Crush

by Ada Calhoun

When a husband asks his wife to consider what might be missing from their marriage, what follows surprises them both—sex, heartbreak and heart rekindling, and a rediscovered sense of all that is possible

She’s happy and settled and productive and content in her full life—a child, a career, an admirable marriage, deep friendships, happy parents, and a spouse she still loves. But when her husband urges her to address what the narrow labels of “husband” and “wife” force them to edit out of their lives, the very best kind of hell breaks loose.

Using the author’s personal experiences as a jumping-off point, Crush is about the danger and liberation of chasing desire, the havoc it can wreak, and most of all the clear sense of self one finds when the storm passes. Destined to become a classic novel of marriage, and tackling the big questions being asked about partnership in postpandemic relationships, Crush is a sharp, funny, seductive, and revelatory novel about holding on to everything it’s possible to love—friends, children, parents, passion, lovers, husbands, all of the world’s good books, and most of all one’s own deep sense of purpose.

Genres: Romance

288 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Ada Calhoun is the author of the novel Crush. Her memoir Also a Poet was named one of the best books of 2022 by the New York Times, NPR, and The Washington Post. Prior books include New York Times–bestseller Why We Can't Sleep, Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give, and St. Marks Is Dead.

Reviews

[Danielle Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this in a Goodreads giveaway and it had not been on my radar but I’m glad I read it. This story begins with our FMC as a happily married mom. Her husband suggests they open their marriage by kissing other people, because he likes knowing that she is desirable. When she starts kissing other people she seeks out an old college crush and opens up the lines of communication again with him, which had her examining her current life and if she was actually happy or just comfortable.

This story had a few too many covid references for me, many of which didn’t really feel relevant. The ending also fell a little flat for me. I still enjoyed the story and the FMC’s journey, but it wasn’t quite a 5 star read for me.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a difficult time getting hooked on this book, and forced myself to read for the first third. It soon became an addiction, and was quickly devoured. One hurdle was the constant literary references, which I did not know. There were too many for me to look up, so I context-clued it - likely some of the potential was lost on me. I identified with the overall theme, and found it relevant to my 49 year old married life of 20+years - the topic of open marriage, emotional and physical relationships, etc.

[Isabella Medina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t like it early on I just wanted to finish a book honestly. Too many quotes and she does the thing at the end where they basically tell you what the message of the whole thing is supposed to be about which IRKS me.

[Aaliyah Yakatally · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise was interesting, but I found the romance plots pretty boring and long winded. However, the discussions of grief and the self were interesting and thought provoking, although they were also long winded.

[Ahu Terzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. It was so simple, so graceful, so human.

[Agnes Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written story of the different stages of relationships. A very accurate and satisfying depiction in what was on the verge of becoming a tiresome story.

[Ellen]

DNF 16%.

[Cristina Cerqueira · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unbearable

[Kelsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe my least favorite book.