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Small Town, Big Sky Romance #2

A Longtime -and at one point illegal- Crush

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From the day Elsie’s older brother brought his friend Kye McBride over to their house, Elsie adored him. When she was eight, she secretly blew kisses to him. When she was twelve, she sat on the stairs unnoticed and watched him escort another girl to prom. When she was a senior in high school, she walked into math class and found out he was her new math teacher.

With that much emotion fueling her, things were bound to go wrong. And they did. Elsie not only spent the last two weeks of school avoiding him, she turned avoiding-Kye-at-all-costs into her life-long philosophy.

Now three years have passed and Elsie has come home for her brother’s wedding. She’s got to face Kye-–hopefully without getting crushed again.

62 pages, ebook

First published February 13, 2013

192 people are currently reading
954 people want to read

About the author

Janette Rallison

85 books1,989 followers
Check out my awesome book trailers!
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...

Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.


Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007

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5 stars
428 (26%)
4 stars
530 (33%)
3 stars
457 (28%)
2 stars
128 (8%)
1 star
48 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
Profile Image for Janette.
Author 85 books1,989 followers
February 18, 2013
I have an author crush on Kye. Just saying.
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,136 reviews698 followers
September 13, 2023
I wanted something quick to read before bed, and since the author has a new book coming out in this series, I decided to read this one again.

I thought this was a cute story about Elsie and her high school crush Kye, her brothers best friend and math teacher. I thought the story was handled well, being that for part of the story Elsie is in high school and Kye is her teacher. Now days that's a tough subject to write about without being...icky. It worked here though. I would have liked to have more time with them as "grown ups" though.

Content Rated PG
Clean romance, kissing. No language. Mild violence - an assault that is stopped


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Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,832 reviews223 followers
September 1, 2017
If you are looking for a humorous story, look no further. I can always count on a book by Janette Rallison to be fun, witty and have a great love story. I'd seen several friends read and enjoy this one and had been wanting to read it for a while. It's been sitting in my kindle library for a little bit after I snagged it for free from Amazon. After a pretty emotional read and day I knew this was just what my heart and emotions needed! Yep. It hit the spot. I was laughing from the beginning, smiling to myself even cringing at some of the embarrassing moments scattered throughout this read.

Oh Elsie, heavens child, talk about unrequited love. And talk about loving your brother's best friend for FOREVER only to have him be your teacher your senior year. Talk about awkward and impossible situation. Elsie and Kye aren't too many years different in age but it's hands off when he's your teacher and you're still in high school. Talk about total embarrassment for Elsie and then complete and utter avoidance after high school, until she has to return for her brother's wedding and there's no ignoring and avoiding Kye.

Fun group of characters and fun subtle moments. If you don't get embarrassed reading about someone else's pure embarrassment then grab this one and enjoy! Not very long but packed with everything that makes a good rom-com. Oh the rhubarb applesauce moment. Zing! Hee Hee! If you've read it you know what I'm talking about, if you haven't, read it and you will.

The cows. Ha! The cows cracked me up and Elsie's comments and thoughts about said cows. I laughed and was shaking my head over that scene. And Kye riding in on his horse to save the day. Talk about pure embarrassment.

Fun note at the end of the book from the author explains where the idea for the story comes from. She also says that this one is on her list to come back someday and expand it into a full length novel. Can I just say right now, sign me up for being the first to read it. Lol! I could only imagine the zings and embarrassing moments that would abound further for our enjoyment between Elsie and Kye. Maybe Lisa would make an appearance, or Kye might end up with some page time with his POV.

Content: Clean. There is a flashback scene of a guy attempting to force a girl in his car wanting to make out with her but nothing graphic and the girl is saved before she gets in the car.

My own personal copy.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,272 reviews2,110 followers
November 7, 2023
This is very short and that is very much to its benefit. If anything it could have been shorter. The feelings and motivations of the characters are clear and very well-presented and I was engaged with them quickly and that faded only a very little (because Elsie is almost willfully blind to Kye's feelings for her). Once he rejects her (quite properly, as she is his student—in High School math class), she considers that rejection to be set in stone and never bothers trying to see the situation from his point of view (i.e. career suicide, possible jail time, and permanent residence on sexual predator lists). She's young enough, and inexperienced/sheltered enough, for her not to understand that at the time. But a year or two in college should be enough to at least make her wonder/reevaluate, I think. Particularly as it is clear that her feelings haven't changed. Going melodramatically avoidy after she'd had some time to mature and become less sheltered was an unreasonable character arc flatline that made the story less than I think it could have been.

Anyway, this was good enough that I'm rounding my 3½ to four stars for a well-focused and tightly told story with characters I (mostly) cared about.

A note about chaste: There's really no time for there to be anything but some kissing. Which works out very well for this story.

A note about an author's note: Rallison mentions that a lot of reviewers want this to be a longer story. I'd be interested in that, but only if she matures it and comes up with more than the single conflict. The last book of hers I read was a disappointment for the very reason that the given conflict just didn't last and the story went past the point of it really working. I think her current work shows she has the chops for it, however, so if she comes up with the right story to extend this, I think it could be really strong.

A note about another author's note: Rallison mentions in another author's note that she hesitated with the romance starting in high school. She tells of her husband's grandparents who started in more or less exactly that circumstance and that this reality encouraged her to take the plunge. In the age of sexual predator lists and where many of the safeguards of due process (for accused men) are openly scorned on college campuses the risk profile for men in education is a whole different universe than it was in their time. I don't think that means the story can't be told and I think it's an interesting premise that could lead to great story arcs and the right kind of drama. But it really does need a very careful hand. From this story, it seems like Rallison will manage just fine. But I still worry...
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,448 reviews322 followers
July 24, 2013
There is something about Janette Rallison's stories that I just LOVE!! They're clean, fun, and absolutely adorable.

I loved Kye. He was kind and a real gentleman, even when he was a teenager. Elsie is a typical girl--pretty insecure about herself and always scheming up ways to get the guy to notice her.

This story had the potential to be creepy in a creeper-ish sort of way, not a horror story way, but wasn't at all. Kye is a few years older than Elsie and at one point, was her math teacher. Of course, being the guy that Kye is, nothing much happened during that time.

My only complaint with this one is that it was too short!! When I find an author or a story I really love, I just don't want it to end and this one was more of a novella, so it was really too short for me.

Content: an almost attack; kissing.
Profile Image for Nat Rowley.
29 reviews
July 6, 2018
Oh what joy fills me when I find another one of Janette Rallison's books! Loved this little story, though at first I was a little hesitant because, eww... math teacher? When I read the description I could not help but see in my minds eye all my math teachers of the past and it gave me shudders to think of being attracted to one of them. But of course Janette Rallison never disappoints. It ended up being totally swoon worthy and not awkward at all.
She is seriously my favorite author. Not to boast or anything but I was the cause of my best friends obsession and addiction as well. You know the saying, misery loves company. And it is misery, waiting for something new by Janette Rallison.
You know how she seems to create the most awkward, embarrassing, yet down right hilarious teenage moments in all of her books? (If you don't, read some and you'll see.) Well my friends and I have what we like to call "Janette Rallison moments". It's where we have the most humiliating experiences that are mortifying at first, but then we have a giggle fest later on about it. Like the time when one of my friends got their braces stuck to her crushes shirt. Yeah. Definitely Janette Rallison moment.
Anyways. If you haven't jumped on the Janette train (or her other secret name she uses to write books, all of which are just as fabulous) I suggest you do right away. You are missing out!
Profile Image for Kathryn Cooper.
Author 1 book43 followers
February 21, 2013
Reviewed on Clean Adult Fiction

Oh sigh, Janette Rallison can do no wrong. I love her books! She writes the best embarrassing moments. This one was painfully embarrassing and made me cringe . . . and laugh. Great great stuff. This was the first book by Janette I've read with an older Main Character. The other books I've read were teenagers. Elsie was in college and so probably early twenties, but she does flashback to her high school days too.

This is a must read for anyone who wants a sweet romance with a good laugh. Seriously, the girl was in love with her math teacher who happened to be her brother's best friend. Classic. I loved every minute of this read! I just wished it was longer! This was a novella so only 62 pages of blissfully fun reading.

Content Ratings:
sexual: very mild
language: none
violence: very mild
Profile Image for Deborah.
675 reviews53 followers
February 22, 2013
Kath, read it. Loved it. Wished it was much much much longer!
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,503 reviews262 followers
July 27, 2019
This is a short story about a long time crush. It was way fun to read. I enjoyed it a lot and had a good laugh. I've been feeling like contemporary lately and Rallison always hits the spot:} Her early books are lighter reads with a fun feel and lesson always taught and learned.
Profile Image for Alisa.
793 reviews44 followers
February 22, 2013
Janette Rallison is one of my favorite authors, and this short novel delivers! Of course I wish it was longer, but even as a short novel you get to know and love the characters! The whole story takes place over one fateful weekend...

Ever since she was 8, Elsie has been in love with her oldest brother's friend, Kye. When she is a senior in high school he has graduated from college and is her math teacher. She still really likes him, and is humiliated when he rejects her. In her humiliation, she misunderstands the reasons for the rejection and so when she graduates and leaves for college she has no plans to see Kye again. Ever.

She has successfully avoided him for three years. But now her brother is getting married and seeing Kye is going to be inevitable. And her luck only gets worse... Driving across Kye's ranch she gets stranded and Kye rescues her.

Being around him just reminds her of all the reasons why she was in love with him in the first place... and why she has never found anyone else she liked as much as she liked Kye.

And now it's up to Kye to clear up the misunderstanding between them... and he's willing to keep trying until he gets it right!
Profile Image for Mara.
1,430 reviews102 followers
June 9, 2017
This is a short novella that I wanted to be longer; it was getting really good when it ended. For the past 3 years Elsie has only been home from college for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but she's back for her oldest brother's wedding. Why hasn't she been home? Because since right before high school graduation she's been avoiding Kye McBride.
Kye is her brother's friend that Elsie met when she was 8 and he was 14 yrs old. She fell in love with him instantly. He tutored her brother in math and they went to the same church so she saw him often. He went away to college but came back home to help his dad with their ranch. Imagine Elsie's surprise when she walks into her senior year math class and finds that Kye McBride is her teacher!!
He's her brother's best man and she's the maid of honor so they have to see each other at the wedding. Will she finally face Kye and the embarrassing situation that happened right before graduation?
This is a sweet story with a heck of a kiss towards the end. The only thing I didn't like was that it was too short. I'll definitely check out more of Janette Rallison's books.
Profile Image for Tressa (Wishful Endings).
1,822 reviews195 followers
February 22, 2013
Elsie has always had a crush on her big brother's friend, Kye, since the first day she met him when she was eight years old. She followed after him like a little lost puppy until he went away to college. Then in her senior year of high school she walks into her math class to find him at the front as her new math teacher. Things don't quite turn out like she wants. Embarrassed, she avoids him for the next three years, even though every time she comes home for holidays from college, he comes over to hang out with her brother. This time she is coming home for her brother's wedding. She's planning on having as little contact with Kye as she can before going back. However, fate and Kye seem to be against her.

If you need something light, romantic, and funny, then pick this up. It was a really fun and cute read!

Content: Clean
Source: Amazon
Original review link: http://tressaswishfulendings.blogspot...
Profile Image for Tiana.
Author 5 books358 followers
Read
January 7, 2021
I thought there might be an "ick factor" with this book (since he's her teacher at one point) but I was wrong! As usual, Janette Rallison pulls it off fabulously. Kye is charming, polite and swoon-worthy. There are a few flashbacks at the beginning, but they're done in a smooth way that brings you up to date with the current story. I kinda feel bad for Janette's characters - she always puts them through such embarrassing situations. I'm glad things work out for them though. It's a quick read, but it feels like the perfect length.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,741 reviews5,983 followers
September 2, 2014
 

Why this book?

I need to get to bed at a decent time tonight
I love Janette Rallison
This book was only 60 pages
I was in the mood for romantic comedy

This was super cute and made me laugh (Janette always makes me laugh). This is just a fluff read and I assumed that going into it so I got what I was looking for.  I read a review that said this was "creepy" but I found it to be hilarious. Maybe my sense of humor is warped cause it made me laugh?

I wish there had been just a little bit more at the ending, it wrapped up way too quick but otherwise a book that put a smile on my face.

4 stars

Content: Clean

Source: Amazon.com (just .99 cents)

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Profile Image for Mandi Ellsworth.
Author 15 books31 followers
Read
February 20, 2013
This novella was only a dollar and I couldn't pass up reading something from one of my favorite authors. I happily devoured it in about an hour. As I hoped, it was funny and interesting and well told. I very much enjoyed the cows. (You'll just have to read it to see what I mean.)

The only thing I have a beef with (yes, the pun was intended) was that I wanted it to be longer. I wanted more. Not such a bad thing, really.
Profile Image for Tara.
339 reviews
May 14, 2014
Absolutely adorable! I felt like I was the one who had a crush on Kye :) (ok, maybe I am...) I cringed and wanted to die of embarrassment for Elsie during the high school flashback. The book was too short, though!! Definitely wanted more Kye time! But altogether, a super cute, fun read. My first by this author...I'll have to grab her other books!
Profile Image for Sariah.
Author 34 books3,755 followers
February 20, 2013
I was in the mood for something light and fluffy and romantic, and this was perfect. I couldn't give it five stars because it was too short! I wanted more wooing and chasing! I just hate when an author gives me a couple to love, and then doesn't give me enough time enjoying their romance. :)
Profile Image for Heidi.
344 reviews71 followers
August 31, 2014
Loved this clean, fun, sweet, short story. I found the characters adorable and endearing. I would have loved to have been able to just keep reading and found that the only disappointment I had was that it was over. I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Patricia.
2,952 reviews16 followers
July 16, 2013
Such a cute story! I was "in" from the first page. The only flaw is that it seemed so short (it was a ebook so I have no idea how long it really was but it was over too soon).
Profile Image for Melanie Jacobson.
Author 58 books1,577 followers
April 4, 2013
There is a very good kiss in this novella. Enough said.
Profile Image for Liliana.
990 reviews216 followers
July 20, 2018
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book

A Longtime (and at one point Illegal) Crush was a short, sweet read. Plus, it was super cute and funny, too! I adored it!

The story alternates between the present and the past. So in the present day we have Elsie going back home for her brother’s wedding. Then we have flashbacks to Elsie’s life as she grows up and interacts with Kye, her brothers best friend. It starts off when she was a kid and first met Kye, when she first started crushing on him. Then we get to her adolescence when he becomes her high school teacher, and the crush has not let up. And finally we get to present day where Elsie is all grown up and totally over Kye...

sarcasm

(She's totally not. Lol) I absolutely loved seeing Kye and Elsie’s interactions and Elsie just crushing so hard on the guy. It made for many awkward, hilarious situations and I loved every minute of it! Plus there were some very sweet moments that were definitely swoon-worthy! And Kye was just super charming and sweet! And I found Elsie to be very relatable. I just really liked the characters!

So I say I don't like contemporaries, but I think Janette Rallison is changing my mind. Lol. She is one of my favorite authors, and her contemporaries are pretty much the only ones I ever read! She just writes the sweetest romances ever and I just love it!

Anyway, I pretty much loved everything about this short story. It was a very fast read, it was super cute, and very funny. Plus, it really does work as a short story! I loved it!
Profile Image for Vibliophile.
1,588 reviews127 followers
January 13, 2022
A sweet romance amuse-bouche

Elsie is a whopping 6 years younger than Kye when they first meet - which is an insurmountable difference when she's just 8, & it remains a significant difference when he becomes her math teacher during her senior year of high school.

Ironically, when she reaches the point in her life where the age gap's not that big of a deal anymore, she's still too mortified by her past crush to see things objectively. Fortunately, Kye is seeing things more clearly & somewhat differently...

The story is amusing with some moments of teen cringe as Elsie nearly learns the tragic way that rules exist for their protection.

Despite the story's brevity, it's still satisfyingly happy

*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
(Kye has no romantic interest in Elsie until she's matured - there's nothing creepy to this story)
Profile Image for mandie ♱.
60 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2025
It was okay, the fmc was kind of annoying in that school girl with a crush way, which was the point, I guess but it got old really fast. There were a few cute moments, and it really was a slow burn because nothing happened until the end, but I was kinda glad when it was over.
Profile Image for Janssen.
1,827 reviews7,388 followers
March 13, 2019
This was short (proabbly about 100 pages) and just delightfully fun. And the note at the end made me love it even more.
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,465 reviews85 followers
March 6, 2013
Elsie's always admired her older brother's friend, Kye, but six years was always quite the age gap. Now Kye has returned from college and happens to be Elsie's math teacher senior year. I'm impressed at how Janette Rallison could take a situation that had me cringing and thinking, "No, he's your teacher!" and have it all work out in the end. As noted by another reviewer, this story is also full of embarrassing moments for Elsie. I'm glad Janette Rallison doesn't write my life story, I blush enough as it is!
Short, fun, and full of cringe-worthy as well as awe moments. My only complaint is that I was just adjusting to their relationship, when the story ended. I wanted more!
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