A Longtime -and at one point illegal- Crush
Book Description
What happens when a crush turns into a decades-long obsession, especially when it teeters on the edge of legality? In Janette Rallison's captivating tale, hidden secrets and tangled emotions ignite a thrilling journey that pulls friends and foes into a web of romantic chaos. With simmering tension between childhood nostalgia and the weight of adult choices, every choice could lead to heartbreak or redemption. As the clock ticks down, a single question looms: How far would you go to pursue a love that was never meant to be?
Quick Summary
"A Longtime -and at one point illegal- Crush" by Janette Rallison is a charming young adult romance novella that delves into the complexities of long-held infatuation. The story follows Gemma, who has secretly adored her older brother's best friend, Alex, since childhood—a crush complicated by their age difference and the boundaries of legality. As adults, Gemma’s feelings are reignited when circumstances force them back together, stirring up old memories and unresolved emotions. Navigating societal judgment, familial expectations, and the fear of unrequited love, Gemma must confront what pursuing her heart truly means. Rallison expertly balances humor and heartfelt moments, making this story a nuanced exploration of love’s persistence, the courage to act on one’s feelings, and the awkward beauty of growing up.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
The Complexity of Age-Gap Romance
Gemma has long harbored secret feelings for Alex, her older brother’s best friend. What began as a harmless childhood crush becomes burdened by the reality of societal norms and the significant age gap between them. Throughout her teenage years, Gemma must keep her emotions in check, knowing that any romantic involvement would be "illegal" due to her age—setting the stage for years of internal conflict and emotional restraint. Rallison paints Gemma’s inner world with humor and sensitivity, emphasizing her struggle with boundaries and longing.
Navigating Social Boundaries and Taboo
As Gemma matures into adulthood, the lines begin to blur. Circumstance throws her and Alex back into each other’s orbits, rekindling forgotten sparks and amplifying unresolved tensions. The story explores how the passage of time doesn’t necessarily dull genuine feelings; in fact, nostalgia and shared history often intensify them. Gemma faces moments of embarrassment and insecurity, but also small victories as she tries to navigate her new adult interactions with Alex, questioning whether her feelings remain one-sided.
The Endurance of Childhood Crushes
Family and friends form a complex backdrop, with loyalties, opinions, and past misunderstandings threatening to complicate potential romance. Gemma’s relationship with her brother serves both as a barrier and a refuge, adding emotional nuance to her pursuit. Rallison highlights how external expectations—both spoken and unspoken—shape the decisions of her characters, forcing them to choose between personal happiness and group harmony.
Personal Growth and Emotional Maturity
The novella’s turning point emerges as both Gemma and Alex confront their feelings, weighing the risk of heartbreak against the possibility of lasting love. Their conversations are tender yet fraught with the baggage of years gone by. Rallison thoughtfully explores the courage required to pursue a love society may frown upon, while never losing sight of the need for emotional maturity and respect.
Family, Friendship, and Loyalty
Ultimately, "A Longtime -and at one point illegal- Crush" is a story about growth—of realizing the difference between a childhood fantasy and an enduring adult connection. Through wit, relatable awkwardness, and heartfelt reflection, Rallison crafts a tale where hope and bravery triumph over fear, and where every decision is fraught with both risk and possibility.