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Crookstown
“I’m telling you the truth,” Dex said. “It seems like you never heard a lot of that before.”
The truth? Ok, sure, here it Lulu is young and beautiful, she’s living in a great city, she has the world at her feet. Her life is amazing!
Or…well, there might be another truth, and this one kind of Lulu is alone because her boyfriend dumped her and she doesn’t have any friends because other women hate her. Her parents hate her. Her boss Dex hates her.
And she hates Dex right back. She hates working in his dirty bar, that’s for sure. The Crookstown is a terrible place and as soon as she can, she’s going to move on. Move up, in fact, to all the better things that the world surely has in store for her, and Dex certainly won’t be a part of that. There’s really nothing good about him, because besides owning the terrible Crookstown, he has a car that’s falling apart, jeans full of holes, and an ex who’s the worst. Yeah, he’s not exactly a catch for a young, hot girl like she is!
But something about him does catch Lulu—something about how he loves his daughter, something about how he takes care of his bar and everyone in it, including her. Maybe things like a nice car and a great wardrobe aren’t actually as important as she has always believed. Dex’s value doesn’t seem to be something she can gauge in her usual ways, and that makes her wonder about her own value, too—and if she needs to make some changes to herself besides the color of her nail polish.
There’s a lot at stake at the Crookstown two hearts are on the line, and maybe a lifetime of happiness.
The truth? Ok, sure, here it Lulu is young and beautiful, she’s living in a great city, she has the world at her feet. Her life is amazing!
Or…well, there might be another truth, and this one kind of Lulu is alone because her boyfriend dumped her and she doesn’t have any friends because other women hate her. Her parents hate her. Her boss Dex hates her.
And she hates Dex right back. She hates working in his dirty bar, that’s for sure. The Crookstown is a terrible place and as soon as she can, she’s going to move on. Move up, in fact, to all the better things that the world surely has in store for her, and Dex certainly won’t be a part of that. There’s really nothing good about him, because besides owning the terrible Crookstown, he has a car that’s falling apart, jeans full of holes, and an ex who’s the worst. Yeah, he’s not exactly a catch for a young, hot girl like she is!
But something about him does catch Lulu—something about how he loves his daughter, something about how he takes care of his bar and everyone in it, including her. Maybe things like a nice car and a great wardrobe aren’t actually as important as she has always believed. Dex’s value doesn’t seem to be something she can gauge in her usual ways, and that makes her wonder about her own value, too—and if she needs to make some changes to herself besides the color of her nail polish.
There’s a lot at stake at the Crookstown two hearts are on the line, and maybe a lifetime of happiness.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 18, 2023
Loved this one so much, it even surprised me because I don’t typically like bratty heroines but Lulu won me over, there was no way around it. And that’s all due to the talent the author has creating such amazing characters every time she writes a story ♥️
April 15, 2023
This was one of Jamie Bennett’s better books. At first, the heroine is hard to warm up to because she seems like an immature teenager even though she is in her mid-20s but then eventually it’s revealed that there’s a reason for her behavior. As she becomes aware of why she makes some of her decisions, she becomes the person that she is meant to be. It takes a long time for anything to become physical or even romantic with the H; however, their friendship is worth reading about.
If you have any sort of dislike of new adult books you are going to dislike this heroine and feel like this book is not worth reading. Her immaturity can be grating. Again, though, the overall story is quite sweet and there are some legitimately funny moments.
I have to add in that this author really doesn’t write sexy sex scenes. I normally don’t have strong feelings about sex scenes, unless they are jarring in some way, and this book was almost like an instruction manual, in terms of places being touched, and things being done, and reactions being had.
If you have any sort of dislike of new adult books you are going to dislike this heroine and feel like this book is not worth reading. Her immaturity can be grating. Again, though, the overall story is quite sweet and there are some legitimately funny moments.
I have to add in that this author really doesn’t write sexy sex scenes. I normally don’t have strong feelings about sex scenes, unless they are jarring in some way, and this book was almost like an instruction manual, in terms of places being touched, and things being done, and reactions being had.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
Crookstown is an amazing Gem!! Lulu is Lulu she starts out living up to her nickname of Brat! As her values change from nail polish, clothes, fancy car and moving up in life. We have lots of OMG Lulu to laughter to that oh my smile. Jamie Bennett has given us a truly loveable story both Dex and Lulu have their own family issues. Sometimes love is right there in front of you in old tee shirts and paint-stained jeans. This story has amazing characters that linger, Lulu is short in stature but her heart for her Crookstown tavern family is huge as she grows up. Dex is a man of many responsibilities, but Lulu just might be what Dex needs. If I could give this story 10 stars I would! As always a loveable reread story from Jamie Bennett!
March 7, 2023
Absolutely loved this book!!! The talent of Jamie Bennett is incredible! Definitely in my top 5 Jamie books
March 6, 2023
It's a character that was the villain in a prior book and she moved away from the northern Michigan town she was from to the city of Detroit....to Crosstown bar. It's a little grim of a bar with interesting characters. Our main character, Lulu, is complex and irritating, and sometimes funny. Her waitressing skills are the worst and she butts into everyone's life.
I have to admit she's not everyone's cup of tea nor the Detroit lifestyle easy to understand but its story does have a satisfying conclusion and therefore you're glad you got in on Crosstown bar.
I have to admit she's not everyone's cup of tea nor the Detroit lifestyle easy to understand but its story does have a satisfying conclusion and therefore you're glad you got in on Crosstown bar.
July 19, 2023
I enjoyed it, but I wish the couple got together sooner or we would see more of them as a couple.
I thought I would hate the heroine who was very spoiled, but you could not help but love her. The minute she was kind to Ally, that was it. I knew she was a heroine whom I would love.
My only complaint is that I think that Dex will run and provide everything for his deceitful ex-wife the minute she calls.
I thought I would hate the heroine who was very spoiled, but you could not help but love her. The minute she was kind to Ally, that was it. I knew she was a heroine whom I would love.
My only complaint is that I think that Dex will run and provide everything for his deceitful ex-wife the minute she calls.
October 13, 2024
4-4.5 ⭐️
Crookstown's heroine was Lulu, who we first met in this author's book The Takeaway and then again (to a lesser degree) in The Wrong Track. Technically this book does standalone, but I'm sure everyone would enjoy it more if they read those others first, especially the former.
This author has a talent for showing the growth of a character and that was never more evident than with Lulu, who was an antagonist sort of character in the other books, not liked by most for her selfish schemes and immaturity, and we get to witness her growing up in Crookstown, and creating a family for herself with new characters she meets when forcing herself into a job at a dusty old bar in Detroit, where she knows no one.
As usual, the heroine's journey to finding herself is interwoven with a slow and sweet romance, and this one in particular was very enjoyable with the way they sparked and argued with one another all the way through. Again, no steam in these books (one brief scene at the end doesn't count on my scale), but the magic is in the story for this author, and this one was another gem. I always read these books so quickly compared to others; I find them that engaging.
Crookstown's heroine was Lulu, who we first met in this author's book The Takeaway and then again (to a lesser degree) in The Wrong Track. Technically this book does standalone, but I'm sure everyone would enjoy it more if they read those others first, especially the former.
This author has a talent for showing the growth of a character and that was never more evident than with Lulu, who was an antagonist sort of character in the other books, not liked by most for her selfish schemes and immaturity, and we get to witness her growing up in Crookstown, and creating a family for herself with new characters she meets when forcing herself into a job at a dusty old bar in Detroit, where she knows no one.
As usual, the heroine's journey to finding herself is interwoven with a slow and sweet romance, and this one in particular was very enjoyable with the way they sparked and argued with one another all the way through. Again, no steam in these books (one brief scene at the end doesn't count on my scale), but the magic is in the story for this author, and this one was another gem. I always read these books so quickly compared to others; I find them that engaging.
December 14, 2023
Adorable. Though the age-gap squicked me out a bit in this one, with Lulu only being 23, and not in anyway a mature 23 with lots of life experience. I ignored the problematic possibilities with that kind of pairing on the basis of it being fiction, but it did hover in the back of my mind.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t recall who Lulu was from a previous book until almost halfway through, but instead of taking away from the story, I think that blind spot was probably for the best. After all, I hated Lulu, as we were meant to. But what does Jamie Bennett do best? She takes characters with the worst flaws and makes us love and root for them!
I really liked Dex, too, and getting to see him grow as well. All around enjoyable, which should come as no surprise with this author.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t recall who Lulu was from a previous book until almost halfway through, but instead of taking away from the story, I think that blind spot was probably for the best. After all, I hated Lulu, as we were meant to. But what does Jamie Bennett do best? She takes characters with the worst flaws and makes us love and root for them!
I really liked Dex, too, and getting to see him grow as well. All around enjoyable, which should come as no surprise with this author.
March 7, 2023
Here’s a thing- Kristen Ashley, Tijan, Meghan Quinn, what’s the common denominator……you know who your reading without reading the cover.
Jamie Bennett - one click author for me- is the same. This book continues her quirky, slow burn- fun and beautifully written brand of gentle personal awareness with a side of hot and sexy!
Beauty meets grumpy.
The plot line is more than the blurb and I urge you to read it.
As always with her books 100% recommend.
Jamie Bennett - one click author for me- is the same. This book continues her quirky, slow burn- fun and beautifully written brand of gentle personal awareness with a side of hot and sexy!
Beauty meets grumpy.
The plot line is more than the blurb and I urge you to read it.
As always with her books 100% recommend.
April 12, 2023
I was a little hesitant going into this book because the h was basically a villain in a past JB book, but I ended up LOVING this story. I loved the grumpy hero, all the quirky side characters including the bar itself which totally felt like a character of its own, and I especially loved the heroine’s growth and change. Like all JB books, this one is hilarious and heartwarming, but still gritty and real with strong brave characters and a satisfying HEA. My top book of 2023 so far.
October 19, 2024
This was so sweet. A slow burn with a self absorbed (at first) woman and a grumpy single dad with a lot of problems.
I loved how this book showed Lulu grow and become less self absorbed and aware. The dynamic with her and Ally was so nice.
Do I wish this had progressed a little quicker with Lulu and Dex? Absolutely. It was like the last 5% of the book. That’s slow burn to the max.
The single sex scene was good though.
I enjoyed this so much.
I loved how this book showed Lulu grow and become less self absorbed and aware. The dynamic with her and Ally was so nice.
Do I wish this had progressed a little quicker with Lulu and Dex? Absolutely. It was like the last 5% of the book. That’s slow burn to the max.
The single sex scene was good though.
I enjoyed this so much.
August 24, 2023
Utterly charming
When I started this it took a while to get used to the rhythm. I thought Lulu was incredibly annoying, but that was ok she was meant to be obnoxious. By the end I adored her. I’ve never read a Jamie Bennet book before, so now I’m going to go back and read some more. I hope they’re all as quirky as this one.
When I started this it took a while to get used to the rhythm. I thought Lulu was incredibly annoying, but that was ok she was meant to be obnoxious. By the end I adored her. I’ve never read a Jamie Bennet book before, so now I’m going to go back and read some more. I hope they’re all as quirky as this one.
February 13, 2025
Liked this book but I will say nothing could ever beat the woodsmen football series and speaking of that another thing I love is how connects Jamie Bennett stories are. Like how lulu was the same girl in the book the takeaway!! She is tobins ex girlfriend/ girlfriend in that book.
April 25, 2025
.
Couldn’t stand Lulu!
She grew on me a little at the end but my god almost a whole book of her saying how’s she’s the most beautiful and how petite she is 😩😩😩😩😩 I wanted to stop reading but I soldiered on because I love most of Jamie Bennett’s books.
Couldn’t stand Lulu!
She grew on me a little at the end but my god almost a whole book of her saying how’s she’s the most beautiful and how petite she is 😩😩😩😩😩 I wanted to stop reading but I soldiered on because I love most of Jamie Bennett’s books.
March 5, 2023
1.5 Lulu was so immature. 23 years old? I didn’t like these characters very much, except Alistair, a side character. Hard to believe most everything. I have enjoyed other books by this author.
March 7, 2023
Brilliant
Jamie Bennett does it again read this one in a day couldn’t put it down.
Loved all the quirkiness of the characters. Five stars deserved.
Jamie Bennett does it again read this one in a day couldn’t put it down.
Loved all the quirkiness of the characters. Five stars deserved.
March 12, 2023
Writing style 5 /5
Story 5/5
Romance 4 /5
Steam 1/5
Story 5/5
Romance 4 /5
Steam 1/5
March 28, 2023
I would’ve liked it more if the h wasn’t the ow causing drama in another book. But when I realized this, I already was invested in the plot.
April 15, 2023
Loved the quirky heroine! Amazed that the characters are always so interesting and well-developed in this author’s books.
May 8, 2023
I took me a little time to warm up to Lulu
July 6, 2023
charming offbeat story
i loved how this story unfolded.. it is more about finding yourself and healing, than romance.
really lovely small town feel good
i loved how this story unfolded.. it is more about finding yourself and healing, than romance.
really lovely small town feel good
September 11, 2023
Great heartfelt book, so many laughs!
November 7, 2023
Crookstown is about Lulu and how she improved herself after discovering she had copied some behavioral patterns from her parents. I liked Dex, Maeve, Ally, and Oriana.
July 26, 2024
Pretty good book! The characters are very well thought out. Basically no steam though ;)
December 11, 2024
soooo good
Such a good story and character building. Loved this story. I wasn’t sure about the age gap but it worked out.
Such a good story and character building. Loved this story. I wasn’t sure about the age gap but it worked out.
February 6, 2025
This book was such an unexpected delight! I loved every second of it. I need more of Dex & Lulu!
April 19, 2025
great
I liked this book and author and I liked how it wasn’t a a boring read these words are required
I liked this book and author and I liked how it wasn’t a a boring read these words are required
March 30, 2023
I lie awake at night scheming to get more people to read Jamie Bennett books
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 16, 2023
I have read Jamie Bennett’s entire canon and not a single one has disappointed me. She just keeps getting better, refining her craft. Okay, enough about Jamie, and on to Dex and Lulu. Lulu is the kind of character that makes you squint one eye and pinch your lips together to hold back your exasperation and possibly annoyance. She’s also the kind of character who gets under your skin and makes you want to give her a hug and something sweet (again, Jamie’s specialty!). In Crookstown, we get to see Lulu rise above her parenting, keep her confidence and backbone but learn to fight for the right things, in the right way. We get to see Dex learn to swallow his pride and grow a little backbone, particularly regarding a particular character. And we get a ringside seat to all of this growth as they also grow into a family. Sometimes slow burn novels move so slowly that the romance comes out of left field with no indication of a sexy bond. This is not that kind of book. The love between them grows so organically that it only catches them unawares; but just like the rest of their “found” family, we’re in on the “secret”. Possible spoiler but I don’t think so: I think that they’re so caught up in their personal growth and trying to take care of each other that they still see themselves as the old Lulu and Dex and not quite sure if they’re worthy of the love they seek from the other - a bit Gift of the Magi, if you will. Well, I love a good redemption story- a true and heartfelt reminder to look at those around us with grace colored glasses. If you want to know the old Lulu, you’re just gonna have to read at least two other Jamie Bennett books. And that will lead to more…wink. Good luck getting any sleep.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 16, 2023
I have read Jamie Bennett’s entire canon and not a single one has disappointed me. She just keeps getting better, refining her craft. Okay, enough about Jamie, and on to Dex and Lulu. Lulu is the kind of character that makes you squint one eye and pinch your lips together to hold back your exasperation and possibly annoyance. She’s also the kind of character who gets under your skin and makes you want to give her a hug and something sweet (again, Jamie’s specialty!). In Crookstown, we get to see Lulu rise above her parenting, keep her confidence and backbone but learn to fight for the right things, in the right way. We get to see Dex learn to swallow his pride and grow a little backbone, particularly regarding a particular character. And we get a ringside seat to all of this growth as they also grow into a family. Sometimes slow burn novels move so slowly that the romance comes out of left field with no indication of a sexy bond. This is not that kind of book. The love between them grows so organically that it only catches them unawares; but just like the rest of their “found” family, we’re in on the “secret”. Possible spoiler but I don’t think so: I think that they’re so caught up in their personal growth and trying to take care of each other that they still see themselves as the old Lulu and Dex and not quite sure if they’re worthy of the love they seek from the other - a bit Gift of the Magi, if you will. Well, I love a good redemption story- a true and heartfelt reminder to look at those around us with grace colored glasses. If you want to know the old Lulu, you’re just gonna have to read at least two other Jamie Bennett books. And that will lead to more…wink. Good luck getting any sleep.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews