ARC Review: Celebrity Crush by Christy Switft

 

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.

Enter her plan for her secret celebrity crush, the real-life inspiration for her romantic hero. When he 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?

Title: Celebrity Crush

Author: Christy Swift

Publisher: Forever

Expected Publication Date: February 11, 2025

Review:

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Forever Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an aduio galley of this book to listen to and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The blurb on this one pulled me right in. I love the idea of a celebrity crush and that crush turning into something more. Plus, Andrew Eiden, one of my favorite narrators! I couldn't pass this one up.

Emma and Jason live in two different worlds. When Emma's novel goes viral and it's based on Jason, their worlds collide. But can a crush turn into something more?

I adored Edien's narration of Jason's part in this book. I think the could recite my shopping list and I'd be enthralled. The female narrator, Stephanie Willing, is new to me. She was just ok. I didn't love her voice. She actually did the male parts better than the female parts for me.

Emma was interesting enough and relatable in the way people are when they are enamored with celebrities. She did feel a bit young for me, especially as the mother of a 12 year old. But overall I found her a bit whiny. I wanted to love her and the connection she made with Jason but it just seemed forced. Like he had to like her because she has been pining over him for so long. Her actions and reactions to being in the presence of a celebrity seemed real enough. I would totally be tongue tied and not know how to act in the presence of my celebrity crush. But at some point that should change. Once you're hanging out with them and get to know them, they should become like anyone else, right? That didn't happen. I will say I was annoyed she kept calling the MMC by his full name throughout the book. We know who he is, so why was this necessary? I liked the relationship between Emma and her daughter, but I felt like she kept leaving her for things and, in reality, I don't feel like this would actually happen, at least from my experience as a mom of three. I needed to feel like that was the most important relationship she had and it just didn't shine through.

As for Jason, I felt like he was forced to like Emma rather than organically fall for her. They were a close proximity romance. Each other's presence and the media basically made them a couple before they even knew one another When they did finally get to know one another, I didn't feel the chemistry I wanted to feel. The aches and heart pains that should come with falling for someone. I also wasn't a fan of Jason's personality. I needed him to be more golden retriever but he was just not much fun and didn't have the emotional depth I thought would happen for his growth. I also would have liked to see more of him as a parent. Since he and Emma had this in common, it would have been nice to see their connection through this.

The pacing was fast enough that I didn't feel like it was bogged down with unnecessary things. The plot left something to be desired, though it was predictable, so I'll give it that. While the characters were fun, and I really enjoyed the side characters, I do wish there was a little more depth and development happening. Plus they didn't really seem like the ages they were supposed to be (30's), they felt much, much younger. Maybe some growth. I did enjoy the writing. I can definitely see myself reading more books from this author in the future as she develops her craft.

Overall, this was a fun read if a little chaotic and over the top. Lots of drama with all the miscommunication and predictable reveal at the end. This will definitely appeal to the social media crowd who love TikTok, Instagram, and any other platforms of that type. I love the celebrity trope. I would have liked to see a bit more chemistry but overall I enjoyed the read and would give this author another chance in the future.

Author:

I’m Christy Swift and this is my landing space. I write geeky love stories, sometimes as smexy romcoms and sometimes as sci-fi with a little heat in the engine coil. I daylight as a freelance writer and social media content provider for medical and technology clients across the country. I’m also editor of the award-winning Heartland LIVING magazine and run the creative writing club at my daughters’ high school.

I’m represented by Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong of the Marsal Lyons Agency for my rom-coms and Bonnie Swanson of FinePrint Literary for my sci-fi/fantasy (written under the pen name C.P. Swift).

In my free time, you can find me living my best life in the Florida outdoors or playing the nerdiest board game you’ve ever heard of with my husband, kids, and friends.

The best way to keep up with what I’m doing is to subscribe to my newsletter. I post about once a month, and I’ll never spam you or share your information.