Sara and Melissa Talk About...Celebrity Crushes

We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. We are now into our sixth year!

This month, we are talking about our celebrity crushes. We'd love to know who yours are, so please don't hesitate to share in the comments!

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them. 

Melissa Amster:

I've had many celebrity crushes over the years. My first big one was Michael J. Fox. I enjoyed watching him on Family Ties but my crush got even bigger from seeing him in Back to the Future. Then I had a huge crush on Patrick Swayze after the first time I saw Dirty Dancing. I obviously loved the movie, but I couldn't take my eyes off him. And, of course, we can't forget my crush on Joey McIntyre during my New Kids on the Block obsession phase. I even got to meet him in 2004 when he was in Wicked! (I know this was long past my crush days, but still...)

L to R: Me, Joey, my sister

Since then, I've had many more celebrity crushes. Sara can attest to this. 😅 I will just share some of the bigger ones for now, as to not make this post go on forever!

Adam Lambert: When he was on American Idol in 2009, I didn't give much thought to him at first. Then he sang "Mad World" and I couldn't stop thinking of him after that. I know he's gay, but that didn't stop me from crushing on him, big time. I was also crushed that he didn't win that season, but he's gone on to do a lot of amazing things since then!

Chris Messina: I loved him on The Mindy Project. He was just so swoonworthy. The clincher was when he did the dance for Mindy at the Christmas party. (Start at 54 seconds in if you want to skip the dialogue.)

Santino Fontana: I know Rebecca was angling for Josh on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, but I had my sights on Greg. He was so adorable and I loved his singing voice. I was sad when he left the show and then got replaced by Skylar Astin later on, instead of being brought back as himself. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda: During my Hamilton obsession phase, I would have passed out if Lin-Manuel was even in the same room as me. Clearly that never happened. I liked him when he was in In the Heights too and was sad I didn't get to see him as Usnavi when I finally got a chance to see the show. What I like him even more for is his writing and acting talent. (Oddly enough, my son texted me to tell me today that his best friend is at the Drama Bookshop and that Lin there at the same time. I told him I'd pass out if I were there. So I guess that still holds true.)

Daniel Levy: When I started watching Schitt's Creek during the pandemic, I never thought I would blush every time I saw David. (And yes, I know he's gay too.) There's just something so beautiful about him. Sara even got me a pillow with his face on it. 

Brett Goldstein: It's impossible to NOT have a crush on him! And when he talks in his regular voice instead of his gruff Roy Kent voice, then watch out! 

Courtesy of Observer

Cole Sprouse: Crushing on him after I first got into Riverdale means I can no longer watch Big Daddy without feeling inappropriate somehow. The crush has faded away, so maybe I'll be able to watch in the future. He was definitely occupying my daydreams for a while! (And he got into some of my nighttime dreams...) Sara fed this crush by getting me a Jughead Funko pop and a blanket with his face on it. 

Chad Michael Murray: He wasn't a crush for me when he was a teenager or anything. I know he was cute in Freaky Friday, but I didn't give it too much thought. I also didn't like his character on Riverdale at all. (That was intended though.) So when he showed up on Sullivan's Crossing, he suddenly had my attention. Definitely swoonworthy! He's also very much worth watching in The Merry Gentlemen, in case you want to celebrate Christmas in the summer...

And saving my latest for last...Asher Grodman: I just got into Ghosts this past winter and have never heard of Asher Grodman until that point. I must have been living under a rock this whole time! (Of course, I cast him in one of the books I was reviewing that needed a hot Jewish male love interest.) Now that I've seen him as Trevor, I can't take my eyes off him! I also love seeing pictures of him with his dog. Meltworthy! I also love pictures like this that are totally unrelated to him playing Trevor and show this rugged side to him. And then there's his voice. There's just something about it that makes him so easy on the ears too. I even bought a ticket to watch an improv show that was livestreaming the other night because he was going to be on it. 

Courtesy of Ghosts Wiki

Sara Steven:

Over a decade ago, Melissa and I participated in a weekly blog group with friends. We’d take turns coming up with various topics, and one week I’d chosen a topic referencing a laminated top five list of celebrity crushes–a topic inspired by the TV show Friends. (See the blog post here.) 

The majority of my list holds true today, with a couple of changes and add-ons. Adam Levine and Peter Krause got bumped for Donald Glover, and I had to include Joshua Jackson, for obvious reasons. But in no particular order:

Mark Wahlberg: As mentioned in my 2012 blog post, I’ve been into Marky Mark since his breakout role in the movie Fear. I think he’s only gotten better with age. I admire his work ethic, the way he’s branched out into entrepreneurial endeavors, and I can appreciate how much he cares about his health–I think I’ve read somewhere that the man gets up around 3am most mornings in order to fit a workout into his busy schedule. He also appears to be a loving husband and family man; who wouldn’t like that?

Courtesy of Men’s Fitness

Sean Connery: Melissa and I recently conversed about how we’re both beginning to appreciate the more mature generation when it comes to crushes, but Sean Connery has been a crush of mine from girlhood into now. From his role as James Bond, to playing the quirky dad on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen was pretty good, too. He maintained an air of subtle sensuality that easily appealed to people of every generation.

LL Cool J: Talk about a man with a lot of charisma. I love his music and I love watching him, too. He exudes confidence with every line he raps, or when he’s on screen, and when he bites his lower lip? I’m sure it’s just a habitual tick for him, but it drives us all wild when he does it! I also like the way he tends to roll up one pant leg and leave the other one down, because he does what he wants to and makes it fashionable. 

Donald Glover: I refer to Donald–or Childish Gambino–as Triple Threat, but I recently read an article that in theory, he’s really a Quintuple threat. (Can be read here.) He’s a rapper, writer, comedian, and actor. He’s so talented–and I think there’s not much he can’t do. Not to mention he’s easy on the eyes and I imagine a pretty funny guy to boot. I love a man with a great sense of humor! My oldest really likes Donald, too, so it’s fun (for me) to be able to have something in common when it comes to our interests. We both enjoy listening to Childish Gambino together, too. 

Courtesy of WSJ

Joshua Jackson: PACEY!!! I mean, from Dawson Creek days, when I was team Pacey, to watching him on Doctor Odyssey, it seems Mr. Joshua Jackson just gets better and better with the passing of time. Melissa sent this clip to me (seen here) of Jackson walking through the spirit tunnel on The Jennifer Hudson Show, and he’s just so freaking cute! I loved watching him in the show The Affair, and let’s be honest–Dr. Odyssey isn’t the most in-depth show, but I imagine the majority of the viewers watch it to catch glimpses of their favorite Gen Xer. And speaking of Gen X: This cracked me up, but it’s so, so true!

Who are your celebrity crushes?

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Book Review: The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club

By Jami Denison

It used to be a solid trope in fiction that two women who were interested in the same man would fight to the death for his love. Luckily, that trope seems passe, and fictional women are more likely to dump that guy than to fight over him. In Gloria Chao’s latest, The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club, three women team up to exact revenge on the cad who was cheating on them with each other. But when they find his body instead, they must work together to find the true killer and keep each other out of prison. 

Fans of Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Aunties series will root for Chao’s protagonist, Kathryn Hu, as they rooted for Sutanto’s Meddy Chan. Both second-generation Asian only children, they both find themselves awkwardly navigating situations that others pull them into. 

Kathryn, a biologist who loves researching the origins of cliches, has trouble making friends at work and in real life. But everyone loves her boyfriend Tucker, who brings donuts to make up for Kathryn’s work mishap. Grateful for his support, Kathryn decides to surprise him at home—and she’s the one who gets surprised, when she interrupts his proposal to another woman! When Olivia and Kathryn get together to compare notes, Kathryn impulsively invites Olivia to the weekend away she had planned with Tucker. There they find another surprise: Tucker’s Tinder hook-up, Elle. 

Although all three women play important roles in the book, it’s told from Kathryn’s first-person POV. Her awkwardness and naivete are charming, and she’s a hilariously bad detective. When she starts to fall for the policeman in charge of investigating Tucker’s murder, she seems destined for a happy ending. 

Although the book starts strong, the pacing begins to lag in the middle. A podcaster dedicated to revenge stories has it out for the women when they go on her show, and the book is frequently interrupted by transcripts from the podcasts. The tone sometimes goes from funny to silly, and the police detective character is unrealistic even for comic mystery standards.

Still, Club is a quick read, and it ends on a clever twist that many readers will not see coming. And there’s a sweet subplot with Kathryn’s parents that tugs the heartstrings.

Amazon calls this “A Hu Done It Mystery Book 1,” so more books with Kathryn should be forthcoming. If you prefer your murder with side dishes of sisterhood and slapstick, add Hu to your TBR pile.  

Thanks to HarperCollins for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Gloria Chao:

Ex Marks the Spot

Rent a Boyfriend

Our Wayward Fate

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Spotlight and Giveaway: The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau

We are pleased to feature Kristin Harmel's latest stunning piece of historical fiction, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau. Melissa loved it, of course, and will be reviewing it soon. You can check out her Bookstagram post about it in the meantime. Thanks to Gallery, we have THREE copies to give away!

For decades, Colette Marceau has lived by a code passed down from her mother, Annabel: steal only from the cruel, and give to those in need. During the Second World War, that code guided them as they used their skills to fund the French Resistance—until a 1942 raid changed everything. Annabel was captured and executed, and Colette’s young sister, Liliane, vanished, along with a diamond bracelet hidden in her nightgown. Liliane’s body was later found in the Seine—but the bracelet was gone.

Seventy years later, Colette has quietly “redistributed” millions in jewels to worthy causes. But when the long-lost bracelet resurfaces in a Boston museum, the past she’s tried to bury resurfaces with it. As she investigates its path through history, Colette uncovers startling truths about that night—and someone from her past who may know far more than they ever admitted. To solve the mystery and seek justice, she must finally face her grief—and risk opening her heart one last time.

“A dazzling diamond of a novel…. Kristin Harmel has a rare ability to touch the heart.” 
—Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of Before Dorothy

“Colette’s feisty spirit—both as a young girl and later as an older woman reassessing her life and her choices—makes this story joyous and ultimately triumphant. I loved it.” 
—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen

“This stunning and fastidiously researched story examines the complexity of morality, and the power that ordinary people have to enact change in the world around them. I never wanted to reach the end." 

—Colleen Oakley, USA Today bestselling author of Jane and Dan at the End of the World

Kristin Harmel is the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels including The Forest of Vanishing Stars, The Book of Lost Names, The Room on Rue Amélie, and The Sweetness of Forgetting. She is published in more than thirty languages and is the cofounder and cohost of the popular web series, Friends & Fiction.  She lives in Orlando, Florida. (Bio courtesy of Simon & Schuster.)

Visit Kristin online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends June 29th at midnight EST. 

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Book Review: Finders Keepers

By Allyson Bales

Last week, Nina Hunnicutt was a professor about to move into a gorgeous new apartment with her long-term boyfriend. Now, she’s single, unemployed, and living with her parents. Even more surprising is the fact that Quentin Bell, her childhood neighbor (and okay, fine, crush), is also back in town—and wants to resume the treasure hunt that ended their friendship almost two decades ago.

Hoping the reward promised to whoever finds the rumored riches left behind by the town’s eccentric turn-of-the-century seltzer magnate will help her get her life back on track, Nina agrees. Granted, last time the search resulted in a broken heart and seventeen years of silence. But Nina’s older and wiser now. Surely things will be different?

Except, Quentin is also older and wiser…not to mention distractingly handsome. As they resume their hunt, Nina and Quentin begin to rediscover all the things they once loved best about each other. But unlike the treasure, the secrets that left them empty-handed the first time refuse to stay buried. If there’s any hope of finding what they’re looking for—and for a future together—Nina and Quentin will have to be brave enough to excavate their past as well. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

This book was such a delight!

I absolutely adored Sarah Adler’s previous novels and couldn’t wait to get my hands on Finders Keepers!  Adler’s signature romantic charm was woven into this story beautifully as well as her humor!  I am going to start using “goblined” instead of “ghosting” and “well hello there, howdy, and good morning to you,” as a greeting because of this hilarious story!

I loved the premise of this one!  Two estranged best friends hunting for treasure?!?  Sign.  Me.  Up!  The setting of this story is in Maryland and I really loved being back there and getting to meet Nina and Quentin!  I went to college in Maryland and always really loved the people and the town and this story really reminded me of that time in my life.  I loved that Nina and Quentin grew up next door to one another and you get to follow along on them coming back together and hanging out! 

Nina’s character really spoke to me. 

“Figure out what you want in life before the can'ts come to get you.” 

She is struggling with always feeling like she is behind and trying to figure out who she is and who she wants to be.  I love the way Quentin’s character is with her and the way he nurtures Nina to just be herself.  I think we all need people like that.  People that are rooting for us and loving us for exactly who we are.  You are going to really love their dynamic and there are some spicy parts too!

I would also recommend you read the "About The Book" section! It was so interesting learning more about Adler’s experience and intentions with writing this one! 

I was lucky enough to also be able to read this one with my ears thanks to Penguin Random House Audio.  I think this is my first Mara Wilson narration and I really, really enjoyed her ability to bring the story to life and really pull you into Nina and Quentin’s dynamic.  She really enhanced the story for me and made me look forward to being back in Catoctin every chance I got!

Add this one to your summer TBR!

Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Also by Sarah Adler:
Mrs. Nash's Ashes
Happy Medium (reviewed here)

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What's in the (e)mail...plus a book giveaway

All (or most) of these books can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Apple, Kobo, etc.

NG = NetGalley

Melissa:
Infidelity Rules by Joelle Babula from Get Red PR (NG)

Sheer by Vanessa Lawrence from Dutton (NG)

Bald-Faced Liar by Victoria Helen Stone from Lake Union (NG)

Backslide by Nora Dahlia from Gallery (NG)

One of Them by Kitty Zeldis from HarperCollins (print)

Charlie Quinn Lets Go by Jamie Varon from Harlequin (NG)

What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes from Lake Union (NG)

The House on Mountain Laurel Lane by Eileen Goudge from Lake Union (NG)

Ten Thousand Light Years from Okay by Tracy Dobmeier & Wendy Katzman from Lake Union (NG)

Holiday in July by/from Juliet Madison (ebook)

The Soup Kitchen by A.K. Hill from Victory Editing (NG)

Good Hair Days by Grace Helena Walz from HarperMuse (NG)

If You Leave by Margaret Hutton from Regal House (NG)

Watch Us Fall by Christina Kovac from Simon & Schuster (NG)

So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder from Gallery (NG)

Remain by Nicholas Sparks & M. Night Shyamalan from Random House (NG)

Sara:
Next Time Will Be Our Turn by Jesse Q. Sutanto from Berkley (NG)

Third Time Lucky by Aimee Brown from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)

Dirty Games by Evie Hunter from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)

Diana Says Yes by Jen Besser and Shana Feste from Random House (ebook)

We Loved to Run by Stephanie Reents from Random House (ebook)

Cinematic Destinies by Patricia Leavy from BookSparks (NG)

Murder on an Italian Island by T.A. Williams from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)

Dealing with a Desperate Demon by Charlotte Stein from St. Martin's Press (NG)

Jami:

The Water Lies by Amy Meyerson from MB Communications (NG)

Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman from Gallery (NG)

Everyone in the Group Chat Dies by L.M. Chilton from Gallery  (NG)

One Killer Night by Trilina Pucci from Over the River PR (NG)

How the Hell Did I Not Know That? by Lucie Frost from Kaye Publicity (print)

Melissa S:

Christmas People by Iva-Marie Palmer from St. Martin's Press (print)

The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden from Berkley (print)

Allyson:

Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long from Berkley (NG)

Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman from Gallery (NG)

What could be in YOUR mail:

The Expat Affair by Kimberly Belle. Thanks to Emi Battaglia PR, we have THREE copies to give away!

Rayna Dumont came to Amsterdam for a fresh start. She’s never been the type for a one-night stand, but this move is all about adventure, and Xander is handsome and successful and more than willing to go along for the ride. Until the morning after, when Rayna finds him dead, millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds missing from his safe.

Willow Prins is captivated by the news. Her husband is Xander’s former boss and heir to a diamond house, and the scandal strains their already-rocky marriage. As the house comes under scrutiny, Willow wonders how much of the blame she can place on Rayna. Soon, the two women are dragged into the dark underbelly of the diamond market, where they’ll have to uncover the truth to survive. Who killed Xander? Where are the missing diamonds? And who can you trust in a city thousands of miles from home? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

"Writing with authenticity and grace, Kimberly Belle provides a deliciously chilling look at the lives of two women - an expat in Amsterdam, and the woman who seems determined to ruin her. Twisty, glitzy and oh so fun!"

– Sarah Pekkanen, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Belle is the queen of crafting badass yet vulnerable women you want to see rule the world. What a knockout.”

– Ashley Winstead, bestselling author of Midnight is the Darkest Hour

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends June 25th at midnight EST. 

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Book Review: Love on Tour

By Melissa Smoot

Who knew a broken heel and bad fall would result in falling in love?

Though she has her dream job—finding new songs for singers in the booming country music industry—music executive Christine Matthews lives an unexciting life. That is, until a broken shoe sends her sprawling on the street right in front of Nashville singing sensation Austin Garrett’s tour bus, and Austin himself comes to her aid.

When Austin recognizes Christine as the woman who pitched him his recent number one hit, he invites her to be his date at the CMT Awards that night. Just like that, Christine is catapulted from a life of solitude to the spotlight, with Austin’s fans assuming she’s his new romantic interest. Suddenly, Christine’s the subject of much speculation—and criticism. Some jealous fans think she’s not pretty or thin enough, and they begin to cyber-bully and body shame her.

But that’s not the only reason Christine thinks accepting Austin’s invitation to join him on tour and help him find another big hit might be a bad idea. She’s also developing feelings for his tour manager, Matt. And one of her online bullies has turned threatening, bringing up trauma from Christine’s past. Is the turmoil worth it? Or is her only real solution to walk away from all of it—even the man who might just be the love of her life? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

Love on Tour far exceeded my expectations, which were pretty high already. It was a breath of fresh air to read a book with such a unique setting and storyline. I am a big country music fan, and I enjoy visiting Nashville, so this book was a fun read for me. I grew attached to the main character as well as her friends. It was heartwarming, and realistic, how much they cared for one another.

The added mystery and suspense were a pleasant surprise. I was appropriately creeped out but also intrigued. I had an idea who the antagonist in the story could be, but it was a fun journey to get to that point in the story. All in all, I really loved this one. The relationships and friendships are wholesome, yet relatable. This was a 10/10 for me.

Thanks to BookSparks for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Spotlight and Giveaway: Before Dorothy

Today we are excited to feature Hazel Gaynor's latest novel, Before Dorothy. This novel is based on The Wizard of Oz, but told through Auntie Em's perspective. (Similar to what Jillian Cantor did for The Great Gatsby in Beautiful Little Fools.) Melissa is so excited to read it and has it in her Kindle queue. Thanks to Berkley, we have one copy to give away!

Chicago, 1924: Emily and her new husband, Henry, yearn to leave the bustle of Chicago for the promise of their own American dream among the harsh beauty of the prairie. But leaving the city means leaving Emily’s beloved sister, Annie, who was once closer to her than anyone in the world.

Kansas, 1932: Emily and Henry have established their new home among the warmth of the farming community in Kansas. Aligned to the fickle fortunes of nature, their lives hold a precarious and hopeful purpose, until tragedy strikes and their orphaned niece, Dorothy, lands on their doorstep.

The wide-eyed child isn’t the only thing to disrupt Emily’s world. Drought and devastating dust storms threaten to destroy everything, and her much-loved home becomes a place of uncertainty and danger. When the past catches up with the present and old secrets are exposed, Emily fears she will lose the most cherished thing of all: Dorothy.

Bursting with courage and heart, Before Dorothy tells the story of the woman who raised a beloved heroine, and ponders the question: what is the true meaning of home? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

"A story as glimmering as the Emerald City and as hopeful as Dorothy herself, Hazel Gaynor's latest is an important and enchanting addition to the canon of Oz."
—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau

“In Technicolor prose, Hazel Gaynor gives new meaning to the familiar phrase 'there’s no place like home' in this stunning novel that imagines the real lives of Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, Dorothy, and Toto in the dust bowl of the Depression. Ingeniously done.”
—Kerri Maher, USA Today bestselling author of All You Have To Do Is Call

Credit: Fran Veale

Hazel Gaynor is an award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Irish Times, and internationally bestselling author known for her deeply moving historical novels which explore the defining events of the 20th century. Her most recent novel, The Last Lifeboat, was a Times historical novel of the month, an Audie award winner, and was short-listed for the Irish Book Awards. Her work is published in twenty-seven territories to date. She lives in Ireland with her family. 

Visit Hazel online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends June 24th at midnight EST. 

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