Crushed (A Redemption Novel) - Lauren Layne

After discovering that the man that raised him is not his father, Michael St. Claire, sets out to Cedar Grove, Texas, to meet his biological father. He gets a job working at the local country club where he comes across and becomes interested in, Kristin Bellamy, the girlfriend of his new half-brother, Devon Patterson. Discovering that Kristin’s sister, Chloe, is in love Devon, the two conspire to break them up.

 

I really like Michael. He went through a lot of bad things that made him cynical. He is extremely observant. He is hard on himself. He admits he can be a jerk. Even though he originally had alternative motives that were not really nice. I like that he helps out Chloe. She becomes more confident and healthy. I love that Michael likes the real Chloe: the girl who likes to eat and has wild curly hair. They become true friends.

 

Chloe is the best. Her humor had me laughing throughout the book. I felt bad that Chloe was always interested in her childhood best friend, Devon, even before he became popular. Then to make matters worse, her sister to end up dated him; that would be a difficult situation to be around. Chloe is a really great girl.

 

So many of the characters show tremendous growth throughout this novel. Lauren Layne did a phenomenal job with her character development. We really get to know and become invested in the individuals.

 

The plot was interesting and well done. It had a little of everything: mystery, romance, drama, humor. I really love the ending. This is the first book I have read by Lauren Layne. I enjoy her writing style. It has good flow and details.

 

Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.