Readcommendations

I promised I’d be back, and for once, I’m on time! I’m so thrilled this week to bring you another exceptional romance novel — one that manages to sneak sci-fi quotes and references into a contemporary story (you know I’m a sucker for that!).

Summary

A romance writer’s wildest dreams—the bestseller list, a movie deal, and a date with the real-life inspiration for her Hollywood hero—are all within her grasp if only she can hold it all together.    

Author Emmy Ellison is a sucker for a page-turning happy ending, but she’s no longer counting on one for herself. If she stays focused on her career goals instead of her love life, she just might find success. And now that her latest novel is about to become a movie, she’s determined to become the latest social media sensation.

When her secret celebrity crush (the real-life inspiration for her romantic hero) accepts the starring role in the big-screen adaptation of her book, she’s determined to team up with a fake dating scheme—now that he’s in need of some good PR of his own. Ideally, she can ride the wave of popularity all the way to the top of the bestseller lists. But when the harsh spotlight of fame exposes the truth, will they try to turn their on-camera chemistry into a real-life relationship?

What happens when your biggest celebrity crush stars in the movie adaptation of your book—and you start catching real feelings?

My Thoughts

Emmy Ellison is living the ultimate author fantasy. Her novel, Hashtag, CelebrityCrush, goes viral after the internet speculates which real-life celebrity inspired her leading man. Cue an even bigger dream come true—her book gets a movie deal, and none other than Jason Harlow, the actual muse behind her fictional Hollywood hero, signs on for the role. Suddenly Emmy’s at fancy Hollywood parties as her book skyrockets to the top of the bestseller list. What could possibly go wrong?

Well… emotions, for starters! When the lines between fiction and reality blur, and Emmy and Jason start falling for each other for real, the pressures of Hollywood, social media, and their own pasts make it nearly impossible to tell what’s genuine and what’s scripted.

The moment this book dropped a Star Trek reference in the first line, I knew I was in for a treat. If you’ve ever been obsessed with a sci-fi series and the leading actors who bring those characters to life (cough David Tennant’s hair cough), then this book is for you. And even if sci-fi isn’t your thing, don’t worry—the references are balanced enough that non-nerds will still absolutely love it. Also, can we talk about Lost Star Dance Troupe Saves the Universe? I need this to be a real show immediately. Imagine Firefly but with a ridiculously attractive cast and dance numbers? Get a producer on the line STAT!

But what makes Celebrity Crush truly shine is how authentic the characters feel. Emmy is more than just a dreamy, starstruck romance writer—she’s a single mom working tirelessly to build the life she and her daughter deserve. Jason, meanwhile, is a single dad trying to make the right choices for his son while navigating the exhausting world of fame. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really makes their love story hit home is how real it feels. They’re both navigating the pressure of public life, surrounded by people who constantly push them to use each other for their own gain. In a world of PR-driven relationships and social media scrutiny, trusting your heart isn’t easy. Their slow-burn connection—full of longing, hesitation, and genuine tenderness—makes you root for them at every turn. Just two people searching for something authentic in a world built on illusion.

Something I thought was pretty brilliant was the mise en abyme —or to avoid using a French term I can’t properly translate, Celebrity-Crush-Ception. The book is about Emmy’s celebrity crush, who plays the character based on himself in the movie adaptation of her book, #CelebrityCrush. So clever!

Just when you think you know where the story is going, Swift throws in a curveball that completely upends your expectations. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right balance of romantic tension, humor, and jaw-dropping surprises. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, something unexpected happened—and I loved it. The HEA is so satisfying, and I was grinning from ear to ear by the final chapters. While the leaked photo scandal wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking, that’s just a minor nitpick.

Also: I listened to the audiobook, and the dual narration really elevated the story. Having separate narrators for Emmy and Jason brought both perspectives to life, and the snippets of celebrity news, gossip blogs, and interviews were hilariously well done. The over-the-top Hollywood personalities were chef’s kiss perfect.

Celebrity Crush is the kind of book that gives you all the warm, fuzzy, heart-fluttering feelings. It’s fun, clever, and packed with swoon-worthy moments—plus, the fake dating trope is executed so well. The side characters are also fantastic (I need a Val in my life—when will my royalties start rolling in so I can afford a professional stylist?). If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts smart, sexy, and full of heart, this is it. And if it’s a little wish-fulfill-y? So what! That’s exactly what I needed. Highly recommended for fans of Hollywood romances and sci-fi-loving heroines who finally get their happily-ever-after.

Pub Date Feb 11 2025