That Crush

That Boy®, Book 9

De: Jillian Dodd

Narrado por: Maren McGuire, Patrick Zeller

She’s scared to fall in love again. He’s determined to be the one she falls for.

When Damon Diamond first laid eyes on Ainsley Archibald at fifteen, he knew it was more than just a crush. But with their four-year age gap and her indifference, he had to keep his feelings at bay. Three years later, everything has changed. Damon’s no longer the boy she barely noticed—he’s grown into a confident, irresistible man with one goal for the summer: to make Ainsley his.

Ainsley arrives at her uncle’s resort in the Ozarks, eager to get back out there after a bad breakup. But the moment she lays eyes on Damon, everything shifts. He’s hot, heading to college, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. What starts as harmless flirting, quickly spirals into feelings that neither of them can ignore. Torn between her desire for him and the complications of their age difference, Ainsley must decide if she’s ready to risk everything for a summer of love. Because Damon isn’t just after a fling—he wants her heart.

Age-gap tension. Heart-pounding kisses. A love story you’ll feel in your chest.

Although this is book nine in the That Boy series, the trilogy of That Crush / That Girl / That Someday can be listened to as a standalone series featuring Damon and Ainsley.

©2024 Jillian Dodd (P)2024 Jillian Dodd

The end

The end left you really hanging and it’s supposed to be a standalone. Right in the middle, won’t bother next time

Damon and Ainsley are perfect

What a beautiful story!!!! Love how thoughtful and romantic is Damon and how That Crush turned into a beautiful summer love. Ainsley is really trying to be strong and stick with her new goal but Damon is irresistible (like his father). The cliffhanger… as always I wasn’t expecting that. It’s a good one, my favorite. The narrator’s performance was amazing both were new to me. I really enjoyed the listening/reading love how they bring the characters to life. Can’t wait to read the rest of their story.

Naked scavenger hunt

Jillian Dodd scored another touchdown with this book. I love how Damon and Ainsley story is playing out it’s the way it’s supposed to when you start dating. I’m glad that Ainsley and Damon waited until he turned 18. It was fun catching up with the rest of the family and getting to know some of the Archibald family. Jillian left us with a great cliffhanger. Can’t wait for That girl to come out.

Great male voice too mature for this work

I prefer hearing the female voice for the female characters. The male voice makes them sound strange. His voice is also really deep and older sounding for college students. The male voice is excellent just out of place.

Cute story, parts were eh, male narrator was a miss

I thought the story was cute. However, sometimes hearing a 17 year old speaking like they have real world experience in romance and love made me roll my eyes. And everyone acting like he’s this adult. I get it was a time spent with extended family, so rules tend to be a little more relaxed for older teens. When I was 17, I too liked someone 21, but as a parent with a 17 year old it bothered me sometimes. I still enjoyed the story though as I kept reminding myself I was there once before too.
What I didn’t like was Patrick Zeller narrating for Damien. His voice does not match a 17, going on 18 year old. He often speaks in an exasperated way that doesn’t fit the scene. He trails off and speaks too quiet sometimes making it hard to hear and I would zone out and have to replay. I also cannot stand the way he reads for women either. The “California” stereotype way. The way he makes Ainsley sound is drastically different from how Maren McGuire reads for the character which feels like I’m hearing 2 different characters. I think he’s better suited for older male roles.
As for Maren McGuire’s narration, she sounds spot on. Young, vibrant, but sometimes too innocent sounding. Overall, I preferred listening to her narration.

A MUST READ SERIES!!!!

Every single book in this entire set is amazing! Truly! You can’t go wrong! She captivates you right away in “That Boy” and always leaves you wanting more!!! Read them all and find out for yourself! I promise the only disappointment you’ll feel is when you finish a book and have to wait for the next one to come out!!! November… can’t come soon enough!!! #DoddSquad4Life <3

Damon

Whatttttt??? Leave me hanging!!!!! The age gap -at those ages, i feel like it wouldn’t matter in a few years- was uncomfortable for me but I still enjoyed the story and the cliff hanger ending!

Poorly written

Poorly written and boring characters. I just gave up on the last few chapters and didn’t finish because I did not find anything at all interesting enough to see it to the end.