What do you think?
Rate this book
Crush #4
Smolder
Russ knew true love existed—he’d seen it first hand—he simply didn’t believe it existed for him. And then she walked into his life. Russ didn’t know what had hit him . . . all he knew was that she made him burn.
314 pages, ebook
First published October 5, 2014
53 people are currently reading
1550 people want to read
About the author
Lacey Weatherford
55 books3,915 followersLacey Weatherford was born in Ft. Meade Maryland while her father was serving in the military. She has been a life long resident of Arizona, spending most of her time growing up in the small rural town of Clay Springs.
It was while she was attending the small country school in Clay Springs, that she read her first "big" book at the age of eight. It was a Nancy Drew novel and Lacey was instantly hooked. She read every book that she could find in the series and decided that she wanted to write stories too.
Lacey spent a lot of time at the library from that time forward, even volunteering in her later teen years and early twenties. She would don a crazy clown outfit for the Friends of the Library fundraisers in an effort to help get the new town library built.
When she and her husband moved away from the area, Lacey took the opportunity to take some creative writing classes at the local college to help further along her interests. Several years later, they were blessed with the opportunity to move back to Clay Springs with their family. The town had finally succeeded in building their library and Lacey had the opportunity to be President of the Friends of the Library for a very short time, before relocating.
Lacey and her family still live in the White Mountains of Arizona, where she continues to write young adult novels that have a fantasy/fairytale or paranormal bent to them, as well as being sure to include a great romantic storyline!
It was while she was attending the small country school in Clay Springs, that she read her first "big" book at the age of eight. It was a Nancy Drew novel and Lacey was instantly hooked. She read every book that she could find in the series and decided that she wanted to write stories too.
Lacey spent a lot of time at the library from that time forward, even volunteering in her later teen years and early twenties. She would don a crazy clown outfit for the Friends of the Library fundraisers in an effort to help get the new town library built.
When she and her husband moved away from the area, Lacey took the opportunity to take some creative writing classes at the local college to help further along her interests. Several years later, they were blessed with the opportunity to move back to Clay Springs with their family. The town had finally succeeded in building their library and Lacey had the opportunity to be President of the Friends of the Library for a very short time, before relocating.
Lacey and her family still live in the White Mountains of Arizona, where she continues to write young adult novels that have a fantasy/fairytale or paranormal bent to them, as well as being sure to include a great romantic storyline!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 27, 2016
I loved the crush series and was really looking forward to Russ's story and I liked some of it but over all it just didn't work as well for me as the others. The parts I really enjoyed were the bits with Dylan and Cami in them. The banter between the 3 of them was funny and enjoyable. I was hooked at the beginning wanting to see how his love story panned out but once something huge comes to light that's where I struggled to enjoy it. I wasn't hating the twist of the story more so how things were just so sudden and rushed. I think those twists could've worked great but this time it didn't work for me. Don't want to spoil anything but after the major twist I wasn't enjoying it. Things just didn't seem to go together and I thought things were left out. Russ was just getting too confusing and the whole Misty thing was weird and then the ending was rushed too. When couples have separated and had time apart I hate that they don't tlk about what went down during that time. It was a good read with so many good and funny times but it was towards the end that let it down for me.
October 12, 2014
4 Smitten Stars!
Review by Lisa Kane
A new book in The Crush series? This is a no brainer 1-click for me! At the end of the last book, Cami and Dylan Wilcox and Russ Weston had just moved to Charleston. They bought a big historic house by the water. Cami and Dylan have the first two floors and Russ is renovating the third floor for himself. Both Russ and Dylan are firefighters and Cami is expecting a baby. They moved to start a new life after suffering the loss of their baby, their dog and their home. Russ is closer to these two than his own family, their experiences cemented their circle. Russ is probably the only one that could put up with Cami and Dylan's PDA anyway. He's always been a player, but lately he wishes he had the kind of relationship they have; his life is full but he yearns for someone special.
Russ has really settled in at the station and his life is busy. While doing some life guarding at the lake for some extra money, he sees a girl struggling in the water, and he dives in. After the rescue, he's told her name is Evie but he never sees her face. Russ is a little embarrassed at the attention he is getting from this, he thinks this is his job and there are many who do the same thing he does.
But ever since the incident that he, Cami and Dylan had with their lives being threatened, he has had horrible nightmares. He thinks it's time he got some professional help, so he makes an appointment with Dr. Evelyn McKnight, PhD., a specialist in PTSD. Now guess who Evie, the woman he rescued turns out to be? Yep, she's the same therapist he was going to use for his therapy.
Once he sees her, he is smitten, really taken back by how beautiful this girl is and how much he wants her. She seems to be a interested in him too, but is afraid this can cause many problems ethically. But it seems the good doctor also has problems. Several years ago, her boyfriend Kory served in Afghanistan along with her brother Paul and he was killed. Her brother, who encouraged him to enlist, killed himself shortly after. Evie has not been able to move on, she still keeps all his things out where she can see them in their apartment.
Russ and Evie agree to see other; they agree to be friends discussing mutual problems.
I nodded. "I'm more than okay with it, but it does leave me with one tiny, little problem."
"What's that?"
"I was kind of hoping you'd be my doctor, too,"
Reaching for a pencil on the end table beside her, she picked it up, tapping the erased end lightly against her lip. I was envious of that pencil.
Slowly, they get to know one another and even get so far as to try out the bed in Russ' room, the one with the springs that make so much noise, Dylan begs both of them to get a new bed. And just when they are both about to confess their love for each other, something wonderful happens for Evie, but in a way not so wonderful for Russ. Both their lives are completely uprooted. Evie is now faced with the biggest choice of her life and is so torn about what to do. Russ struggles to get his life on track without her, but having had a woman he loved, he finds it hard to go back to superficial relationships.
Maybe I wasn’t cut out for relationships. Maybe I was meant to spend eternity as the third wheel to Cami and Dylan. I could be like their really old adult child they adopted. Hell, in a few more years I'd end up in diapers-just like Piper-and I'd fit right in. No one would even notice. Of course., that would mean Cami and Dylan would probably be in diapers too. I shivered. That was gross.
Lots of things are happening in this book-Cami and Dylan welcome their baby, in fact it's Russ who ends up delivering it. (and makes sure to note that Cami really is a natural redhead!) Dylan and Russ' bonds of friendship are shown to be stronger than anyone could have imagined when both their lives are once again threatened.
And the epilogue-it's classic Lacey Weatherford-funny and sexy and oh so delicious!
Review by Lisa Kane
A new book in The Crush series? This is a no brainer 1-click for me! At the end of the last book, Cami and Dylan Wilcox and Russ Weston had just moved to Charleston. They bought a big historic house by the water. Cami and Dylan have the first two floors and Russ is renovating the third floor for himself. Both Russ and Dylan are firefighters and Cami is expecting a baby. They moved to start a new life after suffering the loss of their baby, their dog and their home. Russ is closer to these two than his own family, their experiences cemented their circle. Russ is probably the only one that could put up with Cami and Dylan's PDA anyway. He's always been a player, but lately he wishes he had the kind of relationship they have; his life is full but he yearns for someone special.
Russ has really settled in at the station and his life is busy. While doing some life guarding at the lake for some extra money, he sees a girl struggling in the water, and he dives in. After the rescue, he's told her name is Evie but he never sees her face. Russ is a little embarrassed at the attention he is getting from this, he thinks this is his job and there are many who do the same thing he does.
But ever since the incident that he, Cami and Dylan had with their lives being threatened, he has had horrible nightmares. He thinks it's time he got some professional help, so he makes an appointment with Dr. Evelyn McKnight, PhD., a specialist in PTSD. Now guess who Evie, the woman he rescued turns out to be? Yep, she's the same therapist he was going to use for his therapy.
Once he sees her, he is smitten, really taken back by how beautiful this girl is and how much he wants her. She seems to be a interested in him too, but is afraid this can cause many problems ethically. But it seems the good doctor also has problems. Several years ago, her boyfriend Kory served in Afghanistan along with her brother Paul and he was killed. Her brother, who encouraged him to enlist, killed himself shortly after. Evie has not been able to move on, she still keeps all his things out where she can see them in their apartment.
Russ and Evie agree to see other; they agree to be friends discussing mutual problems.
I nodded. "I'm more than okay with it, but it does leave me with one tiny, little problem."
"What's that?"
"I was kind of hoping you'd be my doctor, too,"
Reaching for a pencil on the end table beside her, she picked it up, tapping the erased end lightly against her lip. I was envious of that pencil.
Slowly, they get to know one another and even get so far as to try out the bed in Russ' room, the one with the springs that make so much noise, Dylan begs both of them to get a new bed. And just when they are both about to confess their love for each other, something wonderful happens for Evie, but in a way not so wonderful for Russ. Both their lives are completely uprooted. Evie is now faced with the biggest choice of her life and is so torn about what to do. Russ struggles to get his life on track without her, but having had a woman he loved, he finds it hard to go back to superficial relationships.
Maybe I wasn’t cut out for relationships. Maybe I was meant to spend eternity as the third wheel to Cami and Dylan. I could be like their really old adult child they adopted. Hell, in a few more years I'd end up in diapers-just like Piper-and I'd fit right in. No one would even notice. Of course., that would mean Cami and Dylan would probably be in diapers too. I shivered. That was gross.
Lots of things are happening in this book-Cami and Dylan welcome their baby, in fact it's Russ who ends up delivering it. (and makes sure to note that Cami really is a natural redhead!) Dylan and Russ' bonds of friendship are shown to be stronger than anyone could have imagined when both their lives are once again threatened.
And the epilogue-it's classic Lacey Weatherford-funny and sexy and oh so delicious!
October 7, 2014
WOW - Lacey Weatherford just keeps going and going - and this book is no exception!!!
I will advise that since this is the 4th book in the Crush series that you really must must must read the first 3 before you read this one!!! It will make this book make so much more sense to you!!!
The main character for this book is Russ Weston. Russ is a very close friend to Hunter and Cami and the last thing that he ever wanted was to be called a hero. That all changes when he is at the Fire Department BBQ at the lake and happens to see someone drowning. That someone is renowned psychiatrist, Evelyn McKnight. Not gonna divulge any more of the story, but I will warn you about this - - - once you start reading this, you will be so wrapped up in the story that you will NOT want to stop reading and put the book down!!!
I know that this is supposed to be the last book of this series, but I really wish that Lacey could find a way to continue it on - - I just LOVED the series!!!
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
I will advise that since this is the 4th book in the Crush series that you really must must must read the first 3 before you read this one!!! It will make this book make so much more sense to you!!!
The main character for this book is Russ Weston. Russ is a very close friend to Hunter and Cami and the last thing that he ever wanted was to be called a hero. That all changes when he is at the Fire Department BBQ at the lake and happens to see someone drowning. That someone is renowned psychiatrist, Evelyn McKnight. Not gonna divulge any more of the story, but I will warn you about this - - - once you start reading this, you will be so wrapped up in the story that you will NOT want to stop reading and put the book down!!!
I know that this is supposed to be the last book of this series, but I really wish that Lacey could find a way to continue it on - - I just LOVED the series!!!
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
November 11, 2014
I gave it 5 stars because I loved the Crush series by Lacey but truth be told I was expecting the book to have a little bit more action given the direction of the other books in the series.
A did like it a lot and because I loved Russ I couldn't wait for this book to come out.
If you are a Crush fan the book is totally worth reading because it also follows the story of Cami and Dylan after they move into their new home.
Enjoy!
A did like it a lot and because I loved Russ I couldn't wait for this book to come out.
If you are a Crush fan the book is totally worth reading because it also follows the story of Cami and Dylan after they move into their new home.
Enjoy!
October 15, 2014
I hate to say it, but this book did not work for me. I loved the Crush series with Dylan and Cami, and was looking forward to reading Russ' story, but I just could not get into it. I liked the first half of the book, Russ meeting Evie, becoming friends, and finally falling for her. Then the second half of the book happened with the twist and the events after left a bad taste in my mouth. Although I understood Evie's reasons and Russ wanting to move on when he couldn't be with who he wanted, I just couldn't handle it. I thought Russ trying to move on went way too fast and I could not get into this part of the story. I also thought the ending was too rushed and abrupt. One of my pet peeves with books is when something happens to the characters not being together and when they come back without talking about it. I just think that is a huge part of a romance story and it needs to be addressed, not just making the reader assume everything is discussed at a later time.
What I did like about this book is Russ' relationship with Dylan and Cami. I love how they are all best friends and family. They will do anything for each other and are such great, loving people. Their scenes together are hilarious.
I would suggest reading the Crush trilogy before this book as it discusses event that happened in previous books. It is not necessary, but I think the reader will have more of a connection and understanding about the friendships between Russ, Dylan, and Cami. Although this book did not work for me, I know that others will love Russ' and Evie's love story. I am looking forward to reading future books by this author.
What I did like about this book is Russ' relationship with Dylan and Cami. I love how they are all best friends and family. They will do anything for each other and are such great, loving people. Their scenes together are hilarious.
I would suggest reading the Crush trilogy before this book as it discusses event that happened in previous books. It is not necessary, but I think the reader will have more of a connection and understanding about the friendships between Russ, Dylan, and Cami. Although this book did not work for me, I know that others will love Russ' and Evie's love story. I am looking forward to reading future books by this author.
November 25, 2014
Review can also be found on my blog: http://melissa-reads-books.blogspot.b...
I love the first three books in this series so much. It’s crazy how much I love Cami and Dylan/Hunter. But I always had a special place in my heart for Russ. I was always curious to find out more about him, so of course I was SUPER happy to find out about this book!
Russ is everything I though he was. And even more. I though it wasn’t possible to love him more. Boy, I was so wrong. He’s such an amazing friend, he’s funny, freaking hot (!!!) and so sweet. Yes, he is definitely a hero. Even if he doesn’t think so.
This book is in Russ’ POV, but Cami and Dylan appear a lot in it too. The combination of the two was just perfect. I think my heart burst from happiness in the ending!
This book is super sweet/perfect and I don’t feel like I need to say more, because if you liked the previous books in this series, you will want to read this book for sure.
However, I do have a warning: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK BEFORE THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES! I know this is a stand-alone/companion, but I think reading this one first is not a good idea. It will be weird because it contains MAYOR spoilers from the rest of the series. You won’t feel the same emotions while reading the rest of the series then or the other way around. Trust me on this.
Anyway, I am super glad how this series ended. I wish there was more, but this book was a very good way to say good-bye to three of my favorite characters ♥
I love the first three books in this series so much. It’s crazy how much I love Cami and Dylan/Hunter. But I always had a special place in my heart for Russ. I was always curious to find out more about him, so of course I was SUPER happy to find out about this book!
Russ is everything I though he was. And even more. I though it wasn’t possible to love him more. Boy, I was so wrong. He’s such an amazing friend, he’s funny, freaking hot (!!!) and so sweet. Yes, he is definitely a hero. Even if he doesn’t think so.
This book is in Russ’ POV, but Cami and Dylan appear a lot in it too. The combination of the two was just perfect. I think my heart burst from happiness in the ending!
This book is super sweet/perfect and I don’t feel like I need to say more, because if you liked the previous books in this series, you will want to read this book for sure.
However, I do have a warning: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK BEFORE THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES! I know this is a stand-alone/companion, but I think reading this one first is not a good idea. It will be weird because it contains MAYOR spoilers from the rest of the series. You won’t feel the same emotions while reading the rest of the series then or the other way around. Trust me on this.
Anyway, I am super glad how this series ended. I wish there was more, but this book was a very good way to say good-bye to three of my favorite characters ♥
July 17, 2015
The proverbial third wheel Russ, finally gets his HEA, but it's not without drama...
Weve come a long way from reading Crush, to Smitten, Love and then Smolder- I'm sad to see it go, but I was a little bit disappointed how many unanswered questions were left hanging, Kory and Misty anyone? While I liked Russ' smart ass comebacks, I particularly didn't like his duplicity and how fast he moved on, I find the scenes with the OW cringey at best. I get that they're , but I'm just a soppy romantic who figured our H/h didn't just casually get their rocks off- due to loyalty and convenience.
Weve come a long way from reading Crush, to Smitten, Love and then Smolder- I'm sad to see it go, but I was a little bit disappointed how many unanswered questions were left hanging, Kory and Misty anyone? While I liked Russ' smart ass comebacks, I particularly didn't like his duplicity and how fast he moved on, I find the scenes with the OW cringey at best. I get that they're , but I'm just a soppy romantic who figured our H/h didn't just casually get their rocks off- due to loyalty and convenience.
April 8, 2017
Ох уж ж и бредовая книга, ну просто слов нет. Главное, первые три ничего, а тут… Не буду спойлерить, но Санта-Барбара отдыхает. На одном моменте я правда вслух заорала: «What the ...». И с каждой главой кричать хотелось все сильнее и громче. Финал – это просто эпик-фейл. Вот таким полнейшим бредом автор перечеркнула все относительно позитивные воспоминания от серии. Плохо. Очень плохо. И это притом, что главный герой этой книги мне в первых трех больше всех нравился (там он второстепенный герой).
October 14, 2014
Great read
if you have not read the previous books in the series stop and read them now. Russ has been through so much and just wanting his little piece of happiness is all he wants. when he finally gets his happiness a big wrench is thrown in the mix by a man named Kory who is back from the dead after a six year absence. read this if you want to know if Russ gets all he deserves
if you have not read the previous books in the series stop and read them now. Russ has been through so much and just wanting his little piece of happiness is all he wants. when he finally gets his happiness a big wrench is thrown in the mix by a man named Kory who is back from the dead after a six year absence. read this if you want to know if Russ gets all he deserves
Want to read
June 2, 2014Russ is my favorite character in the series..!!can't wait..!!!
January 7, 2015
The first part of the book was just so sweet and the banter between the H/H !! The second part not so much. The Misty thing was really upsetting.
June 2, 2016
2015 tbr challenge
Originally published on my blog.
Sadly,
Smolder was definitely the weakest of the series.
Even my infinite love for Russ couldn't make me give the book more than three stars. And you've no idea how
sad
I am for this.
Unlike the first three books in the series,
Smolder
doesn't continue the tale of Cami and Dylan, which I consider fortunate because
how much crap can you put one couple through, really
?! Ahem. Anyways,
this one tell's Russ's story - Cami and Dylan's loyal best friend.
He's been there since book one. He's moved around with them every time. He was ready to sacrificial his life for theirs. Really, what's not to like?
Surprisingly, a lot. Not with Russ himself.
Russ himself is a sweetheart
(though a really horny one). The thing is, this book was
typical
. It was
unbelievable
. It was
rushed
. It had
too much going around
. And those are really just the headers.
Russ deserves some love, and he finds it in the form of beautiful and smart
Evelyn
. But is their road smooth? Ha. You make me laugh, you optimistic you!
Everything is going good for the first half of the story. Which, naturally, means we're heading into
Danger: Lot's of Crap Ahead!
zone. First, we have the
Not really surprising,
completely unoriginal
, and frankly utter bullshit. What are the odds? Right when everything is going great, when they're going to speak the L word, THAT happens. Yeah. No.
Speaking of L words,
why did they have to happen so soon?
I know Cami and Dylan have the whole love-at-first-sight thing, and I can't recall how long it took them to get together, but I felt like
it happened way too quickly here
. They know each other maybe a month. Their relationship has been physical at best. They've been irrationally possessive from the get-go, even though they don't know anything about each other. Me no likey.
And then, so much happened!
Because of twist number 1, twist number 2 had to be included so we could get rid of the result of twist number 1 on one end. Then we had to get rid of a character, because she was in the way and twist #1 is finally solved! Then, we had to put in a 3rd event to catalyst the solution of twist #2, and if we can also solve some of the original issues the hero has been dealing with, so the better!
I would've liked it more if the story focused on just one thing instead
. I would've liked it more if the story really focused on them getting to know each other more, than all this other... crap
. I'm being so vocally angry with this because I love this author.
I highly enjoy her books and stories. So I
know
she can do a lot better than this.
That's
why I'm angry.
I will say this -
I read the book in one day.
It was
fun
, and they were
cute
together when they weren't busy not being together/being physically together. It was great seeing Cami and Dylan truly content for once, without anything to mar their happiness. That's why it's a three stars, and not lower - despite my angry ranting.
Originally published on my blog.
December 18, 2020
This is the best one of the series! i only read the first one and this one but I liked it so much better! There was way more suspence and depth. There was no smut in this book though and i love me some smut... she just left it all, it was insinuated but never actually written.
SPOILER
The other thing that really irritated me was the fact that everyone just accepted that Kory was alive: like okay, let's move on with our lifes. It was just accepted so easily, like it was nothing special. Come on people, he rises from the dead after 6 years, that's something.
SPOILER
The other thing that really irritated me was the fact that everyone just accepted that Kory was alive: like okay, let's move on with our lifes. It was just accepted so easily, like it was nothing special. Come on people, he rises from the dead after 6 years, that's something.
September 16, 2019
A wonderful end to a great series
I have loved Russ from the beginning of this series and was so happy he got his own book. He has been through a lot and when he meets Evie you finally think he’s going to get his own HEA but there are twists and turns throughout this and Evie herself is a great character that has also been through a lot. A wonderful read and it was great that Dylan and Cami were still fearured too.
I have loved Russ from the beginning of this series and was so happy he got his own book. He has been through a lot and when he meets Evie you finally think he’s going to get his own HEA but there are twists and turns throughout this and Evie herself is a great character that has also been through a lot. A wonderful read and it was great that Dylan and Cami were still fearured too.
October 2, 2021
I loved this entire series. I was addicted from the very first book to the last one. The story of Dylan and Cami and then of Russ and Evie had me crying and laughing through out the entire journey of them. Honestly so sad that's it over yet so happy that they all got the happy ending they very much deserved. Though I am very curious as to what happened to Kory you should totally write his story cause he deserves a happy ending too.🥺💕
November 19, 2017
I absolutely love Russ. He was the perfect friend for both Cami and Dylan and I'm glad that a book was made all for him. It was great being able to also know what happened to Cami and Dylan as well after everything that happened in the last book. I really enjoyed the story and the new characters and everything that played out was done so well. Sad the series is over!
July 9, 2020
Freaking awesome 💕 book highly recommend it
The book over all was amazing
I freaking love it
lovely
Awesome
Hilarious
Romantic
One of a kind book
Special🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊😍😍🎉🎊🎊🎉😘😘😘😅😅😅🎁🎁🎁🔥🔥🔥🔥😂😂😂 I replay wish there was a.sequel for.piper Wilcox and zoe.lyn
The book over all was amazing
I freaking love it
lovely
Awesome
Hilarious
Romantic
One of a kind book
Special🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊😍😍🎉🎊🎊🎉😘😘😘😅😅😅🎁🎁🎁🔥🔥🔥🔥😂😂😂 I replay wish there was a.sequel for.piper Wilcox and zoe.lyn
October 10, 2018
Oh my! I loved the whole series! And this one was good about half way through I got so damn scared but the story got happy again. Boy have mercy these four books gave me crazy adrenaline rushes!
May 14, 2019
amazing book. great to have another perspective and story but i think i’ll always be a sucker for the first 3
November 29, 2020
Ahh I loved this series!
June 20, 2021
I finally read this book after staring the crush series in 2014. I enjoyed the bits with Cami and Dylan. I felt that Russ’ love story was a bit rushed but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
July 20, 2021
From the very beginning of Smolder (Crush, #4) you are caught up in this ride and you never really knew what was going to happen next but knew whatever it was it was going to be exciting...
October 29, 2021
Seemed a little rushed and forced. Would've loved for the book to be longer, it would make the romance seem more smooth.
Read
April 16, 2015The first book is free!
Crush
on Amazon
Crush
on Nook
Book 2 Smitten (Crush Book 2)
on Amazon
Smitten
on Nook
Book 3
LOVE (Crush series Book 3)
on Amazon
LOVE
on Nook
Book 4 Smolder on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Smolder-Crush-B...
Smolder
on Nook
Crush
on AmazonCrush
on Nook
Book 2 Smitten (Crush Book 2) on AmazonSmitten
on NookBook 3
LOVE (Crush series Book 3)
on AmazonLOVE
on Nook
Book 4 Smolder on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Smolder-Crush-B...Smolder
on Nook
October 26, 2014
A fantastic ending to a bloody fantastic series!
I loved this book. It was not like the other books in this series, and to be honest, I was really glad of that. 'Love' was such a dark book, then the the rest of the series that it was a welcome change to read a book, were there was no mystery, or stalker or anything. This is about Russ, and how he is coping from what happened to him in 'Love'
Russ is suffering from PTSD. He is having nightmares about being tied to a char and seeing one of his best friends being beaten and him nearly getting shot. So he decides to call a therapist who specializes in PTSD a 'Dr Evelyn McKnight'
On a BBQ at the lake with all the fire fighters Russ sees someone swimming then start to disappear in the water, Russ along with Dylan go to help. It's a woman named Evie. It's in the papers and it turns out to be the same woman Russ is going to see for his nightmares. Evie wants to meet him to say thank you, and when they meet there is chemistry and the flirtatious starts. As a 'thank you' Evie will not let Russ pay, Russ tells her about the whole hostage situation. He even goes back to when he first met Dylan. (It was rather nice having a recap of all the books, and having it from Russ's POV)
Evie is having a hard time too. 6 years ago her fiance was killed and 2 months later her brother killed himself. Evie has not been with anyone since his death, nor has she wanted too. But Russ makes her feel things that she has never felt before.
When Evie is ready to let go and tell Russ she loves him, her dead fiance comes back.
To read what happens and there is a few more things that happen, Cami and Dylan are expecting their first baby. There is a fire at a hospital and Russ hears some news he's not expecting.
It really is a lovely book with ups and downs and I'm so so so glad Russ got his own book.
I think this is the last in the series, but I'm hoping there will be one more, because I really don't want this to be the end. But, it is is then it's a great ending to a great series.
Well done Lacey Weatherford. :-)
I loved this book. It was not like the other books in this series, and to be honest, I was really glad of that. 'Love' was such a dark book, then the the rest of the series that it was a welcome change to read a book, were there was no mystery, or stalker or anything. This is about Russ, and how he is coping from what happened to him in 'Love'
Russ is suffering from PTSD. He is having nightmares about being tied to a char and seeing one of his best friends being beaten and him nearly getting shot. So he decides to call a therapist who specializes in PTSD a 'Dr Evelyn McKnight'
On a BBQ at the lake with all the fire fighters Russ sees someone swimming then start to disappear in the water, Russ along with Dylan go to help. It's a woman named Evie. It's in the papers and it turns out to be the same woman Russ is going to see for his nightmares. Evie wants to meet him to say thank you, and when they meet there is chemistry and the flirtatious starts. As a 'thank you' Evie will not let Russ pay, Russ tells her about the whole hostage situation. He even goes back to when he first met Dylan. (It was rather nice having a recap of all the books, and having it from Russ's POV)
Evie is having a hard time too. 6 years ago her fiance was killed and 2 months later her brother killed himself. Evie has not been with anyone since his death, nor has she wanted too. But Russ makes her feel things that she has never felt before.
When Evie is ready to let go and tell Russ she loves him, her dead fiance comes back.
To read what happens and there is a few more things that happen, Cami and Dylan are expecting their first baby. There is a fire at a hospital and Russ hears some news he's not expecting.
It really is a lovely book with ups and downs and I'm so so so glad Russ got his own book.
I think this is the last in the series, but I'm hoping there will be one more, because I really don't want this to be the end. But, it is is then it's a great ending to a great series.
Well done Lacey Weatherford. :-)
May 26, 2016
So in the first 3 books of this series you get POV’s from Cami and Dylan’s life and problems, which were very enjoyable. I loved their relationship. And their best friend was Russ, the funny, loyal third wheel of the trio. I loved Russ from the beginning, and I was so excited to get a story about him….
And I was sorely disappointed. Her first three books in this series worked so well. I don’t know what happened with this one. You could tell little or no research was done about a lot of the things that needed research to make its readability believable. Cami and Dylan’s relationship was very rushed, in my opinion, but they had nothing on the weird crud that went on between Russ and Evie, and lets not even add in the other (unrealistic) relationships that happened in this book, which was just…ugh, not good.
You could just tell some of the conflicts in this story, especially the main huge conflict, were just thrown in there just because. None of it seemed to have any realistic thought put into it, nor did it play out realistically, and just seemed so forced and took you out of the story quick and hard.
It was really hard for me to finish this story in general, but add in things like the big conflict, it was a real struggle not to call it quits because it just ruined it for me. If it wasn’t for the fact that I refuse to leave a book unfinished once I start it, than I definitely would have stopped reading this one.
Which really saddens me. I loved Russ. And I still loved him, in general, in this book. He deserved such a better story.
Oh well. It could have been worse (*shudders*), which is why I even gave it three stars. But it could have been so, so much better. Sorry Russ.
And I was sorely disappointed. Her first three books in this series worked so well. I don’t know what happened with this one. You could tell little or no research was done about a lot of the things that needed research to make its readability believable. Cami and Dylan’s relationship was very rushed, in my opinion, but they had nothing on the weird crud that went on between Russ and Evie, and lets not even add in the other (unrealistic) relationships that happened in this book, which was just…ugh, not good.
You could just tell some of the conflicts in this story, especially the main huge conflict, were just thrown in there just because. None of it seemed to have any realistic thought put into it, nor did it play out realistically, and just seemed so forced and took you out of the story quick and hard.
It was really hard for me to finish this story in general, but add in things like the big conflict, it was a real struggle not to call it quits because it just ruined it for me. If it wasn’t for the fact that I refuse to leave a book unfinished once I start it, than I definitely would have stopped reading this one.
Which really saddens me. I loved Russ. And I still loved him, in general, in this book. He deserved such a better story.
Oh well. It could have been worse (*shudders*), which is why I even gave it three stars. But it could have been so, so much better. Sorry Russ.
January 2, 2015
I've always liked Russ and was happy to see a book of his own was written. The last book in the series wasn't my favorite, so wasn't sure where the author was going to go with this one. I have to admit, a part of me expected the twist, but kind of hoped that it would not develop. Honestly, I was definitely rooting for Russ to meet his match and just wasn't sure if Evie was it. I liked her well enough, but there were times when she just irked me a little. I didn't like to see him hurt and thought he really needed someone who put him first (and that is no slam to Cami or Dylan).
I really loved all of the interactions between Russ, Cami, and Dylan. At the end of the day, they are all still best friends. The last book came across really cheesy, but I'm happy to say that this one did not. There were definitely emotional moments, but overall, not to the level of the last book. Maybe because I was not as invested in Evie as I am in Russ, Cami, and Dylan. I could appreciate the predicament she was in when Kory returned and how hard that must have been, but still, Russ is my boy. By then, he was definitely feeling second best to everyone. Although by the end, he definitely got where Dylan was coming from.
All in all, I really liked this one. I would definitely recommend reading from Crush 1 on through to this one. There is too much history between the main characters to not do it justice by reading from the start.
I really loved all of the interactions between Russ, Cami, and Dylan. At the end of the day, they are all still best friends. The last book came across really cheesy, but I'm happy to say that this one did not. There were definitely emotional moments, but overall, not to the level of the last book. Maybe because I was not as invested in Evie as I am in Russ, Cami, and Dylan. I could appreciate the predicament she was in when Kory returned and how hard that must have been, but still, Russ is my boy. By then, he was definitely feeling second best to everyone. Although by the end, he definitely got where Dylan was coming from.
All in all, I really liked this one. I would definitely recommend reading from Crush 1 on through to this one. There is too much history between the main characters to not do it justice by reading from the start.
May 5, 2015
I'm not too sure what exactly to say about his book. I'm actually giving this book 2.5 stars. I can't say I entirely liked the book because most of the time while reading this I was getting really annoyed. especially with Evie. She frustrated the hell out of me. I mean, a woman who can't make up her mind always annoys me.
I also thought Evie's reaction to the...
**SPOILER ALERT**
The story all in all was good. It has a good HEA and I simply adored Russ. He's really sweet and a very sensitive and selfless person and that touched me. And the little insight we get into Dylan and Cami's life, I loved it. It was nice to know that they have a better life compared to the one they had wear they constantly had to look over their shoulder. Even though the highlight of the book was supposed to be Russ, I loved that Lacey gave an equally good part of the book to Dylan and Cami.
It was a good read, apart from Evie though. I didn't like her, but happy that Russ found his happiness.
I also thought Evie's reaction to the...
**SPOILER ALERT**
The story all in all was good. It has a good HEA and I simply adored Russ. He's really sweet and a very sensitive and selfless person and that touched me. And the little insight we get into Dylan and Cami's life, I loved it. It was nice to know that they have a better life compared to the one they had wear they constantly had to look over their shoulder. Even though the highlight of the book was supposed to be Russ, I loved that Lacey gave an equally good part of the book to Dylan and Cami.
It was a good read, apart from Evie though. I didn't like her, but happy that Russ found his happiness.
January 16, 2015
4/5 stars Why? I love Russ he is such a good friend anyone can wish upon. How he keeps everything bottled up so he won't worry his friends. I Love how Dylan and Cami are still pretty much in the book, and Omg The Kitchen scene with Cami and Russ! still so much humor in such a moment.
I also Loved the scene between Dylan and Russ when they were burried under the building, You can really feel the brotherly love. The reason why I gave it a 4 star has nothing to do with russ but everything to do with Evie. I did not like her. I understand why the break and trying to figure things out when Kody came back Hell I would do the same! But I feel that the only reason she came back to Russ is because yeah sure she feels something for him but if Kody had not left she would have stayed That did not sit well with me It should have been the other way around. The fact that Kody was messup up from captivity and did not want it.. Is the ONLY reason she went back to Russ. If Kody wanted it she would have left Russ on the background. So no I did not feel or liked Evie the way I wanted her too, And I believe Russ deserved someone better.
I also Loved the scene between Dylan and Russ when they were burried under the building, You can really feel the brotherly love. The reason why I gave it a 4 star has nothing to do with russ but everything to do with Evie. I did not like her. I understand why the break and trying to figure things out when Kody came back Hell I would do the same! But I feel that the only reason she came back to Russ is because yeah sure she feels something for him but if Kody had not left she would have stayed That did not sit well with me It should have been the other way around. The fact that Kody was messup up from captivity and did not want it.. Is the ONLY reason she went back to Russ. If Kody wanted it she would have left Russ on the background. So no I did not feel or liked Evie the way I wanted her too, And I believe Russ deserved someone better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews