Book Review: My Ten-Year Crush by Olivia Spring

"Life was so much easier when I stuck to the same thing. No worrying about whether or not I'd like something. Change and variety were overrated."

--Olivia Spring, My Ten-Yer Crush

A romantic comedy about friends-who-become-lovers and second chances, My Ten-Year Crush is entertaining and sensual. Fans of Beth O'Leary, Mhairi McFarlane, and Lindsey Kelk will like this book.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

The first kiss wrecked their friendship. Could a second chance lead to love?

English teacher Bella isn’t having much luck with her love life. No matter who she dates, no one seems to measure up to Mike: the ex-bestie she shared a drunken kiss with ten years ago, which led to the end of their friendship…

When Bella comes face-to-face with Mike at their university reunion, sparks fly. He’s smart, funny and even hotter than before, and despite trying to fight her feelings, Bella still can’t get him out of her head. But after what happened the last time she stepped out of the friend zone, Bella isn’t in a hurry to be rejected all over again.

Should Bella risk more heartache by telling Mike how she really feels? Could the attraction be mutual? Or is it finally time to put her past behind her and say goodbye to a second chance at love, forever?

My reaction to this novel...

I selected to read this book since I was seeking for a comical but light narrative the last time I was feeling low, and while browsing, I came across and spotted this book. Given how much it improved my attitude at the time, I consider myself quite fortunate to have read it. It is a lovely, admirable, and oh-so-sexy tale about the lovely consequences that result from choosing to leave your comfort zone, take your own route, and give your heart's wishes a shot. This relationship serves as a very effective example of how simple, open communication about thoughts and goals may prevent a ton of regret and suffering. I found the character faults and behaviors to be genuine, and they are related in a compelling tale that has its fair share of wistful glances, passion, and great experiences spent together.

Aren't crushes the worst? As your hormones ride an emotional journey, you go through the high points and low points. Bella and I hit it off right away. Her need for regularity and her reluctance to put herself out there, particularly given that her track record is, to put it mildly, dubious. She was funny, had a great sense of humor, and most of all, had a big heart. When it comes to Bella, there are no short cuts. When it comes to Mike, she is always fully committed and her heart has never been away. She makes a fantastic female lead. Without a doubt, she makes mistakes, as do we all, but as you read the novel, you can see how she gradually comes into her own.

I felt delight and satisfaction after reading this narrative since it was a wonderful romance. I was really inspired and upbeat, though. The entire day, I caught myself reflecting about the novel. In a way, I almost wished I hadn't completed it so I could return and continue to live in that world. I absolutely adored this book. I adored the characters, their tale, and the uplifting emotions it gave me. A novel that I would heartily suggest.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)

"Amazing things can happen when you open yourself up and let others support you."

I firmly think that no man is an island. And when we want to do anything, we should be aware of this and acknowledge that we were not meant to live alone. In order to be motivated and succeed in our goals, we require assistance. We cannot accomplish the beautiful things we want in life without help. Another method of believing in the wonderful things that will happen to us is to have an open mind and heart and trust in the people and the process.