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Crush
When sportswriter Miranda Penney is pulled from a frenzied crowd at a Lucas Fletcher concert by the gorgeous Welsh superstar himself, she's immediately smitten...and the feeling's mutual. But Miranda is no stranger to the pitfalls of dating a celebrity, and Lucas will have to overcome all her doubts and teach her to believe in him.
The daughter of an African-American baseball player who frequently cheated on her beautiful, accomplished Brazilian mother, Miranda also bears the woulds of having been cheated on by the ballplayer she herself dated.
Although she can't deny here attraction to Lucas, Miranda can't force herself to accept the love the handsome Welshman wants to give her. Their careers keep them surrounded by gorgeous, wealthy men and women of every color and description, but for Lucas and Miranda, when it comes to love, race doesn't matter. . . But fidelity and trust do, and those are the two things Lucas is determined to teach Miranda to believe in.
The daughter of an African-American baseball player who frequently cheated on her beautiful, accomplished Brazilian mother, Miranda also bears the woulds of having been cheated on by the ballplayer she herself dated.
Although she can't deny here attraction to Lucas, Miranda can't force herself to accept the love the handsome Welshman wants to give her. Their careers keep them surrounded by gorgeous, wealthy men and women of every color and description, but for Lucas and Miranda, when it comes to love, race doesn't matter. . . But fidelity and trust do, and those are the two things Lucas is determined to teach Miranda to believe in.
278 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 19, 2007
The Sweetest Crush
This is the third novel I've read by Mrs. Hubbard. Her stories are AWESOME! She makes you fall in love with her characters from first chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Lucas loved Miranda. He was definitely a very passionate, honest and caring man. Lucas told Miranda straight up not only with his words, but also with his actions how much he cared for her. What more could a girl want?!! And to think she almost threw him away because of her fears and insecurities. This novel was filled with hot, steamy, passionate embraces that kept you turning the pages. And even though theirs was an interracial relationship, it didn't dominate the story and it wasn't the issue that kept Miranda from giving her heart to Lucas. It was a wonderfully romantic ride! Can't wait to read more from Mrs. Hubbard.
This is the third novel I've read by Mrs. Hubbard. Her stories are AWESOME! She makes you fall in love with her characters from first chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Lucas loved Miranda. He was definitely a very passionate, honest and caring man. Lucas told Miranda straight up not only with his words, but also with his actions how much he cared for her. What more could a girl want?!! And to think she almost threw him away because of her fears and insecurities. This novel was filled with hot, steamy, passionate embraces that kept you turning the pages. And even though theirs was an interracial relationship, it didn't dominate the story and it wasn't the issue that kept Miranda from giving her heart to Lucas. It was a wonderfully romantic ride! Can't wait to read more from Mrs. Hubbard.
July 12, 2008
So, here's the story: Miranda accepts going to a concert with Bernie, her friend, and almost dies in the process until she's saved by Lucas Fletcher. Miranda's boss, sensing increased circulation for his paper out of her misfortune, strong arms her into accepting Lucas' invitation to meet her (because he you know, saved her life).
So, with friend in tow, Miranda flies to Wales to meet him per publicity agreement. Lucas and Miranda meet, get on like a house on fire, and Miranda enjoys the interlude, knowing that she won't see him again.
Like heck she won't.
The book then takes off from there, as Lucas not only sees her again, but he woos her with great intensity and intent. Miranda mistrusts Lucas' intentions, seeing as though she dated a relatively famous baseball player who cheated on her. In addition, she's grown up seeing her baseball playing father cheating on her (gorgeous!) mum with other women. Understandably Miranda has issues concerning men. Especially if they are handsome, with a high press profile and on the road. Miranda has seen the toad side of the Prince Charmings, and she isn't having it.
Due to those reasons, the reader can sympathise with Miranda - up to a point. Then , you want to start poking Miranda by page 201- you want to tell her to put on her big girl panties and take love offered to her on faith; especially when it comes in a package of black haired, blue eyed, hottie musical voiced sex god, and enjoy the ride. Sometimes, the ride outweighs the bruises.
Lucas, on the other hand, is ready. After spending all the years with groupies, and meaningless relationships, he's been ready for a long time to give his heart to the right woman. Lucas knows what he wants, and he wants Miranda and can't move on. Miranda wants Lucas but she's too afraid to give in, to take the risk. The book is about that tug of war, as it spans oceans, and how two people try to get it right.
Eventually, it all comes right in the end, and you close the book happier for it.
The characters in Ms. Hubbard's books are a trip. Her supporting characters are just as fun as the lead ones. Miranda's best friend is Bernie, and I want him to be my friend, because he is fabulous. Feast, Lucas' band mate is complicated; he loves Lucas as a brother, and hates him at the same time, but we can't despise Feast, because we understand him. Miranda's sister is lovely, and in love but not obnoxious with it, and yeah, in short, I probably know these people in real life. That's probably why I'm a hermit, but never you mind.
So, why does the book get a 'three star' rating, you ask? Because I can't give it 3.75.
The language used for lovemaking is a niggle. Although, from what I gather, in certain romantic publications, the writer is obligated to avoid the generic names for genitalia and has to go all poetic. Fair enough, it's in the contract, but I was laughing out loud at the flowery language. It took me out of the story at key times, when the physical act should only underscore the emotional one. Since these two have sex a LOT of times (whoa, Nelly!), the language is more intrusive than one thinks. Especially when you compare that narrative to the tight, structured one in the rest of the novel, it's a contrast that falters, at best.
Overall, I liked the book. Ms Hubbard's voice is a strong one, and she only gets better. I've read her latter books (the ones after this one), and they are much better than this one - although this one isn't bad.
Of course, an American writing British terms will get stuff strong, but I'm impressed with the fact that she got more right. There's a sort of tweeness in terms of Wales (of course a rock star will live in a castle - Wales has a lot of 'em), but the book is solid, and it's Wales I recognise in passing, instead of not at all.
Give the book a try if you come across it. You'll be glad you did.
So, with friend in tow, Miranda flies to Wales to meet him per publicity agreement. Lucas and Miranda meet, get on like a house on fire, and Miranda enjoys the interlude, knowing that she won't see him again.
Like heck she won't.
The book then takes off from there, as Lucas not only sees her again, but he woos her with great intensity and intent. Miranda mistrusts Lucas' intentions, seeing as though she dated a relatively famous baseball player who cheated on her. In addition, she's grown up seeing her baseball playing father cheating on her (gorgeous!) mum with other women. Understandably Miranda has issues concerning men. Especially if they are handsome, with a high press profile and on the road. Miranda has seen the toad side of the Prince Charmings, and she isn't having it.
Due to those reasons, the reader can sympathise with Miranda - up to a point. Then , you want to start poking Miranda by page 201- you want to tell her to put on her big girl panties and take love offered to her on faith; especially when it comes in a package of black haired, blue eyed, hottie musical voiced sex god, and enjoy the ride. Sometimes, the ride outweighs the bruises.
Lucas, on the other hand, is ready. After spending all the years with groupies, and meaningless relationships, he's been ready for a long time to give his heart to the right woman. Lucas knows what he wants, and he wants Miranda and can't move on. Miranda wants Lucas but she's too afraid to give in, to take the risk. The book is about that tug of war, as it spans oceans, and how two people try to get it right.
Eventually, it all comes right in the end, and you close the book happier for it.
The characters in Ms. Hubbard's books are a trip. Her supporting characters are just as fun as the lead ones. Miranda's best friend is Bernie, and I want him to be my friend, because he is fabulous. Feast, Lucas' band mate is complicated; he loves Lucas as a brother, and hates him at the same time, but we can't despise Feast, because we understand him. Miranda's sister is lovely, and in love but not obnoxious with it, and yeah, in short, I probably know these people in real life. That's probably why I'm a hermit, but never you mind.
So, why does the book get a 'three star' rating, you ask? Because I can't give it 3.75.
The language used for lovemaking is a niggle. Although, from what I gather, in certain romantic publications, the writer is obligated to avoid the generic names for genitalia and has to go all poetic. Fair enough, it's in the contract, but I was laughing out loud at the flowery language. It took me out of the story at key times, when the physical act should only underscore the emotional one. Since these two have sex a LOT of times (whoa, Nelly!), the language is more intrusive than one thinks. Especially when you compare that narrative to the tight, structured one in the rest of the novel, it's a contrast that falters, at best.
Overall, I liked the book. Ms Hubbard's voice is a strong one, and she only gets better. I've read her latter books (the ones after this one), and they are much better than this one - although this one isn't bad.
Of course, an American writing British terms will get stuff strong, but I'm impressed with the fact that she got more right. There's a sort of tweeness in terms of Wales (of course a rock star will live in a castle - Wales has a lot of 'em), but the book is solid, and it's Wales I recognise in passing, instead of not at all.
Give the book a try if you come across it. You'll be glad you did.
February 12, 2009
Ah the other book about a Rock Star. IMO its on a completely different level. I liked Miranda. She was very independent (compared to another Heroine who falls for a Rock Star who is more sheltered because of the small town values she was raised with). Miranda is a go getter and has taken care of herself for the most part and really didn't have that strong family parental connection. But she has these silent issues that affect her and her relationships. That is what makes her unique. She knows her shortcommings. This book was IMO a story about personal growth and leaving the negative behind, recognizing that if you live in the past, you'll miss out on a wonderful future.
Miranda has baggage when she meets her Rock and Roller and from page one untill the last paragraph I was treated to the adventure of watching her work her way forward and Ms. Hubbard did an excellent job doing so. There were times in the book I didn't like Miranda but that's only because I believe in Love Conquers All and I felt Miranda wavered sometimes and I do not like a heroine that wavers on the hero (LOL). But she or I should say Ms. Hubbard reeled me back in!
I hate the comparisions between the "Rock Man Books" its unfair to both writers who wrote totally different stories, both equally as good, with heroines and heroes as different as night and day.
Miranda has baggage when she meets her Rock and Roller and from page one untill the last paragraph I was treated to the adventure of watching her work her way forward and Ms. Hubbard did an excellent job doing so. There were times in the book I didn't like Miranda but that's only because I believe in Love Conquers All and I felt Miranda wavered sometimes and I do not like a heroine that wavers on the hero (LOL). But she or I should say Ms. Hubbard reeled me back in!
I hate the comparisions between the "Rock Man Books" its unfair to both writers who wrote totally different stories, both equally as good, with heroines and heroes as different as night and day.
June 3, 2012
I am a late comer to romance novels having started reading them in this my 57th year. This is my fourth Crystal Hubbard Book. This one is my favorite.
Crush is well written, edited and well-paced. I liked the chemistry between Lucas and Miranda and did not find the story over the top. I enjoyed the secondary characters her BFF Bernie, who tried valiantly to reason with Miranda about her fears, and his BFF Len Feast. As much as Feast initially did not want Lucas to get emotionally involved with Miranda, he recognized Lucas’s love for Miranda and came to plead his case to Miranda.
While some may decry Miranda's fear of marrying an unfaithful man, when dating a celebrity, infidelity is a very distinct possibility. Knowledge of her father's philandering and her ex-boyfriend Jordon's infidelity and opportunistic tendencies made her understandably reticent to throw all caution to the wind. Even Lucas asked his Dad, whom Lucas and Miranda both recognized was still very much in love with Lucas’s mother after 40 years, if he had ever been tempted.
As a BW in an interracial relationship, I liked that it showed race is not always a major issue in a mixed relationship. There are often other key elements that may derail a relationship.
Crush is well written, edited and well-paced. I liked the chemistry between Lucas and Miranda and did not find the story over the top. I enjoyed the secondary characters her BFF Bernie, who tried valiantly to reason with Miranda about her fears, and his BFF Len Feast. As much as Feast initially did not want Lucas to get emotionally involved with Miranda, he recognized Lucas’s love for Miranda and came to plead his case to Miranda.
While some may decry Miranda's fear of marrying an unfaithful man, when dating a celebrity, infidelity is a very distinct possibility. Knowledge of her father's philandering and her ex-boyfriend Jordon's infidelity and opportunistic tendencies made her understandably reticent to throw all caution to the wind. Even Lucas asked his Dad, whom Lucas and Miranda both recognized was still very much in love with Lucas’s mother after 40 years, if he had ever been tempted.
As a BW in an interracial relationship, I liked that it showed race is not always a major issue in a mixed relationship. There are often other key elements that may derail a relationship.
December 14, 2012
Okay, so I read this book for "research", because it's the closest thing I had yet found to my own contemp romance novel - i.e. it's about a relatively ordinary chick and a famous rock star and their romance - and I will say I enjoyed the story and didn't want to put the book down. Miranda got on my nerves sometimes, and yet I could see where she was coming from!
I have to say though, if I was Calista and my sister just happily went along interrupting my wedding RIGHT at the point when the whole deal was about to be sealed, and then didn't even pay attention at the part where I finally became my husband's wife?!? I'd be a bit pissed. I mean, that day is all about THE COUPLE GETTING MARRIED, not the bride's prego sister and her wedding-crashing rock star boyfriend. :P
Anyway, in conclusion... If you want a romance that has everything: extremely annoying antagonists (Meg!!!), descriptive (but not all that original) sex scenes, the well-rounded happily ever after (i.e. marriage and a baby) then this book has all that. Personally I am more of a fan of the non-princess style happily ever after, and the less showy rock stars :D But whatever floats your boat!
I have to say though, if I was Calista and my sister just happily went along interrupting my wedding RIGHT at the point when the whole deal was about to be sealed, and then didn't even pay attention at the part where I finally became my husband's wife?!? I'd be a bit pissed. I mean, that day is all about THE COUPLE GETTING MARRIED, not the bride's prego sister and her wedding-crashing rock star boyfriend. :P
Anyway, in conclusion... If you want a romance that has everything: extremely annoying antagonists (Meg!!!), descriptive (but not all that original) sex scenes, the well-rounded happily ever after (i.e. marriage and a baby) then this book has all that. Personally I am more of a fan of the non-princess style happily ever after, and the less showy rock stars :D But whatever floats your boat!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2011
Description: When journalist Miranda Penney meets Lucas Fletcher, the lead singer of an internationally-acclaimed rock band sparks ignite. But can Miranda overcome her emotional baggage to receive love?
The Good: This is the first Crystal Hubbard book I ever read and it’s one of my favorite romance novels of all time. The writing is not only good but also funny. And the sex scenes are both sweet and fabulous. This book has it all!
The Bad: Like many women, the main character struggles with low self-esteem, but her issues are never fully explored or overcome. Also, this book is only available on Amazon through private sellers and not yet available as an e-book. Boo! Hiss! Genesis Press needs to get with it. They’re leaving so much money on the table.
The Naughty: Sensual.
Editing issues: None
Publisher: Genesis Press (Indigo)
Length: 250 pages
Final Grade: A
Happy Reading,
Theodora from IRreviews.com
The Good: This is the first Crystal Hubbard book I ever read and it’s one of my favorite romance novels of all time. The writing is not only good but also funny. And the sex scenes are both sweet and fabulous. This book has it all!
The Bad: Like many women, the main character struggles with low self-esteem, but her issues are never fully explored or overcome. Also, this book is only available on Amazon through private sellers and not yet available as an e-book. Boo! Hiss! Genesis Press needs to get with it. They’re leaving so much money on the table.
The Naughty: Sensual.
Editing issues: None
Publisher: Genesis Press (Indigo)
Length: 250 pages
Final Grade: A
Happy Reading,
Theodora from IRreviews.com
March 28, 2011
I loved the hero. The character of Lucas is one of the best heroes in the IR genre, in my opinion. He was solid and steady in his love for the heroine. He has faith in himself, in his love and in the heroine.
I was rooting for Lucas to find someone worthy of his love. Unfortunately, I didn't think that person was Miranda.
I felt like the majority of the book was Miranda's issues, her baggage and her stubborness. I got that she had things to work through but somehow I felt that she wasn't working hard enough. To me, that translated to her not caring about Lucas enough to banish her insecurities and fears.
It's not a good thing when I spend the whole book wanting the hero to give his love to someone other than the heroine.
Miranda killed this book for me. Killed it deader than dead.
Despite that, I hope that Lucas' friend Feast gets a book. I would read it.
I was rooting for Lucas to find someone worthy of his love. Unfortunately, I didn't think that person was Miranda.
I felt like the majority of the book was Miranda's issues, her baggage and her stubborness. I got that she had things to work through but somehow I felt that she wasn't working hard enough. To me, that translated to her not caring about Lucas enough to banish her insecurities and fears.
It's not a good thing when I spend the whole book wanting the hero to give his love to someone other than the heroine.
Miranda killed this book for me. Killed it deader than dead.
Despite that, I hope that Lucas' friend Feast gets a book. I would read it.
November 11, 2013
Definitely not what I was expecting.
She has issues because of the last relationship she had with a famous man, but had no problem jumping into bed with the hero on the second date with the famous rock star hero. They had no time for deeper connection, none in my opinion.
It seems that's all they did when they were together,have sex, sorry this is just missing the romance.
I give props for not reducing this to smut or written porn.It's just that it was easier to give her body than her heart. Something is backwards here.
I hate she didn't treasure her whole self as a beautiful,special woman as she did her heart.
I really wanted to love this
She has issues because of the last relationship she had with a famous man, but had no problem jumping into bed with the hero on the second date with the famous rock star hero. They had no time for deeper connection, none in my opinion.
It seems that's all they did when they were together,have sex, sorry this is just missing the romance.
I give props for not reducing this to smut or written porn.It's just that it was easier to give her body than her heart. Something is backwards here.
I hate she didn't treasure her whole self as a beautiful,special woman as she did her heart.
I really wanted to love this
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2013
why wasn't Miranda suing her employers when they were obviously treating her so bad? And she was right you know, Lucas wasn't for her. She was this strong girl who was surviving in a field that is left solely to the guys, Then "Sir Lucas" comes and she loses her identity, gives up her job and becomes a spineless girl. Why? I am a sucker for fairy tales and Hollywood stories, but I just hated this couple. When they broke up, I thought finally something is happening which was supposed to happen, but no, "sir lucas" manages to crash her sister's wedding!
Loved to hate Jordan though! He was truly a selfish and shallow man!
Loved to hate Jordan though! He was truly a selfish and shallow man!
February 3, 2012
I really like Lucas the male lead in this book but I did not like Miranda her reasons for constantly rejecting Lucas seem really shallow. I understood her being scared but
I just could not connect with her . She came across as really selfish. He had to do everything that she liked to make her happy It was never about the two of them as a couple. I cried for Lucas broken heart not hers. I cheered for him when he finally got what he needed from her.I really liked the words used to tell the story but this is not one of my favorites by this author .
I just could not connect with her . She came across as really selfish. He had to do everything that she liked to make her happy It was never about the two of them as a couple. I cried for Lucas broken heart not hers. I cheered for him when he finally got what he needed from her.I really liked the words used to tell the story but this is not one of my favorites by this author .
September 17, 2010
I truly did not enjoy this book, and even resorted to skimming once I got to the middle of the book. The treatment she accepted from her co-workers was not remotely believeable. In addition the heroine came off as incredibly juevenile her first night in the hero's company, and stupid in the last few pages. The only saving grace to the book was the hero who was undaunting attraction and love to the heroine.
August 8, 2009
I loved the Hero... i mean who didn't? he was sensitive, and genlemanly, and sexy as all get out. The heroine annoyed me from time to time, because she distrusted him so much, and let the newspaper that she worked at for so long mistreat her like the way they did.
he has a big i loved near the end when he was at the concert. *sigh*
April 5, 2008
Crystal Hubbard is a skilled writer who tells a heartwarming, lively tale filled with passion and humor. This is a great read especially if you've ever had a crush on a rock star.
April 23, 2009
I am probably one of the few people that didn't like this story. I didn't like the female lead, she was always whiney and complaining.
April 10, 2010
This was really enjoyable. I absolutely loved Fletcher; i just loved him...
I would have given the book five stars, but Miranda got on my damn nerves for most of the ending.
I would have given the book five stars, but Miranda got on my damn nerves for most of the ending.
June 26, 2025
This book was ok. I gave it 3.5 stars. This is not a book I would reread.
June 26, 2025
this book was ok.
November 1, 2013
4 stars, why did I gave this rating because of Lucas Fletcher, as per Miranda Penney, wow, her tude, her own demeanor of flaws that think she had. For me they were not compatible, she hurt him over and over and he kept coming back wanting her. That is a man who truly felt in love; but her WTF! she was very undecisive and I just want him to forget her. It is true what her sister said, not every man is the same. Just because some think with the one between the legs, does not mean they can not be truthful. Don't judge the book by it's cover. Once again, Love the author, but the female, not much. But for Lucas he was definitely my hero.
January 18, 2012
This was a good read. Characters were interesting. It almost seems like I had to suspend reality a bit to believe this was possible, which kind of played into the story because Miranda was in disbelief that a rock star would actually have a genuine interest in her. I also liked Lucas as a rock star in this story. He was cute and may have given the best proposal I have ever read or heard of =•) I definitely plan to purchase this book (I got it from the library) because it is something I would re-read in the future.
October 13, 2012
I have to say this is one of my favorite books. I have read it many times starting in 2010 when a friend loaned it to me and then after reading it I requested my own copy on paperback swap and now I purchased it in eBook format for my ipad. I love this story from beginning to end with Ms. Penney literally being "Crushed" when attending a concert with a coworker given by Lucus Fletchers band..and Welsh Prince Charming himself breathes the life back into her.
Fairy tale!!! This book has the good, the bad and the ugly!! and I loved every Minute of it!!!
Fairy tale!!! This book has the good, the bad and the ugly!! and I loved every Minute of it!!!
August 24, 2013
One crush can lead to another. Miranda past relations are having poor effect on her current relationship. A relationship that has the potential to surpass any relationship she has had the opportunity to observe. Lucas on the other hand, knows what he has and wont stop short of conquering his CRUSH.
October 13, 2013
Bernie was my absolute favorite character in this novel. He was hilarious and had all the elements that a BFF should possess. But the bad news is that Miranda has to be one of the worst female leads ever!
I liked Miranda at first but then the author got into her head. The number one thing I cannot take when it comes to female leads is when they are insecure and envious.
I liked Miranda at first but then the author got into her head. The number one thing I cannot take when it comes to female leads is when they are insecure and envious.
November 10, 2017
A story about a woman named Miranda who goes to a concert, only to be saved from being crushed to death by the handsome Lucas. Miranda is hesitant about dating a celebrity because of problems when dating one in her past. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two characters, as well as Miranda's best friend.
July 22, 2017
2017
Always a good re-read. Love this story. My favorite interracial rock star book.
2014
Re-read one of my favorite Crystal Hubbard novels and gave it another star. Ms. Hubbard has light and elegant touch with dialogue and character composition. Her stories are so enjoyable.
Always a good re-read. Love this story. My favorite interracial rock star book.
2014
Re-read one of my favorite Crystal Hubbard novels and gave it another star. Ms. Hubbard has light and elegant touch with dialogue and character composition. Her stories are so enjoyable.
May 6, 2013
Subtract a star if you don't like celebrity contemporary romance. I thought the character development was good, the romance sweet, and the sex scenes hot. This mixed sports and music celebrity romance, also interracial.
December 26, 2007
This was a cute beach read.
May 28, 2010
One of my favorite books ever!!
November 6, 2012
Likes: The romance was interesting and not at all what I expected.
dislikes: love even in a book should a little more delayed then a colaspe and plan ride later.
dislikes: love even in a book should a little more delayed then a colaspe and plan ride later.
April 26, 2015
I really liked it, the only con was how insecure Miranda was. On one hand, I could understand given her past and on the other hand, it got to be too much at times.
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January 27, 2012not available noon 01/26/2012
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