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Just a Little Crush
I had to convince myself it was just a little flirtation between us. When I first met her at the bar, she was already taken. She was my younger sister’s friend from college who was moving to our small town after graduation. Smart and beautiful, with a smile that made me feel things I’d never felt before, I was hooked instantly. My pulse would race and I found myself eager to make her laugh, to have her brush against me, even if it was only friendly flirtation. Before I knew it, I turned into some schoolboy with puppy love just at the sight of her. I this feeling won’t last. I shouldn’t be thinking about settling down. She’s just a passing fascination. But she kept coming around and that desire never went away. The timing was never right. We became too close, too good of friends to risk anything. Neither of us ever crossed a line, and at some point, I started to believe it really was only a harmless little crush. Until one night, I kissed her … This is a cute and sexy friends-to-lovers romance. Enjoy!
86 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
5 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Willow Winters
157 books21.3k followersWillow Winters is so happy to be a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Contemporary Best Selling Author!
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Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.
In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!
Want to know how to read Willow's books? Get a FREE PDF download from Willow here: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/o...
Stay up to date!
Want a text alert? Text "Willow" to (302) 205-3701
Sign up to my newsletter + get EXCLUSIVE content, sneak peeks, and FREE books monthly: https://willowwinterswrites.com
All the other details you need to know: https://geni.us/3B53kF
Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.
In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!
Want to know how to read Willow's books? Get a FREE PDF download from Willow here: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/o...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 20, 2022
Super short & cute friends to lovers novella
July 2, 2024
A short and sweet romance novella. A good friends to lovers story.
May 26, 2025
If you like the miscommunication trope, here are 60 pages with a hot and spicy scene
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
Aubree has had a crush on her best friend's brother, Jackson, ever since she first moved to town three years ago. At the time, however, she was seeing someone else. After she broke up with that guy, Jackson was seeing someone else. There's never been a good time to confess her feelings, and now...she doesn't want to ruin her friendship with him or his sister.
They're all doing their regular Sunday night thing, drinking and watching football at The Peanut Bar and Grill, when a couple guys hit on Aubree. Jackson cuts in, and suddenly things shift between the two of them. But is it just a one-night stand or the start of something else?
This was one of the freebies given to all attendees at the most recent Book Bonanza. I wasn't familiar with either of the authors before reading it. I'm not sure whether this story is connected to anything else they've written - it doesn't seem to be, but I could easily be wrong about that.
Anyway, this was a competently written friends-to-lovers story. Aubree and Jackson seemed like nice enough characters, but 63 pages doesn't exactly provide a lot of space for both romance and character development. Aubree does graphic design, Jackson does something in finance - that's the sum total of my knowledge about their lives outside the bar they were in during this story's first scene.
Aubree's quiet, anxiety-filled freak out after her night with Jackson was good enough to make me glance through the 10 or so pages of "also by these authors" info after the story, although the only thing that even slightly piqued my interest was Amelia Wilde's contemporary Hades & Persephone retelling, King of Shadows. It's marketed as a dark romance, though, so my odds of ever tracking it down and reading it are low.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
They're all doing their regular Sunday night thing, drinking and watching football at The Peanut Bar and Grill, when a couple guys hit on Aubree. Jackson cuts in, and suddenly things shift between the two of them. But is it just a one-night stand or the start of something else?
This was one of the freebies given to all attendees at the most recent Book Bonanza. I wasn't familiar with either of the authors before reading it. I'm not sure whether this story is connected to anything else they've written - it doesn't seem to be, but I could easily be wrong about that.
Anyway, this was a competently written friends-to-lovers story. Aubree and Jackson seemed like nice enough characters, but 63 pages doesn't exactly provide a lot of space for both romance and character development. Aubree does graphic design, Jackson does something in finance - that's the sum total of my knowledge about their lives outside the bar they were in during this story's first scene.
Aubree's quiet, anxiety-filled freak out after her night with Jackson was good enough to make me glance through the 10 or so pages of "also by these authors" info after the story, although the only thing that even slightly piqued my interest was Amelia Wilde's contemporary Hades & Persephone retelling, King of Shadows. It's marketed as a dark romance, though, so my odds of ever tracking it down and reading it are low.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
March 15, 2022
A short sweet novella by two of my favorite authors, Willow Winters and Amelia Wilde.
Eighty-six pages of a sweet and steamy couple who took a step over the friends line, into becoming a couple.
You smiling and cheering for Aubree and Jackson!
Eighty-six pages of a sweet and steamy couple who took a step over the friends line, into becoming a couple.
You smiling and cheering for Aubree and Jackson!
April 6, 2022
3.5 stars
Short, simple and easy to go with Romcom kind of story.
Short, simple and easy to go with Romcom kind of story.
April 7, 2022
Cute story about Aubree and Jackson who both had a crush on the other but the timing was never right. One night someone makes a move but what does this mean for their future?
April 10, 2022
this was a short story, super cute friends too lovers novella. i love novellas but this is definitely i story i wanted more of
April 11, 2024
Jackson had a crush on his sister’s friend, Aubree for a long time. Timing never worked out but maybe that is about to change. A sweet, friends to lovers novella.
June 2, 2024
Not a bad read. Aubree and Jackson’ story was sweet, little spicy and a little cheesy „school” romance.
March 7, 2025
This was so cute 🥰😭
February 4, 2026
🌟🌟🌟
3/5 stars — soft longing, quiet tension, and a crush that’s anything but simple.
⚠️ Spoilers ahead — emotional moments and relationship dynamics discussed! ⚠️
Just a Little Crush may have “little” in the title, but the feelings here are anything but small. This is classic Willow Winters emotional slow-burn territory — lingering looks, loaded conversations, and that constant undercurrent of we shouldn’t… but what if we did?
The connection between them builds in subtle ways. It’s not explosive passion right out of the gate — it’s awareness. The kind where every touch lingers a second too long and every almost-confession tightens the knot in your chest. You can feel how much they’re both holding back, whether it’s fear, timing, or the complications woven into their lives.
The “crush” element works because it feels grounded in emotional intimacy rather than instant lust. When things finally tip into more obvious romantic territory, it’s tender and a little fragile — like they both know this could either become something beautiful or completely wreck what they already have.
Because it’s a shorter story, the emotional arc feels like a glimpse rather than a full journey. We see the spark and the vulnerability, but not all the consequences or long-term resolution, which keeps it sweet but slightly unsatisfying.
🔥 Spice Rating: 2/5
More emotional warmth than heat — chemistry is present, but the focus is on feelings over physicality.
📌 Content Notes: emotional hesitation, friends-to-more vibes, vulnerability, unresolved romantic tension
Final Thoughts:
This one is gentle, yearning, and full of quiet heart-flutters. It’s about that delicate space between friendship and something deeper — where every moment feels important because one wrong move could change everything.
Soft, angsty, and definitely a “feelings first” kind of romance. 💕
3/5 stars — soft longing, quiet tension, and a crush that’s anything but simple.
⚠️ Spoilers ahead — emotional moments and relationship dynamics discussed! ⚠️
Just a Little Crush may have “little” in the title, but the feelings here are anything but small. This is classic Willow Winters emotional slow-burn territory — lingering looks, loaded conversations, and that constant undercurrent of we shouldn’t… but what if we did?
The connection between them builds in subtle ways. It’s not explosive passion right out of the gate — it’s awareness. The kind where every touch lingers a second too long and every almost-confession tightens the knot in your chest. You can feel how much they’re both holding back, whether it’s fear, timing, or the complications woven into their lives.
The “crush” element works because it feels grounded in emotional intimacy rather than instant lust. When things finally tip into more obvious romantic territory, it’s tender and a little fragile — like they both know this could either become something beautiful or completely wreck what they already have.
Because it’s a shorter story, the emotional arc feels like a glimpse rather than a full journey. We see the spark and the vulnerability, but not all the consequences or long-term resolution, which keeps it sweet but slightly unsatisfying.
🔥 Spice Rating: 2/5
More emotional warmth than heat — chemistry is present, but the focus is on feelings over physicality.
📌 Content Notes: emotional hesitation, friends-to-more vibes, vulnerability, unresolved romantic tension
Final Thoughts:
This one is gentle, yearning, and full of quiet heart-flutters. It’s about that delicate space between friendship and something deeper — where every moment feels important because one wrong move could change everything.
Soft, angsty, and definitely a “feelings first” kind of romance. 💕
May 30, 2024
Friends to lovers and best friends' brother, sign me up! Just a Little Crush was eighty-six pages about a sweet and steamy couple who crossed the line from friends to lovers. I really enjoyed this one, and Aubree and Jackson's story was addictive right from the start. I think this was a perfect novella because the story was nicely wrapped up and didn't leave you feeling like you were missing anything. I find a lot of novellas these days leave me feeling like I'm missing half the story. This was such a fun read and another delightful story by Willow Winters and Amelia Wilde.
“I could see you walking down the aisle … I can see all of what I want in the future, happening with you.”
“I could see you walking down the aisle … I can see all of what I want in the future, happening with you.”
December 11, 2022
i don’t usually give novellas this short higher than a 3.5 even if I loved it, just bc of how short they are. but this book was so good. and the authors made it seem like it wasn’t short.
like I was just reading along, forgetting about the time and where I was at and then boom, it’s over. but it’s was SO GOOD. didn’t seen 70 page at all.
was a great friends to lovers, small town novella romance.
the spice was hot!!!
i already love willow but amelia is a new author for me so I’m definitely checking out more of her work! 🫶🏼
like I was just reading along, forgetting about the time and where I was at and then boom, it’s over. but it’s was SO GOOD. didn’t seen 70 page at all.
was a great friends to lovers, small town novella romance.
the spice was hot!!!
i already love willow but amelia is a new author for me so I’m definitely checking out more of her work! 🫶🏼
June 15, 2024
Aubree moves to her best friend Cheryl’s hometown after graduating from college. And along the way does her best to hide her crush on Jackson, Cheryl’s older brother.
But little does she know that Jackson’s even crushing on her since the first time he met her but never acted on his feelings until he sees a guy hitting her in a bar.
A hot, one-night stand with your best friend’s older brother doesn’t always turn into a forever love; but this one ends with the whole proposal and happy ending.
But little does she know that Jackson’s even crushing on her since the first time he met her but never acted on his feelings until he sees a guy hitting her in a bar.
A hot, one-night stand with your best friend’s older brother doesn’t always turn into a forever love; but this one ends with the whole proposal and happy ending.
February 22, 2025
I rated this book with 3 stars because it just wasn't my favorite of Willow's. It's a cute, fast, slightly spicy story but it just felt like something was missing. It may be because it was just slow starting. Aubree was not as I pictured. She struck me as a confident woman, but a shy one. And Jackson, he screamed sex appeal to me but his character, also shy but easy going. Maybe the cover of the book was wrong ... I'm not sure. Something just didn't fall into place like her other books. Still a good one, glad I read it. And it most certainly will Not stop me from reading more of her books. 💜
March 19, 2025
What did I just read…
⭐⭐⭐
My take on the Book:
Oh Lawd… What did I just read? I finished this book in about 30 minutes on a flight. The writing was something of a wattpad high schooler fanfiction. My friend gave this book as part of a bachelorette party reading game and I thought, heck, I’ll read it, why not. But goodness.. I can’t get that 30 minutes back.
Connect with me:
Instagram: @ BaileyAndCarolynReadBooks
Fable: @ Bee.And.Books
TikTok: @ Bee.And.Book.s
Amazon: @ Bee.And.Books
BookBub: @ Bee.And.Books
⭐⭐⭐
My take on the Book:
Oh Lawd… What did I just read? I finished this book in about 30 minutes on a flight. The writing was something of a wattpad high schooler fanfiction. My friend gave this book as part of a bachelorette party reading game and I thought, heck, I’ll read it, why not. But goodness.. I can’t get that 30 minutes back.
Connect with me:
Instagram: @ BaileyAndCarolynReadBooks
Fable: @ Bee.And.Books
TikTok: @ Bee.And.Book.s
Amazon: @ Bee.And.Books
BookBub: @ Bee.And.Books
April 15, 2022
I know that this was written by two authors, but the difference in writing abilities is WAY apparent. Other books I've read by writing duos didn't seem so apparent their differences - Jackson's chapters read great and the story was told cohesively, while Aubree's chapters felt like a disaster.
I liked the plot and the characters, but wished Aubree's chapters had been written better.
I liked the plot and the characters, but wished Aubree's chapters had been written better.
August 30, 2022
A small town romance between Jackson and Aubree, friends for years but something happens on Sunday night.
I never know how to write a proper review but I do what I can 😂
There relationship is so adorable, but like they should’ve told each other how they felt sooner tbh. But it’s a nice short romance and I enjoyed it.
I never know how to write a proper review but I do what I can 😂
There relationship is so adorable, but like they should’ve told each other how they felt sooner tbh. But it’s a nice short romance and I enjoyed it.
February 6, 2024
Unrequited
Aubree is so happy to be living near her bestie but WOW her brother is HOT! Jackson thinks WOW when he meets Aubree but he lets it go because they’re always out of sink in relationships. A Sunday night at the bar, a dare and everything clicks. Will they be able to remain friends or will the crush that they both feel remain unspoken?
Aubree is so happy to be living near her bestie but WOW her brother is HOT! Jackson thinks WOW when he meets Aubree but he lets it go because they’re always out of sink in relationships. A Sunday night at the bar, a dare and everything clicks. Will they be able to remain friends or will the crush that they both feel remain unspoken?
June 27, 2024
“What if it does?”
[Alexa, play ‘What ifs’ by Kane Brown feat. Lauren Alaina]
“You have a baby, in a bar?” 😂 IYKYK.
Super cute short love story! I love friends to lovers. Jackson is super sweet. Aubree is the shy girl that values friendship but wants love too. Definitely read if you are in a slump. Loved it!
[Alexa, play ‘What ifs’ by Kane Brown feat. Lauren Alaina]
“You have a baby, in a bar?” 😂 IYKYK.
Super cute short love story! I love friends to lovers. Jackson is super sweet. Aubree is the shy girl that values friendship but wants love too. Definitely read if you are in a slump. Loved it!
April 2, 2022
A cute, steamy and very short story of friend to lovers Aubree and Jackson.
I really wish that it had been a full length story, you know something like +300 pages and allowed more room for how they first met and the time between the chinese food and the epilogue, but I guess we can't have it all.
I really wish that it had been a full length story, you know something like +300 pages and allowed more room for how they first met and the time between the chinese food and the epilogue, but I guess we can't have it all.
April 5, 2022
Such a cute friends to lovers book. You absolutely can’t help but root for Jackson and Aubree to finally admit there feelings for one another. So of course when they do it’s pure fireworks. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶
October 1, 2022
Good friends to lovers. It’s about time Aubree and Jackson sealed the deal. Although a little awkward the morning after, thankfully Jackson didn’t let that get in the way of their happiness together.
January 30, 2025
If you want a cute contemporary romance. This is it! :)
Aubree and Jackson have been friends for all there lives but one night and one kiss changes everything. 💗
Tropes:
HEA
Best-friends siblings
Small Town
Friends to lovers
Aubree and Jackson have been friends for all there lives but one night and one kiss changes everything. 💗
Tropes:
HEA
Best-friends siblings
Small Town
Friends to lovers
March 12, 2026
I would have given 5 stars if it wasn't for most part that the main characters stayed in their minds.
I get it it's friends to lover, there are many what If's, but it took long and the Heroin instigated the kiss.
Wasn't bad, I just prefer Alpha man. They know what they want and they go for it..
I get it it's friends to lover, there are many what If's, but it took long and the Heroin instigated the kiss.
Wasn't bad, I just prefer Alpha man. They know what they want and they go for it..
April 12, 2022
Cute, but nothing special to me :(
May 11, 2022
cute and simple
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews