Crushed by Lauren Layne

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?

How many times do we see people go down the wrong road because they're so focussed on one thing? Way too often. This is totally one of those instances. Chloe is so focussed on a thing of her past that she's on the fast track to losing anything that may just be right in front of her! Ahhh. We all know where this goes. 

Then we have Michael who's just been thrown the biggest curve ball of his life. He leaves everything he's ever known and turns a new page in Texas, hoping to discover more about himself and his new-to-him past whilst sorting himself out. He thinks he's got everything under control and figured out but it seems like Texas has a lot more in store for him than he expects. As things continue to go this way and that way for him in Texas, is Michael able to get what he relocated his entire life for?

I found Crushed to be a lot more amusing than I expected it to be. This is mostly due to Chloe and her humourous nature. It keeps things in balance as she keeps things light while the issues that Michael deals with are, seemingly, a whole lot darker. Definitely an enjoyable and easy read--the main plotline is interesting enough to keep my interest and the banter between Chloe and Michael keeps the story going at a good pace.