17 May Book Review of Celebrity Crush
Book Review: Celebrity Crush by Emma Hart
When I stumbled upon Celebrity Crush by Emma Hart, I felt an instant connection. As someone who has always dreamed of Hollywood glamour (and occasionally engages in a little daydreaming about celebrity romances), I was drawn in by the premise of an author navigating the choppy waters of fame, love, and second chances. The idea of Emmy, a once aspiring starlet returning to the scene with a bestselling novel, resonated with me—and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
At its core, Celebrity Crush is a chaotic exploration of ambition, public perception, and the pitfalls of love in the spotlight. Emmy’s journey is not just about pursuing her Hollywood dreams but also about overcoming past heartbreaks—namely an unplanned pregnancy and a ruthless director who shattered her dreams. Nearly a decade later with a preteen daughter and a book that’s being adapted into a film, Emmy finds herself at the center of media buzz regarding the celebrity inspiration for her book, Jason, a suave bad boy from a popular sci-fi musical.
The narrative is ripe with potential, but I must admit that I found myself a bit exasperated by the characters’ choices. Jason is portrayed as a trying-to-be-reformed cad, yet he makes some undeniably selfish decisions that almost render him irredeemable. Emmy begins to feel stalker-ish, using their connection to further her career—and their relationship is less about meaningful connection and more about dramatics. Watching them dance around their real feelings was frustrating and honestly felt juvenile at times; a single honest conversation could have alleviated so much tension!
Hart’s writing has a whimsical flair, peppered with pop culture references and humor, like a particularly amusing "fat Thor" joke that gave me a chuckle. The pacing was brisk, but at times it felt rushed, leading to moments where character depth was sacrificed for plot advancement. The "fake dating" trope, while traditionally a favorite of mine, felt more like an instance of "insta-lust"—leaving little room for genuine connection.
Despite its flaws, I appreciated the mixed media elements and influencer vibes that gave the story texture. However, the reliance on children as mere props in this romantic entanglement was off-putting. Watching Emmy and Jason navigate their lives with kids in the background felt more like a narrative device than a meaningful aspect of their journey as flawed adults.
Though I wanted to love Celebrity Crush, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it missed the mark in some key areas. This book may appeal to readers who enjoy lighthearted romances with a side of celebrity culture, but for those seeking a deeply rooted character study or a compelling romance, it may fall short.
Ultimately, reading Celebrity Crush felt like a peek behind the curtain of Hollywood, but I left yearning for deeper connections and substantial growth in the characters. If you’re in the mood for a casual read filled with humor and colorful references, perhaps give this one a go—but keep your expectations in check. As for me, this experience reminded me of the value of sincerity in storytelling, which I’ll carry into my next read.
