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Needed You
Darian
When I was thirteen, my brother Nate’s death tore my family apart, leaving me to deal with the agony of losing both my brother and my grieving parents. Nate’s best friend, Levon Richardson—my crush for years—was the one person I thought I could count on. I was sure Lev would stick around and help me through the pain. But he left, just like everyone else. Six years later, he’s back, but something has changed. The feelings I have when I’m around him might be enough to start piecing together my shattered heart. I needed him then, and I know that I need him now. But the risk of being hurt again might be more than I can handle.
Levon
Inheriting my uncle’s motorcycle shop was always my dream. But as I settle back in my hometown with my new job and life, nearly everything reminds me of the loss of my best friend, Nate, when we were only sixteen. Guilt and shame around Nate’s death made me leave six years ago. Coming home now brings back all of those demons I tried to forget, especially once I cross paths with Nate’s younger brother, Darian. He’s no longer a kid, and the feelings that come with seeing him again are not entirely innocent. But he’s been fighting his own demons, and it’s not until he starts to open up to me that I realize just how much my leaving hurt both of us. Can I be here for him now, like he needed me to be here then? And can we both find the healing we desperately need in each other?
When I was thirteen, my brother Nate’s death tore my family apart, leaving me to deal with the agony of losing both my brother and my grieving parents. Nate’s best friend, Levon Richardson—my crush for years—was the one person I thought I could count on. I was sure Lev would stick around and help me through the pain. But he left, just like everyone else. Six years later, he’s back, but something has changed. The feelings I have when I’m around him might be enough to start piecing together my shattered heart. I needed him then, and I know that I need him now. But the risk of being hurt again might be more than I can handle.
Levon
Inheriting my uncle’s motorcycle shop was always my dream. But as I settle back in my hometown with my new job and life, nearly everything reminds me of the loss of my best friend, Nate, when we were only sixteen. Guilt and shame around Nate’s death made me leave six years ago. Coming home now brings back all of those demons I tried to forget, especially once I cross paths with Nate’s younger brother, Darian. He’s no longer a kid, and the feelings that come with seeing him again are not entirely innocent. But he’s been fighting his own demons, and it’s not until he starts to open up to me that I realize just how much my leaving hurt both of us. Can I be here for him now, like he needed me to be here then? And can we both find the healing we desperately need in each other?
459 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Best first kiss scene I've read this year
This was such a sweet and comforting book to read. KJ Crawford has easily found her way onto my favourite author list simply by writing the most incredible first kiss I've read this year. It was so iconic I had to go slide into her dm's and tell her how amazing I think it was.
Apart from that, I think this story was a perfect balance of two men grieving the same person and finding their way back to each other. Dare and Lev easily found their way to my heart by being so vulnerable but caring towards each other at the same time.
I would've loved to see more inner thoughts from Lev's pov about the guilt and grief that he felt about the situation. We eventually get to see some reasoning behind his leaving, but I think I would've loved to see him go through that guilt and grief again when he arrived back in his hometown, being confronted with everything and everyone that reminds him of his best friend.
I can't wait to see what's next, coming from this author, cause this already was an amazing first book.
Tropes:
Brother's best friend
Broken boy x broken boy
Green flag mmc
Gentle love
Hurt x comfort
Food as love language
Takes care of him when injured
Mental health rep (grief, emotional neglect by parents, substance use as coping)
Spice: 2,5/5
This was such a sweet and comforting book to read. KJ Crawford has easily found her way onto my favourite author list simply by writing the most incredible first kiss I've read this year. It was so iconic I had to go slide into her dm's and tell her how amazing I think it was.
Apart from that, I think this story was a perfect balance of two men grieving the same person and finding their way back to each other. Dare and Lev easily found their way to my heart by being so vulnerable but caring towards each other at the same time.
I would've loved to see more inner thoughts from Lev's pov about the guilt and grief that he felt about the situation. We eventually get to see some reasoning behind his leaving, but I think I would've loved to see him go through that guilt and grief again when he arrived back in his hometown, being confronted with everything and everyone that reminds him of his best friend.
I can't wait to see what's next, coming from this author, cause this already was an amazing first book.
Tropes:
Brother's best friend
Broken boy x broken boy
Green flag mmc
Gentle love
Hurt x comfort
Food as love language
Takes care of him when injured
Mental health rep (grief, emotional neglect by parents, substance use as coping)
Spice: 2,5/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a debut for KJ, and overall a good read.
Felt very slice of life with hurt/comfort. Poor, sweet Dare. Losing his brother set of a chain to losing so much. Making him feel unworthy of everything. He is basically just going through the motions of life, not really living. Life is so gray for our sweet man. When Lev, his brothers best friend, comes back home to take over his uncle's motorcycle shop feelings surface and a little color starts to bleed into our sweet Dare's life.
Their chemistry was sooo good. The draw Lev had to Dare was sweet. The care and attention Lev gives to Dare was perfect.
My only wish for the book was I would have liked to see the actual hurt and struggles Dare had with being with Lev were so focused on internally but when it came time to talk to Lev it felt a little brushed over. I would have liked a little more depth and a deeper conversation there.
However, that said for a debut this was a good one. I highly enjoyed it and finished it in one sitting. I just had to see their HEA through. I look forward to seeing more from KJ!! And you should definitely pick this one up!
Felt very slice of life with hurt/comfort. Poor, sweet Dare. Losing his brother set of a chain to losing so much. Making him feel unworthy of everything. He is basically just going through the motions of life, not really living. Life is so gray for our sweet man. When Lev, his brothers best friend, comes back home to take over his uncle's motorcycle shop feelings surface and a little color starts to bleed into our sweet Dare's life.
Their chemistry was sooo good. The draw Lev had to Dare was sweet. The care and attention Lev gives to Dare was perfect.
My only wish for the book was I would have liked to see the actual hurt and struggles Dare had with being with Lev were so focused on internally but when it came time to talk to Lev it felt a little brushed over. I would have liked a little more depth and a deeper conversation there.
However, that said for a debut this was a good one. I highly enjoyed it and finished it in one sitting. I just had to see their HEA through. I look forward to seeing more from KJ!! And you should definitely pick this one up!
September 28, 2026
ARC review. Thank you so much KJ Crawford!
A debut book?? I could never tell. This had me in the feels from the very beginning!
I love how the grief was represented in this book. I’ve read a few recently where the deceased is basically the main story and the two MMCs are just there. But this felt different and I loved that. Levi and Dare both needed each other and I’m so glad they made it!! Dare’s “crush” on him wasn’t a big part of the story and I enjoyed that. I know it hurt once Lev left but I feel like it made a good space for them to establish a real relationship.
Dare annoyed me a little with his back and forth, leaving and then never texting back! Ughh I get why but I felt for Lev. But also Lev knew exactly what Dare needed and it was so sweet.
The spice was placed to enhance the story and wasn’t just thrown in which I enjoyed. The love they have for each other even at the beginning made it so much better! 🥵
Also loved Lindsay and Ryan as side characters.
Overall, 4.5⭐️ read so I rounded up. I’m so excited to see what’s next!
A debut book?? I could never tell. This had me in the feels from the very beginning!
I love how the grief was represented in this book. I’ve read a few recently where the deceased is basically the main story and the two MMCs are just there. But this felt different and I loved that. Levi and Dare both needed each other and I’m so glad they made it!! Dare’s “crush” on him wasn’t a big part of the story and I enjoyed that. I know it hurt once Lev left but I feel like it made a good space for them to establish a real relationship.
Dare annoyed me a little with his back and forth, leaving and then never texting back! Ughh I get why but I felt for Lev. But also Lev knew exactly what Dare needed and it was so sweet.
The spice was placed to enhance the story and wasn’t just thrown in which I enjoyed. The love they have for each other even at the beginning made it so much better! 🥵
Also loved Lindsay and Ryan as side characters.
Overall, 4.5⭐️ read so I rounded up. I’m so excited to see what’s next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A very solid debut by KJ Crawford!
Separated years ago after Dare's older brother (and Lev's best friend) passed in a tragic accident, in Needed You Lev moves back to his hometown and reconnects with Dare. Dare, still dealing with grief over his brother's death and his parents' subsequent abandonment, is touch starved and desperate for connection, while simultaneously struggling to trust that anyone might actually stay by him when everyone else has left.
I loved the slow growth of the connection between Dare and Lev, and the progression of Dare starting to address his grief and trauma. His parents made me want to shake them, but this unfortunately this is also the reality many people face - not all families are perfect, or even caring.
Despite the length, I found Needed You to be a fairly quick read, and really enjoyed the story. Will definitely be looking forward to more from KJ Crawford.
Separated years ago after Dare's older brother (and Lev's best friend) passed in a tragic accident, in Needed You Lev moves back to his hometown and reconnects with Dare. Dare, still dealing with grief over his brother's death and his parents' subsequent abandonment, is touch starved and desperate for connection, while simultaneously struggling to trust that anyone might actually stay by him when everyone else has left.
I loved the slow growth of the connection between Dare and Lev, and the progression of Dare starting to address his grief and trauma. His parents made me want to shake them, but this unfortunately this is also the reality many people face - not all families are perfect, or even caring.
Despite the length, I found Needed You to be a fairly quick read, and really enjoyed the story. Will definitely be looking forward to more from KJ Crawford.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is simply a beautiful second-chance story that really touched me. The romance was very, very sweet. I love "hurt/comfort" stories, and here, the heavier themes—such as grief and its impact on a person—were handled with great sensitivity. All in all, a fantastic debut novel.
October 16, 2026
This was a sweet romance between two broken men who are trying to navigate their grief and heal.
🧡Brother's Best Friend/Best Friend's Brother
💛He Rides & Fixes Motorcycles
🧡He’s Got a Lip Ring & is Touch-Starved
💛Broken Men Dealing with Grief & Loss
🧡Hurt/Comfort
💛Absorbed into the Family
🧡Pining & A Crush That Never Went Away
💛Caretaking & Gentle Love
🧡It's Always Been You
Levon blames himself for his best friend Nate’s death and couldn’t cope. He left town six years ago, but now he’s home to inherit his uncle’s motorcycle shop. Now that he’s back, everything reminds Lev of the best friend he lost, especially when he crosses paths with Darian, Nate’s younger brother. Darian isn’t the same kid he once was – Dare is fighting his own demons since he was abandoned by everyone he thought he could count on when he needed them the most. Dare needed Lev back then, and knows he needs him now, but trust isn't easy to give. Through reconnecting, Lev realizes how much leaving hurt them both, and he starts to wonder if they can find healing in one another…
Lev and Dare are both struggling with their grief over losing Nate, feeling guilty for their growing feelings, and finding happiness without Nate being there. Their road to trusting one another takes time – Dare can’t allow himself to be hurt by Lev again, and being able to forgive Lev for leaving and feel secure in the fact that he’s here to stay isn’t instantaneous. The chemistry between these two was palpable, and the care Lev gives Dare is so dang sweet. Between cooked meals, hand-written notes and treats just because, motorcycle rides, and growing closeness, these two get a hard-won and well-deserved HEA.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
🧡Brother's Best Friend/Best Friend's Brother
💛He Rides & Fixes Motorcycles
🧡He’s Got a Lip Ring & is Touch-Starved
💛Broken Men Dealing with Grief & Loss
🧡Hurt/Comfort
💛Absorbed into the Family
🧡Pining & A Crush That Never Went Away
💛Caretaking & Gentle Love
🧡It's Always Been You
Levon blames himself for his best friend Nate’s death and couldn’t cope. He left town six years ago, but now he’s home to inherit his uncle’s motorcycle shop. Now that he’s back, everything reminds Lev of the best friend he lost, especially when he crosses paths with Darian, Nate’s younger brother. Darian isn’t the same kid he once was – Dare is fighting his own demons since he was abandoned by everyone he thought he could count on when he needed them the most. Dare needed Lev back then, and knows he needs him now, but trust isn't easy to give. Through reconnecting, Lev realizes how much leaving hurt them both, and he starts to wonder if they can find healing in one another…
Lev and Dare are both struggling with their grief over losing Nate, feeling guilty for their growing feelings, and finding happiness without Nate being there. Their road to trusting one another takes time – Dare can’t allow himself to be hurt by Lev again, and being able to forgive Lev for leaving and feel secure in the fact that he’s here to stay isn’t instantaneous. The chemistry between these two was palpable, and the care Lev gives Dare is so dang sweet. Between cooked meals, hand-written notes and treats just because, motorcycle rides, and growing closeness, these two get a hard-won and well-deserved HEA.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the Authors Debut and I am speechless.
This book was beautiful. Whoosh let’s get into it.
Lev comes back home after several year to go sign some papers for his uncle motorcycle shop that now belong to Lev. Coming back to his home town is bitter sweet. He’s still dealing with his grief of the lost of his best friend Nate. But he tries his best to live his life the way he and Nate pictures it. Until he runs into Dare! Nate’s little Brother!!!!
Dare oh my heart Not only did he lose his brother, But he also lost his parents that day too. Not in the same way his parents treated him like an inconvenience instead of a son. That broke me. But Dare is so strong. Yes he’s angry at his brother for leaving him. He’s drinking a lot he’s in a relationship with Lance he’s not enjoying. Until he see’s Lev again all those feeling from when he was a teenage boy resurface. And boy Dare wasted no time to get Lev’s Attention.
Lev and Dare relationship starts off slow and sweet gentle , fun and caring until one night they go all the way and one of them panics Because memories resurface hurt the why!? It was so heartbreaking to read. But! How they came back together was simply beautiful. I loved their HEA.
This book is a hurt/comfort dealing with grief found family and so much more.
Kj wrote this book straight from her heart you can feel it in the words the hurt love and raw emotions. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store!!
This book was beautiful. Whoosh let’s get into it.
Lev comes back home after several year to go sign some papers for his uncle motorcycle shop that now belong to Lev. Coming back to his home town is bitter sweet. He’s still dealing with his grief of the lost of his best friend Nate. But he tries his best to live his life the way he and Nate pictures it. Until he runs into Dare! Nate’s little Brother!!!!
Dare oh my heart Not only did he lose his brother, But he also lost his parents that day too. Not in the same way his parents treated him like an inconvenience instead of a son. That broke me. But Dare is so strong. Yes he’s angry at his brother for leaving him. He’s drinking a lot he’s in a relationship with Lance he’s not enjoying. Until he see’s Lev again all those feeling from when he was a teenage boy resurface. And boy Dare wasted no time to get Lev’s Attention.
Lev and Dare relationship starts off slow and sweet gentle , fun and caring until one night they go all the way and one of them panics Because memories resurface hurt the why!? It was so heartbreaking to read. But! How they came back together was simply beautiful. I loved their HEA.
This book is a hurt/comfort dealing with grief found family and so much more.
Kj wrote this book straight from her heart you can feel it in the words the hurt love and raw emotions. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lev and Dare easily made their way into my heart. Even though this book deals with grief, it’s also insanely adorable! Dare and his little kid energy at times had me smiling.
This story is truly heartwarming even though you might cry at times. The way everyone grows together throughout the story is everything I could have asked for!
This story is truly heartwarming even though you might cry at times. The way everyone grows together throughout the story is everything I could have asked for!
October 15, 2026
Beautiful story of second chances, especially when Dare says “I needed you!” to Lev… Oh, my heart. Great debut novel, and I would definitely read another book by KJ Crawford.
Review of advance copy received from Author
May Darian's parents always feel like there's a small pebble in their shoe, sand in their food, and an itch they can't scratch. They deserve discomfort for what they did.
Now that that's out of the way... Needed You is a study in grief, loss, and the way one stupid decision can ripple out into dozens of lives.
Eight years after a horrible tragedy, Lev returns to his hometown to take over his uncle's motorcycle shop. Having left town following the death of his best friend, Nate, and two years of grief-driven addiction, Lev has grown up and come back to his family, high school friends (the Wolf Pack), and Nate's younger brother, Darian (Dare).
Dare has been struggling since Nate's death, coping with his grief and abject loneliness through drinking, weed, hook-ups, and bar fights. Despite Dare's deep hurt over Lev's abandonment, the two are drawn together by mutual attraction and shared heartbreak.
Lev, the muffin, is a sweet, earnest man who loves his parents and sister, Lindsey. His big heart was immediately obvious - the care he took in patching Dare up made my heart melt. The hoagies, the little texts, the willingness to step in when Dare was suffering all demonstrated how easily he loves. Dare has deep relational wounds which of course lead to worthiness wounds. He's scared to believe anyone will choose him, will stay for him, even though he's desperate for someone to love him.
While there are some moments of deep sadness as Lev and especially Dare grapple with their ongoing grief, and there is some angst as the two young men struggle to find their way through their hurt and clumsy coping strategies, so much of the book is actually just pure softness and the two creating new memories that deepen their love for each other. I basked in each and every smile and giggle, caring touch and thoughtful gesture - the last third of the book is just so stinking cozy and delicious.
Some of my favorite moments included "little lycan", Thanksgiving, Christmas presents, tree shopping, the bonfire, the SECRET spot (HE KNEW IT EXISTED!), Dare standing up for his friend even if it meant getting his a$$ beat, Lindsey's real talk, the endless touching and cuddles (Dare is so so so touch starved), and the boys' very sexy spicy scenes.
I took off half a star because the first few chapters weren't especially strong, but the book quickly found its feet and became something beautiful. I look forward to recommended it heartily to folks who want a sad, cozy, sexy story that pulls them in and wraps them up, just like Lev's arms do around Dare.
Now that that's out of the way... Needed You is a study in grief, loss, and the way one stupid decision can ripple out into dozens of lives.
Eight years after a horrible tragedy, Lev returns to his hometown to take over his uncle's motorcycle shop. Having left town following the death of his best friend, Nate, and two years of grief-driven addiction, Lev has grown up and come back to his family, high school friends (the Wolf Pack), and Nate's younger brother, Darian (Dare).
Dare has been struggling since Nate's death, coping with his grief and abject loneliness through drinking, weed, hook-ups, and bar fights. Despite Dare's deep hurt over Lev's abandonment, the two are drawn together by mutual attraction and shared heartbreak.
Lev, the muffin, is a sweet, earnest man who loves his parents and sister, Lindsey. His big heart was immediately obvious - the care he took in patching Dare up made my heart melt. The hoagies, the little texts, the willingness to step in when Dare was suffering all demonstrated how easily he loves. Dare has deep relational wounds which of course lead to worthiness wounds. He's scared to believe anyone will choose him, will stay for him, even though he's desperate for someone to love him.
While there are some moments of deep sadness as Lev and especially Dare grapple with their ongoing grief, and there is some angst as the two young men struggle to find their way through their hurt and clumsy coping strategies, so much of the book is actually just pure softness and the two creating new memories that deepen their love for each other. I basked in each and every smile and giggle, caring touch and thoughtful gesture - the last third of the book is just so stinking cozy and delicious.
Some of my favorite moments included "little lycan", Thanksgiving, Christmas presents, tree shopping, the bonfire, the SECRET spot (HE KNEW IT EXISTED!), Dare standing up for his friend even if it meant getting his a$$ beat, Lindsey's real talk, the endless touching and cuddles (Dare is so so so touch starved), and the boys' very sexy spicy scenes.
I took off half a star because the first few chapters weren't especially strong, but the book quickly found its feet and became something beautiful. I look forward to recommended it heartily to folks who want a sad, cozy, sexy story that pulls them in and wraps them up, just like Lev's arms do around Dare.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
What to expect in this book:
💛 A touch-starved MC who craves human connection
🧡 A consent king
💛 Dealing with the loss of a loved one
🧡 Gentle caretaking
💛 A super cute pet name (🐺)
🧡 Incredibly cinematic kisses
💛 Really cute Christmas dates ☕🎄❄️
🧡 A lovely epilogue
For a debut novel, this book was pretty good!
Levon and Darian have quite a traumatic past to process in this love-story about losing someone dear to them, grief and the need for redemption (even when you've done nothing wrong).
The writing was a little heavy-footed/a little wonky at times and I hope that the version I received as an ARC has been slightly polished here and there to make the narration a little cleaner by release day. I'll happily come back and update my review once the book is out.
I was amazed at the moments of connection between Lev and Dare. KJ Crawford wrote those beautifully, and the way she wrote them kissing every time were some of the most cinematic kisses I've ever read. Those were incredible.
This is a very slow burn, with about 300 pages of them dancing around each other and being only one foot in the door, but once they realised they had strong feelings for each other we went from 0 to 100 with the ILYs. Not complaining! Just fair warning.
Darian's parents are definitely the evil in this story (and for good reasons). This poor kid not only lost his brother but both his parents in the process from the grief and the inability to keep living in a house that reminded them so much of the son they lost. Unfortunately that meant poor Dare had to raise himself and became hyper-independent in the process. He is also very self-destructive and uses substances to dull the pain that is life since Lev left town.
The book addresses some parts of the grieving process beautifully. How it's not linear and improves over time. Sometimes you're doing well and remembering the good times, and other times you are angry for being left behind and missing the dearly departed. KJ Crawford covered that beautifully.
I do wish she had addressed Darian's need for some mental health support a bit more. What help he needed back then and help he still needs now. It feels like Lev coming into his life is meant to fix everything but anyone who has struggled with their mental health knows that's not how it works. Your lover can't fix you all on their own.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
What to expect in this book:
💛 A touch-starved MC who craves human connection
🧡 A consent king
💛 Dealing with the loss of a loved one
🧡 Gentle caretaking
💛 A super cute pet name (🐺)
🧡 Incredibly cinematic kisses
💛 Really cute Christmas dates ☕🎄❄️
🧡 A lovely epilogue
For a debut novel, this book was pretty good!
Levon and Darian have quite a traumatic past to process in this love-story about losing someone dear to them, grief and the need for redemption (even when you've done nothing wrong).
The writing was a little heavy-footed/a little wonky at times and I hope that the version I received as an ARC has been slightly polished here and there to make the narration a little cleaner by release day. I'll happily come back and update my review once the book is out.
I was amazed at the moments of connection between Lev and Dare. KJ Crawford wrote those beautifully, and the way she wrote them kissing every time were some of the most cinematic kisses I've ever read. Those were incredible.
This is a very slow burn, with about 300 pages of them dancing around each other and being only one foot in the door, but once they realised they had strong feelings for each other we went from 0 to 100 with the ILYs. Not complaining! Just fair warning.
Darian's parents are definitely the evil in this story (and for good reasons). This poor kid not only lost his brother but both his parents in the process from the grief and the inability to keep living in a house that reminded them so much of the son they lost. Unfortunately that meant poor Dare had to raise himself and became hyper-independent in the process. He is also very self-destructive and uses substances to dull the pain that is life since Lev left town.
The book addresses some parts of the grieving process beautifully. How it's not linear and improves over time. Sometimes you're doing well and remembering the good times, and other times you are angry for being left behind and missing the dearly departed. KJ Crawford covered that beautifully.
I do wish she had addressed Darian's need for some mental health support a bit more. What help he needed back then and help he still needs now. It feels like Lev coming into his life is meant to fix everything but anyone who has struggled with their mental health knows that's not how it works. Your lover can't fix you all on their own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh if you want to read a book where you want to jump into to to hug the characters this is for you! Dare is so broken after the death of his brother, his parents just left him, his brothers friends too, no one knew how to help him or bothered to ask him how he wanted to be helped. They just left him. Lev struggled after losing his best friend and left town as soon as he could lest he go the same way. When he returns he sees Dare all grown up and he’s taken by him, the attraction is immediate, and Dare always had a crush on his brothers bff.
Their love story is one of healing, helping and coming to terms with grief that can still feel so fresh and raw at times.
I love the grief rep in this book. I really think Dare despite not having a lot of help with his loss did well, he knows who’s to blame for the loss, he knows his parents are horrible for just leaving him and he’s as okay with his anger at his dead brother as he can be. This is so healthy, what’s not is his other coping mechanisms but I get it, he’s struggling and drowning at times. And he’s feeling so alone. No one asks him what he needs or wants except his one friend. Everyone needs more support than that.
Lev blames himself for his friends death, he wasn’t even there that night, he thinks everyone would and should be mad at him about it, his grief is less processed than Dare’s in many ways. Together they help each other with it, Dare includes Lev in his rituals, gets him back in their family home full of memories, and it helps Lev a lot. These two are just so beautiful together. Their text exchanges, their dates just everything. Just an amazing book.
Their love story is one of healing, helping and coming to terms with grief that can still feel so fresh and raw at times.
I love the grief rep in this book. I really think Dare despite not having a lot of help with his loss did well, he knows who’s to blame for the loss, he knows his parents are horrible for just leaving him and he’s as okay with his anger at his dead brother as he can be. This is so healthy, what’s not is his other coping mechanisms but I get it, he’s struggling and drowning at times. And he’s feeling so alone. No one asks him what he needs or wants except his one friend. Everyone needs more support than that.
Lev blames himself for his friends death, he wasn’t even there that night, he thinks everyone would and should be mad at him about it, his grief is less processed than Dare’s in many ways. Together they help each other with it, Dare includes Lev in his rituals, gets him back in their family home full of memories, and it helps Lev a lot. These two are just so beautiful together. Their text exchanges, their dates just everything. Just an amazing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2026
A stunning debut book!
8 years after the death of his best friend Nate, and 6 years after leaving town to escape his grief and try to move on with his life, Levon Richardson moves back home to take over his uncle’s bike shop. Lev carries a lot of guilt, blaming himself for what happened to Nate and unable to truly move on and forgive himself.
He soon runs into Darian Archer, Nate’s younger brother, who is no longer the kid who used to follow them around, and is now a whole-ass man and Lev’s attraction to him is instant. He wants to be there for Dare, wants to rebuild a relationship with him, but Dare’s grief is still raw and deep, and seeing Lev just reminds Dare of everything he lost the night he lost his brother.
I really felt for Dare. His abandonment issues run so deep (his parents are the true villains of this piece) after spending years being alone in his grief. The fear of being abandoned again and the conflict of wanting Lev but feeling like he doesn’t deserve to be with him really messes with Dare, and prevents him being able to fully open up to the prospect of happiness with Lev. The way those themes are explored is so honest, and I loved the steadfast way that Lev shows up for Dare again and again.
It took a lot of growth and understanding from both characters for these boys to reach their HEA, and it was so joyful to see them both happy and get the ending they deserved, and that Nate would’ve wanted! 💙
8 years after the death of his best friend Nate, and 6 years after leaving town to escape his grief and try to move on with his life, Levon Richardson moves back home to take over his uncle’s bike shop. Lev carries a lot of guilt, blaming himself for what happened to Nate and unable to truly move on and forgive himself.
He soon runs into Darian Archer, Nate’s younger brother, who is no longer the kid who used to follow them around, and is now a whole-ass man and Lev’s attraction to him is instant. He wants to be there for Dare, wants to rebuild a relationship with him, but Dare’s grief is still raw and deep, and seeing Lev just reminds Dare of everything he lost the night he lost his brother.
I really felt for Dare. His abandonment issues run so deep (his parents are the true villains of this piece) after spending years being alone in his grief. The fear of being abandoned again and the conflict of wanting Lev but feeling like he doesn’t deserve to be with him really messes with Dare, and prevents him being able to fully open up to the prospect of happiness with Lev. The way those themes are explored is so honest, and I loved the steadfast way that Lev shows up for Dare again and again.
It took a lot of growth and understanding from both characters for these boys to reach their HEA, and it was so joyful to see them both happy and get the ending they deserved, and that Nate would’ve wanted! 💙
October 17, 2026
"I needed you"
Oh my gosh this book is a beautiful debut. KJ drops you into a world where Lev had lost his best friend years ago and is finally coming back home. What he finds is more than he ever expected.
Even after so long losing his best friend was something he couldn't get over. Holding guilt and grief he ran as soon as he could. He left behind his friends, family, and his best friend's little brother, Dare. He knew he would come back when the motorcycle shop was passed to him and that time has come.
My heart broke for Dare. When his brother died he lost so much. He was barely a teenager Nd his entire family fell apart. Dare is still grieving and not just for his brother. The touch starved boy has grown into a lonely touch starved man willing to do anything for a few minutes of contact.
This relationship was beautiful but it was also a struggle. Lev originally reached out to Dare to see if he needed a friend but it was very obvious he needed and wanted more than that. However, both men struggled to believe they could ever be something because of the ghost between them. Dare needed to know it was not out if pity and Lev needed to let go of his guilt.
I loved that the struggles were so real and the reactions were absolutely believable. Tragedy effects everyone differently and you see a lot of that in this book. However, we also see these two men come together to work on healing and moving forward while never forgetting who they lost.
The entire aspect if being touch starved is something I am very familiar with and while it was heartbreaking to read for Dare it was also something I connected with immediately.
KJ came out the gate swinging and I can't wait to see what's next from her.
Oh my gosh this book is a beautiful debut. KJ drops you into a world where Lev had lost his best friend years ago and is finally coming back home. What he finds is more than he ever expected.
Even after so long losing his best friend was something he couldn't get over. Holding guilt and grief he ran as soon as he could. He left behind his friends, family, and his best friend's little brother, Dare. He knew he would come back when the motorcycle shop was passed to him and that time has come.
My heart broke for Dare. When his brother died he lost so much. He was barely a teenager Nd his entire family fell apart. Dare is still grieving and not just for his brother. The touch starved boy has grown into a lonely touch starved man willing to do anything for a few minutes of contact.
This relationship was beautiful but it was also a struggle. Lev originally reached out to Dare to see if he needed a friend but it was very obvious he needed and wanted more than that. However, both men struggled to believe they could ever be something because of the ghost between them. Dare needed to know it was not out if pity and Lev needed to let go of his guilt.
I loved that the struggles were so real and the reactions were absolutely believable. Tragedy effects everyone differently and you see a lot of that in this book. However, we also see these two men come together to work on healing and moving forward while never forgetting who they lost.
The entire aspect if being touch starved is something I am very familiar with and while it was heartbreaking to read for Dare it was also something I connected with immediately.
KJ came out the gate swinging and I can't wait to see what's next from her.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow... this book was just absolutely fantastic!
Darian and Levon’s story is one of grief, guilt, heartbreak, and finding your way back to the person you never truly stopped needing.
Darian has spent six years carrying the pain of losing his brother, Nate, while also dealing with the abandonment of the people he thought would help him survive it. Levon was the person he trusted, the boy he’d loved from afar for years, and the one person he desperately needed to stay. But Levon left, leaving Darian with even more hurt to work through.Yet when Levon returns home, the feelings are still there, but so are the wounds neither of them has managed to heal. Levon is battling his own guilt over Nate’s death and the decision to leave, while Darian is trying to work out whether he can trust the man who broke his heart by walking away when he needed him most.
Watching these two find their way back to each other sounds like an emotional journey filled with longing, unresolved feelings, and the difficult process of learning to forgive. I’m especially drawn to Darian’s struggle with abandonment and Levon’s need to face the past rather than keep running from it. Their connection has the potential to be both heartbreaking and beautiful, with two men learning that loving someone means showing up, even when things get painful.
If I could rate this any higher on Goodreads I so would 💕
Darian and Levon’s story is one of grief, guilt, heartbreak, and finding your way back to the person you never truly stopped needing.
Darian has spent six years carrying the pain of losing his brother, Nate, while also dealing with the abandonment of the people he thought would help him survive it. Levon was the person he trusted, the boy he’d loved from afar for years, and the one person he desperately needed to stay. But Levon left, leaving Darian with even more hurt to work through.Yet when Levon returns home, the feelings are still there, but so are the wounds neither of them has managed to heal. Levon is battling his own guilt over Nate’s death and the decision to leave, while Darian is trying to work out whether he can trust the man who broke his heart by walking away when he needed him most.
Watching these two find their way back to each other sounds like an emotional journey filled with longing, unresolved feelings, and the difficult process of learning to forgive. I’m especially drawn to Darian’s struggle with abandonment and Levon’s need to face the past rather than keep running from it. Their connection has the potential to be both heartbreaking and beautiful, with two men learning that loving someone means showing up, even when things get painful.
If I could rate this any higher on Goodreads I so would 💕
October 11, 2026
--SUMMARY
Nate was 16 when he left a party having drunk too much and crashed his car, ending his life and devastating his friend group and an entire community.
Lev was Nate’s best friend. He blamed himself for not having been there to stop Nate from driving. After Nate’s death, he spiralled into substance abuse and other bad decisions, leaving his small town at 18 to try to find a less destructive path forward.
Dare was Nate’s younger brother… just 13 at the time of the accident. When Nate died, his family disintegrated, his parents becoming cool and distant, leaving Dare to grieve by himself. It didn’t help that Nate’s friend group, including Lev, whom Dare had a crush on, disappeared. Dare was completely alone.
When Lev inherits his uncle’s motorcycle garage, he moves back to town, hoping that he has come through his grief enough to rejoin his community. When he runs into Dare, he finds that Nate’s little brother has become a fun and sexy young man… the attraction is instant and seems to go both ways. But so does the deep hurt. Dare is living through his self-destructive phase.
--REVIEW
This book was recommended by Becca Neil, so I was immediately interested… And I was not disappointed.
This is KJ Crawford’s debut novel and it is as beautiful as it is painful. The emotions that keep getting between Lev and Dare feel so real.
Lev had to save himself from the incredible grief of losing his best friend so young. And let’s face it, how many 16 year olds are going to be able to cope really well with tragedy. He turned into himself and eventually realized he wouldn’t survive if he didn’t get away from the pain.
Dare had a family and then suddenly he didn’t. He was close with his brother and his parents, and then everything fell apart. No comforting hugs, no talking through the tragedy, no support from parents who basically disappeared.
There was not a single part of this story that felt forced… the author took the time to allow the men to work through all of their history and try to come out the other side. And it is so hard earned when they do. The happy ending made my heart sing.
Needed You by KJ Crawford is beautiful!
Nate was 16 when he left a party having drunk too much and crashed his car, ending his life and devastating his friend group and an entire community.
Lev was Nate’s best friend. He blamed himself for not having been there to stop Nate from driving. After Nate’s death, he spiralled into substance abuse and other bad decisions, leaving his small town at 18 to try to find a less destructive path forward.
Dare was Nate’s younger brother… just 13 at the time of the accident. When Nate died, his family disintegrated, his parents becoming cool and distant, leaving Dare to grieve by himself. It didn’t help that Nate’s friend group, including Lev, whom Dare had a crush on, disappeared. Dare was completely alone.
When Lev inherits his uncle’s motorcycle garage, he moves back to town, hoping that he has come through his grief enough to rejoin his community. When he runs into Dare, he finds that Nate’s little brother has become a fun and sexy young man… the attraction is instant and seems to go both ways. But so does the deep hurt. Dare is living through his self-destructive phase.
--REVIEW
This book was recommended by Becca Neil, so I was immediately interested… And I was not disappointed.
This is KJ Crawford’s debut novel and it is as beautiful as it is painful. The emotions that keep getting between Lev and Dare feel so real.
Lev had to save himself from the incredible grief of losing his best friend so young. And let’s face it, how many 16 year olds are going to be able to cope really well with tragedy. He turned into himself and eventually realized he wouldn’t survive if he didn’t get away from the pain.
Dare had a family and then suddenly he didn’t. He was close with his brother and his parents, and then everything fell apart. No comforting hugs, no talking through the tragedy, no support from parents who basically disappeared.
There was not a single part of this story that felt forced… the author took the time to allow the men to work through all of their history and try to come out the other side. And it is so hard earned when they do. The happy ending made my heart sing.
Needed You by KJ Crawford is beautiful!
Review of advance copy received from Author
KJ Crawford has written a lovely debut novel about grief, its impact on people, and learning to heal and forgive yourself and others. She handles the topics with sensitivity and doesn’t try to sugarcoat the pain that is involved with losing someone close to you.
The MCs in this novel, Dare and Lev, are connected through Dare’s older brother, Nate, who died when he was 16. Lev was Nate’s best friend, and he really lost himself after Nate died, and—he moved away a couple of years after. Dare was basically left alone after Nate died, as Nate’s friends and even his own parents were so lost in their own grief that there was no one there for Dare.
When Lev moves back to town years later, he runs into Dare, and the two are attracted to each other. I like how the author showed the internal guilt that both men felt as their feelings for one another were growing. Dare in particular had a tough time allowing himself to be happy with Lev without feeling like he was betraying his brother.
The growth of their relationship was also described well and progressed at a believable pace. It took Dare some time to forgive Lev for leaving all those years ago and also to open up to him about how his grief was still affecting him. Ultimately, Dare and Lev supported each other and allowed each other to heal and find their HEA together.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC to read.
The MCs in this novel, Dare and Lev, are connected through Dare’s older brother, Nate, who died when he was 16. Lev was Nate’s best friend, and he really lost himself after Nate died, and—he moved away a couple of years after. Dare was basically left alone after Nate died, as Nate’s friends and even his own parents were so lost in their own grief that there was no one there for Dare.
When Lev moves back to town years later, he runs into Dare, and the two are attracted to each other. I like how the author showed the internal guilt that both men felt as their feelings for one another were growing. Dare in particular had a tough time allowing himself to be happy with Lev without feeling like he was betraying his brother.
The growth of their relationship was also described well and progressed at a believable pace. It took Dare some time to forgive Lev for leaving all those years ago and also to open up to him about how his grief was still affecting him. Ultimately, Dare and Lev supported each other and allowed each other to heal and find their HEA together.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC to read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
💙💙💙 ARC Review 💙💙💙
Needed You - KJ Crawford Coming October 16, 2026
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶
Needed You is KJ Crawford's debut. It is ultimately a book about grief, how it shapes our lives, how we struggle with it, and finally how we learn to live with (because grief never really goes away). It also touches on forgiveness both of oneself and others.
Both Dare and Lev are dealing with the death of Dare's brother and Lev's best friend as a result of drunk driving. Crawford portrays well the way grief is not linear, people have different ways of dealing with and internalizing it, and forgiveness looks differently for different people.There is guilt, substance abuse, and parental abandonment all mixed in.
This is a very slow burn with Dare and Lev circling each other for most of it until they are ready to face their feelings, accept them and communicate them. It was beautiful to see Lev take care of Dare, who is extremely touch starved and needs closeness as his family has abandoned him.
This was a cute and sweet book. This was a good debut! I am excited to see how Crawford develops in the future!
Needed You - KJ Crawford Coming October 16, 2026
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶
Needed You is KJ Crawford's debut. It is ultimately a book about grief, how it shapes our lives, how we struggle with it, and finally how we learn to live with (because grief never really goes away). It also touches on forgiveness both of oneself and others.
Both Dare and Lev are dealing with the death of Dare's brother and Lev's best friend as a result of drunk driving. Crawford portrays well the way grief is not linear, people have different ways of dealing with and internalizing it, and forgiveness looks differently for different people.There is guilt, substance abuse, and parental abandonment all mixed in.
This is a very slow burn with Dare and Lev circling each other for most of it until they are ready to face their feelings, accept them and communicate them. It was beautiful to see Lev take care of Dare, who is extremely touch starved and needs closeness as his family has abandoned him.
This was a cute and sweet book. This was a good debut! I am excited to see how Crawford develops in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a lovely little love story about two men finding happiness after grief.
So many times I wanted to slide into the book and give Dare a cuddle. Maybe also slap his parents too because what do you mean they treated him like that after his brother died?!
I loved how Lev was with him. How supportive he was and just wanting to make Dare feel worthy of love. I also loved Lev’s relationship with his sister. And I bawled my eyes out at baby Nate and “Daddy Lycan”!
They both deserved the best after what they went through losing Nate, and finally finding their happiness together was a joy to read. What a lovely debut novel from an author I’m looking forward to reading more from.
So many times I wanted to slide into the book and give Dare a cuddle. Maybe also slap his parents too because what do you mean they treated him like that after his brother died?!
I loved how Lev was with him. How supportive he was and just wanting to make Dare feel worthy of love. I also loved Lev’s relationship with his sister. And I bawled my eyes out at baby Nate and “Daddy Lycan”!
They both deserved the best after what they went through losing Nate, and finally finding their happiness together was a joy to read. What a lovely debut novel from an author I’m looking forward to reading more from.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2026
Needed You by KJ Crawford is their debut and it was so good. This is a hurt/comfort, brothers best friend read about Lev and Dare. These boys go through so much, especially Lev and his feeling of complete abandonment. Dare went through so much, loosing his brother, then the boy he loves and his parents complete withdrawal, and poor Lev with his feelings of guilt. I just loved this book and this author is definitely going to be one to look out for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 star read.
For a debut book it was awesome. Such a light enjoyable story. I loved Dare and Lev, so cute together, once Dare pulled his head out of his a***. His moods and behaviours really showed his age, which was a good thing but annoying at times. Lev comes across older than he is, he has an emotional maturity that is perfect for Dare.
They are fierce together, and you feel the passion and the love.
It didn’t get me totally in my feels. The issues dealt with were good, but they could have been so much more. That could be my take on hurt/comfort though, this did not feel how I expected it too, so that’s on me not KJ Crawford.
I loved the touch starved side of Dare, omg he was so sweet. When he finally gave into the caretaking side of Lev it was amazing.
Simply an adorable book of grief, abandonment and how someone helps another through it.
For a debut book it was awesome. Such a light enjoyable story. I loved Dare and Lev, so cute together, once Dare pulled his head out of his a***. His moods and behaviours really showed his age, which was a good thing but annoying at times. Lev comes across older than he is, he has an emotional maturity that is perfect for Dare.
They are fierce together, and you feel the passion and the love.
It didn’t get me totally in my feels. The issues dealt with were good, but they could have been so much more. That could be my take on hurt/comfort though, this did not feel how I expected it too, so that’s on me not KJ Crawford.
I loved the touch starved side of Dare, omg he was so sweet. When he finally gave into the caretaking side of Lev it was amazing.
Simply an adorable book of grief, abandonment and how someone helps another through it.
October 16, 2026
Lev and Dare’s story is heartbreaking and emotional. But also healing and hopeful. Dare is in a spiral after losing his brother who was friends with Lev. Meantime Lev is dealing with some survivor’s guilt. When they finally reconnect the attraction is mutual but they have a lot of pain to sort out, so it’s a challenge for both. I really loved how their story progressed. It takes its time because both are broken but eventually they heal together. Thank you to author KJ Crawford for the early copy. I lost someone who was everything to me this year and this book brings me hope that I can get to a better place someday.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5✨️
I enjoyed this story. It was perfect to binge read and easy to follow and understand.
Loved Lev he was a sweetheart. The other MMC was a bit to much for me. I know he is 18 years so maybe his behaviour is normal but he annoyed the hell out of me when he ghosted Lev and when he let the other man touch him in front of him. He acted like a spoiled brat. Later on he got more enjoyable but it took some time.
Glad they both had a happy ending and were healing and dealing with there grief and issues.
I enjoyed this story. It was perfect to binge read and easy to follow and understand.
Loved Lev he was a sweetheart. The other MMC was a bit to much for me. I know he is 18 years so maybe his behaviour is normal but he annoyed the hell out of me when he ghosted Lev and when he let the other man touch him in front of him. He acted like a spoiled brat. Later on he got more enjoyable but it took some time.
Glad they both had a happy ending and were healing and dealing with there grief and issues.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a beautiful story about finding love after loss, and I really loved how deeply it explored grief. It captures the different stages and struggles of grieving someone you love, while showing that moving forward doesn't mean forgetting them or losing a part of yourself. And who knew that the person helping you find your way through that grief would be your late brother's best friend? Their journey from grief to healing to love was beautifully done, and the hard-earned HEA made it even more special.
October 30, 2026
Was into it for the first 100 or so pages, but quickly became repetitive, simple, boring, basic. There was no reason for this to be 450 pages. Same inner conflict, same conversations, same smut, and even same minor details mentioned over and over and over. We get it, Darian has a lip ring. Started skimming at like 50% as it was just the same thing again and again. If you want to read a brother’s best friend trope that beautifully handles grief, read To Ghosts & Gravity, not this.
Did Not Finish
October 17, 2026DNF @ 42% - I’m just not interested.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book broke my heart and then brought it back together. My heart broke for Darian for everything what happened to him after his brother died. Let’s just say that his parents were awful. I really liked both Darian and Levon. They were so good for each other when they finally got together. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
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