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Southern Sparks
Crush
Emma
Your dream job shouldn’t come with a price, but guess what? Mine does.
I need a well-rounded personal life to fit the company's image. In other words, a committed relationship.
So, I’m done.
Done with casual dating and morning afters.
The only way I can get what I want is to jump head-first into the dating pool.
A quest to find the perfect guy—it shouldn’t be hard, right?
Miller
Friends with benefits.
That’s the unattainable goal every guy wants, right? All the fun with zero commitment.
No deep conversations or romantic entanglements—just frantic touches and fast kisses.
That's what Emma and I have.
Now, she wants to settle down and find her great love. Not with me, of course. She’s made that clear.
It shouldn’t bother me—I’ve never wanted more.
Until now.
Forever was never part of the plan, but it had been right there the entire time.
Your dream job shouldn’t come with a price, but guess what? Mine does.
I need a well-rounded personal life to fit the company's image. In other words, a committed relationship.
So, I’m done.
Done with casual dating and morning afters.
The only way I can get what I want is to jump head-first into the dating pool.
A quest to find the perfect guy—it shouldn’t be hard, right?
Miller
Friends with benefits.
That’s the unattainable goal every guy wants, right? All the fun with zero commitment.
No deep conversations or romantic entanglements—just frantic touches and fast kisses.
That's what Emma and I have.
Now, she wants to settle down and find her great love. Not with me, of course. She’s made that clear.
It shouldn’t bother me—I’ve never wanted more.
Until now.
Forever was never part of the plan, but it had been right there the entire time.
Unknown Binding
Published May 22, 2024
9 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Kat Long
12 books230 followersI live at the beach with my Happily Ever After, a daughter, and two irritating but lovable cats.
Before I started writing contemporary romance, I graduated with a Master’s Degree in School Psychology from The University of West Alabama. Now, by day I work in finance and by night I'm a writer.
My characters are sexy and clever, but in real life, I'm the ultimate over-thinker. Let’s face it, my inner monologues would not make good reading!
When I'm not writing swoony stories or reading Dramione FanFiction, I'm probably watching Animal Planet in yoga pants, trying not to over-water my succulents, and wondering if the real meaning of life is forty-two.
READERS MAKE MY WORLD GO ROUND:
https://linktr.ee/KatLongRomance
Before I started writing contemporary romance, I graduated with a Master’s Degree in School Psychology from The University of West Alabama. Now, by day I work in finance and by night I'm a writer.
My characters are sexy and clever, but in real life, I'm the ultimate over-thinker. Let’s face it, my inner monologues would not make good reading!
When I'm not writing swoony stories or reading Dramione FanFiction, I'm probably watching Animal Planet in yoga pants, trying not to over-water my succulents, and wondering if the real meaning of life is forty-two.
READERS MAKE MY WORLD GO ROUND:
https://linktr.ee/KatLongRomance
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 29, 2024
Talk about hitting the road running! I like Miller but it took me a bit to appreciate the relationship these two have. I enjoyed the book.
May 8, 2024
This one throws you into the deep end from word one. Spicy? Yes. Yes, it is. It is also filled with romance and “I’ve got your back” vibes in the form of a hot guy and a ride or die bestie. It is about standing up for yourself in the face of chauvinistic pigs and accepting that sometimes the people who should love you for who you are fail to do so and it is not on you but rather a fault in their character. It is about realizing what is right in front of you and not letting fear stand in the way of happiness. It is about found family and finding where you belong.
May 13, 2024
Emma and Miller have been best friends since Middle School, but have graduated to being “ Friends with Benefits”.
Emma works at a local school as a temp, but is approached by the Headmaster, and asked to put herself forward for a permanent position. He has one stipulation though, which is that she attend every after school event, and she has to introduce her “partner” to him.
This sets Emma off on the hunt for the perfect boyfriend, setting herself up on various online match making sites.
This is an enjoyable read, with Emma and Miller spending time together, sharing their lives with each other, but without any commitment.
I loved how the characters came to realise their feelings for each other rather late in the day, but neither ready to admit to those feelings.
This is quite a long and involved story, but worth persevering with. Miller’s four brothers, as well as his mother,add colour and interest to the background, and in my opinion, is worthy of 5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Emma works at a local school as a temp, but is approached by the Headmaster, and asked to put herself forward for a permanent position. He has one stipulation though, which is that she attend every after school event, and she has to introduce her “partner” to him.
This sets Emma off on the hunt for the perfect boyfriend, setting herself up on various online match making sites.
This is an enjoyable read, with Emma and Miller spending time together, sharing their lives with each other, but without any commitment.
I loved how the characters came to realise their feelings for each other rather late in the day, but neither ready to admit to those feelings.
This is quite a long and involved story, but worth persevering with. Miller’s four brothers, as well as his mother,add colour and interest to the background, and in my opinion, is worthy of 5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
May 13, 2024
Honestly, I wanted to punch Emma the entire time!!! 😅
It is a nice read but she is frustrating. Miller is such a nice guy but also afraid. They are actually both afraid of losing their friendship so they keep it a friends with benefits situation - with very little communication about feelings. They get along just fine but they never seem to talk more deeply. His family and her friends all know they actually love each other. They try telling them and but they don’t interfere much. They end up together but it’s a struggle. It is also, very spicy 🌶️ and hot 🥵 though. Tks Kat.
It is a nice read but she is frustrating. Miller is such a nice guy but also afraid. They are actually both afraid of losing their friendship so they keep it a friends with benefits situation - with very little communication about feelings. They get along just fine but they never seem to talk more deeply. His family and her friends all know they actually love each other. They try telling them and but they don’t interfere much. They end up together but it’s a struggle. It is also, very spicy 🌶️ and hot 🥵 though. Tks Kat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
Emma and Miller are friends-with-benefits, they were pretty much in a relationship for the entire book, they just didn't admit it to themselves.
This book is spicy from the very first page.
Emma's boss tells her it would look good for a promotion if she was settled down so she decides to start using dating apps to find a boyfriend.
I really tried to like Emma but it was so hard. She was pitched as a workaholic, but she was an admin assistant at a private school so why she would need to dedicate so much time to her work? She also seemed to look down on MIller for his job at times, and borderline gaslit him at one point, so yeah, I didn't like her at all. She was all take and no give in their friendship.
Miller I loved! He was open, super supportive and fun. And seemed to be horny pretty much all the time, lol. If Emma needed him, he dropped everything and supported her. He was too good for Emma, and I can't say I was rooting for them to get together.
These two frustrated me so much, if they had actually just talked to each other then they'd have been a couple a long time ago. I just wanted to sit them down and not let them leave until they had an actual conversation. So many times they could have sorted everything out but something would come up, they'd argue and not say what they were going to - so frustrating.
TBH I think the book went on for too long, it seemed to drag towards the end. There were several opportunities where they could have talked but something always came up, or they misunderstood, or they did a really bad job of explaining. Even once they admitted to themselves that they loved the other, they still couldn't talk and explain their feelings.
- standalone
- friends-with-benefits to lovers
- spicy
- miscommunication/ lack of communication
This book is spicy from the very first page.
Emma's boss tells her it would look good for a promotion if she was settled down so she decides to start using dating apps to find a boyfriend.
I really tried to like Emma but it was so hard. She was pitched as a workaholic, but she was an admin assistant at a private school so why she would need to dedicate so much time to her work? She also seemed to look down on MIller for his job at times, and borderline gaslit him at one point, so yeah, I didn't like her at all. She was all take and no give in their friendship.
Miller I loved! He was open, super supportive and fun. And seemed to be horny pretty much all the time, lol. If Emma needed him, he dropped everything and supported her. He was too good for Emma, and I can't say I was rooting for them to get together.
These two frustrated me so much, if they had actually just talked to each other then they'd have been a couple a long time ago. I just wanted to sit them down and not let them leave until they had an actual conversation. So many times they could have sorted everything out but something would come up, they'd argue and not say what they were going to - so frustrating.
TBH I think the book went on for too long, it seemed to drag towards the end. There were several opportunities where they could have talked but something always came up, or they misunderstood, or they did a really bad job of explaining. Even once they admitted to themselves that they loved the other, they still couldn't talk and explain their feelings.
- standalone
- friends-with-benefits to lovers
- spicy
- miscommunication/ lack of communication
May 8, 2024
Crush is a full length novel about finding happiness in your own yard.
I loved this read.
Author was able to bring all of my emotions out.
When Emma needs someone- Miller is there.
Whether it’s a date for a work thing, a dinner companion or a friend with benefits, Miller is the one who she turns to.
Emma has a permanent position dangled in front of her by the Headmaster at the private school she subs at, the last thing on her mind is a boyfriend.
But that’s what the guy wants her to have. To make her appeal to families or so that was his response.
Emma enlists the help of her best friend, Miller. The two have an understanding with each- friend’s with benefits type of relationship
Will their “relationship ” be able to stand firm? Or will one of them catch feelings for the other? Or will their set-up ve ruined forever?
Only one way to find out…
Get this fun and full novel today.
I loved this read.
Author was able to bring all of my emotions out.
When Emma needs someone- Miller is there.
Whether it’s a date for a work thing, a dinner companion or a friend with benefits, Miller is the one who she turns to.
Emma has a permanent position dangled in front of her by the Headmaster at the private school she subs at, the last thing on her mind is a boyfriend.
But that’s what the guy wants her to have. To make her appeal to families or so that was his response.
Emma enlists the help of her best friend, Miller. The two have an understanding with each- friend’s with benefits type of relationship
Will their “relationship ” be able to stand firm? Or will one of them catch feelings for the other? Or will their set-up ve ruined forever?
Only one way to find out…
Get this fun and full novel today.
May 19, 2024
Rating 4.5 stars. Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. A friends to HEA story with a slight twist since Miller and Emma had a friends with benefits arrangement between them with obvious (to everyone but them) affection and love for each other. The 2 are forced to realise their feelings only because of external circumstances of sorts and despite their being best/close friends, their communication of important stuff seemed to be really lacking and dismal. There are a lot of bedroom scenes and whilst it was hot and steamy, it felt like that became the focal, and only, point of the relationship so it felt like it never went or grew further than that, which was disappointing as I would have preferred to see their interaction and connection outside and beyond the bedroom. On some level, Emma came across as shallow and selfish, expecting Miller to give but not her, but she does redeem herself in the end when they both finally communicate their feelings. A light hearted steamy read with a sweet and expected HEA.
May 22, 2024
Holy smokes the spice smacks you in the face in page one.
Friends with benefits to lovers? YES PLEASE. Emma and Miller have been friends forever. Emma has been tasked (by work.. oddly) that she needs to find a beau. So she starts trying to find dates through an app. (And he helps her get the guys). They are of course all a disaster.
Miller is always just there for her. Waiting. Waiting for her to just see that he’s *perfect*. She sees it, but she’s in denial.
I loved once they finally admitted and caved. Seeing Millers thoughts about her and how much he truly cared for her killed me the longer it drug out but it was worth it in the end!
Also, Emma has a Persian cat that Miller gave random nicknames too and I thought that was a lot of fun! This was steamy and sexy and fun all rolled up into one.
I really had a lot of fun with this one! I need to go back and read book 1!
Friends with benefits to lovers? YES PLEASE. Emma and Miller have been friends forever. Emma has been tasked (by work.. oddly) that she needs to find a beau. So she starts trying to find dates through an app. (And he helps her get the guys). They are of course all a disaster.
Miller is always just there for her. Waiting. Waiting for her to just see that he’s *perfect*. She sees it, but she’s in denial.
I loved once they finally admitted and caved. Seeing Millers thoughts about her and how much he truly cared for her killed me the longer it drug out but it was worth it in the end!
Also, Emma has a Persian cat that Miller gave random nicknames too and I thought that was a lot of fun! This was steamy and sexy and fun all rolled up into one.
I really had a lot of fun with this one! I need to go back and read book 1!
May 13, 2024
Holy angst!!!! Emma and Miller fight themselves and their feelings for so long it's almost comical. Their denial about how much they love the other causes turmoil and misunderstandings at almost every interaction. I was addicted to this book, waiting for them to finally admit to themselves and each other that they were meant to be together. The author crushed it with this one!
May 19, 2024
Emma and Miller have been friends forever with a special arrangement. Emma finds out that in order to get the job that she wants, she needs to be in a committed relationship, so she takes to online dating, because she knows that Miller doesn't want that kind of relationship. Or so Miller thought.
Their chemistry is off the charts. They just have to see that they were meant for each other.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Their chemistry is off the charts. They just have to see that they were meant for each other.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 22, 2024
Right from the first page this one has you. Emma and Miller are long time friends, with an understanding. Yup when neither is in a relationship they take care of each other, with extra spice. The thing is they seem to be moving closer and closer to the line. Oops!
They are a fun couple with a great cast of characters around them. This is a must read. Enjoy
They are a fun couple with a great cast of characters around them. This is a must read. Enjoy
May 28, 2024
Hot, spicy and rather tangled is how I would describe this book. Miller and Emma certainly score high on the combustible scale. They can laugh together, converse for hours and indulge in some very steamy fun. They even consider each other to be good friends, and for all intents and purposes are intelligent people. Why then do they fail to recognize that what they feel for each other goes deeper than friendship, make that friends with benefit?
It takes an opportunity for promotion and an admonishment about her single status to change the status quo between Emma and Miller. He has always been an advocate for casual, not committed relationships and Emma has gone along with it. They have dated others, then come back to each other, but there is no going on dates or outings together, or pretending/appearing to be a couple. When Emma tells Miller about enrolling in several dating apps in hopes of finding a boyfriend to show the board her life is stable outside of work, he is not exactly understanding. He doesn’t let on that he is jealous as he isn’t ready to examine the reasons behind it. In reality, Emma is ambivalent and confused about dating others and her feelings for Miller. She is not even sure that she wants this job with conditions attached that she is sure her own father is behind. The dating causes a great deal of anxiety and conflict between Miller and Emma, though neither are willing to admit their true feelings to themselves much less to each other. The situation makes for a funny, sometimes emotional and always engaging storyline.
I would be happy to recommend this entertaining and engaging book.
It takes an opportunity for promotion and an admonishment about her single status to change the status quo between Emma and Miller. He has always been an advocate for casual, not committed relationships and Emma has gone along with it. They have dated others, then come back to each other, but there is no going on dates or outings together, or pretending/appearing to be a couple. When Emma tells Miller about enrolling in several dating apps in hopes of finding a boyfriend to show the board her life is stable outside of work, he is not exactly understanding. He doesn’t let on that he is jealous as he isn’t ready to examine the reasons behind it. In reality, Emma is ambivalent and confused about dating others and her feelings for Miller. She is not even sure that she wants this job with conditions attached that she is sure her own father is behind. The dating causes a great deal of anxiety and conflict between Miller and Emma, though neither are willing to admit their true feelings to themselves much less to each other. The situation makes for a funny, sometimes emotional and always engaging storyline.
I would be happy to recommend this entertaining and engaging book.
May 22, 2024
Crush by Kat Long is a contemporary spicy friends with benefits to lovers romance. It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This book is full of spice, from the first pages to the last.
Emma and Miller have an off and on again friends with benefits relationship. As Emma tries to make changes in her life and find a serious relationship to help secure a permanent position with her employer, she discovers that no one lives up to what she has with Miller. It is pretty clear from the beginning that Miller has always wanted more with Emma, but he doesn't want to chance losing her by sharing his feelings. As Emma dates other guys, Miller struggles to keep his feelings in check.
For me, this book was a little bit overboard with the many spicy scenes and constant repeated inner dialogues of both Emma and Miller. Honestly, the last few chapters felt like they went on and on way too long. I felt frustrated with the story line as they never really treated each other like friends and pretty much seemed like they were in a relationship, they just weren't calling it that. It was a quick and easy read that will probably be entertaining for many readers, but I prefer a bit more substance to the plot of the book and was a bit bored with the long and numerous bedroom scenes.
Emma and Miller have an off and on again friends with benefits relationship. As Emma tries to make changes in her life and find a serious relationship to help secure a permanent position with her employer, she discovers that no one lives up to what she has with Miller. It is pretty clear from the beginning that Miller has always wanted more with Emma, but he doesn't want to chance losing her by sharing his feelings. As Emma dates other guys, Miller struggles to keep his feelings in check.
For me, this book was a little bit overboard with the many spicy scenes and constant repeated inner dialogues of both Emma and Miller. Honestly, the last few chapters felt like they went on and on way too long. I felt frustrated with the story line as they never really treated each other like friends and pretty much seemed like they were in a relationship, they just weren't calling it that. It was a quick and easy read that will probably be entertaining for many readers, but I prefer a bit more substance to the plot of the book and was a bit bored with the long and numerous bedroom scenes.
June 14, 2024
Emma and Miller have been best friends since middle school. As adults they have moved up it to best friends with benefits.
When circumstances with Emma’s job and the chauvinism she has to deal with dictate that she needs a significant other in order to secure a permanent position, Emma goes on the hunt for a guy to fill the spot until she can get the job. This stirs up odd feelings for Miller as he doesn’t like the idea of losing Emma to another guy and her steady presence in his life. I don’t think Emma realizes that every guy she tries to find a connection with, she is subconsciously comparing with Miller.
It’s a classic case of not realizing what you want has been in front of you all along. Everyone in their lives seems to know that Miller and Emma have been in love with one another and are meant to be forever. Once they realize their true feelings, they are too scared to come clean and almost ruin everything.
A great read with real connections and true friendship that blossoms into love. Lots of spice and humour to go along with the “come on already and tell them how you feel” moments. They sure know how to make things complicated and it’s not an easy road for them because of their fears and stubbornness, but they do get their HEA.
I love this series and the complex characters and dynamics!
When circumstances with Emma’s job and the chauvinism she has to deal with dictate that she needs a significant other in order to secure a permanent position, Emma goes on the hunt for a guy to fill the spot until she can get the job. This stirs up odd feelings for Miller as he doesn’t like the idea of losing Emma to another guy and her steady presence in his life. I don’t think Emma realizes that every guy she tries to find a connection with, she is subconsciously comparing with Miller.
It’s a classic case of not realizing what you want has been in front of you all along. Everyone in their lives seems to know that Miller and Emma have been in love with one another and are meant to be forever. Once they realize their true feelings, they are too scared to come clean and almost ruin everything.
A great read with real connections and true friendship that blossoms into love. Lots of spice and humour to go along with the “come on already and tell them how you feel” moments. They sure know how to make things complicated and it’s not an easy road for them because of their fears and stubbornness, but they do get their HEA.
I love this series and the complex characters and dynamics!
May 10, 2024
Crush starts off with a very HOT spicy scene that emphasizes the intense and passionate best friends with benefits relationship between Emma and Miller. I thought my Kindle was going to melt. I’m still fanning myself. Emma is very serious and is working as a gopher under a provisional contract for Cresswell Academy, one of the most prestigious private schools in South Carolina. She hopes to be offered a full-time position as the Director of Communication for the next school year and is told that the candidate needs to be professionally and personally well-rounded. The headmaster clarified that she needs to be in a relationship or married.
While Emma feels like she doesn’t need a relationship to prove her worth, unfortunately the headmaster thinks so. Obviously, this is illegal, but remember this is a story written to entertain. At first Emma didn’t consider Miller as fake boyfriend material. Even though Miller and his brothers share a business called TriVolt Electric, Emma thinks Miller is a big buffoon. Sparks fly when Emma attempts to find a boyfriend through dating apps. Her adventures with dating are hilarious. This story is a spicy, emotional, and angsty romance. My reading glasses are still steamed up. I definitely recommend this book!
While Emma feels like she doesn’t need a relationship to prove her worth, unfortunately the headmaster thinks so. Obviously, this is illegal, but remember this is a story written to entertain. At first Emma didn’t consider Miller as fake boyfriend material. Even though Miller and his brothers share a business called TriVolt Electric, Emma thinks Miller is a big buffoon. Sparks fly when Emma attempts to find a boyfriend through dating apps. Her adventures with dating are hilarious. This story is a spicy, emotional, and angsty romance. My reading glasses are still steamed up. I definitely recommend this book!
May 14, 2024
Emma and Miller have been friends for a very long time, and usually hook up between relationships. Now Emma is trying to make her career work and strike it out on her own and not rely on her father's connections; however her boss has hinted that she will only get the upcoming promotion if she brings a partner to work events. She doesn't really want to be in a relationship but reluctantly signs up for a few dating apps to try and find someone, and Miller even helps to vet through the guys. Slowly, and they are the last ones to do so because it's plain obvious to all their friends, they start to realise that there is no better partner than each other.
I really enjoyed the first book Collide, so I was eager to read this as well. Both MCs were pretty similar in that they were smooth talking charming guys who were quite hilarious, and the stories overall were very rom-com. I also really loved the other characters in the story - the friends were just hilarious. But I think their back and forth was a little too long drawn for me and was like killing me slowly. It still made for a pretty good read though! I can't wait to see what shenanigans the others get up to in following books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the first book Collide, so I was eager to read this as well. Both MCs were pretty similar in that they were smooth talking charming guys who were quite hilarious, and the stories overall were very rom-com. I also really loved the other characters in the story - the friends were just hilarious. But I think their back and forth was a little too long drawn for me and was like killing me slowly. It still made for a pretty good read though! I can't wait to see what shenanigans the others get up to in following books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2024
Holy spice on the first page! This is my first book by Kat Long, but it will definitely not be my last!! Witty banter, cinnamon roll MMC, he falls first.
Emma and Miller are best friends who have a FWB arrangement. Emma finds out that she needs to be in a committed relationship to be considered for a promotion, so she goes on some dates to try to find her Mr. Right (though we as readers all know who that is!!). Miller is a supportive best friend until he figures out his feelings for Emma.
I can’t be the only reader to want to put some sense into Emma! Miller has some serious golden retriever/cinnamon roll energy going on. And it takes them both WAY too long to see what’s really going on in front of their faces. I can’t say any more, or I’ll spoil it. But seriously. Super spicy. Loved the energy between the MCs.
This is book 2 in the Southern Spark series, which I was not aware of until partway through. And this series is a spin-off of the Southern Charm series. This book is an interconnected standalone, and the author did a fantastic job of making this book truly stand on its own, though I wish I would have read the others first. So my suggestion if you like to read in order is to start with Had to Make You Mine (Southern Charm book 1) and go from there.
Emma and Miller are best friends who have a FWB arrangement. Emma finds out that she needs to be in a committed relationship to be considered for a promotion, so she goes on some dates to try to find her Mr. Right (though we as readers all know who that is!!). Miller is a supportive best friend until he figures out his feelings for Emma.
I can’t be the only reader to want to put some sense into Emma! Miller has some serious golden retriever/cinnamon roll energy going on. And it takes them both WAY too long to see what’s really going on in front of their faces. I can’t say any more, or I’ll spoil it. But seriously. Super spicy. Loved the energy between the MCs.
This is book 2 in the Southern Spark series, which I was not aware of until partway through. And this series is a spin-off of the Southern Charm series. This book is an interconnected standalone, and the author did a fantastic job of making this book truly stand on its own, though I wish I would have read the others first. So my suggestion if you like to read in order is to start with Had to Make You Mine (Southern Charm book 1) and go from there.
May 24, 2024
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I went into this story thinking that it was going to sweet, with a pinch of spice... Boy, was I wrong. We get right into the spice within the first sentence, making this my kinda read. Miller and Emma have a friends with benefits situation going on that they are happy to maintain. Even though they aren't technically seeing anyone else, they never seem to question things until Emma gets the inclination from her boss that her getting a contract for her position is contingent on her being in a relationship..... But still, Miller isn't her first choice. Instead Emma decides to try dating apps, and Miller decides to help her. One bad date after another, the realization slowly hits them both that they actually have deeper feelings for each other, until they give in.
I love the writing in this story, and the characters. Kat Long did an awesome job conveying everything that was going and the emotions. I, of course, did want to shake Miller and Emma a couple of times, but I digress, they finally got it together.
If you are looking for a book with a steady flow, great characters, cute banter, and spice, this is the best choice.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I went into this story thinking that it was going to sweet, with a pinch of spice... Boy, was I wrong. We get right into the spice within the first sentence, making this my kinda read. Miller and Emma have a friends with benefits situation going on that they are happy to maintain. Even though they aren't technically seeing anyone else, they never seem to question things until Emma gets the inclination from her boss that her getting a contract for her position is contingent on her being in a relationship..... But still, Miller isn't her first choice. Instead Emma decides to try dating apps, and Miller decides to help her. One bad date after another, the realization slowly hits them both that they actually have deeper feelings for each other, until they give in.
I love the writing in this story, and the characters. Kat Long did an awesome job conveying everything that was going and the emotions. I, of course, did want to shake Miller and Emma a couple of times, but I digress, they finally got it together.
If you are looking for a book with a steady flow, great characters, cute banter, and spice, this is the best choice.
May 24, 2024
- Friends with benefits
- Witty banter
- Diva cat
It is no secret that friends to lovers is my favorite trope. This book had an interesting twist in that the main characters were already lovers, but only on a casual level. Their friendship was strong and they absolutely counted on one another.
However, Emma doesn't think Miller is serious about much in life, let alone a relationship, so when she is "encouraged" to have a committed boyfriend for appearances, she panics. What ensues is a series of online dates gone very wrong. Miller is quite happy that none of the men interest Emma, but he doesn't examine his own feelings behind that relief. Emma is so convinced that Miller has no interest in anything other than their current arrangement that she totally ignores her feelings for him...
I loved the dynamic of their relationship. They were so comfortable with each other, but equally clueless. At times I wanted to reach into my tablet and give them a good shake, but I enjoyed the journey the author took us on and it was so worth it in the end! I am now going to go read her back catalog, because her characters are now some of my very favorites!
- Witty banter
- Diva cat
It is no secret that friends to lovers is my favorite trope. This book had an interesting twist in that the main characters were already lovers, but only on a casual level. Their friendship was strong and they absolutely counted on one another.
However, Emma doesn't think Miller is serious about much in life, let alone a relationship, so when she is "encouraged" to have a committed boyfriend for appearances, she panics. What ensues is a series of online dates gone very wrong. Miller is quite happy that none of the men interest Emma, but he doesn't examine his own feelings behind that relief. Emma is so convinced that Miller has no interest in anything other than their current arrangement that she totally ignores her feelings for him...
I loved the dynamic of their relationship. They were so comfortable with each other, but equally clueless. At times I wanted to reach into my tablet and give them a good shake, but I enjoyed the journey the author took us on and it was so worth it in the end! I am now going to go read her back catalog, because her characters are now some of my very favorites!
June 5, 2024
This couple couldn't be more obvious except to themselves!
Crush (Southern Sparks Book 2) by Kat Long is definitely a crush worthy book as Miller, the MLC is definitely an alpha marshmallow. Emma is feisty and sassy which keeps the interactions between the two interesting, especially when Miller's alpha comes out whispering all kinds of filthy things in her ear! Really glad I gave this new to me author a try.
But these two are also very complicated, highly conflicted and ultimately confused! They take the long way around to come to a foregone conclusion for everyone else. Just when I thought they were going to have a resolving moment of clarity and completeness, they fall into their faults and bam! Right back to the complexity, confliction and confusion.
Overall, I enjoyed this couple together and their journey is hard won, and the length of time was at their own expense. People are flawed, and complex and full of conflict which leads to confusion and sometimes, it's just easier to give up. But the author does not allow them that easy way out! No, they work for it and it's a promising HEA for Miller and Emma.
Crush (Southern Sparks Book 2) by Kat Long is definitely a crush worthy book as Miller, the MLC is definitely an alpha marshmallow. Emma is feisty and sassy which keeps the interactions between the two interesting, especially when Miller's alpha comes out whispering all kinds of filthy things in her ear! Really glad I gave this new to me author a try.
But these two are also very complicated, highly conflicted and ultimately confused! They take the long way around to come to a foregone conclusion for everyone else. Just when I thought they were going to have a resolving moment of clarity and completeness, they fall into their faults and bam! Right back to the complexity, confliction and confusion.
Overall, I enjoyed this couple together and their journey is hard won, and the length of time was at their own expense. People are flawed, and complex and full of conflict which leads to confusion and sometimes, it's just easier to give up. But the author does not allow them that easy way out! No, they work for it and it's a promising HEA for Miller and Emma.
May 27, 2024
This book starts with a bang but quickly fizzles out with a flash.
First line: “A breathy little moan escaped her lips as I slid down her body and toward the apex of her thighs, nuzzling my nose against her skin.”
Miller (MMC): co-owner of TriVolt Electric, charming flirt, super-supportive of his family and friends
Emma (FMC): librarian at a private school, people pleaser, workaholic
Miller has developed feelings beyond Emma and wants more than their current situationship. Emma thinks Miller is unmotivated, immature and a man-wh0rê. It’s just weird because Miller is good enough to be FWB but not date. Why even consider this person your friend? At this point, this means they are just f@ck buddies rather than friends.
What you can expect:
📚 Friends with Benefits to Lovers
🛠️ Insta-lust
📚 He Falls First
🛠️ Cinnamon Roll MMC
📚 RomCom
🛠️ Dating App Disasters
📚 Brothers Banter
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (👅, biting, praise, dirty talk)
🚨 Miscommunication alert ‼️
Miller was a great MMC. He was supportive and attentive and gave so much to Emma. Emma was selfish and had a “me first” attitude and acted ungrateful towards Miller. Miller deserved someone who could communicate and give themselves to him and their relationship.
Like their lack of communication, this book left me feeling frustrated.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
First line: “A breathy little moan escaped her lips as I slid down her body and toward the apex of her thighs, nuzzling my nose against her skin.”
Miller (MMC): co-owner of TriVolt Electric, charming flirt, super-supportive of his family and friends
Emma (FMC): librarian at a private school, people pleaser, workaholic
Miller has developed feelings beyond Emma and wants more than their current situationship. Emma thinks Miller is unmotivated, immature and a man-wh0rê. It’s just weird because Miller is good enough to be FWB but not date. Why even consider this person your friend? At this point, this means they are just f@ck buddies rather than friends.
What you can expect:
📚 Friends with Benefits to Lovers
🛠️ Insta-lust
📚 He Falls First
🛠️ Cinnamon Roll MMC
📚 RomCom
🛠️ Dating App Disasters
📚 Brothers Banter
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (👅, biting, praise, dirty talk)
🚨 Miscommunication alert ‼️
Miller was a great MMC. He was supportive and attentive and gave so much to Emma. Emma was selfish and had a “me first” attitude and acted ungrateful towards Miller. Miller deserved someone who could communicate and give themselves to him and their relationship.
Like their lack of communication, this book left me feeling frustrated.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
November 4, 2024
Crush is an emotionally intense, sexy and fun read. Emma and Miller are a dynamic duo who have chemistry for days and a friendship that has endured since childhood. I loved watching these two navigate their circumstances and their friendship while trying to figure out what is so obvious to everyone else around them. Emma’s character is complex and fascinating, and for a really intelligent woman she makes some very interesting choices based on what she infers others are saying. Miller is her opposite in so many ways, and his laid back personality is so easy to enjoy. He is definitely the alpha flirty cinnamon roll to her sassy and stubborn. The spicy scenes are many and delicious, and the supporting characters add so much depth and drama to this tale. This is the second book in the series, and I loved the first book as well, but it could easily be read as a stand-alone. The author has a great writing style that sucks you in and keeps you turning the pages with her easy flow. If you like lots of smexy times, friends to lovers, angst, and drama, this book is definitely for you!
May 30, 2024
If you like spice and more spice then this book is the one to read.
Emma and Miller are in a friends with benefits relationship who have never considered being more. This changes when Emma begins going on dates to find herself a real relationship due to her boss’s misogynistic request that if she wants to have a better job at the school she works in then she better have a man since that way she can show herself being an upstanding person.
That boss of hers and her dad are some pieces of work with the way they treat Emma.
Miller seeing and helping her at times with going on dates comes to realize that while they have been friends for some time now, wants there to be something more between them. However, Miller and Emma have so much miscommunication and misunderstandings between them during this that it at one point it almost ends their friendship all together.
This was an enjoyable read and hope others read it as well.
Emma and Miller are in a friends with benefits relationship who have never considered being more. This changes when Emma begins going on dates to find herself a real relationship due to her boss’s misogynistic request that if she wants to have a better job at the school she works in then she better have a man since that way she can show herself being an upstanding person.
That boss of hers and her dad are some pieces of work with the way they treat Emma.
Miller seeing and helping her at times with going on dates comes to realize that while they have been friends for some time now, wants there to be something more between them. However, Miller and Emma have so much miscommunication and misunderstandings between them during this that it at one point it almost ends their friendship all together.
This was an enjoyable read and hope others read it as well.
June 4, 2024
I was honoured to read this as an advanced copy and this is my honest review
This book is spicy as of the first line. I have no problems with a book being spicy but there wasn't any introduction of the characters to us first, so it felt like I was jumping into the middle of the book and missed a lot of background story.
Emma and Miller have been friends for ages which then naturally progressed to friends with benefits. Emma wants to go for a promotion at the school she works at and one of the stipulations the headmaster says is that he wants to meet her significant other.
Emma doesn't even think about Miller for this instead she heads for all sorts of dating apps with no success.
It is really frustrating as the characters can't and refuse to see what is Infront of them, so as a reader you just want to shout at the characters and slap them upside the head to get them to get their acts together.
This book is spicy as of the first line. I have no problems with a book being spicy but there wasn't any introduction of the characters to us first, so it felt like I was jumping into the middle of the book and missed a lot of background story.
Emma and Miller have been friends for ages which then naturally progressed to friends with benefits. Emma wants to go for a promotion at the school she works at and one of the stipulations the headmaster says is that he wants to meet her significant other.
Emma doesn't even think about Miller for this instead she heads for all sorts of dating apps with no success.
It is really frustrating as the characters can't and refuse to see what is Infront of them, so as a reader you just want to shout at the characters and slap them upside the head to get them to get their acts together.
May 20, 2024
A spicy friends with benefits that turns into a friends to lovers romance. This book turns up the heat right from the start with Miller and Emma setting the sheets on fire. Needing to be in a stable relationship for a promotion, Emma takes some drastic measures but at the turn of every decision Miller is there to either rescue her or to take her away from the biggest mistake she is making. Could he be the protective possessive friend who really is not a friend with benefits but actually a boyfriend that hasn't been labeled yet? Could Emma see them in a relationship? He is amazing in bed, takes care of her, and puts her first and they both said they would not see other people while they were in this arrangement. Basically, they are in a relationship already so why not make it public.
May 14, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about these two best friends, Emma and Miller, who have had a long friendship with benefits for many years, and now because of her employment, Emma is told that she needs to have a significant other and so enrols in online dating, but every day she goes on is a disaster and her best friend Miller falls more and more in love with her and recommend guys for her to date, but they always end up going nowhere, and then he realises that he is in love with her and that he wants her forever. They both have issues that they have to deal with and fighting with each other but eventually they get it right and go towards a happily ever after.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.
May 22, 2024
Crush is a good friends to lovers story!
What you get.....
♡Friends with Benefits to Lovers
♡He Falls First
♡Rom-Com
♡Cinnamon Roll Hero
♡Spicy
♡Finding Where You Belong
♡Found Family
♡LOL Moments
Emma and Miller have amazing chemistry 🔥🔥🔥!! They both are in denial about their feelings for each other. There are lots of misunderstandings due to lack of communication.
Emma comes across as a selfish workaholic expecting Miller to give when she doesn't.
Miller is very supportive and fun. He would do anything to help Emma out.
She redeems herself in the end. But ughh why can't people just talk! 😂
Kat does a good job at character and world building. I can't wait to read more about these characters!
What you get.....
♡Friends with Benefits to Lovers
♡He Falls First
♡Rom-Com
♡Cinnamon Roll Hero
♡Spicy
♡Finding Where You Belong
♡Found Family
♡LOL Moments
Emma and Miller have amazing chemistry 🔥🔥🔥!! They both are in denial about their feelings for each other. There are lots of misunderstandings due to lack of communication.
Emma comes across as a selfish workaholic expecting Miller to give when she doesn't.
Miller is very supportive and fun. He would do anything to help Emma out.
She redeems herself in the end. But ughh why can't people just talk! 😂
Kat does a good job at character and world building. I can't wait to read more about these characters!
June 2, 2024
Crush is one of those books you read where you just get all the good feels from it.
Emma and Miller are essentially friends with benefits. These two were definitely meant for each other and I could tell they didn't want to acknowledge how they truly felt about the other because they didn't want to lose the friendship they had with each other. When Emma is told she needs to show she is in a committed relationship in order to get a promotion at work, this is where thoughts get turned around.
Miller and Emma both want the other in a more permanent situation, but they feel the other person does not feel the same way. There were a lot of heated moments between these two. I enjoyed seeing their story play out and finally embracing and being honest with what they wanted for themselves.
Emma and Miller are essentially friends with benefits. These two were definitely meant for each other and I could tell they didn't want to acknowledge how they truly felt about the other because they didn't want to lose the friendship they had with each other. When Emma is told she needs to show she is in a committed relationship in order to get a promotion at work, this is where thoughts get turned around.
Miller and Emma both want the other in a more permanent situation, but they feel the other person does not feel the same way. There were a lot of heated moments between these two. I enjoyed seeing their story play out and finally embracing and being honest with what they wanted for themselves.
May 9, 2024
I liked it until the female just became an ungrateful witch. The ending seemed forced and more unrealistic compared to the rest of the story.
She expected him to keep giving and be more understanding when she was just taking and being witchy to him. She showed such little respect for him and her actions didn't match what she said. It isn't okay to treat anyone the way this female character treated her best friend, lover, and supposed to be some she cared/loved and ended up wanting a forever with. I just can't support that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
She expected him to keep giving and be more understanding when she was just taking and being witchy to him. She showed such little respect for him and her actions didn't match what she said. It isn't okay to treat anyone the way this female character treated her best friend, lover, and supposed to be some she cared/loved and ended up wanting a forever with. I just can't support that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
May 22, 2024
Spicy Friends with Benefits Turns into More with Fun Friends and Family
This was a fun, fast "5 Chili-Peppers" spicy read with a cinnamon roll hero in Miller who has a wonderful supportive family and brothers and Emma who has a great friend group but toxic parents. Unfortunately, and probably due to Emma's parents and some past incidents I found it hard to respect or like her because she spent so much time waffling over her feelings, and not being able to communicate with Miller. But they were very cute and hot together, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series - Enjoy!
I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was a fun, fast "5 Chili-Peppers" spicy read with a cinnamon roll hero in Miller who has a wonderful supportive family and brothers and Emma who has a great friend group but toxic parents. Unfortunately, and probably due to Emma's parents and some past incidents I found it hard to respect or like her because she spent so much time waffling over her feelings, and not being able to communicate with Miller. But they were very cute and hot together, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series - Enjoy!
I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
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