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Casting Lacey
Coming out is easier when you’ve got someone by your side. At least that’s how the hyper-private Quinn Kincaid sees it. When her publicist suggests a good old-fashioned sham of a Hollywood relationship, Quinn reluctantly agrees. And that’s how the star of Jordan’s Appeal, TV’s highest rated legal drama, ends up with a fake girlfriend – the very real, very sexy and very gay soap star, Lacey Matthews.
In Casting Lacey, Elle Spencer gives us a hilarious new take on a classic storyline, complete with nosy mothers, fawning assistants and two beautiful actresses who might learn about true love. If they don’t kill each other first.
110,000 words
In Casting Lacey, Elle Spencer gives us a hilarious new take on a classic storyline, complete with nosy mothers, fawning assistants and two beautiful actresses who might learn about true love. If they don’t kill each other first.
110,000 words
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2017
231 people are currently reading
2406 people want to read
About the author
Elle Spencer
11 books511 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 447 reviews
June 18, 2020
3.50 Stars. What a roller coaster ride with lots of ups and downs. This review is for the audiobook. The narrator is Melissa Moran who did a really good job.
If you read the reviews for this story they are all over the map. People either love this or think it’s a bit annoying. I did get this audiobook as a gift from an ex-girlfriend so it did have a strike against it already, but I had some high hopes. My favorite type of romance to read is a fauxmance, with Hollywood romance as a close second, so to have an actual Hollywood-fauxmance plot I thought I could LOVE this. Instead it drove me a bit nuts. Parts were really good, others not so much.
First major issue was the length. The story dragged on badly in parts. Then when you make it into and audiobook, those parts seem to drag all the more. I said to myself “when is this going to end?” more than once which is never a good sign. I believe this was Spencer’s full length debut and it showed since she didn’t know where to really edit stuff out yet.
My second major issue was the immature language. I was getting old school flashbacks to Bevis and Butthead “hehe hehe tits” “hehe ass” It’s like Spencer would slip into the mind of a 13 year old boy and it just made me roll my eyes hard.
The romance itself was enjoyable. The mains have some good chemistry and I believed in their connection. The problem was the angst. Now I love some good soap opera angst but this was more just annoying angst. And the biggest issue is it went on FOREVER! It goes on so long that the actually HEA is rushed and crammed all in the last few minutes. I have to suffer that long for 2 mins of happiness?
Anyway, as you can tell I’m coming down on the side of slightly annoyed. I think what it really is, is that I could have loved this. The storyline was there but it didn’t come together so I’m disappointed. It’s 3 stars for me when it comes to enjoyment but I’m bumping it up to 3.50 for the narrator. There are plenty of people who loved this so this is one of those books/audiobooks that I think you just have to try for yourself. People have such different reactions to it that I could not even guess who would like this and who would not.
If you read the reviews for this story they are all over the map. People either love this or think it’s a bit annoying. I did get this audiobook as a gift from an ex-girlfriend so it did have a strike against it already, but I had some high hopes. My favorite type of romance to read is a fauxmance, with Hollywood romance as a close second, so to have an actual Hollywood-fauxmance plot I thought I could LOVE this. Instead it drove me a bit nuts. Parts were really good, others not so much.
First major issue was the length. The story dragged on badly in parts. Then when you make it into and audiobook, those parts seem to drag all the more. I said to myself “when is this going to end?” more than once which is never a good sign. I believe this was Spencer’s full length debut and it showed since she didn’t know where to really edit stuff out yet.
My second major issue was the immature language. I was getting old school flashbacks to Bevis and Butthead “hehe hehe tits” “hehe ass” It’s like Spencer would slip into the mind of a 13 year old boy and it just made me roll my eyes hard.
The romance itself was enjoyable. The mains have some good chemistry and I believed in their connection. The problem was the angst. Now I love some good soap opera angst but this was more just annoying angst. And the biggest issue is it went on FOREVER! It goes on so long that the actually HEA is rushed and crammed all in the last few minutes. I have to suffer that long for 2 mins of happiness?
Anyway, as you can tell I’m coming down on the side of slightly annoyed. I think what it really is, is that I could have loved this. The storyline was there but it didn’t come together so I’m disappointed. It’s 3 stars for me when it comes to enjoyment but I’m bumping it up to 3.50 for the narrator. There are plenty of people who loved this so this is one of those books/audiobooks that I think you just have to try for yourself. People have such different reactions to it that I could not even guess who would like this and who would not.
January 9, 2020
This is a re-read for me just about two years later. Great read. Lot of drama, angst, and good banter. No longer in KU though but well worth a purchase.
This was a really fun read. Lot of laugh out loud moments but still plenty of drama and cute moments. This a feel good book and if you have Kindle Unlimited, definitely check it out.
January 27, 2018
One could say that the main characters, who are apparently actresses in their 30's, act like immature drama queens.
And I loved it to no end.
I'm a Millennial, damnit, and we're not the most mature "adults" out there, so I related with all the dirty jokes (and there are oodles of them) and mood swings. As for the drama queen bit? Yes, of course they're dramatic. They're actresses! Does anybody else have theatre geek friends? They're surely a breed of their own.
Let's start on Quinn Kincaid. My queen. Queen Kincaid. She's an ice princess, perfectionist, dork, insecure starlet, and hot lady all in one and I'm living for it. Can you say 'my type?' Yes, Elle Spencer got that character right. Lacey, too! She's not exactly like me, but we wisecrack similarly and can't seem to shut up. With all their flaws and quirks, I fell for their love early and hard. They're beautiful celebrity femmes fighting their passion for one another. What's not to love?
I also loved the side characters. Amy in particular took the cake. She was a cinnamon roll of her own and charmed me with her hilarious fear of New York's crime. It's not that bad here, I swear! Spencer made her a part of the story just enough to be relevant but not too much to take away from the main relationship. Bravo!
Furthermore, I highlighted so many memorable quotes! Just looking a them as list out of context makes me giggle. This book is too funny. And well-written. It's a length that let me just wade in the tv actress world and it's marvelous.
Of course, great books (even 5-star ones) aren't without their flaws. Mine, which are spoiler-ish are:
All in all, Casting Lacey took several ingredients of a Sprinkles favorite and knocked it out the park. I'll have a hard time forgetting these characters, not that' I'd want to. Sarcastic characters for the win!
And I loved it to no end.
I'm a Millennial, damnit, and we're not the most mature "adults" out there, so I related with all the dirty jokes (and there are oodles of them) and mood swings. As for the drama queen bit? Yes, of course they're dramatic. They're actresses! Does anybody else have theatre geek friends? They're surely a breed of their own.
Let's start on Quinn Kincaid. My queen. Queen Kincaid. She's an ice princess, perfectionist, dork, insecure starlet, and hot lady all in one and I'm living for it. Can you say 'my type?' Yes, Elle Spencer got that character right. Lacey, too! She's not exactly like me, but we wisecrack similarly and can't seem to shut up. With all their flaws and quirks, I fell for their love early and hard. They're beautiful celebrity femmes fighting their passion for one another. What's not to love?
I also loved the side characters. Amy in particular took the cake. She was a cinnamon roll of her own and charmed me with her hilarious fear of New York's crime. It's not that bad here, I swear! Spencer made her a part of the story just enough to be relevant but not too much to take away from the main relationship. Bravo!
Furthermore, I highlighted so many memorable quotes! Just looking a them as list out of context makes me giggle. This book is too funny. And well-written. It's a length that let me just wade in the tv actress world and it's marvelous.
Of course, great books (even 5-star ones) aren't without their flaws. Mine, which are spoiler-ish are:
All in all, Casting Lacey took several ingredients of a Sprinkles favorite and knocked it out the park. I'll have a hard time forgetting these characters, not that' I'd want to. Sarcastic characters for the win!
January 5, 2018
DNF @25%. Unlikable characters. The plot does not flow well and feels forced, the same applies to dialogue - they constantly say things that don't feel right to me and they often jump from one topic to another with barely any connection between those topics.
The mains are pretty flat so far too and they have 0 chemistry between them and I can't really grasp their characters, often they act completely contrary to what was established earlier. Furthermore I couldn't suspend my disbelief for the initial deal going through at all because Lacey acts like a complete "bitch" and nothing showed that she would be a worthy or cooperative partner in crime. Why would they go through with it instead of looking for someone more appropriate?
And then there's that "ass wiping" humor that gets repeated so often and is supposed to be funny. Unfortunately it's anything but that. And grammar in some places is atrocious, if you can't bother to proofread your own book, why should I give it a positive review? Clearly you don't care about it that much.
A regretful read.
The mains are pretty flat so far too and they have 0 chemistry between them and I can't really grasp their characters, often they act completely contrary to what was established earlier. Furthermore I couldn't suspend my disbelief for the initial deal going through at all because Lacey acts like a complete "bitch" and nothing showed that she would be a worthy or cooperative partner in crime. Why would they go through with it instead of looking for someone more appropriate?
And then there's that "ass wiping" humor that gets repeated so often and is supposed to be funny. Unfortunately it's anything but that. And grammar in some places is atrocious, if you can't bother to proofread your own book, why should I give it a positive review? Clearly you don't care about it that much.
A regretful read.
March 16, 2018
This one is going on my all time favorites ! Incredible read and so unexpected..
it’s funny, it’s cute, characters are adorable, supporting characters are great..
it’s funny, it’s cute, characters are adorable, supporting characters are great..
June 2, 2018
Updated 6-1-18 after listening to the audible version, narrated by Melissa Moran. I enjoyed the human narration more than the robo-voiced VoiceDream rendition from the Kindle version. Melissa Moran really does a great job. I maintain my 4* rating, though, instead of bumping to a 5* rating, because the multiple breakups, miscommunications and lack of benefit of doubt still weigh heavily on the characters and the story. I do still recommend "Casting Lacey", and I recommend the audiobook over the Kindle version.
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Original review follows:
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Like Melissa Brayden’s “Eyes Like Those”, “Casting Lacey” features two women in the entertainment industry, and also infuriates as many readers/listeners as it delights.
So, let me get it right out there - it delighted me. Partly it was the “fake girlfriend” plotline, which I just LOVE, but I also enjoyed the banter and the characters. Much of the bickering and arguing worked, but there were definitely times it went too far and their getting back together stretched believability.
MC Quinn hires MC Lacey to be her fake girlfriend for a year, in an effort to control the gradual revelation to her fans that she’s lesbian before she embarks on an effort to date women. Lacey is desperate for the income, and is bitter about being fired from her own successful daytime soap when she revealed to the producers that she was gay. Meeting Quinn and being told of the offer to play girlfriend, Lacey’s first thought is
So come on, how can we not like a book that uses “canoodle” early on?
Lacey and Quinn seem destined to mix like oil and water until a bicycling accident brings them together. Quinn is intensely private, and begs Lacey to help her, essentially being her caregiver. That intense privateness at times makes Quinn quite unlikeable as a character, but the details of her past eventually help us, and Lacey, understand.
For her part, Lacey is so very likable it’s never really made clear why she was involved in a relationship with the intensely unlikeable and manipulative Dani.
Having the characters play TV show characters that were mirroring their real life relationship was fun, and helped the narrative move along as well as helped the characters evolve. Family dynamics are brought in nicely to help explain much of the personalities of Lacey and Quinn.
I was very disappointed at the lack of benefit of the doubt and terrible communication between Jack, Lacey and Quinn that arose immediately after declarations of love, and I understand why some listeners might have said “enough” at that point and moved on to another book.
But I’m glad I stuck with it, and them, to the end. There is no audiobook available, but I listened to the book via Voice Dream, and I enjoyed “Casting Lacey” quite a lot. 4.3*, and with a human narrator this might have even rounded up, but for now it’s a strong 4* recommendation.
========================
Original review follows:
========================
Like Melissa Brayden’s “Eyes Like Those”, “Casting Lacey” features two women in the entertainment industry, and also infuriates as many readers/listeners as it delights.
So, let me get it right out there - it delighted me. Partly it was the “fake girlfriend” plotline, which I just LOVE, but I also enjoyed the banter and the characters. Much of the bickering and arguing worked, but there were definitely times it went too far and their getting back together stretched believability.
MC Quinn hires MC Lacey to be her fake girlfriend for a year, in an effort to control the gradual revelation to her fans that she’s lesbian before she embarks on an effort to date women. Lacey is desperate for the income, and is bitter about being fired from her own successful daytime soap when she revealed to the producers that she was gay. Meeting Quinn and being told of the offer to play girlfriend, Lacey’s first thought is
Was this woman insane? And did she seriously just use the word, canoodle?
So come on, how can we not like a book that uses “canoodle” early on?
Lacey and Quinn seem destined to mix like oil and water until a bicycling accident brings them together. Quinn is intensely private, and begs Lacey to help her, essentially being her caregiver. That intense privateness at times makes Quinn quite unlikeable as a character, but the details of her past eventually help us, and Lacey, understand.
For her part, Lacey is so very likable it’s never really made clear why she was involved in a relationship with the intensely unlikeable and manipulative Dani.
Having the characters play TV show characters that were mirroring their real life relationship was fun, and helped the narrative move along as well as helped the characters evolve. Family dynamics are brought in nicely to help explain much of the personalities of Lacey and Quinn.
I was very disappointed at the lack of benefit of the doubt and terrible communication between Jack, Lacey and Quinn that arose immediately after declarations of love, and I understand why some listeners might have said “enough” at that point and moved on to another book.
But I’m glad I stuck with it, and them, to the end. There is no audiobook available, but I listened to the book via Voice Dream, and I enjoyed “Casting Lacey” quite a lot. 4.3*, and with a human narrator this might have even rounded up, but for now it’s a strong 4* recommendation.
February 20, 2018
god what a frustrating book to read. it seemed every conversation resulted in crude insults. i struggled to find something I liked or enjoyed about the main characters or even the minor ones and came up with nothing. It was nice to have a book to read when it's 4°F outside but.... I think I am going to clean the kitchen.
August 22, 2019
Fauxmance. Hollywood. And so much drama that even a soap opera might turn it down as a bit much... But through it all, I couldn’t put this down, even when my patience was tested at times when yet another thing happened.
If you tried to commit the relationship of Quinn and Lacey to paper, you’d have to laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of it. But it’s told with such panache, aplomb, and charm (and I think with the full knowledge that this is outrageous but fun) that I just got carried along with it.
This made a 9 hour round trip for a hospital appointment in London quite bearable.
If you tried to commit the relationship of Quinn and Lacey to paper, you’d have to laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of it. But it’s told with such panache, aplomb, and charm (and I think with the full knowledge that this is outrageous but fun) that I just got carried along with it.
This made a 9 hour round trip for a hospital appointment in London quite bearable.
January 27, 2018
I really loved the chemistry between Lacey and Quinn. Nice story, awesome characters. Two thumbs up!
February 4, 2018
This book almost gave me whiplash. Between the constant push and pull of ‘does she love me for real?’ or ‘Is it all part of the act?’, the sweetness alternated with the snarky-ness and the over-used (and frankly maddening) old chestnut called ‘failure to communicate’ left me wishing the author had chosen a bit more finesse to further the plot. It felt like both characters were left in a holding pattern for too long and it made me feel antsy as the story progressed.
Quinn and Lacey are both supposed to be mature women in their 30’s but I never once could be convinced of that. They possessed an immaturity that sooner made me believe they both were still in their teens.
f/f explicit
Themes: the characters don’t feel their age, there is a good amount of sizzle though, aside from my misgivings about the pacing the writing is technically sound, but to heap up that big dollop of angst after the 80% mark of the story, just ugh!
3.4 stars
Quinn and Lacey are both supposed to be mature women in their 30’s but I never once could be convinced of that. They possessed an immaturity that sooner made me believe they both were still in their teens.
f/f explicit
Themes: the characters don’t feel their age, there is a good amount of sizzle though, aside from my misgivings about the pacing the writing is technically sound, but to heap up that big dollop of angst after the 80% mark of the story, just ugh!
3.4 stars
August 10, 2022
This was a fun one! Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this was a great example of why it can be so delicious. Both Quinn and Lacey were likable, sexy, frustrating, and easy to root for. Their chemistry is there from the beginning and all the flirty fake dating stuff is great, add in a ‘they’re basically temporary roommates’ and both have to physically and emotionally care for each other throughout the book? It’s a great ride.
This is a narrator that I’ve encountered before, and she’s not one of my favorites. She’s perfectly serviceable but there’s a slightly stilted? awkwardly paused? something about her narration is a little odd, but once I got into it it stopped being as noticeable. She’s not a narrator that I will seek out more of on purpose, but neither is she one that I would avoid in the future. Overall, it was a listen that I really enjoyed but might have been a five star with a different narrator.
This is a narrator that I’ve encountered before, and she’s not one of my favorites. She’s perfectly serviceable but there’s a slightly stilted? awkwardly paused? something about her narration is a little odd, but once I got into it it stopped being as noticeable. She’s not a narrator that I will seek out more of on purpose, but neither is she one that I would avoid in the future. Overall, it was a listen that I really enjoyed but might have been a five star with a different narrator.
March 25, 2018
Wow, what a wonderful story. It made me laugh out loud (multiple times), it made me cry and it made me happy.
The chemistry between the main characters was amazing. This book has all the ingredients I enjoy: faxumance, celebrities, slow burn. I loved it and couldn't put it down. I stayed up late reading. My kind of book :) Looking forward to the author's next novel!
Added it to my list of favorites :)
The chemistry between the main characters was amazing. This book has all the ingredients I enjoy: faxumance, celebrities, slow burn. I loved it and couldn't put it down. I stayed up late reading. My kind of book :) Looking forward to the author's next novel!
Added it to my list of favorites :)
April 10, 2019
5 Stars - Another great celebrity fauxmance in my library!
So I've been off my game lately and fully admit I haven't read many books in 2019. Busy writing, so it's all good. However, I took a break for a day to devour Casting Lacey by Elle Spencer. It was recommended when I posted about another book I love that touched on the two tropes listed above. Yes, it was recommended, purchased, and read all in the same day.
You could consider Quinn a bit of an ice queen, but I don't think she was much of one. You could also consider this an age gap (Which I don't like) but I don't put it in that category either. At one point Quinn thinks Lacey is only a couple years younger, then she says probably more. Seven years or less is fine with me. And based on ages given in the book for Lacey's ex (25), and the fact that there is a 13 year age gap between them, that puts Lacey at 38. Plenty old enough. *smiles*
I found the premise a good one for the two tropes, and even though there was a bit more angst than I normally like, I pushed through because I just KNEW the ending would be worth it. And HOW! I liked both characters because they had layers to them, past and experience that lead to who they'd become. I also liked the fact that the characters didn't STAY who they were, but rather grew and changed together.
Casting Lacey by Elle Spencer has now joined In Development by Rachel Spangler, And Playing the Role of Herself by K.E. Lane, All That Lies Within by Lynn Ames, Breaking Character by Lee Winter, and Making a Comeback by Julie Blair. I'll be reading this one again.
So I've been off my game lately and fully admit I haven't read many books in 2019. Busy writing, so it's all good. However, I took a break for a day to devour Casting Lacey by Elle Spencer. It was recommended when I posted about another book I love that touched on the two tropes listed above. Yes, it was recommended, purchased, and read all in the same day.
You could consider Quinn a bit of an ice queen, but I don't think she was much of one. You could also consider this an age gap (Which I don't like) but I don't put it in that category either. At one point Quinn thinks Lacey is only a couple years younger, then she says probably more. Seven years or less is fine with me. And based on ages given in the book for Lacey's ex (25), and the fact that there is a 13 year age gap between them, that puts Lacey at 38. Plenty old enough. *smiles*
I found the premise a good one for the two tropes, and even though there was a bit more angst than I normally like, I pushed through because I just KNEW the ending would be worth it. And HOW! I liked both characters because they had layers to them, past and experience that lead to who they'd become. I also liked the fact that the characters didn't STAY who they were, but rather grew and changed together.
Casting Lacey by Elle Spencer has now joined In Development by Rachel Spangler, And Playing the Role of Herself by K.E. Lane, All That Lies Within by Lynn Ames, Breaking Character by Lee Winter, and Making a Comeback by Julie Blair. I'll be reading this one again.
January 2, 2018
OMG, what a sweet story. Sooo fluffy. Just what I needed right now.
January 5, 2018
I loved it! At the beginning I struggled to get into the story, but once the story was developing, I enjoyed the book so much I couldn't put it down. My "but" in this book was the communication between Lacey and Quinn;I have never seen two people communicating so badly. They actually didn't know how to communicate until almost the end the story. This is a wonderful and light read!
January 6, 2018
This was pretty long read but well worth it
I really enjoyed this read. Rarely do you find books in this genre more than 200 pages but whats even more rare is when its actually worth the read. Both characters, Lacey (30) and Quinn (38), are very likable. Although, I will say I liked Lacey a lot more and wanted to yell at Quinn throughout the book. There's a bunch of angst and lots of flirting and banter. Its free on kindleUnlimited and definitely worth giving a read. 4.5*
I really enjoyed this read. Rarely do you find books in this genre more than 200 pages but whats even more rare is when its actually worth the read. Both characters, Lacey (30) and Quinn (38), are very likable. Although, I will say I liked Lacey a lot more and wanted to yell at Quinn throughout the book. There's a bunch of angst and lots of flirting and banter. Its free on kindleUnlimited and definitely worth giving a read. 4.5*
June 8, 2018
I love this book and I'm so glad they found a narrator that did it justice. It's too common having a favorite book go to audio only to be ruined by the narrator. This audio book was perfect.
May 31, 2020
This was okay as a marriage-of-convenience wish-fulfilment fantasy. The first three quarters or so was actually quite good, though Quinn's negative motivation* dragged the pace down a bit. I liked their building emotional connection and how their trust grew over time. And I liked how well Lacey did with putting herself out there, though not without some dithering.
So I was engaged with both and liked their friendship that grew into more. But I got worried when the drama started mounting up, starting with Lacey going through a personal crisis in her family. And I knew that there was a lot of story left and yet they seemed in a really good place. Which is when Spencer throw in a completely gratuitous dark moment that blew everything to crap. And it felt manufactured both in its origin and in the response it provoked that was so extreme. I mean, I bought their connection and their trust. Having them break at that point didn't sit well with me at all. I finished it to see if Spencer could pull it back and the answer is, meh. I ended up skimming large portions of that ending because I was so exasperated with the story at that point.
So I'm giving this three stars and I'm sad it didn't do better. It was well on its way to an outstanding read until things blew up.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene, though it's one that extends with a small break so others may call it two. It's on the low end of my steam tolerance but wouldn't have taken much to pull it the rest of the way into the middle. It came at a good juncture in the relationship, so the timing and content fit well with where things were so that's good, too.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
So I was engaged with both and liked their friendship that grew into more. But I got worried when the drama started mounting up, starting with Lacey going through a personal crisis in her family. And I knew that there was a lot of story left and yet they seemed in a really good place. Which is when Spencer throw in a completely gratuitous dark moment that blew everything to crap. And it felt manufactured both in its origin and in the response it provoked that was so extreme. I mean, I bought their connection and their trust. Having them break at that point didn't sit well with me at all. I finished it to see if Spencer could pull it back and the answer is, meh. I ended up skimming large portions of that ending because I was so exasperated with the story at that point.
So I'm giving this three stars and I'm sad it didn't do better. It was well on its way to an outstanding read until things blew up.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene, though it's one that extends with a small break so others may call it two. It's on the low end of my steam tolerance but wouldn't have taken much to pull it the rest of the way into the middle. It came at a good juncture in the relationship, so the timing and content fit well with where things were so that's good, too.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
February 2, 2018
It seems readers either love or hate this book. For me it was neither. Sure there were some cute, sweet and funny moments but there was so much drama simply for the sake of drama I almost DNF halfway through. The following quote pretty much sums up the entire book for me:
“That’s how we communicate,” Quinn said, throwing her hands in the air. “We’re complete assholes to each other. But we’re straightforward assholes who care about each other and sometimes we even make each other laugh. I don’t get any of that anywhere else. So that’s something, right?”
I guess there was just too much assholery for me to truly like this book. (Yes assholery is a word. If you don't believe me you're clearly never watched Wynonna Earp.)
“That’s how we communicate,” Quinn said, throwing her hands in the air. “We’re complete assholes to each other. But we’re straightforward assholes who care about each other and sometimes we even make each other laugh. I don’t get any of that anywhere else. So that’s something, right?”
I guess there was just too much assholery for me to truly like this book. (Yes assholery is a word. If you don't believe me you're clearly never watched Wynonna Earp.)
January 12, 2018
This book was recommended to me by a friend and I am so glad I listened to her.
Lacey Matthews has moved to LA to continue the career she started in New York as a day time soap actress after loosing her job for coming out as a lesbian. She's not exactly making waves in LA but when she’s approached by the very famous prime time tv star, Quinn Kincaid, to act as her real life girlfriend so Quinn can navigate how she will come out to her fans, the offer is more than a little attractive, as is Quinn. At first things are tumultuous between them but as they spend more time together both woman realise how good they could be together but Lacey’s past keeps seeming to catch up with her... could it ruin everything?
What a fantastic book. I’m so glad I read it but I’m annoyed I didn’t read it before doing my 12 best for 2016 because this would have definitely made the list.
I loved the Lacey and Quinn dynamic from the beginning, they had this sarcastic humour that was borderline serious goading but then in the same moments they were sweet and calling each other pet names. They certainly belong together and it’s evident from the first moment they meet.
I don’t want to ruin the plot twists but you will certain need your tissues with this one and I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a couple to make it as much as I did with Lacey and Quinn.
The book was written from both protagonists point of view, which was really valuable because the communication between Lacey and Quinn was sometimes sketchy so you need the internal moments to clarify feelings that they were hiding from one another.
All in all, a fantastic novel and I’ll be watching closely to see what comes next from Elle Spencer. In the meantime I’m off to read her debut novella, Forget Her Not.
5 stars
Lacey Matthews has moved to LA to continue the career she started in New York as a day time soap actress after loosing her job for coming out as a lesbian. She's not exactly making waves in LA but when she’s approached by the very famous prime time tv star, Quinn Kincaid, to act as her real life girlfriend so Quinn can navigate how she will come out to her fans, the offer is more than a little attractive, as is Quinn. At first things are tumultuous between them but as they spend more time together both woman realise how good they could be together but Lacey’s past keeps seeming to catch up with her... could it ruin everything?
What a fantastic book. I’m so glad I read it but I’m annoyed I didn’t read it before doing my 12 best for 2016 because this would have definitely made the list.
I loved the Lacey and Quinn dynamic from the beginning, they had this sarcastic humour that was borderline serious goading but then in the same moments they were sweet and calling each other pet names. They certainly belong together and it’s evident from the first moment they meet.
I don’t want to ruin the plot twists but you will certain need your tissues with this one and I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a couple to make it as much as I did with Lacey and Quinn.
The book was written from both protagonists point of view, which was really valuable because the communication between Lacey and Quinn was sometimes sketchy so you need the internal moments to clarify feelings that they were hiding from one another.
All in all, a fantastic novel and I’ll be watching closely to see what comes next from Elle Spencer. In the meantime I’m off to read her debut novella, Forget Her Not.
5 stars
March 12, 2018
The premise for Casting Lacey uses a twist on a common theme. Primetime TV actor Quinn Kincaid wants to come out of the closet but wants to control the process. Her publicist cooks up a scheme to hire a known lesbian to play the part of her girlfriend (after signing a non-disclosure agreement) and that way they can manage the press. When Quinn sees Lacey for the first time her mouth drops open. Lacey is everything she considers beautiful. But it's not that easy: Lacey has a chip on her shoulder, a foul mouth, pent-up aggression and a broken heart.
I enjoy the fake-relationship trope even though it makes me pretty tense. I also like the drama that is ready-made in celebrity stories. The dynamic between Quinn and Lacey was fiery from the beginning and their acidic banter was equally sharp from both sides. Lacey swore a lot in the beginning but I felt it was exaggerated to make a point about the type of character she is. I thought her characterisation was clear enough without it and all it did was put hiccups in the flow. I liked that neither of them backed down from an argument and that often they were as bitchy as each other. There is an ickiness about money changing hands and the deceit that always concerns me but as long as it gets resolved fairly, I can get over it.
In some ways this reminded me of And Playing the Role of Herself because of the parallel on-screen/0ff-screen story and I enjoyed it just as much. A similar storyline is in JA Armstrong's Off Screen Series. Damage Control also deals with coming out in Hollywood but it's the second in the series so it's probably best to read the first one first. Both Just for Show and Chasing Stars use the fake-relationship theme (successfully) with the latter also being an actor in need.
I enjoy the fake-relationship trope even though it makes me pretty tense. I also like the drama that is ready-made in celebrity stories. The dynamic between Quinn and Lacey was fiery from the beginning and their acidic banter was equally sharp from both sides. Lacey swore a lot in the beginning but I felt it was exaggerated to make a point about the type of character she is. I thought her characterisation was clear enough without it and all it did was put hiccups in the flow. I liked that neither of them backed down from an argument and that often they were as bitchy as each other. There is an ickiness about money changing hands and the deceit that always concerns me but as long as it gets resolved fairly, I can get over it.
In some ways this reminded me of And Playing the Role of Herself because of the parallel on-screen/0ff-screen story and I enjoyed it just as much. A similar storyline is in JA Armstrong's Off Screen Series. Damage Control also deals with coming out in Hollywood but it's the second in the series so it's probably best to read the first one first. Both Just for Show and Chasing Stars use the fake-relationship theme (successfully) with the latter also being an actor in need.
January 10, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It's long enough to allow the plot to play out and develop the characters. Off the chart chemistry and just enough angst. A big surprise from Kindle Unlimited!
October 19, 2024
It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but once I did, I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it.
Lacey and Quinn could be frustrating at times with their lack of communication and quick assumptions, but at its core, this is a genuine love story that beautifully unfolds over a year. The moments where they cared for each other during tough times were some of the sweetest in the book. The side characters were also well-written—I especially loved Amy, Margaret, and Ben, who played a great role in helping the women recognize their true feelings for each other.
Overall, it was a funny, touching and enjoyable read.
Lacey and Quinn could be frustrating at times with their lack of communication and quick assumptions, but at its core, this is a genuine love story that beautifully unfolds over a year. The moments where they cared for each other during tough times were some of the sweetest in the book. The side characters were also well-written—I especially loved Amy, Margaret, and Ben, who played a great role in helping the women recognize their true feelings for each other.
Overall, it was a funny, touching and enjoyable read.
May 22, 2025
Ah! The torture of the tension ... on and on :).
I really enjoyed this. It might have been better with fewer pages, but the interactions are all well constructed and the chemistry between the MCs *very* present. I enjoyed the near-dual narrative as the girls are working together on the same TV show and elements of their characters' lives intersect with their own. Cleverly done :)
I really enjoyed this. It might have been better with fewer pages, but the interactions are all well constructed and the chemistry between the MCs *very* present. I enjoyed the near-dual narrative as the girls are working together on the same TV show and elements of their characters' lives intersect with their own. Cleverly done :)
February 11, 2018
Loved it!
I love Love LOVE this book!! It is fun, witty, sexy and I️ couldn’t put it down. I️ can’t wait to read more books by this author!
I love Love LOVE this book!! It is fun, witty, sexy and I️ couldn’t put it down. I️ can’t wait to read more books by this author!
October 31, 2018
Quinn Kincaid is a famous actress at the top of her game but also extremely private. When she decides to come out as gay, her publicist suggests that she hires a fake girlfriend as a publicity stunt. Who better than Lacey Matthews, a sexy former soap opera star who got fired for coming out as gay?
This is a very good debut novel that combines the fake girlfriend trope with celebrity lifestyle. The main characters are two famous actresses in their 30s; Quinn is a typical ice queen and Lacey a bit of a rebel but both definitely diva material. The characters are well portrayed and have off the charts chemistry.
The story is full of humour, wit and saucy dialogues but also has angst and drama. I think that the book is at its best in the humorous parts which are really well written. For me, the drama and angst scenes were sometimes forced as a plot device rather than a result of the natural flow of the story. Overall, 'Casting Lacey' is an entertaining and enjoyable read.
Highly recommended if you are into the fake relationship trope and don't mind a side of angst. 4 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
This is a very good debut novel that combines the fake girlfriend trope with celebrity lifestyle. The main characters are two famous actresses in their 30s; Quinn is a typical ice queen and Lacey a bit of a rebel but both definitely diva material. The characters are well portrayed and have off the charts chemistry.
The story is full of humour, wit and saucy dialogues but also has angst and drama. I think that the book is at its best in the humorous parts which are really well written. For me, the drama and angst scenes were sometimes forced as a plot device rather than a result of the natural flow of the story. Overall, 'Casting Lacey' is an entertaining and enjoyable read.
Highly recommended if you are into the fake relationship trope and don't mind a side of angst. 4 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
January 11, 2018
Super angsty. Super good.
February 20, 2025
This could've been so much more. I wanted so much more.
The leads were attractive and the banter was charged, fun and sexy. Crass in a flirtatious way, and it suited them. I also love a femme/femme story. In the beginning, one of the characters gets hurt and there is a caretaking component that is a perfect set up for a deeper emotional connection. And I enjoyed the on-set scenes showing them in action as actresses, and the parallels between their on-screen personas and their real-life relationship (all very reminiscent of Breaking Character <3).
However, throughout the book Quinn and Lacey's dynamic is all over the map. It seemed as if the author was going for an enemies to lovers vibe at the beginning but couldn't commit and settled for something in between that just left me confused most of the time. Benefit of the doubt, maybe this is what its really like when two people are trying to feel each other out and warring with their attraction. Either way, I'm not sure it worked for me. And THEN-- a writing choice that almost never works for me... the 3rd act conflict. I couldn't get behind this sequence, it made no sense for Quinn to jump to the conclusions she did and left me wondering if she even understood Lacey as a person. From then on it was hard to feel like she deserved her.
Poor Lacey throughout this whole book. Everyone hurts her and in the end she's still the person who takes the first step towards saving the day and fixing things.
Anyway, there were so many times I thought the story was going to redeem itself only to have it miss the mark. But the potential was certainly there.
The leads were attractive and the banter was charged, fun and sexy. Crass in a flirtatious way, and it suited them. I also love a femme/femme story. In the beginning, one of the characters gets hurt and there is a caretaking component that is a perfect set up for a deeper emotional connection. And I enjoyed the on-set scenes showing them in action as actresses, and the parallels between their on-screen personas and their real-life relationship (all very reminiscent of Breaking Character <3).
However, throughout the book Quinn and Lacey's dynamic is all over the map. It seemed as if the author was going for an enemies to lovers vibe at the beginning but couldn't commit and settled for something in between that just left me confused most of the time. Benefit of the doubt, maybe this is what its really like when two people are trying to feel each other out and warring with their attraction. Either way, I'm not sure it worked for me. And THEN-- a writing choice that almost never works for me... the 3rd act conflict. I couldn't get behind this sequence, it made no sense for Quinn to jump to the conclusions she did and left me wondering if she even understood Lacey as a person. From then on it was hard to feel like she deserved her.
Poor Lacey throughout this whole book. Everyone hurts her and in the end she's still the person who takes the first step towards saving the day and fixing things.
Anyway, there were so many times I thought the story was going to redeem itself only to have it miss the mark. But the potential was certainly there.
February 9, 2019
Wow. I have to be honest, at first I didn't understand the hype for this book. But I kept dragging myself through it until I fell absolutely in love with the characters. I was happy when they were happy and felt like my heart was broken when Quinn and Lacey were apart. A+
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