Working with Her Crush

by Reese Ryan

She wants to the restore the ranch to its former glory. He needs to sell it to save his company. Old crushes and new secrets clash in the first title of the  Willowvale saga by fan-favorite Reese Ryan!

An inheritance stirs up old resentments…

And revives undeniable sparks.

Dray Walker is devastated when tech entrepreneur Kahlil Anderson inherits the horse ranch she’s managed for years. Her friend (and secret crush) left town decades ago without looking back, and now Kahlil, whose tech skills do not apply to thoroughbreds, needs her help.

As feelings from the past resurface, a shared business trip leads to a spectacular night of passion. But when she discovers Kahlil’s plans, will Dray be able to forgive him…again?

Harlequin Desire transports you to the luxurious worlds of American tycoons, ranchers and family dynasties. Get ready for bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.

You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance , part of the  Willowvale 

Book 1: Working with Her Crush by Reese Ryan
Book 2: A Bet Between Friends by Jules Bennett
Book 3: Breaking the Bad Boy’s Rules by Reese Ryan
Book 4: Their White-Hot Christmas by Jules Bennett

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2023

About the author

Vivian Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction set in small Southern towns. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama.

Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.

Reviews

[FFM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Reese Ryan's books and I found myself loving this book! As childhood friends to lovers go, I love Kahlil and Dray's journey back to each other and confront their feelings about one another. Draya lives and breathes her job which is horse ranching and believed she was going to inherit it when the former owner who was also her mentor passed away. Kahlil is a tech whiz and entrepreneur who struggled with a personal betrayal and all of a sudden learned that he was inheriting the horse ranch where he used to work as a teenager with his best friend Draya. I loved Dray's boldness and transparency throughout the book and Kahlil's sexy, confident nerdy self is right up my alley. There is a tragedy that the story touches upon that isn't revealed until later on in the book which explains the 18-year separation. I loved that Kahlil's familial dynamics were explored which led to a touching scene between Kahlil and his father that healed him and spurred him to accept his father's love again. I'm always excited for a new Reese Ryan book and looking forward to the next one in this series.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delectable characters with addictive backstories! Loving this premise already! Reese Ryan is kicking off a four book Desire series with fellow author Jules Bennett with the first book in Dynasties: Willowvale and I'm exciting to see what the series holds. Andraya and Kahlil had my interest peaked quickly and as secrets are uncovered and trust pushed to the limit, we get to the heart of the story and all it entails. I loved the characters, their connection and their love story as it all played out. I'm looking forward to more to come in the series!

Dray is a sweetheart, and the hurt she feels from both her former best friend and the father figure she has respected for all of these years sets the story on a path of healing.

Kahlil is a little less straightforward as he keeps secrets and isn't as forthcoming as Dray, but I liked his character none-the-less.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a drama filled romance with attention grabbing characters who instantly have us hooked on how their story is going to play out.

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working with Her Crush is the first of the Dynasties: Willowvale series. This is the story of Kahlil and Dray who were childhood friends but when Kahlil left, Dray was devastated because she had a secret crush. Kahlil never planned to return to Willowvale but with his business in jeopardy, an unexpected inheritance seems to be the answer until he reconnects with Dray and realizes how important the ranch is to her. Dray is upset that Hank left the ranch that she has managed to Kahlil but when he returns, she thinks that this will be a new beginning until he reveals he is planning to sell the ranch. As they begin to work together to get the ranch in prime condition, old feelings come to light but they will both have to decide if love is enough to overcome the past. This is a wonderful beginning to the new series.

[Selena Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kahlil x Andraya’s story was sickeningly sweet. It gave you all of the hallmark romance movie vibes with a lil’ oomph. These two were childhood best friends who meet again due to not so great circumstances. During this time they’re able to reflect on their past, and how to move forward to present-day. They are able to overcome the obstacles together. You get good drama and a bit of mystery as well!

She needs to give my guy a meal from red lobster, I’m just saying. Really enjoyed this.

Trigger warning: mentions of death, grief and chronic disease

Thanks to Reese Ryan for the ARC and opportunity to read Working with Her Crush. All thoughts are my own

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kahill Anderson unexpectedly inherits a ranch. Dray Walker devastated when the owner gives the ranch to Kahill. Dray has been the manager for the ranch. Kahil is also the man she has had a crush on. They find a way to work together to remodel the ranch. Dray and Kahill also repaired their friendship. Kahill also finally talked to his father and had conversation about things that happened in the past. Loved the Karma for Kahill's ex-wife and his former partner in business. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm kind of bumbed that this will be one of the last books from this author through the publisher, but that just means hopefully she will land somewhere else. This is one of my favorite reads from this author. I love the way she crafts her characters and how they grow throughout the story. A mix of romance, drama and mystery that is well done. I have enjoyed every book I've read from the author and am excited to see what she comes up with next.

[Antionette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Always Wins

Beautifully written friends to lovers story with twist and turns that make you happy and sad. Kahl and Draya were destined for each other since elementary school. This couples second chance at friendship and first go round of love is gripping and attention grabbing. So glad they found HEA with each other.
Great job Reese Ryan!

[Mariann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feelings

Seems like it was always meant to be only they never saw it or was it they never paid attention. So much love amongst two people and to have it for 20 years and never have an opportunity to act on it. I’m so glad they found each other again and it really was what Hank wanted all along.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quartet of novels brings super successful men back to their hometown to recognize what truly matters in live: love. Each will keep you engaged from page one to the well-deserved HEA at THE END. Must reads for fans of both authors and great storytelling.

[Nicole Scoggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love friends to lovers

Dray and Kahl earn their happy ending. Reese Ryan delivers another sexy page-turning tale. This story has it all including food and family, intrigue, sex, money, and horses. Must read.

[Nana Prah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendship, unrequited love, betrayal, and reunion. Former best friends Andraya and Khalil find themselves together again rekindling a relationship that had died. The sparks fly between as they rediscover each other.

[Harlequin Books]

Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance, African American & Black Romance
Miniseries
Dynasties: Willowvale (Book #1)

[KAREN MCCRAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

That sly fox

Andraya had crushed on Khalil most of her life then he left for college. Khalil is back and life as they know it may never be the same. Good read.

[Ava Smith-forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took Andraya Walker and Kahill Anderson twenty years to admit to each other what everyone in both their families always knew.

[Tushula Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Another good one! You simply have to read this book! Andreya and Khalil deserved their happily ever after! Old Hank set that in motion & they deserved it!

[Johnathan Royal · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

I love it. Reese always does a fabulous job with her books. The chemistry between Khalil and Andraya was spectacular

[Joyce Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love cowboys!

No, Kahlil isn't a cowboy. But he could be. Coming back home to Willowvale changed his life. X-Ray made every thing fall into place. A very good book.

[Jemi Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
Reese Ryan always creates characters I adore and plots that draw me in.

[Veronica Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reese Ryan has proven again why I love her. I felt the connection and chemistry between Dray and Kahlil from the start. When Kahlil returns to Willowvale Springs his not exactly forthcoming about everything his keeping secrets. Dray is kindhearted but she feels hurt by her former best friend and the father figure she has respected for years is a wonderful kick off to this collaboration with Jules Bennett. As Dray and Kahlil work on their issues he makes amends with his father and these two realize they want more. Love the HEA it was awesome. If you love a great collaboration with two awesome authors, you can't go wrong with this one check it out. Thank you, Reese, for ARC!

[Belinda]

Dray is so upset that Hank didn't leave her the ranch. She just knows whoever it is will sell them out. Who got the ranch but her Kong lost friend Khal. She us shocked and upset Hank gave the ranch to him. She finds out what he is going to do to the ranch and begs him to let her buy it. They cine to a compromise.

As they rebuild their friendship they spend more time together. Can they see they love each other? Can they run the ranch or will he still sell? A great story to start this series.