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The Little Things #6

A Little Crush

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Seems the little girl who had a crush on me is all grown up.
She ran away from our hometown a solid decade ago.
Now she’s back for her brother’s wedding.
For my friend’s wedding.
Not gonna lie, I had no intention of crossing the line with her.
Not back then. And not now.
Until I catch her swimming in her parent’s backyard.
Nope. Not even then.
I’m determined to keep all thoughts of what she might look like naked at bay.
Besides, I have more important things to worry about than how grown up Rory Buchanan is.
Like, who’s going to watch my baby girl while I’m coaching the NHL Lions.
Yeah, I have more than enough on my plate…
But damn, is she making it difficult.

470 pages, Paperback

Published August 7, 2025

551 people are currently reading
2787 people want to read

About the author

Kelsie Rae

57 books8,499 followers
Kelsie is a sucker for a love story with all the feels. When she's not chasing words for her next book, you will probably find her reading or, more likely, hanging out with her husband and playing with her three kiddos who love to drive her crazy.

She adores photography, baking, her yorkie, Bob, and her devon rex, Mara. And now that she's actively pursuing her writing dreams, she's set her sights on someday finding the self-discipline to not binge-watch an entire series on Netflix in one sitting.


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5 stars
1,622 (53%)
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344 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 422 reviews
Profile Image for Shannon Farley.
201 reviews93 followers
August 12, 2025
A beautiful completion to an amazing series!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

I have been eating up all the crumbs that Kelsie was dropping of this couple for so many years! This has been my most anticipated read for so long and I can’t believe it’s over! ❤️😩

Rory’s and Jaxson conclusion was so beautifully written. I loved the dramatic tension we got from the family aspect and also the ex-wife! So much juicy drama! The nanny trope was also a fabulous add! We love a single dad love story! ❤️ Getting to see all the other characters in their future life’s with children was such bonus! Thanks a million for that! There were a few moments where the plot seemed a-little choppy but it all came together beautifully in the end! I have so much love for the word that Kelsie has created here and cannot wait to see what she has for us next!

Especially after that hijacked epilogue…..!!!
Profile Image for Shae.
238 reviews15 followers
September 18, 2025
I knew Jax was going to be my favorite and I was not disappointed. This book was so worth the wait. Jax and Rory’s connection was the best. I love how much they fought it but when they finally gave in it was everything. If you think you know how this book is going to be you will be surprised in the best way possible! Kelsie did such an amazing job with this book. It was the best way to end this series and to say goodbye to Lockwood Heights!
Profile Image for Cristina.
1,560 reviews275 followers
August 24, 2025
My favorite book by this author so far.

Why not a 5 star? Well, the h is obsessed with the H since her teens. They have a bit of an age gap so of course no romance while the h is still a teenager. Well, that doesn’t stop her feelings and tries to kiss the H. Rejected, the h moves away “to forget him” for 10 years. In the meantime, our H, has moved on with his life, married with a baby. Sadly for him, his wife cheats on him and they get divorced.

Fast forward a few months, the h’s older brother is getting married. This brings both MCs together after 10 years of not seeing each other. I wished there would’ve been a bit more experience for our h. She deserved it. But alas, she’s never even been kissed. That was my issue with this story. How come the h is the only one that pinned over the H her whole life? Not fair.

But not all is bad. The H does get his dosage of jealousy over the guys interested in the h. There’s no breakup, once they get together. The H is supportive of the h’s OCD. He defends our h against his ex-wife antics. Overall, once they get together, it was worth reading for their romance was swoon worthy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews1 follower
Read
March 21, 2025
I can’t wait for this story!!! Is it July, yet?
Profile Image for courtney.
63 reviews3 followers
September 12, 2025
3.6 stars

my first kelsie rae book
thoroughly enjoyed this
Profile Image for Stephanie.
17 reviews
August 7, 2025
ARC Review

A Little Crush by Kelsie Rae is the 6th and final book in The Little Things series. It is a hockey, age gap, childhood crush, single dad, dog mum romance that I've been waiting for since 2023. As the series finishes, it feels like an end of an era. I had high hopes for this story, and Kelsie didn't disappoint. Kelsie has made these characters come to life and tells their stories of love, loss, and family.

I would suggest to new readers to start at the beginning before reading this book. Some of these characters have been shown since Don't Let Me Fall, book 1 in the Don't Let Me series, and all the way through The Little Things series. Rory and Jaxon's back story plays a huge part throughout A Little Crush and sets up their love story to be told perfectly. I found the book to be quite emotional (thanks Maverick). I reached for the tissues more than once, but it also felt like closure and came full circle for all the families.

The family connections and support the characters get would be one of the main reasons I love this series. As well as the fun, the banter, and the GAME NIGHTS! I feel like we need an updated family tree now that this generation of the story is complete. As well as Mama Taylor's famous cookie recipe, please Kelsie!! 🍪

Rory and Jaxon's love story was sweet, spicy, and everything I could have hoped for. The tension was high, the development was mature, and the communication was perfection. 🤌 I love how they both had instant connections with Poppy and Hades, who are both known to not like anyone.

Jax would have to be one of my favourite characters in this book. He showed strong personal development, with the treatment he withstood because he thought that's what he deserved, to standing up for himself and his relationship when he was no longer the target. I also liked the parallel between Jax and Dodger, Jax taking the blame for Hades compared to Dodger blaming Hades. It showed Jax takes accountability and him being the strong, stable, comfort giving MMC that Rory deserves.

I was hoping to see Griff and Reeves sitting back eating popcorn 🍿 together. But I liked how Griff and Macklin stirred Jax around a bit. I couldn't help but laugh when Rory thought, "Pretty sure the only thing that could dampen Oliver Reeves' mood is if his wife stubbed her toe and he wasn't there to kiss it better." That describes his characters devotion to Dylan perfectly. I cringed every time Iris showed up and was glad it was only a handful of times.

My favourite quote from A Little Crush is "... life doesn't have to be perfect to be worth living." I felt that deep in my soul, I think it's an important thing to remember. My second favourite is "Give me a redo." Damn! IYKYK.

This was the perfect end to this chapter of the story. I look forward to the next series, Harden Heights. I'm excited to see some character crossovers. I want to hear more about Dodger's past. Some of the snippets we got in A Little Broken and A Little Crush intrigued me. But up next is Judge's hellion nephews Jagger, Hawke, and Ford, I can't wait to see what Kelsie will do with them.

As always, thank you, Kelsie, for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team, I loved this series so much and can't wait to do a re read of them all together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Linda Ender.
13 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2025
Kelsie did it once again!! We saved the best for last with Jax and Rory’s story. Tying in the entire LAU family really shows you that family is not only blood—-it’s who you choose as your family.

Seeing more into what makes Jaxon Jaxon and how he knows what to fight for and when to fight for it. Seeing him realize his feelings for Rory and watching them grow was by far my favorite thing about this book.

Also, seeing how far Rory has come since walking back into Jaxon’s life, learning to deal with her OCD, anxiety and fears. Rory is a role model for those suffering with anxiety or OCD.

By far the best way to wrap up the little things series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rachelle.
39 reviews8 followers
July 26, 2025
This book gave me all the feels. I could go into so much detail about everything I loved. From the airplane scene to the dinner with parents, but Im not the type to give spoilers. I laughed and cried with the characters along with feeling the unwavering love Rory and Jaxon have for each other. I feel that once you pick this book up like me, you won't be able to set it down.
Profile Image for Samantha Sullivan.
302 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2025
Did I devour this book in a day. Yes, yes I did! This book was a long time coming and honestly it was a beautiful book! They were the couple I was secretly hoping for since Mav’s and Ophelia’s book! This book just made my heart so happy for them!

Rory, is the kindest soul, I swear. She tried so hard to move on from her crush on Jaxon, to the point that she moved away and did anything to avoid him. But it ended up being useless because they are endgame! I loved that we got to see what her OCD was like and expand on how it affected her daily life! I also adored that we got her friendship with Tatum still throughout the book!

Jaxon, man I adore him. He tried so hard to stay away and to not think of Rory the way he was but it was pointless! I loved that when he finally gave in that he was so into the relationship and being what Rory deserved even if he didn’t think that!

Poppy my girl! She’s adorable and I love the way that Rory is with her and how she’s 100% in love with that little girl!

This whole book makes me sad that it’s over. I cried, I laughed, and I didn’t want it to end. I’ll miss the friend ground and found family but the epilogue made my heart grow bigger! It’s a definite must read book!
Profile Image for _Steph_reads_.
258 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2025
Stars-♾️⭐️
Spice- 🌶️🌶️

🍼Age gap
🍼Childhood crush
🍼Hockey romance
🍼Single dad x nanny
🍼Secret dating
🍼OCD Rep

What a great end to an amazing series! I had so many feeling reading this book. If you follow/know me you know I am obsessed with Kelsie Rae's books! I was sad that this series had ended. Book one in The Little Things series is what made me fall in love with Kelsie Rae. As always Kelsie did not disappoint.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC! I can't express how much I loved this book! I did not want to put it down. I LOVED IT! I laughed, kicked my feet, got butterflies, got teary eyed, even jumped up and down at a few parts. The spice was spicy! This book was perfection! Jax and Rory's story was the perfect end to the series! I didn't even noticed how fast I read and then I clicked to the next page and it said "The End" I could not believe it, I was shocked. lol I love how we got to see all the characters from the series and also the main couples for the 1st gen series, Don't Let Me.

Kelsie this book was perfection! Thank you so much for the ARC!
Profile Image for Michelle Miller.
139 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2025
I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of this book and I'm so glad I did. I was really looking forward to the final book in The Little Things series. I've read many Kelsie Rae books and her last one, A Little Broken, was my favorite.

A Little Crush was a really fast read for me. I really enjoyed the characters. Kelsie is fantastic about creating full fledged characters with deep seated traumas, passions, flaws, and strengths. Despite having written many different female and male leads throughout her different series, Jaxton and Rory felt really singular. Kelsie also does a really wonderful job setting up the scene for the reader. It's truly a strength. I can visualize every scene, every stolen glance, every humiliating or heated moment.

While we met Jaxton back in the Don't Let Me series, it was interesting to see how his history affected him as an adult. Kelsie didn't forget Rory and her personal trauma, exploring her OCD that grew from her brother's death in a very real way. As someone who experiences OCD myself, I found the racing thoughts and her questioning herself in heightened moments really relatable.

It was also interesting to see another dynamic outside of school.

I'll add that I'm not usually into large age gaps but this one worked for me and I thought Kelsie handled it well, especially considering they grew up together.

I'm sad to see this series end. I wonder if she'll do a next generation series. It would be crazy to see Poppy as an adult! Not to mention the other kids mentioned throughout the book.
Profile Image for Laurenreadingrecs .
600 reviews39 followers
July 30, 2025
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes:
🧡AGE GAP ( 9 yrs)
🏒 HOCKEY ROMANCE
🧡 SINGLE DAD X NANNY
🏒 SHE FALLS FIRST BUT HE FALLS HARDER
🧡VIRGIN HEROINE
🏒 SECRET DATING
🧡OCD REP
🏒 CHILDHOOD CRUSH
🧡HEA

I’ve been Reading Kelsie for a number of years and was lucky enough to recently get on her arc team. Jaxon and Rory were the absolute perfect way to end this second generation series.

I'm gonna try as much as I can to avoid spoilers, so I’ll try to be pretty vague.

After reading both the parents books in the Don’t let me series, and the second generation series Little Things, the finale did not disappoint.

We had originally met Jaxon in the previous series, and now we get to know him more. Jax is a single divorced father of his infant daughter, Poppy. His goal is to be a good dad ti his daughter and he’s recently started working as the new coach for the hockey team.

Rory, now she’s more at a crossroads in life. She has just graduated from college and has returned home for her brother, Maverick’s wedding. She’s pretty much avoided home for the simple fact that she’s trying to avoid Jax, her childhood crush and her older brothers friend.

When Rory learns of Jax predicament in need of a nanny, Rory offers to help.

What happens next is the constant push and pull between these two. Jax tries not to fall for Rory but he can’t stop the pull he feels. And the way he loves her supports her, even though her trauma, helping her control and manage her OCD was just incredible to see.

As a couple they still had to push past some obstacles but watching the way they did this with love and support to get to the other side just touched my soul.

I’m super sad that we’ve come to the end of Little Things series but excited not only that it went out on a high note but excited to see whats to come.
Profile Image for rickies.reads.
324 reviews15 followers
August 1, 2025
THE END OF AN ERA, & MY HEART HAS NEVER BEEN MORE CONFLICTED.
A Little Crush has been on my most anticipated reads since I read Let Me Love You in the Don't Let Me series.

infinity stars. no notes. no changes.
Jaxon Thorne is just as amazing as I thought he would be, except now time has passes, he is grown and he is a hot NHL coach with a super cute baby(single dad). He is about to immerse himself into all the family things because Lia and Mac are finally getting married!! When he is struggling after a nasty divorce he needs someone to help him and step up to keep his daughter. Who would have ever thought it would be the baby of the group, Rory Buchanan. He knew he would see her again, and he knew he would want to clear the air about what happened 10 YEARS AGO- When baby Rory tried to kiss him.. what he didn't know is that he would have actual lustful feelings for her when he had never loved her in more than a platonic way...

WELP. ALL BETS ARE OFF BECAUSE SHE IS NOT A BABY ANYMORE.

Rory Buchanan has avoided home like the PLAGUE.. she has honestly avoided Jaxon after being mortified when trying to kiss him.. When she ends up speaking up before thinking about just how hard it would-be she ends up being Jaxons nanny.. and in his crosshairs all the time.. turns out she has never gotten over her childhood crush and just buried her feels way down deep.

Its never been a question if Rory wanted Jaxon, but now that the tables have turned will Jaxon step up and admit his new found feelings for the girl he's always loved, just differently and in a different season?! YOU BETTER GO READ IT TO FIND OUT.

*make sure you read the trigger warning while reading this series. it is not for the wear hearted thats for sure.*

tropes
-OCD REP, VIRGIN FMC, SINGLE DADxNANNY, CHILDHOOD CRUSH, AGE GAP, HOCKEY ROMANCE
Profile Image for PinkityReads.
2 reviews
August 1, 2025
Rory and Jaxon… whew. A pairing I’ve been dying to see, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Age gaps? One of my favorite tropes. Add in nanny dynamics, secret dating, and that delicious forbidden tension? Say no more!!! I’m obsessed!!!

The miscommunication, the loaded glances that practically beg “we really need to talk about this”, the feelings buried under years of history — and that aching, tortured past? Yeah, I was hooked from the start.

She fell first, but he fell harder.

Rory isn’t the little girl Jax remembers. She’s grown into a woman… the woman. And while he may still be the man she’s always loved, their situation is messy. He’s a father. She’s his boss’s daughter. A longtime family friend. And now… his nanny. Is risking it all even smart?

How does Jaxon show her that something has shifted? That this isn’t just a crush, but the real thing? How does he convince this amazing woman, nine years younger and still untouched, that he’s all in? That she is everything he’s ever wanted?

This book had everything. A green flag man. Emotional whiplash (yeah, looking at you and that wedding speech, Maverick 😭). A big lovable dog. Hockey. Honestly, what more could a girl ask for? Oh right! The perfect ending wrapped up with a big, beautiful red bow. And that’s exactly what we got. I’m officially book hungover.

From start to finish, this story made me smile. Kelsie Rae’s writing is something truly special, and getting to watch this story, and this world unfold has been an absolute honor. Thank you, Kelsie, for pouring your love and passion into these pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica Nicewonger.
27 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2025
The perfect ending to such an amazing series. Such a great balance of sweet and spice but let’s just say the spice is HOT. Having bits of all the characters from both the “Don’t Let Me” and the “Little Things” series was so good. Getting to see Rory come more into her own throughout the story made her so relatable because who doesn’t go through some changes after graduating college and experiencing new things for the first time and starting a relationship. Kelsie Rae books are always a hit for me, I enjoy the way her books are uniquely her while also being unique to each story and the main characters. I’m sad to see the Lockwood Heights world kind of come to a close but can’t wait to see how some familiar characters show up in upcoming books (because of course our girl left some breadcrumbs for what’s coming next!).
Profile Image for Lark _thebookchamber.
551 reviews67 followers
August 10, 2025
I loved Jaxson and Rory so much! I didn’t want to put this book down and fell in love with the writing so much! It was my first of Kelsie’s, however, as soon as I got a couple of chapters in I ordered the entire series (as well as the Don’t Let Me series) 🤭💖

I adored Rory to pieces. She is the kindest person! I loved the OCD representation and loved seeing Jaxon help her through it during stressful times 🥹
Jaxon is perfection. I loved that he tried so hard to fight his attraction to Rory since seeing her in the pool- and that despite fighting it, they couldn’t help but come together! Overall, I really enjoyed their story and cannot wait to go back and read from the beginning- as well as everything else Kelsie has written 😍
Profile Image for Sammi Faye.
41 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2025
This book. I don’t even know how to summarize everything this book made me feel in a review. I have been waiting for this book since the don’t let me series and it exceed every expectation, hope, and thought I had about how their story would take place. With this being the last book in this series it honestly could not have done a better job at tying everything together. The way everyone’s story connects and all of their friendships are so beautifully written. This is honestly a series I see myself reading at least once every year because it is so beautiful.
1 review
July 25, 2025
OMGG OMGG OMGGGGGG

I simply can’t put into words how I feel about this book. The way it FEELS like my life long crush is coming to be is wild. I love every. Single. Word. Of this book. Of the series. I can not get enough and I am so sad the LAU era is over. But this book PERFECTLY wraps up the two intertwined series and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Profile Image for Katie Garner.
22 reviews
July 27, 2025
Kelsie has put the perfect cherry on top of this series!! Jaxon and Rory… just wow. They are explosive in the best way. A Little Crush is the final book in The Little Things Series. It follows Jaxon Thorne and Rory Buchanan as they are reunited at Maverick and Ophelia’s wedding. They haven’t seen each other in a decade after Rory made a move and was rejected by the much older Jaxon. Now they are meeting again with 10 years of life lived separately. Jaxon is newly divorced and Rory is still single… the fireworks were beautiful and I am going to miss these characters fiercely! This book has so many tropes! Fake dating, secret dating, virgin heroine, he falls hard, age gap, single dad, awful ex-wife. The spice is perfect and so sweet but also who knew Jaxon could be so dominant?! I mean!! 🥵 I love how they take care of each other and how their families are so intertwined. This series is a must but start with A Little Complicated!! Trust me this series is a must read! *This is an ARC Review.*
Profile Image for Megan Swanson.
10 reviews
August 11, 2025
This book seriously blew my expectations out of the water! I cannot explain how much I ended up loving the characters and their story. I wasn’t sure I was going to be a fan at first but it’s now one of my favorites in the series. I love the way Kelsie Rae writes and cannot wait for future books.
Profile Image for J.
17 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2025
*** NO SPOILERS ***

**Please be cautious of the second half of this review if you have not read any of the other books in this series. There may be spoilers for previous books in the second half.**






***If you've never read Kelsie Rae's books, or haven't read the first generation series, this part is for you***

I know this series isn't on KU. I can already feel the pressure of people trying to decide whether or not it's worth taking a chance on it or not. I feel you. I'm usually a 'not' girl. Why chance something I might not enjoy when there's so many books on KU already?
I'm here to tell you that if you love romance or books that pull you in and make you feel, it's gonna blow you away. It's going to be worth it. Kelsie Rae is probably the ONLY author I ever recommend to people that ISN'T on KU. (I'm in a lot of Facebook reading groups.)
HER BOOKS ARE WORTH IT.
I can not say it loud enough.
This series is top-tier. I would recommend it to anyone, whether or not you've read the Don't Let Me series prior to starting this one. I believe that you could pick up the Little Things Series without starting the first generation series and still love every second of it. Do I think it would hit as hard? Obviously not. You've grown close to all these characters, the universe, their dynamics, their personalities. You get a lot from reading the First Gen series that you might otherwise miss out on by just starting with The Little Things series, but it's still going to be an incredible journey. This series will be worth it. No matter where you start. I can promise you that.
Kelsie Rae started with the Don't Let Me series and built an actual empire. I have read so many books and nothing, I mean NOTHING, is like this series.
The community and found family that is sprinkled into these books are literal magic. I've never felt so attached to fictional characters the way that I do with these families. You laugh with them, you cry with them, you root for them, and sometimes you even want to punch them. Above all else, you'll fall in love with every single character. Every. Single. One.

I don't know exactly how these series are classified, but if you DO NOT read sports romances, and the idea interests you but also scares you... these books are a great place to start. There isn't a ton of sports scenes, and the lingo is minimal. They are more of romance with a side of sports, and I feel like that is a less intimidating place to start for newcomers.
For seasoned sports readers, this may be a little lax on the sports playing, but I feel like there is such a good balance of real life to sports. You get behind the scenes interactions with fundraisers, coaches, and team parties.

Now, I do not give spoilers for THIS book anywhere, but if you haven't read any of the other books in the series, there may be spoilers for previous books in the next part of my review. Please only read the next part if that is okay with you.


***To everyone that has read all of the Don't Let Me Series and all the previous The Little Things books***

Listen. This is the book I was waiting on. Since the last book of the Don't Let Me series, this is the couple I COULD NOT wait for.
The way Rory never wanted anyone but Jax? The way Jax was the oddball. The oldest, the one with a different mom, the overthinker. He was ahead of everyone else in age and years, so we got less of him in the other books. He was mysterious. Except for one little thing... Rory was always with him. Always his shadow. The best part was that it was never a negative to him. She wasn't some annoying little tot on his heels because he actually cared. He always enjoyed it, until that night. Despise it being a few books ago, that night loomed over everything else in my mind. I NEEDED to know. I hate to even admit that I had a hard time picking up Tatum's book because all I wanted Rory's book. (I finally did and had no regrets. So freaking good.)
I'm just trying to say that this book... it was all I wanted. I'd waited so.damn.long for it. In fact, I waited so long that I was worried I'd overthought it, and I'd end up disappointed by the reality.
I wasn't.
Kelsie Rae delivered. A thousand times over.
It was everything I wanted and then some.
The tension.
The angst.
THE SPICE.
The overthinking, the OCD, the sprinkle of past and future, the absolutely devastating reality of life without someone that they care about, and the overwhelming sense of acceptance.

I'm conflicted. Are Jax and Rore my favorite? I honestly think so. (Sorry, Mav and Opie.)
But I love ALL of these characters so much that it makes my heart ache. I was never ready for the end of this series. I don't think I ever would've been.

If you've grown to love all the characters as much as I have... this was it. The perfect ending.
You get closure for all the main characters and a final goodbye that fills your heart with love and hope for these people we've grown attached to. It's not often that I walk away from a series knowing that I'll miss fictional characters. In fact, this may be the first time I've ever felt it this strongly.

Every second of this book was edged with hope and laced with desire. Every second of this book was brimming with cautious Jax and anxious Squeaks. It was all the things I hoped for them and then some. It was everything. Just... EVERYTHING.
Profile Image for Hannah B.
74 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2025
I received an advanced copy of A Little Crush from the author’s team in exchange for an honest review. I'm keeping it vague to avoid spoilers, but know that I could go on and on.

This book is everything. After 11 books across the Little Things and Don't Let Me series, saying goodbye feels like the end of a long-term relationship with everyone in Lockwood Heights - and I'm not ready. Kelsie Rae has created a world I’ve laughed with, cried with, and fully fallen for, and A Little Crush is the most perfect, emotional, joy-filled sendoff.

Rory and Jaxon’s story? Absolutely flawless. No notes. I could list a hundred moments that made me laugh out loud and a few that had me wiping away tears. From page one, my heart was in a chokehold, in the best way possible, and I never wanted to put it down (though I did stop at 75% because I wasn't ready for it to end. The rest of the ARC/content team convinced me to suck it up and keep going). Getting to see the *entire* cast of characters we’ve come to love finally get their HEAs was deeply satisfying - and yes, I had my popcorn the whole way through, just like Reeves said.

This book is everything a series finale should be: heartfelt, spicy, gut wrenching, but mostly full of love. If you’ve been on this journey from the beginning, A Little Crush will leave you smiling through your tears. What a ride.

So my only question is - will we get a 3rd generation Kelsie? Asking for a friend...
Profile Image for Crystal Gardner.
19 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2025
Holy Moly! This book was everything I knew it would be and more. I have been in a reading slump for weeks and the minute this hit my kindle I was done for. 24hours later and I finished. I didn’t want to put it down. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Can we just say that everyone deserves a Jaxon Thorne in their lives? The dynamics of this book was so beautifully written. And being the last book of this next gen series, the way Kelsie wrapped it up was amazing. I don’t feel like anything was missed. Of course I could always handle more of these families LOL. But I feel complete with the series how it ended. I’m obsessed. And if I had the ability to rate this more than 5 stars please trust that I would! This book deserves all of the high praises I am sure it will get! It’s by far my favorite of the series (hear me out, I’ve loved all of her books and it’s hard to pick a favorite) But Jaxon and Rory was the icing on the cake. Sad it’s finished knowing it’s the ending of these families. But looking forward to what’s to come.

Do yourself a favor and read A Little Crush. You won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Christina.
577 reviews19 followers
August 2, 2025
The end of an era for real. From the minute Kelsie announced a next gen series, I wanted Jaxon’s story, fully expecting his to be the first in the series. Here we are at the last book, and it was absolutely worth the wait.

Jaxon is recently divorced. Rory is now grown. And that little crush…it never went away all these years after the incident that sent Rory running. And when Rory forms an instant bond with Poppy, Jaxon’s daughter, offering to be her nanny is a no-brainer.

The buildup between Jaxon and Rory has existed throughout this series, so to say I was excited is an understatement. I love how Kelsie showed how the platonic friendship love was able to grow into something more years later. How these two were always endgame, but they needed the time to grow and see each other as adults rather than kids. How the families took the news. How Jaxon and Rory navigated a less than pleasant ex. Everything about this was just so good.

I’ll say it a million times, if you haven’t read this series, along with the Don’t Let Me series, you are missing out on one of my very favorite worlds in hockey romance.
Profile Image for Tammy Rogers.
14 reviews
July 28, 2025
I was lucky enough to be on Kelsey’s ARC team. I was so excited to read Jax and Rory’s story. I think this is my favorite book in the series.

Jax is a single dad, trying to be the best dad he can be all the while starting a new job as the head coach for the hockey team. Then Rory comes home for her brother’s wedding and Jax realizes that she is not so little anymore.

Rory just graduated from college and comes home for her brother’s wedding and is nervous about running into her childhood crush, Jax is the whole reason she has stayed away from her home town.

The push and pull between these two is amazing and once they give in it’s incredible. The support and love they have for each other is amazing. They just have to overcome a few hurdles. If you are looking for a book full of love, laughter, and a few tears to be shed then this is your book. Sad to see The Little Things era end but excited for the next one.
Profile Image for Brittney Louviere.
35 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2025
I have waited for this book since we first met Jaxon at the end of the Don’t Let Me series. That is a long time to build up a book/character in your head. Kelsie Rae DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Jaxon and Rory’s story is not a simple one, but it is a beautiful one. The slow burn, the anticipation, the spice 🥵. All I can say is that airplane scene. Man. That will live rent free in my head for a while. This book brought out the tears, the giggles, the feet kicking, the anger, and so much more. What a beautiful final book to this series. The little things series has a special place in my heart and a top spot in my favorites.
Profile Image for Steph.
138 reviews
July 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️— ARC Review 🩷

This book? A little crush?
Nah. That was a full-blown emotional faceplant into love.

Kelsie Rae somehow bottled up butterflies, banter, and every adorable “oh no, I like them” moment and poured it into this gem.

I laughed. I swooned. I shouted “JUST TELL THEM HOW YOU FEEL” at fictional people like it was my job.

The tension? Enough to toast a marshmallow.
The charm? Off the charts.
The romance? Had me mentally planning their wedding halfway through.

This wasn’t just a cute story. It was a serotonin smoothie with extra whipped swoon on top.

Would I recommend? Absolutely.
Would I reread and pretend I’m not smiling like a dork the whole time? Also yes. 🫶📚
Profile Image for Amber Todd.
83 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2025
If you've read this series so far then you know this is the slowest burn ever. But in a good way. Rory and Jaxson have a 9 year age gap. Jaxson has always been Rory's person. The one to calm her down and help her with her OCD. When she was in middle school, she tried to kiss him and he stopped it for obvious reasons. But now she's 21 and still not over him. She left Lockwood Heights as fast as she could to be away from him, but now her brother is getting married. She is faced with seeing him again after 10 years. He needs a nanny for his daughter and she swoops in to save the day. Is this their second chance?
Profile Image for Krista Bukoskey.
30 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2025
And Kelsie Rae does it again! I cannot get enough of her books, and characters. I love how she can take two characters who have so many imperfections, and make them perfect for each other! The love story! Hades! Poppy! Ugh had my heart melting!

I was kicking my feet, giggling, smiling, crying, swooning, and of course fanning myself(the spice was spicing) while reading this one! I’m sad to see this series come to a close but what a great end it was!

It was also so amazing to catch up with some of the previous couples and see where life has taken them! (From Don’t let me and little things series) You did an amazing job Kelsie!
Profile Image for Monica.
14 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2025
I was blessed with an ARC and let me just say Kelsie never misses. The story between Rory and Jax was everything I thought it would be. The banter, spice, and heartfelt story are always amazing. The way Rory loved and cared for Jaxon and then his daughter just truly showed the person Rory always was and grew into more. I love that Jaxon said it was a platonic love for years and then it turned into real love. I couldn't agree more you felt the change with them. Love all Kelsie's work. She's amazing and I can't wait to see what comes next. This is the longest slow burn I've seen but it's beyond worth it. Perfect ending to an amazing series.
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