I've Got a Crush on You

Darling Springs #2

by Lauren Blakely

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.

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 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. And when I’m roped into a charity dance number, I smell an opportunity, especially when I learn my hot landlord has an alter ego and a fandom.

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.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Rom Com, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Adult Fiction, Workplace

432 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 28, 2026

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

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

RTC!!

Thanks to Lauren for an ALC of her next novel in exchange for an honest review. So glad to continue being on of your many cheerleaders! 📣

[Jess Hilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tyla 🧚 🗡️ ☠️ 🩸 🖤 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 🥺☺️

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jenn (burlingtonbiblio) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Miranda Linton · Rating 2 out of 5]

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**

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ash Reads]

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

[Lilit · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Queenie2023 aka Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[ML Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Demi Snell · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

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[Cigi cini · Rating 4 out of 5]

💼 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.

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jennifer English · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get to ready book 1 as an ARC so when I saw they had book 2 up on NetGalley also, I requested it right away. Thankfully Cosmo Reads approved my request so I got to go back to Darling Springs and meet our next couple.

Chloe is a bit of a mess, she lost her job thanks to an ex-husband, who is also the owners son, by throwing her under the bus when his publicity stunt goes wrong. She drives a car thats falling apart that she calls Roxie and she's trying to get her own business off the ground. She decides to go to a party she was invited to, to try to cheer herself up. Oh. Um, y'all, its a party for a dog, with lots of other dogs. Dogs that aren't trained, well, some of them anyway. At least one. The one that knocks her into a pond.

Sawyer comes to her rescue, because hes a good guy and because he's been attracted to her since he saw her arrive at the party. This leads to a one night stand, where they decide to have a "who had the worst story" to have desert rights. Since Sawyer caught his fiancé cheating, he won. They decide to keep to first names only because its only one night. Though what a hot one night it was.

Fast forward a month, someone is finally re-opening the Doggy Daycare in Darling Springs and Chole finds out theres a space available that she could use for her dog training business, so she starts renting it out. Imagine her surprise when she finds out Sawyer is the new owner and imagine his surprise seeing Chloe. He puts his foot in his mouth big time. BIG time. Then they find out a WebFlix show is going to be shot in their town, a show that has a major dog star in it, and they are needing a place to serve as a pet store and a doggy daycare for the show. So our one night stand lovers are thrown together time and time again, trying to land the store as the location with Chloe training both the extra dogs and the star for specific parts of the show. And then more as the show progresses.

You know and I know what happens when people who are attracted to each other, get thrown together time after time. Yeah, the attraction wins out and things get spicey. Just one more time, becomes two more, becomes three more until the secret love affair they thought they were having becomes something everyone is commenting on. I adored this story, Sawyer showed Chloe over and over how much he cared, even when he said he didnt, even when he pushed her away. And the dude loved his desert too. 😏😏😏iykyk If only men were like that in real life. 😂

[Jo Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’VE GOT A CRUSH ON YOU by LAUREN BLAKELY ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve Got A Crush On You is the second (#2) book in the DARLING SPRINGS series.

Dog trainer Chloe Rivers day has been a total disaster but it perks up after an accident throws her in the path of handsome stranger Sawyer Dumont. After spending an incredibly hot night together they agree it was a one time thing and go their separate ways.

When Chloe’s dog training business takes off she starts searching for somewhere to do her training but suitable space is not only hard to find but extremely expensive.

When a new doggy daycare opens up in Darling Springs it seems the answer to her prayers but Chloe realises the new manager is none other than her one night stand, Sawyer.

The pair strive to put their night together behind them and work together professionally, but when Chloe needs a dance partner for a town fundraiser, quirky Sawyer seems to be the answer to her prayers.

As the pair dive into dance lessons, their attraction soon grows and soon they find themselves succumbing to their undeniable chemistry……

—————————————

This book is a delightfully hilarious, easy summer read and I enjoyed it so much I straight away ordered book one in the series.

Chloe and Sawyer have both disastrous relationships which has left them both reluctant to trust in love and means they hold each other at arms length even whilst being unable to resist their attraction at first sight and the chemistry that is burning between them.

This chemistry leads to LOTS of quite explicit open door spicy scenes.

Sawyer runs a doggy daycare and Chloe is a dog trainer so there is inevitably lots of cute, cuddly, gorgeous pups in this story.

Chloe and Sawyer constantly tease each other though Sawyer is constantly fighting his belief that he has to keep a very professional demeanour at all times and this leads to some misunderstanding between them.

There are no end of high jinx going on which leads to plenty of funny moments and these are backed up with lots of quirky side characters that add to the delightful storyline.

This book would make a perfect beach read.

I read an ebook version of this humorous book with around 460 pages (print edition), a pretty illustrated cover and good editing. It releases on July 28th

With thanks to Lauren Blakely and Hambright PR for an early chance to read this delightful book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.

🐕 Grumpy/Sunshine
🐕 Small Town Romance
🐕 One Night Stand
🐕 Spicy 🔥🔥🔥
🐕 LOTS Of Furry Canines!

[HolleeJane · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’ve Got a Crush on You

Author: Lauren Blakely
Narrators: Vanessa Edwin & Connor Crais
Format: Audiobook
Thank you to Hambright PR for providing this audiobook!

🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spice: 3/5

Lauren Blakely absolutely nailed the feel-good summer rom-com with I’ve Got a Crush on You! This was such a fun, sweet, and surprisingly spicy audiobook that had me smiling from beginning to end.

The story follows Chloe, a dog trainer starting her own business, and Sawyer, the serious, grumpy owner of a growing pet daycare and grooming company who’s opening a new location in Darling Springs. After one unforgettable night filled with undeniable chemistry, they discover they’re going to be working closely together and keeping their hands off each other becomes nearly impossible.

The chemistry between Chloe and Sawyer is off the charts. Their flirty banter, playful teasing, and constant push-and-pull made this romance so entertaining. While both characters carry trust issues from past relationships, I loved watching them slowly lower their walls and realize they were exactly what the other needed. Their emotional growth felt natural and rewarding.

Sawyer completely stole the show for me. On the surface he’s all business and permanently serious, but underneath those layers is a man with the most unexpectedly adorable secret hobby that had me laughing out loud. Watching Chloe discover that side of him was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The pacing is excellent, the writing is witty, and the humor lands perfectly. Between the small-town charm, lovable cast, dog-filled setting, laugh-out-loud moments, and swoony romance, this was everything I want in a summer rom-com.

The audiobook was fantastic. Vanessa Edwin and Connor Crais delivered outstanding performances, bringing so much personality and emotion to these characters. Connor Crais remains one of my favorite narrators, and honestly, if he’s narrating it, there’s a very good chance I’m picking it up.

If you’re looking for a charming, funny, heartfelt romance with fantastic chemistry, adorable dogs, plenty of laughs, and just the right amount of spice, definitely add I’ve Got a Crush on You to your summer TBR. Lauren Blakely delivers another winner!

[The Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
​I am giving I've Got a Crush on You by Lauren Blakely an absolute 4.5-star review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
​This book completely stole my heart! It is a beautifully written, incredibly charming romance that you will want to download onto your Kindle immediately. The emotional payoff and the pure sweetness of the main couple kept me completely hooked from start to finish.
​ARC Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an early digital review copy (eARC). All thoughts and reflections shared here are entirely my own.
​The Review
​I've Got a Crush on You welcomes readers into a brilliantly paced contemporary romance that expertly subverts classic relationship expectations. The narrative starts with a clear, familiar friction, setting up a seemingly traditional push-and-pull dynamic between the main leads. However, as the layers begin to peel back, the story transforms into a deeply emotional, incredibly sweet exploration of vulnerability, certainty, and mutual respect. Lauren Blakely delivers a standout romance filled with sharp wit, beautiful romantic tension, and a core partnership that feels completely earned.
​The Good
​Though this starts as a grumpy x sunshine story... Sawyer truly is the most endearing MMC in the world! I absolutely loved him. It was so completely obvious that he fell first and harder, and watching him navigate those massive feelings was an absolute joy.
​Chloe was a great FMC too! The way she knows what she wants is amazing, bringing a refreshing level of confidence, agency, and clarity to the plot. I really enjoyed the dynamics between these two. Their banter is elite, their communication is stellar, and the mutual respect underlying their relationship makes their connection feel beautifully genuine and strong.
​The Not So Good
​Honestly, there is very little to complain about here! The only reason it's a 4.5 instead of a perfect 5 is that the external conflict in the final third felt slightly rushed compared to the incredibly deliberate, magnificent build-up of their romance. But because the central dynamic is so flawless, it barely impacts the overall reading experience

[bookishWife · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun, light, and charming read. Chloe and Sawyer first meet at a dog party, and thanks to their instant chemistry—and a particularly bad day for both of them—they end up spending the night together. They agree to leave it as a one-time thing and move on with their lives.

Things become complicated when Chloe's new business, Pawsitive Dog Training, starts gaining traction. Looking for a space to rent, she approaches a newly reopened doggy daycare, only to discover that the owner is none other than Sawyer. After a few misunderstandings and some frustrating reactions from Sawyer, the two gradually develop a good working relationship. As they collaborate on several projects around their small town, it's only a matter of time before romance finds them again.

This book will make you laugh, smile, and occasionally feel frustrated. The writing is smooth and engaging, but the story feels a little too long at times. The constant back-and-forth regarding their feelings can become repetitive, which occasionally slows the pace and adds unnecessary frustration.

I also appreciated the diversity included in the story. It's always nice to see characters from different backgrounds represented in contemporary romance, as it helps make the world feel more realistic and inclusive.

One small note: a Muslim side character in the story owns a pet dog. While dogs are certainly adorable, keeping dogs as pets is generally discouraged in Islamic teachings except for specific purposes such as guarding, hunting, or service work. While individual Muslims may have different practices and interpretations, I felt that a bit more research or context could have made this aspect of the character feel more authentic.

Overall, this is a sweet, feel-good romance with lovable characters, plenty of humor, and a strong sense of community. Despite some pacing issues, it's an enjoyable read for anyone looking for a lighthearted small-town romance.

I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Alyssa Randolph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Lauren Blakely and Hambright Marketing for the opportunity to receive and review an ARC copy of I've Got a Crush On You!

We meet Chloe on one of the roughest days of her life. She gets fired from a company that's run by her ex-husband's father for an event that was changed by none other than her coworker ex-husband. Since she also runs a part time dog training business, she decides to not wallow I'm her self pity that night but instead attend the birthday party if her recent celebrity client in the hopes to drum up some more business. But of course, the night doesn't go as planned, and she's knocked into a pond by one of the party guests. Although, Sawyer, who she spotted earlier at the bar, jumps in the pond to come to her rescue. When her client offers her a hotel room free for the evening for her troubles, she gladly accepts, and her knight in shining armor not only escorts her to her room but accompanies her for the evening.

In a few months' time, we find Chloe securing a space to rent in the local doggy daycare that is recently under new ownership. Who is this new ownership? None other than Sawyer. After a rough start, the two hit it off again, and while they tried to keep away from each other, they ended up in a friends with benefits situation. But of course, things get a little rocky when Sawyer gets possessive during a work event when Chloe's ex-husband shows up. This makes Sawyer take a few steps back and realize he needs to focus on his business. Of course, they both realize that they've fallen for each other while they're apart, and Sawyer wins her back with a grand gesture at her mom's benefit.

Overall, this is a cutesy romance with lots of doggy friends involved and plenty of spice to keep the entertainment going. There was some fluff that I felt took away from the main storyline, but other than that, this was a great book! I also didn't read the first book in this series, and it didn't take away from the story at all.

[Kritikal Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review on World Review of Books
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.

After kicking off her new small-town, forbidden-secret rendezvous romance series with It Seemed Like a Good Idea earlier this year, Lauren Blakely brings us back to Darling Springs with the whirlwind romance between Chloe and Sawyer this time in I’ve Got a Crush on You. We highly recommend the first one in the series, but you can read IGACOY as a standalone perfectly well.

Chloe is embarking on a new adventure in her life: starting a dog training business.

Sawyer is also embarking on a new adventure: opening a new space for his doggy daycare business.

An adventure they didn’t know they were embarking on: their businesses intertwining with a very memorable one-night stand from the recent past.

“Thank god he can’t read my mind,” I say. “My mind is a terrifying place.”

There are the usual suspects of a small town fling: secret dating, bedroom eyes that everyone’s picked up on except our oblivious MCs, grapevine gossip, comically evil exes…you get the drift.

There are also trademark Blakely motifs: a disastrous yet flirty meet-cute, an immediate chemistry between the main characters (MCs) fuelled by banter, a twist when they end up as coworkers.

It works because Chloe and Sawyer are two people who have been spurned in their earlier relationships (her Vegas wedding done on a bet to an insipid guy that lasted 6 months to his called-off engagement after his fiancée cheated on him) and they’re attracted to each other, in a play of the beloved grumpy-sunshine trope (her never-failing optimism to his surly brooding).

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve Got a Crush on You (Book 2 in the Darling Springs series) by Lauren Blakely is everything I love about a sweet, flirty romance brought to life by the incredible performances of Vanessa Edwin and Connor Crais. Their narration perfectly captures the humor, chemistry, and emotional vulnerability that make Sawyer and Chloe impossible not to root for.

Sawyer and Chloe’s meet-cute is delightfully awkward, charming, and filled with instant sparks. What begins as an unexpected encounter quickly blossoms into a friendship layered with witty banter, undeniable attraction, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Rather than rushing their romance, Blakely allows their connection to build naturally, making every flirtatious exchange and meaningful conversation feel authentic.

Sawyer is the kind of hero who’s easy to fall for—thoughtful, genuinely caring, and effortlessly charming beneath his confident exterior. Chloe is equally engaging, bringing warmth, intelligence, and a relatable vulnerability that makes her impossible not to love. Watching them slowly lower their guards and discover that their crush is turning into something much deeper is both heartwarming and incredibly satisfying.

Vanessa Edwin and Connor Crais elevate every scene with expressive performances that perfectly capture the characters’ personalities. Their playful delivery during the lighter moments and emotional depth during the more heartfelt scenes make the audiobook an absolute joy to listen to.

Filled with sparkling chemistry, laugh-out-loud moments, and a romance that grows stronger with every chapter, I’ve Got a Crush on You is a feel-good audiobook that leaves you smiling long after the final chapter. A definite five-star listen for anyone who enjoys charming meet-cutes, slow-building romance, and perfectly-placed narrators.

[Minnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

5⭐|3🌶️|12%🌶️frequency

Another great book by Lauren 🤩
It's so funny. But it's also deep. Sawyer is such a grump, and yeah, I can definitely understand it, at least after what happened in his past. I don't know if he was a grump before that 🙈 On the other hand, Chloe went through a few things too, and she's the absolute sunshine. Yeah, I think that's so typical men... 😎

I'm definitely a huge dog lover like Lauren, and that's definitely one reason why I love her books so much 🩷 But this book WOW, I think that's the book with the most dogs in it I've ever read. But with Sawyer owning doggie daycares and Chloe being a dog trainer... And then the whole thing with the film crew and all the extra dogs 🙈 Just soo many. And all the names 🤣 I mean, who gives a Great Dane the name... Ha, did you really think I would give it away here? Never. The names are all too perfect to spoil them 😎

Sorry, but my favorite characters in this book are definitely the dogs 😍 But OK, the humans aren't that bad either 🤣
I loved how Sawyer struggled with falling for Chloe, but it was so clear he fell quickly 🥰

Oh, and I loved Sam Silversmith 🤣 One of the scenes made me think of a reel I just recently saw of Jimmy Fallon 🤣 I couldn't get it out of my head while reading the book 🙈

So, and now I so need the next book. Because holy 💩 what's going on with Bridget? I need to know. That's one of Chloe's best friends, her other best friend, Ripley, already got her story (book 1). And yes, I loved seeing both and Banks again 🩷


Thanks to the author, Cosmo Reads, and NetGalley for trusting me with an ARC 🩷


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[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵 Blurb -
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.
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 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. And when I’m roped into a charity dance number, I smell an opportunity, especially when I learn my hot landlord has an alter ego and a fandom.
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.
🩷 Review -
This was such a fun and spicy read. Even though I hadn't read the first book in the series I still enjoyed it and soon understood who was who and what was going on. I've got a crush on you is the most perfect summer beach read. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Hambright PR, the author Lauren Blakely and the publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

- clumsy meet-cute
- Rom com
- Full of dogs
- Workplace romance
- One night stand


This book was so freaking cute.
After a horrible day, getting sabotaged by her ex and getting fired from her job, Chloe decides she’s not going to sulk, remembering her client from her side job, dog training, is throwing a birthday party for her dog. Chloe decides to go.

Sawyer, after finding out his fiancée was cheating on him, sold the house they just bought and was in a funk. His sister forces him to go to a dog party.

He and Chloe see each other at the bar and are instantly drawn together. After an unfortunate incident involving two dogs and a lake, the host insists on getting Chloe a hotel room in town. Sawyer, after saving her from the lake, takes her to the hotel. They both decided to have a no-strings-attached one-night stand.

A month later, Chloe’s dog training business is really picking up, especially with a tv show filming in her town. She decides it’s time to rent a space and finds the perfect one in a doggy daycare. The manager rents her the spot and she comes back the next day to meet the owner. Of course, the owner turns out to be Sawyer.
After re-meeting, these two get off on the wrong foot; Sawyer thinks Chloe is stalking him, which of course offended Chloe. After some time, they come to a truce and team up to get their business part of the production.

I really enjoy Chloe and Sawyer together. They complemented each other well, and their quick-witted banter and chemistry were so good. They tease and challenged each other while fighting their attraction and feelings every step of the way. I loved the blackmailing 😂 it was so cute.

This book was sweet, light, feel-good, and full of dogs. What more could you want?

Thank you NetGalley and Cosmo Reads!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a particularly bad day, Chloe has a one-night stand with a handsome stranger she meets at a dog’s birthday party in San Francisco. Never expecting to see him again, she is shocked when he turns out to be the owner of the doggy daycare she’s renting space from for her dog training business, and immediately accuses her of stalking him when she shows up on the first day. Trying to stay positive, Chloe is determined to make the most of the awkward situation, especially knowing that she needs to impress a producer looking for locations (and a dog trainer) for an upcoming tv series. If only she could stay away from the man who doesn’t feel like such a stranger anymore.

Sawyer wasn’t looking for anything the day he met Chloe, but when the opportunity arose, he saw her as a way to cheer him up on a bad day. When she walks into his new business a month later he assumes the worst, and she makes it clear how little she’s thought of him in their time apart. But as much as he’d like to pretend he isn’t still thinking about their time together, that’s easier said than done, especially as they keep finding themselves in the same space.

I was lucky enough to do an early immersive read of this book, courtesy of @NetGalley and the author, and I absolutely loved it! It had all the sweet romance you can expect from @Laurenblakelybooks, with enough awkward situations to keep you laughing the whole time. Chloe and Sawyer were fated to be together, as much as they both wanted to deny it, and while they were both jaded in the romance department, their chemistry was off the charts from the first chapter. The doggie cast took the stage as secondary superstars in this story, and made sure that Chloe and Sawyer got their happy ending.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW!✨

I FINISHED IT! In just under 24 hrs! I couldn’t stop listening!! While I was cleaning in the shower I was addicted! I know I would be !


Title: I’ve got a crush on you by @laurenblakelybooks

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spicy: 🌶️ 🌶️

Smut: 🥵🥵🥵

Picture this! You are a part time dog trainer trying to make it your full time job when you’r fired from your ex husband’s family ballon company, BC your ex sabotaged you!! You’re about to sit home and wallow when you remember your Client is having a birthday party for the dog you trained ! And you were invited! So you go to celebrate but also maybe to pick up more clients so you can pay the bills and maybe have enough clients to be come a full time dog trainer !

You go your having the time of your life when you see a guy across the yard at the bar but he’s talking to a woman so you think he’s taken, you go over to order a drink when the woman starts talking to you and introducing you to her BROTHER! Which she has noticed has been checking you out! You have one night stand and agree to never see each other again!

3 weeks later your trying to find a studio space to train dogs in when you rent this space that used to be a dog daycare and grooming that closed but someone bought it to reopen it again you talk to the manager who is a friend about renting a room to do dog training she said sure because the owner left her in charge to rent out space! The next day you decide you’re gonna go there meet the owner bring in snacks for your new boss and employees do you realize it’s the guy you had a one night stand with!


There is so much more! but this was a great read! And it has doggies in the story! A whole lot of them!! 😍🐶

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've Got a Crush on You
Darling Springs, Book 2
By: Lauren Blakely
Narrated by: Vanessa Edwin, Connor Crais

Trying to get ahead in her dog training, Chloe has come to Darling Springs. At a party she is networking at, there is a small accident and she is saved by Sawyer. And the two enjoy each other for the entire night. Little did they know that this is not the last time they would see each other. When Chloe goes to her new location that she shares with a doggy daycare, who is there but her new landlord, none other than Sawyer. The two are cordial and since he is running the daycare they decide to be professional together. But the undeniable chemistry is impossible to ignore. Since both have had bad prior relationships, they have no interest in feelings, except they are growing. Where does it all lead? I loved this one for a lot of reasons. Let me start with the dogs. I am a huge dog lover, and this was so much fun with the shenanigans of the pups. Then layer the sparks that fly each time Chloe and Sawyer are together and I was sold. Lauren Blakely knows how to grab my heart and keep it in her clutches. This is a fabulous addition to the Darling Springs series.

Vanessa Edwin and Connor Crais are the story tellers for this one and each time I hear them together, it's a treat for my ears. Edwin is Chloe. This girl has confidence and spunk, and Edwin brings it. She does give her a softness too keeping her real and easy to relate to. Crais is Sawyer, the one that keeps his heart just far enough away to make me crazy. He brings all the feels and makes Sawyer a man with his walls coming down. Loved these two and their performance.

[Annie Mae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've Got a Crush on You - 2 stars out of 5 ⭐️

I was first interested in this book as it seemed like it would be a fun, light hearted read and appeared to have a good mix of tropes I typically reach for when picking a book. However, I unfortunately found myself unable to connect with the story or the characters and ended up DNF’ing.

One of my biggest issues when reading this book was the pacing and structure. One paragraph would include excessive and unnecessary details that seemed to be used as filler rather than adding anything to the plot line
and then the following part would have no detail at all, which caused the writing to feel inconsistent and the dialogue to come across unnatural.

I felt that there was a lack of substance and emotional depth between the FMC and MMC. Their interactions seem to only focus on physical attraction, internal thoughts about each other's appearance, or their spice scenes, which at times seemed to drag on.

I also think the story could’ve benefited from removing one of the plot concepts. There were so many different elements competing for attention that the narrative ended up feeling disconnected. Alongside this, it seemed like the multiple side plots and details didn't seem to end up having much impact on the overall story (at least from the portion I read).

However, if you’re a fan of any of the tropes listed below, this might be a book for you!

Tropes:
- Rom Com
- Small town romance
- Co-workers/workplace romance
- One night stand
- Forced proximity

*Thank you to NetGalley, Cosmo Reads, and Lauren Blakely for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*