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4.38 AVERAGE
4.38 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
How am I supposed to just move on with my life without these characters?!?! I'm literally a wreck over this series ending ðŸ˜
That being said I don't want my entire review to be my tears so let me get on with it. Firstly, I was and am and will forever be Jaxon and Rory's biggest fan. When Mia said that she knew they were endgame from the beginning, I deeply related to her because they have been my endgame since I learned of their existence so this book was basically written for me. And I loved it.
Especially how well Rae wrote their dynamic. This kind of story is tricky... the kind where the MMC has known the FMC for her entire life and falls for her when she's older but it was done flawlessly. The way that you could feel that the love that Jaxon had for Rory when they were young was a platonic, brotherly sort of love, and how her love was the kind of sweet, innocent puppy love. And how a literal decade later after not seeing each other in so long, things shifted. And throughout the book he makes it clear that the woman he loves now is so different from the girl he knew then. It was done perfectly.
And I loved that Rory was enamored with Poppy immediately, never once caring that she wasn't biologically hers. I'll be crying over that scene of the three of them dancing in the kitchen for years to come. They make such a perfect family and I love them endlessly.
All in all, this was slow burn perfection. It took a decade (in book years) to get my endgame but I wouldn't change their story for anything. I'm so incredibly sad that this series is over. Lockwood Heights will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm just a little sad but so incredibly happy for this fictional family and all their happily ever afters ðŸ˜ðŸ§¡
That being said I don't want my entire review to be my tears so let me get on with it. Firstly, I was and am and will forever be Jaxon and Rory's biggest fan. When Mia said that she knew they were endgame from the beginning, I deeply related to her because they have been my endgame since I learned of their existence so this book was basically written for me. And I loved it.
Especially how well Rae wrote their dynamic. This kind of story is tricky... the kind where the MMC has known the FMC for her entire life and falls for her when she's older but it was done flawlessly. The way that you could feel that the love that Jaxon had for Rory when they were young was a platonic, brotherly sort of love, and how her love was the kind of sweet, innocent puppy love. And how a literal decade later after not seeing each other in so long, things shifted. And throughout the book he makes it clear that the woman he loves now is so different from the girl he knew then. It was done perfectly.
And I loved that Rory was enamored with Poppy immediately, never once caring that she wasn't biologically hers. I'll be crying over that scene of the three of them dancing in the kitchen for years to come. They make such a perfect family and I love them endlessly.
All in all, this was slow burn perfection. It took a decade (in book years) to get my endgame but I wouldn't change their story for anything. I'm so incredibly sad that this series is over. Lockwood Heights will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm just a little sad but so incredibly happy for this fictional family and all their happily ever afters ðŸ˜ðŸ§¡
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity, Pregnancy, Alcohol
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is like a warm hug laced with heartache and slow-burn tension. Little Crush is soft, swoony, and full of those little moments that sneak up on you and stay in your chest.
Rory has had a crush on Jax since forever—but he was older, her brother’s best friend, and totally out of reach. When life brings them back together years later—him now a single dad, her offering to help care for his baby daughter—everything between them shifts. Slowly, tenderly, and a little painfully.
Yes, there’s chemistry. Yes, the tension is real. But what makes this book shine are the quiet, wholesome moments: Jax kissing Rory’s forehead when she needs comfort, holding her when she’s falling apart, and just showing up in a way no one else ever has. It’s not just lust—it’s connection, safety, and deep affection.
Their bond is more than romantic—it’s emotional and grounding. You can feel how much they matter to each other long before either of them says it out loud
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to Kelsie Rae for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I knew Jax was going to be my favorite, and Kelsie Rae absolutely delivered. A Little Crush was more than worth the wait—it was the perfect finale to a standout series. Jaxon and Rory’s story had everything: slow-burn tension, vulnerability, humor, and the kind of emotional payoff you hope for when you’ve followed characters across multiple books. They fought their connection hard, but once they gave in? It was magic.
Kelsie has a true talent for crafting fully formed characters with depth—flaws, trauma, strength, and heart. Jax and Rory felt singular and real, despite Kelsie having written so many beloved leads before. Seeing what shaped Jax into the man he is now, watching him understand his own emotions and choose what (and who) to fight for—it was genuinely moving. Rory’s journey, particularly the exploration of her OCD and how it stems from personal tragedy, was written with care and realism.
Beyond the romance, what makes this series shine is the sense of found family. From callbacks to the Don’t Let Me series to cameos from the whole LAU crew, A Little Crush ties everything together in the most satisfying way. The message that family isn’t just blood—it’s who you choose—comes through beautifully.
Even if you haven’t read the Don’t Let Me series, The Little Things stands strong on its own. But if you have been there from the beginning? The emotional weight hits that much harder. Kelsie Rae has built a universe that feels like home, and saying goodbye to these characters is bittersweet. I can only hope a next-gen series is in the works (Poppy as an adult? Yes, please!).
Whether you're a longtime fan or brand new to her books, this series is a must-read. If you’re unsure about sports romances—don’t worry. The focus is on character, connection, and heart. Sports are just the backdrop, not the whole story. And this story? It’s one you won’t want to miss.
I knew Jax was going to be my favorite, and Kelsie Rae absolutely delivered. A Little Crush was more than worth the wait—it was the perfect finale to a standout series. Jaxon and Rory’s story had everything: slow-burn tension, vulnerability, humor, and the kind of emotional payoff you hope for when you’ve followed characters across multiple books. They fought their connection hard, but once they gave in? It was magic.
Kelsie has a true talent for crafting fully formed characters with depth—flaws, trauma, strength, and heart. Jax and Rory felt singular and real, despite Kelsie having written so many beloved leads before. Seeing what shaped Jax into the man he is now, watching him understand his own emotions and choose what (and who) to fight for—it was genuinely moving. Rory’s journey, particularly the exploration of her OCD and how it stems from personal tragedy, was written with care and realism.
Beyond the romance, what makes this series shine is the sense of found family. From callbacks to the Don’t Let Me series to cameos from the whole LAU crew, A Little Crush ties everything together in the most satisfying way. The message that family isn’t just blood—it’s who you choose—comes through beautifully.
Even if you haven’t read the Don’t Let Me series, The Little Things stands strong on its own. But if you have been there from the beginning? The emotional weight hits that much harder. Kelsie Rae has built a universe that feels like home, and saying goodbye to these characters is bittersweet. I can only hope a next-gen series is in the works (Poppy as an adult? Yes, please!).
Whether you're a longtime fan or brand new to her books, this series is a must-read. If you’re unsure about sports romances—don’t worry. The focus is on character, connection, and heart. Sports are just the backdrop, not the whole story. And this story? It’s one you won’t want to miss.
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Such a great book! Love the characters, the plot, and the ending. Kelsie always seems to connect the characters with real life. Can't wait to read more!!!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes