What do you think?
Rate this book
Crystal Brook Billionaires
Crushed
Tormented by guilt and desire, will Claire make the right decision in order to find the happiness she deserves?
Everything in Claire Lawrence's life has finally fallen into place. She has independence, a great job, and a new boyfriend — one who makes her believe, for the first time ever, in things like soulmates and love at first sight. But tragedy strikes, leaving Claire shattered, shaken, and trying to make sense of the world. In despair, she returns to Crystal Brook and her childhood home, hoping to heal her crushed soul.
When sexy Owen Burke knocks on her door, she feels like her heart might beat again. But guilt makes her force him away, keep him at arm’s length, even when everything inside her wants to pull him close. Makes her want to believe in love again.
Only if grief, that tricky bitch, doesn’t crush everything in its wake.
Who will win? Claire? Owen? Or the grave?
This is a full-sized STANDALONE novel with an HEA and NO CLIFFHANGERS. Also included in this copy is my standalone novel, Behind the Scenes, as a free bonus for a limited time!
Everything in Claire Lawrence's life has finally fallen into place. She has independence, a great job, and a new boyfriend — one who makes her believe, for the first time ever, in things like soulmates and love at first sight. But tragedy strikes, leaving Claire shattered, shaken, and trying to make sense of the world. In despair, she returns to Crystal Brook and her childhood home, hoping to heal her crushed soul.
When sexy Owen Burke knocks on her door, she feels like her heart might beat again. But guilt makes her force him away, keep him at arm’s length, even when everything inside her wants to pull him close. Makes her want to believe in love again.
Only if grief, that tricky bitch, doesn’t crush everything in its wake.
Who will win? Claire? Owen? Or the grave?
This is a full-sized STANDALONE novel with an HEA and NO CLIFFHANGERS. Also included in this copy is my standalone novel, Behind the Scenes, as a free bonus for a limited time!
- GenresContemporary Romance
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2016
31 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Blake
9 books105 followersJessica Blake is the author of the hot alpha billionaire romance series, The Billionaire Prisoner, along with her friend Alice Ward.
*** Join My VIP Reader's Club Right Here: http://authorjessicablake.com/ to Get Exclusive Emails About Sales and New Releases! ***
Since she was a young college girl reading and writing romance was what she loved the most and she enjoys entertaining her fans through her books.
Living in Miami, she likes to sit by the pool with her laptop and write her next hot romance. However, when she is not reading or writing romance, she also enjoys being with her beautiful family.
*** Join My VIP Reader's Club Right Here: http://authorjessicablake.com/ to Get Exclusive Emails About Sales and New Releases! ***
Since she was a young college girl reading and writing romance was what she loved the most and she enjoys entertaining her fans through her books.
Living in Miami, she likes to sit by the pool with her laptop and write her next hot romance. However, when she is not reading or writing romance, she also enjoys being with her beautiful family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 11, 2018
How do you move on when what you had is gone? This novel by Jessica Blake shares the story of one woman’s journey through grief and how our first love isn’t always the only love. Well done!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2018
Enjoyable read. A heart of gold billionaire falls for a broken girl.
November 2, 2018
Owen is searching for something in his life. He needs meaning, something to get out of bed for in the morning. He tries to fill the void by donating his time to charities and building homes with Habitat for Humanity. It isn't enough.
Claire has suffered a traumatic loss. Her boyfriend died suddenly and she can't move past the hurt. She is just stuck and wallowing in the 'could have beens' she might have had with Peter. Everywhere she goes is a memory that haunts her. So she goes home to Crystal Brook, North Carolina.
Her family is preparing for her sister Gwen's wedding. They are supportive and comforting toward Claire in her time of need. Gwen tries to distract her with wedding details. And it works until she meets Owen. Then she devolves into a teenager in the most obnoxious ways possible.
I wanted to love this book. It sounded amazing, but it failed to hold my attention. It wasn't written badly. It wasn't an unbelievable premise. It wasn't stupid. It just wasn't well balanced.
What was right:
The writing is technically perfect or close to it.
The flow and continuity are also perfect. I found no flaws.
I only found one instance of word misuse. It was probably a typo rather than a conscious decision to use that word. It happened at around 14% when the two mains were leaving a plane. The word used was debarked, rather than disembark.
The premise was very believable. Their initial meeting was sweet.
What was less right:
The entire book was a bit long winded. Droning, even. It took too long for the characters to come together. I lost interest several times.
Claire's whiny nature was beyond off putting. I wanted to reach in and strangle her on more than one occasion.
Owen felt too simple or somehow less masculine. I don't know. He irked me in some ways that are hard to define. Here he was a third generation, rich, white dude but he didn't have the cajones to be blunt with her, to tell her that he cared or that he was sick of her extended whine and cheese fest. No thank you.
They both desperately needed to grow up. He was falling back on his family's money and she kept asking her family to comfort her but not in a hands on way.
That needing her family but only at arm's length, on her terms thing that Claire did throughout the book...boy! It got old fast. Like a toddler wanting to be held but not wanting you to do it the way you always do. She was almost 30. Get over yourself.
There were other things but they were comparatively minor and not worth mentioning. In the end, there was a HEA but by that time I was so over them both that I was relieved to be done rather than happy that it all worked out for them.
Can I recommend this book? Not really. It's not exactly bad but it sure isn't good.
Claire has suffered a traumatic loss. Her boyfriend died suddenly and she can't move past the hurt. She is just stuck and wallowing in the 'could have beens' she might have had with Peter. Everywhere she goes is a memory that haunts her. So she goes home to Crystal Brook, North Carolina.
Her family is preparing for her sister Gwen's wedding. They are supportive and comforting toward Claire in her time of need. Gwen tries to distract her with wedding details. And it works until she meets Owen. Then she devolves into a teenager in the most obnoxious ways possible.
I wanted to love this book. It sounded amazing, but it failed to hold my attention. It wasn't written badly. It wasn't an unbelievable premise. It wasn't stupid. It just wasn't well balanced.
What was right:
The writing is technically perfect or close to it.
The flow and continuity are also perfect. I found no flaws.
I only found one instance of word misuse. It was probably a typo rather than a conscious decision to use that word. It happened at around 14% when the two mains were leaving a plane. The word used was debarked, rather than disembark.
The premise was very believable. Their initial meeting was sweet.
What was less right:
The entire book was a bit long winded. Droning, even. It took too long for the characters to come together. I lost interest several times.
Claire's whiny nature was beyond off putting. I wanted to reach in and strangle her on more than one occasion.
Owen felt too simple or somehow less masculine. I don't know. He irked me in some ways that are hard to define. Here he was a third generation, rich, white dude but he didn't have the cajones to be blunt with her, to tell her that he cared or that he was sick of her extended whine and cheese fest. No thank you.
They both desperately needed to grow up. He was falling back on his family's money and she kept asking her family to comfort her but not in a hands on way.
That needing her family but only at arm's length, on her terms thing that Claire did throughout the book...boy! It got old fast. Like a toddler wanting to be held but not wanting you to do it the way you always do. She was almost 30. Get over yourself.
There were other things but they were comparatively minor and not worth mentioning. In the end, there was a HEA but by that time I was so over them both that I was relieved to be done rather than happy that it all worked out for them.
Can I recommend this book? Not really. It's not exactly bad but it sure isn't good.
July 21, 2018
I’m on the fence with this one. On the one hand, there’s our hero Owen Burke—he is a total keeper. He’s got the pure swoon-factor going from his hot Adonis bod to his larger than life heart; not to mention his amazing ability to listen and his super-human patience factor. Owen is pure book boyfriend material.
Then there’s Claire Lawrence, bless her heart. Claire’s got serious issues, which are understandable as the story unfolds. But the longer the story went on, the less I was able to empathize with her. It just didn’t seem like she made any progress at all, or like she was interested in making any progress and I had issues with that. While I love a good story with angst, this one just seemed stuck on the “angst” side of the emotion-meter for most of the story. I felt a bit like Owen at times: I care, but jeez, c’mon… let’s see some kind of progress here.
Aside from my frustration at Claire’s seeming lack of desire to move forward, the story is actually a good one with some very engaging characters. I’m interested in reading more about the people in fictional Crystal Brook, and look forward to future books.
So, what can readers expect from this story? This is one you can share with your co-workers: there are spicy love scenes and occasional adult language within, along with some emotional trauma. But mostly it’s about overcoming the stuff life throws your way with the help of family and good friends.
Then there’s Claire Lawrence, bless her heart. Claire’s got serious issues, which are understandable as the story unfolds. But the longer the story went on, the less I was able to empathize with her. It just didn’t seem like she made any progress at all, or like she was interested in making any progress and I had issues with that. While I love a good story with angst, this one just seemed stuck on the “angst” side of the emotion-meter for most of the story. I felt a bit like Owen at times: I care, but jeez, c’mon… let’s see some kind of progress here.
Aside from my frustration at Claire’s seeming lack of desire to move forward, the story is actually a good one with some very engaging characters. I’m interested in reading more about the people in fictional Crystal Brook, and look forward to future books.
So, what can readers expect from this story? This is one you can share with your co-workers: there are spicy love scenes and occasional adult language within, along with some emotional trauma. But mostly it’s about overcoming the stuff life throws your way with the help of family and good friends.
June 15, 2018
I loved Crushed. I had wanted to know more about Claire (Gwen's sister from Damaged) and in Crushed I got it. She's back home in Crystal Brook after losing her new boyfriend tragically, forced there by Jason (Gwen's fiancé and Claire's boss from Damaged). She's grieving and not really in the right mind frame to start a new relationship. But, she meets Owen and her heart and mind just cannot stop falling for him. But, she's grieving too, and it makes the whole situation that much harder because she can't quite sort out her feelings. Owen, on the other hand, is all in and lets Claire know it. Alas, that too makes the situation so much harder for Claire.
I thought Crushed was fantastic, it had all the great things you need in a romance: passion, a little bit of drama and angst, love, and an awesome hero and heroine. Owen was the perfect BBF, sweet and sexy. Claire, even in her crushed state, was great for Owen, though she fought it, didn't even realize it at first.
I have loved getting to know Crystal Brook and all its heroes and heroines. Can't wait for more!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I thought Crushed was fantastic, it had all the great things you need in a romance: passion, a little bit of drama and angst, love, and an awesome hero and heroine. Owen was the perfect BBF, sweet and sexy. Claire, even in her crushed state, was great for Owen, though she fought it, didn't even realize it at first.
I have loved getting to know Crystal Brook and all its heroes and heroines. Can't wait for more!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
June 17, 2018
I don't think I've read a book where the hero displayed this much patience in any book I've read. Owen is just a beautiful man with a forgiving and loving soul. Claire is desperately hurting and her ability to love again is non-existent. How can you fall for someone when you already did for your soulmate? This is the portion of the book that Ties you to these characters. Owen loves Claire, and Claire loves Owen.. But you truly aren't sure if this is the same kind of love.
You need to read this book. It's beautiful and loving and sad and happy and a little bit angsty. I received this book from the author. I'm happily reviewing on a voluntary basis. I promise this book is worth it.
You need to read this book. It's beautiful and loving and sad and happy and a little bit angsty. I received this book from the author. I'm happily reviewing on a voluntary basis. I promise this book is worth it.
May 10, 2018
Full of angst and heartbreak. Claire is crushed by the loss of her boyfriend. A new love that she thought would last a lifetime. She goes home to lick her wounds and meets Owen. He is a bit of a Billionaire drifter. A really nice guy that has not found his way yet. The story of these two is so poignant. It was a book that captured my interest and kept it. Had some humor and a few sexy scenes. This is my 1st book by Jessica Blake. It will not be my last. I need to go read Damaged then get Wrecked. From a New Fan... Pam James.
May 25, 2018
This book wasn't bad, just long winded! Claire looses her boyfriend in a car accident, she goes home to Crystal Brook to be with her family & to help her sister Gwen with her wedding. She meets Owen who knocks on the door looking for a cat. This book is how she & Owen feels, Claire with her list & Owen with his love at first sight.
July 18, 2018
This is an emotional read that will pull at your heart-strings. Claire is in a bad place when she meets Owen and she isn't ready to open her heart yet. Will she be able to heal and love again? Will Owen wait long enough for that to happen? Pick this one up and find out if these two people will be able to see what is right in front of them before it's too late.
April 15, 2018
Clair's grief has sent her home from New York. A chance encounter with Owen leaves her wondering can she move on from the man she lost. Owen fell hard for Clair the moment her knocked on her parents door, but he knows that her grief and pain is keeping her from living and loving again.
July 9, 2018
really liked this book. owen sure did have a lot of patience and it paid off in the end. claire almost blew it but came thru in the end. the only disappointment was that i realized that it was the third book in a series. i dont like it when that happens, i like to tead them in order!
December 10, 2017
How do you go on in life when you feel like you lost your soul mate? Well that's what Claire has to go through when she meets Owen. Can Owen get her to open up and want more? Great read.
June 16, 2018
I really enjoyed the story line in this, it was different than most millionaire/billionaire books I have read. I wish it had more hot steamy sex but overall a good read.
July 21, 2018
Frustrating book. Broken girl almost breaks kind hearted guy.
Read
February 9, 2020This book was so amazing. I loved it. It showed me no matter what life throws at me. It will be ok because God has a plan for all of us. He will let us know when he wants us to know.
July 26, 2016
I received this for my honest review. This story is going to have your emotions all over the place.. for the right reasons. Claire has lost her soul mate when he dies suddenly in a car crash and is consumed by her grief, how can she move on when she's not sure where she needs to go. While Claire returns home for a few days there is a knock on the door and a mistaken identity she thinks he is the repairman. Owen Burke walks into her life they quickly feel that there is something strong between them but she's still in mourning. The story takes you on their journey through so many stages and at times you will find yourself wanting to dive in and sort them, this is a powerful read that I won't ruin by spoilers but be prepared for a great read.
July 25, 2016
Claire and Owen will take you on their Roller Coaster Ride with Crushed!
I could not book this book down, it totally held my attention throughout.
This is book 3rd in the Crystal Brooklyn Billionaires and they just keep getting better.
I recommend Crushed, if your looking for a summer read you can't put down.
****I received this Author Copy in exchange for an honest Review.***(
Laura Redmon
Cutting Muse Blog Review
I could not book this book down, it totally held my attention throughout.
This is book 3rd in the Crystal Brooklyn Billionaires and they just keep getting better.
I recommend Crushed, if your looking for a summer read you can't put down.
****I received this Author Copy in exchange for an honest Review.***(
Laura Redmon
Cutting Muse Blog Review
July 26, 2016
Claire was heart broken. Grief so terrible she goes home to her parents for help. While there she meets Owen. For Owen, he sees her sadness but the pull is so strong. Can Claire ever get over her broken heart and find happiness again? Will Owen be willing to wait? I enjoyed this emotional story of dealing with grief, heartbreak and forever love.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews