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That Boy #9
That Crush
She’s scared to fall in love again. He’s determined to be the one she falls for.
When Damon Diamond first laid eyes on Ainsley Archibald at fifteen, he knew it was more than just a crush. But with their four-year age gap and her indifference, he had to keep his feelings at bay.
Three years later, everything has changed. Damon’s no longer the boy she barely noticed—he’s grown into a confident, irresistible man with one goal for the summer: to make Ainsley his.
Ainsley arrives at her uncle’s resort in the Ozarks, eager to get back out there after a bad breakup. But the moment she lays eyes on Damon, everything shifts. He’s hot, heading to college, and the chemistry between them is undeniable.
What starts as harmless flirting, quickly spirals into feelings that neither of them can ignore.
Torn between her desire for him and the complications of their age difference, Ainsley must decide if she’s ready to risk everything for a summer of love.
Because Damon isn’t just after a fling—he wants her heart.
Age-gap tension. Heart-pounding kisses. A love story you’ll feel in your chest.
---------------------------------------------
Tropes:
He falls first
Summer fling?
Age gap
Football player hero
Strong heroine
Small town
Vacation romance
---------------------------------------------
Although this is book nine in the That Boy series, the trilogy of That Crush / That Girl / That Someday can be read as a standalone series featuring Damon and Ainsley.
When Damon Diamond first laid eyes on Ainsley Archibald at fifteen, he knew it was more than just a crush. But with their four-year age gap and her indifference, he had to keep his feelings at bay.
Three years later, everything has changed. Damon’s no longer the boy she barely noticed—he’s grown into a confident, irresistible man with one goal for the summer: to make Ainsley his.
Ainsley arrives at her uncle’s resort in the Ozarks, eager to get back out there after a bad breakup. But the moment she lays eyes on Damon, everything shifts. He’s hot, heading to college, and the chemistry between them is undeniable.
What starts as harmless flirting, quickly spirals into feelings that neither of them can ignore.
Torn between her desire for him and the complications of their age difference, Ainsley must decide if she’s ready to risk everything for a summer of love.
Because Damon isn’t just after a fling—he wants her heart.
Age-gap tension. Heart-pounding kisses. A love story you’ll feel in your chest.
---------------------------------------------
Tropes:
He falls first
Summer fling?
Age gap
Football player hero
Strong heroine
Small town
Vacation romance
---------------------------------------------
Although this is book nine in the That Boy series, the trilogy of That Crush / That Girl / That Someday can be read as a standalone series featuring Damon and Ainsley.
294 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2025
762 people are currently reading
4883 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Dodd
257 books6,748 followersJillian Dodd is a USA Today bestselling mother-daughter duo made up of Jill and Kenzie — two writers, one pen name, and a shared love for fun, binge-worthy YA romance.
With over fifty books and millions of happy readers, their stories range from small-town love in That Boy to glamorous adventures and swoony YA boarding school dramas in The Keatyn Chronicles, London Prep, Spy Girl, and beyond.
Jill lives in sunny Florida with her husband, while Kenzie lives in Scotland with her husband and family. When they’re not writing across time zones, you’ll find them planning their next adventure or dreaming up lovable stories readers can’t put down.
With over fifty books and millions of happy readers, their stories range from small-town love in That Boy to glamorous adventures and swoony YA boarding school dramas in The Keatyn Chronicles, London Prep, Spy Girl, and beyond.
Jill lives in sunny Florida with her husband, while Kenzie lives in Scotland with her husband and family. When they’re not writing across time zones, you’ll find them planning their next adventure or dreaming up lovable stories readers can’t put down.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
June 1, 2025
4 stars
I was so ready to be back in the ‘That Boy’ series with That Crush, and Jillian Dodd did not disappoint! Sweet, fun, drama in the best way, and that ending… I audibly gasped!
Damon Diamond is someone I’ve seen in many past books, and I was excited to get his book. He’s recently graduated from high school and is following in his father's footsteps by playing college football. This is his last summer before college, and he’s at the Ozarks with his family… and his future wife.
Ainsley and Damon met three years ago, but he was way too young for her. Damon’s been crazy about her ever since, but Ainsley is truly starting to see him now. Ainsley has a lot going on in her life, especially with her family, so a relationship isn’t on her radar. But Damon Diamond makes her reconsider.
I was obsessed with Damon and Ainsley together. You couldn’t keep the smile off my face while I was reading. Damon is such a fun character and reminds me so much of a younger version of his dad in that way. I loved seeing their romance develop and watching how the story came together.
If you’re looking for a good time with a shocking ending, be sure to pick this one up. It was fantastic!
I was so ready to be back in the ‘That Boy’ series with That Crush, and Jillian Dodd did not disappoint! Sweet, fun, drama in the best way, and that ending… I audibly gasped!
Damon Diamond is someone I’ve seen in many past books, and I was excited to get his book. He’s recently graduated from high school and is following in his father's footsteps by playing college football. This is his last summer before college, and he’s at the Ozarks with his family… and his future wife.
Ainsley and Damon met three years ago, but he was way too young for her. Damon’s been crazy about her ever since, but Ainsley is truly starting to see him now. Ainsley has a lot going on in her life, especially with her family, so a relationship isn’t on her radar. But Damon Diamond makes her reconsider.
I was obsessed with Damon and Ainsley together. You couldn’t keep the smile off my face while I was reading. Damon is such a fun character and reminds me so much of a younger version of his dad in that way. I loved seeing their romance develop and watching how the story came together.
If you’re looking for a good time with a shocking ending, be sure to pick this one up. It was fantastic!
May 25, 2025
Review for That Crush by Jillian Dodd
I just finished my advanced reader copy of That Crush, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Jillian Dodd has once again delivered a story that pulls at all the feels—heart-fluttering romance, emotional twists, and those signature moments that leave you smiling one minute and tearing up the next.
The characters were so easy to fall in love with, and the chemistry was off the charts. I couldn’t put it down—I was completely immersed from the first page to the last. Jillian’s writing has a way of making you feel every moment right along with the characters, and That Crush is no exception.
Now I’ll be counting the days until That Girl! If you’re a fan of heartfelt, swoony reads with just the right mix of angst and charm, this one’s for you.
📚 Catch your copy June 9—you won’t want to miss it!
I just finished my advanced reader copy of That Crush, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Jillian Dodd has once again delivered a story that pulls at all the feels—heart-fluttering romance, emotional twists, and those signature moments that leave you smiling one minute and tearing up the next.
The characters were so easy to fall in love with, and the chemistry was off the charts. I couldn’t put it down—I was completely immersed from the first page to the last. Jillian’s writing has a way of making you feel every moment right along with the characters, and That Crush is no exception.
Now I’ll be counting the days until That Girl! If you’re a fan of heartfelt, swoony reads with just the right mix of angst and charm, this one’s for you.
📚 Catch your copy June 9—you won’t want to miss it!
June 17, 2025
Thank you Jillian Dodd for an ARC for That Crush in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a cute age gap story between Damon and Ainsley, that was full of traditions, summer fun, and family drama. While you don’t need to read other books in the That Boy series for this storyline, I highly recommend reading Chase and Devaney’s story first (That Summer, That Promise, That Forever.) This author delivers fast paced, comfy, yet emotional romances.
Tropes:
⭐️He falls first
⭐️Age gap (MMC 17-18, MFC 22)
⭐️Football
⭐️Vacation romance
⭐️Golden Retriever MMC
I thought this was a cute age gap story between Damon and Ainsley, that was full of traditions, summer fun, and family drama. While you don’t need to read other books in the That Boy series for this storyline, I highly recommend reading Chase and Devaney’s story first (That Summer, That Promise, That Forever.) This author delivers fast paced, comfy, yet emotional romances.
Tropes:
⭐️He falls first
⭐️Age gap (MMC 17-18, MFC 22)
⭐️Football
⭐️Vacation romance
⭐️Golden Retriever MMC
October 7, 2025
So I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, and besides the other characters who I would have probably known more about, I didn’t feel lost at all.
This is a he falls first, age gap with her being the older person which was interesting. The age gap bothered me slightly since he was 17 turning 18 and she was 22, those are just very different stages of life to have an instant love.
The story takes place over the course of a week, and each day is a “chapter” with the dual POVs throughout.
I did feel the instant chemistry, but it felt more lust than love to me given the short period of time. The spice was eluded too, but I did appreciate that Jillian didn’t go into too much description. It does end on a cliffhanger, which I didn’t see coming.
Thank you to Grey’s Promotions and Jillian Dodd for the opportunity to read this ARC.
This is a he falls first, age gap with her being the older person which was interesting. The age gap bothered me slightly since he was 17 turning 18 and she was 22, those are just very different stages of life to have an instant love.
The story takes place over the course of a week, and each day is a “chapter” with the dual POVs throughout.
I did feel the instant chemistry, but it felt more lust than love to me given the short period of time. The spice was eluded too, but I did appreciate that Jillian didn’t go into too much description. It does end on a cliffhanger, which I didn’t see coming.
Thank you to Grey’s Promotions and Jillian Dodd for the opportunity to read this ARC.
May 26, 2025
I loved this book in addition to this series. I love the feel good romance that these two have. It wasn’t hard to fall in love with them in this book. I also loved the little snippets in previous main characters love lives. I can’t wait to see their story continue to unfold in the next book. Jillian certainly always keeps us on our toes! I just finished and the cliffhanger has me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one!
This book has the perfect amount of romance and silliness that just feels genuine.
Definitely grab your copy June 9th!
This book has the perfect amount of romance and silliness that just feels genuine.
Definitely grab your copy June 9th!
May 23, 2025
Thank you @JillianDodd for giving me the chance to read an early copy of that crush.this a new set of stories in the that boy universe. Damon son of Danny diamond has been crushing on Ainsley since he was 14 and Ainsley was 18 I believe. This boy take place in the summer and with both of their families reunion and a surprise wedding of his sister. The story was very cute. Although for a little too YA for my taste. Since this is book 1 of maybe 3 I will continue since I’ve loved the rest of the series.
July 14, 2025
I waited so long for Damon’s book just for that to be the ending.
June 9, 2025
This is a cute and fun vacation romance. The setting is different and the descriptions of the food and facilities are really detailed and make you feel like you are there. It only spans a few weeks so it packs a lot in a short time frame. I have loved this series for 9 books now and these families will always hold a special place in my heart.
That being said-I wasn’t the biggest fan of this installment. There is so much telling and hardly any showing and the dialogue felt very childish. I know it is YA but something wasn’t quite working for me. Damon was an over the top cheeseball and all the family conversations felt forced and stilted.
Also, it was a little strange to me that the author chose to have an “older woman” again when 3 books were dedicated to that exact same story with Dani and Chase. I liked Ainsley and her family drama was especially intriguing, but to make her almost 22 and Damon 17 was a bit of ick to me. I know he turns 18- but still. They were 15 and 19 when they first met.
The ending was really interesting though and I definitely want to see how the story plays out now with Damon starting college.
Thanks to the author and Grey’s Promotion for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
That being said-I wasn’t the biggest fan of this installment. There is so much telling and hardly any showing and the dialogue felt very childish. I know it is YA but something wasn’t quite working for me. Damon was an over the top cheeseball and all the family conversations felt forced and stilted.
Also, it was a little strange to me that the author chose to have an “older woman” again when 3 books were dedicated to that exact same story with Dani and Chase. I liked Ainsley and her family drama was especially intriguing, but to make her almost 22 and Damon 17 was a bit of ick to me. I know he turns 18- but still. They were 15 and 19 when they first met.
The ending was really interesting though and I definitely want to see how the story plays out now with Damon starting college.
Thanks to the author and Grey’s Promotion for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2025
Jillian wrote an adorable love story here! Damon knows what he wants, and Ainsley will steal your heart! 5 Crush stars for this one!
Damon has known he'd wanted Ainsley from the first time he saw her. She's different and he knows it, the forever kind of woman. Ainsley thinks he's hot as well, but he's four years younger than her, he can't possibly know what he wants at 18! But as she get's to know him and spend time with him, he's making her fall hard for him!
Damon is so swoony in this cute insta-love story, enjoy it, there is a cliff hanger, and I'm patiently waiting for the next story to come out! Don't let that discourage you, you will love this one!
Damon has known he'd wanted Ainsley from the first time he saw her. She's different and he knows it, the forever kind of woman. Ainsley thinks he's hot as well, but he's four years younger than her, he can't possibly know what he wants at 18! But as she get's to know him and spend time with him, he's making her fall hard for him!
Damon is so swoony in this cute insta-love story, enjoy it, there is a cliff hanger, and I'm patiently waiting for the next story to come out! Don't let that discourage you, you will love this one!
May 24, 2025
I am so excited that Damon’s book is finally here!!
Jillian Dodd never misses when it comes to making you swoon over love stories 💞
I absolutely adore the way Jillian Dodd writes friendships, love and family in such a relatable way but also in such a captivating way that you cannot help but to binge read the book (and many times the entire series).
This book had me giggling 🤭
I love the youthful essence of That Crush and it had me feeling like a giddy teenager with a crush 💞
Ainsley & Damon’s story is just beginning and I cannot wait to see where this series goes next because what an ending!!
Moments
🩵 and part of me just wants him to love me forever
Jillian Dodd never misses when it comes to making you swoon over love stories 💞
I absolutely adore the way Jillian Dodd writes friendships, love and family in such a relatable way but also in such a captivating way that you cannot help but to binge read the book (and many times the entire series).
This book had me giggling 🤭
I love the youthful essence of That Crush and it had me feeling like a giddy teenager with a crush 💞
Ainsley & Damon’s story is just beginning and I cannot wait to see where this series goes next because what an ending!!
Moments
🩵 and part of me just wants him to love me forever
June 10, 2025
That Crush is the 9th book in the That Boy series, but can easily be read as a standalone. In all honesty, Jillian could've done this as spin-off series and released it that way.
That Crush is an age-gap, he falls first romance. If you have ever read anything by Jillian before, you know she always deliver a phenomenal romance story and this is no different.
This entire book takes place over the span of a week, but it also doesn't feel that way. This is the second book recently where the actual time frame is short, but the story itself makes you forget that. What I was not expecting though - that ending.
I now not-so-patiently wait for the next book (or two) for Ainsley and Damon's story to continue.
That Crush is an age-gap, he falls first romance. If you have ever read anything by Jillian before, you know she always deliver a phenomenal romance story and this is no different.
This entire book takes place over the span of a week, but it also doesn't feel that way. This is the second book recently where the actual time frame is short, but the story itself makes you forget that. What I was not expecting though - that ending.
I now not-so-patiently wait for the next book (or two) for Ainsley and Damon's story to continue.
June 10, 2025
I have read the first portion of this series (1st 3 books), which for me are much better than this one.
I don’t know, there was a lot of unnecessary conversations and a lot of immaturity in a lot of these conversations. Tons of characters that I was like “eh”, what is this contributing to the story? Other than fluff.
I was skipping a LOT of these conservations and trying to get the meat of the story of Damon and Ainsley.
I would have preferred for the MMC Damon to have been 18 already, since I still felt it was kinda pedo-ish? He was like 10 days to turn 18. It’s a 4 year gap, but still…FMC Ainsley is 22 in this story. It was still an ick for me.
The story does end in a cliffhanger. It seems there are 2 additional books in the works to complete their story: That Girl and That Someday.
Thank you to Grey Promotions and Jillian Dodd for the opportunity to read this ARC.
June 12, 2025
Damon Diamond has always been a flirt and a goofball but when he sets his eyes on Ainsley, his cinnamon roll side comes out. Now years later it’s his chance to make her his. We learn more about Ainsley through her eyes and what she is thinking about Damon.
Jillian gives us a love at first sight book filled with family drama, temporary memory loss, champagne and chicken, wedding looks, get up and dance, cupcake dreams, lazy river, visions in the moonlight, night camping in the dirt I mean tent, slow is romantic, knight in shining armor with perfect timing, sand angels, butterfly picnic, birthday swim, seventh hole under the stars, symbolic charms, and a big surprise.
We get a glimpse into all our favorite characters from the entire That Boy series.
And, of course, in true Jillian fashion we get a cliffhanger leaving us on the edge of our seats waiting for the next book.
Jillian gives us a love at first sight book filled with family drama, temporary memory loss, champagne and chicken, wedding looks, get up and dance, cupcake dreams, lazy river, visions in the moonlight, night camping in the dirt I mean tent, slow is romantic, knight in shining armor with perfect timing, sand angels, butterfly picnic, birthday swim, seventh hole under the stars, symbolic charms, and a big surprise.
We get a glimpse into all our favorite characters from the entire That Boy series.
And, of course, in true Jillian fashion we get a cliffhanger leaving us on the edge of our seats waiting for the next book.
May 27, 2025
Jillian never disappoints in her writing and I could not put this book down! Damon is such a smooth talker that makes you fall head over heels for him and his confidence in their future relationship even when she is questioning everything and that ending… Boy, I just can’t wait to see what kind of wild ride this couple goes on!
May 26, 2025
I liked this book a lot it took me some time to get into it but once I did I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. I love how this is a continuation of That Boy series with their kids, my favorite type of stories are when you are invested in the generations. This book ended too soon with a jaw drop that makes you want the next book right now to see how things are going to turn out.
May 27, 2025
Just finished my ARC copy, I have been loving each addition to this series and getting to know each of the new generations. This one did not disappoint! Plus the ending least you wanting much more😅
May 24, 2025
4.5⭐️! Oh. My. Gosh. I FREAKING LOVE THESE PEOPLE!!! Can I just join this group of friends and family! I want to go on vacation with them!
Damon and Ainsley are relationship goals! 😍 And the ending… 🫠
If you haven’t read this book series you HAVE TO! I love it!
Damon and Ainsley are relationship goals! 😍 And the ending… 🫠
If you haven’t read this book series you HAVE TO! I love it!
May 25, 2025
Amazing! That is all I have to say amazing definitely love at first sight!
May 24, 2025
I love Jillian Dodd, and the That Boy series is my absolute favorite. This time we follow Damon and his finding his future wife, as he calls her. They are funny and sweet and I couldn’t get enough. The ending OMG… November and that Girl can’t get here soon enough.
May 23, 2025
love this whole series
June 10, 2025
Jillian Dodd’s That Boy series is one of my favorite ever so I was very excited to see a new book come out. I loved the family tree on at the beginning. But overall this book left me wanting more, it felt like a lot of fluff and not a lot of story line or plot.
June 11, 2025
Omg such an amazing book! Jillian Dodd has done it again! In love with Damon and Ainsley! Goals for sure! The perfect summer read for by the pool or on the beach or really anywhere! I literally want my life to be just like this book! And now that I have finished it I can’t wait for the next book!! Brb on my way to Reread it so I don’t have to be done with it yet!
Don’t miss out on June 9th when you too can fall in love with Damon and Ainsley!
Don’t miss out on June 9th when you too can fall in love with Damon and Ainsley!
October 7, 2025
OMG you guys!!! 💕 That Crush is EVERYTHING!! It’s got all the flirty, feel-good, swoony vibes I adore from the Makenzie’s, Diamonds, and Archibald fams 😍 I seriously couldn’t put it down!! Getting to experience Chase and Dani’s unforgettable weekend from a totally new perspective? Literal chills!!! 🦋 And can we talk about the butterflies?! They’ve always been my fave, but now I’m completely obsessed!! Counting down the days until we get more of That Girl Ainsley!!! 📚✨
#ThatCrush #BookObsession #RomComGoals #SwooningSoHard #JillianDodd #DamonDiamond #AinsleyArchibald #ThatBoy #ThatGirl🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
#ThatCrush #BookObsession #RomComGoals #SwooningSoHard #JillianDodd #DamonDiamond #AinsleyArchibald #ThatBoy #ThatGirl🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
June 14, 2025
This was my first Jillian Dodd book and I really wanted to enjoy it since I have heard such good things but this fell so flat for me. The writing seemed very juvenile- something someone submitted for an english class- not an accomplished author. The relationship between the two MC's was not believable at all. It just felt awkward from start to finish.
June 10, 2025
Simple, Sweet story full of family Drama, Love and Vacations
That Crush is a coming-of-age heartwarming summer romance between Damon and Ainsley. Now, this is a very simple romantic story, which happens in a summer resort during family and friends’ reunion and it’s a simple he fell first and hard in love first time he led his eyes on her, four years before this summer reunion and felt that Ainsley is the one he will marry while Ainsley fell for him during this holiday and felt a connection to him. I will not lie, I was little bit skeptical about age difference because Ainsley is 21 and Damon is 17, because four-year age difference wouldn’t seem much if he was 18.
Having trauma from a bad breakup, Ainsley has sworn that she will never fell in love, marry or have kid but her decision changes when she fell for Damon. Their love story is very simple, soft and pleasing with not much additional drama. Only drama there is the Ainsley family situation, where her mother and father are having some problems about which she had no idea until one day when she witnesses everything herself.
What started as simple flirt or summer fling turned into a life-time romance, so it’s beautiful and sweet. If you guys want to read a simple summer romance without plot twist or miscommunication issue, this can be good read.
That Crush is a coming-of-age heartwarming summer romance between Damon and Ainsley. Now, this is a very simple romantic story, which happens in a summer resort during family and friends’ reunion and it’s a simple he fell first and hard in love first time he led his eyes on her, four years before this summer reunion and felt that Ainsley is the one he will marry while Ainsley fell for him during this holiday and felt a connection to him. I will not lie, I was little bit skeptical about age difference because Ainsley is 21 and Damon is 17, because four-year age difference wouldn’t seem much if he was 18.
Having trauma from a bad breakup, Ainsley has sworn that she will never fell in love, marry or have kid but her decision changes when she fell for Damon. Their love story is very simple, soft and pleasing with not much additional drama. Only drama there is the Ainsley family situation, where her mother and father are having some problems about which she had no idea until one day when she witnesses everything herself.
What started as simple flirt or summer fling turned into a life-time romance, so it’s beautiful and sweet. If you guys want to read a simple summer romance without plot twist or miscommunication issue, this can be good read.
May 26, 2025
More detailed review will be posted, on Amazon, on release day.
My thoughts and feelings for That Crush. Did I love it, no, but I liked it. I honestly thought Damon would end up with Haley, but the reason why is explained very nicely, and it makes sense.
I absolutely adore Damon, but I didn't love him in this story. I thought some of the things he said were a little immature, but he is only 17 for most of the book. He had some nice dialogue, and really went after what he wanted, so I will give him that.
I absolutely loved the surprise with two main characters!
Ainsley. I actually like her, a lot and she is absolutely perfect for Damon! I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. I will leave it at that.
I really didn't feel it was necessary to list all of the Archibald family, when most of them weren't in the book.
I loved the Kansas City reference as well as the K-State.
Overall, I didn't love this one as much as I thought I would.
My thoughts and feelings for That Crush. Did I love it, no, but I liked it. I honestly thought Damon would end up with Haley, but the reason why is explained very nicely, and it makes sense.
I absolutely adore Damon, but I didn't love him in this story. I thought some of the things he said were a little immature, but he is only 17 for most of the book. He had some nice dialogue, and really went after what he wanted, so I will give him that.
I absolutely loved the surprise with two main characters!
Ainsley. I actually like her, a lot and she is absolutely perfect for Damon! I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. I will leave it at that.
I really didn't feel it was necessary to list all of the Archibald family, when most of them weren't in the book.
I loved the Kansas City reference as well as the K-State.
Overall, I didn't love this one as much as I thought I would.
June 6, 2025
Thank you to the author and Grey's Promotions for this ARC.
Jillian Dodd has done it again! The long-awaited next book in the That Boy series! That Crush features Damon and Ainsley. Although, in the previous books, Ainsley isn't a big character, she makes her mark now.
Damon is now almost 18 and has been crushing on Ainsley since the day he first locked eyes on Ainsley who is 4 years older than him. I love how Damon's true golden retriever personality shines through in this book. Ainsley also felt a pull towards Damon when they first met 3 years prior, but he was too young for her. She even has to fight that feeling in this reverse age gap trope!
This book is full of all the summer elements and all the good feels. Sticking true to its Young Adult genre, this a great beach read that will suck you in and give you all the romantic feels. The best part is, although part of a series, you can read this as a stand-alone. (The whole series though is *chef's kiss*) The ending...whew! It will leave you wanting more...I can't wait for the next book!
Get yours June 10th, 2025!
Tropes:
*Football
*Fast Love
*Reverse Age Gap
*He Falls First
*Strong Heroine
*Vacation Romance
* Small Town
Jillian Dodd has done it again! The long-awaited next book in the That Boy series! That Crush features Damon and Ainsley. Although, in the previous books, Ainsley isn't a big character, she makes her mark now.
Damon is now almost 18 and has been crushing on Ainsley since the day he first locked eyes on Ainsley who is 4 years older than him. I love how Damon's true golden retriever personality shines through in this book. Ainsley also felt a pull towards Damon when they first met 3 years prior, but he was too young for her. She even has to fight that feeling in this reverse age gap trope!
This book is full of all the summer elements and all the good feels. Sticking true to its Young Adult genre, this a great beach read that will suck you in and give you all the romantic feels. The best part is, although part of a series, you can read this as a stand-alone. (The whole series though is *chef's kiss*) The ending...whew! It will leave you wanting more...I can't wait for the next book!
Get yours June 10th, 2025!
Tropes:
*Football
*Fast Love
*Reverse Age Gap
*He Falls First
*Strong Heroine
*Vacation Romance
* Small Town
June 4, 2025
That Crush is a perfect heartfelt summer read for young adults. It’s fast paced and easy going that will leave you wanting more - especially because it ends in a cliffhanger that I did not see coming! This is the 9th book and first I have read in this series, and it definitely can be read as a standalone.
Three years ago, Ainsley and Damon met at a family reunion in the Ozarks, and it was love at first sight. One look and there was just something about each other that they never forgotten. Nothing had ever happened until three years later when they were reunited again at their yearly reunion.
Ainsley has been burned in the past and gave up on love completely. She was looking for a summer fling but knew fast that it was becoming way more than that. The age gap between Ainsley and Damon was also making her a little hesitant because he was just turning 18 and she was 4 years older. He was just starting out his college life and football career in the fall, but none of that seemed to matter if he didn’t have Ainsley by his side.
I’m going to be antsy until November when “That Girl” gets released and I can see how their love story will unfold…..especially with this surprise ending.
Tropes:
🦋Age Gap
🪽He Falls First
🦋 Lake Resort
🪽Summer Fling
🦋Strong Heroine
Three years ago, Ainsley and Damon met at a family reunion in the Ozarks, and it was love at first sight. One look and there was just something about each other that they never forgotten. Nothing had ever happened until three years later when they were reunited again at their yearly reunion.
Ainsley has been burned in the past and gave up on love completely. She was looking for a summer fling but knew fast that it was becoming way more than that. The age gap between Ainsley and Damon was also making her a little hesitant because he was just turning 18 and she was 4 years older. He was just starting out his college life and football career in the fall, but none of that seemed to matter if he didn’t have Ainsley by his side.
I’m going to be antsy until November when “That Girl” gets released and I can see how their love story will unfold…..especially with this surprise ending.
Tropes:
🦋Age Gap
🪽He Falls First
🦋 Lake Resort
🪽Summer Fling
🦋Strong Heroine
June 10, 2025
Loved this story.
Although this is book 9, this does stand alone as I haven't read the other books yet. It took a bit for me to understand all the connections, but the main story is the focus, so it wasn't too difficult to follow.
Damon is young and Ainsley is in college while Damon will just be starting it. But I am a sucker for reverse age gap and Ainsley does do her best to resist Damon's charms and oh is he charming!! A true cinnamon roll, for sure! His planned dates are so romantic and his thoughtfulness is almost too good to be true until you realize that is just Damon!
I adored the Easter eggs in this story as well if you are a fan of Jillian Dodd books.
These two have a summer romance that turns into so much more, but this is a trilogy and your jaw will drop (as it often does with Ms. Dodd's books) and make you clamor for Book 10!
I adored these two and can't wait to read more.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
Although this is book 9, this does stand alone as I haven't read the other books yet. It took a bit for me to understand all the connections, but the main story is the focus, so it wasn't too difficult to follow.
Damon is young and Ainsley is in college while Damon will just be starting it. But I am a sucker for reverse age gap and Ainsley does do her best to resist Damon's charms and oh is he charming!! A true cinnamon roll, for sure! His planned dates are so romantic and his thoughtfulness is almost too good to be true until you realize that is just Damon!
I adored the Easter eggs in this story as well if you are a fan of Jillian Dodd books.
These two have a summer romance that turns into so much more, but this is a trilogy and your jaw will drop (as it often does with Ms. Dodd's books) and make you clamor for Book 10!
I adored these two and can't wait to read more.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
June 6, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up.
This is my first book by Jillian, but the 9th book in this series. The signup may have told me there were previous books in the series but I didn’t remember it by the time I got the book. I didn’t feel lost at all, but there were a TON of people to keep track of. I kept pulling up the family tree on my phone.
I will say her being 22 and him being 17 felt icky and it was hard for me to get past. Some of the writing was just odd and NOT the way 17 year olds act or speak. He felt like the adult while Ainsley felt like a child.
Ainsley is in her last year of college and Damon just graduated high school. They met years before and had a connection, but nothing happened because of their age gap. Damon is very confident and knows he wants Ainsley. He’s known it since the first time he ever saw her. Ainsley is focused on school and hasn’t trusted men with her heart since her ex cheated on her. She’s also dealing with drama from her parents.
Thank you to Greys promotions for the arc
This is my first book by Jillian, but the 9th book in this series. The signup may have told me there were previous books in the series but I didn’t remember it by the time I got the book. I didn’t feel lost at all, but there were a TON of people to keep track of. I kept pulling up the family tree on my phone.
I will say her being 22 and him being 17 felt icky and it was hard for me to get past. Some of the writing was just odd and NOT the way 17 year olds act or speak. He felt like the adult while Ainsley felt like a child.
Ainsley is in her last year of college and Damon just graduated high school. They met years before and had a connection, but nothing happened because of their age gap. Damon is very confident and knows he wants Ainsley. He’s known it since the first time he ever saw her. Ainsley is focused on school and hasn’t trusted men with her heart since her ex cheated on her. She’s also dealing with drama from her parents.
Thank you to Greys promotions for the arc
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