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After Oscar #2
LOL: Laugh Out Loud
When a gorgeous cop comes racing out of a building on Fifth Avenue, hops in your horse-drawn carriage, and screams, “Go!”—you go.
You don’t stop and ask for paperwork. Or a badge. Or an explanation of who you’re chasing. You simply follow his shouted orders and try not to kill anyone in the process.
At least, that’s what I did when it happened to me.
But then it turns out that the “cop” is none other than Roman Burke, Hollywood’s hottest star, and our little joyride gets me fired. Now I’m broke, my horse has been evicted from her barn, and I’ve got nowhere to turn.
Roman:
When you accidentally hijack a Central Park carriage to escape the paparazzi, get pulled over by the police, and your crisis manager insists you lay low for a while, you nod your head and go.
And when the cute carriage driver shows up on your front step, horse in tow, blaming you for losing his job, you agree to fix it. Even if that means hauling both him and his horse along with you on your Vermont getaway.
At least that’s what I did when it happened to me.
Unfortunately, trouble seems to stick to the sexy carriage driver like hot syrup on a hotter waffle, making my Vermont retreat anything but quiet.
Now the carriage driver is in my bed, unexpected guests are crawling out of the woodwork, and the paparazzi is on my tail. With chaos and scandal swarming around me, suddenly, it isn’t just my career on the line.
It’s my heart.
You don’t stop and ask for paperwork. Or a badge. Or an explanation of who you’re chasing. You simply follow his shouted orders and try not to kill anyone in the process.
At least, that’s what I did when it happened to me.
But then it turns out that the “cop” is none other than Roman Burke, Hollywood’s hottest star, and our little joyride gets me fired. Now I’m broke, my horse has been evicted from her barn, and I’ve got nowhere to turn.
Roman:
When you accidentally hijack a Central Park carriage to escape the paparazzi, get pulled over by the police, and your crisis manager insists you lay low for a while, you nod your head and go.
And when the cute carriage driver shows up on your front step, horse in tow, blaming you for losing his job, you agree to fix it. Even if that means hauling both him and his horse along with you on your Vermont getaway.
At least that’s what I did when it happened to me.
Unfortunately, trouble seems to stick to the sexy carriage driver like hot syrup on a hotter waffle, making my Vermont retreat anything but quiet.
Now the carriage driver is in my bed, unexpected guests are crawling out of the woodwork, and the paparazzi is on my tail. With chaos and scandal swarming around me, suddenly, it isn’t just my career on the line.
It’s my heart.
312 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2019
934 people are currently reading
1034 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Lennox
94 books4,394 followersI write M/M romance with humor, heart, and heat. Check out my backlist here on GR for a selection of series and standalone or visit www.LucyLennox.com!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 448 reviews
April 12, 2019
I was really into this book until about 40 percent. We have the movie star with a heart of gold and a horse-carriage driver.
Roman has all the money and fame, but he's not happy, and his panic attacks are getting worse. Scotty gets fired when Roman, impersonating NYPD, jumps in his carriage and instructs him to go on a harrowing ride through New York City.
I loved that Scotty stood up for himself and allowed Roman to help him (seeing how Roman got him fired in the first place). The sexy bits were juicy, and I was anticipating a predictable but fun read to the end.
But once Roman and Scotty arrived at Oscar's cottage *cough cough mansion cough*, the romance became a scripted, over-the-top Romcom starring Oscar's entire family plus significant others, Oscar's ex, and some random guys named Lolo and Larry.
These people came and never left. It was a veritable revolving door of ridiculousness, and it killed the romance dead.
I seriously considered not finishing, but I ended up skimming through the book until the last couple chapters. Even the epilogue featured random secondary characters interrupting Scotty and Roman's Big Moment.
Some might find this funny, but the humour in this book is totally not my style. I go for dry and subtle, not OTT and sitcom-worthy.
Roman has all the money and fame, but he's not happy, and his panic attacks are getting worse. Scotty gets fired when Roman, impersonating NYPD, jumps in his carriage and instructs him to go on a harrowing ride through New York City.
I loved that Scotty stood up for himself and allowed Roman to help him (seeing how Roman got him fired in the first place). The sexy bits were juicy, and I was anticipating a predictable but fun read to the end.
But once Roman and Scotty arrived at Oscar's cottage *cough cough mansion cough*, the romance became a scripted, over-the-top Romcom starring Oscar's entire family plus significant others, Oscar's ex, and some random guys named Lolo and Larry.
These people came and never left. It was a veritable revolving door of ridiculousness, and it killed the romance dead.
I seriously considered not finishing, but I ended up skimming through the book until the last couple chapters. Even the epilogue featured random secondary characters interrupting Scotty and Roman's Big Moment.
Some might find this funny, but the humour in this book is totally not my style. I go for dry and subtle, not OTT and sitcom-worthy.
July 27, 2019
Wow, this book was a HUGE disappointment. I loved book 1, IRL, but this one was a complete mess, IMO. I stopped reading at 43% because there were just so many things that were annoying or unrealistic that I just couldn't continue.
Some of my gripes: I hate when an author uses gibberish words to describe (usually sex) noises (e.g. from the book, gnfh, gnf, and nhgh...and that's just within the first 43%!). I also hate when authors try too hard to be funny, which is what I felt this book was doing. It felt way too much like it was trying to be a screwball comedy and wanted us all to know it - laughs! hijinks! zaniness! But...it just wasn't funny. I mean, the whole beginning with the horse carriage hijacking was just too unbelievable and bizarre. Roman seemed like an insensitive, rude, lying a-hole, and I don't believe that the horse loving Scotty would abuse his horse in that way. Book 1, IRL, was much funnier IMO, but much less try-hard. I know that humor is subjective, but it all just felt too forced; IRL felt much more organically funny.
And finally, the story, for me, just sort of lost the plot with all of Oscar's relatives dropping in, stealing cars, taking photos, and being rude. This is where I checked out. I don't think I will finish this book, but will check out the next one in the series since I did enjoy book 1. So anyway, I feel a bit bad about this review, but the book was just a huge disappointment. I gave it 2 stars because the quality of the writing (no typos, primarily).
Some of my gripes: I hate when an author uses gibberish words to describe (usually sex) noises (e.g. from the book, gnfh, gnf, and nhgh...and that's just within the first 43%!). I also hate when authors try too hard to be funny, which is what I felt this book was doing. It felt way too much like it was trying to be a screwball comedy and wanted us all to know it - laughs! hijinks! zaniness! But...it just wasn't funny. I mean, the whole beginning with the horse carriage hijacking was just too unbelievable and bizarre. Roman seemed like an insensitive, rude, lying a-hole, and I don't believe that the horse loving Scotty would abuse his horse in that way. Book 1, IRL, was much funnier IMO, but much less try-hard. I know that humor is subjective, but it all just felt too forced; IRL felt much more organically funny.
And finally, the story, for me, just sort of lost the plot with all of Oscar's relatives dropping in, stealing cars, taking photos, and being rude. This is where I checked out. I don't think I will finish this book, but will check out the next one in the series since I did enjoy book 1. So anyway, I feel a bit bad about this review, but the book was just a huge disappointment. I gave it 2 stars because the quality of the writing (no typos, primarily).
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did-not-finish
October 7, 2025DNF @25%
Maybe the title should have given it away already, but this book honestly just tries way too hard to be funny.
There’s also no depth and both guys are already lusting after each other from the get-go for literally no reason. Like, what do you mean they’re already hooking up? Pfft.
Add to that the over-the-top ridiculousness of the plot and you can just count me out. I love good humour in a book, but this was just silly.
And I really need a slow burn or at the very least an actual connection between the two leads that feels like it’s not just about looks or as if it’s totally random, but this didn’t give me that at all.
This book simply ain’t for me, so I’m tapping out.
'After Oscar' series:
1. IRL: In Real Life - 4.0 stars
2. LOL: Laugh Out Loud - dnf
Other Lucy Lennox books:
‘Forever Wilde’ series - var. ratings
Shy Sheldon - 2.0 stars
Virgin Flyer - 4.5 stars
Say You’ll Be Nine - 4.5 stars
Hostile Takeover - 4.0 stars
Prince of Lies - 4.5 stars
Maybe the title should have given it away already, but this book honestly just tries way too hard to be funny.
There’s also no depth and both guys are already lusting after each other from the get-go for literally no reason. Like, what do you mean they’re already hooking up? Pfft.
Add to that the over-the-top ridiculousness of the plot and you can just count me out. I love good humour in a book, but this was just silly.
And I really need a slow burn or at the very least an actual connection between the two leads that feels like it’s not just about looks or as if it’s totally random, but this didn’t give me that at all.
This book simply ain’t for me, so I’m tapping out.
'After Oscar' series:
1. IRL: In Real Life - 4.0 stars
2. LOL: Laugh Out Loud - dnf
Other Lucy Lennox books:
‘Forever Wilde’ series - var. ratings
Shy Sheldon - 2.0 stars
Virgin Flyer - 4.5 stars
Say You’ll Be Nine - 4.5 stars
Hostile Takeover - 4.0 stars
Prince of Lies - 4.5 stars
May 13, 2019
If it was possible to give 0 or negative stars I would have.. 🙄☹️because I'm super disappointed with this one, especially since I generally like Ms Lennox's writing and the first one in this joint venture series "IRL" was actually quite good.
This one was actually not bad when it started; we had an 2 likable MCs who were from two entirely different worlds who meet accidentally and then are thrown into some weird circumstances from which they escape to a secret sanctuary in Vermont. Both have some present and past baggages that they are trying to escape and although they think it's temporary, the chemistry they develop is hard to ignore. The plot had a little wit, some opposites-attract-type trope, some in-depth backstory digging opportunity with Scotty's criminal background and Roman's anxiety attacks... it had so much possibility, but did the authors do it justice?? NO... 😡they took the ridiculous route to make it more "LOL" worthy.. but I doubt if there were any real LOLs.. 🙄. Around the 30% mark a parade of ridiculous characters started coming and going... characters who had no connection to the MCs and who didn't add anything to the story except to make me skip ahead. It got so bad that I lost count how many extra characters were there.. (14+).. the romance got lost in this parade of cliched characters.. 😱. I almost gave up around 75% but instead decided to skip a few pages, skim a few chapters to get to the epilogue which started out well and ended with a bunch of the same characters..and their insane behavior 🤢 What a big fat dud!! 🤬 I WOULD NOT recommend this to anyone. To fans of LL's work; this is just plain awful, bawdy, brainless and moronic.. In fact this book has inspired me to start a new shelf named "waste of time" and this is my first addition to this self.. Ugh!! 🤮
This one was actually not bad when it started; we had an 2 likable MCs who were from two entirely different worlds who meet accidentally and then are thrown into some weird circumstances from which they escape to a secret sanctuary in Vermont. Both have some present and past baggages that they are trying to escape and although they think it's temporary, the chemistry they develop is hard to ignore. The plot had a little wit, some opposites-attract-type trope, some in-depth backstory digging opportunity with Scotty's criminal background and Roman's anxiety attacks... it had so much possibility, but did the authors do it justice?? NO... 😡they took the ridiculous route to make it more "LOL" worthy.. but I doubt if there were any real LOLs.. 🙄. Around the 30% mark a parade of ridiculous characters started coming and going... characters who had no connection to the MCs and who didn't add anything to the story except to make me skip ahead. It got so bad that I lost count how many extra characters were there.. (14+).. the romance got lost in this parade of cliched characters.. 😱. I almost gave up around 75% but instead decided to skip a few pages, skim a few chapters to get to the epilogue which started out well and ended with a bunch of the same characters..and their insane behavior 🤢 What a big fat dud!! 🤬 I WOULD NOT recommend this to anyone. To fans of LL's work; this is just plain awful, bawdy, brainless and moronic.. In fact this book has inspired me to start a new shelf named "waste of time" and this is my first addition to this self.. Ugh!! 🤮
December 28, 2022
3 Stars
In a word, this book was chaotic. That’s pretty much the main feeling that comes to mind when I try and reflect on what I just read.
Based on the title, I can assume what transpired in this story was meant to be really funny, and often times I actually do find Lennox’s book humour appealing, but it went a little beyond that here and most of the shenanigans felt more annoying than amusing.
Too many characters. Way too many characters. And I say that as someone who adores a full cast romance. I love great secondary characters and firmly believe they can boost a story to greater heights when they’re lovable and fleshed out. But here, besides the leads themselves—Hollywood actor Roman Burke and Central Park coachman Scotty Pinker—there were maybe four people who didn’t shit me up the wall (Roman’s sister and family). Everyone else!?! Well, if I never have to read another second of their self-indulgent, entitled bullshit, it would be too soon.
Now the negative is out of the way, it is pertinent to note that I did like Roman and Scotty as lead characters and as a couple. I still really enjoy the celebrity falls for a commoner trope, even though it takes a certain suspension of disbelief to embrace, but these two had a fun and supportive dynamic that made it easy to imagine how they’d make it work out in the real world (beyond the Vermont mansion-cottage bubble where this story is mostly set).
I loved the horse element, too. I’m a sucker for men with pets and Scotty and his love and devotion to care for his horse, Nugget, was lovely to read.
So, beyond the chaos that reined down on me, Scotty and Roman, in the form of several truly insufferable side characters—who were meant to be funny, but just, no—I’m still glad I finally read this sequel, even though it didn’t reach the heights of enjoyment book one did for me.
In a word, this book was chaotic. That’s pretty much the main feeling that comes to mind when I try and reflect on what I just read.
Based on the title, I can assume what transpired in this story was meant to be really funny, and often times I actually do find Lennox’s book humour appealing, but it went a little beyond that here and most of the shenanigans felt more annoying than amusing.
Too many characters. Way too many characters. And I say that as someone who adores a full cast romance. I love great secondary characters and firmly believe they can boost a story to greater heights when they’re lovable and fleshed out. But here, besides the leads themselves—Hollywood actor Roman Burke and Central Park coachman Scotty Pinker—there were maybe four people who didn’t shit me up the wall (Roman’s sister and family). Everyone else!?! Well, if I never have to read another second of their self-indulgent, entitled bullshit, it would be too soon.
Now the negative is out of the way, it is pertinent to note that I did like Roman and Scotty as lead characters and as a couple. I still really enjoy the celebrity falls for a commoner trope, even though it takes a certain suspension of disbelief to embrace, but these two had a fun and supportive dynamic that made it easy to imagine how they’d make it work out in the real world (beyond the Vermont mansion-cottage bubble where this story is mostly set).
I loved the horse element, too. I’m a sucker for men with pets and Scotty and his love and devotion to care for his horse, Nugget, was lovely to read.
So, beyond the chaos that reined down on me, Scotty and Roman, in the form of several truly insufferable side characters—who were meant to be funny, but just, no—I’m still glad I finally read this sequel, even though it didn’t reach the heights of enjoyment book one did for me.
April 14, 2019
This was a cute story but just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I wanted time with Roman & Scotty but felt the cast of thousands just spoiled the story. One or two secondary characters is fine, but not a revolving door of guests ! Just felt it watered everything down.
November 16, 2023
LOL - and that's just exactly what I did with the book, almost from start to finish.
This is the sort of madcap mayhem that used to be made into films starring Cary Grant and Colette Colbert in the 30s and 40s or possibly Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.
It was sweet, sexy, emotional, hilarious, utterly ridiculous at times, it has a character who is central to the narrative who never actually appears on page and believe me, I cannot wait until we finally get to Oscar's own book!
When Scotty appeared in book one I hoped he'd get his own story and what a ride it was. From the moment movie star Roman hijacks his carriage to the wonderful ending, this book is just a simply joyous read.
If you're feeling at all down in the dumps, read this because I will guarantee it will bring a smile to your face.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
This is the sort of madcap mayhem that used to be made into films starring Cary Grant and Colette Colbert in the 30s and 40s or possibly Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.
It was sweet, sexy, emotional, hilarious, utterly ridiculous at times, it has a character who is central to the narrative who never actually appears on page and believe me, I cannot wait until we finally get to Oscar's own book!
When Scotty appeared in book one I hoped he'd get his own story and what a ride it was. From the moment movie star Roman hijacks his carriage to the wonderful ending, this book is just a simply joyous read.
If you're feeling at all down in the dumps, read this because I will guarantee it will bring a smile to your face.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
December 7, 2020
Wow. My head hurts. This is one messy book.
I loved the first book in this series, this... not so much. Lucy Lennox is the definition of hit or miss for me. Either her work works for me or not. There's no in between. And this one didn't. It starts out with a bang and just keep on going and going and going and going. If it's not crazy carriage rides it's someone showing up at the cabin uninvited. And then someone else. And someone else. And someone else. It never stopped. The humor was way over the top and crazy. Too crazy for me.
Sometimes less is more.
I loved the first book in this series, this... not so much. Lucy Lennox is the definition of hit or miss for me. Either her work works for me or not. There's no in between. And this one didn't. It starts out with a bang and just keep on going and going and going and going. If it's not crazy carriage rides it's someone showing up at the cabin uninvited. And then someone else. And someone else. And someone else. It never stopped. The humor was way over the top and crazy. Too crazy for me.
Sometimes less is more.
April 12, 2019
DNF at 30%
This went from boring to "who the fuck are these people why do the author's think I'm going to care about random people walking in on naked men they don't know"
Oh wait, this is LL, the author who thinks women groping men it's ok if they are gay.
This went from boring to "who the fuck are these people why do the author's think I'm going to care about random people walking in on naked men they don't know"
Oh wait, this is LL, the author who thinks women groping men it's ok if they are gay.
April 27, 2019
Loved this till about 40% when everything went Over the top and ridiculous.
Scotty and Roman were still funny and relatable but the countless number of ridiculous characters (yes I actually lost count at a point) totally diluted the romance with their OTT antics and silliness. I had to keep skimming the rest of the book to the end where even their HEA was interrupted again by inconsequential, unfunny silliness.
Hopefully the next book is less like this and more like the first..
Dani(ela)'s review of this sums it up perfectly...
Scotty and Roman were still funny and relatable but the countless number of ridiculous characters (yes I actually lost count at a point) totally diluted the romance with their OTT antics and silliness. I had to keep skimming the rest of the book to the end where even their HEA was interrupted again by inconsequential, unfunny silliness.
Hopefully the next book is less like this and more like the first..
Dani(ela)'s review of this sums it up perfectly...
August 30, 2024
Such a fun & funny book. Went a bit over the top at times but most of the time I really enjoyed it and found it funny. I really laughed at the spa/house confusion and the non-stop doorbell ringing folks. Kind of reminded me of an overdramatic comedy like Clue. There was a side plot with Scotty’s mom that made me nervous it would go in a ragey direction but I actually liked how it was resolved so that was a pleasant surprise.
I think I liked this more than book one. Although, I said this in my review for book one and I’ll say it again here- this whole book takes place over like a week- that’s a bit fast relationship development for me. I would have liked it more if there was more passage of time.
I think I liked this more than book one. Although, I said this in my review for book one and I’ll say it again here- this whole book takes place over like a week- that’s a bit fast relationship development for me. I would have liked it more if there was more passage of time.
May 23, 2020
This was a DNF at 66%
I found the first half quite enjoyable but then it just got... strange. I don’t know. I couldn’t continue and it wasn’t doing much for me.
I found the first half quite enjoyable but then it just got... strange. I don’t know. I couldn’t continue and it wasn’t doing much for me.
March 15, 2023
3.5
This was really funny but equally frustrating. I got to the point where I wanted to scream 'superglue the f*cking doors shut!!!'
I found it hard to see where they really got to know each other because most of the book they're either having sex or opening the door to yet another ridiculous situation. Most of their 'getting to know each other' you're just told it happened but you don't see it, so it made the relationship a little hard to believe.
I think this could have done with a few less intruders and some more focus on the actual relationship that wasn't just sex or self doubting the situation.
This was really funny but equally frustrating. I got to the point where I wanted to scream 'superglue the f*cking doors shut!!!'
I found it hard to see where they really got to know each other because most of the book they're either having sex or opening the door to yet another ridiculous situation. Most of their 'getting to know each other' you're just told it happened but you don't see it, so it made the relationship a little hard to believe.
I think this could have done with a few less intruders and some more focus on the actual relationship that wasn't just sex or self doubting the situation.
April 9, 2019
3.5 stars.
Surprisingly we get to know a little bit more about Oscar than in the previous book and I personally thought that this took more part in the story than the actual characters story LOL
But it was funny and had a very cute horse. We met new people and crazy things happened!
The 3.5 stars are because I skimmed some through it cause I felt it was dragging a bit but I enjoyed the story!
Can't wait to meet the other people Oscar had dated! LOL
Surprisingly we get to know a little bit more about Oscar than in the previous book and I personally thought that this took more part in the story than the actual characters story LOL
But it was funny and had a very cute horse. We met new people and crazy things happened!
The 3.5 stars are because I skimmed some through it cause I felt it was dragging a bit but I enjoyed the story!
Can't wait to meet the other people Oscar had dated! LOL
April 5, 2019
First, let me get this out: I adored the first book. I was looking forward to this one but sadly, I had to DNF at around 60% into the book.
I liked the beginning but then the storyline became kind of silly. Scotty and his horse going into Roman's house, then all the characters popping up everywhere made no sense. I loved Oscar - which didn't even appear in person in front of the character but we meet through phone conversations and funny stories - more than the main characters. I was so hesitant to DNF seeing and I adore Lucy Lennox but boy oh boy, I couldn't get past the silliness and lack of strong plot.
I liked the beginning but then the storyline became kind of silly. Scotty and his horse going into Roman's house, then all the characters popping up everywhere made no sense. I loved Oscar - which didn't even appear in person in front of the character but we meet through phone conversations and funny stories - more than the main characters. I was so hesitant to DNF seeing and I adore Lucy Lennox but boy oh boy, I couldn't get past the silliness and lack of strong plot.
April 25, 2019
***** This is a romp like no other. It's called LOL for a reason, because it's an endless comedy, as scenes wiz by. It is fast paced with scene after scene of crazy chaos while our men's romance is blooming in between.
Scotty, 28, blonde and cute, is working in NYC
with his horse, driving a carriage for rides in Central Park, when a cop jumps in and yells...GO !
* It's a wild ride and when they finally get stopped by the cops, it turns out Roman, a famous actor, isn't a real cop, and Scotty finds himself fired, and he and his horse are then homeless!
I liked Roman because he wasn't a snoby actor;
he had a real caring core. Scotty is a sweet man who's been through a lot. We met him in IRL, but here we see his story is a sad one. The men end up at mysterious Oscar's Vermont farm, so Scotty and his horse Nugget have a place to stay.
* Our guys proceed to act on their attraction, and their sexy times are tender and tremendous, both willing to take the lead.
Want, need, take, give, protect, love... naked, laughing, heart, touch, tangled, wrestle, wimper, squeeze, moan, profound, beg, beautiful, amazing, bliss... it's all there.
Even amidst the constant flow of crazy family and weird friends, Roman and Scotty bond deeply.
This is different from a usual Lucy Lennox tale, but I found it funny, refreshing and a welcome change of pace.
Relax and go with the flow, for this romanctic comedy and the nutty chaos. Wonderful ending.
ENJOY !
======
Scotty, 28, blonde and cute, is working in NYC
with his horse, driving a carriage for rides in Central Park, when a cop jumps in and yells...GO !
* It's a wild ride and when they finally get stopped by the cops, it turns out Roman, a famous actor, isn't a real cop, and Scotty finds himself fired, and he and his horse are then homeless!
I liked Roman because he wasn't a snoby actor;
he had a real caring core. Scotty is a sweet man who's been through a lot. We met him in IRL, but here we see his story is a sad one. The men end up at mysterious Oscar's Vermont farm, so Scotty and his horse Nugget have a place to stay.
* Our guys proceed to act on their attraction, and their sexy times are tender and tremendous, both willing to take the lead.
Want, need, take, give, protect, love... naked, laughing, heart, touch, tangled, wrestle, wimper, squeeze, moan, profound, beg, beautiful, amazing, bliss... it's all there.
Even amidst the constant flow of crazy family and weird friends, Roman and Scotty bond deeply.
This is different from a usual Lucy Lennox tale, but I found it funny, refreshing and a welcome change of pace.
Relax and go with the flow, for this romanctic comedy and the nutty chaos. Wonderful ending.
ENJOY !
======
July 23, 2019
This book and the absolute absurdity within drove me bonkers ... seriously, I can't recall a time when I've been so aggravated and exasperated and irritated, all at the same time ... at the author and at the book; the former, simply because the literary decisions on part of the author here were off the rocker!! What made the authors think anything here was romantic, funny, endearing, engaging, or even interesting is beyond me! It's a massive shame too, because I know what this author is capable of and she CAN definitely write truly wonderful books (her - Lucy's - writing really is technically GREAT as a general whole, I mean I KNOW she's definitely capable of writing a GREAT book; I've seen it happen and I certainly recognize the talent and the capability), just definitely NOT here and NOT in this book!! These two definitely went all out in decimating/destroying this book for me!!! It irritates me to know end when an author who does write really well, and has such promise in said writing, seemingly intentionally writes SUCH an intensely CRAPPY book!!
This book is a complete and total embarrassment to the M/M genre!! It had to be said!!
There was so much crazy happening in this book ... the dubious lack of logic, the piles and piles of nutty people pouring in after the 40%, and the cheesy-sitcom-slapstick-over the top humor (that wasn't funny AT ALL) ... ugh, just UGH!!!
Yet another book with a bunch of negative stars to its name!!!
This book is a complete and total embarrassment to the M/M genre!! It had to be said!!
There was so much crazy happening in this book ... the dubious lack of logic, the piles and piles of nutty people pouring in after the 40%, and the cheesy-sitcom-slapstick-over the top humor (that wasn't funny AT ALL) ... ugh, just UGH!!!
Yet another book with a bunch of negative stars to its name!!!
April 3, 2019
I was looking forward to this book based on how good the first one in the series was. Sadly, there were too many interruptions from (mostly) unlikable surprise visitors and too many supposedly funny, over-the-top situations to make this an enjoyable read. All of the supporting characters' antics took away rather than added to the story and I found myself getting upset with how annoying they were and how Roman and Scotty just let them run roughshod all over them in every situation.
One thing I did like about this book is how the authors took what normally are overused romance tropes (the Big Misunderstanding, No Communication, Someone Trying to Keep The MCs Apart, Sacrificing My Relationship for the Sake of My Lover Because I'm Not Good Enough) and either turned them around or actually had the MCs communicate before the Big Misunderstanding even happened.
Here's hoping the next book will be better because this one missed the mark.
One thing I did like about this book is how the authors took what normally are overused romance tropes (the Big Misunderstanding, No Communication, Someone Trying to Keep The MCs Apart, Sacrificing My Relationship for the Sake of My Lover Because I'm Not Good Enough) and either turned them around or actually had the MCs communicate before the Big Misunderstanding even happened.
Here's hoping the next book will be better because this one missed the mark.
April 2, 2019
DNF@47%
To say I'm disappointed would be admitting that I had expectations in the first place, which I didn't after the ugly done in the second half of the first book. But I still gave this a try and the story is trying too hard. The characters are trying too hard. A big miss for me.
To say I'm disappointed would be admitting that I had expectations in the first place, which I didn't after the ugly done in the second half of the first book. But I still gave this a try and the story is trying too hard. The characters are trying too hard. A big miss for me.
April 6, 2019
4.5 stars rounded down
If you read the first book in this series you'll remember Scotty, the Central Park carriage rider. This is his story, and the title to this book is fairly accurate.
The way Scott and Roman start is funny, and funny things continue throughout this book - even as most of the secondary characters in this book annoyed the crap out of me. Just because they had funny moments didn't mean they were all that likable.
I loved Scotty and Roman though, despite a moment of silliness and slightly miscommunication between them at the end. Thankfully it didn't last for more than a few hours so I wasn't too pressed about it. I feel like there could have been more chemistry between these two, but I still very much enjoyed what we did have between them.
I think everyone popping up in this story is part of the reason I didn't love these two as much as I could have. Seriously. Okay, so, Roman has a panic attack on the set of his latest movie and runs out of the building where they're filming and into Scotty's carriage and tells him to just go, to move. And because he's dressed as a cop because of the character he's playing, Scotty thinks he's a cop and is running from danger or something.
Turns out not to be the case, and hijinks ensue, although in the end it leads to Scotty being fired and with no money to take care of himself or Nugget, his horse. He shows up at Roman's house in anger over that fact because it was Roman's fault he lost his job.
And when Roman goes to Vermont, Scotty is in such a bad place that he hitches a ride with Nugget, who Roman offered to keep at the place he's staying for the few weeks he's there.
Of course these two start to fall for each other fast, but it made sense, because these two were drawn to each other from the start.
As they try to enjoy however many weeks they have at this huge cabin owned by Oscar, an ex and friend of Roman's (and also he was an ex fling of Wells' from book one. No wonder this series is called "after Oscar") more and more people begin to show up and disrupt their time together. Like with the first book, we never see Oscar in person, just hear him over the phone.
The only secondary character I really liked was Roman's sister and her family, who at least were invited to this freaking huge cabin and didn't just force their way in. Seriously! Oscar's sister and his parents and family friends or whatever show up, then leave, but then Marigold - Oscar's sister - keeps showing up and being annoying.
One of Oscar's friends and ex flings or whatever, Lolo, and a senator he's trying to expose because he's been anti-LGBT show up and Larry, the Senator, is gross and annoying and Lolo is obviously rich and grew up rich and is inconsiderate and rude and selfish and lazy. If he gets his own book, I'd love to see how Lennox makes him likable. Honestly. (Hopefully he doesn't get a book.)
Again, Roman's family comes but they were invited and are actually nice and tolerable. But Scotty's mother shows up after she gets out of jail to cause trouble (although thankfully she eventually settles down and gets better) and a cop keeps showing up because Marigold's asshole boyfriend "borrowed" a car for a few days, and Marigold herself just used whatever car she wished.
Polly, an actress friend of Roman's, shows up too although she I actually liked - although nothing against her, her arriving just added to everything.
Almost everyone was an asshole and it all devolved into chaos and I don't know how Roman and Scotty didn't shout at all of them and tell them to fuck off. (They did at the end in the epilogue but seriously, they should have done it sooner. And )
Like everyone just showed up all the fucking time and while sometimes what they did and said was funny, overall they were annoying as fuck and selfish pricks (except for a few, as I've said) and I just wanted them gone. Roman and Scotty deserved better.
Also this took me a bit to get into at first so I rounded down instead of up on this. Sorry, the slow start for me and the annoying as fuck secondary characters made it so I just couldn't round up on this.
But I loved Roman and Scotty and overall I enjoyed their story, so still a pretty solid 4.5 stars for me. I will be awaiting the next book in this series! <3
If you read the first book in this series you'll remember Scotty, the Central Park carriage rider. This is his story, and the title to this book is fairly accurate.
The way Scott and Roman start is funny, and funny things continue throughout this book - even as most of the secondary characters in this book annoyed the crap out of me. Just because they had funny moments didn't mean they were all that likable.
I loved Scotty and Roman though, despite a moment of silliness and slightly miscommunication between them at the end. Thankfully it didn't last for more than a few hours so I wasn't too pressed about it. I feel like there could have been more chemistry between these two, but I still very much enjoyed what we did have between them.
I think everyone popping up in this story is part of the reason I didn't love these two as much as I could have. Seriously. Okay, so, Roman has a panic attack on the set of his latest movie and runs out of the building where they're filming and into Scotty's carriage and tells him to just go, to move. And because he's dressed as a cop because of the character he's playing, Scotty thinks he's a cop and is running from danger or something.
Turns out not to be the case, and hijinks ensue, although in the end it leads to Scotty being fired and with no money to take care of himself or Nugget, his horse. He shows up at Roman's house in anger over that fact because it was Roman's fault he lost his job.
And when Roman goes to Vermont, Scotty is in such a bad place that he hitches a ride with Nugget, who Roman offered to keep at the place he's staying for the few weeks he's there.
Of course these two start to fall for each other fast, but it made sense, because these two were drawn to each other from the start.
As they try to enjoy however many weeks they have at this huge cabin owned by Oscar, an ex and friend of Roman's (and also he was an ex fling of Wells' from book one. No wonder this series is called "after Oscar") more and more people begin to show up and disrupt their time together. Like with the first book, we never see Oscar in person, just hear him over the phone.
The only secondary character I really liked was Roman's sister and her family, who at least were invited to this freaking huge cabin and didn't just force their way in. Seriously! Oscar's sister and his parents and family friends or whatever show up, then leave, but then Marigold - Oscar's sister - keeps showing up and being annoying.
One of Oscar's friends and ex flings or whatever, Lolo, and a senator he's trying to expose because he's been anti-LGBT show up and Larry, the Senator, is gross and annoying and Lolo is obviously rich and grew up rich and is inconsiderate and rude and selfish and lazy. If he gets his own book, I'd love to see how Lennox makes him likable. Honestly. (Hopefully he doesn't get a book.)
Again, Roman's family comes but they were invited and are actually nice and tolerable. But Scotty's mother shows up after she gets out of jail to cause trouble (although thankfully she eventually settles down and gets better) and a cop keeps showing up because Marigold's asshole boyfriend "borrowed" a car for a few days, and Marigold herself just used whatever car she wished.
Polly, an actress friend of Roman's, shows up too although she I actually liked - although nothing against her, her arriving just added to everything.
Almost everyone was an asshole and it all devolved into chaos and I don't know how Roman and Scotty didn't shout at all of them and tell them to fuck off. (They did at the end in the epilogue but seriously, they should have done it sooner. And )
Like everyone just showed up all the fucking time and while sometimes what they did and said was funny, overall they were annoying as fuck and selfish pricks (except for a few, as I've said) and I just wanted them gone. Roman and Scotty deserved better.
Also this took me a bit to get into at first so I rounded down instead of up on this. Sorry, the slow start for me and the annoying as fuck secondary characters made it so I just couldn't round up on this.
But I loved Roman and Scotty and overall I enjoyed their story, so still a pretty solid 4.5 stars for me. I will be awaiting the next book in this series! <3
December 9, 2021
This story is exactly what a romantic comedy should be. It's a funny, sweet, gooey love story of a wealthy bisexual movie star and a gay man with a horse who is compleyely broke and essentially homeless. It's got a bit of instalove and a lot of unrealisticness but is enjoyable nonetheless.
June 3, 2019
4.5 Stars
November 2, 2019
What a disappointment. The part up until Oscar's mansion was fine. But all the different people dropping in was my idea of a nightmare. It was NOT at all funny. And the part with the paparazzi at the end was cringe worthy.
April 24, 2019
Audiobook review3,5 stars
Once upon a time there was a poor but happy carriage driver in New York City. He didn’t have much, but he had a place to stay, a job that he enjoyed, but most of all he had his horse and best friend Nugget. One day a man, Roman, jumps into his carriage and shouts for him “Go”. The driver, Scotty goes. Navigating the streets of NYC in a hurry. A ride that won’t only cost him his job and place to stay, but also Nugget’s place at the stables. So naturally Scotty and Nugget turns up at Roman’s home in need of help.
Roman, not a cop but a famous Hollywood actor, has caused one too many scandals lately. And hijacking a horse and carriage to escape the paparazzi was the latest straw for his agent who orders him to go out of town and lay low. Only he didn’t count on bringing Scotty and Nugget with him…
Both Scotty and Roman were very likable characters, maybe a little too likable, too perfect for me. There were no flaws in sight. I was looking for some kind flaw, but didn’t really find any. Not wanting picture perfect characters in my books is a personal preference and I’m aware that many don’t share that. Sure Scotty had his mum and everything that entailed, the conflict. But still a bit too picture perfect.
I loved the first half or so of this book. It was fun, cute and made me smile. The second half didn’t work for me as much. Not because it was bad, it was just that nothing really happened. They were “stuck” in the cabin without much to do. Well, besides the bedroom gymnastics. Sure there were a surprising amount of people coming and going from the supposedly out of the way cabin, some more insane and entertaining than others. But it didn’t really feel like the story was moving forward.
There were many likable and adorable characters in this story. They kept the entertainment factor on high, well bordering on ridiculous, but it all depends on your mind set while listening. Don’t listen to this story for something believable, listen to it because you want to dream away for a while, to a faraway land where anything is possible and the Hollywood actor falls for the carriage driver.
Michael Pauley did wonders narrating this book. Capturing the essence of the setting, but more importantly Scotty and Roman. My favourite moment in this book probably is the carriage ride in the beginning that started it all. It set the tone and mood of the book and Pauley narrated it brilliantly. It felt like you were in the middle of New York City navigating the insane traffic, feeling the rush and thrill of that ride. I love how Pauley’s intensity changes with the situation, it makes you connect with the story like nothing else can.
LOL: Laugh Out Loud was a beautiful love story with a Cinderfella touch and the perfect listen for those days when you want something sweet and mostly uncomplicated in your life.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review
June 11, 2019
Cute and fun, a great romantic comedy!
There's a lot of silliness going on. The amount as well as the craziness of all the weird friends and family arriving unexpectedly at Roman and Scotty's door at their retreat in rural Vermont is way over the top!!! I think less would have been more in this case.
But all in all I enjoyed reading this chaotic romance, definitely more than the previous book!
Scotty, the carriage driver, is absolutely adorable and Roman, the celebrity, is a sweetheart!
Looking forward to book 3. :)
There's a lot of silliness going on. The amount as well as the craziness of all the weird friends and family arriving unexpectedly at Roman and Scotty's door at their retreat in rural Vermont is way over the top!!! I think less would have been more in this case.
But all in all I enjoyed reading this chaotic romance, definitely more than the previous book!
Scotty, the carriage driver, is absolutely adorable and Roman, the celebrity, is a sweetheart!
Looking forward to book 3. :)
May 1, 2019
I had some serious LOL moments reading this story. In fact, at one point I couldn't even catch my breath, so kudos to the authors for bringing me out of a personal family crisis time and giving me the lightness I needed to escape for a while.
Scotty and Roman are perfect for each other and I especially liked the fact that it's Roman who is sweeter, even though as the actor one would think he'd be the more cautious and skeptical of the two. Scotty certainly had his share of life's knocks but it didn't overwhelm the story. In fact, this felt very balanced, with glimpses of both good times and bad. The opening was totally unique and the ending just perfect. Everything in the middle? That just provided a heartwarming adventure.
I highly recommend this to those who are seeking a light-hearted romance witha few, er, many LOL moments.
Scotty and Roman are perfect for each other and I especially liked the fact that it's Roman who is sweeter, even though as the actor one would think he'd be the more cautious and skeptical of the two. Scotty certainly had his share of life's knocks but it didn't overwhelm the story. In fact, this felt very balanced, with glimpses of both good times and bad. The opening was totally unique and the ending just perfect. Everything in the middle? That just provided a heartwarming adventure.
I highly recommend this to those who are seeking a light-hearted romance with
April 6, 2019
Not my favorite
First of all, it pains me a bit to write this, I love Lucy Lennox. I've read and adored all of her other books. I loved reading IRL and had high hopes for this novel. Sadly, for me it felt too chaotic.
The abundance of crazy secondary characters was too much for me. Granny, Irene and Aunt Tilly (Marians/Wildes) are totally extra and over the top...but they fit. With LOL every single secondary character was over the top, in outlandish situations. I would have liked more with Scotty and Roman. Also, the Oscar presented in LOL seems a lot different than the Oscar described in IRL.
I'll read the next book. I'm interested in James' story. I still adore the authors, I just don't have a new personal favorite.
First of all, it pains me a bit to write this, I love Lucy Lennox. I've read and adored all of her other books. I loved reading IRL and had high hopes for this novel. Sadly, for me it felt too chaotic.
The abundance of crazy secondary characters was too much for me. Granny, Irene and Aunt Tilly (Marians/Wildes) are totally extra and over the top...but they fit. With LOL every single secondary character was over the top, in outlandish situations. I would have liked more with Scotty and Roman. Also, the Oscar presented in LOL seems a lot different than the Oscar described in IRL.
I'll read the next book. I'm interested in James' story. I still adore the authors, I just don't have a new personal favorite.
April 9, 2019
It wad soo over the top in both, unrealistic, ridiculous scenes/people, and cloying sweetness.
It was NOT a terrible story, but just isn't my kind of story.
More doesn't make better.
I know the title "LOL" should have warned me that this was going to be a Hollywood RomCom and a slapstick story. But I kind of liked IRL, and I did hope that LOL would work just as well within the premise of the category of light entertainment. Well, it didn't work for me.
It was NOT a terrible story, but just isn't my kind of story.
More doesn't make better.
I know the title "LOL" should have warned me that this was going to be a Hollywood RomCom and a slapstick story. But I kind of liked IRL, and I did hope that LOL would work just as well within the premise of the category of light entertainment. Well, it didn't work for me.
April 10, 2019
3.5 stars. I liked this one better than the first in this series but you have to check your reality hard at the first page. It's funny, madcap, loving, sexy and romantic. I love how Roman and Scotty laugh together. It's also frustrating and annoying - almost exclusively because of outside visitors that have serious boundary issues and the lack of setting boundaries on the part of the MC's.
We are kinda getting a better idea of who Oscar is but I find this plot gimmick distracting.
We are kinda getting a better idea of who Oscar is but I find this plot gimmick distracting.
September 18, 2024
I almost didn't read this book based on bad reviews, but I'm glad I did. I'm giving it 3.5⭐, I did enjoy it, it's funny and light and you really have to be in the mood for such a story, but despite of tons of side characters involved I did appreciate it.
And there's finally more of Oscar! By this point I know that Oscar is a common denominator for all these guys who also get their books - he's their crazy ex. And he is crazy - crazily funny, so I really can't wait for his book.
🟣 Movie star/stable boy
🔵 Size difference
🟡 Light, sweet, funny
🟢 Instalove again, but it works
🔵 MMCs both in their late 20's
🟠 Gay/bisexual
🌶️ Good smut; more sex scenes than the first book; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b
The book opens with a scene of Scotty, the guy who's driving tourists around Central Park on his horse and carriage in the first book, suddenly being swamped into a crazy drive through Manhattan with a fake cop. The guy is a famous Hollywood actor who is having a panic attack, so when the real cops finally stop them, Scotty loses his job and Roman moves on with his life.
The scene was somewhat silly and you think the whole book won't be much but when you get past it, Scotty and Roman's paths cross again and they end up in Vermont having a secret vacation that turns out not to be so secret.
"It was nice. More than nice. My heart ached from wanting more. I remembered watching television shows and wondering if those big Thanksgiving scenes were real. Did families actually get together like that, or was it all made up for TV? And here I was sitting among friends and family just like from one of those shows, all because the man across from me had let me barge into his life and make myself comfortable as if it was no big deal."
The amount of side characters that start coming in is ridiculous, but it's fun - could be even more funny, based on the book title. It read more like a rom-com.
Scotty's terrible mom makes an appearance and I was hoping she'd get booted off, but she stays put - I didn't like her to be as present as she was, neither the Oscar's parents or his sister or Roman's family. The only side characters I cared about were the guys who are getting their own books. If it were just them alone, the story would be better.
And more of Oscar.
The love connection was pretty sweet, Roman and Scotty were also good friends, they had light banter and great sex, so I think they definitely should've gotten more page time. Their interactions were soft, romantic and passionate and got a deeper note near the end, so that was really working for me, but sadly there wasn't that much of it.
"That had been some kind of “going off to war” sex. Or “I’ve wanted you for twenty years” sex. Not “we’re alone and horny for tonight” sex. Certainly not “one and done” sex."
The last chapters with the epilogue kind of additionally bring the story down. Where there should've been more depth and substance, there's again a few scenes that try to be funny (with the photographers and again other side characters), but at that point you're pretty sick of it already. I just want Roman and Scotty!
Next one is with James, the lawyer from IRL. I'm pretty excited about his book.
And there's finally more of Oscar! By this point I know that Oscar is a common denominator for all these guys who also get their books - he's their crazy ex. And he is crazy - crazily funny, so I really can't wait for his book.
🟣 Movie star/stable boy
🔵 Size difference
🟡 Light, sweet, funny
🟢 Instalove again, but it works
🔵 MMCs both in their late 20's
🟠 Gay/bisexual
🌶️ Good smut; more sex scenes than the first book; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b
The book opens with a scene of Scotty, the guy who's driving tourists around Central Park on his horse and carriage in the first book, suddenly being swamped into a crazy drive through Manhattan with a fake cop. The guy is a famous Hollywood actor who is having a panic attack, so when the real cops finally stop them, Scotty loses his job and Roman moves on with his life.
The scene was somewhat silly and you think the whole book won't be much but when you get past it, Scotty and Roman's paths cross again and they end up in Vermont having a secret vacation that turns out not to be so secret.
"It was nice. More than nice. My heart ached from wanting more. I remembered watching television shows and wondering if those big Thanksgiving scenes were real. Did families actually get together like that, or was it all made up for TV? And here I was sitting among friends and family just like from one of those shows, all because the man across from me had let me barge into his life and make myself comfortable as if it was no big deal."
The amount of side characters that start coming in is ridiculous, but it's fun - could be even more funny, based on the book title. It read more like a rom-com.
Scotty's terrible mom makes an appearance and I was hoping she'd get booted off, but she stays put - I didn't like her to be as present as she was, neither the Oscar's parents or his sister or Roman's family. The only side characters I cared about were the guys who are getting their own books. If it were just them alone, the story would be better.
And more of Oscar.
The love connection was pretty sweet, Roman and Scotty were also good friends, they had light banter and great sex, so I think they definitely should've gotten more page time. Their interactions were soft, romantic and passionate and got a deeper note near the end, so that was really working for me, but sadly there wasn't that much of it.
"That had been some kind of “going off to war” sex. Or “I’ve wanted you for twenty years” sex. Not “we’re alone and horny for tonight” sex. Certainly not “one and done” sex."
The last chapters with the epilogue kind of additionally bring the story down. Where there should've been more depth and substance, there's again a few scenes that try to be funny (with the photographers and again other side characters), but at that point you're pretty sick of it already. I just want Roman and Scotty!
Next one is with James, the lawyer from IRL. I'm pretty excited about his book.
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