Author Crystal B. Bright offers up a delightful romance in Love Like Crazy, the second book in her Love & Harmony series. A chance encounter gives one woman the opportunity of a lifetime and one man the ability to reclaim his love of the music business in this inspiring story.

After Lazarus (Laz) Kyson’s A&R career is terminated after being falsely accused of sexual harassment, he is determined to find Destiny Starr; a woman who he knows will make it big based on her demo tape that got lost in a slush pile. Finding her cleaning the bathroom of a recording studio where he is hiding out hoping to see the owners is a bit like fate, finding out her real name is huge, but just like that she is snatched away by her overbearing father. When he comes across Avery Shields again, he is determined to not let her get away.

I admired the drive and ambition of both of these characters and the fact that Laz believed in Avery unlike anyone else in her life. I hated that Avery had been burned once and that her parents apparently held that over her head so much that she had trouble seeing a good man when one was right in front of her. The relationship was complicated because the last thing Laz wanted was being accused of impropriety, but the chemistry was undeniable and Avery made sure that Laz knew she was all in.

I was a bit disappointed that Laz didn’t share his troubles with Avery which lead to a lot of mistrust and problems, but I also hated that Avery wouldn’t let him explain either. These were two stubborn people who had a failure to communicate which drives me a bit crazy.

My biggest issue with this story was the fact that Avery’s parents weren’t supportive of her signing, they constantly reminded her of the one time she screwed up, and they didn’t treat her like an adult despite the fact that she was working two jobs and was weeks away from graduating with a college degree. Given the little gem her mother treated her too towards the end; I really could not understand how they couldn’t support her or at the very least help her navigate the shark infested waters of breaking into the music business.

Love Like Crazy was an entertaining and sensual romance that I enjoyed quite a bit.

The synopsis sounded good but the story was a little slow and boring in the beginning that I never really got into it.

I really like their love story. Their chemistry was pretty good as well. The one thing that I kind of with that had was more things in common so that the romance could be more believable though.

Typically like ir stories but this one was kind of boring. The middle really sagged for me. Would try this author just not this story.

That was a nice enough story. I found Avery a bit dumb at time, especially by the end when she so easily fell for that old trick that was pulled about Laz, but it mostly the writing that was lazy/stereotypical. Laz was ok, even though tje way he acted was problematic at some point. But the story was pleasant enough.

Lazarus 'Laz' Kyson is determined to get his career back on track, but to do that he needs to find some brilliant new talent; someone that is going to rock the music industry. Believing Avery Shields is that talent, he offers to help her. Will Avery put her trust in Laz or will he be another person that lets her down by taking advantage of her?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Bright, and I've got to say that I absolutely loved it because of what happens at the start that guarantees the hero is going to have a tough time of repairing his reputation after what happens. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where things get very interesting, as the heroine is one to trust easily, especially someone like Laz with his smooth attitude, award-winning charm and gorgeous looks. Will Laz be able to find a way to convince Avery to give him a shot in launching her music career beyond her singing while she works as a cleaner.

As for the dialogue, it entertained me from start to finish, as the heroine has already faced plenty of disappointment in her past and getting her hopes up again is something she's not prepared to do, especially with the way her parents feel apart her being part of the music industry, if she happens to get her shot. Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave for taking a chance on the hero, even though she hasn't had the best of luck in the past with trusting people. I also liked the close relationship she shares with her family, although her parents are way too protective of her. Is her judgment really all that bad or are her parents too overprotective? While the hero, he's charming, driven, confident and I liked how determined he was to win over the heroine because he needs her to ever be able to get back his reputation. I also liked the decisions he made throughout this story and that he would do anything for the heroine because she deserves a shot at a dream she never thought would ever come true. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is that he would do anything to protect the heroine. Will he break the rules to protect her?

Overall, Ms. Bright has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was tangible and convincing; the romance was heart-warming and special because it's palpable how much the hero cares for Avery; and the ending had me loving the lengths the hero goes to in order for the heroine to have her shot at her dream. Will he be able to help her? However, it was how things worked out for the hero and heroine that I loved the most, as Laz needs the heroine in his life. She makes his world more interesting because she challenges him. I would recommend Love Like Crazy by Crystal B. Bright, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books, the mysterious strangers trope or books by authors Dahlia Rose, Siera London, Melinda Di Lorenzo and Delaney Diamond.

This book opens with the ending from the last book and Laz Kayson career coming to an end. Wanting to find the next singing sensation he remembers hearing someone and travels to that town. Avery Shields wanted to be a singer at one time but those dreams were shattered now she is finishing school and helping her father with his nightly janitor duties. She is surprised one night by Laz not knowing who he is. He ends up the next day getting her fired from her waitress job and now must talk his way into her believing who he is and what he can do for her. He does at a local club and everything seems to be going good until a meeting in New York for a record label she does not like and with the girl from the beginning of the book who makes it out like her and Laz were an item. It is not until later that she finds out by the girl that nothing happened and she is back with no career, and no Laz. She at least will graduate from college. Now the ending of this story and all of the in between are good. The way the author has Laz and Avery come together is really what makes this story, and the guy who owns the pig shack. Now if that won’t get you to read this book I don’t know what else will.

This is the second in a series, but the first I’ve read, and I think it works fine as a standalone.

“I don’t need to—”
This time he stopped her. “Dream? You don’t think you deserve to dream?”


After being accused of sexual harassment by a budding starlet (when, in actuality, she was propositioning him), Laz is fired from his music industry job. His only hope is to find the next great talent, and he’s pinned his hopes on a demo from one Destiny Star. She’s got an amazing sound, and if he views her as his ticket into a new job as a manager. Unfortunately, he has no idea who she is. When he ends up hiding after hours in a record label’s restroom, he’s surprised to hear someone who sounds exactly like her – and it’s the cleaning lady. While Avery loves to sing, she knows better than to hope to make it in the music business – and if she ever forgets, her family, especially her father, is there to remind her. Plus, she’s graduating from college in only a few short weeks, so she really doesn’t have time for Laz’s shenanigans.

“You’re putting thoughts in my head that I could be someone other than a student who works as a cleaning lady and a waitress. Or rather, used to work as a waitress.”
“No. The important question is who put the thought in your head that you couldn’t be more than a cleaning lady or waitress?”


I liked that Laz had so much faith in Avery, even if it was partly mercenary. While initially their relationship raised some red flags for me, the consent was very clear and it was obvious that they both were falling for each other. One of my biggest pet peeves was that for a woman who’s been working multiple jobs while attending school, Avery didn’t read as very mature. Her reactions to mishaps in their relationship and in the music industry were immature, though I’m sure a lot of that could be explained away by how sheltered her family wants her to be and how ridiculously unsupportive they were. This is definitely one of those romances where it feels like one conversation could have avoided a lot of heartache, if only both Avery and Laz hadn’t been so stubborn! Unfortunately, this is one of those tropes that really rubs me the wrong way, so I found myself getting frustrated with the characters.

Overall though, while this book was more frustrating and depressive than I expected – the music business is not for the faint of heart! – I enjoyed reading this book, and I’ll be looking up the first in the series for sure.

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Lazarus, a principled music executive loses his job because of a conniving songstress that wanted to mix business with pleasure. Picking up the pieces, he decides to find the singer of a demo that he'd heard recently. Avery, the mystery singer is going to college while working several jobs. Because of past mistakes she decides that instead of living her dream of being a singer she's going to focus on her upcoming graduation and getting a good solid job.

When Laz finds Avery she is extremely reluctant to try to break into the music industry again. He begs her over and over again to sing for him and he promises her that he will help her land a record deal. She's his way of proving himself and getting back into the industry and of helping Avery live her dream.

Avery is very immature, she continually created issues where non existed. Laz is not one to mix business with pleasure so when Avery wants to cross the line, he says no. She persists and he eventually gives in, when he has to leave to return to LA for business, Avery sees it as a rejection and doesn't answer his calls while he's away. After returning and after much begging once again, Laz is finally able to convince Avery to discuss a record deal with a company he's keeping under wraps to surprise her.

When they arrive and after Avery hears the innuendo made by said songstress regarding Laz, she becomes angry at him. So when the discussions of contracts is brought up, she throws Laz under the bus and embarrasses him in the process, thereby showing her hand (rookie move) to the music executives.

This story had potential but the ending wraps up much too quickly and we never see any positive interaction between Laz and Avery's parents.

Still, I like this author's writing style and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Great book ,really enjoyable didn't want it to end as the characters are so engaging. Would recommend

If you think the music industry is filled with good people, think again. Avery's got the voice but she's also got a dad who is blocking her. Lazarus (seriously?) is trying to overcome an allegation. These two come together and well, you know what's going to happen. The sex scenes, frankly, detract from the story but all in all, this is a quick, entertaining read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Avery, an aspiring singer, and Laz, an aspiring manager of musicians are great characters that you want to succeed. An interesting peek into the recording industry.

We meet Avery whose dream is to sing, but she has a father that is a dictator and blocks most avenues for her. Laz want to be represent her but has a secret cloud over him. There were some things I wanted to come out from the story but it wasn't to be. The music industry is cruel my friends

Avery and Laz (short for, ahem, Lazarus) have nothing in common, except a love of music and a tendency to call their fathers “sir.” It’s weird. When disgraced A&R guy Laz hears Avery’s golden pipes, he knows she is the Next Big Thing. But Avery has promised she won’t pursue music as a career for some tiresome reason, and so Laz has to convince her to give him a chance, both as her manager and as something more personal. Spoiler: he does! Whether a false accusation of sexual harassment against the smarmy white guy here is either timely or appropriate may be left to the individual reader to judge, but there is for sure something very jarring about pop sensation Chantel (from this series’ first installment, The Look of Love) being referred to as “Mrs. Woodley,” like a relic out of the 50s amongst all the hip hop and R&B. Like its predecessor, Love Like Crazy feels like it should have been simple YA wish-fulfillment, but this one is even more out of step, especially with a hero that is twenty-seven damn years old. The interracial relationship part of this series continues to be cool, though.

What does it take to jumpstart your dreams after a major setback? Can you still believe in yourself when those closest to you do not? We head back to Charisma Records in Chrystal B Bright’s Love Like Crazy to find out. In book two of her Love and Harmony Romance series, Bright hits another great love story out of the park.

Avery Sheild is a young woman who, after making some bad choices, has decided to shelf her dreams of being a singer and songwriter in favor of a more stable straight-laced life. Working a couple jobs while finishing college is the goal but she can’t seem to completely let go off her dreams.

Laz Kyson was on a solid career path as an A&R guy at a huge record label until he’s hit with a sexual harassment claim. Even proving his innocence doesn’t save his job. But Laz doesn’t want to be an A&R guy for the rest of his career, so he takes this opportunity to go after his true passion. And runs into Avery singing her heart out…as she cleans the men’s restroom at Charisma, with Laz listening in one of the stalls.

In book one, Crazy in Love , Bright weaves in interracial dating and co-parenting into the fabric of her love story. In this novel, Bright touches on issues like the importance of communication and trust in every type of relationship we encounter, as well as the value of believing in your worth and trusting your instincts.

I enjoyed getting to know Avery and Laz, seeing their relationship develop and rooting for both of their dreams to come true. I enjoyed most of the secondary characters and loved that, for the most part those characters were well developed. My only small problem with this tale was how the story wrapped up, and that Avery’s best friend’s character wasn’t as developed as other’s. I would also have enjoyed seeing more of Chantel and Truman from book one featured a bit more. Like running into dear old friends while having coffee with your new one’s.

Dispite those little things I disliked I still really enjoyed this story. I found it both realistically romantic and inspiring. I’d definitely recommend this interracial love story to anyone who enjoys classsic romance.