taking better care of herself and pretty soon, she begins to see the results of her hard work. Despite the outward changes to her appearance, Chloe remains the same person she has always been and Michael always appreciates her for who she is, not what she looks like.

Michael and Chloe's romance is slow growing and understated for much of the story. Chloe is determined to win Devon's heart and she is taken off guard by her growing attraction to Michael. As for Michael, a relationship is the last thing he wants or thinks he needs, so he tries to ignore his unexpected desire for Chloe. However, both she and Michael are stunned by their reactions when it appears that Chloe has finally succeeded in capturing Devon's attention.

Crushed is an enchanting installment in Lauren Layne's Redemption series. The characters are quite charming and although flawed, they are very easy to like. The storyline is fresh, engaging and delightfully angst free. It is terrific love story that fans of new adult romances are sure to love. ( )

piacevolmente sorpreso ( )

Want to know if the whole series is worth reading? Read my overall review of the whole series at seriesousbookreviews.com! Spoiler Free!

I loved the fun edge to the drama in this book. It's the classic Ugly Ducking story meets the falling-for-the-guy-helping-you-fall-for-the-other-guy situation. Of course there is a lot more at play, but I was sucked into this story immediately and I think it is a great way to wrap up the series.

I immediately fell in love with Chloe in Crushed. SERIOUSLY! I was two sentences into her POV and I knew I was in store for a great character. Her development was also great and complimented her male lead perfectly. Together, they were so much fun to read about. Definitely a standout for me!

I adored the romance in Crushed. It was New Adult PERFECTION in my eyes. It worked really well and it quickly added these two to my favourite couples!
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!

Full Review: http://wp.me/p3txrs-14B
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This was the final book in this series where we finally see the last person in this friend group paired off. I liked Michael's story, maybe more than I liked Olivia's. I did feel like their was actual character development occurring all the way through for both Michael and Chloe. Heck, even for Kristen, Chloe's sister and Devon, her bf. Just good stuff all around.

The ending was a bit... cutesy. There is one of those reunion moments that happen a lot at the end of series like this where everyone gets together again so the reader can have some overall closure. I think it worked pretty well here, though there didn't seem to be much of a reason for it to really happen that way.

Overall, really liked it and want to read more from the author. ( )