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Crush
The only thing headier than wine is lust.
Ryan Royer thought his business trip to California’s Napa Valley would be easy. Land a new client. Taste wine. But when the client is a free-spirited bombshell who presses all of his buttons, Ryan’s world goes sideways.
Kenzie Balfour is entirely irresistible. She’s the fourth generation to run The von Eck Estate Winery and she’s more intoxicating than any award-winning cabernet.
Ryan has been working hard for a promotion at one of the world’s top investment banks. If he can close this deal for her legendary winery, he gets the job. He can’t let a gorgeous woman with a great laugh get in the way of his goals. Even if she leaves him love drunk.
From a trouser-tightening almost-kiss at a restaurant to a seductive walk through a vineyard at sunset, can Ryan keep his crush on his client under control or will a taste of Kenzie be his downfall?
Ryan Royer thought his business trip to California’s Napa Valley would be easy. Land a new client. Taste wine. But when the client is a free-spirited bombshell who presses all of his buttons, Ryan’s world goes sideways.
Kenzie Balfour is entirely irresistible. She’s the fourth generation to run The von Eck Estate Winery and she’s more intoxicating than any award-winning cabernet.
Ryan has been working hard for a promotion at one of the world’s top investment banks. If he can close this deal for her legendary winery, he gets the job. He can’t let a gorgeous woman with a great laugh get in the way of his goals. Even if she leaves him love drunk.
From a trouser-tightening almost-kiss at a restaurant to a seductive walk through a vineyard at sunset, can Ryan keep his crush on his client under control or will a taste of Kenzie be his downfall?
Escape to California’s wine country in Crush.
Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2020
176 people are currently reading
1698 people want to read
About the author
Mae Wood
9 books437 followersProfessional sassypants and novelist, Mae Wood has been a bookworm her entire life.
She loves cheeses, complicated crafts that she'll start but never complete, and puns.
A while ago Mae decided that she needed to give up the fear that she couldn't write "great literature" and write what she wants to read.
And she wants romance. And laughter. And real life.
She wants heroines who are brave. Brave enough to be themselves and brave enough to fall in love. She wants men who are strong and kind.
So, what do you want to know about Mae? Drop her an email, ask questions, and she'll respond.
Visit her website for bonus content, including deleted scenes, sneak peeks, and
behind-the-scenes treats.
MaeWoodWrites@gmail.com
www.maewood.com
She loves cheeses, complicated crafts that she'll start but never complete, and puns.
A while ago Mae decided that she needed to give up the fear that she couldn't write "great literature" and write what she wants to read.
And she wants romance. And laughter. And real life.
She wants heroines who are brave. Brave enough to be themselves and brave enough to fall in love. She wants men who are strong and kind.
So, what do you want to know about Mae? Drop her an email, ask questions, and she'll respond.
Visit her website for bonus content, including deleted scenes, sneak peeks, and
behind-the-scenes treats.
MaeWoodWrites@gmail.com
www.maewood.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
January 27, 2020
I can not stop smiling while listen to this audio book. Oh so much fun. I love Ryan. I love a man who has this side of vulnerability. A hero with a side of self doubting is really cute. He seems not sure how to handle Kenzie. Nor how he feels about her. I love their stolen kisses. It is so romantic. I can imagine the background on Napa Valley.
Kenzie is just such alpha female heroine. She is not ashamed seducing Ryan nor make the first move on the sex. It is very refreshing to read alpha female who really takes a lead on the romance book. I love how Kenzie embraces her inner goddess.
The story is just dorky. Thanks to Ryan. Oh how I imagine getting lost with Ryan in Napa Valley. Overall this is a very enjoyable read.
4 stars
Kenzie is just such alpha female heroine. She is not ashamed seducing Ryan nor make the first move on the sex. It is very refreshing to read alpha female who really takes a lead on the romance book. I love how Kenzie embraces her inner goddess.
The story is just dorky. Thanks to Ryan. Oh how I imagine getting lost with Ryan in Napa Valley. Overall this is a very enjoyable read.
4 stars
June 29, 2021
This book was just insta-everything. Ryan began a fling with McKenzie literally hours after their first (business) meeting and a few hours later they both knew that "it is something else" / "it is love at first sight". Yeah, no. Needless to say, I didn't feel their love, like at all... On top of that, both main characters seemed immature. I skimmed a lot in the middle, because their on-and-off's were really tiring.
December 25, 2019
There is a special something extra in Mae Wood’s writing that I can’t quite put my finger on. Her writing is very sensory to me. The tastes and touches, the settings and sights. It’s the little things, the crunch of gravel under a boot that I can feel and hear. The sight of the sun setting over the vines. The bite and burst of the grape on the tongue. The graze of fingertips over skin leaving a trail of goosebumps. This book, especially, leaves me longing for a world of Ms. Wood’s making. Ryan and Kenzie’s furtive and passionate relationship was lush and beautiful and I loved every bit of it!
January 10, 2020
I have four books sitting on my kindle, including this one, and I am beside myself because I have not read every single word this woman has ever written. WHY PEOPLE, WHYYYY?!?!
THIS IS HOW YOU DO INSTA! All the #wins
THIS IS HOW YOU DO INSTA! All the #wins
December 29, 2019
Kenzie and Ryan on paper they appear to be polar opposites, but the moment they meet - they feel an instant attraction. They feel like they've known each other forever. Kenzie is young, but she's learning the family wine business and is determined to succeed. Ryan is older and is in the finance industry. When Ryan and Kenzie get together things get HOT! You can feel their pull and attraction. You will cheer for them and feel their pain because as with all relationships nothing ever comes easy. Trust me the crush with Kenzie and Ryan is worth all the work!
Ms. Wood draws you into her books with love and poetry. I can't wait for more titles from this author.
Ms. Wood draws you into her books with love and poetry. I can't wait for more titles from this author.
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January 1, 2020January 9, 2020!
The only thing headier than wine is lust.
Listen to an audio preview at www.maewood.com/crush
The only thing headier than wine is lust.
Listen to an audio preview at www.maewood.com/crush
January 10, 2020
I read an early version of CRUSH several months ago. Probably over the summer. And I loved it. Suuuuuuper loved it. Then, I got to read the final product before the holidays and I loved that one even more.
Here's what you need to know:
Instalove but not really. More like... instalust. They meet and their heads and hearts and genitals all start feeling some sort of way.
There is a delicious moment in the vineyard. Delicious.
I wouldn't call this an age-gap romance just like I wouldn't call The Space Between an age-gap romance. They happen to be at different ends of an age range and much like Patrick realizing Andy read Harry Potter as a child, there are wonderfully awkward moments where the reality of Kenzie and Ryan's varied points in life bubble up to the surface.
I also wouldn't call this an office romance as Ryan and Kenzie have a financier/client relationship, but you get lots of tense workplace moments where they have to pretend they're not making heart eyes at each other. It's the best.
You're probably wondering what I would call this and I want to go back to the start: instalust. But so, so much more. They have this beautiful, immediate moment of adhesion where everything closes in around them and the universe seems to whisper "that's the one" and they spend a considerable amount of time figuring out whether they can trust those whispers, whether they should risk everything for those whispers. The angst is for real but it's well earned, it's valid, and it's never angst for the sake of angst (you can probably tell how I feel about faux angst from this soliloquy).
You might like this book if...
If you like...characters who look as though they're perfect and have it all sorted on the outside but have more baggage than Laguardia on Thanksgiving
If you like...big feels and sexy times before 50% (I think it's closer to 30% but please don't quote me)
If you like .... families with all the stuff associated with families
If you like...rehabilitated players who are ready to find the one and settle down.
If you like...smart, strong women who know who they are and what they want.
Here's what you need to know:
Instalove but not really. More like... instalust. They meet and their heads and hearts and genitals all start feeling some sort of way.
There is a delicious moment in the vineyard. Delicious.
I wouldn't call this an age-gap romance just like I wouldn't call The Space Between an age-gap romance. They happen to be at different ends of an age range and much like Patrick realizing Andy read Harry Potter as a child, there are wonderfully awkward moments where the reality of Kenzie and Ryan's varied points in life bubble up to the surface.
I also wouldn't call this an office romance as Ryan and Kenzie have a financier/client relationship, but you get lots of tense workplace moments where they have to pretend they're not making heart eyes at each other. It's the best.
You're probably wondering what I would call this and I want to go back to the start: instalust. But so, so much more. They have this beautiful, immediate moment of adhesion where everything closes in around them and the universe seems to whisper "that's the one" and they spend a considerable amount of time figuring out whether they can trust those whispers, whether they should risk everything for those whispers. The angst is for real but it's well earned, it's valid, and it's never angst for the sake of angst (you can probably tell how I feel about faux angst from this soliloquy).
You might like this book if...
If you like...characters who look as though they're perfect and have it all sorted on the outside but have more baggage than Laguardia on Thanksgiving
If you like...big feels and sexy times before 50% (I think it's closer to 30% but please don't quote me)
If you like .... families with all the stuff associated with families
If you like...rehabilitated players who are ready to find the one and settle down.
If you like...smart, strong women who know who they are and what they want.
December 8, 2019
I never know quite what to expect when I open a new Mae Wood book in terms of characters and plot. She writes stories with a lovely variety of people, times and places. But what I always DO expect is top-notch writing, excellent character development and a happily ever after. Crush is no exception, it met every hope I had for a satisfying read. Mae’s writing is emotionally evocative without ratcheting up the angst levels her characters have to endure. Ryan and McKenzie are characters you love to love, even when they make the missteps necessary to give us a rewarding ending. If you’re looking for a great book to snuggle up under a cozy blanket and enjoy a favorite beverage while you read, this is a great candidate.
December 31, 2019
I have a deep fondness for Mae Wood and her words! I first fell in love with her writing when she wrote about my man, Bert. She knows I need him in real life lol but Ryan is running a very close second and Kenzie is one of my favorite female characters. I love that there is some push and pull to keep you interested but I just adore the fact that this is a woman who knows what she wants and goes and gets it. There are a couple of times that I wanted to smack them both but I truly enjoyed this read and highly recommend it! Bravo!
December 31, 2019
Five full wine goblets for this finely crafted story. Steamy and sexy, most definitely crush-worthy with all the feels.
Read
January 9, 2020Insta-lust becomes insta-love becomes forever in this steamy, forbidden romance set in California's wine country. A heartfelt, whirlwind love story between two people who are simply meant to be.
January 9, 2020
4.5 stars
Utterly sweet and to the point. CRUSH is aces! This story involves Kenzie and Ryan. If you’ve read Mae Wood’s Plus One, you’ll know that Kenzie is Drennan’s cousin. Crush reads as a perfect standalone and/or prequel to Plus One.
This book was scorching! I’m a sucker for insta-love/lust and Crush delivers. Kenzie and Ryan’s story is full of tension and angst with the right amount of heat and love.
”Even if this was a mistake, he was the best mistake I’d ever made.”
This story is primarily a forbidden romance as Ryan’s firm is hires to head the financials for Kenzie’s family winery. No mixing business with pleasure and all that. With a slight age gap, and a great love story, Crush has everything I love in a romance!
Utterly sweet and to the point. CRUSH is aces! This story involves Kenzie and Ryan. If you’ve read Mae Wood’s Plus One, you’ll know that Kenzie is Drennan’s cousin. Crush reads as a perfect standalone and/or prequel to Plus One.
This book was scorching! I’m a sucker for insta-love/lust and Crush delivers. Kenzie and Ryan’s story is full of tension and angst with the right amount of heat and love.
”Even if this was a mistake, he was the best mistake I’d ever made.”
This story is primarily a forbidden romance as Ryan’s firm is hires to head the financials for Kenzie’s family winery. No mixing business with pleasure and all that. With a slight age gap, and a great love story, Crush has everything I love in a romance!
January 3, 2020
Wood takes an interesting approach to storytelling. Where as most authors start at a slow burn, she goes full force. Crush attacks the senses and then works at claiming your heart. From the picture she paints, to the dialogue she writes Mae Wood sets out to get a reaction and she most definitely succeeds. Kenzie and Ryan are as flavorful as they are compelling. One taste is far from enough.
December 27, 2019
Crush....grapes, infatuation, the heart, preconceived ideas, expectations, hopes, destruction. Yes Crush seems like a small one syllable five letter word but this little word packs a powerful punch. As they say, “Good things come in small packages”. Well this book proves that theory. All of the above are found in this beautifully written and well crafted story. Not only is it well written it’s smart and begs questions of us like; are there really soulmates, kindred spirits, is destiny a real thing, can life change in an instant or at a glance, can we grow up overnight, when do we learn to trust, is it more important to trust your mind or your heart, and even then do you always have to do the right thing or can you just follow your emotional instincts, can two such different worlds really make it work, does the adage really hold true that where there’s a will there is a way?
Well this is just the pop of the wine cork as to why you should indulge in the vibrant and full bodied romance of the journey of Kenzie and Ryan. Watching the development of immaturity to maturity and learning to trust and ignore preconceptions it’s almost like you can feel it and understand all the players in the cast.
Aside from all of the above you get an education into the winemaking process. It’s described in such a way that you want to be there. You want to see the wine cask, feel the grapes, tour the vineyards. After the description of Napa Valley it’s now secured a place on my bucket list!
I don’t do spoilers as I feel it’s not fair to the author. Where would the fun be if you knew what was going to happen. What I will tell you is that you will get everything you’re looking for in this book. It delivers all the feels; smiles, a little angst, romance, insta chemistry and heat ( really good heat!). Plus we get to meet up with people from the Pig and Barley series. That’s a little extra treat.
According to a part of the definition of the word crush it’s an informal feeling of love for someone you can’t have, often short lived, it wears out. Now the burning question is can a crush become love or can it be love from the beginning and not a crush? Well my friends you’ll have to read the book to get those answers. Now after reviewing this beautiful story I’m going to open a bottle of cabaret and soak in the bouquet of the story and the wine.
Well this is just the pop of the wine cork as to why you should indulge in the vibrant and full bodied romance of the journey of Kenzie and Ryan. Watching the development of immaturity to maturity and learning to trust and ignore preconceptions it’s almost like you can feel it and understand all the players in the cast.
Aside from all of the above you get an education into the winemaking process. It’s described in such a way that you want to be there. You want to see the wine cask, feel the grapes, tour the vineyards. After the description of Napa Valley it’s now secured a place on my bucket list!
I don’t do spoilers as I feel it’s not fair to the author. Where would the fun be if you knew what was going to happen. What I will tell you is that you will get everything you’re looking for in this book. It delivers all the feels; smiles, a little angst, romance, insta chemistry and heat ( really good heat!). Plus we get to meet up with people from the Pig and Barley series. That’s a little extra treat.
According to a part of the definition of the word crush it’s an informal feeling of love for someone you can’t have, often short lived, it wears out. Now the burning question is can a crush become love or can it be love from the beginning and not a crush? Well my friends you’ll have to read the book to get those answers. Now after reviewing this beautiful story I’m going to open a bottle of cabaret and soak in the bouquet of the story and the wine.
January 5, 2020
Pour me a glass of your best wine, sir, because I am crushing HARD for this book.
M. Ryan Royer, buttoned up financial guy by day, sweaty ice hockey goalie by night, and dirty talker/swoonworthy hero ALL THE TIME. McKenzie Balfour is an amazing mix of the innocent recent college grad, and the woman who knows her mind.
Both have plans for the future, but a multi-million dollar wine/land deal brings them together and suddenly the future is crystal clear. But also completely different than what either of them had planned on.
I ADORED the banter between Ryan and Kenzie. Loved the side characters- Kenzie's cousin Drennan (have you read Plus One?), and Ryan's hockey teammates of the made-up names. And if von Eck winery was a real place, I'd be cashing in my airline miles to do some day drinking...
M. Ryan Royer, buttoned up financial guy by day, sweaty ice hockey goalie by night, and dirty talker/swoonworthy hero ALL THE TIME. McKenzie Balfour is an amazing mix of the innocent recent college grad, and the woman who knows her mind.
Both have plans for the future, but a multi-million dollar wine/land deal brings them together and suddenly the future is crystal clear. But also completely different than what either of them had planned on.
I ADORED the banter between Ryan and Kenzie. Loved the side characters- Kenzie's cousin Drennan (have you read Plus One?), and Ryan's hockey teammates of the made-up names. And if von Eck winery was a real place, I'd be cashing in my airline miles to do some day drinking...
December 29, 2019
Ahh! What a wonderful story!
Kenzie is such a strong heroine. She has her eyes on her dream and is intent on working hard to achieve her goals.
Ryan arrives in Napa, thinking only about nabbing a client and scoring a promotion but is bowled over by a beautiful wine maker.
“My world that was built on science and facts now felt like it was floating on feeling and intuition.”
The romance went from zero to speeding in seconds! A bit of an insta-lust story that develops into so much more.
“I wanted to live in this fairy tale about a girl who sowed chaos and lived in peace with poems by her bed and wore my old jerseys to sleep.”
Crush is set in and around the lush vineyards of Napa Valley and the author really delivers the tastes, smells and feels of the area. The setting comes to life and really puts the reader right into the midst of this story.
-5 Stars!-
Kenzie is such a strong heroine. She has her eyes on her dream and is intent on working hard to achieve her goals.
Ryan arrives in Napa, thinking only about nabbing a client and scoring a promotion but is bowled over by a beautiful wine maker.
“My world that was built on science and facts now felt like it was floating on feeling and intuition.”
The romance went from zero to speeding in seconds! A bit of an insta-lust story that develops into so much more.
“I wanted to live in this fairy tale about a girl who sowed chaos and lived in peace with poems by her bed and wore my old jerseys to sleep.”
Crush is set in and around the lush vineyards of Napa Valley and the author really delivers the tastes, smells and feels of the area. The setting comes to life and really puts the reader right into the midst of this story.
-5 Stars!-
January 2, 2020
Maybe I put too much thought into picking a first book for each year. But I couldn’t be more pleased with myself for choosing Crush to begin my 2020 reading year.
I’ll confess that I'm a huge Mae Wood fan. I’ve read all her books (some of them multiple times), I regularly scour her website to see if there’s anything new, and I get excited to see her newsletters in my email inbox. So turning on my Kindle several weeks back and discovering that the ARC I’d requested from her newsletter had magically appeared, was basically the BEST Christmas present I could ask for. And it was SO HARD not to drop everything and start in. But I made myself wait...desperately hoping it would live up to my expectations.
It almost didn’t.
McKenzie Balfour has her life plan all in place, even though she hasn’t even graduated from college yet. She’ll be the fourth generation to run the von Eck Estate Winery, but right now the family is in the process of raising funds to purchase more land.
Enter investment banker, Ryan Royer. He’s spent the past several years working hard for a promotion to senior vice president and securing capital funds for the von Eck Estate will help seal the deal. What Ryan doesn’t expect is his instant attraction to Kenzie, or hers to him. Things get hot and heavy fast, and Ryan hardly knows which way is up, even when it starts affecting his job.
But once Ryan realizes their relationship could have negative consequences for Kenzie and her family, he’s forced to make a heartbreaking choice.
There are SO MANY things I love about Mae Wood’s books. At the top of the list is that her characters are mature and use their heads. What made me so nervous about this book is that Kenzie and Ryan were kinda out of control - chemistry wise. The first half of the book had lots of sexy times. Now, I’m not a reader who’s afraid of the sexy times. But given a choice, I like to see a relationship develop more outside of the bedroom than in the bedroom. And all the sex between the hero and heroine was getting to be a bit much. But...just when I was beginning to feel disappointed at the lack of emotional depth in this book (because things were mostly physical), a switch was flipped and all the sudden THERE was the Mae Wood I know and love!!!
It was like all the steamy she didn’t include in her book Genealogy was then added to Crush. Which made for one steamy scene after another for, like, half the book.
Thank goodness things turned around. But now that I think about it, maybe it was on purpose. Maybe all that frantic sex was meant to show us - for the reader to feel - how frantic Kenzie and Ryan felt about each other???
Anyway, have I mentioned how much I love Mae Wood’s books? 😊
Kenzie and Ryan were great characters. I loved how even though Kenzie was young, she had a confidence that you hardly ever see in young adult heroines. When things fell apart, she was hurt, but didn’t get mopey or act out. She didn’t behave like a drama queen. And Ryan, oh Ryan...I loved how he was all in with Kenzie, but ultimately made the responsible choice. I love when a character steps back and uses their head to look at the big picture, even though it hurts. But I also love when the hero goes after his girl. There’s not much I love more than a good grovel scene, and Ryan delivered.
The thing I think I love most about this book is that it would probably be labeled a young adult romance, but there’s not a single “young adult” thing about it. Okay, so our hero and heroine let their hormones get carried away and let their chemistry rule a lot of their actions at first. But there’s no ridiculous angst, no immature behavior, no over-the-top drama. No repeating ad nauseam about how hawt the hero is, or going on and on about their woes. Less Pecs More Plot is my motto, and Mae Wood delivers that in spades. I was a little worried that this book would be all about how hot Kenzie and Ryan were for each other, but NOPE, the story dug in and dealt with actual issues. I loved how the story ended, with Kenzie and Ryan doing their own impulsive thing, but also being responsible and setting themselves up for the future. This book made me laugh, but I also cried. And it was fantastic. Every single page.
Now I find myself in my usual post-Mae Wood-read funk. Her books are SO GOOD, and I always fear there’s no way my next one will satisfy me as much. There truly is a shortage of authors who write character-driven stories, with plots that aren’t bogged down by stupid stuff. I’m not sure what Ms. Wood’s next book will be about, but I DO know two things: I will definitely read it, and I can hardly wait.
* a HUGE thank you to author Mae Wood for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I’ll confess that I'm a huge Mae Wood fan. I’ve read all her books (some of them multiple times), I regularly scour her website to see if there’s anything new, and I get excited to see her newsletters in my email inbox. So turning on my Kindle several weeks back and discovering that the ARC I’d requested from her newsletter had magically appeared, was basically the BEST Christmas present I could ask for. And it was SO HARD not to drop everything and start in. But I made myself wait...desperately hoping it would live up to my expectations.
It almost didn’t.
McKenzie Balfour has her life plan all in place, even though she hasn’t even graduated from college yet. She’ll be the fourth generation to run the von Eck Estate Winery, but right now the family is in the process of raising funds to purchase more land.
Enter investment banker, Ryan Royer. He’s spent the past several years working hard for a promotion to senior vice president and securing capital funds for the von Eck Estate will help seal the deal. What Ryan doesn’t expect is his instant attraction to Kenzie, or hers to him. Things get hot and heavy fast, and Ryan hardly knows which way is up, even when it starts affecting his job.
But once Ryan realizes their relationship could have negative consequences for Kenzie and her family, he’s forced to make a heartbreaking choice.
There are SO MANY things I love about Mae Wood’s books. At the top of the list is that her characters are mature and use their heads. What made me so nervous about this book is that Kenzie and Ryan were kinda out of control - chemistry wise. The first half of the book had lots of sexy times. Now, I’m not a reader who’s afraid of the sexy times. But given a choice, I like to see a relationship develop more outside of the bedroom than in the bedroom. And all the sex between the hero and heroine was getting to be a bit much. But...just when I was beginning to feel disappointed at the lack of emotional depth in this book (because things were mostly physical), a switch was flipped and all the sudden THERE was the Mae Wood I know and love!!!
It was like all the steamy she didn’t include in her book Genealogy was then added to Crush. Which made for one steamy scene after another for, like, half the book.
Thank goodness things turned around. But now that I think about it, maybe it was on purpose. Maybe all that frantic sex was meant to show us - for the reader to feel - how frantic Kenzie and Ryan felt about each other???
Anyway, have I mentioned how much I love Mae Wood’s books? 😊
Kenzie and Ryan were great characters. I loved how even though Kenzie was young, she had a confidence that you hardly ever see in young adult heroines. When things fell apart, she was hurt, but didn’t get mopey or act out. She didn’t behave like a drama queen. And Ryan, oh Ryan...I loved how he was all in with Kenzie, but ultimately made the responsible choice. I love when a character steps back and uses their head to look at the big picture, even though it hurts. But I also love when the hero goes after his girl. There’s not much I love more than a good grovel scene, and Ryan delivered.
The thing I think I love most about this book is that it would probably be labeled a young adult romance, but there’s not a single “young adult” thing about it. Okay, so our hero and heroine let their hormones get carried away and let their chemistry rule a lot of their actions at first. But there’s no ridiculous angst, no immature behavior, no over-the-top drama. No repeating ad nauseam about how hawt the hero is, or going on and on about their woes. Less Pecs More Plot is my motto, and Mae Wood delivers that in spades. I was a little worried that this book would be all about how hot Kenzie and Ryan were for each other, but NOPE, the story dug in and dealt with actual issues. I loved how the story ended, with Kenzie and Ryan doing their own impulsive thing, but also being responsible and setting themselves up for the future. This book made me laugh, but I also cried. And it was fantastic. Every single page.
Now I find myself in my usual post-Mae Wood-read funk. Her books are SO GOOD, and I always fear there’s no way my next one will satisfy me as much. There truly is a shortage of authors who write character-driven stories, with plots that aren’t bogged down by stupid stuff. I’m not sure what Ms. Wood’s next book will be about, but I DO know two things: I will definitely read it, and I can hardly wait.
* a HUGE thank you to author Mae Wood for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 9, 2020
This book really was like the best glass of wine: intoxicating and delicious. Ryan and Kensie are electric from the moment they meet and I felt their infatuation so much they gave me butterflies. This book swept me off my feet big time and I devoured every word. My first book by Mae Wood and I'm kicking my self for waiting so long. Five stars all the way!
December 29, 2019
Kenzie and Ryan grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go! The insta-lust and feeling of rightness between them sucked me right in. They both have very real reasons to stay apart, but deep down they both know from the start that they are meant to be more that just a crush. Mae Wood writes with such descriptive beauty that you feel, see and hear everything she is describing. The sun setting over the vineyard, the crunch of gravel, the feel of a plump grape between your fingers. It's magical. The settings and characters are so real and natural and never disappoint. I devoured this book and wanted more!
January 9, 2020
Insta connection, steamy scenes and vineyards...what’s not to love! I loved Kenzie and Ryan and although they had a few ups and downs they did not waiver from their connection. Just as in real life....sometimes when you know you just know. I loved the imaginary of the vineyards so much it made me want to book a trip to Napa.
February 26, 2021
Love at first sight or Lust at first sight? That's what you will get within the first few chapters of this book. MacKenzie and Ryan or Kenzie and Ryan. Her family owned vineyard is trying to get a loan to expand their winery, he's the guy that can get the big bucks. But that first meeting between these two was a punch to the gut for both Kenzie and Ryan. Their affair starts off really hot a sexy, but hurdles or the hurdles these two endure to keep what they have to themselves. They both realize what they have is more than a Crush.
I loved, loved, loved Kenzie. Her free spirit ways, but her love and passion for her winery. Ryan, he is totally under Kenzie's spell, he just need to put everything in perspective, but oh the witchcraft Kenzie has over Ryan.
I am a hopeless romantic to reading a quick love story as this one did not bother me one bit. Kenzie and Ryan had chemistry in spades. The author did her research regarding the harvesting of grapes, so much so that I really want to visit a winery and see the beauty of these grapes.
Mae Wood does not disappoint in delivering a great love story. If you have read her other books, Crush will certainly not disappoint. Mark your calendars, because January 9, 2020 is around the corner for you to one click this book.
I loved, loved, loved Kenzie. Her free spirit ways, but her love and passion for her winery. Ryan, he is totally under Kenzie's spell, he just need to put everything in perspective, but oh the witchcraft Kenzie has over Ryan.
I am a hopeless romantic to reading a quick love story as this one did not bother me one bit. Kenzie and Ryan had chemistry in spades. The author did her research regarding the harvesting of grapes, so much so that I really want to visit a winery and see the beauty of these grapes.
Mae Wood does not disappoint in delivering a great love story. If you have read her other books, Crush will certainly not disappoint. Mark your calendars, because January 9, 2020 is around the corner for you to one click this book.
December 31, 2019
If you are a fan of Mae Wood and have already read, Plus One, you may remember being introduced to Drennan’s cousin, McKenzie and her husband, Ryan. Crush is the story of how McKenzie and Ryan met and eventually fall in love.
When von Eck Estates Winery decides to expand and purchase additional land, Ryan is part of the banking team who travels to Napa to work on the financing. It was “lust and something else” at first sight for Ryan and McKenzie. When that lust is soon after acted upon there is a scene in the vineyard that is so raw and edgy that it will stay in your memory for quite some time. This is the type of writing Mae Wood excels at. That super emotional, descriptive writing that has you so entrenched in the scene that in this case, you will check to see if you have mud on you after you read it.
This is the book I was anxious to read by Mae Wood. The blurbs I had read really intrigued me. I was delighted to find that my anticipation was well rewarded. Like all of Mae Wood’s books, you will find spectacular characters, witty dialogue, and vivid descriptions of people, places, and things. Enjoy the trip to Napa and the von Eck Estates Winery.
When von Eck Estates Winery decides to expand and purchase additional land, Ryan is part of the banking team who travels to Napa to work on the financing. It was “lust and something else” at first sight for Ryan and McKenzie. When that lust is soon after acted upon there is a scene in the vineyard that is so raw and edgy that it will stay in your memory for quite some time. This is the type of writing Mae Wood excels at. That super emotional, descriptive writing that has you so entrenched in the scene that in this case, you will check to see if you have mud on you after you read it.
This is the book I was anxious to read by Mae Wood. The blurbs I had read really intrigued me. I was delighted to find that my anticipation was well rewarded. Like all of Mae Wood’s books, you will find spectacular characters, witty dialogue, and vivid descriptions of people, places, and things. Enjoy the trip to Napa and the von Eck Estates Winery.
January 9, 2020
Crush is set in Napa Valley and the Von Eck Winery that Kenzie will one day inherit. This book is a few years ahead of this author’s book “Plus One” which features Kenzie’s cousin Drennan.
Ryan, a 30-year-old banker, meets Kenzie in the process of helping the winery secure financing for expansion. Kenzie and Ryan experience a love at first sight/instant attraction/magnetic pull toward each other. I really loved this element of the story. They each had this deep feeling immediately that they were meant to be more. I love Kenzie’s confidence and willingness to pursue a relationship that feels right even though the timing seems so wrong. I love that Ryan cannot help the way he feels about Kenzie, even though it could professionally devastate him. Yes, they have trials to get through. Yes, they each must grow a little. Yes, there are times when they need to prioritize other things over a relationship with each other. Yes, Ryan must overcome stereotypes he would like to apply to Kenzie.
This book was well written, and I really appreciated how mature Kenzie was dealing with Ryan regarding their age and life differences. I really liked how they communicated well except for the big black moment. I loved that that they dove into their relationship with both feet.
I am a sucker for a love at first sight book and this one did not disappoint me. The story and character development were excellent, and I could not put the book down. I always feel like the sign of a good book to me is if I want to read it again. I finished this book and I am already planning a reread in the next month. I highly recommend this book.
Ryan, a 30-year-old banker, meets Kenzie in the process of helping the winery secure financing for expansion. Kenzie and Ryan experience a love at first sight/instant attraction/magnetic pull toward each other. I really loved this element of the story. They each had this deep feeling immediately that they were meant to be more. I love Kenzie’s confidence and willingness to pursue a relationship that feels right even though the timing seems so wrong. I love that Ryan cannot help the way he feels about Kenzie, even though it could professionally devastate him. Yes, they have trials to get through. Yes, they each must grow a little. Yes, there are times when they need to prioritize other things over a relationship with each other. Yes, Ryan must overcome stereotypes he would like to apply to Kenzie.
This book was well written, and I really appreciated how mature Kenzie was dealing with Ryan regarding their age and life differences. I really liked how they communicated well except for the big black moment. I loved that that they dove into their relationship with both feet.
I am a sucker for a love at first sight book and this one did not disappoint me. The story and character development were excellent, and I could not put the book down. I always feel like the sign of a good book to me is if I want to read it again. I finished this book and I am already planning a reread in the next month. I highly recommend this book.
January 9, 2020
This was my first Mae Wood book but I've already gone back and put all her books on my TBR list. People have been telling me for awhile that I need to get with it...I'm just sorry it took me so long. I found this story to be super sexy with some great banter (Kenzie is a complete delight). Both Ryan and Kenzie feel like they've known each other before but neither can put their finger on it either...a lot of the suspense for me was HOW did they know each other...I'm not sure I got that answer except...maybe it was in a past life, or their souls were just meant for each other. The fact that there is an age gap AND that he is working for her family should deter them...and it does. Do these two have what it takes to work past all that in order to make it work?
January 10, 2020
“He wasn’t a crush. He was it for me.” Crush by Mae Wood
I feel like an insta-love has to be done just right - and this one was! Ryan and Kenzie are an adorable couple that just couldn’t help but fall in love!
I absolutely adore Mae Wood’s books! This one made me want to go to a winery in Napa - and I don’t really even like wine!
There was adventure and practicality in this book that were so well balanced! This was an amazing addition to her awesome books! I highly recommend this sweet, hot, and fun book.
I feel like an insta-love has to be done just right - and this one was! Ryan and Kenzie are an adorable couple that just couldn’t help but fall in love!
I absolutely adore Mae Wood’s books! This one made me want to go to a winery in Napa - and I don’t really even like wine!
There was adventure and practicality in this book that were so well balanced! This was an amazing addition to her awesome books! I highly recommend this sweet, hot, and fun book.
January 6, 2020
Lush, smart, and oh-so-sexy, CRUSH delivers on every level. I absolutely adored Kenzie and Ryan's delicious path to happily ever after! The conflict and characters presented a fresh twist on the May-December trope; everything felt real and well-considered. For a wino like me, the Napa Valley setting was an added bonus, as were all the yummy mentions of wine. If you like smart, sophisticated, feel-y romance, then be sure to check out CRUSH. Mae Wood is an author to watch!
December 31, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book, but I have loved every book written by Mae Wood so far. The chemistry between Kenzi and Ryan is off the charts. This story has everything that you will even need in a book. You will not be disappointed.
December 30, 2019
One thing I like best about Mae’s books is that you dive right in. She immerses you in the story and then weaves the backstory in after- seamlessly. I love it.
Kenzie is young. But somehow she’s so relatable. Ryan is the cutest. If you love love, pick this one up. You won’t be sorry.
Kenzie is young. But somehow she’s so relatable. Ryan is the cutest. If you love love, pick this one up. You won’t be sorry.
December 19, 2019
There is absolute magic to Mae Wood's words! Every story she has written (and I have read them all!) has been golden and Crush is up there with the best of them!
Crush is McKenzie and Ryan's story. This story started as blazing hot bites on Book + Main. And now it's a full-fledged book with heart, heat and oh my me the swoons!
Just one of the millions of things I love about this story is the smart and savvy writing style that is Mae Wood. I was amazed at learning about the winemaking process and yet I didn't feel pandered to. The background work that Ms. Wood had to do for this story was fantastic and shows in this story.
Even with the age difference between McKenzie and Ryan, you can tell that they were meant to be! I loved McKenzie's brashness and her honesty.
I loved Ryan with a fierceness! A fully well-rounded hero that a gal can swoon over proudly! I admired his tenacity at keeping what he wanted.
The dialogue was smart, sassy and smexy! I also loved the play on the title Crush, from winemaking, to love and to heartbreak, it covers all the points in this story and more!
If you haven't read Mae Wood before what are you waiting for?!? Get your hands on this story! This is in the running for my "Best Reads of 2019"!!
Crush is McKenzie and Ryan's story. This story started as blazing hot bites on Book + Main. And now it's a full-fledged book with heart, heat and oh my me the swoons!
Just one of the millions of things I love about this story is the smart and savvy writing style that is Mae Wood. I was amazed at learning about the winemaking process and yet I didn't feel pandered to. The background work that Ms. Wood had to do for this story was fantastic and shows in this story.
Even with the age difference between McKenzie and Ryan, you can tell that they were meant to be! I loved McKenzie's brashness and her honesty.
I loved Ryan with a fierceness! A fully well-rounded hero that a gal can swoon over proudly! I admired his tenacity at keeping what he wanted.
The dialogue was smart, sassy and smexy! I also loved the play on the title Crush, from winemaking, to love and to heartbreak, it covers all the points in this story and more!
If you haven't read Mae Wood before what are you waiting for?!? Get your hands on this story! This is in the running for my "Best Reads of 2019"!!
December 19, 2019
*** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it ***
** 100% spoiler-free review **
Mae Wood is a new to me author and now I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to read one of her stories! Crush was such a delight to read! The characters were so real and believable and the story moved at the perfect pace. While I'm not a wine connoisseur, I found myself fascinated with the behind-the-scenes look at winemaking throughout. I love when a book is both interesting and informative in addition to being a great read!
I just adored Kenzie and Ryan! Their age difference didn't seem that big as Kenzie was so mature. She was definitely wise beyond her years which made her connection with Ryan both feasible and unsurprising. Together, they were electric. With many obstacles in their way, these two didn't have an easy go of it and had to work hard to get their happy ending. They defied the odds and proved that age really is just a number. Wood did a great job making me feel connected to these two characters, the secondary characters and the story as a whole. I can't wait to read more from this author!
** 100% spoiler-free review **
Mae Wood is a new to me author and now I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to read one of her stories! Crush was such a delight to read! The characters were so real and believable and the story moved at the perfect pace. While I'm not a wine connoisseur, I found myself fascinated with the behind-the-scenes look at winemaking throughout. I love when a book is both interesting and informative in addition to being a great read!
I just adored Kenzie and Ryan! Their age difference didn't seem that big as Kenzie was so mature. She was definitely wise beyond her years which made her connection with Ryan both feasible and unsurprising. Together, they were electric. With many obstacles in their way, these two didn't have an easy go of it and had to work hard to get their happy ending. They defied the odds and proved that age really is just a number. Wood did a great job making me feel connected to these two characters, the secondary characters and the story as a whole. I can't wait to read more from this author!
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