The Crush

Penelope Ward

Feb 2021 · Penelope Ward Books, Inc.

About this ebook

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone, second-chance story of forbidden love…

It’s natural to want the one you can’t have. And for as long as I could remember, I’d secretly wanted my brother’s best friend, Jace.

He was six years older and always treated me like the sister he never had.

Fast forward a decade.

We were all in our twenties now. Jace had moved in with my brother, Nathan, and me to help us make ends meet after our parents died.

It was just the three of us—an odd family dynamic.

Living under our roof, Jace was as bossy and protective as ever.

But he certainly didn’t look at me like a sister anymore. That was what made things so complicated.

I was pretty much hot and bothered twenty-four-seven.

And he was torn.

The signs were subtle, at first. Like on movie night, I’d casually rest my leg against his, and he wouldn’t exactly shift away.

Still, I assumed he would never…go there.

Nathan would kill us.

The knowledge of that wasn’t enough to stop the inevitable, though.

Eventually our slow burn exploded.

But more than the physical attraction, we’d developed a strong connection.

We just couldn’t get caught, right?

That sounded simple.

Until it wasn’t.

This is a story of forbidden love, broken trust, and an unexpected second chance.

Ratings and reviews

4.5 Stars for The Crush. If Friends to Lovers romance look no further than The Crush by Penelope Ward. Jace and Nathan have been best friends for many years and throughout that time Farrah has always there, always following her brother Nathan and his best friend Jace around, problem is as Farrah has grown so has the crush she has hid for so many years. Jace is back home to look after the family business and he suddenly realises Farrah is no longer a little girl, she is now a stunning woman but she is still Nathan’s little sister so will he risk the friendship to follow his heart... The Crush is a beautifully written love story but it’s not all sweetness and light at times it’s an emotional roller coaster, the journey for Jace and Farrah is not an easy one, this couple have a few bumps and a few twists and turns along the way but I was so glad I joined them on their journey. This book has the perfect mix of love, drama and emotional baggage, it captivated me and I was left wanting more. Another great emotional read from the very talented Ms Ward.

4.5 Star review of The Crush by Penelope Ward I fear I have yet another new book boyfriend; I fell hard for Jace in this friends to lovers story in this latest release from Penelope Ward. Jace has been best friends with Nathan for years and always seen Farrah more like a sister.The attraction that slowly builds between Jace and Farrah is set to ignite. Farrah has wanted him for years but Jace has never seen her as anything but Nathan’s sister. It appears that Jace is beginning to notice that Farrah has grown up and the repercussions will affect more than just themselves. Not only is their attraction heating up, but these two have a deep connection, one that is hard to break and believe me , it will be tested. This is a story of love, friendship and second chances. The Crush was at times an emotional roller coast of a read and the journey that they took was rocky, with some angst and emotional baggage that needed to be dealt with, but it was worth it in the end. Another well written and strong story from Ms.Ward which will draw out the emotions.

The Crush is not like your typical falling in love with your brother’s best friend story I have ever read. This one is filled with so many emotions. Tears of joy as well as tears of sadness. Happiness and grief. There are not enough words to describe how I felt reading Farrah and Jace’s story. Glued to every word from the first until the last. I could not put this book down. Let alone the fact that Jace was Nathan’s best friend, Jace was also carrying emotions regarding Nathan and Farrah’s parents murder and the fact that Farrah is 6 years younger than him. When he went away to college, she was so young but when he returned years later, she was totally different, all grown up. But how could he act on his attraction. Nathan would never understand. There is just so much going on with their story I do not want to give anything away. But all I can say is that this will be the best “best friend’s sister” story you will ever read. Get the tissues ready for those emotional scenes and be ready to be amazed at this incredible story.

About the author

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty books. Her novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.