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Lemon Crush
"Lemon Crush hit me in all the feels. One of the BEST books I've read in years, with a heroine that speaks to ALL women."
Mari Carr, NY Times & USA Today bestselling author
When life gives you Lemons…shut up and drive.
August Retta
I’ve been mourning my mother’s death for over a year, but with an endless case of writer’s block about to slam up against my last deadline extension, something’s got to give. When my sister flies off on The Trip we were supposed to take together, I come up with a brilliant plan (or a mid-life crisis flavored s**t sandwich—jury’s still out) to put Mom’s backyard apartment up for rent. Then I’ll use the money to enter her VW in a wacky amateur car race, 24 Hours of Lemons, so that I can honor her memory and leave town on a high note. Because I am leaving town—again—and this time the fresh start will stick.
Playing landlady to my childhood crush? Not part of the plan.
Wade Hudson
I’ve wanted August Retta for years, but the timing has never been right. Now the apartment is for rent, which means this is my last chance to answer that “What if?” question before August gets away for good. To get close to her, I’ll have to change my slow, methodical way of doing things and take a few more risks. If that means welcoming her to the racing team I’ve been the reluctant mechanic on for the last five years? So be it.
Or maybe I need a better plan. With the Lemons race insanity, our invasive family and friends, and the Retta Rules in play? We might not make it to the finish line with both our hearts intact.
When life gives you Lemons…shut up and drive.
August Retta
I’ve been mourning my mother’s death for over a year, but with an endless case of writer’s block about to slam up against my last deadline extension, something’s got to give. When my sister flies off on The Trip we were supposed to take together, I come up with a brilliant plan (or a mid-life crisis flavored s**t sandwich—jury’s still out) to put Mom’s backyard apartment up for rent. Then I’ll use the money to enter her VW in a wacky amateur car race, 24 Hours of Lemons, so that I can honor her memory and leave town on a high note. Because I am leaving town—again—and this time the fresh start will stick.
Playing landlady to my childhood crush? Not part of the plan.
Wade Hudson
I’ve wanted August Retta for years, but the timing has never been right. Now the apartment is for rent, which means this is my last chance to answer that “What if?” question before August gets away for good. To get close to her, I’ll have to change my slow, methodical way of doing things and take a few more risks. If that means welcoming her to the racing team I’ve been the reluctant mechanic on for the last five years? So be it.
Or maybe I need a better plan. With the Lemons race insanity, our invasive family and friends, and the Retta Rules in play? We might not make it to the finish line with both our hearts intact.
470 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
75 people are currently reading
2257 people want to read
About the author
R.G. Alexander
79 books1,672 followersR.G. Alexander is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author who has written over 50 erotic paranormal, contemporary, urban fantasy, sci-fi/fantasy and LGBTQ romance books for multiple e-publishers and Berkley Heat. She’s also self-published several best-selling series.
She has lived all over the United States and worked all sorts of jobs in her life, including nurse and lead vocalist, but for the last seventeen years, she’s been a writer of all things romance. Now she can’t imagine doing anything else.
RG feels lucky every day that she gets to share her stories with her readers, and that she is happily married to a man known affectionately as The Cookie—her best friend, research assistant, and the love of her life.
If you want to find out more, go to: Website: www.rgalexander.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RachelGrace.RGAl...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrgale...
Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-g-a...
She has lived all over the United States and worked all sorts of jobs in her life, including nurse and lead vocalist, but for the last seventeen years, she’s been a writer of all things romance. Now she can’t imagine doing anything else.
RG feels lucky every day that she gets to share her stories with her readers, and that she is happily married to a man known affectionately as The Cookie—her best friend, research assistant, and the love of her life.
If you want to find out more, go to: Website: www.rgalexander.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RachelGrace.RGAl...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrgale...
Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-g-a...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 11, 2025
Ahhhh this book. So, so good. I knew I would love it just from the dedication, and I also knew it would shred my heart in pieces. Some losses you just never truly get over, and for me, that’s my mom. So I connected with August on such a deeply personal level. A story like this deserves to be sipped and savored, and I enjoyed it to the very last drop. Here are a few of the things I loved most.
I love that this story is about mature adults with problems I can relate to. I love that August isn’t a super model with perfect…everything. I love the realistic relationship between grieving sisters. I adored the supporting cast of characters and that crazy race! I love the beautiful blend of biological and chosen family. The pacing of the book was incredible with a realistic timeline. I loved the organic way August healed—one tiny step at a time. And I loved August and Wade’s beautiful love story. In summary, I adored it all.
I love that this story is about mature adults with problems I can relate to. I love that August isn’t a super model with perfect…everything. I love the realistic relationship between grieving sisters. I adored the supporting cast of characters and that crazy race! I love the beautiful blend of biological and chosen family. The pacing of the book was incredible with a realistic timeline. I loved the organic way August healed—one tiny step at a time. And I loved August and Wade’s beautiful love story. In summary, I adored it all.
December 17, 2025
I really could never get into this book.
I’ll try again some other time. Maybe 🫣😵💫
I’ll try again some other time. Maybe 🫣😵💫
July 8, 2025
Не лоша книга! Езикът е естествен, самоиронията на героите е голям плюс и атмосферата определено не е само забавление или само тъжна равносметка на хора над 40 - те.
Но наред със забавните моменти ми се стори и доста бавна. Исках малко повече движение, по - кратко разказани епизоди и по - малко глави. За мен 470 страници, които не описват някакви исторически събития и важни развои в живота на героя, ми идват в повече. Още повече, че избрах лятото, за да я чета и за мен жълти коли и лимони са характерни елементи на гореща ( във всеки смисъл ) лятна ваканция!
* . “Did you have any idea that being middle-aged meant you’d be stuck in the middle of a brain that thinks it’s sixteen and a body that feels like it’s sixty?”
Но наред със забавните моменти ми се стори и доста бавна. Исках малко повече движение, по - кратко разказани епизоди и по - малко глави. За мен 470 страници, които не описват някакви исторически събития и важни развои в живота на героя, ми идват в повече. Още повече, че избрах лятото, за да я чета и за мен жълти коли и лимони са характерни елементи на гореща ( във всеки смисъл ) лятна ваканция!
* . “Did you have any idea that being middle-aged meant you’d be stuck in the middle of a brain that thinks it’s sixteen and a body that feels like it’s sixty?”
August 4, 2025
Lemon Crush
So very glad to have you back R.G.! Lost my mom a little over 2 years ago, and I really could relate to what August went through. I laughed and cried and truly loved the book! 5 stars all the way, and I’m already excited to see what comes next!!!
So very glad to have you back R.G.! Lost my mom a little over 2 years ago, and I really could relate to what August went through. I laughed and cried and truly loved the book! 5 stars all the way, and I’m already excited to see what comes next!!!
July 6, 2025
Great read...
This was a great read. It was nice to read a story about someone in mid life, actually finding their love story! How it feels when we lose that parent, who is also our rock and best friend, and trying find our new normal without them physically at our side! I lost my dad, my rock, to cancer (and yes fuck cancer!!!) and still struggle to this day! Getting lost in this story feeling like part of a family I never had, made me feel good! This story made me laugh cry, and gave me some hope too! Maybe you really are never too old to find someone to be really happy with! I do hope there is a book for both Bernie, Chick, and maybe the rest of the gang! Thank you for the wonderful story!!!
This was a great read. It was nice to read a story about someone in mid life, actually finding their love story! How it feels when we lose that parent, who is also our rock and best friend, and trying find our new normal without them physically at our side! I lost my dad, my rock, to cancer (and yes fuck cancer!!!) and still struggle to this day! Getting lost in this story feeling like part of a family I never had, made me feel good! This story made me laugh cry, and gave me some hope too! Maybe you really are never too old to find someone to be really happy with! I do hope there is a book for both Bernie, Chick, and maybe the rest of the gang! Thank you for the wonderful story!!!
June 12, 2025
I loved this book so much!
August 22, 2025
read this book
I wasn’t sure about this book, but I got it and I am so glad I did. It has everything. I loved this book!! Please try it, I am ready for another by this author.
I wasn’t sure about this book, but I got it and I am so glad I did. It has everything. I loved this book!! Please try it, I am ready for another by this author.
November 9, 2025
Love this author and don’t know how I missed this book. Anyhoo, Gus and Wade are just an absolutely perfect couple.
Story for me was very slow getting into it, the characters, who was who and then the background to part of the story. First off let me say I loved the older couple romance and yes the sexy bits too, proving love isn’t just for the young and that we should all aspire to be loved. Lots going on with loss of a mum, totally on board with those feelings expressed, perimenopause, yep remember that, and trying to shift gear to live a better and fuller life, so yes to everything the author shared with Gus. Wade was just mr so helpful, insightful and master of everything Gus. Absolutely loved it and wouldn’t change anything in it, apart from a future chapter on their lives. Hoping to see Bernie’s story in the future. Highly highly recommend this book AND it’s a keeper.
Story for me was very slow getting into it, the characters, who was who and then the background to part of the story. First off let me say I loved the older couple romance and yes the sexy bits too, proving love isn’t just for the young and that we should all aspire to be loved. Lots going on with loss of a mum, totally on board with those feelings expressed, perimenopause, yep remember that, and trying to shift gear to live a better and fuller life, so yes to everything the author shared with Gus. Wade was just mr so helpful, insightful and master of everything Gus. Absolutely loved it and wouldn’t change anything in it, apart from a future chapter on their lives. Hoping to see Bernie’s story in the future. Highly highly recommend this book AND it’s a keeper.
May 27, 2025
It has been a long time since I savored a book but from the first chapter of Lemon Crush by R.G. Alexander, I could tell that this book was something special. From the struggling August (Gus) to the well meaning but a bit overbearing Morgan, to the unflappable Gene, and the ever patient Wade; I was reeled in and as this messy, touching, wonderful, and perfect story unfolded I found a group of people I wanted as friends. I loved that all of these characters weren’t perfect, they had flaws, baggage, and somehow with excellent communication skills, a bit of luck, and a lot of love they managed to grow and help one another through life’s challenges.
While there is a romance in this book (a decades in the making romance between August and Wade and it was a fantastic one); this book is about the people in your life that are there for you in their own way through good times and bad. It is about family and friends that are like family that mold you into the person you become.
The last several years haven’t been good to August, but as she rekindles a friendship with Wade; she starts to see life a bit differently and figures out the perfect way to honor her mother’s memory. With the help of her friends and family; it becomes a reality and one her mom, Sam Retta, would have loved.
I don’t want to get into specifics of this story because I feel each reader needs to experience this book on their own. I will say that it has been a long time that I’ve read a book that I felt fully immersed in and one I immediately wanted to re-read. I’m also ready for the new books now.
These characters were well written, their story compelling, their emotions felt real, and the ending was perfection. Easily one of my favorite books of 2025, I recommend you add Lemon Crush to your TBR now!
While there is a romance in this book (a decades in the making romance between August and Wade and it was a fantastic one); this book is about the people in your life that are there for you in their own way through good times and bad. It is about family and friends that are like family that mold you into the person you become.
The last several years haven’t been good to August, but as she rekindles a friendship with Wade; she starts to see life a bit differently and figures out the perfect way to honor her mother’s memory. With the help of her friends and family; it becomes a reality and one her mom, Sam Retta, would have loved.
I don’t want to get into specifics of this story because I feel each reader needs to experience this book on their own. I will say that it has been a long time that I’ve read a book that I felt fully immersed in and one I immediately wanted to re-read. I’m also ready for the new books now.
These characters were well written, their story compelling, their emotions felt real, and the ending was perfection. Easily one of my favorite books of 2025, I recommend you add Lemon Crush to your TBR now!
June 15, 2025
This book took me a while, not because it's bad (because it's not) but it is too close to home. Middle-aged woman, perimenopausal, depression and anxiety and I felt like looking into a mirror. I would have loved to read it in one night, but I was getting hot flushes with the heroine while she struggled to get her life back on track. And I had a bout of jealousy for that man who was just right for her. Hard working, romantic and so totally in love that I needed to brush my teeth so I wouldn't get cavities. It's a romance and it has a HEA, that's not a spoiler, but just the way August gets there is a trip worth taking.
R.G. Alexander, I am glad you're back. Gentle hugs.
R.G. Alexander, I am glad you're back. Gentle hugs.
July 12, 2025
One of the best mid-life romances that I've read. Filled with a full realm of emotions that wrapped me up and kept me tightly held in its clutches from the first word to the last. I loved the more mature characters, the emotions that went from a mix of quirky, sad, laugh-out-loud fun, romance and an adult love story that needed some extra shoves to reach a happily-ever-after.
An all-around exceptionally wonderful reading experience from a new-to-me author.
August 22, 2025
Lemon Crush is like sipping a spiked lemonade on a hot day—tart, sweet, and a little dangerous if you’re not careful. The banter is sharp, the steam level is high, and the characters are messy in the best possible way. If you like your romances equal parts swoon and sass, this one’s a refreshing pour.
June 18, 2025
This is my FAVORITE R.G. Alexander book! A totally relatable romantic comedy for those of us in midlife. I laughed my way through the whole book, and cried a little too. August is such a wonderful character, and Wade is the best kind of sexy. I can't wait to read the other characters' stories!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews