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The Crush #1
The Crush
Set in a small town in Texas in 1994, The Crush is the first interconnected standalone in a family saga following the Rivera siblings. Exploring the lasting impact of the choices we make and the hope that we all might find something worth fighting for, The Crush is a perfect read for romantics who love character-driven stories and incandescently happy endings.
What if he’s always it for me, and I’m never it for him?
For as long as I can remember, I have been completely infatuated with Daniel Ríos. A shame, because not only is he twelve years older and painfully indifferent to my existence, but Daniel also left eight years ago, signing up to join the DEA while I was still signing out of homeroom.
Now, I'm just back from college, right back under my family’s supervision, and more than a little surprised to find I'm not the only one back home. This time, is it too much to hope that he might see me, too?
Just another reason to stay away.
Trying to move on from my past while simultaneously trying to fit back into the life I left behind, the one thing I could really use is a distraction. Unless that distraction’s name is Isabel Rivera.
The youngest daughter of my parents’ best friends, off limits doesn’t even begin to describe what Isabel should be for me. However, the closer I get to her, the harder I find it to let her walk away. No matter how much I know I should.
What if he’s always it for me, and I’m never it for him?
For as long as I can remember, I have been completely infatuated with Daniel Ríos. A shame, because not only is he twelve years older and painfully indifferent to my existence, but Daniel also left eight years ago, signing up to join the DEA while I was still signing out of homeroom.
Now, I'm just back from college, right back under my family’s supervision, and more than a little surprised to find I'm not the only one back home. This time, is it too much to hope that he might see me, too?
Just another reason to stay away.
Trying to move on from my past while simultaneously trying to fit back into the life I left behind, the one thing I could really use is a distraction. Unless that distraction’s name is Isabel Rivera.
The youngest daughter of my parents’ best friends, off limits doesn’t even begin to describe what Isabel should be for me. However, the closer I get to her, the harder I find it to let her walk away. No matter how much I know I should.
437 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2024
184 people are currently reading
1473 people want to read
About the author
Ren Browne
3 books115 followersRen Browne is a lifelong romantic, cowboy enthusiast, and rumored woodland spirit. When not reading or writing, she can be found spending time with her husband, who is the living embodiment of Ron Swanson, their two outdoor-loving children, their silly dog, and a growing flock of chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
June 19, 2024
“The Crush” by Ren Browne
5⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“I’m the one he reaches for in the middle of the night. I’m the one he wants in his bed. I’m the one he wants with him. God, please let it stay that way.”
-Last year I read this story in its original iteration, and when I saw it was being adapted to a published story, it shot to the top of my ‘most anticipated releases of 2024’. My expectations were high, and this story exceeded every one of them; the author did such a tremendous job writing Danny and Isa’s romance.
-I would describe the plot as a reverse slow burn with an emphasis on the couple establishing themselves within tough circumstances. Isabel has always harbored a crush on Daniel Ríos, who is the same age as her eldest brother. For many years Daniel has been out of the country working for the DEA, but now he’s back in town just as Isabel has graduated from college. Their paths finally merge, and sparks instantly fly. Isabel’s crush has never subsided, and seeing Daniel again has ignited it even more. And Daniel is immediately taken with Isabel, who is now a confident and capable young woman. But despite their natural chemistry, the two are working against many difficulties: Isabel’s unsupportive family, a small judgemental town that loves to gossip, and the horrors Daniel witnessed in the DEA.
-The story takes place in 1994, and the author does a really fantastic job providing historical context for the events of the story. I especially loved the interlude chapters that were sprinkled within the story; those especially were helpful in order to understand all of the background for Isabel and Daniel’s families.
-Daniel’s work with the DEA is seemingly resolved when he arrives back in town, but it becomes apparent very quickly that he can’t shake the painful events he experienced. In many ways this book is about PTSD, working through trauma, and finding peace once again.
-I felt so much frustration on behalf of Isabel, her family is really overbearing and can’t seem to accept that she is a grown woman deserving of her own independence. But Isabel’s actions despite her family’s opinions are what make her such an admirable FMC; she isn’t afraid to stand up to them and defend Daniel.
-This book also deals heavily with grief, as all the characters are still mourning the passing of Daniel’s mother. His mother was the best friend of Isabel’s mother, so the two families interacted all the time. There is still so much pain associated with her absence, her presence so strong within this tight-knit community.
-Overall, I’m so impressed with how Ren Browne handled some very sensitive topics while also writing a touching romance. I 100% recommend this book, especially if you’re interested in reading about two individuals who are so desperately in love with each other and are willing to fight for their relationship.
5⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“I’m the one he reaches for in the middle of the night. I’m the one he wants in his bed. I’m the one he wants with him. God, please let it stay that way.”
-Last year I read this story in its original iteration, and when I saw it was being adapted to a published story, it shot to the top of my ‘most anticipated releases of 2024’. My expectations were high, and this story exceeded every one of them; the author did such a tremendous job writing Danny and Isa’s romance.
-I would describe the plot as a reverse slow burn with an emphasis on the couple establishing themselves within tough circumstances. Isabel has always harbored a crush on Daniel Ríos, who is the same age as her eldest brother. For many years Daniel has been out of the country working for the DEA, but now he’s back in town just as Isabel has graduated from college. Their paths finally merge, and sparks instantly fly. Isabel’s crush has never subsided, and seeing Daniel again has ignited it even more. And Daniel is immediately taken with Isabel, who is now a confident and capable young woman. But despite their natural chemistry, the two are working against many difficulties: Isabel’s unsupportive family, a small judgemental town that loves to gossip, and the horrors Daniel witnessed in the DEA.
-The story takes place in 1994, and the author does a really fantastic job providing historical context for the events of the story. I especially loved the interlude chapters that were sprinkled within the story; those especially were helpful in order to understand all of the background for Isabel and Daniel’s families.
-Daniel’s work with the DEA is seemingly resolved when he arrives back in town, but it becomes apparent very quickly that he can’t shake the painful events he experienced. In many ways this book is about PTSD, working through trauma, and finding peace once again.
-I felt so much frustration on behalf of Isabel, her family is really overbearing and can’t seem to accept that she is a grown woman deserving of her own independence. But Isabel’s actions despite her family’s opinions are what make her such an admirable FMC; she isn’t afraid to stand up to them and defend Daniel.
-This book also deals heavily with grief, as all the characters are still mourning the passing of Daniel’s mother. His mother was the best friend of Isabel’s mother, so the two families interacted all the time. There is still so much pain associated with her absence, her presence so strong within this tight-knit community.
-Overall, I’m so impressed with how Ren Browne handled some very sensitive topics while also writing a touching romance. I 100% recommend this book, especially if you’re interested in reading about two individuals who are so desperately in love with each other and are willing to fight for their relationship.
August 25, 2024
- RECEIVED AS AN ARC COPY FROM THE AUTHOR -
It took me a while to write this reaview, but here I am. I was able to read this masterpiece 3 times in 2 weeks! I just love it so much! Isabel is such a sweetheart, that despite being so young is very aware and perceptive of her own feelings and wants. Daniel is an absolute book boyfriend. Yes, it's kind of a insta love (once he sees her for the first time after coming back), but its more than that. We can read as they care, respect and come to actually love (and show love) each other. Daniel's background is also very interesting and does explain the way that he views himself as undeserving of Isabel's love. The relationship that he has with his dad is lovely and kind of sad because of Daniel's regrets. Isabel's mom and Gabe (her adorable and suportive brother) are very real and wholesome, and I particularly love that they didn't abandoned her out of fear of her father.
So, overal is a very sweet and plotty book that I think it may be one of my new "comfort books".
It took me a while to write this reaview, but here I am. I was able to read this masterpiece 3 times in 2 weeks! I just love it so much! Isabel is such a sweetheart, that despite being so young is very aware and perceptive of her own feelings and wants. Daniel is an absolute book boyfriend. Yes, it's kind of a insta love (once he sees her for the first time after coming back), but its more than that. We can read as they care, respect and come to actually love (and show love) each other. Daniel's background is also very interesting and does explain the way that he views himself as undeserving of Isabel's love. The relationship that he has with his dad is lovely and kind of sad because of Daniel's regrets. Isabel's mom and Gabe (her adorable and suportive brother) are very real and wholesome, and I particularly love that they didn't abandoned her out of fear of her father.
So, overal is a very sweet and plotty book that I think it may be one of my new "comfort books".
August 18, 2025
THE CRUSH was such an amazing read and I loved it from the first few pages! The writing style was great and the story and "voice" had a maturity to it that I really enjoyed. Set in 1994, the book follows Isabel and Daniel who have both returned to their small Texas ranching town after being away -- Isabel at college and Daniel with the DEA. As a kid, Isabel had a huge crush on the older Daniel and when she sees him again after 10 years she realizes that crush never went away.
I loved Daniel and Isabel's relationship and while it burned hot and fast physically I liked that the emotional side was still really well developed and written. These two had several things standing in their way, from Isabel's controlling father, to her a-hole oldest brother, to Daniel's trauma from his DEA work but their love was worth their secret relationship. They had great chemistry together and seeing Daniel find peace and happiness again was so beautiful. Isabel's compassion and her understanding made it easy for Daniel to feel safe with her and I just really loved how their relationship was written.
THE CRUSH really highlighted the complexities of family dynamics -- the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. I was so glad to see Isabel stand up for herself (and for Daniel) in front of her dad and that she found the life and purpose she wanted but thought she would never have. And I'm so glad Isabel had her brother Gabriel on her side; he was such a great character and I'm dying for his book next because I just know it's going to be emotional. But my favorite side character was definitely Daniel's dad, Tadeo. He reminded me a lot of my own dad and his quiet support and love for his son was so sweet.
I'm really looking forward to reading more by Ren Browne because this was such an impressive debut!
Content Warning: PTSD; moments of grief over past death of a parent; controlling and dysfunctional parent relationship
I loved Daniel and Isabel's relationship and while it burned hot and fast physically I liked that the emotional side was still really well developed and written. These two had several things standing in their way, from Isabel's controlling father, to her a-hole oldest brother, to Daniel's trauma from his DEA work but their love was worth their secret relationship. They had great chemistry together and seeing Daniel find peace and happiness again was so beautiful. Isabel's compassion and her understanding made it easy for Daniel to feel safe with her and I just really loved how their relationship was written.
THE CRUSH really highlighted the complexities of family dynamics -- the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. I was so glad to see Isabel stand up for herself (and for Daniel) in front of her dad and that she found the life and purpose she wanted but thought she would never have. And I'm so glad Isabel had her brother Gabriel on her side; he was such a great character and I'm dying for his book next because I just know it's going to be emotional. But my favorite side character was definitely Daniel's dad, Tadeo. He reminded me a lot of my own dad and his quiet support and love for his son was so sweet.
I'm really looking forward to reading more by Ren Browne because this was such an impressive debut!
Content Warning: PTSD; moments of grief over past death of a parent; controlling and dysfunctional parent relationship
June 16, 2024
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
I liked Isabel as a character. She's funny and witty and brave. However I just didn't vibe with Daniel. I didn't understand why he was suddenly in to her whereas he didn't even see her standing when she still was still in school. I got the whole fallen hero shtick, but it just didn't do it for me. I'm not such a fan for insta lust and in my opinion it was instant.
I liked the premise of the story and the writing style, but I think the book just wasn't meant for me.
I liked Isabel as a character. She's funny and witty and brave. However I just didn't vibe with Daniel. I didn't understand why he was suddenly in to her whereas he didn't even see her standing when she still was still in school. I got the whole fallen hero shtick, but it just didn't do it for me. I'm not such a fan for insta lust and in my opinion it was instant.
I liked the premise of the story and the writing style, but I think the book just wasn't meant for me.
August 2, 2024
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Overall, I think this book left a lot to be desired. I remember reading the fan fiction it's based on as it was being updated chapter by chapter and absolutely loving it. I thought it was such an amazing starting point for a novel - even a series - based on Isa and Danny's relationship. Unfortunately, there are so few differences between the fan fiction and the novel.
- Browne does a lot of telling instead of showing, which plays into almost all of my critiques with the story. We were told that there's an age gap between Danny and Isa, that there's small town dynamics at play, that Danny has PTSD from his time at the DEA. That's all great, but where's the detail that makes me want to believe that?
- This book is almost 450 pages, but for all the plot points it's trying to hit and resolve, it's way too short. This book easily could have used a couple hundred more pages or been split into two books just to build up the stakes and strengthen the characterization. At a certain point I was hoping to see less smut and a more cohesive storyline. By the time I stopped reading, I didn't know if the main conflict was Isa vs. her dad, Isa vs. Danny, Danny vs. himself, Danny vs. Aaron, or Danny vs. the DEA.
- This book was marketed as cowboy romance, and while Danny works on his family ranch, that’s where the cowboy aspects stop. He never wanted to be stuck working there which is why he left to join the DEA in the first place. It feels like a stretch to say cowboy romance is one of the main tropes.
- The dual POV between Isa and Danny took me out of the story SO MANY TIMES. I didn't understand why we got Danny's POV. There were a few times where the POV would switch in the middle of a scene and it made no sense to me.
- Flat and at times unlikeable characters, but that leads back to showing and not telling. If I didn't know who the character Danny is based on, I would've had zero interest in him as the male lead. There were times where I felt their feelings for each other weren't always genuine... Danny's feelings gave me trauma bond vibes rather than genuinely being in love with Isa.
I think Browne had a really great idea for this story but the execution just wasn't there for me. Converting fan fiction to novels has been a trend lately, but I still felt like I was reading a fanfic and not a novel.
- Browne does a lot of telling instead of showing, which plays into almost all of my critiques with the story. We were told that there's an age gap between Danny and Isa, that there's small town dynamics at play, that Danny has PTSD from his time at the DEA. That's all great, but where's the detail that makes me want to believe that?
- This book is almost 450 pages, but for all the plot points it's trying to hit and resolve, it's way too short. This book easily could have used a couple hundred more pages or been split into two books just to build up the stakes and strengthen the characterization. At a certain point I was hoping to see less smut and a more cohesive storyline. By the time I stopped reading, I didn't know if the main conflict was Isa vs. her dad, Isa vs. Danny, Danny vs. himself, Danny vs. Aaron, or Danny vs. the DEA.
- This book was marketed as cowboy romance, and while Danny works on his family ranch, that’s where the cowboy aspects stop. He never wanted to be stuck working there which is why he left to join the DEA in the first place. It feels like a stretch to say cowboy romance is one of the main tropes.
- The dual POV between Isa and Danny took me out of the story SO MANY TIMES. I didn't understand why we got Danny's POV. There were a few times where the POV would switch in the middle of a scene and it made no sense to me.
- Flat and at times unlikeable characters, but that leads back to showing and not telling. If I didn't know who the character Danny is based on, I would've had zero interest in him as the male lead. There were times where I felt their feelings for each other weren't always genuine... Danny's feelings gave me trauma bond vibes rather than genuinely being in love with Isa.
I think Browne had a really great idea for this story but the execution just wasn't there for me. Converting fan fiction to novels has been a trend lately, but I still felt like I was reading a fanfic and not a novel.
June 19, 2024
Received this as an ARC copy and it is literally the first book I’ve read that I want the physical copy of. That’s how much I loved it…Daniel Ríos the man that you are. I absolutely loved how well the relationship between Isabel and Danny flowed and how much the DEA along with Isabel’s overbearing family played as conflicts. Also this is the first book where I’m genuinely so in love with the main male character???? He’s so well crafted and I love him too.
(Also if you’re into Javier Peña from Narcos, this is definitely a big recommend!!!!)
June 29, 2024
2.5 stars
I’m really disappointed that I didn’t love this more. I read this when it was a fanfiction and really enjoyed it but there was just something missing here.
The characters were quite undeveloped and a bit meh. I never fully understood why Isa had a crush on Daniel and why they ever got together in the first place. There’s no sign that Daniel is interested, other than he thinks she’s pretty. They were just very flat and one dimensional, neither of them had much personality and I wasn’t that interested in either of them.
I really wish they spent more time talking and less time having sex. I’m going to be honest I skimmed a few of the sex scenes because I was just tired of them. We were told they had discussion about each others lives and interests but we never actually saw it, none if it really ever happened on page. Considering how long it is, I was expecting the characters (both main and supportive) to be more fleshed out but that wasn’t the case)
There was also some text at the beginning of each section which I really didn’t think needed to be there, it didn’t add anything and the book is already quite long. The ending and epilogue seemed quite rushed and I am so not convinced that Isa would end up a writer (I might have missed something but I don’t remember her ever mentioning wanting to become a writer)
Overall I am disappointed, it was a quick and easy read and I’m not mad I read it, I just expected more.
I’m really disappointed that I didn’t love this more. I read this when it was a fanfiction and really enjoyed it but there was just something missing here.
The characters were quite undeveloped and a bit meh. I never fully understood why Isa had a crush on Daniel and why they ever got together in the first place. There’s no sign that Daniel is interested, other than he thinks she’s pretty. They were just very flat and one dimensional, neither of them had much personality and I wasn’t that interested in either of them.
I really wish they spent more time talking and less time having sex. I’m going to be honest I skimmed a few of the sex scenes because I was just tired of them. We were told they had discussion about each others lives and interests but we never actually saw it, none if it really ever happened on page. Considering how long it is, I was expecting the characters (both main and supportive) to be more fleshed out but that wasn’t the case)
There was also some text at the beginning of each section which I really didn’t think needed to be there, it didn’t add anything and the book is already quite long. The ending and epilogue seemed quite rushed and I am so not convinced that Isa would end up a writer (I might have missed something but I don’t remember her ever mentioning wanting to become a writer)
Overall I am disappointed, it was a quick and easy read and I’m not mad I read it, I just expected more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2024
DANIEL RIOSSSSSSSSS!!! First I need to just say I’m not sure how this is her first book ever!! The way this book was written was so true and beautiful I’m not even over it. Thank you for letting me get an ARC copy of this book, it is by far the the greatest thing ever. The way she wrote these characters were absolutely amazing.
This book had everything! Small town romance, cowboy romance, secret age gap relationship, spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️, my all time favorite touch her and die energy! Older brother rivals, grumpy sunshine, and she falls first he falls harder!
Like when I say this book had everything it really did have everything. I was hooked just from the first 2 chapters alone. It was just giving everywhere it needed to give! Ren thank you for giving me the book of the summer I didn’t know I needed! Thank you for writing characters that I will never forget, and lastly thank you for blessing me with your writing ❤️
This book had everything! Small town romance, cowboy romance, secret age gap relationship, spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️, my all time favorite touch her and die energy! Older brother rivals, grumpy sunshine, and she falls first he falls harder!
Like when I say this book had everything it really did have everything. I was hooked just from the first 2 chapters alone. It was just giving everywhere it needed to give! Ren thank you for giving me the book of the summer I didn’t know I needed! Thank you for writing characters that I will never forget, and lastly thank you for blessing me with your writing ❤️
January 3, 2026
If you want a book that feels like driving down a Texas highway on a hot summer day with the windows rolled down and a slow country song playing on the radio—you’ve found it.
I read the earlier version of this story last year and fell in love with it right away, so much that I kept up with the progress of The Crush, impatiently waiting for the day I could finally place it in its reserved spot on my bookshelf.
The story flows wonderfully, taking its time to introduce the vividly described life in a small community near Laredo, Texas. One that Daniel Ríos and Isabel Rivera call their home. The characters are created with so much attention to detail and I love that none of them feel alike or unrealistic—even the ones we don’t spend a lot of time with are established well and never feel shallow (if anything, I crave to read more about them). Danny and Isa compliment each other very well and I will never get tired of their dialogue and reactions to turning points in the story—which makes me very thankful we get to see both their points of view. I promise it will have you equally falling in love with them.
Ren finds words that are equally beautiful and convey deep and meaningful thoughts, describing both romance and more underlying topics like grief or PTSD. I also have to mention that all of this comes with the addition that the spice in this book is hands down the best I’ve ever read. You can feel the time and love that has gone into every page and I am so grateful that this story didn't just stay in Ren's head but that all of us get to experience it (and even more so that I got to experience it early with an ARC).
The book managed to keep me on the edge of my seat the whole time and does not only tell a beautiful love story but also the stories of Danny and Isa, touching on the difficulties of being either too far from home—or unable to leave it.
A book that made me kick my feet and shed a few tears and that I would (and will) highly recommend to everyone who wants to do the same ❤️
I read the earlier version of this story last year and fell in love with it right away, so much that I kept up with the progress of The Crush, impatiently waiting for the day I could finally place it in its reserved spot on my bookshelf.
The story flows wonderfully, taking its time to introduce the vividly described life in a small community near Laredo, Texas. One that Daniel Ríos and Isabel Rivera call their home. The characters are created with so much attention to detail and I love that none of them feel alike or unrealistic—even the ones we don’t spend a lot of time with are established well and never feel shallow (if anything, I crave to read more about them). Danny and Isa compliment each other very well and I will never get tired of their dialogue and reactions to turning points in the story—which makes me very thankful we get to see both their points of view. I promise it will have you equally falling in love with them.
Ren finds words that are equally beautiful and convey deep and meaningful thoughts, describing both romance and more underlying topics like grief or PTSD. I also have to mention that all of this comes with the addition that the spice in this book is hands down the best I’ve ever read. You can feel the time and love that has gone into every page and I am so grateful that this story didn't just stay in Ren's head but that all of us get to experience it (and even more so that I got to experience it early with an ARC).
The book managed to keep me on the edge of my seat the whole time and does not only tell a beautiful love story but also the stories of Danny and Isa, touching on the difficulties of being either too far from home—or unable to leave it.
A book that made me kick my feet and shed a few tears and that I would (and will) highly recommend to everyone who wants to do the same ❤️
August 9, 2025
••• Received a gifted ARC from the author. All opinions are my own. •••
My first ARC read and way to start off with a bang 💥
Danny and Isa ♥️ ugh their story was so refreshing. Choosing each other day in and day out. Regardless of the family/town drama. *cue swooning*
Tropes were some of my favs and some other common ones, but Ren brought them to life in a unique way!
Touch her & 💀
She falls first, he falls harder
Grumpy x Sunshine
Brothers Rival
Girl “next door”
Age Gap
Forbidden, small town, cowboy romance
Re: 🌶️ level
Nothing to crazy just many scenes 👀 do with that what you will
Only thing keeping this from a full 5⭐️ for me was just how fast Danny fell for Isa. There was no build up after supposedly not noticing her for years. Suddenly she’s an adult and now he loves her?
Overall, can’t wait to read more of Ren’s work!
Book Deets 📖
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emotional Damage:💧💧
Genre: Romance
My first ARC read and way to start off with a bang 💥
Danny and Isa ♥️ ugh their story was so refreshing. Choosing each other day in and day out. Regardless of the family/town drama. *cue swooning*
Tropes were some of my favs and some other common ones, but Ren brought them to life in a unique way!
Touch her & 💀
She falls first, he falls harder
Grumpy x Sunshine
Brothers Rival
Girl “next door”
Age Gap
Forbidden, small town, cowboy romance
Re: 🌶️ level
Nothing to crazy just many scenes 👀 do with that what you will
Only thing keeping this from a full 5⭐️ for me was just how fast Danny fell for Isa. There was no build up after supposedly not noticing her for years. Suddenly she’s an adult and now he loves her?
Overall, can’t wait to read more of Ren’s work!
Book Deets 📖
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emotional Damage:💧💧
Genre: Romance
July 18, 2024
DNFd it at 60%. Book started pretty strong but slowed down by 50% and I got bored. The FMC was such a drip of a character. Plus there were odd chapters where you didn’t know which characters perspective it was coming from that were flashbacks I guess. I found they took me out of the story though. Genuinely would’ve marked this less than 1 star if it was an option.
January 12, 2025
This book was well written but I was never truly invested.
July 5, 2024
"You don't fight for things you'd be okay with losing"
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice- 🌶️🌶️
This book is the debut book by Ren. I loved it. I really loved the writing.
The book and the characters were showcasing comfort. It was warm and fuzzy book with an apt amount of spice and drama .
This book is swoonworthy.
Tropes
✅ She falls first, he falls harder
🤭 Age gap
❤️ Forbidden romance
✅ Brother's Rival
⭐ Touch her and Die
I loved Danny and Isa ❤️ I loved the way they were written
This books takes you through a journey of PTSD, trauma and healing. I cried at some phases and i won't lie. I wanted to hug Daniel 🥺 🤗🥺
It was so soothing when they finally find peace and solace in other's embrace.
Isabel has my empathy. Her family was not ready to understand that she is an adult and she can take decisions. But i really admire her the way she maintained her stance for Daniel.
I really loved how well it was written and the how well the sensitive and triggered parts were discussed in this book.
Give it a try and fall in love with Daniel and Isabela
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice- 🌶️🌶️
This book is the debut book by Ren. I loved it. I really loved the writing.
The book and the characters were showcasing comfort. It was warm and fuzzy book with an apt amount of spice and drama .
This book is swoonworthy.
Tropes
✅ She falls first, he falls harder
🤭 Age gap
❤️ Forbidden romance
✅ Brother's Rival
⭐ Touch her and Die
I loved Danny and Isa ❤️ I loved the way they were written
This books takes you through a journey of PTSD, trauma and healing. I cried at some phases and i won't lie. I wanted to hug Daniel 🥺 🤗🥺
It was so soothing when they finally find peace and solace in other's embrace.
Isabel has my empathy. Her family was not ready to understand that she is an adult and she can take decisions. But i really admire her the way she maintained her stance for Daniel.
I really loved how well it was written and the how well the sensitive and triggered parts were discussed in this book.
Give it a try and fall in love with Daniel and Isabela
June 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
57/100📚
Thank you, Ren, for giving me this ARC! I really enjoyed this cozy small town romance. I could feel Isa's pining, and I felt her frustrations with her family not being supportive of their relationship. I loved how Danny and Isa fought for their relationship. The one thing that threw me a bit was the 0 to 100 love, I think I was expecting more of a slow burn and in turn the book felt a bit longer than necessary but overall this was an amazing read!
You'll like this if you like...
🩷Small town romance
💚Age gap
🩷Older brothers rival
💚Grumpy x sunshine
🩷She falls first, he falls harder
🌶🌶🌶
57/100📚
Thank you, Ren, for giving me this ARC! I really enjoyed this cozy small town romance. I could feel Isa's pining, and I felt her frustrations with her family not being supportive of their relationship. I loved how Danny and Isa fought for their relationship. The one thing that threw me a bit was the 0 to 100 love, I think I was expecting more of a slow burn and in turn the book felt a bit longer than necessary but overall this was an amazing read!
You'll like this if you like...
🩷Small town romance
💚Age gap
🩷Older brothers rival
💚Grumpy x sunshine
🩷She falls first, he falls harder
June 26, 2024
This is one of the most well written novels I have, and believe ever will, read. While of course it focuses on the relationship between Danny and Isa, which is endlessly romantic, there is a depth to the other characters in the story that continuously pulls you in. The story telling, the relationships, and the amazing talent of Ren Browne shines in this novel. I fell in love with the story of Danny and Isa, and I cannot wait for what’s next!
July 21, 2024
I have never had a book hit so close to home. I fell completely in love with the characters and just cried my eyes out reading a beautiful love story.
June 15, 2024
Favorite Quote
“But I know I can’t do it without her. What? I think of Isabel. The night she pressed herself against my back, arms wrapped around me and palms on my chest, her steady presence pulling me back from the edge. Breath.”
This book grabbed my attention from page one and I couldn’t put it down for 2 days straight and even read it while working. It made me laugh, cry, and kick my feet in the air. Isa and Danny went through so much during this book and grew from it personally and as a couple. They loved it not only out loud but also when it was just them while they were alone and even though their families didn’t want them together they still found a way to accept that and continue to love each other. The Crush not only focused on Isa and Danny but also their families and I felt like I was sitting at the family dinner table, at parties, and in church with them. I went into this book not realizing it was set in 1994 and it threw me for a loop but I still loved this story. This is not just a love story but it is also a story about 2 families the Rivera's and the Rios and I felt like an honorary member of this family and felt like I was right there in the family drama.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves a cowboy who is protective and falls hard and is not afraid to go after what they want even if it goes against what their family wants.
I feel honored to have received an ARC for this book and be able to live in the love story of Isa and Danny and will be reading it again.
“But I know I can’t do it without her. What? I think of Isabel. The night she pressed herself against my back, arms wrapped around me and palms on my chest, her steady presence pulling me back from the edge. Breath.”
This book grabbed my attention from page one and I couldn’t put it down for 2 days straight and even read it while working. It made me laugh, cry, and kick my feet in the air. Isa and Danny went through so much during this book and grew from it personally and as a couple. They loved it not only out loud but also when it was just them while they were alone and even though their families didn’t want them together they still found a way to accept that and continue to love each other. The Crush not only focused on Isa and Danny but also their families and I felt like I was sitting at the family dinner table, at parties, and in church with them. I went into this book not realizing it was set in 1994 and it threw me for a loop but I still loved this story. This is not just a love story but it is also a story about 2 families the Rivera's and the Rios and I felt like an honorary member of this family and felt like I was right there in the family drama.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves a cowboy who is protective and falls hard and is not afraid to go after what they want even if it goes against what their family wants.
I feel honored to have received an ARC for this book and be able to live in the love story of Isa and Danny and will be reading it again.
June 17, 2024
*I received an ARC from the author for my honest opinion*
I really liked the premise of this book. It sounded right up my alley and I was excited to read. However once I started, it didn’t seem to fit what I thought I was going to get. There wasn’t a slow build up of a relationship at all, it felt like it went from 0 to 100 instantly. I wish we got more time to see the relationship develop, see feelings grow, instead of instant head over heels for each other.
The story seemed to go on and on for a bit too long for me. It felt like for a while it was the same thing happening over and over again. It got a bit tiring towards the middle/end, and I wasn’t sure what the point was.
I liked the author’s writing style, but I didn’t understand the point of the first blurb in each new section. It felt out of nowhere and unnecessary.
I wish I loved this book, but it didn’t hit all the marks I hoped for. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
I really liked the premise of this book. It sounded right up my alley and I was excited to read. However once I started, it didn’t seem to fit what I thought I was going to get. There wasn’t a slow build up of a relationship at all, it felt like it went from 0 to 100 instantly. I wish we got more time to see the relationship develop, see feelings grow, instead of instant head over heels for each other.
The story seemed to go on and on for a bit too long for me. It felt like for a while it was the same thing happening over and over again. It got a bit tiring towards the middle/end, and I wasn’t sure what the point was.
I liked the author’s writing style, but I didn’t understand the point of the first blurb in each new section. It felt out of nowhere and unnecessary.
I wish I loved this book, but it didn’t hit all the marks I hoped for. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
July 28, 2024
A new to me author and I decided to give it a chance.
There were some beautiful moments and lovely writing. This just didn’t hit all the right spots for me, but I’m sure it will to others.
I liked Isabel a lot and I was mesmerised by the setting and the back stories. I got her attraction to Daniel but I also didn’t… I wanted to feel more between them as a couple, not just the insta lust and countless spicy scenes. The emotions I felt with her relationship with her family and Daniel’s with his dad, that’s what I wanted to feel between them.
My favourite character in this story was Daniel’s dad and I especially loved his time capsule story with Daniel’s mama.
The age gap that was my main draw to this story didn’t quite have the effect I get when I know it’s a factor in a romance.
Well done and worth a shot if you’re into spicy with a side of family drama in a scenic small town setting.
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
There were some beautiful moments and lovely writing. This just didn’t hit all the right spots for me, but I’m sure it will to others.
I liked Isabel a lot and I was mesmerised by the setting and the back stories. I got her attraction to Daniel but I also didn’t… I wanted to feel more between them as a couple, not just the insta lust and countless spicy scenes. The emotions I felt with her relationship with her family and Daniel’s with his dad, that’s what I wanted to feel between them.
My favourite character in this story was Daniel’s dad and I especially loved his time capsule story with Daniel’s mama.
The age gap that was my main draw to this story didn’t quite have the effect I get when I know it’s a factor in a romance.
Well done and worth a shot if you’re into spicy with a side of family drama in a scenic small town setting.
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
June 26, 2024
This is the first book in the series and the debut book by this author! I was so immersed in this book that I forgot I was reading and could NOT put it down. I also enjoyed the book being mostly set in the 90s with some flash points back to other times with various characters POV. The timeline aspect was handled so well!
Isabel & Danny grow up together in a small town in rural Texas. Their families are so close because their moms are best friends. As life moves foward they grow up and each move out of their small town (Danny about a decade before Isa) only to come back around the same time. The feelings that both of them thought they had left in the past can NOT be contained! Especially for Isa who has had a longing crush on Danny since she first started to think about relationships. Despite all these two have working against them they push everything aside to fight for each other 🫶🏼
Isa has three older brothers so I am hoping this will be a series and we can see how each of the Rivera boys get their happily ever after too!
✨Small Town Romance
♥️Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Cowboy Romance
♥️Older Brothers Rival
✨Age Gap
♥️Forbidden Romance
✨Spice 🌶️
Isabel & Danny grow up together in a small town in rural Texas. Their families are so close because their moms are best friends. As life moves foward they grow up and each move out of their small town (Danny about a decade before Isa) only to come back around the same time. The feelings that both of them thought they had left in the past can NOT be contained! Especially for Isa who has had a longing crush on Danny since she first started to think about relationships. Despite all these two have working against them they push everything aside to fight for each other 🫶🏼
Isa has three older brothers so I am hoping this will be a series and we can see how each of the Rivera boys get their happily ever after too!
✨Small Town Romance
♥️Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Cowboy Romance
♥️Older Brothers Rival
✨Age Gap
♥️Forbidden Romance
✨Spice 🌶️
August 4, 2024
3/5 stars - At first I thought there was no plot, just smut but that slowly died off and there was an actual storyline. Giving 3 stars because I did overall enjoy the story but it isn’t high on my recommends list.
June 16, 2024
ARC Review - The Crush by Ren Browne
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
The Crush is a beautifully written story between Isabel and Danny. Her unwavering love for him; his newfound but profound love for her keep me reading. A beautiful love story with just enough spice to keep it sweet. The characters growth was beautiful to read as well. Bonus points for Tadeo and Gabe, they really stood out for me.
A big thank you to @renbrownewrites for giving the opportunity to read and review your book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
The Crush is a beautifully written story between Isabel and Danny. Her unwavering love for him; his newfound but profound love for her keep me reading. A beautiful love story with just enough spice to keep it sweet. The characters growth was beautiful to read as well. Bonus points for Tadeo and Gabe, they really stood out for me.
A big thank you to @renbrownewrites for giving the opportunity to read and review your book.
August 13, 2024
4 - Look, I pretty much got exactly what I was looking for and wanted out of this.
February 21, 2025
Booktok made me read it. Still not sure how to feel about it.
August 4, 2025
Not a day goes by that I don’t think about The Trip.
June 12, 2024
If you love a cowboy who falls fast and hard this is for you. Daniel is so dreamy and even with all his issues there wasn’t ever a moment where you doubt his feelings for Isabel. Isabel she was everything! She was ready to fight anyone or anything for her man and didn’t let anything come between them. The issues they had were realistic but also the way that things were resolved felt very realistic. I loved their communication and how there wasn’t ever any kind of long standing misunderstanding between them. Overall it’s a really beautiful book and I loved every minute of it!
* I received The Crush as an ARC copy*
* I received The Crush as an ARC copy*
July 4, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
This was so much more than just a cute, cowboy romance, set in a small town, and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it! 🥰
Isabel and Danny are the epitome of she fell first, but he fell harder. Their love for each other really shone through all the hardships that they faced, and external conflicts that they were subjected to; they continually chose each other, and it really made for such a beautiful love story that had me thinking about them, days after I finished reading.
It starts off as an unrequited love on Isabel’s part; a crush she has been harbouring since she was young, and now she’s returned to her small hometown, and so has Danny, who has been working for the DEA for the past eight years.
Isabel is not the kid who he once remembers, and Danny is battling the ghosts from the trauma of working for the DEA. Their love wasn’t the slowest of burns, and it did feel a bit like insta lust on Danny’s part when they first got together, but their mutual pining and how integral Isabel became in his life, really made up for it, I couldn’t help but not root for them.
I really liked Gabe, Isabel’s brother and Tadeo, Danny’s father; they were really solid side characters.
There was a brother’s rival with her older brother, Aaron— I felt like he had a bit of a complex to him that stemmed from jealousy and Danny being known as the golden town hero, but I nonetheless liked the dynamic that it gave the story.
This really was a delightful age gap romance that had all the small town vibes, some criminally good spice, with a dash of a praise and breeding kink, and a creative use of a tie 🤭
Tropes
🎀 Age gap (12 years)
❣️ Brother’s rival
🎀 Cowboy romance
❣️ She falls first, he falls harder
🎀 Secret relationship
❣️ Small town romance
This was so much more than just a cute, cowboy romance, set in a small town, and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it! 🥰
Isabel and Danny are the epitome of she fell first, but he fell harder. Their love for each other really shone through all the hardships that they faced, and external conflicts that they were subjected to; they continually chose each other, and it really made for such a beautiful love story that had me thinking about them, days after I finished reading.
It starts off as an unrequited love on Isabel’s part; a crush she has been harbouring since she was young, and now she’s returned to her small hometown, and so has Danny, who has been working for the DEA for the past eight years.
Isabel is not the kid who he once remembers, and Danny is battling the ghosts from the trauma of working for the DEA. Their love wasn’t the slowest of burns, and it did feel a bit like insta lust on Danny’s part when they first got together, but their mutual pining and how integral Isabel became in his life, really made up for it, I couldn’t help but not root for them.
I really liked Gabe, Isabel’s brother and Tadeo, Danny’s father; they were really solid side characters.
There was a brother’s rival with her older brother, Aaron— I felt like he had a bit of a complex to him that stemmed from jealousy and Danny being known as the golden town hero, but I nonetheless liked the dynamic that it gave the story.
This really was a delightful age gap romance that had all the small town vibes, some criminally good spice, with a dash of a praise and breeding kink, and a creative use of a tie 🤭
Tropes
🎀 Age gap (12 years)
❣️ Brother’s rival
🎀 Cowboy romance
❣️ She falls first, he falls harder
🎀 Secret relationship
❣️ Small town romance
June 25, 2024
*I received an ARC from the author* I really enjoyed this story and am excited for the future tales about these characters from Ren. It doesn't waste much time before Danny & Isa are head over heels for one another, but that leaves extra time for glimpses into their past and the development of the characters. The writing does a great job of illustrating Daniel's internal struggle and his difficulty in believing he is allowed to be happy, Isa's sassiness is provides a great balance to Daniel's slight 'grumpy' nature, and the two of them together are so sweet and really bring out the best in each other. I also thought so many of the other characters were so well written - I love the character of Danny's dad and Isa's brother Gabe. Through the little details and the dialogue, you really begin to care for the characters and are cheering for them (Well, maybe not cheering for all of them - some of the characters are also easy to root against by their actions... but yet the depth of the writing gives you enough insight into them or their circumstance that you begin to pity them.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2024
so cute, but no build-up, sad.
August 2, 2024
I receive an ARC copy to review from the author.
I had to DNF this book only a few chapters in. While I read the fanfic this was based on this didn’t work well as a stand alone novel. It felt like she simply changed the names but you could still tell it was a Narcos fanfic. I love reading fanfic-turned novels because as a fan you can spot Easter eggs in the story. This didn’t do enough to change Daniel’s background from Javier Peña.
Isabel’s crush on Daniel was cringe worthy and there wasn’t much chemistry between the characters to make a convincing love story. Daniel didn’t know much about Isabel before he makes a move, he just finds her to be pretty before they start a secret relationship which is mostly based on lust.
As a Latina I was also uncomfortable with the fact that this author wrote a Latino love story even though she is not a member of that community. It’s 2024, white authors should be more sensitive and listen to communities of color. She could have easily made the FMC white and the story would have still worked, her logic for making both characters Mexican really didn’t make much sense.
I had to DNF this book only a few chapters in. While I read the fanfic this was based on this didn’t work well as a stand alone novel. It felt like she simply changed the names but you could still tell it was a Narcos fanfic. I love reading fanfic-turned novels because as a fan you can spot Easter eggs in the story. This didn’t do enough to change Daniel’s background from Javier Peña.
Isabel’s crush on Daniel was cringe worthy and there wasn’t much chemistry between the characters to make a convincing love story. Daniel didn’t know much about Isabel before he makes a move, he just finds her to be pretty before they start a secret relationship which is mostly based on lust.
As a Latina I was also uncomfortable with the fact that this author wrote a Latino love story even though she is not a member of that community. It’s 2024, white authors should be more sensitive and listen to communities of color. She could have easily made the FMC white and the story would have still worked, her logic for making both characters Mexican really didn’t make much sense.
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