Crush

When I picked up this book, I was a bit skeptical. This will be the first non Harlequin interracial book that I've read and I wasn't sure how the race issue would be address and how big of a role it would play. Even in Harlequin the race issue seems to be MAIN problem instead of something that needs to be talked about but not beaten over to death. However, Crush had more going for it. The main problem in this book wasn't race (it wasn't even a problem but it was address) it was the lead heroine, Miranda, emotional issues/wounds that she couldn't (or wouldn't) get past which was keeping her from accepting what her and Lucas had and that he wouldn't cheat on her unlike her previous boyfriend and father. A lot of the stereotype that most IR books portray wasn't an issue and for that I'm eternally grateful to Crystal Hubbard for going against the grain. The black woman wasn't stubborn (well she was but not in the usual way), mean, always having a attitude for nothing and Lucas wasn't the passive white guy that was trying to prove to the angry black woman that they could work. Im not saying Lucas didn't try to show her that they could work because he did but that's just normal romance book esq behavior. The guy trying to show the girl that they could have the "happily ever after" when she is not a believer. What I love most about this book was that they were just a man and a woman getting together not a black/hispanic woman getting together with a white man. I highly recommend this book and I'd be MORE than happy to read another book by this author.

Crush is the kind of story that all romance readers will enjoy, not just those interested in interracial relationships. This story of sportswriter Miranda Penney and rock superstar Lucas Fletcher is romantic, funny, and very well written, more so than most romance novels where plot is held above the ability to tell a coherent tale. The book opens with the meeting of Miranda and Lucas. He rescues her from the crush of the crowd at his Boston concert. It's fascination at first sight for Lucas, who "falls into her eyes and can't climb back out" when Miranda opens hers and looks at him. After a dinner date in which Lucas flies Miranda to his home in Wales, real life begins to press in on Miranda. Having dated a sports celebrity in the past, it's hard for her to take a chance on someone as desired and well known as Lucas. Like every good prince, Lucas wears Miranda down with his patience, desire, intelligence and faith in their feelings for each other. Characters like Lucas' best friend and bandmate Len Feast, Miranda's best friend Bernard Reilly, and the diabolic duo of gossip columnists add texture to the story. Crystal Hubbard has an insane sense of humor that adds to the story without overshadowing the romance of it. And the love scenes between Lucas and Miranda range from the subtle and sweet to the steaming and explosive. The story is enhanced by the behind-the-scenes looks at the lives Miranda and Lucas lead as celebrities. Crush is simply a very good read.

Crystal Hubbard's Crush is a pleasant surprise for romance lovers. The hero (Lucas) is sexy and compassionate, the heroine (Miranda) is down-to-Earth and likable, the secondary characters are interesting and the writing is (gasp) actually good. Ms. Hubbard's prose is sharp, her pacing is perfect and her dialogue reads like natural speech - like things people would actually say. Though Lucas is attracted to Miranda from the moment he lays eyes on her (or, from the moment she lays eyes on him), the relationship between the two builds -- their intimacy doesn't feel rushed. Miranda struggles to come to terms with issues preventing her from giving herself completely to Lucas but in the end, they both find happiness. Plus, the "friction" scenes between the pair sizzle -- they're sensual without being trashy. If you've been missing the 'novel' part of the last few romance novels you've read (IR or otherwise), Crush will be a treat.

I love this book. It should be made in to a movie. All the characters were well thought of. With the tabloid and paparazi action, it fits with whats going on in the world today. I loved it. I gave both of my sisters the book and made them read it.

Lucas was a rock star who knew what he wanted, and he wanted Miranda, he wanted a lifetime of love and a family like his parents shared. Miranda's long ingrained fears kept her heart locked away. Lucas refused to give up and let go. Miranda had met her match in Lucas, and she conceited to his love. I found Crush to be witty and sensual. Crystal Hubbard stirred the emotions and left the reader wanting more. I hope to see more I/R from her in the future.