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Inevitable Crush
Carter O’Connor dreamed of a relationship that was the opposite of his parents’. He wanted to know a love like that of his best friend’s parents, full of kindness, understanding, and true devotion. He knew that there would be no other option than to find his bonded mate. As an adult, he poured everything into a chance that he would find “the one”, developing an app that would help shifters find the person meant to be their bonded mate.
Becca Samuels has loved Carter since she was a child. She had hopelessly pined over her brother’s best friend for years. When he shows up at the bar where she’s waitressing, she feels those old feelings bubble up inside her. After an unforgettable one night stand, she can tell that he feels something for her as well, but he doesn’t want to admit it for fear that he would lose his relationship with her brother.
When an opportunity arises for Becca to find the person who will choose her over anyone or anything else, she decides to let Carter go. Everra, a dating app, promises to match souls together, giving shifters and humans a chance to find their bonded mate. The only problem? Carter O’Connor is her number one match.
Inevitable Crush, the second book in the Collinwood Cove Series, is a fated mates romance featuring a billionaire and his best friend’s little sister. HEA guaranteed!
Billionaire MMC
Grump & Sunshine
Fated Mates
Brother’s Best Friend
Br33ding
Becca Samuels has loved Carter since she was a child. She had hopelessly pined over her brother’s best friend for years. When he shows up at the bar where she’s waitressing, she feels those old feelings bubble up inside her. After an unforgettable one night stand, she can tell that he feels something for her as well, but he doesn’t want to admit it for fear that he would lose his relationship with her brother.
When an opportunity arises for Becca to find the person who will choose her over anyone or anything else, she decides to let Carter go. Everra, a dating app, promises to match souls together, giving shifters and humans a chance to find their bonded mate. The only problem? Carter O’Connor is her number one match.
Inevitable Crush, the second book in the Collinwood Cove Series, is a fated mates romance featuring a billionaire and his best friend’s little sister. HEA guaranteed!
Billionaire MMC
Grump & Sunshine
Fated Mates
Brother’s Best Friend
Br33ding
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Review of advance copy
Inevitable crush is the second novel from LJ Robbins.
Carter O’Connor dreamed of a relationship that was the opposite of his parents’. He wanted to know a love like that of his best friend’s parents, full of kindness, understanding, and true devotion. He knew that there would be no other option than to find his bonded mate. As an adult, he poured everything into a chance that he would find “the one”, developing an app that would help shifters find the person meant to be their bonded mate.
Becca Samuels has loved Carter since she was a child. She had hopelessly pined over her brother’s best friend for years. When he shows up at the bar where she’s waitressing, she feels those old feelings bubble up inside her. After an unforgettable one night stand, she can tell that he feels something for her as well, but he doesn’t want to admit it for fear that he would lose his relationship with her brother.
When an opportunity arises for Becca to find the person who will choose her over anyone or anything else, she decides to let Carter go. Everra, a dating app, promises to match souls together, giving shifters and humans a chance to find their bonded mate. The only problem? Carter O’Connor is her number one match.
I love LJ Robbins' writing style. She writes fluently, making it a quick read. The chapters are well-structured, and because she uses a bird's-eye view of the main characters, you get to know them better. She keeps you hooked from the very beginning.
This is the second book in the Collinwood Cove series. What makes the story enjoyable is that she uses a mythical figure who mingles with humans. The love radiates from page one. I'm already looking forward to reading more from her.
Carter O’Connor dreamed of a relationship that was the opposite of his parents’. He wanted to know a love like that of his best friend’s parents, full of kindness, understanding, and true devotion. He knew that there would be no other option than to find his bonded mate. As an adult, he poured everything into a chance that he would find “the one”, developing an app that would help shifters find the person meant to be their bonded mate.
Becca Samuels has loved Carter since she was a child. She had hopelessly pined over her brother’s best friend for years. When he shows up at the bar where she’s waitressing, she feels those old feelings bubble up inside her. After an unforgettable one night stand, she can tell that he feels something for her as well, but he doesn’t want to admit it for fear that he would lose his relationship with her brother.
When an opportunity arises for Becca to find the person who will choose her over anyone or anything else, she decides to let Carter go. Everra, a dating app, promises to match souls together, giving shifters and humans a chance to find their bonded mate. The only problem? Carter O’Connor is her number one match.
I love LJ Robbins' writing style. She writes fluently, making it a quick read. The chapters are well-structured, and because she uses a bird's-eye view of the main characters, you get to know them better. She keeps you hooked from the very beginning.
This is the second book in the Collinwood Cove series. What makes the story enjoyable is that she uses a mythical figure who mingles with humans. The love radiates from page one. I'm already looking forward to reading more from her.
February 4, 2026
4.5 🌟 4🌶
Thank you to Literary Inspired and LJ Robbins for giving me the opportunity to read this gem! Spice level is top tier! Carter is so intense! Love it! Really hope we get a bit more background on the kidnapping in Ava's book. I love that Ava is independent but feels this connection with Carter and allows him to take care of her. Her families reaction to him is great, and Carter's sister and mom's reaction was acceptable. Now his father, that old man can go kick rocks! Definitely give this a read if you want a good spicy read! Written extremely well!
Thank you to Literary Inspired and LJ Robbins for giving me the opportunity to read this gem! Spice level is top tier! Carter is so intense! Love it! Really hope we get a bit more background on the kidnapping in Ava's book. I love that Ava is independent but feels this connection with Carter and allows him to take care of her. Her families reaction to him is great, and Carter's sister and mom's reaction was acceptable. Now his father, that old man can go kick rocks! Definitely give this a read if you want a good spicy read! Written extremely well!
January 31, 2026
Inevitable Crush was a cute, filthy little shifter romance that I really enjoyed. It explores mate bonds and finding the person you’re meant to spend forever with — with plenty of spice along the way 😈
We meet our main characters, Becca and Carter, when they’re children. Carter is Becca’s brother’s best friend and a wolf shifter, while Becca harbours a long-time childhood crush on him. Years later, they unexpectedly collide back into each other’s lives, sparks fly, and it leads to a one-night stand that changes everything.
This world features humans and shifters living alongside one another, though not everyone believes shifters should mate with humans — which creates some tension and conflict. Carter creates an app designed to help shifters find their mate bond, desperate to find his forever person. After Carter leaves Becca heartbroken, she joins the app… only for them to match. And that’s when Carter realises just how badly he messed up and has to work hard to win her back.
I’ll admit, I briefly joined the I Hate Carter Club after he broke poor Becca’s heart — but I did come around to forgiving him. Together, he and Becca were absolutely adorable… and very filthy in the bedroom 🔥
A lot happens over a short period of time, and while a few questions were left unanswered, this was still a fun, fast-paced read. If you’re looking for a smutty shifter romance with a cute couple and plenty of heat, this one is definitely worth picking up from L. J. Robbins.
Tropes:
⭐️ Shifter Romance
⭐️ Wolf Shifter MMC
⭐️ Paranormal x Human Pairing
⭐️ Bonded / Fated Mates
⭐️ Brother’s Best Friend
⭐️ Childhood Crush
⭐️ One-Night Stand
⭐️ Second Chance at Love
⭐️ Unrequited Love / Pining FMC
⭐️ Grumpy x Sunshine
⭐️ Morally Grey MMC
⭐️ Billionaire MMC
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
We meet our main characters, Becca and Carter, when they’re children. Carter is Becca’s brother’s best friend and a wolf shifter, while Becca harbours a long-time childhood crush on him. Years later, they unexpectedly collide back into each other’s lives, sparks fly, and it leads to a one-night stand that changes everything.
This world features humans and shifters living alongside one another, though not everyone believes shifters should mate with humans — which creates some tension and conflict. Carter creates an app designed to help shifters find their mate bond, desperate to find his forever person. After Carter leaves Becca heartbroken, she joins the app… only for them to match. And that’s when Carter realises just how badly he messed up and has to work hard to win her back.
I’ll admit, I briefly joined the I Hate Carter Club after he broke poor Becca’s heart — but I did come around to forgiving him. Together, he and Becca were absolutely adorable… and very filthy in the bedroom 🔥
A lot happens over a short period of time, and while a few questions were left unanswered, this was still a fun, fast-paced read. If you’re looking for a smutty shifter romance with a cute couple and plenty of heat, this one is definitely worth picking up from L. J. Robbins.
Tropes:
⭐️ Shifter Romance
⭐️ Wolf Shifter MMC
⭐️ Paranormal x Human Pairing
⭐️ Bonded / Fated Mates
⭐️ Brother’s Best Friend
⭐️ Childhood Crush
⭐️ One-Night Stand
⭐️ Second Chance at Love
⭐️ Unrequited Love / Pining FMC
⭐️ Grumpy x Sunshine
⭐️ Morally Grey MMC
⭐️ Billionaire MMC
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 20, 2026
I wanted to love this one but there was a lot that let it down for me.
I didn’t understand the bonded mate aspect of this story. It was written as though bonded mates are like fated mates but if that was the case isn’t it instantaneous for a wolf shifter? Shouldn’t Carter have known that Becca was his mate. It was more like a choice in this story and just super confusing.
Carter wasn’t a great MMC. He didn’t do anything to deserve Becca after treating her like crap. They never had an actual conversation about anything important.
The whole plot was basically we might be bonded mates but we might not be, Becca was mad at Carter one minute then they were having sex and then oh no she got kidnapped but they have the bond so she could tell Carter exactly where she was 🤷♀️
Also, Carter calls her pet in every sentence and it was so cringey.
I did receive an ARC of this book.
I didn’t understand the bonded mate aspect of this story. It was written as though bonded mates are like fated mates but if that was the case isn’t it instantaneous for a wolf shifter? Shouldn’t Carter have known that Becca was his mate. It was more like a choice in this story and just super confusing.
Carter wasn’t a great MMC. He didn’t do anything to deserve Becca after treating her like crap. They never had an actual conversation about anything important.
The whole plot was basically we might be bonded mates but we might not be, Becca was mad at Carter one minute then they were having sex and then oh no she got kidnapped but they have the bond so she could tell Carter exactly where she was 🤷♀️
Also, Carter calls her pet in every sentence and it was so cringey.
I did receive an ARC of this book.
February 13, 2026
**🅽︎🅾︎ 🆂︎🅿︎🅾︎🅸︎🅻︎🅴︎🆁︎🆂︎**
𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 𝕠𝕗- INEVITABLE CRUSH
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤-
🗣(out of 5 stars, my rating scale is at the end)
📚 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 ⭐️⭐️.75 / 5
🌡️ 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲🌶🌶🌶 / 5
♟️𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹- >>>🌑<<<
🎃: 𝐶𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑦𝑙𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 🌑: 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑦 ⚔️: ᵒᵒᵒʰʰʰ ˢᵗᵃᵇᵇʸ ᵖᵉᵒᵖˡᵉ••• 💀: 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 M̶E̶N̶U̶ 😳 -𝑖 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑊𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠!! ☠️: P͟I͟T͟C͟H͟ F͟C͟u͟K͟I͟N͟G͟ B͟L͟A͟C͟K͟!
𝕂𝕖𝕪 𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕠:
•📖# 219 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
•𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘁? A day
•# DUAL 𝗣𝗢𝗩
•𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲-2 February 2026
•𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 or 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 driven? A mix
•𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲 & 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗻𝗼- standalone
•𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 on 𝗞𝗨?✅
•𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗲- FAST
•𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲?🚫
•𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? (Disability, plus size, mental health etc...)✅ plus size FMC
●𝕋ℝ𝕆ℙ𝔼𝕊
⭐️ Childhood Crush
👩❤️👨𝙵𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙼𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜
🙅 𝕽𝖊𝖏𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝕸𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖘 / Unrequited Love / Pining FMC
⭐️ One-Night Stand
😍IᑎՏTᗩ ᒪOᐯᗴ
💞ՏᗴᑕOᑎᗪ ᑕᕼᗩᑎᑕᗴ ᖇOᗰᗩᑎᑕᗴ
⭐️ Billionaire MMC
💘Brothers best friend
🌕𝑊𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑤𝑜𝑙𝑓 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠
🌍 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘:
Inevitable Crush was a cute, and dirty little shifter romance that I really enjoyed. It’s not based around any pack life, just solo wolves out in the world doing their own thing.
This world features humans and shifters living alongside one another and in full knowledge of each other, though not all shifters believe they should mate with humans.
I didn’t understand this perspective of the bonded mate aspect. It was written as though bonded mates are just like fated mates, but if that was the case isn’t it instantaneous for a wolf shifter? Shouldn’t Carter have known that Becca was his mate. Why was he so confused and in doubt? It just didn’t read as believable. It was more like a choice in this story and read as confusing.
I also couldn’t understand how other wolves sensed someone was pregnant but carter didnt?
The drama that is introduced was very quick and left me completely at a loss for words because I just kept repeating- uh? Erm… why? But… did they… wait, what about… uh?! Urrrrr…. Ok, I give up. There were a hella lot of unanswered questions. Who kidnapped her? What happened to Jasper? What about Carter's relationship with his dad? Did they ever meet mum? I just don’t see the point in these twists if they’re not fully developed and fleshed out?
Also the whole app seemed to be a big part of the story that just got forgotten instantly.
Anyway, A lot of emotions and feelings happen over such a short period of time, drawing many questions to mind, and while a few were left unanswered, this was still a light hearted, fun, fast-paced read.
🧝♂️ ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤:
The main characters are well written, the MMC- Carter, is Becca’s brother’s best friend and a wolf shifter, while Becca- the FMC is human and harbours a long-time childhood crush on him.
Carter wasn’t a great MMC though, He didn’t do anything to deserve to keep Becca after treating her like crap. There was no communication at all, They never once had an actual conversation about anything important and the story just continued on.
😥 𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕟𝕠 𝕗𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤?
I’m all for making a male grovel and beg, worship and plead when they do wrong, and there just wasn’t enough of that for me, plus I got more questions than answers which is just wrong for a standalone.
⏳ 𝕎𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕚 𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕕?
Nope
🪧𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
I don’t really recommend this book if you want a plot to enjoy, if you’re looking for a simple, second chance, sweet, smutty time, then this is the book for you.
𝐹𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠;
𝕋𝕚𝕜𝕋𝕠𝕜
https://www.tiktok.com/@your_bookish_...
IᑎՏTᗩ
https://www.instagram.com/your_bookis...
***********************
𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕤:
⭐️ DNF
⭐️⭐️
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another author's hands
⭐️⭐️.5
It was OK. I wish I didn't start this one as it didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetitive writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people, but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending it to all!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!
🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable. Even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!
SPICE SCALE:
🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action
🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times
🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, playrooms, and more dark / taboo fantasies and realities.
𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 𝕠𝕗- INEVITABLE CRUSH
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤-
🗣(out of 5 stars, my rating scale is at the end)
📚 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 ⭐️⭐️.75 / 5
🌡️ 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲🌶🌶🌶 / 5
♟️𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹- >>>🌑<<<
🎃: 𝐶𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑦𝑙𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 🌑: 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑦 ⚔️: ᵒᵒᵒʰʰʰ ˢᵗᵃᵇᵇʸ ᵖᵉᵒᵖˡᵉ••• 💀: 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 M̶E̶N̶U̶ 😳 -𝑖 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑊𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠!! ☠️: P͟I͟T͟C͟H͟ F͟C͟u͟K͟I͟N͟G͟ B͟L͟A͟C͟K͟!
𝕂𝕖𝕪 𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕠:
•📖# 219 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
•𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘁? A day
•# DUAL 𝗣𝗢𝗩
•𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲-2 February 2026
•𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 or 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 driven? A mix
•𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲 & 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗻𝗼- standalone
•𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 on 𝗞𝗨?✅
•𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗲- FAST
•𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲?🚫
•𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? (Disability, plus size, mental health etc...)✅ plus size FMC
●𝕋ℝ𝕆ℙ𝔼𝕊
⭐️ Childhood Crush
👩❤️👨𝙵𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙼𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜
🙅 𝕽𝖊𝖏𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝕸𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖘 / Unrequited Love / Pining FMC
⭐️ One-Night Stand
😍IᑎՏTᗩ ᒪOᐯᗴ
💞ՏᗴᑕOᑎᗪ ᑕᕼᗩᑎᑕᗴ ᖇOᗰᗩᑎᑕᗴ
⭐️ Billionaire MMC
💘Brothers best friend
🌕𝑊𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑤𝑜𝑙𝑓 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠
🌍 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘:
Inevitable Crush was a cute, and dirty little shifter romance that I really enjoyed. It’s not based around any pack life, just solo wolves out in the world doing their own thing.
This world features humans and shifters living alongside one another and in full knowledge of each other, though not all shifters believe they should mate with humans.
I didn’t understand this perspective of the bonded mate aspect. It was written as though bonded mates are just like fated mates, but if that was the case isn’t it instantaneous for a wolf shifter? Shouldn’t Carter have known that Becca was his mate. Why was he so confused and in doubt? It just didn’t read as believable. It was more like a choice in this story and read as confusing.
I also couldn’t understand how other wolves sensed someone was pregnant but carter didnt?
The drama that is introduced was very quick and left me completely at a loss for words because I just kept repeating- uh? Erm… why? But… did they… wait, what about… uh?! Urrrrr…. Ok, I give up. There were a hella lot of unanswered questions. Who kidnapped her? What happened to Jasper? What about Carter's relationship with his dad? Did they ever meet mum? I just don’t see the point in these twists if they’re not fully developed and fleshed out?
Also the whole app seemed to be a big part of the story that just got forgotten instantly.
Anyway, A lot of emotions and feelings happen over such a short period of time, drawing many questions to mind, and while a few were left unanswered, this was still a light hearted, fun, fast-paced read.
🧝♂️ ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤:
The main characters are well written, the MMC- Carter, is Becca’s brother’s best friend and a wolf shifter, while Becca- the FMC is human and harbours a long-time childhood crush on him.
Carter wasn’t a great MMC though, He didn’t do anything to deserve to keep Becca after treating her like crap. There was no communication at all, They never once had an actual conversation about anything important and the story just continued on.
😥 𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕟𝕠 𝕗𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤?
I’m all for making a male grovel and beg, worship and plead when they do wrong, and there just wasn’t enough of that for me, plus I got more questions than answers which is just wrong for a standalone.
⏳ 𝕎𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕚 𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕕?
Nope
🪧𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
I don’t really recommend this book if you want a plot to enjoy, if you’re looking for a simple, second chance, sweet, smutty time, then this is the book for you.
𝐹𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠;
𝕋𝕚𝕜𝕋𝕠𝕜
https://www.tiktok.com/@your_bookish_...
IᑎՏTᗩ
https://www.instagram.com/your_bookis...
***********************
𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕤:
⭐️ DNF
⭐️⭐️
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another author's hands
⭐️⭐️.5
It was OK. I wish I didn't start this one as it didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetitive writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people, but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending it to all!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!
🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable. Even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!
SPICE SCALE:
🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action
🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times
🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, playrooms, and more dark / taboo fantasies and realities.
February 3, 2026
Carter O’Connor dreamed of a relationship that was the opposite of his parents’. He wanted to know a love like that of his best friend’s parents, full of kindness, understanding, and true devotion. He knew that there would be no other option than to find his bonded mate. As an adult, he poured everything into a chance that he would find “the one”, developing an app that would help shifters find the person meant to be their bonded mate.
Becca Samuels has loved Carter since she was a child. She had hopelessly pined over her brother’s best friend for years. When he shows up at the bar where she’s waitressing, she feels those old feelings bubble up inside her. After an unforgettable one-night stand, she can tell that he feels something for her as well, but he doesn’t want to admit it for fear that he would lose his relationship with her brother.
When an opportunity arises for Becca to find the person who will choose her over anyone or anything else, she decides to let Carter go. Everra, a dating app, promises to match souls together, giving shifters and humans a chance to find their bonded mate. The only problem? Carter O’Connor is her number one match.
Inevitable Crush, the second book in the Collinwood Cove Series, is a fated mates romance featuring a billionaire and his best friend’s little sister. HEA guaranteed!
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Billionaire MMC, Grump x Sunshine, Fated Mates, Brother’s Best Friend, Br33ding, Bonded, Fated Mates, Rejected Mates, Shifter x Human, Rich Guy x Poor Girl, Stalking, Shifter Romance, Wolf Shifter MMC, Childhood Crush, One-Night Stand, Second Chance, Unrequited Love / Pining FMC, Morally Grey MMC, Billionaire Energy, MMC who has to Work for It, Open Door Chemistry
Inevitable Crush is the 2nd book in the Collinwood Cove Series by J.L. Robbins.
Carter O’Connor had spent his entire life dreaming of finding a relationship that was the complete opposite of his parents. All he wanted was to know the kind of love like that of his best friends’ parents. One that was full of kindness, understanding, and most of all true devotion.
Carter knew that he had no other option than to find his bonded mate. As an adult, Carter poured everything he had into finding that one opportunity he could to find “his one”, Carter developed an app that would help shifters find all shifters find their “one”, that one person who was their bonded mate.
Becca Samuels has been hopelessly pinning over her brother’s best friend Carter, more than that she’s been in love with Carter since she was a young child. Then suddenly one night Carter appears at the bar where Becca’s waitressing and at the sight of him she can feel the old feelings bubbling up in her again. After they spend one unforgettable night together, and Becca can tell that Carter feels something for her as well but he is fighting it and is refusing to admit it fearing that he’ll lose his relationship with her brother.
Becca finds an opportunity arising to find the right person who will choose her over anyone and everyone, put her first and in that moment, Becca makes the decision to let Carter go. Everra, the dating app that Becca finds, promotes the promise to match souls together, giving not only shifters but also humans the opportunity to find their fated mate. The only problem that Becca has? Carter O’Connor is apparently her number one match.
This is the first book by J.L. Robbins that I have read and I just fell in love with her writing style. The fluidity with which she writes, making her books a quick and easy read. I loved the way that J.L. structured each chapter, and how easily she makes it to get to know each of her characters. From the very first paragraph you find yourself enthralled in her writing.
I love J.L. Robbins use of a mythical figure who walks among humans. And you can’t help but feel all the love and longing radiating off the page making you long for more.
Now I can’t wait for Ava’s story after reading that teaser chapter. And I don’t know if I should want him to be the hero, I guess we’ll see…I have hopes, but I feel like that is just so horrid.
This is a must-read series and this book is a must read on its own. I highly recommend this book.
My favorite quote from this book was:
“I don’t need the love of my life, my bonded mate, to be ashamed of me because I’ve spent the better part of my life hating myself. I’ve done too much work on myself to have you ruin it in five seconds. Right now, I want someone to love me for me, show me off, and be proud of who I am!”
Becca Samuels has loved Carter since she was a child. She had hopelessly pined over her brother’s best friend for years. When he shows up at the bar where she’s waitressing, she feels those old feelings bubble up inside her. After an unforgettable one-night stand, she can tell that he feels something for her as well, but he doesn’t want to admit it for fear that he would lose his relationship with her brother.
When an opportunity arises for Becca to find the person who will choose her over anyone or anything else, she decides to let Carter go. Everra, a dating app, promises to match souls together, giving shifters and humans a chance to find their bonded mate. The only problem? Carter O’Connor is her number one match.
Inevitable Crush, the second book in the Collinwood Cove Series, is a fated mates romance featuring a billionaire and his best friend’s little sister. HEA guaranteed!
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Billionaire MMC, Grump x Sunshine, Fated Mates, Brother’s Best Friend, Br33ding, Bonded, Fated Mates, Rejected Mates, Shifter x Human, Rich Guy x Poor Girl, Stalking, Shifter Romance, Wolf Shifter MMC, Childhood Crush, One-Night Stand, Second Chance, Unrequited Love / Pining FMC, Morally Grey MMC, Billionaire Energy, MMC who has to Work for It, Open Door Chemistry
Inevitable Crush is the 2nd book in the Collinwood Cove Series by J.L. Robbins.
Carter O’Connor had spent his entire life dreaming of finding a relationship that was the complete opposite of his parents. All he wanted was to know the kind of love like that of his best friends’ parents. One that was full of kindness, understanding, and most of all true devotion.
Carter knew that he had no other option than to find his bonded mate. As an adult, Carter poured everything he had into finding that one opportunity he could to find “his one”, Carter developed an app that would help shifters find all shifters find their “one”, that one person who was their bonded mate.
Becca Samuels has been hopelessly pinning over her brother’s best friend Carter, more than that she’s been in love with Carter since she was a young child. Then suddenly one night Carter appears at the bar where Becca’s waitressing and at the sight of him she can feel the old feelings bubbling up in her again. After they spend one unforgettable night together, and Becca can tell that Carter feels something for her as well but he is fighting it and is refusing to admit it fearing that he’ll lose his relationship with her brother.
Becca finds an opportunity arising to find the right person who will choose her over anyone and everyone, put her first and in that moment, Becca makes the decision to let Carter go. Everra, the dating app that Becca finds, promotes the promise to match souls together, giving not only shifters but also humans the opportunity to find their fated mate. The only problem that Becca has? Carter O’Connor is apparently her number one match.
This is the first book by J.L. Robbins that I have read and I just fell in love with her writing style. The fluidity with which she writes, making her books a quick and easy read. I loved the way that J.L. structured each chapter, and how easily she makes it to get to know each of her characters. From the very first paragraph you find yourself enthralled in her writing.
I love J.L. Robbins use of a mythical figure who walks among humans. And you can’t help but feel all the love and longing radiating off the page making you long for more.
Now I can’t wait for Ava’s story after reading that teaser chapter. And I don’t know if I should want him to be the hero, I guess we’ll see…I have hopes, but I feel like that is just so horrid.
This is a must-read series and this book is a must read on its own. I highly recommend this book.
My favorite quote from this book was:
“I don’t need the love of my life, my bonded mate, to be ashamed of me because I’ve spent the better part of my life hating myself. I’ve done too much work on myself to have you ruin it in five seconds. Right now, I want someone to love me for me, show me off, and be proud of who I am!”
Review of advance copy received from Author
A cute little shifter romance, but what was with the nickname...
3.5 stars
MMC/FMC: Carter and Becca
Tropes:
* Brothers best friend
* Bonded/fated mates
* Rejected mate
* Shifter x human
* Rich guy/poor girl
* Stalking
Safety:
* Rejection and feelings of unworthiness
* Bullying
* Kidnapping (not by the MMC)
* Mentions of emotional neglect in childhood
* Breeding, squirting, primal play, public smex,
* Bigotry
* Blood/gore depiction
So, I adored Carter in the beginning; he was a sweetheart.
But then… our first adulthood meeting? Thoughts below…
He meets her, he smexes her, he runs (apparently his friendship with her brother is worth more), the. He pulls the I need to find my mate trope….
Fated mate bond??? I’m trying to understand how it works. Where is anything saying fated material, when he’s just pulled a pump and dump?
The bigotry is real - it just changed from classroom bullying and him being her protector to now him being the bigot.
The bar is low when she accepts the bare minimum from him in the restaurant. It’s not BBS, but giving me those vibes
“I don’t need the love of my life, my bonded mate, to be ashamed of me because I’ve spent the better part of my life hating myself. I’ve done too much work on myself to have you ruin it in five seconds. Right now, I want someone to love me for me, show me off, and be proud of who I am!”
I was so glad when she ripped into him and opened his eyes to how shallow he is.
Anyway… now that rant is over. My thoughts on the book in its entirety…
I actually enjoyed it. Becca has self-worth issues, but when things finally start going her way, it was wonderful to see her start to come out of her shell and own who she is!
As a couple, Carter and Becca were a mix of adorable and hot. It did end up moving fast, but it was still kind of cute.
I kind of wish the issues with his father hadn’t occurred, then it could have remained a sweet story. It was easy to see why Carter was so horrible in that situation. It doesn’t excuse it, but it does explain part of it.
It occasionally felt a little clunky (their speech patterns were a little strange at times), and I feel like the conflict was wrapped up way too quickly.
A great teaser chapter for Ava’s story, and I’m not sure if I want him to be the hero, but we’ll see… I had hopes, but that seems pretty horrible…
Thank LJ Robbins for the advance copy.
3.5 stars
MMC/FMC: Carter and Becca
Tropes:
* Brothers best friend
* Bonded/fated mates
* Rejected mate
* Shifter x human
* Rich guy/poor girl
* Stalking
Safety:
* Rejection and feelings of unworthiness
* Bullying
* Kidnapping (not by the MMC)
* Mentions of emotional neglect in childhood
* Breeding, squirting, primal play, public smex,
* Bigotry
* Blood/gore depiction
So, I adored Carter in the beginning; he was a sweetheart.
But then… our first adulthood meeting? Thoughts below…
He meets her, he smexes her, he runs (apparently his friendship with her brother is worth more), the. He pulls the I need to find my mate trope….
Fated mate bond??? I’m trying to understand how it works. Where is anything saying fated material, when he’s just pulled a pump and dump?
The bigotry is real - it just changed from classroom bullying and him being her protector to now him being the bigot.
The bar is low when she accepts the bare minimum from him in the restaurant. It’s not BBS, but giving me those vibes
“I don’t need the love of my life, my bonded mate, to be ashamed of me because I’ve spent the better part of my life hating myself. I’ve done too much work on myself to have you ruin it in five seconds. Right now, I want someone to love me for me, show me off, and be proud of who I am!”
I was so glad when she ripped into him and opened his eyes to how shallow he is.
Anyway… now that rant is over. My thoughts on the book in its entirety…
I actually enjoyed it. Becca has self-worth issues, but when things finally start going her way, it was wonderful to see her start to come out of her shell and own who she is!
As a couple, Carter and Becca were a mix of adorable and hot. It did end up moving fast, but it was still kind of cute.
I kind of wish the issues with his father hadn’t occurred, then it could have remained a sweet story. It was easy to see why Carter was so horrible in that situation. It doesn’t excuse it, but it does explain part of it.
It occasionally felt a little clunky (their speech patterns were a little strange at times), and I feel like the conflict was wrapped up way too quickly.
A great teaser chapter for Ava’s story, and I’m not sure if I want him to be the hero, but we’ll see… I had hopes, but that seems pretty horrible…
Thank LJ Robbins for the advance copy.
February 2, 2026
If you’re a fan of the "brother's best friend" trope mixed with high-stakes tension and emotional depth, Inevitable Crush hits those marks with precision. L.J. Robins delivers a story that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly intense.
The Heart of the Story
The novel follows the complicated dynamics between Mia and Ethan. Mia has spent years harboring a crush on her older brother’s best friend—a classic setup that Robins elevates through well-paced character development.
What makes this more than just a standard romance is the internal conflict. It isn't just about "will they, won't they"; it’s about the fear of breaking a found-family bond and the consequences of letting a long-guarded secret out into the open.
Why It Works
* The Chemistry: Robins excels at writing "the look." The tension between Ethan and Mia isn't just physical; it’s built on years of shared history, making their eventual connection feel earned rather than rushed.
* Relatable Stakes: The "bro code" might be a common trope, but the author treats the emotional fallout with genuine weight. You actually care about how Mia's brother will react because the sibling bond is written so well.
* Atmosphere: The writing is evocative and descriptive without being overly flowery, keeping the focus squarely on the characters' emotional arcs.
What to Expect
| Feature | Rating/Vibe |
|---|---|
| Steam Level | Moderate/High (Well-balanced) |
| Pacing | Fast-paced but emotionally grounded |
| Main Trope | Brother's Best Friend / Forbidden Romance |
| Ending | Satisfying and heart-tugging |
Final Verdict: Inevitable Crush is a solid contemporary romance that captures the agonizing (and exhilarating) feeling of falling for the one person you're "not supposed" to have. It’s a quick, engaging read for anyone who loves a good slow-burn that eventually catches fire.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance copy of this book prior to publication. This review reflects my honest opinion.
This book pulled me in very quickly, and I enjoyed the overall premise and characters from the start. It’s worth noting that this is not a typical shifter romance, so readers expecting a very traditional take on the genre should keep that in mind.
I genuinely loved the cast of characters — their personalities worked well together and added warmth and charm to the story. The relationships felt natural, and the found-family energy was one of the book’s strongest elements.
That said, on a personal level, I found myself wishing for a bit more momentum. While the story is engaging, I missed a stronger sense of tension and drama for much of the book, as things felt relatively calm until quite late in the story. I also found the pacing a little uneven at times, with transitions that felt somewhat abrupt.
One small but persistent irritation for me was Carter’s nickname for Becca, which unfortunately pulled me out of the story more than once. That’s very much a personal preference, but it did affect my reading experience.
The romance itself delivers on the spice — the chemistry is strong, and Carter is portrayed as a very attentive, persistent, and dominant lover, which many romance readers will enjoy.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with likable characters, good spice, and a slightly different take on the genre. It’s a fun, fluffy romance for readers who enjoy fated mates, billionaire romance, and strong romantic chemistry.
This book pulled me in very quickly, and I enjoyed the overall premise and characters from the start. It’s worth noting that this is not a typical shifter romance, so readers expecting a very traditional take on the genre should keep that in mind.
I genuinely loved the cast of characters — their personalities worked well together and added warmth and charm to the story. The relationships felt natural, and the found-family energy was one of the book’s strongest elements.
That said, on a personal level, I found myself wishing for a bit more momentum. While the story is engaging, I missed a stronger sense of tension and drama for much of the book, as things felt relatively calm until quite late in the story. I also found the pacing a little uneven at times, with transitions that felt somewhat abrupt.
One small but persistent irritation for me was Carter’s nickname for Becca, which unfortunately pulled me out of the story more than once. That’s very much a personal preference, but it did affect my reading experience.
The romance itself delivers on the spice — the chemistry is strong, and Carter is portrayed as a very attentive, persistent, and dominant lover, which many romance readers will enjoy.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with likable characters, good spice, and a slightly different take on the genre. It’s a fun, fluffy romance for readers who enjoy fated mates, billionaire romance, and strong romantic chemistry.
February 3, 2026
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Turns out your soulmate is your best friend’s little sister… awkward, swoony, and absolutely addictive. ✨
Becca has carried a crush on Carter ever since he helped her clean paint stains off her grandma’s overalls. Thirteen years later, fate throws them back together, and sparks fly instantly. Carter can’t resist her, but pursuing Becca means risking his bond with his best friend Jasper. When his dating app reveals Becca as his number one match, Carter realizes she’s his bonded mate… and regrets ever rejecting her.
Personal Reaction
This book had me grinning, swooning, and yelling at Carter in equal measure. I loved how protective he was of Becca, especially when she was mistreated in the restaurant, but equally adored how Becca stood her ground when Carter tried to hide her from Jasper. Their relationship feels natural, layered with history, and full of heart. The angst of rejection, the grovel-worthy regret, and the swoon of Carter realizing he can’t live without Becca made this impossible to put down.
The found family vibes with Jasper and Ava add richness to the story, and the emotional highs and lows kept me hooked. Carter and Becca are swoon-worthy perfection,romantic, emotional, and absolutely goals.
Closing Impression
If you love protective heroes, fated mates, and romances that balance angst with tenderness, Inevitable Crush is for you. I devoured it in one sitting and was left obsessed with Carter and Becca’s love story.
Turns out your soulmate is your best friend’s little sister… awkward, swoony, and absolutely addictive. ✨
Becca has carried a crush on Carter ever since he helped her clean paint stains off her grandma’s overalls. Thirteen years later, fate throws them back together, and sparks fly instantly. Carter can’t resist her, but pursuing Becca means risking his bond with his best friend Jasper. When his dating app reveals Becca as his number one match, Carter realizes she’s his bonded mate… and regrets ever rejecting her.
Personal Reaction
This book had me grinning, swooning, and yelling at Carter in equal measure. I loved how protective he was of Becca, especially when she was mistreated in the restaurant, but equally adored how Becca stood her ground when Carter tried to hide her from Jasper. Their relationship feels natural, layered with history, and full of heart. The angst of rejection, the grovel-worthy regret, and the swoon of Carter realizing he can’t live without Becca made this impossible to put down.
The found family vibes with Jasper and Ava add richness to the story, and the emotional highs and lows kept me hooked. Carter and Becca are swoon-worthy perfection,romantic, emotional, and absolutely goals.
Closing Impression
If you love protective heroes, fated mates, and romances that balance angst with tenderness, Inevitable Crush is for you. I devoured it in one sitting and was left obsessed with Carter and Becca’s love story.
February 3, 2026
3.8/5
This is a shifter romance with its own twists about “fated bonds” and even adds to the mix a touch of tech with an app that can pair Shifter with their fated mates.
Reading shifter romance I really appreciate how every author gives their own version of this type of world, it’s always fun to discover new things!
In here, I really enjoyed the characters by their own, Becca is confident, sassy and cute… I loved that she doesn’t let him out of the hook so fast because, to be honest, he was kind of a coward a couple of times! Fortunately when he makes his mind he is pretty confident about it and put an effort into spoiling her!
Carter is a very nice character, he’s handsome, very smart and has his own sexy possessive tendencies but my biggest issue with him was that the “fated bond” didn’t seem real… I mean he knows her, smells her and even has sex with her but doesn’t realize she’s his fated until an app tells him…? It felt not so much “fated” idk…
Even though, I had a pretty great time and would recommend it if you like shifter romance!
This is a shifter romance with its own twists about “fated bonds” and even adds to the mix a touch of tech with an app that can pair Shifter with their fated mates.
Reading shifter romance I really appreciate how every author gives their own version of this type of world, it’s always fun to discover new things!
In here, I really enjoyed the characters by their own, Becca is confident, sassy and cute… I loved that she doesn’t let him out of the hook so fast because, to be honest, he was kind of a coward a couple of times! Fortunately when he makes his mind he is pretty confident about it and put an effort into spoiling her!
Carter is a very nice character, he’s handsome, very smart and has his own sexy possessive tendencies but my biggest issue with him was that the “fated bond” didn’t seem real… I mean he knows her, smells her and even has sex with her but doesn’t realize she’s his fated until an app tells him…? It felt not so much “fated” idk…
Even though, I had a pretty great time and would recommend it if you like shifter romance!
February 2, 2026
If you read romance for the tropes and stay for the emotional payoff, Inevitable Crush is absolutely for you.
I read this as an ARC and a first-time reader of this author. I really enjoyed how it blends modern paranormal romance with familiar, well-executed tropes. Carter and Becca’s story is messy, tender, and satisfying, especially if you love a hero who has to face his choices.
Since it is the second in its series, I'll go back to read the first, and have to read the second... There are enough nuggets that you'll just have to keep going...
Thank you @literaryinspired for organising the ARC read and congrats to @authorljrobbins on release day.
Trope checklist:
💔 Brother’s best friend
✨ Fated mates
🐺 Wolf shifter MMC
🌤 Grump x sunshine
💎 Billionaire energy
🙇♂️ MMC who has to work for it
Available now on KU.
#LiteraryInspiredARCs #ARCCommunity #ParanormalRomanceBooks #ShifterBooks #RomanceReaders #KindleUnlimitedReads
I read this as an ARC and a first-time reader of this author. I really enjoyed how it blends modern paranormal romance with familiar, well-executed tropes. Carter and Becca’s story is messy, tender, and satisfying, especially if you love a hero who has to face his choices.
Since it is the second in its series, I'll go back to read the first, and have to read the second... There are enough nuggets that you'll just have to keep going...
Thank you @literaryinspired for organising the ARC read and congrats to @authorljrobbins on release day.
Trope checklist:
💔 Brother’s best friend
✨ Fated mates
🐺 Wolf shifter MMC
🌤 Grump x sunshine
💎 Billionaire energy
🙇♂️ MMC who has to work for it
Available now on KU.
#LiteraryInspiredARCs #ARCCommunity #ParanormalRomanceBooks #ShifterBooks #RomanceReaders #KindleUnlimitedReads
February 4, 2026
I voluntarily reviewed from the author a copy of "INEVITABLE CRUSH" I found this to be a very interesting, intriguing, emotional journey dealing with humans & shifters finding their true bonded mates.
Carter O'Connor has always dreamed of finding his true bonded soul mate he didn't want what his parents had he wanted so much more from his relationship.
Becca Samuels has had a crush on Carter since she was a kid but be was her brothers BF off limits.
Cater returns to town coming into where Becca waitresses at the Bar they end up having a hot sizzling night togetherwhich he admits was great but he doesn't want to ruin things with his BF who's Becca's brother.
Becca decides to try the Everra App to find her true mate only to find out Carter is her #1 match.
Will Carter & Becca decide to try to get their HEA or will the fact her brother is BF's with Carter ruin its a must read to see what happens.
Carter O'Connor has always dreamed of finding his true bonded soul mate he didn't want what his parents had he wanted so much more from his relationship.
Becca Samuels has had a crush on Carter since she was a kid but be was her brothers BF off limits.
Cater returns to town coming into where Becca waitresses at the Bar they end up having a hot sizzling night togetherwhich he admits was great but he doesn't want to ruin things with his BF who's Becca's brother.
Becca decides to try the Everra App to find her true mate only to find out Carter is her #1 match.
Will Carter & Becca decide to try to get their HEA or will the fact her brother is BF's with Carter ruin its a must read to see what happens.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The writing in this book grabbed me from page one and didn’t let go. The story had me hooked right away, and the characters were such a joy to spend time with. I loved the brother’s best friend angle mixed with the shifter romance—it was fun, flirty, and full of tension in all the right ways.
That said, there were a couple of things that felt unresolved. I’ll try to avoid spoilers as much as possible here: We never really got answers about who the “other wolf” was or who hired the bad guys. Maybe those threads will be picked up in the next book, but here they were just kind of dropped.
Still, I had a great time reading this one. If you’re into shifter romances with strong characters and a playful trope twist, this is definitely worth picking up. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the sequel!
That said, there were a couple of things that felt unresolved. I’ll try to avoid spoilers as much as possible here: We never really got answers about who the “other wolf” was or who hired the bad guys. Maybe those threads will be picked up in the next book, but here they were just kind of dropped.
Still, I had a great time reading this one. If you’re into shifter romances with strong characters and a playful trope twist, this is definitely worth picking up. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The premise of the story is cute but unfortunately there were things that just didn't make it great for me. Carter using pet as a nickname drove me crazy, especially when he'd say my pet. Carter and Becca have known each since they were little but we don't really know anything about them. Carter's consumed by an overall love for her but it seems like really he's obsessed with her boobs. I would've like to know more about both Carter and Becca and watch them learn about each other and fall in love. The drama that is introduced was very quick and left me scratching my head. There were a lot of unanswered questions. Who kidnapped her? Where was Jasper? He kind of dropped out of the story. What about Carter's relationship with his dad? This wasn't a bad book; I just think it could've been better.
February 4, 2026
I read Inevitable Crush as an ARC and this is one I’ll be recommending to fellow KU readers.
This is a trope-heavy paranormal romance with strong emotional grounding. The soulmate bond, the forbidden tension, and the way the relationship unfolds make this an easy, satisfying binge. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for next one to come out. I wish one of the scenes of the book could happen in real life to me...just absolutely love it!!!!!
Huge thanks to @literaryinspired for organising the ARC and congrats to @authorljrobbins on the release.
Tropes you’re getting:
🐺 Shifter romance
✨ Fated mates
💎 Billionaire MMC
💔 Brother’s best friend
🔥 One night stand
🌤 Grump x sunshine
Live now on Kindle Unlimited.
#LiteraryInspiredARCs #ARCReader #ParanormalRomance #ShifterRomance #FatedMates #KindleUnlimitedReads
This is a trope-heavy paranormal romance with strong emotional grounding. The soulmate bond, the forbidden tension, and the way the relationship unfolds make this an easy, satisfying binge. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for next one to come out. I wish one of the scenes of the book could happen in real life to me...just absolutely love it!!!!!
Huge thanks to @literaryinspired for organising the ARC and congrats to @authorljrobbins on the release.
Tropes you’re getting:
🐺 Shifter romance
✨ Fated mates
💎 Billionaire MMC
💔 Brother’s best friend
🔥 One night stand
🌤 Grump x sunshine
Live now on Kindle Unlimited.
#LiteraryInspiredARCs #ARCReader #ParanormalRomance #ShifterRomance #FatedMates #KindleUnlimitedReads
Review of advance copy received from Author
Becca Samuels has had a crush on her brother’s best friend Carter O’Conner since she was young. Carter wants to find his bonded mate and have a relationship opposite of his parents. He creates an app to help him find “the one.” Becca and Carter are the top match but she doesn’t want him after he chooses her brother over her. Can Becca get past the slight to find her happily ever after or will she hold a grudge?
Light and fun shifter/human romance with a lot of spice. Some plot angles felt unresolved like the bad guy leader but all in all it had loveable characters. Every woman dreams of a guy to meet her needs like Carter - a true book boyfriend! If you love a lot of spice this one’s definitely for you!
Warnings for kidnapping, unworthiness, emotional neglect, blood/gore and sex.
Light and fun shifter/human romance with a lot of spice. Some plot angles felt unresolved like the bad guy leader but all in all it had loveable characters. Every woman dreams of a guy to meet her needs like Carter - a true book boyfriend! If you love a lot of spice this one’s definitely for you!
Warnings for kidnapping, unworthiness, emotional neglect, blood/gore and sex.
February 3, 2026
Becca and Carter have known each other since childhood. Becca has had a crush on Carter since then as well, but life took them in different directions, and she understood that he could only see her as a little sister since he was her brother's best friend. But now Carter has created an app to find his bonded mate and his path crosses with Becca's path once more. Carter once he understands what he got in front of him turns into the most adorable character I have ever read and Becca is so full of positive attitude and energy that you have to like her as well. It left me with a question that was never answered and that is the only thing I didn't like, but it was a great read, and it has like my favorite proposal from all the romance books I have read so far.
February 8, 2026
Thank you @literaryinspired for organizing this ARC and to @authorljrobbins for the early copy.
This book is steamy, bold, and unapologetic, making it perfect for readers who love high-heat romance.
While the chemistry was intense and the spice level was off the charts, the overall story didn’t quite hit as hard for me. The plot and character development felt a bit thin at times, and I found myself wishing for more emotional depth to balance out the heat. Some scenes I felt had no place in the book as they were never properly worked in or explained.
Still, if you’re in the mood for a quick, spicy read with plenty of swoon-worthy moments, this one might be for you. 🔥
Final rating: 3 stars, 5+ spice
This book is steamy, bold, and unapologetic, making it perfect for readers who love high-heat romance.
While the chemistry was intense and the spice level was off the charts, the overall story didn’t quite hit as hard for me. The plot and character development felt a bit thin at times, and I found myself wishing for more emotional depth to balance out the heat. Some scenes I felt had no place in the book as they were never properly worked in or explained.
Still, if you’re in the mood for a quick, spicy read with plenty of swoon-worthy moments, this one might be for you. 🔥
Final rating: 3 stars, 5+ spice
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review! I love werewolf books and this book had a really interesting take! Since werewolves have been mating with humans their ability to find their fated mate has disappeared so our mmc develops an app to help fated mates find each other.
Our fmc has had a crush on her older brothers best friend since she was little but after he went away to college they lost touch until 13 years later they run into each other and turn up as each others number one match in the dating app.
Overall, this was a fun story with great spice and an interesting twist on fated mates. I’m excited to read book 3 as the intro at the end of this book really intrigued me!
Our fmc has had a crush on her older brothers best friend since she was little but after he went away to college they lost touch until 13 years later they run into each other and turn up as each others number one match in the dating app.
Overall, this was a fun story with great spice and an interesting twist on fated mates. I’m excited to read book 3 as the intro at the end of this book really intrigued me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book and these are my own opinions. This is the first book I have read of this author and I think they are off to a promising start. This story was highly enjoyable with tropes such as fated mates, shifter romance aspect, forbidden love, brothers best friend, etc. Becca and Carter had amazing chemistry and the spicy scenes were off the charts. That being said, I feel like the overall storyline was a bit lacking and confusing at times. The transitioning between scenes were kind of hard to follow. I feel that with time and experience this author will really go places. I enjoyed this read and will definitely stick around to see what’s next.
Read
January 27, 2026I was provided an early copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to even review this. I’m probably not going to rate it with stars, because I don’t want to give low stars to an indie author.
This book was not for me. I was super excited based on the tropes, but they fell flat. Prior to reading this, I read book 1 - and hoped this would be better.
This book had minimal plot and was basically him calling her pet (worst pet name ever) and then smut for multiple pages every few pages.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to even review this. I’m probably not going to rate it with stars, because I don’t want to give low stars to an indie author.
This book was not for me. I was super excited based on the tropes, but they fell flat. Prior to reading this, I read book 1 - and hoped this would be better.
This book had minimal plot and was basically him calling her pet (worst pet name ever) and then smut for multiple pages every few pages.
February 2, 2026
cute
This is a cute read. There is established history here with the mcs from childhood. This book is just them reconnecting as adults. There is some stumbling and fumbling between the two of them, until they find their groove. Carter just wants to give Becca the whole world and honestly if she would let him… I think he really would. It’s quickly paced but it makes sense because of the fact that they’ve known each other for so long. I definitely like this universe and will be keeping an eye out for what comes next
This is a cute read. There is established history here with the mcs from childhood. This book is just them reconnecting as adults. There is some stumbling and fumbling between the two of them, until they find their groove. Carter just wants to give Becca the whole world and honestly if she would let him… I think he really would. It’s quickly paced but it makes sense because of the fact that they’ve known each other for so long. I definitely like this universe and will be keeping an eye out for what comes next
February 3, 2026
I recieved this as an ARC. The opinions are entirely my own.
I liked Inevitable Crush. The main characters were super cute and I liked seeing them together. I loved Becca and how her character grew closer to Carter. I wish we had a little more character development and a little less spice because I loved seeing them become better versions of themselves. I also wish they had resolved a few plot points, such as bringing back her childhood bully from the intro and finding out who the kidnapper was. But all in all it was a cute story, and I’d love to read Ava’s story soon.
I liked Inevitable Crush. The main characters were super cute and I liked seeing them together. I loved Becca and how her character grew closer to Carter. I wish we had a little more character development and a little less spice because I loved seeing them become better versions of themselves. I also wish they had resolved a few plot points, such as bringing back her childhood bully from the intro and finding out who the kidnapper was. But all in all it was a cute story, and I’d love to read Ava’s story soon.
February 7, 2026
Got this book as an arc and I did enjoy the story, the brothers best friend trope is a good one and the characters are likable. The story flows easily and the spice was spicing like it should!
The reason for my 3 starts is the pacing of the book and the pet name for Becca. It was really quick at times but too slow in others but it didn’t take away from the story much it was just noticeable. But my pet? No, I’m sorry, a little bit of degradation maybe or my pet once as a joke but as a nickname? I didn’t get it and I didn’t like it, sorry 😩 my pet alone is the reason it isn’t 4 stars
The reason for my 3 starts is the pacing of the book and the pet name for Becca. It was really quick at times but too slow in others but it didn’t take away from the story much it was just noticeable. But my pet? No, I’m sorry, a little bit of degradation maybe or my pet once as a joke but as a nickname? I didn’t get it and I didn’t like it, sorry 😩 my pet alone is the reason it isn’t 4 stars
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
I kind of like the idea of the story. Connor and Becca are super cute. They know each other their whole life and after he leaves for college they don't see each other 13 long years.
when he comes back to his hometown to meet Beccas brother, he meets her again at her job.
Then the story begins. The story involves a mate matching App and is a paranormal shifter humans romance. The story is super fast paced and has so much spice in it.
if you love spice this book is great for you!
when he comes back to his hometown to meet Beccas brother, he meets her again at her job.
Then the story begins. The story involves a mate matching App and is a paranormal shifter humans romance. The story is super fast paced and has so much spice in it.
if you love spice this book is great for you!
Review of advance copy
What if your childhood crush was always meant to be your bonded mate?
The Inevitable Crush is a sweet story about finding your safe space in the one who will love you no matter what. Becca and Carter have a childhood history, and it takes one
meeting and a dating app 13 years later to show them they are truly meant to be.
If you’re a fan of fated mates, shifters, and a best friend’s sister romance, The Inevitable Crush may just be for you.
The Inevitable Crush is a sweet story about finding your safe space in the one who will love you no matter what. Becca and Carter have a childhood history, and it takes one
meeting and a dating app 13 years later to show them they are truly meant to be.
If you’re a fan of fated mates, shifters, and a best friend’s sister romance, The Inevitable Crush may just be for you.
February 5, 2026
This was a cute little story about a girl who’s been burned one too many times and her brother’s best friend who doesn’t quite know what he’s doing when it comes to her. I loved the plot around the algorithm to find your mate and did enjoy a bit of the angst. However, almost all of the angst could have been avoided if they just communicated and that is always a bit frustrating. Overall it was a sweet read.
February 7, 2026
This book could have used a little bit more development - it was enjoyable to read but I was confused about a couple things. It skips over or doesn't include enough detail on some things that would have been useful to know. It could have been better if there was more time between certain events - it felt too much too quick. This could absolutely be a me thing though, and I apologize to the author for a three star rating but I didn't love it enough to give it more stars <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a cute little shifter romance easy read!
Wolf shifter mc
Curvy best friends sister fmc
Not the usual kind of book I read, but i was lucky enough to be given an ARC and whizzed through it in a day. It was a super easy read, with a simple plot, a little drama and some spice!
A 3 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wolf shifter mc
Curvy best friends sister fmc
Not the usual kind of book I read, but i was lucky enough to be given an ARC and whizzed through it in a day. It was a super easy read, with a simple plot, a little drama and some spice!
A 3 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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