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The Crush
I swear I wasn’t that obsessed. I wouldn’t have called it an obsession at all.
But a year ago, I was just a girl with the start of a crush.
Everything that happened that night was just the luck of the draw.
I wound up a little bruised—fine, a little broken—and intoxicated by a man I couldn’t have.
The Crush is a prequel novella leading into The RSVP!
But a year ago, I was just a girl with the start of a crush.
Everything that happened that night was just the luck of the draw.
I wound up a little bruised—fine, a little broken—and intoxicated by a man I couldn’t have.
The Crush is a prequel novella leading into The RSVP!
47 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2022
About the author
Lauren Blakely
257 books25.6k followersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 23, 2022
Quick prequel- should be titled The Crush
Harlow (20) has a crush on her father’s business partner. She’s been crushing since she was 15. One day while she’s trying to catch up to him as he’s walking in NY, she crashes into an car, breaking bones. Luckily, Bridger is there and takes her to the hospital.
They start bonding over sports and Broadway…
And then she leaves to study abroad…
There’s not much of a relationship here. There are hints that more will happen 👀
I didn’t like how gross her dad is 😐. Ugh. But I appreciate that her dad’s infidelities also gross her out.
I’m excited to read The RSVP…
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating*/sharing/owd/omd
-cheating (dad constantly cheats)
-they’re not really dating but the h is more interested in the H. She finds out he’s dating and she dates someone too
Harlow (20) has a crush on her father’s business partner. She’s been crushing since she was 15. One day while she’s trying to catch up to him as he’s walking in NY, she crashes into an car, breaking bones. Luckily, Bridger is there and takes her to the hospital.
They start bonding over sports and Broadway…
And then she leaves to study abroad…
There’s not much of a relationship here. There are hints that more will happen 👀
I didn’t like how gross her dad is 😐. Ugh. But I appreciate that her dad’s infidelities also gross her out.
I’m excited to read The RSVP…
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating*/sharing/owd/omd
-cheating (dad constantly cheats)
-they’re not really dating but the h is more interested in the H. She finds out he’s dating and she dates someone too
December 29, 2022
Prequel to the RSVP
January 18, 2023
The Crush is a prequel novella leading into The RSVP!
Harlow has a crush on her father's business partner Bridger but at only 20 she really isn't on his radar. One mishap leads him to helping Harlow out and her crush goes from sweet to full on heat.
A semester abroad and some distance might help Harlow get over this crush but probably not. On her first day back in New York she plans to make all those fantasies come to fruition because she is 21 now and all bets are off.
I kind of adored this little tease of what we can expect in The RSVP because I think Harlow is going to be a siren Bridger just can't resist.
And Harlow's dad... EWWW!!
Harlow has a crush on her father's business partner Bridger but at only 20 she really isn't on his radar. One mishap leads him to helping Harlow out and her crush goes from sweet to full on heat.
A semester abroad and some distance might help Harlow get over this crush but probably not. On her first day back in New York she plans to make all those fantasies come to fruition because she is 21 now and all bets are off.
I kind of adored this little tease of what we can expect in The RSVP because I think Harlow is going to be a siren Bridger just can't resist.
And Harlow's dad... EWWW!!
December 29, 2022
I feel the beginnings of a forbidden love story... Harlow has been in love with Bridger since she was 15 years old, she is now on the cusp of turning 21 and heading overseas to work after college.
Bridger is a bit older than her and is her dad's business partner so she would be strictly off-limits to him.
A great prequel novella to whet the appetite leading up to the release of The RSVP.
Bridger is a bit older than her and is her dad's business partner so she would be strictly off-limits to him.
A great prequel novella to whet the appetite leading up to the release of The RSVP.
July 8, 2026
3 for Story, 4 for Audiobook! So... 3.5/5 average
A short story, not exactly a MF romance but it is prequel of The RSVP.
I got this audiobook for free from the author (I think a promo?) long ago & finally tried it. I have no plans to read the main book (as I don't read MF romance much these days) but I already knew Lauren writes prequels to her stories, so I had a feeling this was gonna be one. I went in blind otherwise! Listened to this just before sleeping!
There's 1 female narrator & she's amazing. Her voice is smooth, clear. She did male voices well too. The british accent was hot (even tho I hate her dad!). It works as there's only 1 POV too.
The FMC has a crush on her father's business partner, hence the name. We have some developments with him rescuing her from an accident & some other moments but it doesn't go further. Then she leaves for studies abroad & they both start dating others. It's interesting but reading main book is needed to curb the cliffhanger.
Her Dad is such a cheating bastard. I hate him! I really disliked that she wasn't telling his fiancee but atleast we get info about it (way later btw, I was starting to dislike her for not saying anything 😭). He has some good moments with her, but FMC's resentment still shows.
Audiobook info:
Narrator: Single, Vanessa Edwin
Voice acting: 8/10 (very good)
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
A short story, not exactly a MF romance but it is prequel of The RSVP.
I got this audiobook for free from the author (I think a promo?) long ago & finally tried it. I have no plans to read the main book (as I don't read MF romance much these days) but I already knew Lauren writes prequels to her stories, so I had a feeling this was gonna be one. I went in blind otherwise! Listened to this just before sleeping!
There's 1 female narrator & she's amazing. Her voice is smooth, clear. She did male voices well too. The british accent was hot (even tho I hate her dad!). It works as there's only 1 POV too.
The FMC has a crush on her father's business partner, hence the name. We have some developments with him rescuing her from an accident & some other moments but it doesn't go further. Then she leaves for studies abroad & they both start dating others. It's interesting but reading main book is needed to curb the cliffhanger.
Her Dad is such a cheating bastard. I hate him! I really disliked that she wasn't telling his fiancee but atleast we get info about it (way later btw, I was starting to dislike her for not saying anything 😭). He has some good moments with her, but FMC's resentment still shows.
Audiobook info:
Narrator: Single, Vanessa Edwin
Voice acting: 8/10 (very good)
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
January 9, 2023
3.5 stars-cute
April 30, 2023
It’s around 40 pages and an introduction to the real story. Can’t really say anything except that I will read the story of Harlow and Bridger.
June 26, 2023
Rated
3 Stars:⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
3 Stars:⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
November 19, 2023
Because I listened to the audiobook, the prequel was included.
It is not necessary to read this before starting the series
It is not necessary to read this before starting the series
April 15, 2025
This was a nice prequel to Harlow and Bridger’s story, and I can’t wait to read how things develop between them in their main book.
January 7, 2023
It was okay. I thought it was a short novella, but it's the prologue/lead in to a new book just released. So not really much of a reason for more stars.
January 4, 2023
Always a tease
Lauren knows how to snare a reader. I am definitely on the hook. Good thing The RSVP is already on my kindle
Lauren knows how to snare a reader. I am definitely on the hook. Good thing The RSVP is already on my kindle
September 5, 2023
This was just a short prequel to The Virgin Society series by Lauren Blakely and it was a perfect lead in. Harlow has a crush on her dad's business partner who is 10 years older than her. Completely unattainable since they first met when she was just 15 years old. Harlow is on a bike ride when an incident with a cab lands her in trouble but thankfully Bridger is there to ride to the ER with her. Harlow's crush intensifies and she starts taking steps to get closer to Bridger.
Harlow's dad is trash. I hate him.
#TheCrush #LaurenBlakely #TheVirginSociety#Audiobook #VanessaEdwin #Prequel#Romance #Novella #Contemporary#ContemporaryRomance #MFRomance
Harlow's dad is trash. I hate him.
#TheCrush #LaurenBlakely #TheVirginSociety#Audiobook #VanessaEdwin #Prequel#Romance #Novella #Contemporary#ContemporaryRomance #MFRomance
December 24, 2022
The Crush
Young lady has a crush on a older man. He does not have a clue that she's A live. He's her dad's partner. Her father is engaged, but he cheats on her every time she is out of town. Harlow's mother has passed away and her father has been married 3 times. Harlow knows that he is cheating, tells his daughter it's A secret. Of course Harlow hates being his alibi. Off to Paris for her education for six months leaving her crush behind. This is a short story to lead into and other book. Enjoy! I'm personally not impressed to go to the nest book!
Young lady has a crush on a older man. He does not have a clue that she's A live. He's her dad's partner. Her father is engaged, but he cheats on her every time she is out of town. Harlow's mother has passed away and her father has been married 3 times. Harlow knows that he is cheating, tells his daughter it's A secret. Of course Harlow hates being his alibi. Off to Paris for her education for six months leaving her crush behind. This is a short story to lead into and other book. Enjoy! I'm personally not impressed to go to the nest book!
December 28, 2022
The Crush is a prequel to The RSVP by Lauren Blakely. It’s such a fun start to Harlow and Bridger’s forbidden story! It’s the beginning of Harlow’s crush on her father’s business partner, a man ten years older than her almost twenty-one. She hoped being away from sexy as sin man for a semester abroad would get him out of her system but did it?
I can’t wait to see what happens when she gets back to New York!!
I can’t wait to see what happens when she gets back to New York!!
March 19, 2023
Perfect teaser for The RSVP
I love Lauren Blakely’s prequel novellas. They are not necessary to enjoy the main story, but do such a fantastic job of setting up the novel. The characters are introduced, the storyline is teased, and I am already hooked. This is no exception with The Crush. I was instantly ready to see what would happen between Harlow and Bridger. Next stop, The RSVP.
I love Lauren Blakely’s prequel novellas. They are not necessary to enjoy the main story, but do such a fantastic job of setting up the novel. The characters are introduced, the storyline is teased, and I am already hooked. This is no exception with The Crush. I was instantly ready to see what would happen between Harlow and Bridger. Next stop, The RSVP.
July 19, 2026
Cute prequel to The RSVP. It’s definitely a forbidden romance. Harlow has been crushing on her father’s business partner, Bridger, for years. Now she’s 21, and she’s taking her shot.
Bridger never really saw Harlow as anything but his partner’s daughter, until one night at a party, he really noticed her. Then she was gone, overseas, but the memory of her remained.
And the next time they are together…
Bridger never really saw Harlow as anything but his partner’s daughter, until one night at a party, he really noticed her. Then she was gone, overseas, but the memory of her remained.
And the next time they are together…
December 18, 2022
Just A Taste Of What’s To Come.
I love it when LB releases these little prequels to a full novel. It’s the perfect teaser to wet my appetite for the main even.
We all have had a first crush, but maybe not our father’s business partner. It’s an age gap romance (10 years) but this novella is only a sneak peak.
I’m totally ready now to see what happens next.
I love it when LB releases these little prequels to a full novel. It’s the perfect teaser to wet my appetite for the main even.
We all have had a first crush, but maybe not our father’s business partner. It’s an age gap romance (10 years) but this novella is only a sneak peak.
I’m totally ready now to see what happens next.
December 18, 2022
Sweet
This is a sweet introduction to a forbidden age gap romance. You can feel her longing and angst for a man who seems to never take notice of her. Or does he?!?!? The question the followup story should answer is, does distance make the heart grow fonder or douse the obsession. Enjoy.
This is a sweet introduction to a forbidden age gap romance. You can feel her longing and angst for a man who seems to never take notice of her. Or does he?!?!? The question the followup story should answer is, does distance make the heart grow fonder or douse the obsession. Enjoy.
December 20, 2022
Little teaser!!
This short novella sets the background and history of Harlow's feelings for Bridger. Oh my god, I dislike Harlow's father immensely! I almost hope he isn't in the next book. Hopefully Joan sees him for what he is! I love reading about Harlow's crush. I can't wait to see what happens between Harlow and Bridger!
This short novella sets the background and history of Harlow's feelings for Bridger. Oh my god, I dislike Harlow's father immensely! I almost hope he isn't in the next book. Hopefully Joan sees him for what he is! I love reading about Harlow's crush. I can't wait to see what happens between Harlow and Bridger!
December 22, 2022
I swear I wasn’t that obsessed. I wouldn’t have called it an obsession at all.
But a year ago, I was just a girl with the start of a crush.
Everything that happened that night was just the luck of the draw.
I wound up a little bruised—fine, a little broken—and intoxicated by a man I couldn’t have.
But a year ago, I was just a girl with the start of a crush.
Everything that happened that night was just the luck of the draw.
I wound up a little bruised—fine, a little broken—and intoxicated by a man I couldn’t have.
April 17, 2023
Good Teaser
Lauren Blakely is a master at everything she writes so it’s no surprise that even her teaser before RSVP is great. She builds great tension with Bridger and Harlow. Vanessa Edwin’s narration is perfection and she has one of the best male voices out there. Onto the main event, The RSVP!
Lauren Blakely is a master at everything she writes so it’s no surprise that even her teaser before RSVP is great. She builds great tension with Bridger and Harlow. Vanessa Edwin’s narration is perfection and she has one of the best male voices out there. Onto the main event, The RSVP!
December 19, 2022
Teaser
Love from afar, forbidden fruit, to old, well not that ten years is that much older, exciting sneak peak of what comes next in RSVP, I so want her dad to get his comeuppance for being a sleaze ball especially in front of her as a child, thank you, Dana Zamora
Love from afar, forbidden fruit, to old, well not that ten years is that much older, exciting sneak peak of what comes next in RSVP, I so want her dad to get his comeuppance for being a sleaze ball especially in front of her as a child, thank you, Dana Zamora
December 19, 2022
The Crush
It was a good introduction to Harlow and Bridger. Just wondering how long we have to wait for RSVP. I really wish there was one chapter from Bridger point of view. Good start!
It was a good introduction to Harlow and Bridger. Just wondering how long we have to wait for RSVP. I really wish there was one chapter from Bridger point of view. Good start!
January 22, 2023
This book is a prequel to The RSVP
short and sweet, we get to meet Harlow who is crushing madly on her Father's partner Bridger, who is older than her, putting him totally off limits.
/this just gives us a little background before the real story starts.
I enjoy these prequels.
short and sweet, we get to meet Harlow who is crushing madly on her Father's partner Bridger, who is older than her, putting him totally off limits.
/this just gives us a little background before the real story starts.
I enjoy these prequels.
February 17, 2023
Prequel to new series
This is a prequel between Harlow and Bridger. She's a college student not quite 21. He's her dad's business partner. She has a major crush on the decade-older man. He barely registers her existence or does he?
This is a prequel between Harlow and Bridger. She's a college student not quite 21. He's her dad's business partner. She has a major crush on the decade-older man. He barely registers her existence or does he?
December 19, 2022
The Crush
Short story, a crush and an older gentleman, and dreams. Too young, heart wants what It wants. ❤️ young love
Short story, a crush and an older gentleman, and dreams. Too young, heart wants what It wants. ❤️ young love
December 19, 2022
Short and intriguing
I love these little prequel novellas. With just enough to entice, they are the perfect morsel to leave me craving more.
5 stars and an LBD
I love these little prequel novellas. With just enough to entice, they are the perfect morsel to leave me craving more.
5 stars and an LBD
December 20, 2022
Good book
Liked the book so far I will have to buy the actual book to finish
Reading it. Good story line
Liked the book so far I will have to buy the actual book to finish
Reading it. Good story line
December 24, 2022
Can't wait
Now I can't wait till January 4th to read the first book in this series. I love how we got a sneak peek at the characters and a hint of what is to come.
Now I can't wait till January 4th to read the first book in this series. I love how we got a sneak peek at the characters and a hint of what is to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews