What do you think?
Rate this book
A Love & Harmony Romance #1
Crazy in Love
Back on top . . .
R&B singer Chantel Evans had it all, until the Princess of Love Ballads lost everything. First, a very public betrayal by her lover and the death of her mother lead to a career-ending mental breakdown. Then, at the same time, her attorney makes off with all her hard-earned fortune. The only chance she has of resurrecting her career is in the recording studio her mother left in her name . . .
When struggling country star Truman Woodley has his recording duet with a sultry young singer fall flat at Chantel’s studio, Chantel is faced with a rare second chance—until Truman’s vindictive ex-girlfriend turns the pair’s sparkling debut into grounds for a custody battle over their son. But Chantel has discovered more than sweet vocal harmony with Truman. She’s found something worth fighting for. And when Truman surprises her with a kiss after a live television performance, the whole world will find out just what it takes to be crazy in love . . .
R&B singer Chantel Evans had it all, until the Princess of Love Ballads lost everything. First, a very public betrayal by her lover and the death of her mother lead to a career-ending mental breakdown. Then, at the same time, her attorney makes off with all her hard-earned fortune. The only chance she has of resurrecting her career is in the recording studio her mother left in her name . . .
When struggling country star Truman Woodley has his recording duet with a sultry young singer fall flat at Chantel’s studio, Chantel is faced with a rare second chance—until Truman’s vindictive ex-girlfriend turns the pair’s sparkling debut into grounds for a custody battle over their son. But Chantel has discovered more than sweet vocal harmony with Truman. She’s found something worth fighting for. And when Truman surprises her with a kiss after a live television performance, the whole world will find out just what it takes to be crazy in love . . .
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
38 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 14, 2019
Crazy in Love drove me a bit crazy during the uneven first and last quarters of the book. But I liked aspects of this enemies-to-lovers romance between former R&B superstar Chantel and up-and-coming country musician Truman.
Enemies-to-lovers can be tricky. When establishing the "enemies" part of the dynamic, you don't want to make a character an asshole. And, well, Truman frequently came across as an asshole. No, the leads don't get off to the best start. Chantel is recovering from the loss of her mother, a public breakdown at a concert, and professional and personal betrayals. When she learns that her mother willed her a music label and that she is obligated to produce an album for an unknown band, she...doesn't handle it very well. But her response stemmed from fear, not spite. Even when Chantel committed herself and apologized, Truman was often harsh, judgmental, and distrustful. He redeemed himself eventually, but I felt that he needed to grovel more.
Overall, the unlikely pairing did share sweet and hot moments. Truman has a son, and wonder of wonders he is incorporated well! Their relationship grew nicely, but it didn't wow me. I also l-o-v-e celebrity romance novels that depict the dark side of fame and fortune, and that darkness is more glossed over here. The book had something of a draft feel - much goodness and promise in some parts, but lacking depth and follow-up in others. Not to mention I legitimately cringed during a few awkward and suspension-of-disbelief inducing moments. That's celebrity watching for you, though.
Enemies-to-lovers can be tricky. When establishing the "enemies" part of the dynamic, you don't want to make a character an asshole. And, well, Truman frequently came across as an asshole. No, the leads don't get off to the best start. Chantel is recovering from the loss of her mother, a public breakdown at a concert, and professional and personal betrayals. When she learns that her mother willed her a music label and that she is obligated to produce an album for an unknown band, she...doesn't handle it very well. But her response stemmed from fear, not spite. Even when Chantel committed herself and apologized, Truman was often harsh, judgmental, and distrustful. He redeemed himself eventually, but I felt that he needed to grovel more.
Overall, the unlikely pairing did share sweet and hot moments. Truman has a son, and wonder of wonders he is incorporated well! Their relationship grew nicely, but it didn't wow me. I also l-o-v-e celebrity romance novels that depict the dark side of fame and fortune, and that darkness is more glossed over here. The book had something of a draft feel - much goodness and promise in some parts, but lacking depth and follow-up in others. Not to mention I legitimately cringed during a few awkward and suspension-of-disbelief inducing moments. That's celebrity watching for you, though.
October 18, 2017
The cover is what attracted me to this book. If you have been reading my blog posts for a while now, you know that I am a shameless cover addict. I know, I should just appreciate books in general and not "...judge a book by its cover" and it's cute for you if you don't, but I do! The cover reminded me of this movie I watched ages ago called Love Song starring Monica and...some cute man. It was about an interracial couple brought together by music as well and I loved it so I was too excited to pick this book!
Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed in my life decision to read this book (Yes, reading is a life decision). I was hooked from the beginning of the book. I found Chantel's story in the prologue very touching and my heart went out to her. I loved the fact that we were allowed to understand one of the main characters before the book even began. This tells me the author knows that some of us, okay me, are judgmental SOBs and decided to shut us up before we began complaining about what a bitch Chantel was. She's a smart cookie. Although Chantel was my favorite, I appreciated Truman as well. As a non parent and a non male, it was harder for me to relate to him, but there were many points in this book where I found myself nodding my head in agreement to what he was saying, only to look up and realize I am in public and can't keep acting like I hear voices in my head (I do, but the public doesn't need to know this.)
I am a sucker for Non-Solomon Grundy love stories and this book flirted with that a bit but it was just enough to have me insulting the entire book. I found their love story as well as their initial attraction very realistic. One of my only huge qualms with this book is my same issue with most romance novels; why are the source of issues almost always miscommunication? Seriously?! How hard is it to just open your mouth and say what the hell you mean? Instead,
they overhear things and instead of asking questions for clarification, they just jump off the cliff with some hair brained idea of what the person meant.
I am unsure if this means most people in every day life fail at properly communicating or if authors just find this method to be an easy way to stir the pot of hot and steaming drama. I was very entertained by this book for the most part. Truman's band mates cracked me up, even Sully, the dickhead. I was shocked because usually rude characters tend to turn me off certain books, but I think in this book I completely ignored Sully as soon as Truman mentioned how difficult and petty he could be.I was given this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed in my life decision to read this book (Yes, reading is a life decision). I was hooked from the beginning of the book. I found Chantel's story in the prologue very touching and my heart went out to her. I loved the fact that we were allowed to understand one of the main characters before the book even began. This tells me the author knows that some of us, okay me, are judgmental SOBs and decided to shut us up before we began complaining about what a bitch Chantel was. She's a smart cookie. Although Chantel was my favorite, I appreciated Truman as well. As a non parent and a non male, it was harder for me to relate to him, but there were many points in this book where I found myself nodding my head in agreement to what he was saying, only to look up and realize I am in public and can't keep acting like I hear voices in my head (I do, but the public doesn't need to know this.)
I am a sucker for Non-Solomon Grundy love stories and this book flirted with that a bit but it was just enough to have me insulting the entire book. I found their love story as well as their initial attraction very realistic. One of my only huge qualms with this book is my same issue with most romance novels; why are the source of issues almost always miscommunication? Seriously?! How hard is it to just open your mouth and say what the hell you mean? Instead,
they overhear things and instead of asking questions for clarification, they just jump off the cliff with some hair brained idea of what the person meant.
I am unsure if this means most people in every day life fail at properly communicating or if authors just find this method to be an easy way to stir the pot of hot and steaming drama. I was very entertained by this book for the most part. Truman's band mates cracked me up, even Sully, the dickhead. I was shocked because usually rude characters tend to turn me off certain books, but I think in this book I completely ignored Sully as soon as Truman mentioned how difficult and petty he could be.I was given this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2017
I am going to do my best to keep this review from jumping all over the place. That may be hard because, although I enjoyed the overall story of Truman and Chantel, I feel this book was all over the place.
First, some of the good. I really liked Truman from the start. He seems like a guy just trying to do what’s best for his friends and his family. He really cares about making a name for the band…not just himself. He realizes the sacrifices they are all making, that it’s not just him. And although Chantel (aka Shauna, but I’ll be calling her Chantel for this review) did some things in her first scene that had my back up, I also sympathized with her and could see the scared young girl underneath it all. Plus, when Truman and Chantel are together I definitely felt their chemistry. That’s always a good thing in a romance book.
Chantel was hard to get a read on. I think part of that was intentional, she was coming into her own and learning to be independent. But some of it was just disjointed. Until about halfway through, it was hard to see her true heart. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that’s about the same time Truman’s son Gage starts playing a more significant role in the story.
There is a big, crazy family that is part of Chantel’s world. And to be honest, sometimes it confused me. I got the cousins…no confusion there. But sometimes I wonder if Chantel’s manager Craig was an actual uncle. Maybe because I’m not part of that same world, but I didn’t quite understand everyone living there when they didn’t need to (I only understood Chantel living there) so that’s where a lot of my confusion came into play. Craig was not a great person (although his wife is wonderful!) and he was the most confusing of characters for me. I had a hard time figuring out if I should hate him or not. That would be fine if this book was a mystery, thriller, or suspense novel. But it’s not any of those so I feel his character had to be more clearly defined.
Some of the word usage was so stilted and unusual for me. This time I am sure it’s not a cultural thing…it is an editing thing. There is word usage that is downright wrong and makes no sense. I could tell the difference between words and phrases that just are not part of my regular vernacular and those that were just stilted and out of place. It really didn’t help with the flow of the story. Especially since that flow was already a bit choppy.
There are times Truman’s band mates make a big deal out of trivial things, and times they let something that seems like it should be huge just drop. There’s a particular character, Sully, that is a real jerk and nobody calls him out on it until it explodes into something major. It just doesn’t make sense. Especially with the rest of the band being such great guys and some of them being family men.
It’s a real shame there wasn’t a better flow to this story. It has a great premise and an important message. Like I said, there is chemistry there. But overall it fell flat for me since I kept getting pulled out of the story by stilted language and changes in character personalities. I’m not sure I’ll give the next in the series a chance or not. Especially because it seems to start out with a woman falsely accusing a man in power of sexual misconduct. This is bad timing for something like that.
I was excited to read an interracial love story and was disappointed I couldn’t like it more. Now, that has nothing to do with the couple being interracial, but there are so few of these stories out there in the grand scheme of things that it’s a shame this one didn’t play out more smoothly. I see this author has other books and series dealing with interracial love and think I may check one of those out in the future. When I read a book by a new to me author that has promise, I don’t like giving up after only one try.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
First, some of the good. I really liked Truman from the start. He seems like a guy just trying to do what’s best for his friends and his family. He really cares about making a name for the band…not just himself. He realizes the sacrifices they are all making, that it’s not just him. And although Chantel (aka Shauna, but I’ll be calling her Chantel for this review) did some things in her first scene that had my back up, I also sympathized with her and could see the scared young girl underneath it all. Plus, when Truman and Chantel are together I definitely felt their chemistry. That’s always a good thing in a romance book.
Chantel was hard to get a read on. I think part of that was intentional, she was coming into her own and learning to be independent. But some of it was just disjointed. Until about halfway through, it was hard to see her true heart. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that’s about the same time Truman’s son Gage starts playing a more significant role in the story.
There is a big, crazy family that is part of Chantel’s world. And to be honest, sometimes it confused me. I got the cousins…no confusion there. But sometimes I wonder if Chantel’s manager Craig was an actual uncle. Maybe because I’m not part of that same world, but I didn’t quite understand everyone living there when they didn’t need to (I only understood Chantel living there) so that’s where a lot of my confusion came into play. Craig was not a great person (although his wife is wonderful!) and he was the most confusing of characters for me. I had a hard time figuring out if I should hate him or not. That would be fine if this book was a mystery, thriller, or suspense novel. But it’s not any of those so I feel his character had to be more clearly defined.
Some of the word usage was so stilted and unusual for me. This time I am sure it’s not a cultural thing…it is an editing thing. There is word usage that is downright wrong and makes no sense. I could tell the difference between words and phrases that just are not part of my regular vernacular and those that were just stilted and out of place. It really didn’t help with the flow of the story. Especially since that flow was already a bit choppy.
There are times Truman’s band mates make a big deal out of trivial things, and times they let something that seems like it should be huge just drop. There’s a particular character, Sully, that is a real jerk and nobody calls him out on it until it explodes into something major. It just doesn’t make sense. Especially with the rest of the band being such great guys and some of them being family men.
It’s a real shame there wasn’t a better flow to this story. It has a great premise and an important message. Like I said, there is chemistry there. But overall it fell flat for me since I kept getting pulled out of the story by stilted language and changes in character personalities. I’m not sure I’ll give the next in the series a chance or not. Especially because it seems to start out with a woman falsely accusing a man in power of sexual misconduct. This is bad timing for something like that.
I was excited to read an interracial love story and was disappointed I couldn’t like it more. Now, that has nothing to do with the couple being interracial, but there are so few of these stories out there in the grand scheme of things that it’s a shame this one didn’t play out more smoothly. I see this author has other books and series dealing with interracial love and think I may check one of those out in the future. When I read a book by a new to me author that has promise, I don’t like giving up after only one try.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
August 21, 2017
Shauna Stellar, nee Chantel Evans, reigning R&B princess has hit rock bottom. After a public breakdown on the day she buried her mother, she was dropped by her record label and her accountant and lawyer ran off with her money. All she has left is her manager, the recording studio her mom left her, and the last artist her mom signed to produce: a country music group fronted by Truman Woodley.
After ten long years trying to make it in the music business, Truman thought he and the band had made it big with this record contract. When it turns out the owner’s nutcase daughter has inherited the contract, the guys urge him to get out of it. Doing business with an unstable R&B star seems like a detour they don’t need.
The romance in Crazy in Love is slow to start. Shauna has misgivings about producing, especially producing a country group. The group is split between those who want to give her a chance and those who resist any attempt to change their sound. There are the requisite misunderstandings muddled by insta-lust before our hero and heroine land on the same page. I thought the build to the relationship was handled fairly well. It was believable without straining credulity.
The supporting cast is… guys. They’re adorable. There’s Chantel’s flirty cousin who takes an immediate shine to one of Truman’s bandmates. Chantel’s other cousin is a popular rap star so we get a bit of posturing before the band and the crew find a happy equilibrium. They’re funny without stealing the show from main couple.
On the whole, I can easily see this book being in my regular pick-me-up rotation. The characters were charming, I liked the story, and I immediately looked for more books by the author when I finished it.
And now for all the things that gave me pause about the book.
Shauna/Chantel and her long-time manager, Craig are characters I struggled with in the book. Both characters are written inconsistently, and it’s hard to get a read on whether you’re supposed to like them at any point in the story.
For example, when you meet Shauna, she’s emotionally overwhelmed immediately following her mother’s funeral. (Understandable!) She’s also, frankly, a diva, wondering why her dressing room doesn’t have all-white furniture and a dish of Now and Laters (apparently standard features of her rider). Throughout the story, Shauna/Chantel spends a lot of time running out of rooms. (Is she easily overwhelmed? Does she have IBS? What’s happening?)
We’re meant to make something of the Shauna/Chantel split, but it never quite gels as it should. Early in her career, Chantel adopted the Shauna public persona to help her perform. But the line between the two personas is never clear. I don’t know what behavior Chantel puts on in an attempt to be Shauna--or even how the Shauna character is protective for her--and what’s Chantel letting herself come out. If this was intended to be something of significance, it was poorly executed.
For his part, Craig gets a weird character arc as well. His first scene features him pushing Shauna to perform a concert just hours after the funeral. So, he’s greedy and insensitive. Months later, after Shauna is ready to return to performing, he informs her that she’s broke but can stay with him and his wife. Now he’s encouraging and generous. Then he tries to shut down the relationship between Shauna and Truman. I’m not opposed to complex characters in a story, but we don’t get enough of Craig’s perspective for this to come across as anything more than inconsistent writing.
There are other bits of drama that feel tacked on rather than addressed in a satisfying way. Truman and Shauna have one quick conversation about whether their fans are prepared for an interracial couple, but the racial politics of R&B and country music are glossed over. We get quick platitudes about "not seeing color" and "music is music". The bit with the surly bandmate is set up early but doesn't stick the landing.
Additionally, Truman battles an ex for custody of his five year old son which leads to a last-minute bout of Noble Idiocy to separate the couple. The synopsis suggests this is a bigger portion of the story than it ends up being.
After ten long years trying to make it in the music business, Truman thought he and the band had made it big with this record contract. When it turns out the owner’s nutcase daughter has inherited the contract, the guys urge him to get out of it. Doing business with an unstable R&B star seems like a detour they don’t need.
The romance in Crazy in Love is slow to start. Shauna has misgivings about producing, especially producing a country group. The group is split between those who want to give her a chance and those who resist any attempt to change their sound. There are the requisite misunderstandings muddled by insta-lust before our hero and heroine land on the same page. I thought the build to the relationship was handled fairly well. It was believable without straining credulity.
The supporting cast is… guys. They’re adorable. There’s Chantel’s flirty cousin who takes an immediate shine to one of Truman’s bandmates. Chantel’s other cousin is a popular rap star so we get a bit of posturing before the band and the crew find a happy equilibrium. They’re funny without stealing the show from main couple.
On the whole, I can easily see this book being in my regular pick-me-up rotation. The characters were charming, I liked the story, and I immediately looked for more books by the author when I finished it.
And now for all the things that gave me pause about the book.
Shauna/Chantel and her long-time manager, Craig are characters I struggled with in the book. Both characters are written inconsistently, and it’s hard to get a read on whether you’re supposed to like them at any point in the story.
For example, when you meet Shauna, she’s emotionally overwhelmed immediately following her mother’s funeral. (Understandable!) She’s also, frankly, a diva, wondering why her dressing room doesn’t have all-white furniture and a dish of Now and Laters (apparently standard features of her rider). Throughout the story, Shauna/Chantel spends a lot of time running out of rooms. (Is she easily overwhelmed? Does she have IBS? What’s happening?)
We’re meant to make something of the Shauna/Chantel split, but it never quite gels as it should. Early in her career, Chantel adopted the Shauna public persona to help her perform. But the line between the two personas is never clear. I don’t know what behavior Chantel puts on in an attempt to be Shauna--or even how the Shauna character is protective for her--and what’s Chantel letting herself come out. If this was intended to be something of significance, it was poorly executed.
For his part, Craig gets a weird character arc as well. His first scene features him pushing Shauna to perform a concert just hours after the funeral. So, he’s greedy and insensitive. Months later, after Shauna is ready to return to performing, he informs her that she’s broke but can stay with him and his wife. Now he’s encouraging and generous. Then he tries to shut down the relationship between Shauna and Truman. I’m not opposed to complex characters in a story, but we don’t get enough of Craig’s perspective for this to come across as anything more than inconsistent writing.
There are other bits of drama that feel tacked on rather than addressed in a satisfying way. Truman and Shauna have one quick conversation about whether their fans are prepared for an interracial couple, but the racial politics of R&B and country music are glossed over. We get quick platitudes about "not seeing color" and "music is music". The bit with the surly bandmate is set up early but doesn't stick the landing.
Additionally, Truman battles an ex for custody of his five year old son which leads to a last-minute bout of Noble Idiocy to separate the couple. The synopsis suggests this is a bigger portion of the story than it ends up being.
in-collection-interracial
February 3, 20192/3/19 currently free https://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Love-Har...
October 17, 2017
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I have to admit that I have some mixed feelings on this story. On the one hand it was a wonderful story about self discovery and finding ones way after everything has fallen apart. On the other hand, I just didn't feel all of the characters.
I will start with Truman. While he redeemed himself in the end, I found I couldn't really get on board with him. The way he was so quick to lay judgement on Chantel at the beginning of the story got under my skin and made it hard for me to root for him. While his love for his son was evident, I really feel like he didn't have his priorities straight.
On the flip side, I was behind Chantel from the very beginning. It was clear that there was a journey that she was required to take in order to gain confidence and discover who she truly was. This was fun to read as it showed a character who was willing (eventually) to fight for herself. She was why I kept reading the story.
At the end of the day this story was about opposites attract, and learning about oneself. While the story was ok for me, it lacked the wow factor I was expecting.
I have to admit that I have some mixed feelings on this story. On the one hand it was a wonderful story about self discovery and finding ones way after everything has fallen apart. On the other hand, I just didn't feel all of the characters.
I will start with Truman. While he redeemed himself in the end, I found I couldn't really get on board with him. The way he was so quick to lay judgement on Chantel at the beginning of the story got under my skin and made it hard for me to root for him. While his love for his son was evident, I really feel like he didn't have his priorities straight.
On the flip side, I was behind Chantel from the very beginning. It was clear that there was a journey that she was required to take in order to gain confidence and discover who she truly was. This was fun to read as it showed a character who was willing (eventually) to fight for herself. She was why I kept reading the story.
At the end of the day this story was about opposites attract, and learning about oneself. While the story was ok for me, it lacked the wow factor I was expecting.
August 27, 2017
This book started off rough for me to be honest. It began slowly and didn't really grab me at first. It picked up some and grabbed my attention about the mid way point. I'm trying to remember if that is the point in which we meet Truman's son (a 5 year old who lives with his crack smoking leech of a mother), but I can't be sure. I just know that once he enters the story I started enjoying it a bit more. The bandmate bit on the bus seemed over fetched. I get he was supposed to be the bad apple but...behavior like that doesn't just start out of nowhere, it builds over time usually. And his previous mentions in the book were no where near the actions on that bus. I knew there would be a moment when he'd eventually say what he hadn't been saying but that? I don't know...
I will say that I liked the end. The custody thing seemed rushed and the end result unfortunately also seemed unlikely, but it definitely makes clear that the first priority should be the child and not the fighting parents. And the fact that two years later they are both happily remarried and co parenting like champs really made me smile. I wish it were always like that.
I was hesitant to read this NetGalley book at first after I saw that the author wrote it because she just couldn't understand how two people as different as Beyonce and JayZ can be together. I personally think they aren't really that different and two egos like that are perfect for each other, but who am I? All in all I did like the book, though it's not likely that I will read it again. I will however check out what other stuff Crystal B. Bright has written.
I will say that I liked the end. The custody thing seemed rushed and the end result unfortunately also seemed unlikely, but it definitely makes clear that the first priority should be the child and not the fighting parents. And the fact that two years later they are both happily remarried and co parenting like champs really made me smile. I wish it were always like that.
I was hesitant to read this NetGalley book at first after I saw that the author wrote it because she just couldn't understand how two people as different as Beyonce and JayZ can be together. I personally think they aren't really that different and two egos like that are perfect for each other, but who am I? All in all I did like the book, though it's not likely that I will read it again. I will however check out what other stuff Crystal B. Bright has written.
Read
March 5, 2019This got too sad sack too fast. I don't mind emotional books often I even enjoy them, but you have to build up to it at least a little. I can't be immediately dropped into mental breakdown and baby mama drama in the first two scenes. I didn't care enough about the characters to want to be emotionally involved with them and what I'd already seen didn't impress me. A diva who didn't pay enough attention to her business to know she had criminals around her and a dude who had a child with a woman he doesn't even seem to like but lives in a trailer with at least four other men and doesn't have a real job because he's waiting on his band to make it? Just not for me. Dnf
October 30, 2017
Not gonna lie the cover really made me blindly purchased this one . But the sweet love story held my attention to the very end. Shauna and Truman love was a ride that I’m willing to re-read again.
October 26, 2017
The story opens with R&B star Chantel Evans having a melt down on stage the same night that they buried her mother. Now months later broke her manger, uncle and the same man who told her to go on stage. Says she has no money, but owns the recording studio that her mother had, and also she had signed one act before her death. A country band with the lead singer Truman Woodley who is easy to anger. This would come up in the story from time to time. From the time of the first met though they liked one another neither one would give in to the other if there was a suggestion made about a song. Truman felt since he wrote every song each and every word could not be changed and would not listen. This would go on for more than half of the book until his custody battle for his son and he finally decided to come up with a solution. From the very beginning I liked both Chantel, Truman, his son and her cousins, and most of the guys in the bad except for Sully. I also did not care for her uncle and the way he treated her and always said he was looking out for her but I felt he was really looking out for himself. The story between Chantel and Truman really takes off when they take off to Charlotte going after his son who was taken by his ex-girlfriend. During this drive and the time together their relationship really blossoms and you find out so much about both of them that you begin to rote for them to make it. But alas you are only half way and their story still has a way to go. The last part of the book for me is actually better than the beginning and that is what makes this authors books so enjoyable to read. Having her other series I am glad I found her starting a new one. I enjoyed the story, characters, and the plot. Overall a very good book. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
October 18, 2017
I received Crazy in Love as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Onetime R&B superstar Chantel Evans (AKA Shauna Stellar) is in recovery--professional and personal--from the loss of her mother and subsequent breakdown. Robbed of her fortune, dumped by her boyfriend, and without a record label, she turns to producing for the country artists her mother signed to record shortly before her death.
The band's lead singer, Truman Woodley, is determined to hit it big, to show up his doubters and make a better life for his young son, who lives with his ne'er do well mother. Sparks immediately fly between the troubled singer and the rising star, but Chantel is hesitant to jump in with both feet given their differing backgrounds and Truman's attempts to reunite with his son. Can Truman convince her that his family isn't complete without her?
This was a good read, with a different feel than a lot of romance I read. I appreciated that the couple was interracial, which is a pairing you don't see every day in romance, but I felt like the ramifications of being in such a relationship were glossed over, especially when one party is an R&B star and the other a country heartthrob. Chantel was a good character, tough and world-wise, with just enough vulnerability to make you cheer for her. Truman was less nuanced, but still a generally good guy, and I was glad he got his happy ending.
Onetime R&B superstar Chantel Evans (AKA Shauna Stellar) is in recovery--professional and personal--from the loss of her mother and subsequent breakdown. Robbed of her fortune, dumped by her boyfriend, and without a record label, she turns to producing for the country artists her mother signed to record shortly before her death.
The band's lead singer, Truman Woodley, is determined to hit it big, to show up his doubters and make a better life for his young son, who lives with his ne'er do well mother. Sparks immediately fly between the troubled singer and the rising star, but Chantel is hesitant to jump in with both feet given their differing backgrounds and Truman's attempts to reunite with his son. Can Truman convince her that his family isn't complete without her?
This was a good read, with a different feel than a lot of romance I read. I appreciated that the couple was interracial, which is a pairing you don't see every day in romance, but I felt like the ramifications of being in such a relationship were glossed over, especially when one party is an R&B star and the other a country heartthrob. Chantel was a good character, tough and world-wise, with just enough vulnerability to make you cheer for her. Truman was less nuanced, but still a generally good guy, and I was glad he got his happy ending.
August 24, 2017
2.5 Stars
This book had a lot of potential but unfortunately the first half was extremely slow and bland. The second half does pick up but I felt a lot of the plot could have either been fleshed out more or just left out.
I did love the idea of a country singer and R&B singer falling for each other. I also felt the author touched on some good points as far as how some people would react to this, but I wish she would have expounded just a little more.
Overall, I found Crazy in Love to just be an ok read, but it held my interest enough that I would read a future Bright novel to see how her writing has grown.
This book had a lot of potential but unfortunately the first half was extremely slow and bland. The second half does pick up but I felt a lot of the plot could have either been fleshed out more or just left out.
I did love the idea of a country singer and R&B singer falling for each other. I also felt the author touched on some good points as far as how some people would react to this, but I wish she would have expounded just a little more.
Overall, I found Crazy in Love to just be an ok read, but it held my interest enough that I would read a future Bright novel to see how her writing has grown.
March 6, 2018
I won "Love You Like Crazy #2" in a Goodread's Giveaway so I purchased "Crazy in Love #1" in case there were some characters I needed to explore. Both Truman and Chantal need a ton of therapy to deal with all the crazy people in their lives: her sleazy ex-boyfriend; his irresponsible ex-girlfriend; her self-centered manager; his jealous, immature band-mates; and the huge trust issues between them. Chantal should have been honest with her fans when she fainted on stage, hours after her mother's funeral. It would have saved her a whole lot of unnecessary drama.
June 17, 2019
Different Crazies
Pretty good interracial romance. I've haven't read many romance book about a black, R&B singer and a white country western singer. So is the story of Shauna/Chantel and Truman. Truman was the one with a child by an ex-girlfriend. Gage was a darling child. The book even has a custody battle included.
Parts of the book were extremely slow. The sex was pretty typical, once introduced. Then it seems that's all they thought about no matter what else was going.
This is a pretty good read to chase the blues away.
Pretty good interracial romance. I've haven't read many romance book about a black, R&B singer and a white country western singer. So is the story of Shauna/Chantel and Truman. Truman was the one with a child by an ex-girlfriend. Gage was a darling child. The book even has a custody battle included.
Parts of the book were extremely slow. The sex was pretty typical, once introduced. Then it seems that's all they thought about no matter what else was going.
This is a pretty good read to chase the blues away.
November 5, 2017
The Road Back
I read this story asking if a dream is really worth all this drama?
Truman a d his childhood friends are one dive bar away from throwing in the towel.
Chancel can't be Shauna or Chancel very well right now.
I think I would have gjen up long ago.
But the story isn't about me and Ms. Bright isn't writing my story. Thank your lucky stars for that. And for the this old house joke.
Read!y
I read this story asking if a dream is really worth all this drama?
Truman a d his childhood friends are one dive bar away from throwing in the towel.
Chancel can't be Shauna or Chancel very well right now.
I think I would have gjen up long ago.
But the story isn't about me and Ms. Bright isn't writing my story. Thank your lucky stars for that. And for the this old house joke.
Read!y
November 19, 2017
I was initially attracted to this novel because of the cover and the romance that the title alluded to. With a slow start and iffy storytelling, I was less than enthused about this novel and it never really picked up steam. The plotting felt contrived and the character interactions seemed awkward, even the love scenes felt a little forced. It passes for a quick read, but doesn't contribute much to the genre.
August 30, 2017
I tried to finish this, I did. But when I got to the cheesy chest-beating scene between Truman's band and Flye's (Flye, really?), that was it for me. Shallow characters I didn't much care about, clumsy dialogue, silly plot, this just wasn't as good as it sounded.
I did appreciate getting it for free on a Goodreads giveaway, just wish I could have awarded more stars.
I did appreciate getting it for free on a Goodreads giveaway, just wish I could have awarded more stars.
October 22, 2017
Worth the wait
I pre-ordered this book and waited because I like the author. It was worth the wait. Good story; solid characters. I didn't understand what was going on with the heroine at first. I also didn't think that I would enjoy a romance about the music industry but I did. Can't wait to read the next one.
I pre-ordered this book and waited because I like the author. It was worth the wait. Good story; solid characters. I didn't understand what was going on with the heroine at first. I also didn't think that I would enjoy a romance about the music industry but I did. Can't wait to read the next one.
August 4, 2019
I Loved It
I don't usually rate 5 stars, but I really couldn't find anything I didn't like about this book. As an author myself I usually notice things in grammar, the writing style, how it holds my attention and various other things. This book does it all. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I don't usually rate 5 stars, but I really couldn't find anything I didn't like about this book. As an author myself I usually notice things in grammar, the writing style, how it holds my attention and various other things. This book does it all. I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 5, 2017
It was slow in the beginning with made it more a chore in the beginning of the book to read it. The story itself is nice I like the story part. Just wished it didn't take about half the book to get drawn in.
October 15, 2017
I loved the premise of the story, and its potential for something really good. Unfortunately, it fell a little flat for me.
The writing was fine, but there was just a little something missing.
The writing was fine, but there was just a little something missing.
October 30, 2017
My Day Will Come
Beautiful story I enjoyed reading,the story so far was,about
Two people fall in love,but had to fight for love and music
Beautiful story I enjoyed reading,the story so far was,about
Two people fall in love,but had to fight for love and music
September 18, 2019
2.5 stars, rounded up.
Read
May 15, 2020Good Read. I will definitely read this author again.
November 30, 2020
A sweet story. Within the series, this one has the most heart. Good read.
March 23, 2019
**OBTAINED: Goodreads Giveaway**
Crazy in Love (A Love & Harmony Romance, #1)
Crazy in Love honestly felt more like a early draft, in need of further polishing, and a more interesting plot line, or perhaps it had something to do with the pacing. The story itself had potential, with the "opposites attract" deal, compounded with the hardly touched upon subject of interracial relationships, but it seemed to drag in many places, for some reason. The characters, often, felt a bit cliché and one-dimensional, though at times cute and enjoyable. I found it hard to really connect with either main character; perhaps it's because I don't much care for R&B or Country music all that much...But no, I don't think so.
The story premise is about R&B reigning starlet Shauna Stellar (Chantel Evans) as she inherits her late mother's recording studio. While grieving from the loss of her mother and suffering a mental breakdown, she is dropped by her own record label, and her money stolen by her accountant/lawyer, she is left with her manager, the studio and the last band her mother had signed to produce. The band is a country band, fronted by Truman Woodley. The band is reluctant to work with her after her mental breakdown and unstable nature. The story, Crazy in Love, was alright, but nothing too spectacular.
However, I loved the fact that that the couple was interracial. Themes such as this need to be written about more often. It's sad how little we see interracial romance to be the focus of a story, especially in modern society. I suppose interracial couples appear more often as side characters but hardly as the primary focus. We have seen a huge boom in queer literature but hardly any in this genre. I wonder why? Perhaps racial prejudices (of all kinds) are still stronger than we like to imagine. I, personally support the genre, and although I wouldn't highly recommend this book, it was an ok read.
[OFFICIAL RATING: 2.5 STARS]
Crazy in Love (A Love & Harmony Romance, #1)
Crazy in Love honestly felt more like a early draft, in need of further polishing, and a more interesting plot line, or perhaps it had something to do with the pacing. The story itself had potential, with the "opposites attract" deal, compounded with the hardly touched upon subject of interracial relationships, but it seemed to drag in many places, for some reason. The characters, often, felt a bit cliché and one-dimensional, though at times cute and enjoyable. I found it hard to really connect with either main character; perhaps it's because I don't much care for R&B or Country music all that much...But no, I don't think so.
The story premise is about R&B reigning starlet Shauna Stellar (Chantel Evans) as she inherits her late mother's recording studio. While grieving from the loss of her mother and suffering a mental breakdown, she is dropped by her own record label, and her money stolen by her accountant/lawyer, she is left with her manager, the studio and the last band her mother had signed to produce. The band is a country band, fronted by Truman Woodley. The band is reluctant to work with her after her mental breakdown and unstable nature. The story, Crazy in Love, was alright, but nothing too spectacular.
However, I loved the fact that that the couple was interracial. Themes such as this need to be written about more often. It's sad how little we see interracial romance to be the focus of a story, especially in modern society. I suppose interracial couples appear more often as side characters but hardly as the primary focus. We have seen a huge boom in queer literature but hardly any in this genre. I wonder why? Perhaps racial prejudices (of all kinds) are still stronger than we like to imagine. I, personally support the genre, and although I wouldn't highly recommend this book, it was an ok read.
[OFFICIAL RATING: 2.5 STARS]
Want to read
August 14, 2017I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. It is a Kindle book.
September 14, 2017
The thing I liked most about this story was that the author, Crystal B Bright, managed to both touch on several sensitive subjects, such as interracial dating and the dynamic of co-parenting with a difficult ex, without become depressing, preachy or political. The author focused on their growing love and respect instead of falling into many of the normal cliches'. She showed that, even with such heavy topics, its possible to write a classic romance with modern themes. The reader gets their boy meets girl, building romance, conflict that almost tears them apart but in the end a happily ever after.
I received this book from NetGalley.
full review at https://binblogsbooks.wordpress.com/2...
I received this book from NetGalley.
full review at https://binblogsbooks.wordpress.com/2...
January 4, 2018
I really liked this. I loved the characters. Job well done Ms. Bright.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews