Jump to ratings and reviews

Win a free print copy of this book!

5 days and 14:31:20

15 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book

Darling Springs #2

I've Got a Crush on You: Darling Springs, Book 2

Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26

Win a free print copy of this book!

5 days and 14:31:20

15 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
My secret workplace romance starts innocently enough…at a birthday party.

But when a rowdy partier knocks me into a lake and a sexy stranger comes to my rescue–my night becomes one to remember.

A night so steamy I almost forget why I’ve sworn off men after a failed workplace romance.

But I’m focusing on my shiny new future—my dog-training business is suddenly the hottest thing in town, thanks to a new actress client.

Trouble is, the brand new doggy daycare in Darling Springs that I’ve contracted with…is owned by none other than my sexy stranger. Thanks, fate.

Sawyer turns out to be a total grump in a tailored suit, no matter how sunshine-y I am. Even when he squeezes that hard body past me as I bring donuts to work. Or when he pretends he’s not roaming his dark eyes over me as I teach Fido to sit, stay and come.

But when I need a dance partner for the town fundraiser that my client’s roped me into, I sense an opportunity. And, it turns out Mr. Serious Boss is up for dance lessons.

Then the entire Dirty Dancing experience.

Giving into our chemistry once won’t hurt. Two might be pushing it. By the seventh, it’s undeniable—I’ve got a crush on him too.

Workplace romance, oops my one-night-stand is my new co-worker, small town rom com, forbidden romance, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, fighting the feelings, quirky side characters, swoony learning-to-dance scenes.

Audible Audio

Expected publication July 28, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Lauren Blakely

255 books25.4k followers
You 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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
155 (34%)
4 stars
244 (55%)
3 stars
38 (8%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa.
733 reviews79 followers
July 16, 2026
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

Alexa, play “I’ve Got a Crush on You” by Frank Sinatra.

Tropes: Workplace romance • Oops, my one-night stand is my new coworker • Small-town rom-com • Forbidden romance • Grumpy/Sunshine • Forced proximity • Fighting the feelings • Quirky side characters • Swoony dance lessons

This was such a fun second installment in the Darling Springs series! Lauren Blakely continues to prove why she’s an auto-buy author for me. Her rom-coms always deliver the perfect mix of humor, heart, chemistry, and spice, and this one was no exception.

Sawyer and Willa had fantastic chemistry from the very beginning, and I loved watching their relationship evolve despite both trying so hard to resist their feelings. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic was adorable, and the Dirty Dancing-inspired dance lessons were some of my favorite scenes in the book. Add in the quirky small-town cast, dogs, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and it made for such an entertaining listen.

The audiobook was fantastic. Andi Arndt and Connor Crais are two of the best in the business, and they absolutely brought these characters to life. Their performances elevated an already fun story and made it even easier to get swept up in the romance.

If you’re looking for a light, swoony, spicy small-town rom-com with lovable characters and excellent narration, this one is definitely worth picking up!

Thanks to Lauren for an ALC of her next novel in exchange for an honest review. So glad to continue being one of your many cheerleaders! 📣
Profile Image for Sarah.
163 reviews14 followers
July 20, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨

I absolutely adore Lauren Blakely’s books so much! This book is the perfect contemporary romance for all, but especially dog lovers!

Chloe and Sawyer meet up at a dog party and quickly hit it off. After a wild night together, they go back to normal life. Later, when Chloe starts a new job, she’s surprised that her boss is none other than Sawyer. Their reunion was quite rocky, but working together proves to be more tempting than either were expecting.

I loved how this book was centered around dogs and loving animals. I personally find that bond quite endearing, so it felt quite cozy reading about characters who felt the same.

Sawyer definitely had a lot on his plate. Being newly divorced and having multiple businesses, I felt his character was a little stiff, but he was also trying to be more adventurous. I just think he had a lot on his plate and was slowly trying to embrace the fun side of life.

Chloe is so fun. She seriously says the funniest things. I loved how she handled working and flirting with Sawyer. Their give and take was so addicting, and I loved when they finally cracked. I think she was perfect to help Sawyer loosen up and start embracing life again!

This book was so cute! As always, Lauren Blakely does not disappoint!
Profile Image for Kate | TheBookishTraveler_.
94 reviews8 followers
July 14, 2026
If Lauren Blakely writes it, you better believe I’m going to run to read it! As always, I had the absolute best time reading this one! Lauren always has the perfect mix of a determined, ambitious FMC, a protective, down bad for his girl MMC, and a hilarious cast of lovable side characters. The duet narration for this one was top tier and I couldn’t recommend listening to this one more!

This one starts out with a bang (yup, you know what kind I’m talking about!)! Chloe and Sawyer are each recovering from broken hearts so when fate brings them together at a posh dog birthday party, their banter is flirtatious and their chemistry is off the charts!

One thing leads to another and they share one wildly hot, no-strings-attached, night together that neither one of them is sure to forget any time soon. So you can imagine their surprise when they show up to work and find out Sawyer is the new landlord of the dog training space Chloe is renting to launch her new business. These two figure out quickly it’s hard to keep professional boundaries when their attraction to one another is still red hot.

Lauren always writes such relatable FMCs who are easy to cheer for and Chloe was no different with her ambitious drive and independence while also being witty and empathic.

I also love her MMCs because they are always the perfect mix of protective and supportive and love showing up for their women! I can definitely confirm, Sawyer was swoony, supportive, the best kind of grumpy protective, and down bad for his woman. From waking up early and making her breakfast, to taking her dog out for walks so she can sleep in, to fixing her broken car, to handling her obnoxious ex, Sawyer was perfect!

This one is a paws-itivly fun time! And the set up for book 3 has me counting the days until we get Take Me Home Tonight!

Tropes:
- Workplace romance
- One night stand
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Small town rom com
- Forbidden romance
- Duet narration
Profile Image for Ashley.
607 reviews88 followers
July 15, 2026
Thank you to Hambright PR and Lauren Blakely Books for providing me with a gifted ALC copy of I’ve Got a Crush on You. All opinions are my own.

Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Vanessa Edwin, Connor Crais
Time: 10 hours 31 minutes

I’ve Got a Crush on You is the second book in the Darling Springs series and it’s a fun, sweet and spicy romcom. Chloe and Sawyer had amazing chemistry from their first time meeting in the book and I absolutely loved it, and the narrators did a fantastic job with their banter.

The forced proximity of working together after a one night stand brought a lot of great tension and pining to the story. And the spice between Chloe and Sawyer was balanced really well with their work in the pup world and all of the dogs made for lovable side characters.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
• Workplace Romance
• Pup Training
• Opposites Attract
• Small Town

𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️🌶️

If you’re looking for a swoony, easy romance read with an adorable animal side story then I would definitely recommend I’ve Got a Crush on You.
Profile Image for Nicole.
817 reviews15 followers
July 18, 2026
I love love loved this book! Who doesn’t love a book with rescue dogs as an entire side character?? Chloe and Sawyer are now two of my favorite Lauren Blakely characters- they were just too funny. I was laughing my way thru the audio book and when I would switch to physical reading - their lines were still funny. The banter was great and the spicy scenes hit. I also liked the grand gesture at the end - Sam Silversmith anyone?? I love this Darling Springs series and am totally intrigued by what Bridget’s story is going to be - so many good hints! Highly recommend reading this and picking up the audio too.
Profile Image for Jess Hilbert.
270 reviews6 followers
May 27, 2026
Paw-sitively adorable, swoony, and so easy to fall into, this was such a fun, feel-good read. 🐾💛 The chemistry between Chloe and Sawyer was great, with that sharp, teasing banter that made their back-and-forth so entertaining, especially when they were trying very hard *not* to fall for each other. It had that classic rom-com energy where you’re just smiling the whole time, fully rooting for them from the start.

What really worked for me was the heart of the story. I loved the small-town Darling Springs vibes, the found-family feel, and how much love and loyalty everyone had for each other. Both main characters were just a little bit wacky in the best way, which made everything even more fun. Add in the dog world and the theme of learning to trust again, both in others and in yourself, and it just felt warm, sweet, and genuinely uplifting. Light, breezy, and perfect for summer, this was such an easy four-star read for me. 🐶☀️

Thank you to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amity Bailey.
412 reviews54 followers
July 19, 2026
4.5⭐️

What a great narration!! Vanessa Edwin & Connor Crais were the perfect combo for Chloe & Sawyer!! They added so much to the humor & emotion in this story!

I absolutely loved this book! One night stand turned unexpected coworkers with a great mix of banter, tension, and spice!! This is a perfect read for animal lovers!! All the cute dogs & two characters who have a soft spot for them!!

Sawyer & Chloe are so lovable! Grumpy/sunshine at its best! This was a light, funny, and sweet rom com that will keep you laughing at these two! Both trying to fight their feelings, yet having the most intense chemistry! I loved this new addition to the Darling Spring Series. Definitely a must add to your TBR!

Thank you Lauren Blakely & goodgirls PR for this gifted arc/alc opportunity!
July 11, 2026
ALC.
this was ok for a fun easy read.
I love dogs so this was right up my street. But the romance, although it was filled with tension, wasn’t anything to swoon over. It was just a cute little story. I was reaaaaaly expecting his ex to come into the story somehow. And the karaoke thing felt a bit dramatic 🤣 but I’m all for helping a man adopt a dog, then falling in love & you both move in together with the two dogs 🥺☺️
Profile Image for ashlee ❤.
2,278 reviews132 followers
July 18, 2026
Chloe + Sawyer

-small town romcom
-workplace romance
-forced proximity
-grumpy/sunshine
-doggy daycare owner x dog trainer
-dance lessons

another great feel good, cozy, sweet& spicy romcom from lauren! she NEVER fails & the narration team ALWAYS delivers!!!
Profile Image for Maggie Maeve.
224 reviews92 followers
July 20, 2026
This book was surprisingly spicy, and I enjoyed the small town vibes and the dog loving moments. Overall it wasn’t a fav, but the audiobook was well done.
Profile Image for Anna.
974 reviews662 followers
July 19, 2026
I ate this story UP!!!!! The nicknames had me giggling— Mister serious boss 🤣 like please I love these characters so much

It’s true when they say opposites really do attract eachother. A one night stand unexpectedly turns into more when Chloe, a dog trainer, rents a spot out from a dog store, Sawyer, and finds out the owner is the man who took her to pound town a few weeks prior!!! WHAT ARE THE ODDS!? They want to keep things professional but you know how temptation goes 🤭 these two are so different but such a great match. Sawyer is truly his nickname, mister serious boss, and Chloe is a light hearted, happy go lucky woman who evens him out so well. The more they cross each others paths, especially as they are hired to work on a show together, the harder they have to work to fight their attraction hehehe wow is it hot in here?! Because these two are definitely so sexy together AHHH

I loveeeeeeed all the dogs & the side characters in this book so much. It made my heart extremely happy and the audio was fantastic!!!

Type: audio
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

Tropes:
One night stand
Workplace romance
Forced proximity
Opposites attract
Grumpy x sunshine
Small town romance

Thank you Lauren for my arc/alc in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Holly Paulson.
295 reviews6 followers
Read
July 16, 2026
I've Got a Crush on You by Lauren Blakely is absolutely adorable, laugh-out-loud funny, and impossible not to enjoy! While it's the second book in the Darling Springs series, it works perfectly as a standalone.
One of my favorite parts of this story was that it revolves around dogs. Chloe is a talented dog trainer with her lovable pup, Captain, by her side, and I loved watching her journey unfold. There's a twist involving her career that I won't spoil, but it adds so much heart to the story. And then there's Sawyer—the ultimate grump who completely steals the show. His chemistry with Chloe is fantastic, and their banter had me smiling from start to finish.
This romance brings the perfect balance of humor, heart, and spice, with charming Frank Sinatra references woven throughout that make the romance even more swoon-worthy. If you're looking for a feel-good, dog-filled rom-com with plenty of laughs and a satisfying happily ever after, this one is definitely worth picking up!
Profile Image for Sandy.
453 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2026
This book was so incredibly adorable !!!
In such a cute rom com way!

Chloe - driven to make something of her self, start her business as an amazing dog trainer.

Sawyer- stickler for following the rules. Focused- and serious - owns a few doggy day cares.

After a fun run in, they never thought they’d ever see each other again, Chloe rents a space for her to grow her business and train dogs, turns out it’s a space in Sawyers building. Now the fun begins, explosive chemistry, a chance to work together to pitch their businesses and building to a TV show that’s filming in the area. which brings them closer than ever. Ugh melted… they’re perfect for each other. So many cute banter scenes, incredible dog scenes. I loved it so much.
Profile Image for Chelsea Adams.
332 reviews19 followers
July 16, 2026
Goodness gracious! I haven’t laughed so much during a book in a long time! Lauren Blakely created a swoon worthy romance with some spicy spice 🥵 I thoroughly enjoyed this book! From the dog party drink names to “Mr Dog”, I giggled time and time again!

What’s starts off as a bougie dog party gone wrong (note to self, don’t wear white to a dog party by a lake🫣) turned into a steamy unforgettable night. Fast forward, they end up having to work together when her dog training business took off!

🐾Grumpy/Sunshine (my fave!)
🐶Workplace romance
🐾Forced Proximity (2nd fave)
🐶Small Town

Thank you Lauren Blakely for a good time read! I am so happy I got to read this as an eARC! I really appreciate it! 🫶🏼
Profile Image for Jenn (burlingtonbiblio).
416 reviews30 followers
July 5, 2026
Book Review
I’ve Got a Crush on You by Lauren Blakely
Darling Springs #2

Vibes
✔️ workplace romance
✔️ must love dogs
✔️ steamy open door romance
✔️ karaoke
✔️ small town
✔️ rom com energy
✔️ dual POV
✔️ grumpy vs sunshine

Quote
"It's still my turn. And I've been waiting. I don't know if you got the invitation from my tonsils," she says, her voice sultry, "but they'd like to get to know your big dick."

Thoughts
Filled with witty banter, steamy chemistry and adorable doggos this read the perfect treat for a good fur mom/dad. Chloe and Sawyer’s interplay and witty dialogue create sexy swoon worthy moments, you’ll want to “sit and stay” and binge this one!

Thanks to @sourcebooks and @cosmoreads for my ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own
Profile Image for Brittany Harville.
208 reviews11 followers
July 21, 2026
ALC review! Loved this as I do all her books. Always so fun and the banter is always on point! Being both hurt before Sawyer and Chloe were just looking for a fun sexy night but the connection was there! Thinking they wouldn’t see each other this was the perfect way to keep from getting hurt……. Until she gets a job at a doggy day care that he happens to be the owner of! Thinking they can keep it casual and not let feelings get involved they decide to just reap the benefits…… or are they falling for each other? This is definitely a cute read for dog lovers! Lauren has a way of writing sexy scenes mixed with emotion and fun banter as well as giving you something to laugh at!
Profile Image for Mary Lohorn.
238 reviews14 followers
July 15, 2026
The banter between Sawyer and Chloe completely stole the show for me.

I couldn’t get enough of these two. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was everything, the chemistry was effortless, and they had me smiling from start to finish. The small-town charm, adorable dogs, quirky side characters, dancing and karaoke moments made this such a fun, feel-good romance. I had the best time with this one. The audio was fantastic, performed in duet narration by Vanessa Edwin & Connor Crais. They done a wonderful job bringing Chloe and Sawyer to life.
Profile Image for Miranda Linton.
453 reviews4 followers
June 28, 2026
I love dogs but this was cringey. I think the use of “puppers” in a serious setting is what tipped me over the edge on thinking this was ridiculous. A lot of the writing was weird in this. The way they talked about dogs and dog training specifically made me think the author just googled “how to train dogs” and ran with it. There were also some unusual word choices. Like one sentence would be super dumbed down and then the next would have a word literally no one uses. I kept waiting for the story to pick up but it just doesn’t work for me.

**thank you NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for an ARC of this book**
Profile Image for Michelle .
414 reviews28 followers
July 12, 2026
This was such a cute and fun story! It was spicier than I was anticipating, and throughly enjoyed Chloe’s energy. Loved the side characters and the small town.

🎧Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin voiced the characters perfectly!

Thank you Hambright PR for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook early. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Nicole Gemme.
345 reviews21 followers
July 19, 2026
4 stars

Following Chloe and Sawyer, a one night stand turned into an unexpected workplace romance will leave your heart swooning!

The author had the right amount of tension, grumpy-sunshine banter, funny one liners, animal lovers, and spicy tensions in this one!

Loved it! Thank you Lauren Blakely for the arc/alc
Profile Image for Ash Reads.
53 reviews1 follower
Read
July 6, 2026
If you're in the mood for a cosy read with spice, forced proximity and floofs - give I've Got a Crush on You a try.

- One Night Stand
- Must Love Dogs
- Forced Proximity
- They are Co Workers

Dual 1st Person POV

2.5/5 Spice Rating - Open Door Scenes with descriptive frequent scenes
Profile Image for Lilit.
202 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2026
I don’t know how Lauren does it but her stories are just so easy. I can’t even count how many of her books i’ve read. love.

thanks hambright for the ALC!
Profile Image for Queenie2023 aka Rita.
515 reviews11 followers
July 13, 2026
4.5 stars and audio version!! Loved the narrators and the story ! Super cute and original!! One night stand later turns into a coworker situation which leads to a second chance at romance and there are cute animals also in this one.
Profile Image for ML Book Nook.
128 reviews
July 14, 2026
3.5⭐️ One night stand turns into a secret workplace romance. Thrown in a bunch of adorable dogs and you have yourself a spicy little summer romance.
July 15, 2026
✨ Opposites attract perfection! ✨

She’s chaos. He’s a rulebook. One disastrous day + one impulsive hookup = a romance neither of them saw coming.

When fate forces them to work together, the chemistry is off the charts, but the banter? SO GOOD. Watching her drag this buttoned-up man out of his comfort zone had me grinning the entire time. Fun, flirty, and impossible to put down!
Profile Image for Demi Snell.
182 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 3, 2026
4 ⭐️
Tropes: dual POV, small town romance, workplace romance, grumpy x sunshine, dog lovers dream, forced proximity, forbidden romance, he falls first

“I’m not sure what’s more dangerous—sharing space with the woman I can’t stop thinking about…or teaming up with her.”

A grumpy boss, a sunshine dog trainer, a workplace romance they definitely shouldn’t be having, and two people who are both trying to figure out how to trust again.

This is the second book in Lauren Blakely’s Darling Springs series, and I absolutely loved being back in this adorable little town. The small-town charm, lovable characters, and all the cozy dog-loving moments made this such a fun, easy read.

Chloe was such a fun FMC to follow. After a difficult divorce, she’s focused on rebuilding—her life, her confidence, and her dog training business. She’s determined to create something that’s truly hers, but opening herself back up to someone again?

I loved her determination, her optimism, and how she was never afraid to speak her mind. She has this bright, playful energy that brings so much life into Sawyer’s very structured world, while still carrying her own fears and walls she’s working through.

And then there was Sawyer and he was honestly one of my favorite parts of this book. After being cheated on by his fiancée, he’s completely closed himself off and convinced that keeping people at a distance is safer. He likes rules, control, and knowing exactly what to expect… until Chloe comes along and starts challenging everything he thought he wanted. He tells himself she doesn’t affect him—but he never really stands a chance.

“My eyes are still on Chloe. She’s the woman I can’t look away from.”

“But trust me, sweetheart. Resisting you is the hardest thing I do all day”

AND the way he keeps trying to convince himself he isn’t falling for her while constantly finding excuses to be near her was EVERYTHING 😭😍

“She’s such a fascinating mix of contradictions.”

“She’s sassy and feisty, and she pokes at me all the time and knocks me down a peg—and yet I still find myself sharing with her.”

What I really loved was that Chloe wasn’t just the person who brought light into Sawyer’s life — she was also someone who understood what it felt like to be afraid of getting hurt again.

“I worry she’ll hurt me.”

That line says so much about Sawyer. He wants Chloe, but wanting someone means risking everything he’s built walls around. And watching him slowly realize she was worth that risk?? Made me swoon 😍

The best part about Sawyer is that his feelings aren’t just words — he shows Chloe through his actions.

“He shows up in other ways. Like when he says he enjoys watching me work, how he’s helped me build my business, how he talks me up, and most of all, how he believes in me. In this steady, supportive, quiet way.”

Because THAT is the kind of love I love reading about 😭 He isn’t just saying the right things — he’s showing her she’s worth believing in, worth supporting, and worth choosing.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever been happier. It’s weird, this feeling. But not unwelcome at all. It feels like…like Darling Springs is becoming home. And so is Chloe.”

Watching Sawyer go from someone who sees everything in black and white to someone willing to bend, take risks, and let someone in was so good.

“It’s time for me to bend. To color outside the lines. To make a change.”

Both Chloe and Sawyer face their fears together, and I loved every minute of it—giving us the ultimate payoff:

“This one’s for the woman who turned my life upside down in the best possible way. She’s the one I didn’t know I needed—and now I can’t live without.”

“Chloe, where you are, that’s home.”

This book had all the grumpy x sunshine energy, workplace tension, adorable dogs, spice, and emotional growth that made it impossible not to root for Chloe and Sawyer. Lauren Blakely’s writing is always so addicting, and I genuinely couldn’t get enough of this return to Darling Springs - I cannot wait for what I’m assuming is Bridget’s story next 😍

Thank you to NetGalley, Cosmo Reads, and Lauren Blakely for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kim.
2,911 reviews185 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
July 4, 2026
Chloe Rivers is having a bad day. Sawyer Dumont is having an equally bad day. Two strangers meet at a ridiculous party and end up having one ridiculously hot night at a hotel.

Chloe is a bit of a hot mess. She just lost her job and needs a new one, her car is on its last wheels, and she is struggling to make ends meet. Her ex did a number on her life. She is friendly, easygoing, a bit of a risk-taker, and impulsive.

Sawyer is broody, confident, organized, alpha, and takes charge. He has been burned by love and is starting over, and trying to focus on business expansion.

Together, they make each other's night much brighter than their day.

But a funny thing happens on the opening day of the new doggie day care in town.

These two are so much fun together, even when they are not trying to be. They respond strongly, have amazing chemistry, get into their own heads but say what they are thinking, and challenge each other. But they also both have reasons not to act on their attraction or try for anything more. But they taunt, tease, and tempt each other and have a few slip-ups and miscommunication issues. They have common goals and their lives are intertwined by work and their pasts have left trust issues and fears, and they do not want to jeopardize the new businesses they are building.

But sometimes the heart and body want what they want, and the mind starts to lose the battle.

I loved these two! They were opposites but balanced each other. They are both stubborn and confident in what they want, but can also find compromise. They like to one-up each other. They tease and flirt even though they know they shouldn't. It is just so obvious how much they like each other, even when they try not to or upset the other. Their sexual tension and chemistry simmer, and they are combustible in the bedroom together. But they both have big trust issues and plenty of reasons they think a real WE would not be a good idea.

Chloe is sunny, sassy, feisty, impulsive, honest, and she is not afraid to take risks or ask for what she wants. She loves to tease and taunt him and gets under his skin.

Sawyer is Mr. Serious Businessman and Boss, but he knows what he wants. He is usually a rule-follower, professional, efficient, analytical, and stubborn. He pays attention and is a good listener. She crashes into his world, sending it spinning, making him say things he shouldn't, and challenging all of his rules. And they find themselves sharing secrets and gaining a better understanding of each other, and taking baby steps toward building trust.

This is a sweet, hot, witty, and fun, grumpy-sunshine, opposites-attract, small-town, mixing business with pleasure romance with shared secrets, surprises, teasing, temptation, amazing chemistry, and all the feels. They both have baggage, past pain, and trust issues that run deep. They have shared goals. And they try to have boundaries in place, but their rebel hearts do not want to be contained, and those pesky feelings keep getting involved. This one had me totally invested, smiling, swooning, fanning myself, and having so much fun!

This brings back the girl crew and some characters from It Seemed Like a Good Idea and some other LB world cameos. And there are dogs. Lots of cute dogs. And supportive family and friends wingman-ing and helping along the way.
description
Follow Me: Blog: Reviews by Tammy, Kim, Rachel | Facebook | X | Pinte
rest
| Instagram
Profile Image for Cigi cini.
785 reviews55 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 12, 2026
💼 Workplace Romance
🏡 Small Town Romance
🌙 One Night Stand
🚫 Forbidden Romance
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🏠 Forced Proximity
💞 Fighting the Feelings
🩰 Dance Lessons
🐶 Dog Lover Romance
😂 Quirky Side Characters
💖 Rom Com
✨ Happily Ever After

Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Narrators: Connor Crais | Vanessa Edwin

I've Got A Crush On You is a charming, laugh out loud, and irresistibly swoony small-town romance that had me smiling from beginning to end. Lauren Blakely delivers the perfect blend of witty banter, sizzling chemistry, heartfelt emotion, and lovable characters in this second book of the Darling Springs series. While it works beautifully as a standalone, returning to this quirky little town made the story even more enjoyable.

Sawyer is the ultimate grumpy hero. Serious, hardworking, and determined to keep his personal and professional lives separate, he has absolutely no intention of falling for the bubbly woman who literally crashes into his life. Watching his carefully built walls slowly crumbled was one of my favourite parts of the story. Beneath his reserved exterior is an incredibly caring, protective man who never stood a chance once he realised how special she was.

Chloe is impossible not to love. She is sunshine in every sense of the word, bringing warmth, humour, and optimism wherever she goes. After being burned by a workplace romance in the past, she is determined not to repeat her mistakes, but fate has other ideas. I loved how passionate she was about building her dog training business, and her determination, kindness, and infectious personality made her such an easy heroine to cheer for.

The chemistry between Sawyer and Chloe is immediate and electric. From their unforgettable first meeting to the hilarious workplace tension that follows, every interaction sparkles with playful banter and undeniable attraction. Their dance lessons were some of my favourite scenes, delivering plenty of flirty moments while allowing their emotional connection to deepen naturally. The romance felt sweet, sexy, and incredibly satisfying as both characters slowly realised that fighting their feelings was becoming impossible.

The small-town setting once again shines, with quirky supporting characters, adorable dogs, and a close-knit community that adds so much warmth and humour to the story. Lauren Blakely balances the romance perfectly with heartfelt moments, laugh out loud situations, and just enough emotional depth to make the relationship feel authentic without losing the lighthearted rom com vibe.

Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin were absolutely fantastic in duet narration. Connor captures Sawyer's gruff, protective personality perfectly while still bringing out his softer, vulnerable side. Vanessa gives Chloe so much warmth, humour, and charm that she instantly becomes someone you want to spend time with. Together they have incredible chemistry, making every flirtatious exchange, emotional moment, and laugh out loud scene even more enjoyable.

I've Got A Crush On You is a feel-good romance filled with heart, humour, chemistry, and plenty of swoon. If you love grumpy heroes, sunshine heroines, workplace romance, small town charm, and stories that leave you smiling long after the final chapter, this is one you won't want to miss.
Profile Image for Dali.
2,122 reviews602 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 12, 2026
One unforgettable night with a sexy stranger is harmless… until he turns out to be her new boss. 🐶🔥

Read if you like:
☀️ Grumpy-sunshine
💼 Workplace romance
🔥 One-night stand to lovers
🐶 Adorable dogs everywhere
🏘️ Small-town romance
💃 Dance lessons and Dirty Dancing moments
😏 Teasing, temptation, and witty banter
❤️ Opposites who perfectly balance each other

Chloe Rivers and Sawyer Dumont are both having terrible days when they meet at a chaotic birthday party. After Sawyer rescues Chloe from an unexpected dip in the lake, one thing leads to another, and their night becomes much hotter than either of them anticipated.

It should have remained one unforgettable encounter between strangers.

Then Chloe discovers that Sawyer owns the new doggy daycare where she has been hired to provide training services.

Sawyer is organized, serious, and determined to keep his new business running smoothly. Chloe is sunny, impulsive, and not afraid to crash straight through every carefully constructed rule he has put in place. They may be complete opposites, but from the moment they reunite, their chemistry is impossible to ignore.

I loved Chloe’s sassy, fearless personality. She is going through a difficult season after losing her job and dealing with the damage caused by her ex, but she refuses to stop taking chances on herself. She works hard to grow her dog-training business, speaks her mind, and has absolutely no problem teasing Sawyer until his controlled exterior begins to crack.

Sawyer might be Mr. Serious Businessman, but underneath the tailored suits and grumpy attitude is a thoughtful man who listens, pays attention, and understands Chloe far better than she expects. He has his own trust issues and plenty of reasons to avoid another complicated relationship, but Chloe brings energy, spontaneity, and happiness back into his carefully ordered life.

These two were so much fun together. They taunt, challenge, and constantly try to one-up each other, even while insisting they should keep things professional. Their sexual tension simmers deliciously, their chemistry is explosive, and it is painfully obvious how much they like each other long before either of them is willing to admit it.

I also appreciated that beneath the flirting and heat, Chloe and Sawyer slowly begin sharing their fears and secrets. Both have been hurt by previous relationships, and neither wants to jeopardize the new businesses they are building. Watching them take small steps toward trusting each other gave the romance more emotional depth.

Add in dance lessons, a charity performance, supportive friends and family, familiar Lauren Blakely cameos, and lots of adorable dogs, and I’ve Got a Crush on You becomes a sweet, witty, sexy romance that had me smiling, swooning, and thoroughly entertained.

QOTD: Which would make it harder to resist a workplace crush: dance lessons, forced proximity, or seeing them surrounded by puppies every day?

#IveGotACrushOnYou #LaurenBlakely #GrumpySunshine #WorkplaceRomance #RomanceBookReview
Profile Image for Sue Galuska.
1,074 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 15, 2026
Chloe Rivers is trying to get her dog training business, Paw-sitive Dog Training off the ground running after losing her job at her ex-husband August's dad's company. When Chloe gets invited to a birthday party for comedian Florence Faye's dog whom she's training, Chloe knows she must go because it could be a good networking experience. Chloe is having an ok time until she heads to the bar to get a drink and sees the tall, dark haired gorgeous guy. Enter Sawyer Durmont. Chloe and Sawyer are chatting away, throwing balls for dogs to chase into the water when a huge mastiff knocks her down into the water. Of course Sawyer pulls her out and the chemistry sizzles. Soon they are heading to her hotel room where they spend one super steamy night. As one night stands go this one is an A+ but Chloe needs to head home back to Darling Springs, CA and get on with her life.

A month later Dog Tails, a new dog daycare / dog grooming store is being opened in Darling Springs. The new owner even hired all of the previous dog daycare workers that lost their job when it closed. Chloe quickly talks to the manager and gets approval to use space in the building for her training company. Chloe is all excited to meet the new owner until guess who shows up Sawyer....and he acts like he doesn't even know her! How can the guy she meet a month ago be the same guy? Then he starts accusing her of all kinds of things!

Of course the more time these two spend together, the more their chemistry starts to ignite until they find themselves having another one night stand that turns into many nights until they find themselves in a secret relationship. When Chloe accidentally finds out about Sawyer's secret second identity things escalate between the two of them. When an issue with Chloe's mom's fundraiser happens, Chloe finds herself blackmailing Sawyer into stepping in and filling the roll. During rehearsing for their part of the fundraiser, Chloe and Sawyer start finding that they are falling really hard but because of thing from their pasts they are both reluctant. Just when it looks like they have found their happy ending, the past comes rushing back and ruins everything. It will take a huge act of love to get these two love birds back together but in the end they will finally have their happy ever after.

I just loved this very steamy love story. Chloe was such a fun character. She knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to get it. Sawyer was such an interesting character. He had so many different sides to him it was fun watching them come out. I just adored these two together. I loved all of the dogs, especially Chloe's dog Captain. This whole package was very enjoyable and I can't wait for Bridget's book to come out next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews